Wilful Impropriety: 13 Tales of Society and Scandal [Kindle Edition]

This anthology was definitely a mixed bag, containing straightforward, conventional romances that have a very faint hue of "impropriety", as well as more unusual stories which go beyond Victorian boundaries and explore the truly "scandalous" (at least for that era), with LGBT themes or issues of race. Guess which ones are worth reading. No story is too "scandalous" to merit an adult rating.

I loved, loved, loved "At Will" by Leanna Renee Hieber (the first story), a gender-bending homage to Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. It was different, with a bittersweet, unexpected ending. I had tried to read The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker and gave up after the first chapter. But, having enjoyed "At Will" - I will have to reconsider Hieber's fiction.

"The Unladylike Education of Agatha Tremain" by Stephanie Burgis was another story I adored. I loved Agatha's fiery spirit, the magical world Burgis created, and the surprising, happy ending. I now want to try Burgis' middle grade books.

"The Garden of England" by Sandra Mcdonald is a fantastic retelling of The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett, as told from the point of view of an Indian nursemaid which comes with Mary Lennox to England. Mary is not quite the sweet heroine here nor her uncle the pitiable guardian as in the book.

"Mrs Beeton's Book of Magickal Management" by Karen Healey is one of the more conventional romances with a fantasy setting. A very delightful story.

I love how the heroine of "The Language Of Flowers" by Caroline Stevermer interprets the intentions of her sister's suitors through the bouquets they send her. This seems like the most Victorian of the stories, but has the appeal of exploring the relationship between the two sisters.

I found "The Dancing Master" by Genevieve Valentine to be the most haunting, about unrequited love.

Simply put, this is an anthology of 13 historical stories that include everything from society, scandal, and romance such as the following.

"At Will" by Leanna Renee Hieber - This story is about a young lady, Portia, that has been raised in theater. Because of her skill acting in both male and female roles she has become a prized character that is brought into society as a companion of one of societies more known males, Mr. Rothschild. It's where she fits into the role that is the issue.

"The Unladylike Education of Agatha Tremain" by Stephanie Burgis - Agatha has taken to running her father's house while he engrosses himself in his studies. But her aunt doesn't see this as proper training for a young lady and steps in to make Agatha a proper lady.

"Nussbaum's Golden Fortune" by M. K. Hobson - Nussbaum is a gentleman with bad luck. He owes some powerful people a lot of money. He goes to his old friend Oesterlische for help selling a magical map. But things go wrong when the map and Oesterlische's fiancé are held for ransom.

These historical based stories are about things that were not as acceptable then as they are now and how people stepped out of the normal rules to follow their hearts. I really liked the concept of the stories. My personal favorite was The Unladylike Education of Agatha Tremain. She has spunk and even though she is forced into following societies rules, she rises above them at the end.

I will be honest, this is one book that I did have a hard time sticking with. Don't get me wrong, it's not that the book was horrible, it was quiet good. It's just one that I have been looking at for several months and just can't finish. Please don't let this statement ruin your opinion of the book.

If you like historical stories and those where people find ways to rise above their lot in life, then you will enjoy this book.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.