|
|
5.0 out of 5 stars
Smart, Sexy and Funny!, April 18 2004
Previously a schoolmistress, Iphiginia Bright has spent the last year fulfilling a dream by touring the classical ruins of Italy and Greece. Upon her return to England, she discovers that a notorious blackmailer, who is taking advantage of members of the ton, is now harassing her beloved Aunt Zoe. In an attempt to assist her aunt, Iphiginia decides to flush out the blackmailer by posing as a widow, and the paramour of Marcus Cloud, Earl of Masters. Marcus has a well-earned reputation as a master of seduction among the ladies, but Iphiginia believes him to be dead by the hand of the blackmailer. Iphiginia takes London by storm, enchanting everyone she meets, and manages to collect a whole host of admirers. She even captures the attention of a certain man, who is very much alive at his country estate, and much to her surprise, Marcus makes an appearance at a ball to meet his newest mistress. She explains her reason for the deception, and although he's suspicious of her, he decides to play along. They together conduct an investigation, but Marcus has ulterior motives for not exposing her lie. He finds Iphiginia quite the enchantress, and sets out to make her his mistress in earnest, although he becomes suspicious whether there's been a Mr. Bright. Marcus has three rules he lives by: he steers clear of virgins, has vowed never to remarry, and he doesn't talk about his past. Iphiginia will end up testing all three of his rules, and after all, rules are made to be broken. I have read a total of four books by this author, and this one remains my favorite. Her heroines tend to be very intelligent women, who are involved in some type of scientific study or intellectual endeavors, which is a unique angle in a historical romance. The only thing is, sometimes too much time is spent on the studies and endeavors, and the romance portion suffers. That is not true here. I felt this was an interesting, smart, sexy, and hilarious story with witty dialogue. There is a memorable scene that takes place in a hall of naughty statuary, which was quite steamy and funny at the same time. And who can forget "Dr. Hardstaff's Museum of the Goddesses of Manly Vigor"? To put that name on an establishment is too funny! This book is not to be missed!
|
