Testing Miss Toogood by Stella Cameron
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(Mass Market Paperback)
- Pub. Date: March 2005
- 400pp
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Product Details
- Pub. Date: March 2005
- Publisher: Harlequin
- Format: Mass Market Paperback, 400pp
- ISBN-13: 9780778321484
- ISBN: 0778321487
Publishers Weekly
Despite a promising premise, bestseller Cameron's underdeveloped Regency romance, the sequel to A Useful Affair, disappoints. At the novel's outset, the second eldest of Reverend Toogood's five daughters, Fleur, travels to London as a charge of the Dowager Elliot in order to make a brilliant match that will improve the family fortunes. Fleur, however, has no intention of marrying unless she can find a man who meets all of the stringent requirements she has documented in "The List" (e.g., "Will he join me in learning exotic ways of lovemaking?"). The dowager instructs her youngest son, Dominic, to squire Miss Toogood to London's social events, much to his dismay. The dashing Dominic has other things on his mind, namely apprehending a man known as the Silken Cat, who kidnaps high society ladies and holds them for ransom. But as soon as Dominic meets Fleur, he knows that resisting her will be a challenge, especially when the spirited girl proves herself adept at meddling in his top secret business. Attempting to be both a romantic comedy and a dark thriller, the novel succeeds as neither, primarily because the mystery is poorly constructed. Though the romantic element is more approachable initially, sex too often stands in as a resolution to Fleur and Dominic's many conflicts, making their romance ultimately unsatisfying. (Mar.) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
Customer Reviews
fine Regency romanceby harstan
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January 12, 2005: In 1815 Reverend Toogood worries that he does not have enough money to provide dowries for his five daughters. To insure he does, he knows he must marry off the first one to a wealthy aristocrat, which will ease entry for the remaining foursome. He selects his second oldest child, Fleur as the best bet since she is the prettiest of his offspring. Fleur detest her father?s plan and is appalled to learn that her mother?s friend the Duchess of Granville will sponsor her. She wants to marry for love not money so she will meet her sire?s commitment of seeking a wealthy suitor, but refuses to wed for anything that excludes a deep love between her and her spouse. The Duchess drafts her son Dominic Elliot to escort the mouthy opinionated rustic. He wants her gone as she interferes with his efforts to uncover the identity of who is abducting well to do women while she tries to learn what his great secret is even as they fall in love with one another. TESTING MISS TOOGOOD is a fine Regency romance starring two likable lead protagonists who are attracted with one another, but show it with discord except in front of his mother. The story line moves along two plots, the amusing dysfunctional romance and Dominic?s tense undercover work to save young women from predators. Sub-genre readers will appreciate Stella Cameron?s wonderful historical. Harriet Klausner
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