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Sydney Dovedale #1
The Most Improper Miss Sophie Valentine
"Wanted: one husband, not too particular. Small dowry, several books, sundry furnishings, and elderly aunt included. Idlers, time-wasters, and gentleman without other attachments need not apply." —Miss Sophie Valentine
A Scandalous Lady
Sophie Valentine knew placing an ad for a husband in the Farmer's Gazette would bring her trouble—and she was right. When the darkly handsome, arrogantly charming Lazarus Kane shows up on her doorstep, the nosy residents of Sydney Dovedale are thrown into a gossiping tizzy. After all, it's common knowledge that Sophie is a young lady In Need of Firmer Direction. But even Sophie isn't so scandalous as to marry a complete stranger . . . is she?
Seeks Handsome Stranger
Lazarus Kane has been searching for Sophie half of his life. She may not remember him, but he could never forget her. But the past is a dangerous thing, and it's best if his remains secret if he wants to tempt Sophie with...
A Most Improper Proposal
A Scandalous Lady
Sophie Valentine knew placing an ad for a husband in the Farmer's Gazette would bring her trouble—and she was right. When the darkly handsome, arrogantly charming Lazarus Kane shows up on her doorstep, the nosy residents of Sydney Dovedale are thrown into a gossiping tizzy. After all, it's common knowledge that Sophie is a young lady In Need of Firmer Direction. But even Sophie isn't so scandalous as to marry a complete stranger . . . is she?
Seeks Handsome Stranger
Lazarus Kane has been searching for Sophie half of his life. She may not remember him, but he could never forget her. But the past is a dangerous thing, and it's best if his remains secret if he wants to tempt Sophie with...
A Most Improper Proposal
373 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 1, 2012
42 people are currently reading
709 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
May 1, 2019
I spite finished this book.
Because it was horrible. A cast of characters where you didn't even like the H/h, much less the supporting cast! I can't tell you the number of times I wanted to throw my phone across the room while reading (but I didn't, because I love this phone).
Kane was annoying. And he relentlessly pursued someone who said they didn't want him right from the start. No means keep trying, according to Russ.
Sophie is the worst heroine. She doesn't stand up for herself, ever, until the end when really she's standing up for her soon to be husband. She lets the world walk all over her. The SIL and SIL's mother are complete bitches, the sister was horrible, and the brother had 0 redeeming qualities.
The aunt, the vicar, Tuck, and Russ's friend were the only decent characters and we get barely any good interactions with them.
Do. Not. Recommend.
Because it was horrible. A cast of characters where you didn't even like the H/h, much less the supporting cast! I can't tell you the number of times I wanted to throw my phone across the room while reading (but I didn't, because I love this phone).
Kane was annoying. And he relentlessly pursued someone who said they didn't want him right from the start. No means keep trying, according to Russ.
Sophie is the worst heroine. She doesn't stand up for herself, ever, until the end when really she's standing up for her soon to be husband. She lets the world walk all over her. The SIL and SIL's mother are complete bitches, the sister was horrible, and the brother had 0 redeeming qualities.
The aunt, the vicar, Tuck, and Russ's friend were the only decent characters and we get barely any good interactions with them.
Do. Not. Recommend.
September 22, 2012
This review was originally published at Book Lovers Inc
My Thoughts:
Once upon a time, Miss Sophie Valentine did something very, very improper. She and her fiancé, the rather wealthy James Hartley, were caught, as they say, in flagrante delicto on a billiards table in the middle of a house party. There were scads of witnesses. (Not precisely, but nearby) So James did the proper thing and asked Sophie to marry him. They would probably suit. They'd been friends for years, and he was rather handsome.
The worst part was that the experience wasn't any good for her. Today we'd call it "wham, bam, thank you ma'am".
No, the worst part was that while Sophie was standing on the balcony, waiting for James to bring her some punch, she saw him talk to one of the serving maids. And she saw that he showed the girl more real affection, more love, than he would ever show her.
And Sophie Valentine wasn't ready to be a complacent wife. Not even to escape the scandal.
She climbed down the groundskeeper's ladder next to the balcony, escaping the life that society expected of her, and tearing a gash on her face that left a permanent scar. Just like the one on her life.
The assistant groundskeeper who left that ladder out watched her every move--and was dismissed for his inattention to his duties.
Ten years later, Sophie is rusticating with her brother and his absolute harridan of a wife, still trying to live down that scandal, and she finally breaks out of her attempt at propriety by writing an advertisement in the local farmer's journal for a husband.
Of course, the ad brings a handsome stranger to the village. And, because there are no coincidences in romance, it's the assistant groundskeeper who got fired for watching her escape ten years ago.
And all the players from that long ago drama return to Sophie Valentine's life to try to prevent her from causing yet another scandal.
Based on that opening scene, this should have been tremendous fun. Not terribly true to period, but fun. Except it all falls kind of flat.
The characters seem more like caricatures than real characters. There's the hero of course, who had to go off and become dark and tortured before he could be redeemed and rescue the heroine. Lazarus has a number of secrets that he refuses to reveal to Sophie, but seem obvious to the reader. He also has a mysterious wound that might kill him at any moment, but is miraculously not a problem at the end of the book.
There's Sophie's brother Henry, who isn't capable of managing his estates without his sister's more sensible advice. Henry is weak and resents his sister for pointing out the things that he should be taking care of and can't seem to stand up to his shrew of a wife, who is spending money that they don't have.
Then there's the sister-in-law who resents Sophie. Sophie who is doing all the work Lavinia should be doing, and who occasionally reminds her that the household is spending far, far too much. And that she's really, really stupid.
Are all the awful Regency sister-in-laws named Lavinia, or does it just seem that way?
The seduction of Sophie Valentine by Lazarus Kane from her prim and proper, scandal-reducing life back to her true improper self takes much too long and is down-right boring. Sophie may have been teased but after she fell down that ladder, I wasn't.
I give The Most Improper Miss Sophie Valentine 2 Stars.
My Thoughts:
Once upon a time, Miss Sophie Valentine did something very, very improper. She and her fiancé, the rather wealthy James Hartley, were caught, as they say, in flagrante delicto on a billiards table in the middle of a house party. There were scads of witnesses. (Not precisely, but nearby) So James did the proper thing and asked Sophie to marry him. They would probably suit. They'd been friends for years, and he was rather handsome.
The worst part was that the experience wasn't any good for her. Today we'd call it "wham, bam, thank you ma'am".
No, the worst part was that while Sophie was standing on the balcony, waiting for James to bring her some punch, she saw him talk to one of the serving maids. And she saw that he showed the girl more real affection, more love, than he would ever show her.
And Sophie Valentine wasn't ready to be a complacent wife. Not even to escape the scandal.
She climbed down the groundskeeper's ladder next to the balcony, escaping the life that society expected of her, and tearing a gash on her face that left a permanent scar. Just like the one on her life.
The assistant groundskeeper who left that ladder out watched her every move--and was dismissed for his inattention to his duties.
Ten years later, Sophie is rusticating with her brother and his absolute harridan of a wife, still trying to live down that scandal, and she finally breaks out of her attempt at propriety by writing an advertisement in the local farmer's journal for a husband.
Of course, the ad brings a handsome stranger to the village. And, because there are no coincidences in romance, it's the assistant groundskeeper who got fired for watching her escape ten years ago.
And all the players from that long ago drama return to Sophie Valentine's life to try to prevent her from causing yet another scandal.
Based on that opening scene, this should have been tremendous fun. Not terribly true to period, but fun. Except it all falls kind of flat.
The characters seem more like caricatures than real characters. There's the hero of course, who had to go off and become dark and tortured before he could be redeemed and rescue the heroine. Lazarus has a number of secrets that he refuses to reveal to Sophie, but seem obvious to the reader. He also has a mysterious wound that might kill him at any moment, but is miraculously not a problem at the end of the book.
There's Sophie's brother Henry, who isn't capable of managing his estates without his sister's more sensible advice. Henry is weak and resents his sister for pointing out the things that he should be taking care of and can't seem to stand up to his shrew of a wife, who is spending money that they don't have.
