Sandy M’s review of One Bashful Lady by Brenda Williamson
Historical Romance published by Samhain on 25 Mar 08

I reviewed a book by this author, A Beautiful Surrender, a week or two ago and there was very little about that one I found I liked. So when I began One Bashful Lady, I had very low expectations. Imagine my surprise when a few chapters in I realized I was enjoying myself and liking both the story and the characters.

The biggest difference between the two reviewed books is the absence of negativity in this one. Everything about it was positive and so much more enjoyable. There are no what I call ugly scenes, something that makes you think “Yuck!” as you’re reading. The characters are not flat-out mean to one another and are very likeable.

Ainsley is a painfully shy young woman and her actions convey that condition. Desmond does have a plan in mind when he marries Ainsley, but you immediately sense his growing attraction for her and not wanting to hurt her by using her for his own ends. As the book goes along, you feel for his dilemma and hope he makes the right choice.

The storyline is believeable and the involvement of all characters in the central plot is a mystery for as long as possible. Desmond’s brother, Harlan, is a fun part of the book and I liked the affection and trust between the brothers. The use of a former mistress of Desmond’s as a villainess is done very well, and Ainsley begins to come out of her shell when faced with the interactions between her husband and Lady Shelby. 

Ainsley’s insecurities still plague her and I felt her indecisiveness entwined with her new-found backbone. And the dialogue in this book is a hundred times better than what I read before by this author. There’s only one or two places where I questioned certain things that made me slightly shudder from a descriptive point of view, but this time I was able to overlook them, they didn’t bother me nearly as much as the numerous questions in the earlier book.

I am very pleasantly surprised with this story. I’m still stunned at the difference between the two books by this author. It’s a huge difference. A very huge difference. But I’m glad and I’m happy to give her a much better grade this time around.

Grade: B+

Summary:

     One bashful lady discovers her dashing husband might be a traitor to their country.

     Desmond Rawlington, Marquess of Dunsmore and seductive charmer, needs a Delacorte sister as a wife. When the eldest elopes, Desmond marries Ainsley only to find himself falling in love with the enchanting young woman, despite her quirky habit of hiding behind draperies.

     Lady Ainsley Delacorte, the shyest person anyone has ever met, is nervous around servants, overwhelmed by the ton, and forced into marriage. Her reluctance fades with her husband’s sinfully romantic touch, but she can’t forget he’s involved in a traitorous plot to return Napoleon to power.  When Ainsley is caught with an incriminating letter she stole from her husband, Desmond intervenes. Will they face the gallows or can love save them?

     Read an excerpt.