Review: Lacking Depth
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 03 23, 2014
This story is very well written, and has a thoroughly unique plot. Unfortunately, the story that unfolds is too superficial; it lacks depth. Furthermore, character development is sadly lacking.Cassy and Ben first meet when she is 16 and he 20; her family spent a week at his family's country estate. During that time the two established a rapport. Ben is due to leave for the Navy, he asks for permission to write to Cassy. For the next 3 1/2 years the two exchange letters, until Ben is lost at sea, believed to be dead. A year and a half later, Cassy espies her friend's new footman, who bears an uncanny resemblance to Ben. From there the story quickly develops.One of the biggest problems with the book is that too much of the story is glossed over; it lacks details...the story jumps a lot; whole days are bypassed wherein events occur, to which the reader is not privy (for example the story jumps from the scene where Cassy and Ben's conduct results in Cassy's being compromised to some days later--how much actual time has passed is anybody's guess--to the couple's betrothal ball.)Considering the plot, this story could easily have been an extremely emotive one. Cassy was purportedly heartbroken when she believed Ben dead. As for Ben, he has no memory of his past life and has to relearn everything. Unfortunately, the story is portrayed in such a way that parts of it--especially the beginning--almost seem like a regency spoof; although it's not funny so to speak, but rather silly.Furthermore, I felt like the story was told to me, rather than experiencing it for myself. So, bottom line, this is not a book that would come to mind when recommending a book to a friend. I rated it 3 stars because it makes for ok reading. BTW, this is absolutely not a clean romance. Approximately 20% of the story encompasses two loves scenes--which IMO, is a bit much, considering how short the story is--which are quite graphic.