A fun novel to read, but I was expecting a little more. The hero was sullen and annoying and I didn't quite believe the heroine would act as she always did. Having read a later book in the series I was hoping Aunt Lucinda and her quotations would be more fun, but I believe she developed as a character later on--she rarely hit my funny bone or engaged my interest. The more I read of authors more current than Heyer I realize that while their primary characters are normally well-drawn, the secondary characters are mere stock and I had the same problem here--especially with the spoiled sister of the hero. She supposedly changed, but we didn't really see or feel it. I read this novel in one sitting (minus the time the pilot told us to turn off all electronic devices), but it was all fluff and no engagement. Definitely more Heyer than Austin - A Regency Romp at Romance. Well crafted with few 'dead' patches and the cast is well supported by sufficient eccentric characters which helped the author over her next 2 books. (As you work yourself past Penolope to Miss Hampshire the stories tend to lose their sharp edge). Loved Aunt Lucina and spent time checking the rhythm of how the other characters allowed her to voice out what she needed said. The reason why she sticks to other people's quotes is found in the last book of the trio 'The Haunted Miss Hampshire'. The last man standing in the trio was the woeful Valet who later became Lucinda's Butler and ended up trying to exortise his former Mistress (unsuccessfully). As you can see I have not just touched on this original book - however I do recommend that you at least try the first. Such a great laugh - totally rollicking! It gave me my youth back!So if you enjoy heroines who are au fait with the pugilisic arts and heroes who haven't a clue (esp about proposals) than this book is for you. It's all definitely a - Go Girl experience to be reconed with...
Do You like book The Tenacious Miss Tamerlane (2000)?
Quick and light with fairly amusing characters. Meh. Was free and could read it on my phone.
—endperkins
