Jess is Goals. ( )

8497939107

A paragon of historical romance. In spite of the fact that this novel contains a lot of things I don't like--possessiveness, protectiveness, strongly defined gender roles, an unnecessary level of negativity towards sex workers, and various other romance novel conventions--it's also really, really good. The main characters have formidable personalities that are conducive to conflict and memorable, in spite of the fact that they've been done many times before. The development of their relationship stays fresh. The book deserves the acclaim its received.

Here's what this book says: caring for people and loving them is humiliating. It makes you vulnerable. It makes you irrational. It makes you small. And in spite of all that, it's still worth it. ( )

Stupendo, ho adorato Lord Belzebù e la formidabile Jess, una coppia fantastica, due caratteri scoppiettanti e dialoghi che mi hanno incantato e divertito. Un libro da non perdere assolutamente per conoscere due personaggi unici.
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Alla rilettura si conferma ancora bello, avvincente e molto divertente, con bellissimi personaggi, decisamente indimenticabili. ( )

In the audiobook edition I listened to, there is a foreword by the author where she tells us it is the 20th anniversary of her book. I'm glad I heard that because what followed was a confirmation of why this book has lasted so long.

It is the quintessential great contemporary Regency Romance. I approved of every element of it. And was gobsmacked that Loretta Chase, who is still writing fantastic novels, started off so brilliantly.

I thought I'd read dozens of her books, but turns out this book makes #3.

I suppose this one line summary in Description does convey the gist of the story: Realizing her attraction to the Marquess of Dain despite her opinion that he is an amoral cad, tough-minded Jessica Trent is scandalized when they are seen in a compromising position, and she vows to make him preserve her reputation.

But Jesse, as the feisty heroine, is a force to be reckoned with and of course that's irresistible to the bored Sebastian.

Lord of Scoundrels is a good place to start for an introduction to 21st century Regency Romance. ( )