Leigh Michaels

This book helped me put together some observations I've made as a romance reader and as a writer, which is great. And its questions for reflection on a story idea and on the planned conflict (pp. 44 & 72), as well as its comments on short-term and long-term problems for both characters, seem useful. On the other hand, much of the non-romance-specific writing advice will be too 101 for readers with any writing experience at all.

I differ in many ways from the 'typical romance reader' that this show more book imagines, and the assumptions that come from imagining that reader often leave me feeling alienated (if also sometimes fascinated in an anthropological sort of way). The most obviously problematic section of this book is the one on dialogue, which focuses on encourages people to write dialogue based firmly in gender stereotypes: the author argues that speaking habits outside what she sees as "normal" for men/women are simply not believable. I think one of the good things fiction can do in the world is push people to question our assumptions and cruelties, and writing to stereotypes doesn't do that. I also think the question "how would *this character* speak/feel/etc.?" should be more important that "how would A Man / A Woman speak/feel/etc.?" But I guess that's tied up with the "novel that sells" bit of the subtitle. show less

I reviewed this book for Romance Reader At Heart website.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

This family has been through a lot after its patriarch passed away. The book starts off with a mother's concern for her children's future. After her husband’s death, she finds out that they’re almost destitute, but this mother will do anything to see her children well situated and to do that she needs to give them a Season in London. If only she had the means to do it…

He’s a devoted son and a show more brother whose wish to give his beautiful sister one Season in London may not come true; more importantly, if he can find an heiress for himself, he might just be able to save his estate, and in the process provide a comfortable life for his mother. If only he had the means to do it…

She’s a dutiful daughter and sister, whose beauty and charm is renown throughout the county; but this girl has a mind of her own, and she’s set on doing anything in her power to assure her family's happiness. If she could only get to London…

All are aware that only a miracle will do, and guess what? They get that miracle in the person of Lady Stone, an eccentric old lady that is living with her companion, Miss Portia Langford. She invites Rye and his family to London for the Season, as she finds him charming and means to have some fun in sponsoring Rye and his sister.

From there on, we’re swept away into a story of passion and confusion! Miranda comes face-to-face with her past in the form of her first love, Marcus Winston, who, she thinks, is set to court her daughter. Sophia meets three prospects: Lord Randall and Lord Carrisbrooke (whom she’s considering for herself), and Robert Wellingham, a wealthy banker she thinks could be a great match for her mother. Rye, on the other hand, is meeting a bevy of rich heiresses, but is increasingly falling for Miss Portia, the companion to Lady Stone.

This is the second book in a Regency trilogy romance series by Ms. Michaels in which she introduces three couples and six points-of-view. I’ve not read the first book, but I can safely say that this book stands on its own, and it’s not necessary to have read the first to follow the second. That said, I loved it so much that I’ve ordered the first and can’t wait to read it. Reading this book, full of three-dimensional characters, fast pacing and witty dialogue, I felt like I was watching a movie. Scenes were flowing seamlessly into a wonderful story. It brings to mind a Japanese movie I saw a long time ago called “Rashomon”. It’s about an event that happens to three people at the same time, but the story differs as each of these people sees the same event differently.

JUST ONE SEASON IN LONDON also has nuances of Shakespeare by way of the confusion, consequent misunderstandings, and assumptions that each character took.

If you’re in a mood for a fun and entertaining read, please don’t pass this one up. You’ll laugh so much your sides will hurt.

Melanie show less

I love historical romances and whenever someone asks for suggestions or who my favorite authors are I always mention Julie Garwood, Julia Quinn or Johanna Lindsey. If all of Leigh Michaels' books are as good as this one then I have a feeling her name will quickly join my list of favorite authors. She captures the perfect balance between humor, romance and sexiness in this story.

The Characters

I can't think of a single character I disliked in this story. I really enjoyed Ryecroft and the fact show more that physically he wasn't an Adonis but he still had London's ladies flocking around him due to his humor, kindness and ok I'm sure his title had a little to do with it. Sophie was spunky, kind and naive and you can't help but love her. Unlike many heroines who do stupid things despite being made out to be strong, smart women she isn't painted to be the perfect woman. Yes she makes some bad decisions due to naiveness but they aren't out of character with your typical young woman who has never been to London. Everything she does is so realistic that you can't help but put yourself in her shoes and relate to her situation and feelings. Miranda, the man Sophie falls for and the woman Rye falls for were all wonderful characters as well. They were all perfectly flawed and perfectly endearing. I did find it funny that Miranda appears to be around her late 30s and there are constant references to her being past her prime and with the way her son refers to her you would think she was an old woman. I know people didn't have as long of life span as we do now but it still made me laugh on how the young view their parents sometimes. For those of you who are fans of Lady Danbury in Julia Quinn's books you will meet her equivalent, Lady Stone, who is just as crochety, plain speaking and soft hearted.

The Story

I'm always a little leery about books that centralize around several romances instead of focusing on just one couple with maybe a minor couple thrown into the mix. Leigh Michaels wove all three love stories in so well together that it never felt disjointed to me and all the couples wormed their way into my heart. It was hilarious watching the characters interact with each other and there was never a dull moment in the book for me. I stayed up way too late reading this book because I couldn't stop until I got to the end. Even though with most romances you know there will be a happy ending it was one of those stories you get immersed in and the journey to the end is just as satisfying as the happily ever after.

I find it hard to be coherent as I just want to gush about this book. If you are a fan of Julie Garwood, Julia Quinn or Johanna Lindsey and are looking for a new book I highly suggest picking this one up. I know I will be adding the rest of Leigh Michaels books to my to be read list. show less

A sweet story, well written, Leigh Michaels does have a writing style easy to absorb and keep moving through. There's an adorable little girl at 4 years old who is both cute, spicy, and tantrumy in the story. I like the author shied away from making it too sappy sweet to where it's nauseating and realistic, but instead portrayed realistic single mother struggles, money drama, fears of custody, jealousy with affection toward other parent when it first starts. We even get the messy house, the show more ran over tricycle, the colds spread from the mini germ factories. The hero is fine, but more could have been done with him. Sometimes he's irritating, sometimes I get him, but he could have been fledged out more. The heroine is the biggest obstacle as she's just not that bright. I get being blind to some faults when you're vulnerable, but how she could have kept going with Tony when love wasn't help blind her? Some of her misconceptions of the hero's motives were also not sensibly thought out. She started getting on my nerves in different ways over time due to this -- but, ultimately this was a well-written Harlequin with a sweet ending, it had a rich enough story considering page length and not relying only on the formulaic misunderstandings and lies these tend to, and by keeping it focused on emotions instead of the physical. Recommended for Harlequin romance fans. show less