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More Regency spies
I told myself that I wasn't going to read any more of Lauren Willig's Pink Carnation spy series. Not because it was bad, but because it didn't seem original any longer. Yes, my attention span is diminishing.
But a copy of The Seduction of the Crimson Rose was standing on the library's new book shelf, so I checked it out. Overall, the suspense/spy plot seemed sluggish. I liked that the Eloise/academic plot advanced, along with the Eloise/Colin relationship, and found it much more believable than the relationship between Lord Vaughn and Mary. Felt like I was told they were attracted and then in love, rather than being shown. I don't actively doubt their HEA, but I can imagining it turning into the sort of unhappy union that Mary's parents are described as enduring.
Having said that, I loved their declarations to one another. Vaughn's in particular reminded me of Rhett's to Scarlett -- he loves and wants her because of all of her "unladylike" characteristics, not despite them.
But a copy of The Seduction of the Crimson Rose was standing on the library's new book shelf, so I checked it out. Overall, the suspense/spy plot seemed sluggish. I liked that the Eloise/academic plot advanced, along with the Eloise/Colin relationship, and found it much more believable than the relationship between Lord Vaughn and Mary. Felt like I was told they were attracted and then in love, rather than being shown. I don't actively doubt their HEA, but I can imagining it turning into the sort of unhappy union that Mary's parents are described as enduring.
Having said that, I loved their declarations to one another. Vaughn's in particular reminded me of Rhett's to Scarlett -- he loves and wants her because of all of her "unladylike" characteristics, not despite them.
"It wasn't your appearance that caught me. It was the way you put me down in the gallery at Sibley Court." Vaughn's lips curved in a reminiscent smile. "And the way you tried to bargain with me after."
"Successfully bargained," Mary corrected.
"That," replied Lord Vaughn, "is exactly what I mean. Has anyone ever told you that you haggle divinely? That the simple beauty of your self-interest is enough to bring a man to his knees?"
Mary couldn't in honesty say that anyone had.
Vaughn's eyes were as hard and bright as silver coins. "Those are the reasons I want you. I want you for your cunning mind and your hard heart, for your indomitable spirit and your scheming soul, for they're more honest by far than any of the so-called virtues."