An Indecent Proposition
Grade : B

It's not often that I see the plot of a European Historical romance and think, "Well that's different." But that was my reaction to An Indecent Proposition, whose premise is original (although the title sounds rather generic). Two aristocrats make a drunken wager, duly recorded at White's; each claims to be the better lover. The heroine, a widow who has been poorly used by an abusive husband, decides that she will volunteer as an impartial judge.

Lady Caroline Wynn is not the type anyone would suspect to do anything so scandalous. Her demeanor is politely described as removed - and probably borders on glacial. Though she's a widow who has re-entered society, she's no one's coquette. And though she's still young, she has no immediate plans to marry again. Her husband was chosen for her by her father, and he seemed pleasant enough until they were married. Her sexual experiences with him were both brutal and degrading. But although she wants to judge the bet and (she hopes) create positive, passionate experiences, she also wants to preserve her reputation. She approaches the Duke of Rothay and the Earl of Manderville (the bettors) and arranges a clandestine meeting. She remains heavily veiled until the agree to complete secrecy. They are both surprised and intrigued when they discover who she is, and both agree to the terms of the bet: Caroline will steal away for a week with each of them, giving each the chance to prove he is the better lover.

Of course, nothing goes as planned. This book is really two romances for the price of one, and Rothay and Manderville both find true love - with two separate women. It's a little difficult to discuss much of the plot without wandering into spoiler territory, and I'd hate to ruin any of the delightful surprises this book holds. Suffice it to say that one of the men is hung up on another woman, and the road to their various happily-ever-afters is a group project of sorts, with each member of the quadrangle helping the others when they need it most.

Not only is the premise of this book unusual; it could also be somewhat difficult to believe. In the hands of another author, it could easily come across as cheesy or sordid, but to Wildes' credit, it is neither. I bought into the scenario completely, and enjoyed every page of the journey. This was in no small part due to the characters; all four of the main ones are likable and interesting, and everyone manages to grow and change throughout the book. That can be hard to accomplish with a couple of main characters, so pulling it off with four is a significant accomplishment . All of them are flawed to varying degrees, and all of them manage to sort through their problems and learn to forgive and grow. Though it starts with a drunken bet, this book is really about the healing power of love.

The love scenes are well-written and sensual. Though this is Wildes' first book with a mainstream print publisher, she's written quite a few e-books - most of which appear to have a very sensual bent. Clearly, that experience served her well. Sensual love scenes are all well and good, but in the grand scheme of things they are only as good as the story. If they don't have a purpose or drive the story forward, they can evoke a sexual checklist feeling (I've encountered it more than once in recent months). Happily, these love scenes enhanced the story.

My only issue with the book is that at times the POV changes were abrupt. There were quite a few of them, and frequently they happened in the middle of love scenes. It wasn't that POV was ever unclear; rather, the changes sometimes felt forced, and sometimes even pulled me out of the story briefly. All in all, An Indecent Proposal is a solid print debut and an entertaining read. I know I'm not the only European Historical fan who's sick to death of love lessons and "We're Not Marrying!" clubs. This is fresh and well written - and not to be missed.

 

Reviewed by Blythe Smith
Grade : B

Sensuality: Hot

Review Date : March 19, 2009

Publication Date: 2009/04

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Blythe Smith

I've been at AAR since dinosaurs roamed the Internet. I've been a Reviewer, Reviews Editor, Managing Editor, Publisher, and Blogger. Oh, and Advertising Corodinator. Right now I'm taking a step back to concentrate on kids, new husband, and new job in law...but I'll still keep my toe in the romance waters.
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