Improper Relations

I wasn't sure about this book. I gave it a gamble based on the two earlier reviewers. However, I was most pleasantly surprised. The given book description left a bit to be desired. I was expecting pure fluff. Truly, this is more of a book about human character. The Regency time period offered a lot of conflict in itself. Male privilege vs. female restraint, but not in a preachy-way. It is more like a social commentary. Also, the character interaction is at times hilarious, especially the "courtship" between Shad and Charlotte. The book overs one continuous time line, yet the story is told from two (often times opposing) viewpoints: [Viscount] Shad and Charlotte. Shad's point-of-view was most enjoyable. The Regency male perspective isn't often told. The conflict comes naturally. I was left with the feeling that the characters took the author in their own direction. A short, easy read, but very enjoyable. Highly recommended!

Improper Relations has it all from compromising liaisons, secrets, unfaithful friends, misunderstandings and even a duel. What more could a fan ask for in a historical romance? After Charlotte's best friend and distant cousin is married to the Earl of Beresford she no longer finds she feels to be compelled to be nice to all the gentlemen. She knew that most of them were only trying to be introduced to Ann anyways but her sharp tongue seems to only intrigue the wicked Viscount Shadderly, the Earl's cousin. When a series of events leads to the Viscount and Charlotte being found in a compromising situation he does what is honorable for the times and proposes marriage. What neither he nor Charlotte count on is how their feelings grow towards each other, or how promised secrets to friends could tear them apart. When Ann returns from her honeymoon it only makes things worse as she drops a bombshell on Charlotte that she has a daughter, and it isn't the Earl's. Now Charlotte is in a serious jam. Does she keep the confidence and potentially alienate her husband or does she reveal all and lose the only friends she has ever had. Charlotte is determined to lose neither and the resulting scenarios are some of the best in the story. I found Improper Relations to be a fun, intrigue-filled historical romance. I loved how Ms. Mullany was able to take a couple of headstrong characters and not only show how they could misunderstand each other but how secrets can seriously hurt a relationship. I was pulled in from the start of the story through the very end. I thoroughly enjoyed Improper Relations and think any fan of historical English romances will have fun adding this one to their collection. Tanya Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

Like all of Janet Mullany's books, this story is a lot of fun to read. But the tale is not purely comedy and romantic fluff. Underneath it all, Improper Relations tells a great story about friends and what makes friendships work--and fail. It offers a great exposition of relationships in general. Of course, all of this serious analytical stuff only becomes apparent after you've raced through the fast paced, exciting and very entertaining story. It's well done on so many levels - I highly recommend this book!