Greatly amusing romance
|
In order to save the family from financial disaster, Lady Cordelia Bannister's father arranges her marriage to a man she has never met - much to her annoyance. Not about to let anyone run her life, Cordelia poses as her companion to find out more about her intended through his secretary - a man who soon captures her attention. But what Cordelia doesn't know is that the man she is falling in love with is actually her betrothed - American Mr Daniel Sinclair.
Daniel is sure that he will win the wager he has with his friends to be the last of them to wed. But he never expected to find love and he never expected that his courtship would be the most delightful and confusing game that he has ever played. With the biggest prize at the end.
This is the third book in Victoria Alexander's Last Man Standing series (after A Little Bit Wicked and What a Lady Wants) although I did feel this book could stand alone more so than others in the series.
Daniel and Cordelia were both excellent characters and I thought they were exceedingly well matched pair. Their banter, wit and arguments were delightful and greatly amusing and had me laughing out loud on numerous occasions.
I also really liked the plot line of mistaken identity and the crazy situations that ensued as a result of the deceptions of both Cordelia and Daniel. However, having said that, the plot really seemed to drag at the start of the novel. But when the deceptions started to unravel, the story really warmed up and it was really worth waiting for.
All in all, this book is another great addition to the series and one that shows off Victoria Alexander's unique blend of humour and wit. Funny and romantic with crazy situations - a whole lot of fun and definitely worth 4 stars.
|
|
Running out of ideas?
|
I usually like Victoria Alexander's novels but lost patience with this one and skimmed through it quickly. The premise of mistaken identities worked for a short time. A very short time. But it was clear Alexander had to work hard to sustain a weak plot and getting weaker by the page.
Unfortunately her heroine is a highly independent woman who travelled - albeit with a companion - to many foreign places. Almost unheard of in the 1850's. Would this woman bow down to a diktat of marrying a stranger? In the real world, they should have revealed their true identities virtually from the beginning. But what else was there to write about -- except screeds from hero and heroine explaining - tediously and at length - just why they couldn't reveal who they really were.
Is the writer running out of ideas? Hopefully her next novel will be better.
|
|
|
An incredibly funny novel, I could not put it down!,
|
Lady Cordelia Bannister, the youngest (25) and most headstrong daughter of four, has just heard the most astonishing news: her father intends to wed her to a stranger, Daniel Sinclair, in order to cement a business deal! Aggravated and appalled by this blatant lack of respect for her wishes and marital well-being, Cordelia vows to make her own decisions. However, it would not hurt to check out her father's choice. One can never be too careful, for he may be the love of her life.
Cordelia, however, has a penchant for trouble. Deciding that directly approaching her potential groom may cause unwanted complications, she decides to pose as her companion, Sarah. In this manner, she can speak with Daniel's man of affairs to ascertain the character of this mysterious Daniel.
Daniel Sinclair is also vastly unhappy with the sycophancy of his aging father, but feels honor-bound to uphold his father's pledge. Curious about this potential fiancée, Daniel also decides to withhold his identity, posing as his man of affairs. Unfortunately, Daniel finds Sarah to be utterly compelling. How will he stomach marrying a woman about whom he knows nothing, when he is infatuated with the glorious Sarah?
Both characters were surprisingly mature, given their propensity for drama. The story was sweet and light. Secrets of a proper lady by Victoria Alexander, as well as The Fates by Tino Georgiou were the two best historical romances this year. They are both great books in which to lose oneself for a few hours.
|
|
|
United States | 
United Kingdom | 
Canada