Kasey Michaels: The Playful Lady Penelope

In the vein of other, more traditional Regencies, Kasey Michaels gives us a feisty heroine who loves tricks and pranks, and a high in the instep rake who falls (in more ways than one) for the difficult lady.

This was funny (although maybe not laugh out loud) with wonderful, eccentric characters, biting banter, and a fiery love-to-hate-you romance.  It takes place in the country, in the house of an Aunt who only speaks in quotes, and most of the action takes place in the house.  Penelope has been sent there at her father’s behest in the form of a wager, desperate to marry off his naughty daughter but finding her resistant.  She must behave until the Spring, or else she must agree to a Season.

Lucien is equally marriage avoidant, but instantly entranced by the sister of his best friend.  When a spontaneous race results in injury to Lucien, Penelope brings him home to her Aunt’s to nurse him to health.  But Lucien, feigning memory loss, can’t help instigating conflict as he finds a feisty Penelope irresistible.

There are some intimations of intimacy, but all but kisses occur off page.  There is a horse riding accident in the beginning, and a drugging, but not really any other violence.  It’s appropriate for most audiences.

This was a super quick read, fun, and had funny moments.  I would recommend for kisses only readers who love sibling best friend, enemies to lovers style romances.