Review: Fair Read
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 04 25, 2014
The Duke of Ravenham has lost a wager.  His penalty is assuring the successful coming out of an acquaintance's sister-in-law, Miss Gabriella Gordon.  Gabriella does not want a coming out.  Her mother and sister insist, however.  Gabriella would prefer staying in the country attending her father's veterinary practice.  The Duke does not want to assist her either, but his debt of honor must be paid.  It would seem that these two people are worlds apart, but, maybe not.Hiatt's writing style is very simple and straightforward.  The story is formulaic.  It reads more like a teen novel, and would be appropriate for that age group.  It is an easy, quick read, with a likeable H and h, but there is little emotional depth.  The couple seems to be mildly in like.  The emotion of love is given lip service, but no real evidence is presented.  And romance?  None.  The couple are "proper" in all interactions, and passion is nonexistent.  I do not mind a lack of physical passion, but a lack of emotional passion seems too sterile, and does not ring true.This book is not a bad read.  It is not a great one either.  While reading this book, I could not help but think that a better writer could have made this plot line zing.  This writer, however, only let it rise to mediocrity.