Bath Tangle

by Georgette Heyer

Book Overview

When the Earl of Spenborough suddenly dies, his willful and obstinate daughter Serena is devastated. Then Serena is even more horrified to find that her beloved--albeit eccentric--father's will states that her inheritance is to be held by a trustee. And none other than the Marquis of Rotherham, an arrogant and fierce noble who used to be betrothed to Serena. Now the marquis holds Serena's entire estate, knowing that the only way she can regain her...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0373773870
• ISBN13: 9780373773879
• Release Date: March 2009
• Publisher: Hqn
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.1" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

different... in a good way

I've noticed that my favorite Heyer books have all depicted men who need to grow in some way-- the selfish man, the immature man, the disgraced man, etc. This book is different, in that it centers around a heroine who needs to change. Serena is self-centered, sharp-tempered/ quick to anger, domineering, and managing--her beauty has not been good for her character. Yet she is also kind and a good friend-- in short, she is a complex person. The secondary plot couple are very engaging, and the setting in Bath is interesting, too. A very entertaining book! While not one of my very favorite Heyers, a very enjoyable one.

For fans of Heyer's older, stronger, wilder protagonists

I am rather surprised that this book has such varying reviews. In Bath Tangle Heyer has created such a unique yet perfect couple: the rather blunt and rude character of Ivo and the wild and eccentric one of Serena. These two compliment each other so well that I found it completely providential that they come together. Theirs is not calf love; each time they meet they quarrel. But this is more because they have so much in common that they may do so on a wide range of topics. I have always loved Heyer's older and stronger characters and Ivo and Serena both fit the description well. P.S. Often while reading this book, and I am not quite sure why, I was made to remember Austen's "Emma." Except that I hated Emma's character (she was altogether too self centered) and actually liked Serena.

worth reading

Lady Serena Carlow is beside herself with anger when she discovers that her late father (the Earl of Spenborough) has placed her squarely under the Marquess of Rotherham's thumb. For the late earl has made Rotherham the sole trustee of his only daughter's wealth, and Lady Serena will have to gain Rotherham's approval for everything from frivolous purchases to permission to marry. For most young women of sense, such a will would be trying, but for the passionate and fiery tempered Lady Serena, the state of affairs is truly intolerable, esp since she and Rotherham were once engaged to be married before she broke off the engagement in a fit of anger. Soon, however, even the indignity of having to cope with Rotherham as a guardian is nothing compared to having to watch her cousin assume her dead father's place. Hoping to seek some relief from the fit of doldrums that she's sunk into, Lady Serena proposes that she and her young stepmother, Fanny, go to Bath. Hopefully a change of scene and new friends and divertments will restore both their flagging spirits. What neither lady counted on was how the reappearance of one lady's old beau would so entangle things... Truth to tell, "Bath Tangle" may not be everyone's cup of tea. Lady Serena's quick and fiery temper and her high-handed ways could really set one's back up -- and Rotherham is no different! Certainly, Lady Serena is the type of heroine I usually have very little empathy for -- all that emotion and high drama! And yet, who else but Georgette Heyer could pen a romance novel about a high-handed and stubborn heroine and her equally autocratic swain, and still make us care and root for them to achieve their happily ever-after ending? And as usual, one can count on Heyer's wonderful prose style, together with her brilliant character portrayals, witty dialogue, vivid imagery and smooth pacing to be sure of a memorable and worthwhile read. All in all, a novel not to be missed!

GH has done it with great humor

In spite of the negative reviews posted prior to this one, I must give this book a thumbs up. I've read this story several times, and each time I gathered new details and discovered a funny line I didn't remember from the previous reading.Heyer's style of writing, as usual, is sophisticated and informative. The details in any of her books make you inquire more deeply into the period of which she writes.Personally, I LOVED Rotherham and Serena -- perhaps it's because I'm a bit tempermental myself. The clash between them and eventual realization of their respect and love is amusing. The twist in plot by the end makes for an endearing read. The reader does feel a sort of short-circuited denoument to the story by the time Rotherham and Serena realize their love - one awaits more - though it's not necessarily a drawback (Austen's own writings reflect similar tendencies).It is not a fast-paced story, but watching the love develop in this story makes me think of a dawn. The sun rising over the horizon has never been a quick event, though it is always a beautiful setting with incredible shades of color to add the most intriguing character to our day.

Old flames tangle and fight their way to love - brilliant!

I love Bath Tangle! Heyer writes a hero and heroine who are both strong-willed and impatient, and who have been indulged for most of their lives. As such, it's only natural that they should behave like an irresistable force meeting an immovable object.Serena and Rotherham had once been engaged to be married, but she called off the engagement within a month of the wedding. Since then, they'd barely been able to meet without arguing. But then her father died and left Rotherham trustee of all her income, and with the power to veto any potential husband. Thus the scene is set for yet more sparks....Rotherham and Serena are a wonderful couple: even from the time we first meet them it's obvious they were meant for each other. It's there in the way they can't keep their eyes off each other, the way she's bored when he's not around, the way they can't stop interfering in each other's affairs. Yes, they are both rude - to each other, and occasionally to others - but that's true to the period, at least in Rotherham's case. I can't see how the other reviewer could have missed the attraction between them.The dialogue is fast-paced and sparkling, with great fights and some wonderful making-up scenes. In all, it's another immensely readable Heyer, although I would have liked to know more about the circumstances surrounding the original engagement. Still - can't have it all!