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Eversley #3
Season at Brighton
Wild, headstrong Catherine Denham wanted nothing more than an exciting holiday season at Brighton - and nothing less than a family arranged meeting with some stuffy Viscount who was looking for a wife. So it was that she decided to run away.
But in staid Regency England, nice young ladies didn't do things like that. And suddenly Catherine found herself in the clutches of a stranger who was hardly a gentleman, only to be rescued by a gentleman who was hardly a stranger, and caught up in a dangerous intrigue of love and honor that threatened to destroy all her hopes of romance forever.
But in staid Regency England, nice young ladies didn't do things like that. And suddenly Catherine found herself in the clutches of a stranger who was hardly a gentleman, only to be rescued by a gentleman who was hardly a stranger, and caught up in a dangerous intrigue of love and honor that threatened to destroy all her hopes of romance forever.
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1971
About the author
Alice Chetwynd Ley
23 books53 followersBorn Alice Mary Chetwynd Humphrey on 12 October 1913 in Halifax, Yorkshire, England, UK, she studied at King Edward VI Grammar School in Birmingham. On 3 February 1945, she married Kenneth James Ley. They had two sons; Richard James Humphrey Ley and Graham Kenneth Hugh Ley.
She was a teacher at Harrow College of Higher Education. In 1962, she obtained a diploma in Sociology at London University, and was awarded the Gilchrist Award of 1962. She was a lecturer in Sociology and Social History, from 1968 to 1971.
Under her married name, Alice Chetwynd Ley, she published romance novels from 1959 to 1986. She was also tutor in Creative Writing, from 1962 to 1984. She was elected the sixth Chairman (1971-1973) of the Romantic Novelists' Association and was named an honoured Life Member.
Alice Chetwynd passed away in 2004.
She was a teacher at Harrow College of Higher Education. In 1962, she obtained a diploma in Sociology at London University, and was awarded the Gilchrist Award of 1962. She was a lecturer in Sociology and Social History, from 1968 to 1971.
Under her married name, Alice Chetwynd Ley, she published romance novels from 1959 to 1986. She was also tutor in Creative Writing, from 1962 to 1984. She was elected the sixth Chairman (1971-1973) of the Romantic Novelists' Association and was named an honoured Life Member.
Alice Chetwynd passed away in 2004.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 5, 2022
If not for too many convenient coincidences it would have been perfect [with them only 4-4.5 stars].
I loved Pamyngton in the previous book, and I am glad he had his own story (and HEA). I think he was one of the best-created heroes of the genre. No "out of characters" behaviors, a great example of one of the types of men who probably lived then. I am sure everyone would like to have such a friend, son, father, husband, etc. How the world would have been better if there were more such men... His love story was also perfect for him.
As I wrote in a review of the previous part of the series, the threads that connect parts of the series were written splendidly. I really appreciate such sense and moderation.
I want to add also, that (in this series at least) Alice Chetwynd Ley showed common sense "with heroines". Yes, they did sometimes something stupid, on impulse, etc., but like most of us, after a time (rather shorter than longer) they calmed down and were able to admit/own their behaviour. Not as in many many other romances, when authors take advantage of such threads and build/keep misunderstandings absurdly long.
I loved Pamyngton in the previous book, and I am glad he had his own story (and HEA). I think he was one of the best-created heroes of the genre. No "out of characters" behaviors, a great example of one of the types of men who probably lived then. I am sure everyone would like to have such a friend, son, father, husband, etc. How the world would have been better if there were more such men... His love story was also perfect for him.
As I wrote in a review of the previous part of the series, the threads that connect parts of the series were written splendidly. I really appreciate such sense and moderation.
I want to add also, that (in this series at least) Alice Chetwynd Ley showed common sense "with heroines". Yes, they did sometimes something stupid, on impulse, etc., but like most of us, after a time (rather shorter than longer) they calmed down and were able to admit/own their behaviour. Not as in many many other romances, when authors take advantage of such threads and build/keep misunderstandings absurdly long.
April 25, 2016
This is a very enjoyable old fashioned clean novel. I only recently discovered this author. On the blog Word Wenches they were talking about old romances they used to love and Nicola Cornick posted The Beau and The Bluestocking by this author. I immediately purchased it as I love Nicola's books also. Now I'm on a bit of a run of these as I'm currently just looking to read easy uncomplicated books.
As I said easy quick and sweet. Having said that, I did want to slap Catherine, the main character a couple of times. Was quite indulgent and selfish at times. But all's well that ends well!!
As I said easy quick and sweet. Having said that, I did want to slap Catherine, the main character a couple of times. Was quite indulgent and selfish at times. But all's well that ends well!!
