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The Price of Perfection
Charlotte Henwood has always had a little trouble maintaining a perfect reputation. After a lucky happenstance leads her to London, she finds that the city still contains the same inveterate gossips as her small home-town.
Under the guidance of a family friend she finds a way to gain her independence, but a nasty rumor threatens to completely ruin her, and Charlotte knows she cannot repair the damage on her own.
Michael Skidmore, the newly titled Viscount Averly, knows all about Miss Henwood's first brush with near ruin - in fact, he may have been a touch responsible for it. But now the girl is essentially blackmailing him into helping her fix this latest disaster.
Having vowed to himself to always protect the Averly title, Michael is more than a little displeased to pretend to woo this troublemaker - even when he forgets that it's only a pretense.
It doesn't take long for the pair to realize that the person behind the gossip dogging Charlotte's every step may have a more sinister motive than just cold-blooded social entertainment.
But with such an unwilling accomplice, how will Charlotte ever uncover the real motive? Will they be able to repair Charlotte's reputation before it is too late, or will she and Michael give in to the tension building between them?
Under the guidance of a family friend she finds a way to gain her independence, but a nasty rumor threatens to completely ruin her, and Charlotte knows she cannot repair the damage on her own.
Michael Skidmore, the newly titled Viscount Averly, knows all about Miss Henwood's first brush with near ruin - in fact, he may have been a touch responsible for it. But now the girl is essentially blackmailing him into helping her fix this latest disaster.
Having vowed to himself to always protect the Averly title, Michael is more than a little displeased to pretend to woo this troublemaker - even when he forgets that it's only a pretense.
It doesn't take long for the pair to realize that the person behind the gossip dogging Charlotte's every step may have a more sinister motive than just cold-blooded social entertainment.
But with such an unwilling accomplice, how will Charlotte ever uncover the real motive? Will they be able to repair Charlotte's reputation before it is too late, or will she and Michael give in to the tension building between them?
338 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2014
2 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
December 31, 2015
Regency romance is not my thing, but this is quite a story. Charlotte is a strong, independent woman in a way that is appropriate to the time in which the novel is set, making this a very authentic read. There is so much humour packed into this story, as well as a little intrigue along the way.
It is apparent that the author did a great deal of research when undertaking this work, and it shows in the accuracy of the scene-setting, language used and expectations placed on women particularly, but also on men, from different social classes in the early 1800s.
A wonderful debut novel from an intelligent and sensitive author. Recommended for anyone who likes a little spirit in their regency romance.
It is apparent that the author did a great deal of research when undertaking this work, and it shows in the accuracy of the scene-setting, language used and expectations placed on women particularly, but also on men, from different social classes in the early 1800s.
A wonderful debut novel from an intelligent and sensitive author. Recommended for anyone who likes a little spirit in their regency romance.
January 9, 2015
A perfect escape when life is hectic. Every character is fleshed out and appreciated, unique. The main character is the type of "strong female character" that gets her independence and self-confidence from intelligence and force of determination not muscles, guns, bows, hair flipping, or cleavage. Basically I love her and want to be her. I was her clothes too but that's beside the point...
January 5, 2018
didn't finish
I could not finish this book it was written so bad...Another author having her friends give her 5 star reviews...nothing funny about the book..thank goodness I didn't pay for it..
I could not finish this book it was written so bad...Another author having her friends give her 5 star reviews...nothing funny about the book..thank goodness I didn't pay for it..
March 20, 2015
Are you a reader who finds Jane Austen novels disappointing because of the slow plots and frustrating social constraints? Then read Jaclyn Edmunds instead! The Price of Perfection gives the reader just as much opportunity for historical immersion, but with far more fun. Female characters in particular are given more freedom to rail against (and defy) convention, to follow their own wills, and to use their intelligence and charm to succeed in business and love, even if it means confusing or humiliating the men in their lives. They are complex, often unapologetic about their shortcomings, and have the audacity to concern themselves with topics other than marriage. When romance does enter the plot, it comes complete with awkward encounters, hilarious misunderstandings, and steamy liasons.
In short, Edmunds takes a delightfully irreverent approach to historical romance, which is laugh-out-loud funny and will appeal to even those who don't usually appreciate the genre.
In short, Edmunds takes a delightfully irreverent approach to historical romance, which is laugh-out-loud funny and will appeal to even those who don't usually appreciate the genre.
November 7, 2014
Regency romance is definitely not my go-to genre, but The Price of Perfection is a spectacular example of why it's sometimes good to step outside of your comfort zone.
This book has great characters - and a strong female lead, which is refreshing for the era and type of book - that really come to life as you read, and I found the story itself to be well-laced with intrigue and mystery, and the author's attention to detail is fantastic.
A real page turner that I can't recommend highly enough.
This book has great characters - and a strong female lead, which is refreshing for the era and type of book - that really come to life as you read, and I found the story itself to be well-laced with intrigue and mystery, and the author's attention to detail is fantastic.
A real page turner that I can't recommend highly enough.
January 19, 2018
This is a fantastic novel, whether or not romance is your usual genre. Well developed characters, impeccable, engaging, and well-researched writing, and a fun story make this an entertaining adventure! Definitely recommended.
January 9, 2016
Confusing, rambling, poorly written. The phrase 'beyond the par' was used often - surely 'beyond the pale' was meant??
I am amazed at the rave reviews of others.
I am amazed at the rave reviews of others.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews