Plot: Peter grew up in the southern US, having been abandoned by his conman of a father. By a fluke of circumstance, he has found himself with a Dukedom and two half-siblings presently being gently neglected by an elderly relative. Immediately, he knew he wanted to use his newfound power to advance the cause of emancipation and get custody of his brother and sister. The problem is that these two goals are in a bit of conflict, as one is viewed as radical, and the other requires complete respectability. All his problems seem to be solved in one Lady Selina, who is beautiful, smart, clever, and has an absolutely flawless reputation. Only she won’t marry him for some reason. Instead, she offers to help him find a proper wife. And maybe keep his rambunctious siblings alive. Shenanigans ensue.
This is Vashti’s first full length novel and it is very good. The momentum she manages in her novellas somehow keeps going for the whole book, which is remarkable. The pace is quick, but not rushed. People are thoughtful, and no one makes ill advised decisions purely for plot reasons. There are children. They behave like children. Yet, I did not rush through those sections while moaning out loud in boredom. I will, without question, be picking up Vashti’s future releases.
I would be remiss not to note that there are weaknesses. The main one is that central plot points in the book are either plot contrivances telegraphed from a mile away or the characters just acting against type. The plot contrivances could have been improved in any number of ways. There might have been a connection of some kind between Peter’s motivation and Selina’s, such that when they intersect, it feels more organic. They could have been less reckless, for all that they are otherwise quite meticulous and thoughtful. The obvious conflict point could have also just been telegraphed less and at least been a bit of a surprise.
The character actions are harder. These are supposed to be smart people, but they do not act very smart. I also think of myself as a smart person, and I know without a doubt that I too do not always act very smart. But it did seem like they were being set up as smart and thoughtful, only for the most significant things they actually choose be things done rashly and without a moment’s serious thought. And none of those things ended in a way that would have taught them a lesson, so it doesn’t feel like a deliberate choice.
I suspect this is in part the transition from shorter stories to full length novels. It felt padded, even though the pacing was brisk.
Still, it was a fun read, and despite being set in regency England, brought fresh stories and ideas to it. The dialogue was fun, funny, and clever. The characters are lovely. Peter and Selina are lovely and earn the crap out of their happy ending. I just wish I bought the journey there more.