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A Loyal Companion
SPOILED AND UNGOVERNED, FITZ WAS NOT SUITABLE COMPANION FOR A LADY OF FASHION....
And certainly no proper chaperon. Fitz begged to disagree--after all, a dog was a true Incomparable as far as friendship, loyalty, and protection--and soon lovely Miss Sonia was plucked by her rusticated roots and packed off, dog and all, to London. Perhaps there she would find a husband to tame her free-spirited ways--and keep her out of trouble.
Sonia, however, always had a soft spot for the underdog, and Darius Conover was such a fellow. Scorned by society for a scandalous deed, Conover was not redeemed even by his heroics in battle. Until he met Sonia and Fitz, two passionate souls undaunted by even the most odious circumstances--and decidedly determined to undo the shackles binding his heart.
And certainly no proper chaperon. Fitz begged to disagree--after all, a dog was a true Incomparable as far as friendship, loyalty, and protection--and soon lovely Miss Sonia was plucked by her rusticated roots and packed off, dog and all, to London. Perhaps there she would find a husband to tame her free-spirited ways--and keep her out of trouble.
Sonia, however, always had a soft spot for the underdog, and Darius Conover was such a fellow. Scorned by society for a scandalous deed, Conover was not redeemed even by his heroics in battle. Until he met Sonia and Fitz, two passionate souls undaunted by even the most odious circumstances--and decidedly determined to undo the shackles binding his heart.
100 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1992
31 people are currently reading
605 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Metzger
93 books200 followersBarbara Metzger is the author of over three dozen books and a dozen novellas. She has also been an editor, a proof-reader, a greeting card verse-writer, and an artist. When not painting, writing romances or reading them, she volunteers at the local library, gardens and goes beach-combing and yard-saling.
Her novels, mostly set in Regency-era England, have won numerous awards, including the Romance Writers of America RITA, the National Reader's Choice Award, and the Madcap award for humor in romance writing. In addition, Barbara has won two Career Achievement Awards from Romantic Times Magazine.
Source: http://www.barbarametzger.com/about_b...
Her novels, mostly set in Regency-era England, have won numerous awards, including the Romance Writers of America RITA, the National Reader's Choice Award, and the Madcap award for humor in romance writing. In addition, Barbara has won two Career Achievement Awards from Romantic Times Magazine.
Source: http://www.barbarametzger.com/about_b...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
November 11, 2014
This little gem of a book is so precious!! It was absolutely adorable, from Sonia and Darius's sweet courtship, to the little girls drawing pictures of Fitz the dog for Sonia, and everything in between, including promenades in the park and ballroom dances. This was a romance that made me giddy, and ooh-ing and aaah-ing constantly (I am crazy, I know). I loved the hero, the heroine, the secondary characters, the three little girls, the dog, the setting, everything!!!
Coming straight from the country into the elegance of her grandmother's fashionable circle in London, Miss Sonia Randolph is a beautiful, charming and unaffected young woman. She likes to move, she likes to be independent, she knows her own mind, and she has no delight in boring afternoons sipping tea and chatting idle nothings with her grandmother's friends. She would much rather go play in the park with her dog, and befriend a certain gentleman ostracized by society for a supposedly scandalous past, and his three adorable nieces. I thought I didn't like children in Regency novels (and I generally don't), but those three have a way of growing on you and there is no shaking them off. Sonia doesn't care that Major Conover is apparently too much of a scoundrel for her innocent company, because heck, he rescued her dog okay, and ain't nobody gonna get in the way of a friendship between Miss Sonia and whoever rescues her dog, scoundrel, rake, bastard, monster, or whatever the devil he may be. She. Will. Be. Friends. With. Conover.
Lady Atterbury (I seriously had to dig out my copy to remember what her name was, because there are so many Lady-Atterbury-Arnside-Arkdale-Arkright-Allandale-A-I-don't-know-what in Regency romances, that it gets really confusing.) will just have to learn to live with a few frustrations. Because apparently Major Conover is all that is improper and bad ton and there is NO way that he will so much as cross the threshold of her respected Atterbury House, yet next thing you know, he's seated in her drawing-room for tea, charming the old ladies. Haha. ;) Lady Atterbury is all bark no bite. She puts up a disagreeable façade and pretends to be all strait-laced and starchy, when really, she is excited when there is a fight in her front hall, she is delighted with Conover, she hates his mean cousins, and all the supposedly unconventional characters have a way of growing on her that she can't help but relent and be pleasing. I found her so funny. She would tell Sonia to watch her language, then exclaim things like "'By Jupiter, if he's sending you the deeds to a love nest, I'll have his liver and lights!'".
Every chapter of A Loyal Companion begins with Fitz's thoughts. Fitz is Miss Sonia's beloved dog, and the story is told through his point of view at the beginning of each chapter. I found that quite entertaining! He was so smart, quoting Greek philosophy and all, and raising good points that make you seriously question human ways and manners back in the Regency era.
"Of all the courtship rituals I have studied, the London Season sounds the most bizarre."
"For one thing, the proper breeding age is arbitrarily set - by a committee, mind you - regardless of individual maturation. Then all of those selected (debutantes) to meet the most eligible males (catches) are herded together (the Marriage Mart) and dressed alike."
"The brightest colours, the most sparkly jewels, the finest plumage, are reserved for those who already have a mate!"
"But the young women are not permitted to view these activities [fisticuffs, swordwork, marksmanship contest, races ] or the unclad males, so how can they select the mate who is strongest, fittest, fastest, best able to protect them and their children?"
"The sexes are kept so firmly apart because chastity in females is valued above beauty or intelligence. There are chaperons and open doors and enough rules to choke a Chihuahua."
"A man does not have to be as brave as a bull, as strong as a stag, as fast as a falcon, as smart as a dog, to win the maiden of his choice. He has to be rich. The wealthier the female, the wealthier the male has to be to prove he can provide for her."
Yup. The dog is all:
So he takes it upon himself to find a good catch for Sonia, one whom she will be able to love, cherish, respect and be content with for the rest of her life. Good dog, Fitz.
