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Title: Definitely not her best
Review: This is not one of M. Kleypas' best. Trite plotlines, simplistic writing and shallow characters come across as a first-time author. I had a lot of issues with this story. To name a few. She explains why the characters feel a certain way instead of conveying the emotions through the story. The female lead is ridiculous. The idea that British society at that time would blithely accept a "Duchess" - of the highest peerage! - entertaining the lower classes on the stage is too far-fetched. (The cultural responsibilities of a Duchess went far beyond simply being concerned over snide comments about her possible affairs.) The whole idea of them rebelling so strongly against an arranged marriage - no matter their ages - is a bit off mark as well. Arranged marriages were still the norm in the upper aristocracy. there are so many irritants in this book. I was dissapointed. Save your money and go for a different Kleypas - or get Stephanie Laurens' Devil's Bride.
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