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A Sense of the Ridiculous
Page-turning Regency Romance
When a prank goes wrong, headstrong squire's daughter Jocasta Stanyon wakes up in the bedchamber of an inn with no memory of who she is. The inn is owned by widow Meg Cowley and her handsome son, Richard, who proves to be more than a match for the unconventional Miss Stanyon. Initial attraction leads, through various scrapes and indiscretions, to love, but their stations in life are far removed from each other and fate tears them apart with a cruel hand. Forbidden by her father to have any contact with Richard for six months, Jocasta is horrified when she is then summoned to receive the addresses of a fashionable stranger...
When a prank goes wrong, headstrong squire's daughter Jocasta Stanyon wakes up in the bedchamber of an inn with no memory of who she is. The inn is owned by widow Meg Cowley and her handsome son, Richard, who proves to be more than a match for the unconventional Miss Stanyon. Initial attraction leads, through various scrapes and indiscretions, to love, but their stations in life are far removed from each other and fate tears them apart with a cruel hand. Forbidden by her father to have any contact with Richard for six months, Jocasta is horrified when she is then summoned to receive the addresses of a fashionable stranger...
193 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2013
3 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Heather King
13 books35 followersI am an author with a passion for history and in particular the Regency. I have my own voice, but I like to follow traditional Regency precepts and pen uplifting stories with flowing prose, witty dialogue, engaging characters and bags of emotion -- following with tiny steps in the magnificent wake of Georgette Heyer.
I live in a beautiful rural part of the UK and share my home with various life forms, including two ponies, three cats and a rescued 'Staffie' X. When I am not writing, I enjoy long walks with my dog, watching costume dramas and curling up with a good book.
From a small child, I have loved to write - and dream. In my bedroom I had a wallpaper with flower-edged squares - just perfect for writing my 'news'. I don't think my mother was very impressed, although I don't recall any major consequences.
I discovered Georgette Heyer in my early teens and in my opinion, there are few in the modern era who come close, let alone match her in the Regency genre. We can but aspire, as a friend once said!
My debut novel was 'A Sense of the Ridiculous', a traditional Regency Romance released originally by Musa Publishing and I'm excited that I will soon be re-releasing it with a new cover.
Writing as Vandalia Black, I also pen Vampire and Shape Shifter romances.
I live in a beautiful rural part of the UK and share my home with various life forms, including two ponies, three cats and a rescued 'Staffie' X. When I am not writing, I enjoy long walks with my dog, watching costume dramas and curling up with a good book.
From a small child, I have loved to write - and dream. In my bedroom I had a wallpaper with flower-edged squares - just perfect for writing my 'news'. I don't think my mother was very impressed, although I don't recall any major consequences.
I discovered Georgette Heyer in my early teens and in my opinion, there are few in the modern era who come close, let alone match her in the Regency genre. We can but aspire, as a friend once said!
My debut novel was 'A Sense of the Ridiculous', a traditional Regency Romance released originally by Musa Publishing and I'm excited that I will soon be re-releasing it with a new cover.
Writing as Vandalia Black, I also pen Vampire and Shape Shifter romances.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 13, 2015
Heather King's delightful book tells the story of Jocasta, a squire's daughter who begins the novel disappointed in the calibre of her suitors. Surely somewhere, she thinks, there must be someone who laughs at the same things she does?
Jocasta is also beset by a great aunt who disapproves of Jocasta's hoydenish ways. After a week of lectures on her behaviour, Jocasta has had enough. She breaks out, and meets with disaster, thrown from her horse and knocked unconscious.
Enter our hero Richard, the son of an inkeeper, who is surprised to discover that the unconscious boy he takes home is actually a rather lovely girl.
The happy ending was never in doubt (to the reader; the protagonists had a few nasty moments). But the journey is great! King adds some fun twists and turns along the way: amnesia, a brother who sees his search for his missing sister as a fine opportunity for attending sporting events, a robbery that threatens to derail the hero's courtship.
King writes characters with depth: Richard and Jocasta are finely drawn, and the supporting cast also come to life on the page. I particularly liked the brother, and hope to see him in a future novel. He has some growing up to do in order to find his own happy ending, and that should be fun to read.
The dialogue sparkles, particularly the exchanges between Richard and Jocasta, where they share their sense of the ridiculous. All in all, a great read. I recommend it.
