5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book, October 21, 2000
Phoebe Smith has been working as a governess for the the three orphaned Deveralls for three years and she is at her wits end. Not only are her charges way past the age where they need a governess but they are also absolute hellions. Not knowing what else to do Phoebe travels to London to make sure that Sebastian Deverall, take responsibility for his wards. If he does not agree she intends to quit in order to force his hand. This is easier said then done however and after much rangeling Sebastian agrees to take responsibilty for his nieces and nephew only if Phoebe stays on as their companion. The main charecters are amazingly fleshed out for a regency of this length as are the supporting charectors and the story line. It was a wonderful read. I enjoyed it as much at this reading as I did when I read it when it was first published three years ago. Unfortunatly I did not realize that it was a reprint when I picked it up. While it says here on Amazon that this is a "Readers Choice" i.e. reprint, it does not say it anywhere else on the book. It is worth a second read but be aware that it is not a new book.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An engaging romp . . ., December 17, 2000
Ten years ago, Harlequin was one of the major Regency publishers. Lately, they've taken to re-issuing books under the Harlequin label that were originally published in England by Mills & Boon. As a devoted reader of Regency novels, I for one, am delighted. If they're all as well-done as this book, there is only one word that will suffice--hoorah!
Phoebe Smith is a governess, although not quite in the usual mold. Her three teen-aged charges have managed to drive away all the previous caretakers, and when their guardian, the Baron Sebastian Deverell, returns from India where he's made a fortune or two for himself, she decides to appeal to his better nature for guidance.
Of course, he doesn't think he has one, but he certainly does appreciate Miss Smith, although not quite in the way she wishes he would.
This book is quite Heyer-like in its humor and adventurous episodes. There is more sexual tension than Heyer usually employed, but it's not heavy-handed, more of the bewildered variety, as Sebastian and Phoebe struggle with emotions neither was quite aware of before their initial meeting.
The Deverell siblings--Gerald, Theodosia and Cressida (the latter two are twins) are lively and prone to excapades in the company of each other or various friends and relatives. The secondary cast of characters are well-drawn, with their own sub-plots, one of the many advantages of a longer book, which does, of course, make for a more substantial reading experience. I look forward with great anticipation to more books--from Julia Byrne, and Harleqin Regency.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
My Most Favorite Book, December 3, 2007
I'm sorry, but Julia's regency books are the best! Subtle and witty. Each paragraph is written with luscious cadence and imagery. I wish more writers had this skill. Most writers insist on a painful blow by blow of the characters day, and constant recaps of their motivations. You will not want to miss one word from this author. Heroines have wit, drive, witless attraction to tall commanding heroes (I know the feeling), and most important... humor. Miss Smith, Ravendeens Bride, and An Independent Lady are never far from hand as they make delightful re-reads.
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