What can I say? If I like a restaurant, I go back. Many, many times. So it is with authors. And Barbara Metzger is like my favorite New Jersey diner; I know exactly what's on the menu.
In A Perfect Gentleman, Ms. Metzger finds the winning recipe once again as she matches up a poor but well-meaning, services-to-let peer with a headstrong heiress in charge of the family business. Aubrey, Viscount Wellstone ("Stony" to his friends), is barely keeping it together, his father having gambled away the family fortune, leaving Stony several crumbling family homes, a spendthrift young stepmother and a pile of debt. Fortunately, Wellstone is nothing if not pragmatic and has managed to find a way to acquire some much needed funds; he finds himself self employed as a ladies' escort, sought after by the wealthy men of the Polite World to squire sisters, daughters and wives to events they themselves would rather not attend. Stony, at all times the perfect gentleman, does well in this endeavor until one of his friends, handling the business overflow, compromises a young deb. With his own reputation in shreds, it's back to square one for Wellstone, until a note from Miss Ellianne Kane arrives. Miss Kane is beautiful and rich and needs Stony's services to help solve a very personal mystery.
Coincidently, I like my eggs fried and my heroes flawed. And while I’m not sure how Ellianne takes her eggs, I can tell you that she also appreciates Stony’s shortcomings. Now add in a sense of humor, a sense of honor and a sensuous smile and you have the makings of some very satisfying fare. This book is a fast paced, hilarious romp through Regency London's drawing rooms, ballrooms and morgues. Yes, I did say morgues. And, no, I’m not going to explain. Suffice it to say that the story line holds an element of the macabre, and as Stony will attest, may not be for those with a weak constitution. But don’t let that aspect deter you from experiencing one of the best Barbara Metzger novels I have read so far.
This one is well done.
I have to start reading her books!
ReplyDeleteMe too!
ReplyDeleteFunny you should review a book by this author because I *almost* bought a title by her the other day when I was in Borders. (Borders here have a large Romance section and this author was on the "featured" shelf. ) Anyway, the only reason I didn't buy was because I have such a huge pile of unread books on my "to read" shelf....but I may pop back and purchase now! I see she's won a RITA for previous works. Any of her titles you recommend as a first read?
ReplyDeleteClorinda
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Hi Clorinda...
ReplyDeleteI absolutely loved "An Early Engagement" (see review on the home page)- it is one of her earlier works. Honestly, though, I haven't read anything by Ms. Metzger that I haven't liked...a lot. It's like randomly picking a vacation spot on the globe. I go to the list, close my eyes and point. Then I buy! Please let us know which one you read and what you think of it.
Ok, they didn't have An Early Engagement, so I've bought "Jack of Clubs". It's the 2nd in a series, the first is "Ace of Hearts". I got the 2nd because it just sounded better....usually these books don't need to be read in order (I hope!).
ReplyDeleteI'm in the middle of one at the mo, but I'll try this one next!
Clorinda
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Just to say that I have now read Jacks of Clubs and put a review on my blog.
ReplyDeleteClorinda
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