Back to the TBR for a backlist book. I need to clear off a few more shelves!
The Seduction of an English Lady by Cathy Maxwell
(2004, Regency Historical)
Grade: 3.5
When Colonel Colin Mandland appears at her door, Lady Rosalyn Wellborne gets an unpleasant shock – her cousin has sold her home! She has no choice but to move in with an aunt – unless she accepts Colin’s marriage proposal. He has his own motives for marriage, but perhaps they both will discover there is more to this marriage than convenience.
When I first started reading this book, I found it enjoyable and charming. The characters were interesting and likeable, the plot was familiar but well done, the writing was good. The discussion of class differences between the hero and heroine was interesting. Unfortunately, the book lost its appeal the more I read. The plot started to feel stale and repetitive. The characters did the same things over and over. And then a political sideplot was thrown in at the last minute. It might have been interesting if it had been carried throughout the book, but it was such an abrupt change of tone that it felt out of place. It left the book feeling unfinished Overall, this book wasn’t terrible, just unfocused and forgettable. Too bad since Cathy Maxwell can do much better.
I wonder where I got this book – it’s stamped Hamilton Ontario. I must have picked it up at the Celebrate Romance book trade. I miss those book trades! Buying online is more efficient but it’s kind of dull by comparison.
Karen Wheless
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