Everyone else in this book is more intriguing than the main couple. ( )

4.5 * I really enjoyed this historical romance. ( )

With Eloisa James the keys to my level of enjoyment are generally how much I like the two main characters, and how good the Shakespeare jokes are. I am happy to report that I very much liked the main characters here, especially Alaric who was kind of a 18th century boy-bander. Alaric traveled through Africa recounting his adventures to a rapt audience. With that spark already there, an anonymous party (yes you will find out that person's identity) writes a play recounting Alaric's adventures, and adding in a whole bunch of fictional daring-do and some romance. The play opens in London and is the scandalous hit of the season, turning him into an unintentional heartthrob pursued by women wherever he goes upon his return to England after many years away. Its a fun storyline! He soon becomes enchanted with Miss Willa Ffynche one of the shining stars of the season, but she has no interest in him. First, she wants a man she can manage. Second she does not want to live with notoriety herself, and third, she does not want a husband whom half the women of her acquaintance are trying to bed. There are some moments toward the beginning where Willa is downright rude to Alaric for no real reason, but for the most part I liked her -- she is funny, smart, and cagey. I also loved her dynamic with her delightful bestie and with her unique pets (whom you will also get to know.) There were some solid Shakespeare digs, but too few. I love when Shakespeare scholars talk smack about the Bard! Overall one of James' hits for me -- not perfect, but very very good. ( )

3.5 stars rounded up. There are some small holes in the logic of this story, I wish someone had pointed them out so they could have just been resolved. And I dislike when the reason for not just starting a relationship already is kind of wobbly, and then pretty much dissolves entirely once they decide to do so anyway. Apparently the heroine excels at setting boundaries for his fans and people can move past his stardom after all! *skeptical look* And the superfan showed herself to be too unstable at the start for anyone to just agree to make her part of the houseparty, no matter the ulterior motives. But, for all that, I was entertained and still curious to see how things would play out, and generally enjoyed it anyway, so I'm rounding up. ( )

Deeply amusing new series from Eloisa James -- I can't wait to see what's next for the Wilde family after this debut. Things I love about it: Willa and Lydia are intelligent, funny, women who are also good at the marriage mart. The improper behavior they indulge in is never thoughtlessly undertaken, and leaves a great deal in Willa's hands. I think this may be the only book I've ever read where a pet skunk is hugely important to the plot. All of those things read more true to the time period than most romance novels, and it's a really delightful romp.

Advanced Reader's Copy provided by Edelweiss. ( )