I love Georgette Heyer, and it's no surprise that I loved Cotillion. I wouldn't have bothered to write a review except that it occurred to me that Freddy is the quintessential male of my parents' generation. He's a simple soul, wanting only his creature comforts and a life regulated by the precepts that he knows are right. His Kitty is perhaps more complex, but she needs him because his precepts are built on a more complete knowledge of the world than hers, and because he is dependable, and most of all because he loves her.
I also found the first half to lag a bit, but was swept away enjoyably after that to the end. Floreant Freddy and Kit! ( )

As always, Georgette nails her period and makes me want to invest time with her characters. ( )

Basic Reason for Beginning: Well, I'd been hearing about Heyer across the blogosphere for a while and finally decided to buy a book. This sounded like it might be a good, fun introduction, so I bought it. And then I decided to read it as my 'Alternate with coursework' book because it sounded like a light romp of romantic fun.
Basic Reason for Finishing: It's exactly what it sounds. A light, fun read.
Texture: Silky? (I'm sorry, I read most of it over the course of last week and the week before and now that I've finally returned to it, I have a cold. I'm just glad I managed following the main line.

Full review here

Book Rereadability: You know, I'm not sure I'm a romance rereader, but... I know very little of the Regency period. It'd be fun to reread it with some more knowledge of the period in my head and see how much more I pick up.
Author Rereadability: Oh, yes. I will definitely want to read more of Heyer's works. She's one of those authors that shows me just why I want to wing out of fantasy reading some more. I'd never have encountered this otherwise.
Recommendation: Urk. And here you put me in a bind. I'd say anyone with an interested in historical romances would do well to pick this up, but they're likely the people who're already aware of the book's existence and, anyway, I don't know how well it stands up to others. I think it would make a neat introduction into the genre if you enjoy romances, though. (I can't, consciously, say it's my first brush with it, but I can say it's my first brush with historical romance set in this time period.) If that makes sense. ( )

Delightful. I loved it.

Freddy was the most unlikeliest of heroes and I loved seeing his character progress gradually throughout the book.

And Dolphinton was such a kick in the head! What a nut. ( )

******SPOILERS, but nothing unexpected for a Heyer romance***********

There is something peculiarly satisfying about this book, in which Heyer puts her usual hero types into the background and brings her usual comic-relief Tulip to the foreground as an unexpected hero.

Kind-hearted man-about-town Freddie, who agrees to fake an engagement to his cousin Kitty (previously inaccurated rendered by me as Kate) so that she can enjoy a month in London (and make the man she really loves jealous), is like Bertie Wooster transported to the Regency era. Or, at least, everyone who knows him thinks he's Woosterish, including his sardonic father and the dashing object of Kitty's affections. Both of these men are the sorts of characters Heyer more usually casts as her heroes, and it is in the subverting of the expectations of the genre that Heyer has her triumph in "Cotillion." Freddie isn't stupid. It's just that he never has much of anything to think about, so he doesn't. Think, that is. But when he has a problem to solve, he has the knowledge of his social world and the people in it to figure things out. And he is surprisingly hard to bully.

One of the pleasures of "Cotillion" is that we see exactly why Freddie begins to take his engagement to Kitty seriously, and we see exactly why she comes to appreciate him. He not only has address; he is steadfast. Papageno gets his Papagena, and the cotillion of love confirms the Shakespearian dictum that man is a giddy thing. Indeed, Heyer leads her pairs of lovers through the dance with an almost Shakespearian grace.

I will add that my favorite secondary character is Freddie's father, the most suavely sinister and hilariously unflappable parent since Justin, the Duke of Avon. I sometimes do a mental casting of Heyer's books as movies, and Freddie's father is definitely a Christopher Plummer role.

This is a difficult one to rate; the first half was so silly and so boring I almost started skimming. It reads like third-drawer Wodehouse; I love Wodehouse, but Heyer wasn't witty enough to pull it off.

Now, the second half of the book was a great improvement - the barest hints of the romance begin to manifest, and the plot takes on some urgency.

The last few chapters were marvellous, and I was entirely on their side by the last. If she could have sustained that quality through the entire book, it would be a five star rating above. If I had stopped reading halfway through, I would have given it two stars at best. ( )

I came to Cotillion with all the air of one giving an author a second chance, and so I was. I had previously tried Georgette Heyer's Lady of Quality, but didn't find it congenial. The characters seemed too modern for their setting, and I think my expectations had been too high (someone had recommended Heyer to fans of Jane Austen). Fortunately, I bumped into another Heyer fan, and asked the question that had been bothering me since I dropped Lady of Quality: Why do so many readers praise Heyer to the skies? The answer was simple; I'd started with the wrong book. This blessed fan gave me a list of good titles to start with, and Cotillion was mentioned. When I saw it on audiobook at the library, I decided to give it a try, and I'm thrilled that I did.

