Customer Reviews

Lady Whistledown Strikes Back

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I think I may the only person on the planet that's not completely over the moon with this anthology. The stories were nice, different, and rather well written. It's just that as a whole, I found them to be an average good read (3 stars), and I truly was expecting a lot more from this anthology.

All four stories have Lady Neely's dinner party in which Lady Neely's jeweled bracelet is stolen as the common denominator. In Julia Quinn's "The First Kiss," Tillie Howard, meets her dead brother's good friend, Peter Thompson, at the dinner party. Both Tillie and Peter form a bond over their shared grief, and fall in love with each other. But Tillie is an heiress, while Peter is quite penniless. And if that's not enough, Lady Whistledown has named Peter as one of the suspects in the theft. Will Peter be able to clear his name and win Tillie's hand in marriage? I found Ms Quinn's story to be charming and enjoyable. And if it wasn't one of the more stellar stories in the anthology, it wasn't an awful read either. Unlike Mia Ryan's "The Last Temptation" which started off fantastically only to degenerate into awfulness before my eyes. Miss Isabella Martin (Lady Neely's companion) is about to turn thirty, and she's never even been kissed properly yet! But who would have guessed that when Lady Neely sends her over to Lord Roxbury's town house so that Isabella can help him plan a party, that the rake would mistake her for his mistress and give her her first kiss! And what a kiss it is too! But can a paid companion afford to pin her heart and hopes on a rakish lord? I'm not sure if it was because of the language (far too many modern phrases) or the heroine (Isabella)'s tendency to giggle. Giggly heroines have always annoyed me, and Isabella certainly lived up to my expectations. The story wasn't a bad one even if it really wasn't really a story about the crossing of class lines since Isabella was a distant relative of Lady Neely. And perhaps if Isabella hadn't giggled her way from start to finish I might have been charmed too.

On the other hand I really enjoyed Suzanne Enoch's "The Best of Both Worlds." It is true that the ending was a bit abrupt, but this is one story that rather captured my fancy, and I was really pleased when the happily ever-after for this hero & heroine was achieved. Charlotte Birling's parents expect to marry the staid and respectable young man that they have chosen for her. Except that Charlotte has fallen in love with the rakish Lord Maxton, and wonder of wonders, he;s in love with her too! Can Charlotte persuade her parents to relent, or will she be doomed to marry where she doesn't love? "The Best of Both Worlds" had the poignancy and urgency necessary to make a story a good read. I only wished that the story could have been developed more so that the ending was not so abrupt.

The last story in the anthology is different from the previous three in that it features an estranged couple, Max and Sophia. In Karen Hawkins' "The Only One for ME" Max and Sophia had separated many years ago due a a big misunderstanding -- he had been accused of cheating at cards, and Sophia instead of believing in him, had believed the accusers. After years of separation, anger and bitterness, Sophia has finally decided to end her marriage by asking for an annulment. But does she truly want it? This is the question that confronts her when Max finally comes home to face her. And then Lady Neely's bracelet is stolen, and people being to look sideways at Max again. Except this time, Sophia is determined to prove her faith in her estranged husband by unmasking the real thief herself... The most developed character and emotion-wise, my only quibble with this story was that I was unable to understand Sophia's anger towards Max. So he left her; it would have been difficult to stay with a wife who thinks that you are a cheat. And why didn't the ninny go to her husband and ask his forgiveness once the truth was out, for goodness sake?! On the other hand Karen Hawkins' tale, along with Suzanne Enoch's, were the only really cathartic ones in this anthology. Both stories rated about 4 stars in my opinion, and were what made reading this anthology worthwhile.

On the whole, "Lady Whistledown Strikes Back" was a good 3 star read. The stories were nice and well written. They may not have been stellar examples of the four authours' usual efforts, but put together, this anthology would definitely yeild a few hours of pleasurable reading.

FIRST KISS, THE - Julia Quinn - Peter Thompson is home from Waterloo, one of the fortunate to survive and wants nothing more than to settle down with a biddable wife on a small farm somewhere. His prospects are not that good, being the second son of a minor baron, he is in London to find a suitable bride with a relatively good dowry. As it happens he is at the most sought after dinner party put on by Lady Greely, he comes face to face with Lady Mathilde `Tilly' Howard, sister of his best friend Harry who didn't survive. He knew by her close resemblance to Harry who she was without being introduced, but more than that he was attracted by her sincere and sweet manner. Knowing that she was daughter of an Earl and an heiress to boot he knew he'd have to look elsewhere or be labeled a fortune hunter. Tilly attracted as she was by this handsome, intelligent and honorable hunk thought to change his mind! Totally charming, very cute and funny - 5*

The LAST TEMPTATION - Mia Ryan --- Isabella `Bella' Martin has been Lady Greely's companion and party planner for the last ten years and has been quite adept at hiding in the shadows. A spinster fast approaching her 30th birthday and never been kissed which she vows to change before that fateful birthday. Lord Anthony Roxbury, 37 and heir to the Earldom has no intention to marry in spite of the weekly sessions with his father continually stressing the reasons why it is his duty to marry and procreate. Having too much fun it is the last thing on his mind until he mistakes Bella for one of his assignations and she not only gets a kiss but a relatively nice grope before she shockingly rears back and almost breaks his nose. Through the blood and the apologies, Anthony discovers that this very self deprecating spinster is a breath of fresh air and decides he must see more (and more) of her. Wonderfully romantic - 5*
The BEST OF BOTH WORLDS - Suzanne Enoch --- Charlotte Birling is allowed no chance at all of ever being mentioned in Lady Whistledown's column, ever since she was seven and her cousin had married in haste and then been deserted by Lord Easterly. But a girl could dream and the dream rode by her house every morning on his way to Gentlemen Jacksons. Her dream was the very handsome Earl Xavier Matson who since coming to town was making a name for himself with his womanizing exploits. When Xavier chances to overhear Charlotte at a function standing up against Lady Greely for accusing someone of stealing her bracelet without so much as a shred of evidence, Xavier is intrigued. No. she might have been plaine and she certainly wasn't the type he'd been pursuing in a search for a wife but there was something about her that did kindle his interest - an interest that Lord and Lady Birling were adamant of nipping in the bud. - But alas, we all know that love will win out! - Totally awesome for such a short novella! 5*

The ONLY ONE FOR ME - Karen Hawkins --- Sophia (cousin of Charlotte Birling Throckmorton Hampton, Viscountess Easterly was abandoned by her husband Max, the Viscount Easterly twelve years earlier. Abandoned after she failed to show him support when he was accused of cheating. Max's pride would not allow him to deny what he felt was an insult to his honor. On their brother Richard's deathbed, Sophia and her brother John Throckmorton, Earl of Standwick would discover that Richard was the real culprit who allowed Max to shoulder the blame. After not seeing him for 12 years other than missives from his solicitor, Max showed up at Lady Greely's shocking Sophia. His mere presence was all it took to re-ignite the passion both held for each other. When the blame for the theft of Lady Greely's bracelet threatened to implicate Max, Sophia was determined to discover the real culprit, if only to atone for her lack of faith that caused him to walk away so many years ago - but also - could it be she still cared!!! Sweetly endearing, snappy dialog and a lot of sensual teasing.... 5*

OVERALL - In this sparkling anthology, these marvelous authors all picked up a thread on the mystery of the missing bracelet to blend them all into one full length story with several sub-plots each with its own delightful romance. Although it would be hard to pick my favorite, I think it would be Enoch's story with Charlotte solving the problem of her parents objections of Earl Matson so very cleverly in front of the guests at the ball! This is not to say that they were not all delightful - just my personal favorite! A superior effort by all authors and one I highly recommend. --- Submitted by Marilyn, Official Reviewer for www.historicromancewriters.com ---

Of course that is why we read romance books... sappy is a good thing... But I only gave it 3 stars, because I only liked 2 stories.

Suzanne Enoch and Karen Hawkins were the best of the 4 stories. I usually Love Quinn, but feel the same way as the other reviewer felt...she has been writing different lately. I lost interest in her books, after the story about To Sir Philip, With Love. All her other books were soooooooooooooooooo 5 star good. She needs to rest and recharge her heart. I did enjoy the Lady Whistledown's comments..they are always enjoyable and fun to read...He bought a brown hat ...to match his brown suit yadda yadda yadda...too funny..Mya Ryan is not known to me..but the story was OK enough to look into her other work.

Not a keeper but worth reading. Wish you could read mine, would be free...anyone in SA Texas, I will happily let them read mine .

This collection was wonderful, even (dare I say) more entertaining than the first.

Quinn's Whistledown quips are hysterical, and the three authors working with her meld together perfectly. Though the characters overlap it is never disjointed, and waiting to see how they would work in all the meetings and near-misses becomes half the fun.

Highly reccomended for anyone who's looking for a fun, light-hearted historical romance. Because in this book, you get four!

All of the stories were ok reading but they all lacked one thing (LOVE SCENES). If you like a little spice in your readings these are NOT for you!

I am busy reading my way through the later Bridgerton books and the anthologies. The stories in this anthology center around a mystery (of sorts), which I thought would be interesting. Unfortunately, the mystery did not pan out well.

Of the stories, I liked Julia Quinn's story about Tilly (Lady Mathilda) and her impecunious suitor the best, although the story from Mia Ryan about the party-organizing companion and her suitor was charming in its own way. However, the two later stories - from Suzanne Enoch about, and Karen Hawkins about the estranged couple were less satisfactory, for different reasons.

Quinn's story was a rehash of an old idea (wealthy debutante falling for deceased brother's comrade-in-arms), but was decent. Although I did not feel emotionally involved with either character (and in fact was far more interested in the heroine's parents), it was an acceptable read if entirely forgettable within hours. Grade B-

Mia Ryan's story was rather different. The heroine Isabella Martin reminded me of Loretta Chase's first heroine Isabella, down to the delicious laugh and the position of dependence. I rather liked her unusual abilities, but had to wonder about her social position (was her father really a cobbler? I must have misunderstood this). The interesting heroine and the idea of a Regency-era party planner merit a B. Almost as forgettable as Quinn's story, but rather more original.

Suzanne Enoch's story is both a variation on an old theme (lovers kept apart by relatives) and an unusual idea (the parents are scandal-wary, and want a "safe" i.e. boring match). Since I like unusual plotlines, the idea of parents who oppose an otherwise eligible match was an interesting one. I wanted to read more about the hero and heroine. A full book-length treatment or a longer novella might have allowed the author to explain why these scandal-averse parents allowed the elder daughter (supposedly betrothed since early childhood) to have come out in society before she was married off; the start and the end of the story give very different impressions. I felt as if I was left hanging at several other points. Enoch story - Grade C+

Hawkin's story was the most disappointing. I had to nitpick on historical details. For example, an annulment would hardly have been possible for the couple, unless they were closely related or had been married by force. Thus, talk of an annulment made little sense. Furthermore, the whole story reminded me of Heyer's The Black Moth without the scene-stealing villain. The reasons for concealing the real cheat's identity were not given (apart from family pride, I suppose). And, prior to major changes in the late Victorian era, a husband had considerable rights over his wife's person and fortune (limited only by fear of "what people might say"). This story barely hung together thanks to obsessive lusting. Hawkins story - Grade D-.

The real problem with this anthology was in the overall premise of the story, that the hostess's bracelet had been stolen or mislaid at a dinner party. What was unbelievable to me were the subsequent developments. A society hostess accusing her guests of stealing jewelry was not likely to find herself popular. If she went around saying that a specific guest may have stolen the item in question, she was laying herself open to a charge of slander - if the character had cared enough. (In fact, more than one character points this out). Finally, the resolution of the mystery made very little sense to me, even though I had correctly identified the thief. I had hoped that the resolution would have played a bigger role in the plots of all four stories.

In short, this anthology was based on an interesting idea, but it was not carried through. I haven't read enough of Quinn's short stories to be able to judge her skills in that department, and I certainly have not read enough of the other authors. This anthology may satisfy many readers, but as someone who reads mysteries as well as romances, I found it sadly wanting. A pity, really.

Overall grade - C (downgraded by unlikely premise in last story, as well as weak mystery).
Written 9 Jan 2006 by "bookjunkiereviews"

Someone gave me this foo foo book. I never read Regency stories but needed a change after a really serious read. I found it delightful. 4 different authors; 4 stories intertwined and nicely done. My very favorite was the last, where Sophia's husband returns after 12 years. A bit of a stretch, but it could happen. It was a light and delightful read! Everyone lived happily ever after!!!!!! Mission accomplished. :D

While I am not usually an anthology reader, I confess that I am addicted to Lady Whistledown, and thus had to read this book. And I was not disappointed, though it seems other reviewers were.

Each story in the anthology centers around a couple that were present at Lady Neely's dinner, at which her ruby bracelet went missing. Each couple is different, as our their love stories circumstances, but all are the sort you want to know more about. What I found most enjoyable was how the different authors wove their stories together. The same scenes are in different stories, from different characters' viewpoints. I found this to make the whole book work as a whole, as it truly became one novel-length story, but about several different couples.

For me, I especially enjoyed the stories by Julia Quinn and Mia Ryan, though I had fun reading all of them. Those two just stuck out a bit to me.

If you are a Regency fan, and enjoy peeks into the world of the era's ton, you should enjoy this rollicking romance anthology!

I can't believe Lady Whistledown really wrote all those mean comments. For heavens sake! I don't think it's in the character's nature (I know who Whistledown is). She actually accused people without knowing all the facts. The only saving grace for this book is that I liked some of the stories. And does Miss Martin really have to keep on giggling? (not laughing, I can understand laughter but giggling throughout the story? No. I positively don't get what's so funny)

Lady Whistledown Strikes Back is for the most part a well written collection of stories. My main quibble is that the stories were not developed as much as I wanted - but that is to be expected in short stories.

The first story, Julia Quinn's, begins at Lady Neely's dinner party where Lady N's ruby bracelete gets stolen. This is the thread that twines the stories together as all four of the couples are somehow linked to the bracelet. As such, it is probably best to read the stories in order so as not to spoil the ending.

I bought the book mostly because I like Julia Quinn. Her story of a girl falling in love with her dead brother's best friend was entirely believable and surprisingly well developed for such a short story. (I do have to say that I noticed a trend of dead brothers in this anthology, a fact which I find slightly disconcerting)

The second story (by Mia Ryan) is the reason I knocked a star off the total. Her story about an earl falling in love with his party planner felt forced and cliched. Every time something implausible happened (approx every 30 seconds) I would groan and bang my hand against the wall. Needless to say by the end my neighbors were quite annoyed with me. Let me give an example from the book: during one of their meetings the heroine tells the earl that she knew from their first meeting that he was a perfect gentleman (never mind that on their first meeting the earl had mistaken her for his paramour - who was conveniently forgotten during the rest of the story - and basically fondled her behind and kissed her). But it wasn't all bad - Lady W's commentary provided some much needed entertainment.

The third story was a surprising gem (considering I hadn't read anything of Enoch's before), possibly my favorite. A proper girl falls in love with a man her parents dissaprove of, forcing them to court in secret. Wonderfully written, although I would have liked a little more closure.

The final story was of a different formula than the first three (in which rake met girl of dreams and had a miraculous reformation of character). A viscount returns home to his wife, after 12 years away, after she writes demanding an annulment. Very humorous and full of the witty banter one expects from Karen Hawkins. Unlike the other stories there was even a very likeable secondary character, in the form of the heroine's brother.

The bottom line: It's a well-written anthology worth having on your shelf, but unless you have plenty of spare time you don't mind wasting skip the second story.