RARE, UNUSUAL, WITTY AND MARVELOUS REGENCY
919766
A ROGUE BY ANY OTHER NAME

FIVE STARS +++

My reading is style is varied since I love paranormals,  (vampire, shapeshifters etc) suspense, suspense, Medieval's, but above all give me a Regency like this one and boy oh boy - am I thrilled!!

I stumbled onto Sarah Maclean`s first series, purely by mistake and absolutely loved all three books - read them in less than a week.  They had plenty of humor, intrepid and interesting heroines (nothing worse that a whining, insipid girl to be the female lead in a Regency!), marvelous, manly heroes that were undone by the heroines and the books had tremendous substance and very interesting plots.

A Rogue By Any Other Name - starts her new series The First Rule of Scoundrels books.  The wounded hero, has lived with one sole purpose in nine years - revenge.  That may be clich, but in this particular case it is almost his undoing.  Penelope and Michael are superbly matched and both carry deep scars.  The interaction and dialogue between them is brilliant.

When I first started reading the book - I was slightly taken aback at how cynical and cold-hearted Michael is - as he has only lived and breathed revenge and now by marrying Penelope is acquiring back his lands - his only purpose.  He thinks that after that is done he is going to discard her as she has served a means to an end.  Little does he know that Penelope is done being tossed about by the rules and regulations of society and that at her age - she is almost on the shelf  - she is not going to capitulate to Michael's edicts.  Even though he has changed from the boy she once new to the remote and cold stranger she has now been forced to marry she embarks on a battle of wills with Michael where she surprises him at every turn - every turn of her action and word.

The hero at times in unlikeable and so consumed with his path of revenge that his actions are cruel and unjust.  But only understandable by what has transpired in the nine years after he was shunned by society.  But, oh how brilliant it is to see his demise and how he flounders about trying to remain completely unaffected by his wife's actions and her verbal comebacks to his insults!!  Even the partners of his Gaming Hell, who are just as cynical as he is, acquire tremendous admiration and care for Penelope.  Very heartwarming to see.  Penelope's character and her sweet, forgiving but stalwart nature is his undoing and it was truly a joy to see the transformation Michael undergoes by Penelope's persuasiveness and gentleness!

My hat goes to Ms MacLean.  She has taken the usual Regency premise and stretched a true and tried plot with an amazing H/H and the revolving characters in this story.  Michael's and Penelope's story is marvelous and refreshing.  Super sexy, witty, emotional, with tremendous depth and angst in the right places.  Top that with sparkling repartee and dialogue it was a total wining recipe for me!

Some of the reviews here seem a little unjust and unrealistic.  I totally realize that everyone's taste differs and everyone is entitled to their opinion.  BUT... C'mmon people - if you are going to read a Regency - and want a true and tried plot - stick to Pride and Prejudice (which is an absolutely marvelous classic) or if you want sweet and predictable read Barbara Cartland.  But if you want DIFFERENT and EXCITING, unusual and rewarding, then be daring and read this book.  I'm pretty sure this will not be disappointing read for you! I for one, cant wait to sink my teeth into the next installment!
3265938
After four or five readings, this has become one of my favorite Regency books of all time.  Features an endearing heroine with relatable struggles, a just-flawed-enough hero, and a plot that is engaging without being over-the-top.  A perfect amount of warmth, humor and sweetness.
333754
Elizabeth Boyce has done it again, with another Regency that kept me enjoying every word. If you've read her Once a ... books, this one has a very different feel. Two words: grave robbing. If you are looking for a standard Regency, one that features the necessary, plot-enhancing social gaffe intermixed with polite conversation at balls or a house party, move along because this is not your book. Oh, don't get me wrong, you'll find some of those things in this book, but you'll also find so much more.