I don't know what exactly makes Metzger's books so endearing to me; it's like an odd combination of cuteness and adorableness mixed with wit, dry humour and funny situations. There's just something about her books...Definitely a keeper, this one. :)
PS- Someone got a bit excited with Downton Abbey gifs...Sorry :P
Coming straight from the country into the elegance of her grandmother's fashionable circle in London, Miss Sonia Randolph is a beautiful, charming and unaffected young woman. She likes to move, she likes to be independent, she knows her own mind, and she has no delight in boring afternoons sipping tea and chatting idle nothings with her grandmother's friends. She would much rather go play in the park with her dog, and befriend a certain gentleman ostracized by society for a supposedly scandalous past, and his three adorable nieces. I thought I didn't like children in Regency novels (and I generally don't), but those three have a way of growing on you and there is no shaking them off. Sonia doesn't care that Major Conover is apparently too much of a scoundrel for her innocent company, because heck, he rescued her dog okay, and ain't nobody gonna get in the way of a friendship between Miss Sonia and whoever rescues her dog, scoundrel, rake, bastard, monster, or whatever the devil he may be. She. Will. Be. Friends. With. Conover.
Lady Atterbury (I seriously had to dig out my copy to remember what her name was, because there are so many Lady-Atterbury-Arnside-Arkdale-Arkright-Allandale-A-I-don't-know-what in Regency romances, that it gets really confusing.) will just have to learn to live with a few frustrations. Because apparently Major Conover is all that is improper and bad ton and there is NO way that he will so much as cross the threshold of her respected Atterbury House, yet next thing you know, he's seated in her drawing-room for tea, charming the old ladies. Haha. ;) Lady Atterbury is all bark no bite. She puts up a disagreeable façade and pretends to be all strait-laced and starchy, when really, she is excited when there is a fight in her front hall, she is delighted with Conover, she hates his mean cousins, and all the supposedly unconventional characters have a way of growing on her that she can't help but relent and be pleasing. I found her so funny. She would tell Sonia to watch her language, then exclaim things like "'By Jupiter, if he's sending you the deeds to a love nest, I'll have his liver and lights!'".
Every chapter of A Loyal Companion begins with Fitz's thoughts. Fitz is Miss Sonia's beloved dog, and the story is told through his point of view at the beginning of each chapter. I found that quite entertaining! He was so smart, quoting Greek philosophy and all, and raising good points that make you seriously question human ways and manners back in the Regency era.
"Of all the courtship rituals I have studied, the London Season sounds the most bizarre."
"For one thing, the proper breeding age is arbitrarily set - by a committee, mind you - regardless of individual maturation. Then all of those selected (debutantes) to meet the most eligible males (catches) are herded together (the Marriage Mart) and dressed alike."
"The brightest colours, the most sparkly jewels, the finest plumage, are reserved for those who already have a mate!"
"But the young women are not permitted to view these activities [fisticuffs, swordwork, marksmanship contest, races ] or the unclad males, so how can they select the mate who is strongest, fittest, fastest, best able to protect them and their children?"
"The sexes are kept so firmly apart because chastity in females is valued above beauty or intelligence. There are chaperons and open doors and enough rules to choke a Chihuahua."
"A man does not have to be as brave as a bull, as strong as a stag, as fast as a falcon, as smart as a dog, to win the maiden of his choice. He has to be rich. The wealthier the female, the wealthier the male has to be to prove he can provide for her."
Yup. The dog is all:
So he takes it upon himself to find a good catch for Sonia, one whom she will be able to love, cherish, respect and be content with for the rest of her life. Good dog, Fitz.
I don't know what exactly makes Metzger's books so endearing to me; it's like an odd combination of cuteness and adorableness mixed with wit, dry humour and funny situations. There's just something about her books...Definitely a keeper, this one. :)
PS- Someone got a bit excited with Downton Abbey gifs...Sorry :P
July 21, 2020
A Loyal Companion by Barbara Metzger is so stinking adorable, I can't even!
Love this novella so much, the humor, the characters, Fritz the dog, everything was handled beautifully.
Brief summary, Sonia's mother dies when she's a baby and she's raised by her father who loves and indulgest her. She grows up in the country carefree and a bit wild but after her oldest brother's marriage she is sent to London to her grandmother for her come out. She's accompanied to London by her loyal companion, her dog Fritz. While in London her dog Fritz gets lost and is found by Captain Darius Conover who brings him home to his three orphaned nieces who are in dire need of love and caring and so is Darius. After a scandal destroyed his reputation he became an office and a war hero but still finds himself an outcast. Sonia has a big heart and non of the prejudices of the ton, she decides to find out for herself who Darius really is. With the help of Fritz, Sonia brings light and love to Darius and his nieces.
This could have been a silly story, as part of it is narrated by the dog, but it was done in such a clever and witty way that I found it charming and refreshing. Fritz is no ordinary dog. he a scholar and a philosopher, and he'll straighten his mistress' life come hell or high water.
The romance between Sonia and Darius is sweet and touching. Sonia has lots of love to give and Darius is in need of someone to love and believe in him and so it's a match made in heaven. The character are all charming and lovable. This reminded me a lot of a Georgette Hayer novel, it's a similar style.
The narration was done by Stevie Zimmerman and she was excellent, however, the quality of the recording wasn't great. Still, it didn't detract from the story.
Love this novella so much, the humor, the characters, Fritz the dog, everything was handled beautifully.
Brief summary, Sonia's mother dies when she's a baby and she's raised by her father who loves and indulgest her. She grows up in the country carefree and a bit wild but after her oldest brother's marriage she is sent to London to her grandmother for her come out. She's accompanied to London by her loyal companion, her dog Fritz. While in London her dog Fritz gets lost and is found by Captain Darius Conover who brings him home to his three orphaned nieces who are in dire need of love and caring and so is Darius. After a scandal destroyed his reputation he became an office and a war hero but still finds himself an outcast. Sonia has a big heart and non of the prejudices of the ton, she decides to find out for herself who Darius really is. With the help of Fritz, Sonia brings light and love to Darius and his nieces.
This could have been a silly story, as part of it is narrated by the dog, but it was done in such a clever and witty way that I found it charming and refreshing. Fritz is no ordinary dog. he a scholar and a philosopher, and he'll straighten his mistress' life come hell or high water.
The romance between Sonia and Darius is sweet and touching. Sonia has lots of love to give and Darius is in need of someone to love and believe in him and so it's a match made in heaven. The character are all charming and lovable. This reminded me a lot of a Georgette Hayer novel, it's a similar style.
The narration was done by Stevie Zimmerman and she was excellent, however, the quality of the recording wasn't great. Still, it didn't detract from the story.
June 17, 2022
Simply fantastic! I was hesitating about reading this as I saw a few reviews mentioning that the book includes a dog's point of view. I'm not sure how that would pan out. Well, I shouldn't have worried. The dog's point of view is the highlight of the book. They're funny, quirky and simply sublime. Not to say the other aspects of the book aren't great. It contains Ms Metzger's signature wit and humour. If you're looking for something light and entertaining, look no further as this book will entertain you thoroughly. This is definitely a keeper!
August 20, 2019
Publisher and Release Date: Fawcett Crest, February 1992
RHL Classifications
Time and Setting: Regency England
Historical Romance
Heat Level: Sweet
Reviewer rating: 4.5
A Loyal Companion by Barbara Metzger
Review by Patrice
INTRO
There’s an old warning to actors in showbiz: Don’t work with kids or animals. I don’t suppose this applies to novels when the heroine is equally adorable. A Loyal Companion's seams are bursting with little ones, a variety of animals, and all the mushy, gooey sweetness that comes with them. I’d like to emphasize that the author employs children and animals liberally in her work. I have no complaints about her devices because just like the showbiz warning implies, it’s just so darn, well, cute.
PLOT SUMMARY
When a wealthy country squire marries a London beauty who is disowned by her family, he is blessed with years of happiness until her untimely death. Alone with memories of happier times with his wife, and the generous company of a village widow or two, he raises his four children: two sons, George and Hugh, and two daughters, Catherine and Sonia, who he calls “Sunny” for her golden looks and lively disposition. Shortly after George’s marriage to an insecure social climber, Sonia is forced take her place in London society under her maternal grandmother’s care. Lady Almeria, the dowager Duchess of Atterbury, is strong-willed and determined that her rebellious daughter’s mistakes will not be repeated by her grandchild. This does not stop Sunny from befriending the blacklisted Earl of Ware, Major Darius Conover, an acclaimed war hero with a sordid history that connects him to seasoned socialite Lady Rosellen Conover who is married to his unscrupulous cousin, Preston.
With her vibrant personality and unassuming country ways, Sunny is headstrong, loyal and loving. Once she decides to befriend Major Conover, she will not be deterred by rumor, Ton censure or the formidable Lady Almeria’s threats to ship her off to boarding school. For the first time since her arrival, Sunny feels she has made a true connection to a man. As always, there are scandalmongers and naysayers waiting to destroy the new bonds between the pair.
Can a war hero with a wounded heart be healed by a radiant country beauty soon to become the toast of London? Or will his connection to her destroy any chance of future happiness?
CHARACTERS
Sonia “Sunny” Randolph is best described as “knowing her own mind” by her dad, Squire Elvin Randolph. He is proud that she is very much like her deceased mother, Lady Allison, who defied her relations to wed him. I would not describe Sunny as an actual tomboy, it’s an limited generalization based on her country manners. She has her own since of style, and is a natural flirt, without all the affectations. I would compare her to a golden wild rose with thorns, a contrast to a hothouse orchid which describes her sister Catherine. Her confidence and genuine sincerity is what makes servants, commoners and the highest peers of the Ton like her.
I’m not certain I would have chosen Major Conover for Sunny. He has a ton of emotional and physical scars from fighting on the fronts against Napoleon, and the vile accusations that lurk at home. They are such complete opposites the attraction works because Darius is a soldier and she can be herself with him. He is used to responsibility and yet he needs someone like Sunny to fight for him, care for him. Sunny and Fitz the dog are perfect for him in every way.
Fitz the dog, is a gorgeous black sheepdog with white markers from Squire Randolph’s estate, and Sunny’s companion, much to her grandmother’s displeasure. He is an important character by bringing everyone closer, providing loads of humor, while demonstrating how ridiculous human beings are in situations that are comparably simple for animals.
SUMMARY
A Loyal Companion is a delightful tale where a plucky country lass meets—and saves—the love of her life. With a little help from her dog, she lures, stalks, and bags her reluctant suitor. To be certain, I’ve always appreciated that whenever dogs are involved in romance, the outcome is a guaranteed HEA for everyone except the villains. It’s a sweet, quick read with loads of witty observations and dialogue that will make you snicker. If you’re a dog lover, who appreciates a hero that is an underdog with a charming heiress dogging his heels, then I recommended this novel for fun times and frolics.
RHL Classifications
Time and Setting: Regency England
Historical Romance
Heat Level: Sweet
Reviewer rating: 4.5
A Loyal Companion by Barbara Metzger
Review by Patrice
INTRO
There’s an old warning to actors in showbiz: Don’t work with kids or animals. I don’t suppose this applies to novels when the heroine is equally adorable. A Loyal Companion's seams are bursting with little ones, a variety of animals, and all the mushy, gooey sweetness that comes with them. I’d like to emphasize that the author employs children and animals liberally in her work. I have no complaints about her devices because just like the showbiz warning implies, it’s just so darn, well, cute.
PLOT SUMMARY
When a wealthy country squire marries a London beauty who is disowned by her family, he is blessed with years of happiness until her untimely death. Alone with memories of happier times with his wife, and the generous company of a village widow or two, he raises his four children: two sons, George and Hugh, and two daughters, Catherine and Sonia, who he calls “Sunny” for her golden looks and lively disposition. Shortly after George’s marriage to an insecure social climber, Sonia is forced take her place in London society under her maternal grandmother’s care. Lady Almeria, the dowager Duchess of Atterbury, is strong-willed and determined that her rebellious daughter’s mistakes will not be repeated by her grandchild. This does not stop Sunny from befriending the blacklisted Earl of Ware, Major Darius Conover, an acclaimed war hero with a sordid history that connects him to seasoned socialite Lady Rosellen Conover who is married to his unscrupulous cousin, Preston.
With her vibrant personality and unassuming country ways, Sunny is headstrong, loyal and loving. Once she decides to befriend Major Conover, she will not be deterred by rumor, Ton censure or the formidable Lady Almeria’s threats to ship her off to boarding school. For the first time since her arrival, Sunny feels she has made a true connection to a man. As always, there are scandalmongers and naysayers waiting to destroy the new bonds between the pair.
Can a war hero with a wounded heart be healed by a radiant country beauty soon to become the toast of London? Or will his connection to her destroy any chance of future happiness?
CHARACTERS
Sonia “Sunny” Randolph is best described as “knowing her own mind” by her dad, Squire Elvin Randolph. He is proud that she is very much like her deceased mother, Lady Allison, who defied her relations to wed him. I would not describe Sunny as an actual tomboy, it’s an limited generalization based on her country manners. She has her own since of style, and is a natural flirt, without all the affectations. I would compare her to a golden wild rose with thorns, a contrast to a hothouse orchid which describes her sister Catherine. Her confidence and genuine sincerity is what makes servants, commoners and the highest peers of the Ton like her.
