This was shaping up to be a four star read, with delicious conflict and angst and ruffled feathers in need of soothing. There were Regency Regina Georges, overheard insults (well, more unintentional dismissals, but still), all kinds of elements I enjoy. There was a passing reference to the heroine being plain, but that idea just vanishes and randomly she is attractive. The not-insignificant conflict just, like, disappears, I guess to make room for the stepfamily subplot? I dunno. Would have liked to see a more satisfying resolution to such a great setup. ( )