The Surrender Of Miss Fairbourne (2012) - Plot & Excerpts
When Emma Fairbourne’s father, Maurice, is found dead at the bottom of a cliff near the family cottage in Kent, the duty of running Maurice’s famous auction house, Fairbourne’s, falls to Emma. Except that Society will never accept a woman running a such a prestigious business! Emma plans to hire a front man – someone handsome and charming who can act as the alleged “proprietor” while Emma silently manages the business behind closed doors. But just as she begins putting her plan into motion, Darius, the Earl of Southwaite, appears declaring his half-share interest in the business and his resolute desire to see the entire auction house closed and sold. The war with Napoleon looms on the horizon and Emma must deal with a bevy of spies and smugglers as well as the infuriating Earl of Southwaite if she has any hopes of keeping her father’s auction house open to the public.The daughter of a tradesman, Emma is a practical person with a preference for speaking very plainly and directly. She is not the type to sugar coat anything and therefore does not understand the ton’s penchant for hiding venom and distaste behind sweet civility.As an Earl and respected member of society, Darius Alfreton is used to his commands being followed. He is used to people turning to him for answers and those same people believing that he can solve their issues. He has strong beliefs about “women’s work” and is unprepared for Emma Fairbourne’s ability and determination to stand up against those beliefs.In true Madeline Hunter fashion, the love between Emma and Darius begins subtly and simmers for a while before the lovers give into their feelings. In fact, the attraction between Emma and Darius was such a slow build that when they did consummate their attraction, I doubled back a few pages to see if I had missed something! The clash of wills between Darius and Emma, almost from their very first meeting, is both funny and infuriating. Both characters are strong-willed and convinced they know what is best. This leads to some entertaining arguments, even after they have begun a physical relationship.I really enjoyed reading The Surrender of Miss Fairbourne. In it Ms. Hunter presents an entertaining and original plot, a steamy romance, and intelligent, witty dialogue. There is just something about Ms. Hunter’s books that strike me as almost poetic. The expressive language and the intricate, intellectual plots are a delight and I look forward to reading more of her works.Originally posted on Plot Twist Reviews [dot] com Madeline Hunter is one of my favorite HR authors, but this one missed the mark.The first half of the story took way too long with explaining each player's place in the world, in establishing Fairbourne's auction house, and Emma's and Darius' relationship to the auction house. The story also lacked a believable attraction between Emma and Darius. I was completely flummoxed by Darius' attraction to Emma as it was simply described as her inexplicable magnetic appeal. Erm, no. A book isn't allowed to not explain that appeal further. That's not enough for me to believe this is a love that will last 'til the ends of time... or at least until the series is complete. :)The smexy times were inventive if not glossed over with their consequences. The heroine is a virgin, and as such, certain things will be *ahem* noticeable that first time. Some readers may find a reference to blood off-putting; I prefer a touch of realism in the moment, as it is something to be dealt with. Also, in having unprotected sex multiple times, the possibility of pregnancy was never addressed. IMHO, it feels very "old-skool" to not mention these things in a HR novel written post-20th Century.The plot was boring, offering little intrigue when a story that involves smuggling illegal goods and a band of French emigre female painters is rife with possibilities.
What do You think about The Surrender Of Miss Fairbourne (2012)?
HAVE ALWAYS ENJOYED MADELINE HUNTER....AN EASY READ AND AMUSING
—Ivorysiren
Some men just won't be satisfied without total surrender.
—jqh
Some good scenes between Emma and Darius.
—yavrukedi
