It's a hard, hard task what Sherry Thomas has accomplished in this book.
I was dreadfully and thrillingly anticipating this book since the two leads and their predicaments are introduced in Beguiling the beauty. The feelings when I turned the first page are equal part scare and eager because of the track record this author has had on me. Angst, sadness, bitterness, thrill, and joy beyond the level I once believe I was capable of reading a book. I remember fondly the emotions I had while devouring the first half of 'Not quite a husband', goosebumps broke out all over. So now you know my expectation level.
Make no mistake of one missing star, this book is wonderfully written. It should have been a five star if I rated it on its own merit not on my expectation (and feeling). The proses are so beautiful, it's almost poetic. The characters are distinct, consistent in their own voices, realistic as they could be. Although, I still can't muster up fondness for Helena, the heroine of the upcoming book, to tell you the truth. What I like most about Ravishing the heiress is the heroine, Minnie. Oh Minnie.... What ironic is that she's the one who's the most unrealistic. How could one endure what she had, heartbreak upon heartbreak for eight friggin' darn years. With grace. With good humor. With fortitude. Without lashing out. Without going mental. I can't imagine, seriously. She's extraordinary, and that's an understatement. Isabelle could very well be vilified in this book, and in the hands of other authors she sure would be. Sherry Thomas makes me pity her. Her scenes with Fitz are uncomfortable to read, but they're effective in shining the light on every party's aspect.
Now, the complaints. While I think the author gives appropriate amount of time, the right balance in showing the grievances in their initial relationship and their growing friendship over the years, the introduction of passion in Fitz's part is a bit too late, too abrupt. There's not a sign indicating Fitz's regarding Millie as anything more than a friend until the Italy trip, and then bam! He's hot all over for her their first night together. It feels out of no where. It dims the pleasure of their union at the end.
All in all, Ravishing the heiress is in a class of its own when it comes to character/psychological study in romance, however, it somewhat lacks of passion at least from hero's part.
4/5
Read it yourself.
