The first two stories needed a copy editor stat. Each story involved a meet cute or ending in Hyde Park during the Regency period but not in the same year. The second two stories involve titled members of London society from Scotland.
I started reading this book prior to the announcement of #rippedbodicebingo, but it fits a square (an anthology), so I am already making a little progress on the challenge!
1. Chasing Miss Montford by Claudia Dain - 0 star
UGH. So I remembered some of the characters from another book I read from the author last summer. Hated that book and hated this story, so staying consistent at least. The author thinks gossip is a weapon and the women in the story "outwits" the men due to their use of gossip. All the characters are so shallow, they are the kiddie pools of Regency romance. As for the romance, it's a blink and you miss it kind of insta-love. Finally there is a deep thread of racism against Native Americans in this series.
2. A Waltz in the Park by Deb Marlowe - 4 stars
Another great installment in the Half Moon House series. Vickers and Addie made a great team, both in taking down his father and as a couple. Rosamond had a good character arc as well. And it was fun being back in the world of Hestia Wright's Regency.
3. Promises Made by Ava Stone - 1 star
A real clunker of a story thanks to an unbearable heroine. Ellie was a spoiled, shallow brat and I saw no redeeming quality in her to make Griffin want to be with her. Griffin could do soooo much better. There was no resolution to the secondary romance between Healyfield and Throssell, so why even have it in the novella?
4. Charlotte's Bed by Karen Hawkins - 4 stars
A great story from a new to me author. This story is a reunion story between Angus (Viscount MacThune) and Charlotte twenty years after Angus left for India to make his money. It was rounded out with two side characters who played matchmakers. At times angsty, at times sexy, this was a satisfying end to a very uneven anthology.
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