Once in awhile I will go on binges reading a bunch of books from a particular genre. Lately, it has been romance novels and Rules of Engagement is one I enjoyed immensely.

Set around the turn of 20th century England (I think), it’s about an earl and banking mogul, Devon, who, in attempting to convince the Queen of his good and honest nature, seeks to hire a governess and adopt an orphan temporarily. Devon goes to an academy of governesses to hire an older, unattractive governess who will do her duty and not fall in love with him. The newly opened academy is operated only by two women, one is the young and beautiful Pamela Lockheart who decides she will take the job. To fit his requirements, she decides to hide her beauty by wearing baggy, heavy dresses, thick pasty make-up, and oversized hats.

The plot is predictable, but the dialogue is written well. Pamela’s masked appearance gives her license to be more bold, direct and stern with Devon than his female admirers. Their verbal brawls are delightful, as each is stubborn and hate to claim they are wrong. He, accustomed to giddy female attention, is distastefully regarded by Pamela, intriguing him further. I don’t want to give away too much, but with some imagination, I’m sure you know what will happen. It reminded me somewhat of a milder Sound of Music storyline, but with less children and singing.

Beth, the orphan he adopts at first I thought may be a distraction to the romantic plot, but she is written aptly and adds another element to the story. Beth is a streetwise but well-spoken girl who hates baths and loves the horse races. Seeing the attraction between Devon and Pamela, she strategizes on bringing them together. Eventually, she ends up softening and charming Devon’s heart.

Pamela’s character is written as a strong, independent woman who vocally takes offense to Devon’s initial sexist remarks like his assumption that an unmarried woman is one who has not been asked to marry. In one scene, she tries to show Devon how it feels to be sexually manhandled that despite her point, he enjoys. Bringing Pamela and Devon closer is their similar backgrounds. Each has an adulterous parent and so Pamela and Devon are wary of love and marriage.

A subplot exists about a counterfeiting scheme within Devon’s bank that was marginal and a little distracting, but not enough for me to like the book any less.

A minor point that I didn’t agree with is the preference by several characters for well-bred individuals from esteemed backgrounds. When Pamela goes to the orphanage to choose a child, she chooses one from a good stock. Devon, after learning about Pamela’s background, feels she is an even more ideal choice for him.

The romantic, intimate parts of the book were titillating. There was enough of a buildup to the climactic love making scene to make it rewarding and significant. The love making scenes were just right - not too much, not too little.

In conclusion, Rules of Engagement is a good read for romance enthusiasts. It’s a bit predictable, but I happily read through the lively dialogue and was satisfied even though I knew what would happen. This is the first book by Christina Dodd I’ve read and I plan on reading more from her.


Recommended: Yes