Challenge Corner discussion

From the author of Mr. Malcolm's List comes a delightful romantic comedy set in Regency England about a widow who takes high society by storm.

Diana Boyle, a wealthy young widow, has no desire to ever marry again. Particularly not to someone who merely wants her for her fortune.

So when she discovers that she’s listed in a directory of rich, single women she is furious, and rightly so. She confronts Maxwell Dean, the man who published the Bachelor’s Directory , and is horrified to find he is far more attractive than his actions have led her to expect. However, Diana is unmoved by Max’s explanation that he authored the list to assist younger sons like himself who cannot afford to marry unless it’s to a woman of means.

She gathers the ladies in the directory together to inform them of its existence, so they may circumvent fortune hunters’ efforts to trick them into marriage. Though outraged, the women decide to embrace their unique position of power and reverse the usual gender roles by making the men dance to their tune. And together… the ladies rewrite the rules.

Beginning - Chap. 5: This is a really interesting (and cute) concept...(view spoiler)[I really appreciate that the author has turned the young heiress having to marry a wealthy man on its head in this one. I also really like that there are no "villains" in the story - Max had good intentions and feels genuine remorse when he is called out by Diana. Diana in turn is coming to recognize that Max wasn't trying to be a cad but was sincerely trying to perform a service. I also look forward to the "bonus" romance (that I think is forming) between Regina and Jerome. (hide spoiler)]

Chap. 6-9: I am enjoying how nice most everyone in this book is...it is so refreshing to find characters who are genuinely kind and who like each other. (view spoiler)[The obvious exceptions are Mildred and Lucian, but every book needs its villains and these are at least fun to watch be outmaneuvered. I wonder if Monsieur de la Tour and Lady Gordon will become friends (or more). (hide spoiler)]

Chap. 10-14: This is such a quick, enjoyable read...I will have to look into other books this author has written. (view spoiler)[I love that Jerome and Regina are getting their second chance! I hope Lady Jersey is brought down a peg or two somehow. I am surprised by the depth of emotion in this one, they might be gentle emotions, but they are very genuine and very present. (hide spoiler)]

Chap 15-End: I ended up really enjoying this one! (view spoiler)[I love that we got three romances in this one! I also like that Mildred and Lucian ended up being more than two dimensional villains...quite satisfying. And Diana proposing? Perfection. (hide spoiler)]

I'm a little behind - I'll be reading this one tomorrow. super excited!

Starting this now!

I hope you like it!

It's off to a good start!

Ch 1-4: (view spoiler)[How very interesting that they know about this book. Oh, I'm very excited to see what is going to happen at this upcoming ball. Seems like we have an even playing field. (hide spoiler)]

Ch 5-7: (view spoiler)[Oh, I like how these two: Regina and Jerome are reconnecting again. I also like Diana and Max. Let's see how these little relationships play out. (hide spoiler)]

Ch 8-11: (view spoiler)[ OMG THEY KISSED! But, oh man, the hair getting caught on the chain was kind of funny. Also, I'm not a huge fan of Mr. Boyle pursuing her. It's weird, like can you please leave? It's obvious she wants nothing to do with you or Mildred. (hide spoiler)]

Elaine wrote: "Beginning - Chap. 5: This is a really interesting (and cute) concept...[spoilers removed]"

Yes, I really do hope those two do get back together!! I like them hanging out more and more.

Elaine wrote: "Chap. 6-9: I am enjoying how nice most everyone in this book is...it is so refreshing to find characters who are genuinely kind and who like each other. [spoilers removed]"

I really do not like the other Boyles lol

Ch 12-14: (view spoiler)[Oh, I do wish that they would just tell each other how they feel. It would make me so happy. (hide spoiler)]

Elaine wrote: "Chap. 10-14: This is such a quick, enjoyable read...I will have to look into other books this author has written. [spoilers removed]"

OMG YES! I really don't understand why the ladies are following her! It annoys me so much but then those two really reconnected again. I'm excited for their engagement (round 2) lol

Ch 15-Finish: (view spoiler)[Yikes, the real Mr. Boyle sounds horrible. I'm happy Mildred is getting what she deserves. I'm also really happy that Diana found a love to cherish with Max. (hide spoiler)]

Elaine wrote: "Chap 15-End: I ended up really enjoying this one! [spoilers removed]"

Yes, as soon as we saw the book - I had a feeling what the big reveal was going to be! Definitely happy with how it all ended.