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24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Terrific Regency Read by a Master Wordsmith, June 9, 2006
This review is from: Just One of Those Flings (Signet Eclipse) (Paperback)
For me, reading Candice Hern is oftentimes similar to reading a history book, only one that is going to deliver a much juicier and stimulating version of what goes on behind the staid doors to some of the lofty grand mansions of jolly ole England! Ms. Herns remarkable new trilogy featuring the wealthy `Merry Widows' who choose to remain independent while embracing their newfound freedom to discreetly take lovers and enjoy themselves is proving to be a `treasure trove' of sensual delights!
Beatrice, Lady Somerfield had yet to even think about taking a lover, so busy acting as a chaperone for her very beautiful but headstrong niece whose outrageous flirting at a masquerade ball bears some careful watching. What Beatrice soon became aware of was that someone was intently watching her, and as their eyes met a shiver of awareness ran up her spine. Her masked admirer whisked her away to dance, then to the gardens for a very sensual dance of a different nature that left her shaken but horrified at her lack of control and wanton behavior.
The Marquess of Thayne had returned to England to honor a vow made to his father to marry. Thoroughly captivated by his woodland nymph Artemis he couldn't concentrate on the young ingénues that would make respectable matches for him even Miss Emily Thorkill the Catch of the Season that Beatrice was pushing into his orbit. When Thayne finally discovers that the very proper Lady Somerfield is his Artemis, they are both shaken although their passion for each other cannot be denied they embark on a clandestine love affair. When disaster strikes and their affair comes to light lives are turned upside down and Beatrice who swore never to marry must rethink her vow to never marry again.
*** This reviewer has come to cherish the stories that Ms. Hern puts her indelible stamp on that continue to deliver impressive historical detail as well as providing endearing characters, wit, and charming sensual delights. She puts an uncommon twist to this story with a rare occurrence of a titled lord attracted not to the younger `Diamond of the first water' but to an older beautiful but more accomplished widow. High marks go to the author who was wise enough to fashion the character of Thayne as intelligent and mature enough to make the relationship feel real enough to be believable. The secondary characters all came into play in most convincing supporting roles in providing momentum to further the story into a fast paced read that kept this reviewers interest without having to resort to using a villain or mystery to carry the story. Anyone whose love of a well-written traditional regency with a delicious dose of beautifully inspired sensuality will surely find this a treat not to be missed!
Marilyn Rondeau - RIO, Reviewers International Organization
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8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very Good Romance Centered Novel, August 21, 2006
This review is from: Just One of Those Flings (Signet Eclipse) (Paperback)
If your looking for a regency historical that centers on the romance, this is it. There's no evil-do'ers scheming to keep the couple apart, no mystery, no murder and no kidnapping (that one is slightly debateable). Its hard to imagine that a book could be written and hold the reader without at least some of these ingredients, but Hern manages to do so with very well drawn characters and well written dialogue.
This is the second book of the Merry Widows society (In The Thrill Of The Night was Marianne's book). The ladies get together to talk about their upcoming charity balls and -of course- their lovers or their attempt to get one. Beatrice meets a man at a masquerade and has impromptu sex with him, embarrassed at her behavior, she flees before her identity is revealed. Gabriel, fresh from an eight-year stint in India, is stunned by the beauty and can't get her out of his mind -he vows to find her.
For the first 100 pages, neither know the identity of the other. Beatrice meets Gabriel, who's a very eligible marquis, several times with her niece and is determined to make them a match. When Gabriel realizes that Beatrice was actually the woman at the masquerade, all hell breaks loose. He's determined to have her again, she wants nothing to do with him especially since her obnoxious neice has set her cap on him. Love prevails in the end of course, but there are some interesting twists and turns in between as a result of assumptions and misunderstandings.
If you liked Hern's first Widow book, you'll like this one even better. The prude-like/do-gooder widow of a bishop, Grace is next to be matched up with the most notorious libertine of the ton, Viscount Rochdale.-that sounds very interesting.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful writer!, January 8, 2012
Candice Hern takes a classic romantic situation and makes it fresh and fun. I won't re-explain the story; the synopsis is above. But I love "surprise surprise!" stories, and Ms. Hern plays this one out with a deft hand. The characters are engaging, and I especially connected with Lady Beatrice as an older heroine. I've been collecting Candice Hern's books on my new Kindle, and I'm glad to add this one! I know I'll read it again.
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