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Cotillion

3.94 of 5 stars 3.94 · rating details · 4,702 ratings · 586 reviews

The three great-nephews of cantankerous Mr Penicuik know better than to ignore his summons, especially when it concerns the bestowal of his fortune -- the wily old gentleman has hatched a typically freakish plan for his stepdaughter's future and his own amusement: his fortune will be Kitty's dowry. But while the beaux are scrambling for her hand, Kitty counters with her ow...more

Paperback, 336 pages

Published January 6th 2005 by Arrow (first published 1953)

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Jan 31, 2013 Hannah rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-reads, regencys, romances

Rating Clarification: 3.5 Stars

I am enjoying my reads from the prodigiously fertile pen of Georgette Heyer, but I'm not always sure what I'm going to get when I start Chapter 1. Some are dull (Faro's Daughter), some are stupid (Powder And Patch), some are downright wall-bangers (The Convenient Marriage), some are hysterically funny (Friday's Child), some are gothically dark (Cousin Kate), some are realistic non-HEA's (A Civil Contract), and some are little gems of near perfection (Arabella). I t...more

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Feb 05, 2008 Kelly rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, brit-lit, romantical, regency, owned

I believe that this book is the definition of the word "romp." It's all a farce, hardly any romance in it at all except the silly kind Heyer makes fun of (despite the fact that the story is almost all tangled marriage plots- they just involve such ridiculous people who by and large are not in love with each other, so there's absolutely no romance at all.). There are a plethora of laugh out loud lines and exchanges, and I very much wish that someone would turn this into a play in the style of Osc...more

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Dec 20, 2011 Clare Cannon rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 13-15yrs, young-adult, adults

Just lovely! Highly recommended for teen girls and young adults looking for a fun read with some substance. As well as being an entirely pleasant story, it is altogether worthwhile to witness Heyer's characters grow through their interactions with one another. With such a light touch she educates the reader in how to fall out of love with the reckless anti-hero after recognising his sordid, selfish side, and how to fall in love with the generous, gentle and kind-hearted hero. Few writers are ab...more

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Jul 05, 2008 Abigail rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Georgette Heyer Fans / Regency Romance Readers

Shelves: georgette-heyer, romance

Review Temporarily Removed.

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Oct 25, 2012 Jacob Proffitt rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is one of the few Georgette Heyer books I own, but haven't re-read in recent years. I won't make that mistake again. I must have read it early in my Heyer days, because I'm pretty sure I didn't understand the main characters, Freddy and Kitty, very well. Freddy, in particular, undergoes more character development than is common in Heyer's heroes and is easy to write-off in the early parts of the novel as empty-headed. He starts out much like many supporting characters in Heyer's other novel

...more

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Jun 19, 2007 Tahariel rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: romantic people

Shelves: romance, period

I absolutely adored this book - Heyer's writing is, as always, not only perfectly in period but sublime, the humour subtle and the romance so carefully handled that each moment when it is moved along a little more seems perfect.

Kitty is fun, but my real love in this book is Freddie, the male lead, who is so wonderful and real. Not only has she given him a very strange manner of speaking, but he is always there, a presence that really warms the story from the inside out.

This is probably my favo...more

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Mar 31, 2010 Laura rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: light-and-fun

Miserly Great-Uncle Matthew is both frightful and frightfully rich. Though he has a surfeit of great-nephews, he has no heir. But he does have a pretty young ward on whom he decides to settle his fortune... provided she marries one of the great-nephews. Everyone knows our heroine Kitty has been infatuated with rakish “Cousin Jack” since childhood, yet when Great Uncle Matthew summons all the great-nephews to his house so they can try their luck proposing to Kitty, Jack doesn’t show up. The nerve...more

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Mar 05, 2009 _inbetween_ rated it 4 of 5 stars

How many times have I read all these books? This one, oddly enough, I once summarised in longhand on a few sheets of A4 paper while at school, from start to finish. Even then it had seemed even drier and even more understated than Heyer's other novels, but after Last Hellion and Wooster I had to read up on Freddy. Only when considering my other re-reads does it become clear again that this Jack is not that extraordinary, that Heyer always rooted for the down-to-Earth protagonists - even if they...more

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Nov 20, 2008 Muriel rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-2008, historical-fiction, georgette-heyer, favorites

Cotillion quickly moved to the top of my favorite Heyer books. It's so frustrating to see her lumped into the general romance novel section as she's so much more than that and I'm afraid that a lot of people who are snooty about reading "romance" novels are missing out on a marvelous author. Time Magazine put it best, "With a Georgette Heyer you don’t buy a book, you buy a world. If it suits you, you settle down forever."

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Oct 25, 2010 Jane Stewart rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: regency-romance, 5-star-historical-romance

4 ½ stars. Light-hearted romantic adventure with quirky and endearing characters.

REVIEWER’S OPINION:
I couldn’t decide between 4 and 5 stars, but I rounded to 5 because I continued thinking about it afterwards and am glad I read it.

This was written more than 50 years ago and is dated in some ways. It’s an example of a wonderful variety of characters whose “natures” create romantic conflicts. It’s a nice change of pace from the typical popular character types in most romances written today. It’s a...more

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Apr 14, 2012 D.D. Chant rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I love, love, love, Freddy!!! He is one of my top (if not THE top) Georgette Heyer heros. Surprised that's how I feel? Then let me explain. Freddy isn't your average GH hero, he is a pink, NOT a rake, NOT a nonsuch and certainly NOT 'in the petticoat line'. He is quite simply everyones friend but no ones crush. His cousin Jack (Who IS a rake, IS a nonsuch and is VERY much in the petticoat line) thinks he's amusing in the way that you might find a kitten or puppy amusing. Which effectivly made me...more

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Mar 10, 2008 liz rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fun-slash-junk

So the language seemed unusually formal for this kind of a historical romance - but the book was first published in 1953!! It seems way funnier than "old," and I really enjoyed it. A young orphan is told by her great-uncle that she can only inherit his fortune if she marries one of his five nephews. She orchestrates a sham engagement with one so that she can go to London to pursue the nephew she really likes... I'm sure you can figure it out from there, but she gets into mischief makes some wond...more

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Mar 05, 2008 Katharine rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: regency, romance

Ok, just for Cotillion alone I may become a Heyer fan after all. It was fantastic: funny, clever, bright, great dialogue, sympathetic characters, charming romance, well-balanced plot, easy to read. I loved it. The hero is so cute I want to keep him, despite being dandyish and not interested in "writing coves". The heroine is (typically for Heyer) impulsive and a bit strong-minded and clueless at the same time, but somehow manages to be wholy charming instead of obnoxious. The side plot twists, w...more

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Jan 11, 2009 Delaina rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Kitty is fostered by the wealthy, crotchety, and extremely tight-fisted best friend of her parents when they die. She stands to inherit Great Uncle Matthew's entire fortune when he kicks it, but only if she marries one of his five eligible blood-related great-nephews. So he calls them all together and tells her to pick one. If she decides she doesn't want any of them, he'll give all his money to charity and leave Kitty with what her parents left her: nothing. Everyone is naturally horrified, esp...more

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Mar 20, 2013 Evania rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: light-reading, regency-romance, have-the-ebook, favorable-love-triangle-outcome, favorite, love-triangle, likable-hero-ine, read-in-one-sitting

Real rating: 4.5

Oh my god. Where to start?

I had read a couple of Georgette Heyer's novels in the past and found myself charmed by them. They're written in the era of Austen with a definite Austen flair, so unlike Julia Quinn and her lovely regency novels, the prose Heyer uses is more formal. But still very accessible and easy to follow, which pleased me.

I had danced around reading this one for the last couple of years because I simply wasn't in the mood. Then, yesterday afternoon, upon my extr...more Real rating: 4.5

Oh my god. Where to start?

I had read a couple of Georgette Heyer's novels in the past and found myself charmed by them. They're written in the era of Austen with a definite Austen flair, so unlike Julia Quinn and her lovely regency novels, the prose Heyer uses is more formal. But still very accessible and easy to follow, which pleased me.

I had danced around reading this one for the last couple of years because I simply wasn't in the mood. Then, yesterday afternoon, upon my extreme frustration with romance novels and their stupid Alpha Hero archetypes, I googled "unconventional heroes" and found someone's recommendation for Freddy of Cotillion. I thought, "I've been meaning to read this! I've been dying to read about a Beta male or any other kind of male that can NOT be described as sexy and muscular!" Perfect match right?

And in many ways, the book was! I adored Freddy, his dandyism, and his utter puzzlement and reluctance to involve himself with Kitty. Kitty, who was a sweet, well-minded, and generally hilarious heroine had her high points too--usually humorous ones because this book is light fluff. No angst, no agonizing, no torture. This was SO REFRESHING to me.

There were some low points, however; I found there to be a lull in the plot 3/4 of the way through. I also was disappointed in the lack of Romantic Ignition between Freddy and Kitty. (By that I mean those moments when the chemistry sizzles, and the two characters start to lose their heads.) There were, however, a precious few cute moments, which made their love more organic and smooth which was GREAT. I hate the love/lust at first sight deal more than anyone I know! Anywho, I would've preferred to see a bit more of their scenes, be they platonic or whatever, but hey. This isn't a bodice-ripper. I had seen it coming.

(view spoiler)

Anyway, in conclusion! I recommend this book to anyone who wants a light, fun read, and two adorable characters to root for. (less)

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Jan 19, 2013 Tiffany rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, regency

Complete hilarium; I loved this book! Georgette Heyer's humor is not wasted on me! I laughed constantly through this entertaining read which was very easy to follow (unlike some of Heyer's books where the multitude of characters or use of slang can leave me missing things). Funny, funny, funny. I love the way characters are described.

Some of my favorite laugh-out-loud moments:

Captured the whole theme of the book for me: "She gave a shaken laugh. "Oh, Freddy, how can you be so absurd, when you ar...more

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Sep 10, 2012 Mandi Ellsworth added it · review of another edition

I thought I had read this book before, but I don’t think I have. It was amazing. One of my favorites from Georgette Heyer and that’s saying something.

Kitty is the adopted daughter of an eccentric and wealthy older man with no children. He’s as tight fisted as they come and has the idea that he wants his favorite nephew to get his wealth, but can’t feel good about leaving Kitty with nothing. So, he decides to allow Kitty to choose a husband from among his four eligible nephews, sure in himself s...more

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Aug 21, 2012 Yellow Rose rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is the first book that I have read by Georgette Heyer and I absolutely Loved this book!! It was so cute, I loved the writing and prose the author takes you literally to the regency period and makes you feel as if you are there experiencing life along side the characters. The writing is difficult compared to a lot of contemporary writers it took me a few chapters to get used to and to reorient myself into the different language use. However, once you do get used to the writing the writing be...more This is the first book that I have read by Georgette Heyer and I absolutely Loved this book!! It was so cute, I loved the writing and prose the author takes you literally to the regency period and makes you feel as if you are there experiencing life along side the characters. The writing is difficult compared to a lot of contemporary writers it took me a few chapters to get used to and to reorient myself into the different language use. However, once you do get used to the writing the writing becomes so poetic it is like you are reading a beautiful poem except it is a story.

In fact I diiscovered my favorite by far female character in regency romance and that was Lady Charlotte Legerwood in the book she is described as " the punctual presentation to her lord of six hopeful children had slightly impaired her figure, but she was generally considered to be a pretty woman; and since she was as good-natured as she was foolish, she was almost universally liked. she was uncritically fond of her husband, doted upon her children, and was much addicted to what her uncle would unquestionably have termed extravagant frivolity" (92). What a stunning woman!!! She is absolutely wonderful!!

Now you must be wondering why I gave this book four stars instead of five if I like this book so much. In fact I had a few problems with this book especially with the heroine and the hero. First of all Kitty was attracted to her rakish cousin Jack, second she seemed to me sometimes so ignorant when she was around Jack, other times she would redeem herself. It was a hate love feeling I had towards her all through the book. Then the hero Freddy he was indeed always supportive, lovely, he was a great hero except for the fact that the people around him though that he was not so smart and he even himself believed that he was not so smart. Personally I did not like that about Freddy at all, it is so unattractive when a man thinks he is not smart. Other then that I loved all other characters loved Olivia, and Kitty's French cousin. Loved Dolphinton.

I highly recommend this book to regency era romance fans, this is a definite must read. You will not be disappointed.(less)

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May 03, 2012 Anne rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Cotillion begins with Kitty Charing being forced by her guardian to choose one of his great-nephews to marry in order to receive his large fortune when he dies. Kitty is insulted by the idea and instead of choosing one to marry tries to trick her guardian by pretending to be engaged to one of the nephews. She enlists Freddy Standon, a most fashionable and kind man, to help her and the two of them pretend to be engaged. Kitty talks Freddy into taking her to London for a month so she can get away...more

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Nov 06, 2011 Shabby Girl rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: four-star-books

I started reading and read all of Georgette Heyer's books in my teens. I re-read them every few years and love them all over again. But, I picked this one up thinking of course I've read all Heyers books, so many times, but then I realised quite quickly that, oh joy, can't believe it, but I don't think I've read this one before. I've either completely forgotten it or I really haven't read it before! Weird!

Anyway, it was a slower read than normal for Heyer, however, once it got into the swing of...more

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Sep 14, 2011 Cathy rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Cotillion Definition: a Regency dance, like the quadrille, in which each dancer has multiple partners. And that's the gist of this very innocent book. "Country-bred, spirited Kitty is on the brink of inheriting a fortune from her eccentric guardian - provided that she marries one of his grand-nephews. Kitty has spent her secluded life pining for the handsome, rakish Jack, who is well aware of her attachment. But when Jack fails to respond to his great-uncle's ultimatum regarding Kitty, she hatch...more

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Jul 25, 2011 Mti Librarian rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, adult, disfunctional-families, helping-others, marriage, regency, romance, fashion

A romantic regency novel of manners that is a thoroughly enjoyable frolic! I find Georgette Heyer to be a pretty reliable author; I like almost everything she writes. I've been trying to save her books for when I'm sick or traveling so that I'm guaranteed a good book and also so that I don't read them too fast and run out. I took this one to family reunion at the beach and it was perfect.

As the ward of a very rich and eccentric gentleman, Miss Kitty Charing stand to inherit a fortune as long as...more

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May 30, 2011 Jennifer rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance

This was my first Heyer novel (and likely my last), and my first thought after reading it was that Jane Austen has nothing to worry about. The dialogue - what little there is of it - is not tremendously witty, and her observations about society are rather bland. The book is too long; if I had to read another description of a wonderful outfit or a seven course meal, I might have had to poke my eyes out.

The characters were either ridiculous (Dolphinton, Freddy, even Kitty herself), or caricatures...more

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Feb 05, 2011 Amy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: georgette-heyer

There are a few things you can always be certain of in life. Murphy's Law, taxes, and relatives. Particularly, the annoying ones. Every family has them, those queer people who can't really disown but would rather not claim blood with. Cotillion is a hilarious, romantic novel filled with relatives, romps, and regency romance. It is Georgette Heyer at her best, and I would say Cotillion is almost as good as The Grand Sophy.
Kitty Charing stands to receive a great deal of money from her guardian,...more There are a few things you can always be certain of in life. Murphy's Law, taxes, and relatives. Particularly, the annoying ones. Every family has them, those queer people who can't really disown but would rather not claim blood with. Cotillion is a hilarious, romantic novel filled with relatives, romps, and regency romance. It is Georgette Heyer at her best, and I would say Cotillion is almost as good as The Grand Sophy.
Kitty Charing stands to receive a great deal of money from her guardian, (the wealthy and eccentric miser Mr Penicuik) but only if she marries one of his grand-nephews. Kitty is not averse to the idea, as long as the right nephew proposes. In particular, the dashing rake Jack. When he doesn't show up, much less propose, Kitty concocts a crazy scheme to get herself to London and into Jack's path, she convinces her cousin Freddy into a sham betrothal! As his fianced bride, she has all the reason in the world to go to London and reaquaint herself with her "new family."
But London holds more suprises for her then she could imagine, including biological French cousins, blond headed beauties, and her not-so-bright cousin Lord Biddenden, whose tyrannical mother is still pressing to ask for her hand.

