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Love & Temptation #1
The Original Miss Honeyford
Miss Honeyford was sour on romance, but she had been duly dispatched to London to save the family fortune by hunting for (and securing) a wealthy husband - and thereby proving her role as a loving if not entirely dutiful daughter. Honoraria obeyed. But if she was reluctantly willing to surrender her hand, this beautiful young lady who could ride, shoot, and argue with any man was not about to lose her head or her heart to any of the dismal cads 'n lads of the Marriage Mart. First she met the arrogantly attractive Lord Alistair Stewart, who treated her infuriatingly like a little girl. And then she met the skillfully seductive Lord Channington, who treated her intoxicatingly like the desirable full-grown woman that she was. But now that she had a choice, which role would she choose and just how much risk was she willing to run?
ABOUT THE SERIES
Determined heroines run the gamut from those who set out by running a confectioners sweet shop to others who are willing to disguise themselves as boys to get by and do what they have to do. Whatever the matter, the Regency series brings us heroines of style, grace, and determination - women who are not afraid to use their smarts to seek the stature or standing they feel they need. They may come from humble beginnings (or not, depending) but what these heroines share is a determination unmatched that leaves us turning page after page as we follow them in their dance.
ABOUT THE SERIES
Determined heroines run the gamut from those who set out by running a confectioners sweet shop to others who are willing to disguise themselves as boys to get by and do what they have to do. Whatever the matter, the Regency series brings us heroines of style, grace, and determination - women who are not afraid to use their smarts to seek the stature or standing they feel they need. They may come from humble beginnings (or not, depending) but what these heroines share is a determination unmatched that leaves us turning page after page as we follow them in their dance.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1985
101 people are currently reading
478 people want to read
About the author
Marion Chesney
144 books753 followersMarion Chesney Gibbons
aka: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, M.C. Beaton, Sarah Chester.
Marion Chesney was born on 1936 in Glasgow, Scotland, UK, and started her first job as a bookseller in charge of the fiction department in John Smith & Sons Ltd. While bookselling, by chance, she got an offer from the Scottish Daily Mail to review variety shows and quickly rose to be their theatre critic. She left Smith’s to join Scottish Field magazine as a secretary in the advertising department, without any shorthand or typing, but quickly got the job of fashion editor instead. She then moved to the Scottish Daily Express where she reported mostly on crime. This was followed by a move to Fleet Street to the Daily Express where she became chief woman reporter. After marrying Harry Scott Gibbons and having a son, Charles, Marion went to the United States where Harry had been offered the job of editor of the Oyster Bay Guardian. When that didn’t work out, they went to Virginia and Marion worked as a waitress in a greasy spoon on the Jefferson Davies in Alexandria while Harry washed the dishes. Both then got jobs on Rupert Murdoch’s new tabloid, The Star, and moved to New York.
Anxious to spend more time at home with her small son, Marion, urged by her husband, started to write historical romances in 1977. After she had written over 100 of them under her maiden name, Marion Chesney, and under the pseudonyms: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, and Sarah Chester, she getting fed up with 1714 to 1910, she began to write detectives stories in 1985 under the pseudonym of M. C. Beaton. On a trip from the States to Sutherland on holiday, a course at a fishing school inspired the first Constable Hamish Macbeth story. They returned to Britain and bought a croft house and croft in Sutherland where Harry reared a flock of black sheep. But Charles was at school, in London so when he finished and both tired of the long commute to the north of Scotland, they moved to the Cotswolds where Agatha Raisin was created.
aka: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, M.C. Beaton, Sarah Chester.
Marion Chesney was born on 1936 in Glasgow, Scotland, UK, and started her first job as a bookseller in charge of the fiction department in John Smith & Sons Ltd. While bookselling, by chance, she got an offer from the Scottish Daily Mail to review variety shows and quickly rose to be their theatre critic. She left Smith’s to join Scottish Field magazine as a secretary in the advertising department, without any shorthand or typing, but quickly got the job of fashion editor instead. She then moved to the Scottish Daily Express where she reported mostly on crime. This was followed by a move to Fleet Street to the Daily Express where she became chief woman reporter. After marrying Harry Scott Gibbons and having a son, Charles, Marion went to the United States where Harry had been offered the job of editor of the Oyster Bay Guardian. When that didn’t work out, they went to Virginia and Marion worked as a waitress in a greasy spoon on the Jefferson Davies in Alexandria while Harry washed the dishes. Both then got jobs on Rupert Murdoch’s new tabloid, The Star, and moved to New York.
Anxious to spend more time at home with her small son, Marion, urged by her husband, started to write historical romances in 1977. After she had written over 100 of them under her maiden name, Marion Chesney, and under the pseudonyms: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, and Sarah Chester, she getting fed up with 1714 to 1910, she began to write detectives stories in 1985 under the pseudonym of M. C. Beaton. On a trip from the States to Sutherland on holiday, a course at a fishing school inspired the first Constable Hamish Macbeth story. They returned to Britain and bought a croft house and croft in Sutherland where Harry reared a flock of black sheep. But Charles was at school, in London so when he finished and both tired of the long commute to the north of Scotland, they moved to the Cotswolds where Agatha Raisin was created.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
July 20, 2020
Rating: Four stars
This was a fun, OTTP read with a madcap ending that was well, a bit lampoonish. Dare I admit that I really enjoyed it? It's nice to have a heroine who is smart, courageous and able to give a good set down and think quickly. Honey was definitely that and more. Her youth and inexperience was the failing, along with her ridiculous and emotionally stagnated aunt. Lord Alistair proved to a be truly redeemable H and I was able to forgive him whenever he was a jerk due to his willingness to go above and beyond to save Honey. Except did she really need him? Read it and see!
This was a fun, OTTP read with a madcap ending that was well, a bit lampoonish. Dare I admit that I really enjoyed it? It's nice to have a heroine who is smart, courageous and able to give a good set down and think quickly. Honey was definitely that and more. Her youth and inexperience was the failing, along with her ridiculous and emotionally stagnated aunt. Lord Alistair proved to a be truly redeemable H and I was able to forgive him whenever he was a jerk due to his willingness to go above and beyond to save Honey. Except did she really need him? Read it and see!
May 5, 2022
Why do many traditional Regencys begin in the most charmingly humorous way only to lose that tone after a while? The h/H's antagonistic meet cute and battle of wits can be engaging for only a while before becoming banal and repetitive.
Still a 3.5*
Still a 3.5*
February 7, 2014
Miss Honaria Honeyford, Honey to her friends, is the son her father always wanted. She can discuss politics, ride, hunt, shoot swear and smoke as well as any man. When a new beauty moved to their country village and all Honey's male pals pay court to Amy Wetherall, Honey's father realizes the disservice he has done his daughter raising her as a boy. SirEdmund sends Honey off to London to be brought out by her aunt and find a suitable husband to return home and help run the estate. Along the way, Honey rejects conventions and travels without a chaperon. She makes the acquaintance of Lord Alistair Stewart, an elegant lazy fop, who has a habit of helping Honey out of dangerous predicaments. Honey takes an instant dislike to Lord Alistair and he to her, but neither can ignore the strange dreams and feelings the other arouses in them. In London, Honey struggles to obey her aunt, who wishes to teach Honey how to behave like a real lady. The handsome, charming Lord Channington arrives on the scene and treats Honey with all the respect and admiration she desires. Unbeknowst to Honey, Lord Channington is a notorious seducer who ruins young ladies and he is intent on making Honey his next victim! Honey must decide whether to accept Lord Channington's attentions or Lord Alistair's help and once again Lord Alistair must come to Honey's rescue.
Honey is one of the best literary heroines. She is an intelligent pre-feminist way ahead of her time. I felt sorry for her as she struggled with the unfair rules for women. She was able to stay true to herself and find happiness in the end. I really enjoyed this novel.
Honey is one of the best literary heroines. She is an intelligent pre-feminist way ahead of her time. I felt sorry for her as she struggled with the unfair rules for women. She was able to stay true to herself and find happiness in the end. I really enjoyed this novel.
July 13, 2021
Another super entertaining book! I accidentally read the second book in this Love & Temptation series first and, because I liked that one so much, I knew I had to read the first.
I just recently discovered that Marion Chesney is actually the alias for M.C. Beaton. I loved the Agatha Raisin mystery series written by this author and read them all a while ago. I was super excited to find out that she wrote other books under a different name. (I think there's actually a third name that she wrote under as well).
If you love the Regency era and you adore Jane Austen, these books are for you. I describe them as "light and frivolous" Jane Austen-esque romances. Quick, fun, and ridiculous in the best way. If you've been reading too many heavy books with dense writing, these books are a wonderful antidote to that type of reading slump.
I can't wait to finish this series and branch into her other series of Regency romances...and I never thought I would like romances at all! Really happy that someone suggested these books to me.
I just recently discovered that Marion Chesney is actually the alias for M.C. Beaton. I loved the Agatha Raisin mystery series written by this author and read them all a while ago. I was super excited to find out that she wrote other books under a different name. (I think there's actually a third name that she wrote under as well).
If you love the Regency era and you adore Jane Austen, these books are for you. I describe them as "light and frivolous" Jane Austen-esque romances. Quick, fun, and ridiculous in the best way. If you've been reading too many heavy books with dense writing, these books are a wonderful antidote to that type of reading slump.
I can't wait to finish this series and branch into her other series of Regency romances...and I never thought I would like romances at all! Really happy that someone suggested these books to me.
March 29, 2015
Not one of my favorites from M.C. Everything happened very quickly with little substance. I've read books by her that had less than 200 pages before that had a lot more depth than this. I'm actually surprised I finished it...
April 22, 2022
Light and sweet, without the sometimes frighteningly toxic side characters that Chesney liked to include in some of her romances. The h is naive and honorable, and she deserves the happiness she gets. I give this 3 and a 1/2 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2019
Another strong 3-stars Regency romance from Marion Chesney. There was humour, a few enjoyable banters, only one big misunderstanding (that was a good thing because sometimes there are too many misunderstandings).
September 14, 2024
Another light and frothy Regency Romance by the author of Hamish MacBeth and Agatha Raisin. Although the heroine starts out to espouse a hatred for the constraints (of her time) of womanhood, she still acquiesces and goes to London to learn to be a proper lady and find a husband. What I love about M.C. Beaton's Regency efforts versus Georgette Heyer is that Beaton always manages to include some educational bit of history or historical customs of the time that I didn't know. I enjoyed her very vivid, and from my previous readings, very accurate description of Almack's and its desperate attraction on the one hand and dreariness on the other. I enjoyed this as a nice diversion.
December 14, 2019
Miss Honeyford, or "Honey," as her friends and family call her, has led a strange life, almost raised as a son by her father since her mother's death. But one day, her father realizes the error of what he has done, and decides to remedy the situation by sending her to London. But she is not happy about it, and not at all happy that she has to give up her drinking brandy and smoking, let alone all the hunting and shooting. That said, when Honey discovers that she is held in disdain by the men she held as friends, because of her unladylike conduct, she begins to be uncomfortable with her life, but not sure how to fit into her new one.
Things get even more complicated when she meets Lord Alistair Stewart, whom not only sees her for who she is, but is amazed that she does not seem to hold him in the same awe as the rest of the ton. But the more this unlikely pair spend in each other's company, the more they are drawn to each other.
Fun, clean, and adventurous romance. I enjoyed it a lot.
Things get even more complicated when she meets Lord Alistair Stewart, whom not only sees her for who she is, but is amazed that she does not seem to hold him in the same awe as the rest of the ton. But the more this unlikely pair spend in each other's company, the more they are drawn to each other.
Fun, clean, and adventurous romance. I enjoyed it a lot.
February 13, 2021
This was sweet and funny. I love Marion Chesney, her books are always enjoyable
January 8, 2022
Absolutely delightful! Rich characters, teasing plot, a little bit of blood and a HEA to remember. 😆🥰
November 28, 2023
An entertaining, Regency battle of the sexes
Miss Honaria Honeyford ("Honey") is 19 years old. She is a member of the gentry, but her father is broke. Her mother died when she was very young, and she has been raised by her father as if she were the son he never had. She smokes cheroots and drinks brandy with him by the fire every night, cusses and speaks thieves cant like a groom, shoots as well as man, and rides neck or nothing on fox hunts. Her curly hair is cut manishly short, she wears old, dowdy dresses and men's boots, and her favorite cloak smells like wet dog, because the hounds that hang out in her home regularly sleep on it. She loves her life and wants nothing to change, but one day her father confesses to her that he needs her to marry so he will have a son-in-law who can help him run his estates, which are practically bankrupt. He has scraped together all the money he can afford for the clothing she will need for a season in the "Marriage Mart" among the ton in London, and he is sending her there to be brought out by her maternal aunt, who married a lord and is a wealthy, socially influential widow.
On the long journey to London, Honey is only escorted by three male servants and lacks a maid. Her father has written ahead to secure a room for her at various inns, and it is at one of these that she first encounters handsome, decadent, 30-year-old Lord Alistair Stewart, the wealthy, younger son of a duke. As they both dine in the same private parlor, her mannish habits both attract and repel him, and Honey views him as a worthless fribble. They end up quarreling and part ways, both assuming they won't meet again. However, when Honey arrives at an inn where the landlord has given away her room, because the town in which it is located is overrun with hundreds of men who have come to see a prize fight in the morning, she is diverted to a hedge tavern on a deserted byway. Up until now, Honey has felt safe in her travels, since no one has accosted her, and she carries a pistol in her huge reticule. Unfortunately, when three drunken aristocrats assault her at the hedge tavern, her reticule is knocked to the floor before she can grab the gun out of it. Honey screams as loud as a siren and, to her amazement, Lord Alistair bursts into the room and orders the men to let go of her. When she slides out of their shock-loosened grip, she is so busy crawling under the table and pawing inside her reticule to retrieve her pistol, she does not witness the efficient way that Lord Allister beats up and drives away her three attackers. As a result, she is not remotely grateful for this astounding feat of derring-do.
This story offers some familiar tropes that Marion Chesney includes in many of her Regency romances. First, there is a large age difference between the romantic protagonists. Her heroines are typically 17 to 19 years old, and her heroes age 30 to 35. Her heroines are frequently eccentric and rebellious, and Honey is an extreme version of that.
There is also a really dramatic makeover for Honey, and when she is out from under all the grotesquely ugly clothing she wears, she is a very beautiful young woman.
As is the case with the vast majority of MC's Regencies, the romantic protagonists are at odds with each other until they finally share a kiss at 85% of the novel, which quickly escalates into a passionate makeout session. From that moment on, both are madly in love.
I received free access to the audiobook version of this novel through my Audible membership. The British narrator, Lindy Nettleton, does an excellent job.
Miss Honaria Honeyford ("Honey") is 19 years old. She is a member of the gentry, but her father is broke. Her mother died when she was very young, and she has been raised by her father as if she were the son he never had. She smokes cheroots and drinks brandy with him by the fire every night, cusses and speaks thieves cant like a groom, shoots as well as man, and rides neck or nothing on fox hunts. Her curly hair is cut manishly short, she wears old, dowdy dresses and men's boots, and her favorite cloak smells like wet dog, because the hounds that hang out in her home regularly sleep on it. She loves her life and wants nothing to change, but one day her father confesses to her that he needs her to marry so he will have a son-in-law who can help him run his estates, which are practically bankrupt. He has scraped together all the money he can afford for the clothing she will need for a season in the "Marriage Mart" among the ton in London, and he is sending her there to be brought out by her maternal aunt, who married a lord and is a wealthy, socially influential widow.
On the long journey to London, Honey is only escorted by three male servants and lacks a maid. Her father has written ahead to secure a room for her at various inns, and it is at one of these that she first encounters handsome, decadent, 30-year-old Lord Alistair Stewart, the wealthy, younger son of a duke. As they both dine in the same private parlor, her mannish habits both attract and repel him, and Honey views him as a worthless fribble. They end up quarreling and part ways, both assuming they won't meet again. However, when Honey arrives at an inn where the landlord has given away her room, because the town in which it is located is overrun with hundreds of men who have come to see a prize fight in the morning, she is diverted to a hedge tavern on a deserted byway. Up until now, Honey has felt safe in her travels, since no one has accosted her, and she carries a pistol in her huge reticule. Unfortunately, when three drunken aristocrats assault her at the hedge tavern, her reticule is knocked to the floor before she can grab the gun out of it. Honey screams as loud as a siren and, to her amazement, Lord Alistair bursts into the room and orders the men to let go of her. When she slides out of their shock-loosened grip, she is so busy crawling under the table and pawing inside her reticule to retrieve her pistol, she does not witness the efficient way that Lord Allister beats up and drives away her three attackers. As a result, she is not remotely grateful for this astounding feat of derring-do.
This story offers some familiar tropes that Marion Chesney includes in many of her Regency romances. First, there is a large age difference between the romantic protagonists. Her heroines are typically 17 to 19 years old, and her heroes age 30 to 35. Her heroines are frequently eccentric and rebellious, and Honey is an extreme version of that.
There is also a really dramatic makeover for Honey, and when she is out from under all the grotesquely ugly clothing she wears, she is a very beautiful young woman.
As is the case with the vast majority of MC's Regencies, the romantic protagonists are at odds with each other until they finally share a kiss at 85% of the novel, which quickly escalates into a passionate makeout session. From that moment on, both are madly in love.
I received free access to the audiobook version of this novel through my Audible membership. The British narrator, Lindy Nettleton, does an excellent job.
December 22, 2024
An entertaining, Regency battle of the sexes
Miss Honaria Honeyford ("Honey") is 19 years old. She is a member of the gentry, but her father is broke. Her mother died when she was very young, and she has been raised by her father as if she were the son he never had. She smokes cheroots and drinks brandy with him by the fire every night, cusses and speaks thieves cant like a groom, shoots as well as man, and rides neck or nothing on fox hunts. Her curly hair is cut manishly short, she wears old, dowdy dresses and men's boots, and her favorite cloak smells like wet dog, because the hounds that hang out in her home regularly sleep on it. She loves her life and wants nothing to change, but one day her father confesses to her that he needs her to marry so he will have a son-in-law who can help him run his estates, which are practically bankrupt. He has scraped together all the money he can afford for the clothing she will need for a season in the "Marriage Mart" among the ton in London, and he is sending her there to be brought out by her maternal aunt, who married a lord and is a wealthy, socially influential widow.
On the long journey to London, Honey is only escorted by three male servants and lacks a maid. Her father has written ahead to secure a room for her at various inns, and it is at one of these that she first encounters handsome, decadent, 30-year-old Lord Alistair Stewart, the wealthy, younger son of a duke. As they both dine in the same private parlor, her mannish habits both attract and repel him, and Honey views him as a worthless fribble. They end up quarreling and part ways, both assuming they won't meet again. However, when Honey arrives at an inn where the landlord has given away her room, because the town in which it is located is overrun with hundreds of men who have come to see a prize fight in the morning, she is diverted to a hedge tavern on a deserted byway. Up until now, Honey has felt safe in her travels, since no one has accosted her, and she carries a pistol in her huge reticule. Unfortunately, when three drunken aristocrats assault her at the hedge tavern, her reticule is knocked to the floor before she can grab the gun out of it. Honey screams as loud as a siren and, to her amazement, Lord Alistair bursts into the room and orders the men to let go of her. When she slides out of their shock-loosened grip, she is so busy crawling under the table and pawing inside her reticule to retrieve her pistol, she does not witness the efficient way that Lord Allister beats up and drives away her three attackers. As a result, she is not remotely grateful for this astounding feat of derring-do.
This story offers some familiar tropes that Marion Chesney includes in many of her Regency romances. First, there is a large age difference between the romantic protagonists. Her heroines are typically 17 to 19 years old, and her heroes age 30 to 35. Her heroines are frequently eccentric and rebellious, and Honey is an extreme version of that.
There is also a really dramatic makeover for Honey, and when she is out from under all the grotesquely ugly clothing she wears, she is a very beautiful young woman.
As is the case with the vast majority of MC's Regencies, the romantic protagonists are at odds with each other until they finally share a kiss at 85% of the novel, which quickly escalates into a passionate makeout session. From that moment on, both are madly in love.
I received free access to the audiobook version of this novel through my Audible membership. The British narrator, Lindy Nettleton, does an excellent job.
Miss Honaria Honeyford ("Honey") is 19 years old. She is a member of the gentry, but her father is broke. Her mother died when she was very young, and she has been raised by her father as if she were the son he never had. She smokes cheroots and drinks brandy with him by the fire every night, cusses and speaks thieves cant like a groom, shoots as well as man, and rides neck or nothing on fox hunts. Her curly hair is cut manishly short, she wears old, dowdy dresses and men's boots, and her favorite cloak smells like wet dog, because the hounds that hang out in her home regularly sleep on it. She loves her life and wants nothing to change, but one day her father confesses to her that he needs her to marry so he will have a son-in-law who can help him run his estates, which are practically bankrupt. He has scraped together all the money he can afford for the clothing she will need for a season in the "Marriage Mart" among the ton in London, and he is sending her there to be brought out by her maternal aunt, who married a lord and is a wealthy, socially influential widow.
On the long journey to London, Honey is only escorted by three male servants and lacks a maid. Her father has written ahead to secure a room for her at various inns, and it is at one of these that she first encounters handsome, decadent, 30-year-old Lord Alistair Stewart, the wealthy, younger son of a duke. As they both dine in the same private parlor, her mannish habits both attract and repel him, and Honey views him as a worthless fribble. They end up quarreling and part ways, both assuming they won't meet again. However, when Honey arrives at an inn where the landlord has given away her room, because the town in which it is located is overrun with hundreds of men who have come to see a prize fight in the morning, she is diverted to a hedge tavern on a deserted byway. Up until now, Honey has felt safe in her travels, since no one has accosted her, and she carries a pistol in her huge reticule. Unfortunately, when three drunken aristocrats assault her at the hedge tavern, her reticule is knocked to the floor before she can grab the gun out of it. Honey screams as loud as a siren and, to her amazement, Lord Alistair bursts into the room and orders the men to let go of her. When she slides out of their shock-loosened grip, she is so busy crawling under the table and pawing inside her reticule to retrieve her pistol, she does not witness the efficient way that Lord Allister beats up and drives away her three attackers. As a result, she is not remotely grateful for this astounding feat of derring-do.
This story offers some familiar tropes that Marion Chesney includes in many of her Regency romances. First, there is a large age difference between the romantic protagonists. Her heroines are typically 17 to 19 years old, and her heroes age 30 to 35. Her heroines are frequently eccentric and rebellious, and Honey is an extreme version of that.
There is also a really dramatic makeover for Honey, and when she is out from under all the grotesquely ugly clothing she wears, she is a very beautiful young woman.
As is the case with the vast majority of MC's Regencies, the romantic protagonists are at odds with each other until they finally share a kiss at 85% of the novel, which quickly escalates into a passionate makeout session. From that moment on, both are madly in love.
I received free access to the audiobook version of this novel through my Audible membership. The British narrator, Lindy Nettleton, does an excellent job.
October 22, 2013
AudioBook Review: Stars: Overall 3 Narration 4 Story 3
Following in the fun and readability of the author's other regency romances, Miss Honaria Honeyford is an unwed miss, sent to London to gain a husband and save her family from financial ruin. There are just a few problems with this plan: she isn't a 'typical' debutante type, preferring the more masculine pursuits of cigarettes, shooting and brandy, and she always speaks her mind.
Honaria is outspoken and not prone to thinking of consequences before she speaks, which makes for several funny moments and reactions from the more proper society people she meets. Her poor aunt, charged with aiding her in her quest is often frustrated and befuddled by the headstrong yet well-intentioned young woman. Repeated encounters with Lord Alastair who is forever correcting her behavior are funny and clever, he is as enamored of her as the reader is. Lord Channington is more romantic and sensual, awakening Honaria's baser desires. But a choice must be made....
Narration provided again by Lindy Nettleton is as perfectly modulated with inflections and emotional emphasis provided to enhance the story and provide a feel of the different accents and characters presented in the story.
No, these are not expositions on life or love: they are clever, fun and funny stories set in regency society that manage to poke fun at the conventions of society as the characters struggle to be accepted by, and find their way through them.
I received an MP3 download of the title via AudioBook Jukebox for purpose of honest review for The Heard Word. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Following in the fun and readability of the author's other regency romances, Miss Honaria Honeyford is an unwed miss, sent to London to gain a husband and save her family from financial ruin. There are just a few problems with this plan: she isn't a 'typical' debutante type, preferring the more masculine pursuits of cigarettes, shooting and brandy, and she always speaks her mind.
Honaria is outspoken and not prone to thinking of consequences before she speaks, which makes for several funny moments and reactions from the more proper society people she meets. Her poor aunt, charged with aiding her in her quest is often frustrated and befuddled by the headstrong yet well-intentioned young woman. Repeated encounters with Lord Alastair who is forever correcting her behavior are funny and clever, he is as enamored of her as the reader is. Lord Channington is more romantic and sensual, awakening Honaria's baser desires. But a choice must be made....
Narration provided again by Lindy Nettleton is as perfectly modulated with inflections and emotional emphasis provided to enhance the story and provide a feel of the different accents and characters presented in the story.
No, these are not expositions on life or love: they are clever, fun and funny stories set in regency society that manage to poke fun at the conventions of society as the characters struggle to be accepted by, and find their way through them.
I received an MP3 download of the title via AudioBook Jukebox for purpose of honest review for The Heard Word. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
May 17, 2017
I love Marion Chesney. She writes strong female characters, even though her era focus is the 1800s when women were in no way supposed to be strong, capable or independent. Which of course makes her characters all the more fun to read about.
Honey is absolutely delightful! Having been raised only by her father out in the country, she has had none of the "proper" education ladies are expected to receive, and is therefore a completely inappropriate hoyden. This suits everyone involved - especially Honey herself - just fine, and all goes along a pace, until Honey's father decides he needs someone to help him run his estate more efficiently. That means a husband for Honey. But to do that, Honey must be turned into a proper lady, so she is dispatched to London to her aunt who will groom Honey and take her through the season to find a husband for her.
Chesney knows her era and does a bang up job of combining the archaic world women lived in then, with characters who buck the system and refuse to be "groomed". For those within the story, this is always shocking and horrifying. For the reader, it's a bucket-load of fun!!
I loved Honey and chortled gleefully at every inappropriate word, behaviour and thought. She was a delight, as were the adventures Chesney gives her on her journey to secure a husband. There are no surprises here, so if you read this author or this genre, you already know how things will eventually end. It is the journey, rather than the destination, which makes a Marion Chesney story worth reading. This is a short, fun, easy read and I enjoyed every moment of it!
Honey is absolutely delightful! Having been raised only by her father out in the country, she has had none of the "proper" education ladies are expected to receive, and is therefore a completely inappropriate hoyden. This suits everyone involved - especially Honey herself - just fine, and all goes along a pace, until Honey's father decides he needs someone to help him run his estate more efficiently. That means a husband for Honey. But to do that, Honey must be turned into a proper lady, so she is dispatched to London to her aunt who will groom Honey and take her through the season to find a husband for her.
Chesney knows her era and does a bang up job of combining the archaic world women lived in then, with characters who buck the system and refuse to be "groomed". For those within the story, this is always shocking and horrifying. For the reader, it's a bucket-load of fun!!
I loved Honey and chortled gleefully at every inappropriate word, behaviour and thought. She was a delight, as were the adventures Chesney gives her on her journey to secure a husband. There are no surprises here, so if you read this author or this genre, you already know how things will eventually end. It is the journey, rather than the destination, which makes a Marion Chesney story worth reading. This is a short, fun, easy read and I enjoyed every moment of it!
February 4, 2017
I should have realised this was an oldie, but I saw it later on when looking for the cover. So old school in the sweet sense. They hate each other, and then they fall in love.
Honoria likes to speak her mind, she smokes, she drinks, she hunts, she rather spends time with men than with women.
But, uh oh. They men see her as a boy. Like she cares, but off to the city she is sent.
She does change, she becomes very, hmmm....wait looking for the right thing to say. But she becomes so naive. Srsly if everyone says that guy is a seducer then maybe you should believe them you stupid chit. GOD, this was so 80s in that aspect.
And then there is the guy she argues with the entire book, and then realises that they love each othe. But there is drama and she is an idiot and I was all, wait, when did these two fall in love?
Ha, but yes it was super sweet and I enjoyed cos damn these can be read fast.
Honoria likes to speak her mind, she smokes, she drinks, she hunts, she rather spends time with men than with women.
But, uh oh. They men see her as a boy. Like she cares, but off to the city she is sent.
She does change, she becomes very, hmmm....wait looking for the right thing to say. But she becomes so naive. Srsly if everyone says that guy is a seducer then maybe you should believe them you stupid chit. GOD, this was so 80s in that aspect.
And then there is the guy she argues with the entire book, and then realises that they love each othe. But there is drama and she is an idiot and I was all, wait, when did these two fall in love?
Ha, but yes it was super sweet and I enjoyed cos damn these can be read fast.
February 8, 2024
I love a feisty heroine! Our hoydenish heroine is sent to London to aquire much needed social graces and catch a husband.
I loved that the heroine had the wits to transform herself and she turns out to be quite a beauty. Though she learns to be a bit more circumspect, she loses none of her spirit.
The Hero falls for her like 9 pins, but he fights his attraction.
I like that in the end, she saves herself from the villain. Her hoydenish talets have served her in good stead. 😁
I loved that the heroine had the wits to transform herself and she turns out to be quite a beauty. Though she learns to be a bit more circumspect, she loses none of her spirit.
The Hero falls for her like 9 pins, but he fights his attraction.
I like that in the end, she saves herself from the villain. Her hoydenish talets have served her in good stead. 😁
October 24, 2011
A quick and simple regency read.
August 28, 2023
"Jealousy is the one character defect that everyone claims everyone else has except themselves."
"What a disconcerting female you are. When a gentleman pays you a compliment, you do not glare at him like a scalded kitten and demand, "Why.""
This was such a delightful historical romance! While novella length, it didn't suffer from lack of development and though written in the '80s it held up to classics and contemporary alike. Honoria "Honey" Honeyford has been brought up as one of the "lads", but the arrival of the stunning belle Miss Wetherall to the county brings her father's attention to their difference in upbringing. So off Honey is packed to an aunt in London, to be properly polished and brought out in order to snag a husband.
Honey is intelligent and spirited, but equally naive and innocent when it comes to society. She is constantly rushing headlong into scrapes or rebelling against the rules, yet still possesses the desire to be loved for herself as well as please her family. In her misadventures she continually encounters confirmed bachelor and handsome cad Lord Alistair, who is equal parts baffled, perturbed and intrigued by Honey and finds himself either rushing to her rescue, correcting her behavior (or lack thereof) or admiring her spirit. One thing is for certain - Honey is never a bore! But when known seducer Lord Chanington sets his sights on Honey, both she and Alistair's feelings will be thrown for a loop.
"What a disconcerting female you are. When a gentleman pays you a compliment, you do not glare at him like a scalded kitten and demand, "Why.""
This was such a delightful historical romance! While novella length, it didn't suffer from lack of development and though written in the '80s it held up to classics and contemporary alike. Honoria "Honey" Honeyford has been brought up as one of the "lads", but the arrival of the stunning belle Miss Wetherall to the county brings her father's attention to their difference in upbringing. So off Honey is packed to an aunt in London, to be properly polished and brought out in order to snag a husband.
Honey is intelligent and spirited, but equally naive and innocent when it comes to society. She is constantly rushing headlong into scrapes or rebelling against the rules, yet still possesses the desire to be loved for herself as well as please her family. In her misadventures she continually encounters confirmed bachelor and handsome cad Lord Alistair, who is equal parts baffled, perturbed and intrigued by Honey and finds himself either rushing to her rescue, correcting her behavior (or lack thereof) or admiring her spirit. One thing is for certain - Honey is never a bore! But when known seducer Lord Chanington sets his sights on Honey, both she and Alistair's feelings will be thrown for a loop.
June 9, 2025
A quick and enjoyable sweet Regency romance from the mid-1980s. Marion Chesney, a.k.a. M.C. Beaton when she writes mysteries, seems to do a good amount of period research and weaves it in naturally. The plot here is fairly standard romance genre, but Chesney manages to elevate it. I like both her romances and mysteries as weekend audio listens while working on projects or other things. They’re light and engaging without being mentally demanding.
Here, we have a tomboy heroine raised by her father among men who no longer see her as a woman. She is sent to her aunt in London to come out in society and find a husband so her father has someone to help run their estate. She keeps having run ins with a certain confirmed bachelor who finds her exasperating yet can’t seem to keep away. Again, lots of tropes, but Chesney packs a lot into a short book and it works.
I picked up the first 5 audiobooks in this series on sale (via Chirp), and look forward to listening to the next one.
Here, we have a tomboy heroine raised by her father among men who no longer see her as a woman. She is sent to her aunt in London to come out in society and find a husband so her father has someone to help run their estate. She keeps having run ins with a certain confirmed bachelor who finds her exasperating yet can’t seem to keep away. Again, lots of tropes, but Chesney packs a lot into a short book and it works.
I picked up the first 5 audiobooks in this series on sale (via Chirp), and look forward to listening to the next one.
June 13, 2022
The Original Miss Honeyford showed a lot of initial promise. Young Honey rides to the hunt, drinks brandy, smokes cheroots, and reads Greek and Latin. She hangs out with the guys. So that hooked me. The story naturally progressed to a fish out of water tale when she is sent to London to learn the womanly arts and to bag a wealthy husband. Ah! So much potential to explore assumptions, break down barriers, etc. But it was not to be. Honey turns into a typical innocent miss with wide and innocent eyes. She does manage to shoot her seducer, so she has some spark. But despite her unusual upbringing, she is not the brightest! So the plot moves along in typical fashion. She achieves her HEA. But it’s all a bit flat sadly.
February 25, 2021
Miss Honeyford is an independent young woman who lost her mother early on and was raised by her father who thought of her more like a comrade and son. They went to a social and Miss Honeyford discovered that she wasn't selected to dance because the men in the crowd thought of her as a chum rather than a potential wife. Her father discovered this to which resulted in her being sent to his sister-in-laws in London. Enroute to London she runs into a gentleman who is her match when it comes to "forthrightness". This is the beginning of a new life for Miss Honeyford and a beginning of several adventures.
October 26, 2017
Another smart, funny, well-researched and well-written Regency. Miss Honeyford, "Honey," has been raised to ruin by her careless father who treats Honey like the son he had never had. But of course you know that Honey is a sparkling gen with eyes like emeralds that need to be showcased by a fine, new wardrobe and all of the refinements required of a modern young lady. Honey's aunt is unbelievably wealthy and the rake (there's always a rake) is a royal. So, pretty perfect!
August 3, 2019
I had never heard of this author when I happened across the audiobook version of The Original Miss Honeyford at the library and, on a whim, decided to check it out. Such a fun, hilarious romp, with excellent period detail and engaging characters. I lost track of how many times I laughed out loud. I’m starting the next in the series with high hopes!
August 27, 2022
Honaria Honeyford was raised to be one of the boys. She hunts, drinks, smokes and cusses like a sailor. Her father sends her to London to learn how to be a proper lady. As she’s trying to find a husband, she gets caught in all kinds of mischief. This book is full of romance, suspense and humor.
July 1, 2024
I really enjoyed this ☺️! Honeyford's way, which is way different than the lady should be, hunting Honeyford, who treats servants as equal as her.
Her father sent her to her aunt to become a lady and find herself husband. While traveling alone without her lady maid, she has her adventures and meets Alistair.
Also, I was not aware that M.C.Beaton is Marion Chesney.
Her father sent her to her aunt to become a lady and find herself husband. While traveling alone without her lady maid, she has her adventures and meets Alistair.
Also, I was not aware that M.C.Beaton is Marion Chesney.
May 1, 2018
Thoroughly engaging read
Miss Honeyford is an absolutely delightful character cater.. First a Hoyden then reform poo ng her ways. A perfect match for confirmed bachelor Alistair. Funny well written story I read it in one sitting. Could n it seem to put it down.
Miss Honeyford is an absolutely delightful character cater.. First a Hoyden then reform poo ng her ways. A perfect match for confirmed bachelor Alistair. Funny well written story I read it in one sitting. Could n it seem to put it down.
October 15, 2023
If you liked You Rang Mylord the period UK Comedy drama, you will love this, it a hoot! Dont you know .... I listen to the audio book, it was like an old aunt reading it, trying to put on a posh Gentleman's voice and and failing miserably, which only added to the comedy. I loved it.
February 17, 2024
So funny and kept me engaged and excited to listen!
Clean rating: PG +. It's not super inappropriate, but there are a few times that sexual things are talked about, though it's done in a tasteful way.
Clean rating: PG +. It's not super inappropriate, but there are a few times that sexual things are talked about, though it's done in a tasteful way.
September 29, 2025
Fun story
You have to love Beaton. Her storytelling, her characters, her writing...it's all perfection. This story of tomboy Honey transforming into a lady and sorting out the wheat from the chaff, as it were, to find true love is a delight.
You have to love Beaton. Her storytelling, her characters, her writing...it's all perfection. This story of tomboy Honey transforming into a lady and sorting out the wheat from the chaff, as it were, to find true love is a delight.
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