What do you think?
Rate this book
Fairweather Sisters #1
Penelope
Leaving behind the rural charms of Finnshire, Miss Penelope Fairweather arrives in London with hope in her heart and a dream in her eye. The dowager, no less, has invited her for a season in London, where she will attempt to catch a husband.
Thus begins our heroine’s tale as she attempts to tackle the London season with all her rustic finesse. Unfortunately, her rustic finesse turns out to be as delicate as a fat bear trying to rip apart a honeycomb infested with buzzing bees.
What follows is a series of misadventures, love affairs, moonlit balls, fancy clothes, fake moustaches, highwaymen, sneering beauties, pickpockets, and the wrath of a devilishly handsome duke.
Thus begins our heroine’s tale as she attempts to tackle the London season with all her rustic finesse. Unfortunately, her rustic finesse turns out to be as delicate as a fat bear trying to rip apart a honeycomb infested with buzzing bees.
What follows is a series of misadventures, love affairs, moonlit balls, fancy clothes, fake moustaches, highwaymen, sneering beauties, pickpockets, and the wrath of a devilishly handsome duke.
302 pages, ebook
First published January 13, 2013
1757 people are currently reading
2213 people want to read
About the author
Anya Wylde
68 books304 followersAnya Wylde lives in Ireland along with her husband and a fat French poodle (now on a diet). She can cook a mean curry, and her idea of exercise is occasionally stretching her toes. She holds a degree in English literature and adores reading and writing.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 584 reviews
May 29, 2020
I hate giving a bad review when an author gives me a free copy of a book. But the author approached me because she thought I liked humorous Regency romances & I did message her back that I usually only like the incomparable Georgette Heyer's Regencies & that I was in a bit of a reading slump because of Lockdown. Ms Wylde still very kindly sent me a copy.
I had a problem almost immediately with the idea of a pet goat being kept in the house. (not a spoiler - Lady Bathsheba is introduced 3% in) I've owned two goats & I can tell you, no one in their right mind would keep a goat indoors! We got our first goat because the previous owner claimed Hoover had eaten all the washing off their clothesline. I'm sure that was an exaggeration. Hoover was only a kid then. As an adult, not only would he have been capable of eating an entire wash - he probably would have eaten the clothes line too! Fortunately (I guess) when he got off he found more appealing targets - our rose bushes, for example!
The other thing with goats is they defecate constantly - what my husband called hundreds & thousands - & their pooh really stinks. This isn't to say that they aren't great pets - our second goat, Petunia, was lovely - but they need to be kept outside with appropriate shelter. I have to say, I really started questioning my life choices, when on top of everything else I had to do as a working Mum, I had to take the goat for walks. (to keep her hooves down)
This jarred me every time Lady Bathsheba appeared, because I couldn't lose myself in a romance that I knew from other reviews had a fair few anachronisms. (such as frequently mentioning "bloomers" for women's underpants) I made it to 31%, but I didn't find this book funny & I thought the hero was ridiculous.
Not for me. Sorry.
https://wordpress.com/view/carolshess...
I had a problem almost immediately with the idea of a pet goat being kept in the house. (not a spoiler - Lady Bathsheba is introduced 3% in) I've owned two goats & I can tell you, no one in their right mind would keep a goat indoors! We got our first goat because the previous owner claimed Hoover had eaten all the washing off their clothesline. I'm sure that was an exaggeration. Hoover was only a kid then. As an adult, not only would he have been capable of eating an entire wash - he probably would have eaten the clothes line too! Fortunately (I guess) when he got off he found more appealing targets - our rose bushes, for example!
The other thing with goats is they defecate constantly - what my husband called hundreds & thousands - & their pooh really stinks. This isn't to say that they aren't great pets - our second goat, Petunia, was lovely - but they need to be kept outside with appropriate shelter. I have to say, I really started questioning my life choices, when on top of everything else I had to do as a working Mum, I had to take the goat for walks. (to keep her hooves down)
This jarred me every time Lady Bathsheba appeared, because I couldn't lose myself in a romance that I knew from other reviews had a fair few anachronisms. (such as frequently mentioning "bloomers" for women's underpants) I made it to 31%, but I didn't find this book funny & I thought the hero was ridiculous.
Not for me. Sorry.
https://wordpress.com/view/carolshess...
July 1, 2013
Synopsis
Young country maiden, Penelope Fairweather arrives in London to stay with the Radclyffs, her goal to catch a husband. However, Penelope is the most awkward of ducklings. She is a disaster magnet, with no polish, a penchant for saying whatever comes to her mind, and a best friend (Lady Bathsheba) who is a goat. So the dowager Duchess of Blackthorne and her daughter, Anne, Lady Radclyff, have their work cut out for them. It doesn't help that Charles, the present duke, despises Penelope, and wants to send her back to Finnshire. What they don't know is that Penelope has no home to go back to, since her stepmother hates her. Penelope has one chance to have a home, and that's to succeed at finding a husband. If only she could do something right and temper her incautious, enthusiastic ways, so she can have a chance at a home and a family of her own.
The Radclyff women recruit Madame Bellafraunde, a dynamo at styling women of the ton, who just happens to be a man dressed as a woman, to turn Penelope into a stylish young lady who can catch a husband. What ensues is moment after moment of zany scenes, as Penelope struggles to find her feet in a new world. The Duke of Blackthorne slowly finds his feelings change for Penelope, her sweet spirit and generous, authentic nature finding the key to his frozen heart. Now if he could only convince Penelope that he doesn't hate her. There's also the matter of his mean-spirited fianceé, Lady Lydia Snowly.
Review
Penelope is a laugh riot. This is a book for romance readers who really want to enjoy themselves with lots of slapstick-style comedic scenes and absurdity. Penelope is absolutely adorable. Her sweetness and honest spirit makes her a heroine that readers will love. At times, I wondered how she could constantly stumble from disaster to disaster, but it's all in fun. Mixed with the hilarious moments is pathos for Penelope's situation. She lost her true mother at birth, and was never loved by her stepmother. She never felt accepted in her own home. She hasn't had the same opportunities as many, but that doesn't stop her from being a young woman of courage and strength.
Charles, Duke Blackthorne is not very likable for most of the book. He says the most horrible things to Penelope, which makes him seem like a puppy-kicker. I loved that Penelope stood up to him, and demanded his respect. She didn't try to fit into his narrow boxes and narrow world, and over time, he realizes that he loves her for who she is, despite her lack of a verbal filter and penchant for disaster. While I didn't much care for Charles initially, he does come around and redeem himself, and he and Penelope have great chemistry. I wanted him to fall in love with her, just because that would be the last possible thing a lofty duke like himself would ever consider doing.
This novel is populated with quirky characters that kept me laughing and engaged in the story. I love to laugh, and Anya Wylde definitely had me laughing with this book. I couldn't wait to see what zany disaster would occur next. I liked the crazy twist on "My Fair Lady", with a little cross-dressing thrown in.
Penelope is a thoroughly enjoyable novel. It's unashamedly goofy, but it's done so well, this book is infectiously readable as a result. I would recommend this novel to readers who love funny romance stories. Penelope is a heroine that you can't help but love. Charles isn't quite as likable, which is why this isn't a five star read, but I did like how he comes to realize that he can't resist falling in love with Penelope. And it's great to see her get the happy ending she deserves. Definitely recommended!
Overall rating: 4.5/5.0 stars.
Reviewed for The Hope Chest Reviews: http://www.thcreviews.com/cgi-bin/vts...
Young country maiden, Penelope Fairweather arrives in London to stay with the Radclyffs, her goal to catch a husband. However, Penelope is the most awkward of ducklings. She is a disaster magnet, with no polish, a penchant for saying whatever comes to her mind, and a best friend (Lady Bathsheba) who is a goat. So the dowager Duchess of Blackthorne and her daughter, Anne, Lady Radclyff, have their work cut out for them. It doesn't help that Charles, the present duke, despises Penelope, and wants to send her back to Finnshire. What they don't know is that Penelope has no home to go back to, since her stepmother hates her. Penelope has one chance to have a home, and that's to succeed at finding a husband. If only she could do something right and temper her incautious, enthusiastic ways, so she can have a chance at a home and a family of her own.
The Radclyff women recruit Madame Bellafraunde, a dynamo at styling women of the ton, who just happens to be a man dressed as a woman, to turn Penelope into a stylish young lady who can catch a husband. What ensues is moment after moment of zany scenes, as Penelope struggles to find her feet in a new world. The Duke of Blackthorne slowly finds his feelings change for Penelope, her sweet spirit and generous, authentic nature finding the key to his frozen heart. Now if he could only convince Penelope that he doesn't hate her. There's also the matter of his mean-spirited fianceé, Lady Lydia Snowly.
Review
Penelope is a laugh riot. This is a book for romance readers who really want to enjoy themselves with lots of slapstick-style comedic scenes and absurdity. Penelope is absolutely adorable. Her sweetness and honest spirit makes her a heroine that readers will love. At times, I wondered how she could constantly stumble from disaster to disaster, but it's all in fun. Mixed with the hilarious moments is pathos for Penelope's situation. She lost her true mother at birth, and was never loved by her stepmother. She never felt accepted in her own home. She hasn't had the same opportunities as many, but that doesn't stop her from being a young woman of courage and strength.
Charles, Duke Blackthorne is not very likable for most of the book. He says the most horrible things to Penelope, which makes him seem like a puppy-kicker. I loved that Penelope stood up to him, and demanded his respect. She didn't try to fit into his narrow boxes and narrow world, and over time, he realizes that he loves her for who she is, despite her lack of a verbal filter and penchant for disaster. While I didn't much care for Charles initially, he does come around and redeem himself, and he and Penelope have great chemistry. I wanted him to fall in love with her, just because that would be the last possible thing a lofty duke like himself would ever consider doing.
This novel is populated with quirky characters that kept me laughing and engaged in the story. I love to laugh, and Anya Wylde definitely had me laughing with this book. I couldn't wait to see what zany disaster would occur next. I liked the crazy twist on "My Fair Lady", with a little cross-dressing thrown in.
Penelope is a thoroughly enjoyable novel. It's unashamedly goofy, but it's done so well, this book is infectiously readable as a result. I would recommend this novel to readers who love funny romance stories. Penelope is a heroine that you can't help but love. Charles isn't quite as likable, which is why this isn't a five star read, but I did like how he comes to realize that he can't resist falling in love with Penelope. And it's great to see her get the happy ending she deserves. Definitely recommended!
Overall rating: 4.5/5.0 stars.
Reviewed for The Hope Chest Reviews: http://www.thcreviews.com/cgi-bin/vts...
October 1, 2021
Silly fun.... Like a "Fractured Fairy-tale"
September 22, 2025
2.5⭐️ A sweet, ditzy heroine, and then it goes downhill from there.
🐐 A goat who was housebroken and slept on her bed. Srsly?
👺An MMC who says downright, mean things to the FMC for far too long.
“Yes, I thought you were a fruit fly. […] You are exactly like a mosquito,” he continued as the music soared to a crescendo, “an annoying little bug, and I wish I could bring my hands together and splat! Squish you in an instant.”
😱Typos and unusual word choices like roof for ceiling.
After this book I had to temporarily flee HRs, and switch to mysteries.
🐐 A goat who was housebroken and slept on her bed. Srsly?
👺An MMC who says downright, mean things to the FMC for far too long.
“Yes, I thought you were a fruit fly. […] You are exactly like a mosquito,” he continued as the music soared to a crescendo, “an annoying little bug, and I wish I could bring my hands together and splat! Squish you in an instant.”
😱Typos and unusual word choices like roof for ceiling.
After this book I had to temporarily flee HRs, and switch to mysteries.
August 19, 2019
4.5 stars
Penelope is a sweet historical romantic comedy, filled with amusing and original ideas.
Anya Wylde is a great storyteller. She smoothly carries the story forward, vividly portrays the characters, and is able to make enjoyable even the descriptive parts. You become attached to the characters soon, you can see and hear them, and feel sympathy for them.
Penelope, a country girl, with her refreshing uniqueness, arrives to spend the season in London, at the invitation of her mother’s old friend, the dowager of Blackthorne.
With her tendency to babble, and to cause embarrassing accidents, Penelope is very much out of place. But she is also kind, open, and cheerful, so she immediately wins the support and friendship of the dowager and her daughter, Lady Anne. No one in her surroundings can remain untouched by her irresistible persona, maybe except Charles, the Duke of Blackthorne, who is highly irritated by the presence of Penelope, for many reasons.
Even though he mercilessly insults her, whenever he gets the chance, it is obvious from the very beginning that Penelope and the Duke are meant for each other. But they go through many hilarious situations before they have their ‘happily ever after’.
What is not perfect
While the reader is whirled through the events of the story, some gentleness is forming between Penelope and Charles, slowly, bit by bit. It's nicely developed but about at three-quarters of the book there is a scene that breaks this development. Both Penelope's and the Duke's behavior are exaggerated, and inconsistent here.
The musical scene put me off, too. I don’t really like the genre in general, but reading a musical... well... it hardly needs to be said, weird.
And I expected more laughter because of the fake moustaches.
What I loved
All of the characters are well-portrayed and kind of caricatural, and it’s okay - they are very entertaining.
The duke, the ”blasted, infuriating, heartbreakingly handsome man”, who can be so kind and thoughtful that Penelope wishes “he would do something, anything, to make her hate him again.”
Penelope, the brave, temperamental country girl, who has a special talent to turn everything upside-down. Who babbles when nervous, but she doesn't back off when she meets bandits, and never loses heart.
But not only Charles is annoyed with Penelope, they are mutually irritated by each other:
The fights and teasing between them were delightful, full of suppressed tension and intensity. I loved the kisses!! How sweet they were!
And soon – due to Penelope’s charm - the duke, who never smiles, now laughs. The duke, who never apologizes, now says he is sorry. Many times.
The secondary characters are great!
Lady Anne – I got to like her right in the first chapter. She is so hungry for a change, and Penelope surpasses even her wildest expectations:
Anne’s side story is great as well. Her friendship with Penelope is lovely:
I loved Madame Bellafraunde’s character and lectures:
Jimmy Grey, the Falcon is hilarious!
And finally Lady Bathsheba, who has not only a personality, but also strong self-esteem:
All in all
Penelope is a delightful and sweet regency romance, with lovable characters, satisfying romance, surprising twists and turns, and lots of laughter!
I would like to thank the author, Ms. Wylde, for a copy of Penelope, in exchange for an honest review.
“All the good stuff is not for ladies,” Penelope grumbled.
Penelope is a sweet historical romantic comedy, filled with amusing and original ideas.
Anya Wylde is a great storyteller. She smoothly carries the story forward, vividly portrays the characters, and is able to make enjoyable even the descriptive parts. You become attached to the characters soon, you can see and hear them, and feel sympathy for them.
Penelope, a country girl, with her refreshing uniqueness, arrives to spend the season in London, at the invitation of her mother’s old friend, the dowager of Blackthorne.
With her tendency to babble, and to cause embarrassing accidents, Penelope is very much out of place. But she is also kind, open, and cheerful, so she immediately wins the support and friendship of the dowager and her daughter, Lady Anne. No one in her surroundings can remain untouched by her irresistible persona, maybe except Charles, the Duke of Blackthorne, who is highly irritated by the presence of Penelope, for many reasons.
Even though he mercilessly insults her, whenever he gets the chance, it is obvious from the very beginning that Penelope and the Duke are meant for each other. But they go through many hilarious situations before they have their ‘happily ever after’.
What is not perfect
While the reader is whirled through the events of the story, some gentleness is forming between Penelope and Charles, slowly, bit by bit. It's nicely developed but about at three-quarters of the book there is a scene that breaks this development. Both Penelope's and the Duke's behavior are exaggerated, and inconsistent here.
The musical scene put me off, too. I don’t really like the genre in general, but reading a musical... well... it hardly needs to be said, weird.
And I expected more laughter because of the fake moustaches.
What I loved
All of the characters are well-portrayed and kind of caricatural, and it’s okay - they are very entertaining.
The duke, the ”blasted, infuriating, heartbreakingly handsome man”, who can be so kind and thoughtful that Penelope wishes “he would do something, anything, to make her hate him again.”
Penelope, the brave, temperamental country girl, who has a special talent to turn everything upside-down. Who babbles when nervous, but she doesn't back off when she meets bandits, and never loses heart.
Lady Anne giggled. “She arrived this afternoon and has managed to annoy Charles, scare Sir Henry, horrify you and entertain me.
But not only Charles is annoyed with Penelope, they are mutually irritated by each other:
“Oh, you horrid man, I wish I could strangle you.”
The fights and teasing between them were delightful, full of suppressed tension and intensity. I loved the kisses!! How sweet they were!
And soon – due to Penelope’s charm - the duke, who never smiles, now laughs. The duke, who never apologizes, now says he is sorry. Many times.
The secondary characters are great!
Lady Anne – I got to like her right in the first chapter. She is so hungry for a change, and Penelope surpasses even her wildest expectations:
Lady Anne grinned. She had never been introduced to a goat before.
Anne’s side story is great as well. Her friendship with Penelope is lovely:
“Penny, how could you behave like a total idiot?” Anne giggled.
“I have no pride when it comes to winning back people I love.”
Anne smiled, “I love you too, Penny.”
I loved Madame Bellafraunde’s character and lectures:
“Men find all girls in skirts desirable depending on their mood. A man need not love to make love.”
Jimmy Grey, the Falcon is hilarious!
And finally Lady Bathsheba, who has not only a personality, but also strong self-esteem:
“Lady Bathsheba doesn’t like being called a goat …,” Penelope muttered to herself.
All in all
Penelope is a delightful and sweet regency romance, with lovable characters, satisfying romance, surprising twists and turns, and lots of laughter!
I would like to thank the author, Ms. Wylde, for a copy of Penelope, in exchange for an honest review.
March 9, 2013
Two things:
First, MANY times I had to ignore impossible plot points, events, and the characters’ reasons for what they said and did. There’s really no place for rational thinking in this story. None. You just have to sit back and enjoy.
Second, I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
Let me first start with what I didn’t like..so I can end on a good note and say what I loved about this book. What I didn’t like was that the silliness and “incidents” or “accidents” were one on top of another. And I think it was one [or two or three or more] too many for me. There were probably about 10 incidents before things started to normalize for Penelope. Then there was the Duke’s reason for his hatred of Penelope. Again, it was too farfetched that what happened to him happened as many times as it did (and a little off-putting that he jumped from one woman to the next in a relationship capacity, instead of the generally accepted mistress route.) It’s not that I don’t like these silly happenings, it’s just that when there are too many, it becomes too out of character and I want my H/h to have at least some good sense. Or worse yet, when there are too many, I start to believe that the stupidity, naïveté, and nonsensical carelessness is part of their character and that is not attractive. I was close to this point, but thankfully the H/h didn’t quite cross the point of no return.
What I loved…the romance. The love/hate tension. The starchy Duke unraveling. I’m such a sucker for when these serious and stuffy men start to crack a smile, laugh, and show some emotion and vulnerability. Even though the Duke was terribly rude and mean to Penelope, he was there to her rescue when it counted. We always knew he had a heart since he already had a soft spot for his mother and sister, but when that soft spot opened up for Penelope, *sigh* There’s nothing better! *sigh*
Penelope is an endearing heroine. She’s honest, caring, and quirky. She attracts mishaps like moth to a flame through no fault of her own, but there is also a little bit of ridiculousness to her that is all her own. Like having a pet goat or her “word vomit” tendencies when she’s nervous, but what I like most is that there is a sense of selflessness about her. Reminding us of how her mother took the Dowager under her wing many years ago. That’s why she’s good for the Duke because even though he was rude to her, she would still want nothing but good things for him. She would never trap him or hurt him the way he had been in the past.
The supporting characters were fantastic! The Dowager, Anne, Mary, Lord Rivers, Lady Bathsheba, and my most favorite one Madame Bellafraunde! So engaging! I think Madame is the angel Penelope’s mom sent down from heaven to help her.