I’m not certain I would have chosen Major Conover for Sunny. He has a ton of emotional and physical scars from fighting on the fronts against Napoleon, and the vile accusations that lurk at home. They are such complete opposites the attraction works because Darius is a soldier and she can be herself with him. He is used to responsibility and yet he needs someone like Sunny to fight for him, care for him. Sunny and Fitz the dog are perfect for him in every way.
Fitz the dog, is a gorgeous black sheepdog with white markers from Squire Randolph’s estate, and Sunny’s companion, much to her grandmother’s displeasure. He is an important character by bringing everyone closer, providing loads of humor, while demonstrating how ridiculous human beings are in situations that are comparably simple for animals.
SUMMARY
A Loyal Companion is a delightful tale where a plucky country lass meets—and saves—the love of her life. With a little help from her dog, she lures, stalks, and bags her reluctant suitor. To be certain, I’ve always appreciated that whenever dogs are involved in romance, the outcome is a guaranteed HEA for everyone except the villains. It’s a sweet, quick read with loads of witty observations and dialogue that will make you snicker. If you’re a dog lover, who appreciates a hero that is an underdog with a charming heiress dogging his heels, then I recommended this novel for fun times and frolics.
February 7, 2017
Sonia, Darius and Fitz the dog.
I'm not really a dog person, but I do love '101 Dalmations' and I couldn't help but wonder if the author does too. Each chapter is prefaced with a little bit of wisdom from Sonia's loyal dog Fitz. Instead of being annoying, this was actually pretty endearing and gave you a hint of what to expect in each Chapter.
Sonia is a free spirit who loves the country, but is forced to endure her first London season. Darius is a much troubled man back from the Napoleonic wars because of an injured leg. London life is abhorrent to him because some slander in his past has led him to be ostracized by the Ton. He is also saddled with 3 nieces he doesn't know what to do with since his brother and sister-in-law died in an accident, making him the new Earl.
Although they live within a block of each other, they would never have met if it hadn't been for Fitz.
My first time reading this author, and I loved the way she has Sonia help to draw Darius out of his enforced solitude. It's not love at first sight, but interest on her part. Interest which turns to love over the course of the book.
There is no OW, but there are villains and the fickle Ton to deal with.
I really enjoyed this more than I expected and the ending was a bit campy, with an almost 'Disney' feel, but thoroughly satisfying.
I listened to this as an audiobook and the reader, Stevie Zimmerman, was great!
I'm not really a dog person, but I do love '101 Dalmations' and I couldn't help but wonder if the author does too. Each chapter is prefaced with a little bit of wisdom from Sonia's loyal dog Fitz. Instead of being annoying, this was actually pretty endearing and gave you a hint of what to expect in each Chapter.
Sonia is a free spirit who loves the country, but is forced to endure her first London season. Darius is a much troubled man back from the Napoleonic wars because of an injured leg. London life is abhorrent to him because some slander in his past has led him to be ostracized by the Ton. He is also saddled with 3 nieces he doesn't know what to do with since his brother and sister-in-law died in an accident, making him the new Earl.
Although they live within a block of each other, they would never have met if it hadn't been for Fitz.
My first time reading this author, and I loved the way she has Sonia help to draw Darius out of his enforced solitude. It's not love at first sight, but interest on her part. Interest which turns to love over the course of the book.
There is no OW, but there are villains and the fickle Ton to deal with.
I really enjoyed this more than I expected and the ending was a bit campy, with an almost 'Disney' feel, but thoroughly satisfying.
I listened to this as an audiobook and the reader, Stevie Zimmerman, was great!
March 18, 2013
What a fun book! The best part for me would be the narration, some of which is from a dog - a dog who quotes Greek Philosophy! It was really entertaining and not at all annoying as I had thought it could be. It was done with real taste and style; very clever!
I also loved the story behind the hero, which the heroine helps to sort out. It was very sweet. The subtly growing love between them was slow and steady and ... perfect :)
Wonderful read :) I look forward to reading more of her work.
I also loved the story behind the hero, which the heroine helps to sort out. It was very sweet. The subtly growing love between them was slow and steady and ... perfect :)
Wonderful read :) I look forward to reading more of her work.
July 19, 2019
I read a Barbara Metzger many many years ago. I must have not been impressed because I never wanted to read another one until an online discussion intrigued me enough to give this one a try. I thought it was a cute idea to have the story told by the heroine's dog. Afterall, I loved Flush by Virginia Woolf and Thomasina by paul Gallico. It happened to be available for download from my library so I decided to give it a whirl. And what a delight it was! It had the intimate lighthearted vibe of a Marian Chesney novel and was just as free-wheeling. It was funny and wise and the romance was sweet. It was peopled with well rounded and likable secondary characters and hiss-worthy villains.
Fitz the dog ends each chapter with a teaser for the happenings in the next chapter. The beginning of each chapter is his musings, on the foibles of the humans around him, social conditions, religion, and suchlike but also advances the plot, which is then taken over by an omniscient third-person narrator.
The structure was unusual. I hope her other books are just as good and it wasn't just the unconventionality of this book's approach that charmed me. I've already got my eye on another one.
Fitz the dog ends each chapter with a teaser for the happenings in the next chapter. The beginning of each chapter is his musings, on the foibles of the humans around him, social conditions, religion, and suchlike but also advances the plot, which is then taken over by an omniscient third-person narrator.
The structure was unusual. I hope her other books are just as good and it wasn't just the unconventionality of this book's approach that charmed me. I've already got my eye on another one.
November 12, 2014
Sonia Randolph, called Sunny by her loved ones, has always been the apple of her father, the Squire's eye. Unlike her proper elder sister, Sonia loves to romp about the country visiting the tenants and lighting up her father's life. Her maternal grandmother, the Dowager Duchess of Atterbury, thinks Sonia is a hoyden and is determined Sunny will make a match worthy of the family name so when Sunny's oldest brother marries and sets up his nursery and Sunny's father decides to remarry as well, Sunny is sent off to London for her come-out. In London, despite her grandmother's best intentions, Sunny remains her usual cheery and kind self. Always at her side loving her and protecting her is her faithful dog Fitz. Fitz gets lost and causes a chain of events resulting in a broken leg. Major Darius Conover, the Earl of Warebourne, brings Fitz home and mends the broken leg. Fitz is cheerful company for Darius' three young nieces, recently orphaned and left to his care. When Fitz is well enough to find his way home, he introduces Sunny and the Major. Sunny instantly feels sorry for the wounded war hero and tries to befriend him. Unfortunately, her most prominent suitor, Lord Ansel Berke, brings up an old scandal about his sister and Conover which had resulted in Conover's being shunned by polite society. Sunny doesn't believe the old scandal and continues to see Conover, growing ever closer to him and his nieces but old scandals die hard and the path to Sunny's future happiness is bumpy. Through it all, her dog Fitz narrates the story, contemplates the odd mating behavior of humans and tries to help Sunny find her life mate. Fitz is an intelligent dog who questions philosophical issues such as whether there is a heaven, why humans only worship one god, and of course, human social behavior.
I'm a huge dog lover and I am all for literate dogs but Fitz is well read in Greek and Roman literature, which I am not, so I found it hard to follow and hard to relate Sunny's story to Fitz's favorite stories.
A third person omniscient narrator shares the telling of the story with Fitz which is a little confusing.
Sunny is a fun heroine, much like Jacey in Rake's Ransom. I think the two of them should get together and take London by storm! Darius isn't very well developed and I never got a sense of why Sunny loved him other than her instinct to take care of him. The ending drags on way too long but ends satisfactorily.
I'm a huge dog lover and I am all for literate dogs but Fitz is well read in Greek and Roman literature, which I am not, so I found it hard to follow and hard to relate Sunny's story to Fitz's favorite stories.
A third person omniscient narrator shares the telling of the story with Fitz which is a little confusing.
Sunny is a fun heroine, much like Jacey in Rake's Ransom. I think the two of them should get together and take London by storm! Darius isn't very well developed and I never got a sense of why Sunny loved him other than her instinct to take care of him. The ending drags on way too long but ends satisfactorily.
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November 20, 2017Ebbene, sì. Confesso che il nome di Barbara Metzeger mi ha incuriosita. Ricordo di averlo visto su Anobii o forse una sua mail.
Questo libro è delizioso. Delizioso in una notte birbona che mi trova mezza soffocata da un malanno (e gli altri acciacchi fanno festa).
Sostanzialmente lo ha scritto un cane. Fitz. Sagace, fedele, provvido, simpatico, provvidenziale.
Non sono espertissima di romanzi, tanto vituperati, così detti 'rosa'. Questo è rosa, profuma di rosa, oltre che di una bestiola avezza a pozzanghere, ossi rosicchiati (ma anche qualche sorso di brandy), corse fra le pecore e nei vicoli malsani della Londra regency. Un 'Canis ex machina' si definisce Fitz poco modestamente.
Quando è che un libro ci piace? Di solito quando ci dispiace che finisca. È vero che la notte è ancora giovane e avrei voluto ancora compagnia, ma è vero anche che il libro, questo, è ben scritto. Ironico. Pieno di colte citazioni. Mi fa pensare che l'autrice, non una sprovveduta, si sia divertita anche lei. Non solo che ami i cani e le belle favole. I personaggi (Marston, il maggiordomo è ammirevole) sono tali, non semplici macchiette. L'eroe e l'eroina sanno cosa dire e come dirlo. Sottilissima, una vena bonaria di gioco sul genere non disturba per nulla.
Già, belle favole.
Nel finale, a un certo punto, Lui dice a Lei: - Ti ho detto che ti amo, di recente?
Favole. Se non fosse che questa esatta espressione l'abbia sentita diciottenne con le mie orecchie, che allora funzionavano bene, pronunciare da mio padre a mia madre. Quell'ultimo giorno della loro favola.
E la notte torna a farsi malinconica. Ma sorrido.
Questo libro è delizioso. Delizioso in una notte birbona che mi trova mezza soffocata da un malanno (e gli altri acciacchi fanno festa).
Sostanzialmente lo ha scritto un cane. Fitz. Sagace, fedele, provvido, simpatico, provvidenziale.
Non sono espertissima di romanzi, tanto vituperati, così detti 'rosa'. Questo è rosa, profuma di rosa, oltre che di una bestiola avezza a pozzanghere, ossi rosicchiati (ma anche qualche sorso di brandy), corse fra le pecore e nei vicoli malsani della Londra regency. Un 'Canis ex machina' si definisce Fitz poco modestamente.
Quando è che un libro ci piace? Di solito quando ci dispiace che finisca. È vero che la notte è ancora giovane e avrei voluto ancora compagnia, ma è vero anche che il libro, questo, è ben scritto. Ironico. Pieno di colte citazioni. Mi fa pensare che l'autrice, non una sprovveduta, si sia divertita anche lei. Non solo che ami i cani e le belle favole. I personaggi (Marston, il maggiordomo è ammirevole) sono tali, non semplici macchiette. L'eroe e l'eroina sanno cosa dire e come dirlo. Sottilissima, una vena bonaria di gioco sul genere non disturba per nulla.
Già, belle favole.
Nel finale, a un certo punto, Lui dice a Lei: - Ti ho detto che ti amo, di recente?
Favole. Se non fosse che questa esatta espressione l'abbia sentita diciottenne con le mie orecchie, che allora funzionavano bene, pronunciare da mio padre a mia madre. Quell'ultimo giorno della loro favola.
E la notte torna a farsi malinconica. Ma sorrido.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2024
Cute, cute, cuuuuute. We are in the mind of various characters but mainly spend time in the hero, heroine, and her dog's mind. It is super cute, but it took 30% of the book for us to be introduced to the hero. From then on, the book got interesting. Quick and easy. Super recommend when you don't know what to read or need a palet cleanser.
October 27, 2020
This book is so very lovely. The dog is the main star and a remarkable matchmaker!
Perfect for a relaxing and fun read.
Love it!
Perfect for a relaxing and fun read.
Love it!
June 19, 2021
Clever banter, charming characters, and hilarious plot lines - this one has all the hallmarks of a Barbara Metzger novel.
Easily my favourite author when I need a clean, traditional Regency novel after bodice rippers or contemporary works! Metzger never disappoints.
Easily my favourite author when I need a clean, traditional Regency novel after bodice rippers or contemporary works! Metzger never disappoints.
October 1, 2017
Read this as part of Rake's Ransom and a Loyal Companion.
My favourite quote: "...stop your confounded shilly-shallying." Really, Grandmama had the best lines.
2.5 stars.
A decent read. The historical details really made for a well developed setting. The dowagers were a hoot and Grandmama had the best lines. I adored both MCs, how the h matched her nickname, "Sunny" and how the H started out so downtrodden but was sufficiently roused back to life by someone who simply cared. The slow burn romance between the two was sweet and I appreciated how the H wasn't a rake and didn't have a mistress. There was no mention of his experience and I was fine with that.
So the h was a bit of a Mary Sue. I was fine with that too. However she wasn't cloying with her sweetness and naïveté, but was simply a nice person. She had lovely, non-antagonistic relationships with other women her age. She had her own money and wasn't in dire straits or all alone in the world. How refreshing this all was.
As for the rest of the characters, the motives that they had for their actions made sense. Sure, the villain was a little one faceted and prone to OTT antics, but you can't have everything.
So why only 2.5 stars? I don't think this author's writing style was for me. I found myself constantly finding other things to do: checking my e-mail, mending kids' projects, and calling the pharmacy, which were probably all symptoms of slight boredom. Also I found the dog's pov to be a bit lazy of the author. She wanted to pontificate on Regency society, on humankind, on the top ten thousand, etc. but she wasn't going to find another way instead of having a dog spout her opinions. Maybe she wanted it to be ironic, that even a dog knew the truth about humans while humans themselves were oblivious. I don't know, but instead of finding his pov whimsical and funny, I would have preferred an omniscient third person narrative to fill in the blanks instead of a dog's.
My favourite quote: "...stop your confounded shilly-shallying." Really, Grandmama had the best lines.
2.5 stars.
A decent read. The historical details really made for a well developed setting. The dowagers were a hoot and Grandmama had the best lines. I adored both MCs, how the h matched her nickname, "Sunny" and how the H started out so downtrodden but was sufficiently roused back to life by someone who simply cared. The slow burn romance between the two was sweet and I appreciated how the H wasn't a rake and didn't have a mistress. There was no mention of his experience and I was fine with that.
So the h was a bit of a Mary Sue. I was fine with that too. However she wasn't cloying with her sweetness and naïveté, but was simply a nice person. She had lovely, non-antagonistic relationships with other women her age. She had her own money and wasn't in dire straits or all alone in the world. How refreshing this all was.
As for the rest of the characters, the motives that they had for their actions made sense. Sure, the villain was a little one faceted and prone to OTT antics, but you can't have everything.
So why only 2.5 stars? I don't think this author's writing style was for me. I found myself constantly finding other things to do: checking my e-mail, mending kids' projects, and calling the pharmacy, which were probably all symptoms of slight boredom. Also I found the dog's pov to be a bit lazy of the author. She wanted to pontificate on Regency society, on humankind, on the top ten thousand, etc. but she wasn't going to find another way instead of having a dog spout her opinions. Maybe she wanted it to be ironic, that even a dog knew the truth about humans while humans themselves were oblivious. I don't know, but instead of finding his pov whimsical and funny, I would have preferred an omniscient third person narrative to fill in the blanks instead of a dog's.
July 9, 2020
3.5 to 4 stars. Quite cute and a bit campy.
The unusual thing about it is we get a lot of the POV of the heroine’s pet dog, Fitz, who is quite a hero himself. Its also cute in a somewhat “Disney” manner that the reader gets to know a lot of the other animals’ sentiments as Fitz discusses his situations with and takes advice from them.
The unusual thing about it is we get a lot of the POV of the heroine’s pet dog, Fitz, who is quite a hero himself. Its also cute in a somewhat “Disney” manner that the reader gets to know a lot of the other animals’ sentiments as Fitz discusses his situations with and takes advice from them.
September 28, 2015
It was okay, but a historical romance with a dog narrator who philosophizes against the existence of God is too much for me.
August 12, 2016
Cute! Liked the dog POV.
April 15, 2024
EVERYTHING WAS SO PRECIOUS!!! we get fitz's POV at the start of every chapter and it is seriously the most endearing thing ever? he's such a knowledgeable and witty doggo who only wants the best for his owner!
sonia is a lovely heroine who has a big heart and a strong mind of her own but not in an overtly modern fashion—while she tries her best to get what she wants, she does so just within society's expectations of propriety for that time period. it was delightful how both owner and dog gradually wore down darius's prickly defenses (that were put in place because he was wrongly maligned for an act he didn't commit) simply by showering him and his nieces with much-needed love, attention, and care.
but miss sunny randolph isn't just all rainbows and sunshine either—she ignored the rumours and made her own judgements on darius's character before setting out to salvage his reputation with clever manoeuvres within her means. one can hardly blame darius for falling in love with her!
the two of them were pretty much instantly attracted to each other, which isn't a favourite trope of mine, but i really appreciated how the romance still took its time to bloom in such a sweet and enduring manner and gave both leads time to grow into their relationships with each other and their families as well.
considering the short length of the novella, most of the characters in the sizeable cast were fleshed out quite well, especially the three adorable little girls! i appreciated how each one of them had a distinct personality, even little baby tina who couldn't talk much. admittedly, the villains were slightly one-dimensional but had believable motives behind their actions and ultimately served their purpose in bringing our main couple together.
all in all, i was utterly charmed by fitz's antics and hope you will be too.
sonia is a lovely heroine who has a big heart and a strong mind of her own but not in an overtly modern fashion—while she tries her best to get what she wants, she does so just within society's expectations of propriety for that time period. it was delightful how both owner and dog gradually wore down darius's prickly defenses (that were put in place because he was wrongly maligned for an act he didn't commit) simply by showering him and his nieces with much-needed love, attention, and care.
but miss sunny randolph isn't just all rainbows and sunshine either—she ignored the rumours and made her own judgements on darius's character before setting out to salvage his reputation with clever manoeuvres within her means. one can hardly blame darius for falling in love with her!
the two of them were pretty much instantly attracted to each other, which isn't a favourite trope of mine, but i really appreciated how the romance still took its time to bloom in such a sweet and enduring manner and gave both leads time to grow into their relationships with each other and their families as well.
considering the short length of the novella, most of the characters in the sizeable cast were fleshed out quite well, especially the three adorable little girls! i appreciated how each one of them had a distinct personality, even little baby tina who couldn't talk much. admittedly, the villains were slightly one-dimensional but had believable motives behind their actions and ultimately served their purpose in bringing our main couple together.
all in all, i was utterly charmed by fitz's antics and hope you will be too.
September 12, 2018
2.5 stars. This is a nice, well-written Regency romance, but it’s a bit silly for my taste. I nearly put the book down when I first got to the dog’s POV. I skipped those sections for a while, but they did eventually grow on me. The story and characters are utterly formulaic, but if you didn’t like this formula you wouldn’t be reading this kind of novel to begin with.
The heroine is very young and beautiful and rich and defies convention right and left, but the ton adores her anyway. The hero is a wounded soldier (accompanied by a loyal familiar batman) with a scandalous reputation but a heart of gold, who has just unexpectedly inherited a title. There’s a dragonlady grandmother to disapprove of the match; a kind but dimwitted brother who is surprised to find that his little sister is “bang up to the nines”; a bluestocking friend; a gentleman “with pockets to let” courting the heroine for her money; some cute orphaned children, and, of course, the verbose dog.
The romance isn’t my favorite sort. The couple fall in love immediately and the “romance” consists of breaking down the obstacles keeping them apart. I rather prefer to watch disinterested, if not downright hostile, parties actually fall in love over the course of a novel.
I’d have rounded up to three stars if it hadn’t ended with a silly as a finale. I know, those are routine for these romances, but I find them really annoying.
The heroine is very young and beautiful and rich and defies convention right and left, but the ton adores her anyway. The hero is a wounded soldier (accompanied by a loyal familiar batman) with a scandalous reputation but a heart of gold, who has just unexpectedly inherited a title. There’s a dragonlady grandmother to disapprove of the match; a kind but dimwitted brother who is surprised to find that his little sister is “bang up to the nines”; a bluestocking friend; a gentleman “with pockets to let” courting the heroine for her money; some cute orphaned children, and, of course, the verbose dog.
The romance isn’t my favorite sort. The couple fall in love immediately and the “romance” consists of breaking down the obstacles keeping them apart. I rather prefer to watch disinterested, if not downright hostile, parties actually fall in love over the course of a novel.
I’d have rounded up to three stars if it hadn’t ended with a silly as a finale. I know, those are routine for these romances, but I find them really annoying.
March 31, 2013
Fitz and his human, Miss Sonia Randolph grew up on her father’s estate, but when her brother and his new wife come to live there and their father, after years of being a widower, decides to marry, Sonia is sent to London to stay with her grandmother, the Dowager Duchess, Lady Amelia Atterbury. And where Sonia goes, so does Fitz. The Dowager Duchess decides that it is time for Sonia to Come Out and land herself a husband, though she doesn’t think there are any eligible men who will put up with her granddaughter’s hoyden ways. So Fitz takes it upon himself to search London for a suitable mate for his beloved Sonia. Let the adventures begin!
Once again Ms. Metzger has charmed me. Well-written with a smooth flowing plot and delectable characters this humorous historical romance will entertain even the most dour reader. The beginning and ending of each chapter after Sonia acquires Fitz has the tale told from his point of view. And it’s quite interesting and, oft times amusing, to see things from a dog’s perspective, too! A delightful afternoon read it was!
*Many thanks to Untreed Reads for providing me with a review copy. Please see disclaimer page on my blog.
Once again Ms. Metzger has charmed me. Well-written with a smooth flowing plot and delectable characters this humorous historical romance will entertain even the most dour reader. The beginning and ending of each chapter after Sonia acquires Fitz has the tale told from his point of view. And it’s quite interesting and, oft times amusing, to see things from a dog’s perspective, too! A delightful afternoon read it was!
*Many thanks to Untreed Reads for providing me with a review copy. Please see disclaimer page on my blog.
June 17, 2016
Sonia Randolph is the beautiful youngest child of minor gentry. Her grandmother, the intimidating Dowager Duchess of Atterbury, is sure she'll make a brilliant match. But to everyone's dismay, Sonia's affections alight on Darius Conover after he saves her dog's life. Darius has been plagued by rumors for at least a decade, and spends as much of his time as possible at the war front where he can avoid them and be useful besides. But an old leg injury, and Sonia's appealing eyes, keep him in town longer than he intended...just long enough to be challenged to multiple duels.
Sonia and Darius are each charming, likable main characters. They face actual conflict, but each behave like sensible human adults instead of losing their heads. I almost rated this lower because I thought that telling the whole story through Sonia's dog was clunkily done, but...at least it was novel.
Sonia and Darius are each charming, likable main characters. They face actual conflict, but each behave like sensible human adults instead of losing their heads. I almost rated this lower because I thought that telling the whole story through Sonia's dog was clunkily done, but...at least it was novel.
June 22, 2015
Love dogs, wounded soldiers, and maligned heroes? How about a strong heroine and an entertaining cast of secondary characters? Like humor and witty dialogue, but not too much nonsense? Most of all, want to see the wrong made right for a hard-pressed hero?
Then you might like this. Despite the doggy POV.
Then you might like this. Despite the doggy POV.
November 27, 2018
4.40 stars - pg13?
Enjoyed this story. Loved Hero and heroine. Overall not as funny as I had expected. Maybe a tad bit too much dog narration for me.
Enjoyed this story. Loved Hero and heroine. Overall not as funny as I had expected. Maybe a tad bit too much dog narration for me.
February 11, 2024
Light, bright, and sparkling. I am still not a fan of animal narrators but I am a fan of amusing and likable characters and not too many brooding obstacles.
January 4, 2020
amusing, charming feel good read. Fitz, the dog, with his musings was definately the lead mc.
September 3, 2012
Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.blogsp...
Sonia was going to pick her own spouse, not get matched up with some high toned gentleman who wanted her money. She was going to marry for love. However, that was never going to happen if her grandmother had anything to say about it…
This book is set in Victorian times, when the ton could make or break any member of society. I find this time period interesting to read about, but I’d never survive there. I’m too outspoken and make my own decisions. That’s why I liked Sonia. She was just like me and her antics and softly spoken snide comments made me grin.
Sonia’s father has spoiled her. When Sonia let his prize dog out during heat and the prize dog from the farm next door impregnated her, he was furious. But Sonia saved the puppies from death and even claimed one for her own. Here's where the book gets really good: The new puppy, Fitz, has his own contribution to the story. Have you ever read a book where an animal tells the tale? I enjoy those and enjoyed Fitz’s contribution to this story, too. Fitz tells you about how a dog views life and how silly humans are. With all that goes on in this story, you almost have to agree with him.
The author introduces Sonia to a wounded war veteran that has been slandered and is scorned by the ton. She then takes her main character through a variety of attempts to help clear his name. Add in a newly remarried father who goes off on his honeymoon, three children who are living with their uncle (Sonia’s love interest) and a ton member who wants Sonia’s money for his gambling debts and the story gets very interesting indeed.
Amusing and heart-warming, this tale grabbed me. The dog’s voice is a great addition, and I found it very easy to relate to the young woman and her “impossible” love. In fact, I liked this story so much I have purchased a copy for my library. I’ll re-read it. Any story that leaves me with a big smile on my face is a winner in my book.
Sonia was going to pick her own spouse, not get matched up with some high toned gentleman who wanted her money. She was going to marry for love. However, that was never going to happen if her grandmother had anything to say about it…
This book is set in Victorian times, when the ton could make or break any member of society. I find this time period interesting to read about, but I’d never survive there. I’m too outspoken and make my own decisions. That’s why I liked Sonia. She was just like me and her antics and softly spoken snide comments made me grin.
Sonia’s father has spoiled her. When Sonia let his prize dog out during heat and the prize dog from the farm next door impregnated her, he was furious. But Sonia saved the puppies from death and even claimed one for her own. Here's where the book gets really good: The new puppy, Fitz, has his own contribution to the story. Have you ever read a book where an animal tells the tale? I enjoy those and enjoyed Fitz’s contribution to this story, too. Fitz tells you about how a dog views life and how silly humans are. With all that goes on in this story, you almost have to agree with him.
The author introduces Sonia to a wounded war veteran that has been slandered and is scorned by the ton. She then takes her main character through a variety of attempts to help clear his name. Add in a newly remarried father who goes off on his honeymoon, three children who are living with their uncle (Sonia’s love interest) and a ton member who wants Sonia’s money for his gambling debts and the story gets very interesting indeed.
Amusing and heart-warming, this tale grabbed me. The dog’s voice is a great addition, and I found it very easy to relate to the young woman and her “impossible” love. In fact, I liked this story so much I have purchased a copy for my library. I’ll re-read it. Any story that leaves me with a big smile on my face is a winner in my book.
January 12, 2014
I received this book from the publisher on the understanding I would give a fair and honest review.
Sonia is a young lady who is forced to go to London to stay with her Grandmother in order to have a season. Sunny, as she is known, would rather stay in the country and live the life she has led. But, things have changed, her widowed father has remarried, her eldest brother has a new bride and a new son so there is really no place for an unmarried hoyden to stay.
Darius is a wounded hero from the Napoleonic War. He is going to inherit an Earldom because of the death of his elder brother. He would rather be in the country. He has been deemed a terrible person and has been accused of ruining a young woman and leaving her to take her own life.
Sunny and Darius share a similarity of character and interests. They both love the 3 little girls who Darius is raising since the death of his brother and his sister-in-law. They both laugh together and that helps them fall in love with one another.
Barbara Metzger is a wonderful writer. She has developed a good plot that is developed along the line of a mystery as well as a romance.
The entire story is narrated by Fitz, Sunny’s beloved dog. He is wise beyond his years and very involved in making sure that the lives of the people he loves go in the correct direction. Fitz is capable of solving nearly any problem. His life was saved by Sunny when she was a child and later on his life was saved by Darius. He takes charge and things work out eventually just as they should.
The main characters in this book are people who are interesting and entertaining. The secondary characters add to the atmosphere and help move the story along.
This is a terrific book and I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
Sonia is a young lady who is forced to go to London to stay with her Grandmother in order to have a season. Sunny, as she is known, would rather stay in the country and live the life she has led. But, things have changed, her widowed father has remarried, her eldest brother has a new bride and a new son so there is really no place for an unmarried hoyden to stay.
Darius is a wounded hero from the Napoleonic War. He is going to inherit an Earldom because of the death of his elder brother. He would rather be in the country. He has been deemed a terrible person and has been accused of ruining a young woman and leaving her to take her own life.
Sunny and Darius share a similarity of character and interests. They both love the 3 little girls who Darius is raising since the death of his brother and his sister-in-law. They both laugh together and that helps them fall in love with one another.
Barbara Metzger is a wonderful writer. She has developed a good plot that is developed along the line of a mystery as well as a romance.
The entire story is narrated by Fitz, Sunny’s beloved dog. He is wise beyond his years and very involved in making sure that the lives of the people he loves go in the correct direction. Fitz is capable of solving nearly any problem. His life was saved by Sunny when she was a child and later on his life was saved by Darius. He takes charge and things work out eventually just as they should.
The main characters in this book are people who are interesting and entertaining. The secondary characters add to the atmosphere and help move the story along.
This is a terrific book and I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
January 2, 2025
Although this story includes dogs, it is less engaging than THE PRIMROSE PATH. Unfortunately, Fitz (the four-legged hero of this tale) was a bit too wordy.
Sonia is a fair-minded, caring young woman about to be placed on the Marriage MART. Darius Conover is the wronged hero who has just become an earl. Villain's escape and action keep this story rolling. Barbara Metzger has a way with words; she likens Lady Atterbury's weakness to being "as fragile as a medieval suit of armor.”
UPDATE: (1/19/2024) Rereading this delightful romp is much more fun -- probably since I have no new Barbara Metzger's to read. I didn't see this story as wordy this time, just delightful. Fitz leads his owner on a merry chase through Regency England.
Sonia is a fair-minded, caring young woman about to be placed on the Marriage MART. Darius Conover is the wronged hero who has just become an earl. Villain's escape and action keep this story rolling. Barbara Metzger has a way with words; she likens Lady Atterbury's weakness to being "as fragile as a medieval suit of armor.”
UPDATE: (1/19/2024) Rereading this delightful romp is much more fun -- probably since I have no new Barbara Metzger's to read. I didn't see this story as wordy this time, just delightful. Fitz leads his owner on a merry chase through Regency England.
June 11, 2020
DNF at 12%
Aside from the tiresome talk about sheeps and dogs, I have to say this book is pretty bad. It clearly tried to make a witty and intelligent critic of the period but, she realize that she couldn't make it seem like an actual novel, and not a manifesto of her feeling, so she just went and decided to use A DOG as a voice in the chapters. This is one of those cases when the author voice it's so loud it's annoying. I mean come on, Do you really need to make a long ass rant about religion on a romantic novel? and I may add, in a really condescending way. I hate people preaching about being on the supperior level just because they don't believe in God.
Chapter one: dogs
Chapter two: A manifesto of all things wrong with religion.
Aside from the tiresome talk about sheeps and dogs, I have to say this book is pretty bad. It clearly tried to make a witty and intelligent critic of the period but, she realize that she couldn't make it seem like an actual novel, and not a manifesto of her feeling, so she just went and decided to use A DOG as a voice in the chapters. This is one of those cases when the author voice it's so loud it's annoying. I mean come on, Do you really need to make a long ass rant about religion on a romantic novel? and I may add, in a really condescending way. I hate people preaching about being on the supperior level just because they don't believe in God.
Chapter one: dogs
Chapter two: A manifesto of all things wrong with religion.
January 23, 2015
Un regency delizioso. Pieno dei luoghi comuni e delle figure caratteristiche del genere, li esalta e li inserisce volutamente nella narrazione, con il preciso intento di essere ironico. E lo fa in maniera veramente originale, con in più un punto di vista "canino" davvero fondamentale per la storia.
November 3, 2013
I prefer my regency romances not be narrated by dogs.
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