This was quite a story, set in the days of Jane Austen, with a bit of her style, but very sexy!

It's also a great character study, as Kate, the h, goes through so much in so short a time, yet manages to stay who she is, despite rebellious moments. No jaded cynicism for her, despite coming across some decadent characters aboard ship, nearly being raped, a suitor who only wanted sex, a shocking discovery about her beloved father, as well as a man she thought loved her, and believing her one true love to be one false scoundrel. She remains her impulsive, caring, somewhat stubborn and warmhearted self, and - despite this being written in the late 70's - she only sleeps with the H, Branwell Mannering. He, in turn, doesn't rape her, (though things get a bit rough at one point) and could be very gentle as well as passionate. Typical of HR books, they have their misunderstandings, jealousies, and separations, but it doesn't go overboard and the dialogue is witty and entertaining.

The novel also has some political intrigue, and actual people are part of the story, like Admiral Nelson, Prime Minister William Pitt, Beau Brummel, Charles Fox, Lord Grenville, Lady Hester Stanhope and the poet, Thomas Moore. Current events are mentioned, like the Third Coalition, Trafalgar, Venice being ruled by Austria (the rest of Italy be Napoleon) and naval battles and strategy. You learn some history while being entertained by the story.

The novel also touches on how difficult it was to be different in a judgmental society, as well as a hypocritical one. In a time when the aristocrats could drink, gamble, and have numerous affairs despite being married, they still felt righteous enough to condemn a man for being homosexual, even if that man was with someone he loved and had standards and scruples. There's a character in the novel who's living a lie in order to be accepted, and his story is pretty sad.

The book has its flaws, such as the way Lady Claire, Branwell's former, troublemaking mistress, disappears from the story quite abruptly, after her scheme to trap him into marriage backfires, when he turns the tables on her. She appears only once after that, attempting to make him suspicious of Kate (now his wife) after he returns from months at sea, and then that's it. The same goes for Thomas Moore, the poet who was enamored of Kate and dedicated some sonnets to her, but then he was gone from the scene abruptly, too. But these are minor flaws.

There are supporting characters that keep the story lively, like Lady Sarah Haverly, Kate's charming socialite aunt; Daniel, Kate's friend from back home who becomes pals with Branwell's friend, Wilson (the first mate of Branwell's ship), who falls in love with Kate's former governess/companion, and Kate's saucy maid, Ellen. There's also the villainous Walepole, and two Venetian spies who are stepbrother and stepsister, as well as lovers. So, this is a real never get bored, page turning book.

Read and have fun! ( )