I think UC works because she starts her life in the middle- class, falls to proverty, raises back to middle class, then is confronted with a titled position. Between your knowledge and research, you're able to give us a look at life at all levels. This makes the story all the more fascinating. Although I enjoy the "regular" romance novels in the refined drawing rooms, it's hard to relate to something I've never known. So UC was a breath of fresh air.