I actually wanted a better grovel from James? And I don't NEED a huge grovel, but for this book I kind of thought there needed to be more. ( )

This felt like it wasted some real potential! It's pretty sweet and slow-moving, and I found myself skimming at times, but I LOVED the premise, and the sex scenes were pretty well done IMO. But, there is only a smidge or two of angst, and it gets glossed over far too quickly. First, we start with a MOC between a reserved young woman who is a poor relation in a family that runs from indifferent to asshole, and instead of having some insecurity or angst surrounding the situation, we just jump into the getting-Lucy-to-orgasm saga. Second, when Lucy's secret betrothal to Sebastian finally comes to light, I was excited for some drama, though I knew it was going to be resolved far too quickly just based on the number of pages left. We get ONE delicious moment of angst where James tells Lucy he is sending her away, and that is basically completely over the next time they see each other. Honestly, I don't understand why he was suddenly over it, because, really, she should have told him!!! She KNEW Sebastian's character was suspect; even if she believed him and Anna in love, his behavior towards her was unconscionable - he doesn't end their betrothal until AFTER he proposes to Anna! Could have saved the poor woman years of heartbreak. We never know if she learns of the betrothal, or of the reason for it (Sebastian was trying to avoid having to marry the mistress he dumped when he got her pregnant), but I would guess not. I feel bad for her, really. I was going to put Lucy on the plain/wallflower shelf as she is fairly shy and initially describes herself as plain, but she gets over it pretty quickly once the hero tells her she's beautiful (which she is). Overall, the book is fine, I just had such high hopes; but somehow, this dramatic storyline has no drama. ( )

Very nicely done regency. I enjoyed the development of the relationship between the hero and heroine. Well written and fairly evenly plotted. No real missteps in the historical accuracy. Very enjoyable. I did like the second book better though. ( )

I loved the practical problem solving and relationships in this book. Won't supplant THE SHADOW AND THE STAR as my "realistic virgins" favorite, but very well written. ( )

I loved this story of poor relation, Lucy Jones, who is secretly engaged to her cousin Sebastian, who asks her to marry him all of a sudden and clear out of the blue. But while staying at a castle for Sebastian's sister's wedding, she meets James Wright-Gordon who confuses her. She is attracted to him, but she must be loyal to her secret fiance, Sebastian, who is acting strangely himself. He seems to have taken a fancy for James' heiress sister, Anna (who we read about in the 2nd book in the series, which I loved) and asks her to marry him, dumping Lucy! It all gets very confusing and - alarming, but I loved it! Kind and wonderful James jumps to an awful conclusion about Lucy and acts like the biggest ass for a while, and it was rather angsty, but all ends well, despite the tears in my eyes. This is a worthwhile series, despite the fact I read the 2nd book in it first, instead of in the right order, though I think it helped overall in appreciating the characters and their plight. ( )