Damsel in Disguise

Since others have detailed the plot, I'll just say how much I enjoyed this Regency romance. It was filled with wonderful characters, funny situations, and great dialogue. I relished the romance and loved the love scenes. I can't wait for the next Susan Gee Heino book: Temptress in Training!

I read the first book in this series and LOVED it. Mistress by Mistake opened with a fun, sexy feel and managed to keep that tone even as the relationship deepened into a meanful romance. It kept me laughing the whole time I was falling in love with the characters. So many historical romances are dark and angsty (which can be good too) but it's a delight to find one that's just loads of fun at a house party. I honsetly didn't see how the second in the series could equal the deightful, unique blend of quirky fun and fast-paced romance... but I was wrong! Damsel in Disguise is even better than the first. It's so rare to find! I don't often post comments or reviews, but I just had to for this book. I loved it! From the get-go you'll be laughing. The mistaken identities, the wonderful characters, the situations they find themselves in... it's all so much fun. I seriously don't want to give too much away, but this book is a fabulous romance. It's one of those books that you gobble up--you can't put it down because it's so good--but then you're mad at yourself for finishing it too quickly because you wished you could have lingered over it longer. I can't wait for the next book from this author!

Actress Julia St. Clement was Lord Anthony Rastmoor's mistress until he lost her gambling with his nasty cousin Cedric Fitzgelder. Outraged to be a stake in a game of chance and fearing the despicable Cedric, Julia flees disguised as Mr. Alexander Clemmons learning to eat soup through a moustache Julia continues to travel as a male, but accompanied by a "wife" Sophie, learns that Cedric plans to kill Anthony. Still garbed as a male, she warns her former lover who recognizes her in spite of her clothing, wife and mustache. As they begin a second tryst with her seen as his male companion in public, they begin to fall in love again, but she no longer trusts her heart or him with her heart. Meanwhile the duet begins to investigate the secrets of their families espically after her wife mysteriously vanishes. This enjoyable Regency romance is a fun Comedy of Errors as Julia keeps up her masquerade to fool the foul odious Fitzgelder. Although her starting a second time with someone who gambled her away displays inanity, love or inane love depending on your perspective, readers will relish the courageous Mr. Clemmons as a Damsel in Disguise. Harriet Klausner

Damsel in Disguise by Susan Gee Heino Historical Romance - August 3, 2010 4 Stars Intrigue and likeable characters make this an entertaining and enjoyable read. Damsel in Disguise is the story of Julia St. Clement, an actress who is forced to disguise herself as a man. She plays a dangerous game when she pretends to be a `husband' to her female friend. But now Julia uses her disguise in an effort to warn Anthony Restmoor. Years ago, Anthony betrayed Julia but despite that fact she still loves him and feels she must warn him about a plot to kill him. But matters become more complicated when Julia's friend disappears. Julia and Anthony are forced to uncover the real villain who is out to destroy them both. Anthony is leery of trusting anyone after he was left hurt and betrayed. (He believes Julia died in another man's bed.) When he meets Julia again in her male disguise he is strangely intrigued and wary of this `odd' man. I thought this was an intriguing story that was very original. The 2 main characters have a complex past that really adds to the story. Their personal history and how they relate to each other was fascinating to read. Since both felt betrayed and carried heartache I felt very drawn to them especially Anthony. The only thing I didn't like was how Julia was disguised as a man. Maybe for a short while it was interesting but I generally didn't like the whole disguise as a man. I found it odd and wished the author could have used these same characters with their past in a different way. Besides this quibble, I enjoyed this romance and look forward to more by this author. In Damsel in Disguise Susan Gee Heino has created a fresh story with strong characters. Lovers of historical romance will enjoy this lighthearted and fun read. Reviewed by Mary from Bookaholics Book Club