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Free Fellows League #4.5
Talk of the Ton
Nothing sets tongues wagging like a scandalous dalliance.
In the salons of the Ton, no tidbit is more delicious than a rumor of amour--the more outrageous the better. Rakes and rogues, ladies of high station and low morals are choice fodder for the gossips of society. Now, four of today's most popular Regency authors titillate the Ton with tales of how untoward talk can fan the flames of passion.
Eloisa James - A Proper Englishwoman
Betrothed since they were children, Gilbert Baring-Gould, Earl of Kerr, and the Honorable Emma Loudan are not quite what one would call a perfect match. The whole Ton knows him to be a complete rakehell, hardly the ideal spouse for a lady.
When he horrifies the Ton by announcing that he won't go through with the marriage until Emma is carrying his child--or did he say that she was already carrying a child?--the gossips (and Emma) go wild.
Obviously she should hand this Beelzebub his ring back directly. But curiosity, and a strong wish to teach her brazen-faced fiancé some manners, demand that she beat him at his own game.
So she does.
It's the story of a reluctant bridegroom (engaged since childhood, and hasn't seen his fiancée in years), a bride who's losing her patience, and a wild night in which the said bridegroom meets a wicked, delicious Frenchwoman... or is she?
Julia London - The Vicar's Widow
Darien, Lord Montgomery, has always had a thing for the vicar's wife. He is convinced she is the loveliest creature on earth, and even managed a passionate kiss with her one time during a party. When her husband dies, Darien is ready to court her as soon as she throws off mourning. However, a young miss making her debut wants Darien for herself. She decides to spread two rumors. The first is that Darien is on the verge of offering for her, and the second is that Mrs. Beckett (the vicar's widow) is loose with her morals. Both rumors spread like wildfire, with sad consequences for Mrs. Beckett and Darien.
Rebecca Hagan Lee - Clearly a Couple (Free Fellows League #4.5)
This novella ties in with her Free Fellows series.
Jonathan Manners, Earl of Barclay, plans to return home to London after picking up a package for one of his Free Fellows colleagues. When Jonathan is nearly killed by a murderous Turk with a scimitar, he discovers that the "package" is Lady India Burton, a noblewoman who was kidnapped by Barbary pirates and spent the last six years as part of a sultan's harem. She's recently been ransomed and needs an escort to London. As Jonathan and India talk (and work on thwarting her horrible keeper) they quickly fall for each other. India shares details about her amazing and difficult life, and Jonathan knows he's in love with her.
Jacqueline Navin - Miss Jenny Alt's First Kiss
Jenny Alt is a poor relation who tends to fade into the background while her more flashy cousin steals the spotlight. Jenny eschewed a season of her own for several years, but finally goes to London with her aunt when her cousin Cassandra makes her comeout. Jenny has spoiled Cassandra for years, giving in to her every whim. Now the group is taken by surprise when the aunt's distant cousin Miles comes to town. He needs help finding a new wife and asks for her guidance. There is almost an immediate spark between Miles and Jenny, but Cassandra wants him for herself and starts unkind rumors about Jenny. Jenny tries to give Miles up and even discourages his advances, but--well, you can guess how that goes.
In the salons of the Ton, no tidbit is more delicious than a rumor of amour--the more outrageous the better. Rakes and rogues, ladies of high station and low morals are choice fodder for the gossips of society. Now, four of today's most popular Regency authors titillate the Ton with tales of how untoward talk can fan the flames of passion.
Eloisa James - A Proper Englishwoman
Betrothed since they were children, Gilbert Baring-Gould, Earl of Kerr, and the Honorable Emma Loudan are not quite what one would call a perfect match. The whole Ton knows him to be a complete rakehell, hardly the ideal spouse for a lady.
When he horrifies the Ton by announcing that he won't go through with the marriage until Emma is carrying his child--or did he say that she was already carrying a child?--the gossips (and Emma) go wild.
Obviously she should hand this Beelzebub his ring back directly. But curiosity, and a strong wish to teach her brazen-faced fiancé some manners, demand that she beat him at his own game.
So she does.
It's the story of a reluctant bridegroom (engaged since childhood, and hasn't seen his fiancée in years), a bride who's losing her patience, and a wild night in which the said bridegroom meets a wicked, delicious Frenchwoman... or is she?
Julia London - The Vicar's Widow
Darien, Lord Montgomery, has always had a thing for the vicar's wife. He is convinced she is the loveliest creature on earth, and even managed a passionate kiss with her one time during a party. When her husband dies, Darien is ready to court her as soon as she throws off mourning. However, a young miss making her debut wants Darien for herself. She decides to spread two rumors. The first is that Darien is on the verge of offering for her, and the second is that Mrs. Beckett (the vicar's widow) is loose with her morals. Both rumors spread like wildfire, with sad consequences for Mrs. Beckett and Darien.
Rebecca Hagan Lee - Clearly a Couple (Free Fellows League #4.5)
This novella ties in with her Free Fellows series.
Jonathan Manners, Earl of Barclay, plans to return home to London after picking up a package for one of his Free Fellows colleagues. When Jonathan is nearly killed by a murderous Turk with a scimitar, he discovers that the "package" is Lady India Burton, a noblewoman who was kidnapped by Barbary pirates and spent the last six years as part of a sultan's harem. She's recently been ransomed and needs an escort to London. As Jonathan and India talk (and work on thwarting her horrible keeper) they quickly fall for each other. India shares details about her amazing and difficult life, and Jonathan knows he's in love with her.
