The Edge of Impropriety

by Pam Rosenthal

Marina Wyatt, popular novelist and beautiful Countess of Gorham, is irresistible fodder for gossip columns, in which her ribald private life is the stuff of public scandal. Of course, Marina's too sharp and resourceful not to realize that the publicity helps sell her romances. In fact, the release of her latest novel happens to coincide with the rebuff of her current lover, the handsome and frivolous gadabout, Sir Anthony Hedges, opening the door to an unexpected and totally consuming new affair.

Anthony's uncle, the noted scholar and antiquarian, Jasper James Hedges, has arrived in London to appraise the art of a wealthy collector. In Marina he sees a priceless work of art of another kind. And for all of Marina's passionate inventions, nothing can compare to what Jasper delivers—an erotic adventure of intrigue and betrayal...a dangerous voyage to the edge of impropriety and beyond.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Regency, Fiction, British Literature

336 pages, Paperback

First published October 16, 2008

About the author

A funny thing happened to San Francisco computer programmer and occasional essayist Pam Rosenthal: sometime in the late 1990s she became seized by an urge to write sexy period romance novels. She’d already published some erotica, buoyed by a wave of life-changing feminist discussion about what was possible, permissible, or just plain fun to say about female sexual desire. This led her to explore the history of sexual expression – and to think hard about what love has to do with sex and sex with love, and what sex and love have to do with freedom and respect between equals.

Or to put it another way, she’d begun taking on the big subjects at the heart of countless lives and also at the heart of romance fiction.

It was the experience of a lifetime, culminating in 2009 – which was when The Edge of Impropriety won Romance Writers of America’s RITA Award for Best Historical Romance. And also when Pam realized that she’d said all that she had to say, at least in novel form.

But happily, the books remain, while these days Pam works alongside Michael, her retired bookseller husband, at their copyediting business, P&M Editorial Services. P&M love editing romance (check out their website at pmeditorial.com) and recently they've begun lovingly reissuing selected, revised, and expanded versions of Pam’s romance fiction.

You can write to Pam at pam@pamrosenthal.com

Visit Pam on the web at pamrosenthal.com, on Twitter @pamrosenthal, and on Facebook

Find out about P&M Editorial Services at pmeditorial.com

Or check out Pam’s erotica-writing alter ego Molly Weatherfield, at mollyweatherfield.com

“Thank you for giving me so much to think about. Thank you for challenging me and for moving me. Thank you for having the courage to break so many conventions, to write something so complex and unique…” – DearAuthor.com, about The Slightest Provocation

Reviews

[Wollstonecrafthomegirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was quite unlike anything I've ever read before, except perhaps, my last Pam Rosenthal, Almost a Gentleman' [which, memorably, contained a fisting scene [!!] that was somehow sexy and romantic and is also great and you should read it]. It is baffling to me that The Edge of Impropriety has such a low average rating on this site. It doesn't quite make five stars but it's a solid 4.5.

Rosenthal writes mature, adult, modern books, yet she does so in a style which somehow feels like classic Regency writing. She has far more in common with say, Carla Kelly, than she does with Tessa Dare or Courtney Milan. This is not a contemporary in long dresses or even approaching that status but the writing feels fresh. Sometimes that heavier Regency style requires a little more from the reader (which is why I felt almost regretful that I couldn't sit down and glom this over a consistent period of time because I'm sure that I've overlooked some of the magic and the intelligence at work here). There's a subtlety to the characters and their interactions (Rosenthal says it best in the book itself: ‘In a certain situation what was left unsaid might be as important as what was on the page…’ (loc 2560)) and the characterisation overall but the whole book feels incredibly, lavishly detailed. There were some moments where I read a phrase, or a paragraph, or the thought of a character and thought: ‘damn it, why can’t I write like that?’

The novel is multiple POV. So in addition to the H/h we hear from no less than four other major characters and they're all important and they all speak with their own distinctive voices. Sydney, the young girl on the cusp of adolescence, worked particularly well for me.

