The Rebellious Twin (Signet Regency Romance)

Rating:
Summary: sibling rivalry at its best!
Review: Clarinda and Clarissa are Identical in looks, but that is where the similarities end. One twin loves adventure, book learning and riding horses without a saddle (astride no less!such shocking behavior!) thus making her the "bad twin" in her proper parents eyes. The other is inclined towards more lady like endeavors such as embroidery, music and water colors not to mention gossip, clothes and preening in front of her mirror thus making her the "good twin" When the handsome and very wealthy Robert, Lord Stormont takes over the neighboring estate he is immediately smitten with "the bad twin" the problem? both girls like him too; and one (the question is which one?) will stop at nothing to get her man. Who shall be the lucky twin? read this book and find out, it is a treat and an exciting ride from begining to end with a bit of intrigue and mystery thrown in.

Rating:
Summary: Cute but written for fifth graders
Review: I had never read any of Ms. Kennedy's books before this. Naturally when I read the back cover I was intrigued because it was about sibling rivalry (namely, twin rivalry) as topic that always promises great things. Now, the story was cute but the writing was as elementary as some of the Sweet Valley Twins books middle schoolers read. The plot revolves around two beautiful twins, Clarinda who is supposedly the bad twin and Clarissa who is the perfectly good twin. In truth it is Clarissa who is the manipulative, nasty twin while Clarinda is good-hearted but a little silly when it comes to not getting in trouble. Clarinda has had a past love experience with a milk-sop, who died a hero in war, that Clarissa stole away from her but Clarinda still hangs onto her 'love' for him. Clarinda meets Lord Stormont who has won the estate next to theirs in a card game. They go through the motions of Stormont being undeniably attracted to Clarinda and her hating him then loving him. Then there is Clarissa who decides that she wants Lord Stormont. She tries to steal him from Clarinda and tries to get Clarinda sent away from home. The plot was interesting but a little ridiculous. How could their parents not see how evil Clarissa was?Why didn't they ever believe a word Clarinda said? Why did Clarinda still hold onto her love for the war hero even though he preferred Clarissa? Both twins are rather flat characters as is Lord Stormont. The style is very easy to follow though.

Rating:
Summary: Sibling rivalry at its most sinister best!
Review: With a writing style that is both humorous and provocative, Shirley Kennedy has set a new standard for Regency Romance. Her heroine is smart and saucy. . . with a sense of humor which sets her above and apart. The hero is strong, yet vulnerable, and unquestionably sexy! The clever twists and turns throughout the story were fun, refreshing, and kept me riveted to page after page. The only disappointment was that the story had to come to an end. I look forward eagerly to Ms. Kennedy's next novel.