A quite enjoyable classic Regency. Good writing and good historical background. The clever thing about the plot is that the heroine is performing an act within an act. She's actually a respectable lady, but masquerading as an actress, because it's the only way she can make a living. Then the hero hires her to play the role of his wife, so he can avoid being coerced into an arranged marriage by his family. So from the hero's point of view, she is an actress masquerading as a respectable lady.
Great development of minor characters too. Even the male and female nemeses in the story, and the elderly relative who was pressuring the hero to get married, are not painted as all bad, they turn out to have redeeming qualities.
Great development of minor characters too. Even the male and female nemeses in the story, and the elderly relative who was pressuring the hero to get married, are not painted as all bad, they turn out to have redeeming qualities.
