By Love Undone

It wasn't worth the time to read the story, but it is worth the time to warn folks away. Shallow plot, shallow characters, shallow grasp of the era, - the entire premise is so flimsy, I wonder that anyone found anything remotely redeeming much less endearing in the story. It's all much ado about Maddies ruined reputation, and her anger at being accused and judged falsely. Spoiler alerts (sort of, not much to spoil) - so she disappears for 5 years, as companion (and naturally has a talent for doing every job on the estate), to an unmarried man - H assumed she was his uncles mistress, till he took he virginity that is. Right. Of course. Further on, we're led to believe Almacks was all that was needed to repair her shredded reputation. So of course at Almacks, after the heroine gets 'the nod', the H/h CLIMB UP A TRELLIS FROM THE ALMACKS PATIO, HAVE SEX IN THE ATTIC, THEN SHIMMY DOWN SAID TRELLIS AFTERWARDS AND REJOIN THE BALL. NO ONE IS THE WISER. IN HER IVORY BALLGOWN. Seriously? No dirt, no hardship climbing in stays/corset and full length ivory gown? And of course they had to do it right then and there. So heroic he would risk her reputation like that, while still engaged to another woman. I can hear the h now - sure honey, now that your mother, the duchess, sponsored me at Almacks and my respectability is back, let's jeopardize what this entire stupid book has worked up to by disappearing for an hour and of course not looking the least disheveled upon return. It's just one example of how inconsistent, ill-conceived and poorly executed this story was. Simplistic to the point of insulting the reader. Don't waste your time. Check out Mary Balogh, Grace Burrowes, or Eloisa James if you want something a wee more....readable.

An OUTSTANDING book by Enoch. The characters are delightful and the dialogue is sparkling and very witty. The plot gives many surprises as the characters, Quinlan and Maddie, become more involved with each other. The secondary characters are also well developed and enhance the story line. A terrific novel that kept me reading right to the last word!

Loved it... I couldn't put it done. A time period love story, that you will truly enjoy.