Alexa Aston

Bodice Rippers is a subgenre of romance novels that is often characterized by its focus on historical settings, dramatic plots, and steamy love scenes. The term "bodice ripper" actually refers to a specific type of cover art that was popularized in the 1970s and 80s, featuring a muscular, shirtless male hero and a swooning heroine with her clothing in disarray.

Although the label "bodice ripper" is often used pejoratively to describe these books, they continue to have a devoted following among readers who appreciate their escapist fantasy, larger-than-life characters, and unabashedly romantic storytelling. Some well-known examples of the genre include novels by authors such as Johanna Lindsey, Kathleen Woodiwiss, and Judith McNaught.

Ultimately, the appeal of Bodice Rippers lies in the way they transport readers to a world that is both familiar and exotic, where passion and adventure reign supreme, and where true love conquers all.

I have loved this genre ever since I can remember. I had one of these books handy in my purse during school. Read them on days of testing or days we would have complete days off from school work and studying. These books were what comforted me during the weeks I caught chickenpox during my sophomore year.

And these are books I still seek out when I need something to pull me out of a reading slump. The cover of this book drew me back to the romance novels of the late 80s where a cover could draw you in rather than the premise of the novel. Some were hits in my collection and others were large misses.

Most of these novels would center around the Regency period offering glimpses of what the Ton and the coming-of-age were like at these times.

In this novel, we meet Charlotte Nott, who has just lost her father. Deciding after the funeral to walk back home where she would be called to meet her half-brother, a man who has hated her during her entire life. He makes it clear that she is no longer a member of his family and nothing short of a 'whore' much like he considered her mother to be. He wanted her gone from his house, throwing what little money he deemed fit to remove her.

Charlotte is devasted by this turn of events. She had hoped that one day her brother could come to turn but this is out of the question and Charlotte is forced to leave her childhood home. During her years away from her home, Charlotte has made headway in her life. She has been a companion and a governess and this is what she will be when she is offered a job at Grayson. But before she can even get a list of her job, both Lord Grayson and his wife are dead. With no one to take up the role of the household and take care of the three children left behind, Charlotte steps up into the role.

Much as Charlotte had been tossed on her ear so had Grayson. His elder brother had tossed him a paid military purchase commission and told him never to come back. He is slightly surprised when a letter arrives to inform him of the death of his brother and wife. He returns home to find Charlotte being the one taking over the head of the house.

The more time the two spend together. The more neither can deny the chemistry that pulls them together.

One aspect of the novel that I found bothersome is the frequent use of the word "sizzle" to describe the chemistry between characters. It became repetitive and distracting at times.

Another issue that disappointed me was the lack of closure regarding Charlotte's relationship with her brother. Despite being a significant plot point at the beginning of the book, he is never confronted or resolved in any way. It would have been satisfying to see Charlotte assert herself and prove him wrong.

While those things were the only distraction that I came across, I still enjoyed the novel immensely. This took me back and I was happy to return. I do plan to read the rest of this series very soon.

Final Thought:

If you love the Bodice Ripper subgenre such as Downton Abbey and Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, then this is the book I recommend that will return you to a world of Regency, beautiful males and females, and a romance as endless as time.… (mer)

THE REVIEW
Lady Vanessa Hughes was orphaned right before her first season in London and spent her year in mourning in the country. Once she was out of mourning, her brother reluctantly moved her to London. She was hoping to finally enjoy her come out but instead her brother sold her to an old man, Lord Horace Hockley, to settle a gambling debt. She knew her duty; she married him and suffered an traumatic wedding night followed by a lonely existence in the country until her husband died. With her year of mourning ending, her stepson has told her she needs to vacate the dowager house and leave for London with no money.

Reed Davenport, Viscount Boxling is eager to marry and have a large family. He never knew his mother but he knows that, although his parents were an arranged marriage, they grew to love each other very much. And when his father remarried, it too was a love match! He has always hoped he would find the same kind of love his father had, but time is running out and he is willing to marry hoping they can come to love each other.

Circumstances bring them both to a house party, both hopeful to meet that someone special. Sparks fly instantly between Reed & Vanessa, but Vanessa is nervous and scared to end up in a marriage like her previous one. Reed has to be patient and allow her to find confidence and prove to her that he is not like Horas the Horrible. I found this to be a sweet story and thank heavens because poor Vanessa desperately needed some love and happiness in her life! And thankfully Reed was the perfect one to give her the time and patience she needed so they could both have a HEA.

TROPES
Historical Romance, Regency Era, House Party, Beta/Cinnamon Roll Hero, Titled Hero, Abused Heroine, Damaged/Tortured Heroine, Experienced Heroine, Musician Heroine, Orphan Heroine, Wallflower Heroine, Widowed Heroine, Cinderella Trope, Hero Falls Hard, Found Family, Four Star, Two Flame… (mer)

The Heroine
Minta Nicholls has been stuck in Canada during the war, but has finally returned to England eager to experience the social whirl of the Season and find a husband. With a bubbly personality and a quiet beauty, she is sure to be popular among the bachelors. Her parents were a rare love match, so she wants the same for herself. Minta's twin is painfully shy, so she is patient and understanding with Percy which makes the book even sweeter.

The Hero
Lieutenant-Colonel Perceval Perry was never meant to be the Marquess of Kingston, but with the death of his beloved brother, he has returned from the war to take up the duties of the marquess. Percy is shy and reserved, but I really liked him and he was determined to overcome his shyness in order to spend time with Minta. And, although I don't really enjoy the whole "drive her away so she can be happy" plot, poor Percy is still having nightmares from his time at war and he just cannot imagine putting Minta through marriage with someone so broken! He need to trust that Minta can make him a better, more whole man…more so than him being alone the rest of his life. He came to his senses pretty quickly and even came to her rescue!

The Plot
These Second Son series books have pretty basic plots and they really focus on the main characters falling in love. Don't get me wrong they have very different plots and each couple has different obstacles to overcome, but the stories focuses more on the post-war soldier finding love and a future wife. Made for the Marquess was a lovely, quick read and I am excited to read about Minta's twin's romance next!

The Steam
There was one steamy scene, a few intense kisses and lots of romance. :)

Tropes
Historical Romance, Regency Romance, Country Life, Ton Society, Damaged Hero, Shy/Recluse Hero, Soldier/War Hero, Titled Hero, Unworthy Hero, War Hero, Virgin Heroine, Angst Romance, Married in Scandal, Opposites Attract… (mer)