This is the story of Kitty Charing, the young ward of miserly old Mr. Penicuik. Mr. Penicuik has five great-nephews, and wants Kitty to marry his favorite Jack Westruther, the dashing man of the town. To ensure this, Mr. Pennycook decides to leave all his money to Kitty only on condition that she marry one of his great-nephews. Kitty, who has lived a sheltered life in the country, is in love with Jack, but Jack flouts his great-uncle's summons and leaves Kitty to receive offers from the other cousins. This simply will not serve; Lord Dolphinton is a dolt, albeit a very lovable and funny dolt. Hugh is an austere and strict rector. George is already married. Claude is in the army and can't come. And Freddie, stolid and fastidious, is like a brother to Kitty. Jack is the one she really wants, but how is he to be got?

Kitty convinces Freddie to offer for her so that she can go to London under a sham engagement. Freddie is very reluctant to do this, but Kitty's tears soon convince him. The two set off for London, where Kitty will enjoy all the delights — and complications — of her first season. From the first she gets mixed up in all kinds of little imbroglios, all in service of her friends. We get a very good picture of London society at that time, and not just the proper parts. I don't mean that Heyer indulges in Harlequin-romance style descriptions, not at all. The tone of the narrative is always proper and refined, and Kitty shows scruples that would be fitting for an Austen heroine. It's just that we learn a little of the possible fate of impoverished beauties who have no fortune or connections to recommend them for a good match.

The final chapter is, in a word, satisfying. At one point I actually clapped my hands with glee over what happens. It's just that good! I don't want to give it away, so I will be mysterious here, but I will say that the final chapter fulfilled all my hopes for the characters. As the story progressed, I began to suspect that Heyer wasn't going to end it the way I wanted, and it overjoyed me when she did. I have a theory about the title (a cotillion is a French dance) but I think it might be spoilerish, so I won't go into it. Anyhow, the last chapter is so fun that I listened to it twice.

Heyer's humor comes through brilliantly. The character names are delightfully Dickensian (Mr. Penicuik (pronounced "Pennycook"), Mr. Pluckly, Miss Plimstock, "the Fish," etc.) and add to the humorous feel of the story. The comedic aspects are truly enjoyable and reminded me sometimes of P. G. Wodehouse. Heyer is not so laugh-out-loud funny as Wodehouse, and her situations are rarely as absurd, but there is a playful amusement with imbecility and with good old British slang. I have always enjoyed British slang, and Freddie supplies that in rich measure. I love his constant, exasperated "Dash it, Kit!" The dialogue is great, and one of the more effective devices that Heyer uses is to remove the personal pronoun when certain characters are speaking. Instead of saying, "I went to find you," certain characters might say, "Went to find you." Used consistently, it gives the speaker a distinctive voice and translates fantastically to audiobook.

Phyllida Nash does an amazing job of dramatizing the story, and her character voices are superb. I was especially impressed with how she handled the male roles. I'm convinced that her reading greatly influenced my enjoyment of the story, and I thank her for helping me to enjoy Heyer properly for the first time. Overall, this is a most enjoyable story with well-written characters, wonderful humor, and an ending that will make you cheer. Highly recommended! ( )

One of the wonderful things about this book is that the hero isn't a typical Heyer Georgian romance hero. He is beautifully dressed yes, but isn't exceptional, but does have a great deal of common sense. Although the reader really wants Kitty to chose him, its really not certain that she will make the right decision. As always the prose is delightful and fun. Fantastic. ( )

Loved this book! The hero was my favorite character, because he's not exactly romance-novel-hero material...and I thought the plot managed to be pretty original: Kitty Charing must marry one of her guardian's great-nephews in order to inherit his fortune. She's already got an eye on one of the great-nephews, but he doesn't seem to reciprocate her feelings, so she coerces another nephew into a sham engagement in hopes of making the first one jealous. There are plenty of twists and turns to complicate Kitty's plan, and of course she eventually ends up with the right guy for her. As always with Heyer, I can't help but gush.

This is the 2nd book by Heyer which I have read, and I enjoyed it thoroughtly. Kitty is an heiress who is expected to marry one of her cousins. She is a headstrong young woman and refuses the proposals of those cousins who offer for her. She instead asks Freddy, a cousin who is very wealthy, not inclinded to marry, to pose as her betrothed. Which he reluctantly agrees to do. Once in this posture Freddy feels responsible to protected Kitty and helping her resolve all of the skirmishs she gets her self into. This is a very funny book. The language is challenging at times but well worth the effort. ( )

I have never read a Georgette Heyer and I saw this as I was shelving and thought why not? She has been enormously popular for years and there must be some reason. Cotillion was a fun light romp with characters as they should be and a perfect outcome. I doubt if it will convert me to Regency romances, that would require more than a delightful little bit of wonder, but I would not hesitate to suggest it to readers who want something delicious, not taxing and upbeat. ( )

k, fine. I’m probably the only one who things that Georgette Heyer’s Cotillion is the one of too many men. There were just too many male cousins and I kept getting them all confused, except for Freddy and Dolph.