While I did enjoy this book, I must admit that this is not my favorite of Boyce's novels to date. That honor goes to Once an Heiress, her second book, which surprised me by how much I found myself drawn to the hero (not my typical reaction in a romance novel, which earned it extra points). It was hard for me to put a finger on why my enjoyment of Honor Among Thieves did not quite live up to how much I've enjoyed Boyce's previous work, and I think it is this:

My favorite kind of reading is series, and I knew going in that Honor Among Thieves was the first of five stories about The Honorables, a group of five friends (one each to be featured in each story). However, I did not feel like The Honorables were given enough airtime, if you will. I hope this isn't too much of a spoiler when I say that they were mentioned throughout, but that the group as a whole did not come into play until near the end. For me, as an avid reader of series and one who loves character development above nearly all else in the series that I read, I would definitely have appreciated an earlier introduction to these characters that I know we will be meeting again. This is probably just my own quirky issue, though, so take it for what you will.

I would recommend Honor Among Thieves to friends, and I am looking forward to the next installment of the Honorables... and wondering who will be featured next!
2135585
This is my very favorite type of book - one that tells a realistic, sensible story based on solid research, about charming endearing *human* characters, and the whole is encased in marvelous writing. Truly, I don't know what more one could wish for, unless it be more pages to the story than the prescribed format allows.

By-elections in the countryside of Regency England-Kent, for example-are not a common base for a Regency novel, and the details presented in this engaging story are fascinating. Kudos to Ms. Bancroft and her library for allowing the rest of us to know them, as well.

Aurelia Trevor is an only child, nearing her majority when the guardian of her family property dies, leaving her at the mercy of another, rather unsavory uncle. But there is no mercy forthcoming, merely the prospect of a forced marriage to Auuelia's cousin. Drastic measures are needed to maintain her hold on the family estate Pevensey Park, so with the connivance of her long-time governess and now friend, the two women head for London to search out a husband.

The chosen candidate is Thomas Lanning, an unmarried financier, but otherwise not someone Aurelia would have been likely to encounter in her life. The two engage in a `Taming of the Shrew' sort of married life, effectively stopping the efforts of her uncle and cousin to gain the property and the heiress for their own purposes.

Thomas has an agenda of his own which is a major factor in his decision to marry Aurelia. He wants to enter politics, and sees the seat at Lower Peven as the ideal place to start. Along the way, he is forced to face up to his own family responsibilities, adding a half-brother and sister to the mix at the Park, along with a new steward and other retainers. Sparks fly as old and new customs are blended together to match this new blended family.

In the end, everything works out splendidly, and the journey to get there is a most enjoyable one. It's fun to watch Aurelia and Thomas battle their way to a new understanding of each other and themselves in the process. Any reader who loves to read and savor words will greatly enjoy this book.
2827279
Desdemona Quiggley is a free spirit determined to be mistress of her own fate. Together with two close female companions, she forms Lucy Lavender Enterprises. Unfortunately, the business falls into debt, and the ladies are in danger of losing everything they've worked so hard to gain. But Desdemona refuses to give up. In order to keep them all from debtor's prison, she conceives a wild plot to capture a highwayman in order to collect the large reward on his head.
Arriving at Yorkshire to visit his aunt, the Marquis of Daxonbury is knocked off his feet by a deadly accurate slingshot wielded by an irrepressible young female who has confused his noble person with a common footpad! Immediately caught in the delightful snare of the most fascinating woman he has ever met, Dax finds himself up to his ears in solving a villainous plot, the plucky Desdemona by his side, every step of the way. And to think Dax assumed his visit to dear old auntie's would be a dead bore!
This lively novel is full of wit and charm in the form of clever dialogue, quirky characters with sparkling personalities, and many hilariously outrageous situations. The hero and heroine are a wonderfully balanced match, both of them intelligent, stubborn, and dynamic with a shared sense of the ridiculous. If you like a book with lots of laughs along with warm affection and hot sexuality, you'll really enjoy this treasure!
3908095
A friend of mine recommended this author and I bought this book from Amazon.de (that's why it doesn't show as verified purchase), immediately loving it. It's just my kind of regency romance, a strong woman, witty and bright, a rake to reform with a bad reputation but more honor than the "gentlemen" that are sought after by the mothers of the ton, a kind heart and intelligence, and a story that throws them together and lets us enjoy their banter and their fated love story as it enfolds in leaps and curves, with edges and obstacles through funny and dramatic and sad and romantic scenes and ending in a HEA. The side characters were complex and love- or hateable too, the background beautiful and (as far as I can say) perfectly researched. I will definitely read more from her - and soon!
1957387
Wonderful characters and dialogue, it left me laughing out load! Whimsical, sweet and great unconventional female characters full of curiosity and intelligence! My favorite Regency novel!
3039358
This is a Regency romance about a smart,young woman
named,Emma (somewhat a prude)who,after the death of her father
discovers she is to be married off to a male relative she does not care for,
decides to go off alone (actually with a female cousin) and make a life for the
two of them by writing articles and superior 'Gothic' novel. No stopping Emma.
Along the way,Emma meets a,Lord Paton (rich,a nice guy) and other assorted
characters.  There is a misunderstanding (of sorts) between Lord Paton and
Emma where, he does not understand her,thinking she is something "other" than
the person she is (a mistress) and Emma CANNOT believe how Lord Paton
was SO mistook !!!
Very nice dialog.  Lots of interesting characters and typical ending for a Regency.
No sex.  No violence.  No problem.
2509280
The Masque of the Black Tulip is the second in what I hope will be a long series. I know a few reviewers thought this installment was weaker than the first novel (The Secret History of the Pink Carnation), but I don't agree. The only thing the first book offered that this one doesn't is the benefit of being the first. Everything was new and exciting and interesting about the writing and the story precisely because it was new. But to my mind, The Masque of the Black Tulip is just as enjoyable a read as The Secret History.

