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The Primrose Path
"One of the genre's wittiest pens. Barbara Metzger deliciously mixes love and laughter."
--Romantic Times
'TWAS MORE THAN JUST A BONE OF CONTENTION BETWEEN NEIGHBORS!
Seventh Viscount Knowle--a war hero, a rising star in politics, a nonpareil in tonnish circles--has become a laughingstock. His legacy has gone to the dogs--literally. Primrose Cottage has been inherited by a hoard of hairy heirs under the doting care of his late aunt's companion, Miss Angelina Armstead.
Angelina couldn't be happier, even as Lady Sophie's top-lofty nephew shamelessly tries to reason with, bribe, threaten, and kiss her (twice!), hoping to persuade her to leave. He fails, of course, fearing that he's lost not only his inheritance but his heart as well. . . .
--Romantic Times
'TWAS MORE THAN JUST A BONE OF CONTENTION BETWEEN NEIGHBORS!
Seventh Viscount Knowle--a war hero, a rising star in politics, a nonpareil in tonnish circles--has become a laughingstock. His legacy has gone to the dogs--literally. Primrose Cottage has been inherited by a hoard of hairy heirs under the doting care of his late aunt's companion, Miss Angelina Armstead.
Angelina couldn't be happier, even as Lady Sophie's top-lofty nephew shamelessly tries to reason with, bribe, threaten, and kiss her (twice!), hoping to persuade her to leave. He fails, of course, fearing that he's lost not only his inheritance but his heart as well. . . .
230 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 2, 1997
32 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Metzger
93 books200 followersBarbara Metzger is the author of over three dozen books and a dozen novellas. She has also been an editor, a proof-reader, a greeting card verse-writer, and an artist. When not painting, writing romances or reading them, she volunteers at the local library, gardens and goes beach-combing and yard-saling.
Her novels, mostly set in Regency-era England, have won numerous awards, including the Romance Writers of America RITA, the National Reader's Choice Award, and the Madcap award for humor in romance writing. In addition, Barbara has won two Career Achievement Awards from Romantic Times Magazine.
Source: http://www.barbarametzger.com/about_b...
Her novels, mostly set in Regency-era England, have won numerous awards, including the Romance Writers of America RITA, the National Reader's Choice Award, and the Madcap award for humor in romance writing. In addition, Barbara has won two Career Achievement Awards from Romantic Times Magazine.
Source: http://www.barbarametzger.com/about_b...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
August 1, 2015
It was a dog's life. Really.
Corin Knowlton, Viscount Knowle, was a starchy but young, rich nobleman. Money was never a problem. He was considering marriage to a diamond of the first water when his spinster-aunt died. That wouldn't have been an issue except he expected to inherit her estate; he needed her home. -You will find out what the reason was when you read the story.- Instead, hiscrazy loon aunt deeded Primrose Cottage and its entire contents to her many dogs and the companion that she left behind, Miss Angelina Armstead.
Angelina was put in charge of the animals' care until homes could be found. She also had the last word in regards to approving those said homes. Until then, all of the tail-wagging bow-wows were looked after by Angelina and her dedicated staff.
And it drove Corin bonkers.
Every time he thought he had a handle on a situation, something backfired. It made for some very funny moments. Included in the mix were some quibbles and antics by both the H & h; you'll note that Ms. Metzger took some liberties when she wrote this whimsical farce. Not a Regency romance in the strictest sense of the word, it was more a historical comedy of errors.
Corin Knowlton, Viscount Knowle, was a starchy but young, rich nobleman. Money was never a problem. He was considering marriage to a diamond of the first water when his spinster-aunt died. That wouldn't have been an issue except he expected to inherit her estate; he needed her home. -You will find out what the reason was when you read the story.- Instead, his
Angelina was put in charge of the animals' care until homes could be found. She also had the last word in regards to approving those said homes. Until then, all of the tail-wagging bow-wows were looked after by Angelina and her dedicated staff.
And it drove Corin bonkers.
