Lady Barbara Manfred (“Babe” to Regency society) was known for her fast ways. Past time for some courageous relative to take her in hand. Lord Clivedon had some interesting ideas for her reclamation–staying with starchy Aunt Graham, the introduction of the sterling (and boring) Lord Ellingwood, instruction from the overbearing Lady Angela, fending off nutty Lord Romeo. But Clivedon couldn’t help appreciating Babe’s originality…
I gave this one some time on the shelf and then picked up for a re-read, happily liking it better the second time around. Joan Smith presents us with a heroine who was thrown to the Duchess of Devonshire set at a tender age, and tossed from careless guardian to careless guardian, resulting in a reputation that is hanging on by a thread. Lord Clivedon, related distantly to Babe, decides to take over her guardianship when the opportunity presents itself to save not only Babe from herself, but also the stain her reputation is having on the rest of the family.
Babe is a headstrong hoyden, but Smith gives us enough hints of her backstory to make it understandable and sympathetic. Granted, her tricks aren’t as funny as some of Heyer’s heroines, but she is not beyond redeemable. Lord Clivedon is a bit of a stuff shirt, and its a bit harder to understand his motivation which Smith gradually teases throughout.
There are some wonderful supporting characters and some funny scenes that keep this clean Reg Rom rolling. Babe’s suitors range from scandalous to silly senseless, and do much to spark the ire and jealousy of her would-be watcher. Although not everyone will enjoy the antics of the heroine, which occasionally veer on the silly if not unbelievable, there are others who will enjoy the sweet conflict of a battle of wills guardian/ward plot.
Ultimately, this a true character based story that has a sweet coming of age element that is realistic and romantic. That we get some rompish leanings is icing on this cupcake.
4 out of 6 A classic guardian/ward romp with some funny supporting characters and scenes. Likable, if not lovable.
| Content Rating/Heat Index | |
|---|---|
| Mature Content |   |
| Some references to mistresses and light mature subject | |
| Intimacy | |
| Not much. | |
| Violence | |
| Not much. | |
| Overall | |
|---|---|
| Generally clean and appropriate for most teens, although older H/h might not be accessible to younger readers. | |
