Books › Consolation Prize
Consolation Prize
First published 1989 · 288 pages
A breezy, vintage romantic comedy of errors where a disastrous first impression blossoms into unexpected affection.
What it feels like
Reading this vintage romance feels like curling up with a comforting, familiar cup of tea on a rainy afternoon. It delivers the quintessential late-eighties category romance experience, driven by a brisk pace and a delightfully wry, self-deprecating narrative voice. The atmosphere is cozy and lighthearted, anchored by the classic trope of the overshadowed sister who assumes she is invisible next to her glamorous sibling. Instead of heavy angst, the emotional texture relies on playful banter, comedic misunderstandings, and the gentle unraveling of deep-seated insecurities. The prose is straightforward and dialogue-heavy, keeping the pages turning effortlessly. It is a perfect, low-stakes escape for readers who cherish the plain Jane dynamic and love watching a disastrous meet-cute transform into a swoon-worthy, affirming romance.
- Mood
- cozy
- lighthearted
- comforting
- Tone
- wry
- playful
- self-deprecating
- breezy
- Pace
- brisk
- Themes
- overcoming insecurity · the overshadowed sibling · comedic misunderstandings · unexpected desire
- The writing
- Accessible and dialogue-driven, featuring the snappy banter and gentle internal melodrama characteristic of vintage category romance.
- The arc
- The protagonist moves from defensive self-deprecation and sibling-induced insecurity to a confident embrace of her own desirability.
- Who it's for
- Fans of classic 1980s romance who delight in the plain Jane trope and cozy, low-stakes comedies of errors.
Content notes
- comedic violence
- body image insecurities
About the book
It wasn't the best way to get acquainted... It was no way to make a good impression, Hilary thought gloomily--especially with an attractive man. And that was an understatement. Hilary had believed Rhodri was an intruder--that's why she'd knocked him out. And she was not consoled by her sister's comment that Rhodri was unlikely to forget Hilary under the circumstances. Strangely though, Rhodri didn't seem to be put off--but with her glamorous sister Candida on the scene, Hilary was sure she knew why.
Description from Open Library.
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