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Uncommon Courtships #2
The Incomparable Miss Compton
When unconventional Sarah Compton agrees to chaperone her cousin during the London Season and find her a suitable husband, she meets Lord Malcolm Breckonridge, a proper gentleman who is determined to find the perfect wife to augment his political career, and soon the unlikely pair surrender to love.
253 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2001
51 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
About the author
Regina Scott
136 books1,010 followersRegina Scott started writing novels in the third grade. Thankfully for literature as we know it, she didn’t actually sell her first novel until she had learned a bit more about writing. Since her first Regency romance was published in 1998, her stories have traveled the globe, with translations in many languages including Dutch, German, Italian, and Portuguese. She is now the author of more than 50 works of warm, witty historical romance.
She and her husband of 30 years reside in Washington State on the way to Mt. Rainier. Regina Scott has driven four in hand, learned to fence, sailed on a tall ship, and dressed as a Regency dandy, all in the name of research, of course. Sign up for her free alert service to hear when the next book will be out or on sale at https://subscribe.reginascott.com/. You can find her online blogging at www.nineteenteen.com. Learn more about her at www.reginascott.com and connect with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authorreginascott .
She and her husband of 30 years reside in Washington State on the way to Mt. Rainier. Regina Scott has driven four in hand, learned to fence, sailed on a tall ship, and dressed as a Regency dandy, all in the name of research, of course. Sign up for her free alert service to hear when the next book will be out or on sale at https://subscribe.reginascott.com/. You can find her online blogging at www.nineteenteen.com. Learn more about her at www.reginascott.com and connect with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authorreginascott .
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 8, 2019
This is second in a series and the couple from the first are very present in this one. I recommend reading them in order, though it isn't strictly necessary.
I enjoyed this quite a bit despite some issues with the plot. Sarah is outstanding as an on-the-shelf (she's 29) woman chaperoning her cousin's first season. She could easily have gone the poor-me route because aspects of her life are hard but she chooses instead to look for ways to be content and even happy. I loved her strength and her determination to help her cousin even when the entitled brat is, well, an entitled brat.
Malcolm was okay. His arrogance was subtle but very politician-like. He feels that his political career is more important than anything else and wants a wife who will be a partner . . . in furthering his goals. His intentions aren't terrible. He envisions a true partnership and includes someone who can stand up to him and tell him when he's wrong as part of his desired attributes and that's just lovely. But it's still a subordinate position because he's just oh-so-very important as a coalition-builder and mover and shaker. Frankly, he's a very believable politician and Scott does a good job translating the concerns a Regency-era parliamentarian would have into terms a modern audience would grasp and with the right amount of detail.
And I think the story would have been just fine if it had been just the two of them working out a relationship with him coming to appreciate Sarah's strengths and be a true partner to her. A little one-sided as Sarah didn't have much to change, but that's alright. But Scott added a really dreadful plot with a relative of Malcolm, including parts that were in their PoV that I found off-putting. Not that they were disturbing or anything; just that I didn't care for the venality and stupidity. We had enough of that from Persephone (Sarah's cousin) and adding the same note with the volume turned all the way up felt like so much overkill.
So this ends up with a shaky four stars, mostly for the lovely romance (and that mostly for Sarah). I enjoyed it and plan on pursuing more from the series.
A note about Chaste: There's some kissing and a bit where bad-guy makes a grab he shouldn't have (but gets shut down). So I'd consider this very chaste, and that worked very well for this story.
I enjoyed this quite a bit despite some issues with the plot. Sarah is outstanding as an on-the-shelf (she's 29) woman chaperoning her cousin's first season. She could easily have gone the poor-me route because aspects of her life are hard but she chooses instead to look for ways to be content and even happy. I loved her strength and her determination to help her cousin even when the entitled brat is, well, an entitled brat.
Malcolm was okay. His arrogance was subtle but very politician-like. He feels that his political career is more important than anything else and wants a wife who will be a partner . . . in furthering his goals. His intentions aren't terrible. He envisions a true partnership and includes someone who can stand up to him and tell him when he's wrong as part of his desired attributes and that's just lovely. But it's still a subordinate position because he's just oh-so-very important as a coalition-builder and mover and shaker. Frankly, he's a very believable politician and Scott does a good job translating the concerns a Regency-era parliamentarian would have into terms a modern audience would grasp and with the right amount of detail.