I don’t know why but every time I read a Heyer novel I worry that it’s not going to be good. The only reason that I can think of as to why is because the first one I read was my friend’s favourite and I was kind of worried that the rest wouldn’t be good. And now, while I realize that all the novels I’ve read were good and enjoyable I’m expecting a dud. There’s got to be a total dub in her collection somewhere….right?

Read the rest here. ( )

Cotillion by Georgette Heyer, for me, can be best described as a great 'romp' through a Regency Romance. I loved it!

This was such a fun novel. The novel is mainly centered around Kitty Charing who stands to inherit a fortune if only she'll marry one of her miserable guardian's great-nephews. If she doesn't, she will be left penniless. Her choices are Hugh (much to stuffy), Dolph (sweet but completely dim-witted), Freddy (not to swift either but he surprises us plus he's such a gentleman) and Jack (the handsome and rakish man of the novel).

Kitty has always had a hankering for Jack, since they were children really. However Jack will not be bullied into marrying anyone even if he might acually want to marry them one day. Besides he's much to busy being popular in London with all the young ladies. So Kitty, desperate to get to London, hatches a plan with Freddy. She gets him to agree to pretend to be betrothed to her and take her to London. She does this in the hopes of getting Jack so jealous he'll come after her. So, off they go to London and Kitty is fascinated. She's seeing the sights, dragging poor Freddy with her and getting herself new cloths and meeting lots of new people. However, Kitty being the busy body she is manages to get herself embroiled in many other people's romances on the side and it turns out to be quite funny the lengths she'll go to in the hopes of getting people together. Even funnier is she manages to drag Freddy right along with her. They seem to have minds that work in the same direction on matters such as these, not to mention Freddy didn't have a choice as half the time he was trying to save Kitty from herself.

While I really liked all the characters, Kitty and Freddy stole my heart. They are both sweet and charming characters who were a joy to read about. This novel had me laughing out loud several times which I truthfully didn't expect from a novel such as this. I loved the period detail described throughout the book and the book was very well written. The language more often than not had me laughing. Some examples of sayings I won't soon forget because I'll probably be using them are, 'he or she is queer in their attic' and 'I dashed well can't help you'. It was phrases like these that had me laughing and wanting to keep reading this more than enjoyable story.

While this was my first Georgette Heyer novel, it won't be my last. If you're looking for a fun historical Regency Romance type of book to take you away for a while to another world I would certainly recommend this one. I thouroughly enjoyed it!

Many thanks to Danielle at Source Books for sending me this great read!

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Heyer does it again with this delightful tale of finding love when you least expect it. Young Kitty Charing finds herself in quite a pickle when she learns what her eccentric guardian has in store for her. The mean old goat has put a stipulation in his will that in order for her to inherit his fortune she must marry one of his great-nephews. Say what?! Well, that is just the most absurd thing she has ever heard and she means to take no part in it, except of course, to use it to her advantage.

One of the old goat's great-nephews and prospective suitors, "fashionista" Freddy Standon, joins forces with Kitty to get her out of dodge, so to speak. They fake a betrothal and persuade the eccentric to allow Kitty to stay with Freddy's family in London. She has never been there and is dying to get out of the boring, old house she has been stuck in for years and meet people her own age. What follows is a super cute story that will leave a smile on your face when you reach the end.

Kitty is adorable and naive and sweet, but she isn't your typical flawless heroin - she has her faults like the rest of us and the fact that your never quite sure who Kitty is going to end up with was the best part for me. If you're a fan of Heyers, Cottilion, will be up there with your favorites!

Amy says: 4/5 ( )

Gone is the stereotype of the tall , dark and handsome hero and instead we have the endearing, and not very clever, Freddy. Very funny!

Absolutely loved it! So far, my favorite Georgette Heyer next to Frederica. The leading male character was not at all like the typical hero. His way of talking left me in stitches so many times! Definitely a must read if you are a Regency genre fan. ( )

this Regency novel had young heiress Kitty concocting an audacious scheme with the unassuming hero Freddy to bring the cousin she thought she loved to heel. Only to discover tender feelings and great admiration for the former, and wishing that the betrothal would become reality.

Freddy turned knight-in-shining-armour time and again to rescue Kitty from various madcap adventures and social missteps only to find himself falling for her, and secretly hoping she would outgrow her crush on their rascally cousin. ( )

http://exlibris.typepad.com/ex_libris... ( )

"Dash it" if this isn't the original chick lit! I enjoyed this book immensely. Written in the 1950s it nicely upholds the comedic tradition of that time of wrapping up the story with as many weddings as possible. I shall definitely seek out other books by Ms. Heyer. ( )

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Heyer's best comedy. What a wonderful funny and moving novel. ( )

http://www.lonelymountain.net/books/d... ( )

#1, too! Great characterizations, great dialog! But plot much the same as Friday's Child....