Jocasta is also beset by a great aunt who disapproves of Jocasta's hoydenish ways. After a week of lectures on her behaviour, Jocasta has had enough. She breaks out, and meets with disaster, thrown from her horse and knocked unconscious.
Enter our hero Richard, the son of an inkeeper, who is surprised to discover that the unconscious boy he takes home is actually a rather lovely girl.
The happy ending was never in doubt (to the reader; the protagonists had a few nasty moments). But the journey is great! King adds some fun twists and turns along the way: amnesia, a brother who sees his search for his missing sister as a fine opportunity for attending sporting events, a robbery that threatens to derail the hero's courtship.
King writes characters with depth: Richard and Jocasta are finely drawn, and the supporting cast also come to life on the page. I particularly liked the brother, and hope to see him in a future novel. He has some growing up to do in order to find his own happy ending, and that should be fun to read.
The dialogue sparkles, particularly the exchanges between Richard and Jocasta, where they share their sense of the ridiculous. All in all, a great read. I recommend it.
February 26, 2015
The first time I read anything by Ms. King was a few weeks ago when I was copy-editing her story, Copenhagen's Last Charge, for a Waterloo anthology we are both involved in. I kept telling myself to slow down, since I was supposed to reading slowly and carefully to find errors. But I found myself so immersed in the story that I couldn't seem to slow down. (Disclaimer: Copenhagen's Last Charge was copy-edited by another person as well, so if anything was missed, it isn't entirely my fault. However, the story itself is so compelling that not even the most draconian proofreader could fail to be captivated.)
A Sense of the Ridiculous had the same effect on me. This time, of course, I wasn't copy-editing, since it was already published, but I have to admit I was hooked from the moment I met Miss Jocasta Stanyon. A more delightful hoyden heroine was never before invented, well, that I can remember, that is. She's just as horse-mad as her creator (hi, Heather!), but is just as comfortable in a ballroom, and can sew her own clothes as well!
She has her faults. She's stubborn, impulsive,a bit spoiled by her adoring father, and she doesn't always tell the truth, although her untruths are more faults of omission than outright lies.Hey, she's human.You can't help liking her. She's also daring, witty, and… ahem… sometimes wears men's clothes.
Richard Cowley, the hero, is a cut or two above the average innkeeper. Well, at least half a dozen. Most of the innkeepers I've run into in my experience reading historical romances have definitely not been young, handsome, good-natured, fun-loving, and still loves his mother. And his grandparents too. No wonder our heroine takes a few liberties with the truth so that she can hang around a bit longer with the fascinating Mr. Cowley and his delightful family.
Read this story immediately. You'll want to know
if the squire's daughter ends up becoming an innkeeper's wife
if the innkeeper decides to let convention hang and fly off to Gretna Green with his beloved
if the squire's daughter decides to get even with her father by running off with the stable boy
if the squire's son ever feels guilty about putting his passion for sport ahead of his responsibility for his sister
That's all I'm going to say. You'll have to read the story to find out if any of those things happen, and you'll probably be laughing all the way through it.
A Sense of the Ridiculous had the same effect on me. This time, of course, I wasn't copy-editing, since it was already published, but I have to admit I was hooked from the moment I met Miss Jocasta Stanyon. A more delightful hoyden heroine was never before invented, well, that I can remember, that is. She's just as horse-mad as her creator (hi, Heather!), but is just as comfortable in a ballroom, and can sew her own clothes as well!
She has her faults. She's stubborn, impulsive,a bit spoiled by her adoring father, and she doesn't always tell the truth, although her untruths are more faults of omission than outright lies.Hey, she's human.You can't help liking her. She's also daring, witty, and… ahem… sometimes wears men's clothes.
Richard Cowley, the hero, is a cut or two above the average innkeeper. Well, at least half a dozen. Most of the innkeepers I've run into in my experience reading historical romances have definitely not been young, handsome, good-natured, fun-loving, and still loves his mother. And his grandparents too. No wonder our heroine takes a few liberties with the truth so that she can hang around a bit longer with the fascinating Mr. Cowley and his delightful family.
Read this story immediately. You'll want to know
if the squire's daughter ends up becoming an innkeeper's wife
if the innkeeper decides to let convention hang and fly off to Gretna Green with his beloved
if the squire's daughter decides to get even with her father by running off with the stable boy
if the squire's son ever feels guilty about putting his passion for sport ahead of his responsibility for his sister
That's all I'm going to say. You'll have to read the story to find out if any of those things happen, and you'll probably be laughing all the way through it.
