Scan barcode
tonyriver's review against another edition
4.0
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.
annmaries's review against another edition
5.0
The best parts of the whole book are the hero's conversations with the mongrel dog the heroine foists on him, but the rest is hilarious, as well. As the oldest child of eight, I feel some sympathy with the heroine, too, but even if you're not, you'll still enjoy Arabella's (mis)adventures.
zebac's review against another edition
4.0
Joyful
As always, this is pure joyous confection, a lovely piece of entertaining froth. One of my favourites thanks to neat closure of final scenes. Lovely resolution.
As always, this is pure joyous confection, a lovely piece of entertaining froth. One of my favourites thanks to neat closure of final scenes. Lovely resolution.
rosannelortz's review against another edition
5.0
When Arabella Tallant is invited by her godmother to London for the season, the young, country-bred miss is delighted at the opportunity. On her way to London her carriage breaks down, and she is forced to knock on the door of Beaumaris, one of the most peerless society bucks in the ton. Accidentally overhearing Beaumaris' assessment of her (that she is out to entrap him for his fortune), Arabella concocts a fanciful tale about being "the rich heiress Miss Tallant." When she arrives in London, Arabella finds to her surprise that an army of admirers is besieging her. It seems that Mr. Beaumaris, or one of his friends, has spread her vainglorious boast to the four winds. Beaumaris' own attentions to her only add to her popularity. But how will she get a husband now when her whole reputation is built on a lie, and how can she ever confess to her new friend that she has misled him from the very beginning?
Arabella is one of the most charming heroines in the Heyer canon. Her love for street urchins is adorable, as is Beaumaris' reluctant adoption of every waif (human or four-legged) that Arabella thrusts upon him. Beaumaris' urbane attempts to pry a confession out of Arabella, coupled with Arabella's terror at confessing, are some of Heyer's most well-written dialogue.
Arabella is one of the most charming heroines in the Heyer canon. Her love for street urchins is adorable, as is Beaumaris' reluctant adoption of every waif (human or four-legged) that Arabella thrusts upon him. Beaumaris' urbane attempts to pry a confession out of Arabella, coupled with Arabella's terror at confessing, are some of Heyer's most well-written dialogue.
unhallowed_eve's review against another edition
2.5
A strong start - I enjoyed the premise, and the first 50% or so. From about halfway through, the story began to drag a bit, since a lot of time is spent with side characters. I was particularly disappointed with the ending. This was rushed. Arabella is no longer the bold and resourceful character, instead making poorly-considered decisions. In the last few pages, the relationship between Beaumaris and Arabella has been reduced to him viewing her with affectionate and slightly patronising amusement. She seems to have fallen backwards into immaturity and bewilderment. These late-book shifts were jarring.
ghutter05's review against another edition
4.0
I think this is one of Heyer's most charming novels. Arabella's impetuosity and willingness to wade into the fight are a nice counterpoint to her sweet innocence. Beaumaris' almost unforgiveably superior attributes are redeemed by his good-natured enjoyment of their relationship.
ipomoea's review against another edition
3.0
Okay, so I don't know how to phrase this. As a Georgette Heyer work (historical accuracy of the Regency life, delightful frothy story), it's spectacular. But as a romance and a character study, it's meh. Like, I enjoyed it a lot for what it was, but I don't look back at it with fond memories of Arabella and Beaumarais.
edressa's review against another edition
4.0
This is basically a screwball comedy set in the Regency period, except the rich heiress who embarks on a crazy adventure is... not actually a rich heiress, but a little spitfire who's the daughter of a pastor and has no dowry, and who'd probably enjoy getting into debates on Twitter if she was alive today. And I mean this as a compliment.
jeanbeans's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I couldn’t put it down, laughed out loud a few times, and missed the characters as soon as I had finished the book.