SHE WAS A MISTRESS OF DISASTER–AND HE DEMANDED SHE KEEP HER DISTANCE!
With his broad shoulders and flashing dark eyes, Lord Ravenel could have stepped from the pages of lady author Gwenda Vickers’s gothic novels!
Certainly she hadn’t meant to eavesdrop on his marriage proposal–nor overhear the lady’s refusal. But certainly he would welcome her advice–as a seasoned writer, of course–on the art of romance.
But Ravenel fairly cursed the imperturbable Miss Vickers. Her penchant for disaster and her boot-chewing hound were enough to drive a man to Bedlam! How shocked he was, then, to discover he yearned to star in a love story of his own…with the wide-eyed authoress herself!
A Regency romp in the truest form, with rollicking roadside action, a whimsical, headstrong and quirky heroine and a swarthy, pokered up but irresistible hero.
Gwenda is a Minerva Press authoress on the hunt for the hero of her dreams (literally). She is also making her way to Brighton and inconvenienced by a broke down carriage. When she happens to eavesdrop on Lord Ravenel’s disastrous proposal, she thinks to offer a word of advice. Sobersides is in no mood to take advice from a madcap hoyden, and sparks fly immediately.
From the moment of their meeting misadventure seems to follow the unlikely pair as they inch their way towards Brighton. Carroll utilizes supporting characters to great advantage throughout, setting the stage for some comical scenes that if they don’t have you laughing out loud, at least will crack a smile. From a naughty little dog to a tippling Coachman, Carroll uses the lens of Gwenda’s purple prosed gothic vision to poke loving fun at the genre.
This is not a deep or dramatic Reg Rom, but there is some wonderful character growth done with a deft hand that makes even what is perhaps a bit formulaic seem fresh. I personally love the starched up hero trope, especially when paired with a sweet, well-intentioned hoyden. Ravenel is just such a hero, struggling to be a gentleman against all odds.
Such is the nature of the Screwball comedy, something very close to the Regency Romp; take a starched up character and pair them with a fancy free spirit, and watch the sparks fly (and the hilarity ensue). My love for both is that subtle element of sexual tension which turns the screws of the narrative. While there is never any doubt of a HEA, the fun is in watching the characters get through it while avoiding (or sometimes digging out) of many pitfalls.
I had not previously read Carroll, and therefore was well pleased to find another traditional Reg writer whose whimsical, humorous approach to the era is a nice balance from the mainstream. I definitely will be looking out for more of her books.
Those looking for a fun, clean and cute Regency will enjoy Brighton Road, and likely return to reread it.
4.75 out of 6 Regency romp with a fanciful heroine and “Sobersides” hero
| Content Rating/Heat Index | |
|---|---|
| Mature Content |   |
| Limited | |
| Intimacy | |
| A couple of kissing scenes | |
| Violence | |
| A mill | |
| Overall | |
|---|---|
| Kisses only traditional Reg Rom appropriate for most | |
