Member Reviews

Eleanor Townsend is not like most women her heart lies with her research into beetles. When the opportunity to present a paper she’s written arises, she takes it, even though it means dressing as a man. But her disguise doesn't quite work. Someone notices—and the brute intends to blackmail her!
Former prizefighter James MacGregor wants to be a gentleman, like the men he trains in his boxing saloon. His first step is gaining a beautiful, wealthy wife. Eleanor Townsend is not that woman, but a chance encounter gives him the leverage he needs to be able to wed the Earl of Lark’s daughter.
A well written book, the pace was good but I didn’t connect with the main characters, I tried to like them but although I found them amusing I found them a bit boring. The plot was straight forward. I’d definitely read more from the author.

My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Was this review helpful?

Unusual and interesting premise. Duke's unaccepted son determines to win an earls daughter. Lady decides to give lecture as man. Boxer meets lady with unexpected results.

Was this review helpful?

Everything is not as it seems and sometimes we hide behind a façade to achieve what we want and/or be accepted. I loved James and who would not – he is big and manly and unsophisticated. Eleanor is his female counterpart in that she is also hiding being a façade. Their understanding brings them together a lot and with that comes feelings that cannot be denied. Wonderful characters and a great story.

Love the Townsends and looking forward to the next book.

Was this review helpful?

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.

Eleanor Townsend, having been forced to use a male pseudonym, Cecil, to publish articles on beetles in the journal of the Natural History Society, disguises herself as "Cecil" to present a paper at a meeting. Unfortunately, James (owner of a boxing saloon and former prizefighter) sees through her disguise, but makes her a deal: if Eleanor helps him become acquainted with Lady Sarah, he will keep quiet about the fact that she is a woman.

I enjoyed this novel, which had a coherent plot, and was full of likeable characters and humour. I particularly enjoyed the relationships between the Townsend siblings and the teasing Eleanor receives for having chosen the name "Cecil". There was a feminist thrust to the story of the rejection Eleanor receives from the Natural History Society and her plan to overcome that set back, which was enjoyable. However, her comments on the ways she thought the boxing rules should be improved read like a step too far; I was waiting for her to use the word "concussion".

The romance between Eleanor and James was sweet, without unnecessary misunderstandings or forced dramas, and I believed in their future together. I see this is the second in a series, and I will be looking out for Robert and Georgina's instalments.

Was this review helpful?

This novel was a quick and enjoyable read. People hide their true selves from others and give an outward appearance that they show to society. Everyone has a mask, but who has the courage to reveal what is behind the mask.
Eleanor Townsend is more interested in her study of science, particularly beetles than what society expects of her. Many people think of her as a wallflower and unusual. When she poses as a man to present her scientific work, she is successful at fooling all the men there, except for one.
James MacGregor runs his own fight club. He is a former prizefighter, but wants to be a gentleman. He is very observant and realizes that Eleanor is not a man. He blackmails her into helping him and he will keep her secret. He wants to marry a lady so he prove that is is not a no one. This has to due with what happened in his past. He needs to be married to a lady of quality to have happiness.
However, he did not expect how Eleanor would affect him. Eleanor did not expect the feelings she would have for James. The sparks fly despite their different personalities and standings in society. Both feel they are their true selves with each other, not what society sees them as. Still, James wants to go through with his plan, even though he cannot stop thinking about Eleanor. Both Eleanor and James need to decide what is more important, showing society what they want to see or being true to themselves regardless of what society deems as acceptable.

Was this review helpful?