I’m about to go all contrary on y’all, my fellow romance readers. This is on many people’s personal favorites lists, and while there are things I liked, overall I’ve got some complaints. But first… the plot.
Pippa Marbury is odd. All of London Society knows it, but Lord Castleton doesn’t care. He’s going to marry the odd scientist anyways. Pippa doesn’t have much in common is Castleton, but he’ll let her run his estate and pursue her scientific research so he’s not a bad choice for a husband. Until a few weeks before her wedding when she starts thinking about her vows and what they mean. Enter her search for Cross, legendary ladies man, and his skill as a “research associate” in teaching her the ways of marriage. Things obviously don’t go as planned.
What I enjoyed: Pippa. Oh Philippa, you weirdo. I love you so. As a fellow lady scientist (who’s been called a lot worse things than odd over the years) I appreciated every inch of her logical mind. She was glorious. Especially during the climax. She’s smarter than everyone around her, knows it, but isn’t a jerk about it. Pretty much she was just perfect in every way that I love in a heroine. And as someone who’s blind as a bat, can I just ask for once when we have a super nerd heroine that she not need glasses? It’s not our only defining characteristic… just saying.
And now for the rage: Cross. I know, I know, many love him, but I can’t. I just CAN’T. The self-sacrificing was bad at the beginning, but then it began to ramp up again. And again. AND AGAIN. “Get over yourself!” May have been yelled at the book more than once. He’s just so tragic, and it’s all in his head. Pippa figures this out, and obviously saves him and the day, but I again am struck wondering why she chooses him. This I’ve thought about my last two MacLeans. Why would these smart, beautiful, capable women want the moody jerk (A Rogue by Any Other Name) or the whiny won’t take charge of his life second son. I’m all for if she wants him, she gets him, but man that was hard with this one. Second sons, who were never born for this responsibility blah blah blah are never my favorite heroes, but this one just pushed me too far. I’m cranky. And clearly not afraid to share it.
Anywho, loved Pippa, couldn’t stand Cross. Hence the three stars. Two more to go in the series, and they’re waiting for me on my kindle when I get home from work!