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Book Review By Jennifer Nieradka-Piperni
A Penniless Prospect by Joanna Maitland

Desperate to escape a marriage to a cruel man, arranged by her wicked stepmother, Jessamyne Calderwood disguises herself as a boy, by the name of Jamie, and runs away from home. With the help of one of the recently fired maids Jamie tries to get passage aboard a train to Bath where she could find a position as a gardener. Not being able to get a ticket she instead finds herself being hired by Richard, Earl Hardinge, who took pity on both her and Annie, the maid. Jamie remained undetected, working in the gardens, until another servant attacked her and Richard rescued her.
Richard is astonished to discover that he isn't holding a thirteen-year-old boy but a young woman. When he learns of her troubles he decides to help her and tells her family that she can't marry her betrothed because she's already married to him. In a few more days time this lie becomes truth but can their marriage of convenience spur real love? And can Richard protect her from her disgruntled betrothed and angry family?


Plot & Themes
Time/era of story
Hidden Identity/Secret Motive Yes
Is really... - he/she is really a she/he

Main Male Character
Profession/status:
Age/status: - 20's-30's

Main Female Character - 20's-30's
Profession/status:
Unusual characteristics:

Setting
Europe Yes
European country: - England/UK
Misc setting - Fancy Mansion

Writing Style
Accounts of torture and death? - generic/vague references to death/punishment
What % of story is romance related? - 80%
How explicit is the sex? - descript of kissing - touching of anatomy - actual description of sex - Boob talk
Focus of story - equally on him and her
How much dialog - roughly even amounts of descript and dialog
How much sexing? - 1-2 sex acts
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