“Was this the night she would actually die of
tedium, triviality, and hypocrisy?” (1)
Title: A Viscount's ProposalSeries: The Regency Spies of London, Book 2
Author: Melanie Dickerson
Publisher: Waterfall Press
Publisher: Waterfall Press
Release Date: February 7, 2017
Genre: Historical Fiction
Genre: Historical Fiction
Leorah Langdon has no patience for Regency society’s shallow hypocrisy and unnecessary rules, especially for women. She’s determined to defy convention by marrying for grand passion instead of settling for a loveless union like her parents—or wedding a stuffy, pompous gentleman like Edward, the Viscount Withinghall. But when a chance meeting in the countryside leads to Leorah and Withinghall being discovered in his overturned carriage—alone and after dark—the ensuing gossip may force them together.
Withinghall has his reasons for clinging to propriety; his father perished in a duel with his mistress’s husband, and Edward must avoid scandal himself if he wants to become prime minister. He certainly has no time for a reckless hoyden like Miss Langdon. But soon the two discover that Withinghall’s coach “accident” was no such thing: the vehicle was sabotaged.
Can the culprit be brought to justice? Strong-willed Leorah and duty-driven Withinghall will have to work together if they have any hope of saving her reputation, his political career—and his life.
That line brings us to who Leorah Langdon is, and I'm so glad to have met her in Melanie Dickerson's A Viscount's Proposal. With a certain quirkiness and highly opinionated, she's quite the character to love, hate and be annoyed with. Her encounters with the Viscount Edward Withinghall is hilariously unbelievable to a point of creative indulgence that I just adore!
“Miss Langdon, I would appreciate it if you would steer a wide path around my person, as, whenever you are around, I tend to get bumped into, have my clothing spoiled, and find my dignity otherwise injured by your carelessness.”
“You are the most obstinate, arrogant. . .” ( )
Whenever the two are together, the page light up for me, not only for their verbal sparring, but I also find their development extremely well executed based. Though credit must also go to the well-placed supporting characters and dialogue that kept this book grounded. The mystery aspect had many unforeseen twists, even though readers will find the villain predictable. The twists and the multiple themes of seeing beyond the surface, idolatry, loyalty, pride and prejudice gave A Viscount's Proposal depth. There's also the great allusions to one of my favorite Regency novel, Pride and Prejudice with many scenes that'll remind you of it, as well as characters. The romance was definitely the highlight for me. How could you not with lines like these?
“Leorah wouldn’t admit it even if she did think Lord Withinghall had nice features. . . “ ( )
“It has been many months since I found anything unappealing about you, Miss Langdon.” ( )
There are definitely more, but I don't want to spoil you. Needless to say, I enjoyed A Viscount's Proposal tremendously, and look forward to the rest of the series' stories!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
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So I love Regency romance AND spies and had no idea that the two were combined in a series. Look forward to trying these!
ReplyDeleteJen @ YA Romantics
hahah. Have fun! I'm looking forward to the rest of the series too!!
DeleteWonderful review, Annie! This series is on my MUST read list! ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks Caryl! Hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did.
DeleteI love reading her medival tales.
ReplyDeleteMe too Melissa, but I started late!
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