If I could, I would probably give this book 4.7 stars. The reason is Freddy's aversion to pronouns. It drove me CRAZY. He doesn't say, "I want to help." It is "Want to help." And not just once in a while, but all the time. It might not even have been that bad, if it weren't for the fact that the only other person who did it was Lord Biddenden, and he isn't exactly the brightest bulb. Foggy in his attic. It made Freddy out to be more of a dunce then he really was, though I suppose you were supposed to get a hint that most people didn't view him as particularly bright. Plus, when the reader first meets him, he is wearing yellow pantaloons .
The thing is, though, I loved Freddy anyway. Maybe more then Charles in The Grand Sophy. He wasn't an amazing whip or a brilliant boxer or any of the stuff Heyer's heroes usually are (of course, he always dressed perfectly, that seems to be a must for a Heyer Hero) but he had a sweetness and a incorruptibility that I loved. He almost reminded me of Sir Percy from the Scarlet Pimpernel. He wasn't prideful, cocky, full of himself. Certainly didn't plan on marrying. He wasn't even a flirt, which I loved even more. He was simply a nice mannered pink of the ton, willing to come to the help of a lady, somewhat clever in his own way.
But of course, Freddy wasn't the only character who made this book. Kitty really was quite adorable. Comparing her to the other two Heyer books I've read (Arabella and The Grand Sophy), Kitty was more like Arabella then Sophy. I liked her much better than Arabella, though. She wasn't pefect. She wasn't even one of those "perfect part of the time with an occasional issue". No. She was coniving, charming, well-meaning, likeable, troublesome and sweet! She had attacks on her conscious, was occasionally naive but also sharp enough to figure stuff out.
Heyer is, of course, a master at creating characters. Everyone from Lord Biddenden (and his voracious mother) to Freddy's Father (who reminded me of Mr Bennet)to Jack himself! (No comment on him , I don't want to give anything away!)
The plot was so good too! Very cute. Heyer has a way of handling rather awkward situations with a few well-placed words that are so much than the disturbing detail most modern books seem to think they need to sink into.
It wasn't, perhaps, as rollicking funny as The Grand Sophy, but it was certainly better than Arabella, and overall I strongly reccomend it. Heyer is a delightful author for all ages, with wonderful characters and good plots. Enjoy! jouir de, prendre plaisir! (less)

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Nov 17, 2010 Stephanie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, period-fiction

"Cotillion" was a mildly amusing romp through Regency London. There was some fun and humor in the resolution of a web of interconnected romantic interests. For some reason, people RAVE about Heyer's use of her meticulous research, but I found it to be overdone, especially in regards to Freddy's vocabulary. Am I really to believe that fashionable young men spoke using ONLY slang, or is possible that Heyer was just so delighted with herself for digging up all of these Regency colloqialisms that sh...more

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Feb 04, 2010 Michelle rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2010, historical-fiction, own

Young Kitty Charing is about to inherit a vast fortune from her grumpy, gouty Great Uncle Matthew. As his ward, Kitty has endured the somewhat dubious hospitality of the querulous, miserly gentleman for years, having put up with his mad schemes on more than one occasion. But Uncle Matthew has concocted his most harebrained scheme yet. He wants to bestow his vast fortune upon Kitty - a sheltered, fanciful miss - if only she will consent to marry one of his many grand nephews, men she has grown up...more Young Kitty Charing is about to inherit a vast fortune from her grumpy, gouty Great Uncle Matthew. As his ward, Kitty has endured the somewhat dubious hospitality of the querulous, miserly gentleman for years, having put up with his mad schemes on more than one occasion. But Uncle Matthew has concocted his most harebrained scheme yet. He wants to bestow his vast fortune upon Kitty - a sheltered, fanciful miss - if only she will consent to marry one of his many grand nephews, men she has grown up with and knows well. Kitty isn't exactly against the scheme (besides the implied embarrassment of such a contract), if only a particular nephew will be offering. But he doesn't. Kitty does however receive other offers: from the staid, patronizing Reverend Hugh and the bumbling, muddled Lord Dolphinton, but both are as repulsive as they are ineffectual. Not to mention the married nephew George Biddenden, who wasn't even invited in the first place...

Understandably upset and equally devastated, Kitty hatches a scheme worthy of her great uncle's daring when she convinces her honorable (if somewhat fashion-distracted) cousin Freddy Standen to form a sham engagement with her since he has no desire to marry at all. Kitty's aims? One: enjoy life in London while visiting Freddy's family, away from the stuffy Arnside House of her youth while Two: make the renowned rake and rascal (and youthful heartthrob) Jack Westruther insanely jealous. Only Kitty is as inexperienced as she is compassionate - a combination which soon lands our young heroine in a number of scrapes requiring a quick rescue by the conscientious if not impeccably dressed, Freddy.

Starting into a Georgette Heyer for the first time was an experience not to be denied any reader. The characters and locales of Cotillion swirled around so effortlessly that I found myself drawn into their story in just a few short pages. No wonder she is known as the Queen of the Regency Romance. Heyer has a deft hand at humor and is superb at crafting witty - often downright hilarious - dialogue contrasted by lush descriptions of perfect fashion and society gossip at its best. Although highly original in terms of plot, praise must be heaped upon Ms. Heyer for her delightful prose. I don't know the last time I read a book that used words such as "clodpole" "I'd as lief.." "plant a facer" and "a rum touch." Devilishly entertaining.

Kitty and Freddy make quite the dashing couple - of course, both have impeccable taste in clothing (a most important quality) and both, for lack of a better word, are just so sweet. Freddy graciously agrees to squire Kitty to various London sights (under protest) and could not be more horrified with the sight of those famed Elgin Marbles:

" "Why, they have no heads!” he expostulates, feeling very put upon at having to escort Kitty to places that he’d never intended to see or ever see again."

Freddy's never been known as the 'smart' one, but under Kitty's kind reassurances, he begins to see himself as something other than a fashion plate. While slowly yet surely, Kitty's youthful insistence wins this Pink of the ton over with her enchanting damsel in distress routine. A fantastic novel by a fantastic author I will be sure to read more of.

And in closing, all I have to say is: "I like him. I like him better than Hugh. I like him better than Jack..."(less)

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Jun 19, 2009 Dlora rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: general-fiction, history

I just reread a number of Georgette Heyer's Regency romances. She has such a great grasp of the time period, the details of life in London, the manners and mores, the fun quirky language. It's like reading a Jane Austen novel in a way--an entertaining comedy of manners. I just finished Cotillion and was enchanted with it. I'm always intrigued with the titles of a book and I had wondered why Heyer had chose cotillion for this novel. As I recall, a cotillion is a formal ball and almost at the end...more

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Jul 08, 2011 Jamila rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This is the 4th Heyer novel I've read, and I've come to appreciate her regency romance formula: country-bred young woman finds herself in fashionable London, mixing with the worldly men and women of the ton, gets into a number of harebrained schemes and ridiculous scrapes, finds herself the recipient of male attention, and finally, at the end, scores the guy.

Cotillion, I admit, wasn't quite what I expected at first. Kitty Charing's guardian grants her his fortune on one condition: that she marry...more This is the 4th Heyer novel I've read, and I've come to appreciate her regency romance formula: country-bred young woman finds herself in fashionable London, mixing with the worldly men and women of the ton, gets into a number of harebrained schemes and ridiculous scrapes, finds herself the recipient of male attention, and finally, at the end, scores the guy.

Cotillion, I admit, wasn't quite what I expected at first. Kitty Charing's guardian grants her his fortune on one condition: that she marry one of his great-nephews. Kitty is in love with Jack, who refuses to offer for her, and in a reckless gamble, Kitty instead talks her cousin Freddy into pretending to be engaged to her, so that she can escape her cloistered country life and travel to London, where she can finally see the sights and, just maybe, make Jack jealous enough to propose.

I wasn't prepared to like either Kitty or Freddy as much as I did. Kitty is a bit scatterbrained, naive, and altogether too trusting, though by the middle of the book she comes to understand some of the nuances of how the ton functions. And Freddy comes off as a complete dandy, caring only about his appearance, but through all of the scrapes that Kitty finds herself in, Freddy is there for her every step of the way, devising solutions to her problems and rescuing her from inconvenient situations, all the while denying that he's done anything of note.

Freddy and Jack, then, are an interesting study in contrasts: Freddy isn't the most intelligent or witty man, but he's caring, responsible, honest, and street-smart. Jack, on the other hand, is the charming rake: sly, disingenuous, and selfish. Heyer has modeled some of her male heroes in such a light (Sylvester, for example, is an accomplished flirt, and Lord Damerel from Venetia is dissolute and sarcastic), but here Jack is shown as cruelly self-centered, playing on the innocence and trust of the women around him. He was so odious that I was cheering at the end when Freddy delivers a much-needed comeuppance in the form of a strong right hook. Such a good moment!

I think what I really adored about this book was watching how Freddy and Kitty fall in love with each other. The two of them together are really sweet and charming, and when they put their heads together, they make a hilarious team. Of course, as with all of Heyer's novels, this features a strong cast of secondary characters (including Lord Dolphinton, the sweet but unbelievably feeble-minded cousin whose overbearing mother forces him to offer for Kitty more than once), and a wonderful array of historical details (I always love reading Heyer's descriptions of the clothing that the ladies in her tales wear). All in all, a lovely book, and a good choice for frothy, silly, fun romance.(less)

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Dec 13, 2011 Sophie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011-books, kindle-fire-book, favorites

It's been a few years since I read this book, and I was struck all over again by how amazingly talented Georgette Heyer was. Her Regency romances are so far above what any author produces today that it's unfair to compare them. Most historical novels published now are really contemporary stories with just a little muslin window dressing. When you read a Georgette Heyer Regency, you are transported to the era in a way that no other author has, or ever will, match. My favorite thing about this par...more

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Aug 23, 2011 Laura rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Cotillion is one of my favorite Heyer novels so far. The novel surprised me by taking the story line in a different direction than I supposed. By the end, I realized that Heyer had subtly changed my mind about the characters and had brought about the conclusion that I may not have expected, but by that point really wanted. This novel also had wonderfully developed characters and great secondary characters and romances.

Eccentric great-uncle Matthew summons his great-nephews to his estate to tell...more

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Georgette Heyer Fans: Freddy from Cotillion - a different style of hero	39	81	Apr 27, 2013 10:07am

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About Georgette Heyer

Georgette Heyer was an amazingly prolific writer who created the Regency England genre of romance novels.

Georgette Heyer was an intensely private person. A best-seller all her life without the aid of publicity, she made no appearances, never gave an interview, and only answered fan letters herself if they made an interesting historical point. Heyer wrote very well-researched historical fiction, fu...more

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Quotes from Cotillion

“No one could have called Mr. Standen quick-witted, but the possession of three sisters had considerably sharpened his instinct of self-preservation.” — 63 people liked it

“What I mean is, like you to have everything you want. Wished it was me, that's all” — 17 people liked it

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