Helpful Score: 2
This is my third book by Jessica Benson, and maybe her extreme formula is just wearing thin. She is a talented writer with great phrasing who really seems to capture a moment and an emotion. But there are only so many times that I can read the exact same plot twists. Every plot is based on false engagements, mistaken identity, and the hero and heroine using other people as pawns as they try to one up each other. If I had read this book first, or just on its own, I probably would give it more stars. The scenes that deal with Addie and Fitzwilliam one-on-one are wonderful, but as with all of Benson's books, their story and affection gets lost in a maze of characters and predictable plot turns.
Helpful Score: 2
Wonderful book! Classic regency romance. Light reading, humorous and involving. All three of her books are quite lovely.
John Fitzwilliam and Addie Winstead were engaged to one another by their fathers, long before the pair had anything to say about the matter. Yet over the years, Addie has carried a torch for the seductive prizefighter, whose amorous escapades demanded she hide her feelings and her hopes and focus on earning an income for her household by secretly writing a popular boxing column in the London Post. Ever the professional, Addie must report in detail even her beloveds most embarrassing defeat. And despite himselfperhaps it was the knock he took the head, or more likely, an arrow to his heartFitz suddently feels a delicious new longing for lovely Addie. But when a passionate kiss turns into scandal, will he be forced to defend Addies honor in the ring? Worse, will Addie have no choice but to deny her greatest love in order to save him?
