Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I honestly had such high hopes for this book which is probably why i am so disappointed. I love this time period, the story seemed funny yet romantic and different, and almost all of the reviews were positive. I don't know what those readers were thinking! Now, I'm not too much of a time period snob when it comes to the actual writing style ( a little modern phrasing is fine with me) , but I honestly couldn't tell if his was regency England or modern day. Some of the wording and actions were down right unbelievable. Penelope has been sheltered in a small village and basically ignored her whole life (enter wicked step mother), and finds comfort and friendship in a pet goat. she heads off to London at the invitation of her dead mothers best friend, in order to have a season and find a gentleman to marry. She speaks her mind and is a bit quirky ( and accident prone) and a very honest, friendly person. I really thought all of her quirkiness would have been endearing ( and believe that is what he author intended), but on far too many occasions she seemed dim witted and stupid. What made me most upset was that throughout the entire book there would be scenes so heart warming and funny, and you really rooted for Penelope, and then something so ridiculous would happen to ruin it all. It made me so angry. The hero calls her terrible names throughout the ENTIRE book...doxy, dim witted, imbecile, ugly, harridan, "no one will ever want you" etc, even apologizing only to utter the same nasty thing in the next breath. I believe what the author was trying to convey was an endearing, lovable quirky girl from a small country village who falls in love with a domineering duke who has been betrayed in love many times through his life and is not easily trusting. He just wants to protect his family and himself from someone who may seem opportunistic and fights against his feelings for her, only to realize she isn't what he originally thought and his heart knows her own. Well the author totally missed the mark on this one and it will frustrate you to no end push through this book. I would be curious to know the age bracket of those who gave this book 5 stars. I can honestly say that I never even though to, and have never "returned" a book that was $.99, but that was the first thing I did when I finished this book. One, on sheer principle, and two because I knew one day down the road I'd forget about this book, read the description for it and it would tempt me again- And I'd end up throwing my kindle out the window in disappointment!