Review: Wonderful Anthology Of Regency Romances
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 26, 2014
This book is ingeniously crafted.  It's a collection of four novellas that is unbelievably, written by four different authors.  I say unbelievably because of the amazing way the stories all blend and flow together, almost as if created by one person!  It must have taken a considerable amount of collaboration, not to mention talent, to achieve that level of cohesiveness among the four stories.  All the stories are set at a house party, at the duke's country estate, to celebrate his upcoming nuptials.  Each story centers around a different couple, all of whom are guests at the house party, and who are to attend the duke's wedding.Although each story is distinct from the others, the way which they intertwine with each other is, in a word, inspired.  The events in each story occurs simultaneously with the events of the other stories and thus there is overlapping to a significant degree among them...events that occur in one story are oftentimes mentioned in another.  For instance, in the first story we are told about Smythson's Smelling Salts that was inspired Jack's, infamous smile--a smile that is said to make ladies forgive and forget anything.  LOL  Every story thereafter, mentions this particular smelling salts to one degree or another...each time making me LOL.THAT ROGUE JACKThe first novella tells the story of Jack, Lord Willoughby, and Miss Henrietta Black.  This story was such fun to read.  It's lighthearted, humorous, and sweet.  Jack is an easy going rogue...a real favorite of the ladies.  He's handsome, charming, devilish, and completely irresponsible.  He is also the inspiration for the ever popular Smythson's Smelling Salts.  LOL  Henrietta is Jack's complete opposite; she's organized, responsible, prim, and oh so proper.  Jack and Henrietta have known each other since childhood; he being the duke's cousin and she a poor relation living at the duke's estate.  Henrietta now serves as companion to Lady Sophronia an elderly relative of the duke's.  As the duke's best man, Jack has been entrusted with the care of the wedding ring.  Of course dear, irresponsible Jack loses the ring.  When he and Henrietta team up to find it, sparks fly.  The interaction between Jack and Henrietta is sweet and humorous.  The two are a perfect foil for each other...Henrietta adds a much needed level headed influence to Jack's life, and he in turn adds levity to hers.I loved this story.  It is vastly entertaining.  Four and a half stars.P.S. I LOVE YOUAs lighthearted and funny as the first story is, the second is poignant and a bit heart-wrenching.  The hero, Christian, Earl of Bruton, heir to a marquessate, is the dark, brooding type, complete with scarred visage.  Christian gets roped into helping his beloved cousin, Frank, in his attempts to win his lady love, Miss Rosanne Lacy.  For several weeks Rosanne and Frank exchange letters...letters written by Frank, but dictated by Christian.  Through the letters Christian and Rosanne come to know one another, but of course she thinks Frank is the author of the letters.  By the time Frank and Rosanne meet again, at the duke's houseparty, Rosanne is already half in love with Frank.  She is thus confused when finds herself drawn to Frank's aloof cousin, Christian.This story is intricately written and kept me on the edge of my seat, I was that anxious to see Rosanne and Christian get their HEA --my anxiety was heightened because I really liked sweet, dimwitted Frank, and didn't want to see him hurt too badly.  Christian is a hero that will touch your heart.  He suffered so much as a child because of his scar and has become taciturn and aloof.  He doesn't believe that he will ever find a lady who will be able to love him for himself...of course the ladies' adverse reaction to his scar only serves to confirm Christian's belief.  I was so happy when Christian won Rosanne and got his HEA.  He so deserved it.As much as I liked the first story, I loved this one so much more.  Five stars!WHEN I MET MY DUCHESSIn the third story, we finally hear Gareth, Duke of Wessex's story.  In the first two story, events occurring with the duke are hinted at, such as the fact that he didn't seem like a man who was looking forward to his upcoming nuptials.  As such, I was really looking forward to reading this story, and discovering how Gareth disentangles himself from his engagement.  When Gareth first meets his fiancée sister, Cleo, lightning struck...literally!  From that point on, he can't stop thinking about the woman, and pays hardly any attention to Helen, his betrothed.  I really liked Cleo; she is unconventional, warm, friendly, and outgoing.  Gareth comes across as a typical reserved, aloof duke until you get to know him.  With Cleo his is open, witty, and charming.  I really liked them as a couple.  The story of how they finally get their HEA is a very engaging one.A four star read.HOW ANGELA GOT HER ROGUE BACKThe last novella is time travel story.  History major grad student, Angela Cowdrey, is pulled back in time from the year 2013.  Upon her arrival she is saved from drowning by the sexy Trenton Ascot, Viscount Everett, heir to an Earldom.  Angela is not sure why she's been transported back to 1813, but she thinks it has something to do with the villainous Sir Richard Howell, the subject of the thesis paper she's been working on.  Sir Richard just happens to be a guest at the duke's wedding.  Angela, however, keeps getting distracted from her purpose by the delectable Trent.  As for Trent, he is a delicious hero.  Honorable, reliable, and devoted.  When he meets Angela, his well ordered life gets a much needed shaking up.  With Angela's support, Trent learns to accept himself as he is and to stand up to his father.I really, really loved this story.  It's an all around 5 star read!Each of the four novellas is extremely well written, with a delightful cast of fully developed characters.  Furthermore, the various plots are thoroughly engaging.  If I had to pick a favorite, I'd say it is "P.S. I Love You," with "How Angela Her Rogue Back" a close second.  The all around star of the book; however, is Hippolyta, Jack's highflying carriage from the first story.  Hippolyta has a significant role in all but one of the stories.  LOL  I can't say enough good things about this anthology of regency set romance novellas.  They are all pretty amazing!  Happy reading!