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Jepstow #1
What Not to Bare
In Megan Frampton's witty historical romance, a woman is judged by her gown, and a man by his reputation--until both are shed in one sexy moment of seduction.
Lady Charlotte Jepstow certainly knows how to make an impression--a terrible one. Each one of her ball gowns is more ostentatiously ugly than the one before. Even she has been forced to wonder: Is she unmarried because of her abysmal wardrobe, or does she wear clashing clothing because she doesn't want to be pursued in the first place? But when Charlotte meets Lord David Marchston, suddenly a little courtship doesn't sound so bad after all.
David will be the first to admit he's made some mistakes. But when he gets yanked from his post by his superiors, he is ordered to do the unthinkable to win back his position: woo his commander's niece. If David wants his life back, he must use his skills as a negotiator to persuade society that Charlotte is a woman worth pursuing, despite her rather unusual "flair" for color. But David does such a terrific job that he develops an unexpected problem, one that violates both his rakish mentality and his marching orders: He's starting to fall in love.
Lady Charlotte Jepstow certainly knows how to make an impression--a terrible one. Each one of her ball gowns is more ostentatiously ugly than the one before. Even she has been forced to wonder: Is she unmarried because of her abysmal wardrobe, or does she wear clashing clothing because she doesn't want to be pursued in the first place? But when Charlotte meets Lord David Marchston, suddenly a little courtship doesn't sound so bad after all.
David will be the first to admit he's made some mistakes. But when he gets yanked from his post by his superiors, he is ordered to do the unthinkable to win back his position: woo his commander's niece. If David wants his life back, he must use his skills as a negotiator to persuade society that Charlotte is a woman worth pursuing, despite her rather unusual "flair" for color. But David does such a terrific job that he develops an unexpected problem, one that violates both his rakish mentality and his marching orders: He's starting to fall in love.
245 pages, ebook
First published October 14, 2013
34 people are currently reading
534 people want to read
About the author
Megan Frampton
37 books1,052 followersMegan Frampton's love affair with books began when her parents moved her to a remote town in New Hampshire where there was only one television station. And then the TV broke. She devoured every book of fiction in her well-read parents' library, finding special joy in Georgette Heyer and the fairy tales collected and translated by Andrew Lang. Megan majored in English literature at Barnard College and worked in the music industry for fifteen years. She lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her husband (her former intern) and her kid.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
November 28, 2013
A fun historical romp with engaging characters and incredibly hilarious and witty dialogue. The characters are very honest with themselves and each other, and their respective transformation is fantastic. The hero learns to be more responsible and loving, while the heroine gains an inner confidence that outshines her unfortunate fashion sense. From the title alone, this story was intended more for humor than a dark and gritty romance, but it managed to tug at my heartstrings and it was a thoroughly great read for me. Megan Frampton is a genius at blending outrageous humor with endearing love; I will, as with her Hero of My Heart, be anticipating her next books.
*Review copy from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
**I originally meant to write a more elaborate review, but time got the better of me, so concisely, this is a book I recommend to all romance fans!
*Review copy from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
**I originally meant to write a more elaborate review, but time got the better of me, so concisely, this is a book I recommend to all romance fans!
September 13, 2022
I must admit.. This story was slow in the middle but I really liked the healthy dialogue between our heroine and hero who both were in the wrong at one point. Instead of being dramatic and running away or calling everything off,they talk it out. I enjoyed this and it definitely boosted my rating.
February 20, 2024
3.5/5. Lady Charlotte Jepstow, aka "The Abomination" due to her questionable choices in fashion and colours, is surprised that "Mr Gorgeous" singles her out for attention. Lord David Marchston might be a rising start in the diplomatic ranks but his way with the ladies has gotten him in trouble in india where he has been based for many years. Ordered back to England for a while until his latest scandal dies down, David's new assignment is to pretend to court Charlotte in the hope that it might make the other men finally take notice of her. He reluctantly carries out his this unorthodox mission if it means one step closer to returning back to his true home, India. Charlotte however has no intention of relinquishing her hard-earnt wallflower status. Of course, both are more than just their labels . Entertaining enough but not memorable.
October 14, 2013
This is a witty story about an unlikely couple, each of whom is judged by how they look.
Lady Charlotte Jepstow is an heiress with a mother who is so desperate to see her daughter married that she's pushing her toward a dull widower who needs a mother for his children. Charlotte is known as "The Abomination" because she likes to dress in wild, sometimes clashing colors and patterns. Moreover, Charlotte is outspoken, curious, and adventurous.
Lord David Marchston is called "Mr Gorgeous" because, well, you figure it out. He's the younger son of marquess and has spent the past ten years working for the government in India, Spain, and France. Although he has proven his diplomatic skills, he's been sent back to London to avoid scandal after being caught carrying on with a general's wife, His superior, Charlotte's uncle, 'suggests' that David show some attention to Charlotte in order to pique the interest of other eligible gentlemen. David, who loves living in India and wants only to return, has no choice but to agree.
You know where this is going . . . .
I enjoyed the book, but Ms. Frampton has a writing style that's more modern than I enjoy in a historical romance. The banter between Charlotte and David was cute, but I never really felt invested in their romance. Charlotte, of course, gets her HEA. She's off in India, shagging the world's most handsome man and wearing the world's most colorful clothes.
I am indebted to Loveswept and NetGalley for an advance review copy of this book.
Lady Charlotte Jepstow is an heiress with a mother who is so desperate to see her daughter married that she's pushing her toward a dull widower who needs a mother for his children. Charlotte is known as "The Abomination" because she likes to dress in wild, sometimes clashing colors and patterns. Moreover, Charlotte is outspoken, curious, and adventurous.
Lord David Marchston is called "Mr Gorgeous" because, well, you figure it out. He's the younger son of marquess and has spent the past ten years working for the government in India, Spain, and France. Although he has proven his diplomatic skills, he's been sent back to London to avoid scandal after being caught carrying on with a general's wife, His superior, Charlotte's uncle, 'suggests' that David show some attention to Charlotte in order to pique the interest of other eligible gentlemen. David, who loves living in India and wants only to return, has no choice but to agree.
You know where this is going . . . .
I enjoyed the book, but Ms. Frampton has a writing style that's more modern than I enjoy in a historical romance. The banter between Charlotte and David was cute, but I never really felt invested in their romance. Charlotte, of course, gets her HEA. She's off in India, shagging the world's most handsome man and wearing the world's most colorful clothes.
I am indebted to Loveswept and NetGalley for an advance review copy of this book.
September 14, 2013
*I received this book form NetGalley in Exchange for an honest review.*
Mr. Gorgeous & The Abomination
an unlikely pair... but a perfect match.
Overall I liked this book it was very entertaining and had a perfect HEA. Charlotte and David had an interesting courtship and I couldn't help but root for them. This book is a historical romance so if you like the genre you should add it to your TRL.
Lady Charlotte Jepstow is an heiress known for her unfortunate taste in clothing. Charlotte is on her 3rd season and all her mother wants is to see her married while Charlotte wants someone to look past her clothing and to the person she is. She is adventurous, curious, honest, and a little too outspoken for her own good.
Lord David Marchston is a Diplomat who has returned to England from India because he was caught having an affair with a general's wife. David is a very handsome man and a second son so while people judge him on his good looks all he has ever wanted is to feel useful.
Lord Bradford, Charlotte's uncle and David's boss, gives David the assignment of courting Charlotte because he wants his niece to be married and thinks if David her some attention the other gentlemen will too. In exchange David will be reinstated to his post in India or be forced to stay in England permanently.
When David meets Charlotte he is somewhat put off by her fashion disasters but as he gets to know her he can't help but find her interesting. She asks the most disconcerting questions and isn't afraid to speak her mind. He soon finds himself attracted to her and she leaves him feeling unbalanced after each encounter they have.
Lord David and Lady Charlotte both have let society define them but in order to be together they have to decide if love is worth fighting for.
Mr. Gorgeous & The Abomination
an unlikely pair... but a perfect match.
Overall I liked this book it was very entertaining and had a perfect HEA. Charlotte and David had an interesting courtship and I couldn't help but root for them. This book is a historical romance so if you like the genre you should add it to your TRL.
Lady Charlotte Jepstow is an heiress known for her unfortunate taste in clothing. Charlotte is on her 3rd season and all her mother wants is to see her married while Charlotte wants someone to look past her clothing and to the person she is. She is adventurous, curious, honest, and a little too outspoken for her own good.
Lord David Marchston is a Diplomat who has returned to England from India because he was caught having an affair with a general's wife. David is a very handsome man and a second son so while people judge him on his good looks all he has ever wanted is to feel useful.
Lord Bradford, Charlotte's uncle and David's boss, gives David the assignment of courting Charlotte because he wants his niece to be married and thinks if David her some attention the other gentlemen will too. In exchange David will be reinstated to his post in India or be forced to stay in England permanently.
When David meets Charlotte he is somewhat put off by her fashion disasters but as he gets to know her he can't help but find her interesting. She asks the most disconcerting questions and isn't afraid to speak her mind. He soon finds himself attracted to her and she leaves him feeling unbalanced after each encounter they have.
Lord David and Lady Charlotte both have let society define them but in order to be together they have to decide if love is worth fighting for.
August 23, 2021
It was sweet watching these two become friends and then falling in love.
Read
September 17, 2013Not rating it for the usual reasons.
Yesterday just kept getting crappier and crappier, so I started reading a copy I got from NetGalley. I read various drafts of this while the author was working on it, so I knew What Not To Bare would calm me down enough so that I could sleep.
Charlotte and David feel like real people, and their relationship develops nicely. There's a sense of wry humor throughout the book as Charlotte is very honest and self-aware, and it catches David quite off guard. Overall, it's light and fun, and it's the perfect book to read when you've had enough of the real world, thank you very much.
If you haven't read the Baring It All short story yet, I'd wait until after you read What Not To Bare. Reading it now won't spoil anything, but Baring will make more sense as it occurs in the timeline after What Not To Bare. Baring is pretty short, but it basically encapsulates the author's strengths of humor and hot sex. What more could you ask for?
Yesterday just kept getting crappier and crappier, so I started reading a copy I got from NetGalley. I read various drafts of this while the author was working on it, so I knew What Not To Bare would calm me down enough so that I could sleep.
Charlotte and David feel like real people, and their relationship develops nicely. There's a sense of wry humor throughout the book as Charlotte is very honest and self-aware, and it catches David quite off guard. Overall, it's light and fun, and it's the perfect book to read when you've had enough of the real world, thank you very much.
If you haven't read the Baring It All short story yet, I'd wait until after you read What Not To Bare. Reading it now won't spoil anything, but Baring will make more sense as it occurs in the timeline after What Not To Bare. Baring is pretty short, but it basically encapsulates the author's strengths of humor and hot sex. What more could you ask for?
January 19, 2019
After reading Nearly A Lady, I wanted confirmation of the author’s writing style, funny, witty.
And this book was perfect, with a different kind of protagonists but still with hilarious moments and steamy encounters.
I do liked that the plot about his wooing being an assignment was not source of angst, not even betrayal as they were clever to discuss the matter and accept the explanations. It was just the right opportunity for them to get to know another. Without that Lord David Marchston would have probably ignored The Abomination and walked by Lady Charlotte Jepstow without giving her a chance while Charlotte would have watched him from afar, knowing Mr Gorgeous was too out of her league.
It was more than an historical rom-com, it was also a story of seing beyond the facade, with two very opposite persons, one only seen for his handsomeness and the other for her awful look.
Charlotte is perfectly aware her tastes in fashion are outrageous if not loathsome. But she refuses to mingle and look like any other debutante. Of course her nickname hurt but it is who she is, even if she uses it as a disguise, to find the one person who will be able to see her, truly see her behind her blinding gowns and her blunt way of telling things.
David knows his stupendous face is why people and more precisely women look after him, never really looking for knowing him, they are just after a piece of him while he wants to feel useful and not used. Despite, he accepts his new assignment if he can help going back to where he feels he belongs. And Charlotte is not really ugly, she is even fun and full of surprise as she does not faint at his feet, alright when you can look at her without suffering headaches because of her choice of patterns and colors.
Definitively an enjoyable and very entertaining read which was more than its blurb.
And this book was perfect, with a different kind of protagonists but still with hilarious moments and steamy encounters.
I do liked that the plot about his wooing being an assignment was not source of angst, not even betrayal as they were clever to discuss the matter and accept the explanations. It was just the right opportunity for them to get to know another. Without that Lord David Marchston would have probably ignored The Abomination and walked by Lady Charlotte Jepstow without giving her a chance while Charlotte would have watched him from afar, knowing Mr Gorgeous was too out of her league.
It was more than an historical rom-com, it was also a story of seing beyond the facade, with two very opposite persons, one only seen for his handsomeness and the other for her awful look.
Charlotte is perfectly aware her tastes in fashion are outrageous if not loathsome. But she refuses to mingle and look like any other debutante. Of course her nickname hurt but it is who she is, even if she uses it as a disguise, to find the one person who will be able to see her, truly see her behind her blinding gowns and her blunt way of telling things.
David knows his stupendous face is why people and more precisely women look after him, never really looking for knowing him, they are just after a piece of him while he wants to feel useful and not used. Despite, he accepts his new assignment if he can help going back to where he feels he belongs. And Charlotte is not really ugly, she is even fun and full of surprise as she does not faint at his feet, alright when you can look at her without suffering headaches because of her choice of patterns and colors.
Definitively an enjoyable and very entertaining read which was more than its blurb.
October 14, 2013
Disclosure: I received this book from the tour organizer as part of the book tour. Thank you to Tasty Book Tours, Loveswept and to Megan Frampton for the opportunity. Yes, this is an honest review.
* * *
Lady Charlotte Jepstow dresses not to impress but to stupefy: mixing colors and patterns and embellishments with such exuberance that leaves her mother moaning, her lady's maid lamenting her professional reputation -- and leaving Lord David Marchston (newly-arrived from India) speechless: a rare feat considering he is a diplomat.
Lord David Marchston had been asked to return to England to escape the scandal of his indiscretion there. It grates at David to be in England, where he isn't "Lord David the diplomat" but "Lord David, the incredibly handsome younger brother to a marquess". He longs to return to India where he is useful, where he is more than just his pretty face. But, first, he must fulfill a mission: court Lady Charlotte. What he initially viewed as a chore becomes a pleasure as he gets to know the most charming, most interesting, most unusual woman he has ever met in his life.
In fiction, authors strive to create characters that have depth and dimension: round characters as opposed to flat characters but, in Megan Frampton's What Not to Bear, she begins her story by introducing us to deliberately flat characters: Mr. Gorgeous and the Abomination.
Charlotte and David are identified by one defining aspect: their appearance. Charlotte is always outrageously dressed and David is so very, very handsome. (I wonder if Megan Frampton had a visual peg for this character. I am very, very curious. ^_^)
I loved Charlotte but I worried about her self-deprecating sense of humor and knew she was a girl with deep-rooted insecurities about herself. She knows she isn't a great beauty like her friend Emma and sought to augment her plainness with her clothes (also she enjoys her mother's reaction to her clothes). Then Emma leaves her fashion column for Charlotte to write, which would strike some as a bit contrary and ironic but I viewed it as the perfect job: it isn't that Charlotte has zero fashion sense because she knows what is fashionable and owns actually owns some fashionable (read: conventional) outfits. Charlotte just chooses not be conventional. It is Charlotte's own form of rebellion -- she reminds me of another outrageously-dressed heroine: Jane Fairfield from Courtney Milan's The Heiress Effect.
