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Eversley #1
The Clandestine Betrothal
When 17-year-old Susan Fyfield is engaged to the dashing man-about-town Beau Eversley, it should make her the happiest girl in England. After all, Beau is everything she could wish handsome, charming and from a good family. The trouble is, in announcing her betrothal to her aunt and sister, she has made one small oversight. With typical impetuosity, she has neglected to tell Beau himself. Susan is surprised when Beau actually agrees to the to help her out of the situation in which she has landed herself, not only will he consent to the pretence but will also allow her to break off the engagement whenever she chooses. But then a revelation about Susan’s past casts a shadow on the history of her parentage and she realises deception is all around. Will she ever discover who her real mother and father actually were? Can she be destined to marry the man she truly loves? Alice Chetwynd Ley (1913 - 2004) was a British writer of romance novels. She was the sixth elected Chairman (1971–1973) of the Romantic Novelists' Association and was named honour life member. Her other titles include The Georgian Rake and The Jewelled Snuff Box.
183 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1967
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 52 reviews
November 5, 2015
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I hesitate to call this a five-star read, and yet that’s what I’m allocating it on Goodreads, just because I enjoyed it so much, and because it was such a wonderful mix of Jane Austen-style Regency romance and the more modern Regency romances of today.
Written in the 1960s, The Clandestine Betrothal has a feel to it that is much more “historical” and authentic than books now, and it is all so very, very BRITISH in its feel that it seemed like I really had been transported to the early 1800s.
Some modern readers might be a bit freaked by the heroine’s youth (seventeen), but this was a book that would not have worked any other way, and many an Austen female character is no older than that.
How wonderful to feel like you’re really in Regency England. The manners, the thoughts and actions… I’m sure more Regency authors today could capture this mood. Some already write in a similar sort of way (I’m thinking Madeline Hunter), and it makes a world of difference.
This is such a lovely book. It seems like a bland thing to say, but if I’m not reading darker historical fiction, I want to be reading historical romances like this one. It left me happy and wanting more. It’s witty and entertaining, and the aristocrats actually act like aristocrats.
Were there issues? Absolutely. If the reveal of the allegedly orphaned heroine’s parentage was supposed to be a surprise, the author failed miserably. There’s one point in the book where it’s all so bleeding obvious it’s almost embarrassing!
However, THIS is what I’ve been missing from historical romance. I don’t want or need a sex-fest, and especially not a premarital sex-fest, as most historical romances are now. I don’t like crazy, stupid antics being committed by my historical romance characters, but here was a situation where the heroine’s youth helped to make it believable.
I also think that, apart from one particularly spiteful character, this author is kinder to her female characters than most authors are now, fifty years on.
I was so happy to read this book, and will be looking for more like it.
Review copy provided by NetGalley.
I hesitate to call this a five-star read, and yet that’s what I’m allocating it on Goodreads, just because I enjoyed it so much, and because it was such a wonderful mix of Jane Austen-style Regency romance and the more modern Regency romances of today.
Written in the 1960s, The Clandestine Betrothal has a feel to it that is much more “historical” and authentic than books now, and it is all so very, very BRITISH in its feel that it seemed like I really had been transported to the early 1800s.
Some modern readers might be a bit freaked by the heroine’s youth (seventeen), but this was a book that would not have worked any other way, and many an Austen female character is no older than that.
How wonderful to feel like you’re really in Regency England. The manners, the thoughts and actions… I’m sure more Regency authors today could capture this mood. Some already write in a similar sort of way (I’m thinking Madeline Hunter), and it makes a world of difference.
This is such a lovely book. It seems like a bland thing to say, but if I’m not reading darker historical fiction, I want to be reading historical romances like this one. It left me happy and wanting more. It’s witty and entertaining, and the aristocrats actually act like aristocrats.
Were there issues? Absolutely. If the reveal of the allegedly orphaned heroine’s parentage was supposed to be a surprise, the author failed miserably. There’s one point in the book where it’s all so bleeding obvious it’s almost embarrassing!
However, THIS is what I’ve been missing from historical romance. I don’t want or need a sex-fest, and especially not a premarital sex-fest, as most historical romances are now. I don’t like crazy, stupid antics being committed by my historical romance characters, but here was a situation where the heroine’s youth helped to make it believable.
I also think that, apart from one particularly spiteful character, this author is kinder to her female characters than most authors are now, fifty years on.
I was so happy to read this book, and will be looking for more like it.
Review copy provided by NetGalley.
June 1, 2022
Now, that was a wonderfully charming sweet (and not stupid or annoying) historical romance.
I did enjoy the first two books by the author I read, but not as much as I hoped (3 stars). But this one was simply a perfect example of the genre.
Although it was short, I loved the character's development and their love. And I didn't mind that the mystery was obvious from around the middle of the book. The characters, the dialogues - all I search for in such novels.
Pure joy.
I did enjoy the first two books by the author I read, but not as much as I hoped (3 stars). But this one was simply a perfect example of the genre.
Although it was short, I loved the character's development and their love. And I didn't mind that the mystery was obvious from around the middle of the book. The characters, the dialogues - all I search for in such novels.
Pure joy.
February 13, 2024
This book was a bit weird. The hero proportioned the heroine's mother, forced kisses on her and practically begged her to sleep with him. Granted he didn't know she was the heroine's mother.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2017
I can't stop myself from buying these old Chetwynd Ley historical romances (all written between 1959 and 1989) as they come trickling out for purchase as e-books. Some are better than others as romances. Some are better as light historicals. And some aren't better in any aspect, but I have enjoyed something about all five that I have read so far.
So what's the something I liked about this one? The inclusion of Horace Walpole as a secondary character. If you're a Gothic romance aficionada like me, you'll recognize the name as the author of THE CASTLE OF OTRANTO (1764). Walpole lived from 1717 to 1797 and was quite the erudite man of letters. And here he is in this Georgian romance.
And what's the story all about? Not much. 17-year-old schoolgirl Susan Fyfield is a classmate of Georgiana Eversley. Georgiana has a dashing rakish brother she always talks about and who visits her from time to time. Susan has developed quite the crush on Beau Eversley from afar. He, of course, has no clue she even exists.
When Susan finishes school and moves back to live with her aunt and cousin, she, in a fit of pique at her newly-engaged cousin's superior attitude, claims to be secretly engaged to Beau. Aunt and cousin don't believe her until the day she confesses it's not true and then, go figure, they don't believe her confession that she had lied. So this is a big oops moment for Susan, who has to go confess the "secret betrothal" issue to Beau. He suggests they actually do fake the betrothal for a while for her to save face, and then she can cry off at any moment down the line.
But there's more to the story. Who exactly is Susan? Turns out her aunt is not really her aunt, but who were her parents? So stay tuned in to the story to find out who Susan really is and how fake that fake betrothal will turn out to be.
So what's the something I liked about this one? The inclusion of Horace Walpole as a secondary character. If you're a Gothic romance aficionada like me, you'll recognize the name as the author of THE CASTLE OF OTRANTO (1764). Walpole lived from 1717 to 1797 and was quite the erudite man of letters. And here he is in this Georgian romance.
And what's the story all about? Not much. 17-year-old schoolgirl Susan Fyfield is a classmate of Georgiana Eversley. Georgiana has a dashing rakish brother she always talks about and who visits her from time to time. Susan has developed quite the crush on Beau Eversley from afar. He, of course, has no clue she even exists.
When Susan finishes school and moves back to live with her aunt and cousin, she, in a fit of pique at her newly-engaged cousin's superior attitude, claims to be secretly engaged to Beau. Aunt and cousin don't believe her until the day she confesses it's not true and then, go figure, they don't believe her confession that she had lied. So this is a big oops moment for Susan, who has to go confess the "secret betrothal" issue to Beau. He suggests they actually do fake the betrothal for a while for her to save face, and then she can cry off at any moment down the line.
But there's more to the story. Who exactly is Susan? Turns out her aunt is not really her aunt, but who were her parents? So stay tuned in to the story to find out who Susan really is and how fake that fake betrothal will turn out to be.
August 11, 2020
Spoilers spoilers spoilers.
Would have been a solid 4-star read except for the massive ick factor when the mystery is revealed. I had my suspicions but kept thinking... nooo don’t go there! 😫
The heroine has a crush on her school friend’s brother, who is a known dandy and rake. Nothing unusual since most young girls, and not so young women all swoon over him. They meet one day when she escapes from school to try and get a glimpse of him in a garden, and gets caught. The Hero is amused and brings her back to the school.
Later that year, the heroine goes home to her aunt and cousin. Feeling s bit left out when the cousin announces her engagement, the heroine also declares that she is secretly betrothed. The aunt and cousin do not put much stock in her declaration since the very young heroine habitually says fanciful things.
Meanwhile the Hero has been busy trying to woo a very attractive actress into becoming his new mistress. He seems very much into her.
The friend is having a ball and invites the heroine. The Hero takes pity on the heroine when it seems she is a wallflower, and dances with her and takes her into supper. The heroine is having the time of her life and drinks too much champagne. On the way home, she announces to her aunt that her secret fiance is the Hero.