This book is not to be taken seriously. I don’t say that as a criticism but more to the point that this book was written to entertain, to enjoy. There’s so much humor (some slapstick humor), heart, wit, and romance all rolled into this madcap tale. Thank you Anya Wylde!
*Note: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. I did see this book on B&N Nook for $0.99 and I would have gladly purchased it!
First, MANY times I had to ignore impossible plot points, events, and the characters’ reasons for what they said and did. There’s really no place for rational thinking in this story. None. You just have to sit back and enjoy.
Second, I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
Let me first start with what I didn’t like..so I can end on a good note and say what I loved about this book. What I didn’t like was that the silliness and “incidents” or “accidents” were one on top of another. And I think it was one [or two or three or more] too many for me. There were probably about 10 incidents before things started to normalize for Penelope. Then there was the Duke’s reason for his hatred of Penelope. Again, it was too farfetched that what happened to him happened as many times as it did (and a little off-putting that he jumped from one woman to the next in a relationship capacity, instead of the generally accepted mistress route.) It’s not that I don’t like these silly happenings, it’s just that when there are too many, it becomes too out of character and I want my H/h to have at least some good sense. Or worse yet, when there are too many, I start to believe that the stupidity, naïveté, and nonsensical carelessness is part of their character and that is not attractive. I was close to this point, but thankfully the H/h didn’t quite cross the point of no return.
What I loved…the romance. The love/hate tension. The starchy Duke unraveling. I’m such a sucker for when these serious and stuffy men start to crack a smile, laugh, and show some emotion and vulnerability. Even though the Duke was terribly rude and mean to Penelope, he was there to her rescue when it counted. We always knew he had a heart since he already had a soft spot for his mother and sister, but when that soft spot opened up for Penelope, *sigh* There’s nothing better! *sigh*
Penelope is an endearing heroine. She’s honest, caring, and quirky. She attracts mishaps like moth to a flame through no fault of her own, but there is also a little bit of ridiculousness to her that is all her own. Like having a pet goat or her “word vomit” tendencies when she’s nervous, but what I like most is that there is a sense of selflessness about her. Reminding us of how her mother took the Dowager under her wing many years ago. That’s why she’s good for the Duke because even though he was rude to her, she would still want nothing but good things for him. She would never trap him or hurt him the way he had been in the past.
The supporting characters were fantastic! The Dowager, Anne, Mary, Lord Rivers, Lady Bathsheba, and my most favorite one Madame Bellafraunde! So engaging! I think Madame is the angel Penelope’s mom sent down from heaven to help her.
This book is not to be taken seriously. I don’t say that as a criticism but more to the point that this book was written to entertain, to enjoy. There’s so much humor (some slapstick humor), heart, wit, and romance all rolled into this madcap tale. Thank you Anya Wylde!
*Note: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. I did see this book on B&N Nook for $0.99 and I would have gladly purchased it!
July 13, 2025
Read: 7/12/25
Setting: Regency England
Trope: class difference, silly humor
3.5 Stars!
What a crazy, madcap story! I enjoyed the silly mishaps that followed in poor Penelope's way.
This is definitely one of those books that the characters are modern thinking but put in a historical setting. I don't see Regency women being so open-minded about a Trans person, but you just go with it.
Conclusion: I was expecting a fun, light book, and that's what I got!
Setting: Regency England
Trope: class difference, silly humor
3.5 Stars!
What a crazy, madcap story! I enjoyed the silly mishaps that followed in poor Penelope's way.
This is definitely one of those books that the characters are modern thinking but put in a historical setting. I don't see Regency women being so open-minded about a Trans person, but you just go with it.
Conclusion: I was expecting a fun, light book, and that's what I got!
June 7, 2020
Hahahahaha oohhhhhh this book!!! Where do I start?!
I have just finished it, and am still busy wiping the tears from my eyes, born equally from laughter and adorable feelz. I have absolutely no idea how Anya Wylde managed to write one of the most adorable Regency romances I've ever read, where half the book literally makes no sense and the other half consists of the H/h yelling insults at each other.
I don't know how it's possible, but it just happened, and I absolutely LOVED it.
As pretty much every single review will tell you, Penelope is a madcap Regency comedy. And by madcap, we mean literally impossible. Penelope (our dear heroine) has a pet goat, befriends highwaymen, and spends the night unchaperoned at a lord's residence. There is a cross-dressing modiste, an old butler who dances in the drawing-room, and an old grand-father who believes in mustaches.
The adventures of the Season include accidentally ripping a hostess's gown to the point where she is uncovered, being chased out of a mansion by a cheetah, and falling out of orange trees into the arms of unsuspecting gentlemen.
The historical inaccuracies range from these improbable and impossible plot lines, to women wearing bloomers (not a thing during the Regency era) and men wearing just a shirt (scandal!).
The hero repeatedly calls the heroine an imbecile, an idiot, a nuisance, a doxie, a country wench, and a thousand other vile names besides. He point-blank tells her at least three times, "I do not like you", and refers to her as a fruit fly or a mosquito for half the book.
The heroine naturally despises the hateful, arrogant, conceited, pompous, overbearing, domineering, impatient, horrible, blasted hero and spends 90% of the story boiling his temper.
Their romance was founded on insults and dislike.
Hottest thing I've ever read.
I genuinely don't understand how their chemistry was that good, but my GOODNESS, IT WAS SIZZLING OFF THE PAGES. I don't know how, but it WORKED. I loved them!! Such squabbling! Such heated repartee! Such passionate rejoinders! Such love!
I honestly can't explain this book. It makes no sense. But it's hilariously contrived and delightfully humorous. The characters are all gems, and somehow, somehow, it just...works.
This was kinda like Georgette Heyer meets Jen Turano, and I'm here for this. I didn't realize how much I needed a lighthearted, funny book until I started reading Penelope. I knew what I was getting into, having been warned by the reviews that it was a very silly, madcap story, so I was fully prepared to disregard logical plot points, and I had a fantastic time. I laughed out loud several times (in public) and didn't care.
It was such good fun, and I absolutely adored Penelope.
Gaaahhhhhh I loved it!! I'm an incoherent mess! <3 <3
*A huge thank you to the author for giving me a copy of this book, I enjoyed it immensely, and all opinions expressed here are my own.
I have just finished it, and am still busy wiping the tears from my eyes, born equally from laughter and adorable feelz. I have absolutely no idea how Anya Wylde managed to write one of the most adorable Regency romances I've ever read, where half the book literally makes no sense and the other half consists of the H/h yelling insults at each other.
I don't know how it's possible, but it just happened, and I absolutely LOVED it.
As pretty much every single review will tell you, Penelope is a madcap Regency comedy. And by madcap, we mean literally impossible. Penelope (our dear heroine) has a pet goat, befriends highwaymen, and spends the night unchaperoned at a lord's residence. There is a cross-dressing modiste, an old butler who dances in the drawing-room, and an old grand-father who believes in mustaches.
The adventures of the Season include accidentally ripping a hostess's gown to the point where she is uncovered, being chased out of a mansion by a cheetah, and falling out of orange trees into the arms of unsuspecting gentlemen.
The historical inaccuracies range from these improbable and impossible plot lines, to women wearing bloomers (not a thing during the Regency era) and men wearing just a shirt (scandal!).
The hero repeatedly calls the heroine an imbecile, an idiot, a nuisance, a doxie, a country wench, and a thousand other vile names besides. He point-blank tells her at least three times, "I do not like you", and refers to her as a fruit fly or a mosquito for half the book.
The heroine naturally despises the hateful, arrogant, conceited, pompous, overbearing, domineering, impatient, horrible, blasted hero and spends 90% of the story boiling his temper.
Their romance was founded on insults and dislike.
Hottest thing I've ever read.
I genuinely don't understand how their chemistry was that good, but my GOODNESS, IT WAS SIZZLING OFF THE PAGES. I don't know how, but it WORKED. I loved them!! Such squabbling! Such heated repartee! Such passionate rejoinders! Such love!
I honestly can't explain this book. It makes no sense. But it's hilariously contrived and delightfully humorous. The characters are all gems, and somehow, somehow, it just...works.
This was kinda like Georgette Heyer meets Jen Turano, and I'm here for this. I didn't realize how much I needed a lighthearted, funny book until I started reading Penelope. I knew what I was getting into, having been warned by the reviews that it was a very silly, madcap story, so I was fully prepared to disregard logical plot points, and I had a fantastic time. I laughed out loud several times (in public) and didn't care.
It was such good fun, and I absolutely adored Penelope.
Gaaahhhhhh I loved it!! I'm an incoherent mess! <3 <3
*A huge thank you to the author for giving me a copy of this book, I enjoyed it immensely, and all opinions expressed here are my own.
October 23, 2013
4 1/2 stars (rounded down to 4 stars because the Duke's grovelling apology should have been a bit longer - yes, I'm that vindictive, LOL)
July 26, 2013
Ugh. I don't think there is much worse than when you start a book and are loving it in the first couple chapters, and then it goes and tanks. Ugh.
That is exactly what happened with Anya Wylde's "madcap regency" Penelope. I'm new to the regency genre, but I do like it so far. I was excited for a lighthearted, fun, silly regency and was impressed with the reviews I have read.
So, I bought it on Kindle and began to read. It tells the story of a young woman named Penelope, who was sent to the friend of her dead mother who promised to help find her a husband by the end of the season. Penelope is clumsy and speaks her mind, which charms some and disgusts others. But her feuds with the dowager's son the Duke cause plenty of awkwardness.
First of all I was instantly charmed and fell in love with our heroine, Penelope. Penelope was hilarious and sweet but when it started getting too wacky I thought to myself "ok, this is goofy, and I like it...but PLEASE don't go too far or it will get to be too much". And what happened?
Well, it got to be WAY too much...and now I wish I could get my money back.
Madcap is putting it lightly. The correct word would be ridiculous. And not the GOOD ridiculous (example: Chelsea Handler), but the HORRIBLE ridiculous (example: Carrot Top). The story was predictable, the situations manic and I was exhausted and just CRAVING the ending of this wackadoo novel.
