Best Laid Schemes (Regency Romance) [Mass Market Paperback]

Emma Jensen (Author)

Book Description

Series: Regency Romance | Publication Date: July 29, 1998

"Girls grow into ladies, dearest. It happens all the time."
"That is not a lady, madam. That is Sibyl Cameron."

So says Tarquin Rome, a rather stiff, superbly handsome earl who has been harassed by this irrepressible mishap-prone chit since boyhood. Why then would his mother invite Sibyl to his artfully planned house party?

Why, indeed. The lofty earl is hardly likely to notice that the beautiful Sibyl is no longer in pinafores and pigtails--especially since he has invited three Incomparables from which he will choose his bride. But when embarrassing and awkward moments transpire at his gathering, Tarquin can only blame Sibyl. Which hardly explains his increasing desire for her company--and her affection. . . .

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

"Girls grow into ladies, dearest. It happens all the time."
"That is not a lady, madam. That is Sibyl Cameron."

So says Tarquin Rome, a rather stiff, superbly handsome earl who has been harassed by this irrepressible mishap-prone chit since boyhood. Why then would his mother invite Sibyl to his artfully planned house party?

Why, indeed. The lofty earl is hardly likely to notice that the beautiful Sibyl is no longer in pinafores and pigtails--especially since he has invited three Incomparables from which he will choose his bride. But when embarrassing and awkward moments transpire at his gathering, Tarquin can only blame Sibyl. Which hardly explains his increasing desire for her company--and her affection. . . .

From the Back Cover

"A bright new star in the Regency heavens."
--Romantic Times

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 197 pages
• Publisher: Ivy Books; First Edition edition (July 29, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0449002349
• ISBN-13: 978-0449002346
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 0.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,245,229 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of my top 10 favorites, April 26, 2000

By 

Gail "emma1701" (Cleveland, Ohio USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Best Laid Schemes (Regency Romance) (Mass Market Paperback)

I absolutely love this book! I have already reread it once or twice since I purchased it. I don't usually laugh out loud, but did when reading some of Sybil's history with Tarquin. I found the heroine wonderfully engaging--intelligent,witty, warm and normal looking! And Tarquin--tall, dark, handsome and just enough aloof to be totally attractive to me. I loved the development of these two characters. Unlike the second Hong Kong reviewer, if you read carefully (and please don't skim this book!), you will find hints of Tarquin's enlightenment and recognition of his true feelings for Sybil sprinkled throughout the story. I would recommend this book highly--it is definitely a keeper.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best romance stories written, November 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Best Laid Schemes (Regency Romance) (Mass Market Paperback)

After reading many regency novels - this one has it all; its entertaining and witty - no skimming please; if you do you may miss the wit in the language and the subtle nuances in the plot; our heroine is not stupid miss but one who is calm and able to repond to all manners of challenges; for once, the male is the one who is put in a difficult light - but made more human and lovable; a must read for jaded readers who are tired of simple plots and boring language

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful farce about a stuff shirt, May 20, 2000

By 

Anne M. Marble "Anne" (MD, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Best Laid Schemes (Regency Romance) (Mass Market Paperback)

If you love seeing stuffed shirt heroes get their comeuppance, this is the book for you. Tarquin thinks he can pick his bride just as carefully as he might select the menu for an event. Naturally, nothing goes as he plans.

Sibly is the unexpected guest -- the guest he really doesn't want -- and of course, the woman he really needs in his life. It doesn't take Tarquin long to figure out he would be crazy to marry any of his "perfect" brides, no matter how much planning went into their selection. It takes him a little longer to admit that the best choice has been in front of him all along.

The would-be brides add much of the humor -- but the funniest moments come from Tarquin's reactions to the chaos.

Though this is a farce, don't let that keep you away. There are also lots of passages of subtle humor. Now that I think about it, I might reread this shortly...

Anne M. Marble Reviewer, All About Romance