Very good book, filled with Julia Quinn's signature humor. Sir Richard has come to London, desperate to find a bride and marry her quickly. He spots Iris at her family's musicale and is immediately drawn to her. She seems to be good at disappearing into the background, but he sees something else. He arranges an introduction (a pretty funny scene itself) and decides that she's the one he wants. Iris had noticed him staring at her during the musicale and doesn't understand why. When he is introduced to her, his intensity makes her suspicious, as does his focused attention over the next few days.

We know from the start that Richard has a reason he needs to marry quickly, but we don't know what it is. Iris isn't exactly what he had in mind when he started his search, but once he met her he couldn't accept anyone else. He likes her intelligence, her obvious love for her family, though he didn't expect the zing of attraction. He'd like to be able to take the time to court her properly, but he's in a bit of a time crunch. Though he's not proud of it, he's going to have to do something to force a quick marriage.

Iris is a very practical young woman who is also very self aware. She knows she isn't beautiful, doesn't have a big dowry to tempt suitors, and tends to be rather sarcastic in her wit. Richard's attentions are a surprise, though she does enjoy them. Though he gives the impression that he is falling for her, she senses that there is more to it than that. When his apparently impulsive proposal of marriage places her in a compromising situation, she's almost sure of it. She would have said yes anyway, but now she wonders what he's hiding.

The interactions between them once they were married were quite interesting. Both had discovered that there was a very strong attraction between them. Though nervous about it, Iris was rather looking forward to their wedding night, and was confused and hurt when Richard didn't appear. Over the next few days of their journey to Yorkshire it's obvious to the reader that he is really attracted to her but fighting it. Iris is increasingly confused, hurt and angered by his behavior. Richard sees the effect he is having on her and feels guilty, but is intent on his purpose.

Once they arrive at his home, they are given the chance to get to know each other better. Richard sees how wonderful she is with the people on his estate and how well she fits into his life and his guilty feelings continue to grow. He knows he needs to tell Iris the truth behind their marriage, but he can't figure out how. Once his sisters arrive back home from a visit to their aunt's, everything comes out, and Iris's reaction is worse than he feared. Iris had begun to have hope that things were progressing properly in her marriage until she discovered Richard's reason for marrying her. The truth was devastating to her, as she had fallen in love with him. She had to decide if she was going to go along with his plan, or stand up for what she believes in.

I felt a little bit sorry for Richard. He was doing what he thought best for his sisters, even though none of the people involved agreed. He wasn't listening to what his oldest sister really wanted to do. He was falling hard for Iris, but because of his plans he couldn't follow through on what he really wanted. Iris was devastated by what she saw as Richard's betrayal, but because she loved him was eventually willing to help. But she was also a keen observer of people, and she soon figured out the truth behind the problem. I loved seeing her put her mind to fixing it in a way that made it possible for all the parties to end up happy. I enjoyed the epilogue and seeing where they were a few years down the road.

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Yes, the hero has a secret and when I found out what it was, I didn't much care for how he tried to solve it. Without being spoilerish, let's just say he didn't consult with the other people involved, and his solution was guaranteed to make pretty much everybody unhappy. The heroine had a lot of patience to be able to forgive him. His sister is a bit TSTL too.
Not one of my favorite Quinn books although I enjoy the Smith-Smythe family.

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I am of two minds about the book.

First the unequivocal hurray for creating the flock of Smythe-Smith cousins. The supporting cast is one of the best and hilarious things about this latest series. Cousin Harriet tickles yet another funny bone with her latest play with a unicorn. I can't wait to see her story in a few years.

There is no need to touch on the annual Musicale. If you know, you understand. If you don't, then it's best left to your reading "pleasure." I just know from experience what it is like from both sides of the stage. But for nearly two decades?

The other side of my reaction is about Sir Richard and why he needs a marriage ... FAST! The topic is fairly serious. This is yet another tale of 19th century social expectations, with a slight twist. I don't want to say anymore, because I'll give away this plot thread - except I'd like to ring the bell between rounds on Yorkshire.

The writing is nearly back to her Bridgerton series average. So I'm glad she took a break from Victorian society for a coupla years, and took the time to let the editor do their job. The subject matter is a bit on the serious side. But this makes Harriot, Frances, and Henry VIII more absurd and the latest play RoFL.

--
Kuzu

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Sir Richard Kenworthy needs to get married immediately. He is in London searching for a bride when he attends the annual Smythe-Smith Musicale. That is where he sees Iris Smythe-Smith. After an introduction and a short conversation, Richard decides that this woman will make him the perfect wife. Iris knows she is not the prettiest or wittiest girl in the room, so she is surprised when Sir Richard proposes marriage after only a week. She knows Richard must have a reason for choosing her that he hasn't told her; but her attraction to him allows her to disregard that feeling.

I looked at the reviews for this story and there are a lot of mixed reactions. Richard has a big secret, but he isn't telling anyone. He manipulates and deceives the heroine into marriage. He feels guilty about what he is doing, but his family is at stake. Iris isn't dumb. She knows something is going on, but every time she asks questions, Richard changes the subject.

I thought the first 1/3 of the book was well-paced and entertaining. The next 1/3 was slow and repetitious. It took too long for the big revelation. The last part of the story was very good. I didn't know how this family was going to solve this problem, but there had to be a better way than what Richard was proposing. My rating: 4 Stars.

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