When I was sent this book, I
looked at the cover, laughed, and thought I don't think so... And then I started reading it and I absolutely adored it.
Set in 1783, Jemma, Duchess of Beaumont has returned to London (and her husband) from Paris (and her lover(s)), but she's not planning to settle down, that's for sure. She fully intends to be just as independent and shocking in London as she was in Paris. And then a distant cousin, Lady Roberta, comes to stay. Roberta has fallen for the dastardly Duke of Villiers at first sight and wants Jemma's help in seducing and marrying him.
After giving Roberta a foxy makeover, Jemma challenges Villiers to a chess match, hoping to humiliate him as revenge for his dishonouring of another friend's husband and also mindful of the fact that if he falls for and marries Roberta, that will be the ultimate humiliation (Jemma's not a fan of marriage).
By the way, in the late 18th Century, chess was considered dramatic and sexy and wildly exciting. How things change, eh?
There's also Jemma's brother Damon who, while not quite as shocking as his sister, does have an illegitimate child and a bit of a reputation. Although perhaps he's just been looking for the right woman. And he thinks he's found her in Roberta.
There's a quote from chick lit author Carole Matthews on the back of this book: "Sheer joy from beginning to end" and she's absolutely right. I read it avidly and often with a massive grin on my face. It's charming, cheeky, funny and sexy and I know I'll re-read it in the future. And of course I'll definitely be reading more of Eloisa James's books. Highly recommended (even if you don't think it looks like your kind of thing!).
If you like this, try the follow-up, An Affair Before Christmas.
I haven't read this yet but I read a piece on the author in Writers News. Did you know the woman went to Harvard, Yale AND Oxford?!
So depsite the cover, I'm guessing it's gonna be pretty well written!
Posted by: Kirsty | 27 January 2009 at 03:26 PM