Holly’s review of Pride and Pleasure by Sylvia Day
Historical Romance published by Brava 25 Jan 11

Heiress Eliza Martin has decided this will be her last season. She has no desire to marry and her uncle has agreed she doesn’t need to if she’s totally set against it. Unfortunately, it seems like someone is trying to force her hand. She’s suffered a series of unfortunate events over the course of several months and feels like she needs protection for this season. A Bow Street Runner, who feels he isn’t right for the job, refers her to a thief taker instead, Jasper Bond. Eliza knows right away that he’s wrong for the job – no one would believe she would be interested in someone like him.

Jasper is insistent, however. Not only is he intrigued by the plain-spoken Eliza, but it just so happens one of her suitors (suspects) is the man he’s been trying to take revenge against for years. Surprisingly, though, it’s Eliza who captures his attention, not the case. As time progresses he really comes to care for her..but is it enough for him to set aside his plot for revenge?

Quite a few things in this book took me by surprise. There are several things I predicted were going to happen that didn’t. Eliza, for example. She’s leery about marriage, thanks to growing up with a mother who prized passion and love more than anything else. She’s learned to be distrustful of men and their motives and really has no desire to be attached to one. So I thought she’d have a fit when she realizes Jasper isn’t everything he claims to be, but Day really takes things in an unexpected – and welcome – direction. Another concern is that Jasper would push Eliza away, thinking it’s “for her own good.” But again Day surprises me. I truly enjoyed both main characters and the way they fall into love with one another.

The villain isn’t hard to figure out, but I’m surprised by the motives of some of the other characters. It isn’t often that I don’t see a twist coming, so it’s kind of refreshing here to see not all is as it appears.

Overall I find this to a pleasant read with a strong romance and likable characters.

Grade: B+

Summary:

Wealth has its dangers…

There are disadvantages to being an heiress, as Eliza Martin knows well. Fortune hunters flock to her, acquaintances lie and pander, and lately, someone is engineering “accidents” to propel her to the altar. But Eliza will not be bullied, and she will get to the bottom of this plot. All she needs is a man to infiltrate her assemblage of suitors and find the culprit. Someone not easily noticed; a proficient dancer, quiet, and even-tempered.

…so do certain men

Thief-taker Jasper Bond is entirely too large, too handsome, and too dangerous. Who would believe that an intellectual like Eliza would be seduced by a man of action? But the combination of her stubbornness and the mystery makes the case one Jasper can’t resist. Client satisfaction is a point of pride and it’s his pleasure to prove he’s just the man she needs after all…

Read an excerpt.