Sophia's Schooling

TITLE: Sophia's Schooling

SERIES: School of Enlightenment #1

AUTHOR: Maggie Sims

RATING: 

STEAM: 

Edward is mistrusting of women and likes rough bedroom play. Sophia is the ward of his best friend and is curious about Edwards interests. A compromising situation leads to marriage and Sophia receive a special education. 

THE SYNOPSIS

Orphaned at eighteen, Sophia Wilkinson has learned love means loss. Now she must leave her country home to navigate the opulence of the London Season, although she has no desire for romance or a husband.

Edward Morduant, the newest Earl of Peterborough, is struggling with the business of his family estate. He has shunned marriage due to a shameful secret, but with his title comes the need for heirs.

Despite their misgivings, Sophia and Edward cannot resist their attraction. When she accidentally discovers his penchant for spankings, her curiosity is her undoing. A clandestine meeting risks a scandal. Only marriage to a reluctant bridegroom can save her reputation. But perhaps the School of Enlightenment can give her an education in love.

THE PLOT

Hmmm, I tried, I really did. The content of the book did not bother me at all, but it was the lack of emotional depth from both Edward and Sophia that made it not work and, almost, creepy. I understand that Edward has baggage from growing up with what I assume was dyslexia and that's totally understandable. I've seen that play out in other historical romances. I was expecting 'fall in love' with her more before his secret was revealed, but I didn't feel that at all. I know he was satisfied with her in the bedroom, but I just didn't get a sense of his actual LOVE for her. 

Sophia, oh Sophia. Again, I understand what the author was doing...Sophia is a sheltered country girl thrust into London to find a husband. But her naivety in one situation followed by her forwardness in the next was so confusing. I found it kind of like she was 'faking' her innocence at times. Also, Edward was not very nice to her and yet she falls in love with him. I don't remember Edwards age being mentioned (Sophia is 18), but I got the feeling of 'Daddy' vibes and sometimes Edward came off as creepy. 

TROPES

Historical Romance, Regency Era, Country Life, Alpha Hero, Politician Hero, Titled Hero, Animal Lover Heroine, Bluestocking Heroine, Virgin Heroine, Carriage Steam, Desk Steam, Married in Scandal, Sudden Nobility/Rags to Riches, Two Star, Five Flame

HistoricalRomance, RegencyEra, CountryLife, AlphaHero, PoliticianHero, TitledHero, AnimalLoverHeroine, BluestockingHeroine, VirginHeroine, CarriageSteam, DeskSteam, MarriedinScandal, SuddenNobility/RagstoRiches, Twostar, Fiveflame