What do you think?
Rate this book
An Early Engagement
MARRY HER VILE COUSIN, AND LOSE HER INHERITANCE AS WELL AS HER INDEPENDENCE? NEVER!
Thus Lady Emilyann, a hellion with a nose for trouble, tracked down her childhood friend and insisted he honor the betrothal arrangement their fathers had made years before. As for Major Lord Stokely, anxious to return to Bonaparte's battlefields, he saw no reason not to marry the scrawny, wide-eyed chit, settle her at his estate with a list of mandates that, being an officer, he expected her to follow.
Lady Em, however, never one to be leg-shackled, took to running the estate with her usual spirit and independence, blossoming from ragamuffin to beauty and becoming the toast of the town.
So upon his return from the wars, her husband discovered he had yet another battle to win: the heart of his lovely wife!
Thus Lady Emilyann, a hellion with a nose for trouble, tracked down her childhood friend and insisted he honor the betrothal arrangement their fathers had made years before. As for Major Lord Stokely, anxious to return to Bonaparte's battlefields, he saw no reason not to marry the scrawny, wide-eyed chit, settle her at his estate with a list of mandates that, being an officer, he expected her to follow.
Lady Em, however, never one to be leg-shackled, took to running the estate with her usual spirit and independence, blossoming from ragamuffin to beauty and becoming the toast of the town.
So upon his return from the wars, her husband discovered he had yet another battle to win: the heart of his lovely wife!
208 pages, Paperback
First published March 28, 1990
48 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Metzger
93 books200 followersBarbara Metzger is the author of over three dozen books and a dozen novellas. She has also been an editor, a proof-reader, a greeting card verse-writer, and an artist. When not painting, writing romances or reading them, she volunteers at the local library, gardens and goes beach-combing and yard-saling.
Her novels, mostly set in Regency-era England, have won numerous awards, including the Romance Writers of America RITA, the National Reader's Choice Award, and the Madcap award for humor in romance writing. In addition, Barbara has won two Career Achievement Awards from Romantic Times Magazine.
Source: http://www.barbarametzger.com/about_b...
Her novels, mostly set in Regency-era England, have won numerous awards, including the Romance Writers of America RITA, the National Reader's Choice Award, and the Madcap award for humor in romance writing. In addition, Barbara has won two Career Achievement Awards from Romantic Times Magazine.
Source: http://www.barbarametzger.com/about_b...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
June 5, 2020
Great premise. Great story.
Amazing individual characterisations.
Likeable loveable mcs.
Sweet adorable chemistry.
Superlative immersible writing.
But....
*With spoilers*The first half draws you in completely and I barely came up for a breath. I mooned over the h/H childhood history, the h’s silly and smart shenanigans, all those secondary characters who only add to the story and the mildly humorous tone that never lets up. All this even as the H remains MIA.
Then the should-have-expected dip happens and things begin to drag. I had hoped that things would get only better when the H returns (as a true hero) from the war but sadly the story sags thereon. Not that the H was lacking in any way but because the h turns missish on him (and me), and lots of other things are brought in unnecessarily and then dragged out till kingdom comes.
Okay, I get it she doesn’t want to consummate the marriage with a veritable stranger (although they've known each other since the day she was born - that’s so adorable but ultimately useless) but to avoid him completely -- even during the day when he’s back for just ten days and that too after over a year? The consummation was left off too too late and even then the author gets miserly and keeps it off pages!
A shorter length, a tighter grip, lopping off of few later chapters and events would have served it much better.
But still, a clever book with unforgettable characters.
Amazing individual characterisations.
Likeable loveable mcs.
Sweet adorable chemistry.
Superlative immersible writing.
But....
*With spoilers*The first half draws you in completely and I barely came up for a breath. I mooned over the h/H childhood history, the h’s silly and smart shenanigans, all those secondary characters who only add to the story and the mildly humorous tone that never lets up. All this even as the H remains MIA.
Then the should-have-expected dip happens and things begin to drag. I had hoped that things would get only better when the H returns (as a true hero) from the war but sadly the story sags thereon. Not that the H was lacking in any way but because the h turns missish on him (and me), and lots of other things are brought in unnecessarily and then dragged out till kingdom comes.
