A fun-loving, outrageous heroine and a staid, serious hero find love against all odds. This distinctive story is a prequel to Balogh's earlier "Mistress" books and a rare delight. (LJ 6/15/11) (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Regency romance doyenne Balogh (A Secret Affair) pairs a staid young nobleman with a vivacious debutante in this top-notch tale. When the headstrong Lady Angeline Dudley, sister of the wealthy duke of Tresham, is accosted by the rakish Lord Windrow, she immediately falls for the ordinary-looking gentleman who intervenes. Her rescuer, Edward Ailsbury, is the earl of Heyward, whose family-unaware of his affection for his bluestocking confidante, Eunice Goddard-plans to match him with the very eligible Angeline. An unusually accurate portrayal of Regency society, laden with colorful period detail, makes a sparkling backdrop, and the supporting characters are delightful. Youthful Angeline's endearing mixture of breathless enthusiasm and hidden insecurity is given the perfect foil in the responsible and rather nerdy Edward, who is perpetually baffled as his rational approach fails to impress the women in his life. The charming mixture of sensual passion and hilarious confusion makes Balogh's delightful tale a must-read for Regency fans. (Aug.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Impulsive Lady Angeline Dudley knows she will never be the petite blond beauty her late mother was, especially given the unfashionably bright colors and outrageous bonnets she adores. She is so excited to finally be on her way to London for her long-delayed season that she imprudently goes to the empty taproom of the inn in which she waits impatiently for her brother, the Duke of Tresham. She soon finds herself in an awkward position, but Edward Ailsbury, Earl of Heyward, characterized by some as stuffy and an old stick, comes to her defense. In London, Angeline's and Edward's families both think they would be a perfect match, but when Edward proposes, Angeline, who has fallen hard for him, refuses because, even though she wants him, she wants him to love her. These unusual protagonists, considered odd or boring by their peers, are kind, considerate, virtuous, and have secret depths. Balogh, the current nonpareil of Regency romance, has imbued this story with heady sensuality and an eighteenth-century sensibility, complete with curtains fluttering and birds singing.--Tixier Herald, Dian. Copyright 2010 Booklist