Jacqueline Navin - Miss Jenny Alt's First Kiss
Jenny Alt is a poor relation who tends to fade into the background while her more flashy cousin steals the spotlight. Jenny eschewed a season of her own for several years, but finally goes to London with her aunt when her cousin Cassandra makes her comeout. Jenny has spoiled Cassandra for years, giving in to her every whim. Now the group is taken by surprise when the aunt's distant cousin Miles comes to town. He needs help finding a new wife and asks for her guidance. There is almost an immediate spark between Miles and Jenny, but Cassandra wants him for herself and starts unkind rumors about Jenny. Jenny tries to give Miles up and even discourages his advances, but--well, you can guess how that goes.
432 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
100 people are currently reading
979 people want to read
About the author
Julia London
190 books3,141 followersJulia London is the New York Times and USA Today best selling author of more than two dozen romantic fiction novels. She is the author of the popular historical romance series, the Cabot Sisters, including The Trouble with Honor, The Devil Takes a Bride, and The Scoundrel and the Debutante. She is also the author of several contemporary romances, including Homecoming Ranch, Return to Homecoming Ranch, and The Perfect Homecoming.
Julia is the recipient of the RT Bookclub Award for Best Historical Romance and a six-time finalist for the prestigious RITA award for excellence in romantic fiction. To keep up with all the Julia London news, please visit http://www.julialondon.com. Follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/julialondon
Julia is the recipient of the RT Bookclub Award for Best Historical Romance and a six-time finalist for the prestigious RITA award for excellence in romantic fiction. To keep up with all the Julia London news, please visit http://www.julialondon.com. Follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/julialondon
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
November 20, 2017
3.5 stars
I think Random Number generator thinks it is Friends' Recommendation month because it picked another one! Thanks to Nia for the enjoyable recommendation :)
This collection of short regency stories seemed to be connected by having a little bit steamier tone and jealous women. With no stories rated below 3 stars, I quite enjoyed this anthology.
A Proper Gentleman by Eloisa James
3.5 stars
It was good for a man to know straight off that there were times when he might---be obeyed, and there were others when he should understand his place.
My favorite of the collection and the hottest (funny how that worked out, huh ;). A long standing betrothal, hero who gains a reputation for liking French women a bit too much (really spent a couple months in Paris drowning his sorrows because his brother died), fervent gossip, and a forgotten fiancée who decides to take charge.
The heroine decides to go to a masque ball and pretend to be French and entice the hero. The reasoning involving a Shakespeare quote the hero supposedly said mixed with some gossip is all a bit forced but I'll let it go because the heroine taking the reins was fun. There's some hot flirting, sexual tension, and disrobing. The hero and heroine both give as good as they get and I was there for it.
The Vicar's Widow by Julia London
3 stars
"Nefarious?" She laughed. "Lord Montgomery, how you tease me! I'd wager you've not a wicked bone in you body!"
He gave her a look that suggested she knew better than that, leaned slightly toward her, and said low, "You'd be quite wrong, madam, were you to wager. I've more than one wicked bone in this body."
Probably my least favorite with us getting a decent amount of pov from the villain of the piece; a jealous girl who spreads reputation hurting gossip. Heroine and hero have a forbidden kiss but then heroine's vicar husband dies a year later and hero hasn't forgotten her.
Hero was a bit drab with his overly calm ignoring, not caring about the gossip circulating about him having serious intentions about the jealous girl and how heroine's reputation was getting dragged through the mud as jealous girl started rumors.
Hero and heroine were sweet together but too much town gossip focus for such a short story.
Clearly a Couple (Free Fellows League #4.5) by Rebecca Hagan Lee
3 stars
"You belong to yourself now, Lady India, you're not obliged to service any man in order to survive."
The most intriguing with our heroine being captured by pirates and forced to live in a harem for five years (we only get told, not shown this). Hints of steamy naughtiness because heroine knows every which way Sunday to pleasure a man and has a jewel in her belly button that hero can't look away from. Hero somewhat stumbles upon her and must escort her to London but the majority of story is their one night in cabin.
I was completely interested in this one but it was hurt by the short restrictions and our hero and heroine fall in love within a night and are married within a head spinning time. The hero seemed calm, cool, and sexy and our heroine would have given him a great run for his money (she sort of does anyway) if given a full length novel.
Miss Jenny Alt's First Kiss by Jacqueline Navin
3.5 stars
"Why, I get the distinct impression that you do not approve of me."
Back to the jealously, our heroine is the poor relation cousin who has spent her life making sure her cousin shines, making cousin turn out to be a spoiled little bi…umm, miss. Recluse earl cousin comes to stay in London to find a wife, jealous girl wants him but he is intrigued by shy cousin.
Look, I eat shy miss, only guy to see the hidden gem trope up with a spoon. I liked hero and heroine back and forth with their challenging each other's comfort zones and their blossoming sexual tension. Hater girl hates but gets a little comeuppance in end and our bluestocking gets her happily ever after.
Satisfying quick regency stories if in a time crunch or looking for a quick fix.