Okay, I get it she doesn’t want to consummate the marriage with a veritable stranger (although they've known each other since the day she was born - that’s so adorable but ultimately useless) but to avoid him completely -- even during the day when he’s back for just ten days and that too after over a year? The consummation was left off too too late and even then the author gets miserly and keeps it off pages!
A shorter length, a tighter grip, lopping off of few later chapters and events would have served it much better.
But still, a clever book with unforgettable characters.
November 1, 2022
Smoky and Sparrow are sitting on a tree... These were the words that went through my mind while reading this book. I have to say this book is a great one when it comes to the childhood sweethearts trope. Everett 'Smoky' Stoketon has been betrothed to Lady Emilyann 'Sparrow' Aylesbury since she was born. They are neighbours and only about six years apart. The scenes in their childhood depicted by Ms Metzger are just adorable. The letters they keep writing to each other make me feel all fuzzy (in a good way) inside. Ms Metzger also excels in creating fleshed-out secondary characters. You have Smoky's siblings, Geoff and Nadine, his aunt and on Sparrow's side, you have the villain in this story, her uncle Morgan (he's a real bad-assed villain too), his bible-thumping wife, Ingrid and her less than clever son, Bobo. These characters add richness to the story. Some scenes make me laugh out loud, but I was grinning and smiling pretty much throughout the book. This book really made my day. I enjoyed this one immensely. Highly recommended!
September 26, 2020
Another good read by this author.
One problem I do have with her books is that her married characters don't consummate their marriage till the last pages of the book. It's unrealistic and frustrating.
One problem I do have with her books is that her married characters don't consummate their marriage till the last pages of the book. It's unrealistic and frustrating.
May 30, 2024
Adorable! I'm definitely going to be reading more Metzger.
The plot is pretty straightforward. Emilyann and Everett are betrothed by their fathers as babies and grow up close friends (I generally find "kids in love" scenes pretty hard to pull off, but this was cute.) Ev dotes on Emilyann, who he calls "Sparrow" and she hero worships Ev, who she calls Smoky.
Money and moral antics ensue on the dads' end and the engagement is broken. Emilyann has to get married in order to access her inheritance and avoid being paired off with a lecherous stepcousin at the behest of her uncle (who is a great comic villain, always trying to kill people in "accidents" but never pulling it off). She can only think of one hero who will step up: Everett. Ev is now in Wellington's army and about to go off to the Peninsular War, so when he is a young rake and Emilyann is barely 17, they get married by special license.
He goes off to war and she gets to the business of making his family's seat profitable and taking London society by storm. They share sweet letters as he hears gossip about her dealings and he tries to give advice. But his vision of her is as an awkward child, not a competent society hostess. So he is always giving directives assuming her personality is one way, but she is actually coming into her own. And Emilyann and all her hero worship has a combination of wanting to make him proud and also assuming he is much more worldly than he is. He comes back from the war and has to reckon with feelings, but that is stopped by Napoleon and Waterloo--where Emilyann follows him.
Their whole dynamic was just a hoot and very very sweet. The whole book has a YA directness to it, not to its detriment at all. I honestly would recommend this to a precocious 10-12 year old. I think I would have adored it then.
The plot is pretty straightforward. Emilyann and Everett are betrothed by their fathers as babies and grow up close friends (I generally find "kids in love" scenes pretty hard to pull off, but this was cute.) Ev dotes on Emilyann, who he calls "Sparrow" and she hero worships Ev, who she calls Smoky.
Money and moral antics ensue on the dads' end and the engagement is broken. Emilyann has to get married in order to access her inheritance and avoid being paired off with a lecherous stepcousin at the behest of her uncle (who is a great comic villain, always trying to kill people in "accidents" but never pulling it off). She can only think of one hero who will step up: Everett. Ev is now in Wellington's army and about to go off to the Peninsular War, so when he is a young rake and Emilyann is barely 17, they get married by special license.
He goes off to war and she gets to the business of making his family's seat profitable and taking London society by storm. They share sweet letters as he hears gossip about her dealings and he tries to give advice. But his vision of her is as an awkward child, not a competent society hostess. So he is always giving directives assuming her personality is one way, but she is actually coming into her own. And Emilyann and all her hero worship has a combination of wanting to make him proud and also assuming he is much more worldly than he is. He comes back from the war and has to reckon with feelings, but that is stopped by Napoleon and Waterloo--where Emilyann follows him.
Their whole dynamic was just a hoot and very very sweet. The whole book has a YA directness to it, not to its detriment at all. I honestly would recommend this to a precocious 10-12 year old. I think I would have adored it then.
June 5, 2020
3 stars, the first half of this book was so good with emilyann and stokley’s betrothal at birth and how he took care of her in their childhood years growing up. the plot lagged in the middle after he returned from war and got boring, like it truly let down the amazing first half.
the cutest part was her first words being “smokey” because she couldn’t pronounce stokley as a child.
the cutest part was her first words being “smokey” because she couldn’t pronounce stokley as a child.
January 1, 2019
3.5 stars
July 5, 2018
They shoulda had it all. They were betrothed by their parents the duke and earl as children. They were bff and spent their childhood playing together. The H married her in a heartbeat when she was fleeing from an over the top deranged relative. The h did the hero proud by being the toast of the ton which couldn't have been easy for a 19 year old country girl raised without a mother or other strong female relative. Yet they managed to find the big M and hang onto it with both hands having neither sex nor happiness with each other until the the last chapter. In fact I'm not sure they found it then. However she was sitting in his lap and they agreed to not get an annulment. So maybe. One of my least favorite story lines.
May 6, 2022
The Ballad of Smoky and the Sparrow
"Sparrow" is christened and formally engaged on the same day. She is a newborn and "Smoky" is the 6-year-old scion of the family of a neighboring estate.
Smoky grows up to be a wonderful guy--dashing, honorable, and an officer in the army, dedicated to defeating Napoleon.
Sparrow is lovely, as long as no one tries to tell her what to do.
To keep Sparrow safe and independent, the two marry when she is a teen and he immediately returns to the continent to report for duty. He still thinks of Sparrow as a child.
Overcoming that basic problem is difficult enough, but in addition are an evil uncle, war, Sparrow's wild little sister, and a sleazy step-cousin named Bobo (don't feel sorry for him--he deserves the nickname).
This is a cute story, but I have a couple of caveats: The transition from a "sibling-like relationship" to marriage never sits well with me, nor do young ladies who upend food and beverages on nice guys who cannot retaliate. Probably I would have enjoyed the story more if Smoky lobbed a cream pie at Sparrow at some point.
"Sparrow" is christened and formally engaged on the same day. She is a newborn and "Smoky" is the 6-year-old scion of the family of a neighboring estate.
Smoky grows up to be a wonderful guy--dashing, honorable, and an officer in the army, dedicated to defeating Napoleon.
Sparrow is lovely, as long as no one tries to tell her what to do.
To keep Sparrow safe and independent, the two marry when she is a teen and he immediately returns to the continent to report for duty. He still thinks of Sparrow as a child.
Overcoming that basic problem is difficult enough, but in addition are an evil uncle, war, Sparrow's wild little sister, and a sleazy step-cousin named Bobo (don't feel sorry for him--he deserves the nickname).
This is a cute story, but I have a couple of caveats: The transition from a "sibling-like relationship" to marriage never sits well with me, nor do young ladies who upend food and beverages on nice guys who cannot retaliate. Probably I would have enjoyed the story more if Smoky lobbed a cream pie at Sparrow at some point.
October 4, 2022
Metzger's Usual Humorous Romance
This is a fun regency. Emilyanne has grown up betrothed when born to the future Lord Stokely and played and romped through her childhood with him. To her he is Smoky her playmate. But when she is 16 her father dies and her trustee is her horrible uncle who plans to steal her inheritance. He cannot do so if she is married. Smokey is now off fighting Napoleon, but comes home for a few days visit. Emilyanne induces him to marry her to save her money and then he goes back to fight the next morning while Lady Stokely defies his every wish and lives it up in London. When he comes home why is she so nervous?
