A thoroughly enjoyable read featuring vibrant, colorful characters and some scorching sex scenes. Much of the dialogue -- especially between lead heroine Isobel and her BFF/outrageous co-author Clarissa -- is surprisingly hysterical for a historical romance, and there are some strong feminist themes woven throughout. The second half of the story *does* get a little outrageous/florid, but as a whole this is a satisfying outing that's made me want to track down Howard's other offerings/anticipate her next story.