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Art of Love #4
Silhouette of a Spinster and Other Seductions
In this Regency romance by USA Today Bestselling author Charlie Lane, a spinster who’s tired of hiding her heart and a cold lord without one discover love where they least expect it—in each other.
She wished she could stop loving him.
But Amelia Dart had loved Lord Andrew Bromley for years, and it was hard to stop a habit like that. She’d made herself into his perfect secretary, useful in every way but the one way she wished to be of use to him—in healing his heart.
He wished she’d stop wearing pink.
It drove him wild, and Lord Andrew Bromley could be called many things, but wild was not one of them. Until his perfectly plain spinster of a secretary wears pink at his brother’s wedding, reminding him she’s more than a brain. She’s a woman. With desires and fears and needs he knows nothing about. And suddenly wants to.
Unsuitable, inconvenient desires…
Best to ignore them, forget they exist. Because Drew needs his secretary’s quick, organized mind as he expands his educational agency into the competitive London landscape. But Amelia can’t ignore her heart, and she can’t pretend anymore, and when she leaves for a rest from the heartache, the only man who can hurt her follows her.
And kisses her.
Unexpected. Passionate. Wild with hunger.
He claims he needs her for his business, but that kiss suggests he needs her for something quite, quite different.
If only the stubborn man could figure that out.
Silhouette of a Spinster and Other Seductions is Book 4 in the Art of Love series. It's an open-door romance with a guaranteed happily ever after, plenty of laughs, and a spinster who brings an icy lord back to life.
She wished she could stop loving him.
But Amelia Dart had loved Lord Andrew Bromley for years, and it was hard to stop a habit like that. She’d made herself into his perfect secretary, useful in every way but the one way she wished to be of use to him—in healing his heart.
He wished she’d stop wearing pink.
It drove him wild, and Lord Andrew Bromley could be called many things, but wild was not one of them. Until his perfectly plain spinster of a secretary wears pink at his brother’s wedding, reminding him she’s more than a brain. She’s a woman. With desires and fears and needs he knows nothing about. And suddenly wants to.
Unsuitable, inconvenient desires…
Best to ignore them, forget they exist. Because Drew needs his secretary’s quick, organized mind as he expands his educational agency into the competitive London landscape. But Amelia can’t ignore her heart, and she can’t pretend anymore, and when she leaves for a rest from the heartache, the only man who can hurt her follows her.
And kisses her.
Unexpected. Passionate. Wild with hunger.
He claims he needs her for his business, but that kiss suggests he needs her for something quite, quite different.
If only the stubborn man could figure that out.
Silhouette of a Spinster and Other Seductions is Book 4 in the Art of Love series. It's an open-door romance with a guaranteed happily ever after, plenty of laughs, and a spinster who brings an icy lord back to life.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 11, 2024
39 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Charlie Lane
72 books185 followersCharlie writes Regency romance that's lighthearted and hot. Her books have a little bit of angst, a lot of laughs, and a whole lot of heart and heat.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 16, 2024
Somewhere along the way Charlie Lane took a hard right off Cinnamon Roll Lane and veered directly onto Blockhead Alley. First, Quin and now Lord Andrew. Her last book and this, feature the most emotionally repressed men we’ve ever met, yet they are still ooey, gooey at their core and I couldn’t love them more. There is just something about the wounded golden retriever personality that screams for love and care. Just like Amelia, I fell hard for Drew’s icy eyes. He is all stern and in control, until he lets his passion fly. Then things really heat up. The passion between these two is a roaring fire carefully guarded. The way Amelia chips at his control one bit at a time keeps the story on its toes. The true astonishment comes in just how long it takes Andrew to open his eyes. This man takes emotional repression to new levels, he has fully locked off his heart not just to her but from the world. And the unlocking had me shattered in tears. Leave it to the support of family to help one realize what they can’t see. The family story throughout this series has me so deeply invested. Those letters get me every time. A father’s final words and I am a basket case. Lane knows just how to break a heart and heal it at the same time, a talent that. It’s the healing though that leaves you with that perfect contentment in the end. The heart fully satisfied, and I will trust Lane with my heart always.
