by Julia Quinn

Avon, December, 2000.
Paperback, 376 pages.
ISBN: 0380815575
Subgenre: Historical

According to the hottest gossip paper in 1814 London, Lady Whistledown's Society Papers, the notorious rake Anthony Bridgerton has no intent of settling down this season, although he seems to be showing an interest in the Diamond of the Season, Edwina Sheffield. But Edwina's older sister Kate has no intention of letting him anywhere near her beloved little sister. For his part, Viscount Bridgerton has determined that it is time to find a nice, quiet, acceptable wife, one with whom he will never make the mistake of falling in love. Infuriated by his inability to get to Edwina without first getting Kate's approval, Anthony sets out to charm one sister to get to the other. Kate infuriates Anthony with her constant arguing and her outspoken ways, but also finds that he actually likes her. Suddenly, Edwina doesn't seem quite the beauty compared to the fiery Kate. But Kate wants nothing to do with such a moral reprobate, and Anthony is in a position for the first time in his life of not being able to get what he wants when he wants it.

The Viscount Who Loved Me is a wonderful tale of a plain, older sister who really loves her beautiful younger sister, who is smart and wise -- and not in the least interested in the handsome Viscount herself. Julia Quinn manages to avoid the standard stereotypes in her charming regency romances; her characters and situations are always fresh, unique and quite funny. Her repartee sparkles and is genuinely amusing, and the growing passion between Kate and Anthony is a joy to behold. This is another gem from the talented Julia Quinn you won't want to miss.

The Viscount Who Loved Me is available for purchase on Amazon.com

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This review was published in the February, 2001 of The Internet Writing Journal.

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