female sexuality that is germinating somewhere in this novel. If it had been presented in a well-thoughtout manner . . . . Unfortunately, the writing and execution were pedestrian and unfocused. The pacing was TERRIBLE. I have read all of Dahl's previous historicals and was especially impressed with her last two. I was never fond of the fact her historicals were too wallpaper and anachronistic for my taste but that was offset by her interesting, strong heroines, well-written sex scenes, and smooth writing style. None of her strengths are shown in ALBW. A very disappointing read, one that I wouldn't even recommend to Dahl fans like myself. I bought this book because in the opening scene, Marissa has just lost her virginity and it wasn't the fireworks she'd wanted it to be. She tells the gentleman to get off her and declines his marriage proposal. I wanted to know more about her and why she would do something so reckless within her society. When caught, she says she was bored and as her real reasons were revealed I liked her more. But I didn't always like her. I enjoyed the character growth of Marissa but sometimes it was ...more 3.33 stars. I bought this book because in the opening scene, Marissa has just lost her virginity and it wasn't the fireworks she'd wanted it to be. She tells the gentleman to get off her and declines his marriage proposal. I wanted to know more about her and why she would