Books › The Hidden Heart
The Hidden Heart
First published 2004 · 260 pages
A cozy, traditional Regency romp where a sensible heroine's secret longing collides with a fake engagement.
What it feels like
Reading this traditional Regency romance feels like slipping into a comfortable, familiar armchair. The narrative moves at a steady, genteel pace, wrapping the reader in a cozy atmosphere of drawing-room politics and societal maneuvering. The tone is affectionate and gently wry, anchored by a remarkably sensible and intelligent heroine whose quiet longing provides a soft emotional undercurrent to the otherwise lighthearted fake-engagement hijinks. The prose is crisp and polite, echoing the classic style of the genre's pioneers. It is a story that delights in its own predictability, offering a low-angst, comforting journey from unrequited affection to mutual realization. This is the perfect afternoon escape for readers who adore capable heroines who outshine their oblivious, aristocratic suitors.
- Mood
- cozy
- genteel
- wistful
- Tone
- wry
- affectionate
- lighthearted
- sensible
- Pace
- steady
- Themes
- unrequited love · fake relationship · social maneuvering · friendship to lovers
- The writing
- Traditional Regency prose that is crisp, polite, and laced with gentle wit.
- The arc
- Moves from the quiet ache of unrequited affection through the comedic tension of a charade, culminating in a satisfying romantic awakening.
- Who it's for
- Readers who love classic, low-angst Regency romances featuring sensible, intelligent heroines and the oblivious friends who finally notice them.
Content notes
- mild emotional manipulation
About the book
When Miles (Earl of Walmesley) shamelessly puts pressure on his friend Caro (Lady Caroline Eddington) to pose as his betrothed so that he can avoid a marriage planned for him by his great aunt (the Grand-duchess of Schaffenzeits) Caro at first refuses. This is because she had been in love with him for years, but realises the feeling is not mutual - and, very sensibly, is wary of what a sham engagement/eventual jilting might mean to her reputation. Miles persists and, in a moment of weakness (and irritation with her carping/horrible aunt) Caro agrees. not just to help him, but also to send a message to a pompous and persistent suitor who refuses to believe she will not accept his (real) marriage proposals. What happens next is predictable. Most reviewers agree that Caro is the star of this story, that she is too clever and interesting for Miles, and could’ve done much better looking elsewhere for her HEA.
Description from Open Library.
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