Laura Beers (2)

Beautiful heiress Madelene Dowding has finished the required six-month mourning period for her mother. Her focus is on the orphanage her mother had always wanted and ignoring the matchmaking mamas and their senseless sons. When her friend goes missing, Madelene sets out to find her, no matter the cost. Her path crosses that of the newly returned Marquis of Hawthorne, who has his own secrets. Will they ever see eye-to-eye or will the plot hanging over them end a romance before it has begun?

I've seen this author's books associated with some of my favorite authors, so I was excited for the chance to read this. The premise sounded fascinating: a young lady who ventures into the unsavory side of London in pursuit of the truth and a lard who spies for his country. There have been several spy-Regency books that have been marvelous reads.

Unfortunately, while the plot was interesting, it did not have the characters to pull it off. I was constantly confused at the actions of both main leads. Madelene confused me the most. She came across as spoiled because it was constantly pointed out that she could do as she pleased because she was a young, beautiful heiress. And she would just do that, with no regard for her reputation until it suited her to be concerned. (Also, why did she take up boxing? It is never explained how she became interested in this unusual pastime.)

They proclaimed Lord Hawthorne as a skilled spy who evaded the French on foreign soil. But in the entire course of this story, he has some rather idiotic plans and did not have the caution someone in his position must have needed. Lying well (And he doesn't even do this well) does not a spy make. When they are together, this pair mostly argue and insult each other until suddenly...they love each other.

I had the feeling both characters would do something just for the plot to happen. None of it had a natural flow, and they both had contradictory behavior. The dialogue was stilted and often used for exposition.

Overall, this just wasn't a book for me and I doubt I will continue with the series. I received a free copy from NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own.… (more)

After the death of her parents and her brother, an Agent of the Crown, Emma Pearson has been left alone and without much money. Her father's solicitor Peter believes that he and Emma are betrothed, but Emma would rather work than rely on Peter. Luckily, a friend of her brother, the Marquess of Downshire finds Emma and offers to take her in as his ward. Emma accepts and now must complete a Season in London. However, this is not as easy as it seems as someone seems to be sabotaging Emma at every step. Bow Street Runner, Simeon Martin is elected to guard Emma. Although, this is a harder job than Simeon realizes. Emma would rather spend her time researching for her news articles on the Anti-Corn Law League that is fighting that laws causing people to starve. Simeon learns that Emma isn't the typical debutante that he thought. Emma's behavior infuriates but intrigues Simeon and he finds that Emma might be exactly what he needs in life.
The Unfortunate Debutante is the seventy book in the Beckett Files series. I would highly recommend reading the entire series in order to get to know all of the characters and their roles as The Unfortunate Debutante brings together characters from many of the previous books. Emma and Simeon take center stage in this story. Emma quickly emerges as another strong female character in the series, determined to survive on her own and not accepting a marriage to Peter as an easy way out. Simeon's character has had a difficult storyline, being spurned in the past and making him wary of any relationship. He's sees Emma as any other spoiled debutante, but quickly learns that she is anything but the fragile young women seeking a rich husband that he thought. I loved the incorporation of England's history into this Regency spy romance. Emma and Simeon's involvement with the Anti-Corn Law League increased the suspense and well as situated the story firmly in the early 1800's. Like many of the romances in this series, their love takes a different path with each of them slowly realizing that the other is what they needed all along. What I enjoy most about these books are the spy elements, although Simeon is a Bow Street Runner and not an Agent of the Crown, he is still involved with the plots against the Anti-Corn league and of course, keeping Emma safe from what Peter has plotted to get her back. Overall, another exciting, sweet and original installment in the Beckett Files.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.… (more)