Nice guys don’t always finish last
http://www.juliajustiss.com/
Well, I really liked this book. While I sometimes consider books a way of escaping the real world, I think sometimes we are bombarded with stories which stretch credibility just
because authors think they must do that to make the story “fresh.” While I occasionally may read a book which is silly or nonsensical and the actions of the characters are way over the top, I also love reading romance which can take normal everyday life and create something unique. It takes a special writer to take the mundane and turn it into something engaging. That’s what we have here in Julia Justiss’ A Most Unconventional Match - 2008. Let’s start with our hero, Hal Waterman. Hal was always a disappointment to his mother and an object of fun to his schoolmates. Why? Because he stuttered, and on top of that he grew into a big hulking fellow. Over time he was able to overcome that stutter. Now he speaks in a slow, stilted cadence, sort of like Yoda but more understandable…and with a deeper voice. He has also become somewhat of a financial success and has a few men he actually calls friend. Beautiful women still manage to flummox him and he avoids them at all cost. Which is why he is surprised at his own decision to help the beautiful widow Elizabeth Lowery. He has loved Elizabeth, from afar, for a long long time. For years he has avoided her. But now she has lost her husband and Nicky is out of town. Who’s Nicky? Well, he’s a connecting character. He is married to Elizabeth’s sister and he is also one of Hal’s bestest buddies. So you see, Hal feels a responsibility toward his friend and must offer any kind of help to Elizabeth he can – at least until Nicky returns to town. Good excuse. Hal has an enormous sense of loyalty. He is really a nice guy and yes, he is a beta hero.
Poor Elizabeth. She needs help – lots of help. While she isn’t exactly a pampered woman, she isn’t a woman who has ever done anything in the household. She doesn’t know how to manage a household, she doesn’t know anything about finances, has never seen a bill. Her entire married life has been spent letting her husband handle everything. He has kept everything from her. So, now she is totally lost, trying to raise her son. Her servants are taking advantage of her and she is being threatened by money-lenders. So, when Hal offers his help, she readily accepts. She has a lot of growing-up to do.
I like Elizabeth and Hal a whole lot. The story is not moved by outside forces. There isn’t a lot of drama. There are no kidnappings, spies, or over-the-top-villains. There is a sleaze-ball guy who tries to take advantage of Elizabeth, but he is just a normal everyday slimy guy, a smooth operator. He reminded me a little of George Sanders in The Ghost and Mrs. Muir. This is a very unexceptional love story told in an extraordinary narrative. I became enchanted as Elizabeth and Hal stumble and grow. It’s magical, yet believable as Elizabeth becomes a strong, independent woman and Hal overcomes his insecurities. Don’t get me wrong, these characters have weaknesses, they are flawed and they don’t always have the right answers. They make mistakes. But they are careful with each other and as they become strong individuals, they also become a solid couple. They were a delightful couple, they were friends and very supportive of each other.
This was a gentle romance. Maybe some might consider it slow, but I thought it was lovely. I highly recommend it.
Time/Place: Regency England
Sensuality: Warm
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