jacey | Book Log 23/2016 - Rachel Miles: Chasing the Heiress

Due for Publication 31^st May 2016
I had this as a review copy from Netgalley and I confess that I wouldn't have read it if I had known in advance that it was a second book in a series. I prefer to read series in order. However it can mostly be read as a standalone, until you realise that there are a few ongoing plot threads that are not going to be explained.

But worry not, the main plot resolves itself. An heiress - Lucy - on the run from a grasping cousin is hiding out, pretending to be a scullery maid in an inn. Her medical skills (from a life in army camps) save Colin, the younger brother of a duke and currently working for the British Government - a sort-of forerunner of the secret service. He's been sent on a mission without all the facts and it goes sour on him. And of course Lucy and Colin fall in love... There are two plots to resolve, hers and his.

Set in 1819 there are a few historical inconsistencies that pulled me out of the story. For example: pound coins. There was no such thing as a British pound coin until 1983. Also the clothing wasn't quite right for the period, but that's maybe more the fault of the cover artist as Ms. Miles mentions colours but not details of styles. Regency dresses were still high waisted and not crinoline-shaped in 1819.

Despite all that the romance bits were well written and the plot fairly rattled along. It was a light read, but engaging, and kept me turning the pages for the best part of a day. Though I have to say that much trouble could have been avoided if the main protagonists had just had an honest conversation.