Customer Reviews

Much Obliged (Zebra Regency Romance)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Ah, Saturday. And a perky little book to wile away the time while awash in a rainy day outside and laundry day inside. So, what to do but read while-u-wait. Here is a wickedly humorous quickie by a new author, who, if she sticks to her own devilishly engaging and very hip style of writing about intellectually empowered women who know what they want, yes, even in Regency England, will become quite successful in a genre otherwise all too full of vapid, victimized, damsels-in-distress which, to this reader is soo boring.

The heroine in this tale is Addie who is betrothed by arrangement to her lifelong heartthrob the naughty "rake" John Fitzwilliam, Earl of Claremont. The Earl, however, still has a whole bushelful or two of wild oats to sow and wants no part of marriage for he is content with his lightskirt du jour and relishes his freedom and bachelorhood. Yes, he would "do right" by Addie, "only if", but he really would prefer that she release him from the marriage contract that was brought about by their respective parents, and for her to move on and get married to someone else.

So he arranges an evening out with Addie and family to facilitate the romance between her sister and his best friend Drew, respectably accompanied by their maiden aunt. They all go to a Winter Festival at the notorious Vauxhall where he believes that during a private moment he can ask her to set aside their arranged future marriage. She assents, but, as she reviews their near impoverished conditions brought about by the bad fiscal management of her late father, she believes herself forced to accept a proposal from a former suitor the really repellant, albeit rich, and totally hypochondriacal Wallace Raines who is doing a rerun for a bride and offers again for her hand. Alas, she is completely unsuited for this medieval-minded moron, and in her heartbreak over losing Fitzwilliam she attempts to convince herself that she was right to accept the undesirable suitor in order to preserve her security and reputation. Her conflict is hightened by her secret source of income garnered from her highly successful "illicit" writing skills as an anonymous "gossip" columnist which may be discovered by society and ruin any marital prospects for herself, her sister or her aunt.

But, Fitzwilliam, in a moment of lust kisses Addie and begins to wrestle with a burgeoning conflict heretofore unknown to him. He realizes that he is slowly falling "in like" and then into love with her and, much to his dismay, wakes up to smell the coffee after she has betrothed herself to dear Wallace and his ever present, controlling mother. Literally.

The plot is fairly predictable but the hilarious dialog and madcap twists and turns by the adorably likable and well suited hero and heroine makes this story quite amusing as they attempt to untangle themselves from the misbegotten mess that they have each created respectively. Much Obliged is the second novel by Ms. Benson and according to other reviews her first book Lord Stanhope's Proposal is even funnier. This one is an unstuffy, laugh out loud jaunt into a period of time that, although we can no longer relate to in our modern lifestyle, delights nonetheless for its outrageously clever spin on that era and the eternal joys of youthful love and lust.

Regency readers everywhere may now rejoice. The very enchanting "Lord Stanhope's Proposal" was not a fluke. Jessica Benson's second book, "Much Obliged" is every bit as wonderful as the first one was. This is not always the case, as many of us have learned to our sorrow.

Here we have John Fitzwilliam, Earl of Claremont, who was betrothed to Adelaide while she was still in her crib, both fathers being age-old buddies. However, as is usually the case, distance does its thing, and now that the younger ones are of an age to marry, they're rather disinclined. Neither father is still around to provide any nudges, which is also a hindrance to their once-grand plot.

Addie's father was somewhat of a gambler, however, and left her and her younger sister Justine, with pockets to let, but in the care of their Aunt Honoria. Addie has a pair of very special skills, which she is not at all hesistant to utilize in the necessity to keep them all fed and clothed and reasonably warm. Her father was a best friend of the noted pugilist 'Gentleman' Jackson, who has retired from the ring as a fighter, but runs the noted salon where other gentlemen may work out with him from time to time, and learn the art of manly protection. Addie learned all about this science at an early age, and is now considered to be very knowledgeable on the subject by none other than the Gentleman himself. Her other skill is the written word, and she combines these two activities to pen an anonymous column about the happenings at Jackson's salon.

When Fitzwilliam comes to grief at the hands of a friend, what worse will happen to him when he is challenged to defend Addie's honor -- in the ring? Jackson and Addie set up a training regimen to be conducted at Claremont's country estate, which promptly turns into a farcical house party, complete with encroaching Mamas, (none of whom are at all friendly with any of the others) hopeful daughters, a know-it-all son (temporarily betrothed to Addie, in what she saw as a self-defence mechanism -- she needed protecting from herself as well as from Fitzwilliam), an abundance of dogs, tempermental servants, you name it--it's to be found at Kenton House. Along with lots of Benson's wonderful ways with humor and words. A triumph! Now, we can only--and eagerly--anticipate the next sure-to-be-delightful opus.

This second novel by Jessica Benson was another light read comedy of errors using an abundance of fresh witty dialog that saved this novel from becoming too boring and unbelievable.

It starts off with two deaf ladies discussing the latest on dits contained in the boxing column of the London Post - again, funny, witty dialog - then switches over to our hero, John Fitzwilliam, holding a poultice over his blackened eye as he reads the same column describing his embarrassing defeat. The boxing column and the unknown anonymous writer are key to the original plot depicting our heroine, Addie Winstead, as anonymous in order to help ends meet in their not too well to do household. This was an original concept in depicting a regency era young lady with a wealth of knowledge on a subject that would have been quite taboo during that period.

Fitzwilliam, and Addie had been betrothed by their respective fathers from birth only Fitzwilliam, was not ready for marriage, now and probably not ever as he was having too much fun sowing his oats and believing that he would be exactly like his father. His childhood memories of a not so rosy marriage between his parents, with both parties being indifferent to one another, along with his father's numerous affairs did nothing to entice him to enter the marital state.

Addie, who had grown up idolizing and loving Fitzwilliam ever since she could remember, had quietly waited for him to `come up to scratch', yet, in her heart, knew she could never marry him knowing that he would be doing so as an `honor bound duty'. So rather than him ever knowing her financial difficulties, she would continue her clandestine writing as anonymous.

Caring about his old childhood friend, he felt that he should do the honorable thing and release her from the betrothal so that she could get on with her life and accept another suitor. It was like a `wake-up call' for him as he realized after he released her; looked at the grown up woman she had become; and kissed her that she sparked something in him that was not at all a familiar feeling. It was after that kiss that a chance discovery, that could have ruined her, by a drunken friend mistaking Addie for a lightskirt led Fitzwilliam to declare her to be his `betrothed'.

Addie, so hopelessly in love, thought that she would save Fitzwilliam from marrying her by accepting the suit of an absolutely revolting `mama's boy'. Even then, Fitzwilliam could not admit that what he felt was anything akin to love, yet he did not want to see her throwing herself away on such a prig as her newly betrothed!

The multitude of secondary characters and the dialog saved this story from being tossed aside by this reader as I found it hard to believe that such a forward thinking heroine such as Addie would have stood one moment for such a self-righteous prig of fiancé. No one woman could have endured this man let alone the forward-thinking Addie. The other problem I saw was that her sister, who she was extremely close to, would not have told her fiancé, who was Fitzwilliam's best friend, what the real problem was!

I found MUCH OBLIGED lived up to the high expectations I had held because of loving Jessica Benson's first book so much. It was such a refreshing change to have a Regency hero who could not box well and to find out the reason. Fitz was no wimp for he proved it in other ways. I liked to see how he worked out his uncertainties about the ability of a man from his family to love. Addie was refreshingly different as well. I especially enjoyed the very amusing scenes at the breakfast table, laughing aloud at them. This is a keeper, a good comfort read.

Addie and Fitzwilliam have been betrothed since before they were born. Addie is in love with Fitzwilliam, but she knows he doesn't want her, so she tries to put her feelings aside. Fitzwilliam is a happy bachelor and he hasn't paid much attention to Addie for some time, so he missed the quiet beauty and charming lady she has become. When they attend a party together, Fitzwilliam explains to Addie that he has no intention of settling down and she should move on with her life but then his desire to kiss her overcomes him and he realizes that Addie means more to him than he thought.

Addie writes a boxing column for the Post anonymously. Fitzwilliam is a poor boxer and when he is called out defending Addie's honor, he needs help with his skills. He seeks the help of the mysterious writer.

Fitzwilliam and Addie find themselves in each other's company more and more because Fitzwilliam's friend and Addie's sister are engaged. They always seem to end up kissing too. Fitzwilliam is baffled by his reaction to Addie and he is still unable to accept his attraction to her and Addie knows she would be miserable if Fitzwilliam married her out of pity. Fitzwilliam should be relieved letting Addie go, but he's not. So when Annie's identity is revealed they make a wager, should he win the match under her tutelage, she will marry him and if he should lose he will set her up so she no longer has to marry someone else.

As the bout draws closer Fitzwilliam can't decide which would be better, winning or losing the fight.

Much Obliged is a romantic story. Addie and Fitzwilliam feel more angst than happiness though. They are attracted to each other and it seems they would be happy together, but there are many obstacles in their way. Mainly their own pride. However, the ending is heart warming. There are many witty and tender moments in this story, and Addie and Fitzwilliam's stolen kisses are passionate. Overall though, I found Much Obliged to be enjoyable but not enthralling.

Nannette

Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

Jessica Benson's latest light-hearted romp through Regency England offers readers a quick, witty read. Hilarious contretemps ensue when the heroine, the anonymous author of a boxing column, is called upon to "coach" the hero in the art of the sport. This refreshing twist places Much Obliged on my "keeper shelf."

I'm a voracious romance reader but not normally a fan of regency. A friend told me about Much Obliged and when I read it I felt that a new romance talent had arrived on the market. If you are a fan of Nora Roberts, Jayne Anne Krentz, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, or Stephanie Laurens you will love this book.

It's great writing, funny, romantic and the hero and heroine are real characters and not "caricatures". The plot holds together, and the theme of a female boxing coach is such an original idea. I can't wait to read her next one!!!!!

If you love historical romance, if you love Jane Austen, if you love to laugh, then this is a book you'll enjoy. The style and wit in this novel are fantastic.

The things that keep this from a 5 star rating:

1) The author tries a little too hard to be funny. Conversations often go like this:

Hero quips

Hero's friend quips

Hero's butler quips

repeat

Unfortunately, every quipping character seems to have the same sense of humor.

2) Cartoonish supporting characters. In the extreme! All old ladies, apparently, are actually the same person.

3) Anachronisms. I say "snappish." You may, too. The characters, though, "Snappish?" Hmm.

4) Apparently little substance to the hero. Why does Addie love him? "Because she always has" isn't as satisfying as one might hope.

After reading this one, I'll be reading JB's other books. This author definitely has potential!

I am a big fan of Ms. Benson's debut book, LORD STANHOPE'S PROPOSAL, so I had high hopes for this title. However, the hero, Fitzwilliam, remains seriously out of touch with himself right up until the last chapter and it gets old quickly. Is he man, thirty years of age who knows his own mind, or is he a six year old who only wants a toy because someone else is playing with it? Most of the book he is relieved that Addie is going to marry someone else, but his actions are contrary to that emotion. He is wondering what on Earth he is doing, and so is Addie, and the reader is just annoyed by his indecisiveness. This is hardly romantic. Ms. Benson tries just a tad too hard to be amusing with some of the secondary characters, but it falls flat. Also: I have to wonder just how Addie could possibly have gained so much boxing knowledge, enough to write a newspaper column about it, being a female member of the gentry in regency England. Supposedly her father was a fan of the sport, but he hardly would have taken her to any bouts. Her knowledge of boxing (every time it was frequently mentioned) pulled me right out of the story because it was so unlikely (not to mention, practically impossible) for the time period. Ms. Benson's first book was much better.

I am a big fan of Ms. Benson's debut book, LORD STANHOPE'S PROPOSAL, so I had high hopes for this title. However, the hero, Fitzwilliam, remains seriously out of touch with himself right up until the last chapter and it gets old quickly. Is he man, thirty years of age who knows his own mind, or is he a six year old who only wants a toy because someone else is playing with it? Most of the book he is relieved that Addie is going to marry someone else, but his actions are contrary to that emotion. He is wondering what on Earth he is doing, and so is Addie, and the reader is just annoyed by his indecisiveness. This is hardly romantic. It also seems that Ms. Benson tries just a tad too hard to be amusing with some of the secondary characters, but it falls flat. Her first book was much better.