March 19, 2024
I didn’t enjoy this book. The writing is fine, so it’s gets 3stars. Your mileage may vary. I didn’t like a single character in this. The MMC was not likable and it didn’t turn around for me. Him not even seeing her as a real person and then changing to love was not believable. Even if the FMC didn’t know he could have feelings for her, We as readers should have been clued in, so we can understand. He felt a “spark of desire” for her at 53%. He told us (and her) he’d had a sexual fantasy about her for years at 60%. She had her first intimacy with him and first orgasm, bent over a desk from a hand job. Ick. That’s fine when you don’t have feelings for someone or you have experience, but first time? Ick. He decided he wanted to marry her so she would have to work for him and have her money. They could also have sex. He wasn’t concerned with her feelings at all. They both were playing mind games and trying to manipulate one another to get their way. I don’t forgive any of them, especially not his father. Lastly, he didn’t admit her loved her until 90 something percent and by then, it was too little, too late.
March 8, 2024
I did not think there would be a brother that I liked more than Zander in the second book but here we are. There actually seemed to be more brotherly interaction in this book and I really enjoyed that. Amelia got some advice from her employer's sister in laws at Theo's wedding and she decides to take it to get what she wants and she will not settle for less than love. She was also great with Miss Angleton and Bernard. Those two added genuine laughs to this book. Andrew, his growth in processing his love, anger, and loss: I felt so much empathy for him. His mother who I remember from book one being very waily made me laugh with this simple line:
“What is it, darling?” She poked her head out of a door then stepped into the hall. “Really, Drew. You do not have to wail so.”
Dead simply dead.
“What is it, darling?” She poked her head out of a door then stepped into the hall. “Really, Drew. You do not have to wail so.”
Dead simply dead.
March 19, 2024
This is book 4 in Art of Love Series about the Bromley family. I have loved each and every story and highly recommend this series.
Amelia Dart works for Lord Andrew Bromley, she is the face of his agency and assists him in all his needs, as his perfect secretary, he can’t survive without her but she wants more. She has been in love with him for years and wants him to love her not just need her for work.
Lord Andrew Bromley is a man without a clue, being in control is his mantra, after his father lost their fortune, he knew the only person he could depend on was himself. He had no time for feelings, for his family or anyone else, and art was a total waste of time.
When he attends his brother’s wedding and Mrs. Dart is wearing pink it rattles him. He starts to see her differently but doesn’t even realize it. After the wedding he tells her to save the agency he is going to enter into a marriage of convenience with a rich lady. When Andrew constantly asks her to review the list of ladies it is the last straw. So she asks for time off to return to her home in Scotland.
He is not pleased about her leaving, and when he finds a letter from a competitor asking her to leave Andrew and run his business with the option of marriage he panics and goes to Scotland.
She is shocked to find him dripping wet at her door. When she asks what is wrong he pulls her into a kiss that seems desperate but becomes softer, but he ruins it by apologizing. She decides that this kiss means something. Could he actually feel something for her too? I loved she pushed the envelope at every opportunity and didn’t give up. They both have been hiding their true selves and the time in Scotland allows them to each chip away at the walls they have guarding their hearts.
I absolutely adored the character of Andrew, he has suppressed his emotions and feelings for so long and never loses control until her. His feelings for her have finally caused him to let go of his calm demeanor and unleash his passionate side. Andrew was drawn to Amelia like a moth to a flame and he just might get burned! I loved every sweet, sexy encounter and for an intelligent man couldn’t believe how oblivious he was about his feelings.
If you like well developed characters, who are sexy, witty, passionate, engaging, and will have you at times shaking your head, and at other times cheering, this story is for you! I loved Amelia and Andrew and cannot wait to see what surprises Charlie Lane has for us in the final book in this amazing series. I received an ARC copy of the book from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Amelia Dart works for Lord Andrew Bromley, she is the face of his agency and assists him in all his needs, as his perfect secretary, he can’t survive without her but she wants more. She has been in love with him for years and wants him to love her not just need her for work.
Lord Andrew Bromley is a man without a clue, being in control is his mantra, after his father lost their fortune, he knew the only person he could depend on was himself. He had no time for feelings, for his family or anyone else, and art was a total waste of time.
When he attends his brother’s wedding and Mrs. Dart is wearing pink it rattles him. He starts to see her differently but doesn’t even realize it. After the wedding he tells her to save the agency he is going to enter into a marriage of convenience with a rich lady. When Andrew constantly asks her to review the list of ladies it is the last straw. So she asks for time off to return to her home in Scotland.
He is not pleased about her leaving, and when he finds a letter from a competitor asking her to leave Andrew and run his business with the option of marriage he panics and goes to Scotland.
She is shocked to find him dripping wet at her door. When she asks what is wrong he pulls her into a kiss that seems desperate but becomes softer, but he ruins it by apologizing. She decides that this kiss means something. Could he actually feel something for her too? I loved she pushed the envelope at every opportunity and didn’t give up. They both have been hiding their true selves and the time in Scotland allows them to each chip away at the walls they have guarding their hearts.
