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3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
Being a child of the ’90s, I was instantly intrigued by the title of this novel. The Debutante Is Mine is just too close to the Brandy and Monica hit “The Boy Is Mine.” Just from the title alone I had a feeling I would be frustrated and enamored with whoever the hero was, as the title promised much alpha love, but also possibly possessiveness and dog-in-the-manger syndrome.
Turns out I was right! And that bit of frustration I had because Jack Marlowe, who was a thoughtful, honorable man despite being an unapologetic love-’em-and-leave-’em type, was a little bit too set in his own way of thinking, nevertheless was part of his charm. Actually, it kept him from being a cookie-cutter Regency romance hero, and it definitely upped his swoon factor a point or two.
The big question mark for me in this book was heroine Lilah Appleton. Was she going to allow the men in her life—both living and dead—to take her choices away? Was she going to let the fear of being shunned by family and society keep her from going after what she wanted?
Happily, the answer to both those questions was no.
Intriguingly, her solution was not to blaze her own trail like you might see in many modern historicals, but which would probably have been contrary to the natures of most women of that time period, not to mention the character the author revealed more of in every scene and chapter of this book.
Instead, she stood her ground and then insisted on walking her own path. She didn’t stomp through the brush or allow others to budge her, but she deliberately took back her right to choose—and then made up her mind and followed things through. And while that might be atypical of the usual romance heroine, it was definitely admirable.
As both a standalone novel and a series debut, I’ll mark this as a success, as The Debutante Is Mine featured a couple I already can’t wait to learn more about: Juliet and Max. I’m all sorts of frustrated/impatient that I’m going to have to wait three books before I read their love story! My one jarring moment was a bit of cheesiness on Jack’s part at the very end of the story, but it was forgivable and, on hindsight, kind of cute in a dorky way!
Copyright of Night Owl Reviews
Copyright of Night Owl Reviews
Note: This ARC was provided by Avon Impulse in exchange for an honest review.
Lilah has lived her whole life believing she isn't worthy of much. She was reminded of it constantly by her parents. Her late father's stipulation in his will that she marry a titled man before the end of her third season has her feeling desperate since that deadline is coming close. If she doesn't find a nobleman willing to marry her, she'll be forced to marry a cousin she has no desire to spend the rest of her life with. When Jack learns of her dilemma, he can't help but want to help her. Lilah reminds him of his mother and he doesn't want her to experience what she did. He knows how it feels to be an undesirable, what with his being the illegitimate child of the Earl of Dovermore. He shuns aristocracy and the very little it thinks it has to offer, but he's willing to do what he can to make sure that Lilah fits in and lands herself a nobleman.
But the more time Lilah and Jack spend together, the closer they become. When Jack does his job a bit too well and Lilah receives the attention she's deserved all along, he realizes he wishes for nothing more than to be the one to be deserving of her and her attention. However, what is it that the bastard son of an earl can offer a woman who is required to marry the kind of man he doesn't want to be? With a lighthearted touch, Lilah and Jack's love story had me smiling from ear to ear, and it was way too easy to fall in love with these two. They were unwanted by those who should have wanted them all along, but they not only found acceptance with each other but true love as well. I've enjoyed the two couples and their stories in the Season's Original series so far and can't wait to read even more. The Debutante Is Mine garners five stars. ♥
Vivienne Lorret, the USA Today bestselling author of The Maddening Lord Montwood, begins a new series with a scandalous bet that could turn one quiet woman into the most desirable debutante of the season.
From the Season Standard: “A true Season’s Original embodies the class, grace, and style of the ton. Such an honor ensures the recipient her pick of eligible suitors…”
Lilah Appleton’s prospects are looking dim. With one last chance to find a titled husband before she’s forced to wed her wretched cousin, she must make this Season count. Plain, forgettable Lilah must become the Season’s Original. Desperate, she seeks help from the devilishly charming, untitled, and thoroughly unsuitable Jack Marlowe. All she must do now is resist the tempting rogue…
Bastard son and self-made man, Jack Marlowe loathes the aristocracy. When he meets Lilah, he expects her to be like all the other greedy husband-hunters. But she’s far more dangerous. Her alluring smiles and sharp tongue intrigue him. Before he knows it, he agrees to help her find a husband, revealing tricks to ensnare any man. The only problem is, his plan works too well—on him.
When Lilah becomes the belle of the ball, Jack realizes he may lose her forever—unless he can take a chance on love and claim his debutante...
An Avon Romance
**
Review
“A will and a bet create the drama in the riveting first Season’s Original novel... A well-crafted plot, well-developed characters, and last-minute revelations set the bar high for the sequels.” (Publishers Weekly (starred review), praise for THE DEBUTANTE IS MINE)
“a sweet romantic novel that sweeps you away with an engaging story line [...] THE DEBUTANTE IS MINE is a light and an easy read with wonderful dialogue and charming characters.” (Fresh Fiction)
“SO GOOD. Unputdownable! This is the author you’ve been waiting for!” (New York Times bestselling author Sophie Jordan)
“DARING MISS DANVERS is perfectly enchanting. Vivienne Lorret has woven a delightful, romantic tale that is certain to charm readers.” (New York Times bestselling author Lorraine Heath)
“Readers will enjoy these two protagonists as they fight for love and honesty.” (Library Journal)
“Lorret seems to have found fresh ways to spin the old into new.” (Heroes and Heartbreakers)
“Delightfully amusing and impossible to put down!” (Sophie Barnes, author of the At the Kingsborough Ball series)
“An enjoyable, steamy Regency romance begins this promising trilogy.” (Library Journal)
“A romantic treat to be savored.” (Sophie Barnes, author of the At the Kingsborough Ball series)
About the Author
USA Today bestselling author, VIVIENNE LORRET transforms copious amounts of tea into words. She is an Avon author of works including: The Wallflower Wedding Series, The Rakes of Fallow Hall Series, The Season’s Original Series, and the Misadventures in Matchmaking series. For more information on her books, sign up for her newsletter at www.vivlorret.net.
From the Season Standard: “A true Season’s Original embodies the class, grace, and style of the ton. Such an honor ensures the recipient her pick of eligible suitors…”
Lilah Appleton’s prospects are looking dim. With one last chance to find a titled husband before she’s forced to wed her wretched cousin, she must make this Season count. Plain, forgettable Lilah must become the Season’s Original. Desperate, she seeks help from the devilishly charming, untitled, and thoroughly unsuitable Jack Marlowe. All she must do now is resist the tempting rogue…
Bastard son and self-made man, Jack Marlowe loathes the aristocracy. When he meets Lilah, he expects her to be like all the other greedy husband-hunters. But she’s far more dangerous. Her alluring smiles and sharp tongue intrigue him. Before he knows it, he agrees to help her find a husband, revealing tricks to ensnare any man. The only problem is, his plan works too well—on him.
When Lilah becomes the belle of the ball, Jack realizes he may lose her forever—unless he can take a chance on love and claim his debutante.
**