"four fine Regencies"
"A Proper Englishwoman" by Eloisa James. In 1817, the Ton
enjoys the scandalous behavior of Kerr rumored to have
been seen about town with a Frenchwoman. That is the Ton
minus Kerr's fiancée Emma who decides if Franco amour is
what her wandering future spouse desires so be it. "The Vicar's Widow" by Julia London. In 1816 Darien
wildly kisses Kate, the Vicar's wife, until she sadly
walks away. Three years later, he is the toast of the Ton
and she is a widow that he still desires. However, Emily
wants Darien so she spreads rumors to eliminate her rival
by turning the Vicar's Widow into the TALK OF THE TON. "Clearly a Couple" by Rebecca Hagan Lee. Free Fellows
League agent Jonathan escort India, just freed from a
harem imprisonment, to her family. The Ton blames India
for her captivity though she was an innocent victim and
assumes he has gotten his way with the "loose" woman.
Instead Jonathan has fallen in love with India. "Miss Jenny Alt's First Kiss" by Jacqueline Navin.
Everyone knows that Jenny, her aunt's companion, is on the
shelf. Everyone that is except Miles who seeks a bride
and based on their first kiss knows who he wants as his
permanent lady. The four tales are well written especially the Ton
exchanging malicious gossip that leaves a reader feeling
like a Peeping Thomasina. However, the lead couples fall
in love too fast as the novella format somewhat
shortchanges the romances. Still these are four fine
Regencies and fans will appreciate the titillating tremors
of Polite Society causing a scandal even when unwarranted Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted May 3, 2005
SummaryNothing 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.
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