Very Truly Yours

Rating:
Summary: A pleasant story
Review: After reading the previous reviews I wasn't sure I wanted to try this book or not. Reviews seemed to be very good or very bad. I enjoyed the story. Its not necessarily a 'keeper' but I did enjoy it. I did wish that the reasons for the blackmail would have been a little clearer and maybe given in bits and pieces a little earlier in the story.

Rating:
Summary: a pleasant, quick read
Review: I debated about giving this book 3 or 4 stars. Three & 1/2 would have been best. No, it's not particularly original and neither the plot nor the characters will haunt you for any length of time. This story features little in the way of emotional depth either. However, it is pleasantly diverting, has likeable if somewhat superficial characters, some interesting secondary characters, and a nice twist or two to its sometimes unlikely plot.

Beard's writing races along, pulling the reader into a pleasantly diverting tale with appropriate swiftness. Perhaps the motivations of the characters are not well explained, and the hero's rakish qualities uncertain. But the solicitor hero and the stalwart heroine are a good match. All due to one dance, once kiss? Yes, because she fell in love with him in that moment. Jack's fear -- literally panic attacks -- at the thought of marriage makes for an unusual complication.

It's not Julia Quinn or Teresa Medeiros, but it's a decent read.

Rating:
Summary: Lively tale.
Review: Solicitor Jack Fairchild has a reputation for providing his services free of charge to the needy. He also has a reputation as a rake. When inherited debts drive Jack to escape London, he vows to change his life. In the small community of Middledale he will accept only paying clients, and he will ignore the few ladies available. Then he meets the lovely Miss Liza Cranshaw. She has agreed to wed a most ignoble nobleman, and Jack refuses to allow such a travesty. If he must seduce her to prevent the wedding, so be it. Liza recognizes Jack as the man who bestowed her first kiss during her seasons in London. For years she had refused to wed but now a blackmailer leaves her no choice. With a solicitor's help she might bring the blackmailer to justice for his crimes against a local family. However, she must first overcome Jack's aversion to taking a client who cannot pay. Jack and Liza are a pleasure to watch. The secondary characters provide great amusement and bring the town of Middledale to life. With its small-town setting and solicitor hero, the story stands out from the average Regency. Julie Beard provides the perfect mix of humor and passion.