99 Comments
As the early reviews began to come in for Lord Langley is Back in Town, I was quite pleased to find that all of them were very favorable. I wanted the story to be funny, but I also wanted the story to have an emotional depth, since it is a story of coming home and about discovering one’s identity, and the reviews I was reading got that. Hurrah!
But one review stood out, and not for its kind words about the book but what it said about Felicity, the heroine of Love Letters from a Duke, and a reoccurring character throughout this series. They wrote:
Felicity was mentioned several times in this book, and as I haven’t read her book yet, I’m not sure if the Felicity that is being depicted here is what I would find when I read her book. Yet, I find myself not liking this Felicity at all. I can understand why she’d want Lucy, Elinor and Minerva (widows related to her husband by marriage) to stay together in one house (to cut down expenses), but to even begrudge them the basic repairs that would make the house livable is I feel too much, especially as I’m sure she’s rich, being a duchess. What happened is that I’m not left with a charitable impression of Felicity. (Romance Reviews)
To be honest, this isn’t the first time that a reviewer or a reader review has nailed poor Felicity for her, ahem, single-mindedness.
I will say here and now, that the Felicity whom we met in This Rake of Mine, who found her heart in Love Letters from a Duke and takes her bow in the last pages of Lord Langley has never changed. Nor would I want her to.
Here is why I love Felicity: she is so wonderfully flawed. She is a determined, bossy, pain in the butt, who will stop at nothing (and I mean nothing) that crosses her plans. We all have friends like this, “my way or the highway” sort of people, who see the world through tunnel vision and have their objectives squarely in their sights. But here is why we keep them as our friends: their intentions are always well-meaning.
There isn’t a vicious bone in Felicity’s body–when she tosses the Standon widows into that tumbledown house, she hasn’t done anything to them that she hasn’t already survived herself. That was her house and she knew how much she wanted out of it, so she knew that desire to rise out of the mire would only motivate the widows to get off their duffs and find their true loves.
Yes, not to freeze, not to starve, but to move beyond the anger and stagnation that was their lives before Felicity kicks them in the butt. She is a matchmaker for one of the best reasons: she knows the redemptive powers of love. It saved her when she met Fletcher, and since then she has done her determined best to make sure everyone else discovers their own “happily ever after” as well.
Oh, her methods are a bit high-handed, I’ll give you that, but here’s my last word on Felicity.
She’s never boring.
I think that is one of the biggest flaws in romance, that we are expected to make our characters likeable, and I don’t argue with that per se, but what I don’t want to do is write about perfect heroines. The sugar sweet sort of Disney heroines of old who float through a magical world into the arms of their waiting prince.
My heroines will never float.
They will cheat, claw and fight their way to that man’s side, and he better be darn worthy of her when she gets there.
So tell me: Do you like characters with flaws? Loads of them? Or just a few? What are your favorite character flaws?
Comment and enter to win one of the very first finished copies of Lord Langley is Back in Town! I’ll pull one winner’s name Wednesday at noon PT, and give them until noon Thursday to email me with their address and then I will overnight the book to them so they have it for the three day weekend. (Sorry, I can only do this for US residents.)
I will award the prize only if I get over 100 unique comments on my blog–so share the contest, tweet about it, let your peeps know and encourage them to enter. This prize comes with big bragging rights.
MONDAY BLOG CONTEST Guidelines and Rules:
Three ways to enter:
1) Leave a comment here on my blog. (If you are reading this on Facebook, pop over to this post on my blog, http://elizabethboyle.com/blog/?p=1000 because Facebook has gotten all stinky about contests, so entries can only done at my website.)
2) Follow me on Twitter (@ElizBoyle) and then make the following tweet:
I just entered to #win #LordLangley from @ElizBoyle! #AndILoveToWin. You can enter at http://bit.ly/l3LbX0
3) Do both and you’re entered twice!
And don’t forget, check back to discover if you’ve won and contact me before Thursday, May 26, 2011 at noon PT to claim your prize.
May 23rd, 2011 at 1:40 am · Link
Elizbo, I can not wait for this book to be released! I’m super excited!! Not to mention, that is one HAWT cover! The Avon cover art team sure hit the mark on this one.
Congratulations on your upcoming release!
May 23rd, 2011 at 3:39 am · Link
would love to win a copy of Lord Langly is Back in Town – have read all in the series so far!
