Harlequin Historicals are probably the closest thing left to actual Regencies. I’m not sure whether this book would actually qualify as a Regency, since there’s a very detailed love scene near the end (which felt odd and out of place, actually) but the rest of the book has a Regency feel.
A Most Unconventional Match by Julia Justiss
(2008, Regency Historical) 12/23/08
Grade: 3.5
After her husband’s death, Elizabeth Lowery is struggling to take over the household and take care of her young son. She is relieved when Hal Waterman, a family friend, offers to help. But she didn’t expect to find him so attractive, especially so soon. Hal Waterman has admired Elizabeth from afar for years, but how could she care for someone as tongue-tied as he?
The plot of this book was predictable, and yet, the characters came alive. I was particularly fond of the hero, who is shy around women and can barely get words out, but is also sincere and kind. Elizabeth was appealing as well, although I found it a little odd that she seems overwhelmed with grief in the first chapter of the book, then barely thinks of or mentions her husband through most of the rest of it. Having the romance take place just a month or two after his death was a little difficult. I’m not sure this is a book that I’ll really remember long term – the details are already a little hazy – but I read it practically in a single sitting, so I have to give it credit for that. An enjoyable Regency read.
Another nice guy hero – this is definitely the year for those. Hal actually goes beyond “tongue tied” since he can barely get a complete sentence out. But he was definitely yummy anyway.
Karen Wheless
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