The Best Laid Plans (Signet Regency Romance)

Rating:
Summary: New author, decent story
Review: American heiress Catherine D'Eauville has come to England with one goal in mind: to marry a titled gentleman, preferably an earl. After all, it is her father's wish. The first man she comes across is Lord Weyland who, unfortunately, is not on her list. (Literally, Catherine constantly consults something she refers to as "The List") After all, Lord Weyland is a mere baron... AND he is rich. For her own reasons, Catherine would prefer to marry a poor English gentleman.

Unfortunately, she finds herself attracted to Lord Weyland, who seems agreeable in every way. And the bookish Weyland is also intrigued by the headstrong American... even though he has no desire to marry. As Catherine sorts through her many suitors, Lord Weyland offers his advice. It takes awhile for them to realize that her best match doesn't necessarily meet all of her criteria.

The first chapter of the novel is witty and promising... but some parts did fall somewhat flat. The book had an interesting premise, and it WAS good. But not great. Sometimes, Catherine was plucky and humorous. Other times, she seemed rash and self-centered. I liked Lord Weyland, but his behavior toward the novel's left me somewhat disappointed. But there were also things to admire about the novel. Catherine's plump cousin, Becky, was a refreshing character--I would have liked to see more of her (I felt like she was slighted). Also, there are a couple of interesting surprises.

Ultimately, I'll be looking forward to seeing more of Laurie Bishop. She definitely has potential.

Rating:
Summary: New author, decent story
Review: American heiress Catherine D'Eauville has come to England with one goal in mind: to marry a titled gentleman, preferably an earl. After all, it is her father's wish. The first man she comes across is Lord Weyland who, unfortunately, is not on her list. (Literally, Catherine constantly consults something she refers to as "The List") After all, Lord Weyland is a mere baron... AND he is rich. For her own reasons, Catherine would prefer to marry a poor English gentleman.

Unfortunately, she finds herself attracted to Lord Weyland, who seems agreeable in every way. And the bookish Weyland is also intrigued by the headstrong American... even though he has no desire to marry. As Catherine sorts through her many suitors, Lord Weyland offers his advice. It takes awhile for them to realize that her best match doesn't necessarily meet all of her criteria.

The first chapter of the novel is witty and promising... but some parts did fall somewhat flat. The book had an interesting premise, and it WAS good. But not great. Sometimes, Catherine was plucky and humorous. Other times, she seemed rash and self-centered. I liked Lord Weyland, but his behavior toward the novel's left me somewhat disappointed. But there were also things to admire about the novel. Catherine's plump cousin, Becky, was a refreshing character--I would have liked to see more of her (I felt like she was slighted). Also, there are a couple of interesting surprises.

Ultimately, I'll be looking forward to seeing more of Laurie Bishop. She definitely has potential.

Rating:
Summary: If You're Looking for a Wickedly Witty Regency Romance . . .
Review: If you're looking for a wickedly witty regency romance, look no further! This book is a delight! The heroine is a bit annoying at first, but, once you get to know her as you proceed in the book, she quickly grows on you.
Her love interest one is easily fond of right away because he is SO charming a character! It is an extremely funny book and very romantic! Both of the main characters have these little quirks that just match up with each other very well.
Catherine has a list of eligable men to get married to. Unfortunatley when she meets up with Jack, he is not on her list. So, she pushes aside whatever attraction she has for him, goes along with her plans.
Luckily, it's not so easily put aside. Jack lives close to where she's staying at her cousin's house. Jack is attracted to Catherine, but has the ability to hide it and does so as much as possible because he has an astute sense of pride and dignity.
Catherine, though into clothes, remains a practical character who would not shy away from lifting up her skirts way past the ankle to prevent it from dragging in the mud or water.
The two principle characters also engage is an almost, unwittingly, flirtatious banter which grows increasingly heated as the story goes on and their attraction to each other increases! :

"'She is too young.' [Catherine says]
'She is old enough, it seems.'
'Not for you.'
'What? You would have me bowlegged and gray at eight and twenty?'
'Do not be absurd. It is your age relative to hers.'
'And I suppose your own age is of no consequence.'
Cat straightened her shoulders. 'I am two and twenty.'
'I now see.'
'Do not attempt to make fun of me, Lord Weyland. Miss Millington is eighteen at most and very inexperienced. I am quite different, and well you know it.'
His eyes narrowed slightly. 'Do I?'
'If you do not, then you have not the perception I thought you possesed.'
'And if YOU are wrong about my perception, might that say something of your own discernment?'
Cat drew a shaky breath. The man was driving her quite mad. He stood so close, and stared at her in such a way, and persisted in bandying words with her, when all she wanted from him was to assist her to mount her horse!
She wanted nothing more of him. Surely, she did not."

One of my favorite moments is when Jack (Lord Weyland) has to take Catherine across the river or stream, whatever it was . . . On his horse and it's a hard path to negotiate. Catherine has to sit in front of him. Throughout the entire incident, Jack desparatley to concentrate on his task, but Catherine's closeness was very distracting. It is so funny to visualize, which the author gives just the right amount of info so it is possible, Jack fighting his . . . *ahem* manly urges:

"Miss D' Eauville reached down and grasped a handful of her skirt, gathered it safely above the rising water, and pressed against Jack as she did so. Her action was completely unselfconscious and wholly practical.
Jack smiled grimly to himself. When one carried a woman on one's horse with her ankles on display and her most enticing form pressed against one, one dreamed of circumstances considerably different than those Miss D' Eauville presented. As it was, his fancy was rapidly outstripping his sense.
Clinging to logic as a dog clings to a bone, he spoke. 'I admit to puzzlement. I cannot see how you can make me seem more ridiculous than I do now. My boots are soaked, my kerchief is askew, and Lord Johnston will likely shoot me in a jealous rage.'
'I should not think it ridiculous to be shot.'
'There is comfort, at least.'"

If you love romantic comedies and have a love of Jane Austen's time-period, GET THIS BOOK! NOW! DO IT! :)

Rating:
Summary: cute
Review: just read this book last night...it's a very quick read, pretty short. anyway...this book is pretty cute, weyland sure is a likable character, and cat is your untypical regency character. the romance was slow to come which is nice...but i can't say i really liked how cat came onto him and not the other way around so much. also there was pretty much no sensuality in this novel, which was surprising. it would have been more fun with that ;) that's why i took away a star. ah, also the ending seemed really rushed...