TEST
As I began A Brighton Flirtation I quickly realized that it was the last book in a series I had not read, but the author included enough backstory that it did not affect my enjoyment of this book. Katherine Pamberley is the only yet-unmarried Pamberley sister, who has been established as a tomboy in the preceding books. She loves horses and is a bruising rider. As the book begins she is staying with a friend in Brighton and trying to conduct herself as a proper young lady. Her main problem is that she keeps running into Capt. Evan Ramsdell, who remembers her tomboy ways and who also gives her improper but passionate kisses when they are unobserved in the bathing machines.
Evan is not exactly what he seems. He is posing as a gentleman of leisure having a holiday in Brighton, but in reality, he is working for the Government to discover the roots of a plot to assassinate the Regent. Katherine quickly becomes embroiled in Evan’s searches, although Evan, of course, doesn’t want her involved. Evan is a stalwart soldier who could have been pompous, but his sense of humor and intelligence make for a likable man.
What really sets this book apart from many Regency Romances is the detail of the Regent’s Brighton Palace, the daily life of the ton in Brighton, and best of all – the personality of Prinny himself. So many romances set in the regency, whether traditional regencies or historicals, portray the Prince as a cardboard cut-out of an inept or greedy buffoon. A Brighton Flirtation shows a Prince who is very complex and at times greatly endearing. I was very moved by a scene in his palace where Katherine tells the Prince’s life story as a parable, which inspires a charming dialogue with the Prince. He is pleased that someone realizes that his life has been difficult and fraught with disappointment, while he constantly tries to please his father and is bound by duty. I saw him as almost a Clintonesque figure – very charming at times, but flawed and perhaps his own worst enemy. For me this glimpse of the Prince raised the level of this book far above average.
Katherine is a courageous and bright heroine who is a wonderful match for Evan, who ultimately comes to admire her courage and overlook her occasional over-exuberance – although he fights a good fight and it isn’t until he nearly loses Katherine that he realizes what a treasure he has found. These are two very likable characters and I was inspired to visit the UBS in search of the preceding two books and look forward to reading them soon.
Grade: B
Book Type: Regency Romance
Sensuality: Subtle
Review Date: 06/05/01
Publication Date: 2000
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Recent Comments …
Yep
This sounds delightful! I’m grabbing it, thanks
excellent book: interesting, funny dialogs, deep understanding of each character, interesting secondary characters, and also sexy.
I don’t think anyone expects you to post UK prices – it’s just a shame that such a great sale…
I’m sorry about that. We don’t have any way to post British prices as an American based site.
I have several of her books on my TBR and after reading this am moving them up the pile.