You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
Easy, quick read. Love my Georgette. Made me laugh in multiple places.
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Well this is definitely in my top three favorite Heyer novels now. Oh my goodness, what a charming book and what a wonderful love interest is Mr. Beaumaris.
Probably the first Heyer I ever read, still delightful from start to finish.
A delight!
Pages of what I presume are cockney slang, or whatever it is it’s almost indecipherable as intended!
Such fun such great characters such humor and a wicked way with words but particularly whole conversations so clever that they bring joy to the world wherever you sit. One of my favorite Heyer.
A for narration / A- for content.
Arabella Tallant is the eldest daughter of the large family of a country vicar. When her Godmother offers to bring her out and give her a London season, Arabella’s mother is delighted, and hopeful that Arabella’s beauty will attract a wealthy suitor. The young lady in question is naturally excited at the prospect, and determined to fulfil her mother’s wishes by finding a husband of means who will be able to offer financial assistance to her family.
On the journey from Yorkshire to London, her travelling coach is damaged, and rather than have to sit in the freezing cold while the coachman fetches help, Arabella decides to seek shelter for herself and her companion at the nearest house.
Robert Beaumaris and his friend, Lord Fleetwood, are settling in for a quiet evening when Arabella arrives on the doorstep, and Beaumaris is instantly suspicious. Arabella senses that her host is far from pleased at her sudden appearance, and that it’s only his gentlemanly good manners that are preventing him from sending her about her way. His friend, however is a different matter, and makes her feel welcome.
After freshening up, Arabella is about to re-join the gentlemen when she overhears Beaumaris complain to Fleetwood that he is tired of every single eligible female he encounters setting her cap at him, simply because he’s incredibly wealthy. He explains some of the subterfuges to which some of them have resorted and says he believes Arabella’s arrival to have been no accident, but a carefully planned attempt by yet another gold-digger to entrap him into marriage.
Naturally, Arabella is roused to indignation by such an idea – but instead of berating Beaumaris for entertaining such an insulting supposition, she instead decides to play him at his own game and tells him and Fleetwood how troublesome it is to be a great heiress, and have to bear with the machinations of all the men who are after her vast fortune.
Supposing Beaumaris a mere country gentleman she’s unlikely to meet again, Arabella thinks her little ruse will do no harm. But she hasn’t been in London long before she discovers that her story about her being rich has spread and she really is besieged by suitors keen on availing themselves of her non-existent wealth.
Arabella is horrified at the thought of being assumed to be something she is not. And her mortification is only increased when Beaumaris arrives in London and takes a decided interest in her. At first, he does it in order to cement her position as one of the reigning beauties of the ton – after all, for a young woman to have attracted the notice of one of the leaders of London society, she must be something special – but very soon, he finds himself utterly captivated by her freshness and is paying court to her in earnest. For her part, Arabella is quick to see that he is not at all the haughty, arrogant man she had first believed him to be, and realises she is falling for the funny, kind and generous man she is coming to know. But she can’t possibly allow herself to fall in love with him, because how can she tell him the truth? If she confesses to being penniless, he will think she’s just as bad as all those other women who set their caps at him and will reject her – and that she will not be able to bear.
Arabella is a thoroughly engaging story, full of witty dialogue, colourful secondary characters, and is definitely one of Ms Heyer’s most “romantic” romances. It’s a book I particularly enjoy because of the insight afforded into the development of the central relationship from the hero’s perspective, which isn’t something that occurs very often in her books.
Robert Beaumaris is one of Heyer’s most swoonworthy heroes. He’s somewhat arrogant to start with it’s true, but otherwise, he’s pretty much the perfect romantic hero. Handsome, charming and rich (of course!), he’s also got a very dry sense of humour and an air of confidence and capability about him that is incredibly attractive. Even more adorable is his forbearance with Arabella’s preponderance for picking up strays – whether people or animals. His one-sided and very insightful conversations with the rescued mongrel he names Ulysses are among the high points of the book.
Arabella is young and perhaps a little naïve, but she’s not silly or helpless. She’s willing to stand up for those that are weaker and less fortunate and to fight for what she believes in – and the way she plays Beaumaris at the start of their relationship displays a quick wit, a mischievous sense of humour and a sense of self-awareness that immediately alerts the listener to the fact that in spite of the hero’s greater experience, Arabella is more than capable of holding her own against him. Immediately, we’re shown that in spite of the Beaumaris’ wealth and his greater experience of life, theirs will not be a completely unequal match.
Phyllida Nash really excels in this sort of material, and I enjoyed her performance enormously. She differentiates between the various characters very effectively, and all her characterisations are carefully and appropriately observed. Her melodious speaking voice is naturally deep, so adopting and sustaining a lower pitch for the male characters is absolutely no problem for her, and she also has no trouble going in the opposite direction, and using lighter tones to portray the women. As with any romance, the narrator’s interpretation of the central couple is key, and I found her portrayal of Beaumaris to be particularly satisfying. She skilfully conveys the dry wit and kindness of heart that lurks beneath his aura of world-weariness, his willingness to laugh at himself and the depth of his affection for Arabella. I’ve seen concerns expressed that she sounds too old to be narrating a story with such a young heroine, but I disagree. Ms Nash is an incredibly accomplished actress, and perfectly able to – and does – perform characters of any age convincingly. Moreover, she delivers the narrative stylishly and with an impressive command of the language and sense of period.
Arabella Tallant is the eldest daughter of the large family of a country vicar. When her Godmother offers to bring her out and give her a London season, Arabella’s mother is delighted, and hopeful that Arabella’s beauty will attract a wealthy suitor. The young lady in question is naturally excited at the prospect, and determined to fulfil her mother’s wishes by finding a husband of means who will be able to offer financial assistance to her family.
On the journey from Yorkshire to London, her travelling coach is damaged, and rather than have to sit in the freezing cold while the coachman fetches help, Arabella decides to seek shelter for herself and her companion at the nearest house.
Robert Beaumaris and his friend, Lord Fleetwood, are settling in for a quiet evening when Arabella arrives on the doorstep, and Beaumaris is instantly suspicious. Arabella senses that her host is far from pleased at her sudden appearance, and that it’s only his gentlemanly good manners that are preventing him from sending her about her way. His friend, however is a different matter, and makes her feel welcome.
After freshening up, Arabella is about to re-join the gentlemen when she overhears Beaumaris complain to Fleetwood that he is tired of every single eligible female he encounters setting her cap at him, simply because he’s incredibly wealthy. He explains some of the subterfuges to which some of them have resorted and says he believes Arabella’s arrival to have been no accident, but a carefully planned attempt by yet another gold-digger to entrap him into marriage.
Naturally, Arabella is roused to indignation by such an idea – but instead of berating Beaumaris for entertaining such an insulting supposition, she instead decides to play him at his own game and tells him and Fleetwood how troublesome it is to be a great heiress, and have to bear with the machinations of all the men who are after her vast fortune.
Supposing Beaumaris a mere country gentleman she’s unlikely to meet again, Arabella thinks her little ruse will do no harm. But she hasn’t been in London long before she discovers that her story about her being rich has spread and she really is besieged by suitors keen on availing themselves of her non-existent wealth.
Arabella is horrified at the thought of being assumed to be something she is not. And her mortification is only increased when Beaumaris arrives in London and takes a decided interest in her. At first, he does it in order to cement her position as one of the reigning beauties of the ton – after all, for a young woman to have attracted the notice of one of the leaders of London society, she must be something special – but very soon, he finds himself utterly captivated by her freshness and is paying court to her in earnest. For her part, Arabella is quick to see that he is not at all the haughty, arrogant man she had first believed him to be, and realises she is falling for the funny, kind and generous man she is coming to know. But she can’t possibly allow herself to fall in love with him, because how can she tell him the truth? If she confesses to being penniless, he will think she’s just as bad as all those other women who set their caps at him and will reject her – and that she will not be able to bear.
Arabella is a thoroughly engaging story, full of witty dialogue, colourful secondary characters, and is definitely one of Ms Heyer’s most “romantic” romances. It’s a book I particularly enjoy because of the insight afforded into the development of the central relationship from the hero’s perspective, which isn’t something that occurs very often in her books.
Robert Beaumaris is one of Heyer’s most swoonworthy heroes. He’s somewhat arrogant to start with it’s true, but otherwise, he’s pretty much the perfect romantic hero. Handsome, charming and rich (of course!), he’s also got a very dry sense of humour and an air of confidence and capability about him that is incredibly attractive. Even more adorable is his forbearance with Arabella’s preponderance for picking up strays – whether people or animals. His one-sided and very insightful conversations with the rescued mongrel he names Ulysses are among the high points of the book.
Arabella is young and perhaps a little naïve, but she’s not silly or helpless. She’s willing to stand up for those that are weaker and less fortunate and to fight for what she believes in – and the way she plays Beaumaris at the start of their relationship displays a quick wit, a mischievous sense of humour and a sense of self-awareness that immediately alerts the listener to the fact that in spite of the hero’s greater experience, Arabella is more than capable of holding her own against him. Immediately, we’re shown that in spite of the Beaumaris’ wealth and his greater experience of life, theirs will not be a completely unequal match.
Phyllida Nash really excels in this sort of material, and I enjoyed her performance enormously. She differentiates between the various characters very effectively, and all her characterisations are carefully and appropriately observed. Her melodious speaking voice is naturally deep, so adopting and sustaining a lower pitch for the male characters is absolutely no problem for her, and she also has no trouble going in the opposite direction, and using lighter tones to portray the women. As with any romance, the narrator’s interpretation of the central couple is key, and I found her portrayal of Beaumaris to be particularly satisfying. She skilfully conveys the dry wit and kindness of heart that lurks beneath his aura of world-weariness, his willingness to laugh at himself and the depth of his affection for Arabella. I’ve seen concerns expressed that she sounds too old to be narrating a story with such a young heroine, but I disagree. Ms Nash is an incredibly accomplished actress, and perfectly able to – and does – perform characters of any age convincingly. Moreover, she delivers the narrative stylishly and with an impressive command of the language and sense of period.
2.5 ⭐️
Grandma bought me this book bc she said it is one of her favourite books ever
It was really hard to read at first bc the authors writing was so stormy regency writing, but once I pushed past my language barrier I started to really enjoy it
The vibes were everything
Mr Beaumaris was so whipped for her (bro took in a child to impress her and a dog to make her happy)
Personally not fav but you will love if your big on regency
Grandma bought me this book bc she said it is one of her favourite books ever
It was really hard to read at first bc the authors writing was so stormy regency writing, but once I pushed past my language barrier I started to really enjoy it
The vibes were everything
Mr Beaumaris was so whipped for her (bro took in a child to impress her and a dog to make her happy)
Personally not fav but you will love if your big on regency
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism
Moderate: Child abuse, Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Animal cruelty, Rape
Such a funny and adorable book, I definitely need more Heyer in my life!