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A review by wordsofclover
Unladylike Lessons in Love by Amita Murray
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Lila Marleigh is a woman of independent means having escaped the brutal house she grew up in with her stepmother, and half-brother following the death of her father. Being the daughter of a white aristocrat and his Indian mistress means Lila has had to make her own means in the world, and she has made her fortune by being the hostess of an up-and-coming salon where those that cross the threshold can gamble and drink to their heart's content. Lila is used to being adored in her salon so it's a surprise when she meets Ivor Tristram who appears to loathe her. But soon the pair have to team up on a mission to right the course of justice and it's hard to hide their true feelings towards each other.
This book was.....fine? I enjoyed many parts of it and I liked the chemistry and relationship between Lila and Ivor (though the third act break-up wasn't a particularly good one imo). The romance does really take a back seat in this one I think due to the other storyline with Maisie and Sunil, and obviously this one is a lot more important as it's a case of life and death. I think there were small issues with the writing and the story-telling that shows the author isn't quite a seasoned author yet but the potential is there. There was some repetition of phrases and words that grew annoying (there was a scene where Lila had a bit too much too drink and therefore kept giggling incessantly and it was very irritating). I also thought there was a little bit of telling and not showing.
I appreciated the cast of characters that included people of colour from Lila herself, to Maisie and Sunil. I'm looking forward to eventually reading the other Marleigh sister books as I think racial identity within high society at this time is an interesting thing to read about, and important as well - and not often told enough.
This book was.....fine? I enjoyed many parts of it and I liked the chemistry and relationship between Lila and Ivor (though the third act break-up wasn't a particularly good one imo). The romance does really take a back seat in this one I think due to the other storyline with Maisie and Sunil, and obviously this one is a lot more important as it's a case of life and death. I think there were small issues with the writing and the story-telling that shows the author isn't quite a seasoned author yet but the potential is there. There was some repetition of phrases and words that grew annoying (there was a scene where Lila had a bit too much too drink and therefore kept giggling incessantly and it was very irritating). I also thought there was a little bit of telling and not showing.
I appreciated the cast of characters that included people of colour from Lila herself, to Maisie and Sunil. I'm looking forward to eventually reading the other Marleigh sister books as I think racial identity within high society at this time is an interesting thing to read about, and important as well - and not often told enough.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Racial slurs, and Sexual content
Minor: Sexual harassment and Death of parent