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Town Bronze
After releasing Cassandra from their arranged marriage agreement that was set in place long ago, Christopher Warrender, determined to save her from a fortune-hunting scoundrel, insists upon his right to marry her first and finds himself falling in love with the proud beauty. Original.
256 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 16, 2020
A 4* premise with a 5* beginning but sputtered off to a 3.25*max.
*with spoilers* The writing is good and I love soaking in the authentic feel of the era by these traditional regency writers. The h/H are childhood adversaries and she is his grandfather's ward. Bothe are orphans raised by the crotchety old man who wants nothing more than see them married to each other. His reason being that their lands march along perfectly and then she's an heiress.
The Book opens on the 28 y.o. just returning back to England after a 11 years captivity in French jails as part of the English aristocracy who got trapped in France after Napoleon suddenly came to power. When he left with his tutor, he was a 'spotty, pudgy' 18-year-old and the h was an opinionated 11-year-old who was quite averse to marrying him. The scene when they meet early morning while she's having tea on the terrace to avoid the just returned heir and comes upon him - half dressed, foraging for food in gardens, with spinach leaf hanging from his mouth is hilarious. He is no longer spotty or pudgy but she still wants someone 'masterful.'
They both restate their aversion to marry each other, much to the chagrin of the old man and the H runs off to London to get some Town Bronze. The town-crazy h is furious as her guardian has denied her a proper come-out in London to keep her unmarried. The old man decides to chase his heir to London, with the h in tow. The book is all good and captivating till here with a rom-com feel.
But, once in London, the author keep the h/H apart for most parts and when they do meet, they are never alone and always talk at cross purposes. There's no real h/H romance as they do not share a sweet moment till the very end. And they are busy with their own respective 'other people' till then. He finds an older widow to polish him (not that way!) and she finds herself engaged to a future earl, just the kind of man she always dreamt of. So, why are they both unhappy?
The book would have sublime with more interaction between the mcs, even if they bickered.
*with spoilers* The writing is good and I love soaking in the authentic feel of the era by these traditional regency writers. The h/H are childhood adversaries and she is his grandfather's ward. Bothe are orphans raised by the crotchety old man who wants nothing more than see them married to each other. His reason being that their lands march along perfectly and then she's an heiress.
The Book opens on the 28 y.o. just returning back to England after a 11 years captivity in French jails as part of the English aristocracy who got trapped in France after Napoleon suddenly came to power. When he left with his tutor, he was a 'spotty, pudgy' 18-year-old and the h was an opinionated 11-year-old who was quite averse to marrying him. The scene when they meet early morning while she's having tea on the terrace to avoid the just returned heir and comes upon him - half dressed, foraging for food in gardens, with spinach leaf hanging from his mouth is hilarious. He is no longer spotty or pudgy but she still wants someone 'masterful.'
They both restate their aversion to marry each other, much to the chagrin of the old man and the H runs off to London to get some Town Bronze. The town-crazy h is furious as her guardian has denied her a proper come-out in London to keep her unmarried. The old man decides to chase his heir to London, with the h in tow. The book is all good and captivating till here with a rom-com feel.
But, once in London, the author keep the h/H apart for most parts and when they do meet, they are never alone and always talk at cross purposes. There's no real h/H romance as they do not share a sweet moment till the very end. And they are busy with their own respective 'other people' till then. He finds an older widow to polish him (not that way!) and she finds herself engaged to a future earl, just the kind of man she always dreamt of. So, why are they both unhappy?
The book would have sublime with more interaction between the mcs, even if they bickered.
June 11, 2020
Thin; woman never tells the truth; okay
November 12, 2013
Christopher Warrington spent the last eleven years in hellish prisons in France. Now he has returned to England and to the rule of his autocratic grandfather, the Viscount Adderly. Christopher's grandfather wants Christopher to marry Cassandra Davies, the Viscount's ward and the sooner the better. The lady objects to the match and Christopher also wants nothing to do with the sharp tongued young girl, but the Viscount remains adamant. Christopher is not about to exchange one prison for another so he hares off to London without a moment's notice. Grandfather and Cassandra soon follow. Cassandra is thrilled to be in London where she will be able to do the Season at last. Her miserly guardian has hitherto not allowed her to have a Season. At two and twenty Cassandra is a bit naive but she's not so naive to know that when she next encounters Christopher, he has acquired a great deal of town bronze. Christopher arrives in London thinking he'll take his time to find a bride and get reacquainted with London. He becomes friendly with the fashionable widow Mrs. Benningham who helps him when he is in need. At first Cassandra has the time of her life in London. She enjoys the attentions of Lord Whitby, an Earl's heir. Christopher despises Whitby and tries his hardest to keep Cassandra out of harm's way. His jealously does nothing to endear him to the lady but perhaps she isn't the awful creature he has always believed her to be. Cassandra loves London but she can't help but feel like something is missing.
This is a typical Regency story that contains slightly different plot elements. Christopher's plot is interesting and unusual, especially. Cassandra's plot feels very realistic and the interaction between Christopher and Cassandra is wonderful. There are some amusing moments but little actual romance. Cassandra's character is a bit stereotypical at first. She comes across as mercenary. She becomes well-developed as the story progresses and I liked her more. She's naive but not stupidly innocent. She has spark and fire and she knows what she wants. Christopher is charming and witty but he has a nasty temper that I'm not fond of. He's much kinder than many Regency heroes, however, and others may love him. The end of the story seems a bit rushed but it's funny and sweet just the same. I really enjoyed this book. It's well-written, realistic (as much as a Regency novel of this type can be) and a cut above the average Regency novel.
This is a typical Regency story that contains slightly different plot elements. Christopher's plot is interesting and unusual, especially. Cassandra's plot feels very realistic and the interaction between Christopher and Cassandra is wonderful. There are some amusing moments but little actual romance. Cassandra's character is a bit stereotypical at first. She comes across as mercenary. She becomes well-developed as the story progresses and I liked her more. She's naive but not stupidly innocent. She has spark and fire and she knows what she wants. Christopher is charming and witty but he has a nasty temper that I'm not fond of. He's much kinder than many Regency heroes, however, and others may love him. The end of the story seems a bit rushed but it's funny and sweet just the same. I really enjoyed this book. It's well-written, realistic (as much as a Regency novel of this type can be) and a cut above the average Regency novel.
March 24, 2012
Ever since they were children, everyone has expected Christopher Warrender and Cassandra Davies to make a match of it. At least that has always been Lord Adderly, Christopher's grandfather's, plan. (Lord Adderly is also Cassandra's guardian.) And the very fact that both Christopher and Cassandra get on like oil and water, has not caused the old man to rethink his grand plan one bit over the years. Nor has he ever considered the notion that either Christopher or Cassandra may have dreams or desires of their own. So that even when Christopher was taken prisoner by the French while he was on the Grand Tour and was thought to be died in one of their prisons, the old man kept Cassandra (who had always cherished dreams of having a London Season and living in the city) firmly ensconced in the country.
Now, however, it looks as if news of Christopher's death may have been premature. For with Bonaparte's final defeat has come the realization that Christopher has spent the past 11 years being moved from one French jail to another. Lord Adderly is ecstatic: at last his dreams of marrying Christopher and Cassandra off to each other are coming true. But Cassandra is livid: now she will have to marry spotty, chubby and fatuous Christopher after all. What neither expected was that Christopher would put his foot down and refuse to marry Cassandra, and that he would take off for London in order to have some fun and acquire some "town bronze." And the last thing Christopher expected was for Lord Adderly (with Cassandra in tow) to give chase after him.
It is still Lord Adderly's hope that the pair will make a match of it, even if it is fast becoming a dwindling one. For Christopher and Cassandra are soon happily sampling the many entertainments and diversions that the city has to offer and making new friends. It doesn't take Christopher long, however, to realise that he is actually very much in love with Cassandra. Unfortunately Cassandra has other ideas, and seems to have fallen for a handsome titled lord. What will Christopher do? Try to win Cassandra's heart? Or try to help her achieve exactly what (and who) she desires?
Ms. Huntington combines the best of everything: romance, conflict, humor, and sexual tension.
Now, however, it looks as if news of Christopher's death may have been premature. For with Bonaparte's final defeat has come the realization that Christopher has spent the past 11 years being moved from one French jail to another. Lord Adderly is ecstatic: at last his dreams of marrying Christopher and Cassandra off to each other are coming true. But Cassandra is livid: now she will have to marry spotty, chubby and fatuous Christopher after all. What neither expected was that Christopher would put his foot down and refuse to marry Cassandra, and that he would take off for London in order to have some fun and acquire some "town bronze." And the last thing Christopher expected was for Lord Adderly (with Cassandra in tow) to give chase after him.
It is still Lord Adderly's hope that the pair will make a match of it, even if it is fast becoming a dwindling one. For Christopher and Cassandra are soon happily sampling the many entertainments and diversions that the city has to offer and making new friends. It doesn't take Christopher long, however, to realise that he is actually very much in love with Cassandra. Unfortunately Cassandra has other ideas, and seems to have fallen for a handsome titled lord. What will Christopher do? Try to win Cassandra's heart? Or try to help her achieve exactly what (and who) she desires?
Ms. Huntington combines the best of everything: romance, conflict, humor, and sexual tension.
December 14, 2012
Man I've read better regencies. I did like the meet cute, hero shows up grubbing for food and scares heroine who then treats him like small, mentally ill boy. That's a great relationship starter there, but also probably the best unintentionally humorous thing I've read in a while.
September 25, 2009
Regency
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews