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A Question of Class
United to exact revenge on a common enemy, they discover passion is the ultimate reward.
On the strength of her wit and intelligence, Catherine Delcour climbed from Connecticut poverty to opulent Paris society. But once in New York, her lowly past is a scandal her wine merchant husband won't tolerate. After five years of marriage, Morris announces their union isn't valid and reveals his plan to send her to the West Indies. So long as she behaves, he'll continue to provide for her until the ship leaves. Fearing she'll end up destitute, Catherine schemes to escape--and secure her future with his treasured bottle of wine.
Under the guise of supervising Delcour's wayward wife, Benjamin Thomas seeks to avenge his sister's death by ruining him. But Catherine isn't the spoiled society wife Benjamin expects. His growing affection for Catherine threatens more than his carefully constructed plans. His vow to never touch another man's wife has never been harder to keep than when he's around the beguiling beauty.
When Catherine and Benjamin join forces, their sensual natures collide even as their individual desires for passion, vengeance, and escape threaten to tear them apart.
CONTENT WARNING: Explicit sex
"Ms. Tagan [has] become a welcome new author to my ever growing book diet." – Avon Romance.com
59,171 Words
On the strength of her wit and intelligence, Catherine Delcour climbed from Connecticut poverty to opulent Paris society. But once in New York, her lowly past is a scandal her wine merchant husband won't tolerate. After five years of marriage, Morris announces their union isn't valid and reveals his plan to send her to the West Indies. So long as she behaves, he'll continue to provide for her until the ship leaves. Fearing she'll end up destitute, Catherine schemes to escape--and secure her future with his treasured bottle of wine.
Under the guise of supervising Delcour's wayward wife, Benjamin Thomas seeks to avenge his sister's death by ruining him. But Catherine isn't the spoiled society wife Benjamin expects. His growing affection for Catherine threatens more than his carefully constructed plans. His vow to never touch another man's wife has never been harder to keep than when he's around the beguiling beauty.
When Catherine and Benjamin join forces, their sensual natures collide even as their individual desires for passion, vengeance, and escape threaten to tear them apart.
CONTENT WARNING: Explicit sex
"Ms. Tagan [has] become a welcome new author to my ever growing book diet." – Avon Romance.com
59,171 Words
221 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
38 people are currently reading
316 people want to read
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July 30, 2021
This review is of “A Question of Class”, a standalone from May 2014 by Julia Tagan.
The book begins in New York City, circa 1810. Morris Delcour, a wine importer, has just announced to his second wife Catherine, the heroine of the book, that their 5-year marriage isn’t legal. Morris’ reason for doing this: Catherine’s background-she comes from a poor family-is preventing him from joining the Four Hundred. He plans to send her away to the West Indies. Catherine, not wanting this to happen, tries to leave Morris, but is brought back by Benjamin Thomas, the hero of the book, and Catherine’s sort-of-brother-in-law. (Benjamin is the younger brother of the first Mrs. Delcour, Dolly). Morris hired Benjamin to “keep an eye on” Catherine while Morris is away. It’s not a job that Benjamin necessarily wants, but he has his own reasons for accepting it.
As the book goes on, Benjamin’s reasons for taking the job are revealed. It turns out that he and Catherine have the same goals. Soon Catherine and Benjamin have another mission; to rescue Catherine’s younger sister, Sophie, from the same fate that Catherine has had to endure. Catherine and Benjamin soon begin acting on their attraction to each other and become lovers.
Catherine and Benjamin rescue Sophie, but not without difficulty. They then try to figure out the next steps. An adjustment has to be made as Morris comes after them. A violent confrontation occurs, and Morris is killed, which allows both Catherine and Benjamin to complete their mission.
Benjamin leaves to go to France, and soon, the truth of Catherine’s non-marriage becomes public, forcing her and Sophie to become homeless. They decide to leave for France, and find Benjamin at the ship docks. Catherine, Benjamin and Sophie reunite, Catherine and Benjamin declare their love for each other, and become owners of a winery in France. Catherine, Benjamin and Sophie have their Happily Ever After.
Upside: A lot to like here. Catherine is an easy character to like and root for, as a woman who has been used and abused by people-mostly males but some women-all her young life (Catherine is 20). She shows tremendous strength and resiliency in facing a society that is hateful to her and keeping her head up. Catherine also allows herself not to become hard and uncaring, which is a very hard thing to do.
Benjamin is an interesting character. Unlike most romance heroes, he doesn’t begin the book rich. In fact, he’s almost as poor as Catherine is in the beginning, and only gains wealth by inheriting a vineyard at the end of the book. He’s also a nice man, and although he can be a bit domineering in the beginning, I like the fact that he’s not afraid to show his emotions. That, to me, is a very good thing for a romance novel hero to do. Catherine and Benjamin are both strong, developed characters.
Downside: Ms. Tagan keeps the book on a low-level flame all book long. I wanted to see more heat and more passion between Catherine and Benjamin.
Sex: Two love scenes between Catherine and Benjamin. As mentioned above, neither generates a lot of heat or excitement.
Violence: Assault, battery, and attempted murder all take place in “A Question of Class”. The violence is not graphic.
Bottom Line: “A Question of Class” isn’t a great book, but it is a good to very good one. Using Goodreads grading system, I’m giving it four stars, but in my grading system, I’m giving it 3.72 stars.
The book begins in New York City, circa 1810. Morris Delcour, a wine importer, has just announced to his second wife Catherine, the heroine of the book, that their 5-year marriage isn’t legal. Morris’ reason for doing this: Catherine’s background-she comes from a poor family-is preventing him from joining the Four Hundred. He plans to send her away to the West Indies. Catherine, not wanting this to happen, tries to leave Morris, but is brought back by Benjamin Thomas, the hero of the book, and Catherine’s sort-of-brother-in-law. (Benjamin is the younger brother of the first Mrs. Delcour, Dolly). Morris hired Benjamin to “keep an eye on” Catherine while Morris is away. It’s not a job that Benjamin necessarily wants, but he has his own reasons for accepting it.
As the book goes on, Benjamin’s reasons for taking the job are revealed. It turns out that he and Catherine have the same goals. Soon Catherine and Benjamin have another mission; to rescue Catherine’s younger sister, Sophie, from the same fate that Catherine has had to endure. Catherine and Benjamin soon begin acting on their attraction to each other and become lovers.
Catherine and Benjamin rescue Sophie, but not without difficulty. They then try to figure out the next steps. An adjustment has to be made as Morris comes after them. A violent confrontation occurs, and Morris is killed, which allows both Catherine and Benjamin to complete their mission.
Benjamin leaves to go to France, and soon, the truth of Catherine’s non-marriage becomes public, forcing her and Sophie to become homeless. They decide to leave for France, and find Benjamin at the ship docks. Catherine, Benjamin and Sophie reunite, Catherine and Benjamin declare their love for each other, and become owners of a winery in France. Catherine, Benjamin and Sophie have their Happily Ever After.
Upside: A lot to like here. Catherine is an easy character to like and root for, as a woman who has been used and abused by people-mostly males but some women-all her young life (Catherine is 20). She shows tremendous strength and resiliency in facing a society that is hateful to her and keeping her head up. Catherine also allows herself not to become hard and uncaring, which is a very hard thing to do.
Benjamin is an interesting character. Unlike most romance heroes, he doesn’t begin the book rich. In fact, he’s almost as poor as Catherine is in the beginning, and only gains wealth by inheriting a vineyard at the end of the book. He’s also a nice man, and although he can be a bit domineering in the beginning, I like the fact that he’s not afraid to show his emotions. That, to me, is a very good thing for a romance novel hero to do. Catherine and Benjamin are both strong, developed characters.
Downside: Ms. Tagan keeps the book on a low-level flame all book long. I wanted to see more heat and more passion between Catherine and Benjamin.
Sex: Two love scenes between Catherine and Benjamin. As mentioned above, neither generates a lot of heat or excitement.
Violence: Assault, battery, and attempted murder all take place in “A Question of Class”. The violence is not graphic.
Bottom Line: “A Question of Class” isn’t a great book, but it is a good to very good one. Using Goodreads grading system, I’m giving it four stars, but in my grading system, I’m giving it 3.72 stars.
May 3, 2014
This is a shiny debut novel that opens with a blessing and curse: “Unfortunately, my dear, we were never married.” I loved how that declaration made me gasp and Catherine reel. Within the first paragraphs I despised her not-husband, Morris Delcour. I held my breath when she made her first escape attempt and failed; was impressed that she managed to return without losing her dignity or dinner. That Benjamin Thomas has the honor of being her salvation and the enforcer of her captivity before the end of chapter two set the pace for this riveting novel. It did not falter throughout.
I was thrilled by the fact Ms. Tagan could introduce everyone, frame the situation and get it all rolling so quickly without leaving me feeling like I missed anything. Her writing is crisp; dialog sharp without overdoing the antagonistic tension. Characters are not modern voices draped in historic costumes, were well developed and the secondary characters interesting without taking over. There is the perfect mixture of troubled past and determined future for me, no angst shoved down my throat but it isn't all bluebells and birdies either. That wriggly line between the demand for and deserving of respect is the answer to the question she exposes with a subtle hand.
In this triangle, everyone has pulled themselves up from nothing, even the not-husband. He is a mere mister not French nobility that made his fortune in French Haiti and returned to Paris triumphant. Each worked to better not only their circumstances but themselves. True, the not-husband did so on the backs of slaves and plans to continue to do so by cheating the society he is courting but that just makes him more despicable. I enjoy hating a well crafted villain!
Benjamin’s growth is a little harder to account for as he weaves a tale that sounds convincing, unless you look too closely. Even when he reveals the truth, there are some pretty large holes so you’re left with his “unsettled dignity” as the measurement of how far he’s come. At fifteen, Catherine turned a horrifying situation in to an opportunity to prove she was more than skin and bones assembled oh so nicely. I loved that she didn’t roll over and become a victim; not at fifteen and not at twenty. She made the very best of what she had to deal with in every moment and didn’t accept things at face value, but looked beyond the surface.
Discovering a sketch done by Benjamin, she had the predictable initial reaction, then looked again, and saw more than her naked body, more than a prurient interest. She could see the art even as it unnerved and added to her confusion regarding her not-husband’s brother in law. It was very well done of Ms. Tagan to allow that moment of development. I can imagine how easily it might have been highlighted and gone, leaving us being told that “Catherine had learned to take a second and third look.” Instead, we literally see and feel it with her. The exception to this habit was understandable in the circumstances while advancing the story in a plausible way. Later, when she hesitates and draws the wrong conclusion, I believed how she could second guess silence and jump to conclusions rather than looking again. She is a sum of her experiences and as we travel back to her point of origin, we learn with Benjamin how a girl of fifteen possessed the sense to accomplish all she had.
By the time Benjamin and Catherine become partners in the plot for revenge, both of them have demonstrated the practicality required to not only survive but also thrive. And yes, they are attracted to each other, startlingly so. But, more than that, they manage to have some restraint. Temptation and opportunity is mighty but they don’t fall on each other with the standard patter of “can’t help it, won’t really try.” I laughed when the reality of a rainy roadside tryst was just … not on. For me, it made the intimacy later more believable on relatively short acquaintance. Though I felt they professed love a little quickly, it wasn’t too surprising given Benjamin and Catherine’s personalities. The "explicit sex" was sensual and romantic, not graphic.
Catherine’s understanding of Benjamin’s cause, her insistence of following through even when he was ready to let it go, was an interesting twist. Normally, the so-called hero would be angry and tormented over his vow of revenge competing with his heart. The relief I felt when that did not happen was refreshing. I didn’t realize how tired I was of that same ole plot maneuver. That Benjamin saw his cause evolve to something in honor of his sister rather than in vengeance for her was proof his sister wasn’t merely a victim. I suspect his mentor deserved more than a nod of respect as well. Benjamin recognized the treasure love is should not be discarded for the relief of revenge, whether it was returned or not. I was giddy over a hero I could not only admire but like and a heroine that suited him so completely. They worked well together, even when at odds and cared more for the long term than the moment which is, as I said, a refreshing pleasure in a romance.
The only thing that kept this from being an five star read for me was the French Connection. The difficulties exporting wine, or much of anything, from France to America isn’t hinted at. Not even a bit of grousing about American merchant vessels being boarded; men and cargo confiscated by the British in search of French sympathizers and suppliers which, among other things, led to the war of 1812. That no one spoke of or reflected on France, aside from vineyards, acceptance and glittering parties, making war on three fronts and the collateral damage involved, not to mention every able bodied man being conscripted, was a bit of a letdown for the history freak in me.
I probably would have been able to hand wave the French Connection because I love happy endings but though I want to, I could not quite buy it. HOWEVER, this twinge did not ruin the other 98.673125521% of the book. A Question of Class was a solid 4.5 read for me. I am eager for Ms. Tagan to write more, more, more!
~~I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. See more of my reviews @ PageTraveler blogspot dot com~~
I was thrilled by the fact Ms. Tagan could introduce everyone, frame the situation and get it all rolling so quickly without leaving me feeling like I missed anything. Her writing is crisp; dialog sharp without overdoing the antagonistic tension. Characters are not modern voices draped in historic costumes, were well developed and the secondary characters interesting without taking over. There is the perfect mixture of troubled past and determined future for me, no angst shoved down my throat but it isn't all bluebells and birdies either. That wriggly line between the demand for and deserving of respect is the answer to the question she exposes with a subtle hand.
In this triangle, everyone has pulled themselves up from nothing, even the not-husband. He is a mere mister not French nobility that made his fortune in French Haiti and returned to Paris triumphant. Each worked to better not only their circumstances but themselves. True, the not-husband did so on the backs of slaves and plans to continue to do so by cheating the society he is courting but that just makes him more despicable. I enjoy hating a well crafted villain!
Benjamin’s growth is a little harder to account for as he weaves a tale that sounds convincing, unless you look too closely. Even when he reveals the truth, there are some pretty large holes so you’re left with his “unsettled dignity” as the measurement of how far he’s come. At fifteen, Catherine turned a horrifying situation in to an opportunity to prove she was more than skin and bones assembled oh so nicely. I loved that she didn’t roll over and become a victim; not at fifteen and not at twenty. She made the very best of what she had to deal with in every moment and didn’t accept things at face value, but looked beyond the surface.
Discovering a sketch done by Benjamin, she had the predictable initial reaction, then looked again, and saw more than her naked body, more than a prurient interest. She could see the art even as it unnerved and added to her confusion regarding her not-husband’s brother in law. It was very well done of Ms. Tagan to allow that moment of development. I can imagine how easily it might have been highlighted and gone, leaving us being told that “Catherine had learned to take a second and third look.” Instead, we literally see and feel it with her. The exception to this habit was understandable in the circumstances while advancing the story in a plausible way. Later, when she hesitates and draws the wrong conclusion, I believed how she could second guess silence and jump to conclusions rather than looking again. She is a sum of her experiences and as we travel back to her point of origin, we learn with Benjamin how a girl of fifteen possessed the sense to accomplish all she had.
By the time Benjamin and Catherine become partners in the plot for revenge, both of them have demonstrated the practicality required to not only survive but also thrive. And yes, they are attracted to each other, startlingly so. But, more than that, they manage to have some restraint. Temptation and opportunity is mighty but they don’t fall on each other with the standard patter of “can’t help it, won’t really try.” I laughed when the reality of a rainy roadside tryst was just … not on. For me, it made the intimacy later more believable on relatively short acquaintance. Though I felt they professed love a little quickly, it wasn’t too surprising given Benjamin and Catherine’s personalities. The "explicit sex" was sensual and romantic, not graphic.
Catherine’s understanding of Benjamin’s cause, her insistence of following through even when he was ready to let it go, was an interesting twist. Normally, the so-called hero would be angry and tormented over his vow of revenge competing with his heart. The relief I felt when that did not happen was refreshing. I didn’t realize how tired I was of that same ole plot maneuver. That Benjamin saw his cause evolve to something in honor of his sister rather than in vengeance for her was proof his sister wasn’t merely a victim. I suspect his mentor deserved more than a nod of respect as well. Benjamin recognized the treasure love is should not be discarded for the relief of revenge, whether it was returned or not. I was giddy over a hero I could not only admire but like and a heroine that suited him so completely. They worked well together, even when at odds and cared more for the long term than the moment which is, as I said, a refreshing pleasure in a romance.
The only thing that kept this from being an five star read for me was the French Connection. The difficulties exporting wine, or much of anything, from France to America isn’t hinted at. Not even a bit of grousing about American merchant vessels being boarded; men and cargo confiscated by the British in search of French sympathizers and suppliers which, among other things, led to the war of 1812. That no one spoke of or reflected on France, aside from vineyards, acceptance and glittering parties, making war on three fronts and the collateral damage involved, not to mention every able bodied man being conscripted, was a bit of a letdown for the history freak in me.
I probably would have been able to hand wave the French Connection because I love happy endings but though I want to, I could not quite buy it. HOWEVER, this twinge did not ruin the other 98.673125521% of the book. A Question of Class was a solid 4.5 read for me. I am eager for Ms. Tagan to write more, more, more!
~~I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. See more of my reviews @ PageTraveler blogspot dot com~~
March 25, 2015
Ridiculous
I have very limited patience with schizophrenic protagonists. Catherine, a woman wha had been sorely used, abused and about to be literally discarded by her husband, flees to one of her two friends, Percy Bonneville. Unfortunately he is no better than her husband with his offer to keep her as his mistress. At that point she swears off men all together which is certainly understandable. So why, in the very next scene is she making out (kissing, exposing her breasts) with the man her husband has hired to follow her around and spy on her? When I couldn't come up with a logical reason for her actions or stop my convulsive eye-rolling, it was time to put an end to my misery. At the 30% mark on my Kindle I called it done.
I have very limited patience with schizophrenic protagonists. Catherine, a woman wha had been sorely used, abused and about to be literally discarded by her husband, flees to one of her two friends, Percy Bonneville. Unfortunately he is no better than her husband with his offer to keep her as his mistress. At that point she swears off men all together which is certainly understandable. So why, in the very next scene is she making out (kissing, exposing her breasts) with the man her husband has hired to follow her around and spy on her? When I couldn't come up with a logical reason for her actions or stop my convulsive eye-rolling, it was time to put an end to my misery. At the 30% mark on my Kindle I called it done.
April 14, 2014
A Question of Class opens with a bang when Catherine Delcour's husband, Morris, announces he'd duped her into thinking she'd married him on board a ship bound for France. While they lived there, Catherine had served her purpose well. She was charming and a highly anticipated guest at the various social events they attended, making her the ideal partner for helping Morris further his wine distribution business.
Upon their return to New York, they find Society is more stringent about whom they admit to the inner circles. Catherine comes from a working class background and therefore, part of the great unwashed in the eyes of the upper crust. Suddenly, she's more of a liability than an asset. Because of this, Morris has made arrangements to send Catherine away. But it will be a short time before he can accomplish this, so he hires his brother-in-law, Benjamin Thomas, to keep an eye on Catherine.
Catherine is attracted instantly to Benjamin the night he discovers and foils her escape attempt. But she won't let her attraction stand in the way of moving on with her life. She plots to steal a very expensive bottle of wine from Morris (in exchange for his years of duping her), and use the proceeds to begin a new life. Benjamin has a few plans of his own regarding Morris. Seems like everyone wants a piece of that scoundrel.
I enjoyed this book from page one. Reading along as Julia Tagan moved Catherine from the roll of victim to a place of strength made Catherine a heroine worth cheering for. And when she discovered love with Benjamin along the way added a delightful twist. Benjamin also grows within the story, and is extremely likeable (okay, he's loveable). This book is exactly why I read romance.
Julia has captured the world of societal pecking order perfectly, and introduces us to a strong secondary cast I hope we'll get to see more of in the future. Catherine's sister, Sophie, and the only woman who befriended Catherine in New York, Theodosia, add interest and intrigue as Catherine struggles to overcome class discrimination and a conniving husband to find her true love.
This is Julia's debut novel, but you wouldn't know it. The writing is solid, lyrical and entertaining. She pulled me to the edge of my seat while waiting for Catherine and Benjamin to find their happily-ever-after. Just when you think things might be going well for Catherine, another delightful twist is added and tension escalates. A real page turner.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Upon their return to New York, they find Society is more stringent about whom they admit to the inner circles. Catherine comes from a working class background and therefore, part of the great unwashed in the eyes of the upper crust. Suddenly, she's more of a liability than an asset. Because of this, Morris has made arrangements to send Catherine away. But it will be a short time before he can accomplish this, so he hires his brother-in-law, Benjamin Thomas, to keep an eye on Catherine.
Catherine is attracted instantly to Benjamin the night he discovers and foils her escape attempt. But she won't let her attraction stand in the way of moving on with her life. She plots to steal a very expensive bottle of wine from Morris (in exchange for his years of duping her), and use the proceeds to begin a new life. Benjamin has a few plans of his own regarding Morris. Seems like everyone wants a piece of that scoundrel.
I enjoyed this book from page one. Reading along as Julia Tagan moved Catherine from the roll of victim to a place of strength made Catherine a heroine worth cheering for. And when she discovered love with Benjamin along the way added a delightful twist. Benjamin also grows within the story, and is extremely likeable (okay, he's loveable). This book is exactly why I read romance.
Julia has captured the world of societal pecking order perfectly, and introduces us to a strong secondary cast I hope we'll get to see more of in the future. Catherine's sister, Sophie, and the only woman who befriended Catherine in New York, Theodosia, add interest and intrigue as Catherine struggles to overcome class discrimination and a conniving husband to find her true love.
This is Julia's debut novel, but you wouldn't know it. The writing is solid, lyrical and entertaining. She pulled me to the edge of my seat while waiting for Catherine and Benjamin to find their happily-ever-after. Just when you think things might be going well for Catherine, another delightful twist is added and tension escalates. A real page turner.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
April 10, 2014
A highly enjoyable read, A Question of Class explores a complicated relationship with heart pounding action and intrigue. At fifteen, Catherine rose from a desperate situation and married above her station. It wasn't until Mr. Delcour, her brutish and swindling husband reveals their marriage isn't what it seems that Catherine has to take her future into her own hands.
The heroine is strong and tenacious, and fiercely loyal, despite an unfortunate turn of events that leaves her scrambling to protect those she loves. A Question of Class was a non-stop page turner with adventure around every corner. Tagan infused the character's backgrounds brilliantly without dumping back story on the reader, and I loved that. And the chemistry between Benjamin and Catherine? White hot. I just adore them as a couple.
The hero is sweet but strong and capable, while the heroine is on equal footing with him. They balance each other perfectly, even through the web of misunderstandings. They are willing to give up so much for the other's happiness and the ending gave me chills.
I'm giving this one five stars. I didn't want to put it down and am looking forward to more from Julia Tagan. If this is her debut, well done. What a book to start on!
*I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The heroine is strong and tenacious, and fiercely loyal, despite an unfortunate turn of events that leaves her scrambling to protect those she loves. A Question of Class was a non-stop page turner with adventure around every corner. Tagan infused the character's backgrounds brilliantly without dumping back story on the reader, and I loved that. And the chemistry between Benjamin and Catherine? White hot. I just adore them as a couple.
The hero is sweet but strong and capable, while the heroine is on equal footing with him. They balance each other perfectly, even through the web of misunderstandings. They are willing to give up so much for the other's happiness and the ending gave me chills.
I'm giving this one five stars. I didn't want to put it down and am looking forward to more from Julia Tagan. If this is her debut, well done. What a book to start on!
*I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
September 1, 2016
Gorgeous read. A classy debut.
Catherine Delcour marries above her station and then discovers she wed her brutish husband illegally. Desperate to ensure her own future and protect those she loves, she must lay her trust in the very hands of the man her husband has sent to supervise her.
Bejamin Thomas though isn’t all he seems. He wishes to avenge his sister’s death and take Catherine’s husband down, only his vow not to touch another man’s wife becomes an even harder mission for him to undertake.
Sparks fly between Catherine and Bejamin during an adventure which sees them joining forces, and this tale takes interesting dips and turns as their relationship develops.
For me this story brings to light what one is willing to give up to ensure the happiness of those they hold most precious. So if you enjoy historical romance with characters prepared to embrace their sensuality, then this story is for you.
Catherine Delcour marries above her station and then discovers she wed her brutish husband illegally. Desperate to ensure her own future and protect those she loves, she must lay her trust in the very hands of the man her husband has sent to supervise her.
Bejamin Thomas though isn’t all he seems. He wishes to avenge his sister’s death and take Catherine’s husband down, only his vow not to touch another man’s wife becomes an even harder mission for him to undertake.
Sparks fly between Catherine and Bejamin during an adventure which sees them joining forces, and this tale takes interesting dips and turns as their relationship develops.
For me this story brings to light what one is willing to give up to ensure the happiness of those they hold most precious. So if you enjoy historical romance with characters prepared to embrace their sensuality, then this story is for you.
March 28, 2015
I only chose this book because it was a free offering. The characterization was poor at best; I can't even really tell you what anyone looked like much less their character qualities. One minute the heroine is swearing off men, the next she's in bed with them. I finished it only because it was short. Not worth the read
March 24, 2015
Great read
This was a nice love story I look forward to reading more by this author I'm glad I found her book
This was a nice love story I look forward to reading more by this author I'm glad I found her book
March 30, 2015
There should be a shelf for historically INACCURATE fiction. Are we supposed to give extra stars to ebooks that are free? I can't understand how this one could have such a high rating on Goodreads.
March 29, 2015
Omg I loved it!!
I loved it!! I wished they'd taken Freddie with them but I figured and hoped it ended the way it did!! I now wanna own a vineyard either in France or Italy lol
I loved it!! I wished they'd taken Freddie with them but I figured and hoped it ended the way it did!! I now wanna own a vineyard either in France or Italy lol
March 22, 2015
It kept my attention long enough to finish it, but that's because it was short.
July 13, 2017
After marrying 50 year-old Morris Delcour at the age of 15, beautiful Catherine was finally able to leave behind her past on the mean streets of Connecticut. Once in fine Parisian society no one cared that she used to be a scullery maid and came from questionable parentage. As she and her greedy husband made the rounds of parties and balls, he built up his winery and fattened his wallet while she reveled in the richness and peace of mind that being Mrs. Morris Delcour brought. Read the rest of the review on my blog: https://shouldireaditornot.wordpress....
December 4, 2023
Quite lovely
There's nothing bad I can say about this story. It's absolutely lovely. I really enjoyed the drama and misadventure these two have.
There's nothing bad I can say about this story. It's absolutely lovely. I really enjoyed the drama and misadventure these two have.
April 20, 2016
Let me give you an example just how nonsensical and awful this book is.
It is the book's climax. The two lovers know that her perceived husband is on his way to stop them and they must leave quickly in order to escape his terrible clutches. There is no time to lose! They must depart with all haste!
And then... this happens.
Here I thought the most head-smacking part of this book was 30% of the way in.
A Question of Class is neither a question nor does it have class. It's a wreck, a disaster. There was nothing to be found in either its morality, its style, its substance or its logic that could redeem this novel by any means within its own genre, let alone literature as a whole. So much does it lack in logic or sense that it leaves one only despair of not just the male sex but the female as well. Never mind the actual sex.
To summarize, it is the early 1800s in New York and Catherine Delcour was dropped the bombshell that the man she thought her husband was not, in fact, her husband. Their marriage was a sham perpetrated by her evil, evil significant other, Morris Delcour. He then leaves her under the watch of his recently arrived brother-in-law, Benjamin, who in truth harbours a hidden hatred of Morris and seeks to destroy him.
I bet you know where this is going.
The book spends a lot of words and time trying to make Catherine out to be a strong-willed, intelligent, if jilted, woman with few prospects. But then it pulls bullshit like turning her into a damsel in distress that requires the intervention of Benjamin because she's sooooo helpless when it comes to escaping her husband's wrath, oh noes!
The story also makes her out to be some desirable sex object in the eyes of upper society in New York City, because you know, she's oh so pretty to look at, guys! But oh, she is so insulted by the unwanted attentions that she receives from men, and after a particularly heinous encounter she decides no man is worth trusting or loving. One page later, she throws herself into the arms of another man. But that's okay, because she actually threw herself at Benjamin. He's the exception. *eyeroll*
What's that phrase, actions speak louder than words? I believe that applies here.
And then there is Mr. Benjamin, a man whose faults are few and far between and is about as knight in shining armor as you can get without him actually showing up in armor and on a white horse. Seriously, from his physical appearance to his motives to his dull personality, he hadn't a single fault that I could conjure in my head. Except that his decisions seems to come more from his dick than his brain, if there was one present to begin with.
Then again, the whole dick over brain phenomena seemed to be an issue with ALL the major male characters in this book.
Throw in some unnecessary nudity because BEWBS (and because it is oh so much fun to listen to the inner monologue of a man as he objectifies a woman), poor research of the era and setting and numerous and lame romantic tropes that includes almost rape, lewd behaviour and sexual harassment and this basically sums up your story here.
30% of the way in, my boyfriend caught a paragraph that included the word "nipple." It prompted him to ask what the hell I was reading to which I summarized the inanity of the plot to that point that basically amounts to what I wrote here. When I finished, he turned to me and said, "You know, you don't have to keep reading it."
And miss out on the trainwreck? Sunk cost fallacy aside, I finished it because it was so bad, it was mockable how bad it was. But it wasn't so bad it was good. It doesn't work that way in books. It was just bad. Seriously, I have read better emails from a Prince of Namibia asking me to send him $50,000 in order to inherit $5 million. The whole thing needs a warning that reading this will put your eyeballs at risk due to rolling it so much. What universe was this hatched in and how best can we destroy it?
Here's hoping the time I wasted is sacrifice enough to dissuade you from doing the same. Especially since I'm sure you value your time more than I seemed to have valued mine.
It is the book's climax. The two lovers know that her perceived husband is on his way to stop them and they must leave quickly in order to escape his terrible clutches. There is no time to lose! They must depart with all haste!
And then... this happens.
Benjamin helped her out of her dress and let it fall to the floor. He pulled her gently toward the bed and undressed.[insert long fart noises here]
Here I thought the most head-smacking part of this book was 30% of the way in.
A Question of Class is neither a question nor does it have class. It's a wreck, a disaster. There was nothing to be found in either its morality, its style, its substance or its logic that could redeem this novel by any means within its own genre, let alone literature as a whole. So much does it lack in logic or sense that it leaves one only despair of not just the male sex but the female as well. Never mind the actual sex.
To summarize, it is the early 1800s in New York and Catherine Delcour was dropped the bombshell that the man she thought her husband was not, in fact, her husband. Their marriage was a sham perpetrated by her evil, evil significant other, Morris Delcour. He then leaves her under the watch of his recently arrived brother-in-law, Benjamin, who in truth harbours a hidden hatred of Morris and seeks to destroy him.
I bet you know where this is going.
The book spends a lot of words and time trying to make Catherine out to be a strong-willed, intelligent, if jilted, woman with few prospects. But then it pulls bullshit like turning her into a damsel in distress that requires the intervention of Benjamin because she's sooooo helpless when it comes to escaping her husband's wrath, oh noes!
The story also makes her out to be some desirable sex object in the eyes of upper society in New York City, because you know, she's oh so pretty to look at, guys! But oh, she is so insulted by the unwanted attentions that she receives from men, and after a particularly heinous encounter she decides no man is worth trusting or loving. One page later, she throws herself into the arms of another man. But that's okay, because she actually threw herself at Benjamin. He's the exception. *eyeroll*
What's that phrase, actions speak louder than words? I believe that applies here.
And then there is Mr. Benjamin, a man whose faults are few and far between and is about as knight in shining armor as you can get without him actually showing up in armor and on a white horse. Seriously, from his physical appearance to his motives to his dull personality, he hadn't a single fault that I could conjure in my head. Except that his decisions seems to come more from his dick than his brain, if there was one present to begin with.
Then again, the whole dick over brain phenomena seemed to be an issue with ALL the major male characters in this book.
Throw in some unnecessary nudity because BEWBS (and because it is oh so much fun to listen to the inner monologue of a man as he objectifies a woman), poor research of the era and setting and numerous and lame romantic tropes that includes almost rape, lewd behaviour and sexual harassment and this basically sums up your story here.
30% of the way in, my boyfriend caught a paragraph that included the word "nipple." It prompted him to ask what the hell I was reading to which I summarized the inanity of the plot to that point that basically amounts to what I wrote here. When I finished, he turned to me and said, "You know, you don't have to keep reading it."
And miss out on the trainwreck? Sunk cost fallacy aside, I finished it because it was so bad, it was mockable how bad it was. But it wasn't so bad it was good. It doesn't work that way in books. It was just bad. Seriously, I have read better emails from a Prince of Namibia asking me to send him $50,000 in order to inherit $5 million. The whole thing needs a warning that reading this will put your eyeballs at risk due to rolling it so much. What universe was this hatched in and how best can we destroy it?
Here's hoping the time I wasted is sacrifice enough to dissuade you from doing the same. Especially since I'm sure you value your time more than I seemed to have valued mine.
May 8, 2014
Julia Tagan
I love the saying, "The enemy of my enemy is my friend." This book takes this saying and runs away with it. With hilarious and creative situations, a mismatched and crazy couple take on Manhattan and even Bridgeport!
Catherine Delcour has been used by all the men in her like. Her father drunk himself to death, while she struggled to care for her infant sister, Sophie. Mr. Allen, who raised her after her father, liked to look and even touch her young body. Her husband of 5 years, Morris Delcour, used her as a "Pretend" wife. Since they are not legally wed, he wants to throw her away to Haiti of all places. What's a spunky, unwanted Manhattan woman to do? Fight back with all she has and maybe fall in the love along the way!
Benjamin Thomas is Morris Delcour brother-in-law from Morris' first marriage. Benjamin watch his sister, Dolly, being massacred by the revolting Haitian slaves as Morris hides and then flees the scene. He has grown up on the sea and landed in Burgundy, France. Benjamin was taught about wine and molded into a gentleman by Pierre Reynard. Now Benjamin is in Manhattan and begins his REVENGE against Morris Delcour. He has waited 20 years and nothing or no one will get in his way!
Catherine meets Benjamin as she tries to runaway to Morris' NYC home and steal his precious bottle of 1780 Chateau d'Yquem, an almost priceless wine. Later she learns who Benjamin is and that Morris has hired him to watch her every move. Benjamin is captivated by Catherine's beauty and her spark for life, but she is the enemy's wife. Catherine can't help comparing Benjamin's tall and chiseled body to Morris' old and pudgy body. Catherine starts to play a seductive game of cat and mouse with Benjamin. They both crave one another and they finally join forces to make Morris pay. Catherine and Benjamin begin a fragile working relationship to find the d'Yquem for Catherine to sell and to prove Morris' fraud to Manhattan's society for Benjamin's REVENGE!
They have many speed bumps to pass on their merry enterprise. The housekeeper from Hades, Mrs. Doggett, handsy Percy Bonneville, the snobby Manhattan elite, Mr and Mrs. Allen, Catherine's younger sister, a young pyromaniac, a lot of anger men on horses, an angry magistrate and so many others on their misadventure. Will Catherine every get cleanly away from Morris? Will Benjamin use her too? Will Benjamin get his revenge against Morris? Will he use Catherine to get it? And the most anticipated question: Will the bottle of 1780 Chateau d'Yquem ever be popped open to enjoy?
I love and enjoy to discover new authors. Julia Tagan is my least GREAT DISCOVERY and I want to share her with y'all. She used hilarious and madcap situations and characters that immigrant into your book imagination. I thought London and the peerage of England were snobby, but Manhattan's society takes snobbery to a whole new level. Ms. Tagan's use of peaches is sensual and slightly sleazy and I have added it to my bucket list of MUST TRY! She also gives a most welcome ending with extra tidbits of info about the characters lives. Not only has Ms. Tagan become a welcome new author to my ever growing book diet, but Catherine, Benjamin and even Sophie are still living and evolving in my heart. I also want to THANK her for giving birth and sharing her creation with me and has helped to brightening my book universe. I must give Ms. Tagan a score of 4 fingers up and 8 toes. I also wish to shout to the world (pompoms are optional) and say, "I am now a Julia Tagan FAN and PROUD of it!"
Reviewed from NetGalley ARC.
June 3, 2014
With this novel once I turned the pages I am immediately transported back in time, oh joy I get to time travel ha ha. Anyways I am always delighted to do see to see once again how things were plus get a taste and feel of people lived. In this novel I am introduced to Catherine who to her horror has learned that her life up until now has all been a sham with her no longer being useful to the arrogant user-Morris. In another place it did not matter who and what she was born into she was accepted as who she was but no longer being the case she is to be cast aside for a better model so to speak. Thinking it would not be quite so easy to be done she is sadly mistaken being tricked and where she is to go is horrible with that being the nicest way of saying it. While trying to leave with no luck in that department she meets Benjamin who has come to watch over her while the scoundrel Morris (whom is such wonderfully written as a love to hate him kind of guy) leaves for business. Being he is the first wife's brother trust is not so readily given by her while Morris gleefully orders everyone around some more. With very few options for her and even less friends this is a adventure with romance that carries you along with them as they eventually work together for one common good. Combine that with these times excitement is guaranteed and the romance will be at its finest. Not everything will go smoothly which is good for the reader because it gives you more of a bite into the story. You find yourself also while reading trying to come up with ways to help them in your own head but this author has it all under control delightfully so. Arrogance will be the downfall with a surprising twist on who will met the justice out. Being these two are such lovely characters even through all their trials that with other characters to come and go that are woven into this story it is for the reader a most warm one at that. Men in that time could be so crude with more power and money that class happened to my opinion be not their station in life but their character which you will see shine through in this novel. When you reach the ending you too will find yourself maybe doing a little happy dance on what justice so rewards Catherine and Benjamin with. Received a copy for a honest review.
June 24, 2014
A Question of Class by Julia Tagan
4 out of 5 Stars
A true regency romance with balls, scandal, handsome men, and a beautiful heroine who came from rags and lives in the riches of Paris and New York. However, where this lovely story turns into a special tale is our lovely heroine Catherine, is a chestnut haired, quick witted, independent minded, woman who has found out her marriage to the scheming, old jackass who took her to France at the age of 15, isn't even legal and he intends to send her off to starve or worse. In steps our handsome savior/ minder, Benjamin, who happens to take it as his personal pleasure to keep his eye on her while he tries to avenge his sister’s death.
Snooty aristocracy, fashion, wine, and some wonderful romance make this story worth reading! Then you add in Catherine’s friend Theo and the broad cast of other characters who made this story come to life and Tagan takes this regular romance to a whole new level! Per the genre the sex is kept very tasteful and romantic and I appreciated Benjamin’s integrity and personal dilemma when it comes to his love for Cathy.
*A complimentary copy was given in exchange for an honest review*
Pepper, My Secret Book Spot
4 out of 5 Stars
A true regency romance with balls, scandal, handsome men, and a beautiful heroine who came from rags and lives in the riches of Paris and New York. However, where this lovely story turns into a special tale is our lovely heroine Catherine, is a chestnut haired, quick witted, independent minded, woman who has found out her marriage to the scheming, old jackass who took her to France at the age of 15, isn't even legal and he intends to send her off to starve or worse. In steps our handsome savior/ minder, Benjamin, who happens to take it as his personal pleasure to keep his eye on her while he tries to avenge his sister’s death.
Snooty aristocracy, fashion, wine, and some wonderful romance make this story worth reading! Then you add in Catherine’s friend Theo and the broad cast of other characters who made this story come to life and Tagan takes this regular romance to a whole new level! Per the genre the sex is kept very tasteful and romantic and I appreciated Benjamin’s integrity and personal dilemma when it comes to his love for Cathy.
*A complimentary copy was given in exchange for an honest review*
Pepper, My Secret Book Spot
March 28, 2015
Cute, predictable, free. Catherine was "given" to her husband as a servant girl at 15. He became smitten with her on their voyage to France, where he is a wine merchant, and had the ship's captain marry them when she refuses his advances. Now, five years later, he announces that because it was a merchant ship, their marriage was no legal and he intends to ship her off to the West Indies, as her working-class origins are a liability to his social climbing schemes in 1810 New York society.
As he is about to leave for a business trip, his first wife's younger brother shows up, claiming that he wants to learn from his successful brother-in-law. In reality, Benjamin Thomas is seeking to ruin his former brother in law. Nineteen years ago, when they both lived in Haiti, the slaves revolted and killed Benjamin's sister - while her husband fled.
Catherine's husband hires Benjamin to watch her while he's gone on his trip, to ensure that she doesn't run away or steal anything valuable. Of course, they fall in love, despite the fact that neither trusts the other at first.
A fast read, the book was mostly fluff.
As he is about to leave for a business trip, his first wife's younger brother shows up, claiming that he wants to learn from his successful brother-in-law. In reality, Benjamin Thomas is seeking to ruin his former brother in law. Nineteen years ago, when they both lived in Haiti, the slaves revolted and killed Benjamin's sister - while her husband fled.
Catherine's husband hires Benjamin to watch her while he's gone on his trip, to ensure that she doesn't run away or steal anything valuable. Of course, they fall in love, despite the fact that neither trusts the other at first.
A fast read, the book was mostly fluff.
May 23, 2014
Catherine grow up poor but married a rich man and thought life was the way it was supposed to be, until she learned her husband held a few very dark secrets. And when he told Catherine that the last 5 years of their marriage was a sham. Catherine is at a loss, she runs to her only 2 friends in the city.
Benjamin has been on the hunt to destroy the one man that ran away while his sister was being killed, Morris Delcour. When Benjamin locates Mr. Delcour he has been remarried and is looking for someone to keep on eye his " flighty" wife. When he sees Catherine, he can't believe something so beautiful is married to such a coward.
I would rate this book 4 fangs out of 5 fangs
I enjoyed reading about Benjamin and Catherine. They had to over come so much and learn how to communicate with each other. It was truly a nice straight up romance story. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading a story of hope.
*Reviewer for Paranormal Romance and Authors that Rock*
Benjamin has been on the hunt to destroy the one man that ran away while his sister was being killed, Morris Delcour. When Benjamin locates Mr. Delcour he has been remarried and is looking for someone to keep on eye his " flighty" wife. When he sees Catherine, he can't believe something so beautiful is married to such a coward.
I would rate this book 4 fangs out of 5 fangs
I enjoyed reading about Benjamin and Catherine. They had to over come so much and learn how to communicate with each other. It was truly a nice straight up romance story. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading a story of hope.
*Reviewer for Paranormal Romance and Authors that Rock*
April 18, 2015
The time is the mid 1800's. Catherine finds herself in New York City with Morris, who when he tires of her reveals that they were not really married at sea. The captain was not authorized to perform Weddings! Morris realizes that Catherine's low class background is a deterent to his business dealings with the NY elite. For this reason he plans on sending her to Haiti.
Catherine discovers that Morris is defauding his clients by selling them a poor quality French wine that he declares is excellent. The arrival of Thomas, Morris' brother-in-law from his first wife, ends up being a blessing. He hates Morris and seeks revenge for his sister's death.
Together Catherine and Thomas set out to uncover Morris' fraud and doing so discover that they are kindred spirits.
An enjoyable tale.
Catherine discovers that Morris is defauding his clients by selling them a poor quality French wine that he declares is excellent. The arrival of Thomas, Morris' brother-in-law from his first wife, ends up being a blessing. He hates Morris and seeks revenge for his sister's death.
Together Catherine and Thomas set out to uncover Morris' fraud and doing so discover that they are kindred spirits.
An enjoyable tale.
October 6, 2015
About the only reason I continued reading this was to find out how Catherine was going to outwit her captive, Morris. Her foster parents gave her to him when she was 15 to be his servant, but he decided she was attractive and could serve him better in other ways so he arranged a bogus wedding. They were married for 5 years when he informed her that they weren't married and he was done with her and would be shipping her to the West Indies. Catherine is determined to outwit him, but how will she do it?
May 16, 2015
Loved it!
Filled with amazing characters, sadness turned to joy, and intrigue! Timeless love, false torturous relationships, I found myself carried along with Catherine, Benjamin and finally Sophie through her horrid "marriage" to Delcoir and her changes of fortune, back biting cruel characters they met along the way, and very satisfying conclusion. Excellent!
Filled with amazing characters, sadness turned to joy, and intrigue! Timeless love, false torturous relationships, I found myself carried along with Catherine, Benjamin and finally Sophie through her horrid "marriage" to Delcoir and her changes of fortune, back biting cruel characters they met along the way, and very satisfying conclusion. Excellent!
March 19, 2015
Great Read
This was a quick and exciting read. I used to think I wanted to live back in history but after reading so many historical books, I am so glad I wasn't born then. Cruel, snobby, mean aristocrats!
This was a quick and exciting read. I used to think I wanted to live back in history but after reading so many historical books, I am so glad I wasn't born then. Cruel, snobby, mean aristocrats!
March 26, 2015
Quick enjoyable read
The hero seeks revenge and the heroine seeks independence. Along the way they find each other. Their relationship grows from mistrust of each other, thru need of each other, and finally into an enduring, lasting love. Sweet story. Quick read.
The hero seeks revenge and the heroine seeks independence. Along the way they find each other. Their relationship grows from mistrust of each other, thru need of each other, and finally into an enduring, lasting love. Sweet story. Quick read.
May 29, 2015
Interesting view of society
New York in this story seemed even more class conscience than London during the same period. The story kept me interested, but I did not feel invested in the characters, I'm left with the feeling that there could have been more....
New York in this story seemed even more class conscience than London during the same period. The story kept me interested, but I did not feel invested in the characters, I'm left with the feeling that there could have been more....
April 23, 2015
Can't wait to read more from this author.
March 23, 2015
I'm a sucker for regency historical novels, I blame Jane Austen. This novel is entertaining enough and well written enough to enjoy.
June 30, 2017
2.5 Stars
April 22, 2015
First "Harlequin"-style read (I think).
April 22, 2015
The cover is the best part of this book.
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