May 23rd, 2011 at 4:16 am · Link
I love the flaws. It’s what makes them human. Otherwise, they are all the same from book to book and you can’t remember them a month after the book is finished. It’s the flaws (read: character) that make them memorable.
May 23rd, 2011 at 5:33 am · Link
I loved Felicity. She was the only one who had guts to put those three in their place. Not just the house but the way others see them and the way they see each other. And each widow grow in their own way. They each learned what life is really about. I cannot wait to read Minerva and Langley’s story
May 23rd, 2011 at 5:54 am · Link
What makes a story interesting is finding the mate that perfectly suits you, flaws and all. Also the journey along the way that makes you realized that is the one you want to be with.
May 23rd, 2011 at 5:56 am · Link
I would so love to win Lord Langley is Back in town. I have read most of your other books and enjoyed them very much. I’m a follower of yours on Facebook and also on Twitter (englishmeadowws). I will also post this on Twitter too.
Thank you so much for offering all of us another opportunity to win this.
May 23rd, 2011 at 6:55 am · Link
Perfect characters are so boring! I like characters with some life to them, flaws and all. They make me want to keep reading, to find out what they’ll do next. If they’re too perfect, I know what they’d do next – the perfect thing. Boring, boring, boring.
May 23rd, 2011 at 7:20 am · Link
I am very excited about this book!!! As for flawed characters, I love them! I find it boring to read about characters who are too good to be true…
May 23rd, 2011 at 7:20 am · Link
Love your books, and Felicity was and still is one of my favorite characters of yours! Cant wait for Lord Langley !!
May 23rd, 2011 at 7:22 am · Link
I would love a copy. I kove all of your books. Can’t wait to meet Lord langley
May 23rd, 2011 at 7:25 am · Link
I like some flaws, not a huge amout of flaws, but some are. It also depends on the flaw. I just got This Rake of Mine. The only books I need now are the Brazen series.
May 23rd, 2011 at 7:27 am · Link
I love Felicity! Your books make me smile. I am looking forward to Lord Langley.
May 23rd, 2011 at 7:33 am · Link
I absolutely love all of your books and can’t wait for lord langley to come out
May 23rd, 2011 at 7:36 am · Link
Poor Felicity, those widows were giving her nothing but headaches & fits and she’s getting called the villain — for shame. All she did was give the equivalent of a regency timeout 😉 to them.
May 23rd, 2011 at 7:40 am · Link
A character without flaws is a boring character.
Can’t wait to read Lord Langley.
May 23rd, 2011 at 7:44 am · Link
Felicity just practices “Tough Love” 😉
May 23rd, 2011 at 7:44 am · Link
Early congrats on your new release Ms. Boyle.
I think that there should be a balance in a characters flaws. A character should have enough flaws that would allow them some sort of redemption, but not too many where they are beyond redemption. My favorite character flaw is arrogance, especially in the hero. You know that somewhere along the way, the heroine will take him down a notch or two and that in itself is reward enough for me to keep reading the book.
May 23rd, 2011 at 7:44 am · Link
Can’t wait to read Lord Langley is Back in Town, whether I win or not. 🙂 Your heroines are fabulous. Am currently reading This Rake of Mine, and think I’ll need to go back and re-read the ones that came later.
May 23rd, 2011 at 7:46 am · Link
Felicity is flawed just like the rest of us, just because she is a fictional character she is supposed to be perfect? How could a reader possibly relate to such a saint? I personally cannot wait to get my hands on the new book!
May 23rd, 2011 at 7:49 am · Link
I love your books !!! i cant wait until this one comes out !!!
May 23rd, 2011 at 7:51 am · Link
I’ve read Felicity’s story. And I agree with you. She is a terrific character who stays true to herself. I have a story about a woman who is a bitch. But she is very loyal and will fight to the death for her friends. I’ve been told she is not likeable IN THE BEGINNING! As a result my story does not make for a good contest entry!!!
May 23rd, 2011 at 7:52 am · Link
I love your books! This looks like a great read:) Many blessings to you & your success!
May 23rd, 2011 at 7:55 am · Link
I love all your books and look forward to reading your new one.
May 23rd, 2011 at 7:56 am · Link
I like characters that are as flawed as the rest of us. I feel they deserve to win the big prize (such as a Duke) and not have to feel bad about it. And Felicity doesn’t do the things she does for herself. I think she is trying to help people out, whether they like it or not.
