'Ruined by Rumor' by Alyssa Everett is a historical romance novel that follows the story of Roxana Langley, a young woman who is jilted by her fiancé and finds herself in a compromising position due to rumors and gossip. The book explores Roxana's evolving feelings for Alex Winslow, the Earl of Ayersley, who has been in love with her for years but struggles with his shyness. As Roxana navigates the challenges of society's expectations and her own desires, the relationship between her and Ayersley unfolds with misunderstandings, miscommunications, and moments of passion. The writing style is described as heartfelt, intelligent, and well-written, reminiscent of Jane Austen's characters with a mix of lively and entertaining personalities that make the story engaging.

Characters:

The characters are complex, with a mix of likable and frustrating traits, particularly highlighting the growth of the shy hero and the naive heroine.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by engaging dialogue and a smooth flow, with slight grammatical issues.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers around a love triangle and misunderstandings resulting from the heroine's past relationship, culminating in a marriage of convenience.

Setting:

The story is set in Regency England, capturing the social nuances and small-town dynamics of the time.

Pacing:

While the pacing begins strong, it is occasionally hampered by prolonged conflicts and misunderstandings.

A fair face will wither; a full eye will wax hollow; but a good heart, Kate, is the sun and the moon; or rather the sun and not the moon; for it shines bright and never changes, but keeps his course t...

Notes:

The hero, Alex the Earl of Ayersley, is a shy, kindhearted man that readers often root for.

Roxana, the heroine, initially chases after a 'blackguard,' making her come off as dense and frustrating.

The story features a love triangle, but it feels predictable and forced to many readers.

Roxana evolves from naive to more mature as the story progresses.

The conflicts in the story primarily stem from misunderstandings and miscommunication, a common trope in romance novels.

The main characters are reminiscent of characters from Jane Austen's works.

Roxana's first fiancé jilted her, leading to complications in her relationship with Ayersley.

The writing style is praised for its flow and character engagement, making it a pleasant read despite some frustrations with the heroine.

The themes include gossip, reputation, and the societal pressures of marriage during the Regency era.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book includes themes of heartbreak, miscommunication, and a miscarriage.

Has Romance?

The romance is a central element of the story, focusing on the evolving relationship between the main characters.

implied steam level

From The Publisher:

After waiting five years for her fiancé to return from the war and marry her, Roxana Langley has been jilted! She may have longed for excitement, but this was not what she had in mind...

Who could possibly throw over a woman as beautiful and vivacious as Roxana? Certainly not Alex Winslow, the Earl of Ayersley, who has spent years trying in vain to forget his unrequited love. When he learns she's been abandoned by her cad of a fiancé, he finds himself offering a shoulder for her to cry on. Comfort soon turns into a passionate kissand scandal when they are caught in an embrace.

Only one thing will save Roxana from certain ruination: marriage to the earl. The match may save her reputation, but responsible, tongue-tied Ayersley is a far cry from her dashing former fiancé. She's convinced Ayersley is merely doing his duty...while he's sure Roxana is still in love with another man. Are they trading one disaster for another?

92,000 words

Reader Stats (2):

Want To Read (1)
Not Interested (1)

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Ruined by Rumor

Alyssa Everett