Emel Kopman

This is the first novel by Vivienne Lorett and must say I really enjoyed it and the characters. The Duke of Longhurst reminds me of Mr Darcy of Pride and Prejudice and Verity Hartley has character resemblances to Elizabeth Bennett. They initially clash because of her lie and he is a typical arrogant Duke who must deal with her and how they slowly realize that there is more to each then the original impression. I do find it strange that the townspeople are rude and unkind towards her and love that the fiancée, Miss Anna Snow, isn’t the stereotypical snob of the ton but a beautiful and kind friend to Verity. I like that plot twist as her competition isn’t the typical mesn conceited debutant and only heightens the suspense. This novel was unusual in that the heroine is actually quite beautiful but the townspeople and the Duke doesn’t realize it immediately either and has vulnerabilities that make her a sympathetic character that I think most women could relate to. I would like to see a sequel about Miss Snow as she is interesting as well. How many women had a monkey for a pet? She also advocates for better working conditions in her father’s factory. I loved the ending and have gone back to reread passages