The Love-Shy Lord

The hero, Marcus, was quite a pompous a$$ when all is said and done but when a guy is chased so mercilessly by anything in skirts, I suppose that can happen. The heroine, Clarissa, was just plain charming. She was quite young when the story started, 16-17, and still so full of mischief that she was just plain fun. Marcus, almost against his will, was quite puffed up in his own conceit due to the husband-hunters who were constantly on his trail. And yet, there was something redeeming about him--I'm just not exactly sure what to call it. Clarissa matures throughout the book due to a series of happenings beyond her control and becomes a pleasant, albeit still mischievous, young woman. In the end, she proves to be quite a rock for Marcus's family, especially his mother. No big surprise it takes a lightening bolt, figuratively, to make Marcus realize he was in love with Clarissa. I really liked this book. I laughed, I cried, I had a good time reading it.

Marcus Ridley, who will someday be the earl of Fairfax, is handsome, eligible... and a bit vain. Young ladies are always plotting to trap him into marriage, and his mother is on a neverending mission to find him a wife. While visiting his mother, he reunites with the childhood friend whom he dubbed "Gnat."That "gnat" is Clarissa Carter, a mere steward's daughter. As a child, she used to follow Marcus and his brother, acting as their shadow. She was like an annoying little sister to them. Now, as a young lady, she's a tomboy of unusual height (And she likes to climb trees!). Not only is our heroine rambunctious, but she also surprisingly refined--when the situation calls for it. Clarissa is also in love with Marcus, who continues to see her as the little "Gnat" she used to be. Even now, she continues to vex him.But poor Marcus is blind to his true feelings.I really enjoyed this story. It was a bit slow-moving at first, but overall, the pacing was pleasantly relaxed. Mona Prevel breathes new life into an old concept, giving us a book that is touching, funny & sweet. I smiled several times, and even had a tear in my eye. Unfortunately, the ending was very abrupt. After enjoying the rest of the story so much, I was anticipating an emotional undoing at the novel's end. But it was resolved in a page and a half.But it's definitely a good book. In particular, the heroine makes it very worthwhile.