Improper English
American Alexandra (Alix) Freemar
travels
to
England
to write a romance novel, but she soon discovers romance off the page
with her sexy neighbor, Scotland Yard detective Alexander Block. Alix
and Alex steam up the pages of this funny yet frustrating tale. Apart
from their encounters, readers are also treated to passages from Alix's
own work-in-progress, Ravishing Raven. In contrast to the jazzy
freshness of Alix and Alex's relationship, purple
prose
marks Alix's historical romance. While these passages are used to
humorous effect at times, it quickly becomes apparent that they reflect
not only Alix's poor writing skills, but her skewed perception of love
and life. Prone to frequent hysterical crying fits and immature
name-calling, Alix is likely to try even the softest heart. Matters
come to a head when she receives bad news about her novel and calls
Alex to come comfort her. Though sympathetic, he's hot on the trail of
a child pornographer and can't rush to her side. She gets mad, he takes
it all in stride, and in the end, Alix never really gains any deeper
understanding of herself. The novel has its amusing moments--such as
when Alex confiscates Alix's pot plant-but readers aren't likely to
embrace MacAlister's (Noble Intentions) self-centered heroine.