"Totally riveting Regency, eloquently written."
The four daughters of a horse-mad Scottish viscount arrive
at their guardian's home with four beautiful thoroughbred
horses to be used as their dowries. Tess, the oldest,
immediately warms to the slightly shabby and dissipated
duke. Tired of worrying about the lack of money and her
younger sister's inappropriate romance, Tess embraces the
brotherly affection Rafe offers. Rafe agrees with Tess that
marriage is her best option. Luckily, Rafe's friend, the
Earl of Mayne, offers a marriage based on their short
acquaintance, after all Tess' dowry is Something Wanton, a
possible Derby winner. Tess tamps down her attraction to
Rafe's other friend and accepts the earl's proposal. Mr. Lucius Fenton drops into his friend's home, prepared
for his usual visit of horse races and good brandy.
Encountering four nubile young women at Rafe's home, Lucius
prepares to flee. He does not want a wife, and Rafe will
need to foist these women upon anyone, especially his
friends. Upon meeting Tess, who's a beauty with a hussy's
mouth, Lucius feels his blood chill and then turn to ice as
he meets the others -- the witty and seductive Annabelle;
the passionate Imogene, who looks like a saint; and the
least threatening, Josie, a plump and logical girl. At
Rafe's plea, Lucius stays, feeling an impending doom
descend upon him. At the home of a drunk, whose close friends consist of a
titled lecher and a plain sir who's a merchant, Tess snares
the lecher. Confusion rules Tess and she does not feel
triumphant. It takes a sister's unwise decision to force
Tess to confront her choice for the future. MUCH ADO ABOUT YOU is a thoroughly riveting tale that
explores the interplay between sisters. It's an engaging
journey into their lives as they come together and then
tear apart. Ms. James serves up laughter and tears as she
writes an eloquent and beautiful romance.
Reviewed by Suan Wilson
Posted January 10, 2005
SummaryWhen you're the oldest daughter, you don't get to have any
fun!
Witty, orphaned Tess Essex faces her duty: marry well and
marry quickly, so she can arrange matches for her three
sisters -- beautiful Annabel, romantic Imogen and practical
Josie.After all, right now they're under the rather awkward
guardianshipof the perpetually tipsy Duke of Holbrook. But
just whenshe begins to think that all might end well, one
of her sisters boltswith a horse-mad young lord, and her
own fiancé just plain runs away.
Which leaves Tess contemplating marriage to the sort of man
she wishes to avoid -- one of London's most infamous rakes.
Lucius Felton is a rogue whose own mother considers him
irredeemable! He's delicious, Annabel points out. And he's
rich,Josie notes. But although Tess finally consents to
marryhim, it may be for the worst reason of all. Absurd as
she knows it to be, she may have fallen utterly in love...
|
