Proper English (Think of England)

Stars: 4 Stars
Format: Print
Steam Level: Steamy

A historical romance between two women? Yesssssss. Loved this! The sex scenes are there though not super explicit and short.

Quick Thoughts:
- This pairing was adorable and I loved them together
- Loved these characters and wanted more of all of them, except the main villain. I really didn’t like him one bit but in that evil villain way. Perfect for this setting
- The murder and solving it happens in the second half of the book so if you’re looking for purely Edwardian murder mystery this isn’t it. But if you’re looking for an adorable romance with a murder in the story this is it
- Dialogue is wonderful and Pat and Fen have distinctive voices. The discussions and interaction between the two as they learn about each other were wonderful to read and watching them figure the other out was great
- I was surprised that the whole story at the Estate is only like three or four days. It felt longer in a good way. Normally I’m not a big fan, or find believable, romance relationships that happen that quickly but KJ Charles makes it work. Bravo!
- I have to mention that the difference in bodies between the two characters is amazing. So many female characters in historicals are slim and curvy. Pat is not very buxom, bean pole like, and not very fashionable while Fen is exact opposite but both think the other is honestly gorgeous

This is set before the book “Think of England” and can be read before that. At least I did and I didn’t feel like I had big gaps of missing information (though I might have missed some Easter Eggs.) Definitely going to have to pick up that book though, this was utterly delightful.

Pat is going to her friend, Jimmy's, estate to hunt partridge with the men. She does not want to be stuck with a bunch of women so is happy knowing it will be only the men. Unfortunately, the house party has expanded to Jimmy's fiancée, his sister and brother-in-law, and his mother's goddaughter. As they all get to know one another, the women are more comfortable when the men are not around since Jimmy's brother-in-law is nasty to everyone. Pat also discovers Jimmy's fiancée is a lovely young woman who she is attracted to and which he does not seem to notice. Secrets come out during the house party as does murder. Will the truth come out though?

I enjoyed this story. I liked Fen, Jimmy's fiancée, and Pat. They are a good match. Pat shows Fen things about herself that Fen downplays while Fen does the same to Pat. Fen starts out as flighty but we see her show her true colors with Pat's encouragement. I appreciated Pat and her brother Bill being honest with each other also. I think it will make life easier for both of them.

I figured who the murder victim was early. The murderer took me longer, almost needed the explanation as the end. I had someone else pegged as the murderer. I'll never be a detective.

I look forward to more in this series.

I find it a slow read, but interesting

Wonderful writing style, dry Brit-style humor ("My goodness, how very flexible of you!"), and historical drama like you might find on Masterpiece Theater--with a twist! A tale told well, with great technical proficiency. A pleasure to read.

I must say, though, I am with Miss Singh about the birds.