My biggest mistake was actually reading this the whole way through.
Don't get me wrong, I don't count an author out by just one flop (and ohhhh girrrrlll this flop was a doozey). So, if I hear she has a good book, I will try another and give her another chance.
But for now, I will tuck "Penelope" into the dungeon of my Kindle and hope she never EVER escapes.
That is exactly what happened with Anya Wylde's "madcap regency" Penelope. I'm new to the regency genre, but I do like it so far. I was excited for a lighthearted, fun, silly regency and was impressed with the reviews I have read.
So, I bought it on Kindle and began to read. It tells the story of a young woman named Penelope, who was sent to the friend of her dead mother who promised to help find her a husband by the end of the season. Penelope is clumsy and speaks her mind, which charms some and disgusts others. But her feuds with the dowager's son the Duke cause plenty of awkwardness.
First of all I was instantly charmed and fell in love with our heroine, Penelope. Penelope was hilarious and sweet but when it started getting too wacky I thought to myself "ok, this is goofy, and I like it...but PLEASE don't go too far or it will get to be too much". And what happened?
Well, it got to be WAY too much...and now I wish I could get my money back.
Madcap is putting it lightly. The correct word would be ridiculous. And not the GOOD ridiculous (example: Chelsea Handler), but the HORRIBLE ridiculous (example: Carrot Top). The story was predictable, the situations manic and I was exhausted and just CRAVING the ending of this wackadoo novel.
My biggest mistake was actually reading this the whole way through.
Don't get me wrong, I don't count an author out by just one flop (and ohhhh girrrrlll this flop was a doozey). So, if I hear she has a good book, I will try another and give her another chance.
But for now, I will tuck "Penelope" into the dungeon of my Kindle and hope she never EVER escapes.
March 9, 2013
Penelope tells the story of this extremely likable heroine to whom is given the opportunity to travel to London and join the Season---all this sponsored by a wealthy dowager who used to be a friend of her deceased mother, being that Penelope’s family could never afford it. The thing is, Penny is pretty much the human version of a small tornado, and people usually stay away from her so they won’t end up involved in her mishaps. She’s also not allowed to go back home (without a husband), or her vile stepmother will make her marry a gross old man.
I truly loved Penny since the beginning, especially because she never feels sorry for herself or plays the victim---yes, she breaks down and cries a few times (making me cry as well!), after all her life is a tad complicated at the moment, but still she manages to keep going, to smile, to have fun, to plot against the Duke, to enjoy life in general. So much respect for this girl, honestly.
"Enemies to lovers" is probably my favorite type of relationship, which means I was bound to enjoy every minute of the situation Penny and the Duke together in the same room, boy, oh boy---this guy can be a total arse, a jerk, a bully, and a couple of scenes broke my heart just a little bit, but Penny never let me down with her comebacks and, like I said before, I enjoyed it all.
The less positive: there are a couple of important scenes that the reader only knows happened because Penny tells someone about them much later, and I found this a little confusing, but overall I was pleasantly surprised with the writing, the events, and the pacing of the story---there’s always something happening or about to---no boredom is allowed, no sir.
So yes, I can definitely recommend this book for fans of historical romance, and romance in general. You guys are in for a treat. ;)
And please keep in mind that Penelope has a pet goat.
A pet goat.
Really, think about it.
(Thank you so much, Anya!)
*PT* Cuidado com o Dálmata
I truly loved Penny since the beginning, especially because she never feels sorry for herself or plays the victim---yes, she breaks down and cries a few times (making me cry as well!), after all her life is a tad complicated at the moment, but still she manages to keep going, to smile, to have fun, to plot against the Duke, to enjoy life in general. So much respect for this girl, honestly.
"Enemies to lovers" is probably my favorite type of relationship, which means I was bound to enjoy every minute of the situation Penny and the Duke together in the same room, boy, oh boy---this guy can be a total arse, a jerk, a bully, and a couple of scenes broke my heart just a little bit, but Penny never let me down with her comebacks and, like I said before, I enjoyed it all.
The less positive: there are a couple of important scenes that the reader only knows happened because Penny tells someone about them much later, and I found this a little confusing, but overall I was pleasantly surprised with the writing, the events, and the pacing of the story---there’s always something happening or about to---no boredom is allowed, no sir.
So yes, I can definitely recommend this book for fans of historical romance, and romance in general. You guys are in for a treat. ;)
And please keep in mind that Penelope has a pet goat.
A pet goat.
Really, think about it.
(Thank you so much, Anya!)
*PT* Cuidado com o Dálmata
August 15, 2017
This one started out so strong.. I usually love a mad cap comedy, but this just got too goofy for even my tastes. It bordered on the absurd so much that I felt the romance got lost.
February 25, 2018
In her dedication, Ms. Wylde mentions P.G. Wodehouse, and there are some resemblances to Wodehouse in this book (its all too easy to imagine a Wodehouse character traveling with her pet goat); there is also a bit of Georgette Heyer in the plot. But mostly, the plot reminded me of Julia Quinn.
If you have read Julia Quinn’s books, then you will recall the references to a series of farcical gothic novels, the first of which is called Miss Butterworth and the Mad Baron. One of the memorable facts about Miss Butterworth is that she is an orphan because her mother was pecked to death by pigeons. Yes, pigeons. (We eventually meet the author of these remarkable books in Ten Things I Love About You.)
I and many other JQ fans have wished that she would actually write a Miss Butterworth book or novella. Well, Butterworth fans, wait no longer: Penelope has the same delightfully ridiculous, over-the-top happenings. Having just completed the rather dense and at times depressingThe Old Curiosity Shop, I was craving something light and Penelope perfectly fit the bill - I enjoyed it immensely.
Penelope is an unsophisticated county girl, coming to London to stay with the best friend of her late mother. She is clumsy, outspoken, incapable of artifice, loyal. Her mother died giving birth to her (and Penelope holds long conversations with her mother, imagining her on the third cloud on the right in heaven; she also has heart-to-hearts with her goat named Lady Bathsheba) and her stepmother, with five daughters of her own, has told Penelope not to return home; she must marry or find work to support herself.
Her mother’s friend is the Dowager Duchess of Blackthorne (all the names in the book are also slightly ridiculous). Penelope promptly falls in love with Charles, the duke (because of course she does), although he despises her and says the most awful things to her.
There is a pretty high count of eccentric characters. The duke’s grandfather is downright barmy - he requires all male visitors to wear a moustache (fake ones are provided by the butler). Madame Bellafraunde is a cross-dressing dressmaker etiquette-tutor spy and possibly bisexual, although this isn’t ever clearly explained. Perkins, the butler, is old and described as mostly blind and deaf although he can see well enough to distinguish the prettiest ladies and “accidentally” pour liquid down their bosoms.
Character development could be better. Penelope is nicely fleshed out, but all the others are pretty flat. And although I compared this book to Wodehouse and Heyer, the writing in Penelope falls far short of those two masters. Witty dialogue is the one bright spot here.
I have read and loved historical romance for at least 35 years. One of my pet peeves in modern HR is anachronisms and a couple of egregious ones in Penelope caught my attention. First, Ms. Wylde uses the term “bloomers” several times when describing ladies’ undergarments. Bloomers were named for Amelia Bloomer, an American women’s rights activist who came to prominence in the mid-19th century. She was a proponent of dress reform and although she didn’t create them, her name became associated with voluminous trousers to be worn under short dresses. These eventually evolved into ladies underwear in the early 20th century.
Women didn’t commonly wear any type of underpants in the Georgian period although split-legged drawers came into fashion when they were worn by Princess Charlotte of Wales during the Regency (and this book is billed as a “madcap Regency).
Forgive my rather pedantic rant on ladies unmentionables. Nevertheless, all this info is readily and easily found online and such a mistake is indefensible in this day and age.
The second error should have been caught in the editing process. The term “pantheon” is used to describe a carriage; I believe she meant phaeton. Even then, a phaeton is an open vehicle, not a closed carriage. Here is a brief but excellent primer on 19th century vehicles.
So, I’m giving the book 3 stars - I was in the mood to enjoy a fluffy, ridiculous, unbelievable story, but there were some definite issues.
If you have read Julia Quinn’s books, then you will recall the references to a series of farcical gothic novels, the first of which is called Miss Butterworth and the Mad Baron. One of the memorable facts about Miss Butterworth is that she is an orphan because her mother was pecked to death by pigeons. Yes, pigeons. (We eventually meet the author of these remarkable books in Ten Things I Love About You.)
I and many other JQ fans have wished that she would actually write a Miss Butterworth book or novella. Well, Butterworth fans, wait no longer: Penelope has the same delightfully ridiculous, over-the-top happenings. Having just completed the rather dense and at times depressingThe Old Curiosity Shop, I was craving something light and Penelope perfectly fit the bill - I enjoyed it immensely.
Penelope is an unsophisticated county girl, coming to London to stay with the best friend of her late mother. She is clumsy, outspoken, incapable of artifice, loyal. Her mother died giving birth to her (and Penelope holds long conversations with her mother, imagining her on the third cloud on the right in heaven; she also has heart-to-hearts with her goat named Lady Bathsheba) and her stepmother, with five daughters of her own, has told Penelope not to return home; she must marry or find work to support herself.
Her mother’s friend is the Dowager Duchess of Blackthorne (all the names in the book are also slightly ridiculous). Penelope promptly falls in love with Charles, the duke (because of course she does), although he despises her and says the most awful things to her.
There is a pretty high count of eccentric characters. The duke’s grandfather is downright barmy - he requires all male visitors to wear a moustache (fake ones are provided by the butler). Madame Bellafraunde is a cross-dressing dressmaker etiquette-tutor spy and possibly bisexual, although this isn’t ever clearly explained. Perkins, the butler, is old and described as mostly blind and deaf although he can see well enough to distinguish the prettiest ladies and “accidentally” pour liquid down their bosoms.