July 17, 2016
This is an enjoyable and quick (took me less than two hours) read. A delightful Regency story, the only thing that let it down for me was the heroine. I found Catherine a little too rude and ridiculous at times, so I struggled to identify with her. Pamyngton, on the other hand, is a wonderful heroic lead, and I could certainly imagine myself falling in love with him. If you like clean, simple historical romances, then this is the book for you.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley.
August 23, 2016
This is more of a regency romp. Most of the MCs time together is spent with him getting her out of a fix and her being rather rude to him. I liked Pam I wish he would end up with someone worthy of him.
August 11, 2018
A light regency romance with a quintessentially English feel to it. The story follows the exploits of a trio of sisters on a visit to Brighton, focusing particularly on Catherine Denham, a sprightly young lady with a penchant for getting herself into trouble.
Though not on par with the likes of Heyer, this still made for an easy, pleasant read. Quite funny in parts, and I particularly liked the initial set up of Catherine and Pamyngton's meeting, which was rather amusing. I did however find Catherine's behaviour a trifle too thoughtless at times.
Overall a refreshingly 'clean' read compared to others in the genre, told with a gentle charm.
Though not on par with the likes of Heyer, this still made for an easy, pleasant read. Quite funny in parts, and I particularly liked the initial set up of Catherine and Pamyngton's meeting, which was rather amusing. I did however find Catherine's behaviour a trifle too thoughtless at times.
Overall a refreshingly 'clean' read compared to others in the genre, told with a gentle charm.
May 21, 2023
Many characters from earlier in the series show up in this story. A favorite of mine is Viscount Pamyngton from the previous book. Catherine is a bit flighty on one hand, and a little too bold on the other. I was happy Pam got a HEA. As well as Louisa and Oliver.
June 2, 2019
Full of fun against the backdrop of a town I know well
This tale is funny, touching and full of life. It has all the characters necessary to a romance with sparkling dialogue and scenes well described and easy to imagine. It engages the reader's interest from the outset and I was soon enjoying the humour and the interplay between the appealing main characters. I was very happy to travel along with them and meet the rest of the cast. Extra enjoyment came from the locations.
I am Sussex born and bred (though I'm quite proud of being half Welsh too); so this story, set in parts of Sussex I know well, together with the main staging being in Brighton, which I know very well indeed, means it is even more fascinating. I've enjoyed the references to so many parts of Brighton and to Rottingdean as well. The research is impressive and I've enjoyed looking for where different places, mentioned in the story, were located. I know the streets well. Some where ancestors lived and they certainly knew many others. I've often walked those same streets too.
All in all, a story that any Georgette Heyer fan will enjoy and appreciate, as I have.
This tale is funny, touching and full of life. It has all the characters necessary to a romance with sparkling dialogue and scenes well described and easy to imagine. It engages the reader's interest from the outset and I was soon enjoying the humour and the interplay between the appealing main characters. I was very happy to travel along with them and meet the rest of the cast. Extra enjoyment came from the locations.
I am Sussex born and bred (though I'm quite proud of being half Welsh too); so this story, set in parts of Sussex I know well, together with the main staging being in Brighton, which I know very well indeed, means it is even more fascinating. I've enjoyed the references to so many parts of Brighton and to Rottingdean as well. The research is impressive and I've enjoyed looking for where different places, mentioned in the story, were located. I know the streets well. Some where ancestors lived and they certainly knew many others. I've often walked those same streets too.
All in all, a story that any Georgette Heyer fan will enjoy and appreciate, as I have.
March 2, 2023
Clean Regency/Georgian Romance
A very sweet story with a wonderful hero in Pam - a rare character who is gentle in all the ways that matter. I absolutely adored him. Katie, the heroine, is an impetuous young lady who keeps landing in trouble from which she's rescued aided by her own wits and of course Pam.
The author's thorough research of the period lends credibility as she blends in places and persons from history into the telling.
If you like Georgette Heyer then the conversations in this quick read will enchant you.
A very sweet story with a wonderful hero in Pam - a rare character who is gentle in all the ways that matter. I absolutely adored him. Katie, the heroine, is an impetuous young lady who keeps landing in trouble from which she's rescued aided by her own wits and of course Pam.
The author's thorough research of the period lends credibility as she blends in places and persons from history into the telling.
If you like Georgette Heyer then the conversations in this quick read will enchant you.
March 22, 2019
Books to treasure
I have just discovered Ley and her books are a delight. The depth of characterisation, the witty dialogue, the clever plotting. The attention to historical detail creates a believable worldand Ley is a must for readers of Heyer, Rebecca Connolly, Sally Britten and Sarah Eden.
I have just discovered Ley and her books are a delight. The depth of characterisation, the witty dialogue, the clever plotting. The attention to historical detail creates a believable worldand Ley is a must for readers of Heyer, Rebecca Connolly, Sally Britten and Sarah Eden.
January 30, 2022
3 stars but I wanted to give it 1 star because I was so appalled at the sudden and abrupt use of profanity!! The first books of this series had no such language so I was taken aback when the profane phrase just seemed to come right out of nowhere! I was offended and am now rethinking attempting to read the last book of the series!
February 12, 2023
Cute! Glad to see Pamyington get a story. Sometimes Katie was a little bit silly with her decisions sometimes. I wanted to see more of her good parts. And Pam seemed a bit less assured and confident than the last novel. But for a novella? Great fun. Clean and enraging. Very Heyer-like in that they end very quickly.
January 10, 2020
I’d not read any books by this author until this 3 part series which is delightful. The storytelling is excellent and the characters are truly believable. This is my favourite type of genre. Highly recommended.
May 17, 2018
I've enjoyed reading all three in this series. They are well written traditional regency romances. Hopefully more of this author's backlist will become available as ebooks.
June 12, 2018
I enjoyed this author because her writing is good and her stories are clean.
March 18, 2020
Another fun and silly adventure-romance from an excellent author.
March 17, 2021
Lovely read
I love in Brighton which is why I read it. Great to imagine the place in this period. Also a nice story line - gentle with some near twists along the way
I love in Brighton which is why I read it. Great to imagine the place in this period. Also a nice story line - gentle with some near twists along the way
May 3, 2021
Loved the sisters.
August 15, 2021
Typical Regency romance. Loved it.
September 23, 2021
light fun!
The book was quite entertaining. If course since I read book for first I knew how things would go. Light entertainment.
The book was quite entertaining. If course since I read book for first I knew how things would go. Light entertainment.
August 2, 2022
Funny! Parts of this were absolutely laugh out loud funny.
September 10, 2022
A Saeson at Brighton.
Another great read by this wonderful Author.
It is always good to meet characters from previous books, along with the New Characters.
Another great read by this wonderful Author.
It is always good to meet characters from previous books, along with the New Characters.
October 27, 2024
A little dull.
Did Not Finish
February 12, 2025Unlikable protagonist
March 29, 2022
Pretty sure I've read this one before. ah well. Read it again because the hero was so.... heroey.
January 8, 2017
ARC kindly provided by Netgalley for an honest review.
A simple, traditional romance for lovers of historical type romances without steam.
A simple, traditional romance for lovers of historical type romances without steam.
February 20, 2022
The third book in this series picks up another few years further on, and follows the rejected suitor from the previous book, Lord Pamyngton, and a new family, the Denhams, who have an abundance of daughters to be married off. Heroine Catherine (Katie) first meets Lord Pamyngton when she is in dire straits, having run away from home and fallen into the clutches of a none too respectable man. Lord Pamyngton rescues her, and discovers to his surprise that he himself is blamed for her predicament. Keeping his identity a secret to learn more of this situation, she confides in him and is later mortified to realise who he is, and that he practised such subterfuge on her.
So begins, rather awkwardly, their acquaintanceship, although I have to confess that it seems odd they never met before when they are close neighbours and the viscount even bears a family resemblance to his parents. But I’m always prepared to allow a book its initial premise, however unlikely, so let it pass.
The story then shifts to Brighton, where the married sister lives and where Lord Pamyngton has also gone, and once again Katie gets herself into scrapes of one sort or another, whether more from innocence or foolishness, it’s hard to say. I’m not a great fan of heroines who do incredibly stupid things (like running away and forgetting to take any money, for instance), and Katie is particularly stupid in that way. However, given the era in which it was written and the influence of Georgette Heyer, who loved to have her very young heroines scampering about the countryside, I suppose it works.
It’s fortunate that our hero, Lord Pamyngton, is sensible enough both to know his own mind and also to know Katie’s proclivity for getting into scrapes, so he helpfully keeps watch over her, enabling him to be on hand to rescue her with rather more plausibility than is usual in this kind of tale. The plot unravels in a fairly predictable and melodramatic way, but the writing is as amusing as ever and I enjoyed it all enough to give it four stars.
So begins, rather awkwardly, their acquaintanceship, although I have to confess that it seems odd they never met before when they are close neighbours and the viscount even bears a family resemblance to his parents. But I’m always prepared to allow a book its initial premise, however unlikely, so let it pass.
The story then shifts to Brighton, where the married sister lives and where Lord Pamyngton has also gone, and once again Katie gets herself into scrapes of one sort or another, whether more from innocence or foolishness, it’s hard to say. I’m not a great fan of heroines who do incredibly stupid things (like running away and forgetting to take any money, for instance), and Katie is particularly stupid in that way. However, given the era in which it was written and the influence of Georgette Heyer, who loved to have her very young heroines scampering about the countryside, I suppose it works.
It’s fortunate that our hero, Lord Pamyngton, is sensible enough both to know his own mind and also to know Katie’s proclivity for getting into scrapes, so he helpfully keeps watch over her, enabling him to be on hand to rescue her with rather more plausibility than is usual in this kind of tale. The plot unravels in a fairly predictable and melodramatic way, but the writing is as amusing as ever and I enjoyed it all enough to give it four stars.
November 3, 2016
When Viscount Pamyngton returns home, he is a bit astonished to learn that his mother, the Countess of Nevern, is setting him up to get married. She and her friend Lady Denham think that he'd do well to marry one of the many daughters of Lady Denham. I mean, five girls still unattached call for desperate measures, don't they? And the same counts for an unmarried son of 30 who shows no intention of changing his marital status, obviously, at least according to his mother. That's why the poor daughters of Lady Denham are not allowed to go to Brighton as promised.
Now we come to said desperate measures again because not all of the young ladies are content to sit around and wait for a certain Viscount instead of going to Brighton. So that's how Catherine Denham ends up being rescued by Viscount Pamyngton when she tries to travel on her own to Brighton. Due to this rescue those two get to know each other rather well - and, well, let's say that at least one (or maybe even both) of them wouldn't mind to deepen this relationship but alas...nothing is ever that easy, is it?
I really loved the well developed characters in this book, especially Catherine, the second eldest of the "available" daughters who cares for each and every one, gets upset very easily but gets over it just as easily either. Her spirited and forgiving nature paired with her natural wit turned her very quickly into my favorite characters but her elder sister Louisa was very sweet as well - and I must admit that I was a bit upset to see how she was suffering because she is not allowed to be with the one man she really loves. Viscount Pamyngton was also a very charming and nice character whom I liked a lot.
The story itself is reliable and apart from some twists foreseeable but in a good way. It is not just another one of "those stories" with exchangeable characters but you get the kind of story you expect and it is the characters and the wonderful telling of the story that make the difference and turn it in an interesting reading experience that you'll enjoy and cherish, at least that's what I did.
Now we come to said desperate measures again because not all of the young ladies are content to sit around and wait for a certain Viscount instead of going to Brighton. So that's how Catherine Denham ends up being rescued by Viscount Pamyngton when she tries to travel on her own to Brighton. Due to this rescue those two get to know each other rather well - and, well, let's say that at least one (or maybe even both) of them wouldn't mind to deepen this relationship but alas...nothing is ever that easy, is it?
I really loved the well developed characters in this book, especially Catherine, the second eldest of the "available" daughters who cares for each and every one, gets upset very easily but gets over it just as easily either. Her spirited and forgiving nature paired with her natural wit turned her very quickly into my favorite characters but her elder sister Louisa was very sweet as well - and I must admit that I was a bit upset to see how she was suffering because she is not allowed to be with the one man she really loves. Viscount Pamyngton was also a very charming and nice character whom I liked a lot.
The story itself is reliable and apart from some twists foreseeable but in a good way. It is not just another one of "those stories" with exchangeable characters but you get the kind of story you expect and it is the characters and the wonderful telling of the story that make the difference and turn it in an interesting reading experience that you'll enjoy and cherish, at least that's what I did.
October 19, 2018
The last in the Eversley family trilogy, Freddy does make an appearance but this is about the adventures of Viscount Pamyngton and Catherine Denham one of six sisters and who honestly is a bit naive and a bit wayward at the same time.
Thankfully on this occasion Pamyngton appears to have grown up a bit and in the process of dealing with Catherine and her sisters scrapes and problems finds himself I think. I've never known a heroine quite so prone to being kidnapped as her!
A satisfying conclusion.
Thankfully on this occasion Pamyngton appears to have grown up a bit and in the process of dealing with Catherine and her sisters scrapes and problems finds himself I think. I've never known a heroine quite so prone to being kidnapped as her!
A satisfying conclusion.
July 18, 2016
The daughters of Lady Denham are off to Brighton in this Regency romance. Lady Denham closest friend, the Countess of Nevern, hopes that one of the three daughters - Louisa, Catherine, or Eleanor - will agree to marry her son, Viscount Pamyngton. But what scrapes can these three get into, and who can save them.
A well written, and clean, enjoyable read, with some lovely characters like Pamyngton, who is obviously the heroic lead.
A NetGalley Book.
A well written, and clean, enjoyable read, with some lovely characters like Pamyngton, who is obviously the heroic lead.
A NetGalley Book.
May 26, 2017
3.5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews