Synopsis: Something is very wrong, and the Honourable Christopher “Kit” Fancot can sense it. Kit returns to London on leave from the diplomatic service to find that his twin brother Evelyn has disappeared and his extravagant mother’s debts have mounted alarmingly.
The Fancot family’s fortunes are riding on Evelyn’s marriage to the self-possessed Cressy Stavely, and her formidable grandmother’s approval of the match. If Evelyn fails to meet the Dowager Lady Stavely in a few days as planned, the betrothal could be off.
When the incorrigible Lady Fancot persuades her son to impersonate his twin (just for one night, she promises) the masquerade sets off a tangled sequence of events that engage Kit’s heart far more deeply than heād ever anticipated with his brother’s fiancee who might know much more about what’s going on than she cares to reveal…
Review: Sally MacKenzie told me that Georgette Heyer was one of her favorite authors and it’s true that when I found out a new release for her books, I was immediately intrigued. Iāve only read one book by her and I liked but without being blown away I confess. I was therefore curious to see how this one would be. Yet again, I have the same feeling for this book. It’s not that it is not good, because the story is very enjoyable to read, but I expected a little more, to be carried away by the whole thing.
The Fancot family has within it two twins, two boys who look very similar but who are nevertheless very different. While Evelyn one of the brother disappears after asking the hand of a young girl from a good family, his brother, Kit, is forced to take his place time when he comes back. But pretending to be someone else is not something he likes and he hopes with all his heart that Evelyn will return quickly to change all that. The story is also complicated when he is required to meet the new bride Cressy, because Kit falls under the spell of the young woman. He does not really know then what to do, to break their wedding, develop feelings, leave the city? But whatever his wishes, nothing will happen as planned.
In addition to the story of the romance, if somewhat banal and without too many surprises, we also have the chance to meet the mother of two boys. I admit that Lady Denville is a completely wacky character. She lives in her own world without really realizing the consequences of her actions. Having spent years accumulating debt, she now realizes that some may ask for a refund, something that the lady can not do. She brings a real touch of freshness to the story, her conversations are always funny and lively. I admit that I was very curious to see how she would be able to solve her problems, as well as to learn what had finally happened to Evelyn.
To conclude, it was a good book, easy to read without being extraordinary or original. But I had a good time with the family.
Ā
Madiha @ Symphony of Words
Aw, I always liked historical romances, at least if not for the swoon factor, then for the originality that they possess.
I’m sorry to hear this one didn’t factor into one of those fun extraordinary reads you were looking for, but nonetheless I’m happy you enjoyed the rest.
Pretty great review š
Melliane
yeah this one was just ok I think.
Jennifer Bielman @ Bad Bird Reads
I know what you mean with “more” sometimes we just have higher expectation for books.
Melliane
it’s difficult when it’s not up.
Joy (Joyousreads)
I’ve always wanted to try one of her books. I do like the sound of this one, but I’m not too enthused that you didn’t enjoy it as much as you’d hoped.
Melliane
maybe another one?
Carmel @ Rabid Reads
There’s a reader for every book, and obviously this one was more up Sally’s alley than yours. That cover does absolutely nothing for me, and overall it sounds like this story lacked a wow factor which just makes it kinda ordinary. At least you gave it a shot which is more than I’m going to do!
Melliane
lol the French cover was a little better for that
Lupdilup
I have to agree with Carmel š That cover doesn’t inspire any feelings of must have – I don’t need a man in a kilt on every cover…hehe…Yes I do! ..Just kidding! Really! But I do like a better looking cover that doesn’t look like is really from two eras ago..
The story sounds interesting, but I totally understand your feeling, sometimes even good stories and well written books don’t hit us the right way to blow us away.
Thank you Melliane š
Melliane
I’m glad I didn’t have this version. But I agree for this one.
Jenny @ Supernatural Snark
I need books like this in my life – ones that don’t necessarily blow me away, but keep me entertained throughout. Books that are just fun:) Glad this was that kind of read for you!
Melliane
sometimes it’s nice you’re right.
Braine
Yay for switching it up! I’ve been on a multi genre read lately myself & although the last couple of books I read sucked, it still have me that much needed break from the otherworldly.
Melliane
it’s nice to change from time to time like that. Plus I love different genres even if it’s more UF
Livia @ Butterfly-o-Meter Books
I find current romance has somewhat ruined the more classic-like romance stories, with the historical feel, slower pace of events and less action somehow, or less excitement or something. It’s tougher to get excited about the “old-school” romance writing, I find. Maybe something like that happened for you as well?
I’d want to read about Lady Denville, lol, she sounds like a riot and totally the kind of character who’d spice up stuff. I’m happy you had a good time reading it, even if it wasn’t extraordinary.
Melliane
Mayve it’s the reason why it didn’t work that well you’re right. I didn’t think of that, but it’s a good point to note.
Yes she was awesome!
Maja (The Nocturnal Library)
I’ve heard of this author, but this honestly doesn’t sound like something I would willingly pick up. I don’t much read historical and the lack of originality would surely bother me, but I do love stories about family.
kindlemom1
Even though this didn’t jump out and scream wonderful to you, it is nice to have these easy laid back reads every now and then.
Sarah @ One Curvy Blogger
I used to eat historical romance up all day every day. I need to get back into them… I believe I read a few of Heyes, but I’m not sure if that is true or not. Glad to gear you enjoyed it, even though it wasn’t as good as you pictured it to be. š
Melissa (Books and Things)
Curious about Lady Denville. š Sounds like a sweet book. I do have a few of her books on my tbr but I think I may add this one.
blodeuedd
The ones I read were enjoyably š But..something was lost in time
kimbacaffeinate
It’s hard when an author resonates so clearly with a friend and you don’t get the same kind of high they do. This doesn’t sound bad, and what a supportive friend you are.
LilyElement
I don’t think I’ve heard of this author before. I hate when that happens, a friend recommends something and you aren’t as wowed by it as she was. Hope your next read is a 5* š
anna (herding cats & burning soup)
I just bought my first one by her. I ended up with an audible account and they were having a buy one get one free deal and I liked the narrators voice. lol I’m a wee bit nervous about trying it I’ll confess.
Kirsty-Marie Jones
Haha, but I love wacky characters, though not ones like that, because really, I don’t have patience for things people bring on themselves, you know? But at least she made it fun. š
Molly Mortensen
Somehow I didn’t realize from the summary that this was a twin impersonation book. I’m sorry to hear that this book was just okay.