Review: More than just romance
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 11 14, 2013
Often times the term “crossover appeal” gets thrown around when describing works of a particular genre, but there isn’t a better way to describe Conduct Unbecoming of a Gentleman. For those looking for historical romance, it is there in spades. The central storyline between Adron and Laurel is well-paced, full of raw emotion and quality character insight. Even as the story swirls around them, their connection serves as an omnipresent undercurrent. Ms. Woodson handles it perfectly, keeping the reader interested w/o bogging down the pace.For readers that like to see action in their stories, this certainly delivers there as well. There is familial infighting, larceny, counterfeiting, and enough shady characters running around to ensure that the reader keeps turning the pages long into the night. For those that enjoy a bit of spy craft, the story has a nice caper subplot that was very unexpected and handled brilliantly.  More than once the reader thinks they have it figured out, only to realize they were seizing on the wrong details.Two things in particular really made this story standout. First was the attention to detail Ms. Woodson uses in depicting 19th century England. From the costume to the nomenclature, the research was thorough without seeming heavy-handed in the slightest.  The second are the characterizations throughout (Rhonda, serving as a chief foil, literally jumps off the page), which connects readers to those involved, creating a visceral response as actions unfold.