May 23rd, 2011 at 7:57 am · Link
I think flawed characters make book even more exciting, and more realistic. Yes we read to escape life for a while but some truth is also needed. And to review a “character” with out all the info not always smart. You are just getting a part of her in the upcoming book. There is so much more to her. Have greatly enjoyed your book, keep up the wonderful work!
May 23rd, 2011 at 8:02 am · Link
Absolutely love ur books, so please keep them coming. I would love to win one of ur books, that would be totally awesome!!!
May 23rd, 2011 at 8:08 am · Link
I love Felicity too – actually I love all of the characters – flawed characters are so much more realistic than perfect characters. I have enjoyed every one of your books – so I can’t wait to read this one!
May 23rd, 2011 at 8:20 am · Link
this book is going to be great! i can;t wait to read this book! so exciited keep up the good work elizabeth
May 23rd, 2011 at 8:34 am · Link
I don’t know where to begin! The books are wonderful and I think each person being different makes it even more enjoyable! It’s not a story that everything is just perfect! You have to work a little and sometimes step back and open your eyes!!! I loved them all and can not wait for the new one to arrive!!!!!
May 23rd, 2011 at 8:40 am · Link
I love to read your books…Thank you for the chance to win….
May 23rd, 2011 at 8:43 am · Link
What can I say, I love reading these! Keep them coming1
May 23rd, 2011 at 8:43 am · Link
You are a great writer and I enjoy all your books.I love your other books alot so I know I will love this one, I can’t wait to read it.
May 23rd, 2011 at 8:45 am · Link
Disney princesses, as you said, promote the message that a prince will rescue the damsel in distress. For the most part, this is true, with Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and to some extent, Ariel. Unlike these Disney females, Felicity suggests that a woman doesn’t need a man and can find it within herself to achieve her goals. She is inspirational with the lengths to which she will go in order to do so. Clearly she’s not one to wait for a hero. She’s her own heroine! As a result of being who she is and showing her strength, determination, and dare I say stubborness, she shows that she doesn’t NEED a man, but he’d make a nice addition to her life. Go Felicity!!
May 23rd, 2011 at 8:52 am · Link
I am so looking forward to the release of this book!! It would be so wonderful to win a copY1
May 23rd, 2011 at 9:02 am · Link
Felicity is a favorite, with great character. I don’t expect heroines and heroes to be perfect. A few human flaws are fine. Thanks for the chance to win.
winnie968 at yahoo dot com
May 23rd, 2011 at 9:37 am · Link
Elizabeth, this sounds like a read up my alley! 🙂 I will definitely tweet you!
May 23rd, 2011 at 9:39 am · Link
I love characters with flaws…. it’s what makes them interesting… perfect plastic people would be boring… having the characters work to accept or overcome their flaws is what keeps me reading your books..
May 23rd, 2011 at 9:44 am · Link
I’m hooked on your books and would love to read about Lord Langley!
May 23rd, 2011 at 9:54 am · Link
I like flawed characters, but not too too flawed. I hate it when one character accomodates flaws of another that would send a normal person running for the hills. Some things aren’t realistic to change, long term, either. But I like flaws, redemption of horrible ones, people meeting in the middle or coming to accept (better, love) the flaw they disliked in the beginning.
I love reading about flaws that either my husband or I have – how they are deal with helps me relate (and feel better), I think.
I love your books. I’ve never faulted Felicity. I’ve helped enough people to know that if you give people everything they just want more. You help people help themselves and it’s the best thing you can do for them.
May 23rd, 2011 at 9:56 am · Link
I will say Yea to the book and share this on my FB page.
May 23rd, 2011 at 10:02 am · Link
Love your books, if I win one it would be an honor!
May 23rd, 2011 at 10:10 am · Link
I am so excited about the upcoming release of this book. I loved all of the other Bachelor Chronicles and I’m sure I’ll adore this one, too.
May 23rd, 2011 at 10:19 am · Link
Now I loved Felicity and her book was one of my favorites that I keep going back to read. I can’t wait for this to come out as you are really one of my favorite authors!
