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A review by katiecatbooks
The Designs of Lord Randolph Cavanaugh by Stephanie Laurens
4.0
Slow burning. Unrealistic. Strong female lead.
Story: In 1843 England, Lord Randolph Cavanaugh visits the countryside to check on one of his investments. William Throgmorton has plans to reveal a groundbreaking invention at an exhibition Prince Albert will attend. But when Rand arrives to the hall amidst the scenes of an explosion, more than just his investment will be at stake, when he witnesses a slender, pale, fine featured young lady step from the midst.
Language: Told in third person mostly from Rand's perspective, this is a cross genre book. In addition to romance (slow burning, not so steamy, but with unbelievable elements some readers might find problematic), the book is also historical fiction (though accuracy might be problematic), and has elements of crime fiction in it. It is slow paced, but with large font and spacing, can be read in a short time.
Characters: Lord Randolph Cavanaugh is a wealthy gentleman from a large family. Living primarily in the city, he invests his money into inventions that have the possibility to impact society. Felicia Throgmorton is in her 20's and a well brought up lady. After her parents' death, she manages the household and staff, and tries to keep her brother in line, who tends more towards absent-minded tendencies.
This was my first historical romance set in this time period. On the one hand I was pleasantly surprised by the slow burn aspect of the romance and how low-key the sexuality was, especially with such a cover, but on the other hand I found problems with the decisions and morals of the characters, especially considering the values of the time period. But it was clear by other moments in the book that historical accuracy was not the intention of the book, rather a light fluffy read, so I laid the criticism aside and enjoyed the book for what it was. Light, fluffy and historically inaccurate.
Story: In 1843 England, Lord Randolph Cavanaugh visits the countryside to check on one of his investments. William Throgmorton has plans to reveal a groundbreaking invention at an exhibition Prince Albert will attend. But when Rand arrives to the hall amidst the scenes of an explosion, more than just his investment will be at stake, when he witnesses a slender, pale, fine featured young lady step from the midst.
Language: Told in third person mostly from Rand's perspective, this is a cross genre book. In addition to romance (slow burning, not so steamy, but with unbelievable elements some readers might find problematic), the book is also historical fiction (though accuracy might be problematic), and has elements of crime fiction in it. It is slow paced, but with large font and spacing, can be read in a short time.
Characters: Lord Randolph Cavanaugh is a wealthy gentleman from a large family. Living primarily in the city, he invests his money into inventions that have the possibility to impact society. Felicia Throgmorton is in her 20's and a well brought up lady. After her parents' death, she manages the household and staff, and tries to keep her brother in line, who tends more towards absent-minded tendencies.
This was my first historical romance set in this time period. On the one hand I was pleasantly surprised by the slow burn aspect of the romance and how low-key the sexuality was, especially with such a cover, but on the other hand I found problems with the decisions and morals of the characters, especially considering the values of the time period. But it was clear by other moments in the book that historical accuracy was not the intention of the book, rather a light fluffy read, so I laid the criticism aside and enjoyed the book for what it was. Light, fluffy and historically inaccurate.