The Rules of Gentility (Paperback)

by Janet Mullany (Author)
Key Phrases: dreadful mama, Miss Wellesley-Clegg, Miss Philomena, Inigo Linsley (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
The saga of an Austen-era bachelorette puts the lie to Regency delicacy in this fun romantic spoof by Mullany (Dedication). Miss Philomena Wellesley-Clegg distracts herself from her dwindling list of suitors (those still in the running include a wimpy poet and a dandy with a wandering eye) by shopping for bonnets and gossiping with her married best friend. But when her path crosses with Inigo Linsley, her best friend's rascally brother-in-law, Philly warms to him, even if his kisses make her feel very peculiar indeed. When Inigo proposes a sham engagement to ward off her doofy suitors, she agrees—but only until the end of the social season. In turn, Inigo trusts Philly with the secret of his out-of-wedlock son and the friendship of his former lover, an actress. But some ungentlemanly conduct in a carriage sends Philly on the hunt for a more proper man. Mullany's saucy narrator and bubbly tone won't convert many classic Regency fans, but the combination should entice romance readers who'd otherwise sidestep the flurry of petticoats. (Sept.)
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Product Description

Regency heiress Philomena Wellesley-Clegg has rather strong opinions about men and clothing. As to the former, so far two lords, a viscount, and a mad poet have fallen far short of her expectations. But she is about to meet Inigo Linsley, an unshaven, wickedly handsome man with a scandalous secret. He's nothing she ever dreamed she'd want—why then can she not stop thinking about how he looks in his breeches?

A delightful marriage of Pride and Prejudice with Bridget Jones's Diary, Janet Mullany's The Rules of Gentility transports us to the days before designer shoes, apple martinis, and speed dating—when great bonnets, punch at Almack's, and the marriage mart were in fashion—and captivates us with a winsome heroine who learns that some rules in society are made to be broken.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Avon A (July 31, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061229830
• ISBN-13: 978-0061229831
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #197,843 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Light and fun, April 10, 2008

By	Bookphile (USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

I picked this book up on a whim and found it an enjoyable spoof of a regency romance. The author stated that she was shooting for a sort of Bridget Jones's Diary meets Jane Austen and though I didn't enjoy the book as much as Bridget Jones, I did think it was pretty witty and rather entertaining. The author has a nice ear for funny dialog and the characters were likable. Some of them were stock characters but purposely so and the author put them to good comedic and satirical effect.

My only real gripe with the book is perhaps rather more a personal one: I wasn't really buying Inigo as the ideal mate for Philomena. I would have preferred to see her with Tom. I'm not one for the "irresistible bad boy" and though Inigo does ostensibly mend his ways, I still found him a bit too much on the rake side for him to really win me over.

What surprised me most about this book was that there was more emotional depth and maturity to it than I expected. While it isn't exactly a novel of great psychological depth (and that's not necessarily a gripe either as I'm not exactly a huge fan of novels that make you want to go on Prozac once you've finished them), the author has a nice, light touch. The book is a spoof but there are some real instances of human insight and kindness. For that reason, I'd give it three and a half stars.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars 3 stars, August 5, 2007

By	Amanda Killgore (USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

Philomena Wellesley-Clegg is on the verge of being betrothed to a man she most assuredly does not want to marry when the sinfully handsome Inigo Linsley corners her and proposes an engagement of convenience. They will be secretly betrothed, but not really, thus getting both of their families off their backs, but leaving her free to find another suitor, one she does actually care for and him to find a wealthy, titled heiress. Though she fails to see the logic of his outrageous proposal, she agrees. Neither one counted on arriving at the point where they would want the fake betrothal to be real or that they would feel the need to break it off for the sake of love, but that is only one of the many unexpected things the hapless pair will find taking place in the days to come.

*** Told in a present tense he said/she said fashion, The Rules of Gentility can be somewhat awkward to read at times for stylistic reasons. However, there is a great deal of comedy and even the mildly scandalous aspects are handled with utmost tact and good taste, rendering it a worthwhile read. If you do enjoy Regencies and/or Chick Lit, this is a must read. ***

Amanda Killgore

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars ...too funny, August 9, 2007

By	Margaret - See all my reviews

This book is loaded with humor...almost non-stop slapstick. I enjoy a good laugh as much as the next person--but it was too much of that and little of anything else. More disappointing was the flat romance between Philomena and Inigo.

This book was not for me...I struggled to finish it.