May 23rd, 2011 at 10:20 am · Link
Felicity is definitely different, which is not always a bad thing, you want to mix things up in books. I recently read a book where I despised the Heroine. She was rude, mean and hateful to the Hero based upon assumptions she made from rumors. Loved the book, hated the Heroine, no matter how I looked at it. The book went into the donate pile as soon as I was done instead of onto the keeper shelf with the rest of the authors books. Like I said it was a good book but my dislike for the Heroine made it a book I wouldn’t read again. Felicity fit perfectly in her own book & her little cameos in the other books were fine, so I am ok with that. I cannot wait for your new book.
May 23rd, 2011 at 10:41 am · Link
I’m looking forward to this one!
May 23rd, 2011 at 11:04 am · Link
I haven’t been able to afford any new books lately, but I would sure love to read this one. Sounds wonderful.
May 23rd, 2011 at 11:22 am · Link
I definitley prefer a flawed Hero. No one is perfect and personally a flawed hero if more endearing to me. I spent this past weekend cleaning out things from my inlaws home. I am going to have nightmares about all the old (2001+) magazines and musty old books we took out. I would love to win this book to help to renew and lift my book spirits.
May 23rd, 2011 at 11:26 am · Link
I definately like characters who are flawed, perfect characters would be boring and there would not be any room for growth of the character in the book. Flawed characters are more realistic, they have room for growth and improvement, just like we all do. They are definately more interesting!
I would LOVE to win a copy of this book. I have been wanting it since finishing MAD ABOUT THE DUKE. Thank you for the giveaway.
May 23rd, 2011 at 11:27 am · Link
I follow you on Twitter and tweeted this giveaway.
http://twitter.com/#!/Rjofus/status/72729186783080448
May 23rd, 2011 at 11:32 am · Link
I loved flawed characters! The more flawed the better! Thanks for sharing today! I can’t wait to read this book!
May 23rd, 2011 at 11:37 am · Link
Sounds awesome – can’t wait to read it!
May 23rd, 2011 at 12:32 pm · Link
I love the flaws it makes them seem more likable and human like, not the amazing women who have nothing wrong with them 😀 Plus I love Felicity she reminds me of how bossy i can be sometimes although not to such an extreme extent like felicity 😀 I also love the flaws where you always get into trouble, whether purposly or by accident as it makes the characters seem more human and humourous as well
May 23rd, 2011 at 6:10 pm · Link
Wasn` t too happy with Felicity in last book-she seemed downright nasty.Is her really in the right place? Or just wishful thinking?
May 23rd, 2011 at 12:51 pm · Link
I have liked all of the Langley sisters and Standon widow books thus far, and in general, I am a big fan of flaws in both heros and heroines. However, although I don’t think Felicity was being cruel to the Standon widows, Felicity has rubbed me the wrong way since her first guest appearance. For whatever reason, I think she is my *least* favorite EB heroine.
May 23rd, 2011 at 12:57 pm · Link
I can’t wait to read this book. I have a love/hate thing going with Felicity. I loved her in her book, but she does get on my nerves in the Standon widow books. But – who really wants a character that is perfect all the time?
May 23rd, 2011 at 12:59 pm · Link
Flaws are necessary. Julia Quinn said in the beginning of a book a perfect hero is boring and I agree. I think Felicity is human. Sometimes you want to strangle her but all in all I liked her.
May 23rd, 2011 at 1:00 pm · Link
Flaws are good, otherwise I might as well be reading a fairy tale…I like my characters funny and witty and flawed….I like to think of it as “Flawed to Perfection”. Cheers! Can’t wait to read it!
May 23rd, 2011 at 1:02 pm · Link
All heros and heroines must have flaws otherwise the story is not believeable. I LOVE Felicity she stands up for what she believes and thinks everyone else should too.
May 23rd, 2011 at 1:02 pm · Link
I enjoy flaws in the characters. It makes them more human. If they were all perfect, where would be the fun in that? If all heroines were sweet and perfect, I think most readers would get tired of reading about them. People’s personalities are unique to them so no two characters should think alike. Felicity was a great character and I truly enjoyed her in Love Letters From a Duke. It was a wonderful romance and I absolutely loved it.
May 23rd, 2011 at 1:03 pm · Link
I personally liked the spunky Felicity! She knows what she wants and approaches everything with a bulldog type tenacity….I think she wants the best for the Widows, and in her mind, that would be to find a love like her and Fletchers’.