I absolutely adored the character of Andrew, he has suppressed his emotions and feelings for so long and never loses control until her. His feelings for her have finally caused him to let go of his calm demeanor and unleash his passionate side. Andrew was drawn to Amelia like a moth to a flame and he just might get burned! I loved every sweet, sexy encounter and for an intelligent man couldn’t believe how oblivious he was about his feelings.
If you like well developed characters, who are sexy, witty, passionate, engaging, and will have you at times shaking your head, and at other times cheering, this story is for you! I loved Amelia and Andrew and cannot wait to see what surprises Charlie Lane has for us in the final book in this amazing series. I received an ARC copy of the book from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 9, 2024
Is there anything better than watching a rigidly disciplined creature of habit, a tightly sealed human powder keg of emotion and passion, come completely undone over a clever and formidable woman he carelessly took for granted? No!
Welcome to part four of the Bromley family saga! I absolutely adore each and every single one of the Bromley brothers, and Charlie Lane’s wonderfully witty way of slowly cracking their petrified hearts wide open!
Drew decided a long time ago he could only ever depend on himself, trust in the things he could control and that art, feelings and family were useless liabilities. But then his steadfast and sober secretary decides to wear pink to his brother’s wedding… Pink! And then she suddenly demands a vacation!
He discovers she might really be leaving him, but… he needs her. He depends on her. Well, his agency does, not him. No, Andrew Bromley is his own man. He needs no one… does he?
And when he finally decides to go for her, he does it for all the wrong reasons and it takes him just about the entire book to figure out there’s only one way to truly conquer her.
Receiving an offensive job offer from a competing agency on top of her employer asking her to choose his wife, is the drop that tipped the bucket for Amelia Dart. She’s head over heels for her boss - has been for a while - but he’s so emotionally obtuse he never noticed.
She doesn’t need to work, she just wants him - and him marrying will ruin everything!
It’s now or never, and since he followed her uninvited to her Scottish childhood home, he’s on her turf now. Time to discover if there’s a beating heart hidden in all that ice.
She’s patient and persistent, but has her limits and I really loved that she stuck with them.
This is a tragically funny, endearing and absolutely unputdownable page-turner! A slow burn, you-don’t-know-what-you’ve-got-till-it’s-gone, deliciously steamy, workplace romance and the perfect addition to this exquisite series!
Welcome to part four of the Bromley family saga! I absolutely adore each and every single one of the Bromley brothers, and Charlie Lane’s wonderfully witty way of slowly cracking their petrified hearts wide open!
Drew decided a long time ago he could only ever depend on himself, trust in the things he could control and that art, feelings and family were useless liabilities. But then his steadfast and sober secretary decides to wear pink to his brother’s wedding… Pink! And then she suddenly demands a vacation!
He discovers she might really be leaving him, but… he needs her. He depends on her. Well, his agency does, not him. No, Andrew Bromley is his own man. He needs no one… does he?
And when he finally decides to go for her, he does it for all the wrong reasons and it takes him just about the entire book to figure out there’s only one way to truly conquer her.
Receiving an offensive job offer from a competing agency on top of her employer asking her to choose his wife, is the drop that tipped the bucket for Amelia Dart. She’s head over heels for her boss - has been for a while - but he’s so emotionally obtuse he never noticed.
She doesn’t need to work, she just wants him - and him marrying will ruin everything!
It’s now or never, and since he followed her uninvited to her Scottish childhood home, he’s on her turf now. Time to discover if there’s a beating heart hidden in all that ice.
She’s patient and persistent, but has her limits and I really loved that she stuck with them.
This is a tragically funny, endearing and absolutely unputdownable page-turner! A slow burn, you-don’t-know-what-you’ve-got-till-it’s-gone, deliciously steamy, workplace romance and the perfect addition to this exquisite series!
May 25, 2024
Silhouette of a Spinster and Other Scandals is another entertaining addition to the Art of Love series. Starchy, controlled, and repressed, Lord Andrew Bromley seems to have met his literal match in his secretary, Amelia Dart, who is starchy, controlled, and repressed. But after 5 years of working together, 32-year-old Amelia is finally starting to realize that playing along with Lord Andrew isn't ever going to let her see if her hidden feelings for him might be returned. As usual, Charlie Lane writes well, has great comedic moments, and leads us past many predictable turns to take us through some surpising plot developments on the road to the HEA. This is book 4 in the series, and could be read as a standalone, but works better if you’ve read the previous books.
I really enjoyed the slow development of the romantic relationship between Amelia and Andrew, the additional issues that they needed to work through, and the situations that Lane devised to enable those things to happen. There’s a working relationship (with some conflict), forced proximity, and family reckoning that help to reveal the characters and their growing feelings for each other. The only reason this wasn’t a full 5-star read for me was that a few of the situations were sillier than they needed to be and that pulled me out of the story a bit. Nonetheless, a fun read, with some steam, likable characters, and worthwhile. I’m looking forward to the next and final book, Atlas’s story. I’ve really enjoyed this whole series!
I really enjoyed the slow development of the romantic relationship between Amelia and Andrew, the additional issues that they needed to work through, and the situations that Lane devised to enable those things to happen. There’s a working relationship (with some conflict), forced proximity, and family reckoning that help to reveal the characters and their growing feelings for each other. The only reason this wasn’t a full 5-star read for me was that a few of the situations were sillier than they needed to be and that pulled me out of the story a bit. Nonetheless, a fun read, with some steam, likable characters, and worthwhile. I’m looking forward to the next and final book, Atlas’s story. I’ve really enjoyed this whole series!
November 30, 2024
Silhouette of a Spinster is the story of Lord Andrew Bromley, an uptight workaholic who keeps his emotions under lock and key, and Miss Amelia Dart, a brilliant former governess and his current secretary. Together, they run an organization that places down-on-their-luck ladies and gentlemen with positions as tutors and governesses. Amelia has been pining for Andrew for years, while he’s simply been satisfied with their working relationship. Until one day, he notices her. And keeps on noticing, despite being in denial about it.
It’s a fun, fast-paced story with a cute and believable romance. I 100% understand why Drew and Amelia fall in love. While it’s not specifically stated in the book, I think Amelia was written as Black or mixed-race, and the cover art agrees with me. Considering how white HR can be, I really appreciate that bit of representation!
Like many historical romances published recently, the prose is quick and casual, easy to read, but sometimes Lane’s forays into more evocative language clash with it. It definitely makes for a unique voice and overall I really enjoy her style. Unfortunately, there are some grammatical errors that sometimes affected my understanding of the sentences or changed their meaning, mostly commas and periods where they shouldn’t be.
This book is apparently the fifth in a series, and there was definitely some backstory I knew I was missing, but it’s still very readable as a standalone. I’d recommend it if you like romcom vibes, MMCs totally out of touch with their emotions, and unconventional female characters.
It’s a fun, fast-paced story with a cute and believable romance. I 100% understand why Drew and Amelia fall in love. While it’s not specifically stated in the book, I think Amelia was written as Black or mixed-race, and the cover art agrees with me. Considering how white HR can be, I really appreciate that bit of representation!
Like many historical romances published recently, the prose is quick and casual, easy to read, but sometimes Lane’s forays into more evocative language clash with it. It definitely makes for a unique voice and overall I really enjoy her style. Unfortunately, there are some grammatical errors that sometimes affected my understanding of the sentences or changed their meaning, mostly commas and periods where they shouldn’t be.
This book is apparently the fifth in a series, and there was definitely some backstory I knew I was missing, but it’s still very readable as a standalone. I’d recommend it if you like romcom vibes, MMCs totally out of touch with their emotions, and unconventional female characters.
March 6, 2024
Silhouette of a Spinster and Other Seductions is the fourth book in the Art of Love series. This series is absolutely wonderful and you won’t be doing yourself a disfavor to start at the beginning. I came across this author last summer and she just gets it right when it comes to emotions and making them relatable and realistic.
I loved this book, couldn’t get enough of Drew and Amelia. I felt parts of my heart breaking at different times, the longing Amelia felt and the control Drew thought he had to hold on to. There was also so much love and passion from both the MC, Amelia knew what she wanted and went after it and Drew was so completely oblivious that it provided comedic relief. Even with all the longing, I enjoyed the angst and only wanted to shake Drew once. It was fun to see how maddening it was for Drew that Amelia was constant and unflappable in his life for five years and then wears the color pink that just turned his world upside down. Almost as if he’s only ever saw Amelia in black and white and he’s finally seeing her in all the different shades of color. Beautiful, I love it!
There are three encounters that I found delightfully steamy. This book lives up to its name, prepared to be completely and utterly seduced.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
I loved this book, couldn’t get enough of Drew and Amelia. I felt parts of my heart breaking at different times, the longing Amelia felt and the control Drew thought he had to hold on to. There was also so much love and passion from both the MC, Amelia knew what she wanted and went after it and Drew was so completely oblivious that it provided comedic relief. Even with all the longing, I enjoyed the angst and only wanted to shake Drew once. It was fun to see how maddening it was for Drew that Amelia was constant and unflappable in his life for five years and then wears the color pink that just turned his world upside down. Almost as if he’s only ever saw Amelia in black and white and he’s finally seeing her in all the different shades of color. Beautiful, I love it!
There are three encounters that I found delightfully steamy. This book lives up to its name, prepared to be completely and utterly seduced.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
March 6, 2024
An excellent story from the beginning to the end.
This book has you traveling from Manchester to London and Scotland.
Amelia goes to Scotland where she owns a castle to clear her head and to get away from her employer who she's desperately in love with but then he stubbornly follows her to Scotland after he finds a letter thinking she might be leaving him and their agency.
Andrew wants nothing to do with love, he wants to be able to control and predict everything in his life including his secretary Mrs Dart who takes off the gray, brown and black in exchange for pink and now he can't control how sees her.
However Silhouettes Scotland and Fate have a way of changing ones outlook on life.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story from the first chapter to historical notes.
I can't wait to read the last book in this incredible series..
I received this book as an advanced reader's copy in exchange for a voluntary review and this is purely based upon my own personal opinion and that of no one else.
This book has you traveling from Manchester to London and Scotland.
Amelia goes to Scotland where she owns a castle to clear her head and to get away from her employer who she's desperately in love with but then he stubbornly follows her to Scotland after he finds a letter thinking she might be leaving him and their agency.
Andrew wants nothing to do with love, he wants to be able to control and predict everything in his life including his secretary Mrs Dart who takes off the gray, brown and black in exchange for pink and now he can't control how sees her.
However Silhouettes Scotland and Fate have a way of changing ones outlook on life.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story from the first chapter to historical notes.
I can't wait to read the last book in this incredible series..
I received this book as an advanced reader's copy in exchange for a voluntary review and this is purely based upon my own personal opinion and that of no one else.
March 4, 2024
Lord Andrew is the straightlaced, icy cold, emotionless workaholic who runs an employment agency for governesses, companions and tutors. And he is seriously disturbed by the fact that his ultra-competent, no-nonsense, straightlaced secretary is wearing a pink dress instead of grey to his brother’s wedding. He’s your typical oblivious male character with no idea that Amelia has been secretly in love with him for all these years. When he tells her that he’s planning to marry for money in order to expand his business, she’s internally heartbroken and leaves on a month-long vacation to her estate in Scotland to get her feelings in order. Well, Andrew is all sorts of confused about his own feelings and why he’s betrayed by her abandonment, so he runs off after her. And he’s still totally incapable of feeling his feelings, even when faced with the attractive woman he finds there. This one is a heartbreaker of a book, in all the best ways.
March 23, 2024
The heroine works as a secretary to the hero. She has been secretly in love with him for years, but he doesn’t see her as a woman, only as a vital part of his business. At his brother’s wedding is is awakened to the reality that she is a woman. The heroine needs an emotional break so she goes home to Scotland for a vacation. The hero discovers that his competitor wants to steal her away and he goes after her. How they resolve their relationship makes for an entertaining read - the emotionally suppressed hero and the woman who can make him whole. I was given an ARC for an honest review.
May 9, 2024
I’m starting to become addicted to Charlie Lane’s writing! This book is the best of the series so far. Maybe it’s just that I love pining and unrequited love and I love even more a cool man who hides a passionate nature. Amelia is a great character, so very strong and capable and brave, but also very vulnerable, and I felt invested in her HEA since the beginning. This series is really a masterpiece and I love that the common thread is the complicated relationship between the brothers and their father. His letters to his sons are my favorite part of the books!.
March 17, 2024
The Art of Love series has been total delight , as the brothers have each earned their inheritance with unique and creative expressions of their art. Andrew and Amelia's relationship was very different in its progression and fulfillment, like one step forward, two steps back. Thank goodness for Amelia’s perseverance, as she never gave up on her broken, control freak, Andrew. They made a great team, and a passionate couple! A most enjoyable read!
March 22, 2024
Drew was head over heels Amelia. The book is an entertaining read. For me, I thought that the book moved rather quickly. In the beginning the familiarization with the characters was filled with information, but soon after that the story seemed to pick up. I enjoyed all the romance the happiness of the couple. This is a good book to read on that getaway trip.
March 6, 2024
A wonderful romance filled with passion, humour and engaging characters. I loved the journey for Andrew and Amelia finding their true love for each other. Another delightful success in the Art of Love series.
May 29, 2024
Great story
Drew and Amelia two buttoned up closed off individuals find out that sometimes you have to dare to live and let go in order to thrive. Great job by Charlie Lane next up Atlas!
Drew and Amelia two buttoned up closed off individuals find out that sometimes you have to dare to live and let go in order to thrive. Great job by Charlie Lane next up Atlas!
December 6, 2024
I found this one as an 'underrated recommendation' on the historical romance subreddit - and it was seriously amazing! So glad I gave it a go (because lets face it that cover and that title are... dreadful).
July 28, 2025
Men (and) women can be so stubborn
Business partnerships can often evolve into more. It's figuring out what is the most important aspect that leads to one's destiny. It can be through the possibility of losing someone to realize one's true feelings.
Business partnerships can often evolve into more. It's figuring out what is the most important aspect that leads to one's destiny. It can be through the possibility of losing someone to realize one's true feelings.
March 13, 2024
I like this book very much. Loved the characters. He was so rigid and she was so in love. It was a really good story.
December 3, 2024
Ok. Contemporary sensibilities. I finished, but not in a hurry to read another.
December 7, 2025
Have you ever met someone so smart, yet so dumb? Well, that's Andrew for you. Never in my life have I read more emotionally stunted MMC. Honestly wondering what Amelia saw in him.
Besides his slutty glasses, tall, muscular body, and icy hot look.
Amelia has been playing the responsible, boring secretary for too long, and she is sick of it. She takes a leave to be herself for a change but Andrew says “nah, one day is enough, we have work to do” and marches into her castle (she has one) all wet and horny. (It was raining and he in his confusion kissed her from the happiness of finding her)
Also, he wants her to help him find a wife?!
And doesn't understand her at all, although like a good boy, he's trying.
This is my first time reading Charlie Lane and I loved this book!
Besides his slutty glasses, tall, muscular body, and icy hot look.
Amelia has been playing the responsible, boring secretary for too long, and she is sick of it. She takes a leave to be herself for a change but Andrew says “nah, one day is enough, we have work to do” and marches into her castle (she has one) all wet and horny. (It was raining and he in his confusion kissed her from the happiness of finding her)
Also, he wants her to help him find a wife?!
And doesn't understand her at all, although like a good boy, he's trying.
This is my first time reading Charlie Lane and I loved this book!
July 14, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up
Tropes: MFC/MMC who aren't what they seem; grumpy/sunshine
Steam level: 3
Part of a series but fine as a standalone.
I haven't read the previous books in this series but was drawn by the premise. MFC is the figurehead (but actually the secretary) for a highly-regarded job placement agency while her employer, the MMC, pretends to have more of a secondary role due to his position in the ton. He's stuffy and exacting, and while MFC has become like him over the years in order to be the perfect professional partner, she's longed to break free. And frankly, she's longing for him. She just has no idea what to do about it.
The banter between the MC's crackles; the offbeat humor and slow-burn spice keep the storyline afloat. As in many Charlie Lane books some scenes don't just test but taunt suspension of disbelief. There is a bit of mid-book lag (and an eyerollingly quirky lady's maid), I didn't care for MMC's pushy behavior toward MFC in a key scene toward the end, and the 3rd act complication isn't all that coherent, so I couldn't quite rate this a solid 4 stars.
But, the proceedings are fun overall.
Tropes: MFC/MMC who aren't what they seem; grumpy/sunshine
Steam level: 3
Part of a series but fine as a standalone.
I haven't read the previous books in this series but was drawn by the premise. MFC is the figurehead (but actually the secretary) for a highly-regarded job placement agency while her employer, the MMC, pretends to have more of a secondary role due to his position in the ton. He's stuffy and exacting, and while MFC has become like him over the years in order to be the perfect professional partner, she's longed to break free. And frankly, she's longing for him. She just has no idea what to do about it.
The banter between the MC's crackles; the offbeat humor and slow-burn spice keep the storyline afloat. As in many Charlie Lane books some scenes don't just test but taunt suspension of disbelief. There is a bit of mid-book lag (and an eyerollingly quirky lady's maid), I didn't care for MMC's pushy behavior toward MFC in a key scene toward the end, and the 3rd act complication isn't all that coherent, so I couldn't quite rate this a solid 4 stars.
But, the proceedings are fun overall.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews