How To Engage an Earl
Grade : C

How To Engage An Earl started out promising, yet ended up sorely lacking. The plot had potential, but the details of the story did not meet the expectations I had as the book got underway.

Anne Royle is the second of triplet sisters who might possibly be the illegitimate daughters of Prince Edward. Anne plans to learn the truth by discovering the secret letters that could prove or disprove her birthright and, as it just so happens, those letters are hidden in the Earl of MacLaren’s bedroom, with Anne's only chance to get them on the night of a major Society event to be held at is home. Naturally, Anne is caught alone with the Earl in his darkened bedroom by practically everyone at the party, leading, of course, to an announcement of their betrothal.

Laird Allen, the new Earl of MacLaren, is a well-renowned rake returning to Society after a year of mourning for his brother and father. On the night of his reentry, he finds himself suddenly engaged. Even though the engagement is a sham, he realizes that he must play along to save Anne’s reputation. Yet, he may benefit as well since he might be able to redeem his own reputation in the eyes of Society and maybe even rekindle an old flame who had rejected him.

The plot thickens when Laird’s mother invites Anne to their country estate. During their visit they attempt to explore the secrets of her birth and to rebuild Laird’s reputation. Both slowly begin to realize that more stands between them than a fake engagement.

Caskie introduces too much too quickly, with far too many secondary characters, and very little detail to go along with the story. The first few chapters deal with Anne being practically invisible to Society, which was amusing and intriguing, yet not mentioned again in the book. The mystery surrounding Anne’s birth is dealt with in one of those frustrating moments where you want to say, “Please, tell him already!” The other woman scenario is woven throughout the storyline as well, yet not developed enough to play such a significant role at the conclusion of the story.

All in all, How To Engage an Earl had potential, but just fell flat. It’s not a bad read - there are some really sweet moments within the story - but it simply needed more. If you are looking for a light, easy read, with few details, then this is might be a story for you. However, if you need a well-developed plot and engaging characters, then I would not recommend this book. I’m not giving up though, because the last in Caskie's triplet series looks more promising.

Reviewed by Heather Brooks
Grade : C

Sensuality: Warm

Review Date : June 17, 2007

Publication Date: 2007

Review Tags: 

Recent Comments …

Heather Brooks

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
0
What's your opinion?x
()
x