review; ravishing the heiress

Ravishing The Heiress
by Sherry Thomas

Millicent understands the terms of her arranged marriage all too well. She gets to be a Countess by marrying an impoverished Earl. And in return, the Earl Fitzhugh receives the benefit of her vast wealth, saving his family from bankruptcy. Because of her youth, they have agreed to wait eight years before consummating the marriage–and then, only to beget an heir. After which, they will lead separate lives.

It is a most sensible arrangement. Except for one little thing. Somehow Millie has fallen head over heels in love with her husband. Her husband, who has become her very best friend, but nothing more… Her husband, who plans to reunite with his childhood sweetheart, the beautiful and newly widowed Isabella, as soon as he has honored the pact with his wife…

As the hour they truly become husband-and-wife draws near, both Millie and Fitzhugh must face the truth in their hearts. Has their pact bred only a great friendship – or has it, without either of them quite noticing, given rise to a great love?

Review:

The first time I heard (or rather, read) about Sherry Thomas’ novel was on tumblr. A review popped up on my dash, someone was commenting on the book – and my first reaction before actually reading the review was skepticism. With a title like Ravishing The Heiress, I was wary. I have an unusual relationship with romance novels. Sometimes I love them, sometimes I cannot stand them. And historical romance (especially the bodice-ripping type) is not something I have ever really gotten into.

But the review intrigued me. A period romance without a damsel in distress, no villain and engaging characters (female friendships!) – the review claimed. What really got my interest? Was the mention of a scene whereby the female heroine dissects and critiques the male hero’s seduction techniques. I knew then that I would find a copy of the novel if only to see if the hype was worth it.

It was worth it.

Not only is the novel’s female protagonist refreshingly intelligent and shrewd, Millie is also pragmatic and charming. In love with Fitz from the first time they meet, she is never once controlled by anything or anyone other than herself. Her love for him does not define her – rather, she has good relationships with his family and friends, and I spent most of the novel calling Fitz an idiot because come on, his wife is awesome and all he sees is a best friend. (Fitz is an adorably clueless idiot.) Isabelle, Fitz’ first love, is never portrayed as villainous, which was refreshing, though her naivety bordered on irritating.

The language Thomas uses is probably more modern than the language of the 1800s, but considering English is her second language, it flows implacably. The novel is engaging and simple in the approach, and I could barely put the book down. (I only did because I was falling asleep. I finished it by the next morning.)

Definitely going to be ordering the other two books in the series, because the little mentions of the characters of Fitz’ sisters have me intrigued about their love stories as well.