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.
In the fifth novel of the captivating Rhymes With Love
series from New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth
Boyle, a young woman's hopes of a match encounter a
wickedly
handsome complication . . .
Lavinia Tempest has been eagerly anticipating a spectacular
season. But one disastrous pile-up on the Almack's dance
floor derails all her plans. Add to that, the very stunning
revelations about her mother's scandalous past have become
the ton's latest on dits. Lavinia's future has gone from
shining bright to blackest night in one misstep.
Alaster "Tuck" Rowland admits he's partly to blame for
Lavinia's disastrous debut. But it's not guilt that compels
him to restore her reputation. Rather, he's placed a wager
that he can make Lavinia into one of the most sought-after
ladies in London. Who better than an unrepentant rake to
set
society astir?
Tuck's motives are hardly noble. But in teaching the lovely
Lavinia how to win any man she wants, he suddenly finds
himself tangled in the last place he ever imagined: in
love.