Every time he thought he had a handle on a situation, something backfired. It made for some very funny moments. Included in the mix were some quibbles and antics by both the H & h; you'll note that Ms. Metzger took some liberties when she wrote this whimsical farce. Not a Regency romance in the strictest sense of the word, it was more a historical comedy of errors.
March 5, 2020
Viscount Knowle, Corin, has just discovered that Primrose Cottage has been left to a bunch of dogs. His Aunt Sophie has died, left money and her cottage to her former companion as well as all the dogs she had rescued.
Corin is very angry. He is wealthy, a war hero, handsome and popular among ladies of society. In fact, he believes he will ask for the hand of a certain young lady who is the ton’s favorite for the season.
Now, he must get rid of Angelina and all those dogs. He does secret work for the war office and a certain French spy is coming to England to provide important information. He planned to hide the fellow in Primrose Cottage while military officers get all the information they can gather.
Corin is a very intelligent man and on a regular basis he develops new plans to get the cottage empty and available.. He presents himself as hard hearted with no sympathy for the many mongrels running around the cottage. In reality, he is drawn into the dog stories. In fact, he has decided that he can help find new homes for each dog. Surely someone will want the dog who eats his gloves and chews his boots, or the one who wets on his boots, the bulldog who creates a cloud of gas which means windows must be opened or even the Pug who has a seizure if he is touched on his back.
On the other hand, he has no patience for the woman dressed in black who is immovable when it comes to getting the dogs gone from his life. She has no sympathy for this rake who wants her temporary home. She does not believe he has the best interest of the dogs she loves. And she has no patience for someone who has such a sharp tongue when it comes to the plan which will help her have a better life.
Ms Metzger writes books which make me laugh out loud. This story is no exception.
Corin and Angelina become friendly enemies. She has a soft heart and believes nearly every sad story she hears. He doubts everyone who has any kind of story at all. Slowly but surely, Primrose Cottage becomes home to a school teacher with a fatherless child, a couple with many children and no where to live, as well as a French spy who turns out to be completely unexpected.. And that does not count the Duchess who is one of the most admired and respected women of the ton.
The entire book is filled with improbable characters. I wished that most of them could be real people I could know. Angelina, Corin and each of the dogs present pictures of how easily a serious moment can become a moment of chaos. And every moment of chaos is very funny.
The number of dogs Corin believes he can rehabilitate becomes one of the ongoing laugh out loud themes of the story. In fact, the dogs play important parts in this book and the reader is lucky to have them right there.
The plot moves quickly. There are no slow spots here.
I love Ms Metzger’s books. This one has become one of my favorites.
Corin is very angry. He is wealthy, a war hero, handsome and popular among ladies of society. In fact, he believes he will ask for the hand of a certain young lady who is the ton’s favorite for the season.
Now, he must get rid of Angelina and all those dogs. He does secret work for the war office and a certain French spy is coming to England to provide important information. He planned to hide the fellow in Primrose Cottage while military officers get all the information they can gather.
Corin is a very intelligent man and on a regular basis he develops new plans to get the cottage empty and available.. He presents himself as hard hearted with no sympathy for the many mongrels running around the cottage. In reality, he is drawn into the dog stories. In fact, he has decided that he can help find new homes for each dog. Surely someone will want the dog who eats his gloves and chews his boots, or the one who wets on his boots, the bulldog who creates a cloud of gas which means windows must be opened or even the Pug who has a seizure if he is touched on his back.
On the other hand, he has no patience for the woman dressed in black who is immovable when it comes to getting the dogs gone from his life. She has no sympathy for this rake who wants her temporary home. She does not believe he has the best interest of the dogs she loves. And she has no patience for someone who has such a sharp tongue when it comes to the plan which will help her have a better life.
Ms Metzger writes books which make me laugh out loud. This story is no exception.
Corin and Angelina become friendly enemies. She has a soft heart and believes nearly every sad story she hears. He doubts everyone who has any kind of story at all. Slowly but surely, Primrose Cottage becomes home to a school teacher with a fatherless child, a couple with many children and no where to live, as well as a French spy who turns out to be completely unexpected.. And that does not count the Duchess who is one of the most admired and respected women of the ton.
