I have recently finished reading Karen Hawkins’ ‘The Lady in Red’. This book is a quite a disappointment, given my enjoyment in the formulaic plot of the other books in this series. In this book, the main female protagonist (Dumb) decides to “take” a souvenir (a ring) from a wedding because she likes it. Then when the rightful owner of the ring (who is the main male protagonist – Dumber) finds out and wants it back, Dumb decides to blackmail him. While Hawkins explained the terrible financial difficulty is the reason for Dumb to blackmail Dumber, there are several things that get on my nerve.

1. Dumb needs a few hundred pounds to resolve her family’s financial difficulty. Although Dumber is willing to offer Dumb a few hundred pounds, Dumb decides to ask for a few thousand pounds instead.

2. When Dumber is not willing to pay a few thousand for the ring, Dumb offers a compromise – Dumber should sponsor her sister for a season. Now in those days, unless the male sponsor is a relative, it is likely for people to misconstrue the reason for sponsorship. Although Dumber pointed out this fact, Dumb persist in believing she is right.

3. Dumb wants her sister to have a season so she can find someone she loves. Never minds that said sister does not have a dowry to attract anyone exalted nor that what Dumb really wants is for sister to marry a rich person to get the family out of financial difficult.

So what is my gripe with this story line? Dumb’s actions come across as stupid, mercenary and completely irrational. Surely this does not say much as the female population.

Why is the male protagonist call Dumber? Because he falls in “love” with Dumb as her actions demonstrates “character” and, oh yes, because Dumb is apparently very beautiful. This tells me that guys do not care anything about females as long as they are beautiful. Hmmm – a bit of an insult to many guys I know.

Lastly, the reason I think this book should be avoided – the publishers advertised a blurb for this book at the end, after the reader has finished reading it. I love a strategic marketing campaign.

Do yourself a favour and avoid this book. There are other more worthy romance books out there waiting for you.