Miss Grimsley's Oxford Career
- Carla Kelly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is my first book by the author, and it enchanted me. There are many things that I liked about it.
In a way this is one of the rare RRs, in having a heroine who is just not independent-minded, but also an intellectual. At the core of the story is her love for learning, in a period where education of women was decidedly frowned upon. I loved the hero, also in a different mold than usual - an eminent scholar - squeezing out a last year of studies before duty beckons. I appreciated that he encouraged the heroine in her pursuit of knowledge and admired her for her spunk as well as intellect. His courtship is sweet and unique, progressing from a friendship based on their mutual interest. One of the most wonderful aspects of the story is the heroine's growth as a person, learning a good deal about love and life.It has the usual mix bag of characters. Other than the lead pair, who are both adorable, there is her aunt, who is spirited and highly supportive. We have a toad-eating parent in her father, and a tyrannical fool in the schoolmistress. A terribly selfish relative is one of the stock characters of the genre, and here the role is played by the heroine's brother, though he redeems himself in the end.
I liked the subtle and amusing banter between the couple, and their time stolen together made possible by the unique situation. However, I did not care for the PDA in the college square at the end, which was completely uncharacteristic and unnecessary. It was lovely and enjoyable, though quite improbable (but are any romances ever believable? :D) .
Reforming Lord Ragsdale
- Carla Kelly
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is a moving story, with more substance than the usual, fluffy RRs. The hero and the heroine, both have a deeply troubled past - something of greater significance than a broken heart. I really liked the characters, and the slow development of their relationship - from trust to respect, friendship and more. Emma's character is created particularly well - strong, resourceful and intelligent - though I think making her a bit older would have been more credible. Lord Ragsdale, wasting away his life as he is, is kind and honorable, and impressed me as being more than the standard reformed rake.
The author makes the story realistic by including a glimpse of the historic event of the war, and not tying up everything neat and tidy at the end. Yet, there are some aspects that are truly unrealistic - Emma's cheerful character despite all she suffered and her sophisticated learning despite the young age she had to leave her home. The overnight cure of Ragsdale's alcoholism by simply withdrawing his supply of liquor is too optimistic (whatever about the thing called withdrawal symptoms?). Sadly, the author fell into the trap of a last-minute, filmy conclusion. I definitely prefer happy endings, but they shouldn't be so uncharacteristic and dramatic.
Mrs. Drew Plays Her Hand
- Carla Kelly
My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars
This wasn't much fun, and I didn't like it as much as the two books I read by this author before this. It's perhaps a cute and cozy enough romance, but that is not what was looking for. so, despite being heart warming, it left me a bit disappointed. Low on humor, rather saccharine, predictably predictable. The language and the interactions felt too modern for the era at many places.
The Lady's Companion
- Carla Kelly
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This was very different from a traditional regency - the hero is neither a peer, nor rich, nor English (he is Welsh). The setting is rural, with farm-work consuming his time and energy. The usual balls and morning visits and other pastimes of aristocracy have no place here. The instant attraction between the lead pair is not something that I digest easily, but their banter is fun.
We get glimpses into the Napoleanic wars, including some battlefield action - I found that interesting. There is also more than the usual lovemaking, and more intimate in nature, which I didn't quite care for.
It gives a significant focus to emotions and relationships, and I like that most of the characters are nice and sympathetic, and care for others. The heroine's family is cruel and despicable, but for the most part we are treated to human kindness, and the end was particularly moving.
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