Author: Sasha Cottman
Original Title: Letter From A Rake
Release Year: 2013
Literary Genre: Romance
Setting: England, regency
Series: 1st of The Duke of Strathmore
Vote: 91/2
Congratulation to the author, this is
definitely a great first novel and it's my favourite kind of love
story too! Sasha Cottman has an intriguing, merry and exciting style;
the story is full of passion but not in the Kleypas or Quinn's way:
everything here is softer and more delicate (I'm not saying that
against the just mentioned authors that I said I adore, more than
once), the novel doesn't lack of moments of pure emotion, spiced with
elements that surely can't be defined chaste; in Letter from a
rake the mix is less marked but equally intense and enjoyable.
Millicent Ashton was born and has lived
all her life in India and when her parents communicates that is time
to go back to England, she happily accepts their decision but with
the sadness of leaving her beloved country; unfortunately the reality
in London proves to be disastrous. Milli, too peculiar for the
arrogant and pompous ton,
isn't accepted, especially by the younger members, who never lose a
chance to severely mock her.
The young Ashton,
besides her parents and older brother's support, after just a
terrible week from their arrive in London and after all the insults,
is firmly determined to go back to Calcutta.
During their
'Welcome home' ball, organised by the affectionate uncles, the
Viscounts Ashton, Mill finally meets the only friendly person she has
known so far: the young and eccentric Lucy Radley.
The two girls
instantly become really good friends and Lucy wants Milli to meet her
two beloved brothers: the fascinating David and the stunning and
famous Alex, the Marquess of Brook as well as the future Duke of
Strathmore.
Alex is doubtless
the catch of the season and he can't be less interested in it, but as
soon as he sees Milli he is lost.
The
attraction and the passion he feels for that incredibly enchanting
and “different” girl is so strong that he can't properly speak or
breath; on the other hand Milli, who by now is used to the ton's
malice, thinks that the reason of Alex's strange behaviour is that he
despises her; so when the marquess, who never stop looking at her
suddenly, interrupts her friendly talk with the other two Radleys to
drag her towards the dance floor and then, when the dance starts, to
stand petrified befooling her in the eyes of the whole high society,
Milli believes that it is all a cruel plan to mock and deride her.
But
she doesn't know that for Alex has been love at first sight and
that's the reason for his behaviour and because of his sentiments he
will do whatever it takes to win her over.
The
characters are wonderful and doubtless well-characterised; Alex is
adorable in feeling himself inadequate towards an emotion he
experiences for the first time and which suddenly and promptly
explodes in his life; he is sweet, passionate but also clumsy when
Milli is next to him and his reactions are too funny.
She is
insecure and she feels out of place; it's easy to empathise with her,
her attitude and diffidence. I felt quite the satisfaction in her
personal growth and awareness.
I have
to mention the splendid David and Charles: I hope to read more about
them in the future, they are both really good in different ways,
David, is illegitimate and is the oldest Duke's son, his situation
isn't easy for him and his feeling are tangible. Charles is sweet and
nice and overprotective, I really enjoyed him too.
I
loved the relationships between the protagonists' parents, the
couples are truly fond of each other.
I
didn't give 10/10 only because after the first half part of the
novel, when the protagonists aren't together, the story slows a bit
down, initially the rhythm is lively and perfectly organised; anyway
this rhythm change isn't a big problem at all, the story even so is
really good and intriguing.
I
can't wait to read more about these amazing characters and more from
Sasha Cottman.
Buona lettura!
M.E.G.
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