A Lady of Distinction (Berkley Sensation) [Mass Market Paperback]

"A Lady of Distinction" starts off really strong, with a confrontation between Lady Juliet and Morgan -- he thinks that she's a spoilt tonnish lady with more hair than wit, while she thinks that he's an uncouth adventurer. Of course they soon discover that they're mistaken in their initial impressions about each other, but by then each is powerfully intrigued by the other, even if they will not admit to themselves. So that if you consider the novel from the 'sexual tension' angle, the book rates about 3 stars. And the subplot dealing with the Egyptian artifacts -- the missing objects, the curse, etc -- while a little skimpy, is interesting enough to maintain this 3 stars rating. Where the book fell short for me was in the character development of Lady Juliet and Morgan. That other characters are not so well developed either, but this didn't really matter to me as the book really revolved around Lady Juliet and Morgan. I wanted to know how Lady Juliet became so interested in, captivated by and knowledgeable about ancient Egypt; why her relationship with her father was so bad; and why she was so quiet and restrained. Was it all because it had been drummed into her that a lady behaved a certain way? Or was there something else to it all? The information was frustratingly scarce. We learn a little more about how Morgan became an adventurer, but again the information was skimpy and breezily thrown in here and there. And I really wanted to know about the events that had led him to become the man he was when we're first introduced to him. This lack of proper character development made this an almost one note read for me, even though the book unfolded smoothly and at a relatively quick pace. So that on the whole, I'd vote "A Lady of Distinction" a 2 1/2 star read.

*** Imagine a Regency set Indiana Jones or Lara Croft, and you have some idea of what to expect- a comedy of manners with a bit of romance and action. Given the epilouge, fans might hope for more adventures in the series. ***
Amanda

As they work together, joyfully on his part and reluctantly on hers, they begin to fall in love. Judith realizes there is more to the veneer of not caring to her partner and Morgan sees the passion just beneath the spectacles she wears. However, items become missing and weird stuff begins to happen. The staff mumbles about a curse and Judith begins to wonder if she can trust the rogue who has stolen her heart also knowing her father will reject anything less than an Earl for his beloved daughter.

This engaging regency romance stars a Hans Solo like character with a scholarly Egyptologist making for what may seem a terrible pairing of opposites that soon turns into a delightful suspense tale as if the Mummy was set in 1820. The story line is fast-paced and action-paced, but enables the audience to gain a deep understanding of the motives and desires of the charming lead duo. Though villains come and go so fast they never are purposely developed beyond that of a pre Roger Rabbit cartoon figure, fans will enjoy this fine high octane tale.

Harriet Klausner