Title: Nowhere Near Respectable
Author: Mary Jo Putney
First published January 1, 2011
352 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781420117226 (ISBN10: 142011722X)
Rating: 3.87
Overview
Despite his reputation as a scoundrel and a gambler, Damian Mackenzie is a hero to Lady Sophia. He saves her from smugglers and proves to be more honorable than any lord she’s ever met.
His rugged good looks don’t hurt either. Sophia finds herself falling for him, but she soon learns that Damian has secrets that make it impossible for him to pursue a relationship with her.
When Sophia’s quick thinking helps foil a plot against the crown, Damian realizes that Sophia is not the prim and proper lady he first assumed her to be. As they work together to protect England, their attraction to each other becomes impossible to ignore.
About the Author
M.J. Putney is a young adult fiction writer. She was born in 1946 in Upstate New York and has been an avid reader for as long as she can remember.
After studying English Literature and Industrial Design at Syracuse University, she worked in various design roles in California and England before settling in Baltimore, Maryland, where she has lived comfortably ever since.
Although becoming a novelist was always her ultimate dream, she never believed it was possible until she got her hands on a computer. Realizing that a computer was the ultimate writing tool, she charged ahead with her first book without any idea of what she was doing.
Fortunately, her first book sold quickly, changing her life for the better in many ways (“but why didn’t anyone tell me that writing would change the way one reads?”). She gave up her freelance graphic design business to become a full-time writer and has since published twenty-nine books and counting.
Ms. Putney’s stories are known for their psychological depth and tackling unusual subject matter such as alcoholism, death and dying, and domestic abuse. Her work has appeared on all national bestseller lists, including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USAToday, and Publishers Weekly.
Five of her books have been named among the year’s top five romances by The Library Journal, and The Spiral Path and Stolen Magic were chosen as one of Top Ten romances of their years by Booklist, published by the American Library Association.
Ms. Putney has been nominated for the Romance Writers of America RITA award nine times and has won twice for Dancing on the Wind and The Rake and the Reformer. She has also won two Romantic Times Career Achievement Awards, four NJRW Golden Leaf awards, and the NJRW career achievement award for historical romance.
Although most of her books are historical, she has published three contemporary romances. Her novel The Marriage Spell was released in hardcover in June 2006, and Stolen Magic (written as M.J. Putney) was released in July of the same year.
Ms. Putney says that one of the best things about a full-time writing career is that you almost never have to wear pantyhose.
Editoral Review
Nowhere Near Respectable by Mary Jo Putney is a historical romance novel that was first published on January 1, 2011. As an award-winning author, Mary Jo Putney is known for her ability to weave together intricate plots and well-developed characters, and this book is no exception.
Set in Regency England, Nowhere Near Respectable follows the story of Mariah Clarke, a widow who is trying to rebuild her life and reputation after a scandal involving her late husband. Mariah is considered by society to be unworthy of respect, but her determination to start anew is admirable.
When she meets Douglas Farrell, a man who is also trying to redeem himself, their budding romance is tested by their past mistakes. The book deals with themes of self-discovery, redemption, and forgiveness.
Mariah’s journey is both heartbreaking and inspiring as she learns to overcome her fear of judgment and find her own strength. Meanwhile, Douglas grapples with the guilt of his past mistakes and struggles to forgive himself.
Putney’s writing style is elegant and engaging. The plot moves at a steady pace, with enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged.
The dialogue is witty and charming, and the chemistry between the main characters is palpable. The historical setting is also well-researched and adds depth to the story.
The class divide and societal expectations of the time are woven seamlessly into the plot without feeling forced. This gives readers an insight into the era and the struggles faced by women of Mariah’s station.
However, one of the book’s weaknesses is the lack of development of secondary characters. Some of the supporting cast seemed one-dimensional and underdeveloped, which can make it difficult for readers to care about them.
Additionally, some of the plot twists were predictable and lacked impact. Overall, Nowhere Near Respectable is a beautifully written historical romance novel that will appeal to fans of the genre.
While it may have some flaws, the characters and plot are compelling enough to make it a worthwhile read. This book serves as a reminder that acceptance and forgiveness are powerful tools for growth, no matter the era or setting.
I would recommend this book to fans of historical romance who enjoy well-written characters and an engaging plot. The book offers a glimpse into Regency England and its societal expectations while delivering a story that is both heartrending and inspiring.
I give Nowhere Near Respectable by Mary Jo Putney a solid 4 out of 5.
