What I've Read This Week

What I've Read This Week . . .

The Bluestocking on His Knee by Regina Scott -- Regency Romance

Kevin Whattling is close to being thrown in the poor house. The once wealthy handsome Corinthian has paid most of his late younger brother's debts but the bills keep coming. He has only one way to stay out of debtor's prison - marry an heiress. He decides on Miss Eugennia Welch, a wealthy bluestocking. Eugennia likes nothing better than to be studying something but she can't help wishing for a handsome prince to come and marry her. When Kevin announces his intentions, Eugennia is surprised but interested. She agrees to begin a friendship to see whether they would suit and discovers that her heart is telling her something different from her head. Kevin's enemy tries to come between them and it's up to Eugennia to figure out how to stop the villain. She also must decide whether she wants to follow her head or her heart while Kevin hopes desperately that the woman he has come to love will be the bluestocking on his knee. This novel is one of Regina Scott's best. I really liked and identified with Eugennia. Kevin is a little two-dimensional and a bit unlikable for his mercenary ways but as the story progresses, I came to like him better. There is great chemistry between Kevin and Eugennia without their feelings overpowering the story. (There's nothing more than kisses). The plot progresses quickly but is not rushed. My only quibble is that I wish Kevin had talked to Eugennia about Robbie but other than that, I really enjoyed the story. 

Ginny by Jennie Tremaine (Marion Chesney) -- Edwardian romance

Ginny Boggs, a coal merchant's daughter inherits a fortune and an estate from someone she's never met. The relatives of her benefactor Mr. Giles Frayne are angry at being snubbed in favor of someone from the middle-class. His will stipulates that they must stay on at Courtney and help Ginny go on in Society until her marriage. The four relatives are convinced Ginny will be nothing but a uncouth person and are determined to make her life miserable. Ginny arrives in full splendor turning malicious words and intentions on their head. Watching on the sidelines is Ginny's neighbor, Lord Gerald de Fremney. Gerald thinks Ginny is not his type - he prefers modern women like the cool, confident Alicia, but he is extremely physically attracted to Ginny. The more he meets of Ginny, the more he finds himself wondering what is going on in her head and finds it difficult to maintain a physical distance from the young woman who has turned the Kentish countryside upside down. When Ginny fears her life is in danger, why does Gerald feel the need to protect her? This is a screwball comedy similar to Georgette Heyer's The Unknown Ajax. It's typical Marion Chesney style: lighthearted and fun, for the most part. The Edwardians are a bit more racy than their Regency counterparts. There is a love scene but nothing is shown. Roles for women had drastically changed by the time this story is set. This novel presents both modern and old-fashioned women and favors the old-fashioned type. I enjoyed the novel but found it bothersome not to know what was going on in Ginny's head. If you like light novels without much substance and Marion Chesney's Regencies, you'll love this one too.