Book Review: What a Lady Requires
"What a Lady Requires" by Ashley Macnamara is a historical romance with a strong-willed, educated heroine whose father aims to use her as a bargaining tool to gain credibility in Ton through marriage. Little does Miss Emma Jennings know how difficult it will be to reform the man her father chooses as her husband: fabulously handsome (and quite broke) Rowan Battencliffe.
The plot premise, bluestocking + rake, was one I looked forward to reading, and the dialogue between the mismatched pair was mostly witty and engaging. The characterization was pretty standard for a historical romance, but at times Emma's desire to control everything (particularly the money) was off-putting. Rowan's problems with numbers (dyslexia? learning disability?) wasn't described in sufficient detail and it was difficult for me to sympathize with that portion of the plot. It wasn't until after reading for awhile that I realized this book was third in the series, and although most of the story held up on its own as a standalone book, events in the latter half of the book would've made more sense if I'd read the first two books.
Even with these minor issues, the story was enjoyable. Unlike other historical romances, the pacing was pretty steady and the Happily Ever After conclusion resolved the character's conflicts. If you need a beach read or some fluff, definitely pick this book up -- but maybe read the first two in the triology first.
I received a free copy of this ebook through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The plot premise, bluestocking + rake, was one I looked forward to reading, and the dialogue between the mismatched pair was mostly witty and engaging. The characterization was pretty standard for a historical romance, but at times Emma's desire to control everything (particularly the money) was off-putting. Rowan's problems with numbers (dyslexia? learning disability?) wasn't described in sufficient detail and it was difficult for me to sympathize with that portion of the plot. It wasn't until after reading for awhile that I realized this book was third in the series, and although most of the story held up on its own as a standalone book, events in the latter half of the book would've made more sense if I'd read the first two books.
Even with these minor issues, the story was enjoyable. Unlike other historical romances, the pacing was pretty steady and the Happily Ever After conclusion resolved the character's conflicts. If you need a beach read or some fluff, definitely pick this book up -- but maybe read the first two in the triology first.
I received a free copy of this ebook through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.