Published by Arrow
Publication date - 22 July 2021
Source - review copy
Endowed with rank, wealth and elegance, Sylvester, Duke of Salford, is ready to find a bride.
His pursuit of a partner sets him on course to Phoebe Marlow, a young lady who is far more concerned with riding than sewing or beautiful clothes.
With Phoebe struggling to meet her family's demands of gentility and poise, a potential match with Sylvester is exceedingly advantageous. So, it is very intriguing indeed when a visit from her potential suitor causes Phoebe to flee her home.
When the pair meet again and an unexpected adventure ensues, Sylvester comes to realise that there is much more to Phoebe than her reputation affords . . .
Sylvester, Duke of Salford has decided it's time he found a wife. He's narrowed it down to five of the most eligible young society ladies and adds Phoebe Marlow to the list. But Phoebe doesn't want to marry Sylvester. When she runs away, Sylvester finds himself helping her, with both now determined that no marriage will take place.
Phoebe is not fooled by Sylvester's outward appearance. His manners are not lacking, he has too good a breeding for that, but she finds them superficial, good manners for the sake of propriety rather than because he enjoys the company he finds himself in, or because he feels he should be polite.
Sylvester finds himself determined to woo Phoebe to then reject her, to teach her some humility without realising such actions affect his own.
When Sylvester aids Phoebe and her friend Tom, who became injured in an accident when aiding Phoebe's escape, he comes to see there is more to her than a plain, quiet girl. He comes to relish her independence and her way of not falling for his usual charms. She challenges him, and he her. She has no desire to impress him so is her true self, which he comes to respect and admire. He's used to getting what he wants and having people be reserved with him. Phoebe challenges that.
Then society find out Phoebe is the author of a book that pokes gentle fun at people she has met. And which happens to use Sylvester as inspiration for the main villain. What follows is an accidental trip to France and time for Sylvester to realise how he is seen in public, and what he wants from a wife.
There is something about a Georgette Heyer novel that draws the reader in, a comfortable world awaits on the pages, where adventure and mishaps and love will follow. Each time I read one I think be found a new favourite, and then I read another.
It could be classed as Austen fan fiction but or Bridgerton before Julia Quinn picked up a pen. I class it as fun, comforting and highly entertaining.
Luckily I have more of hers to read on my shelves.
You can buy a copy of the book here.
(This is an affiliate link. You can also purchase Sylvester from your local independent bookshop.)
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