Customer Reviews

The Incomparable Miss Compton (Zebra Regency Romance)

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Sarah Compton has spent most of her adult life taking care of her younger cousin, Persephone Compton, and running her aunt and uncle's home. An orphan, with little money and passable good looks, she has more or less carved out a niche for herself in her relatives' household by being responsible and dependable. And when Sarah's aunt finds herself unable to chaperone her daughter for her London Season, the responsibility naturally falls on Sarah's capable shoulders. However, Sarah is beginning to find this Season to be a rather trying one. Persephone is a very beautiful but rather spoilt and willful young lady, who has gained the reputation of being not only the Season's 'Incomparable' but also very exacting -- the number of marriage proposals that she has turned down for the most trivial of reasons, is giving even tempered Sarah headaches! And then Persephone sets her sights on the politically active and suave Lord Malcolm Breckonridge. Sarah is sure that the two will not suit, but can she persuade either party of this fact?

Lord Malcolm Breckonridge needs a wife. But not just any wife. He needs one that can run a household efficiently, and who was intelligent and sensible. And while Persephone Compton, beautiful though she is, does not fit his needs, Sarah Compton does. And so Breckonridge begins his courtship of Sarah, but in such a guarded manner that neither of the two ladies is sure which one of them it is that he is courting. Perspehone wants Breckonridge solely to augment her position in society, while Sarah is finding herself completely susceptible to Breckonridge's charms. However, she is looking for a love match, while Breckonridge is for a competent housekeeper. Will Sarah be able to persuade Breckonridge that what he is actually looking for is love?

I enjoyed reading "The Incomparable Miss Compton." Sarah Compton is the kind of young woman that would usually be fitted up in the 'best friend of the beautiful heroine' role, and which no one but myself seems to find really interesting. So it was a real treat for me to find such a character in the leading role, and for the charismatic and dashing Breckonridge to realise that Sarah is a real gem, and that she is more than worthy of his attention and love. The characters are rather well developed, and it was nice to come across characters from previous Regina Scott novels again, such as Anne & Chas Prestwick for "The Unflappable Miss Fairchild." The novel unfolded smoothly, and everything was resolved in a satisfactory manner.

"The Incomparable Miss Compton" was a rather fun and satisfying read for me. And one that I would have no hesitation in recommending.

This is an unconventional Regency romance! It's quite refreshing to read about a hero who isn't a rake and I can't gush enough about a shy heroine! She is very natural and realistic, most of the time. She gets a little annoying in the middle of the novel, for which I have to shave off a few points from my rating. Malcolm is an unusual hero. He knows what he wants and goes after it, yet he can't understand his feelings which is a little strange but it works within the framework of the story. Persey is a stereotypical spoiled teenage girl and her character development seems unrealistic within the time frame of the story. It's great to see Chas and Anne again and find out how they're dealing with the changes in their lives from their book. They're still funny and a lovely couple. The climax of the story is a bit unnecessary and silly but the romantic ending is so sweet it will make you squeal "Awww!" I loved this story so much and really really appreciate the fact that the heroine is shy and intelligent.