Review: Absolutely Delightful - A Regency Romance with Wit, Charm, and Sizzling Sexiness
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 9, 2013
Once I started reading this latest book by Virginia Henley I couldn't put it down!  Known for her vivid historical settings, sensual writing, swoon-worthy heroes and strong independent heroines, Henley has outdone herself in this delightful Regency romp with a backdrop of tense military and diplomatic conflicts between England and France. Julia Shelborne is the plucky heroine with a mind of her own who defies conventions with her aspirations to be a serious writer, while meanwhile anonymously penning a notorious gossip column, "Scandal by the Ton," where she exposes the scandalous carryings-on of members of London Society. A typo in her latest column has Nicholas Royston ("Nick"), a viscount of impeccable reputation, confused with his younger playboy brother, Michael Royston ("Mick") leading to amusing consequences -- and a desire for revenge. In this multi-layered comedy of errors, Nick first seeks to embarrass Julia's vapid and self-centered mother Claire for giving him the cut direct when she read about his supposed sexual liaisons by feigning an interest in Julia -- who's alter-ego as "Ann Onymous," the author of the gossip column, is unbeknownst to either Nick or Julia's mother herself. But of course, things get complicated when Nick and Julia (who professes no intention of ever giving up her aspiring career for marriage) begin to fall for each other. But what will happen when Nick -- who is meanwhile plotting to discover the true identity of Ann Onymous and have his vengeance -- discovers Julia's most closely guarded secret? And will Julia's widowed mother - anxious to snatch Julia's inheritance from her and use it to snare herself a titled husband - succeed in her efforts to destroy Julia's chance at happiness?The repartee between Julie and Nick is delightful throughout, and their sexual chemistry jumps off the page. Julia's feisty and loyal grandmother "Dottie" is her staunchest ally and adds her own special brand of humor and connivance to the story, contributing to moments that are fall-off-your-chair outrageously funny.All in all, this book was a delight to read, and it left me wishing I could spend more time with these characters.