Mutiny at Almack's

Picked up this book at a Thrift store. Finally picked it up to read and was so very excited. Still can’t stop laughing at this author’s ability to write humorous, but not stupid hilarity. I’m sold and will collect many more if her works.

I enjoy her books for the quality of the characters--not many authors seem capable of writing heros that aren't busy either sneering at the heroine or making bets about how fast they can seduce someone. OK, that's an exaggeration, but it just seems so common in most Regencies to have a hero you'd like to see take a pratfall rather than someone you'd like to fall in love with and with whom you'd like to spend your life. Ms. Lansdowne's heroes are genuinely nice guys, which makes her books very pleasant to read. However, in this book...a mistake [has been made] with Lady Sally Jersey. Lady Jersey did NOT elope to Gretna Green with her husband, and she was NOT the daughter of a banker. It was her mother who was the daughter of Robert Child,a banker, and who eloped with John Fane,the 10th Earl of Westmorland. Sally was the first born daughter of this couple and was named for her mother, and subsequently inheirited a substantial sum from her grandfather Child. In fact, when she married the soon-to-be 5th Earl of Jersey (he acceded to the title the next year), the family name of that line was changed from Villiers to Child-Villiers, which had to be a reflection on the wealth brought into the family by Sally from her Grandfather Child...

This is in the usual fashion of Ms. Lansdowne's stories: light, fun and always romantic. The characters are very well done, especially the exalted Almack's patroness Lady Jersey. Lord Stoneforth and Miss Melody's romance is well worth the read for any regency fan!

First let me say that I enjoy Judith Lansdowne's characters and humor very much and this book was no exception - it's up to her ususal high standards. However, I do agree with the reader that says it's a "bit over the top" - those of us who read Regency period novels and get impatient with the stuffiness of Almacks and its patronesses will enjoy how it and they get treated in this book, even if we have to suspend belief.

After fighting in the war and losing the sight in one of his eyes, Lord Stoneforth comes home to London to find his brother, Mr. Attenbury, near death from a wound inflicted during a duel. The duel was over a slur cast upon one Melody Harriman, whom Mr. Attenbury believes he loves. Our hero, Lord Stoneforth braves Almack's--without a ticket!--in order to meet Miss Harriman and convince her to come to his brother's sickbed. He doesn't plan on falling in love with her himself. Judith Lansdowne is **such** a delight to read. Her sweet stories are filled with lively characters we cannot help but love. In addition, we have three other love stories, comedy, adventure, and a delightful portrayal of Lady Jersey! Judith Lansdowne has what I consider to be one of the really unique voices in Regency romance today. Dare I call it magical? I do. Rosemary Stevens

Judith has written another winner here. I loved how the hero made Lady Jersey behave in such an unusual fashion. I also loved how the heroine's cousins were able to teach humility and civility to some of the more haughtier denizens of Almacks.