Then there's the sister-in-law who resents Sophie. Sophie who is doing all the work Lavinia should be doing, and who occasionally reminds her that the household is spending far, far too much. And that she's really, really stupid.
Are all the awful Regency sister-in-laws named Lavinia, or does it just seem that way?
The seduction of Sophie Valentine by Lazarus Kane from her prim and proper, scandal-reducing life back to her true improper self takes much too long and is down-right boring. Sophie may have been teased but after she fell down that ladder, I wasn't.
I give The Most Improper Miss Sophie Valentine 2 Stars.
June 21, 2012
Sophie Valentine is a less-than-well-to-do young woman who is on the verge of becoming an aging spinster. She has lived with her older brother and his callous, selfish wife since her most scandalous act of love that exiled her from the ton and back to her small, home-village of Sydney Dovedale, and here she has lived a less than proper life for the past ten and a half years. A life less than proper because Sophie just cannot control her head-strong urges which seem to place her frequently in precarious situations in which good common sense is not often seen. Hence, the quite good idea of advertising for a husband in the Farmer's Gazette, in hindsight, does not seem such a good and proper idea after a mysteriously, handsome gentleman appears in answer to her ad. Although to Sophie, Lazarus Kane is a stranger, this is not the case for Lazarus. He has been searching for Sophie for nearly half his life. Now that he has found her, nothing will deter him from his goal of being by her side, even the lady herself. However, he must first overcome the secrets of his past which threaten to derail the future he has for so long sought.
This is the first story I've read by Jayne Fresina, and I must say that the author definitely has a talent for narrative. The story is written in a rather unique style of Prose-type narration and because of this was uniquely pleasant and captivating to read at first. However, this positive was soon overshadowed by a story of romance that was too drawn out and plodded too slowly along. No real physical, romantic encounter takes place between the hero and heroine of the story until approximately page 150 which by that point was very frustrating. At this point, the story was more than just a little boring and flat for me. The relationship between the two never seemed to have the sparks and fire which are so important in any romance. The heroine was interesting because of her wit and daring, stubborn personality. The hero was less than special. Although described as handsome and virile, he just never communicated that special "alpha" male something that heroes need. I just was not impressed by the character nor the story. Unfortunately, I would say this is one romance that readers should pass up. However, just based on the talent of the author in her style of writing, I would give her another try should she come out with another novel.
This is the first story I've read by Jayne Fresina, and I must say that the author definitely has a talent for narrative. The story is written in a rather unique style of Prose-type narration and because of this was uniquely pleasant and captivating to read at first. However, this positive was soon overshadowed by a story of romance that was too drawn out and plodded too slowly along. No real physical, romantic encounter takes place between the hero and heroine of the story until approximately page 150 which by that point was very frustrating. At this point, the story was more than just a little boring and flat for me. The relationship between the two never seemed to have the sparks and fire which are so important in any romance. The heroine was interesting because of her wit and daring, stubborn personality. The hero was less than special. Although described as handsome and virile, he just never communicated that special "alpha" male something that heroes need. I just was not impressed by the character nor the story. Unfortunately, I would say this is one romance that readers should pass up. However, just based on the talent of the author in her style of writing, I would give her another try should she come out with another novel.
June 1, 2012
Jayne Fresina’s Regency historical, THE MOST IMPROPER SOPHIE VALENTINE, is an engaging, subversive and very funny story about the masks people wear and the futility of trying to suppress one’s true nature.
Outside, Miss Sophie Valentine is the picture of propriety. Inside, the seethes with frustrated scandalous yearnings. Which is why sent an advertisement for a husband to The Farmers Gazette in the Livestock for Sale section.
Mr. Lazarus Kane answers her ad. He dresses and speaks like a gentleman. But his shoulders are broad, his body work-hardened and his hands rough. And he wants no woman other than Sophie.
This novel is a throwback to Jane Austen. Like Miss Austen, Ms. Fresina writes mainly about the minor gentry and the farmers below. I'm tired of reading about rich, powerful noblemen, and this book about people who make their own way with little or no help from others is a welcome change.
Sophie is a delight. She is forthright and opinionated, which is anathema in a world that trains women to be brainless idiots who bow down to men who are even more brainless. For ten long years, she’s tried and failed to make herself over. She’s almost caved in, when Lazarus arrives to prevent her from completely succumbing to the pressure of her ghastly family (except for her aunt) and the appallingly sheeplike townspeople.
I also like Lazarus. He’s survived a hard life and makes no apologies for what he’s had to do. He’s decent, kind, hard-working, intelligent and has secrets. He’s also gorgeous, and we do like our gorgeous heroes. *g*
THE MOST IMPROPER SOPHIE VALENTINE is rich with Regency texture. The characters are true to their time while exhibiting an individuality which refuses to bow down to the wrong-headed ideas of more conventional people. I love how Ms. Fresina mocks the upper classes and their pretentions of superiority by having their actions prove that they’re no better than anyone else.
By turns humorous, serious, emotional and mysterious, the book engages us as we cheer on Sophie and Lazarus and their unconventional courtship.
I liked this book very much. I’ve already pre-ordered Ms. Fresina’s next book, THE WICKED WEDDING OF MISS ELLIE VYNE.
ARC provided by Sourcebooks
Outside, Miss Sophie Valentine is the picture of propriety. Inside, the seethes with frustrated scandalous yearnings. Which is why sent an advertisement for a husband to The Farmers Gazette in the Livestock for Sale section.
Mr. Lazarus Kane answers her ad. He dresses and speaks like a gentleman. But his shoulders are broad, his body work-hardened and his hands rough. And he wants no woman other than Sophie.
This novel is a throwback to Jane Austen. Like Miss Austen, Ms. Fresina writes mainly about the minor gentry and the farmers below. I'm tired of reading about rich, powerful noblemen, and this book about people who make their own way with little or no help from others is a welcome change.
Sophie is a delight. She is forthright and opinionated, which is anathema in a world that trains women to be brainless idiots who bow down to men who are even more brainless. For ten long years, she’s tried and failed to make herself over. She’s almost caved in, when Lazarus arrives to prevent her from completely succumbing to the pressure of her ghastly family (except for her aunt) and the appallingly sheeplike townspeople.
I also like Lazarus. He’s survived a hard life and makes no apologies for what he’s had to do. He’s decent, kind, hard-working, intelligent and has secrets. He’s also gorgeous, and we do like our gorgeous heroes. *g*
THE MOST IMPROPER SOPHIE VALENTINE is rich with Regency texture. The characters are true to their time while exhibiting an individuality which refuses to bow down to the wrong-headed ideas of more conventional people. I love how Ms. Fresina mocks the upper classes and their pretentions of superiority by having their actions prove that they’re no better than anyone else.
By turns humorous, serious, emotional and mysterious, the book engages us as we cheer on Sophie and Lazarus and their unconventional courtship.
I liked this book very much. I’ve already pre-ordered Ms. Fresina’s next book, THE WICKED WEDDING OF MISS ELLIE VYNE.
ARC provided by Sourcebooks
April 7, 2014
I got about a third of the way through this book before giving up and tossing it on the DNF pile. My complaints are many. First, the writing style is weirdly florid and pretentious, full of rambling metaphors that serve no purpose.
Second, the plot, like the writing style, is unnecessarily convoluted. The story keeps hinting about shadowy details in the hero's past, but I lost patience long before we learned anything useful. Likewise, we learn early on that the heroine was scarred in the aftermath of an "accident" that occurs in the prologue, but I lost interest before we were told the details of her injuries and their aftermath.
Third, and this is what frustrated me so much I gave up on the book, I think Jayne Fresina (or at least the omnipotent third-person narrator of this story) must be a Mean Girl. All of the descriptions of the female characters other than Sophie, the heroine, are just meanspirited and ugly. Sophie's sister in law is portrayed as evil, ugly, lazy, and stupid -- mostly illustrated by lengthy descriptions of how fat and piggish she is, all of which feed in to the worst kind of fat-shaming and stereotyping. Other rivals for the heroes attentions are described (repeatedly) as horsefaced (Ms. Osborne), having "the features of a squirrel with rather too many nuts in its cheeks" (Amy Dawkins, p. 124), as a nose-picker (Amy Dawkin's sister, p. 124), and grasping (the widow Finchley). I don't think it's necessary to illustrate the rightness of the heroine's pursuit of the hero (though actually she's not even that interested in him) by turning all of the other women in town into ugly, unmannered shrews.
This is the first in a series of four. I'm going to pass.
The sun, like a playwright with all the winding threads of his imagination exhausted, put down his quill and dipped his weary head to rest. Long shadows slowly crept across the ground, the bronzed fingers of sunset stretching to ease the cramp of a long day's writing.p.79 I don't mind descriptive language, but this is one of no fewer than five paragraphs that establish that it's getting dark. Enough already!
Second, the plot, like the writing style, is unnecessarily convoluted. The story keeps hinting about shadowy details in the hero's past, but I lost patience long before we learned anything useful. Likewise, we learn early on that the heroine was scarred in the aftermath of an "accident" that occurs in the prologue, but I lost interest before we were told the details of her injuries and their aftermath.
Third, and this is what frustrated me so much I gave up on the book, I think Jayne Fresina (or at least the omnipotent third-person narrator of this story) must be a Mean Girl. All of the descriptions of the female characters other than Sophie, the heroine, are just meanspirited and ugly. Sophie's sister in law is portrayed as evil, ugly, lazy, and stupid -- mostly illustrated by lengthy descriptions of how fat and piggish she is, all of which feed in to the worst kind of fat-shaming and stereotyping. Other rivals for the heroes attentions are described (repeatedly) as horsefaced (Ms. Osborne), having "the features of a squirrel with rather too many nuts in its cheeks" (Amy Dawkins, p. 124), as a nose-picker (Amy Dawkin's sister, p. 124), and grasping (the widow Finchley). I don't think it's necessary to illustrate the rightness of the heroine's pursuit of the hero (though actually she's not even that interested in him) by turning all of the other women in town into ugly, unmannered shrews.
This is the first in a series of four. I'm going to pass.
June 7, 2012
"Take a chance! All life is a chance. The man who goes farthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare." - Dale Carnegie
Sophie Valentine is first scarred by her beau, James, after they are found in a comprising (albeit unsatisfying) position. Although he proposes, Sophie later spies him looking at a maid with passion that he will never give her. So she jumps, literally, at the chance to get away. Her leap off the balcony leaves another scar on her face. Sophie returns to her brother's home as a "fallen" woman. Ten years later, Sophie impulsively places an advertisement for a husband after her brother's wife presses him to find Sophie a governess position. Yet someone answers the advertisement - Lazarus Kane. He knows something about second, even third, chances. Having spied Sophie jumping for the balcony so many years ago, Lazarus is determined to marry Sophie himself despite the town's gossip, her brother's objection, and James return to Sophie's life.
Jayne Fresina delivers a fresh voice in Regency romance. I was immediately drawn into Sophie's life after she leaps from the balcony. Fresina gently delves into social issues such as extreme poverty, fallen women, and peer pressure that were relevant in the Regency Era ... and remain relevant today. I appreciated that Sophie exerted her feminist views within the constraints of the historical era. I also enjoyed Sophie understand her own passion with a little help from Lazarus.
Lazarus is a "dark" hero with a good heart. Despite his dubious beginnings, he can "save" Sophie from recurring gossip that plagues her as a "fallen woman". Lazarus can deliver her from the drudgery of being dependent upon her brother's charity. Yet is it Sophie who saves herself by realizing her own self worth and recognizing her passion. She learns to reinvent herself from Lazarus, who knows a thing or two about second changes.
Recommended read for Regency fans looking for something different. Sourcebooks provided an ARC for this review.
Sophie Valentine is first scarred by her beau, James, after they are found in a comprising (albeit unsatisfying) position. Although he proposes, Sophie later spies him looking at a maid with passion that he will never give her. So she jumps, literally, at the chance to get away. Her leap off the balcony leaves another scar on her face. Sophie returns to her brother's home as a "fallen" woman. Ten years later, Sophie impulsively places an advertisement for a husband after her brother's wife presses him to find Sophie a governess position. Yet someone answers the advertisement - Lazarus Kane. He knows something about second, even third, chances. Having spied Sophie jumping for the balcony so many years ago, Lazarus is determined to marry Sophie himself despite the town's gossip, her brother's objection, and James return to Sophie's life.
Jayne Fresina delivers a fresh voice in Regency romance. I was immediately drawn into Sophie's life after she leaps from the balcony. Fresina gently delves into social issues such as extreme poverty, fallen women, and peer pressure that were relevant in the Regency Era ... and remain relevant today. I appreciated that Sophie exerted her feminist views within the constraints of the historical era. I also enjoyed Sophie understand her own passion with a little help from Lazarus.
Lazarus is a "dark" hero with a good heart. Despite his dubious beginnings, he can "save" Sophie from recurring gossip that plagues her as a "fallen woman". Lazarus can deliver her from the drudgery of being dependent upon her brother's charity. Yet is it Sophie who saves herself by realizing her own self worth and recognizing her passion. She learns to reinvent herself from Lazarus, who knows a thing or two about second changes.
Recommended read for Regency fans looking for something different. Sourcebooks provided an ARC for this review.
July 26, 2023
Sophia/Sophie and Lazarus. Flat, boring, convoluted, pretentious, and no chemistry between Sophie and Lazarus. I found Sophie to be cranky, boring, and not too smart for her age that she was in the story.
Edited to add on July 25, 2023
I did enjoy other books of this authors that I have read. For example, I five starred her Once Upon a Kiss and The Mutinous Contemplations of Gemma Groot.
Edited to add on July 25, 2023
I did enjoy other books of this authors that I have read. For example, I five starred her Once Upon a Kiss and The Mutinous Contemplations of Gemma Groot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2014
Ten and a half years ago, Sophie Valentine let her boyfriend shag her in a ballroom. It wasn't amazing - we all know only men who are our true loves are capable of giving us orgasms - but the scandal that followed definitely was, when some folks entered the room and took in the scene for what it obviously was. The guy proposed, but you know how heroines are. It's true love or endless pages whining about misery and death, all or nothing, and in this case, it was nothing even close to true love so off she went to live with her brother in disgrace, leaving behind the bloody bits of her dignity like a warning sign to all readers: This is the trail of a colossal idiot. Follow it at your own peril.
Cut to present day. Sophie is 30, which, in 1820, means that she's practically an old hag straddling every shelf in town. However, that doesn't stop her from still acting like it's either true love or endless pouting for her. Her way or nobody's way. If she can't get her way, she's scowl and flounce and generally act like a brat twenty years younger. She doesn't seem to have learned anything from her past, other than to shriek and protest for ten seconds before putting out again.
Therefore, when she meets our hero, Lazarus Kane (don't laugh, I didn't make this up), it doesn't take much for her to repeat her mistake. At least her previous boyfriend seemed to have seduced her sweetly into dropping her bloomers. Here, her first encounter with Lazarus is akin to wrestling with an octopus that keeps hearing "Grope!" instead of "No!" Lazarus has a secret, but that's okay, Sophie finally has a man to keep her happy, so it's love.
The synopsis is pretty rubbish, I know, because I haven't told you why these two meet and other important details. Here's the thing: this story spends so much time having the main characters stumble and flail through one plot twist after another, it is only late in the story when things come together to become a semblance of a plot. Revealing these details may constitute a spoiler marathon, therefore, so you'll just have to take it from me: the story is such that the author seems to be making things up as she goes along.
I can tell you that the man who calls himself Lazarus has a pretty interesting background, and he has not a drop of noble blood in him. Unfortunately, his behavior is such that he actually makes me miss the stereotypical blue-blooded toff: the author uses Lazarus's lack of noble blood as an excuse for Lazarus to behave like a creep. There are basically two modes for this guy: Sex Creep or Asshole. Apparently, by not being familiar with nicer manners of the Ton, Lazarus has free rein to paw the heroine and practically forces a kiss on her, when he's not mocking her and treating her like something he'd like to shag but has zero respect for. He has a condition that can make him drop dead at any minute, though, so I can only hope that he will do so soon.
Sophie has two modes too - Idiot and Idiot. She's the classic tragedy of feistiness gone ugly. She does and says things without thinking, and doesn't have to take responsibility for any of her nonsense, so she never learns. She acts like a child when she doesn't get her way. Her thought process is akin to a petulant teenage brat, and she lacks the intelligence or self-awareness to make such petulance palatable. Sophie would whine that she wants something more than being a spinster, but she often sabotages any opportunity to be this something more because of her stubborn insistence that a man must spell out that he loves her before she'd spend her life with him. That's not so bad if she, at the time, has no problems having sex with him and generally paying no thought to possible repercussions. The entire story is basically me waiting for her to stop being an idiot and get her act together, and it's a long wait, ugh. When Lazarus dies, I hope Sophie, floundering without a man to think for her, would shortly after mistake a woodchipper for a hair dryer and delete herself from existence as well.
The author tries very hard to tell me that Sophie is smart, because she apparently run her brother's estate for him in the meantime, but the author's misstep here is to make that brother an idiot. Therefore, Sophie is brilliant only because she is in a room with even bigger morons.
The Most Improper Miss Sophie Valentine is a textbook of how everything about a clichéd historical romance set in 19th century England can go wrong. Despite the difference in social status between the hero and the heroine, the author treats everything else about the story like standard tropes on march, only in unfortunate ways. The characters are familiar stereotypes, but their personalities are replaced by exaggerated one-note tics. The plot tries to have everything but the kitchen sink - maybe the next book - but they are tossed together in such a manner that, half the time, I have no clue why these people are behaving like dolts or why I even bother to wonder.
The kindest thing I can say about this book is that, well, the words are all in the correct order in readable sentences and I don't see any gross spelling mistakes. The story is a hot mess, however, and I'd dearly love to strangle the main characters with my own bare hands for being so annoying and dumb. I know, it's not exactly the nicest reception I can throw for the author's debut published effort with Sourcebooks Casablanca, but hey, I didn't ask to be subjected to such a story.
Cut to present day. Sophie is 30, which, in 1820, means that she's practically an old hag straddling every shelf in town. However, that doesn't stop her from still acting like it's either true love or endless pouting for her. Her way or nobody's way. If she can't get her way, she's scowl and flounce and generally act like a brat twenty years younger. She doesn't seem to have learned anything from her past, other than to shriek and protest for ten seconds before putting out again.
Therefore, when she meets our hero, Lazarus Kane (don't laugh, I didn't make this up), it doesn't take much for her to repeat her mistake. At least her previous boyfriend seemed to have seduced her sweetly into dropping her bloomers. Here, her first encounter with Lazarus is akin to wrestling with an octopus that keeps hearing "Grope!" instead of "No!" Lazarus has a secret, but that's okay, Sophie finally has a man to keep her happy, so it's love.
The synopsis is pretty rubbish, I know, because I haven't told you why these two meet and other important details. Here's the thing: this story spends so much time having the main characters stumble and flail through one plot twist after another, it is only late in the story when things come together to become a semblance of a plot. Revealing these details may constitute a spoiler marathon, therefore, so you'll just have to take it from me: the story is such that the author seems to be making things up as she goes along.
I can tell you that the man who calls himself Lazarus has a pretty interesting background, and he has not a drop of noble blood in him. Unfortunately, his behavior is such that he actually makes me miss the stereotypical blue-blooded toff: the author uses Lazarus's lack of noble blood as an excuse for Lazarus to behave like a creep. There are basically two modes for this guy: Sex Creep or Asshole. Apparently, by not being familiar with nicer manners of the Ton, Lazarus has free rein to paw the heroine and practically forces a kiss on her, when he's not mocking her and treating her like something he'd like to shag but has zero respect for. He has a condition that can make him drop dead at any minute, though, so I can only hope that he will do so soon.
Sophie has two modes too - Idiot and Idiot. She's the classic tragedy of feistiness gone ugly. She does and says things without thinking, and doesn't have to take responsibility for any of her nonsense, so she never learns. She acts like a child when she doesn't get her way. Her thought process is akin to a petulant teenage brat, and she lacks the intelligence or self-awareness to make such petulance palatable. Sophie would whine that she wants something more than being a spinster, but she often sabotages any opportunity to be this something more because of her stubborn insistence that a man must spell out that he loves her before she'd spend her life with him. That's not so bad if she, at the time, has no problems having sex with him and generally paying no thought to possible repercussions. The entire story is basically me waiting for her to stop being an idiot and get her act together, and it's a long wait, ugh. When Lazarus dies, I hope Sophie, floundering without a man to think for her, would shortly after mistake a woodchipper for a hair dryer and delete herself from existence as well.
The author tries very hard to tell me that Sophie is smart, because she apparently run her brother's estate for him in the meantime, but the author's misstep here is to make that brother an idiot. Therefore, Sophie is brilliant only because she is in a room with even bigger morons.
The Most Improper Miss Sophie Valentine is a textbook of how everything about a clichéd historical romance set in 19th century England can go wrong. Despite the difference in social status between the hero and the heroine, the author treats everything else about the story like standard tropes on march, only in unfortunate ways. The characters are familiar stereotypes, but their personalities are replaced by exaggerated one-note tics. The plot tries to have everything but the kitchen sink - maybe the next book - but they are tossed together in such a manner that, half the time, I have no clue why these people are behaving like dolts or why I even bother to wonder.
The kindest thing I can say about this book is that, well, the words are all in the correct order in readable sentences and I don't see any gross spelling mistakes. The story is a hot mess, however, and I'd dearly love to strangle the main characters with my own bare hands for being so annoying and dumb. I know, it's not exactly the nicest reception I can throw for the author's debut published effort with Sourcebooks Casablanca, but hey, I didn't ask to be subjected to such a story.
June 28, 2012
An enchanting tale! Taken from my review at RomanceJunkies.com:
At nineteen, Miss Sophie Valentine was looking for love, wanting to find it before she got too old to enjoy it. She wondered where her knight was, but being not quite beautiful, she didn’t expect to find him. However, trouble was the one thing she had no problem finding. So when she was discovered, giving her virginity away to James Hartley on the card table at a ball, his subsequent proposal made her wonder. Did he propose because he had feelings for her, or was it just a result of the scandal? After sending him for punch, she walked out onto the balcony and watched as he circled the ballroom looking for her. Not seeing her, he stopped to flirt with a girl younger than Sophie. Perhaps, she had her answer after all. Now she had to make a decision. Should she marry him anyway, in case she never received another proposal, or should she turn him down? With the thoughts of jumping off of the balcony running through her head, she does just that and ends up with another scar on her face.
That night, Lazarus Kane had stayed late to work in the gardens and watched her and the other beautiful people at the party. That is, until he was warned that as a servant he was invisible to the beautiful people. Ten years later, Lazarus, who has been through much and has a second chance at life, dresses and acts like a gentleman, but his hands show how hard he works. He waits outside a gentleman’s club as Henry Valentine is turned away for his unpaid debts. This is just the man he has been waiting to see. But Henry, who did not like that someone had witnessed his humiliation, had not wanted to speak to him. The following day, Lazarus went to the village of Sydney Dovedale, looking for a particular woman. As he came to a stop under a tree, trying to find her among the group of women there, he was hit by a book falling from the tree…a book unfit for a lady. In the tree was the woman he was seeking…Sophie.
Sophie’s impulsive actions have led her into trouble most of her life and that has not changed. Wanting to get away from her family, she secretly places an ad for a husband in the Farmers Gazette. But when a man shows up in answer to her ad, she finds that she cannot marry a stranger, or can she, especially when his kisses tempt her so?
Lazarus has been looking for Sophie for half of his life and now that he has come in answer to the ad, he is determined that the marriage will take place, despite her family’s opposition. But can he convince Sophie to go through it?
An enticing read, THE MOST IMPROPER MISS SOPHIE VALENTINE, the latest book by talented author Jayne Fresina, is a passionate, witty historical romance that will put a smile on your face. Sophie does not comply with the strictures of societyand often finds herself in trouble, to her family’s dismay. Lazarus is a kind, hardworking man who wants no woman but Sophie. He has his own secrets, but he has worked hard to remake himself. I could help but root for these two delightful people who were meant for each other. Filled with secrets, gossip, scandal, passion, impulsive actions, interesting characters, witty banter, romance, true love and second chances, this book is a winner. I recommend THE MOST IMPROPER MISS SOPHIE VALENTINE to anyone looking for an enchanting read and look forward to reading Ms. Fresina’s next book, THE WICKED WEDDING OF MISS ELLIE VYNE, the story of Sophie’s outspoken and vivacious friend, which is due out in January, 2013. In the meantime, be sure to get your own copy of THE MOST IMPROPER MISS SOPHIE VALENTINE!
Dottie, RomanceJunkies.com
At nineteen, Miss Sophie Valentine was looking for love, wanting to find it before she got too old to enjoy it. She wondered where her knight was, but being not quite beautiful, she didn’t expect to find him. However, trouble was the one thing she had no problem finding. So when she was discovered, giving her virginity away to James Hartley on the card table at a ball, his subsequent proposal made her wonder. Did he propose because he had feelings for her, or was it just a result of the scandal? After sending him for punch, she walked out onto the balcony and watched as he circled the ballroom looking for her. Not seeing her, he stopped to flirt with a girl younger than Sophie. Perhaps, she had her answer after all. Now she had to make a decision. Should she marry him anyway, in case she never received another proposal, or should she turn him down? With the thoughts of jumping off of the balcony running through her head, she does just that and ends up with another scar on her face.
That night, Lazarus Kane had stayed late to work in the gardens and watched her and the other beautiful people at the party. That is, until he was warned that as a servant he was invisible to the beautiful people. Ten years later, Lazarus, who has been through much and has a second chance at life, dresses and acts like a gentleman, but his hands show how hard he works. He waits outside a gentleman’s club as Henry Valentine is turned away for his unpaid debts. This is just the man he has been waiting to see. But Henry, who did not like that someone had witnessed his humiliation, had not wanted to speak to him. The following day, Lazarus went to the village of Sydney Dovedale, looking for a particular woman. As he came to a stop under a tree, trying to find her among the group of women there, he was hit by a book falling from the tree…a book unfit for a lady. In the tree was the woman he was seeking…Sophie.
Sophie’s impulsive actions have led her into trouble most of her life and that has not changed. Wanting to get away from her family, she secretly places an ad for a husband in the Farmers Gazette. But when a man shows up in answer to her ad, she finds that she cannot marry a stranger, or can she, especially when his kisses tempt her so?
Lazarus has been looking for Sophie for half of his life and now that he has come in answer to the ad, he is determined that the marriage will take place, despite her family’s opposition. But can he convince Sophie to go through it?
An enticing read, THE MOST IMPROPER MISS SOPHIE VALENTINE, the latest book by talented author Jayne Fresina, is a passionate, witty historical romance that will put a smile on your face. Sophie does not comply with the strictures of societyand often finds herself in trouble, to her family’s dismay. Lazarus is a kind, hardworking man who wants no woman but Sophie. He has his own secrets, but he has worked hard to remake himself. I could help but root for these two delightful people who were meant for each other. Filled with secrets, gossip, scandal, passion, impulsive actions, interesting characters, witty banter, romance, true love and second chances, this book is a winner. I recommend THE MOST IMPROPER MISS SOPHIE VALENTINE to anyone looking for an enchanting read and look forward to reading Ms. Fresina’s next book, THE WICKED WEDDING OF MISS ELLIE VYNE, the story of Sophie’s outspoken and vivacious friend, which is due out in January, 2013. In the meantime, be sure to get your own copy of THE MOST IMPROPER MISS SOPHIE VALENTINE!
Dottie, RomanceJunkies.com
May 15, 2012
Miss Sophie Valentine is a bit stunned that the dashing James Hartley has just proposed to her--after all they were just compromised together--but when she sees an interaction between him and another woman, it leaves some doubts in her mind as to his love for her. It also makes Sophie fall off a balcony that ends up leaving her with a scar and she ends the one hour engagement and is forced to live with her uptight brother and his too-good-for-you wife. Years have passed and in another burst of anger with her brother and sister-in-law, Sophie writes off to a local paper for a husband, never really expecting anyone to show up. So when the mysterious Lazarus Kane shows up for her hand, she is intrigued but can not accept due to reasons beyond her control. But as Kane has been looking for her this entire time, he will not take no for an answer and soon the two become all the other can think about and just when it seems they can make it work, Sophie's past comes back to cause trouble and the truth of Kane is revealed.
Hmm...I'm a bit torn about this one. I really struggled with the first half of the book. Not much happens beyond them lusting after each other and we get just tiny, tiny pieces that allude to what happened in the past. Like we don't hear the truth about Sophie's scar until three quarters on the way in but there are just little snippets to keep you going but they just made me frustrated, not intrigued. The same frustration was felt for me with the truth about Kane's past and how he came to know Sophie. I was pretty certain I knew but it would have been nice to have it confirmed a bit sooner. I did like that Sophie is a bit older than Kane, it was a refreshing twist of events. I thought this book was going to be a bit humorous but beyond a few smiles, it was a little flat for me. Overall, the second half of the book picked up the pace and was much more enjoyable but it just didn't have that extra something for me. Sophie is bold, impulsive, stubborn and doesn't always think her actions through and it causes a few problems. Kane is sexy, mysterious, likable and also stubborn and I admired his dedication to finding his angel. The writing was good and I believe I know who the couple is going to be for the next book and that one looks to be fun so I am going to definitely be reading The Wicked Wedding of Miss Ellie Vyne. So while not a huge winner for me, it was good but it just needed a little more to make it shine. 3 stars
I received this eARC from Sourcebooks via netgalley.com
Hmm...I'm a bit torn about this one. I really struggled with the first half of the book. Not much happens beyond them lusting after each other and we get just tiny, tiny pieces that allude to what happened in the past. Like we don't hear the truth about Sophie's scar until three quarters on the way in but there are just little snippets to keep you going but they just made me frustrated, not intrigued. The same frustration was felt for me with the truth about Kane's past and how he came to know Sophie. I was pretty certain I knew but it would have been nice to have it confirmed a bit sooner. I did like that Sophie is a bit older than Kane, it was a refreshing twist of events. I thought this book was going to be a bit humorous but beyond a few smiles, it was a little flat for me. Overall, the second half of the book picked up the pace and was much more enjoyable but it just didn't have that extra something for me. Sophie is bold, impulsive, stubborn and doesn't always think her actions through and it causes a few problems. Kane is sexy, mysterious, likable and also stubborn and I admired his dedication to finding his angel. The writing was good and I believe I know who the couple is going to be for the next book and that one looks to be fun so I am going to definitely be reading The Wicked Wedding of Miss Ellie Vyne. So while not a huge winner for me, it was good but it just needed a little more to make it shine. 3 stars
I received this eARC from Sourcebooks via netgalley.com
February 4, 2014
I did not like this particular book very much. In fact, I had borrowed both this novel, and the second by this author (The Wicked Wedding of Miss Ellie Vyne) from the library. I am returning Miss Vyne to the library unread.
The book started out well; a young debutante at a ball is 'dishonored.' She doesn't want to marry her beau, she just wants to run away. So she jumps off the balcony. Then, 10 years past. Yes, that's right. She falls off the balcony and that's the end. The next sentence takes place 10 years later.
The beau from the prologue is not the hero of this novel. He's actually kind of a bad guy. So is Sophie's brother, and her sister-in-law, and her sister-in-law's mother, and the gossiping townspeople... She is quite isolated in her small, country village. She is living on her brother's goodwill, nobody likes her (except for the crazy, old aunt), she might as well go eat worms. Out of nowhere, quite literally, comes Lazarus Kane. Incidentally he's five years younger than Sophie. He loves her, although the reader doesn't really know why. It seems like Lazarus doesn't really know why either. He briefly met her ten years ago and formed an attachment. She doesn't even know who he is and doesn't really remember that nebulous.
The characters do not really grow. Lazarus, not at all; Sophie only grows a little bit. In fact, the brother grows more than Sophie does. Lazarus does not have to contend with a different Sophie (even though ten years have passed). Sophie's conflicts are supposed to be contending with societal/familial pressures of marrying below her station and "living in sin." But, those conflicts are practically non-existent.
On top of poor characterization, there is a glaring plot defect at the end that end up emasculating the hero. Throughout the book, the author relies WAY TO HEAVILY on over-the-top metaphors. The are so prevalent, that they begin to interfere with the characterization and plot. I kept reading, hoping to find some redeeming qualities to this book; but I couldn't find any. The only reason I would recommend this book is to read an example of how not to write a romance novel.
The book started out well; a young debutante at a ball is 'dishonored.' She doesn't want to marry her beau, she just wants to run away. So she jumps off the balcony. Then, 10 years past. Yes, that's right. She falls off the balcony and that's the end. The next sentence takes place 10 years later.
The beau from the prologue is not the hero of this novel. He's actually kind of a bad guy. So is Sophie's brother, and her sister-in-law, and her sister-in-law's mother, and the gossiping townspeople... She is quite isolated in her small, country village. She is living on her brother's goodwill, nobody likes her (except for the crazy, old aunt), she might as well go eat worms. Out of nowhere, quite literally, comes Lazarus Kane. Incidentally he's five years younger than Sophie. He loves her, although the reader doesn't really know why. It seems like Lazarus doesn't really know why either. He briefly met her ten years ago and formed an attachment. She doesn't even know who he is and doesn't really remember that nebulous.
The characters do not really grow. Lazarus, not at all; Sophie only grows a little bit. In fact, the brother grows more than Sophie does. Lazarus does not have to contend with a different Sophie (even though ten years have passed). Sophie's conflicts are supposed to be contending with societal/familial pressures of marrying below her station and "living in sin." But, those conflicts are practically non-existent.
On top of poor characterization, there is a glaring plot defect at the end that end up emasculating the hero. Throughout the book, the author relies WAY TO HEAVILY on over-the-top metaphors. The are so prevalent, that they begin to interfere with the characterization and plot. I kept reading, hoping to find some redeeming qualities to this book; but I couldn't find any. The only reason I would recommend this book is to read an example of how not to write a romance novel.
November 9, 2016
I was actually quite a bit let down by this book. The heroine is significantly older than most leading historical romance ladies (she's 29 and a half), the hero has a murky past that the heroine is part of and that might be entangled with other characters as well and the heroine is quite the spitfire so I went into the book believing it would be a great read.
Except...I got tired of it rather quickly. I'm not sure what it was honestly. Maybe because Sophie seemed less like an opinionated, liberated woman and more like a headstrong, stubborn child most times. Then there's Lazarus who, if he isn't pressing his very seductive suit of Sophie, is gadding about wondering how to seduce her or wondering about his secrets. There's not much dimension to either one, even after we learn all their secrets.
And this doesn't even speak of the only slightly hinted at bombshell dropped in the last couple of chapters. It came out of nowhere and seemed almost a convenient way to tie up that loose end.
Honestly this book just didn't grab me. It was okay, but the execution felt plodding and some storylines were drawn out a really long time for the sake of filling the pages I think. I did appreciate that the hero comes (almost) completely clean to the heroine before anyone else can tell her. He didn't hold back either, he was quite truthful and perhaps a bit too forthright. To her credit Sophie doesn't react immediately in favor or not. She listened without judgement and then went to gather more information, presenting that information as evidence in his defense later on.
Also, though this part I'm a little hazy on, I think Sophie is older then Lazarus? His age isn't explicitly stated (not that I read anyhow, but I do admit to skimming some chapters when it was just more angsting on either of their parts), but if he's 14 in the first chapter and ten years passed, that would make him 24? Maybe 25? He seems older then that.
Except...I got tired of it rather quickly. I'm not sure what it was honestly. Maybe because Sophie seemed less like an opinionated, liberated woman and more like a headstrong, stubborn child most times. Then there's Lazarus who, if he isn't pressing his very seductive suit of Sophie, is gadding about wondering how to seduce her or wondering about his secrets. There's not much dimension to either one, even after we learn all their secrets.
And this doesn't even speak of the only slightly hinted at bombshell dropped in the last couple of chapters. It came out of nowhere and seemed almost a convenient way to tie up that loose end.
Honestly this book just didn't grab me. It was okay, but the execution felt plodding and some storylines were drawn out a really long time for the sake of filling the pages I think. I did appreciate that the hero comes (almost) completely clean to the heroine before anyone else can tell her. He didn't hold back either, he was quite truthful and perhaps a bit too forthright. To her credit Sophie doesn't react immediately in favor or not. She listened without judgement and then went to gather more information, presenting that information as evidence in his defense later on.
Also, though this part I'm a little hazy on, I think Sophie is older then Lazarus? His age isn't explicitly stated (not that I read anyhow, but I do admit to skimming some chapters when it was just more angsting on either of their parts), but if he's 14 in the first chapter and ten years passed, that would make him 24? Maybe 25? He seems older then that.
May 23, 2012
At First Sight: After a scandal 10 years before, and accident that left her with a scar on her face, an having been exasperated beyond imagining by her sister in law Lavinia, Sophie Valentine decides to take desperate measures and writes an add to the Farmer's Gazette, advertising for a husband.
Later, her temper cools and she kind of forgets about it, until Lazarus Kane shows up on her doorstep, saying that he has come to marry Sophie.
No one is happy to discover what Sophie has done as it just hints to another scandal. But Lazarus won't be persuaded from going after Sophie, as they get to know each other and start to fal in love.
Things get complicated when Sophie's former suitor, James, decides to come back for her - 10 years after he original both proposed to Sophie and ruined her. Plus, Lazarus has many secrets of his own, which might threaten his future with Sophie.
Second Glance: I really wanted to like The Most Improper Miss Sophie Valentine, I swear, because, really, the idea of her putting an add on the paper looking for a husband sounded like so much fun, but the book wasn't what I expected.
While I liked the characters -even if Sophie takes forever to make up her mind - I felt the plot was too convoluted and contrived, and some characters actions just didn't make sense sometimes.
Like, for example, the whole first chapter with the origins of Sophie's first scandal? for me, both things she does in that chapter (one of them being letting her suitor, James, 'make love' to her - and in a rather public place- when she wasn't in love with him nor particularly wanted to marry him) made little-to-not sense to me at all.
Bottom Line: Basically, I think that a simpler plot would have beneficed this story a great deal because, as I said, flawed as the characters were, they had their charm. This book will be released on June 1st, 2012.
Later, her temper cools and she kind of forgets about it, until Lazarus Kane shows up on her doorstep, saying that he has come to marry Sophie.
No one is happy to discover what Sophie has done as it just hints to another scandal. But Lazarus won't be persuaded from going after Sophie, as they get to know each other and start to fal in love.
Things get complicated when Sophie's former suitor, James, decides to come back for her - 10 years after he original both proposed to Sophie and ruined her. Plus, Lazarus has many secrets of his own, which might threaten his future with Sophie.
Second Glance: I really wanted to like The Most Improper Miss Sophie Valentine, I swear, because, really, the idea of her putting an add on the paper looking for a husband sounded like so much fun, but the book wasn't what I expected.
While I liked the characters -even if Sophie takes forever to make up her mind - I felt the plot was too convoluted and contrived, and some characters actions just didn't make sense sometimes.
Like, for example, the whole first chapter with the origins of Sophie's first scandal? for me, both things she does in that chapter (one of them being letting her suitor, James, 'make love' to her - and in a rather public place- when she wasn't in love with him nor particularly wanted to marry him) made little-to-not sense to me at all.
Bottom Line: Basically, I think that a simpler plot would have beneficed this story a great deal because, as I said, flawed as the characters were, they had their charm. This book will be released on June 1st, 2012.
May 31, 2012
Be careful what you wish for as it just may come true especially when you advertise for it. This story is quite cute. It's a bit slower romance than some but if you like the story of a young lady who just can't seem to do anything right but embarrass her family and cause scandal without batting her pretty little eyelashes then this is for you.