Frampton's uses the clothes as part of the plot device that moves the story forward and actually removes the clothes with such deliberate slowness and teasing. I was holding my breath when David was unbuttoning Charlotte's ... gloves. The sexual tension was so palpable!!! (*Fans self*) But, more than that, it ran parallel to the development of our hero and heroine's love story: as more and more clothes are removed, David and Charlotte get deeper and deeper into their relationship and into discovering themselves. Typically, fictional armor and layers are removed to reveal characters to others but, in What Not to Bare, the revelation is for the characters themselves.
Throughout the story, we see them break out of the molds that society has cast them in. From flattened characters, we discover their depth and dimension and we see (and Charlotte sees) that there is more to her than her plainness and her outfits: she has an amazing sense of humor and a frankness that is disarming. Even David, who judged her first by her clothes slowly started seeing beyond them and knowing a Charlotte so lovable, so irresistible that makes him, for the first time in his life, consider staying in London just to be with her.
This novel really challenges perceptions: one is that we assume this would be a story of opposites attract: the plain Jane and the Prince Charming but, in reality, David and Charlotte are more similar than readers might think.
This was an incredibly charming and engaging story. Megan Frampton is a new-to-me writer and I'm so, so happy to have discovered her very captivating, very witty voice.
A final word: I loved, loved, loved The Fashionable Foible sections of the story. There was actually a tug-of-war going on because I really wanted to savor and linger at each chapter but I also wanted to get to the chapter's end so I could read the column, which were incredible insightful.
* * *
Lady Charlotte Jepstow dresses not to impress but to stupefy: mixing colors and patterns and embellishments with such exuberance that leaves her mother moaning, her lady's maid lamenting her professional reputation -- and leaving Lord David Marchston (newly-arrived from India) speechless: a rare feat considering he is a diplomat.
Lord David Marchston had been asked to return to England to escape the scandal of his indiscretion there. It grates at David to be in England, where he isn't "Lord David the diplomat" but "Lord David, the incredibly handsome younger brother to a marquess". He longs to return to India where he is useful, where he is more than just his pretty face. But, first, he must fulfill a mission: court Lady Charlotte. What he initially viewed as a chore becomes a pleasure as he gets to know the most charming, most interesting, most unusual woman he has ever met in his life.
In fiction, authors strive to create characters that have depth and dimension: round characters as opposed to flat characters but, in Megan Frampton's What Not to Bear, she begins her story by introducing us to deliberately flat characters: Mr. Gorgeous and the Abomination.
Charlotte and David are identified by one defining aspect: their appearance. Charlotte is always outrageously dressed and David is so very, very handsome. (I wonder if Megan Frampton had a visual peg for this character. I am very, very curious. ^_^)
I loved Charlotte but I worried about her self-deprecating sense of humor and knew she was a girl with deep-rooted insecurities about herself. She knows she isn't a great beauty like her friend Emma and sought to augment her plainness with her clothes (also she enjoys her mother's reaction to her clothes). Then Emma leaves her fashion column for Charlotte to write, which would strike some as a bit contrary and ironic but I viewed it as the perfect job: it isn't that Charlotte has zero fashion sense because she knows what is fashionable and owns actually owns some fashionable (read: conventional) outfits. Charlotte just chooses not be conventional. It is Charlotte's own form of rebellion -- she reminds me of another outrageously-dressed heroine: Jane Fairfield from Courtney Milan's The Heiress Effect.
Although if she had a sister, probably the sister would be the Pretty One in the family, and Charloote would be the Eternal Burden, and the Pretty One would not take it well when the most attractive man ever paid her sister such attention. Or worse, he would pay the Pretty One such attentions, and Charlotte would be eaten up with jealousy.
- loc 2120
Frampton's uses the clothes as part of the plot device that moves the story forward and actually removes the clothes with such deliberate slowness and teasing. I was holding my breath when David was unbuttoning Charlotte's ... gloves. The sexual tension was so palpable!!! (*Fans self*) But, more than that, it ran parallel to the development of our hero and heroine's love story: as more and more clothes are removed, David and Charlotte get deeper and deeper into their relationship and into discovering themselves. Typically, fictional armor and layers are removed to reveal characters to others but, in What Not to Bare, the revelation is for the characters themselves.
Throughout the story, we see them break out of the molds that society has cast them in. From flattened characters, we discover their depth and dimension and we see (and Charlotte sees) that there is more to her than her plainness and her outfits: she has an amazing sense of humor and a frankness that is disarming. Even David, who judged her first by her clothes slowly started seeing beyond them and knowing a Charlotte so lovable, so irresistible that makes him, for the first time in his life, consider staying in London just to be with her.
David found himself chuckling. A rarity -- he was usually so good at hiding all his emotions, except when necessary for the task at hand. She made him laugh in spite of himself.
- loc 1245
This novel really challenges perceptions: one is that we assume this would be a story of opposites attract: the plain Jane and the Prince Charming but, in reality, David and Charlotte are more similar than readers might think.
"Have you ever considered that having great looks is as much of a burden as being mocked for fashion?"
- loc 1317
This was an incredibly charming and engaging story. Megan Frampton is a new-to-me writer and I'm so, so happy to have discovered her very captivating, very witty voice.
A final word: I loved, loved, loved The Fashionable Foible sections of the story. There was actually a tug-of-war going on because I really wanted to savor and linger at each chapter but I also wanted to get to the chapter's end so I could read the column, which were incredible insightful.
July 25, 2020
Don't read if you like realism in your historical. But if you want witty banter, strong chemistry, and a fun story give it a shot.
October 10, 2013
I received a complimentary copy of this book as a part of a book tour in exchange for a fair and honest review.
A charming historical romance, warning about the evils of judging someone by what they wear, What Not to Bare by Megan Frampton made me laugh from the very first page. Well developed main characters, a funny reverse adaptation of the “beauty” and the “beast” theme, great dialogue and a steamy romance kept me turning the pages to discover what was going to happen next. Remaining true to the society of the time period, Ms. Frampton reminds us that women didn’t always enjoy the freedoms we have today.
Enduring her third “Season” in society, Lady Charlotte Jepstow has earned the nickname, “The Abomination”, due to her outlandish taste in fashion. Intelligent and with a large fortune of her own, Charlotte has become resigned to the idea of becoming a spinster at the end of the season. She just has to out maneuver her mother’s desperate matchmaking. She just never planned on falling for the most handsome man she’d ever encountered.
A second son with no duties, Lord David Marchston, has always been judged by his looks. An extremely handsome and well built man, he’s spent years in the service in India proving his worth, even while trying to downplay his nickname, “Mr. Gorgeous”. When an unfortunate scandal sends him back to London, David is assigned a special task, pretend to woo his boss’s niece in order to increase her chances at really catching a husband. Willing to do whatever it takes to repair his situation; David is shocked into silence when he encounters “The Abomination”.
The scenes between Charlotte and David are fun, sweet and very well written. While Charlotte’s outfits often cause David to forget what he was going to say, they do lead to real conversations and help Charlotte and David become well acquainted. Charlotte’s natural curiosity and intelligence are finally given a chance to blossom, while David’s wit and charm are challenged. Ms. Frampton does an excellent job with both characters and I found myself laughing, pumping my fists in the air and internally screaming “You Go Girl”.
The secondary characters are also well written and I especially liked Lady Anne, Charlotte’s friend, and Gotam, David’s Indian friend. While I didn’t care for Charlotte’s mother, she was only interested in marrying her daughter off regardless of the man was worthy of her or not, I did like Charlotte’s dad and uncle, though they tended to spend most of the time in the background.
The romance between Charlotte and David was sweet and very hot. They had great physical chemistry and I really enjoyed the fact that Ms. Frampton let them get to know each other before they become really intimate. There’s plenty of emotional development which makes the romance seem more real.
