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Rating: 
Summary: Never a Lady
Review: As part of a character building "task" imposed by her father, Virginia Blair travels from America to England with her stepmother Rowena to live among proper society. This doesn't sit well with Maximilian Chartwell who is in charge of protecting the young Esmond, Duke of Penrose. Rowena would like nothing more than to see Virgie married to Esmond, but Virgie stuns everyone by declaring she will marry for nothing less than love. Opportunity may knock, but the characters here don't quite know when to answer the door. The characters were so wrapped up in concern for themselves that they seemed to forget about each other in the process. This reviewer saw no sympathy for any of them, and wondered, quite frankly, about the relationships among the characters and the relations between America and Britain in the mid 19th century.
Rating: 
Summary: Give this book a pass
Review: As part of a character building "task" imposed by her father, Virginia Blair travels from America to England with her stepmother Rowena to live among proper society. This doesn't sit well with Maximilian Chartwell who is in charge of protecting the young Esmond, Duke of Penrose. Rowena would like nothing more than to see Virgie married to Esmond, but Virgie stuns everyone by declaring she will marry for nothing less than love. Opportunity may knock, but the characters here don't quite know when to answer the door. The characters were so wrapped up in concern for themselves that they seemed to forget about each other in the process. This reviewer saw no sympathy for any of them, and wondered, quite frankly, about the relationships among the characters and the relations between America and Britain in the mid 19th century.
Rating:
Summary: Give this book a pass
Review: I generally enjoy Marlene Suson's books, but I don't know what happened with this one. I couldn't make it to 100 pages before I put it down.The themes in this plot are so tired - the independent, take-over American girl who disdains English society and teaches everyone how "superior" Americans are...the evil stepmother. When the heroine decided to teach the Duke his responsibilities, I decided it was all too much for me. The characters are not especially likeable or realistically drawn and in the end, I simply couldn't believe in this romance. I'll wait until her next book and hope for better.
Rating: 
Summary: A good read
Review: In 1873 England, Lord Maximilan Chartwell turns livid when he learns that his aunt is fostering an odious, grubby American on his cousin Duke Esmond. Having promised his dying grandfather to watch over his cousin, Maximilan heads to Sussex to stop the greedy American chit, her covetous mother, and his own avaricious aunt from ruining Esmond's life.When Max meets Virgie, sparks immediately fly, although her pistol aimed at his family jewels somewhat dampers their first encounter. Though strongly attracted to one another, that initial skirmish enforces his belief that Americans are barbarians and her deepest feelings are that the English upper class are snobs. As they become better acquainted they fall in love. However, her stepmother and his aunt still plan to have her marry his cousin. NEVER A LADY is a fun to read Victorian romance that centers on the brave Virgie's need to marry for love, even if her chosen one is an elitist Anglophile. The cheerful story line moves forward due to the actions and reactions of the principle cast. The lead couple is beguiling as they struggle with love and outside manipulations. Anyone who delights in a historical romantic romp will find much pleasure in Marlene Suson's latest novel. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: A good read
Review: In 1873 England, Lord Maximilan Chartwell turns livid when he learns that his aunt is fostering an odious, grubby American on his cousin Duke Esmond. Having promised his dying grandfather to watch over his cousin, Maximilan heads to Sussex to stop the greedy American chit, her covetous mother, and his own avaricious aunt from ruining Esmond's life. When Max meets Virgie, sparks immediately fly, although her pistol aimed at his family jewels somewhat dampers their first encounter. Though strongly attracted to one another, that initial skirmish enforces his belief that Americans are barbarians and her deepest feelings are that the English upper class are snobs. As they become better acquainted they fall in love. However, her stepmother and his aunt still plan to have her marry his cousin. NEVER A LADY is a fun to read Victorian romance that centers on the brave Virgie's need to marry for love, even if her chosen one is an elitist Anglophile. The cheerful story line moves forward due to the actions and reactions of the principle cast. The lead couple is beguiling as they struggle with love and outside manipulations. Anyone who delights in a historical romantic romp will find much pleasure in Marlene Suson's latest novel. Harriet Klausner
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