There's a playfulness to the writing. Marina, the heroine, is an author of scandalous society novels and Sydney is a wannabe authoress which allows Rosenthal to muse on the creation of a novel and characterization and so on. The art of writing is a theme, and, given what she's created, Rosenthal herself is obviously a student.

But let’s get to the nitty gritty: the romance. We have two fantastic central characters. Jasper, studious, academic, wracked with guilt, unsure how to relate to his son and in an adorable surrogate father relationship with Sydney. And Marina wonderful, intelligent Marina who had faced an awful lot and was stronger for it. In Marina’s case her background is never that fully explored (we learn, I think, everything we need to know, but Rosenthal doesn’t lay it on thick) but that’s part of the subtlety I was talking about. Rosenthal trusts her readers to know and understand how the characters have developed into the people they are.

There were certain things about their romance that I loved. Ok, one really significant thing: the chemistry and following on from that: the sex. Holy hells bells: the sex. If you want to read explicit, yet romantic, yet subtle, yet non-purple sex: this is the book for you. There is an anal sex scene in this book and it is amazing in the depth of feeling it conveys. In addition, it is amazing because it assists the development of the romance and the relationship of the H/h. The book is somewhat insta-love (some might say insta-lust, but I don’t think that gives Rosenthal enough credit). This is a rare example of love at first sight working for me. I believed it and I was invested in the relationship from the very first meeting.

Why does it drop half a star? Whilst the love at first sight worked, our H/h don’t do much talking, and, what can I say? I likes my banter. I remember this being an issue with ‘Almost a Gentleman’ as well. If Rosenthal could add some of that in – she’d be knocking this out of the park with a five star. The secondary character POVs worked for me but I did feel towards the end of the novel that they were given too much page time (partly to wrap up the charming secondary romance) and our H/h were separated for too long. For some readers these issues might lead to a slashing of more than just a half star but I cannot in good conscience give this book less than 4.5, I thought it was pretty brilliant.

Oh, and the cover art does not contain a half naked man, nips out, with no chest hair. Hurrah!

[Chels · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm almost glad that I didn't review this book right after I finished it because I still have the same sensory reaction that I did in the immediate aftermath, even though the plot is a little hazier in my mind. This book is like fruit that has been sitting in the sun, slightly overripe but still incredibly sweet, a bit sticky. There's no refined neatness here: instead it's overindulging in lunch and stolen sculptures and asking your secret son for tailor recommendations.

Marina is a vivacious widow and writer whose success is partially hinged on the ton guessing who exactly she's getting her inspiration from. Her faux muse is a God of a young man named Anthony, but Marina is much more interested in Anthony's uncle Jasper, a scholar and collector. Jasper and Marina only have nothing in common if you aren't paying attention (party girl and recluse!), but they love art, they love literature, they love each other. Their affair seems like the most natural thing in the world, even though there's no forgone conclusion.

Rosenthal has a specific gift for setting that I don't think I've ever encountered in a historical romance before. There's a slight remove from the character's interiority that sets her apart from Judith Ivory or Sherry Thomas, but I felt like I could hear, smell, and taste everything. I can't wait to read the rest of her work.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 immortal stars

This gentle and poetic novel unfolds like a tapestry amid a vivacious London season at the very end of the Regency Era.

The main love story between a 36 yo novelist, Mari(n)a, and Jasper, a middle aged scholar, is both steamy and endearing, thanks to Rosenthal’s evocative prose. One can’t help but feel for their well hidden insecurities and fear of rejection. It’s not easy to allow another person the benefit of your trust, when life has taught you to fend for yourself. I waited with bated breath while they slowly but inevitably shed their armour and carved a place in each other’s life.

“….the damage was done. By making her love him, he’d taught her who she was and what she wanted. The frightening question was whether he could bear to know it as well.”

I found the secondary romance between the ‘very decorative’ sir Anthony and the family’s governess, Helen, equally irresistible and touching. It’s incredible how well developed it is, despite it being devoted 30% of the entire story. Governess x Lord of the Manor romances are my soft spot, so finding one portrayed so beautifully was an unexpected treat.

“Under blowing clouds, a high, hot afternoon sun moved slowly across the sky. Move more slowly, she commanded it. Because if she couldn’t have him forever, she’d make right now feel like it would never end.” This passage reads like pure poetry.

The story is told through multiple POVs, a choice which allows for a dynamic narrative pace and I would normally be slightly annoyed by the non linear timeline sometimes featured in the novel, but in this case it skilfully portrayed to a delicate web of human emotions. I loved the psychological depth given to every single character, even to the most vile antagonist.

The parallels to the ancient world and its mythology and art were always apt and never redundant, and well suited the historical context and the characters’ own struggles. It’s not often you find a clever critique of the English occupation of Ireland in a HR.

After appreciating Rosenthal’s talent in ‘The bookseller’s daughter’ and ‘The slightest provocation’, this book has irrevocably made her one of my favorite authors in the genre.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought Provocation was good; this one is better. It hits my buttons: the Greek mythology, the cheeky candor, the two mature people who know who they are and what they want and yet still learn and grow. It’s earthy and funny and I’ve been waiting to call a book “earthy” since I started this project. (There’s one scene in the middle that, holy smokes, it is HOT.)

The supporting cast of Helen, Sydney, Anthony only adds to the story. Impetuous youth vs. the fullness of middle age. Jasper unfolds like a flower. The blackmailing Rackham is the one shaky note, but I like how his role resolves abruptly and ties a few threads together, so that earns a pass.

In fact, I’d say it’s not unlike Jane Austen, but with the added complexity of sex. That’s how I’d go back in time to sell this book to myself, and I’d read it all over again.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This year's RITA winner in the Historical Category. I can see why. Very different sort of romance--the kind you'd like to write, but couldn't get an editor to accept. Yet, Rosenthal did find a publisher of this tender story between a middle-aged novelist at the very end of the regency period and a bachelor antiquarian who has been raising his brother's two children.

[scarr · Rating 5 out of 5]

January 2024 reread: I began looking through my highlights but ended up rereading the whole book!

[Haley Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haley LOVES a ward falling in love side plot

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was in the mood for a comfort read, and picked up an older, RITA award-winning Pam Rosenthal off my shelf. The trade paperback size indicates that this falls on the intellectual end of the historical romance spectrum, not a place where too many authors are writing these days, alas. Love the intertwined romances of the mature couple (a thirty-something countess with a scandalous/sad past and a forty-something antiquary scholar with his own past disappointments) and the younger one (the antiquarian's beautiful, fashionable nephew and the buttoned-up but observant governess of his niece), which are both sharply and warmly drawn. Also love the intelligence of the characters and the writing.

Will be tempted to go back and read Rosenthal's entire oeuvre now...

[Elizajane40 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been keeping this book on my ‘break glass in case of emergency’ shelf. Finally felt I needed the feels. It was — as expected — a minor masterpiece. The subtle way rosenthal builds this world, the complexity of the emotions, the yearning, the sex — nobody does it better.
I didn’t quite love it as much as ‘the slightest provocation’ because the resolution between the h and H isn’t as satisfying. But the B plot is of such delicious sweetness, it almost makes up for it.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Straight up, archive.org is a jewel.

[Jane Stewart · Rating 2 out of 5]

1 ½ stars. The story dragged. Not enough dialogue. The reason? Throughout the book, most scenes were told and not shown.

REVIEWER’S OPINION:
The writing style is “telling not showing.” Because of this, it was unpleasant. I was not drawn into the story. I felt like something was missing. The plot and events in “outline form” were interesting. The characters were interesting. But I didn’t get to experience anything because of the writing style. It was not emotionally engaging.

There wasn’t enough dialogue. Here’s an example (excerpted and capitalized words by me), page 313: “And while Marina, Jasper, and his niece had exchanged PLEASANTRIES, the uncle was gazing at Marina in some confusion…she glanced at her pocket watch. My word, look at the time, a pity to miss the marbles today…The FAREWELLS were quick, cordial, confused.” There was no dialogue other than the phrase starting with “My word, look at the time”. (I assume she said it out loud but maybe she just thought it.) The main point here is there was no dialogue showing the PLEASANTRIES and FAREWELLS.

Another example: A woman has been secretly in love with a man for ages (a secondary couple in the story). She is preparing to go to bed as she recalls the evening she just had. She thinks about how wonderful it was to dance, how wonderful their first two kisses were, and how sad she was when she heard something causing her to leave the ball. I didn’t get to see any dialogue or be part of the scene as it happened. That was so disappointing.

Another example: A girl is crying and telling someone how earlier that night when she was sleeping in the library, two thieves entered, one with a gun. The thieves ran off when someone else entered the room. I couldn’t experience her fear. Think how much better it would be to read “she was reading, she fell asleep, all of a sudden she wakes up seeing a thief standing next to her saying…”

Another example: A secondary couple realizes they are attracted to each other. They spend time together and plan to marry. All of this was told by other people thinking or talking about it. I never heard any dialogue between the couple - how they realized they loved each other, what they said, what they did.

The book is filled with this, including much of the relationship between the main couple.

I did have one favorite scene - the first time Marina and Jasper kissed and then had sex. There was not much dialogue because he was too nervous. Of course there was not much dialogue in the rest of the book either, but in this scene it worked.

Aside from the “telling” problem, the couple has a big misunderstanding toward the end - which is ok and typical for romance novels. But the author didn’t show any reason for the separation. I had to make my own assumption as to why Jasper stopped seeing her. His feelings were not explained.

Also, not enough details were provided in two important areas. I needed to know more about Marina’s past. And, what happened to the blackmailer was an unsatisfying mystery. It was never answered and simply seemed convenient to the plot.

STORY BRIEF:
Marina is a widow and a novelist. She attends all the parties. There is much gossip about her novels because her characters are based on actual people. Jasper was a second son. He left England years ago and became a specialist in Greek and other antique art. He returned to England to be guardian of his niece and nephew when their parents died. He meets Marina. They fall in love and have a secret affair – seeing each other only at night in her bedroom.

Someone is blackmailing Marina about her unacceptable past (including dancing nude). If it came out, she would no longer be welcome in society – which is necessary to her publishing success. She pays monthly fees to the blackmailer.

DATA:
Story length: 336 pages. Swearing language: moderate. Sexual language: strong, including rear door activity. Number of sex scenes: 5. Total number of sex scene pages: 16. Setting: Mostly 1829 England. Copyright: 2008. Genre: historical romance.

[Leila Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bright brief affair between two seemingly incompatible people. A romance in the old-fashioned sense of the genre.

I found The Edge of Impropriety on a display of books that had never been checked out at my favorite library. I can't say why it languished on the shelf for five years, but I can say that it's a damn shame.

Perhaps the style of the prose is a bit much for your average reader. While the jacket blurb is written in the usual simple, catchy way of such things, the novel itself is written in a style reminiscent of the Regency period that serves as its setting. For someone like me, who grew up almost exclusively reading novels written prior to 1900 (except for the surreptitious devourings of such forbidden fruit as Outlander), the style is comfortable. For the average reader looking for an erotic romance, it may be a bit much. The sex is there, oh yes, but it's done very tastefully and eloquently, leaving room for the imagination to fill in the gaps.

There are a few different narratives interwoven through the pages of The Edge of Impropriety, some more successful than others. But I suppose the only one that really matters was done very well. I enjoyed the mixture of perspectives, and the infrequent use of italics to indicate thoughts (too much of that is annoying). And while there were the usual misunderstandings and misadventures required to make a romance work, they were entirely reasonable. I suppose there was only so little drama that could be had, as the heroine was in her late thirties, and the hero somewhere in his late forties (although the precise age was unclear). As I grow older, I find I appreciate more mature characters. Gone are my days of the bodice rippers with sixteen year old brides (and good riddance).

After having recently read such things as Lord Savage and Rush by Maya Banks (both of which I enjoyed), the more subtle stylings of The Edge of Impropriety were refreshing, and I'll be rescuing Pam's other books from my library's shelves.

Take It

[Katherine 黄爱芬 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jasper seorg bangsawan penyuka seni, terutama patung tiba2 mendapatkan dirinya hrs menjadi ayah perwalian dari kedua ponakannya, Anthony (yg ternyata adalah anak gelapnya) dan Sidney, gadis cilik yang ditinggal mati oleh orangtua mereka karena kapal lautnya karam. Dan kemudian cerita berlanjut 11 tahun kemudian, Jasper pulang kampung utk menengok ponakan laki-lakinya itu yg sudah berubah menjadi adonis yg difavoritkan di seluruh London. Dan tanpa sengaja ia bertemu dgn alias Lady Gorham, sang novelis terkenal, di suatu pesta dan langsung terjadi ONS. Ternyata hubungan mereka dari satu malam ke malam berikutnya membuat mereka sama-sama jatuh cinta tapi mereka saling enggan menyatakan.
Di lain pihak, Anthony mulai sibuk memperhatikan pengasuh adiknya, Miss Helen Hobart, dan pada akhirnya memiliki kesempatan dan menikahi sang pengasuh ini pd saat mereka berdua merawat Sidney, adik Anthony.

Alur cerita novel ini sangat datar. Terlalu banyak narasi daripada dialognya. Tidak menggigit. Dan kekurangan paling fatal adalah tidak adanya konflik yg menggugah saya selaku pembaca untuk ter-eksploitasi rasa ingin tahunya. Baik pasangan Jasper - Marina maupun Anthony - Helen, hubungan mereka terlalu digampangkan untuk menjadi pasangan. [image error]
Namun ada kelebihan dari HR ini, adegan ranjangnya cukup erotis dan berbagai variasi.. [image error] dan ada kata "teratai" yang sampai sekarang masih sanggup bikin tertawa.. [image error]

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Don't see what the fuss is about with this book. It's occasionally witty and the protagonists are unconventional to be sure, but there's little else to recommend this, other than a well executed painting on the front cover. I could just barely complete it. It's not that steamy either, compared to other historical romances that are out there today.

[Felicity]

I really wanted to like this book, but I didn't love the main character enough to finish it. The writing was great, and the approach to a romance novel refreshing. But after a bit I got irritated.

Maybe it was just my post-holiday blahs.

[June · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm too much of a prude for this one. I did finish it but too kinky for me. Took me out of the story.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeously written and unique, with two older protags that allow for the author to really explore what aging, and having already had a lifetime of experiences and regrets, means for a love story.

I loved these aspects, and so I just wish there were a bit more here. Especially on the emotional front - Rosenthal has a way of writing at a bit of an emotional remove. Some of these is just tense; you the reader often experience scenes that happened by the character remembering it later that night, the next day, etc. instead of experiencing it in the moment. So you get someone say, wistfully remembering a cute moment the night before, but you don't get the more immediate, bigger emotions of actually experiencing that alongside them. But even in the moments, there's a remove in the character's interiority. I liked the characters and their love story so much I wanted to feel those big swoony romance feelings along with them.

I also liked the B plot love story at the beginning, as it provides a nice mirror to our protags. That said, it's even more hard to emotionally connect to and towards the end I was wishing we could spend more time with our leads rather than return to this other story. But I am nonetheless glad for supporting characters, as our MMC's fatherly relationship with both kids is really touching, especially the thornier relationship with secret-son. Honestly, the moment that most made me want to squeal with cuteness was when he sheepishly went to him for tailoring advice, all so he could finally look his best for the FMC that night.

So in many ways it's a sign of all that I thought worked really well here that I was just aching to spend more time with Marina and Jesper, but also certainly a drawback.

[Corina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish a film would be made of this book. It would be so satisfying to see these characters come to life. I picked it up for the erotic fiction, but it turned out those portions of the book weren't even the richest. The characters, their histories, the plots and sub-plots, their relationships with one another, are so multi-layered, unpredictable, and surprisingly delightful. I LOVE Rosenthal's writing style. I'm not an articulate writer so forgive my review for being so limited to my small vocabulary. I have read many erotic novels and I am just so pleased that this one ended up in my hands, and that my local library had it--in large print!, or I wouldn't have been able to check it out! Usually the erotic novels I find, although entertaining enough to a point, usually leave so much to be desired, so much more needed in depth and believability. I found zero faults in this work, so am very confident in giving five stars--something I would almost never do. In fact, I don't even leave reviews for the books I've read but this one was worth it. Five stars. I hope you enjoy it like I did.

[Jana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was recommended so many times. Now that RITA award doesn't exist anymore, and a lot of other HR lists are often overcrowded with hyped TikTok books, I need to research more deeply. So, Rosenthal was mentioned a lot of times, and I was surprised that I had never heard of her. But, still. I don't like family connections of this sort - I don't like HR with children and guardians, although I really adore strong independent female protagonists. And I don't know how to describe which ones suit me so much. I had had favourites for years and I revise them more less all the time because they supply me with my type of literal cocaine, and I had this emotional fantasy created in my head which these books provide and I just felt that Rosenthal wasn't giving me this deep dive obsession drug.

[Kazen]

I was into the unconventional plot in the beginning - this doesn't read like many other historical romances - but the same plot has lost steam in the middle and it's a fight to get to the end of every page. The addition of blackmail and romantic suspense elements pushes me away, too, and they're not my thing.

I think it's interesting that some reviewers declare this book "too steamy" while others ask why it's so tame. Ten plus years since publication it reads as sexy, but not erotic.

So I get why some people like it and why it won an award judged by authors, but I'll be moving on. DNF at page 147.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this Regency/Georgian story of a mature couple who find love later in their lives. Jasper is a 45-ish archaeologist/antiquarian, and Marina, Lady Gorham is a 37-year-old widow and popular novelist. Both of them have dramatic/traumatic events from their pasts that still impact them. When they meet, their sexual attraction is mutual and their deeper love for each other builds over a period of time.

The characters are likeable and believable, including Jasper's young niece, Sydney. There is also a sweet secondary romance for Anthony, Jasper's nephew or actually, his son. I enjoyed the way this unfolded.

The historical aspects of the book are also convincing, and apparently well-researched. An enjoyable read.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick, predictable little read. Written like a Regency novel, I was surprised by the sex scenes; they were tasteful enough, not overly vulgar. The plot dragged in places, but overall I had fun with it.

[PINELOPI VAXEVANI · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very nicely written. But the story was not really interesting. in fact the side story is much more interesting

[Z. · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5?

[Liz B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite a five-star romance, because the chemistry between the couple was good but not great. I loved the characters (and characterization)--and while normally I don't care that much about setting, I found that this book made Regency England feel very real.

The heroine is a novelist; the hero a specialist in Greek antiquities who is raising his dead brother's children. They both live on the edge of society for different reasons. Both are frank and open about their desire for an affair, which makes for refreshing reading.

I think maybe Rosenthal is a hair too literary for me to really love her novels. I like over-the-top drama in romance; I love scenes where the hero discovers he was oh-so-wrong in his assumptions about the heroine. So far, Rosenthal's characters have been too adult and rational for this kind of romantic nonsense. (Yes, I know it's nonsense. But when it's done right ["Sweet Hero! Now thy image doth appear in the rare semblance that I loved it first!":], it's exactly what speaks to me as a romance reader.) On the other hand, maybe I just haven't read the right Rosenthal yet!

[Manda Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm trying to catch up on the 2009 RITA nominees. This was one of two in the historical category that I hadn't read yet. And WOW! I've enjoyed Pam Rosenthal books before, in particular Almost a Gentleman. But The Edge of Impropriety is her best yet, I think.

The hero and heroine are first and foremost grown-ups. I can't think of a historical I've read with a 37 year old heroine. And Marina has certainly done some living in those 37 years. And Jasper even has graying hair! Horrors! I thought his relationship with Anthony was quite poignant and believable. And I really enjoyed his interactions with Sydney.

And the period details that ground the novel were just right. Also enjoyed the real life characters who intermingled with the fictional ones, like Disraeli and Marina's publisher.

Rosenthal's prose style is eminently readable and yet complex in a way that you don't often find in the romance genre.

Even if this doesn't win the RITA it certainly belongs in the list of nominees.

[H Beeyit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though I grew up on Heyers and old Harlequins, I've largely lost interest in romance novels (of the het variety, that is) the past few years. Even the well-written ones have left me feeling pretty bored. Which is a little depressing when you practically cut your eyeteeth on the things. I missed enjoying romance novels. I wanted to like them; I just...didn't.

Still, I kept trying, and it did indeed pay off with The Edge of Impropriety. What a delightful, joyous read! Where other novels have seemed stiff, contrived, and pat, this one was joyous and full of life. The characters (primary, secondary, and otherwise) were beautifully drawn, and the story was perfectly plotted and paced. It's the book I was waiting for and didn't even know it. I recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone who is a fan of the genre and, even more so, to anyone who used to be a fan and who wants to find their way back.

I can't wait to catch up on the author's backlist!

[Nstob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very light summer read - story of Lady in London 1830's with a secret past but a current social diva that writes the latest and greatest novels inspired by the ton she is a part of. Shed ends up falling in love with the hottest young buck in towns uncle (who is really his father, the boy just doesn't know it.) The uncle is a 2nd son, now in charge of raising the young man and his young sister. He is a scholar of Greek sculpture and outdated, but somehow worldly when it comes to sex...Indiana Jones inspired? not sure. Overall, a very enjoyable read even though just a romantic novel.
It does not have the harlequin romance formula that is boring and predictable; the same as the previous and the next. This author has writing style that is much keener, not necessarily any deep thinking, but not a soap opera in print either like your normal romance novel. I will definitely try more of her works; a light read that you don't feel as guilty about ;)

[Raiya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Novel percintaan dengan latar belakang Inggris awal abad ke-19 ini menghadirkan suasana hangat dengan beberapa tokoh utama yang memiliki karakter yang sangat berlainan. Novel ini bercerita tentang seorang janda bangsawan cantik (Sang Countess), bekas istri simpanan yang sangat suka berganti-ganti pasangan dengan para pemuda bangsawan tampan sejak ditinggal mati suaminya. Ia kemudian berusaha menghidupi dirinya dengan menjadi penulis buku-buku roman. Dalam perjalanannya ia bertemu dengan seorang lelaki berumur yang belum pernah menikah, yang ternyata sangat memikat dirinya. Lelaki itu sendiri adalah 'paman' dari salah seorang pria muda yang sedang tergila-gila dengannya, namun sang 'paman'-lah yang akhirnya menjadi pemenang. Selanjutnya bisa ditebak, kehidupannya dilalui dengan kisah cintanya (bisa dibilang 'esek-esek') dengan lelaki tersebut, namun ditulis dengan gaya yang cukup elegan. Novel yang 'indah' bagi para penggemar novel-novel romantis.

[Victoria Pond]

I almost finished this novel, but then got distracted by other things...like editing work and reading CryoBurn (which isn't erotic at all, but contains such emotion).

I think I had the most trouble with The Edge of Impropriety because I cared so little about the characters. Our heroes were okay and all, but the secondary romance's female half only had two modes: stodgy and whiny (even when she finally got what she wanted). I'd have loved more about the cast of minor characters...even the guy who got offed far too conveniently--he could've had something.

In short: I can't rate this novel, and I don't feel like I can really give it a strong review either.