ROS reads like poetry most of the time. Despite the risque theme, I loved this book. Some paperbacks are sex stories masquerading as novels. This is a wise, sweet love story masquerading as a sexcapade.
Like all Hunter's books, the title is aptly chosen. Our heroine tells Lord Hayden, "There are rules to seduction...in going into service I lost the protection of the best rules, the ones reserved for daughters of good families." He decides she is worth the best rules, after all, and offers to marry her. The resulting union is every bit as intriguing as all that led up to it. I like that Alexia's conflicts are multilayered. She's a resourceful woman with a lot of notions how to solve her problems. She has wit and pride.
When Hunter writes in the male voice, I buy it. For example, Hayden is first conscious of his desire for Alexia. He doesn't realize until late in the book that his emotions have morphed into something deeper. My guess is that most men need love to hit them in the face like a Houston cloudburst before they recognize it. Most guys aren't subtle, or verya ttuned to their feelings. Once Hayden realizes his attachment, he is willing to fight for Alexia--or let her go, if that's her wish. Even if it devastates him.
Hunter always raises interesting questions about love and society that go beyond the love match, or triangle. Her books, no matter how edgy the theme, don't make you feel sorry you read them in the morning. Rather, you want to reread to see what puzzle piece you missed first time 'round. And when the protagonists mull things over, it's apt to be lyrical pleasure.
The lessons in Hunter's books are seldon mundane, usually quite profound. They certainly go beyond romantic heat. Pick up anything by this author, and you won't be bored.
