"Because someday you're going to grow into yourself, and you will be as beautiful as you are already smart. And then you will look back into your diary and realize just how silly, little girls like Fiona Bennet are. And you'll laugh when you remember that your mother said your legs started at your shoulders. And maybe you'll save a little smile for me when you remember the nice chat we had today."...and with these words, insecure ten year old Miss Miranda Cheever fell completely and irrevocably in love with the worldly nineteen year old Viscount Turner.
Almost a decade later, Miranda is a young woman ready for her first 'season' in London. And Turner is an embittered widower. He is mad at the world and predictably cynical. Miranda still has stars in her eyes. She has never forgotten the gentle Turner of her childhood memories. And Miranda still hopes for a fairy tale ending.
----------------------------
This book was gobbled up in a day. It's a frothy, predictable romance set in the Regency Era and has a decidedly Mills & Boon-ish air to it what with the unrequited love, the simmering jealousy and the passion filled interludes. But Miranda has a lovely Lizzie Bennet vibe to her and Turner is a more laid-back and irreverent Mr. Darcy. That always works for me. The supporting cast is able and witty and prone to dry asides and witty comebacks. Turner does have a few douchebag moments and Miranda does have a tendency to veer into Mary Sue territory, but they redeem themselves towards the end of the book.
The tale is no great sweeping saga but it is definitely nice to snuggle up with on a day when it's raining steadily outside.
Oh yes, and a special mention for Miss Cheever's pugilistic butler who made a very brief but entertaining appearance:
----------------------------
'Look,' Turner said in a conciliatary tone. 'I need to speak with her immediately. It's of the utmost importance. The lady's honour is at stake.' Thwack! Turner reeled from the second blow. 'That, my lord, is for implying that Miss. Cheever is anything less than honorable.'British butlers. Always a delight.
----------------------------