September 16, 2014
I loved this book. This is quite possibly my favorite regency romance, ever. The story is wonderful, engaging. I could not put it down. What really made this story enjoyable for me, was the hero. I loved the heroine, Jocasta is very believable, but Richard... wow. A strong male lead, who is not condescending or an idiot, and whose only mistake is to be human. He was a guy I could respect! So many heroes in romances are not like this. So many regency romance writers fail to capture a man of the era who is absolutely masculine and still truly respects the woman he loves.
One thing I wanted to share with other potential readers is that this book is sexy, it has the sex appeal that you're after when you read a romance novel, without having gratuitous depictions of it. The whole thing is classy from start to finish and it was a wonderful read. Exactly what I have been looking for in modern regency romances!
One thing I wanted to share with other potential readers is that this book is sexy, it has the sex appeal that you're after when you read a romance novel, without having gratuitous depictions of it. The whole thing is classy from start to finish and it was a wonderful read. Exactly what I have been looking for in modern regency romances!
October 11, 2015
This is everything a historical romance should be! The author writes with confidence and poise, using descriptive details to transport us to the Regency. It's all here: fabulous characters (including a knee-melting hero and spunky heroine), snappy dialogue, historical detail and vivid description. I loved how King takes the time to elaborate on clothes, meals, and country events, in the very style of the time.
Not only that, it is also a page-turner. I was rooting for the couple from the moment they met, and anxiously waited to find out how they would end up together. The ending, I believe, would have delighted Jane Austen herself - and certainly her modern fans! You won't regret buying this delightful romp of Regency romance. It's truly a great piece of historical fiction with just the right amount of zing.
Not only that, it is also a page-turner. I was rooting for the couple from the moment they met, and anxiously waited to find out how they would end up together. The ending, I believe, would have delighted Jane Austen herself - and certainly her modern fans! You won't regret buying this delightful romp of Regency romance. It's truly a great piece of historical fiction with just the right amount of zing.
September 11, 2014
Very enjoyable style of writing.The English author appears to have been meticulous in her research of the period, and is also clearly a horsewoman with excellent description of equine activity .Her ability to evoke the scenes described was detailed without being overly obtrusive so the pace of the story bowled along nicely . A very engaging heroine and likeable leading man made this a very satisfying read. Regency authors are frequently described as like Georgette Heyer but turn out to be nothing like - this author however, really is reminiscent of GH style,wit and fun and I have no hesitation in recommending it
August 26, 2014
Such a great romance! I tend to appreciate historical romances that fall on the erotic, rather than sweet, side, but this story dragged me in. Jocasta and Richard are memorable characters with strong personalities, and the plot, while falling back on a trope or two, manages to be unique and interesting in a genre that often isn't. Fabulous read.
October 22, 2021
The Other Way Round
Jocasta Stanyon is twenty-three years old, and with one unsuccessful Season behind her, her father, Sir Henry Stanyon, is keen for her to marry Lord Rufforth, whose land adjoins his. Jocasta likes Rufforth, but finds him predictable and sadly lacking any sense of the ridiculous. Her brother, Harry, comes home to rusticate, bringing a friend, the Honourable Archibald Collingswood, but casting a damper over the entire household, Jocasta and Harry’s aunt, the Dowager Lady Harford (Aunt Agnes), writes to say she is coming to stay for a week. It is a very trying week, especially for Jocasta, and as her aunt is leaving, she dances around the coach on her gelding Grey Friar, dressed in boy’s clothing. Unfortunately, she then gives Grey Friar his head with the result that she takes a toss and is found unconscious by Richard Cowley, who mistakes her for a young lad. Richard is the son of Meg Cowley, the owner of the Holly Tree Inn, and, of course, it takes Meg a few minutes only to discover the “lad” her son brought in is a young woman. Strangely enough, Meg has also been nagging her son it is about time he got married.
I do have to say here that Jocasta’s behaviour in wanting to shock her aunt, and her behaviour at the Inn about night feeding of a filly, is so juvenile I lost all patience with her and closed the book for two days. Our h gets her memory back but doesn’t let on until the cat is let out of the bag when the Cowleys, Meg’s parents, and Jocasta attend the ball at the Assembly Rooms and Jocasta comes face to face with Lord Rufforth. She then tells Richard she is the daughter of the butler at Stanyon Court and even in the middle of telling a farrago of lies, she adds something “because she always tries to be honest”. I almost gave up again, but persevered and I am glad I did, because they do make a very good couple and the dialogue is very witty, although the honours go to the H I think. There are a few misadventures in the story, and one in particular, involving Richard, is actually quite a hoot.
Now, our H is quite swoon-worthy, handsome, muscular (aren’t they all?), has a good sense of humour, intelligent, and is a real gentleman when it counts, oh, and he is pretty good at keeping our wayward h in line. He is a decent, hard-working man and has a particular look and smile that makes the h’s knees wobbly.
The author’s descriptive skills, whether clothing, décor, scenery, or food (where did they put it all?), are marvellous and not only aid in setting the scenes but add to the enjoyment of the story. The story is well-written (I really like this author’s writing style) and edited, apart from using “infer” instead of “imply”, the dialogue is good, the settings, clothes, and manners true to the time, and did I mention that the H is swoon-worthy? The characters are well-drawn and my second-favourite, after Richard, is his maternal grandfather, Mr Chivers, who doesn’t have a big role, but is wonderful in the role he has. Because the h annoyed me so much, and because part of the plot line that the story hinges on is completely unbelievable, I have given 3.5 stars. A clean read.
Jocasta Stanyon is twenty-three years old, and with one unsuccessful Season behind her, her father, Sir Henry Stanyon, is keen for her to marry Lord Rufforth, whose land adjoins his. Jocasta likes Rufforth, but finds him predictable and sadly lacking any sense of the ridiculous. Her brother, Harry, comes home to rusticate, bringing a friend, the Honourable Archibald Collingswood, but casting a damper over the entire household, Jocasta and Harry’s aunt, the Dowager Lady Harford (Aunt Agnes), writes to say she is coming to stay for a week. It is a very trying week, especially for Jocasta, and as her aunt is leaving, she dances around the coach on her gelding Grey Friar, dressed in boy’s clothing. Unfortunately, she then gives Grey Friar his head with the result that she takes a toss and is found unconscious by Richard Cowley, who mistakes her for a young lad. Richard is the son of Meg Cowley, the owner of the Holly Tree Inn, and, of course, it takes Meg a few minutes only to discover the “lad” her son brought in is a young woman. Strangely enough, Meg has also been nagging her son it is about time he got married.
I do have to say here that Jocasta’s behaviour in wanting to shock her aunt, and her behaviour at the Inn about night feeding of a filly, is so juvenile I lost all patience with her and closed the book for two days. Our h gets her memory back but doesn’t let on until the cat is let out of the bag when the Cowleys, Meg’s parents, and Jocasta attend the ball at the Assembly Rooms and Jocasta comes face to face with Lord Rufforth. She then tells Richard she is the daughter of the butler at Stanyon Court and even in the middle of telling a farrago of lies, she adds something “because she always tries to be honest”. I almost gave up again, but persevered and I am glad I did, because they do make a very good couple and the dialogue is very witty, although the honours go to the H I think. There are a few misadventures in the story, and one in particular, involving Richard, is actually quite a hoot.
Now, our H is quite swoon-worthy, handsome, muscular (aren’t they all?), has a good sense of humour, intelligent, and is a real gentleman when it counts, oh, and he is pretty good at keeping our wayward h in line. He is a decent, hard-working man and has a particular look and smile that makes the h’s knees wobbly.
The author’s descriptive skills, whether clothing, décor, scenery, or food (where did they put it all?), are marvellous and not only aid in setting the scenes but add to the enjoyment of the story. The story is well-written (I really like this author’s writing style) and edited, apart from using “infer” instead of “imply”, the dialogue is good, the settings, clothes, and manners true to the time, and did I mention that the H is swoon-worthy? The characters are well-drawn and my second-favourite, after Richard, is his maternal grandfather, Mr Chivers, who doesn’t have a big role, but is wonderful in the role he has. Because the h annoyed me so much, and because part of the plot line that the story hinges on is completely unbelievable, I have given 3.5 stars. A clean read.
February 7, 2017
Great story. Fab interplay between two main characters. A good historical romp.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews