neen_mai's review
2.0
A delight of visiting Ms Heyer's writing again. But it was not as engaging as her other works that i've read before. Largely because i didn't care much about the characters and they all were so predictable.
zemily83's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
vjamie's review
3.0
2023: Better with a re-read. The final scheme is still ridiculous, but I knew it was coming and skimmed it to the very end.
3.5. Maybe 4. Great start, dragged in the middle, but with a few bright spots: the sweep boy, the stray dog, the Grandmother... Loved Beaumaris's conversations with Ulysses! I did not like the ending. I thought Arabella, who had been strong throughout, really fell apart in her final plan. The ending felt like a letdown. It deserved a much better ending.
3.5. Maybe 4. Great start, dragged in the middle, but with a few bright spots: the sweep boy, the stray dog, the Grandmother... Loved Beaumaris's conversations with Ulysses! I did not like the ending. I thought Arabella, who had been strong throughout, really fell apart in her final plan. The ending felt like a letdown. It deserved a much better ending.
miselenaeous's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
addy1991's review against another edition
2.0
Parts of this were highly entertaining but overall I was disastisfied with the character herself. From the beginning, she was not a person I would admire for being daring or showing intelligence. Her main focus was to have a London season even though her upbringing was modest ... the eldest daughter of EIGHT children (4 of each) and father is a vicar. Her one lie snowballed out of control and I am amazed that it didn't come to light in some fashion during the course of the story since she wasn't raised with proper etiquette to pull it off. The romance pairing was obvious as soon as they introduced his character and at the same time annoying because I don't see them as a couple. His falling for her and then convincing her to return his favors was over the top and I truly can't see someone of his wealth and status being so inclined.
sammykay25's review
5.0
Oh I loved this book!! Mr. Beaumaris is by far my favorite regency man I’ve read about! He’s such a fun, clever, and lovable leading man and suits Arabella perfectly.
Arabella reminds me a lot of myself in her need to help poor creatures and stubbornness. She’s a very charismatic and lovable heroine. I adored every moment of this book and would love to see an onscreen adaptation.
Arabella reminds me a lot of myself in her need to help poor creatures and stubbornness. She’s a very charismatic and lovable heroine. I adored every moment of this book and would love to see an onscreen adaptation.
gnomescottage's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
annisapurnamasari_'s review against another edition
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? No
3.0
I was disappointed because I didn't like this romance story like other people. I don't get it. The writing style is too descriptive, in my opinion, and I'm not a fan of it. It was very difficult for me to like the main characters and even the side cast. I don't care about the plot. Although, I am still interested in exploring the books of Georgette Heyer, I hear she had written over fifty books. Maybe this book didn't work for me, but next time it might.