BOTM 1 - October 2020 - How To Wed An Earl

[Patti]

Jultri wrote: "I'm about a quarter of the way through. There are several things that are bothering me already:

*Anachronisms like "She was a bossy bit of goods" or emphasising the significance of memorising some..."

Yeah that bit about suing her made zero sense. If she was pretending to be engaged to him, it would be one thing, but they are actually engaged. And have been for over twenty years with an actual betrothal contract.

Otherwise, though, I don’t have as many issues. I’m through chapter five, and so far I’m enjoying it. I’m interested to see where it’s headed based on all the comments I’m reading!

[Ana]

I have read this in the last couple of days. While it was ok, it was not memorable at all. Penelope was ok, Lucas was a bit clichee in his "oh, I won't fall in love because it will destroy me" obsession, the secondary characters were mildly amusing (I wish there was a Mari and David story, that had potential). Overall a 'meh' read. Now I'll go pick something else from my 2000 titles TBR :)

[Patti]

I finished. Overall, a good read, although not perfect.

(view spoiler)[I really thought Mari telling Lucas about Penelope’s plans to have an affair like five minutes after having a conversation about it was a real betrayal of her supposed best friend. How was Penelope not furious with her?

I agree like others said that that the uncle’s motivations were never really explained. I mean, I think we can all guess since it’s a common trope, but it would have been nice to address it within the plot.

I didn’t like how Penelope just up and left without a word. I understand *why* she left Lucas. I just think she should have at least left a note. I mean, didn’t she at least care about Olivia’s worry for her, if not Lucas himself? Of course, on the same note, his wife seemingly dropped off the face of the earth, and he’s going to multiple betrothal balls for his sister in the meantime?? Exactly where did he tell everyone she was? My impression was that it was weeks (a month?) that he didn’t know where she was. That’s a long time to cover up a missing wife. (hide spoiler)]

Plot holes aside, it was a charming story, especially for a first time author, and I especially loved Penelope’s love for and dedication towards animals of all kinds. It was hard not to root for her.

[Jultri]

I finally finished. It was a drag. Final rating 2.5/5.

This is my take on it:

This book is not bad but is a fair way away from being great. The scattering of modern phrasings and many inconsistencies of the plot/characters definitely marred my overall enjoyment of the book.
(view spoiler)[I did not buy this whole concept of the heroine being in love with her absent fiance since childhood, sight unseen and without any communication or encouragement from him. When he finally remembered her existence, she nobly turned down his marriage proposal but was quite inexplicably keen to embark on an affair with him. Her resistance to his supposed charms dissipated quickly however and they married soon after, whereupon his charms dissipated leaving behind a selfish taker. Lucky for him that she was a generous giver, presenting her heart on a silver platter to him only to have him toss it yards away. But like a good puppy, she only trotted off to fetch it and bring it back to him, just to have him repeat the act. It was painful to read. Even right up to the last few pages, it was all about him and not about her. His reaction to her leaving him was anger and outrage, not heartbreak and regret. (hide spoiler)]

[Jultri]

Patti wrote: "I finished. Overall, a good read, although not perfect.

I really thought Mari telling Lucas about Penelope’s plans to have an affair like five minutes after having a conversation about it was a re..."

I agree with your points. So much did not make sense. I just went on a rant and listed all the numerous inconsistencies and plot holes that aggravated me, but I accidentally deleted everything. Now I'm too tired to rewrite which is just as well because I want to support a newish author, and it's not a bad offering for a debut. I'm glad some of us are able to enjoy the book.

[Patti]

Jultri wrote: "Patti wrote: "I finished. Overall, a good read, although not perfect.

I really thought Mari telling Lucas about Penelope’s plans to have an affair like five minutes after having a conversation abo..."

Lol, I’ve totally been there. The accidental delete may sometimes be a blessing in disguise, though. ;)