Diamond in the Rough (American Heiresses Book #2)

Diamond in the Rough American Heiresses #2 By Jen Turano Miss Poppy Garrison is in her first New York Season in exchange for her grandmother's help for the financial difficulties in which her family has been caught up in through no fault of their own. There is just one little problem, Poppy has absolutely no idea how to behave among the New York Four Hundred, much to her grandmother's dismay. With her future on the line, Poppy seems unable to keep herself from one social mishap after another and is in desperate need of assistance. Reginald Blackburn, who is assisting his cousin - Charles Wynn, Ninth Earl of Lonsdale - in his search for a wife, is enlisted by Viola Van Rensselaer in tutoring Poppy in what she needs to know. Reginald is a no-nonsense type person, who to keep the title hunting American heiresses, at bay has concealed his identity as the second son of a duke. He is always up for a challenge and unfortunately Poppy just might be a challenge he is unable to overcome. She's everything he doesn't like in a young outspoken, exuberant, and willful - and if he's not careful she just may turn his world upside down. Diamond in the Rough is, like most if not of Jen Turano's works a fun read. Poppy is a walking disaster in the eyes of society but she tries her best to make the most of her current situation. And of course, there is a bit danger involved that seemingly points to someone deliberately "helping" Poppy's missteps occur. But what's a lady to do when she finds herself out her element? Well if you are Poppy Garrison you just do the best you can and accept the blame for what goes wrong. If you like light-hearted historical fiction this is a most delightful read. Though this is the second book in the American Heiresses series it can easily be read on its own and thoroughly enjoyed. Poppy is a fun character who is caring and would be a most unique friend. Reginald is interesting seeing himself one way while those around him see something else and Poppy just might be the best thing to happen to him. I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

This is book two in the American Heiresses series, however it is a stand alone book. Jen Turano is one of my favorite authors. Her books are full of history, humor, drama, romance and so much more. I can not wait for the next in this series. Poppy Garrison is a unique lady, and full of spunk. She finds herself in some sticky situations. Reginald Blackburn is handsome, brooding and in charge of helping Poppy with her etiquette. I love the writing style of Jen Turano. She has such a fun, spunky sense of humor that make her books so enjoyable to read.

•*• Author Wields Comedy Like a Sword! •*• ************************************************************************** I could not stop smiling & laughing. This is her best book yet & the cover is to die for! *** 1885, New York, NY – “Any smidgen of hope that her entrance into New York high society would be deemed a rousing success died the moment Miss Poppy Garrison’s tiara became firmly attached to the sleeve of her dance partner.” Now how is that for an opening line? *** Poppy has left her family’s Kentucky horse farm to come to New York at the request, or rather insistence of her excessively wealthy grandmother to experience her first “Season”. She tends to say and do the first thing that pops into her head often to the horror of her grandmother and those of the elite NY 400. Disaster tends to follow her, but since she is quite used to that she simply rolls with it. “Do you know that I once got knocked straight off a horse because a duck flew into me?” *** The Earl of Lonsdale and his cousin, Reginald Blackburn have traveled from England to find an American heiress to marry, effectively rescuing the Earl from financial ruin. However, they are determined to find someone of good character. Something Reginald is certain Miss Garrison certainly is not from the unusual way her dance partner twirled her away, crashing directly into himself and her less than demure commentary to the perturbed host of the ballroom. Then later, finding her crawling on all fours in search of something. “Reginald was of the firm belief that always maintaining the proprieties was exactly what separated true ladies and gentlemen from the masses.” No, Miss Poppy Garrison was certainly not the type of woman he would approve of for his cousin. But when disaster and mystery follow Poppy around like a bad penny, Reginald finds himself caught up in her world, most unexpectedly. As does the meek mannered Mr. Middleton whom Poppy quickly befriends. I really enjoyed the dynamic of her relationship with both men who are distinctly different. Watching Murray Middleton grow and come into his own as the story progressed was a delight. The “snail scene” was hilarious. Very “Pretty Woman”. Just like in real life, the supporting characters take an active role and add so much to the story. *** TEA MOMENT: Ok, so I was so excited by the tea-themed cover of this novel, months before it was even close to release. So imagine my surprise when Poppy is at the tearoom in Rutherford & Co. and this happens, “They do offer an impressive assortment of teas, but…” She looked up. “Will you find me quite beyond the pale if I admit I don’t actually care for tea, preferring coffee instead?” *** “You don’t care for tea?” *** “Shocking, I know.” *** “Scandalous more like.” *** But, my little heart attack was quickly diminished by the hilarious scone and clotted cream scene. *** “Adele frowned, “You said you were savoring clotted cream when I first arrived.” *** “Savoring, detesting,” Poppy said with a wave of her hand. … *** “It was a riveting battle if Reginald had ever seen one, although one where clotted cream, jam, and scones were the weapons, instead of the usual pistols, swords, or knives.” *** FAITH MOMENT: “Family matters. Friends matter. Embracing a relationship with God matters. And it’s past time I rectify that.” *** MYSTERY NOTE: I genuinely thought I knew who the culprit of the story was, smiling to myself that I had figured it out. Boy was I wrong! The breadcrumbs that led me to my choice unexpectedly did NOT lead to who I thought they would. Naturally, that made the story even more exciting. While there is a bit of danger, there is not any gore or undue stress to the reader. *** I am so smitten with this book, I may have to forego my To-Be-Read pile in favor of re-reading older Jen Turano novels again! *** American Heiresses Series: Flights of Fancy – book 1 Jan 1, 2019 *** Diamond in the Rough – book 2 Sept 3, 2019 *** Storing Up Trouble – book 3 tba