Eloisa James, Julia London, Rebecca Hagan Lee and Talk of the Ton

Talk of the Ton By Eloisa James, Julia London, Rebecca Hagan Lee and Jacqueline Navin

"A Proper Englishwoman" by Eloisa James. In 1817, the Ton enjoys the scandalous behavior of Kerr rumored to have been seen about town with a Frenchwoman. That is the Ton minus Kerr's fianc e Emma who decides if Franco amour is what her wandering future spouse desires so be it.

"The Vicar's Widow" by Julia London. In 1816 Darien wildly kisses Kate, the Vicar's wife, until she sadly walks away. Three years later, he is the toast of the Ton and she is a widow that he still desires. However, Emily wants Darien so she spreads rumors to eliminate her rival by turning the Vicar's Widow into the TALK OF THE TON.

"Clearly a Couple" by Rebecca Hagan Lee. Free Fellows League agent Jonathan escort India, just freed from a harem imprisonment, to her family. The Ton blames India for her captivity though she was an innocent victim and assumes he has gotten his way with the "loose" woman. Instead Jonathan has fallen in love with India.

"Miss Jenny Alt's First Kiss" by Jacqueline Navin. Everyone knows that Jenny, her aunt's companion, is on the shelf. Everyone that is except Miles who seeks a bride and based on their first kiss knows who he wants as his permanent lady.

The four tales are well written especially the Ton exchanging malicious gossip that leaves a reader feeling like a Peeping Thomasina. However, the lead couples fall in love too fast as the novella format somewhat shortchanges the romances. Still these are four fine Regencies and fans will appreciate the titillating tremors of Polite Society causing a scandal even when unwarranted

Harriet Klausner