Character development could be better. Penelope is nicely fleshed out, but all the others are pretty flat. And although I compared this book to Wodehouse and Heyer, the writing in Penelope falls far short of those two masters. Witty dialogue is the one bright spot here.
I have read and loved historical romance for at least 35 years. One of my pet peeves in modern HR is anachronisms and a couple of egregious ones in Penelope caught my attention. First, Ms. Wylde uses the term “bloomers” several times when describing ladies’ undergarments. Bloomers were named for Amelia Bloomer, an American women’s rights activist who came to prominence in the mid-19th century. She was a proponent of dress reform and although she didn’t create them, her name became associated with voluminous trousers to be worn under short dresses. These eventually evolved into ladies underwear in the early 20th century.
Women didn’t commonly wear any type of underpants in the Georgian period although split-legged drawers came into fashion when they were worn by Princess Charlotte of Wales during the Regency (and this book is billed as a “madcap Regency).
Forgive my rather pedantic rant on ladies unmentionables. Nevertheless, all this info is readily and easily found online and such a mistake is indefensible in this day and age.
The second error should have been caught in the editing process. The term “pantheon” is used to describe a carriage; I believe she meant phaeton. Even then, a phaeton is an open vehicle, not a closed carriage. Here is a brief but excellent primer on 19th century vehicles.
So, I’m giving the book 3 stars - I was in the mood to enjoy a fluffy, ridiculous, unbelievable story, but there were some definite issues.
May 28, 2020
Audiobook Review
Penelope stood the test of time for me when I picked it up as a re-read in the audio version and found it as zany and madcap as ever. It was "excessively diverting" to quote Austen who would have found this one absurd, but oodles of entertaining fun all the same. It was a listening delight and, fair warning, if you are embarrassed by your laugh then banish yourself to listen at home.
Penelope begins when Miss Penelope Fairweather is brought to town for a London Season chaperoned by none other than a dowager duchess who owed an old friend so is bringing out her daughter. Penelope is not a bit like the shy, retiring country miss the ducal family was expecting. The Duke is something of a martinet and has the household running on a strict set of rules that Penelope's arrival quite turns on its head. Without an effort, she gets into the worst, most embarrassing scrapes embarrassing the duke who already loathes her for being such a bumbling disruption. Even her pet goat, yes, you read that right, contributes to the mayhem.
But along the way, her good nature and heart win her the duke's crotchety grandfather, his mother, his sister and perhaps if she can avoid disaster long enough, find romance with the most surprising person.
Penelope is a story that is sheer entertainment and something you definitely have to be in the mood for. It is not meant to be taken seriously on any level. Think of the great slapstick comedies that have a general storyline and then zing all over the place running foul of historical backdrop, manners, straight characters, and witty repertoire.
Though, it doesn't go off the rails with the plot which is there and strong through it all. Penelope is a sweet-hearted, country girl who is there to gain some London polish and take her chances finding a husband during the London social season while a staid, pompous, rule-following duke learns to loosen up and see his life plan change as he observes Penelope tripping her way into some poise, refinement, and fashion.
Deryn Oliver was a new to me narrator, but her narration work was easy to listen to and slip into the story. I would often click on the story, planning to only listen to a little, and getting caught up in it and ignoring my plans. She caught the tone of the tale and the personalities of the characters. The characters were already a trip, but she worked with their comedic caricature so they were not too bombastic and were just right for this sort of story. Once in a while, I'd have to listen to a section over again, but that was the wordiness of the book and not the narration.
In summary, this Regency-era romp tickled my funny bone and I can heartily recommend it to those who enjoy a dab of sweet romance and a huge dollop of madcap comedy.
My thanks to the author for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
Penelope stood the test of time for me when I picked it up as a re-read in the audio version and found it as zany and madcap as ever. It was "excessively diverting" to quote Austen who would have found this one absurd, but oodles of entertaining fun all the same. It was a listening delight and, fair warning, if you are embarrassed by your laugh then banish yourself to listen at home.
Penelope begins when Miss Penelope Fairweather is brought to town for a London Season chaperoned by none other than a dowager duchess who owed an old friend so is bringing out her daughter. Penelope is not a bit like the shy, retiring country miss the ducal family was expecting. The Duke is something of a martinet and has the household running on a strict set of rules that Penelope's arrival quite turns on its head. Without an effort, she gets into the worst, most embarrassing scrapes embarrassing the duke who already loathes her for being such a bumbling disruption. Even her pet goat, yes, you read that right, contributes to the mayhem.
But along the way, her good nature and heart win her the duke's crotchety grandfather, his mother, his sister and perhaps if she can avoid disaster long enough, find romance with the most surprising person.
Penelope is a story that is sheer entertainment and something you definitely have to be in the mood for. It is not meant to be taken seriously on any level. Think of the great slapstick comedies that have a general storyline and then zing all over the place running foul of historical backdrop, manners, straight characters, and witty repertoire.
Though, it doesn't go off the rails with the plot which is there and strong through it all. Penelope is a sweet-hearted, country girl who is there to gain some London polish and take her chances finding a husband during the London social season while a staid, pompous, rule-following duke learns to loosen up and see his life plan change as he observes Penelope tripping her way into some poise, refinement, and fashion.
Deryn Oliver was a new to me narrator, but her narration work was easy to listen to and slip into the story. I would often click on the story, planning to only listen to a little, and getting caught up in it and ignoring my plans. She caught the tone of the tale and the personalities of the characters. The characters were already a trip, but she worked with their comedic caricature so they were not too bombastic and were just right for this sort of story. Once in a while, I'd have to listen to a section over again, but that was the wordiness of the book and not the narration.
In summary, this Regency-era romp tickled my funny bone and I can heartily recommend it to those who enjoy a dab of sweet romance and a huge dollop of madcap comedy.
My thanks to the author for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 21, 2013
Penelope by Anya Wylde
Penelope is an adorable historical farce. The humor is way over the top...there is a highway robber, a goat, a cross-dressing spy, a hilarious uncle with a mustache obsession, and a sweet, lonely heroine who is longing for love, companionship, and friendship. Penelope is adorable, goofy, and good-hearted. Folks looking for what I like to call "reality-based fiction" will probably not like this one. You need to check your willing suspension of disbelief at the door, and then laugh yourself silly while you read. I was charmed. There was one formatting error (with the indents) that hopefully will be fixed soon, and the hero was a little bit too conflicted for a good portion of the book. But other than that, there are many sweet and funny scenes that are a testament to Anya Wylde's imagination and sense of humor. I love a good farce, and this one fits the bill.
Grade: B+/A-
Penelope is an adorable historical farce. The humor is way over the top...there is a highway robber, a goat, a cross-dressing spy, a hilarious uncle with a mustache obsession, and a sweet, lonely heroine who is longing for love, companionship, and friendship. Penelope is adorable, goofy, and good-hearted. Folks looking for what I like to call "reality-based fiction" will probably not like this one. You need to check your willing suspension of disbelief at the door, and then laugh yourself silly while you read. I was charmed. There was one formatting error (with the indents) that hopefully will be fixed soon, and the hero was a little bit too conflicted for a good portion of the book. But other than that, there are many sweet and funny scenes that are a testament to Anya Wylde's imagination and sense of humor. I love a good farce, and this one fits the bill.
Grade: B+/A-
March 6, 2013
rating clarification : 3.5 stars
" It is monstrously unfair that whenever a girl needs her wits about her, she goes and does something completely idiotic."
For sure Penelope is that sort of girl...which only brings some hilarious situations.
Now our heroine, is a country girl, and with the aid of the duchess, an old friend of her deceased mother, she comes to London to find a husband.
Of course when the duchess son,meets her he instantly dislikes her (well she does pinch his ear) and is determined to sent her away.
So between a goat as a pet, fake mustaches, sensible highwaymen, a woman that isn't a woman ...all putting together with the endeavor of turning Penelope to a lady. Of course, we all know that the art of the fan is a woman most powerful weapon!
I just found this story so amusing and well, just a fun and light read. It felt like a watching a play, lots of dialogue and action. In my opinion, the depth of the characters are not the center of it but the actions and interactions between them. It's not suppose to take it has a serious and intense historical romance but more like a rom-com on the georgian era. Yep, a enemies to lovers kind of story :)
I need to say that many times i just didn't liked Charles,i understood how Penny got in his nerves, but he just kept calling her imbecile and so on...so no, no. He does redeem himself but i still didn't forget!
Oh and this one was one of my favorite lines:
" All the good stuff is not for ladies."
So true Penny ;)
I want to thank the author, Anya Wylde, for sending me a copy of her book in exchange of a honest review. I had fun reading it!
" It is monstrously unfair that whenever a girl needs her wits about her, she goes and does something completely idiotic."
For sure Penelope is that sort of girl...which only brings some hilarious situations.
Now our heroine, is a country girl, and with the aid of the duchess, an old friend of her deceased mother, she comes to London to find a husband.
Of course when the duchess son,meets her he instantly dislikes her (well she does pinch his ear) and is determined to sent her away.
So between a goat as a pet, fake mustaches, sensible highwaymen, a woman that isn't a woman ...all putting together with the endeavor of turning Penelope to a lady. Of course, we all know that the art of the fan is a woman most powerful weapon!
I just found this story so amusing and well, just a fun and light read. It felt like a watching a play, lots of dialogue and action. In my opinion, the depth of the characters are not the center of it but the actions and interactions between them. It's not suppose to take it has a serious and intense historical romance but more like a rom-com on the georgian era. Yep, a enemies to lovers kind of story :)
I need to say that many times i just didn't liked Charles,i understood how Penny got in his nerves, but he just kept calling her imbecile and so on...so no, no. He does redeem himself but i still didn't forget!
Oh and this one was one of my favorite lines:
" All the good stuff is not for ladies."
So true Penny ;)
I want to thank the author, Anya Wylde, for sending me a copy of her book in exchange of a honest review. I had fun reading it!
March 17, 2014
4.75*
Hilarious all the way! And very sweet indeed.
I love it when a simple girl, without meaning to, managed to captured the heart of a cold man, in this case, the arrogant Duke of Blackthorne.
Penelope was a simple country girl from Finnshire. Got to have a season in London when the dowager Duchess of Blackthorne offered to sponsor her, as she was her late mother's best friend during their school days.
It is monstrously unfair that whenever a girl needs her wits about her, she goes and does something completely idiotic. Penelope was that sort of girl.
Chaos followed Penelope everywhere. She befriended the highwayman, and managed to make a scene at almost every party that she went, with hilarious result, as she cannot control herself when she was nervous.
But, despite all that, she still managed to capture the hearts of the Dowager Duchess, her daughter Lady Anne, even her very particular father Sir Henry and all the servants at Blackthorne Manor adored her. And the very cold Duke of Blackthorne was no exception.
Makes me laughed (sometimes just out loud) with every other pages. And managed to lift up even during my gloomy mood.
Reminded me of Georgette Heyer's The Grand Sophy, but in a lighter and funnier way.
Love this one!
Hilarious all the way! And very sweet indeed.
I love it when a simple girl, without meaning to, managed to captured the heart of a cold man, in this case, the arrogant Duke of Blackthorne.
Penelope was a simple country girl from Finnshire. Got to have a season in London when the dowager Duchess of Blackthorne offered to sponsor her, as she was her late mother's best friend during their school days.
It is monstrously unfair that whenever a girl needs her wits about her, she goes and does something completely idiotic. Penelope was that sort of girl.
Chaos followed Penelope everywhere. She befriended the highwayman, and managed to make a scene at almost every party that she went, with hilarious result, as she cannot control herself when she was nervous.
But, despite all that, she still managed to capture the hearts of the Dowager Duchess, her daughter Lady Anne, even her very particular father Sir Henry and all the servants at Blackthorne Manor adored her. And the very cold Duke of Blackthorne was no exception.
Makes me laughed (sometimes just out loud) with every other pages. And managed to lift up even during my gloomy mood.
Reminded me of Georgette Heyer's The Grand Sophy, but in a lighter and funnier way.
Love this one!
September 4, 2013
When the Duchess of Blackthorne invites Penelope to stay with her in London and to pay for her introduction to society it is a rare opportunity. Leaving behind her rural home and her wicked step-mother she travels to the stately manor with her goat and immediately finds herself clashing with the dowager's¹ son the duke.
With no home to return to, she must make the most of the season and find herself a husband...pretty much anyone will do. With a little help from a cross dressing modiste² she learns the ways of polite society and starts attending balls. But her entry into the ton³ is anything but plain sailing and a series of comic catastrophes ensue.
Penelope is a bit of a romp. It's a laugh out loud funny Regency Romance which, for the most part worked although there was a section in the middle which dragged a bit and the jokes were occasionally a little too much. The book settled down at about the 70% mark and I was ready for that.
A lot of fun.
¹ Dowager (n): the widow of a duke or a lord
² Modiste (n): a lady's dressmaker
³ Ton (n): fashionable society / the aristocracy
With no home to return to, she must make the most of the season and find herself a husband...pretty much anyone will do. With a little help from a cross dressing modiste² she learns the ways of polite society and starts attending balls. But her entry into the ton³ is anything but plain sailing and a series of comic catastrophes ensue.
Penelope is a bit of a romp. It's a laugh out loud funny Regency Romance which, for the most part worked although there was a section in the middle which dragged a bit and the jokes were occasionally a little too much. The book settled down at about the 70% mark and I was ready for that.
A lot of fun.
¹ Dowager (n): the widow of a duke or a lord
² Modiste (n): a lady's dressmaker
³ Ton (n): fashionable society / the aristocracy
March 31, 2017
Oh it was a cute book! Penelope is extremely naive but at the same time endearing. Charles annoyed me a great deal because of how he treated Penelope, but the Dowager Duchess Blackthorne and Lady Anne just make up for that!
All the bizarre circumstances Penelope finds herself in are just outrageous, and I kept laughing all through the book! What from the fake mustaches, and pet goats to befriending highwaymen and theatrical musicals in the house, it was just unpretentious fun!
The relationships that develop between Penelope and the Duke's family and household are gradual and remarkable. Especially with the Dowager, Anne and Charles. They are so subtly executed. and I loved the love-hate relationship between Penelope and Charles.
I loved Madame Bellafraunde! And I won't indulge you with her secret!
Overall, I felt the story to be somewhat like The Grand Sophy but this was much lighter, and with a great deal more theatrical.
It is ideal for those in a blue mood and is great fun to read.
Recommended!
All the bizarre circumstances Penelope finds herself in are just outrageous, and I kept laughing all through the book! What from the fake mustaches, and pet goats to befriending highwaymen and theatrical musicals in the house, it was just unpretentious fun!
The relationships that develop between Penelope and the Duke's family and household are gradual and remarkable. Especially with the Dowager, Anne and Charles. They are so subtly executed. and I loved the love-hate relationship between Penelope and Charles.
I loved Madame Bellafraunde! And I won't indulge you with her secret!
Overall, I felt the story to be somewhat like The Grand Sophy but this was much lighter, and with a great deal more theatrical.
It is ideal for those in a blue mood and is great fun to read.
Recommended!
February 24, 2021
3 stelline e mezzo
Una pazza storia , per passare un piacevole pomeriggio di lettura. Esilaranti alcune scenette che vedono protagonista Penelope.
Una pazza storia , per passare un piacevole pomeriggio di lettura. Esilaranti alcune scenette che vedono protagonista Penelope.
March 24, 2013
3.5 Stars
I wasn't really sure what to expect from this one going in, but I will admit that I was pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed the story much more than I thought that I would, especially considering that, despite what MrsJ claims, I am not really a romance reader. Occasionally I'll dip a toe into romance, but it's not really my genre of choice.
So, I actually liked this. It was a bit over the top, and in the middle I started feeling like it was getting repetitive with the antics and mishaps, but, thankfully, the book overheard me, and moved along.
I thought that the characters were fleshed out pretty well, and I liked seeing things from both Penelope's and Charles' perspectives. I particularly enjoyed Madame Bellafraunde. She reminded me quite a lot of Lord Akeldama from the Parasol Protectorate series by Gail Carriger... Only, you know, not vampiric. Apparently I find Fashionistas in Regency fiction appealing, despite being abysmally fashion-backwards myself.
I enjoyed the progression of the story, though the ending felt a little rushed. But I thought that the tension was done well, and that the little chips in Charles' ice-facade were well-placed and mostly well-timed. His situation, with Lydia, was a little coincidental, but of course it had to be something. I did think that his history though was a little much. It's a little much to believe that Charles would have fallen so many times for so many different women, all of whom would try the exact same snare tactic in such a short period of time. I think it would have really only needed one to put Charles' guard up, not 3 or 4 or... however many there really were.
I also noticed several typos and misused words in the text. For instance, "bucked" was used instead of "bucket", "peak" instead of "peek", and "breath" instead of "breathe". "Of" and "off" were mixed up more than once as well. I noticed that the frequency of typos increased the further along in the story I got - the beginning was quite clean and well edited.
Overall, this was a fun read, and I enjoyed it. I'd recommend it to fans of Regency romance easily.
Disclaimer: I received a free e-book copy of this book for review from the author.
I wasn't really sure what to expect from this one going in, but I will admit that I was pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed the story much more than I thought that I would, especially considering that, despite what MrsJ claims, I am not really a romance reader. Occasionally I'll dip a toe into romance, but it's not really my genre of choice.
So, I actually liked this. It was a bit over the top, and in the middle I started feeling like it was getting repetitive with the antics and mishaps, but, thankfully, the book overheard me, and moved along.
I thought that the characters were fleshed out pretty well, and I liked seeing things from both Penelope's and Charles' perspectives. I particularly enjoyed Madame Bellafraunde. She reminded me quite a lot of Lord Akeldama from the Parasol Protectorate series by Gail Carriger... Only, you know, not vampiric. Apparently I find Fashionistas in Regency fiction appealing, despite being abysmally fashion-backwards myself.
I enjoyed the progression of the story, though the ending felt a little rushed. But I thought that the tension was done well, and that the little chips in Charles' ice-facade were well-placed and mostly well-timed. His situation, with Lydia, was a little coincidental, but of course it had to be something. I did think that his history though was a little much. It's a little much to believe that Charles would have fallen so many times for so many different women, all of whom would try the exact same snare tactic in such a short period of time. I think it would have really only needed one to put Charles' guard up, not 3 or 4 or... however many there really were.
I also noticed several typos and misused words in the text. For instance, "bucked" was used instead of "bucket", "peak" instead of "peek", and "breath" instead of "breathe". "Of" and "off" were mixed up more than once as well. I noticed that the frequency of typos increased the further along in the story I got - the beginning was quite clean and well edited.
Overall, this was a fun read, and I enjoyed it. I'd recommend it to fans of Regency romance easily.
Disclaimer: I received a free e-book copy of this book for review from the author.
June 4, 2013
4.5
This has to be the silliest historical romance I've read so far. Before I started reading this book, I checked the reviews, especially those with one-star rating. They hate Penelope, so a warning is in order: don't read this expecting it to be ordinary romance with a touch of humour. It isn't. Everything is exaggerated so much that one can't help but laugh. As soon as you accept the story as such, you'll have lots of fun.
We meet Miss Penelope Winifred Rose Spebbington Fairweather when she arrives at the Blackthorne Mansion. With her pet goat, Lady Bethsheba.
Penelope is like a small tornado. Everywhere she goes something out of the ordinary happens. I loved her the moment she started talking. If you need a wonderful, fun story with a great, naive and funny heroine, then read this book, just expect everything to be unbelievable and exaggerated . The way she met the Duke of Blackthorne was hilarious.
There, I warned you more than once.
This has to be the silliest historical romance I've read so far. Before I started reading this book, I checked the reviews, especially those with one-star rating. They hate Penelope, so a warning is in order: don't read this expecting it to be ordinary romance with a touch of humour. It isn't. Everything is exaggerated so much that one can't help but laugh. As soon as you accept the story as such, you'll have lots of fun.
We meet Miss Penelope Winifred Rose Spebbington Fairweather when she arrives at the Blackthorne Mansion. With her pet goat, Lady Bethsheba.
Penelope is like a small tornado. Everywhere she goes something out of the ordinary happens. I loved her the moment she started talking. If you need a wonderful, fun story with a great, naive and funny heroine, then read this book, just expect everything to be unbelievable and exaggerated . The way she met the Duke of Blackthorne was hilarious.
There, I warned you more than once.
September 22, 2019
I expected silly, lighthearted fun of the "requires the use of precisely zero percent of one's brain to be entertained by" variety, but this was just so over the top as to be an entirely ridiculous heap of complete and utter nonsense.
June 18, 2020
If anachronistic absurdities strike you as funny, this is probably your cup of tea. If, like me, it stresses you out when a Regency miss in her first season wears something other than white or unattached males pay for their female guest's entire wardrobe, you might want to tread warily.
But I don't say avoid entirely. The enthusiastic disregard for historical accuracy holds its own consistent logic and works if you run with it. No one is waltzing without permission at Almack's, but at the same time, it all makes more sense if you imagine Queen Victoria on the throne.
Granted, you still might die of second-embarrassment. The story follows Penelope, a country girl granted a London season. She is awkward beyond believability and converses regularly with her pet goat. Every time I thought it couldn't get any worse for her, it does. But again, if you roll with it, it all eventually works. I did appreciate that it takes work to make Penelope semi-presentable and her awkwardness continues even with training. It gave her continual character growth.
The Duke I found harder to like, but I give credit for keeping the romance...clean? I didn't find it particularly toe-curling and the climatic misunderstanding was one even a newbie to romance could see coming from a mile away, but I was mostly on board. (Albeit slightly disturbed by the Duke's romantic history.)
There is a cross-dressing modiste which was strange but he eventually became my favorite character and I intend to purchase the first book in his spin-off series.
Strange is probably just the best word for this book. Strange in a way that either drives you crazy or makes you laugh. Potentially both.
Still, it was unexpected and enjoyable to read and I'm grateful to the author for sending me a copy!
But I don't say avoid entirely. The enthusiastic disregard for historical accuracy holds its own consistent logic and works if you run with it. No one is waltzing without permission at Almack's, but at the same time, it all makes more sense if you imagine Queen Victoria on the throne.
Granted, you still might die of second-embarrassment. The story follows Penelope, a country girl granted a London season. She is awkward beyond believability and converses regularly with her pet goat. Every time I thought it couldn't get any worse for her, it does. But again, if you roll with it, it all eventually works. I did appreciate that it takes work to make Penelope semi-presentable and her awkwardness continues even with training. It gave her continual character growth.
The Duke I found harder to like, but I give credit for keeping the romance...clean? I didn't find it particularly toe-curling and the climatic misunderstanding was one even a newbie to romance could see coming from a mile away, but I was mostly on board. (Albeit slightly disturbed by the Duke's romantic history.)
There is a cross-dressing modiste which was strange but he eventually became my favorite character and I intend to purchase the first book in his spin-off series.
Strange is probably just the best word for this book. Strange in a way that either drives you crazy or makes you laugh. Potentially both.
Still, it was unexpected and enjoyable to read and I'm grateful to the author for sending me a copy!
August 3, 2020
Hilarious Regency romance
Penelope is a super fun (and funny) Regency romance and I was constantly laughing at Penelope's naivety and uncomfortable scrapes. I hate finding myself in situations such as she found herself in, but it was refreshing to be able to laugh along with her, and at her, as I realized that it's not the end of the world to be so thoroughly unsettled.
Penelope is a light-hearted and almost backwards character and coming to London to make a match is her dream. Right from the start, she steps out on the wrong foot and things only slide downhill from there, but in the most humorous ways possible. I loved the camaraderie that she shared with Anne and every ensuing mishap and adventure that came their way.
The Duke is handsome, unruffled, and stern, and I wanted to warm up to him faster than I did. It drove me crazy at how harsh and unlikable he was--I know his severe behavior was part of the conflict of the story, but I wanted to see a few more cracks in his facade.
Overall, this is an enchanting and amusing story that brought many embarrassed smiles to my face.
Content: very mild romance; mild language
Penelope is a super fun (and funny) Regency romance and I was constantly laughing at Penelope's naivety and uncomfortable scrapes. I hate finding myself in situations such as she found herself in, but it was refreshing to be able to laugh along with her, and at her, as I realized that it's not the end of the world to be so thoroughly unsettled.
Penelope is a light-hearted and almost backwards character and coming to London to make a match is her dream. Right from the start, she steps out on the wrong foot and things only slide downhill from there, but in the most humorous ways possible. I loved the camaraderie that she shared with Anne and every ensuing mishap and adventure that came their way.
The Duke is handsome, unruffled, and stern, and I wanted to warm up to him faster than I did. It drove me crazy at how harsh and unlikable he was--I know his severe behavior was part of the conflict of the story, but I wanted to see a few more cracks in his facade.
Overall, this is an enchanting and amusing story that brought many embarrassed smiles to my face.
Content: very mild romance; mild language
February 6, 2017
My Review:
First Response: This was a delightful Regency romp! Lighthearted and humorous with lots of laughable bungling by a most heartwarming character. Full review soon.
I don't usually like to do much summarizing of the story, but the summary above really doesn't do the story justice. So here are a few more bits of information.
The Dowager Duchess and Penelope's mother were friends while "at school". The Dowager Duchess promised her friend she would look after her daughter if anything happened, never thinking anything would happen. But Penelope's mother died and the Dowager Duchess kept her promise. She invited Penelope to London for a season to give her a chance to find a husband. She had no idea Penelope was such a country bumpkin when she did so. But she stood by her promise even when Penelope appeared with a pet goat and a story about making friends with a highwayman. And when it was thoroughly apparent she really was not ready for a season with the ton; she and her daughter, Anne, another staunch Penelope supporter, threw themselves into the effort of preparing the girl for the season.
Madame Bellefraunde, the exclusive modiste, became another of Penelope's admirers. She prepared a wardrobe for Penelope like no other and helped out with her training as well. Madame had her own secrets to keep, so she was a natural for Team Penelope. But having secrets and being a keen observer, Penelope notices things others do not. It's not long before she uncovers Madame's deep secrets. Those may not be safe to know.
And who, you might wonder is on the other team? Charles Radclyff, Duke of Blackthorne is the other team. He takes an instant dislike to this disheveled country bumpkin who is taking up his mother's time and causing constant havoc in his home. A goat for a pet? Speaking with criminals? No manners. Her clothes. And her hair! Is there nothing she can do properly? Not if the Duke is about.
Not exactly on the Duke's team, but definitely not on Team Penelope, is Lady Lydia Snowy, fiance to the Duke. She doesn't want Penelope anywhere near him. She sees the little things as things change. As Penelope starts to change from country bumpkin to bright and beautiful young woman. And she sees as the Duke starts to notice these changes and can't help liking what he sees, even though he won't let go of his rigid standards.
It takes a near disaster to get through to Charles, but we do get our HEA in the end. This book stays on my bookshelf to be read again. And I've added the other two books in the series as well, though I haven't had a chance to read them as yet. I highly recommend Penelope to those of you who enjoy Regency romances with an unlikely heroine. A Regency romp!
This was obtained through Book Bub and Amazon. This is an honest review for which I am not being compensated in any way. All opinions are fully my own.
~ Judi E. Easley for Blue Cat Review.
First Response: This was a delightful Regency romp! Lighthearted and humorous with lots of laughable bungling by a most heartwarming character. Full review soon.
I don't usually like to do much summarizing of the story, but the summary above really doesn't do the story justice. So here are a few more bits of information.
The Dowager Duchess and Penelope's mother were friends while "at school". The Dowager Duchess promised her friend she would look after her daughter if anything happened, never thinking anything would happen. But Penelope's mother died and the Dowager Duchess kept her promise. She invited Penelope to London for a season to give her a chance to find a husband. She had no idea Penelope was such a country bumpkin when she did so. But she stood by her promise even when Penelope appeared with a pet goat and a story about making friends with a highwayman. And when it was thoroughly apparent she really was not ready for a season with the ton; she and her daughter, Anne, another staunch Penelope supporter, threw themselves into the effort of preparing the girl for the season.
Madame Bellefraunde, the exclusive modiste, became another of Penelope's admirers. She prepared a wardrobe for Penelope like no other and helped out with her training as well. Madame had her own secrets to keep, so she was a natural for Team Penelope. But having secrets and being a keen observer, Penelope notices things others do not. It's not long before she uncovers Madame's deep secrets. Those may not be safe to know.
And who, you might wonder is on the other team? Charles Radclyff, Duke of Blackthorne is the other team. He takes an instant dislike to this disheveled country bumpkin who is taking up his mother's time and causing constant havoc in his home. A goat for a pet? Speaking with criminals? No manners. Her clothes. And her hair! Is there nothing she can do properly? Not if the Duke is about.
Not exactly on the Duke's team, but definitely not on Team Penelope, is Lady Lydia Snowy, fiance to the Duke. She doesn't want Penelope anywhere near him. She sees the little things as things change. As Penelope starts to change from country bumpkin to bright and beautiful young woman. And she sees as the Duke starts to notice these changes and can't help liking what he sees, even though he won't let go of his rigid standards.
It takes a near disaster to get through to Charles, but we do get our HEA in the end. This book stays on my bookshelf to be read again. And I've added the other two books in the series as well, though I haven't had a chance to read them as yet. I highly recommend Penelope to those of you who enjoy Regency romances with an unlikely heroine. A Regency romp!
This was obtained through Book Bub and Amazon. This is an honest review for which I am not being compensated in any way. All opinions are fully my own.
~ Judi E. Easley for Blue Cat Review.
December 4, 2016
God damn this book was an irritating read.
Penelope was a book I found for free for Kindle, advertising itself as a 'romantic comedy' set in the Regency period. And given that my other Kindle book was of the extremely grim variety and this book's pretty cover catching my eye, I figured why not? There's nothing wrong with a light read after all.
It was a light read to be sure. And it did contrast strongly with the other books I was reading concurrent to this one. But as far as its comedic value was concerned, it went over about as well as a lead balloon. Or an tossed anvil perhaps.
Everything about it felt so forced to me. First of all, let us begin with the choice of the heroine's name. Not Penelope, but one Miss Penelope Winifred Rose Spebbington Fairweather. Which is a name that honestly didn't bear repeating beyond the first time we were told it. But it was. Repeatedly. Far too often to be unintentional and each more grating than the last. Like a woman with airs that deems it necessary to remind you of how impressive she thinks she is. But all I could think about was how it reminded me of the stupid nonsense people named their fanfiction characters. Even if it was in jest, it didn't come off as a comedic thing.
And then there was the nonsense incidents that the author devised throughout the story. And I do mean nonsense. Because there are limits as to how many and how far a single person can cause trouble or chaos in any era nevermind during the Regency. And in this case, there was too much of all of it and it was so outrageous and blatant that it all felt like a giant farce. And it felt about as forced as a comedian attempting a Holocaust joke.
Even the romance didn't convince me, and that is just about the most enjoyable part of the whole story, even despite the ridiculous way they resolved it.
Ultimately, I just couldn't buy into any of it. Not the schemes, not the scandals, not the ridiculously trope'd up characters, including the main love interest that was the duke and above all, the simpering, stupid and naive heroine. There was barely a chapter where I didn't want to smack her across the face for her idiocy in a general sense.
It all made it a very irritating and tedious read I'm afraid. Like the fly that won't stop buzzing about your head.
Perhaps it is just me. Perhaps this kind of humour is brilliant and I just don't get it. And I'll allow that as a possibility. But on a personal level, it was an absolute flop as far as leisure reading is concerned here.
Penelope was a book I found for free for Kindle, advertising itself as a 'romantic comedy' set in the Regency period. And given that my other Kindle book was of the extremely grim variety and this book's pretty cover catching my eye, I figured why not? There's nothing wrong with a light read after all.
It was a light read to be sure. And it did contrast strongly with the other books I was reading concurrent to this one. But as far as its comedic value was concerned, it went over about as well as a lead balloon. Or an tossed anvil perhaps.
Everything about it felt so forced to me. First of all, let us begin with the choice of the heroine's name. Not Penelope, but one Miss Penelope Winifred Rose Spebbington Fairweather. Which is a name that honestly didn't bear repeating beyond the first time we were told it. But it was. Repeatedly. Far too often to be unintentional and each more grating than the last. Like a woman with airs that deems it necessary to remind you of how impressive she thinks she is. But all I could think about was how it reminded me of the stupid nonsense people named their fanfiction characters. Even if it was in jest, it didn't come off as a comedic thing.
And then there was the nonsense incidents that the author devised throughout the story. And I do mean nonsense. Because there are limits as to how many and how far a single person can cause trouble or chaos in any era nevermind during the Regency. And in this case, there was too much of all of it and it was so outrageous and blatant that it all felt like a giant farce. And it felt about as forced as a comedian attempting a Holocaust joke.
Even the romance didn't convince me, and that is just about the most enjoyable part of the whole story, even despite the ridiculous way they resolved it.
Ultimately, I just couldn't buy into any of it. Not the schemes, not the scandals, not the ridiculously trope'd up characters, including the main love interest that was the duke and above all, the simpering, stupid and naive heroine. There was barely a chapter where I didn't want to smack her across the face for her idiocy in a general sense.
It all made it a very irritating and tedious read I'm afraid. Like the fly that won't stop buzzing about your head.
Perhaps it is just me. Perhaps this kind of humour is brilliant and I just don't get it. And I'll allow that as a possibility. But on a personal level, it was an absolute flop as far as leisure reading is concerned here.
June 7, 2013
I was lucky enough to be one of the recipients of this book. This eBook provided to me by the very generous author for free.
Oh.My.God!!
I loved this book..
The idea of the story is genius.
It is so original.
I've never read a book with a story like this.
It was a sweet, romantic, ridiculous, heart warming and fun reading.
I laughed out loud (like an idiot) while reading this book. This book was beyond my imagination..
And of course I loved the characters (they were brilliant), the sense of humor, the goat, the mustache (oh..I loved it a lot).
The story was plainly written.
I was drowning..
Anya Wylde is definitely my new favorite author.
I look forward to reading her book(s).
I recommend this book to all of the people who loves to read a sweet,fun & heart warming historical romance story.
Oh.My.God!!
I loved this book..
The idea of the story is genius.
It is so original.
I've never read a book with a story like this.
It was a sweet, romantic, ridiculous, heart warming and fun reading.
I laughed out loud (like an idiot) while reading this book. This book was beyond my imagination..
And of course I loved the characters (they were brilliant), the sense of humor, the goat, the mustache (oh..I loved it a lot).
The story was plainly written.
I was drowning..
Anya Wylde is definitely my new favorite author.
I look forward to reading her book(s).
I recommend this book to all of the people who loves to read a sweet,fun & heart warming historical romance story.
March 21, 2016
The dumbest book I've ever read. Utterly ridiculous situation, one after another. The author tried to make a naive, cute, unique MC, but to me she is one of the most idiotic girls I've read. The duke is another imbecile.
May 23, 2020
This is a delightfully silly Regency romance. It's a little bit Pride and Prejudice, a little bit My Fair Lady, and a little bit Monty Python.
Penelope Fairweather is disliked by her stepmother Gertrude but, fortunately, her mother is watching over from heaven. The simple country girl is taken in by the household of the Duke of Blackthorne thanks to a promise made by his mother to Penelope's mother many years earlier. Penelope arrives at this stuffy, well-ordered estate accompanied by her pet goat, Lady Bathsheba, and an unfortunate habit of chattering nonsensically when she's nervous. She makes a poor first impression when she first meets the duke himself, grabbing his ear to illustrate a point in the middle of a story she's telling the dowager and Lady Anne (the duke's sister) about a highwayman she befriended during her journey from home.
Penelope having a goat might be peculiar, but then Blackthorne has some idiosyncrasies of its own, starting with a tray full of false mustaches. Sir Henry, the duke's maternal grandfather, believes a well-groomed mustache to be the sign of a true gentleman and refuses to be in company with any man who doesn't have one. There's also "The Standard Decree on the Principles of Behavior within the Blackthorne Household" listing twenty-one rules Penelope must learn and follow.
She endures extensive lessons as well as fittings for a new wardrobe, all of which Madame Bellafraunde kindly oversees. Despite these preparations, Penelope's launch into Society is fraught with outrageous accidents. The duke is not happy with her disruption to his previously well-ordered life and keeps trying to find a way to send her home. Lady Anne, the dowager, the household servants, and even Sir Henry all adore her.
The book makes no attempt at believability, which is part of what makes it so entertaining. It pokes fun at many romance tropes, making it all larger than life. The mystique of the highwayman and modiste. The slightly demented senior in the household who's humored by his family. The accident-prone, naive country bumpkin heroine. The stuffy, pole-up-his-arse hero whose high society fiancee is a snob. A life-threatening situation requiring some heroics. A mad dash to prevent elopement with a less-than-honorable man. There's even a scene where much of the household breaks into "spontaneous" song after Penelope finally has a successful evening - it calls to mind "I Could Have Danced All Night."
My only criticism is in regards to a personal hot button of mine: "alright." There are 33 of them. Even in a book like this that doesn't take itself too seriously, "alright" never belongs in a Regency romance. It's only a slightly less egregious error than "okay" (which, thankfully, is NOT used anywhere here).
The writing is very good despite sounding a bit too modern, and its light-hearted tone matches the absurd story. I laughed out loud several times. Great read when you're in the mood for some silly. Content is clean.
Penelope Fairweather is disliked by her stepmother Gertrude but, fortunately, her mother is watching over from heaven. The simple country girl is taken in by the household of the Duke of Blackthorne thanks to a promise made by his mother to Penelope's mother many years earlier. Penelope arrives at this stuffy, well-ordered estate accompanied by her pet goat, Lady Bathsheba, and an unfortunate habit of chattering nonsensically when she's nervous. She makes a poor first impression when she first meets the duke himself, grabbing his ear to illustrate a point in the middle of a story she's telling the dowager and Lady Anne (the duke's sister) about a highwayman she befriended during her journey from home.
Penelope having a goat might be peculiar, but then Blackthorne has some idiosyncrasies of its own, starting with a tray full of false mustaches. Sir Henry, the duke's maternal grandfather, believes a well-groomed mustache to be the sign of a true gentleman and refuses to be in company with any man who doesn't have one. There's also "The Standard Decree on the Principles of Behavior within the Blackthorne Household" listing twenty-one rules Penelope must learn and follow.
She endures extensive lessons as well as fittings for a new wardrobe, all of which Madame Bellafraunde kindly oversees. Despite these preparations, Penelope's launch into Society is fraught with outrageous accidents. The duke is not happy with her disruption to his previously well-ordered life and keeps trying to find a way to send her home. Lady Anne, the dowager, the household servants, and even Sir Henry all adore her.
The book makes no attempt at believability, which is part of what makes it so entertaining. It pokes fun at many romance tropes, making it all larger than life. The mystique of the highwayman and modiste. The slightly demented senior in the household who's humored by his family. The accident-prone, naive country bumpkin heroine. The stuffy, pole-up-his-arse hero whose high society fiancee is a snob. A life-threatening situation requiring some heroics. A mad dash to prevent elopement with a less-than-honorable man. There's even a scene where much of the household breaks into "spontaneous" song after Penelope finally has a successful evening - it calls to mind "I Could Have Danced All Night."
My only criticism is in regards to a personal hot button of mine: "alright." There are 33 of them. Even in a book like this that doesn't take itself too seriously, "alright" never belongs in a Regency romance. It's only a slightly less egregious error than "okay" (which, thankfully, is NOT used anywhere here).
The writing is very good despite sounding a bit too modern, and its light-hearted tone matches the absurd story. I laughed out loud several times. Great read when you're in the mood for some silly. Content is clean.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 584 reviews