Will “The Abomination” and “Mr. Gorgeous” surprise society when the “Season” ends? And just what happens to Charlotte’s other would be suitors? You’ll have to read What Not to Bare to find out. I really enjoyed it and I think you will to. I really hope Ms. Frampton gives us Lady Anne’s story next.
A charming historical romance, warning about the evils of judging someone by what they wear, What Not to Bare by Megan Frampton made me laugh from the very first page. Well developed main characters, a funny reverse adaptation of the “beauty” and the “beast” theme, great dialogue and a steamy romance kept me turning the pages to discover what was going to happen next. Remaining true to the society of the time period, Ms. Frampton reminds us that women didn’t always enjoy the freedoms we have today.
Enduring her third “Season” in society, Lady Charlotte Jepstow has earned the nickname, “The Abomination”, due to her outlandish taste in fashion. Intelligent and with a large fortune of her own, Charlotte has become resigned to the idea of becoming a spinster at the end of the season. She just has to out maneuver her mother’s desperate matchmaking. She just never planned on falling for the most handsome man she’d ever encountered.
A second son with no duties, Lord David Marchston, has always been judged by his looks. An extremely handsome and well built man, he’s spent years in the service in India proving his worth, even while trying to downplay his nickname, “Mr. Gorgeous”. When an unfortunate scandal sends him back to London, David is assigned a special task, pretend to woo his boss’s niece in order to increase her chances at really catching a husband. Willing to do whatever it takes to repair his situation; David is shocked into silence when he encounters “The Abomination”.
The scenes between Charlotte and David are fun, sweet and very well written. While Charlotte’s outfits often cause David to forget what he was going to say, they do lead to real conversations and help Charlotte and David become well acquainted. Charlotte’s natural curiosity and intelligence are finally given a chance to blossom, while David’s wit and charm are challenged. Ms. Frampton does an excellent job with both characters and I found myself laughing, pumping my fists in the air and internally screaming “You Go Girl”.
The secondary characters are also well written and I especially liked Lady Anne, Charlotte’s friend, and Gotam, David’s Indian friend. While I didn’t care for Charlotte’s mother, she was only interested in marrying her daughter off regardless of the man was worthy of her or not, I did like Charlotte’s dad and uncle, though they tended to spend most of the time in the background.
The romance between Charlotte and David was sweet and very hot. They had great physical chemistry and I really enjoyed the fact that Ms. Frampton let them get to know each other before they become really intimate. There’s plenty of emotional development which makes the romance seem more real.
Will “The Abomination” and “Mr. Gorgeous” surprise society when the “Season” ends? And just what happens to Charlotte’s other would be suitors? You’ll have to read What Not to Bare to find out. I really enjoyed it and I think you will to. I really hope Ms. Frampton gives us Lady Anne’s story next.
September 16, 2013
What Not to Bare was a delightfully witty historical romance. Lady Charlotte Jepstow is an heiress thanks to a generous aunt; however, this means that she has the misfortune of attracting fortune hunters. To solve this dilemma Charlotte has donned her armor, that is, a rather outrageous dress that has earned her the label “The Abomination," and which keeps the young gentleman at bay. Charlotte hopes that she will eventually find a man that looks beyond her clothes and loves her for who she is, and she thinks she may just have found him in Lord David Marchston, recently returned from India.
Unbeknownst to Charlotte, David has been asked by his superior, Lord Bradford, to court his niece (ie. Charlotte) in hopes that it will make her more popular; thus, gaining a suitable marriage proposal. Since David wants to return to India he reluctantly agrees to pay court to Charlotte, never dreaming that he’d want to make it a reality.
This was an extremely adorable romance. The banter between Charlotte and David was fantastic and kept me smiling the whole way through the book. The chemistry between the pair was also well done, and the whole novel was filled with tension until the eventual capitulation of their desires. I cannot express how well this was executed! I loved that David, a diplomatic negotiator, was completely befuddled when he encountered Charlotte and her frank ways. Frampton certainly knows how to write romance with a high level of character development and superb dialogue.
I also liked the fashion columns that were included at the beginning of each chapter. Charlotte had taken over the writing of the fashion column for her friend, Emma, so it was fun to see the results of her work. I liked that the column was not so much about fashion but about ton life. The inclusion of these articles was a very nice detail in the novel and always had some relevance for the characters themselves.
Having read Frampton’s Hero of My Heart, I found What Not to Bare a much lighter read; however, the same level of character development and wit was evident. I had loved Hero of My Heart and it was great to be able to have a look at the author’s latest work. I would highly recommend What Not to Bare to historical romance fans looking for a light read with a lot of humor in it.
*Review copy provided via NetGalley. For read-alikes visit The Book Adventures.
Unbeknownst to Charlotte, David has been asked by his superior, Lord Bradford, to court his niece (ie. Charlotte) in hopes that it will make her more popular; thus, gaining a suitable marriage proposal. Since David wants to return to India he reluctantly agrees to pay court to Charlotte, never dreaming that he’d want to make it a reality.
This was an extremely adorable romance. The banter between Charlotte and David was fantastic and kept me smiling the whole way through the book. The chemistry between the pair was also well done, and the whole novel was filled with tension until the eventual capitulation of their desires. I cannot express how well this was executed! I loved that David, a diplomatic negotiator, was completely befuddled when he encountered Charlotte and her frank ways. Frampton certainly knows how to write romance with a high level of character development and superb dialogue.
I also liked the fashion columns that were included at the beginning of each chapter. Charlotte had taken over the writing of the fashion column for her friend, Emma, so it was fun to see the results of her work. I liked that the column was not so much about fashion but about ton life. The inclusion of these articles was a very nice detail in the novel and always had some relevance for the characters themselves.
Having read Frampton’s Hero of My Heart, I found What Not to Bare a much lighter read; however, the same level of character development and wit was evident. I had loved Hero of My Heart and it was great to be able to have a look at the author’s latest work. I would highly recommend What Not to Bare to historical romance fans looking for a light read with a lot of humor in it.
*Review copy provided via NetGalley. For read-alikes visit The Book Adventures.
September 12, 2014
very middling. strong word choice but plenty of weakness throughout:
the heroine is supposed to be a protofeminist of sorts: she doesn't give a rat's derriere about being chubbier than is fashionable and loves her scones; she isn't afraid to speak her mind, even though it shocks those around her; she's not interested in marrying for the sake of marrying and values her independence. but then she turns around and makes all sorts of sizist comments about folks who are supposed to be villains and then agrees in a hot nanosecond to curb her behavior and pipe down with her questions when The Hot Guy tells her to because he doesn't think it's appropriate. it's kind of wishy-washy, kind of gross. there's not a very consistent understanding of feminism here even though the heroine is supposed to be waving that flag.
then, a GREAT big deal is made about how the heroine is mocked socially for her fashion sense, yet the entire plot rests on her BFF (whom we never see again after the first scene; she's conveniently discarded) begging her to take over her fashion column. sounds like a really stupid move, BFF. then we're told time and again that while everyone ELSE thinks our heroine dresses like a crazy blind person, she actually adores the way the clashing patterns and garish colors collide. but not once does the author find a way to describe the fashion through our heroine's eyes, show us HOW or WHY she finds those looks so beautiful. rather, she cackles over how knowingly hideous one ensemble is or purposely tones down what she's wearing -- removing a clashing shawl or pair of gloves -- because she doesn't want to be too hideously overwhelming. it's just . . . all over the place. it's like the author had an idea for how to solicit a little wry chuckle and then forgot the punchline midway to the telling.
and quite frequently anachronisms and forced plot points mar the telling of what perhaps could have been a pleasant, funny little tale. folks appear or disappear for the service of one scene or plot twist or seem to exist entirely to throw a wrench in the heroine's plans (one-dimensional villains abound). much of the speech sounds far too modern and american (e.g., using "way" to mean "very"). in sum, it's not very thoughtfully written.
that said, a playful, silly tone permeates that's often effective and joyful. if you're looking for protofeminism and modern mores laid over a regency setting and aren't a stickler for historical authenticity, you may enjoy this book.
the heroine is supposed to be a protofeminist of sorts: she doesn't give a rat's derriere about being chubbier than is fashionable and loves her scones; she isn't afraid to speak her mind, even though it shocks those around her; she's not interested in marrying for the sake of marrying and values her independence. but then she turns around and makes all sorts of sizist comments about folks who are supposed to be villains and then agrees in a hot nanosecond to curb her behavior and pipe down with her questions when The Hot Guy tells her to because he doesn't think it's appropriate. it's kind of wishy-washy, kind of gross. there's not a very consistent understanding of feminism here even though the heroine is supposed to be waving that flag.
then, a GREAT big deal is made about how the heroine is mocked socially for her fashion sense, yet the entire plot rests on her BFF (whom we never see again after the first scene; she's conveniently discarded) begging her to take over her fashion column. sounds like a really stupid move, BFF. then we're told time and again that while everyone ELSE thinks our heroine dresses like a crazy blind person, she actually adores the way the clashing patterns and garish colors collide. but not once does the author find a way to describe the fashion through our heroine's eyes, show us HOW or WHY she finds those looks so beautiful. rather, she cackles over how knowingly hideous one ensemble is or purposely tones down what she's wearing -- removing a clashing shawl or pair of gloves -- because she doesn't want to be too hideously overwhelming. it's just . . . all over the place. it's like the author had an idea for how to solicit a little wry chuckle and then forgot the punchline midway to the telling.
and quite frequently anachronisms and forced plot points mar the telling of what perhaps could have been a pleasant, funny little tale. folks appear or disappear for the service of one scene or plot twist or seem to exist entirely to throw a wrench in the heroine's plans (one-dimensional villains abound). much of the speech sounds far too modern and american (e.g., using "way" to mean "very"). in sum, it's not very thoughtfully written.
that said, a playful, silly tone permeates that's often effective and joyful. if you're looking for protofeminism and modern mores laid over a regency setting and aren't a stickler for historical authenticity, you may enjoy this book.
October 17, 2013
Review Originally Posted at: Book Freak
Rating:4.5 Stars
Megan Frampton surprised me. I didn’t expect to laugh and be amused a whole lot than I intended when I started reading WHAT NOT TO BARE. I like Charlotte – the smart and witty heroine who dresses awfully flamboyant to annoy her mother and to find a man who will love her not for her money (she was abysmally rich) or the clothes she wears (totally horrendous), but for her alone (great person). Then she meets David – the devilishly handsome man who paid her attention – but she should bear in mind that this guy was far off from courting the likes of her, he just enjoys her company. She MUST remember that all the time or risk a broken heart.
David, on the other hand, is gorgeous and often being chased by women. It was exactly how he ended up back in London – because of a woman. One of his superiors asked him to do something out of the ordinary: court his niece. If he can do that, he can have his post back. What he didn’t expect though is finding someone beautiful and clever beneath the mismatch and loud-colored gowns. This assignment might have been his hardest so far, especially when he’s about to fail – he’s falling in love with the subject.
I like both characters, most especially Charlotte and the fact that she didn’t change who she is because she wanted to snag this gorgeous man – instead she held on to her beliefs and is determined to find a man who would love her for her. While David might have some mistakes from the past, and yes, the past came to town to surprise him, I’m so glad he didn’t succumb, and I was so glad he wasn’t shallow. He might have fought it at first, but he saw through her.
Historical Romances has always been closed to my heart, and it’s always refreshing to read something different, but utterly captivating. Because that is what I would describe this novel. It had me entertained, made me smile, and feel a connection with the characters despite centuries apart. I love the message that this book coveys. People often judge base on clothes and appearance, forgetting that there is more than meets the eye.
*ARC Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.
Rating:4.5 Stars
Megan Frampton surprised me. I didn’t expect to laugh and be amused a whole lot than I intended when I started reading WHAT NOT TO BARE. I like Charlotte – the smart and witty heroine who dresses awfully flamboyant to annoy her mother and to find a man who will love her not for her money (she was abysmally rich) or the clothes she wears (totally horrendous), but for her alone (great person). Then she meets David – the devilishly handsome man who paid her attention – but she should bear in mind that this guy was far off from courting the likes of her, he just enjoys her company. She MUST remember that all the time or risk a broken heart.
David, on the other hand, is gorgeous and often being chased by women. It was exactly how he ended up back in London – because of a woman. One of his superiors asked him to do something out of the ordinary: court his niece. If he can do that, he can have his post back. What he didn’t expect though is finding someone beautiful and clever beneath the mismatch and loud-colored gowns. This assignment might have been his hardest so far, especially when he’s about to fail – he’s falling in love with the subject.
I like both characters, most especially Charlotte and the fact that she didn’t change who she is because she wanted to snag this gorgeous man – instead she held on to her beliefs and is determined to find a man who would love her for her. While David might have some mistakes from the past, and yes, the past came to town to surprise him, I’m so glad he didn’t succumb, and I was so glad he wasn’t shallow. He might have fought it at first, but he saw through her.
Historical Romances has always been closed to my heart, and it’s always refreshing to read something different, but utterly captivating. Because that is what I would describe this novel. It had me entertained, made me smile, and feel a connection with the characters despite centuries apart. I love the message that this book coveys. People often judge base on clothes and appearance, forgetting that there is more than meets the eye.
*ARC Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.
September 10, 2016
This book is a total mistorical, but the banter and the characters were so cute that I didn't really care. Charlotte, the heroine, is a sassy heiress with horrible fashion sense who wants to be loved for herself instead of her money so she dresses exactly the way she likes in order to scare off anyone not really attracted to her. Meanwhile her mother just wants to marry her off. Her thoughts are hilarious. She refers to herself as an EB (Eternal Burden) because that's what her mother is afraid she is going to turn into. She meets David (aka "Mr. Gorgeous") at a ball. He's the second son of a duke who became a diplomat and was posted to India, but was sent home due to a scandal with a general's wife. His superior asks him to court Charlotte while he's home to make her more attractive to other potential suitors.
The problem with the book was that there was no real plot, and the historical references were totally wrong. She constantly calls him "Lord David" which is not at all the right address for a Duke's son, and he constantly calls her "Lady Charlotte" even though she should have no title. I couldn't even figure out what year it was - it seemed like it should be Victorian, but they referenced Lord Wellington's victory as being in the recent past which would make it a Regency. She sneaks off at all hours to visit him with just her maid and they are constantly making out on terraces at balls with absolutely no consequences. I also couldn't understand why a young lady who was so willing to appear in public in such horrible clothes, and who had her own inheritance, would be so willing to knuckle under to her mother's demands that she marry even if she couldn't stand her suitor. However, in spite of this, I loved the author's writing style and I zipped right through the book. If I was grading it based on plot, it would barely be a 3, the characters make it a 5, but I have to knock off a star just because of the historical errors. Still, I will definitely be reading the author's next book.
The problem with the book was that there was no real plot, and the historical references were totally wrong. She constantly calls him "Lord David" which is not at all the right address for a Duke's son, and he constantly calls her "Lady Charlotte" even though she should have no title. I couldn't even figure out what year it was - it seemed like it should be Victorian, but they referenced Lord Wellington's victory as being in the recent past which would make it a Regency. She sneaks off at all hours to visit him with just her maid and they are constantly making out on terraces at balls with absolutely no consequences. I also couldn't understand why a young lady who was so willing to appear in public in such horrible clothes, and who had her own inheritance, would be so willing to knuckle under to her mother's demands that she marry even if she couldn't stand her suitor. However, in spite of this, I loved the author's writing style and I zipped right through the book. If I was grading it based on plot, it would barely be a 3, the characters make it a 5, but I have to knock off a star just because of the historical errors. Still, I will definitely be reading the author's next book.
April 10, 2014
Megan FramptonWitty, hilarious, fast paced and outrageous dialogue, a fashion challenged heroine and a hero who was forced to leave India due to scandal. What more do you need? Lady Charlotte Jepstow is a heroine with a mind full of questions and says, does and dresses to please herself. LONDON'S society calls her "The Abomination!" Charlotte wears colorful feathers and fruits on her bonnet, white gloves with purple and yellow embroidery and a neon blue gown with huge red and green flower pattern on it and that is just one of her outfits. She is shocked when her friend, Emma, asks her to write her fashion column while she out of town. A column would be something different to do since she is not going to find a husband again this year. Will she always be "Eternal Burden" to her family? Lord David Marchston is back in London but not by his choice. While in India he slept with the wrong wife and caused a scandal. Lord Bradford, his boss in the Home Secretary's office, tells him is new assignment is to stay out of trouble and pretend to "court" his niece, Lady Charlotte, but not marry her. David's is called "Mr. Gorgeous" in India and he is sick of being used for his good looks. Charlotte and David's story is super quirky, hilarious and imaginative. Gloves, chemises, male small clothes fly off. Great secondary characters like Gotam, David's valet and Sarah, Charlotte's maid and co-conspirator. Ms. Frampton has great catch phrases like "unmarried bachelors" and writes humor in love scenes and it works. My personal favorite romances are hilarious, quirky, have characters that are total opposites and make me laugh, snort, scream and even get my pompoms and cheer them on. I have to give Ms. Frampton my top score of 5 fingers up and 10 toes.
September 7, 2014
Very good story! Charlotte's nickname is the Abomination, she is terrible with fashion, and dresses outrageously. She is introduced to David at a ball and she is enthralled, he is beautiful, and they actually speak candidly to each other. Charlotte is intrigued by David, but David is put up to courting her by Charlotte's uncle. David wants to go back to India, he left after a scandal, and Charlotte's uncle lets him know that he can go back after the Season if he stays scandal free and helps Charlotte become a little more popular.
David starts to court Charlotte and is surprised that he likes her, he actually thinks she is pretty if she wouldn't wear her outrageous fashion choices. Charlotte uses her fashion choices to hide, and to upset her mother, but she honestly likes herself and doesn't care that others don't like her choices.
Can a man whose nickname is Mr. Gorgeous and the Abomination actually become friends and maybe something more?
These characters were really funny, and I liked both of them very much. David was very good looking and knew it, but he never seemed too arrogant about it. David actually liked being useful in India, instead of just a good looking face. Charlotte was funny, the conversations she had with herself in her head were sometimes hilarious. She really wanted to be David's friend and had no problem telling him how good looking he was, she was a refreshing and interesting heroine.
Love scenes were good, and came at the right time in Charlotte and David's relationship. Some of their meetings were pretty hot. I would definitely want to read more books by Megan Frampton.
I received this complimentary copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
David starts to court Charlotte and is surprised that he likes her, he actually thinks she is pretty if she wouldn't wear her outrageous fashion choices. Charlotte uses her fashion choices to hide, and to upset her mother, but she honestly likes herself and doesn't care that others don't like her choices.
Can a man whose nickname is Mr. Gorgeous and the Abomination actually become friends and maybe something more?
These characters were really funny, and I liked both of them very much. David was very good looking and knew it, but he never seemed too arrogant about it. David actually liked being useful in India, instead of just a good looking face. Charlotte was funny, the conversations she had with herself in her head were sometimes hilarious. She really wanted to be David's friend and had no problem telling him how good looking he was, she was a refreshing and interesting heroine.
Love scenes were good, and came at the right time in Charlotte and David's relationship. Some of their meetings were pretty hot. I would definitely want to read more books by Megan Frampton.
I received this complimentary copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 18, 2013
What Not To Bare was an all out delightful read that will have you smiling insanely page after page. There has never been a female lead quite like Charlotte with her sense of style (or lack of), utterly charming curiosity and wonderful sense of self. While David is the epitome of all gorgeous male leads who had the audacity to question the usefulness of said looks when you have nothing else to offer. This was one love story you wouldn't have imagined between two people who thought that the other wasn't entirely for them. This book will have you on your toes, expecting whats next and getting something else entirely. Engaging and entertaining, with its witty dialogue, relatable and very likable characters and a romance that will sweep you off your feet. I love Charlotte, I love how defiant she was in her own way, of trying to assert her sense of self in a time where women were expected to behave in a certain way. Her self esteem might be low due to in part to society's perceptions but she was still flaunting her colorful, mix-matched clothes and refusing to be bowed down. David is the perfect foil, his discontent with being known only for his looks, typically attributed to female leads before, has him defying convention as well preferring to live in India where he is more than that. What Not Bare is a historical, romantic comedy that will definitely fit in modern times.
*The ARC was provided by the publisher and NetGalley in return for an honest review*
*The ARC was provided by the publisher and NetGalley in return for an honest review*
October 2, 2018
I picked this one up based on a recommendation on twitter of comfort reads in these times of great #metoo angst - and whilst the hero does show all the signs of a man who will generously encourages his lady-love to live her best life full of worst fashion choices, it seems to me that if your heroine's biggest problems seem to revolve around what fashion dictates as passe, and your godlike-gorgeous hero is trying to demonstrate his good-guy status by being willing to chittychat and sit around drinking with his INDIAN!!BeImpressedwithMyAuthorlyAttemptatDiverseCharactersTM valet whilst failing at every instance to actually demonstrate the slightest smidgeon of cultural sensitivity and colonial guilt I am going to give this a hard pass of No with a side of NotEver.
If you can't be bothered to use your Indian characters given name, instead using some culturally insensitive nickname, and haven't done the slightest piece of research about how an Indian character might behave or feel in the age of colonial England's worst excesses than I don't see why you would be bothered to write him into the story at all. This is not Inclusion done well, this is a shameless shallow and undeserved grab for Diversity cookies, and I do NOT approve. Reader, I left it unread - a rare DNF by me.
If you can't be bothered to use your Indian characters given name, instead using some culturally insensitive nickname, and haven't done the slightest piece of research about how an Indian character might behave or feel in the age of colonial England's worst excesses than I don't see why you would be bothered to write him into the story at all. This is not Inclusion done well, this is a shameless shallow and undeserved grab for Diversity cookies, and I do NOT approve. Reader, I left it unread - a rare DNF by me.
August 10, 2014
This was a fun and light story. Throughout most of it, I had a smile on my face. I loved Charlotte - she was funny, honest, straightforward and sweet. It was so much fun to read about David's reactions to Charlotte - from her crazy outfits to her blunt statements. He was befuddled throughout most of the story! Of course, as with any romance, there was some heartache, but nothing overwhelming, which was a nice change of pace. This is one I would definitely recommend for a fairly quick read that will make you smile and chuckle throughout!
February 18, 2015
I loved the way the book portrayed Charlotte. Her awful dress sense was hilarious and made a nice change from the usual stunning gowns everyone sees to wear in these books. Some lovey laugh out loud moments and the banter between Charlotte and David was endearing and comical. It is most definitely a feel good true love conquers all even an horrendous wardrobe.
July 20, 2016
This book was SO cute! I loved how she dressed and did it just to piss off her mother. Extra points for that! He was so sweet with her, I just loved the whole thing. It was fun, it made me laugh, it was romantic. Perfection.
October 19, 2014
A hilariously funny read!
I had the impression the author wrote this one with a twinkle in her eyes considering that I was smiling throughout the whole book.
I had the impression the author wrote this one with a twinkle in her eyes considering that I was smiling throughout the whole book.
January 28, 2014
This book is so well written and clever.
I can't wait for Megan Frampton's next work!
I can't wait for Megan Frampton's next work!
August 2, 2014
*happy sigh* Totally hit the spot. Delightful, charming, light, amusing.
September 6, 2013
Megan Frampton pens another fabulous and fun Historical.
Loved it!
ARC Provided by NetGalley
Loved it!
ARC Provided by NetGalley
December 11, 2017
This unfortunately named novel almost received five stars and it still could were the author willing to work at it and research the Regency period. Because I simultaneously loved it as satire and hated it for what I am forced to consider laziness on the part of the author. So far in my reading career, the only authors who wrote novels set in the Regency are Jane Austen, who was a contemporary of that period, and Georgette Heyer who researched the blazes into Regency fashions, history, language, and mannerisms. One has only to compare her with Austen or plays written then to see for one's self.
Let me get the bad news out of the way. There are too many one-dimensional characters there to be the voice of the ton and they are so cliched it hurt to read them. These would be the mother, mom's best friend, best friend's son, and the scandalous widow. They could so easily have been interesting characters had the author thought about their backstories and how they came to be as they were.
Another thing that really bothered me was the lack of attention paid to what Regency ladies actually wore. They did not wear jackets or coats. At least, those were not the terms they used. Also, people in the Regency did not speak as we of the twenty-first century do. At one point, she has David, the hero saying something was "way better" and I actually cringed in my chair. Were Frampton from Boston, I would expect her to have her characters talk about something being "wicked."
As I said above, I find the title to be an unfortunate choice. It turns out to be the title of a fashion column written by Charlotte's friend, Emma. I would question if there were fashion columns in newspapers of the Regency period. But if there were, I don't think it would have such a risque title. The premise of the story is that because Emma has to leave London to attend her sister's delivery, Emma would not be able to write her column so she turns to her friend, Charlotte, the heroine of the story to do it. I did find the columns Charlotte wrote quite entertaining and full fo good advice.
At the heart of this novel is an Ugly Duckling story and a reverse Ugly Duckling story. That Emma would ask Charlotte to write a fashion column is an act of supreme irony because Charlotte is an atrocious dresser. Her clothing is gawdawful ugly and she revels in it because she does it deliberately. One the one hand, this delighted me and on the other, it repelled me simply because I doubt the availability of fabrics Frampton described, I doubt any dressmaker worthy fo the name would have agreed to the atrocious combinations and I doubt whether her mother would have allowed it. I really want an appearance of verisimilitude in a story. There were other ways to make Charlotte's clothing dreadful without being so unbelievable.
However, I loved Charlotte's reasons, I loved the panache with which she carried it off and I loved the way she simply didn't care that society called her The Abomination. She did it to thumb her nose at the hypocrisy with which she was surrounded. Her mother's only concern was to marry Charlotte off to anyone who would have her. Charlotte, an heiress, wishes to be valued for her own sake, for her personality, her intellect, her wit. Charlotte makes herself into an ugly duckling deliberately as a challenge to people to see through the disguise to her true self.
David is such a handsome man that his nickname is Mr. Gorgeous. He hates it that when people look at him, all they see is his appearance. He resents being sexually objectified. David is the ugly duckling in reverse.Because of this, he is sympathetic to and then quite supportive of Charlotte. Of course, he is introduced to her by mistake, He sees a beautiful woman, can't take her eyes off of her. He was speaking to Charlotte's mother at the time when then vision caught his eye. As the vision was chatting with Charlotte, mom assumes he notices Charlotte's hideous clothing and can't take his eyes off the bewildering attire. When they are introduced he sees his error but as a gentleman, he asks Charlotte to dance and then discovers she is intelligent, witty and very curious. She chats to him about things no miss has ever discussed. His employer asks David to court Charlotte, his niece because if such a gorgeous man sees something to admire in her, maybe others will too.
It's an absurd plot but it works. Despite the things that infuriated me, it still works. I do hope though, that the author will be less lazy in the future and do the research she needs to do and learn to develop her supporting characters into interesting people.
Let me get the bad news out of the way. There are too many one-dimensional characters there to be the voice of the ton and they are so cliched it hurt to read them. These would be the mother, mom's best friend, best friend's son, and the scandalous widow. They could so easily have been interesting characters had the author thought about their backstories and how they came to be as they were.
Another thing that really bothered me was the lack of attention paid to what Regency ladies actually wore. They did not wear jackets or coats. At least, those were not the terms they used. Also, people in the Regency did not speak as we of the twenty-first century do. At one point, she has David, the hero saying something was "way better" and I actually cringed in my chair. Were Frampton from Boston, I would expect her to have her characters talk about something being "wicked."
As I said above, I find the title to be an unfortunate choice. It turns out to be the title of a fashion column written by Charlotte's friend, Emma. I would question if there were fashion columns in newspapers of the Regency period. But if there were, I don't think it would have such a risque title. The premise of the story is that because Emma has to leave London to attend her sister's delivery, Emma would not be able to write her column so she turns to her friend, Charlotte, the heroine of the story to do it. I did find the columns Charlotte wrote quite entertaining and full fo good advice.
At the heart of this novel is an Ugly Duckling story and a reverse Ugly Duckling story. That Emma would ask Charlotte to write a fashion column is an act of supreme irony because Charlotte is an atrocious dresser. Her clothing is gawdawful ugly and she revels in it because she does it deliberately. One the one hand, this delighted me and on the other, it repelled me simply because I doubt the availability of fabrics Frampton described, I doubt any dressmaker worthy fo the name would have agreed to the atrocious combinations and I doubt whether her mother would have allowed it. I really want an appearance of verisimilitude in a story. There were other ways to make Charlotte's clothing dreadful without being so unbelievable.
However, I loved Charlotte's reasons, I loved the panache with which she carried it off and I loved the way she simply didn't care that society called her The Abomination. She did it to thumb her nose at the hypocrisy with which she was surrounded. Her mother's only concern was to marry Charlotte off to anyone who would have her. Charlotte, an heiress, wishes to be valued for her own sake, for her personality, her intellect, her wit. Charlotte makes herself into an ugly duckling deliberately as a challenge to people to see through the disguise to her true self.
David is such a handsome man that his nickname is Mr. Gorgeous. He hates it that when people look at him, all they see is his appearance. He resents being sexually objectified. David is the ugly duckling in reverse.Because of this, he is sympathetic to and then quite supportive of Charlotte. Of course, he is introduced to her by mistake, He sees a beautiful woman, can't take her eyes off of her. He was speaking to Charlotte's mother at the time when then vision caught his eye. As the vision was chatting with Charlotte, mom assumes he notices Charlotte's hideous clothing and can't take his eyes off the bewildering attire. When they are introduced he sees his error but as a gentleman, he asks Charlotte to dance and then discovers she is intelligent, witty and very curious. She chats to him about things no miss has ever discussed. His employer asks David to court Charlotte, his niece because if such a gorgeous man sees something to admire in her, maybe others will too.
It's an absurd plot but it works. Despite the things that infuriated me, it still works. I do hope though, that the author will be less lazy in the future and do the research she needs to do and learn to develop her supporting characters into interesting people.
December 14, 2017
On her third season Lady Charlotte Jepstow’s mother is getting desperate. Charlotte doesn’t want to get married and she finds the whole process tedious, so she dresses in clashing colours to drive away suitors. It’s working well. Lord Charles termed her the ‘abomination’ and the name has stuck. But she rethinks everything when she lays eyes on Lord David Marchston, a scandalous rake who has been away from the ton for a decade. He’s been in the army and in India on business.
***
Why would someone who wrote a fashion advice page for a newspaper trust that job to her flamboyantly fashion-free friend? And half her posts are about proto feminist things before the movement existed. Plus, regency had 6 (or was it 8) mail deliveries a day. Being in the country would not have stopped her sending in her columns; it might just have kept her out of the current fashion loop. But Charlotte isn’t in that anyway.
At some point, Emma should have messaged her to stop destroying her daily column.
Plus, the beautiful Emma disappears never to be heard from again and she’s the best friend of the heroine, but it’s okay, she gets a new best friend - Lady Anne Silver.
Lord David is a second son and his elder brother is alive, healthy and popping out his own heirs, so he’s well and truly out of the family lineage. He just wants to go back to India where he can be useful. He’s been driven out by having an affair with a senior general’s wife but then the man conveniently dies and the widow hurries back to London to try to get back with him. Too quickly for both story plot, geography and regency mourning periods. She’s a pathetic antagonist.
If she says ‘lovely’ one more time, I am going to scream. Or mentions throat clearing… or being useful. Gah.
Gauche-mat is just… twee and horrible. He’s supposed to be a diplomat but fails using his words, so calls himself gauche. Gauche-mat. That’s not… a good joke. I can’t explain it; it made me cringe, not laugh.
As does the title; a takeoff of ‘what not to wear’. I used to watch that show.
*winces* maybe it’s the writing style, but… no.
‘Chinese Crape’ should be crepe if it’s the material.
That last sentence is a mess… And if I’m editing, the story has lost me.
I didn’t mind David and Charlotte, but the whole thing felt kind of silly. There was never really anything at stake.
I’ve read this story idea before in The Heiress Effect by Courtney Milan - hiding in plain sight in such a garish gown it drives off all suitors - both published 2013 so maybe that’s a coincidence… but it isn’t described well here. Even the heroine is a bit wishy-washy on her own plan. And her mother is annoying, but she’s not in any real danger with both her father and her uncle on Charlotte’s side. Marrying for love is a very new concept.
I also find it unlikely that if David cared for her at all, he’d be disrobing and deflowering her in his study. Very poor form.
Given she is supposed to be on the larger size, that’s a terrifying size for a penis.
2 disappointed stars
***
Why would someone who wrote a fashion advice page for a newspaper trust that job to her flamboyantly fashion-free friend? And half her posts are about proto feminist things before the movement existed. Plus, regency had 6 (or was it 8) mail deliveries a day. Being in the country would not have stopped her sending in her columns; it might just have kept her out of the current fashion loop. But Charlotte isn’t in that anyway.
At some point, Emma should have messaged her to stop destroying her daily column.
Plus, the beautiful Emma disappears never to be heard from again and she’s the best friend of the heroine, but it’s okay, she gets a new best friend - Lady Anne Silver.
Lord David is a second son and his elder brother is alive, healthy and popping out his own heirs, so he’s well and truly out of the family lineage. He just wants to go back to India where he can be useful. He’s been driven out by having an affair with a senior general’s wife but then the man conveniently dies and the widow hurries back to London to try to get back with him. Too quickly for both story plot, geography and regency mourning periods. She’s a pathetic antagonist.
If she says ‘lovely’ one more time, I am going to scream. Or mentions throat clearing… or being useful. Gah.
Gauche-mat is just… twee and horrible. He’s supposed to be a diplomat but fails using his words, so calls himself gauche. Gauche-mat. That’s not… a good joke. I can’t explain it; it made me cringe, not laugh.
As does the title; a takeoff of ‘what not to wear’. I used to watch that show.
Because his mother and hers were friends , he was required to dance with Charlotte at every party they attended . Where there was dancing , of course ; dancing when there was no music would have simply been odd . (Kindle Locations 358-360).
*winces* maybe it’s the writing style, but… no.
‘Chinese Crape’ should be crepe if it’s the material.
Particular parts of his body responded to being this close to her , and he was momentarily grateful others were nearby , because he wasn’t sure he could deny what his body wanted if they were truly alone . Only momentarily grateful only , though .(Kindle Locations 1086-1088).
That last sentence is a mess… And if I’m editing, the story has lost me.
I didn’t mind David and Charlotte, but the whole thing felt kind of silly. There was never really anything at stake.
I’ve read this story idea before in The Heiress Effect by Courtney Milan - hiding in plain sight in such a garish gown it drives off all suitors - both published 2013 so maybe that’s a coincidence… but it isn’t described well here. Even the heroine is a bit wishy-washy on her own plan. And her mother is annoying, but she’s not in any real danger with both her father and her uncle on Charlotte’s side. Marrying for love is a very new concept.
I also find it unlikely that if David cared for her at all, he’d be disrobing and deflowering her in his study. Very poor form.
Because his … his penis—she knew what it was called—was quite large, practically as big as her own forearm, and sticking straight up, as though gravity had never existed. (Kindle Locations 3308-3310).
Given she is supposed to be on the larger size, that’s a terrifying size for a penis.
2 disappointed stars
January 5, 2018
The third in my accidental heroines-named-Charlotte binge!
Very funny, with a bit of a bewildered beta hero in David, who has a past as a bit of a womanizer, but is determined to avoid scandal while trying to get his post in India back. As he sets to work courting Charlotte, he discovers pleasure in her honest conversation and learns to see past her truly ... original (read: loud/garish/clashing) ... fashion choices. Charlotte is trying to avoid marriage in what her parents have deemed to be her last Season, and hopes for someone who will see beneath her surface appearance to the woman underneath. Along the way she takes over writing a fashion column for her friend, and one such column introduces each chapter.
I liked both Charlotte and David a lot, even as they both made a few mistakes and the occasional assumption about how the other would react to scandalous bits of news. I also liked Charlotte's friend Anne, and am sad to see that she doesn't seem to have a story of her own! The various villains of the story are not too villainous at all, really, just set on having their own way of things and not caring about others feelings.
Very funny, with a bit of a bewildered beta hero in David, who has a past as a bit of a womanizer, but is determined to avoid scandal while trying to get his post in India back. As he sets to work courting Charlotte, he discovers pleasure in her honest conversation and learns to see past her truly ... original (read: loud/garish/clashing) ... fashion choices. Charlotte is trying to avoid marriage in what her parents have deemed to be her last Season, and hopes for someone who will see beneath her surface appearance to the woman underneath. Along the way she takes over writing a fashion column for her friend, and one such column introduces each chapter.
I liked both Charlotte and David a lot, even as they both made a few mistakes and the occasional assumption about how the other would react to scandalous bits of news. I also liked Charlotte's friend Anne, and am sad to see that she doesn't seem to have a story of her own! The various villains of the story are not too villainous at all, really, just set on having their own way of things and not caring about others feelings.
August 22, 2018
It was so cute and sexy. I really liked Charlotte. She's a great, funny character who fully embraced her sexuality (which I really like--it annoys me when the heroines in regency romance all try to avoid and have to be coaxed into kissing and everything-like be happy girl, you got a hot man and I'm really jealous). To be honest, half of the regency romance women annoy me, but Charlotte definitely didn't-only maybe at the end. I hate it when the women are always like this hot man can't really love me and I need to let him go. Like no, don't let him go!!
Sorry I just have strong feelings about this irritating occurrence.
Also I think David's handsomeness was mentioned too many times. Saying it twice was enough. It made me started feeling like David was the most handsome man on earth and would love to see this paragon of manliness in person.
The whole hideous thing about Charlotte was creative and amusing. David's constant wincing at it also.
Lastly, I liked that David could be handsome without being a rake. I just needed a short break from all the rakes... (lol that rhymes)
Sorry I just have strong feelings about this irritating occurrence.
Also I think David's handsomeness was mentioned too many times. Saying it twice was enough. It made me started feeling like David was the most handsome man on earth and would love to see this paragon of manliness in person.
The whole hideous thing about Charlotte was creative and amusing. David's constant wincing at it also.
Lastly, I liked that David could be handsome without being a rake. I just needed a short break from all the rakes... (lol that rhymes)
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