I think Random Number generator thinks it is Friends' Recommendation month because it picked another one! Thanks to Nia for the enjoyable recommendation :)
This collection of short regency stories seemed to be connected by having a little bit steamier tone and jealous women. With no stories rated below 3 stars, I quite enjoyed this anthology.
A Proper Gentleman by Eloisa James
3.5 stars
It was good for a man to know straight off that there were times when he might---be obeyed, and there were others when he should understand his place.
My favorite of the collection and the hottest (funny how that worked out, huh ;). A long standing betrothal, hero who gains a reputation for liking French women a bit too much (really spent a couple months in Paris drowning his sorrows because his brother died), fervent gossip, and a forgotten fiancée who decides to take charge.
The heroine decides to go to a masque ball and pretend to be French and entice the hero. The reasoning involving a Shakespeare quote the hero supposedly said mixed with some gossip is all a bit forced but I'll let it go because the heroine taking the reins was fun. There's some hot flirting, sexual tension, and disrobing. The hero and heroine both give as good as they get and I was there for it.
The Vicar's Widow by Julia London
3 stars
"Nefarious?" She laughed. "Lord Montgomery, how you tease me! I'd wager you've not a wicked bone in you body!"
He gave her a look that suggested she knew better than that, leaned slightly toward her, and said low, "You'd be quite wrong, madam, were you to wager. I've more than one wicked bone in this body."
Probably my least favorite with us getting a decent amount of pov from the villain of the piece; a jealous girl who spreads reputation hurting gossip. Heroine and hero have a forbidden kiss but then heroine's vicar husband dies a year later and hero hasn't forgotten her.
Hero was a bit drab with his overly calm ignoring, not caring about the gossip circulating about him having serious intentions about the jealous girl and how heroine's reputation was getting dragged through the mud as jealous girl started rumors.
Hero and heroine were sweet together but too much town gossip focus for such a short story.
Clearly a Couple (Free Fellows League #4.5) by Rebecca Hagan Lee
3 stars
"You belong to yourself now, Lady India, you're not obliged to service any man in order to survive."
The most intriguing with our heroine being captured by pirates and forced to live in a harem for five years (we only get told, not shown this). Hints of steamy naughtiness because heroine knows every which way Sunday to pleasure a man and has a jewel in her belly button that hero can't look away from. Hero somewhat stumbles upon her and must escort her to London but the majority of story is their one night in cabin.
I was completely interested in this one but it was hurt by the short restrictions and our hero and heroine fall in love within a night and are married within a head spinning time. The hero seemed calm, cool, and sexy and our heroine would have given him a great run for his money (she sort of does anyway) if given a full length novel.
Miss Jenny Alt's First Kiss by Jacqueline Navin
3.5 stars
"Why, I get the distinct impression that you do not approve of me."
Back to the jealously, our heroine is the poor relation cousin who has spent her life making sure her cousin shines, making cousin turn out to be a spoiled little bi…umm, miss. Recluse earl cousin comes to stay in London to find a wife, jealous girl wants him but he is intrigued by shy cousin.
Look, I eat shy miss, only guy to see the hidden gem trope up with a spoon. I liked hero and heroine back and forth with their challenging each other's comfort zones and their blossoming sexual tension. Hater girl hates but gets a little comeuppance in end and our bluestocking gets her happily ever after.
Satisfying quick regency stories if in a time crunch or looking for a quick fix.
July 24, 2017
A Proper Englishwoman, Eloisa James
Gilbert Baring-Gould has a fiancee in the country that he will marry "not until she has [his] baby in her belly and [his] ring on her finger." Emma Loudan takes his mangled Shakespeare as a direct challenge and while disguised as a Frenchwoman, seduces the crap outta him. CHECKMATE.
This was pretty entertaining, if not a bit neat. Yes, Emma discovers that Gil isn't really cheating so much as flirting a lot with random French ladies; and yes, Gil realizes that it's Emma under the mask before anything too sexy happens, but it's still a fun little romp. 3.5 stars.
The Vicar's Widow, Julia London
Mrs Kate Beckett is the widow of apparently the only vicar in all of London. Darien, Lord Montgomery, is into vicar's widows. There's also a female rival who throws around some nasty rumors because gossip is the work of catty girls, amiright. Kate and Darien, meanwhile, flirt, bone, angst, etc.
I could not entirely follow the wildly inappropriate """flirting""" between Kate and Darien because it felt so...inappropriate for the time period? And it seemed to come out of NO WHERE because they barely interact after Darien lays a smooch on her while she's still married but once she comes out of mourning he is there with bells on his boner. And she's RIGHT THERE WITH HIM. The ~~drama as created by the romantic rival was also somewhat ridiculous especially because the hero and heroine address it to one another and then STILL LET IT CAUSE ANGST. 3 stars.
Clearly a Couple, Rebecca Hagan Lee
Lady India Burton was captured by pirates and sold to a harem. She is ransomed and discovered by Jonathan Manners, Earl of Barclay. Obviously her Turkish harem pants give him English boners.
YIKES. This is not a great thing. Like, ignoring the obvious racist overtones of the "savage Middle East" and the eunuch threatening all the "infidels", there's also this bothersome element of the "experienced but still virginal" heroine. I.e., that she ~knows things but don't worry she's still basically pure for her lucky hero!!! 1 star.
Miss Jenny Alt's First Kiss, Jacqueline Navin
Miss Guinevere "Jenny" Alt is the shadow of her pretty cousin. Miles, Earl of Haverleigh, comes to town in search of a second wife to replace his faulty first. Miles has eyes for Jenny; Jenny has eyes for Miles; Jenny's cousin is not amused and attempts to wreck havoc with gossip.
This would have been more enjoyable if everyone were slightly more consistent instead of performing whatever nonsense was necessary to keep the plot moving. Miles, for example, realizes early on that he's definitely intrigued by Jenny but then continues leading the cousin on and discussing all the women he needs to meet to find a wife. Jenny is content with her solitude except that she is also secretly a Babe In Hiding because she's Afraid of Men or something?? IDK: boners. 2.5 stars.
Gilbert Baring-Gould has a fiancee in the country that he will marry "not until she has [his] baby in her belly and [his] ring on her finger." Emma Loudan takes his mangled Shakespeare as a direct challenge and while disguised as a Frenchwoman, seduces the crap outta him. CHECKMATE.
This was pretty entertaining, if not a bit neat. Yes, Emma discovers that Gil isn't really cheating so much as flirting a lot with random French ladies; and yes, Gil realizes that it's Emma under the mask before anything too sexy happens, but it's still a fun little romp. 3.5 stars.
The Vicar's Widow, Julia London
Mrs Kate Beckett is the widow of apparently the only vicar in all of London. Darien, Lord Montgomery, is into vicar's widows. There's also a female rival who throws around some nasty rumors because gossip is the work of catty girls, amiright. Kate and Darien, meanwhile, flirt, bone, angst, etc.
I could not entirely follow the wildly inappropriate """flirting""" between Kate and Darien because it felt so...inappropriate for the time period? And it seemed to come out of NO WHERE because they barely interact after Darien lays a smooch on her while she's still married but once she comes out of mourning he is there with bells on his boner. And she's RIGHT THERE WITH HIM. The ~~drama as created by the romantic rival was also somewhat ridiculous especially because the hero and heroine address it to one another and then STILL LET IT CAUSE ANGST. 3 stars.
Clearly a Couple, Rebecca Hagan Lee
Lady India Burton was captured by pirates and sold to a harem. She is ransomed and discovered by Jonathan Manners, Earl of Barclay. Obviously her Turkish harem pants give him English boners.
YIKES. This is not a great thing. Like, ignoring the obvious racist overtones of the "savage Middle East" and the eunuch threatening all the "infidels", there's also this bothersome element of the "experienced but still virginal" heroine. I.e., that she ~knows things but don't worry she's still basically pure for her lucky hero!!! 1 star.
Miss Jenny Alt's First Kiss, Jacqueline Navin
Miss Guinevere "Jenny" Alt is the shadow of her pretty cousin. Miles, Earl of Haverleigh, comes to town in search of a second wife to replace his faulty first. Miles has eyes for Jenny; Jenny has eyes for Miles; Jenny's cousin is not amused and attempts to wreck havoc with gossip.
This would have been more enjoyable if everyone were slightly more consistent instead of performing whatever nonsense was necessary to keep the plot moving. Miles, for example, realizes early on that he's definitely intrigued by Jenny but then continues leading the cousin on and discussing all the women he needs to meet to find a wife. Jenny is content with her solitude except that she is also secretly a Babe In Hiding because she's Afraid of Men or something?? IDK: boners. 2.5 stars.
December 12, 2018
I've read only the first and the second story.
A Proper Englishwoman
Good but not as good as it could have been.
I like the way it began with letters from various characters to each other, setting the tone and piquing interest.
A long-engaged couple, with the H uninterested in setting a date and the h okay with the status quo till rumors of his uninhibited behavior with French demireps reach her along with various versions of the derogatory things he has supposedly said about her. So the very proper Englishwoman decides to go to town and bring him to heel – by seducing him. Yes, we’ve heard of it all before.
The ending is certainly cute though.
The Vicar's Widow
The h is so different. A vicar’s widow who is happy, open, flirtatious and certainly not repressed or bowed down by guilt or duty. I had reservations about her kissing the H while still married but she may flirt but is not one to fool around.
Not even with the very besotted lord! The book is mostly from his pov.
On the contrary, she was far too clever for it. She had pegged him a roué, and a roué he was—he'd not deny it. But a roué, a rake, could be reformed, could direct all of his attentions on the one woman he might love.
Again, a sweet ending with the troublemaking ow getting a nice comeuppance.
A Proper Englishwoman
Good but not as good as it could have been.
I like the way it began with letters from various characters to each other, setting the tone and piquing interest.
A long-engaged couple, with the H uninterested in setting a date and the h okay with the status quo till rumors of his uninhibited behavior with French demireps reach her along with various versions of the derogatory things he has supposedly said about her. So the very proper Englishwoman decides to go to town and bring him to heel – by seducing him. Yes, we’ve heard of it all before.
The ending is certainly cute though.
The Vicar's Widow
The h is so different. A vicar’s widow who is happy, open, flirtatious and certainly not repressed or bowed down by guilt or duty. I had reservations about her kissing the H while still married but she may flirt but is not one to fool around.
Not even with the very besotted lord! The book is mostly from his pov.
On the contrary, she was far too clever for it. She had pegged him a roué, and a roué he was—he'd not deny it. But a roué, a rake, could be reformed, could direct all of his attentions on the one woman he might love.
Again, a sweet ending with the troublemaking ow getting a nice comeuppance.
January 21, 2015
This was an Anthology with four stories\novella's all revolving around scandal in some form usually something that happened in the past that is for some reason revisited in the present (the present being the Regency Era).
A Proper Englishwoman by Eloisa James
Individual Rating *****
The Hero Gilbert (Gil) aka Earl of Kerr is known to have a thing for Frenchwomen due to something he did a number of years earlier. He really hasn't done much to make it appear otherwise and Emma his betrothed since childhood is getting tired of waiting for him to remember she exists. Tired of being ignored Emma comes up with a brilliant plan to make sure that Gil not only notices her but never forgets her again. In order to pull it off she uses information received in letters from the Countess of Bredelbane. It is inevitable that she makes a couple of slips during her masquerade but thinks nothing of them until she realizes a number of days later that her "cover was blown" you see although there is a fact she knew which she actually told her sister about she seems to have forgotten exactly that. This was a definite page turner and I would love to read more about Emma and Gil.
The Vicar's Widow by Julia London
Individual Rating **
Periodically I find myself reading a book or story by Julia London and with the exception of this story I like her story lines but not her style so she's an author I tend to make a point of staying away from. This IMHO had to be one of the suckiest storylines I've read thus far by any author. I don't know where to began and still be nice so I'll just leave it at for me personally the characters were just not likable and the storyline didn't appeal to me.
Clearly A Couple by Rebecca Hagan Lee
Individual Rating ****
This is my 1st time reading this Author and I can see myself reading her again.
Lady India Burton (Heroine) through no fault of her own has spent the last 5 years in a Harem. Due to some bad luck (if you believe in such a thing) she has also lost her parents and Maternal Grandmother(there is no mention of the other set so I don't know about them but they aren't in the picture). Her Maternal Grandfather has spent the last 5 years trying to find her and then arranging for her safe return. Not sure how he knows she's still alive other than he never gave up hope. The Hero is Jonathon Manners 11th Earl of Barclay he has offered to help out a friend by picking up a package for him thus saving his friend the trip because he will be in the area. The package he is to pick up turns out to be shall we say quite a seductive surprise with a very scary addition. She and Jonathon form a connection and by the time she is ready to be introduced to society amid what is surely to be a scandal since she's seen as a fallen woman it is obvious that she and Jonathon are Clearly A Couple
Miss Jenny Alt's First Kiss by Jacqueline Navin
Individual Rating *****
This is my 1st time reading this Author and I can see myself reading her again.
The best summary\review I can think of for this one is Ugly Duckling becomes a Swan and wins the Prince because unlike the Evil Stepsister she isn't blatantly trying to be what society thinks she should be, acting a snob, obviously vain to everyone who is not like her and thinks she is better than "certain" others. Jenny Alt (Heroine) is having to live with an Aunt due to the loss of her parents at age 14. She's not treated like a servant but is seen as the poor relation who needs pity and is expected to do some servant activities. Her Cousin is pretty, knows it and is a snob about it. Having been placed in the background for so long Jenny has decided she likes it there. When Miles aka Earl of Hatherleigh (Hero) requests help from his Aunt Iris to be reintroduced to the ton having not been a part of it for several years. The reason is explained during the story. His Aunt Iris also happens to be Jenny's Aunt with whom she lives. We are given the impression that his interest lies with Cassandra (Aunt Iris' Daughter) but learn that is not the case and it never was. Like most Heroes in the books I read he seems to go for the girl who beats to a different drum than the rest of the female population.
In closing this entire book is worth reading even the one I didn't like.
A Proper Englishwoman by Eloisa James
Individual Rating *****
The Hero Gilbert (Gil) aka Earl of Kerr is known to have a thing for Frenchwomen due to something he did a number of years earlier. He really hasn't done much to make it appear otherwise and Emma his betrothed since childhood is getting tired of waiting for him to remember she exists. Tired of being ignored Emma comes up with a brilliant plan to make sure that Gil not only notices her but never forgets her again. In order to pull it off she uses information received in letters from the Countess of Bredelbane. It is inevitable that she makes a couple of slips during her masquerade but thinks nothing of them until she realizes a number of days later that her "cover was blown" you see although there is a fact she knew which she actually told her sister about she seems to have forgotten exactly that. This was a definite page turner and I would love to read more about Emma and Gil.
The Vicar's Widow by Julia London
Individual Rating **
Periodically I find myself reading a book or story by Julia London and with the exception of this story I like her story lines but not her style so she's an author I tend to make a point of staying away from. This IMHO had to be one of the suckiest storylines I've read thus far by any author. I don't know where to began and still be nice so I'll just leave it at for me personally the characters were just not likable and the storyline didn't appeal to me.
Clearly A Couple by Rebecca Hagan Lee
Individual Rating ****
This is my 1st time reading this Author and I can see myself reading her again.
Lady India Burton (Heroine) through no fault of her own has spent the last 5 years in a Harem. Due to some bad luck (if you believe in such a thing) she has also lost her parents and Maternal Grandmother(there is no mention of the other set so I don't know about them but they aren't in the picture). Her Maternal Grandfather has spent the last 5 years trying to find her and then arranging for her safe return. Not sure how he knows she's still alive other than he never gave up hope. The Hero is Jonathon Manners 11th Earl of Barclay he has offered to help out a friend by picking up a package for him thus saving his friend the trip because he will be in the area. The package he is to pick up turns out to be shall we say quite a seductive surprise with a very scary addition. She and Jonathon form a connection and by the time she is ready to be introduced to society amid what is surely to be a scandal since she's seen as a fallen woman it is obvious that she and Jonathon are Clearly A Couple
Miss Jenny Alt's First Kiss by Jacqueline Navin
Individual Rating *****
This is my 1st time reading this Author and I can see myself reading her again.
The best summary\review I can think of for this one is Ugly Duckling becomes a Swan and wins the Prince because unlike the Evil Stepsister she isn't blatantly trying to be what society thinks she should be, acting a snob, obviously vain to everyone who is not like her and thinks she is better than "certain" others. Jenny Alt (Heroine) is having to live with an Aunt due to the loss of her parents at age 14. She's not treated like a servant but is seen as the poor relation who needs pity and is expected to do some servant activities. Her Cousin is pretty, knows it and is a snob about it. Having been placed in the background for so long Jenny has decided she likes it there. When Miles aka Earl of Hatherleigh (Hero) requests help from his Aunt Iris to be reintroduced to the ton having not been a part of it for several years. The reason is explained during the story. His Aunt Iris also happens to be Jenny's Aunt with whom she lives. We are given the impression that his interest lies with Cassandra (Aunt Iris' Daughter) but learn that is not the case and it never was. Like most Heroes in the books I read he seems to go for the girl who beats to a different drum than the rest of the female population.
In closing this entire book is worth reading even the one I didn't like.
July 6, 2017
Leído en Junio 2009
UNA VERDADERA INGLESA:
Transcurre en la regencia por el año 1817... me gustó, me pareció algo divertido.
Resumen:
Gilbert Baring-Gould, Conde de Kerr, comprometido desde que ambos eran niños, con la Honorable Emma Loudan, no es exactamente lo que uno llamaría un partido perfecto. Toda la alta sociedad, le conoce por ser un completo libertino, el esposo menos indicado para una dama.
Cuándo escandaliza a todos anunciando que no se casará con Emma hasta que ella esté esperando a su hijo (¿o dijo que ya lo estaba?), los rumores se recrudecieron.
Era evidente que Emma debería devolver sin más el anillo de compromiso a ese diablo. Pero la curiosidad y un fuerte deseo de enseñarle modales a su descarado prometido, exigen que le sacuda con su propio juego.
Y lo hace.
UNA VERDADERA INGLESA:
Transcurre en la regencia por el año 1817... me gustó, me pareció algo divertido.
Resumen:
Gilbert Baring-Gould, Conde de Kerr, comprometido desde que ambos eran niños, con la Honorable Emma Loudan, no es exactamente lo que uno llamaría un partido perfecto. Toda la alta sociedad, le conoce por ser un completo libertino, el esposo menos indicado para una dama.
Cuándo escandaliza a todos anunciando que no se casará con Emma hasta que ella esté esperando a su hijo (¿o dijo que ya lo estaba?), los rumores se recrudecieron.
Era evidente que Emma debería devolver sin más el anillo de compromiso a ese diablo. Pero la curiosidad y un fuerte deseo de enseñarle modales a su descarado prometido, exigen que le sacuda con su propio juego.
Y lo hace.
December 2, 2019
Read Clearly a Couple by Rebecca Hagan Lee 3/5 stars.
Read The Vicar's Widow by Julia London 4/5 stars.
Read The Vicar's Widow by Julia London 4/5 stars.
November 15, 2012
February 2013: I have just finished reading this again. The reason? I read a book by Rebecca Hagan Lee (Barely a Bride) and loved it so much that I wanted to read her story in this anthology. I want to add that I now understand my discomfort with the antagonists and their mean spirited gossip. They are not only women but they are women that I need to forgive and the forgiveness is difficult for me. They are not women who are going to go away and never be seen again. They are women who are part of society and will stay part of society. I still don't like them and that is why I think I'm uncomfortable with them in these stories. Did they add to the love story? In Julia London's story, the answer is definitely yes. I liked this story even more this time through than last time.
November 2012: I liked all four stories.
Eloisa James is a favorite of mine and I loved the surprise twist in her story, i.e., how was she going to redeem the hero in the heroine's eyes after she succeeds in seducing him while in disguise? I mean, would you marry someone you know can be seduced by a stranger? Well, Eloisa does it and it's why I love her writing.
I'm also familiar with Julia London and loved her "Scandalous" series. I disliked the antagonist which is as it should be, and delighted in the couple destined to fall in love. I especially liked the hero pursuing the heroine.
Rebecca Hagan Lee is a new author to me and as this novella completes a series I paid attention to references of the other characters. Sounds very interesting. I enjoyed this short novella also.
Jacqueline Navin, is also a new author to me. Her story has a "love to hate" antagonist also. This story illustrates quite clearly how a behavior (avoidance) can be interpreted in two opposite ways: "disinterest" or "guilt-ridden interest". Very frustrating for the one being misjudged but juicy when it all works out.
