An Affair of Interest
- Barbara Metzger
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is perhaps one of the most entertaining story of this genre that I have come across so far. It uses several many of the usual tropes, but the sum total is absolutely hilarious. We have a young, intelligent and spunky heroine - spirited enough to devise outlandish (at least for the times!) schemes, and innocent enough to keep falling into scrapes. Then we have a stiff and sensible hero, who always ends up rescuing her. And add to the mix, a bunch of most comical villains. So what you end up with is a series of madcap adventures! The writing is very amusing, though by the end of this, the third book I read by this author, it kind of feels forced. The plot is a big hoot, and I found myself laughing out several times.
My first exposure to regency romance was through Georgette Heyer, and have only recently started exploring other authors. I am not sure if Heyer's interpretation of the language and mannerisms of the period are most authentic, but in comparison, the tone and and style of Metzger feels much more modern.
Where I certainly appreciate Metzger more is, that her heroines are much more enterprising. Sydney here shares some similarity with 'The Grand Sophy' and 'Frederica'. Like Frederica, she wants her sister to have a London season, but instead of appealing to a rich, distant relative, she tries to raise funds on her own. Like Sophy, she keeps on creating elaborate, outrageous schemes. Sophy is confident, worldy-wise, and backed by her father's support and resources, and most of her plans are prompted by doing what she believes is best for other people (meddling indeed). Whereas Sydney had nothing going for her, and all her ideas are prompted by a desire to support her family. So, I definitely find Sidney most creditable of all.
Lady Whilton's Wedding
- Barbara Metzger
The plot is as contrived as can be, but the situational comedy and the witty dialogs make it a good fun read. I liked the heroine, sensible yet a little naive, but the hero is a bit of a jerk. Rest of the cast is quite engaging, including the bumbling villains. I would have preferred it if the hero's character had rectified his ways after his first error, but I suppose it would have been a blow to the situation created in the story.
Another downside to the book was the long time spent on relating the back story, done in an intrepid manner with only occasional witticism to break the monotony. It was about 30% mark when any events of interest take place.
A Worthy WifeMy rating: 2 of 5 stars
I was glad to find in Barbara Metzger another regency author I like, but very soon her work has become a hit-or-miss with me.
The start of this novel is a bit strange, but not inconceivable for a regency novel - Kenyon, an earl marries a commoner Aurora in order to save her reputation. The rest of the plot consists of a sequence of predicaments that Aurora handles with great ease. She looks such an epitome of sense and perfection, that I couldn't assimilate that she landed in the trouble that she did at the beginning. Kenyon's character didn't endear himself to me, starting from his behavior towards Aurora on their wedding night. He later keeps distrusting her yet wanting her, and his laments to himself become intrepid. Eventually, there are reasons for him to appreciate Aurora, but I see no reason why she should place such confidence in his ability to settle everything.
The suspense that was, was evident since the question first arose. There are not very explicit scenes, but more sensuality that usual, or at least my expectation. There were some amusing antics, but overall I didn't much like the characters or the plot.
An Enchanted AffairMy rating: 2 of 5 stars
I found it quite average, with run-of-the-mill plot and no humor to redeem it.
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