The next morning, the aunt and cousin confront the heroine and threaten to get the truth from the Hero himself. In a panic the heroine goes to the Hero and confesses. He is a bit amused and feels bad for her, she is obviously a young girl who lacks attention, and he agrees to play along w her deception. They go to announce this to the aunt, when everything falls to pieces. The aunt, now believing in their engagement, reveals that the heroine is not really her niece. She just took her in as an answer to an ad asking to foster a child. The heroine is an heiress and the aunt was paid for her services, although she doesn’t know the name of the heroine’s family and deals mainly with a lawyer. The heroine is naturally very distressed and ‘breaks’ w the Hero.
That night she runs away. Its been two weeks and her ‘aunt’ is very distressed, not knowing where the heroine is. All this time, the Hero has continued his pursuit of the actress. Not once in all those weeks did he check on the heroine, so he didnt know she was missing until the aunt contacts him as a last resort.
He manages to figure out that she contacted his sister and they went to stay in the country with his other married sister. The next part of the book is their pursuit of clues to find out who the family of the heroine is. And supposedly at this time the Hero is realizing that he is falling in love with the heroine.
Spoilers spoilers spoilers:
It turns out that the heroine is the child of the younger son of an old gentry family. The Hero is friends with this family. The old grandfather was so displeased with his son’s unsuitable marriage, that when the son died, the grandfather took the baby away from the mother, and had her fostered out.
And... guess what, the mother has been looking for her all these years, and it is the ACTRESS! 😱 OMG!
The Hero assures the heroine that their relationship was strictly platonic, but still the ICK factor is high on this one. He actually did kiss that actress a couple of times and he was constantly gazing into her eyes and caressing her 😲
It wouldnt have been so bad except for the fact that this is his future mother in law. Ayayay! But not to worry she is going back to Ireland and will marry someone else.
And ILY and it ends there.
Would have been a solid 4-star read except for the massive ick factor when the mystery is revealed. I had my suspicions but kept thinking... nooo don’t go there! 😫
The heroine has a crush on her school friend’s brother, who is a known dandy and rake. Nothing unusual since most young girls, and not so young women all swoon over him. They meet one day when she escapes from school to try and get a glimpse of him in a garden, and gets caught. The Hero is amused and brings her back to the school.
Later that year, the heroine goes home to her aunt and cousin. Feeling s bit left out when the cousin announces her engagement, the heroine also declares that she is secretly betrothed. The aunt and cousin do not put much stock in her declaration since the very young heroine habitually says fanciful things.
Meanwhile the Hero has been busy trying to woo a very attractive actress into becoming his new mistress. He seems very much into her.
The friend is having a ball and invites the heroine. The Hero takes pity on the heroine when it seems she is a wallflower, and dances with her and takes her into supper. The heroine is having the time of her life and drinks too much champagne. On the way home, she announces to her aunt that her secret fiance is the Hero.
The next morning, the aunt and cousin confront the heroine and threaten to get the truth from the Hero himself. In a panic the heroine goes to the Hero and confesses. He is a bit amused and feels bad for her, she is obviously a young girl who lacks attention, and he agrees to play along w her deception. They go to announce this to the aunt, when everything falls to pieces. The aunt, now believing in their engagement, reveals that the heroine is not really her niece. She just took her in as an answer to an ad asking to foster a child. The heroine is an heiress and the aunt was paid for her services, although she doesn’t know the name of the heroine’s family and deals mainly with a lawyer. The heroine is naturally very distressed and ‘breaks’ w the Hero.
That night she runs away. Its been two weeks and her ‘aunt’ is very distressed, not knowing where the heroine is. All this time, the Hero has continued his pursuit of the actress. Not once in all those weeks did he check on the heroine, so he didnt know she was missing until the aunt contacts him as a last resort.
He manages to figure out that she contacted his sister and they went to stay in the country with his other married sister. The next part of the book is their pursuit of clues to find out who the family of the heroine is. And supposedly at this time the Hero is realizing that he is falling in love with the heroine.
Spoilers spoilers spoilers:
It turns out that the heroine is the child of the younger son of an old gentry family. The Hero is friends with this family. The old grandfather was so displeased with his son’s unsuitable marriage, that when the son died, the grandfather took the baby away from the mother, and had her fostered out.
And... guess what, the mother has been looking for her all these years, and it is the ACTRESS! 😱 OMG!
The Hero assures the heroine that their relationship was strictly platonic, but still the ICK factor is high on this one. He actually did kiss that actress a couple of times and he was constantly gazing into her eyes and caressing her 😲
It wouldnt have been so bad except for the fact that this is his future mother in law. Ayayay! But not to worry she is going back to Ireland and will marry someone else.
And ILY and it ends there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2018
I appreciate an author who tries very hard to keep historical accuracy in her books, and Alice Ley definitely does this.
Not quite in Georgette Heyer's league (but really, who is?), the details of clothing and place and manners were all accurate as far as I could tell. There were no places where I was pulled up short thinking 'They would never have done / said that', which left me free to enjoy the story, fully immersed in that time and place.
Susan has been infatuated with her best friend's dashing older brother Beau Eversley for years, ever since listening to stories of his exploits told to her at school by his sister. Upon leaving the seminary, unable to bear her cousin Cynthia's gloating about her upcoming wedding, she blurts out that she, too, is betrothed, although it is a secret. Circumstances build upon this thoughtless utterance until Susan finds herself in trouble and must beg Beau Eversley for help.
There is a mystery surrounding Susan's own parentage that Beau also lends his aid to solve, and the two spend time together, gradually deepening Susan's childish infatuation with him into real love, and creating new feelings for her in Beau.
The main issue I had with their relationship is that Beau frequently calls her 'child' and is amused by her naivety and often talks to her as he would to his little sister, and the change in the way she behaves and the way he suddenly sees her as a mature woman is very abrupt.
The ending was also a little abrupt for me, and left me still feeling uncomfortable about the way Beau had been endeavouring to keep Maria as his mistress for most of the novel. That issue was glossed over by the fact that Maria had repeatedly refused, but still, as Susan herself says: "It was not your fault that it was platonic!" As this was unanswerable, perhaps that is why Beau never does answer...
Not quite in Georgette Heyer's league (but really, who is?), the details of clothing and place and manners were all accurate as far as I could tell. There were no places where I was pulled up short thinking 'They would never have done / said that', which left me free to enjoy the story, fully immersed in that time and place.
Susan has been infatuated with her best friend's dashing older brother Beau Eversley for years, ever since listening to stories of his exploits told to her at school by his sister. Upon leaving the seminary, unable to bear her cousin Cynthia's gloating about her upcoming wedding, she blurts out that she, too, is betrothed, although it is a secret. Circumstances build upon this thoughtless utterance until Susan finds herself in trouble and must beg Beau Eversley for help.
There is a mystery surrounding Susan's own parentage that Beau also lends his aid to solve, and the two spend time together, gradually deepening Susan's childish infatuation with him into real love, and creating new feelings for her in Beau.
The main issue I had with their relationship is that Beau frequently calls her 'child' and is amused by her naivety and often talks to her as he would to his little sister, and the change in the way she behaves and the way he suddenly sees her as a mature woman is very abrupt.
The ending was also a little abrupt for me, and left me still feeling uncomfortable about the way Beau had been endeavouring to keep Maria as his mistress for most of the novel. That issue was glossed over by the fact that Maria had repeatedly refused, but still, as Susan herself says: "It was not your fault that it was platonic!" As this was unanswerable, perhaps that is why Beau never does answer...
November 2, 2015
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is a delightful book. Originally published in 1967, it takes us back to another time. There's romance, a bit of intrigue and so many social conventions of what a woman can do and can not do that I still wonder how they managed to keep track of them. Though the characters don't have the depth of many of the books set in that period (somewhere around 1790, I guess), they are as charming as any I have met in a book.
Susan Fyfield, the heroine of the book, is a 17 year old girl, fresh out of school. She meets the dashing Beau Eversley and of course, falls in love with him. Beau, though a rake and a womanizer, is a perfect gentleman of course. The secondary characters (Susan's aunt and cousin, Beau's family and the famous Horace Walpole) complete the cast.
I had never read a book by this author, and I'm not a Romance fan (at all), but this is the kind of light, easy read I like. I will definitely look for more books by Alice Chetwynd Ley in the future.
This is a delightful book. Originally published in 1967, it takes us back to another time. There's romance, a bit of intrigue and so many social conventions of what a woman can do and can not do that I still wonder how they managed to keep track of them. Though the characters don't have the depth of many of the books set in that period (somewhere around 1790, I guess), they are as charming as any I have met in a book.
Susan Fyfield, the heroine of the book, is a 17 year old girl, fresh out of school. She meets the dashing Beau Eversley and of course, falls in love with him. Beau, though a rake and a womanizer, is a perfect gentleman of course. The secondary characters (Susan's aunt and cousin, Beau's family and the famous Horace Walpole) complete the cast.
I had never read a book by this author, and I'm not a Romance fan (at all), but this is the kind of light, easy read I like. I will definitely look for more books by Alice Chetwynd Ley in the future.
May 11, 2018
Susan went to school with Beau Eversley's younger sister, and heard so much of him that one day she escaped from school to visit a neighbouring estate at a time when she knew he would be there, just to have a look at him. But this introduction would have led nowhere had they not met again at a ball, on which occasion he took her in to supper. Too much champagne made her blurt out a fanciful dream as a fact to her aunt - that she was engaged to Beau Eversley! Of course, she had to warn him, but somehow he was willing to continue the fake engagement for a while before breaking it off. However, this betrothal led to other, wholly unexpected complications...
Though Susan is clearly in love all along, the Beau takes a while to work out how he feels, and the relationship develops slowly. The complication that comes to light is brought out beautifully, and neatly ends up bringing the two together, though initially it seems to Susan to be the end of everything. The resolution of the complication was foreshadowed enough that it was somewhat predictable, but that didn't stop it being enjoyable. My main complaint about the book was the abrupt way in which it ended (no doubt to make ready for a sequel), though the discussion of the Beau's way of life showed him rather too clearly to engage in rakish behaviour than I quite liked.
Content: clean, clear statements that the hero had mistresses (one at a time), but nothing on stage, or even during the time covered by the story.
Language: clean, little or no(?) bad language or blasphemy
Writing: good, few errors and highly readable
Characters: felt realistic, Susan in particular developed nicely
Storyline: interesting, but with a semi-cliffhanger
Note that I received a free copy of the book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
Though Susan is clearly in love all along, the Beau takes a while to work out how he feels, and the relationship develops slowly. The complication that comes to light is brought out beautifully, and neatly ends up bringing the two together, though initially it seems to Susan to be the end of everything. The resolution of the complication was foreshadowed enough that it was somewhat predictable, but that didn't stop it being enjoyable. My main complaint about the book was the abrupt way in which it ended (no doubt to make ready for a sequel), though the discussion of the Beau's way of life showed him rather too clearly to engage in rakish behaviour than I quite liked.
Content: clean, clear statements that the hero had mistresses (one at a time), but nothing on stage, or even during the time covered by the story.
Language: clean, little or no(?) bad language or blasphemy
Writing: good, few errors and highly readable
Characters: felt realistic, Susan in particular developed nicely
Storyline: interesting, but with a semi-cliffhanger
Note that I received a free copy of the book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
June 17, 2018
Susan chose a rather adventurous path to find her true love, but when the light began to shine on her and Beau, life as she knows it started unraveling. She was now in a quandary seeking to find the truth about who she really was. Having a fortune at her disposal means nothing to her if she had no clear pathway as to where her parentage lies, who were her parents. She wanted someone who needed her, who loves her someone to call her own. This was an intriguing, interesting and yes captivating read, it had a great storyline and wonderful characters, it was a gentle and loving tale.
August 21, 2019
I would like to thank netgalley and Sphere Books for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Enjoyable, modern sounding regency romance.
Enjoyable, modern sounding regency romance.
June 9, 2022
ACL's books are either a hit or miss, and in my experience, most of them are a "miss" but the good thing about her is her writing, so I keep coming back to her books. The writing in this one is just about right, it is light and very much Regency, with humor and likeable characters. While I did think Susan was a tad too young, mostly in her behavior, and I wasn't rooting for the Beau at all (I almost wish George had more success), I did like all that entailed Susan's origins and the fact that a Gothic writer like Horace Warpole was a secondary character with humor.
As for what I wasn't particularly fan of:
1 star for the romance, 4 for the writing.
As for what I wasn't particularly fan of:
1 star for the romance, 4 for the writing.
November 4, 2015
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I read this book for the A Book A Day Keeps the Boredom at Bay challenge. 17– The shortest form of Japanese poetry (known as Haiku) contains exactly 17 syllables. Read something set in Japan. It takes 17 muscles to produce a smile. Read something that puts a smile on your face.
Okay, now that I've got all that out of the way, this book truly did put a smile on my face! I'm so happy that Endeavour is publishing these old out of print classic romances for Kindle. We have a sassy heroine who I rooted for the whole time, no glaring historical anachronisms, and a cute little love story. Basically, the heroine has a huge crush on the hero, and tells her aunt and cousin they are betrothed in a fit of pique and overindulgence in champagne. She goes to him to confess this so as not to embarrass them both, and he agrees to go along with the deception to allow her to save face. It turns out, though, when they go to tell the aunt the surprise news, she also has surprise news for them.
I couldn't put it down. I'm glad this was such a short and sweet read, otherwise I would have been up all night. I'd recommend this one to readers who enjoy Georgette Heyer, as I would consider the two authors to have a similar style.
I read this book for the A Book A Day Keeps the Boredom at Bay challenge. 17– The shortest form of Japanese poetry (known as Haiku) contains exactly 17 syllables. Read something set in Japan. It takes 17 muscles to produce a smile. Read something that puts a smile on your face.
Okay, now that I've got all that out of the way, this book truly did put a smile on my face! I'm so happy that Endeavour is publishing these old out of print classic romances for Kindle. We have a sassy heroine who I rooted for the whole time, no glaring historical anachronisms, and a cute little love story. Basically, the heroine has a huge crush on the hero, and tells her aunt and cousin they are betrothed in a fit of pique and overindulgence in champagne. She goes to him to confess this so as not to embarrass them both, and he agrees to go along with the deception to allow her to save face. It turns out, though, when they go to tell the aunt the surprise news, she also has surprise news for them.
I couldn't put it down. I'm glad this was such a short and sweet read, otherwise I would have been up all night. I'd recommend this one to readers who enjoy Georgette Heyer, as I would consider the two authors to have a similar style.
November 11, 2015
This is a light hearted Regency romance in the best tradition of the genre. Seventeen year old Susan Fyfield announces her betrothal to her aunt and cousin in a fit of bravado as a result of drinking a glass of champagne.
Unfortunately she has omitted to tell Beau Eversley that she is engaged to him. To her surprise he agrees to her deception. When applying to her aunt for her hand in marriage it is revealed that no one knows who Susan really is. This unexpected revelations sends her off on a quest for her real parents.
The Clandestine Betrothal was just what I wanted to read on a chilly winter afternoon and I found myself transported to the glamorous world of the Regency. The characters are well drawn and the dialogue sparkling and there are no real villains to stand in the way of the happiness of the main characters.
Sometimes a happy ending is just what you need and this book provides just that. I can remember reading books by this author many years ago and it is good to see them available again as ebooks so that they can be read by a new generation of readers. I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for review.
Unfortunately she has omitted to tell Beau Eversley that she is engaged to him. To her surprise he agrees to her deception. When applying to her aunt for her hand in marriage it is revealed that no one knows who Susan really is. This unexpected revelations sends her off on a quest for her real parents.
The Clandestine Betrothal was just what I wanted to read on a chilly winter afternoon and I found myself transported to the glamorous world of the Regency. The characters are well drawn and the dialogue sparkling and there are no real villains to stand in the way of the happiness of the main characters.
Sometimes a happy ending is just what you need and this book provides just that. I can remember reading books by this author many years ago and it is good to see them available again as ebooks so that they can be read by a new generation of readers. I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for review.
November 23, 2015
This is the first time that I have read anything by this author, Alice Chetwynd Ley. The Clandestine Betrothal is a regency romance with a touch of mystery that was originally published in the 1960's.
Featured are the expected confused ingénue heroine and the hero who adheres to regency romance rules in being typically superior in almost every aspect. Naturally there is a supporting cast of peripheral characters who are immediately extremely concerned with the heroine after knowing her for a short time. There are also no real villains, which leaves this story feeling a bit unbalanced.
The writing style is slightly reminiscent of Georgette Heyer, although less profound and missing the droll dialogue and endearing characters. If you enjoy regencies other than those by Georgette Heyer, I would recommend The Clandestine Betrothal. If you are a die-hard Heyer fan, this does not quite hit the mark.
**eARC netgalley**
Featured are the expected confused ingénue heroine and the hero who adheres to regency romance rules in being typically superior in almost every aspect. Naturally there is a supporting cast of peripheral characters who are immediately extremely concerned with the heroine after knowing her for a short time. There are also no real villains, which leaves this story feeling a bit unbalanced.
The writing style is slightly reminiscent of Georgette Heyer, although less profound and missing the droll dialogue and endearing characters. If you enjoy regencies other than those by Georgette Heyer, I would recommend The Clandestine Betrothal. If you are a die-hard Heyer fan, this does not quite hit the mark.
**eARC netgalley**
April 14, 2019
Until the end I kept hoping that the outcome wouldn't be the obvious one, knowing it was the only possible outcome. I liked the bwginning, when I had yet to learn much about the H's character and intentions, but I didn't like where the author took the storyline and how the h and H got to their hea. The ending was a disappointment, the brief way the H declared his love was ridiculous. The fact, that for weeks he had tried to get the h's mother to be his mistress and afterwards he told the h that they had had just a platonic relastionship, was cringeworthy. 2 stars and not 1, because the first third of the book was promising.
June 1, 2018
This was an entertaining read. Susan was an engaging and spirited character and infatuated with Beau, the oldest brother of her friend Georgy. Beau had a reputation of a rake but had a caring heart for those he loved. There is a mystery concerning Susan’s parents that takes up most of the second half of the book. It had a slow start but then moved along at a good pace. The ending was just a little too abrupt for me but nevertheless I will look into reading the next book in the series. I received a copy and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 20, 2018
The Clandestine Betrothal has everything you are looking for in a Regency Romance. Strong protagonist - check. Cheeky, but handsome man - Check. Balls and Masquerade parties - Check. I really enjoyed being pulled into the world created by Ley - the clothes, the language, the manners! I felt like both the protagonist, Susan Fyfield, and her love interest Beau Eversley, were well-drawn and interesting. And I loved that Horace Walpole was a reference in the novel and that his family played are role in the mystery of Miss Fyfield's lineage Ley sets up for the reader. For those that don't know, Walpole is considered to have written the first true Gothic novel The Castle of Onranto.
If Regency Romance is a genre you enjoy you will NOT be disappointed by The Clandestine Proposal. She expertly invokes the style of Jane Austen while drawing a modern flare to the characterizations. I appreciated the love story that remained innocent rather than tawdry, which is a huge flaw in those writing Regency Romance today. This book was written in 1960 and it maintains a true British stiff upper-lip and 1700s English ambeiance.
I give this novel a solid 🍷🍷🍷🍷 as I truly enjoyed it. My fifth glass is reserved because the reveal of the orphaned parentage was a bit obvious (although I think it was supposed to be a shocker,) but that's really the only "flaw" I found in the book. The dialogue and interactions are authentic and true.
The Clandestine Betrothal is book one in the Eversley series.
If Regency Romance is a genre you enjoy you will NOT be disappointed by The Clandestine Proposal. She expertly invokes the style of Jane Austen while drawing a modern flare to the characterizations. I appreciated the love story that remained innocent rather than tawdry, which is a huge flaw in those writing Regency Romance today. This book was written in 1960 and it maintains a true British stiff upper-lip and 1700s English ambeiance.
I give this novel a solid 🍷🍷🍷🍷 as I truly enjoyed it. My fifth glass is reserved because the reveal of the orphaned parentage was a bit obvious (although I think it was supposed to be a shocker,) but that's really the only "flaw" I found in the book. The dialogue and interactions are authentic and true.
The Clandestine Betrothal is book one in the Eversley series.
August 24, 2022
An adorable regency romance in the old-fashioned style, written in 1967, before the advent of word-processors and computers, when (for the most part) authors knew how to WRITE, and publishers had actual standards for publishing. Now, does this novel have the psychological depth of some romances? Not in the slightest - but then, it's not after that. It's a charming regency romp, with a plot a little in the coincidental style of 18th-century theatrical comedies, and very much in the tradition of Austen's "Northanger Abbey". The writing has a deft lightness of touch; the dialogue is subtle and witty; the slang and turns of phrase are unbelievably well-researched and woven into every sentence so that from the first word to the last you're reading English, but not the English you now, and not an English anyone would ever be able to write today. I'm sure some of it was authentic and some made up, but in any case the author's liberties can be forgiven since it's all in the same register. The story is plot-driven, with, again, the plot being in the coincidental style popular in the 19th-century and before - self-consciously so, and not over-the-top forced. As a result, the character development is not as deep (it is, too, a shortish book), but they're well-rounded enough, and the hero has a special bit of sparkle, who both has and lacks self-awareness.
If you're tired of novels that try too hard, and if you've forgotten how lovely the English language can be, read this book.
If you're tired of novels that try too hard, and if you've forgotten how lovely the English language can be, read this book.
July 24, 2022
A Whirlwind of a story!
When I first began to read this book, I was not impressed. I planned to give it a 3 at most. But the further on I read, the most intrigued I became. At first I resented the fact that the writer did not give sufficient background information on the main female character, Susan Fyfield. But as the story unfolded, I realized why. At first I thought the characters had very little substance or interest and were too stereotypical. But as the story developed, so did the characters. The storyline became rife with surprising twists and turns, and filled with intrigue and suspense. The dialogue was rich and colourful, and wonderfully humorous. However, I do wish the writer had given us a glimpse of our couple once officially betrothed. That would have been very satisfying. Nevertheless a very good read.
When I first began to read this book, I was not impressed. I planned to give it a 3 at most. But the further on I read, the most intrigued I became. At first I resented the fact that the writer did not give sufficient background information on the main female character, Susan Fyfield. But as the story unfolded, I realized why. At first I thought the characters had very little substance or interest and were too stereotypical. But as the story developed, so did the characters. The storyline became rife with surprising twists and turns, and filled with intrigue and suspense. The dialogue was rich and colourful, and wonderfully humorous. However, I do wish the writer had given us a glimpse of our couple once officially betrothed. That would have been very satisfying. Nevertheless a very good read.
June 7, 2018
This book was originally published in the 1960's and the writing compares more to Jane Austen era prose than the typical Regency books of today.
Susan Fyfield is seventeen years old and typical of teenagers has developed a crush on her friends older brother. Mistakenly informing her aunt that she is engaged she is pleased when her "fiance" Beau Eversley agrees to go along with the fake engagement.
This is a clean sweet romance typical of a bygone era. An enjoyable light-hearted read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. For more reviews please visit my blog:
http://www.wonderfullyweird88.com/
Susan Fyfield is seventeen years old and typical of teenagers has developed a crush on her friends older brother. Mistakenly informing her aunt that she is engaged she is pleased when her "fiance" Beau Eversley agrees to go along with the fake engagement.
This is a clean sweet romance typical of a bygone era. An enjoyable light-hearted read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. For more reviews please visit my blog:
http://www.wonderfullyweird88.com/
July 25, 2022
Language
The language in this story rings so true. The polite society spoke nothing psychological, philosophical maybe. The class structure was always intact and maturity of Susan, George and even Beau was delight to see their growth. The suspense made this read a real page turner! I cared for all of them. Cynthia even was accountable fractious, jealous. All the threads made a wonderful tapestry with nothing unaccounted for in event or character development. A joy to read!!,
The language in this story rings so true. The polite society spoke nothing psychological, philosophical maybe. The class structure was always intact and maturity of Susan, George and even Beau was delight to see their growth. The suspense made this read a real page turner! I cared for all of them. Cynthia even was accountable fractious, jealous. All the threads made a wonderful tapestry with nothing unaccounted for in event or character development. A joy to read!!,
October 1, 2025
What a tale!
Is it melodrama?
Or Gothic?
Or a bit of both?
Both circle the romance at the heart of the book, yet the author favours the reader with characters that are not archetypal of either genre. We are certainly given well fleshed and developed personalities in Beau and Susan.
Lost a star as by the end of the book, I found the circumstances surrounding Maria & Beau rather sickening, with that awful ‘what if’ question rearing its ugly head.
Highly recommended reading otherwise.
Is it melodrama?
Or Gothic?
Or a bit of both?
Both circle the romance at the heart of the book, yet the author favours the reader with characters that are not archetypal of either genre. We are certainly given well fleshed and developed personalities in Beau and Susan.
Lost a star as by the end of the book, I found the circumstances surrounding Maria & Beau rather sickening, with that awful ‘what if’ question rearing its ugly head.
Highly recommended reading otherwise.
May 6, 2018
Enjoyable Quick and Easy Read.
An impetuous girl and a man with a compassionate heart. Susan has a habit of not thinking before she speaks which lands her in a scrape which Hugh Eversley gallantly attempts to cover up. However this leads to a revelation that rocks Susan’s world. I enjoyed this old fashioned story and the growth in Susan’s maturity. Recommended story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
An impetuous girl and a man with a compassionate heart. Susan has a habit of not thinking before she speaks which lands her in a scrape which Hugh Eversley gallantly attempts to cover up. However this leads to a revelation that rocks Susan’s world. I enjoyed this old fashioned story and the growth in Susan’s maturity. Recommended story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 15, 2018
I really enjoyed this traditional romance. It started a little slowly but I was soon drawn in by the well drawn characters and clever plotting. It was well researched and I'm now looking forward to reading this author's other publications. For anyone seeking a beautifully written escapist read, look no further.
May 16, 2022
Sweet, but insipid
It’s well-written, but little happens in the plot to help the story forward. The heroine Susan is SO young (17) that it’s easy to see her falling for the much older Hugh. But him falling for her? It seemed rather contrived and pure froth. It barely held my interest to the end.
It’s well-written, but little happens in the plot to help the story forward. The heroine Susan is SO young (17) that it’s easy to see her falling for the much older Hugh. But him falling for her? It seemed rather contrived and pure froth. It barely held my interest to the end.
February 6, 2023
really cute
This was so cute and fun and clean, too! I was impressed because it was under 200 pages but felt complete and whole. I can’t wait to read more from this author. I believe these were written awhile ago and recently digitized. I’m so grateful. I give it 5 stars for its genre.
This was so cute and fun and clean, too! I was impressed because it was under 200 pages but felt complete and whole. I can’t wait to read more from this author. I believe these were written awhile ago and recently digitized. I’m so grateful. I give it 5 stars for its genre.
December 3, 2017
I read this book when I was 13 and and reread it every summer for years. I have thought about the characters on and off for awhile. I was pleasantly surprised to find a digital version last year and reread it. It didn’t disappoint! Quick cute read!
January 8, 2020
This is a delightful story that has interesting characters such as Beau and Susan. In parts, it is perhaps a little unlikely but it is really enjoyable. I like more traditional stories set in this period and this is a good example.
February 4, 2018
oh my gosh, adorable! the advertising blurb does this old timer no real justice, that's only the beginning and complications abound before its put right. worth the search!
May 3, 2018
Sweet
What a sweet book loved the story. Im a fan if Alice Cheywynd Ley . I realky loved the jeweled snuff box.
What a sweet book loved the story. Im a fan if Alice Cheywynd Ley . I realky loved the jeweled snuff box.
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