I loved 80% of this book. I loved that Dahl took a risk with a character who wasn’t what she seemed, who was a walking con artist, who fooled people who adored her, but still allowed that character to be likeable and brave and clever. I loved that Dahl played with the idea of identity in a society where one’s status is largely based on fiat, where if everyone agrees you are who you say you are, you’re either golden or gone. I loved that in addition to embracing that wicked virgin widow trope, Dahl also explored the freedom of women who were widowed, and what that meant for a woman who could drink, gamble, smoke, take lovers, and generally get away with damn near anything she wanted, within reason – so long as the fiat of her identity held. And I loved that the character was so brave, and so afraid, so very very unconventional and yet in essence so simple to understand that I rooted for her no matter what guise she was in.
I also had a joyous time because hero-trying-to-resist is one of my favorite constructs ever. I call it, “I can’t stop thinking about your hair, dammit” and I could read it and dream about it for hours without stop. I loved that Hart was my favorite character from Dahl’s first novel, and I was so fascinated by a duke who would stand up for his ruined sister against anyone – hello, fiat again – who was perfectly happy to be dissolute when he wanted to, but whose moral core stood with his family, full stop, so any additional words against his sister would be met with a big hammy fist in your pompus face. Hart, he doesn’t pity the fool.
A website that reviews romance novels from a couple of smart bitches who will always give it to you straight. No bullshit. No gushing--unless the author really deserves it.
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