Joy Reed (1)

Vincent, Lord Yates, is what we’d call a social butterfly; he attends all the social events, house parties, races, boxing, etc. and leaves his estates to his managers. He’s not a bad person, not an intellectual, and doesn’t adhere to study or politics. That changes when he meets an outspoken American women traveling with her father on his lecture tour and study abroad. She doesn’t think much of the aristocracy and makes some pointed comments to Vincent and laughs at him at his show more sister’s party. This is not a love at first sight book. The story takes place over months. Vincent is challenged to look at his life in a new way. When he attends a series of weekly lectures with her on ancient history, he finds a new interest. When he shows her parliament, he finds he does have opinions. When he goes to social events he begins to see people as individuals and not just people to have fun with. I thoroughly enjoyed his transformation. show less

I enjoyed [b:The Duke And Miss Denny|3428353|The Duke And Miss Denny|Joy Reed|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1267999233s/3428353.jpg|3469234]very much and was curious to see if I would like her other books too. So I bought "Midsummer moon" and set to reading.

Jane Reynolds(our heroine) is spending the summer with her aunt and cousin in the country while her other aunt (who she lives with) is touring Europe to look at old battlefields.She is grateful for that as the aunt is somewhat of a show more domineering woman.

Her aunt and cousin are discussing the arrival of the new heir to an estate nearby,that is really something out of the ordinary.Turns out the excentric old lady who owned it was mad about building fanciful structures in her gardens.

Her cousin convinces her to sneak out and have a look at the gardens,before the new owner arrives and they become off limits.

They are exploring and playing around when they are interrupted by a very fashionable man,that turns out to be the new heir George Overton.

Jane becomes a bit fretful of them appearing as intruders,but he soon sets them at ease by teasing them and being all around friendly.Lydia (the cousin) even invites him to come home with them to have dinner.

Soon its not long before the two of them finds themselves together on other ocassions,and becoming quite the good friends and maybe more....

There was so much to like in this book,the chemistry of the hero and heroine,the country setting and the quirky supporting characters.

It was nice having a heroine that wasnt feisty and headstrong.The heroine was no pushover but she didnt start an argument at the drop of a hat (or bonnet) She is the kind of heroine I really like and can sympatize with.




"Maybe you are a little bit too quiet,but I talk enough for the both of us.When you want me to be silent you only have to do one thing." "What is that?" Jane asked. "This."he said and kissed her.

((paraphrased..dont have the book with me atm))

The hero was also a delight since he has a somewhat teasing manner and likes to dress well. It was refreshing from the usual dark and brooding heroes that usually occupy historical romances (im not saying I dont like them but every now and then you get tired of that)

Another thing that I liked was that the cousin and aunt isnt the villains,nor is the heroine poor and therefore reliant on their goodwill.Also since this takes place in the country there is no Almacks and

The romance is slow but its enjoyable to read along while the couple get to know each other.

In short a very sweet read with shades of Austen. A real gem. show less

I liked the beginning, the characters getting to know each other, but than as the marriage idea came on I remembered I do not like that cliche romance plot... "We HAVE to get married because..." I understand why and it can work, I'm just not a fan. The whole story was pretty predictable and I was kind of annoyed by the climax plot too. However, I did not hate reading it, it was fun and good for what it is, a cliche, Christmas romance. I enjoyed the characters and the romance. The ending did show more drag on though, just an overview of what happened, was not necessary. Fun but I do not think I will read it again. show less

Judith Denny goes to London for the season. She stays with her sister, Lady Spicer, who tries to teach Judith how to behave in society. Judith lapses from time to time into her normal persona and thus attracts the attentions of the Duke of Ashland.

This was a sweet story, although entirely lacking in conflict or indeed plot of any kind. I wasn't quite sure why Judith felt unworthy of Ashland's affections, especially as her sister had married so well, but they got there in the end.