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Brighton Road
SHE WAS A MISTRESS OF DISASTER--AND HE DEMANDED SHE KEEP HER DISTANCE!
With his broad shoulders and flashing dark eyes, Lord Ravenel could have stepped from the pages of lady author Gwenda Vickers's gothic novels!
Certainly she hadn't meant to eavesdrop on his marriage proposal--nor overhear the lady's refusal. But certainly he would welcome her advice--as a seasoned writer, of course--on the art of romance.
But Ravenel fairly cursed the imperturbable Miss Vickers. Her penchant for disaster and her boot-chewing hound were enough to drive a man to Bedlam! How shocked he was, then, to discover he yearned to star in a love story of his own...with the wide-eyed authoress herself!
With his broad shoulders and flashing dark eyes, Lord Ravenel could have stepped from the pages of lady author Gwenda Vickers's gothic novels!
Certainly she hadn't meant to eavesdrop on his marriage proposal--nor overhear the lady's refusal. But certainly he would welcome her advice--as a seasoned writer, of course--on the art of romance.
But Ravenel fairly cursed the imperturbable Miss Vickers. Her penchant for disaster and her boot-chewing hound were enough to drive a man to Bedlam! How shocked he was, then, to discover he yearned to star in a love story of his own...with the wide-eyed authoress herself!
198 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1988
34 people are currently reading
453 people want to read
About the author
Susan Carroll
65 books379 followersBorn Susan Carol Cute in 1952, Susan Coppula obtained a Degree in English with complementary studies in History in the University of Indiana. Since 1986, Susan has published books under three different pseudonyms: Susan Carroll, Susan Coppula, and Serena Richards
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
May 1, 2020
Charming!
I really enjoyed this one. I love upbeat heroines who put broody heros in their place. I love the transformation the men make and how by the end they simply cannot live without their saucy little vixens (I've been reading too many regencies). I thought it was written well and the relationship moved along at a believable pace. I had to give it five stars simply because it made me laugh and smile while reading. I love a good lighthearted romance! I'll be checking out more from this author.
Content: Clean romance, mild language, no violence
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I really enjoyed this one. I love upbeat heroines who put broody heros in their place. I love the transformation the men make and how by the end they simply cannot live without their saucy little vixens (I've been reading too many regencies). I thought it was written well and the relationship moved along at a believable pace. I had to give it five stars simply because it made me laugh and smile while reading. I love a good lighthearted romance! I'll be checking out more from this author.
Content: Clean romance, mild language, no violence
Similar Books You May Enjoy...
April 18, 2022
3.5 stars.
It was not bad. There were a few funny moments, and the writing style was easy to follow. It could be me, but I didn't find the story engaging enough.
It was not bad. There were a few funny moments, and the writing style was easy to follow. It could be me, but I didn't find the story engaging enough.
November 13, 2018
The journey on ‘Brighton Road’ brings together a perfectly incongruous pair - a flighty daydreamer h who writes gothic tales of love and terror for Minerva Press, and a stiff, duty-bound Baron charitably known to friends and foes alike as ‘Sobersides’. Only thing they share apart from a short journey is a larger than average body size!
This book gets off to a rollicking start when the h accidentally happens to witness the H’s very awkward proposal to the ow, who predictably turns him down. And the h couldn’t help but agree!
“I am not accustomed to having an audience when I am making love to a lady. "
"Making love?" Gwenda gasped. "Dear heavens! Is that what you thought you were doing?"
His glare should have stopped her, but she could not let the poor man continue under such a delusion.
"Oh, no, my dear Lord Ravenel! I regret to tell you, but you were doing everything absolutely all wrong. "
"Indeed, Miss Vickers?" Ravenel said through clenched teeth. "What a pity I hadn't realized you were present. I could have consulted you first. ”
The h frequently gets lost in the dreams and arms of her favourite fictional creation 'Roderigo’, the heroic Italian Count but soon the said Count starts getting a more scowling face.
She could not help thinking about his lordship's broad shoulders, his raven's wing hair, and those marvelous flashing dark eyes so at odds with his rigid manner.
" 'Tis a great waste, Bertie, " she said mournfully, shaking her head. "A great waste.”
Now Bertie or Spotted Bert is another great character - of the canine variety but absolutely delightful and essential to this romantic caper.
The story and the funnies wane a bit with the length, and an unnecessary or perhaps necessary (for a gothic writer) adventure of gothic leanings.
All said, the author has a delightful way with words and wit.
The other characters include the necessary ow, the h’s eccentric but loving family, some comical villains and the H’s long suffering valet.
This book gets off to a rollicking start when the h accidentally happens to witness the H’s very awkward proposal to the ow, who predictably turns him down. And the h couldn’t help but agree!
“I am not accustomed to having an audience when I am making love to a lady. "
"Making love?" Gwenda gasped. "Dear heavens! Is that what you thought you were doing?"
His glare should have stopped her, but she could not let the poor man continue under such a delusion.
"Oh, no, my dear Lord Ravenel! I regret to tell you, but you were doing everything absolutely all wrong. "
"Indeed, Miss Vickers?" Ravenel said through clenched teeth. "What a pity I hadn't realized you were present. I could have consulted you first. ”
The h frequently gets lost in the dreams and arms of her favourite fictional creation 'Roderigo’, the heroic Italian Count but soon the said Count starts getting a more scowling face.
She could not help thinking about his lordship's broad shoulders, his raven's wing hair, and those marvelous flashing dark eyes so at odds with his rigid manner.
" 'Tis a great waste, Bertie, " she said mournfully, shaking her head. "A great waste.”
Now Bertie or Spotted Bert is another great character - of the canine variety but absolutely delightful and essential to this romantic caper.
The story and the funnies wane a bit with the length, and an unnecessary or perhaps necessary (for a gothic writer) adventure of gothic leanings.
All said, the author has a delightful way with words and wit.
The other characters include the necessary ow, the h’s eccentric but loving family, some comical villains and the H’s long suffering valet.
April 4, 2021
This is a traditional regency romance about a girl who has a very active, vivid imagination (which she uses to author gothic novels) and a starchy, straight-laced fellow who is badly in need of some fun. The two meet when she accidentally overhears his proposal to another woman and an unlikely friendship develops as they travel to Brighton together.
The premise is good and it is not badly written, but I thought the story went from enjoyably silly to stupid and by the 90% mark I stopped reading as I did not care anymore what happened to whom.
**Spoilers ahead**
The heroine was meant to be a trifle over the top, I know, but her frequent returns to her imagination which was all in gothic romance scenes started to annoy me. She was just too over the top for me. The hero, on the other hand, was starchy and awkward and the sudden moments when he turned into the hero of Gwenda's dreams were abrupt and out of character. I do not think it is good writing when things just happen to the protagonists and this is very much that sort of novel. By the time they reached Brighton I hoped that at last they would do something, actively do something, to be together, like, say, Gwenda could actively go out and be a rival to the beautiful Belinda who had first rejected the hero at the beginning of the novel, or perhaps the hero would actively try and court Gwenda, but no. It turned out that it was not necessary they marry and so they left it at that and parted ways, only to be reunited by a scene in a lending library, which I know was meant to be farcical but was so over-the-top that it had me rolling my eyes. Of course then the hero and heroine finally do get together, through no agency of their own, and I did not care anymore.
It is a clean regency romance and it does have its funny moments. It is also written in an accessible style. But it is such a far cry from the greats, like Georgette Heyer, that I would not recommend it.
The premise is good and it is not badly written, but I thought the story went from enjoyably silly to stupid and by the 90% mark I stopped reading as I did not care anymore what happened to whom.
**Spoilers ahead**
The heroine was meant to be a trifle over the top, I know, but her frequent returns to her imagination which was all in gothic romance scenes started to annoy me. She was just too over the top for me. The hero, on the other hand, was starchy and awkward and the sudden moments when he turned into the hero of Gwenda's dreams were abrupt and out of character. I do not think it is good writing when things just happen to the protagonists and this is very much that sort of novel. By the time they reached Brighton I hoped that at last they would do something, actively do something, to be together, like, say, Gwenda could actively go out and be a rival to the beautiful Belinda who had first rejected the hero at the beginning of the novel, or perhaps the hero would actively try and court Gwenda, but no. It turned out that it was not necessary they marry and so they left it at that and parted ways, only to be reunited by a scene in a lending library, which I know was meant to be farcical but was so over-the-top that it had me rolling my eyes. Of course then the hero and heroine finally do get together, through no agency of their own, and I did not care anymore.
It is a clean regency romance and it does have its funny moments. It is also written in an accessible style. But it is such a far cry from the greats, like Georgette Heyer, that I would not recommend it.
January 3, 2016
A delightful, funny, charming story that had me chuckling out loud which is something I rarely do!
A must read for all those readers that love historical romances and welcome a touch of comedy thrown into the mix.
A must read for all those readers that love historical romances and welcome a touch of comedy thrown into the mix.
March 7, 2019
Gwenda the heroine writes gothic novels and has an over active imagination, her outlook on life is always positive. The hero Ravenal is stuffy and stiff, he feels he must always abide by the rules of convention. When they meet of course it's going to be a disaster... two extreme opposite personalities. And throw in a mischievous spotted dog named Bertie that belongs to Gwenda. Loved this book, had me laughing from the very beginning. One of those books I finally got around to reading. Hidden gem.
September 21, 2018
Delightful regency era comedy!
May 5, 2013
MOST.ADORABLE.BOOK.EVER.
This book! Oh my gosh! We need more heroines like Miranda! SHe is utterly charming and I would read EVERYTHING as long as she is the heroine.
With her unique, hilarious, optimistic but quite intelligent (in her own ways) attitude she has quickly become one of my favorite heroine of all time. She fits our hero so well.
Our hero is the exact and total opposite of Miranda. He is serious, realistic, too practical and not a tad bit romantic. (Oh! but i ADORE him so! I fell in love with him too!) Unlike our heroine who writes romance/horror books so well with her dashing and delicious heroes.
But when thrown together, chemistry and hilarity sparks. OUr heroine is just what our hero need and vice versa.
It is so funny how vexed our hero is when trouble always seems to follow our heroine-leading him to call her Mistress of Disaster, which she is. Trouble seems to follow her wherever she goes and the funny thing is she doesn't seem to minds much; while our hero is absolutely ruffled to the core.
Let's just say that when they were trapped in an inn together, our hero is troubled by the scandal that might follow while our heroine is more worried of ghosts.
I love a heroine that doesn't seem to mind about what the rest of the society thinks without her purposely evoking a scandal. She just doesn't mind that's all. And her family! I love my family but hers is the bomb! And the other characters were extremely realistic, sub or not.
This is a keeper and those sort of books id read over and over again. It managed to keep me laughing out loud. In it's own way; it is so romantic. I bet it would make a good comedy romance film, it's so damn hilarious!
This book! Oh my gosh! We need more heroines like Miranda! SHe is utterly charming and I would read EVERYTHING as long as she is the heroine.
With her unique, hilarious, optimistic but quite intelligent (in her own ways) attitude she has quickly become one of my favorite heroine of all time. She fits our hero so well.
Our hero is the exact and total opposite of Miranda. He is serious, realistic, too practical and not a tad bit romantic. (Oh! but i ADORE him so! I fell in love with him too!) Unlike our heroine who writes romance/horror books so well with her dashing and delicious heroes.
But when thrown together, chemistry and hilarity sparks. OUr heroine is just what our hero need and vice versa.
It is so funny how vexed our hero is when trouble always seems to follow our heroine-leading him to call her Mistress of Disaster, which she is. Trouble seems to follow her wherever she goes and the funny thing is she doesn't seem to minds much; while our hero is absolutely ruffled to the core.
Let's just say that when they were trapped in an inn together, our hero is troubled by the scandal that might follow while our heroine is more worried of ghosts.
I love a heroine that doesn't seem to mind about what the rest of the society thinks without her purposely evoking a scandal. She just doesn't mind that's all. And her family! I love my family but hers is the bomb! And the other characters were extremely realistic, sub or not.
This is a keeper and those sort of books id read over and over again. It managed to keep me laughing out loud. In it's own way; it is so romantic. I bet it would make a good comedy romance film, it's so damn hilarious!
September 2, 2016
Ravenel choked. Then he realized his mistake. He was trying to reason with Miss Vickers as though she were a sane person and not a Vickers at all.
Gwenda has the ability to embarrass Ravanel quite thoroughly. It's so much fun to see his proud and dignified self blush at her audaciousness. Ravanel is determined to marry properly to give himself a proper heir.
Gwenda is a romance novelist and she's got a great imagination. Her novels are sentimental with a gory dose of horror thrown in it for good measure. She's not proper at all. I loved her imperturbable nature.
Romantic as it was in books, Gwenda did not care for the notion of pining away from unrequited passion. She would much rather have a love that was returned, so that she might be comfortable and happy.
She feels sorry for Ravanel because she can see he's all gruff and lonely. Of course she has to fix him up. I loved seeing her make stern-faced Ravanel laugh. She's also got a bit of hero worship for him that he awkwardly steers around.
I loved that the Vickers family are all just like Gwenda. It's quite nice to see a whole eccentric family instead of just one black sheep. The Vickers live by simple beliefs and don't let the restraints of society dictate their happiness and well-being. They're a kickass family.
This historical romance is so adorable. I have a huge weakness for solemn heroes falling in love with bubbly and bold heroines.
Gwenda has the ability to embarrass Ravanel quite thoroughly. It's so much fun to see his proud and dignified self blush at her audaciousness. Ravanel is determined to marry properly to give himself a proper heir.
Gwenda is a romance novelist and she's got a great imagination. Her novels are sentimental with a gory dose of horror thrown in it for good measure. She's not proper at all. I loved her imperturbable nature.
Romantic as it was in books, Gwenda did not care for the notion of pining away from unrequited passion. She would much rather have a love that was returned, so that she might be comfortable and happy.
She feels sorry for Ravanel because she can see he's all gruff and lonely. Of course she has to fix him up. I loved seeing her make stern-faced Ravanel laugh. She's also got a bit of hero worship for him that he awkwardly steers around.
I loved that the Vickers family are all just like Gwenda. It's quite nice to see a whole eccentric family instead of just one black sheep. The Vickers live by simple beliefs and don't let the restraints of society dictate their happiness and well-being. They're a kickass family.
This historical romance is so adorable. I have a huge weakness for solemn heroes falling in love with bubbly and bold heroines.
November 24, 2014
I haven't had this much fun reading a book in awhile. The heroine is a madcap, self described spinster (age 21). She comes from an unorthodox, aristocratic family who don't care about rules and customs...they just do their own thing and are more concerned with what makes them happy. The h is an author of Minerva press gothics and sometimes her imagination spills over into real life. She encounters the H on the road to Brighton. The H is very conventional, rigid and stuffy but for some reason he makes her heart go pitter/patter. The H is intrigued by the h but is determined to keep his distance as he thinks she is a walking disaster area and she is a scandal waiting to happen.
This story is very tongue in cheek with some gothic elements which in reality are just a product of the h's fertile imagination.
These two are in fact perfect for each other. They are a very sweet and fun couple.
This story is very tongue in cheek with some gothic elements which in reality are just a product of the h's fertile imagination.
These two are in fact perfect for each other. They are a very sweet and fun couple.
February 8, 2017
It was okay. But nothing special. I think that for someone who has read fewer Regency romances it could be more entertaining. But for me there was too much similarities to other, better novels. Let's be honest, there are almost always similarities but a good Regency romance has something own, something special. So even if a writer has the same ingredients he can mix it in a way that makes a book more or less unique.
For more information, you can read review of Emilia Barnes, I agree with her completely.
For more information, you can read review of Emilia Barnes, I agree with her completely.
April 5, 2012
Very amusing about a couple meeting accidentally on the way to Brighton and continuing the journey together. A lot of misfortunes, that turn out to be funny, happen to them, there is a dog and some not so bad villains. Along with Mary Balogh's The Famous Heroine this was the funniest regency that I have read.
April 7, 2011
This was SO much fun.
Catastrophe follows where Gwenda goes...but so does laughter and fun.
The Baron doesn't stand a chance, JOY is coming into his life and once he gets past the SHOCK of it all, he realizes that there is no help for it, he just needs to give in and go with the flow.
A lovely "T rated" story that will make you laugh, unless YOUR nickname is "Sobersides" too!
Catastrophe follows where Gwenda goes...but so does laughter and fun.
The Baron doesn't stand a chance, JOY is coming into his life and once he gets past the SHOCK of it all, he realizes that there is no help for it, he just needs to give in and go with the flow.
A lovely "T rated" story that will make you laugh, unless YOUR nickname is "Sobersides" too!
March 19, 2018
So very cute! A very clever traditional Regency. Clever dialogue, adorable characters. I loved it.
December 27, 2016
This book was an absolute delight, from the moment the dreaming heroine falls off the sofa in the first chapter to the slightly bungled romantic scene on the beach at the end. I loved both main characters, I loved the minor characters, I loved the way everything went wrong in the most natural manner possible, and I loved the growing romance between two such unlikely people. I even loved the dog (although honesty compels me to acknowledge that he was as much plot point as comic relief). This one of those books that I really wish I’d written myself. It’s a perfect Regency romp, with a cascade of escalating and very funny disasters that arise purely from the original premise and the characters themselves (well, all right, and the dog, sometimes), combined with a delightfully judged romance.
Here’s the premise: Gwenda Vickers is a young lady who writes romantic fiction, so when she accidentally overhears starchy Lord Ravenel proposing to a lady, she feels compelled to offer him the benefit of her professional advice on how the business should be conducted. He is less than amused by her suggestions. Thrown together by circumstance (and the dog), his gentlemanly attempts to escort her to her family in Brighton lead to any number of entertaining escapades and a growing romance.
What makes this book so charming is the two lead characters. Gwenda has had a wildly eccentric upbringing, so a demure miss she most definitely is not, yet there’s an innocence about her that constantly leads her into trouble. Ravenel is buttoned up tight, but as one near-disaster follows another, he gradually unwinds enough to begin to enjoy himself. The minor characters are great fun, too, especially Gwenda’s oddball family. The final chapters stretch credibility somewhat, but the ending is lovely. Five stars.
Here’s the premise: Gwenda Vickers is a young lady who writes romantic fiction, so when she accidentally overhears starchy Lord Ravenel proposing to a lady, she feels compelled to offer him the benefit of her professional advice on how the business should be conducted. He is less than amused by her suggestions. Thrown together by circumstance (and the dog), his gentlemanly attempts to escort her to her family in Brighton lead to any number of entertaining escapades and a growing romance.
What makes this book so charming is the two lead characters. Gwenda has had a wildly eccentric upbringing, so a demure miss she most definitely is not, yet there’s an innocence about her that constantly leads her into trouble. Ravenel is buttoned up tight, but as one near-disaster follows another, he gradually unwinds enough to begin to enjoy himself. The minor characters are great fun, too, especially Gwenda’s oddball family. The final chapters stretch credibility somewhat, but the ending is lovely. Five stars.
June 1, 2023
Unless written by Jane Austen, who is one of the best writers who ever lived, when I read a Regency Romance I have one main requirement - it has to be entertaining. Witty dialogue, silly situations, likable characters, whatever form it takes, it has to amuse me and keep me happily occupied for a few hours. If it does that, it's a success. Though I was worried at first, this book is a success for me.
I was a little concerned as the opening scene felt hackneyed and oh so predictable. The MCs fit the opposites-attract trope so well I was thought that the book would just feel trite and boring. (A boring Regency is my idea of a crime.) Once the story began to roll down the road to Brighton, however, I found it really amusing. The author threw everything you can think of into this story, and it worked. It's a crazy, delightful romp that I quite enjoyed. It's also a short book, the story never drags, and the trip will be over before you're ready, but you will probably be happy to enjoy the ride.
I was a little concerned as the opening scene felt hackneyed and oh so predictable. The MCs fit the opposites-attract trope so well I was thought that the book would just feel trite and boring. (A boring Regency is my idea of a crime.) Once the story began to roll down the road to Brighton, however, I found it really amusing. The author threw everything you can think of into this story, and it worked. It's a crazy, delightful romp that I quite enjoyed. It's also a short book, the story never drags, and the trip will be over before you're ready, but you will probably be happy to enjoy the ride.
October 11, 2025
Its silly. Its entertaining if you're not bothered by the extreme lack of realism. The eccentic heroine and her family are unrealistically stupid. I didn't mind her utter lack of propriety cause to a point it was funny. Anyway, its a fun book and you'll laugh if you're not bugged by the characters "eccenticity". I admit after some point I had enough.
-The heroines family hired a coachman who is afraid of horses and gets drunk while he drives cause he sings well. Thats... eccentric? Its bloody stupid and dangerous and it makes no sense.
-The heroines family hired a ladys maid that doesnt do her job, is impertinent, fucks around with the male staff and has no references cause she... speeks french. And they wanted to learn french. And they didn't hire a tutor and a competent maid separately becauuuse? They are eccentic the author repeats.
-Theres more and more eccentricities. Father wore a toga to the house of Lords and delived some speach in said toga. Its stupid.
-The heroines family hired a coachman who is afraid of horses and gets drunk while he drives cause he sings well. Thats... eccentric? Its bloody stupid and dangerous and it makes no sense.
-The heroines family hired a ladys maid that doesnt do her job, is impertinent, fucks around with the male staff and has no references cause she... speeks french. And they wanted to learn french. And they didn't hire a tutor and a competent maid separately becauuuse? They are eccentic the author repeats.
-Theres more and more eccentricities. Father wore a toga to the house of Lords and delived some speach in said toga. Its stupid.
September 25, 2009
Found this today in looking through an old box. I think someone gave this to me in high school to read while I was recovering from bronchitis. The cover looks like a cheesy romance, but the dialogue is funny and razor sharp. The main character's family is eccentric and a bit whacky, especially for the time. G rating and no heaving bosoms. Goes to show you can't judge a book by its cover.
September 28, 2018
A delightful romp of a disastrous road trip.
September 21, 2017
This was my second time reading Brighton Road. Unfortunately, it was sillier than I remembered. There was a little too much Bertie, the boot-chewing dog.
The writing is good- I am just not into silly. 3.5/5 stars
The writing is good- I am just not into silly. 3.5/5 stars
November 6, 2015
Highly recommended if you are looking for a light, clean romance. It is so light and zero drama that there is not even a villain in the story. How refreshing is that? The hero is not tragic, with a tumultuous past. In fact, Ravenel is a true gentleman; I mean, he blushes if he has "indecent" thoughts! And by "indecent" I mean only the desire to kiss Gwenda.
And Gwenda... great heroine I must say. Not once she makes a stupid mistake. Every single "mischief" is refreshing; no wonder Ravenel falls in love in just 3 days. I would have thought that 3 days is too short to fall in love with the other one, but they go through so many adventures that creates a bond between them. I love that Gwenda has a crush on her favorite fictitious hero, Roderigo. Gwenda, my friend, I also have a Roderigo in all my Regencies novels:
Richard Armitage, the perfect Dreamy hero
And the dog! Bertie is not there as a background pet; he has some funny scenes with the couple. The dog alone deserves some stars, because I love when there is a pet involved in the story. The book was so good that the first day only I've read 90% of the story.
Oh, and the cover is misleading. You would expect a cheap-romance-kinda-book with that cover, but it is not. Quite the opposite.
And Gwenda... great heroine I must say. Not once she makes a stupid mistake. Every single "mischief" is refreshing; no wonder Ravenel falls in love in just 3 days. I would have thought that 3 days is too short to fall in love with the other one, but they go through so many adventures that creates a bond between them. I love that Gwenda has a crush on her favorite fictitious hero, Roderigo. Gwenda, my friend, I also have a Roderigo in all my Regencies novels:
Richard Armitage, the perfect Dreamy hero
And the dog! Bertie is not there as a background pet; he has some funny scenes with the couple. The dog alone deserves some stars, because I love when there is a pet involved in the story. The book was so good that the first day only I've read 90% of the story.
Oh, and the cover is misleading. You would expect a cheap-romance-kinda-book with that cover, but it is not. Quite the opposite.
February 7, 2014
Gwenda Mary Vickers dreams of a handsome hero who will sweep her off her feet. So far, he hasn't appeared but in the meantime she writes gothic romance novels. When she accidentally overhears the toplofty Lord Ravenel's prosaic marriage proposal and subsequent rejection, she feels sorry for the gentleman and offers her advice to a very unwilling Lord Ravenel. He recognizes her name as being a member of an eccentric family and wants nothing to do with her and gives her a lecture in propriety, which Gwenda accepts cheerfully and Lord Ravenel hopes never to see Gwenda again. Soon he and Gwenda, along with her boot-chewing/cat-chasing dog embark on a wild adventure together and Lord Ravenel discovers what it means to have fun and Gwenda finds the lover she's always dreamed of. This is a great read! Though the writing isn't terribly wonderful and the story lacks the historical details of Georgette Heyer's wildest stories, the madcap adventures of Gwenda make for many laughs and a wonderful romantic adventure!
July 7, 2020
2.5 stars, really.
Ouch. This book hurt, y'all. If it had been a caricature of regency romance, then I'd say, "well done." Except, I don't think farce was the author's intention. I'll own, once again, that the plot in is barest state was a solid premise and in line with the genre. However, the way it was executed...just didn't work. Ms. Carroll apparently thinks the word "mayhaps" is the height of upper class English and doesn't trust her reader to remember what color eyes the main characters have. The ending was sweet; I'll own that. But, gosh, kids. This one was not to my liking. What was a good premise was turned upside down by obvious writing and random character development.
Ouch. This book hurt, y'all. If it had been a caricature of regency romance, then I'd say, "well done." Except, I don't think farce was the author's intention. I'll own, once again, that the plot in is barest state was a solid premise and in line with the genre. However, the way it was executed...just didn't work. Ms. Carroll apparently thinks the word "mayhaps" is the height of upper class English and doesn't trust her reader to remember what color eyes the main characters have. The ending was sweet; I'll own that. But, gosh, kids. This one was not to my liking. What was a good premise was turned upside down by obvious writing and random character development.
February 6, 2017
Regency romp with a fanciful heroine and “Sobersides” hero.
December 27, 2011
Very cute and funny. The characters were likable and most scenes were hilarious. The main characters and the dog were endearing. Sometimes it felt like I knew what to expect, but for the plot chosen, I think it was well-written, especially for such a short novel. It was an engaging, short read.
Don't trust the cover. The cover shown here does not really coincide with the book; the hero never carried her like that.
Don't trust the cover. The cover shown here does not really coincide with the book; the hero never carried her like that.
March 1, 2008
If you're a regency era romance fan at all- you must read this book!!! It has all of the regency elements, but it's hysterical to boot. The heroine is a very very likeable spitfire who wants to be proper but isn't. The hero is a stuffy gent who is proper but isnt...
Oh- you know how these things go! Read it! It's fun!!!
Oh- you know how these things go! Read it! It's fun!!!
April 4, 2016
I read Brighton Road in one sitting because I was having too much fun to put it down!
I loved the two leads,the valet and even the crazy-troublesome dog.Very well developed characters,and the humor was excellent.
If you enjoy humor with your romance you will enjoy this book. Great Beta hero,and sweet fun heroine. So glad I bought it,when I found my library didn't have it.
I loved the two leads,the valet and even the crazy-troublesome dog.Very well developed characters,and the humor was excellent.
If you enjoy humor with your romance you will enjoy this book. Great Beta hero,and sweet fun heroine. So glad I bought it,when I found my library didn't have it.
January 9, 2014
I loved it. It was just what I needed after trudging through my last two books. I enjoyed the simplicity and sweetness. I enjoyed the lack of any dark or evil characters. I liked knowing what both were thinking. Cute cute cute.
(I only held back the 5th star because it was just a touch too simple for 5 to me.)
(I only held back the 5th star because it was just a touch too simple for 5 to me.)
February 25, 2019
This is my favorite Susan Carroll book. Opposites attract, excellent banter and a believable story. Just loved it and would recommend it highly!
Re-read today - Love Ravenel and Gwenda are a breath of fresh air. It's nice to take a break from angsty plots and just enjoy two people getting to know each other under rather ridiculous circumstances :)
Re-read today - Love Ravenel and Gwenda are a breath of fresh air. It's nice to take a break from angsty plots and just enjoy two people getting to know each other under rather ridiculous circumstances :)
March 19, 2009
Normally I wouldn't touch something with a cover like this (Wade gave me some weird looks when he saw it-and mine was worse than this picture), but it is actually a very hilarious-and clean-book! It's one of my favorite romance novels.
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