And I think the story would have been just fine if it had been just the two of them working out a relationship with him coming to appreciate Sarah's strengths and be a true partner to her. A little one-sided as Sarah didn't have much to change, but that's alright. But Scott added a really dreadful plot with a relative of Malcolm, including parts that were in their PoV that I found off-putting. Not that they were disturbing or anything; just that I didn't care for the venality and stupidity. We had enough of that from Persephone (Sarah's cousin) and adding the same note with the volume turned all the way up felt like so much overkill.
So this ends up with a shaky four stars, mostly for the lovely romance (and that mostly for Sarah). I enjoyed it and plan on pursuing more from the series.
A note about Chaste: There's some kissing and a bit where bad-guy makes a grab he shouldn't have (but gets shut down). So I'd consider this very chaste, and that worked very well for this story.
June 26, 2018
3.5
This was a quick, sweet little read. I liked the overall story and the characters were likable. Sarah and Malcom are good leads, similar personalities and I always enjoy when the H/h actually like each other and their love forms out of friendship. It's a bit predictable, but is great if you're in the mood for a light regency romance.
Content
Romance: Squeaky Clean
Language: None
Violence: Very mild, kidnapping and rescue
Religoius: None
Source: Amazon
This was a quick, sweet little read. I liked the overall story and the characters were likable. Sarah and Malcom are good leads, similar personalities and I always enjoy when the H/h actually like each other and their love forms out of friendship. It's a bit predictable, but is great if you're in the mood for a light regency romance.
Content
Romance: Squeaky Clean
Language: None
Violence: Very mild, kidnapping and rescue
Religoius: None
Source: Amazon
November 9, 2013
Lord Malcolm Brekonridge, Parliamentarian crusader for reform, is in need of a wife. She must be capable of running a good household, intelligent and able to assist him with his work. Love has nothing to do with the matter, he doesn't believe in silly emotions, or so he thinks. At a ball in his honor, Malcolm is bowled over by the Incomparable Miss Persephone Compton, but before he can take his dance with her, her chaperone, cousin Sarah butts in. Sarah, almost thirty, had a disastrous first Season many years ago when she was a shy girl of only 18. Now she is happy to help her younger cousin through her first Season. Persephone is beautiful, spoiled and willful and absolutely not the wife for a politician. Sarah seeks to rescue both her cousin and Lord Breckonridge from disaster and finds herself gaining a new friend in Lord Breckonridge. The ton is all abuzz, thinking Malcolm is courting the younger girl, even Persy thinks he will ask her to marry him. Only Malcolm and Sarah know better. When Malcolm proposes, it's not what Sarah expected or dreamed of. Where is the romance, the passion, the love? How could Malcolm not believe in love? How could Sarah put her faith in something so silly? Never before thwarted at anything, Malcolm is determined to win. With some help from Anne and Chas Prestwick (from The Unflappable Miss Fairchild), Malcolm sets out to prove to Sarah just what a wonderful bride she will make him. Jealous, Persey sets out to win her own husband on her terms and may ruin everything with her youthful indiscretions. This is an unconventional Regency romance! It's quite refreshing to read about a hero who isn't a rake and I can't gush enough about a shy heroine! I can relate to Sarah more than any other character in any other Regency novel, even the bluestockings, and I loved her so much. She is very natural and realistic, most of the time. She gets a little annoying in the middle of the novel, for which I have to shave off a few points from my rating. Malcolm is an unusual hero. He knows what he wants and goes after it, yet he can't understand his feelings which is a little strange but it works within the framework of the story. Persey is a stereotypical spoiled teenage girl and her character development seems unrealistic within the time frame of the story. It's great to see Chas and Anne again and find out how they're dealing with the changes in their lives from their book. They're still funny and a lovely couple. The climax of the story is a bit unnecessary and silly but the romantic ending is so sweet it will make you squeal "Awww!" I loved this story so much and rate it 4 3/4 stars (out of 5). I also want to say Thank you, thank you, thank you Regina for a shy, intelligent heroine!
July 13, 2019
Regina Scott's biography states that she started writing novels in the third grade. Is this novel one of her earliest works, then? I certainly got such feeling. The plot of the novel is familiar: the general idea has been used, and re-used, and re-used again, ad nauseam: the hero (Malcolm) needs a wife but is to busy/lazy/uncaring to go and actually look for one. His friends parade a number of candidates before him, and his choice falls on the most unexpected candidate, by-passing the reputed beauties and heiresses. The heroine (Sarah) is a penniless spinster, well past the marrigeable age, is not looking for a husband, but wouldn't mind matrimony if she happens to fall madly in love. Malcolm proposes after a day's acquiaintance, because why drag it out? Sarah, when she hears the proposal, for some reason expects him to be head over ears in love with her - seriously, woman? you only met, like, the day before. Anyway, she refuses him - no love, no marriage. How hypocritical of her, I thought, because at the same time she urges her young, pretty cousin to sell herself to the highest bidder, that is, marry the richest of her admirers. Malcolm then insists on courting Sarah. After a series of mishaps, including an unnecessary and, to be honest, badly written villain, the young couple gets their happily ever after.
As I've said already, the plot is banal, to say the least, though I admit it is rather hard to write something original in this great age of romance novel, I mean, after Barbara Cartland and Georgette Heyer you'd be hard pressed to do so. Still, the value of a good romance story is in the telling, in the way you adorn the storyline or bring your characters alive. Regina Scott failed to do so, in my opinion. Oh, she started well enough, giving some background to Sarah, at least. Malcolm, though, falls rather flat. Sarah once says: "He is the lightning of the storm and and the thunder behind it." We see nothing of the kind in the story; he remains your typical tall, dark and handsome, not to mention rich and titled hero. The secondary characters are just as dull: the beautiful, spoiled cousin too dumb to live, who seems to serve only as an excuse for Sarah to come to London; the dastardly villain plotting Malcolm's demise to avenge an imaginary wrong; a couple of friends who provide a place to bring the heroes together. Yawn...
The final nail in the coffin of this story for me was the poorly done research of the period. I felt as if the story was developing in a Hollywood movie set (one from the 1950s, where they though it sufficient to dress the actors in hoopskirts and call it a day). I felt as if all characters were modern people wearing fancy dress. Really, who sends their beloved only daughter for her first, ostensibly most important, London season, accompanied only by her country bumpkin cousin? In reality, the cousin would not even be able to procure tickets to Almack's, not to mention a presentation at court. And their language! So unapologetically modern and even slengy at times, despite several attempts to keep it period appropriate! For example, someone compared Brighton Pavillion to the Kremlin. Is this a Cold War romance or a Regency one? Because from where I stand, the Kremlin rose to the position of the seat of power in Russia well into the 20th century, and the negativity associated with the comparison was all wron for the period - the Russian Empire was an ally, after all. Not to mention it being located in a wrong city (Moscow was not the Russian capital at the time and had not been one for about 100 years). Another silly thing made me sigh exasperatedly: Malcolm once said to a blackmailer: "You will not get another cent from me." Cent, really, not a penny, not a crown, not a farthing - cent. American much? (not that being American a bad thing, you just have to do your research, even a very little of it will do.)
So, this is about it, the rant is over and done with. I regret the time wasted on reading this book. But if you like this kind of saccharine-sween, simplistic stories, go right ahead.
As I've said already, the plot is banal, to say the least, though I admit it is rather hard to write something original in this great age of romance novel, I mean, after Barbara Cartland and Georgette Heyer you'd be hard pressed to do so. Still, the value of a good romance story is in the telling, in the way you adorn the storyline or bring your characters alive. Regina Scott failed to do so, in my opinion. Oh, she started well enough, giving some background to Sarah, at least. Malcolm, though, falls rather flat. Sarah once says: "He is the lightning of the storm and and the thunder behind it." We see nothing of the kind in the story; he remains your typical tall, dark and handsome, not to mention rich and titled hero. The secondary characters are just as dull: the beautiful, spoiled cousin too dumb to live, who seems to serve only as an excuse for Sarah to come to London; the dastardly villain plotting Malcolm's demise to avenge an imaginary wrong; a couple of friends who provide a place to bring the heroes together. Yawn...
The final nail in the coffin of this story for me was the poorly done research of the period. I felt as if the story was developing in a Hollywood movie set (one from the 1950s, where they though it sufficient to dress the actors in hoopskirts and call it a day). I felt as if all characters were modern people wearing fancy dress. Really, who sends their beloved only daughter for her first, ostensibly most important, London season, accompanied only by her country bumpkin cousin? In reality, the cousin would not even be able to procure tickets to Almack's, not to mention a presentation at court. And their language! So unapologetically modern and even slengy at times, despite several attempts to keep it period appropriate! For example, someone compared Brighton Pavillion to the Kremlin. Is this a Cold War romance or a Regency one? Because from where I stand, the Kremlin rose to the position of the seat of power in Russia well into the 20th century, and the negativity associated with the comparison was all wron for the period - the Russian Empire was an ally, after all. Not to mention it being located in a wrong city (Moscow was not the Russian capital at the time and had not been one for about 100 years). Another silly thing made me sigh exasperatedly: Malcolm once said to a blackmailer: "You will not get another cent from me." Cent, really, not a penny, not a crown, not a farthing - cent. American much? (not that being American a bad thing, you just have to do your research, even a very little of it will do.)
So, this is about it, the rant is over and done with. I regret the time wasted on reading this book. But if you like this kind of saccharine-sween, simplistic stories, go right ahead.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2023
A solid 3.5, I really enjoyed this somewhat sequel book to “The Unflappable Fairchild.” While the previous book in the series was no slouch, I felt like the story improved a lot and was a bit reactionary to the first. My main criticism of the prior book was that there was no real villain, here that is simply not so - villainy, and a lot of villainy! And while I enjoyed the fisticuffs and dramatic action and the romantic tension and the hat nods to other characters in the Reginaverse, I liked most of all the tension between Sarah and Percy. Don’t ask me why, but the plot trend and tension of the spoiled debutant friendemy relationship with more level headed guide has enchanted me since the Brontes use of it, and here it is as good as ever if not better. Again a bit of a literary ancestor to Priscilla in the Lady Emily series, Percy was by far my favorite character. You sort of want to cheer her on and scold her at the same time … haven’t read the third book in the series yet; here’s hoping she stars in that one. All in all, I recommend this book for fans of regency and happily give it 3.5 out of 5 wicked villains.
July 10, 2024
Absolutely Addictive
A delightful tale of finding the almost perfect partner but demanding love.
Sarah and Malcolm are great characters. Principled, compassionate, and know their individual worth, and neither will lie to achieve their goal.
It was amusing to read how Malcolm stumbles and fumbled his way round Sarah, attempting to apologise and later court her.
Such a strong woman, Sarah was determined to stick to her desire and need for love.
Regina Scott might have inserted a few Americanisms, but despite that she has written an entertaining and engaging romance, with great references to the politics of the day. I highly recommend you read it.
A delightful tale of finding the almost perfect partner but demanding love.
Sarah and Malcolm are great characters. Principled, compassionate, and know their individual worth, and neither will lie to achieve their goal.
It was amusing to read how Malcolm stumbles and fumbled his way round Sarah, attempting to apologise and later court her.
Such a strong woman, Sarah was determined to stick to her desire and need for love.
Regina Scott might have inserted a few Americanisms, but despite that she has written an entertaining and engaging romance, with great references to the politics of the day. I highly recommend you read it.
June 22, 2025
An OK tale. Malcolm Breckonridge is a bit of an idiot but Sarah Compton is a nice heroine. Their courtship is rather silly reasonably entertaining. Persephone is an ill-mannered shrew & Wells a nutter, neither of them added much value to the tale, & there would have been many better devices to bring the couple together. It was nice to see Anne & Charles Prestwick again (The Unflappable Miss Fairchild).
October 7, 2020
Pandemic AND ETC. have me craving comfort reads, and nothing comforts quite like a trad regency. I used to read these when I was a kid. This one aged okay, minus a bit of squickiness and some cheesy plot devices. People were *constantly* getting kidnapped in trads. I've always liked the "hero is drawn to the spinster companion" trope, although the hero here is a bit of a dunce.
2/5 for actual plot and characters; 4/5 for ability to take my mind of the horrors of the world for a few hours.
2/5 for actual plot and characters; 4/5 for ability to take my mind of the horrors of the world for a few hours.
December 5, 2019
Very sweet romance
Quick read too.
Quick read too.
May 1, 2023
Cute. A simple, very easy story. I loved Sarah. He was hilarious. An intellectual himbo. So lost in social situations.
May 14, 2023
interesting characters and story line
Very well written and entertaining. Highly recommended. Good feel for the period and custom of the Regency culture and climate
Very well written and entertaining. Highly recommended. Good feel for the period and custom of the Regency culture and climate
August 17, 2023
Loved every book in the series. If you enjoy clean and amusing storylines you will love these. I gobbled up the whole series immediately.
March 27, 2024
Another great book!
July 4, 2024
Cute story about singular and intelligent people, with some intrigue and a side character's growing up story.
July 8, 2024
If you're looking for a delightful traditional Regency romance, look no further than Regina Scott's The Incomparable Miss Compton.
July 21, 2024
I always enjoy a sensible woman as a main character.
February 16, 2025
I love stories that remain clean, and are fun, and interesting. This author has it all. Great characters, too.
February 21, 2017
This was as much fun as the first one. definitely recommend reading it. If you are up to reading something fun and entertaining with a good ending.
September 17, 2016
The Incomparable Miss Compton by Regina Scott
Uncommon Courtships Series Book Two
Sarah Compton lost more than her parents when they died...she lost her future. Between taking care of her sickly cousin and aunt...she became a spinster. And her cousin became self-absorbed along the way. This Season was showing her how selfish the younger girl was. But hopefully she'd find a husband. And then Sarah could move on to being a teacher. And a spinster.
Malcolm, Viscount Breckonridge, had the perfect woman in mind to be his wife. Since it seemed he needed a wife for the required heir he'd need. The woman would be a business partner of sorts. Nothing emotional. His true wife was Parliament, after all. What was he to do when the perfect woman didn't see things his way? Ha! Everyone always seen things Malcolm's way—eventually.
The characters come to life and brought out this reader's emotions. Wanting to give the cousin a good set down. Malcolm a good shaking. And Sarah a high-five for sticking to her guns. Loved this story and this series so far. The first book is The Unflappable Miss Fairchild. The third book in this series is; The Irredeemable Miss Renfield.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
Uncommon Courtships Series Book Two
Sarah Compton lost more than her parents when they died...she lost her future. Between taking care of her sickly cousin and aunt...she became a spinster. And her cousin became self-absorbed along the way. This Season was showing her how selfish the younger girl was. But hopefully she'd find a husband. And then Sarah could move on to being a teacher. And a spinster.
Malcolm, Viscount Breckonridge, had the perfect woman in mind to be his wife. Since it seemed he needed a wife for the required heir he'd need. The woman would be a business partner of sorts. Nothing emotional. His true wife was Parliament, after all. What was he to do when the perfect woman didn't see things his way? Ha! Everyone always seen things Malcolm's way—eventually.
The characters come to life and brought out this reader's emotions. Wanting to give the cousin a good set down. Malcolm a good shaking. And Sarah a high-five for sticking to her guns. Loved this story and this series so far. The first book is The Unflappable Miss Fairchild. The third book in this series is; The Irredeemable Miss Renfield.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
June 18, 2012
My favorite part is his first marriage proposal. He's so arrogant and she gives him a great set-down. It's a very Elizabeth vs. Darcy moment, and very well done. The rest could have been better I think, though.
April 9, 2015
There were some great dialogue and the charactets are great but I was bit annoyed with Sarah near the end and the end was a bit cheesy to me. That's just my preference though. I'm sure others will be perfectly alright with it.
February 29, 2016
A lovely Regency tale. Though part of a series (I did not know this when I picked it up), it reads as a great standalone book. The ending is a bit cheesy and made me roll my eyes, but enjoyable nonetheless.
January 13, 2017
Traditional Regency
Not quite up to the first volume, but an enjoyable story. The early chapters are rather too much call nicer ed with Parliamentary detail and the villain is rather one dimensional. Sarah is a great character. Malcolm could do with rather more wit.
Not quite up to the first volume, but an enjoyable story. The early chapters are rather too much call nicer ed with Parliamentary detail and the villain is rather one dimensional. Sarah is a great character. Malcolm could do with rather more wit.
December 30, 2009
Rated 2 star + (historical romance)
September 6, 2010
Almost but not quite wanted my time back. Anyone who wants a quick Regency read, let me know.
January 1, 2017
Very good reading
Great story, believable characters, plot is enticing and hard to lay the book down. Characters are very believable and human.
Great story, believable characters, plot is enticing and hard to lay the book down. Characters are very believable and human.
January 7, 2017
loved the story, plot gripping great dialogue n inclusion of anne n chas. curious who the cousin marries, the duke maybe?
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews