Fool for Love

Illicit love letters, interesting secondary characters, and rich story telling pack this heavy hitter by Eloisa James. Lady Henrietta Maclellan was born with a weak hip, and told she can never bear children and therefore cannot get married. Though she is a beautiful woman she never has a debut and must accept her plight of a marriageless and childless state. She longs to have children of her own and studies up on child rearing, runs a school for children, and keeps her own passionate nature carefully curtailed. Enter Simon Darby. Handsome, rich and about to lose his fortune to an unborn heir, he is encouraged to marry. His two siblings, Josie and Anabel, under his care after the death of their parents make up his family and are charming secondary characters. Anabel, known for her weak stomach and Josie, the hot-tempered older sister, fill the pages with delightful scenes. Simon meets Henrietta and is drawn to her beauty, wit and charms. Deciding to marry her because he doesn't want children, he is told he can never take advantage of his marital rights, as it would put Henrietta at risk. He is put off by this and decides not to propose. Henrietta soon discovers from Esme (an experienced and very pregnant friend who has her own story interwoven into this primary one) that this is not the case and pregnancy can be prevented. It is a shocking course of action; very risqu at the time, but Henrietta is determined to marry Simon. In order to force Darby into marriage Henrietta and Esme concoct a plan - to plant a love letter so damning that marriage would be inescapable. Here the fun begins.. FOOL FOR LOVE was a delight to read from start to finish with a wonderful ending. The chapter titles were also very entertaining with a unique manner of presentation

Having just finished reading "Fool for Love", with delight, I was surprised to read the many criticisms offered here. First of all, Simon's fortune - even today many people are reticent to talk about their personal financial situations and in the Regency era it would have been even more outre. In addition, Simon, with his strong character hidden under a foppish exterior, would be the last person to tip his hand. As for Henrietta and the doctors - she had been through several painful and disappointing examinations, only to have her heart broken over and over. Moreover, in the Regency era the practice of medicine was very different from what we are used to. Of course we all were rooting for her to see the London doctor, but it should surprise no one that it was a very difficult step for her to take. As to the complaint that Simon should have brought up the possibility of using sheaths - Wow! Many gentlemen in that time did not even believe that it was possible for their wives to enjoy sex. Moreover, to suggest birth control to your wife was to place her in the company of "ladies of the night", offering her great disrespect. In my opinion, the scene in which Henrietta screws up her courage to raise the subject is one of the best in the book. Her bravery and Simon's ability to remain unfazed by this profoundly shocking turn of events goes to the heart of their attraction to each other. Finally, the unresolved secondary plot involving Esme and Sebastian was such a teaser! I can't wait to see what happens next. Sometimes suspense is even better than instant gratification. Hooray for Eloisa James, who just keeps getting better and better.

I was very excited to run out and purchase this book after finishing Duchess In Love. James creates strong characters by giving the reader glimpses into parts of them that most writers overlook, leaving their characters flat and devoid of personality or likeability. Not so with Eloisa James - you will LOVE ALL her character, even the secondary ones! One of my favorite parts of this book and Duchess in Love are the characters of Esme and Sebastian. They are the underlying current in both books that will leave you hungry for the next novel. Some would say they they steal the show, but I think all of her characters have a storyline that everyone wants to know the ending of. It's just that she leaves us hanging on for the next book for any more information... isn't that what season cliff hangers are all about?!?!?! I won't give away any details about the books plot, but i HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book to anyone interestd in Regency Period romance. If you don't read this one or her others, you are missing probably some of the best books on the market in this genre.

I loved this book. It was sexy and sweet at the same time -- it seems as if I am always reading books that are really really sexy (but the hero is a jerk) or really really sweet (and there's nothing more than a kiss). This was a great book!

Lord Simon Darby cannot believe the news that his Aunt Esme Rawlins is increasing though his uncle is dead and the twosome were estranged and separated for years. Simon worries that a male offspring leaves his stepsisters without a dowry and he with only income from his lace importing business. However, Simon knows the "infamous Esme" is a constant scandal so anyone could be the sire. He plans to visit his notorious pregnant aunt.Because of her limp, Lady Henrietta Maclellan can only dream of a London season let alone a husband and children as no male would want a deformed wife. When she meets her friend Esme's nephew, she knows he is the one for her, but realizes her imperfection would never do for him. Though she hides her feelings, she writes a letter filled with passion that becomes public, scandalizing the Ton, who blame Simon. Forced to marry or else, Simon and Henrietta are falling in love, but neither trusts the other with their heart.FOOL FOR LOVE, the sequel to DUCHESS IN LOVE, is a terrific romance that will hook the audience (as did the first tale) because of the interactions and relationships (some dysfunctional) of the powerfully drawn cast. The witty story line includes the return of characters from the previous novel, but this book belongs to Simon, Henrietta, and an infamous letter, who manage to keep the plot out of trite sand traps. Eloisa James provides a strong historical that will send the audience back to re-read the prequel keeper so set time for both in one sittingHarriet Klausner