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In any given glittering social season, Edwardian London's dizzying whirl had its share of surprises. The latest was Kitty Harrison, once achingly poor, suddenly an heiress and now, thanks to her determined mother, she was about to become a Baroness. From the moment Kitty set eyes on Lord Chesworth, she found him to be the most exciting man she had ever laid eyes on. But Kitty was young, innocent, and easily dazzled. She did not even question the motives of the dashing bachelor who swore he loved her even as he courted the scandalously beautiful Mrs. Jackson. All too soon Kitty's dream of marriage became a nightmare; someone was trying to kill her. Adrift in a sea of deception, Kitty soon realized that to save her life and win the only man she had ever loved, she would have to learn to play the game, only this time, her way: smarterÉ betterÉ and for keeps.
ABOUT THE SERIES
In this whirlwind series, Marion Chesney brings us spirited, independent women who are at once bewitching, beguiling and determined to have their say and make their mark on both their world and the world at large, be it within their social circle or extending beyond. With their arms wide open, these women are absolutely original and unforgettable as are the tales in which they are featured. Here is life in all of its folly and foibles in a dizzying place where dreams are both shattered and made.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
From 1977 to the early 1990s, Marion Chesney wrote over one hundred romance novels. Now writing as M. C. Beaton, she is the bestselling award-winning author of two internationally successful mystery series - HAMISH MACBETH and AGATHA RAISIN. She lives in the United Kingdom.
ABOUT THE SERIES
In this whirlwind series, Marion Chesney brings us spirited, independent women who are at once bewitching, beguiling and determined to have their say and make their mark on both their world and the world at large, be it within their social circle or extending beyond. With their arms wide open, these women are absolutely original and unforgettable as are the tales in which they are featured. Here is life in all of its folly and foibles in a dizzying place where dreams are both shattered and made.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
From 1977 to the early 1990s, Marion Chesney wrote over one hundred romance novels. Now writing as M. C. Beaton, she is the bestselling award-winning author of two internationally successful mystery series - HAMISH MACBETH and AGATHA RAISIN. She lives in the United Kingdom.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 1979
24 people are currently reading
205 people want to read
About the author
Jennie Tremaine
16 books35 followersMarion Chesney Gibbons
aka: Ann Fairfax, Helen Crampton, Marion Chesney, Charlotte Ward, M.C. Beaton, Sarah Chester.
Marion Gibbons (née Chesney) was a Scottish writer of romance and mystery novels. Marion wrote her historical romances under her maiden name, Marion Chesney, as well as several pseudonyms ( Helen Crampton, Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, and Charlotte Ward). Using the pseudonym M.C. Beaton she also wrote many popular mystery novels, most notably the Agatha Raisin and Hamish Macbeth mystery series. Both of these book series have been adapted for TV. Because of her great success with mystery novels her publishers both in the U.S. and abroad began using the M.C. Beaton pseudonym for all of her novels.
aka: Ann Fairfax, Helen Crampton, Marion Chesney, Charlotte Ward, M.C. Beaton, Sarah Chester.
Marion Gibbons (née Chesney) was a Scottish writer of romance and mystery novels. Marion wrote her historical romances under her maiden name, Marion Chesney, as well as several pseudonyms ( Helen Crampton, Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, and Charlotte Ward). Using the pseudonym M.C. Beaton she also wrote many popular mystery novels, most notably the Agatha Raisin and Hamish Macbeth mystery series. Both of these book series have been adapted for TV. Because of her great success with mystery novels her publishers both in the U.S. and abroad began using the M.C. Beaton pseudonym for all of her novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 11, 2020
Rating: 3 /2 stars
Although the h, Kitty Harrison aka Baroness Chesworth, was mostly TSTL which made her disagreeable and foolish, she managed to surprise me. There were some redeemable moments that she stepped up her game. The H, Lord Peter Chesworth, was likable mostly, except for when it came to getting rid of his clinging mistress, Veronica Jackson. He was a limp noodle to her clinging vine. There is a disgusting protagonist--or two-- that made this worth reading if only the author did not veer off into the usual sordid stereotypes. Yes, of course many of these writers are a product of their time but I don't believe they should get off lightly. Overall, I got a kick out this book.
Although the h, Kitty Harrison aka Baroness Chesworth, was mostly TSTL which made her disagreeable and foolish, she managed to surprise me. There were some redeemable moments that she stepped up her game. The H, Lord Peter Chesworth, was likable mostly, except for when it came to getting rid of his clinging mistress, Veronica Jackson. He was a limp noodle to her clinging vine. There is a disgusting protagonist--or two-- that made this worth reading if only the author did not veer off into the usual sordid stereotypes. Yes, of course many of these writers are a product of their time but I don't believe they should get off lightly. Overall, I got a kick out this book.
June 18, 2017
According to publication dates, the 3rd or 4th book Marion Chesney wrote of a middle-class girl catapulted into London society in Edwardian times.
Kitty lives a barren existence in Hampstead Heath with her mother and father. Her mother is a cold, spare woman with a zest for pennypinching, and her father uncaring of his family. All she can remember fondly of her father is a trip to Scotland when she was young and a young lady who cavorted with her father. She is mostly brought up by her mother who brown-noses the local Lady Worthing and orders the timid Kitty to steer clear of all other undesirables. Their house is kept in a state of coldness and all Kitty can dream of is warmth and food. Her one dream occurs when Lord Peter Chesworth passes through on a visit and they share a few words after church.
They are suddenly incredibly wealthy when her father dies of a heart attack outside a night club and her mother is comprised of a new zest -- to push her daughter into the ranks of the aristocracy. To that end, they suddenly put their house for sale, rent a fashionable address in London, and her mother even hires an impoverished lady -- Lady Henley -- to help them navigate through the high society.
It is not far into the book when Lady Henley and her mother combined manages to corner Lord Chesworth -- who has had an ongoing liaison with a beautiful Veronica Jackson for the past 5 years -- into a marriage of convenience to save his country estate. Lord Chesworth is every inch of a useless fop and arrives drunk to his wedding night, insults Kitty, and then goes off to his mistress, to utter the words, "If Kitty were dead right now, I would take her money and marry you."
The timid Kitty is thus foisted on Lord Chesworth's neighbors, who love to play practical jokes. In fact, Kitty is terrorized at a party that Lord Chesworth sends her alone and is only rescued by a newcomer, a Lady Mainwaring, a friend of Lady Henley's. Lady Mainwaring takes the poor, naive, and resolutely idealistic Kitty under her wing and tries to make her over, snooty etiquette and all.
There is more cat and mouse with Lord Chesworth as Kitty longs for him and Lady Mainwaring keeps them separate in order to foster more warmth on the baron's part. A few attempts on Kitty's life are made -- adders in her bed, the balcony collapses and tosses Kitty into the garden, and a jealous Veronica pushing her off a yacht. Somehow, Lord Chesworth falls in love with Kitty (how?) by constantly comparing Kitty's "freshness" with Veronica's "overblown behavior" from long distance. Kitty would love to fling herself into his arms, but events (life attempts) and Veronica's intervention always serve to stop them.
By and by, the culprit is revealed to be although this was an incredibly strange turn of events as she had professed loyalty to Kitty's mother and was Lady Mainwaring's friend -- although this conflict was never mentioned. Kitty and Lord Chesworth finally get their HEA, and Kitty is seen as maturing -- she knows how to handle new servants and she even plays a practical joke on her previous practical jokers. Much of Lord Chesworth's devotion is only voiced by the other characters and unconvincing to the reader -- he makes almost no effort to disengage himself from Veronica Jackson even though she tries to humiliate Kitty socially at every opportunity and he always believes the worst of Kitty.
All in all, not one of Chesney's better efforts. Her earlier writing is darker, less humorous, the heroes useless and punchable, and the heroines useless and kickable.
Kitty lives a barren existence in Hampstead Heath with her mother and father. Her mother is a cold, spare woman with a zest for pennypinching, and her father uncaring of his family. All she can remember fondly of her father is a trip to Scotland when she was young and a young lady who cavorted with her father. She is mostly brought up by her mother who brown-noses the local Lady Worthing and orders the timid Kitty to steer clear of all other undesirables. Their house is kept in a state of coldness and all Kitty can dream of is warmth and food. Her one dream occurs when Lord Peter Chesworth passes through on a visit and they share a few words after church.
They are suddenly incredibly wealthy when her father dies of a heart attack outside a night club and her mother is comprised of a new zest -- to push her daughter into the ranks of the aristocracy. To that end, they suddenly put their house for sale, rent a fashionable address in London, and her mother even hires an impoverished lady -- Lady Henley -- to help them navigate through the high society.
It is not far into the book when Lady Henley and her mother combined manages to corner Lord Chesworth -- who has had an ongoing liaison with a beautiful Veronica Jackson for the past 5 years -- into a marriage of convenience to save his country estate. Lord Chesworth is every inch of a useless fop and arrives drunk to his wedding night, insults Kitty, and then goes off to his mistress, to utter the words, "If Kitty were dead right now, I would take her money and marry you."
The timid Kitty is thus foisted on Lord Chesworth's neighbors, who love to play practical jokes. In fact, Kitty is terrorized at a party that Lord Chesworth sends her alone and is only rescued by a newcomer, a Lady Mainwaring, a friend of Lady Henley's. Lady Mainwaring takes the poor, naive, and resolutely idealistic Kitty under her wing and tries to make her over, snooty etiquette and all.
There is more cat and mouse with Lord Chesworth as Kitty longs for him and Lady Mainwaring keeps them separate in order to foster more warmth on the baron's part. A few attempts on Kitty's life are made -- adders in her bed, the balcony collapses and tosses Kitty into the garden, and a jealous Veronica pushing her off a yacht. Somehow, Lord Chesworth falls in love with Kitty (how?) by constantly comparing Kitty's "freshness" with Veronica's "overblown behavior" from long distance. Kitty would love to fling herself into his arms, but events (life attempts) and Veronica's intervention always serve to stop them.
By and by, the culprit is revealed to be although this was an incredibly strange turn of events as she had professed loyalty to Kitty's mother and was Lady Mainwaring's friend -- although this conflict was never mentioned. Kitty and Lord Chesworth finally get their HEA, and Kitty is seen as maturing -- she knows how to handle new servants and she even plays a practical joke on her previous practical jokers. Much of Lord Chesworth's devotion is only voiced by the other characters and unconvincing to the reader -- he makes almost no effort to disengage himself from Veronica Jackson even though she tries to humiliate Kitty socially at every opportunity and he always believes the worst of Kitty.
All in all, not one of Chesney's better efforts. Her earlier writing is darker, less humorous, the heroes useless and punchable, and the heroines useless and kickable.
October 14, 2018
3.75 stars
Fun, quick read. It’s a bit like Penelope Pitstop in rural England replete with all kinds of trials and tribulations, a love story with the most handsome man (with a cruel face and mocking look) who is a Baron. A sweet little read on a rainy day.
Fun, quick read. It’s a bit like Penelope Pitstop in rural England replete with all kinds of trials and tribulations, a love story with the most handsome man (with a cruel face and mocking look) who is a Baron. A sweet little read on a rainy day.
May 24, 2019
First of all, why, even in the summary, is written "Regency romance"? The story took place in Edwardian times.
Secondly, I think, I would have enjoyed it more if I hadn't read earlier her three other romances. There were too many similarities. But I liked it anyway.
There were moments very funny and engaging, simply priceless (e.g. Pugsleys, Mrs. Barlowe-Smellie). Most of all, I liked that it took place in the Edwardian era. I don't know this era very well yet. So, those glimpses were interesting to me.
By the way, I adore Chesney's mocking look at the upper class (Regency or Edwardian). You can't call it a serious academic study of the class but you can see her opinion that was rather unfavorable. Despite it, her characters (the upper class) were amusing and interesting, at least most of them.
Secondly, I think, I would have enjoyed it more if I hadn't read earlier her three other romances. There were too many similarities. But I liked it anyway.
There were moments very funny and engaging, simply priceless (e.g. Pugsleys, Mrs. Barlowe-Smellie). Most of all, I liked that it took place in the Edwardian era. I don't know this era very well yet. So, those glimpses were interesting to me.
By the way, I adore Chesney's mocking look at the upper class (Regency or Edwardian). You can't call it a serious academic study of the class but you can see her opinion that was rather unfavorable. Despite it, her characters (the upper class) were amusing and interesting, at least most of them.
June 13, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. It's a short and sweet little treat that can easily be read in one sitting. It's the story of Kitty, a very naive young thing, who has a decidedly middle-class upbringing but learns upon her father's death that she is very rich indeed. Her mother--who had always been social climber--is determined to marry her off to a man with a title. She does, of course, to a Baron. But the Baron, Peter Chesworth, thinking that Kitty is in on the marrying-for-money ruse, is a cad and a brute to poor Kitty. Chesney actually reveals quite early on that Peter isn't really a bad guy, once he realizes that Kitty is an unwitting pawn in her mother's (and her mother's new society "friend"'s)game.
But, all of the society folk are against Kitty anyway considering her "shopgirl" roots. To top it off, someone seems to be trying to kill Kitty. So many suspects--her own mother, her husband's jilted lover, someone from her old life, someone from her new life, even her husband...
A bit of a piece of fluff, as you can see, but I really wanted to see how it turned out (though I guessed the resolution to the mystery long before it was revealed). I liked Chesney's writing; she creates compelling characters, most of whom are not too flat (or at least have something interesting about them).
I will probably read more of these, but probably from the library. They are not really the kind of book I'd invest a lot of money in, even though I did like it quite a lot.
But, all of the society folk are against Kitty anyway considering her "shopgirl" roots. To top it off, someone seems to be trying to kill Kitty. So many suspects--her own mother, her husband's jilted lover, someone from her old life, someone from her new life, even her husband...
A bit of a piece of fluff, as you can see, but I really wanted to see how it turned out (though I guessed the resolution to the mystery long before it was revealed). I liked Chesney's writing; she creates compelling characters, most of whom are not too flat (or at least have something interesting about them).
I will probably read more of these, but probably from the library. They are not really the kind of book I'd invest a lot of money in, even though I did like it quite a lot.
February 5, 2020
This isn't a romance. It's a murder mystery.
It is false advertising to label this Edwardian era novel as a romance. It does not even qualify as romantic suspense because the romance is such a relatively small part of the book. The heroine's husband in their marriage of convenience, entered into solely for money on his part, seems to fill the primary role within this story, not as a romantic lead, but as a potential murder suspect.
If you like murder mysteries, possibly you might enjoy this book. If you are a fan of the romance genre, you will very likely be disappointed in this novel. The wimpily passive heroine seems to only exist in this mystery plot as a hapless, potential murder victim. Also, it readily becomes apparent to the reader long before it does to a supposedly savvy Scotland Yard detective, or anyone else in the book, who the evil, attempted murderer actually is.
It is false advertising to label this Edwardian era novel as a romance. It does not even qualify as romantic suspense because the romance is such a relatively small part of the book. The heroine's husband in their marriage of convenience, entered into solely for money on his part, seems to fill the primary role within this story, not as a romantic lead, but as a potential murder suspect.
If you like murder mysteries, possibly you might enjoy this book. If you are a fan of the romance genre, you will very likely be disappointed in this novel. The wimpily passive heroine seems to only exist in this mystery plot as a hapless, potential murder victim. Also, it readily becomes apparent to the reader long before it does to a supposedly savvy Scotland Yard detective, or anyone else in the book, who the evil, attempted murderer actually is.
January 7, 2013
Kitty Harrison lives a penny pinching existence with her parents in Hampstead. When her father suddenly dies their financial circumstances are revealed to be very much better than they thought making it possible for Kitty to be launched into society and attract a husband.
Kitty is quite timid and needs to be taught how to stick up for herself against those who are trying to do her down. This is an amusing romp of an Edwardian story with an element of crime woven into Kitty’s attempts to find happiness. I loved the older female characters which M C Beaton does so well – Kitty’s mother, Euphemia, the society lady who is introducing them to high society, Lady Amelia and Emily Mainwaring who teaches Kitty how to look after herself.
The misunderstandings and the eccentric characters make for an entertaining read even though no one can be in any doubt that Kitty will find happiness in the end even if she needs to learn some painful lessons along the way.
Kitty is quite timid and needs to be taught how to stick up for herself against those who are trying to do her down. This is an amusing romp of an Edwardian story with an element of crime woven into Kitty’s attempts to find happiness. I loved the older female characters which M C Beaton does so well – Kitty’s mother, Euphemia, the society lady who is introducing them to high society, Lady Amelia and Emily Mainwaring who teaches Kitty how to look after herself.
The misunderstandings and the eccentric characters make for an entertaining read even though no one can be in any doubt that Kitty will find happiness in the end even if she needs to learn some painful lessons along the way.
January 8, 2015
Good god, this was awful. It's hard to realize it's the same author as the others I enjoy.
January 14, 2026
All of this is just my personal opinion about a book of entirely fictional characters.
I found this to be one of the more dismal historical romances churned out by the prolific Marion Chesney. This one felt to me completely recycled, and chock full of sometimes nasty cliches, endless "misunderstandings", and often repeated Gothic plots. As a little hint, whenever one of Chesney's characters in any of her b0oks express a longing to go out sailing in a boat, or swimming, you can bet your boots there will be a failed murder attempt on the heroine.
We are introduced to Kitty, a typical young Middle Class daughter of a "Cit", living a miserable home life. Out of the blue she magically has her prayers answered when a fabulously wealthy and handsome aristocratic Hero asks her to marry him, upon first sight. He needs her money, and she wants to leapfrog a few levels of class to become a titled Lady.
She should be grateful and eternally happy, right? Wrong.
As is usually the case, the previously unhappy Heroine quickly forgets what a miserable life she had been living, and sets out to punish and spurn her new husband for (quite naturally) not being deeply in love with the gauche young total stranger he had wed.
Kitty is fortunately saved from a bizarre enforced social life of cruel society acquaintances who ridicule her as a "Shop Girl" by a Lady who patiently tries to train her to grow up and stop acting like a spoiled brat, but Jennie ignores most advice and relentlessly flirts with anything in a pair of trousers, just to punish her husband, and also because she is "sick of old people". This leads to a pattern of routine disillusionment because her schemes end disastrously and not the way she had planned; always followed by a flood of tears. She's not quick on the uptake, so she keeps picking herself up, dusting herself off and throwing herself into one bad plan after another.
One bit of advice Kitty does follow, which is to be even ruder to people than they have been to her. This is successful, so she gets carried away and becomes even more obnoxious than her tormentors.
Enter a jealous, evil Mistress of her husband who sets out in a fit of Gothic drama to try and have Kitty murdered. After endless tedious failed attempts, I found myself becoming disappointed that none of them had been successful.
Yes, of course Kitty finds happiness at the end (this is a Historical Romance, after all), but I don't personally give that marriage much of a vote of confidence.
Chesney was capable of greatness as a writer, but churned out such a plethora of books that in my opinion some of her books were woefully substandard.
I found this to be one of the more dismal historical romances churned out by the prolific Marion Chesney. This one felt to me completely recycled, and chock full of sometimes nasty cliches, endless "misunderstandings", and often repeated Gothic plots. As a little hint, whenever one of Chesney's characters in any of her b0oks express a longing to go out sailing in a boat, or swimming, you can bet your boots there will be a failed murder attempt on the heroine.
We are introduced to Kitty, a typical young Middle Class daughter of a "Cit", living a miserable home life. Out of the blue she magically has her prayers answered when a fabulously wealthy and handsome aristocratic Hero asks her to marry him, upon first sight. He needs her money, and she wants to leapfrog a few levels of class to become a titled Lady.
She should be grateful and eternally happy, right? Wrong.
As is usually the case, the previously unhappy Heroine quickly forgets what a miserable life she had been living, and sets out to punish and spurn her new husband for (quite naturally) not being deeply in love with the gauche young total stranger he had wed.
Kitty is fortunately saved from a bizarre enforced social life of cruel society acquaintances who ridicule her as a "Shop Girl" by a Lady who patiently tries to train her to grow up and stop acting like a spoiled brat, but Jennie ignores most advice and relentlessly flirts with anything in a pair of trousers, just to punish her husband, and also because she is "sick of old people". This leads to a pattern of routine disillusionment because her schemes end disastrously and not the way she had planned; always followed by a flood of tears. She's not quick on the uptake, so she keeps picking herself up, dusting herself off and throwing herself into one bad plan after another.
One bit of advice Kitty does follow, which is to be even ruder to people than they have been to her. This is successful, so she gets carried away and becomes even more obnoxious than her tormentors.
Enter a jealous, evil Mistress of her husband who sets out in a fit of Gothic drama to try and have Kitty murdered. After endless tedious failed attempts, I found myself becoming disappointed that none of them had been successful.
Yes, of course Kitty finds happiness at the end (this is a Historical Romance, after all), but I don't personally give that marriage much of a vote of confidence.
Chesney was capable of greatness as a writer, but churned out such a plethora of books that in my opinion some of her books were woefully substandard.
August 21, 2023
The H was a worthless and cheating garbage, not only he got drunk and mistreated the h, on their wedding night and went for the awful OW of 5 years whom he ws besotted, he was wishing that the h died so he can use the money for the OW, what kind the monster he is, he and the awful OW should get killed so in this way the heroine will be free of these couple of monsters. He should be the villain, just a villain would do the horrible thing of marrying the h, then wish her dead so he can rob her to marry the OW, so two useless bastards could live in wealth. I don't care if he was drunk, a drunker usually shows their true feelings. Why are always the hs are punished in most novels when most of the horrible OWs got scott-free, not only scott-free but many times are rewarded by they evilness.
And after everything he did wrong to the heroine, and let the OW do horrible things to the h, the monster still believe the worst of the heroine, when he should see a mirror to see what a hyprocrite he is.
And after everything he did wrong to the heroine, and let the OW do horrible things to the h, the monster still believe the worst of the heroine, when he should see a mirror to see what a hyprocrite he is.
September 21, 2023
A humorous and lively adventure with strong, fascinating characters and not too much dithering about their doubts. Intriguing danger and interesting twists.
June 21, 2024
This fun, also frustrating
February 11, 2025
4.5⭐️
Audiobook. Narrator 5, Book 4.
Lindy Nettleton is a brilliant and talented narrator. Her portrayal of one of the characters in this book specifically was stunning.
Audiobook. Narrator 5, Book 4.
Lindy Nettleton is a brilliant and talented narrator. Her portrayal of one of the characters in this book specifically was stunning.
November 21, 2025
Wow!!
It 's now 6 in the morning and I have read the last word in this crazy, intriguing, wonderful book. I'm hoping for a few hours sleep before I rise from sleep. Great book!
It 's now 6 in the morning and I have read the last word in this crazy, intriguing, wonderful book. I'm hoping for a few hours sleep before I rise from sleep. Great book!
December 26, 2008
In a nutshell: Shy, Kitty Harrison's miserly father dies, revealing her to be an heiress. Lord Peter Chesworth needs money to restore his beloved estate and asks for Kitty's hand, professing a love he didn't feel. He believes her to be as pushing as her mother and treats her quite callously after the vows are said. Kitty retreats further into herself, shocked and dismayed by the unlovely turn her life has taken. Then, someone decides she's better off dead.
My Opinion: Typical Marion Chesney, witty and darkly amusing at times, with tidbits of history and mockery of the upper class eccentricities. I didn't find it all that romantic; Peter was a cad at first and it was hard to believe he would fall in love with Kitty. The attempts on Kitty's life were more interesting than anything, really. It took me a little longer than usual to solve the mystery.
Overall, 4 stars for wit, historical fact-dropping, and because I like Marion Chesney's often mocking look at the upper classes.
My Opinion: Typical Marion Chesney, witty and darkly amusing at times, with tidbits of history and mockery of the upper class eccentricities. I didn't find it all that romantic; Peter was a cad at first and it was hard to believe he would fall in love with Kitty. The attempts on Kitty's life were more interesting than anything, really. It took me a little longer than usual to solve the mystery.
Overall, 4 stars for wit, historical fact-dropping, and because I like Marion Chesney's often mocking look at the upper classes.
May 9, 2020
I did not expect to enjoy this book as much as I did.
The first half of the book wasnt an easy read. Kitty leads a sad, lonely life. She is young and naive, but likeable, and I would have happily thrown a few punches on her behalf.
There are a lot of twists and a lot more plot than I was expecting - which I loved! I would have liked a bit more detail on a few of the plot points and perhaps a few more pages on the Baron falling in love (hoping that's not a spoiler, as it should be quite clear from the outset).
All in all, this was really fun (sad to begin with) to read. I couldn't sleep until I finished it and that's always a good sign! Definitely one I'll be returning to for a quick pick me up.
The first half of the book wasnt an easy read. Kitty leads a sad, lonely life. She is young and naive, but likeable, and I would have happily thrown a few punches on her behalf.
There are a lot of twists and a lot more plot than I was expecting - which I loved! I would have liked a bit more detail on a few of the plot points and perhaps a few more pages on the Baron falling in love (hoping that's not a spoiler, as it should be quite clear from the outset).
All in all, this was really fun (sad to begin with) to read. I couldn't sleep until I finished it and that's always a good sign! Definitely one I'll be returning to for a quick pick me up.
April 7, 2011
This is one of the few books/series I would read again. These stories of Marion Chesney started me on my adventure...reading Regency Romance/Novels/History! There is not a set of books that will teach you more about the basics about life in Regency England. There are six series with six books each. I love them all. It must be a "past life" thing:)
June 12, 2013
This romance was a little too silly. Kitty was just an annoying character. She's timid as a mouse, then all the sudden she's a dragon lady. Her husband is all over the place too. The whole book is all over the place. I would say M C Beaton's writing must have greatly improved since his one was written.
November 1, 2013
Sure, the main character's not loveable but Beaton's Regency books are not to be taken seriously. If that's what you want, try Heyer or Austen herself. Beaton takes the mickey from the Heyer type novel.
In the end I enjoyed Kitty and needed an easy book to distract me from studies. I look forward to the rest in the series.
In the end I enjoyed Kitty and needed an easy book to distract me from studies. I look forward to the rest in the series.
August 19, 2013
Main female character was an idiot. and the two main characters fell in love in the space of a few pages. I actually like Marion Chesney for a quick light read, but this one is not one of her better ones.
May 3, 2016
Fun book, but there was a character or two that were just not needed. Could've done without the last chapter as well. Seemed anti climactic telling about all the characters that I didn't really care about.
December 21, 2012
A touch old fashioned in both heroine and writing style, but loved it all the same.
January 18, 2016
Unappetizing characters, repellent behavior. Nothing to like here.
December 6, 2016
2.9 stars
March 29, 2019
I love these books. I love the romance and the characters and the subtle mysteries and adventures and the humor. I haven’t read one in a while and I’ve missed it.
October 4, 2019
very amusing!
March 11, 2021
I have read many books by Beaton but this one is far below her usual standard.
August 28, 2021
I made it half way through and the hero is an ass.
September 23, 2021
I made it half way through and the hero is an ass.
April 6, 2019
Like potato chips not that good but for some reason addicting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews