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Monday, April 5, 2010

The Rules of Gentility by Janet Mullany

Genre: Historical Fiction

Copyright: 2007

Pages: 268

Rating: 4/5 Crowns

Synopsis: Regency heiress Philomena Wellesley-Clegg has rather strong opinions about men and clothing. As to the former, so far two lords, a viscount, and a mad poet have fallen far short of her expectations. But she is about to meet Inigo Linsley, an unshaven, wickedly handsome man with a scandalous secret. He's nothing she ever dreamed she'd want—why then can she not stop thinking about how he looks in his breeches?

A delightful marriage of Pride and Prejudice with Bridget Jones's Diary, Janet Mullany's The Rules of Gentility transports us to the days before designer shoes, apple martinis, and speed dating—when great bonnets, punch at Almack's, and the marriage mart were in fashion—and captivates us with a winsome heroine who learns that some rules in society are made to be broken.

Review:Philomena Wellesley and Inigo Linsley are two very opinionated people who have a certain dislike for each other from the start. Although they might irritate one another, they do have one thing in common, the desire to evade their disagreeable marriage prospects. When one of Philomena's suitors finally manages to gain her fathers blessing for their marriage, she is distraught. To her immense and shocking pleasure, Inigo swiftly proposes a false engagement, which will give them both a means to find their own happiness...

As Philomena and Inigo act out their false engagement, they start to realize it might be a bit more difficult then they first expected. As secrets are revealed and emotions run high, even more is at stake then when they began this charade; for now, their hearts have been thrown in the mix...

With unspoken feelings, denied passions and devastating misunderstandings, hearts are broken and rash actions are taken. Philomena soon finds herself in a dire situation with no hope for escape, but when Inigo learns of her plight he will risk everything to save and win back the woman he just might have fallen in love with...

This was a cute and delightful read. Told from the perspective of both Philomena and Inigo, it gave the reader a chance to have a complete and satisfying vision of the story. Another enjoyable aspect of the book were the witty comments. There were many subtle remarks and thoughts that were amusing and often I found myself laughing throughout. Although this is an easy read with a more basic plot, the end did have a few unexpected twists that not only brought new information but completed some random events in the beginning, creating a very satisfying conclusion. I am exceedingly happy that I chose to read this book after having it for so long; it was just the type of book to read on a relaxing spring day.


10 comments:

Rebecca Chapman said...

This will sound totally weird - but it sounds a bit like the plot to Son in Law with Pauly Shore. Has anyone seen that movie?

Blodeuedd said...

Lol, this one sure sounds cute and fun :)

Stormi said...

Yeah it sounds like Son in Law, but it sounds like some others too but it just depends on how well its written..sounds like a okay book.

Alaine said...

Sounds like a good book, thanks for the review!

Svea Love said...

Becky- Hmm, I have never heard of Son in Law, I'll have to check it out!

Blodeuedd- Yes, it's just the type of book that can lighten your mood after an intense book!

Alaine- You're welcome :)

Unknown said...

It sounds like just my kind of book! Very fun and light :)

Anonymous said...

I have seen this book around, but didn't know anything about it. It does sound like the perfect book for a relaxing afternoon or so on the porch swing.

Janet Mullany said...

I hadn't heard of Son in Law either, honest! Thanks for the lovely review. I have a couple of similar books (one's a sequel to Rules) published in England--you can buy them at bookdepository.com with free shipping worldwide.

Svea Love said...

Crystal- Glad it sounds appealing to you :)

Librarypat- Isn't it great when you find information on a book you constantly see? I love it when that happens!

Janet Mullany- Thanks for reading my review! Thanks for the information on booksepository.com; I would love to read the sequel!

Jenny Girl said...

Having both points of view in the story sounds like fun. I always wonder what the other half is thinking. Thanks for the wonderful review and recommendation.

(btw, My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father, prepare to die. That just popped into my head when I read the name)