Scandal and Miss Smith

by Julia Byrne and Julia Byrne

Book Overview

Scandal And Miss Smith by Julia Byrne released on Sep 22, 2000 is available now for purchase. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0373511175
• ISBN13: 9780373511174
• Release Date: October 2000
• Publisher: Harlequin Books
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 4.2" x 6.7"

Customer Reviews

My Most Favorite Book

I'm sorry, but Julia's regency books are the best! Subtle and witty. Each paragraph is written with luscious cadence and imagery. I wish more writers had this skill. Most writers insist on a painful blow by blow of the characters day, and constant recaps of their motivations. You will not want to miss one word from this author. Heroines have wit, drive, witless attraction to tall commanding heroes (I know the feeling), and most important... humor. Miss Smith, Ravendeens Bride, and An Independent Lady are never far from hand as they make delightful re-reads.

An engaging romp . . .

Ten years ago, Harlequin was one of the major Regency publishers. Lately, they've taken to re-issuing books under the Harlequin label that were originally published in England by Mills & Boon. As a devoted reader of Regency novels, I for one, am delighted. If they're all as well-done as this book, there is only one word that will suffice--hoorah!Phoebe Smith is a governess, although not quite in the usual mold. Her three teen-aged charges have managed to drive away all the previous caretakers, and when their guardian, the Baron Sebastian Deverell, returns from India where he's made a fortune or two for himself, she decides to appeal to his better nature for guidance.Of course, he doesn't think he has one, but he certainly does appreciate Miss Smith, although not quite in the way she wishes he would. This book is quite Heyer-like in its humor and adventurous episodes. There is more sexual tension than Heyer usually employed, but it's not heavy-handed, more of the bewildered variety, as Sebastian and Phoebe struggle with emotions neither was quite aware of before their initial meeting. The Deverell siblings--Gerald, Theodosia and Cressida (the latter two are twins) are lively and prone to excapades in the company of each other or various friends and relatives. The secondary cast of characters are well-drawn, with their own sub-plots, one of the many advantages of a longer book, which does, of course, make for a more substantial reading experience. I look forward with great anticipation to more books--from Julia Byrne, and Harleqin Regency.

Phoebe's past makes her ineligible to be Sebastian's wife.

But the attraction between the governess and her employer is so strong that Phoebe cannot rule out the possibility of becoming his mistress. Half a loaf of bread is certainly better than none at all, and Phoebe knows that he would never abandon her.However, before such a decision can be made, there are many family problems to be resolved. For example, the nephew involved in a duel after being labeled a cheater at cards. The niece who wants to be an actress. The cousin who wants to marry an ineligible poet. The aunt who despises him because of a past scandal. And then there is the crazy man scheming to win Phoebe away from her employer because he thinks she's someone else.A truly marvelous Regency with strong characters and riveting sexual tension, combined with a liberal touch of humor that will keep you alternately crying and laughing. You can't go wrong with this one.

Great Characters and lots of Sexual Tension

"Scandal and Miss Smith" is the perfect Regency romance. The hero and heroine are engaging, affectionate, and totally mystified by their intense attraction to each other. Miss Phoebe Smith, governess to three unruly Deverells, comes to London to confront their guardian. But she has some secrets of her own. She succeeds in melting the heart of our hero, Sebastian Deverell, and saves herself in the process. Engaging repartee, liberally spiked with humor and sexual tension make this a definite "keeper" for me.