When it comes to Regency Romance, Georgette Heyer is my benchmark - a dauntingly high bar to clear. Lord Sidley's Last Season does not, alas, scale those giddy heights, but it's the closest I've got in quite some time and definitely "Good enough".

Marian Ware is in town for the season before heading back to the countryside for her romance-less wedding. Lord Sidley is enjoying what everyone assumes will be his last time in London - though not for the right reasons. Can these two opposite types... well you know the drill.

Ferguson is a decent writer - always a bonus when taking a chance on a new romance author - in just about every respect. The book is not exactly bursting with surprises, but then we don't really read them for the surprise do we?

The novel is free of glaring anachronism, though it does lack somewhat of the verite you might see in a Heyer - more "regency" than regency. But if you accept the setting as a set of sorts, it's far better than most.

This is especially apparent in the dialogue. Again, the spiky bon mots and understated mockery of a Heyer is not in evidence, but the conversation flows nicely, and the rhythms of the speech didn't jar me from the narrative.

As characters go, Sidley is the main attraction. Marian lacks the craftiness I tend to appreciate in these regency romances, though she is perfectly adequate.

All in all, a fine book. It's no Heyer, but what is? ( )

Ferguson has a great style, and while she shows you that the period is Regency, she doesn't bash you over the head with it. There is much smart and witty repartee. The hero is one of the most enchanting I have come across in regency fiction. In contrast, the heroine was something of a dry stick, especially for an artist. She also lacked the courage to open herself up to him, and protested far too long. Anyway, it is still much better than most Regencies, and recommended... shame about the heroine though. ( )

Miss Marian Ware is a talented artist. She is invited to London to study art and be a companion to her cousin Kate. She accepts this offer gladly because she has been engaged to a naval lieutenant for two years and now with Napoleon's abdication, her marriage is fast approaching. Lord Sidley is rumored to be dying. Rather than contradicting the rumors, he uses them to enjoy the season before he must marry and produce an heir. When Marian and Lord Sidley meet there is an attraction but with Marian's engagement and Kate's vow to marry Sidley, it can not be acknowledged.

It is a hidden gem of a book. It captures the mood of celebration in London 1814. We are taken into balls; drawing rooms, and a country house party. We know that Marian and Sidley will end up together but the interesting part is how the author makes it happen. This book is well written and thoughtful. The characters are well rounded. If you are looking for a smooth regency with the necessary happy ending, this is the book for you. ( )