Sophie Valentine is rebellious, speaks her mind without thinking of the consequences and just seems to be in the right place at the wrong time no matter what. Now that her long ago scandal has been all but forgotten brings about another made from a rash decision in anger that may just bite her in the behind. Who would of thought one person could have so much bad luck?
Lazarus Kane is tall, dark and handsome and comes to town with hopes of answering an inquiry about a woman looking for a husband. He lands in a very small town with an overly large population of gossip mongers that are drooling at the mouth for even a tidbit to fuel the fire so to speak. Will he be able to handle the gossip mongers along with one very stubborn, opinionated woman and her surly brother and self possessed sister-in-law?
A cute romance but not too much action. Lots of ole fashioned country traditions and and one tempting woman from the past make this a story worth reading. It's just a cute laid back tale that is sure to please a true romance seeker.
Sophie Valentine is rebellious, speaks her mind without thinking of the consequences and just seems to be in the right place at the wrong time no matter what. Now that her long ago scandal has been all but forgotten brings about another made from a rash decision in anger that may just bite her in the behind. Who would of thought one person could have so much bad luck?
Lazarus Kane is tall, dark and handsome and comes to town with hopes of answering an inquiry about a woman looking for a husband. He lands in a very small town with an overly large population of gossip mongers that are drooling at the mouth for even a tidbit to fuel the fire so to speak. Will he be able to handle the gossip mongers along with one very stubborn, opinionated woman and her surly brother and self possessed sister-in-law?
A cute romance but not too much action. Lots of ole fashioned country traditions and and one tempting woman from the past make this a story worth reading. It's just a cute laid back tale that is sure to please a true romance seeker.
April 16, 2012
Review written for www.books-n-kisses.com
This books has the potential to be a good book but it is just too long (about 100 pages too long) with a lot of sentiments repeated over and over. And honestly you really do not end up caring much for the two main characters. Sophie at first seems childlike climbing in trees, sneaking books, running away, etc but in the first chapter she is almost 30 years old. The synopsis says she was scarred in a childhood accident but in fact it was 10 years before the story begins so she was 19 years old in the preface. And I really didn’t understand why Sophie was not jumping at the chance to marry Lazarus since she was unhappy in her family home.
The story does get better about halfway through. More of the history of these characters comes out and it actually seems as if you see Sophie grow up. When there is more action and less of the beginning dialogue you can enjoy the book more. While I still never fell in love with these characters I did like them and wanted to know what happened to them by the end.
This books has the potential to be a good book but it is just too long (about 100 pages too long) with a lot of sentiments repeated over and over. And honestly you really do not end up caring much for the two main characters. Sophie at first seems childlike climbing in trees, sneaking books, running away, etc but in the first chapter she is almost 30 years old. The synopsis says she was scarred in a childhood accident but in fact it was 10 years before the story begins so she was 19 years old in the preface. And I really didn’t understand why Sophie was not jumping at the chance to marry Lazarus since she was unhappy in her family home.
The story does get better about halfway through. More of the history of these characters comes out and it actually seems as if you see Sophie grow up. When there is more action and less of the beginning dialogue you can enjoy the book more. While I still never fell in love with these characters I did like them and wanted to know what happened to them by the end.
July 9, 2012
3.5 Stars
This historical romance was cute and sweet, and a great light read for the summer. At times it felt a bit sluggish though, and I felt like I was reading too many details and not enough substance.
The main characters were quite cute. Both had a slight mischievous impish-ness about them that was a lot of fun to read about. The secondary characters were the ones that I felt a bit dragged down by. I didn't need to know quite so many details about them, and they weren't really that nice to Sophie!
The advertisement itself is so cute, you can read it in the summary above. I love that Sophie wrote it in a fit of spite against her family, especially her sister in law. The actual reveal of the advertisement within the story is adorable and unexpected.
Overall, a fun, light beach read, great for summer!
ARC sent by publisher in exchange for an honest review
reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
November 28, 2016
Enjoyable romance
This was an enjoyable romance with interesting characters. I liked that the hero was not a member of the nobility. It made for a different storyline and I found myself immersed to know more about Lazarus Kane just as our heroine Sophie did. Of course it wasn't too hard to figure out just who Russ was and how he came to fall in love with "his angel." The only thing I would have liked was an epilogue that explained more about the health issue Russ had. Did he live a long life, did he receive the miracle he felt his angel would give him, how many years did Sophie and him have together? Those questions were only answered in part by the epilogue but never fully. Since it was a big part of the story, I wanted to know how long Russ survived into the future. I guess my imagination will just have to suffice and I will just have to leave it to my own imaginings. Other than that complaint, I truly enjoyed the story.
This was an enjoyable romance with interesting characters. I liked that the hero was not a member of the nobility. It made for a different storyline and I found myself immersed to know more about Lazarus Kane just as our heroine Sophie did. Of course it wasn't too hard to figure out just who Russ was and how he came to fall in love with "his angel." The only thing I would have liked was an epilogue that explained more about the health issue Russ had. Did he live a long life, did he receive the miracle he felt his angel would give him, how many years did Sophie and him have together? Those questions were only answered in part by the epilogue but never fully. Since it was a big part of the story, I wanted to know how long Russ survived into the future. I guess my imagination will just have to suffice and I will just have to leave it to my own imaginings. Other than that complaint, I truly enjoyed the story.
December 3, 2012
I was looking forward to this book, but it just didn't meet my expectations. I was disappointed. There were parts of the book where I was bored, and I thought Sophie was very spoiled. She should've honored the ad she had placed! Instead, she feels like she can act however she wants, and doesn't expect any consequences. I'm glad Lazarus stuck with her, but it was a little ambivalent at the end. How long is their HEA? In the end, not much is said of the wound around his heart, and that he could die at any moment. And then her seducer/friend, James, was a complete cad. How could he do that to her and not marry her? He was a jerk, I didn't like his character at all, and I will not be reading his book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2019
This is another of those books where you really can't judge it by the cover. While the cover is cute in a very 90's romance novel-ish way, the book itself is so much more. Initially I worried Sophie was going to be flighty, ignorant and stupid - and she was as a debutant in the opening scene. But aren't we all kind of ignorant at the tender age of 19? What do we really know about life and love and being an adult? Also, given the nature of her 'scandalous liason' with James in the billiards room, I'm surprised she wasn't forced by society standards to marry him on the spot. But then that wouldn't have made for a good story, would it?
And then that debutante jumped and learned a hard lesson and a brain-stopping truth; society only loves you if you fit their mold. Sophie didn't once she was scarred and considered a fallen woman. (A cute analogy for that, but I'll get to that later.) Flash forward 10 years and Sophie is nearing 30, single, disgraced, scarred and treated as a lowly drain on her family's income. She's ignored and ridiculed and made fun of and gossiped about - sometimes right in her face. She tries harder than ever to hide her impulsive, 'trouble-making' tendencies, but they come out every now and then. I actually felt sorry for her every time her family abused her for those trouble-making tendencies. She was different and they couldn't understand that. Desperate to get out from under her family's toes and angry over a recent argument, she writes an ad for a husband in the papers. QUITE scandalous at the time of course!
And so arrives our hero, the same boy who watched the 'angel' fall from the balcony 10 years ago. The sweet connection between Russ and the angel on the balcony just curled my toes it was so romantic. Lazarus came across as both dark, dangerous and wild - and then he was sweetly pining and stubbornly trying to woo and win his angel. He came across sometimes as high-handed and bossy, but the way he wore her down was really quite lovely.
I liked that James didn't come across as the villain (esp because he has his own book and a delightful rival heroine in Ellie! *squee*)! I also liked that Sophia's brother Henry, through Sophia's metamorphosis and awakening, stood up and became more the man he should have been, by admitting to their debt and taking a stand against his obnoxious wife's incessant whining. Bravo Henry!
I loved how Sophie described being a 'fallen woman' to their children at the very ending. I though that was clever and creative. My only teeny tiny quibble was there wasn't a mention of Rafe coming to live with Russ and Sophia after their marriage, etc. That's splitting hairs and I'm hopeful that this means he'll feature in James' story. In the end, this became a sweetly romantic and satisfying read and I'm glad I finally made the effort to read it. I'm only ashamed that it took me so long to do so!
And then that debutante jumped and learned a hard lesson and a brain-stopping truth; society only loves you if you fit their mold. Sophie didn't once she was scarred and considered a fallen woman. (A cute analogy for that, but I'll get to that later.) Flash forward 10 years and Sophie is nearing 30, single, disgraced, scarred and treated as a lowly drain on her family's income. She's ignored and ridiculed and made fun of and gossiped about - sometimes right in her face. She tries harder than ever to hide her impulsive, 'trouble-making' tendencies, but they come out every now and then. I actually felt sorry for her every time her family abused her for those trouble-making tendencies. She was different and they couldn't understand that. Desperate to get out from under her family's toes and angry over a recent argument, she writes an ad for a husband in the papers. QUITE scandalous at the time of course!
And so arrives our hero, the same boy who watched the 'angel' fall from the balcony 10 years ago. The sweet connection between Russ and the angel on the balcony just curled my toes it was so romantic. Lazarus came across as both dark, dangerous and wild - and then he was sweetly pining and stubbornly trying to woo and win his angel. He came across sometimes as high-handed and bossy, but the way he wore her down was really quite lovely.
I liked that James didn't come across as the villain (esp because he has his own book and a delightful rival heroine in Ellie! *squee*)! I also liked that Sophia's brother Henry, through Sophia's metamorphosis and awakening, stood up and became more the man he should have been, by admitting to their debt and taking a stand against his obnoxious wife's incessant whining. Bravo Henry!
I loved how Sophie described being a 'fallen woman' to their children at the very ending. I though that was clever and creative. My only teeny tiny quibble was there wasn't a mention of Rafe coming to live with Russ and Sophia after their marriage, etc. That's splitting hairs and I'm hopeful that this means he'll feature in James' story. In the end, this became a sweetly romantic and satisfying read and I'm glad I finally made the effort to read it. I'm only ashamed that it took me so long to do so!
January 19, 2021
This book was a very fresh approach to other Regency type romances. The characters are more of the social standing of Ladies and Gentlemen, rather than Lords and ladies - similar to the Bennet family in Pride and Prejudice. Sophie is the disgraced sister of Henry Valentine who has gambled away much of the family fortune. Lazurus, her romantic lead, has grown up in the slum rookeries of London and has a criminal past. They are both characters who live their own way, to hell what others think and Lazurus, who everyone considers to be well beneath Sophia in social standing, has a fight on his hands to win her. There were a few un-resolved character storylines at the end of the boook and it will be interesting to see if more is revealed in further books. All in all though, an entertaining read.
October 23, 2021
I read 54% of this, and just couldn't take anymore. Sophie was a ninny that I didn't care so much if she got her HEA, and Lazarus was obtuse. The author was very tell me, not show me. And I'm tired of perfect heroines who teach poor kids, etc. Reads like a category romance.
December 30, 2017
3.5 stars
March 8, 2019
A cute story, but Sophie resisted for far too long. A little mystery, a man trying to redeem.himself, a woman who takes forever to see what is right in front of her. Of course a happy ending.
July 10, 2019
This was kinda meh.
October 18, 2019
I tried. I even skimmed through it a bit in hopes it got better. It didn’t.
March 11, 2020
This was a drag
February 11, 2023
Very annoying heroine, other annoying characters and slightly annoying hero. Got a bit fed up by about 3/4 of the way through. Managed to finish, but only just!
March 18, 2024
DNF at about 30% in. Or something like that. It didn't feel like I was moving and the guy just skeezed me out.
September 24, 2012
THE MOST IMPROPER MISS SOPHIE VALENTINE is a novel of highs and lows. While you have a charismatic hero that leads you through a heartfelt and inspiring romance, his heroine isn't always the most appealing character. Still, Jayne Fresina's latest is a fresh, unique and enjoyable read.
Ten years ago, Miss Sophie Valentine was compromised...on the billiard table of course, with the dashing James Hartley. Refusing his proposal wasn't difficult, since Sophie had concluded she would be spending her life alone. Yet ten years later, nearing the dreaded age of thirty, Sophie does the unthinkable and advertises for a potential husband in the Farmer's Gazette. Not for love or security, but rather to escape the tedious clutches of her brother and sister-in-law. Sophie is shocked when not only does her old beau James Hartley respond to her ad, but a dangerously handsome young stranger as well.
Lazarus Kane has been in love with her for years now and her clever ad finally gave him exactly what he wanted; a chance to seduce the stubborn Miss Sophie. Though she may regret placing the ad, he's not about to let her go now even if secrets from his past may turn her away. Which man will Sophie choose? Will she pick the wealth and security James has to offer? Or can love truly prevail for Sophie and Kane?
I wish I could say every aspect of THE MOST IMPROPER MISS SOPHIE VALENTINE was something I absolutely adored, but I'd be exaggerating the truth a bit. Yes, it does have a tortured hero that has been in love with his heroine for over ten years. True, it does have a scarred heroine with a bold and brassy attitude. For some reason though, it all doesn't come together smoothly. While I'm hard-pressed to pinpoint exactly what it was that didn't fit, the only thing I can think of is the heroine Sophie Valentine.
First of all, Sophie really is improper as the title suggests or maybe the better term would be immature. Actually all of her family seemed a little bold for respectable country citizens of the 1820s. The things Sophie would say to her family and their responses back, not to mention their general treatment of her and her history was just plain cruel. Nothing was implied; it was daringly stated. I don't know if it was just because I haven't really read characters this frank with one another or if it truly was out of place. Either way, some particular lines and parts did bother me.
Depending on the severity, historical inaccuracies usually don't give me any cause for concern, since I rarely can determine what is completely right or wrong. Still, this book left me in disbelief at times. Sophie is 30 years old...for a novel set perhaps a few decades later, this would have been completely acceptable. Since I've been told the average life expectancy was 40 at this time, to some extent, it did put a black cloud over the novel. Especially after you finish the novel and get a brief glimpse at their future, you really find it hard to believe it actually happened.
So if you're still reading this, you're probably thinking ‘Ok, but she gave it a three? Doesn't sound like she enjoyed it very much.' Well, here's the thing...despite my dilemmas with the novel, I did enjoy reading it quite a bit. I adored the hero Kane and his resilient determination to win Sophie's heart. He was a very natural hero, never pretending to be something he wasn't and continually patient and kind. I also adored the fact that this was a novel about an average hero and heroine. Not a titled Lady, Duke or Marquis...just regular individuals from another time period falling in love. Ms Fresina does give their romance a sweet and compassionate flavor, encouraging you to root for their happily ever after. I was charmed by it overall even if I didn't absolutely love Sophie all the time.
While this particular plot and world created by Jayne Fresina did not captivate me completely, even though I thought it would, I still think there were many good things to be said about this novel. THE MOST IMPROPER MISS SOPHIE VALENTINE was well written with addictive prose. I was turning the pages very quickly, anxious to know what came next. While some characters didn't hit the mark, I felt there were plenty that did. Sophie had a crazy Aunt that was hilarious to read about, and although I think his placement in the story was all too convenient, Sophie's other love interest James Hartley is a nice addition as well. The puzzle pieces were all there for this novel, I just don't think they found their correct fit. I think it is something that was possibly just a fluke this time around because Ms Fresina writes a captivating story.
Lisa Jo @ The Romance Reviews
July 25, 2020
Wildly out of character for the time and not interested in being in character either.
It was a little weird as well, with the two leads being so very determined to be how they were without really making room for practicalities and logic very often.
It also seemed like there was A LOT going on and it could have maybe been better if slightly less soap opera dramatics were happening.
It was enjoyable enough overall though.
It was a little weird as well, with the two leads being so very determined to be how they were without really making room for practicalities and logic very often.
It also seemed like there was A LOT going on and it could have maybe been better if slightly less soap opera dramatics were happening.
It was enjoyable enough overall though.
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