Books › A Harmless Ruse
A Harmless Ruse
238 pages
A sparkling, high-spirited romp through Regency London fueled by witty banter and delightful deception.
What it feels like
Reading this book feels like stepping into a brightly lit ballroom where the champagne is flowing and the gossip is deliciously sharp. It is an effervescent, low-angst romp that thrives on the sheer joy of its own mischievous premise. The narrative moves at a brisk, breathless clip, sweeping the reader along on a tide of witty banter, clever deceptions, and high-spirited rebellion against stifling societal rules. The prose is arch and playful, perfectly capturing the sparkling tone of a classic Regency comedy of manners without ever taking itself too seriously. It is a cozy, cheerful escape designed for readers who delight in spirited heroines, exasperated lords, and the comforting, guaranteed satisfaction of a merry chase that ends in love.
- Mood
- effervescent
- cheerful
- bustling
- cozy
- Tone
- playful
- wry
- lighthearted
- mischievous
- Pace
- brisk
- Themes
- female independence · societal rebellion · the marriage mart · sisterly bonds · romantic pursuit
- The writing
- Arch, witty, and peppered with delightful period slang that keeps the dialogue sparkling.
- The arc
- A joyful progression from restless rebellion to triumphant, romantic satisfaction.
- Who it's for
- Readers who crave the comforting, banter-filled escapism of a classic, low-angst Regency romp.
Content notes
- period-typical sexism
About the book
Life at Westerham Park was a lark for Cassandra and her cousin Claire until Wilfred Westerham returned from the wars determined to take the young ladies firmly in hand. But the birds would not be caged. In a trice they flew off to London with Claire posing as the young Widow Bennet, the beautiful Cassandra's proper chaperone.
The wicked London season was at its giddy height. The high-spirited Cassandra was an heiress in her own right. Together she and the lovely Claire would create a sensation and set the mischievous, top-lofty Anthony, Earl of Alquist, and his dashing brother, Robert a merry, breathless chase...
Description from Open Library.
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