Customer Reviews

The Rushden Legacy

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Recommended for romance and fantasy readers alike. You might not recognize the name on the cover, but the wit and vivacity of the characters leave no doubt as to the author's identity. The stormy relationship between the main characters echoes the turmoil of the Rialla in Rawn's Dragon Prince. Jane Austen would approve.

Fantasy-writer Melanie Rawn has taken a turn towards English Regency Romance in "The Rushden Legacy." In typical Rawn fashion, her female protagonists are willful and quick tempered and scenes are resplendent with witty repartee. This novella makes for a quick, enjoyable read for fans of Rawn, as well as those of lighthearted historical romance. It was especially amusing to observe the word choices and patterns of speech that appeared to be researched.

Fiery Diana is quickly approaching a matronly age without a suitable marriage prospect in sight -- she has spent her seasons in London charming all the eligible bachelors, but keeping them at an appropriate distance. When her father arranges a marriage with a neighboring heir (who happens to be boorish and rude), Diana is horrified and is only able to avoid the engagement by proclaiming that she is already secretly betrothed to her best friend's brother. Roger Rushden, the oblivious groom-to-be, is a reckless and headstrong playboy. Roger is preoccupied with his approaching thirtieth birthday and is eager to marry to create an heir for his family, as it is tradition that the male Rushden heir dies prior to his thirtieth in a freak accident. When Roger hears of her lie about his betrothal to Diana, he informs her that he intends to keep it, much to Diana's chagrin.