The entire book is filled with improbable characters. I wished that most of them could be real people I could know. Angelina, Corin and each of the dogs present pictures of how easily a serious moment can become a moment of chaos. And every moment of chaos is very funny.
The number of dogs Corin believes he can rehabilitate becomes one of the ongoing laugh out loud themes of the story. In fact, the dogs play important parts in this book and the reader is lucky to have them right there.
The plot moves quickly. There are no slow spots here.
I love Ms Metzger’s books. This one has become one of my favorites.
September 3, 2017
Usually, I loved the chaotic mess in a Metzger's story. But not this one. I was struggling to finished it. It was that hard.
I think the actions and the paths was too calculated to make it seemed like a funny, albeit chaotic accidents. The heroin was too obstinate, opinionated and too set up in her 'rightfulness' which makes her quite hard to like. And the hero's potrayal as a rakish aristocrat was a bit too much too.
The pace was too slow, I only got interested during the last 20% (or maybe less than that). The mixture of prudish and open attitude of the heroin was quite a contradiction, but it didn't endear her to me like some other heroin in the same condition. She's cold and a prude and a bit hard to like with her holier than thou attitude, but at the same time felt inferior because she's only a companion and was usually ignored by the aristocrats.
This one didn't worked out for me, but nevertheless Ms. Metzger is still one of the author that I will lookout for when I want a fun read.
I think the actions and the paths was too calculated to make it seemed like a funny, albeit chaotic accidents. The heroin was too obstinate, opinionated and too set up in her 'rightfulness' which makes her quite hard to like. And the hero's potrayal as a rakish aristocrat was a bit too much too.
The pace was too slow, I only got interested during the last 20% (or maybe less than that). The mixture of prudish and open attitude of the heroin was quite a contradiction, but it didn't endear her to me like some other heroin in the same condition. She's cold and a prude and a bit hard to like with her holier than thou attitude, but at the same time felt inferior because she's only a companion and was usually ignored by the aristocrats.
This one didn't worked out for me, but nevertheless Ms. Metzger is still one of the author that I will lookout for when I want a fun read.
April 5, 2015
Corin Knowlton, Viscount Knowle is furious when he discovers that his aunt has died and left her cottage and money to a bunch of dogs! He believes the cottage is on his property and therefore, should belong to him since his aunt left no heirs. His aunt's will says otherwise. Corin tries to overrule the will, unsuccessfully, and then tries to threaten, bribe and then kiss (twice!) his aunt's companion, Miss Angelina Armstead into leaving the cottage. Though the second kiss was not altogether unpleasant, Lena mistrusts Corin. Lena is not about to leave the only loving home she has known since early childhood and is determined to stay with her beloved dogs until they join Aunt Sophie in Heaven or find loving homes. Lena also intends to oversee the plans for a new home for unwanted dogs that was Aunt Sophie's dream. Corin then tries to tackle the dogs, one by one, trying to find homes for them but discovers, to his display and the utter consternation of his valet, that the dogs were unwanted because they all have certain personality quirks or health issues that made them undesirable to their previous owners. Corin's political career is on the line if he can't move Angelina and the dogs because a certain French anti-Bonapartist writer and spy has escaped France and heading to England where Corin is expected to put the spy up in Primrose Cottage! To complicate things further, Angelina has placed an advertisement in the paper to locate her long-lost sister and has females coming and going from the cottage just when Corin is expecting the very proper Lord Wyte and his most eligible daughter Melissa, whom Corin hopes to marry. Corin both resents and enjoys the interruptions to his previously well-ordered life. He's torn between his ambitions and duty and his growing admiration of Lena. Many more crazy escapades happen before the happy conclusion.
Initially I disliked the principal characters, but my feelings changed after I got to know them and understood their situations. The secondary characters are delightful and the plot is funny and sweet. The romance really takes a back seat to the dogs but I didn't mind; I'm crazy about dogs and dog rescue so that part of the plot really appealed to me. I giggled out loud on almost every page over the wonderful descriptions of the dogs and Corin's attempts to get rid of them. I wanted to adopt each and every one of the dogs myself. This book is a must-read for dog lovers and Regency romance fanatics! I loved it!
