Wynn Selworth writes Gothic novels as “Valentine Dred,” and Pippa Lisle writes radical articles as “Prometheus.” Now Wynn’s a lord and needs Prometheus’ help with his maiden speech. With Pippa as “go-between,” can each keep the secret from the other? And from the prying, sneering London Ton?
First published: 1998
My Thoughts
The blurb is a pretty good description of this Regency romance – the hero is trying to write his maiden speech but finds his writing style is a bit too flowery and overwrought, the result of his experience as a Gothic romance writer. He wants to be taken seriously – he’s got a lot to say about social ills – so he seeks out Prometheus’ help (who’s really a woman writing anonymously) to craft a better speech.
The story is set during the London Season and there’s a lot of description about that as well as about the social issues of the time. Rather ironically the book covers a lot of ground – the plight of women, chimney sweeps, and the politics of the day to name just a few. I say ironically because one of the features of the story is how Wynn’s maiden speech in the House of Lords is too broad-ranging, trying to cover too many social ills in one speech.
I did feel that these descriptions did drag on a bit. Although it was interesting to learn about some of the less desirable side of Regency living, I was reading a romance and it would have been nice to have seen the hero and heroine falling in love a bit more obviously. They’re a lovely pair too – Wynn is a nice guy hero keen to save the world with his new found wealth and privilege, whilst Pippa is a sensible, older heroine who has been using her strong writing abilities to fight for social change for quite a while already.
I loved the strong, supportive female relationships in this book and it’s probably what tipped this over from ‘not recommended’ to ‘recommended‘ ultimately. I really liked seeing the interactions between Pippa and her mother and sister, as well as with her old school-friend. So very different to the ‘evil female relationship‘ theme that permeates many Regency romances.
And in the end?
Ultimately though I guess you want to know – did I feel the HEA was right? Was I left with a warm and fuzzy feeling or wishing I could get my money back?
Yes, I did feel the HEA was right (good thing too since I’m recommending this book!). Although a slightly longer journey than perhaps other books that I’ve read, it seemed realistic.
I’ve just realised whilst writing this review, that there wasn’t a big misunderstanding that had to be overcome and you know what, I did. not. miss. that at all. However, if that’s your thing, then again maybe give this book a miss.
So yes, this is a recommend from me and I look forward to reading more of Ms Dunn’s books in due course.