Set
in England in 1815, this is the story of Louisa Bennet (yes, same name as the
heroine in Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen), who, along with the hero’s
sister reads Jane Austen’s stories. There are many references to Austen’s books.
Some lines even seemed to mirror those in her stories.
Louisa
is desperate to find a husband so she can avoid marrying her cousin, the man
her father has picked out for her. Her father is a wicked man who beats his
wife and Louisa and her sister. Louisa’s cousin is also an abuser.
When
she hears Captain Theobald Raynalds has moved into her Shropshire neighborhood,
Louisa decides he would make a good husband, even though she has yet to meet
him.
One
of Theo’s neighbors tells him about Louisa and promotes her as a most eligible
young woman. Theo is fascinated, despite the fact he has no intention of
seeking a wife having lost his leg at the Battle of Trafalgar and has been
rejected by one woman already. He thinks often of Louisa despite the fact he’s
never seen her.
The
two meet at a local ball and engage in a conversation where Louisa, in a very
forward manner, lets him know of her interest. He indicates he’s not interested
but she is undaunted and proceeds to get him.
A well
written story that follows Theo’s and Louisa’s attempt to be together as her
father and fiancé repeatedly interfere. The love scenes are graphic and there
are other scenes that add to the spicy nature of the book. Sprinkled throughout
are historical references to people and places that add authenticity to the tale.
ReplyDeleteThe terms "romance novel" and "historical romance" are ambiguous,
because the word "romance", and the associated word "romantic",
have a number of different meanings. In particular,
on the one hand there is the mass-market genre of "fiction dealing with love",
harlequin romance,[2] and on the other hand, "a romance" can also be defined as
"a fictitious narrative in prose or verse; the interest of which turns upon marvelous
and uncommon incidents"Novel editing