I wasn't sure when I was invited to read this book having read many, if not all, Georgette Heyer books in my teens, borrowed from the local library, but this was quite delightful and rekindled my interest in her books. Refreshing to read a more innocent romance with a good deal of fun and humour whilst being far less raunchy than today's offerings. I certainly enjoyed it much more than I thought I would and now, as a very mature adult, probably from a different perspective. One can't deny the sheer brilliance of Georgette Heyer's writing drawing the reader in with such expertise through wonderful descriptions and characters. Some of the language is a little quaint but superb to rediscover a more old fashioned innocent way of life. A great introduction to Georgette Heyer.

I loved this book so much! Its the first I've read by this author but will definitely be reading others. We start with the Duke of Salford, Sylvester, who decides its time he gets married. Trouble is he's not really keen on any of the ladies of his acquaintance. His Godmother suggests Phoebe Marlow so he travels to meet her. Phoebe doesn't want yo get to married - especially not to Sylvester. He is the villain in a book she's just written! She runs away as she believes he will propose. Realising Phoebe would rather die in the snow than marry him, the Duke saves face and denies that was his intention in visiting her family. The Duke finds Phoebe after an accident and they spend several days together before she travels to stay with her grandma. But this is not the end. Their paths cross again - many times - and a genuine friendship is formed, not that either if them seem to notice this is whats happened. They can be the best if friends and the worst of enemies all in the same conversation!

This story is a real adventure but I just love the quarrels between Phoebe and the Duke. The language used is just brilliant- the reader is transported through time. I just loved the expressions, the profanities - there is some great humour in here. Phoebe is a nice character and do is the Duke. Phoebe also gets into scrapes with her best friend Tom and I loved their relationship too. I think my favourite expression is to be 'as drunk as a wheelbarrow' - brilliant!

This story has a lot of similarities to Pride and Prejudice - if Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy spoke to each other more openly - I think their relationship would be just like that of Phoebe and Sylvester. This is a long book but absolutely worth the investment.

I was given a copy if this book to read from the publisher via Netgalley with no promise of a favourable review.

When I was invited to read this book it brought back old memories of being given a Georgette Heyer book every birthday and Christmas by my mother-in-law. This book is typical Georgette Heyer and a good example of a traditional regency romance - good clean fun with a happy ending.

I had forgotten how marvelous Georgette Heyer was. Beautifully paced, endearing characters charm and wit. I greatly enjoy modern Regency Romance but this is refreshing in that the story and relationship can shimmer without a precipitate leap into bed. Thankyou so much to Random House, Netgalley and of course Georgette Heyer for reminding me that you can have a huge amount of pleasure without sex!

An amusing Regency romance. Wealthy Sylvester decides he should marry and goes on the hunt for a wife who won’t annoy him too much. Despite his rather arrogant attitude, he is fond of his Mama and his little nephew, Edmund, who lives in Sylvester’s home with his widowed mother. Good to have a glossary at the end, as some of the Regency language is rather obscure. There are shades of Jane Austin’s dry wit in the scenes of matchmaking weekends in large country houses and a good sense of the period in the stage coach travel. Loved The Infamous Army, which introduced me to the Battle of Waterloo when I was younger.