Initially I disliked the principal characters, but my feelings changed after I got to know them and understood their situations. The secondary characters are delightful and the plot is funny and sweet. The romance really takes a back seat to the dogs but I didn't mind; I'm crazy about dogs and dog rescue so that part of the plot really appealed to me. I giggled out loud on almost every page over the wonderful descriptions of the dogs and Corin's attempts to get rid of them. I wanted to adopt each and every one of the dogs myself. This book is a must-read for dog lovers and Regency romance fanatics! I loved it!
Read
September 21, 2018Could not finish it.
November 16, 2012
Memorable because of the huge number of dogs depicted in the book. It was more than normal level of humor in her books, and it was amusing how each of the dogs has a disability but the hero refuses to acknowledge her, well, knowledge of the dogs and is always screwed over because of it.
As with all of Metzger's books, this one ends with the hero somehow being in love with the heroine but we don't really see why, just that they keep on being thrown together (because of the dogs). However, it's a fun, fast-paced romp. The ending was just a bit too coincidental, but you know, it's a highly romantical book (not romantic, mind).
As with all of Metzger's books, this one ends with the hero somehow being in love with the heroine but we don't really see why, just that they keep on being thrown together (because of the dogs). However, it's a fun, fast-paced romp. The ending was just a bit too coincidental, but you know, it's a highly romantical book (not romantic, mind).
February 14, 2021
Our heroine is an impoverished, orphaned companion who inherits a cottage, over 30 dogs, and some cash after her employer passes away. The only problem is that the lord of the land needs the cottage to stash a French spy whose cover has been blown and is escaping to England.
This book has the energy of a 1930s screwball comedy. It got a little old for my taste but there were some funny moments, for sure. And I'm going to go out on a limb and assume that this author is extremely fond of dogs.
This book has the energy of a 1930s screwball comedy. It got a little old for my taste but there were some funny moments, for sure. And I'm going to go out on a limb and assume that this author is extremely fond of dogs.
October 9, 2025
Okay I once made the flip remark that I didn't like Heyer or Metzger. Well I've been made to eat my words. Stop smirking Penny Black. I concede. Turns out I just might love Metzger. Not every book of course. But I've never seen an author that I liked every book. For example I never got Romeo and Juliet. They were way to young and the ending stinks. ON the other hand I really like The Merchant of Venice and The Taming of the Shrew. However I don't think W.S. is worried about my opinion. He has a pretty solid following. But I digress. Thanks again for the list Penny.
As for this book I really liked it. Apparently all the heroines with a brain have moved over to the Metzger side of the aisle. The heroine is not a doormat or tstl or so modern and liberated she sounds like she was born 200 years to early. The hero is a bit of a self centered clod but someone has to take the verbal pie in the face and he does it well. That is another Metzger trademark. The H and h can talk to each other. Small misunderstandings don't get all blown out of proportion. Plus Metzger must be a dog lover. There is one in all the books I've read so far and this one has about 30 of them. all with their own quirks. The ending was a little overwhelmingly happy but this is farce so why not. And the last line of the book made me laugh. In fact a lot of the book made me laugh. Maybe it's even a little over a 4.
But I still don't like Heyer or Metzger's Lord Heartless.
A reread. I moved it up to 5🙂
As for this book I really liked it. Apparently all the heroines with a brain have moved over to the Metzger side of the aisle. The heroine is not a doormat or tstl or so modern and liberated she sounds like she was born 200 years to early. The hero is a bit of a self centered clod but someone has to take the verbal pie in the face and he does it well. That is another Metzger trademark. The H and h can talk to each other. Small misunderstandings don't get all blown out of proportion. Plus Metzger must be a dog lover. There is one in all the books I've read so far and this one has about 30 of them. all with their own quirks. The ending was a little overwhelmingly happy but this is farce so why not. And the last line of the book made me laugh. In fact a lot of the book made me laugh. Maybe it's even a little over a 4.
But I still don't like Heyer or Metzger's Lord Heartless.
A reread. I moved it up to 5🙂
May 14, 2013
Angelina has been named guardian for the loads of disabled dogs adopted by the recently deceased lady to whom she was a devoted companion. Along with the guardianship comes the right to reside in Primrose Path, a beautiful cottage located at the edge of Knowles Castle, owned by Corin Knowlton, Viscount Knowles also nephew to Aunt Sophie, the now deceased dog lover. Corin wants the cottage to revert to his estate and is willing to do whatever it takes to get the dogs and Angelina out. With a little help from her inheritance and devoted staff, Angelina transforms from drab companion to pretty, vivacious, courageous lady. Much hilarity ensues as Corin makes futile attempts to spirit away the dogs for adoption while slowly falling under Angelina's spell. French spies, dukes, allergic to dogs sister and kids, tulips of the ton, nabob and gorgeous daughter abound to keep the story going while Angelina mounts a search for the sister separated from her in early childhood. The dogs and their distinct personalities provide a great foil for the developing relationship between Corin and Angelina. There's a mystery that gets resolved too easily at the end, but all in all this is a fun quick read that raises many smiles as one goes along.
June 27, 2018
Very cute and entertaining, especially of you like dogs. I thought all the cute dogs added a lot to the story. I also liked Angelina and Corin, they had fun chemistry. I wouldn't have minded a few more stolen kisses and interactions While there were a few things I would have tweaked, I thought it was a good story. The mysteries could have been resolved a little more and the end felt a tad rushed.
Content: Clean romance. Some talk of mistresses and a bit of swearing (including the B word, but it's used only in reference to actual female dogs).
Content: Clean romance. Some talk of mistresses and a bit of swearing (including the B word, but it's used only in reference to actual female dogs).
December 23, 2021
A nice, light read that nicely blends romance and comedy (and dogs!). Metzger always manages to write beautiful prose. There is one paragraph in particular, towards the middle of the book, that incorporates many expressions that use animal characteristics to portray the feelings of the characters at that moment. A perfect example of a comedic paragraph!
August 13, 2019
Metzger books are always a romp.
Point being - "“Badger? Weasel? Me?” Blast, his last bird-brained promise kept Corin honor bound from making sheep’s eyes at this pigheaded female. Her new demand placed the viscount firmly under the cat’s paw, robbing him of the greatest challenge he’d faced in dogs’ years. But he had to swear it, to resolve this mare’s nest. After his cow-handed handling of the last interview, Corin was too chickenhearted to face the Duke of Fellstone again with Miss Armstead’s mulish refusal. Rats."
Case closed.
Point being - "“Badger? Weasel? Me?” Blast, his last bird-brained promise kept Corin honor bound from making sheep’s eyes at this pigheaded female. Her new demand placed the viscount firmly under the cat’s paw, robbing him of the greatest challenge he’d faced in dogs’ years. But he had to swear it, to resolve this mare’s nest. After his cow-handed handling of the last interview, Corin was too chickenhearted to face the Duke of Fellstone again with Miss Armstead’s mulish refusal. Rats."
Case closed.
July 12, 2022
This is supposed to be a fun regency romp, but the protagonist is too pushy and the heroine too obstinate. I am glad that Metzger lets milord kiss the stiff lady more than usual in these clean romances. The plot is simple: Viscountb Knowle expects to inherit the Manor owned by his slightly strange aunt when she dies, but aunty leaves it all to her dogs and her companion who is their keeper, Angelina Armstead. She is very caring of all the animals and begins to drive Knowle batty with her obstinate ways until he fears he is beginning to like her.
April 22, 2025
I'm not keen on kooky Regencies so I didn't enjoy this one much. Sure, the dogs are nice, but the characters leave a lot to be desired. I wasn't even terribly interested in Lena & Mena finding each other. There were a few amusing moments but they tended towards the screwball mostly. I can't say that I believed in a romance between Corin Knowlton & Angelina Armstead as they don't seem to have a lot in common, but propinquity is often the catalyst, especially when you don't meet many other people.
September 1, 2018
Such a delightful read! Light and funny from first to last page. The interactions between the hero and the heroine were witty and amusing, and...the dogs! I totally fell for the dogs. The only problem I have with this book is that some things are too convenient to be realistic, like for example finding of Angelina's sister. Some characters' traits were exaggerated (like Melissa's behavior). But overall, it was a good book to brighten someone's evening
December 22, 2019
Non è questo un genere di romanzi che può superare di molto le duecento pagine: e la sensazione è che (benché divertente e ben scritto) cento pagine siano di troppo: le storie dei vari cani si moltiplicano diventando infine ripetitive.
E poi, il finale, con multiple agnizioni, benedizione dei 'cattivi' e un generale 'volemose bene' prende un tono eccessivamente melenso.
E poi, il finale, con multiple agnizioni, benedizione dei 'cattivi' e un generale 'volemose bene' prende un tono eccessivamente melenso.
November 9, 2023
Some wonderful laugh out loud moments
I think this may be my favorite book by this author so far. I enjoyed both the main characters, and all of the humorous repartee. While there were some very far-fetched bits to this, it never cast a shadow on my enjoyment of the story. This is a very light-hearted and uplifting romp of a book. I highly recommend it.
I think this may be my favorite book by this author so far. I enjoyed both the main characters, and all of the humorous repartee. While there were some very far-fetched bits to this, it never cast a shadow on my enjoyment of the story. This is a very light-hearted and uplifting romp of a book. I highly recommend it.
December 7, 2023
Never disappoints
How the devil have I missed the existence of the author?! Each of her books so far has entertained and engaged.
This one is no different…all the usual characters - heroes, villains, and all sorts in between, with the added joy of a plethora of dogs with hilarious problems.
Highly recommended
How the devil have I missed the existence of the author?! Each of her books so far has entertained and engaged.
This one is no different…all the usual characters - heroes, villains, and all sorts in between, with the added joy of a plethora of dogs with hilarious problems.
Highly recommended
July 15, 2021
This is really disappointing to say, because I liked my previous read by Metzger, but I absolutely cannot stand the holier than thou, ever so perfect heroine against the oh-so-deplorable rake. So I'm calling quits.
April 21, 2023
Loved this light- hearted, dog-loving novel
The Primrose Path is a must-read if you like dogs and Regency romances. I enjoyed every word, every dog, every character, every coincidence. It is a funny and charming romance with a happily-ever after for all the characters.
The Primrose Path is a must-read if you like dogs and Regency romances. I enjoyed every word, every dog, every character, every coincidence. It is a funny and charming romance with a happily-ever after for all the characters.
April 15, 2018
A nice fluffy read to distract me from my impending final exams. I wish the primroses were blooming, instead of snow in April.
January 15, 2019
Clever writing, great ending, but the middle dragged. You almost have to be a dog lover to really appreciate it.
July 29, 2019
What a farce and I loved every crazy minute of it!
February 16, 2020
A book is good if I finish it these days. ❤️
If you like the regency romance period stories and dogs. You will like this book!!:)
If you like the regency romance period stories and dogs. You will like this book!!:)
February 17, 2022
Loved it! If you like sweet historical romances and a dog lover you need to try this one!
Read
April 10, 2022Who does not love a regency romance novel filled with lost daughters, orphaned dogs, and all other kinds of eccentric characters!!!!
Best read when the news all around are just too much!
Best read when the news all around are just too much!
April 18, 2022
A classic regency screwball comedy - surprise heiress, spies, secret identities, long-lost family, and canine hijinks all combine to make a whimsical, entertaining story.
April 20, 2024
DNF Male lead spends the entire first chapter being utterly insufferable. Not interested in hanging around for yet another version of jerk-saved-by-the-love-of-a-good-woman.
August 26, 2024
This was a little too unbelievable. A pretty lightweight book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews