regency

With all the bad news in the headlines these days, it's a relief to slip away to another world for a few hours, especially when that world is filled with wit, charm, and engaging characters I can root for! Kathryn Caskie's first book has definitely earned a place on my "keeper" shelf. She writes with a graceful, flowing style that is a pleasure to read and pulled me effortlessly through the book. Last night, I was so caught up in the story of Eliza and Magnus that I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish it, as the dark circles under my eyes this morning will attest. I loved the well-drawn characters, especially the scheming aunts Viola and Letitia Featherton, who reminded me so much of the elderly Baldwin sisters from the Waltons. Even Edgar, the long-suffering manservant to the Featherton sisters, was delightful, and he was only a minor character!

I've read more romance novels and regencies than I can count, and maybe I'm getting old and jaded, but lately it seems so many books, no matter how well-written, ultimately have an element of "sameness" to them. That's why it was such a pleasure to find one that respects the traditions but brings clever new twists to the table. I think the idea of two old ladies finding a book of military rules and applying the tactics to landing a husband for their niece is fresh and delightful, with a built-in comic potential that the author exploits to the fullest.

And who can resist a hunky Scotsman in the glittering ballrooms and parlors of Regency London? Not me! I thought the development of the romantic attraction between Eliza and Magnus was well-crafted and believable, with just the right amount of tension to keep me turning the pages to find out what would happen next.

To Ms. Caskie, I'd like to say, "Well done!" I can't wait to read your next book, Lady in Waiting--the excerpt sounds as if it's going to be even funnier than this one!

I must be the only person in the world who didn't like this book. I eagerly read new authors, especially those who have won RWA's Golden Heart. I was happy to pick this on off the shelves; I love historicals.

But, sorry, I didn't like it. I don't think I laughed at all. I love Julia Quinn and laugh at her books. But not this one. It didn't speak to me.

The plot of the aunts was different, but the love story was typical. She wanted him, but couldn't marry him. He wanted her but couldn't marry her. blah... There was absolutely no internal reason that Magnus could not marry Eliza. He needed to marry a heiress, but that's an external reason. The last half of the book was Magnus' pursuit of Eliza. It got tedious.

I thought "Rules of Engagement" was a delightful story! I found it captivating and could not put it down. Eliza and Magnus were wonderful characters and Eliza's two aunt's were just hilarious. I am an avid reader of historical fiction set in the Regency Era and found this a very enjoyable read. I highly recommend this book and can't wait to see what Ms. Caskie writes next !!!