There are two Regency novellas included in this slim book. Both stories are new to this publication. Grace Burrowes is a new author to me while Mary Balogh is a tried-and-true favorite. After reading these two stories (complete with mild sex scenes), I have to lament the change from the genteel nature of Regencies to the no-holds-barred love-fests books are drifting into. More and more of the recently published Regencies have sex scenes. The authors are now substituting wonderful stories for stories with sex. It is an unfortunate exchange, in my mind. I rounded up the overall score to VG.
ANOTHER DREAM (Mary Balogh) -- VG
Independent Eleanor Thompson is on her way to Bath to visit with her mother and sisters at a house party. It is the summer break from the cares and busy life of her school for girls. Terrible thunderstorms and heavy rains cause the carriage to stop at a local inn for the night. While there, Eleanor is accosted by Georgette Benning, a precocious child, and they share tea and cakes. Later, Michael Benning, father to Georgette and Robert, apologizes for the intrusion. Later, they all meet at Eleanor's sister's house for a house party. One thing leads to another.
DUKE OF MY DREAMS (Grace Burrowes) -- G+
Anne Faraday is a banker's daughter who is regularly dissed by the ton because her father holds far too many IOUs to suit the aristocracy. She meets and becomes infatuated with the Duke of Sedgemere. When she meets the three sons of the Duke, she (an only child) instantly knows what's wrong with the boys. There's an interesting twist to the story (not Joseph or Josephine). There's some wry humor. This might have been more likely if she met and married an earl.
ANOTHER DREAM (Mary Balogh) -- VG
Independent Eleanor Thompson is on her way to Bath to visit with her mother and sisters at a house party. It is the summer break from the cares and busy life of her school for girls. Terrible thunderstorms and heavy rains cause the carriage to stop at a local inn for the night. While there, Eleanor is accosted by Georgette Benning, a precocious child, and they share tea and cakes. Later, Michael Benning, father to Georgette and Robert, apologizes for the intrusion. Later, they all meet at Eleanor's sister's house for a house party. One thing leads to another.
DUKE OF MY DREAMS (Grace Burrowes) -- G+
Anne Faraday is a banker's daughter who is regularly dissed by the ton because her father holds far too many IOUs to suit the aristocracy. She meets and becomes infatuated with the Duke of Sedgemere. When she meets the three sons of the Duke, she (an only child) instantly knows what's wrong with the boys. There's an interesting twist to the story (not Joseph or Josephine). There's some wry humor. This might have been more likely if she met and married an earl.
