A Reader's Opinion: Miss Grimsley's Oxford Career by Carla Kelly

"Will Miss Grimsley's dreams come true?"

The Book

Beautiful and brilliant Miss Ellen Grimsley considers it a scandal that she--a female-cannot attend Oxford while her dunderhead brother can. That's why she dons his robes to do his work for him. But when a handsome lord learns Ellen's secret, he decides to teach her a lesson of his own. This delightful period romance will earn high marks from readers everywhere!

A Reader's Opinion

Another delightful book from Carla Kelly! I must say that after three books in a row, all I want to do is read more of this author's Regency Romances. The book is well-written, the characters are wonderful, the setting just right, and there's enough folly throughout to make the story seem real. 

Ellen has gumption. Certainly she's surrounded by inept family members, but she's not blind to their faults and somehow loves them anyway. She's also determined to fulfill her own dreams, even if it means going against the odds and bucking societal norms. Her time in the ladies "academy" is humorous at times, sweet at others. Her brother Gordon, oh what to say about him . . . you really must read it to understand that there are moments when Ellen should be applauded for her patience. Of course, she has her own motives--remember her dream? 

James Gatewood is an odd sort of fellow, but I couldn't help but adore him. Perhaps it was his matter-of-fact ways, or the slow understanding the reader gains about his love for Ellen. It's not a bolt of lightning (one of the things I enjoy about this author's Regencies), and we don't have any graphic scenes to help the reader along (trust me, you won't miss them). He's persistent, intelligent, kind, and incredibly generous. As in true romance fashion he is handsome, but in a careless and charming way. The last chapters of the book may seem odd to some readers, but considering the oddities of the characters, it shouldn't come as a surprise. Kelly stays true to her characters and I believe that's one of the things that makes her Regencies such great reads. 

Do you enjoy Shakespeare? They do!

Kelly did everything just about right in this book and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good book. Another clean five star read!

Note: I purchased a used print edition, and the new Kindle edition of this book, for my own collection.