Publishing Date: December 21, 2021
Synopsis:
A chance at love could cost them their lives.
Welcome to book 2, Marquess of Mischief by USA Today Bestselling author Anna St. Claire.
As a second son, Christopher Anglesey never planned to become the Marquess of Banbury. However, his brother’s death forced him to assume the title and its responsibilities. Still, he refuses to relinquish his dangerous job with the Crown or marry. His job requires he maintains a presence at most ton events. However, Christopher avoids the marriage-minded mommas and their vapid daughters.
On the heels of a successful first Season, a carriage accident on the way home from London leaves Lady Diana Lawrence blind. She resigns herself to a life without love or marriage and still attends ton gatherings only to please her mother—who still believes love will find her daughter. While attending a museum tour with her best friend, Diana overhears plans to kill the Prince Regent, placing her in the crosshairs of a killer.
Christopher’s assignment brings him to the museum, where he discovers a beautiful young woman desperate to escape and recognizes her as his sister’s best friend. She may be the one person who can help save the Prince Regent’s life. Sparks fly as he tries to protect her and find a killer.
Can they survive the danger that pursues them and gain a chance at love neither thought could happen?
My Review:
I requested this because the premise sounded like something I would enjoy — I adore historical romance, especially when spies are involved — but unfortunately the writing style made it unenjoyable. For many people that wouldn’t be a problem, I know, but writing style is one of the most important characteristics of a story to me, and I cannot enjoy a story where I find the writing style to be grating.
In this case, the writing is a bit stilted and comes off sort of monotone, as all the sentences are roughly the same length. The story moves quickly, but at a remove as everything is told rather than shown. Too little time is also spent on any event, giving situations such as a lady being nearly ravished the same import as a quick conversation with a servant.
Also the characters are always guffawing and bellowing and hardly ever simply say anything, and Christopher’s driver is also named “Goforth” which strikes me as excessively silly.
My only real problems were with the writing style and not the plot, and while I found them insurmountable I’m sure plenty of readers would be able to look past them and enjoy the story.
*Thanks to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for providing an e-arc for review.
Whimsical Dragonette 