Synopsis: Horatia Winwood is simply helping her family
When the Earl of Rule proposes marriage to her sister
Lizzie, Horatia offers herself instead. Her sister is already in love with
someone else, and Horatia is willing to sacrifice herself for her family's
happiness. Everyone knows she's no beauty, but she'll do her best to keep out of
the Earl's way and make him a good wife. And then the Earl's archenemy, Sir
Robert, sets out to ruin her reputation...
The Earl of Rule has found just the wife he wants
Unbeknownst to Horatia, the Earl is enchanted by her.
There's simply no way he's going to let her get into trouble. Overcoming some
misguided help from Horatia's harebrained brother and a hired highwayman, the
Earl routs his old enemy, and wins over his young wife, gifting her with a love
that she never thought she could expect.
Review: I'm not sure if I just read this, I would have enjoyed it as
much. But Richard Armitage brings these characters to life in a way that made
me absolutely adore this story. For each character, he created a distinct voice
that conveyed everything about the character you could hope for.
Aside from his reading, I enjoyed this story for its twist
on the romantic novel. The heroine isn’t some chaste meek’n’mild wallflower.
She’s an extravagant flirt who learns a few lessons about love and propriety. I
enjoyed this. She wasn’t perfect, but had distinct flaws that needed
correction, that got her in trouble, that she had to confront.
Heyer, known for her historic accuracy, did not disappoint.
Her grasp of late 1700s style and manners gave the story a lovely authenticity.
But there is no danger of boredom, as the story practically dances with Heyer
light and sparkling prose. And excellent summer read, perfect for poolside!
Note: My review pertains to the AudioBook, read by Richard
Armitage.
Bookmarks: 3.5 of 5
Awards: None
ISBN: 978-0-09-947442-5
Year Published: 1934
Date Finished: 4-18-2019
Pages: 272
