Customer Reviews

Dominic

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With a nod and a wink to These Old Shades and The Devil's Cub, Dominic is a charming, witty and well-told tale of two young lovers in Georgian England.

Dominic is the son and heir of the Duke of Lear and is under pressure from his father to begin to take himself a bit more seriously. Dominic is into rakery, gambling, racing, mills and a spot of heavy drinking with his friends. His father (a happily married reformed rake himself) feels that Dominic needs to grow up. His mother is very fond of him and possibly indulges him a bit too much but she does truly adore him (and it's mutual). Dominic has two sisters and, true Georgians, they are NOT at all mealy-mouthed and say what they think - refreshing!

Through a twist of fate, young Sophie finds herself in the care of Dominic one night when she hides near his front door, running away from an abusive home. Masquerading as a young boy, she is a bit of a tomboy (cf Leonie!!) and Dominic tutors her in hunting, shooting and swordplay. Despite his self-perception as a real jack-the-lad, Dominic really is a sweet man, caring and kind but terribly immature. So, when love strikes, he certainly does not know what to do about it or the rush of emotional entanglement that follows. Sophie (aka Jack) likewise is a loving and charming girl but she, too, is unsure about what to do.

Well, as always, love finds a way and with many "alarums and excursions" they ultimately find true happiness but the way is not straightforward and there are lots of fun diversions.

This is a very promising author with a sure touch for those of you who like the traditional type of regency, particularly those that follow the path set out by the great Georgette Heyer. There is a related follow-on to this book and I will try to review it shortly. Highly recommended for a few hours of blissful escape.

I read a copy of Dominic by Hazel Statham and found it to be simply excellent!!! Her use of the mannerisms and styles of dress in that era are very well done! As I was reading, I felt as I were in the same room watching it all unfold. Pick up a copy of Dominic from here or ask for it at your local bookstore!!

Hazel Statham's new historical romance has everything that makes a reader want to keep turning pages to find what exciting things are going to happen to our hero and heroine next. Of course, we all know that there is going to be a happy ending, but the way she gets us there will make us want to draw a warm bubble bath and relax with candles, a glass of wine, and Dominic.

Though I have never been to England, Dominic takes me on a tour of the countryside in his time through Mrs. Statham's descriptive writing. It has all the components of a good historical novel, but with a new and exciting plot. I like it so much that I ordered one for my sister also.

I can't wait to see Mrs. Statham's next novel.

This is a lovely pre/early Regency Romance set in 1776 that reminded me of the writings of Georgette Heyer. The tone and style are authentic to the time period with wonderful descriptions of the settings, clothes and activities.

Dominic is a 24 year old Earl who is living wild, and losing heavily at the gaming tables. One evening he stumbles to his bachelor home to find a beaten young urchin at his door. He first thinks the "boy" is a thief but, realizing it is a girl, he thinks perhaps she is a light skirt. After she defends herself, he is able to get her to explain that she has run away from her brother who promised her to a man as a gambling debt. Before Dominic can help her, "Jack" slips away and he puts her out of his mind. The first third of the story develops the arrogant character of Dominic and the troubles that send him to the country.

I really like Sophie's naive, but feisty and brave character. Dominic first meets her alone on the streets posing as a boy. Then Dominic meets her again in the country as a young lady at a country dance, although he doesn't immediately recognize her. Again she masquerades as the boy "Jack" to enjoy the freedom of outdoors and riding. She convinces Dominic to teach her to shoot and fence. This leads to a close and warm friendship between them.

Dominic's best friend becomes enamored of the vibrant Sophie, creating a love triangle that embroils them in trouble. Sophie is infatuated with Dominic but she knows he is not interested in marriage which is being pushed upon him by his father. Nor will Sophie let her Aunt finagle or trap Dominic into marrying her.

The story includes horses, action, misunderstandings and witty dialogue that makes it fun and engaging. If you like Regency and especially the Georgette Heyer feel, you will love this book.

When Dominic, the reckless young Marquis of Vale, finds a young boy lurking on his doorstep, he is intrigued to discover the waif is actually a girl in disguise. When he sees her bruises and learns she has run away from a tyrannical brother, he offers to place her under his mother's protection. But Sophie fears his mother won't believe her story, and is unwilling to be beholden to a stranger.

Fate once more brings Dominic and Sophie together and the confirmed rake is unaccountably taken with this artless girl who loves to dress as a boy. But Dominic has never let a woman near his heart, and he's not about to change now.

Ms Statham has penned a lively Regency romp with shades of Georgette Heyer. It is an entertaining read with plenty of period atmosphere and numerous obstacles to be overcome by the hero and heroine before they can find true love. I thoroughly recommend this story to anyone who enjoys Regency romances.

Heather Garside

Author of The Cornstalk and A Hidden Legacy

The Cornstalk

I bought Hazel Stathman's novel Dominic and what a treasure it is! Oh the places and era of the time are simply brought to life through her words!! Even so the style of the speech simply takes me to the time when ladies were dressed in fine gowns and the men in breeches and tri cone hats! It is like she was there herself watching this story unfold and presenting it all for our reading pleasure!!