Georgette Heyer

Independent and spirited. Miss Annis Wychwood gives little thought to finding herself a suitable husband, thus dashing the dreams of many hopeful suitors. When she becomes embroiled in the affairs of the runaway heiress Lucilla, though, she encounters the beautiful fugitive's guardian - as rakish and uncivil a rogue she has ever met. Although, chafing a bit at the restrictions of Regency society in Bath, Annis does have to admit that Oliver Carleton, at least, is never boring.

Lady of Quality

A woman of independent means and spirit, stunning Annis Wynchwood has no yearning for wedlock, and has dashed the hopes of many lordly suitors. But never has she encountered such a rakish specimen as notorious Oliver Carleton. And when a femme comes face-to-face with a most incorrigible rogue, there ensues a tug-of-war that only love can overcome.

Kate

I probably would have liked this a lot more if I had't just read Black Sheep, because they are essentially the same novel. An "old maid" main character who has rejected many suitors because she's never been in love; a rude and improprietous hero whom she is inexplicably charmed by; a young and flighty but nonetheless sweet and devoted charge; the charming, dandyish fortune-hunter said charge falls for and is dissuaded from; and a sister or companion who limits the main character in some way - by being verbose and obnoxious, or a hypochondriac overly concerned with propriety, &c. I also find the setting of Bath less exciting than London. Not that I didn't like this book or Black Sheep - luckily, the formula they follow is charming and enjoyable. I think I preferred this one to Black Sheep - this is more of a 3.5 than a 3. However, I think I will stick with earlier Heyers for now because I loved Devil's Cub so wholeheartedly.

Lady of Quality

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