May 23rd, 2011 at 1:08 pm · Link
with out flaws life would be boring 🙂
May 23rd, 2011 at 1:10 pm · Link
Please show me a man or woman who is not flawed and I have I piece of land in the Mississippi Delta that will never flood or have a chance to be hit by a hurricane.
To overcome your flaws and find love in spite of yourself is the reason I read Romance novels.
And if I did not have a man who did not love me in spite of my multiple flaws I do not know who would, not to say that he does not have a few of his own.
Love your books, I guess I need to dust off the twitter account now that Facebook has made such crazy policies!
May 23rd, 2011 at 1:12 pm · Link
I love the flaws… Every person on earth has one flaw or another so the characters in books should have flaws too. Love your books and this site.
May 23rd, 2011 at 1:20 pm · Link
Love your books, wishing to win… Hope u get all the comments. 🙂
May 23rd, 2011 at 1:28 pm · Link
Excellent defense of Felicity and other ‘flawed’ characters. These type of characters are much more interesting to follow in stories.
May 23rd, 2011 at 1:29 pm · Link
well im here again hoping and praying i win a copy!! please please oh please! : )
May 23rd, 2011 at 1:39 pm · Link
I like reading about flawed heroines & heroes. They’re much easier for me to relate to. I don’t want to read about perfect people all the time.
May 23rd, 2011 at 1:41 pm · Link
I Love to read….I really Love to win..:)
May 23rd, 2011 at 1:46 pm · Link
I cannot WAIT to read this book. Love all of the ones you’ve written and am crossing my fingers in hopes of being a winner here!!
May 23rd, 2011 at 1:54 pm · Link
I love my characters with flaws. Well, at least when it concerns my HR novels. If I want a “perfect heroine”, I would, as you lovingly put out, go and watch a Disney movie. Well, I’m not saying they should be unnecessarily rude, but as long as the character as a justified reason for their flaws, I will always give them the benefit of a doubt.
Though I haven’t read her story, I did learn much about Felicity in Minerva and Elinor’s stories. And, to all those characteristic people point ass flaws, I can’t help but see them as her strong points. It’s how she got far in her life, and love life.
Though I enjoy a story with its characters full of flaws, it does lighten up the plot when those flaws either help the character through, or those flaw are overcame for a “happily Ever After.”
May 23rd, 2011 at 2:59 pm · Link
I think a perfect heroine is boring! Everyone has flaws. It’s what makes people interesting and a story juicy when it is discovered a heroine is hiding a secret…
May 23rd, 2011 at 3:14 pm · Link
I love your writing. It’s much more realistic than a lot of “perfect” men and women.
May 23rd, 2011 at 3:27 pm · Link
Felicity is my fav. character of yours. Love Letters from a Duke is my fav. book of yours. I wanted to tell you that at RT when you signed it. There was so much going on, I forgot. I like some flaws. I would love to win.
May 23rd, 2011 at 3:34 pm · Link
I love Felicity. Her book is one of my favorites of yours that I have read more than once. We all have some things that someone else doesn’t like but you have to be yourself. Flaws is what makes a person.
May 23rd, 2011 at 4:12 pm · Link
I love that your heroines ‘don’t float,’ and I adore reading about them cheating and clawing their way to their HEA. I wish more authors would allow their heroines to be as richly flawed as their heroes. Can’t wait for Lord Langley to get back to my town!
May 23rd, 2011 at 4:17 pm · Link
perfection is over rated — flaws is where the fun is 🙂 looking forward to reading this one
May 23rd, 2011 at 4:23 pm · Link
I haven’t read Felicity’s book, but I do like a heroine with flaws. I like a medium amount of flaws. If the heroine is always doing something to embarrass herself, I can’t stand it. On the other hand, if she does something that is embarrassing, but for a good reason I don’t mind it.
May 23rd, 2011 at 4:32 pm · Link
Flaws makes a character more interesting and memorable, as long as it’s not too horrible to be overcome or TSTL.
May 23rd, 2011 at 4:35 pm · Link
I think Felicity is terrific! She is real, with flaws, as she should be.!
May 23rd, 2011 at 4:49 pm · Link
Hi Elizabeth! I am going to go ahead and say “thanks for another great book” because I have no doubt that it will be fantastic. Would love to win a copy for the long weekend. Take care 🙂
May 23rd, 2011 at 5:03 pm · Link
Well, I usually post on political blogs but this contest is too good to let pass. My daughters gave me an ipad2 for my 60th birthday and it has a kindle app. I have already downloaded and read 3 of your books. I had no idea I would “take” to electronic reading but I love it!
May 23rd, 2011 at 5:07 pm · Link
I find the 100 posts interesting – I’m in NH so we are very active in presidential politics. The blogs really took off about 6 years ago and you could tell a candidate had traction by the volume of posts on their blog. Trolls counted. I wonder if publishers are using stats gleaned from that experience.
May 24th, 2011 at 6:35 pm · Link
Sandy, I just pulled 100 out of the hat and wanted to see if I could lure enough of you over here with a great prize. And wow! You guys have rocked the blog over the last two days and given me LOTs of great comments about character. Hold onto your hats for tomorrow’s drawing.
May 23rd, 2011 at 5:26 pm · Link
I read romance for the characters. I love character flaws. I want to read about realistic characters. Boring characters make a boring book. That’s why I love reading your books, never a dull moment!
May 23rd, 2011 at 7:00 pm · Link
I read your post and am reminded of Amanda Wingfield who is desperately trying to sell magazine subscriptions in The Glass Menagerie so her daughter Laura can have one evening with a gentleman caller. As Amanda tries to sell subscriptions, the unseen customer on the other end of the phone tries to tell Amanda that this one particular story by Bessie May Harper is not like all of the other stories by that author. In defense of the author, Amanda states any good story should have its share of complications. In this vein, shouldn’t a good story have complicated characters with depth. Granted Felicity is as you have said a pain in the butt, but she does reflect people that we know in our daily lives. I think typically romance novels are read by an audience who does want that happily ever after ending. However, without problems or sacrifice on the part of the heroes or heroines of any novel, it does not lend much to the story. When I started reading your books, I stumbled onto This Rake of Mine and found Felicity to be singleminded in her matchmaking pursuits. She truly wants everyone’s greatest happiness. In fact she has fought tooth and nail to insure that for Tally and Pippin for years. I won’t say poor Felicity has been abused in this review because I believe Felicity herself would pull herself squarely up, look the reviewer in the eye, and stand by all decisions she has made as being for the greater good of another person whether or not that person was willing to concede that at the time. The duchesses did need someone to motivate them to find their true loves. Motivator, thy name is Felicity. Does Felicity help complicate our heroines’ stories? Yes, she does. Because she does complicate the story, that may make a reader feel uncomfortable. It may have made the reviewer uncomfortable. However, it is those books that introduce a little bit of something different that stand out to me over time. I think it is one of the reasons your books have truly captured my interest. The characters are memorable, and we as readers come to care about what happens to them. What I am most interested to see with Lord Langley’s book is how Felicity will welcome her father with his new bride. My guess is she will be overjoyed. I think as both Tally and she have gotten older that they have realized all of the advice welding nannies could never be a lasting true love for their father. I think she will be gracious in welcoming Minerva as her father’s bride. In fact, I believe that Felicity will be claiming this one as her greatest match.
May 23rd, 2011 at 7:17 pm · Link
I love flawed characters especially Felicity. I loved her when I met her in This Rake of Mine and through all of the other books in which she appears. I can’t wait to meet her again.
May 23rd, 2011 at 7:53 pm · Link
I think it’s great that you took the time to respond thoughtfully to one of your readers!!
While it can be difficult to really like flawed characters, one can’t deny they certainly make books worth reading. After all, there’s a reason that Scarlett was the heroine, not Melanie. How boring would GWTW have been without Scarlett?
May 23rd, 2011 at 10:35 pm · Link
I know a few people who are this way. They only cre about their comforts and forget to be charitable to others. Can’t wait to read Lord Langleys Back In Town to see how felicity reacts to him.
May 24th, 2011 at 12:00 am · Link
I hope that we get to see more of the history between Langley and his daughters in his book, even though if seen with RL glasses Felicity and Tally probably could do with some hours with the psychologist..
May 24th, 2011 at 6:37 am · Link
I love flawed characters. Give me a clumsy, flighty, or bossy heroine and a scarred, unrepentant, or emotionally challenged hero and I’m a happy camper. The deeper the flaws go, the more the story pulls me in. 🙂
May 24th, 2011 at 6:37 am · Link
Hi Elizabeth,
I’m really not interested in reading about someone who is “perfect.” I can’t identify with that person!
For me, historical romance is an “escape” from the daily routine and worries of life, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want my H/h to work through a bit of conflict to achieve their HEA.
Thanks for many hours of reading pleasure!
Laura
May 24th, 2011 at 7:26 am · Link
I can’t wait to read this book! I love your writing. 🙂
May 24th, 2011 at 1:29 pm · Link
I don’t think there is a person on this planet that does not have some flaw–I wouldn’t be able to connect with a charactor that is perfect–it isn’t real. I love Felicity–I totally understand why she is doing this to the Stanton widows. They have been unhappy and sitting on their a**es for far too long. She’s the one that made sure her sister, her cousin, and herself had a London season. It takes bossy, bitchy person to get something like that done. It will be interesting to see how they react to “Daddy” coming home, though! 🙂
May 25th, 2011 at 12:32 am · Link
Some people need some shaking up to get them to do things. Felicity is good at shaking up, but she’s not the most tactfull of people 😉
But that’s okay! It makes her all the more interesting for it. A bit of sugar and especially a bit of spice is what makes a flavour in food. The same goes for books (and the characters in it).
It’s quite an achievement to ‘invent’ a character that stirs people like Felicity does!
My favorite character flaws in heroines are being unconventional (almost non-conformatist), being strong and being bossy. Women don’t have to be weak, plyable, subjective or a rule-follower. Not even back then. A bit of girl power gives life (and a book) spice!
May 25th, 2011 at 5:10 am · Link
Perfection is completely overrated. I don’t like loads of flaws, however I do like when you find a hero that everyone has written off as a wastrel or a rogue and then finds out that he wants to be a better man because of the heroine who has turned his life completely upside down.
One of my favorite character flaws is when a heroine has determined that in order to be independent, she does not need a help or anyone to lean on.
I don’t know if I would considered it a flaw, however I like when a herione appears to weak or plyable to say or do what is expected so she will be able to sneak off to do what she really wants to do. I think it as being clever and I find it hard to call cleverness a flaw.
May 25th, 2011 at 10:47 am · Link
I can not wait to read this one!
May 25th, 2011 at 10:49 am · Link
I love Felicity!! I have some of her same flaws – I tend to bowl over everyone else. I am constantly vigilant so that I don’t p*** off someone. Again, we do it only in the best interest of those we love and to make our lives better. Felicity truly does want those people in her life that she cares about (and, yes, deep down she cares for the Standon widows), to have the deep abiding love she shares with Fletcher. I am truly looking forward to picking up my copy.
May 26th, 2011 at 9:10 am · Link
Aren’t all the best and most loved characters flawed? My favorite characters of all time, Elizabeth Bennet and Lucy Honeychurch, make all sorts of mistakes and I love them all the more for it. The connection we make with characters, at least in my case, is often through the very flaws we have. I’m bossy, talkative, and very opinionated and my husband (on a good day) will tell you that’s the very best part of me, and that generally I use my powers for good and always with the best intentions. So does the character of Felicity ocassionally get on my nerves? Absolutely, but you know you’ve done your job as a writer, to have created a completely three-dimensional character that engages people in the story.
June 5th, 2011 at 9:21 am · Link
I think it is to be remembered that in Lord Langley is Back in Town (“LLBT”), reader’s interactions with Felicity is mostly through the point of views of other characters. And it is also to be borne in mind that the Standon widows are less than complimentary for very good reasons: if I were forced to live in a ramshackle house with the in-laws I get along with least of them all, I won’t be in a hurry sing the perpetrator’s praises at all.
I think aside from her desire to matchmake everyone and incentivise the Standon Widows to move on with life, Felicity’s decision stems from exasperation. It’s like sending a bratty child to boot camp. The Standon Widows were not exactly running for membership in the Docile Dowagers, were they?
For better or worst, LLBT only serves to prove that Felicity is her father’s daughter. She’s charming, reckless, ruthless, determined and very loyal. Her character is entirely consistent with her upbringing, what with growing up with a Peter Pan-esque father and his string of “Nannies” (I mean, have you met them?).
You may not love Felicity Langley, but you have to admit this, life between the pages is certainly more entertaining with her than without. As such, she has certainly done an excellent job in what she was created to do.