Must Love Breeches is a light hearted time-travel HR — a reverse Kate and Leopold, where a modern girl with baggage, ends up in 1834 London. With fine writing and a witty plot, it grabbed me from the start!
But, to be completely honest, I was prepared to be disappointed, since so many of the books with a similar plot have usually failed due to overly plucky and strident heroines, who come across as arrogant or TSTL. Fortunately, Angela Quarles is a terrific writer who handles this tricky sub-genre with a deft hand. Bravo!
The lead heroine, Isabelle, is a history professional. She loves Austen, and the British Museum, and all things antique. Upon finding herself in London in 1834, her reactions — and her denial — feel real, and not at all overdone. And as the implications of her situation dawn on her, that she is truly stuck there, it’s fun to watch her find her footing amid all the pitfalls of trying to pass as someone from another age. (I particularly enjoyed watching while she tried to remember what she'd read in novels and history books!)
The narration by Mary Jane Wells, is extremely well done, and worthy of the story, as she enhances the experience of the book immensely. While she initially reads Isabelle with a flat American accent, but soon softens it, as the character makes an effort to sound more like the people around her, and her American accent becomes very pleasant to listen to. VERY WELL DONE, indeed!
(I shudder to think what a less skilled narrator could have done to this book, and hope Ms. Quarles chooses to continue to use MJW!)
The romance, particularly the sex scene, is a masterpiece. Beautifully written and performed, and true to the era in which it occurs, it held me enthralled. Phineas, (great name!) is a true gentleman of his time, and behaves accordingly, showing all the care and respect one would expect, without stepping back from the passion when it counts. I loved how true to the situation that scene was, perhaps more so when compared to those in many of the usual HR’s, where rakes normally prevail. I found it deeply affecting, romantic, and very sexy. I think Ms Quarles is very talented.
Naturally, there is a mystery, with dastardly bad guys, and enough action to keep the book moving at a good steady clip, but it never overwhelms the romance, and gives 1834 London it’s due in atmosphere and description, peopled as it is with great thinkers of it's age. Neither does it become overly violent or unduly melodramatic, which I appreciated. The Epilogue ties things up nicely, and is not to be missed.
There is another book in this series, Must Love Chainmail, and as I do, I can’t wait to read it. I hope it will come to Audible very soon, with Mary Jane Wells, or someone equally talented, doing the narration. Enjoy!
Highly Recommended.
FYI: I was very fortunate to receive this book (from Audiobookblast) for an honest review. Lucky me!
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About the author
Clever, original, and so good
4.5 Top Pick Angela Quarles's Must Love Breeches is clever, original, and so good that you want more as soon as you put it down. It's a delicious mash up with something for time travel romance lovers, Jane Austen devotees, and those who simply enjoy a fresh take on historical romance. Her unique premise combines the best elements of contemporary and historical romance, while incorporating all of the fish-out-of-water elements a time travel romance. I love that her heroine, Isabelle, doesn't simply stop being a modern woman because she's transported to the past. And it's even better that Isabelle loves history and has some sense of what living in the past might entail, even though the reality of it isn't always quite what she expected. And the hero, Phineas, is quite the adventurer in his own right. He has an adventurous spirit and one open to the oddities he perceives in Isabelle. The inclusion of a historical figure, Ada Lovelace, as a secondary character only makes the story that much richer. Most of all, I was impressed with Quarles's ability to combine so many elements so seamlessly and successfully. Isabelle thinks and views the world as a modern woman. Her reactions are modern, and yet Phineas's world and attitudes are thoroughly grounded in the 19th century. And through it all, Quarles manages to thread freshness and humor, making a novel a complete delight. When British Museum employee Isabelle Rochon is transported back in time to 19th century England, she initially revels in the new experience, but Phineas, Lord Montagu, proves a distraction she could not anticipate. As their attraction grows, she must decide where she truly belongs. Review by: Christy Carlyle Disclosure: Review copy from the publisher for an honest review.
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- Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2016
- Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2017
Top reviews from other countries
- Sandra RReviewed in Australia on July 20, 2016
... this author just won this year's RITA for "Must Love Chainmail" (the sequel to this book) Then I checked ...
