Destined To Last

Destined To Last (2010) Alissa Johnson

Set in England in ~1814

Lady Kate Cole was, by most accounts, a young woman of exceptional beauty, extraordinary talent, and notable charm. She was also, by all accounts, a woman so remarkably prone to accidents that it was generally considered wise to back away if she happened to be standing next to a steep hill, a large body of water, an open window, or any sort of material that might cut, discolor, burn, spill, break . . . It was probably best if one simply kept a bit of distance from the girl whenever possible.

Kate also is a composer–although no one will publish her works under her own name, since obviously a woman can’t be taken seriously as a musician.

Andrew Hunter has risen to great wealth from absolutely nothing, and it is only his wealth that gains him entry into society. He has known the Cole family for years, and has decided that Kate would be the perfect wife for him.

“I am aware of my flaws,” he replied dryly, “thank you.”

“Are you?”

“Certainly. Did I argue when you called me unpatriotic and selfish?”

He hadn’t, nor did he look at the moment as if he was at all unsettled by the idea of being considered both. “It’s true that others would consider those flaws. Do you?”

There was a brief pause before he answered. “No.”

Hunter sees a chance to put his plan into play when they are sent to a house party–Hunter as part of a team looking into a counterfeiting operation.

Lord Brentworth’s house parties were not fashionable events. Unbeknownst to the host, they were not merely dull, but famously dull. Most notably for the ladies in attendance. A widower of many years, Lord Brentworth apparently had no notion of how to go about entertaining a houseful of women, and clearly had, at some point, decided that the best solution was to leave them to their own devices while the gentlemen did . . . something else.

I like Kate. She is accomplished and unwilling to hide her skills and strengths. She also is well-aware of her weaknesses, and makes sound decisions based upon that awareness. As a klutz myself, I deeply appreciate that.

This is a boinking series, but I did enjoy it despite the boinking, because I very much liked the character, and the the women in the series were smart and strong.
Rating: 7.5/10

Published by Stonesong Digital

• Browse the archives:
  
• Who Killed Sherlock Holmes? Audio Edition » »
• « « McAlistair’s Fortune