A gentle regency romance , set in the Quorn, site of the UK's oldest fox hunt, where the hero is determined to build a hunting box to take his mind off a romantic rejection. Mr. Gareth Ruston is stuffy and autocratic but is strongly drawn, against his better judgment, to the heroine, an emotional and eccentric young woman who has been disillusioned by love. Mr. Gareth Ruston does resemble Mr. Darcy in his propriety, but possesses more visible warmth and a sense of humor. The heroine, Selena Easterly-Cummins is full of contradictions; independent and competent, but full of self doubt, a tad hysterical at time, and suffers with a few phobias, such as a fear of cows! Their love affair proceeds gradually, with many missteps, laughter, and moments of emotional understanding.Note: The dedication to this book is "For Laura and Matthew, with love". The author's pen name is Laura Matthews, adopted in honor of her children.
There are two types of romance story dealing with the regency period The regency historical in which bodices can and do get ripped. and the Regency romance in which sex stops at the neckline and often before. this is definitely one of the latter though there is a scene where our heroine repulses a suitor who tries to turn it int the former.what to say stiff necked thoughtfully socialite man decides to stay away from town after a potential falls through and encounter a well to do independent woman who has never come out into society. Like so many romance books it is flawed I often found it hard to judge peoples moods from their behaviour. and there were various inconsistencies but so what a fun read with likable characters