These stories focused on the developing relationship between the characters and not so much the sexual fever that can result which means the pages, though short in number, are full of substance. This is my second time reading this book and I definitely will read again.
November 2012: I liked all four stories.
Eloisa James is a favorite of mine and I loved the surprise twist in her story, i.e., how was she going to redeem the hero in the heroine's eyes after she succeeds in seducing him while in disguise? I mean, would you marry someone you know can be seduced by a stranger? Well, Eloisa does it and it's why I love her writing.
I'm also familiar with Julia London and loved her "Scandalous" series. I disliked the antagonist which is as it should be, and delighted in the couple destined to fall in love. I especially liked the hero pursuing the heroine.
Rebecca Hagan Lee is a new author to me and as this novella completes a series I paid attention to references of the other characters. Sounds very interesting. I enjoyed this short novella also.
Jacqueline Navin, is also a new author to me. Her story has a "love to hate" antagonist also. This story illustrates quite clearly how a behavior (avoidance) can be interpreted in two opposite ways: "disinterest" or "guilt-ridden interest". Very frustrating for the one being misjudged but juicy when it all works out.
These stories focused on the developing relationship between the characters and not so much the sexual fever that can result which means the pages, though short in number, are full of substance. This is my second time reading this book and I definitely will read again.
July 13, 2016
I'm going to rate this stories individually:
A Proper Englishwoman by Eloisa James - 3.5 stars. I really liked her, I was suspicious of him. Interesting background on theater set design so props for originality.
The Vicar's Widow by Julia London - 3.5 stars. I love Regency that gets out of the ballrooms, so this one about a vicar's widow was right up my alley. I'll be seeking more Julia London
Clearly a Couple by Rebecca Hagan Lee - DNF I couldn't even finish it. It was overly complicated, racist in its depictions of Muslims, and just blech.
Miss Jenny Alt's First Kiss by Jacqueline Navin - 4 stars. I really liked the character of Jenny, who is the poor relation sacrificing for the happiness of her aunt and cousin. I liked the emotional development, the sparring and banter between Jenny and Miles was charming. I'll be looking for more stories by this author as well.
A Proper Englishwoman by Eloisa James - 3.5 stars. I really liked her, I was suspicious of him. Interesting background on theater set design so props for originality.
The Vicar's Widow by Julia London - 3.5 stars. I love Regency that gets out of the ballrooms, so this one about a vicar's widow was right up my alley. I'll be seeking more Julia London
Clearly a Couple by Rebecca Hagan Lee - DNF I couldn't even finish it. It was overly complicated, racist in its depictions of Muslims, and just blech.
Miss Jenny Alt's First Kiss by Jacqueline Navin - 4 stars. I really liked the character of Jenny, who is the poor relation sacrificing for the happiness of her aunt and cousin. I liked the emotional development, the sparring and banter between Jenny and Miles was charming. I'll be looking for more stories by this author as well.
October 27, 2011
I liked each of these 4 stories. But with anthologies, they are so short I didn't feel I ever really became emotionally connected with any of the characters. They were just 4 sweet stories. I especially liked the last one, Miss Jenny Alt's First Kiss, by Jacqueline Navin. I had not heard of her before, but I will be looking for other works by her.
Worth the read for some light romance.
Worth the read for some light romance.
December 27, 2008
I can literally rank these titles in the order of the author list; the Eloisa James novella is definitely the best one in this. I like these anthologies, especially as no one is publishing straight Regencies any more.
July 3, 2017
Eloisa James' story, "A Proper Englishwoman," had quite a few LOL moments. The opening with the correspondence did not hold my attention; however, I persevered because I enjoy this author's work. It was totally worth it. The means by which Emma employed vying for her fiance's (Kerr) affection was laughable.
Julia London's, "The Vicar's Widow" was well written and respectful and true to the roles of each main character. Darien while a rogue, loved the Widow, Kate Becket.
Clearly a Couple" was an original take on a ton romance. These two as a couple was not believable in that short span of time. Also, I was not convinced that he could overcome her background so completely without major conflict. There was no reaction from his Mother? Unbelievable!
Miss Jenny Alt's First Kiss" well written and somewhat amusing.
Julia London's, "The Vicar's Widow" was well written and respectful and true to the roles of each main character. Darien while a rogue, loved the Widow, Kate Becket.
Clearly a Couple" was an original take on a ton romance. These two as a couple was not believable in that short span of time. Also, I was not convinced that he could overcome her background so completely without major conflict. There was no reaction from his Mother? Unbelievable!
Miss Jenny Alt's First Kiss" well written and somewhat amusing.
August 21, 2018
This is just a review of the RITA-nominated novella, "A Proper Englishwoman" by Eloisa James. The Earl of Kerr and Emma Loudan have been in an arranged engagement since they were children. While Kerr is traveling and womanizing (according to gossip) Emma is waiting quietly at home for him to come and claim her. When the rumors and wagers become too much for her she takes matters into her own hands.
A cute, clever story with terrific secondary characters. The letter writing is adorable.
A cute, clever story with terrific secondary characters. The letter writing is adorable.
November 9, 2018
This is a book of 4 novellas. I liked the first story. The second started slow but was good overall. I didn’t like the third at all — the pace of the romance was unrealistically quick (even in the world of unrealistic romances), and there were major issues that were not addressed. And the fourth story was good.
November 22, 2021
Typical anthology with a strong story, a weak story, a stupid story and a surprising story.
July 15, 2018
A bit embarrasing to read, but I discovered this book by accident on our library bookexchange shelf. And of course, just because it is Regency it is not Jane Austen. Not bad pulp, but now I estimate Austen even higher.
July 17, 2025
No hate to the readers of Historical fiction of this era.
But oh my god, I couldn't even get through the two other stories. Julia's novella was okay but the two others I fucking could not enjoy reading it.
Sometimes it was soo cringy and weird
But oh my god, I couldn't even get through the two other stories. Julia's novella was okay but the two others I fucking could not enjoy reading it.
Sometimes it was soo cringy and weird
August 28, 2017
This book is a set of novellas, some more successful than others. Overall, they were fun escape reads.
February 22, 2018
a mixed bag.
May 27, 2018
Loved it!
Made me laugh out loud and wipe tears away. Each story was different and still lovely. I’d highly recommend; a great read!
Made me laugh out loud and wipe tears away. Each story was different and still lovely. I’d highly recommend; a great read!
Read
June 20, 2018Read "A Proper Englishwoman" by Eloisa James and "The Vicar's Widow" by Julia London
February 7, 2019
I really liked Eloisa James - A Proper Englishwoman, though wish it was longer. the other stories were just ok.
March 2, 2019
First two stories were pretty good, third story was not at all something I wanted to read so I skipped it, and the fourth was okay.
April 25, 2021
Well the final story redeemed this... otherwise yikes it was awful! Ha! Sorry!
September 16, 2022
This rating is only for Clearly A Couple by Rebecca Hagan Lee.
January 27, 2023
Very disappointing,, didn't expect it from Top HR authors
Not one of the novella's was up to the standards
I almost did not finish it
Don't bother
Not one of the novella's was up to the standards
I almost did not finish it
Don't bother
May 14, 2023
Cute little love stories when you don't have a lot of time to read!
May 22, 2024
I really enjoyed the second story in this book, however, the rest was mediocre at best.
September 17, 2025
I read just the first one by Eloisa and it was fabulous. chef's kiss. would have also been superb as a longer angst story too, but a perfect little macaron as it is.
March 8, 2017
Eloisa James has a lovely and witty story in here, and Julia Quinn's is okay, but the other stories just didn't do it for me.
October 14, 2016
This is (obviously) an anthology of Regency romances, all centering (more or less) on gossip and rumors. In the first, A Proper Englishwoman, rumor draws a young lady to London to answer her fiance's remark that he would not marry her until she had his ring on her finger and his baby in her belly. Now, that is a Shakespeare quote, and I knew it, and the hero knew it, and the heroine knew it, and a good chunk of the story's humor came from that, which I appreciated. The second story, The Vicar's Widow, is mostly just a very sweet love story between the titular vicar's widow and... I think he's an earl, but it's interrupted by malicious rumors spread by a young debutante who wants to marry the earl. Not my favorite; I'm not a fan of women against women, but at least the debutante admitted she was wrong.
Third story is called Clearly a Couple, and this is the one most loosely connected to the theme, since there's only about four characters and the problem is the inevitable gossip rather than gossip that actually took place. It's also.... weird.... I think it's loosely based off the legend of Aimée du Buc de Rivéry. Essentially, our heroine has just been rescued from a sultan's harem and is being returned to her grandfather via our hero, who wasn't aware that the "package" he was supposed to pick up was in fact a person. Communication, folks. Anyway, the story is... weird... IDK, it's hard to describe, but it's weird and rushed and vaguely racist. Not a fan.
Then there's Miss Jenny Alt's First Kiss, which is also kind of weird and rushed but at least isn't vaguely racist. It's a similar plot to The Vicar's Widow-- nobleman and unlikely woman fall in love, jealous debutante tries to sabotage-- except the debutante and the unlikely woman are cousins, and the nobleman is an even more distant cousin. So there's things about class differences and penniless relatives and things like that, but it's clunkily written and a little weird. Still, better than Clearly a Couple.
Overall, cute book, especially the first two stories, but the last two are... odd.
Third story is called Clearly a Couple, and this is the one most loosely connected to the theme, since there's only about four characters and the problem is the inevitable gossip rather than gossip that actually took place. It's also.... weird.... I think it's loosely based off the legend of Aimée du Buc de Rivéry. Essentially, our heroine has just been rescued from a sultan's harem and is being returned to her grandfather via our hero, who wasn't aware that the "package" he was supposed to pick up was in fact a person. Communication, folks. Anyway, the story is... weird... IDK, it's hard to describe, but it's weird and rushed and vaguely racist. Not a fan.
Then there's Miss Jenny Alt's First Kiss, which is also kind of weird and rushed but at least isn't vaguely racist. It's a similar plot to The Vicar's Widow-- nobleman and unlikely woman fall in love, jealous debutante tries to sabotage-- except the debutante and the unlikely woman are cousins, and the nobleman is an even more distant cousin. So there's things about class differences and penniless relatives and things like that, but it's clunkily written and a little weird. Still, better than Clearly a Couple.
Overall, cute book, especially the first two stories, but the last two are... odd.
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