Just as with the first book, this novel is a blend of regency romance, humor, history, clever allusions to popular culture and historical events, and spy intrigue. As the order of those descriptions suggest, this is primarily a romance novel, and a wonderful one at that. I see Lauren Willig as a cross between Julia Quinn and Helen Fielding and the result is a very readable book that rises above the mediocre romance novels and chick lit that's published every year.

This installment follows Miles and Henrietta, two friends who suddenly find themselves attracted to each other. There's a little less of the heavy-duty spy stuff than in the first, but that was fine with me. The plot rolls along, the romance unfolds, the Eloise/Colin interludes break up the story here and there (but in an enjoyable way, I thought) and it's all a joy to read. Lauren Willig has a distinctive, truly witty voice and knows how to deliver a satisfying read.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys regency romances, chick lit, or fun beach reads with a historical twist.
27130
It's different. I like it. The characters are admirable, the plot is twisty yet believable. If you're looking for a fun short Regency read, grab this book!
2395924
I'd forgotten how much fun this novel is! Northanger Abbey was actually Austen's first completed novel as far as history knows, although it was published posthumously, long after her other works were published.  It's really the funniest and most satirical of all her novels, and the gothic tomfoolery is what kills me.  I just love it.

A brief plot summary is that the story's protagonist, Catherine, is invited to spend some time in Bath with some family friends, where she meets the characters that will carry out the various themes in the story, namely two sets of siblings:  Isabella and John Thorpe, and Frederick and Eleanor Tilney.  A recurring theme any Austen fan will recognize is that of first impressions and innocence giving way to deception and misunderstandings, as a young, naive Catherine finds that her dear new friend, Isabella, is not quite who she at first appears to be, and that all kinds of scheming and plotting are going on behind Catherine's guileless back - based mostly, of course, on gross misconceptions that will cause all manner of ruckus down the road.

The real jewel of this book in particular, though, is the hysterically funny and affectionately rendered spoof on the gothic suspense novel genre that was in its heyday during this period, a la' Radcliffe, Burney and Walpole.  Anyone familiar with The Castle of Otranto, The Mysteries of Udolpho or any of the other gothic classics will really appreciate the humor.  I absolutely love the gothic suspense novel in all its forms, so I get a huge kick out of it.  The scene between Frederick and Catherine in the carriage on the way to Northanger Abbey where he teases her mercilessly (merciless because she's only about 2% sure she's being teased and is 98% wide-eyed with horror) about the abbey's dark corridors and hidden passages is so funny it makes me laugh out loud every time.  Catherine's discovery that the abbey is decidedly un-haunted, sadly lacking in cobwebs and absolutely devoid of gothic gloom is even more amusing.

There's a love story here too, and in fact a triangle or two, and as with all of Austen's stories, all's well that ends well.  Wonderfully soothing balm for the Austen-starved soul, and secretly my favorite of her books (I usually lie and say Mansfield Park is my favorite.  Sometimes Pride & Prejudice.  Or even Sense & Sensibility.  All lies.  Northanger Abbey is it, hands down).
429133
Suitors and Sabotage is an immensely pleasurable Regency period romp following young Imogene Chively through the trials and tribulations of being wooed by a respectable and kind suitor while inadvertently falling in love with his brother and working to solve the mystery of who among their party may be intending to cause them great harm.

Cindy Antseys stories are beautifully written, with fun and flowery language befitting a period novel.  Her characters vividly bring to life the etiquette and wit of a way of life from a popularly romanticized period, setting scenes of both great fun and drama, exploring romantic conflict and flirtation at the height of propriety, including exciting moments involving heated looks that elicit more goosebumps than a typical love scene in modern romance novels. Her novels carry the appeal and enjoyment of both a period drama and a modern romance with a writing style which beautifully blends the language and ideals of the old and the new.

I have greatly enjoyed all of Cindy Antseys novels as well as all Swoonworthy books I have been fortunate enough to read thus far and I eagerly await my next read by this publisher and by this author.

I highly recommend all of Cindy Antseys books and if you too enjoy her novels, I recommend the These Viscous Masks series by Tarun Shanker and Kelly Zekas (also a Swoonworthy read) and The Beautiful Ones by Silvia Moreno-Garcia (published by Thomas Dunne Books), both of which add a heavy dose of fantasy and magic to this pleasurable period.
2787336
Such a fun story, and so unexpected.  I am really NOT into willing suspension of disbelief but this story was so charming and so surprising that I was willing to go along with it.  Historically intriguing, it provides a good window into life in Victorian London for the middle classes.  All I ever ask of a lighthearted read is that I not be able to tell you on page 30 how the rest of the book will go.  This book delivers a sympathetic nerdy hero, an independent thinking heroine, an unforgettable central character, and so much atmosphere you could smell it!  Not to mention the octopus.
818463
I adored this book. With so many glowing reviews already here there's little left for me to say; I just want to add my voice to the chorus of appreciation.

_Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell_ is a complete delight from beginning to end: vivid characters and a rich alternate 19th-century setting are wrapped up in smooth, confident prose. There are definite shades of Austen in the narrative voice - arch, witty, clever, self-aware - but it's much more than just an intelligent pastiche. It's a tightly-controlled novel with an absorbing plot that simultaneously manages to evoke interesting themes from both its historical (social hierarchy and its discontents, rationality vs. spirituality) and its fantasy (the morality of magic-use) aspects. 'Real-life' characters turn up, but are used carefully and sparingly - and, in the case of Byron, hilariously.

Those who like their books rapid-fire and dare I say a little more obvious may rail against its apparent lack of 'action' - but to do so is to miss the point. This is a book about rather more than just plot (although, frankly, it has plenty of that, too...). It is a character-study and a period-piece, and any dissimilarities with contemporary fiction in terms of pacing are entirely in keeping with the style and form the author intends. You're unlikely to find a more elegant, amusing and intelligent fantasy novel this year. Highly recommended!
124803
While Georgette Heyer is primarily known for her Regency Romances she also wrote a number of historical fiction, short stories and mysteries. Death in the Stocks is one of her mysteries. It starts with the death of Arnold Verekers and ends with the murderer being caught. Typical, right? But what happens in between those two events is what made this such a captivating and different read from my usual. Heyer has written a most amusing novel with some characters who are not very likable but are still quite interesting not only in their lack of remorse at the death of Mr. Verekers but in their actions after the murder.

The deceased, Arnold Vereker, seems to have inspired dislike, even hatred, in just about everyone he met. It's up to Superintendent Hannasyde to sort the lies from the truths and figure out who killed Vereker. There is no lack of suspects, from Verekers half siblings, Antonia and Kenneth, both spoiled, indulgent and self-absorbed people who cared little for their half-brother except for his money. In fact, Antonia becomes quite upset when anyone refers to Arnold and her brother and makes a point of correcting the mistake by reminding them that he was her half-brother.

Then there are Antonia and Kenneth's intendeds, Rudolph Mesurier and Violet Williams, respectfully. Mesurier works for Verekers and we find out, has been up to a bit of embezzling from Verekers' company. He fully intends to pay it back but it still provides a motive for murders. Violet Williams comes across as a lovely young woman with a bit of a soft heart and even shows some sadness over the death of Verekers. She enjoys the finer things in life and while she is to marry Kenneth, he is an artist who is unable to afford those things for Violet. But with the death of his half-brother, Kenneth, being the heir, inherits and can then provide Violet with the type of lifestyle she enjoys.

Superintendent Hannasyde's questioning of the possible suspects was the source of wonderful and witty dialogue. The way Heyer had Hannasyde volleying questions and returning the answers with more questions, attempting to make sense of those answers, all made for some face paced scenes with the reader, at least this reader, not always sure who the most likely suspect was. The twists and turns Heyer takes getting to the finale had me changing my mind a few times as to who I thought killed Arnold Verekers.

The lack of remorse and blatant disdain Antonia and Kenneth show for their now deceased brother comes across as both amusing and at times morbid. They seem to lack the ability to curb their show of dislike for their half-brother. Part of what I found so fascinating is their lack of remorse for the deceased. The way Antonia and Kenneth speak of their half-brother regarding his death borders more on fascination and the financial effect on them rather than any sadness. I was never sure what either of them would utter next. I didn't know if they were completely guileless or quite devious and guilty of the murder.

Antonia and Kenneth did have someone on their side. Their cousin and legal counsel, Mr. Giles Carrington. He actually had a brain and would at least attempt to curtail his cousins more unrestrained comments. He was the calm in the eye of the lives of the Verekers. Carrington was the one that attempted to make some sense of the mess his cousins found themselves in. Carrington was a character that Heyer gave not only the intellect to sort through the mire of the events leading up to and after the murder but to keep a clear head amidst the chaos of his cousins lives.

If you are in the mood for something witty, well written and decidedly different, then definitely give Death in the Stocks a try.
444989
Regency + magic = win. Sylvia Izzo Hunter's first novel THE MIDNIGHT QUEEN combines two of my favorite things-- the intelligence and witty dialogue of a classic Regency romance woven into a fantasy world where Oxford's colleges are the center of magical studies. I loved all the details that made up this alternate Regency Britain, from the cleverly designed magic system, to the seamless integration of the regional languages and local customs. Sophie and Gray's romance is charming, sharing equal time with their quest to foil the sinister conspiracy they've uncovered. The ending is suitably satisfying, while leaving room for more novels in this universe. Both fantasy readers and romance readers will enjoy this book, highly recommended!
2849218
Oooh, what a deliciously rompish sting! Written with an ever-present and wonderful sense of wit, the two main characters, Jesmond Fitzroy and Mrs. Georgina Herron (a widow) strike silvery sparks off each other from their very first meeting. She is in a lad's togs and of course, that's what he thinks she is. No way. He has a hidden story in his life, as well, and it plays out against the normal Regency life of a small village.
Jess has inherited Jesmond House from an elderly aunt, and although he'd visited as a youngster, it's all so different now that it's his. Much of the acreage surrounding the house has been sold to pay overdue accounts. To his surprise, Jess discovers that all too many of the villagers have been forced into the same sort of situation, only to be rescued at the last moment (and for very low prices) by the village banker, Mr. Bowlby.
Mrs. Georgie, on the other hand, does not own land or house in Netherton, but has come to stay with her widowed sister-in-law, Caro Pomfret, whose husband had been Georgie's brother. Caro has gone into a decline following the death of her husband John, leaving her twin children Gus and Annie at very loose ends. Now nearing ten years of age, they thrive on Georgie's attentiveness.
This is not the sort of book one can read while doing other things; it requires your complete attention in order not to miss any of the delicious by-plays between the various characters. The secondary characters are very well-drawn, and many of them beg for their own book at some time in the future. There is so much plot that I'm not sure it could be adequately summarized in the word count allotted here for reviews. Nevertheless, I'd happily recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a rip-roaring story set in any time period, especially when there's a delightful romance mixed in with it. Georgie is a heroine for all times, and Jess is very much her equal.