Author: Georgette Heyer
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Release Date: 2009
Pages: 322
Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis: If you love Bridgerton, you'll love Georgette Heyer.
A fiery debutante. An ill-tempered bachelor. A romance for the ages.
Arabella, the daughter of an impoverished country parson, dreams of a new life in London. But her beauty and charm will only get her so far—and when Arabella embarks on her first London season armed with nothing but a benevolent godmother and her own notoriously short temper, she quickly runs afoul of Robert Beaumaris.
He's the most eligible bachelor of the day, with a personality as strong and combative as hers—and Arabella cannot abide him thinking of her as just another pretty girl after his wealth. So she allows herself to be provoked into a game of deception—one that could have unexpected consequences.
My Review: Arabella is the oldest daughter of a poor clergyman. One day her godmother invites her to partake in the London season of catching a rich husband. On the way to London, she meets the rich Robert Beaumaris. Arabella tells him that she is a rich heiress. Her statement amuses Robert Beaumaris and he helps her find wealthy suitors. However, Arabella only falls for Robert. Could Arabella keep up her sham or is she willing to risk it all to tell the truth?
Arabella was a very charming protagonist. She was very naive, and her naivety caused her to be funny. I loved how Arabella is very caring of her family and wants the best for them. Arabella did have her faults. Occasionally,I found her to be arrogant and selfish. I did like that she was ambitious and wanted to catch a rich husband so she could climb up the social ladder. Therefore, Arabella was quite fun, and I loved reading about her romance with Robert. Initially, Robert was annoying. Gradually, he became worthy of Arabella’s love. Their love eventually became endearing.
Overall, this novel is about love, social class, and ambition. The characters were all likable. There were a few side plots that I thought were unnecessary and detracted from the main plot. I also found the writing to be somewhat simplistic, and the story was very light-hearted! I loved how it was set during Regency England! Arabella was also reminiscent of Jane Austen! It was a nice, cozy romance to read on a lazy summer afternoon! I recommend this novel for fans of Barbara Cartland, Mary Balough, and Mary Jo Putney! Arabella is my first Georgette Heyer romance novel, and it definitely will not be my last!
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
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