"Another great addition to the Effington family saga."

The Ladies Society for the Betterment of the Future of Britain is at it again in this delightfully fun novel. Once more, we are drawn into the lives of the Effington family and their circle of friends. Coming into society's sights this time are the eccentric Effington twin Cassandra and the infamously notorious rake, Reggie Berkley.

When Viscount Berkley's mother takes to what she's sure is her deathbed, her dying wish is to have their home redecorated in a style to suit Reggie's future bride, as yet undetermined, and the perfect decorator is the independent, ahead-of-her-time Cassandra Effington. Willing to do anything for his suddenly ailing mother, Reggie agrees to hire the designer of her choice.

Reggie and Cassandra clash immediately. Cassandra has no desire to reform an infamous rake; she has much higher standards for the man she's going to marry. Reggie has spent years cultivating his fictitious reputation and has always been attracted to women in need. He looks upon Cassie as much too independent for his tastes. Neither, then, understands the attraction that sparks each time they're together. They make a bet to find the perfect mate for the other, Lord Perfect and Miss Wonderful. Their friends and family know they'd be perfect for one another and work with the couple to bring them together. Soon enough, Reggie and Cassie realize they are perfect for one another, unfortunately it's after they've found other candidates for Lord Perfect and Miss Wonderful.

Ms. Alexander has written a hilarious romp through English society. She brings back entertaining characters from previous novels and introduces us to new ones (I'd love to see more of Lucy Berkley!). The story resonates with laugh- out-loud humor, quirky, likable characters and outrageous situations. While I've thoroughly enjoyed everything she's written, Cassandra and Reggie's story is my favorite!

Reviewed by Paula Myers
Posted May 12, 2004