This is a fun regency. Emilyanne has grown up betrothed when born to the future Lord Stokely and played and romped through her childhood with him. To her he is Smoky her playmate. But when she is 16 her father dies and her trustee is her horrible uncle who plans to steal her inheritance. He cannot do so if she is married. Smokey is now off fighting Napoleon, but comes home for a few days visit. Emilyanne induces him to marry her to save her money and then he goes back to fight the next morning while Lady Stokely defies his every wish and lives it up in London. When he comes home why is she so nervous?
March 25, 2022
The beginning of the book is filled with Metzger's characteristic charm. Smoky and Sparrow are delightful as children. Emilyann retains most of her grit throughout the book which I love about Metzger's female characters. Smoky transforms from an adorable, resourceful child to a rake (like most of the heroes in Metzger's books) but still manages to be one of the nicer ones. The pacing of the plot dwindles somewhat in the middle and the end but doesn't affect the pleasure of reading it.
November 11, 2013
Lady Emilyann Arcott and Viscount Stokley were engaged on Emilyann's christening day, shortly after the death of her Mama. The Duke waished to protect his precious only daughter, an heiress, from his scoundrel brother. Stokley's Papa From then on, Emilyann became Stokley's to cherish and treasure. From climbing trees to fishing and other unladylike pursuits, Emilyann followed her beloved "Smokey" anywhere. Before Emilyann is old enough to come out, her Papa unexpectedly dies leaving her a fortune and in the care of her ne'er do well uncle, his Puritanical wife and her idiotish son Bobo. When Emilyann's uncle threatens to marry her to Bobo, Emilyann knows she needs to escape but where and how? Smoky is off fighting the French with Wellington and who knows when or if he'll return. As luck would have it, Emilyann learns from Smokey's younger brother Geoffrey that Stokley is in London at that very moment. Emilyann runs off to her Smokey who promises to help. Emilyann adds the condition that after Stokley returns from the wars they can get a quiet annulment. Stokley agrees with the condition that Emilyann not spend her fortune on his run down estate. Never one to listen, Emilyann does exactly as she pleases. Emilyann, Geoffrey and his silly sister Nadine head off to London to take the ton by storm. When news of his wife's social success reaches Stokley in Brussels, he dashes off to London to take control of his family. Instead of the parcel of unruly children he expects to find, he discovers his wife is a lively, confident, caring, beautiful woman and he wants nothing to do with any annulments! Emilyann is a bit unsure of her husband so Stokley sets out to woo her. A series of unusual accidents makes Stokley reluctant to leave his bride's side. Alas, Napoleon is on the run and it's back to war for the young Earl. Will he ever win his bride? Will Emilyann ever get to cherish her hero as he has cherished her all these years? Not if Emilyann's uncle has anything to say about it. This story is vastly different from the usual marriage of convenience plot. Most of the book is dedicated to exposition. The exposition is cute and funny at times but goes on too long. The subplot involving Emilyann's uncle and his family is far more entertaining. For all he's a villain, her uncle is a comic villain. His wife, Ingrid, and stepson Bobo provide a lot of the humor in the story. Stokley's aunt and sister also contribute to the comedic aspects of the plot. Since the exposition is long, the story feels really long and doesn't have much time to develop the relationship. Emilyann is very young, spoiled and headstrong. She grows up nicely and becomes an appealing character towards the end. Stokley is hardly in the story at all except as a minor character looking back on their childhood games and then in the last third of the novel. When Stokley appears, he's busy lusting after his bride instead of actually trying to woo her he tries to seduce her. The two are NOT the same thing. I didn't really like him much but there wasn't a lot of opportunity to get to know him. I preferred his brother Geoff. This isn't my favorite Barbara Metzger novel. It's cute and sometimes funny but the lack of relationship between the h/h turned me off. That and Pug, the dog, doesn't play a major role in the story and only appears or is mentioned in a few scenes. Lady Cheyne (My Lady Innkeeper) is mentioned in one scene but doesn't appear on page.
August 25, 2017
An Entertaining Treat
Well-written and edited, dialogue and settings authentic, characters three-dimensional, thrills, humour, a touch of history thrown in for good measure. What more to say? End of review. Well, hardly, I can find more to say.
Ms Metzger will have a hard time topping ”A Loyal Companion” in my humble opinion, but this book was another riotous story, although more subdued than “Companion”. Lady Emilyann is definitely a sad romp of a girl, but after her guardian, Uncle Morgan, threatens to force her to marry his stepson, Beauregard (called Bobo) so that he can get his hands on her money, she sets off on her wildest romp yet.
After a mad night time ride to London, accompanied by the brother of her husband-to-be, a hasty marriage to her childhood playmate Everett Stockton, affectionately called Smoky by Emilyann saves her from Bobo. Smoky is also a Captain in Wellington’s army and departs immediately to return to the Peninsula and the war with Napoleon. He leaves “Sparrow”, his pet name for Emilyann, well-covered for any and all contingencies, and also a list of explicit instructions as to what she can and can’t do.
The result is an hilarious, extremely witty account of Sparrow’s interpretation of those orders with the delightfully humorous bon mots that seem to be a feature of this author’s style. After some months, the new Countess takes her young sister-in-law, brother-in-law and their aunt to London (expressly forbidden in one of Smoky’s orders) which gives the opportunity for numerous witticisms.
Meanwhile, Uncle Morgan tries various ways of disposing of his spouse, Aunt Ingrid. His methods are actually really funny because they are so inept and Aunt Ingrid always escapes unscathed and seemingly unaware. The reader never knows for sure if Aunt Ingrid knows or suspects these attempts, but she is confident that the Lord will keep her safe.
This author has a wonderful comedic touch and this story was a pleasure to read. Another delightful clean Regency. Highly recommend.
Well-written and edited, dialogue and settings authentic, characters three-dimensional, thrills, humour, a touch of history thrown in for good measure. What more to say? End of review. Well, hardly, I can find more to say.
Ms Metzger will have a hard time topping ”A Loyal Companion” in my humble opinion, but this book was another riotous story, although more subdued than “Companion”. Lady Emilyann is definitely a sad romp of a girl, but after her guardian, Uncle Morgan, threatens to force her to marry his stepson, Beauregard (called Bobo) so that he can get his hands on her money, she sets off on her wildest romp yet.
After a mad night time ride to London, accompanied by the brother of her husband-to-be, a hasty marriage to her childhood playmate Everett Stockton, affectionately called Smoky by Emilyann saves her from Bobo. Smoky is also a Captain in Wellington’s army and departs immediately to return to the Peninsula and the war with Napoleon. He leaves “Sparrow”, his pet name for Emilyann, well-covered for any and all contingencies, and also a list of explicit instructions as to what she can and can’t do.
The result is an hilarious, extremely witty account of Sparrow’s interpretation of those orders with the delightfully humorous bon mots that seem to be a feature of this author’s style. After some months, the new Countess takes her young sister-in-law, brother-in-law and their aunt to London (expressly forbidden in one of Smoky’s orders) which gives the opportunity for numerous witticisms.
Meanwhile, Uncle Morgan tries various ways of disposing of his spouse, Aunt Ingrid. His methods are actually really funny because they are so inept and Aunt Ingrid always escapes unscathed and seemingly unaware. The reader never knows for sure if Aunt Ingrid knows or suspects these attempts, but she is confident that the Lord will keep her safe.
This author has a wonderful comedic touch and this story was a pleasure to read. Another delightful clean Regency. Highly recommend.
May 15, 2015
I loved this book from the first page. I love their relationship as children, I just wish they had more interaction as adults. It felt like they were apart for so much of the book and as entertaining as the letters were, I just wish there were more face-to-face confrontations. But I loved all the characters here and I love how Ms. Metzger writes - she really has a gift with words.
March 24, 2013
One of my favorites of Ms. Metzger. Because the hero and heroine had known each other forever, it made it believable. I also loved Sparrow's spunk and her way of manipulating Smoky while he was so far away so that it suited her needs.
Well done.
Well done.
January 25, 2014
A delightfully entertaining story, every time you read it!
May 30, 2013
Just recently discovered Metzger and I love her books. Georgette Heyer was an absolute favorite, but. Metzger's books are so fun and similar that I have not been able to read anything else.
January 7, 2018
3.5 Everything goes too sickeningly well. It's an entertaining read, but details are easily forgettable.
July 19, 2025
Barbara Metzger was a master of humour and heart, and An Early Engagement is no exception—it’s a delightful blend of sweet beginnings, unexpected twists, and an emotional reunion worthy of a full teapot and a second biscuit.
From the very first moment, when six-year-old Everett quiets baby Emilyann with a gentle touch of his finger, I was hooked. Smoky and Sparrow—childhood betrothed, torn apart by family quarrels and reunited under extraordinary circumstances—are the kind of couple you root for from bassinet to battlefield.
Emilyann is a hoyden through and through, clever and resourceful as she dodges a dreadful forced marriage by her evil uncle, who has taken over after her father’s untimely death and is determined to steal her inheritance by forcing the union with his doofus son. But the resilient Sparrow learns Smoky is in London on leave… disguised as a boy, no less and with her best companion and Smoky’s brother Geoff, heads to London to talk the military officer into marrying her. Metzger’s comedic timing shines here—Everett, freshly drunk and wildly unprepared, agrees to a marriage of convenience that turns out to be anything but.
As Emilyann takes charge of his estate, she transforms it, his Town residence and his countrified siblings into London-ready society members. The story deepens, balancing domestic humour with poignant longing. Everett returns from leave to find his Sparrow not just beautiful but unforgettable—and therein lies the rub. She may still love him, but their marriage wasn't supposed to become real, was it?
War rips them apart once more, and when Everett goes missing after Waterloo, Emilyann rushes to find him, discovering that neither of them is quite who they used to be. Metzger navigates their emotional reunion with sensitivity, reflecting the reality that love, while sweet, is rarely simple.
Some readers may baulk at the delayed consummation, but I found it quite possible in the era’s crazy marital ideology, especially with Smoky’s honourable intentions and care of Sparrow. Metzger’s rakes aren’t reckless—they’re tender-hearted rogues who want more than mere passion. Smoky wanted a partnership. And Sparrow, for all her wild beginnings, becomes the heart of that union.
This novel made me laugh out loud and tear up softly in the same breath. When I finish all of Metzger’s books, I know I will feel her absence deeply. But until then, gems like An Early Engagement will keep me company.
From the very first moment, when six-year-old Everett quiets baby Emilyann with a gentle touch of his finger, I was hooked. Smoky and Sparrow—childhood betrothed, torn apart by family quarrels and reunited under extraordinary circumstances—are the kind of couple you root for from bassinet to battlefield.
Emilyann is a hoyden through and through, clever and resourceful as she dodges a dreadful forced marriage by her evil uncle, who has taken over after her father’s untimely death and is determined to steal her inheritance by forcing the union with his doofus son. But the resilient Sparrow learns Smoky is in London on leave… disguised as a boy, no less and with her best companion and Smoky’s brother Geoff, heads to London to talk the military officer into marrying her. Metzger’s comedic timing shines here—Everett, freshly drunk and wildly unprepared, agrees to a marriage of convenience that turns out to be anything but.
As Emilyann takes charge of his estate, she transforms it, his Town residence and his countrified siblings into London-ready society members. The story deepens, balancing domestic humour with poignant longing. Everett returns from leave to find his Sparrow not just beautiful but unforgettable—and therein lies the rub. She may still love him, but their marriage wasn't supposed to become real, was it?
War rips them apart once more, and when Everett goes missing after Waterloo, Emilyann rushes to find him, discovering that neither of them is quite who they used to be. Metzger navigates their emotional reunion with sensitivity, reflecting the reality that love, while sweet, is rarely simple.
Some readers may baulk at the delayed consummation, but I found it quite possible in the era’s crazy marital ideology, especially with Smoky’s honourable intentions and care of Sparrow. Metzger’s rakes aren’t reckless—they’re tender-hearted rogues who want more than mere passion. Smoky wanted a partnership. And Sparrow, for all her wild beginnings, becomes the heart of that union.
This novel made me laugh out loud and tear up softly in the same breath. When I finish all of Metzger’s books, I know I will feel her absence deeply. But until then, gems like An Early Engagement will keep me company.
May 1, 2019
After Emilyann was born, her father (the Duke of Aylesbury) and the Earl of Stokely, decided that their children should one day marry and signed a document to that effect. Years later, after the death of Emilyann's father, the new duke wanted Emilyann's inheritance and tried to force her to marry his step-son Bobo.
By that time, the young earl was fighting against Bonaparte. Emilyann/Sparrow tracked down Everett/Smoky and demanded that he marry her to save her from Bobo. Smoky did and immediately returned to the front.
At the time of her hasty marriage, Sparrow was known as a hellion and a hoyden. However, she took over the dilapidated Stokely holdings and oversaw the remodeling and repairs of the lands, tenant's houses and main house.
Lady Emilyann became the toast of London and an accomplished overseer of her husband's lands. But is this what Smoky wants for a wife?
By that time, the young earl was fighting against Bonaparte. Emilyann/Sparrow tracked down Everett/Smoky and demanded that he marry her to save her from Bobo. Smoky did and immediately returned to the front.
At the time of her hasty marriage, Sparrow was known as a hellion and a hoyden. However, she took over the dilapidated Stokely holdings and oversaw the remodeling and repairs of the lands, tenant's houses and main house.
Lady Emilyann became the toast of London and an accomplished overseer of her husband's lands. But is this what Smoky wants for a wife?
May 11, 2025
Fun & Joy
A thoroughly enjoyable and delightful read. Stokesly & Emilyann have belonged to each other since she was born through an arrangement organised by their fathers.
The book’s dominating character is Emilyann, who grows from a lovable tomboy into a charming, strong-willed & independent woman. Stokesly, despite saving her through marriage, thinks of his wife as that madcap young girl. After all, they can always get an annulment when the war is over.
Yet she is clever and an excellent manager of both finances and property. As he is too dedicated to the military to go home, she sees no reason to go her own way, cleverly finding way to circumvent his dictates.
His shock when seeing her again after some years away fighting, is amusing.
Heroines, villains, and all the panoply of pantomime characters, I couldn’t put this one down, it was read in one sitting.
Highly recommended
A thoroughly enjoyable and delightful read. Stokesly & Emilyann have belonged to each other since she was born through an arrangement organised by their fathers.
The book’s dominating character is Emilyann, who grows from a lovable tomboy into a charming, strong-willed & independent woman. Stokesly, despite saving her through marriage, thinks of his wife as that madcap young girl. After all, they can always get an annulment when the war is over.
Yet she is clever and an excellent manager of both finances and property. As he is too dedicated to the military to go home, she sees no reason to go her own way, cleverly finding way to circumvent his dictates.
His shock when seeing her again after some years away fighting, is amusing.
Heroines, villains, and all the panoply of pantomime characters, I couldn’t put this one down, it was read in one sitting.
Highly recommended
September 14, 2025
Perhaps Miss Lockharte's Letters is as good as it gets in Metzger's bibliography.
The past two books I've read of hers — first, A Loyal Companion, and then An Early Engagement, failed to hit the mark. The male leads have disappointed me in one way or another in both, although this book was the more evident of the two.
Lord Stokely "Smoky" and Emilyanne's childhood friendship and unwavering loyalty to each other were absolutely heartwarming to read, and I would've loved to see that dynamic develop slowly into a romance over the course of the story. Instead, when he returned from the army and was shocked to find his wife was attractive, he immediately wanted to sleep with her (even though she was obviously avoiding that and uncomfortable with the idea because THEY DON'T KNOW EACH OTHER AS ADULTS). He could've been a great character, and there were parts of him I enjoyed, but he fixated on that single aspect of their relationship, and it made for an uncomfortable reunion.
I won't let this deter me from exploring more of Metzger's books in the future, but I might be more hesitant to pick them up now that I've had two "meh" experiences in a row.
If there are any standout titles I should check out, please let me know!
The past two books I've read of hers — first, A Loyal Companion, and then An Early Engagement, failed to hit the mark. The male leads have disappointed me in one way or another in both, although this book was the more evident of the two.
Lord Stokely "Smoky" and Emilyanne's childhood friendship and unwavering loyalty to each other were absolutely heartwarming to read, and I would've loved to see that dynamic develop slowly into a romance over the course of the story. Instead, when he returned from the army and was shocked to find his wife was attractive, he immediately wanted to sleep with her (even though she was obviously avoiding that and uncomfortable with the idea because THEY DON'T KNOW EACH OTHER AS ADULTS). He could've been a great character, and there were parts of him I enjoyed, but he fixated on that single aspect of their relationship, and it made for an uncomfortable reunion.
I won't let this deter me from exploring more of Metzger's books in the future, but I might be more hesitant to pick them up now that I've had two "meh" experiences in a row.
If there are any standout titles I should check out, please let me know!
August 2, 2019
If you like older Regency romance, this is a cute one with some very time-honored tropes (betrothed in their cradles! married to escape an unwanted suitor! if these dum-dums would just TALK TO EACH OTHER this would all be solved so easily!) and I enjoyed the heroine's spunk and unexpected business acumen. If you're expecting contemporary levels of feminism a la Tessa Dare or Courtney Milan, you're not going to find them. I mostly picked this up for the Extremely Vintage cover and it was a fast, fun read.
January 12, 2022
Charming historical romance with a marriage of convenience trope. Gruff and grumpy hero, who is truly chivalrous and a little domineering, marries much younger childhood friend to help her escape from her evil uncle. Heroine is sassy and determined, and (surprise!) all grown up and a society hit. After a year, hero returns home from war after leaving his new wife hours after they wed, and he is struck by how much she has grown and changed.
Closed door romance with two characters you cannot help but root for.
Closed door romance with two characters you cannot help but root for.
January 11, 2019
La mia valutazione sarebbe stata più severa, se non mi trovassi in un periodo di superlavoro in cui mi serviva proprio una storia così: non troppo emozionante, non troppo avvincente, non troppo intelligente. Sì, Barbara Metzger ha scritto di meglio: ma questo raccontino all'acqua di rose è riuscito egregiamente a svagarmi senza impegnarmi.
July 18, 2021
New twist on star crossed lovers
Frankly I enjoyed the subplot about Aunt Ingrid and Uncle Morgan more than the "two insecure young idiots who can't believe the other one loves them" trope. I would have liked to have seen a more definitive end to the Gretna story, I would like to think the chit had grown beyond her earlier bad taste. And I 'd like to have a bit more about Pug.
Frankly I enjoyed the subplot about Aunt Ingrid and Uncle Morgan more than the "two insecure young idiots who can't believe the other one loves them" trope. I would have liked to have seen a more definitive end to the Gretna story, I would like to think the chit had grown beyond her earlier bad taste. And I 'd like to have a bit more about Pug.
September 1, 2017
Sparrow and her interpretations of Smokey's directions was hysterical. She was such a plucky heroine. The romance was on the light side since the characters are separated much of the time, but it was such a fun adventure that I didn't mind.
January 16, 2019
Fun and Romance
I love this funny Regency romance. Sparrow is such a sweet and lovely character, and the on-going machinations of her evil relative are done in a way which isn't annoying. Thoroughly recommend.
I love this funny Regency romance. Sparrow is such a sweet and lovely character, and the on-going machinations of her evil relative are done in a way which isn't annoying. Thoroughly recommend.
June 12, 2019
Another fine title from Barbara Metzger. This time it's two childhood sweethearts who have grown apart find each other again. Emilyann, the female romantic lead, is delightfully described as full of life and passion. After the requisite toils and tribulations, true love prevails.
January 8, 2024
Cheeky Lass
Barbara Metzger is such a great storyteller. I enjoy her writing and witty dialogue. This is one of her best works. The characters in this book are very quirky and likable as is usual for the author. The many fiascos in the story were most entertaining.
Barbara Metzger is such a great storyteller. I enjoy her writing and witty dialogue. This is one of her best works. The characters in this book are very quirky and likable as is usual for the author. The many fiascos in the story were most entertaining.
May 19, 2024
I’m not a huge fan of childhood friends getting married, but this was okay because they did not know each other well during Emilyanne’s teenage years. She is an okay character - only 18 but does everything perfectly, loved by all, and rich too. I dislike those types of characters!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews