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Regency Romps #1
The Dashing Widow: Book One in the Regency Romps Series
Abigail Merriweather is learning the hard way that the Ton does not look kindly on newcomers to its ranks - especially when that newcomer is a dashing young widow whose wealth comes from the trades. Where it not for the gentle guidance of her best friend, Abby doubts she would have survived the Beau Monde's disapproval for even a week - and especially not the critical gaze of the Earl of Gloucester. The man is insufferable, arrogant, and everything that Abby hates about the Ton - except those rare moments when he laughs, and Abby's heart starts to beat in a most uncomfortable rhythm.
George, Earl of Gloucester, is horrified at the scrapes his sister's best friend keeps falling into. True not all of them are her fault, but that doesn't change the fact that her actions reflect poorly on his family. Since Mrs Merriweather doesn't have any intentions of leaving London before the Season's end, there's nothing for it but for George to step in and help her navigate the treacherous waters of the Ton. She's impulsive, tempestuous, headstrong and willful; in short, everything that he claims to dislike in a woman... except after spending time with Abigail Merriweather, he's starting to wonder whether her faults are what make her so endearing.
Abby and George may be developing a strange sort of friendship, but they come from different worlds that are not entirely compatible. The real question is whether they can get past their own prejudices - and the interference of their friends and family - to find out whether an arrogant Earl and a dashing young widow can fall in love without creating a scandal.
George, Earl of Gloucester, is horrified at the scrapes his sister's best friend keeps falling into. True not all of them are her fault, but that doesn't change the fact that her actions reflect poorly on his family. Since Mrs Merriweather doesn't have any intentions of leaving London before the Season's end, there's nothing for it but for George to step in and help her navigate the treacherous waters of the Ton. She's impulsive, tempestuous, headstrong and willful; in short, everything that he claims to dislike in a woman... except after spending time with Abigail Merriweather, he's starting to wonder whether her faults are what make her so endearing.
Abby and George may be developing a strange sort of friendship, but they come from different worlds that are not entirely compatible. The real question is whether they can get past their own prejudices - and the interference of their friends and family - to find out whether an arrogant Earl and a dashing young widow can fall in love without creating a scandal.
Audiobook
Published June 17, 2019
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About the author
Elizabeth Bramwell
12 books38 followersElizabeth Bramwell is a writer and admin pro living in Alberta on the edge of the Prairies. A Brit by birth, she now lives in one of the most beautiful places on earth where she enjoys spending time with her family. When not writing romance novellas set in Regency or Victorian England, she is forced to be a responsible grownup but in truth would rather be buried in her books.
For more information and updates on Elizabeth and her writing projects, check out her blog at http://elizabethbramwell.blogspot.ca/
For more information and updates on Elizabeth and her writing projects, check out her blog at http://elizabethbramwell.blogspot.ca/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
April 2, 2018
This is a delightful and humorous story. It is a nice change of pace for a main character to be a young, funny and spirited widow. This novella is also clean, which is a must for me. The writing style is indeed similar to Heyer's; however there are a few editing mistakes (Hygate was mentioned, although I believe the author meant Newgate.) I will definitely read more from Bramwell. It should have been longer, hence 4 stars instead of 5.
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May 27, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/27/2019)! 🎁
March 13, 2019
We have a young widow who has a bit too much spunk for the London ton.
The text seemed to imply that she would have more freedom in the country. My experience is that small towns offer you less freedom because everyone knows your stuff. I wonder how much this was true at this time.
The widow's best friend plays matchmaker between the widow and the friend's brother. He's stuffy and argues with her constantly, but they obviously have chemistry.
The text seemed to imply that she would have more freedom in the country. My experience is that small towns offer you less freedom because everyone knows your stuff. I wonder how much this was true at this time.
The widow's best friend plays matchmaker between the widow and the friend's brother. He's stuffy and argues with her constantly, but they obviously have chemistry.
June 15, 2019
This was a fun quick read. Giving it a 3.5 stars.
July 5, 2019
A gentle Regency romp, which was a quick and enjoyable read. I really liked the characters. No sex, just kisses. 4☆
June 23, 2019
I really enjoyed this delightfully romantic story which is exceptionally well written. It has lots of funny situations and characters, some of whom you might just love to hate and others to simply love.
The main character, the Dashing Widow, Abigail Merriweather, is a law unto herself and manages to get up to all kinds of mischief while falling in love.
It is a quick but very gripping read made all the more interesting by the very enjoyable voice acting/narration performed by Julia Eve.
I requested and listened to the audiobook version and my voluntary review above is unbiased.
The main character, the Dashing Widow, Abigail Merriweather, is a law unto herself and manages to get up to all kinds of mischief while falling in love.
It is a quick but very gripping read made all the more interesting by the very enjoyable voice acting/narration performed by Julia Eve.
I requested and listened to the audiobook version and my voluntary review above is unbiased.
May 29, 2019
A good read.
This book, while short is filled with well developed characters you love or want to hit over the head ... sometimes both. It is a delightful romp and I kept picturing it as a movie in the style of Arsenic and Old Lace with Cary Grant in the role of the Earl.
This book, while short is filled with well developed characters you love or want to hit over the head ... sometimes both. It is a delightful romp and I kept picturing it as a movie in the style of Arsenic and Old Lace with Cary Grant in the role of the Earl.
July 31, 2020
This is a clean traditional recency romance in the style of the late Georgette Heyer. It was filled with humor, witty repartee sparring between the hero and heroine, misunderstandings, plots from side characters to bring the couple together in Shakespearean fashion, and of course clean romance with kissing only. First time trying author and feel comfortable trying other works by her.
Language: Strong exclamations, but no profanity that I remember.
Sensuality content: See review.
Source: My own personal purchased library.
Language: Strong exclamations, but no profanity that I remember.
Sensuality content: See review.
Source: My own personal purchased library.
March 10, 2019
1.5 stars
The writing was okay but the romance was unbelievable and had no depth. They talked a few times, bam, they are in love. The ending. Wow, I expected more. I read better clean HRs.
The writing was okay but the romance was unbelievable and had no depth. They talked a few times, bam, they are in love. The ending. Wow, I expected more. I read better clean HRs.
August 3, 2019
Shocking the aristocracy.
I was a bit out of my comfort zone here, not being much of a romance lover, but after a slightly slow start, this turned into a fun read. Apparently Dashing, in Regency England, meant a bit forward and shocking - not that it seems it takes much for a woman to shock the aristocracy, while men can do whatever they want.
Abigail Merriweather has been widowed at a young age and is invited by her friend Emma, to join her and her husband in London for 'the season'. Certain members of the 'Ton' (I had to google that term, it means the London aristocracy of the time), took a dislike to Abbie for her exploits. She is baffled as to how she has offended anyone, but she is from Yorkshire and unfamiliar with the ways of London.
She is a fabulous character and a great starting point for all manner of intrigue.
I liked that although this was a romance, it didn't involve anything more than kissing.
The narrator did a good job, though for some reason I felt she sounded older than the characters she was reading, which threw me a bit.
These characters were the same age as my kids, I was just imagining them behaving as Regency aristocracy.
There is an interesting Afterword to the book, where the author explains how she came to write the Regency Romps Series - she wrote them for her mother, a lover of Georgette Heyer. Her mother had read every GH book multiple times, so Ms Bramwell wrote a Heyeresque novel for her mother for a gift. I thought that was so cool.
I was a bit out of my comfort zone here, not being much of a romance lover, but after a slightly slow start, this turned into a fun read. Apparently Dashing, in Regency England, meant a bit forward and shocking - not that it seems it takes much for a woman to shock the aristocracy, while men can do whatever they want.
Abigail Merriweather has been widowed at a young age and is invited by her friend Emma, to join her and her husband in London for 'the season'. Certain members of the 'Ton' (I had to google that term, it means the London aristocracy of the time), took a dislike to Abbie for her exploits. She is baffled as to how she has offended anyone, but she is from Yorkshire and unfamiliar with the ways of London.
She is a fabulous character and a great starting point for all manner of intrigue.
I liked that although this was a romance, it didn't involve anything more than kissing.
The narrator did a good job, though for some reason I felt she sounded older than the characters she was reading, which threw me a bit.
These characters were the same age as my kids, I was just imagining them behaving as Regency aristocracy.
There is an interesting Afterword to the book, where the author explains how she came to write the Regency Romps Series - she wrote them for her mother, a lover of Georgette Heyer. Her mother had read every GH book multiple times, so Ms Bramwell wrote a Heyeresque novel for her mother for a gift. I thought that was so cool.
January 31, 2020
I found this to be humorous, fun, cute, loved the cat and mouse game between Abby and George. I laughed a few times, shook my head and watched as they get into one mess after another. George doesn’t know what hit him when the out spoken Abby comes along. Abby can be daring, she is just a darling woman after my own heart. The author gives you a little of just about everything making this a big win for me.
The narrator did an outstanding job from her true emotions to her character voices. I always knew who was talking and how they were feeling, it really showed in her voice. Her different character voices were wonderful, she really bought the story to life. There were no volume changes, no background noise just a wonderfully delightful and very enjoyable audio that I got lost in. Her character voice were powerful, her tones right on the money. I had not listen to any of her work before but I look forward to listening to more of it.
I thought the author did a great job pulling the listener in, giving a delightful story that took you way not wanting it to end. Her characters show strength, power, passion and have become to feel like part of my family. The women stand up for their selves not backing down but also showing true passion. Her men are hard but kind, true gentleman. The romance is sweet, daring, filled with fun, thrilling, a little danger and so much passion. I truly enjoyed this from start to finish. I can’t wait to start the other ones in this series. I totally enjoyed this authors writing very much, it is one that I will listen to again.
The narrator did an outstanding job from her true emotions to her character voices. I always knew who was talking and how they were feeling, it really showed in her voice. Her different character voices were wonderful, she really bought the story to life. There were no volume changes, no background noise just a wonderfully delightful and very enjoyable audio that I got lost in. Her character voice were powerful, her tones right on the money. I had not listen to any of her work before but I look forward to listening to more of it.
I thought the author did a great job pulling the listener in, giving a delightful story that took you way not wanting it to end. Her characters show strength, power, passion and have become to feel like part of my family. The women stand up for their selves not backing down but also showing true passion. Her men are hard but kind, true gentleman. The romance is sweet, daring, filled with fun, thrilling, a little danger and so much passion. I truly enjoyed this from start to finish. I can’t wait to start the other ones in this series. I totally enjoyed this authors writing very much, it is one that I will listen to again.
April 16, 2020
I had so much fun listening to this book!
Abigail is learning the ways of the London Ton after becoming a young widow. She is staying with her friends and is learning through them. After a scandalous trip on a hot air balloon, her friend's brother decides to step in and help. George, the Earl of Gloucester, is determined to not let his sister's friend Abigail embarrass the family. In the process, although they seem to always be at odds, is there something more like attraction growing between the two of them.
I loved this book! It was so much fun to read. In such a short story, I was able to feel like I knew the characters and their personalities well. Their relationship was so sweet. I loved that we got to see a good amount of the world around them and more than just the two main characters. I enjoyed that because, when a book doesn't have other characters, it doesn't seem quite as realistic. I felt like I got into this world quickly and I can't wait to read more from this author.
The narration by Julia Eve worked well for this story. I feel like she did a great job creating the world with her narration. I also liked that she helped create the different characters in the story with her voice. I enjoyed her performance in this audiobook.
*I received a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review*
Abigail is learning the ways of the London Ton after becoming a young widow. She is staying with her friends and is learning through them. After a scandalous trip on a hot air balloon, her friend's brother decides to step in and help. George, the Earl of Gloucester, is determined to not let his sister's friend Abigail embarrass the family. In the process, although they seem to always be at odds, is there something more like attraction growing between the two of them.
I loved this book! It was so much fun to read. In such a short story, I was able to feel like I knew the characters and their personalities well. Their relationship was so sweet. I loved that we got to see a good amount of the world around them and more than just the two main characters. I enjoyed that because, when a book doesn't have other characters, it doesn't seem quite as realistic. I felt like I got into this world quickly and I can't wait to read more from this author.
The narration by Julia Eve worked well for this story. I feel like she did a great job creating the world with her narration. I also liked that she helped create the different characters in the story with her voice. I enjoyed her performance in this audiobook.
*I received a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review*
July 21, 2019
I received this book for free. I am voluntarily leaving this review and all opinions expressed herein are mine.
Here, wealthy widow Abigail Merriweather is visiting her friend, who is pregnant, in London. While in London, Abigail has made a bit of a spectacle of herself, much to the chagrin of her friend's brother, the Earl. The Earl wants her to behave with more decorum and Abigail is too free-spirited. So why does the Earl's sister believe their perfect for each other?
This quick regency romance is filled with entertaining conversations - with humorous double entendres - all the while with undercurrents of romance. As with regency stories, class structure is very important, which makes it important for a young lady [or her overbearing mother] to find a suitable match. Well-written and very entertaining.
I listened to this book - the narrator did a very good job. She did voices for all of the characters amd her comic delivery was on point.
Here, wealthy widow Abigail Merriweather is visiting her friend, who is pregnant, in London. While in London, Abigail has made a bit of a spectacle of herself, much to the chagrin of her friend's brother, the Earl. The Earl wants her to behave with more decorum and Abigail is too free-spirited. So why does the Earl's sister believe their perfect for each other?
This quick regency romance is filled with entertaining conversations - with humorous double entendres - all the while with undercurrents of romance. As with regency stories, class structure is very important, which makes it important for a young lady [or her overbearing mother] to find a suitable match. Well-written and very entertaining.
I listened to this book - the narrator did a very good job. She did voices for all of the characters amd her comic delivery was on point.
July 3, 2019
I was given a code for the Audible edition in exchange for an honest review.
I don’t like novellas so I was disappointed to see that this was only 3+ hours long. As I listened, I was glad it was that short.
I understand this was the author’s first attempt at a Regency romance so I’ll cut her some slack. Still, I found this boring with some awkward dialogue and sentence structure. Abigail has the potential to be a totally awesome character but, nope; ran out of time. The best part for me was Richard and Charlotte.
The narration was okay. Charlotte was a bit too whiny for me and some of the men’s voices were odd.
I don’t like novellas so I was disappointed to see that this was only 3+ hours long. As I listened, I was glad it was that short.
I understand this was the author’s first attempt at a Regency romance so I’ll cut her some slack. Still, I found this boring with some awkward dialogue and sentence structure. Abigail has the potential to be a totally awesome character but, nope; ran out of time. The best part for me was Richard and Charlotte.
The narration was okay. Charlotte was a bit too whiny for me and some of the men’s voices were odd.
August 3, 2019
Very entertaining book. Good clean romance with very likeable characters. Whether you pay $.99 or get it for free or you pay more, it is a quick moving and enjoyable. Two people who start out at odds find a way to each other and that is where they belong. A young widow who married beneath her station for love and an Earl who finds most of her behavior outlandish and showing badly on his sister who happens to be her best friend. Abigail and George clash then find a way to become friends then much more. Along the way we meet quite a few engaging characters who make the story even better.
Take the time to enjoy this book.
Take the time to enjoy this book.
May 27, 2020
Comedy, romance, and a bit of heroism.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Although quite predictable in a general way, the characters were warm and funny, the pace just perfect, and there were several lovely surprises along the way.
It's light reading - perfect for keeping on my phone for standing in line - and well crafted. We have an earl, his pregnant sister and her husband, a dashing widow, a horrid aunt (there always has to be one lurking in the background, the I must say that all mine have been fine women), and a few red herrings.
Add in the whole Regency area, and it's a very nice little vacation. I'll be looking for more of her books.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Although quite predictable in a general way, the characters were warm and funny, the pace just perfect, and there were several lovely surprises along the way.
It's light reading - perfect for keeping on my phone for standing in line - and well crafted. We have an earl, his pregnant sister and her husband, a dashing widow, a horrid aunt (there always has to be one lurking in the background, the I must say that all mine have been fine women), and a few red herrings.
Add in the whole Regency area, and it's a very nice little vacation. I'll be looking for more of her books.
October 1, 2023
I love Regency clothes, but…
After having read every Regency romance I could get my hands on for the last 50 some years, I consider myself fairly well-versed in the genre, including the less traditional branches. So when I say that Elizabeth Bramwell is an excellent author of Regency romance, I think my opinion is well-founded. There is one thing I found unusual, but entirely refreshing. Ms. Bramwell does not let the clothing or the ton get in the way of the story! I appreciate that. 😉
After having read every Regency romance I could get my hands on for the last 50 some years, I consider myself fairly well-versed in the genre, including the less traditional branches. So when I say that Elizabeth Bramwell is an excellent author of Regency romance, I think my opinion is well-founded. There is one thing I found unusual, but entirely refreshing. Ms. Bramwell does not let the clothing or the ton get in the way of the story! I appreciate that. 😉
June 3, 2019
The Dashing Widow is a story of a lively lady, a member of society, who is out of mourning for her husband and is spending time with her best friend in London during the season. Kindness and intelligence, skills she uses for day to day living, do not endear her to some of the ton, most notably mothers with marriageable daughters. This book is reminiscent of Georgette Heyer and is a fun romp for all ages.
June 5, 2019
A Short, Sweet and Clean Regency Romp
If you're looking for a Regency romance that is short, sweet and clean, then The Dashing Widow by Elizabeth Bramwell fits the bill. It is a light and fluffy read with just a bit of drama. Although I liked the writing, story and characters, I was disappointed with the clipped ending that only alluded to a HEA. An epilogue would have moved this easy read from four to five stars.
If you're looking for a Regency romance that is short, sweet and clean, then The Dashing Widow by Elizabeth Bramwell fits the bill. It is a light and fluffy read with just a bit of drama. Although I liked the writing, story and characters, I was disappointed with the clipped ending that only alluded to a HEA. An epilogue would have moved this easy read from four to five stars.
January 12, 2020
I really enjoyed the voice of the narrator. She did a wonderful job. The story was great too with likable characters. This novel was a fun read. There was a curse word that was used several times which I wish the author left out but other than that it was a clean book. If you like the Regency Period and a good romance you will like this book.
I was given an audio copy of this book but was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
I was given an audio copy of this book but was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
January 25, 2020
First book in this series. It has a good plot and the characters are well developed and interesting. Abagail is quite the character for her time. These are stand alones but each book does have characters from the previous. For the most part, the narrative was good, I did have trouble with understanding occasional words. I'm not sure Regancy is for me, but will finish out the series.
I received this for free and am leaving an unbiased review.
I received this for free and am leaving an unbiased review.
August 7, 2020
This is the first book in the Regency Romps Series, a sweet and beautiful Regency Romance. I loved it! The characters are great. Abigail and George are perfect together! Abigail is such a wonderful character, caring and supportive. George is handsome, and protective. I love the storyline. This is a great start to this Series. Julia Eve did an outstanding job with the narration. She has the perfect voice for this Regency Romance. I enjoyed it! If you like Regency Romance, this one is for you!
September 22, 2017
VERY EXCELLENT REGENCY ROMANCE
This story was so much fun to read. Abigail and George are the characters that make reading so enjoyable. I have always wondered why you would argue and get upset with someone you disliked. We think it is just another form of flirting. Thank you for giving us an entertaining read, Danny and Debbie Scott.
This story was so much fun to read. Abigail and George are the characters that make reading so enjoyable. I have always wondered why you would argue and get upset with someone you disliked. We think it is just another form of flirting. Thank you for giving us an entertaining read, Danny and Debbie Scott.
July 25, 2018
A delightful book
Very nice read. A little short but I enjoyed it none the less. Definitely in the spirit of the great Georgette Heyer! I hope the author "fleshes" it out at some point. The heroine was pluck to the backbone and the hero very uptight; just the way I like it. Exciting ending but no epilogue.
Very nice read. A little short but I enjoyed it none the less. Definitely in the spirit of the great Georgette Heyer! I hope the author "fleshes" it out at some point. The heroine was pluck to the backbone and the hero very uptight; just the way I like it. Exciting ending but no epilogue.
April 7, 2019
Great Fun Read
I liked this story very much, it had great characters who were fun to meet. Abigail seem to get into one scandal or another and doesn't care what the ton thinks. George is shocked by the things she gets into and feel that her action will reflect bad upon his sister. Despite what he thinks they become friends and fall in love.
I liked this story very much, it had great characters who were fun to meet. Abigail seem to get into one scandal or another and doesn't care what the ton thinks. George is shocked by the things she gets into and feel that her action will reflect bad upon his sister. Despite what he thinks they become friends and fall in love.
April 10, 2019
Charming, delightful Regency romance of my youth.
My favorite author was Dianna Campbell. She wrote books for Signet Regency and these are like them. In the early 90's I travelled from Delaware to Virginua, looking in used book stores, just to buy every book she wrote. I still have them.
My favorite author was Dianna Campbell. She wrote books for Signet Regency and these are like them. In the early 90's I travelled from Delaware to Virginua, looking in used book stores, just to buy every book she wrote. I still have them.
April 19, 2019
The Dashing Widow, what a joy
The Dashing Widow, is easily one of the most enjoyable romance novels that I've read in a long time. I don't very often laugh out loud when reading, but, the antics in this story, by several characters, has had me chuckling from start to finish. Happy reading!
The Dashing Widow, is easily one of the most enjoyable romance novels that I've read in a long time. I don't very often laugh out loud when reading, but, the antics in this story, by several characters, has had me chuckling from start to finish. Happy reading!
May 28, 2019
A bit rushed as far as character development but I'm inclined to cut some slack because in the author's note at the end, she admits this is a new thing for her and has a respectable amount of humility--i.e. A nice change of pace from all the hacks who can't spell, don't pay a real editor, and are fawned over as brilliant authors by people who are obviously even less literate.
June 9, 2019
A very entertaining read
According to the author's notes this is her first book, I find that I would love to read A lot more. The characters are well developed and the dialog not stodgy. The plot is typical romantic one which portrays the problems of entering and staying within the Tom's good graces. Very nicely done. The author would have made Georgette proud.
According to the author's notes this is her first book, I find that I would love to read A lot more. The characters are well developed and the dialog not stodgy. The plot is typical romantic one which portrays the problems of entering and staying within the Tom's good graces. Very nicely done. The author would have made Georgette proud.
November 27, 2019
This book was surprisingly good. I love historical romances but the shorter ones tend to not be as well written. But this one was fantastic. I loved that the heroine was outspoken and wild. The hero of the story was fine. He didn’t do a whole lot for me but I do think he was sweet.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews