What's that old adage? There's only so many actual plots and everything else is just a retelling? This is one of those books that proves it true. So the question in those books becomes, I think, if you enjoy the characters enough to follow their iteration of a familiar plot line and if the author is talented enough to trick you into believing the plot is fresh.

Luckily for readers of THE KNAVE OF HEARTS, Elizabeth Boyle is just that talented and the characters are exactly that loveable. In their own version of an ugly duckling/pygmalion story (also known as "My Fair Lady" for the theater crowd and "She's All That" for the millennials), Lavinia and Tuck meet when he ruins her debut into Regency society. She's never really forgiven him for that (I mean, who would?), especially because he never seemed particularly concerned about it. With her options for marriage running out and time of the essence, Lavinia finds herself in increasing desperation. She's become a bit of a laughing stock amongst the ton, with most people convinced she'll never find her match. Here's where Tuck's bravado and ego enter. Of course he could turn her into something desireable, he assures his mates and even places money on it!

Well, chickens, we all know where that leads, don't we? Not only does Tuck succeed in making Lavinia appealing for everyone, she particularly appeals to Tuck. And not only does she appeal to him, Lavinia's influence in Tuck's life makes him quite desireable to her as well.

Boyle's writing is rich and her world realized. You can almost smell the food she describes and feel the plush fabrics of the sitting rooms under your fingers. If you're someone who likes to lose yourself in a book, Boyle's are great ones to dig into and THE KNAVE OF HEARTS is no exception.