Reviewed by Ami
Title: Proper English
Author: K.J. Charles
Heroines: Patricia & Fenella
Genre: F/F Historical
Length:
Publisher: KJC Books
Release Date: May 8, 2019
Available at: Amazon
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads
Blurb: A shooting party at the Earl of Witton’s remote country house is a high treat for champion shot Patricia Merton—until unexpected guests turn the social atmosphere dangerously sour.
That’s not Pat’s biggest problem. She’s visiting her old friend, the Earl’s heir Jimmy Yoxall—but she wants to spend a lot more time with Jimmy’s fiancée. The irrepressible Miss Fenella Carruth, with her laughing eyes and lush curves, is the most glorious woman Pat’s ever met, and it quickly becomes impossible to remember why she needs to stay at arm’s length.
But while the women’s attraction grows, the tensions at Rodington Court get worse. Affairs, secrets, betrayals, and blackmail come to light. And when a body is discovered with a knife between the shoulderblades, it’s going to take Pat and Fen’s combined talents to prevent the murderer destroying all their lives.
Review:
Old-time readers / fans of K.J. Charles who have read Think of England might remember Patricia Merton and Fenella Carruth; two secondary characters from the book. Proper English is the prequel, set two years before the event in Think of England, that tells how Patricia and Fenella first met: Patricia attends a shooting party while visiting her old friend, Jimmy Yoxall, who is recently engaged with Fenella.
If I can use one word to describe this story, I will use DELIGHTFUL. Yes, there is one vile character – who later ends up being the murder victim – and he’s been maliciously making the host and their guests uncomfortable, but it also creates a perfect situation for secrets being out and everyone having motives.
I thought Patricia and Fenella are adorable together. I admit, at first, before I started reading, I was worried with what being said on the blurb: “… she (Patricia) wants to spend a lot more time with Jimmy’s fiancée…”. I am not very fond of cheating situation, because someone will end up being hurt. I’m quite relieved that Charles takes care of it very well, with win-win result for everyone involved.
I love that Patricia is competent and grounded. I love that Fenella is bubbly and shiny but having very sharp mind. I enjoy reading two main heroines that are wonderful on their own, although together they are creating a great couple.
If I have slight complaint, it is that I expected the murder to happen earlier than it did in the book. I thought it would be a murder-mystery book, where the characters spend more time being wary with each other, and our main characters busy investigating (in between developing relationship). It turns out that the dead body is found after 2/3rd of the book. I guess it’s just a matter that it isn’t what I initially expected.
Overall Impression: I really liked it
*I received a copy of this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review.*
