Books › Lessons in Love
Lessons in Love
First published 1987 · 235 pages
A delightfully absurd, old-school Regency romp where a scandalous childhood bargain blossoms into unexpected romance.
What it feels like
Reading this vintage Regency romance feels like watching a fast-paced, slightly farcical stage play. The atmosphere is breezy and theatrical, leaning heavily into the delightful absurdity of its premise rather than aiming for gritty historical realism. Marion Chesney’s prose is crisp and unpretentious, driven by snappy dialogue and a wry, playful narrative voice that keeps the pages turning at a brisk clip. The emotional journey is lighthearted but satisfying, tracing a path from childhood resentment and scandalous bargains to genuine, tender affection. It is a perfect, comforting escape for readers who love the classic, witty banter of Georgette Heyer and the frothy, low-stakes drama of old-school historical romance, where every outrageous setup is guaranteed a charmingly neat resolution.
- Mood
- breezy
- charming
- theatrical
- Tone
- wry
- lighthearted
- playful
- farcical
- Pace
- brisk
- Themes
- enemies to lovers · scandalous bargains · coming of age · marriage of convenience
- The writing
- Crisp, unpretentious, and laced with dry British wit, prioritizing snappy dialogue over dense description.
- The arc
- Moves from childhood resentment and scandalous beginnings to a surprisingly tender, witty realization of mutual affection.
- Who it's for
- Fans of vintage, lighthearted Regency romances who enjoy a touch of absurdity and a lot of banter.
Content notes
- child kidnapping (played for farce)
- gambling
- forced marriage trope
About the book
Lady Lucinda Esmond’s swine of a father was forever fleecing young bucks in London’s gaming halls - until he met Captain Mark Chamfrey who, having been once cheated, would not be made a fool of again and promptly kidnapped ten-year-old Lucinda for ransom!
But, when Chamfrey thought better of it and returned the girl, Esmond nonetheless exacted his own price: Chamfrey could redeem himself and save his skin by marrying his little victim nine years hence, just time enough for Chamfrey to inherit a title and fortune.
Lucinda’s father could not have foreseen what a beauty Lucinda would become, nor that Chamfrey, a newly made Marquess, would actually welcome the fulfillment of what was supposed to be his punishment.
Description from Open Library.
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