The Earl's Reluctant Proposal (Liberated Ladies, Bk 4) (Harlequin Historical, No 1561)
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Romance
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Romance
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Fun book to read. The story opens as Lucy awakens from a drugged sleep, confronted by her pupil's irate stepbrother. It seems that Sophia used Lucy to hide her departure to a forbidden house party. After explaining the circumstances, Max hires Lucy to accompany him to the same house party to discover what unsuitable man Sophia imagines herself in love with.
I liked Lucy. She is intelligent and determined. Estranged from her parents after their actions resulted in the devastating loss of her music, she moved to London to become a piano teacher. I loved that Max doesn't intimidate her and how she stands up to him.
I had a more challenging time with Max. I liked that he takes his responsibility for his stepsister seriously and his protectiveness is understandable. I ached for him and the tragedy that had such a significant impact on his life. Max also comes across as cold and arrogant and doesn't consider what effect his plan could have on Lucy and her reputation.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Max and Lucy. It was simply a business arrangement at first, with neither anticipating anything else. It didn't take long for sparks to grow, jumpstarted by an episode of having to hide under a bed. Each is aware of the class gap between them, but that doesn't stop the attraction from growing. Lucy's ability to ferret out information impresses Max, and he finds himself more and more drawn to her. I thought he lacked empathy until the evening of the musical performances. It warmed my heart to see him comfort her on losing her ability to play and open her eyes to another way to feel the music. From this point, the feelings between them really started to grow. Max fought hard against them, wanting nothing to do with the idea of love. Lucy acknowledged hers to herself, but though she dreamed of the possibilities, was painfully aware of Max's opinion on the subject.
When Lucy discovers Sophia's secret, matters become far more complicated. Max is adamant that Sophia's feelings wouldn't outlast the difficulties and refuses to go along with her. Until this point, I thought Sophia was a spoiled brat, and her immediate reactions bear this out. Her attempt at revenge puts Lucy's reputation at risk, compelling Max to propose. I loved how Lucy stood up for herself and refused to give in to a life without love. I especially enjoyed how she avoided his attempt to convince her with an unusual method of leaving the house party. Max isn't finished, though, and tries yet again with predictable results from the stubborn Lucy in a great scene with her landlady. With their return to London, Max faced a changed Sophia and began to get an idea of the depth of her feelings. Thanks to her, he also began to accept his own feelings for Lucy but didn't know what to do.
Meanwhile, Lucy spent time with her happily married friends who offered her sympathy and assistance if she wanted it (and even if she didn't). There was an interesting discussion between Lucy's friend, Verity (the duchess), and Max, giving him more to think about. I ached for Lucy, who looked at a lonely life ahead of her. Her life took an odd twist when her estranged parents showed up, quivering with righteous indignation over her "disgrace." Max's timely arrival provided Lucy with unexpected support and unanswered questions after his departure. I loved her "aha" moment and what she did with it. The scene on the street was fantastic, and I loved seeing them fully open up to each other. The epilogue was terrific, and I loved the little part with Lucy and her friends. I'm looking forward to the final book with their friend Melissa.
I liked Lucy. She is intelligent and determined. Estranged from her parents after their actions resulted in the devastating loss of her music, she moved to London to become a piano teacher. I loved that Max doesn't intimidate her and how she stands up to him.
I had a more challenging time with Max. I liked that he takes his responsibility for his stepsister seriously and his protectiveness is understandable. I ached for him and the tragedy that had such a significant impact on his life. Max also comes across as cold and arrogant and doesn't consider what effect his plan could have on Lucy and her reputation.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Max and Lucy. It was simply a business arrangement at first, with neither anticipating anything else. It didn't take long for sparks to grow, jumpstarted by an episode of having to hide under a bed. Each is aware of the class gap between them, but that doesn't stop the attraction from growing. Lucy's ability to ferret out information impresses Max, and he finds himself more and more drawn to her. I thought he lacked empathy until the evening of the musical performances. It warmed my heart to see him comfort her on losing her ability to play and open her eyes to another way to feel the music. From this point, the feelings between them really started to grow. Max fought hard against them, wanting nothing to do with the idea of love. Lucy acknowledged hers to herself, but though she dreamed of the possibilities, was painfully aware of Max's opinion on the subject.
When Lucy discovers Sophia's secret, matters become far more complicated. Max is adamant that Sophia's feelings wouldn't outlast the difficulties and refuses to go along with her. Until this point, I thought Sophia was a spoiled brat, and her immediate reactions bear this out. Her attempt at revenge puts Lucy's reputation at risk, compelling Max to propose. I loved how Lucy stood up for herself and refused to give in to a life without love. I especially enjoyed how she avoided his attempt to convince her with an unusual method of leaving the house party. Max isn't finished, though, and tries yet again with predictable results from the stubborn Lucy in a great scene with her landlady. With their return to London, Max faced a changed Sophia and began to get an idea of the depth of her feelings. Thanks to her, he also began to accept his own feelings for Lucy but didn't know what to do.
Meanwhile, Lucy spent time with her happily married friends who offered her sympathy and assistance if she wanted it (and even if she didn't). There was an interesting discussion between Lucy's friend, Verity (the duchess), and Max, giving him more to think about. I ached for Lucy, who looked at a lonely life ahead of her. Her life took an odd twist when her estranged parents showed up, quivering with righteous indignation over her "disgrace." Max's timely arrival provided Lucy with unexpected support and unanswered questions after his departure. I loved her "aha" moment and what she did with it. The scene on the street was fantastic, and I loved seeing them fully open up to each other. The epilogue was terrific, and I loved the little part with Lucy and her friends. I'm looking forward to the final book with their friend Melissa.
