TEST
The Rebellious Twin is one of those books that’s best read on a lazy afternoon under the sun. Implausible, and as frothy as cappuccino, it melts away as fast as it’s finished, leaving only a pleasant, hazy memory.
Clarinda and Clariss Capelle are identical twins. Even their parents can’t tell them apart. But they, and everyone nearby, seems to believe that Clarissa is the “good” twin, the perfect child only interested in appearances and controlling her “bad” sister, who would rather ride a horse astride through the woods than attend an afternoon tea. Of course, the twins themselves, and the readers, know that the opposite is true: Clarissa may seem good on the surface, but she only cares for herself, while Clarinda is, in truth, the more generous, thoughtful and intellegent twin. Naturally, Clarissa uses a variety of schemes to hide this truth from everyone she comes into contact with, and Clarinda is tired of playing along.
Enter Lord Robert Stormont, who’s won the neighboring estate in a game of whist. He moves next door and immediately takes interest in Clarinda, who shares his love of horses. Clarissa, who can’t stand anything good happening to her sister, immediately begins plotting to tear the young couple apart and claim Robert for herself.
This is, in essence, a simple book. Clarinda and Robert, after a few initial misunderstandings, know that they’re in love and are prepared to act on that fact. Clarissa is the only thing standing between them, and she never stands between them long enough to stop the plot or the sexual tension. A subplot involving Clarinda’s best friend Sara Sophia and Robert’s friend Lucius wraps up smoothly and falls into place quite neatly with the main plot. The book isn’t in the least realistic (it portrays the Regency period as being as light and fluffy as cotton candy), but it is mildly entertaining.
In accordance with its lighthearted nature, The Rebellious Twin never really delves that deeply into character development or fully explores a few twists of plot that would have made it a much more entertaining read. Even though Clarissa does pull some very nasty tricks, she comes across as a stereotypical spoiled and petulant Regency miss. As for Clarinda, she’s too good to be true. Even though Clarissa is her twin sister, she trusts her a too easily after a string of broken promises and devious tricks. For his part, Robert is a bit dense. He knows Clarinda has a twin sister who will stop at nothing to get what she wants, but he never catches on that her fickle heart is part of Clarissa’s deception. Even the twins’ parents seem broadly drawn, and in possession of traits that fit the plot rather than the characters.
These flaws don’t ruin the book, however. They simply take it from being great to being mediocre. And while a mediocre read might not be a keeper, it’s still a good way to pass a long afternoon.
Grade: C+
Book Type: Regency Romance
Sensuality: Subtle
Review Date: 14/03/00
Publication Date: 2000
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Recent Comments …
Yep
This sounds delightful! I’m grabbing it, thanks
excellent book: interesting, funny dialogs, deep understanding of each character, interesting secondary characters, and also sexy.
I don’t think anyone expects you to post UK prices – it’s just a shame that such a great sale…
I’m sorry about that. We don’t have any way to post British prices as an American based site.
I have several of her books on my TBR and after reading this am moving them up the pile.