Cover Image: Frederica

Frederica

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I got a review copy of this book from NetGalley. Why NetGalley is giving me copies of books that are a hundred years old is a bit of a mystery. Maybe they are re-releasing them? I hope so, because this book deserves as much attention as any modern romance. The characters are charming, the plot is quirky without getting too silly, dogs feature. all in all a very enjoyable, very lovely romance. I've previously read a couple of georgette Heyer's Regency romances, and am tempted to do a completionist reading of them , because I need more of this joy in my life.

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One of the things I love about Heyer is how different each of her protagonists are, even when they fall within the same type. In Frederica we have one of her coldly selfish heroes, more concerned with his cravat and horses than with being of any use in the world, brought to heel by another sensible, determined young woman. In an unlikely turn of events, Frederica learns to rely upon Alverstoke, and Alverstoke, surprising himself most of all, learns to be reliable — and to enjoy it! As much as a romance, this is a delayed coming of age novel for our reluctant hero, with a deeply satisfying character arc from indolent rake to family man.

My thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablance for providing an eARC of this new edition in exchange for an honest review.

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Frederica by Georgette Heyer was a beautiful read! I've read other works by Heyer but this one is by far my favorite! This book is entertaining, witty, intelligent, laugh out loud funny at times, with characters you fall in love with and want to be your friends. The characters in this story are so realistic! Vernon...LOVE HIM!! Nothing more to say other then don't miss out on this perfect regency romance!

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I have actually read more of Georgette Heyer's crime novels than I have her romances. That said, I am steadily (if rather slowly) working my way through them. There's just something about her witty light touch as she brings two reluctant lovers together that almost feels like returning to an old friend, a well-loved book, even though it's the first time that I've read it.
There is rather a large age gap here, as often seems to be the case in her books, particularly when it's a successful and well-matched couple, rather than some youthful alliance that is painted as impetuous and ill-advised. Even so, it's impossible not to hope that Frederica and Alverstoke find their way to one another. Alverstoke never puts himself out for anyone, we learn that this is possibly because a youthful passion of his own didn't really to the way that he hoped. He is unable to resist the charms of Frederica, or those of her younger brothers.
I loved this book anyway, but the addition of those younger brothers; Felix and Jessamy really make the story. How could you not love them, even Alverstoke, who has never taken any interest in members of his own family, finds it impossible to resist their youthful exuberance.
I loved this book and found myself suffering a 'book hangover' unwilling to leave the characters behind just yet, once it was over.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

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Georgette Heyer is the master. No equals, and Frederica is one of her best. The heroine is unselfish, fun and caring -- and determined her beautiful sister, Charis, will marry well. It's just one of the ways Frederica cares for her younger siblings. To reach her goal, she reaches out to the proud Marquis of Alverstoke, a distant relation and revered by the ton. Selfish, he ends up helping the family -- almost against his own inclinations. He can't help himself. The subsequent tale is a rollicking good time. When you read Heyer -- if you haven't -- you will know where the inspiration for so many other writers can be found, including the hot air balloon trip that strands the h/H. You've read the rest, and if you haven't read the first (and the best) you're in for a treat. (Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC. I didn't have it on Kindle.)

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Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. All opinions are my own.


Full disclosure: I couldn't finish this book

I love reading romance novels when I need brain candy. Sweet, but full of empty thoughts. This book is not that. The language used is a little too highbrow for me. I kept having to go get a definition and then go back into the story. It was alot.

If you like an intelligent book that challenges you, huzzah you found it! If you are like me and lose interest easily this is not for you

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This book is sooo entertaining, witty, intelligent, laugh out loud funny at times, characters you fall in love with, characters that are so realistic you can pick out people in your life just like them and you smile at the similarities. Frederica Merrillville has three younger brothers, and one beautiful young sister who needs to be launched, but there is only enough money for one season, with a shabby hired house in London, and two young brothers who cannot seem to stay out of trouble, they are precious! Than we have our very reluctant, unlikely hero, The Marquis of Alverstoke, who is self - centered, almost foppish in his clothing, but what a hero he turns out to be, my favorite male type in all genres, a true Alpha Male! I have only given one book a 5 star rating this year, this book, I would give it a perfect 10 if I could. Thank you #Netgalley #Sourcebooks
carolintallahassee

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DNFed at about 1%. I could not get through the language usage within the first few pages, I know that this is a re-publishing of the original 1965 work, but I would have thought the writing would have been modernized a bit to reflect a 2023 reader. To be fair, I am not usually a fan of “old-school” historical romances, so this may appeal to people who prefer that type of writing. For me, it was too flowery and felt out of date.

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Enjoyable and interesting read. I liked the banter and chemistry between, Frederica and Lord Alverstoke. A nice past time book.

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Frederica is the head of her household after the death of her father and her elder brother studying at Oxford. She has a lot of responsibility including securing a match for her younger sister Charis. Charis is beautiful and everything that could make her the diamond of a season on the Ton. However, Frederica knows no one in London of influence to help Charis make her debut. Until, she finds a distant relative who she may be able to convince to help.

Marquis of Alverstoke is the epitome of style and fashion on the Ton. He is selfish and a known rake. He is also 37 and a bachelor for life. However, three meddling sisters have plagued this way of life and are threatening to become a thorn in his side. When Frederica approaches Alverstoke with a request to present Charis, Alverstoke sees how he can use this to his advantage and against his sisters.

Will Charis find a husband and a comfortable life? Why has Frederica decided that she will never marry? Can Felix and Jessamay stay out of trouble? How will Alverstoke cope with the Merriville family crashing headlong into his life?

This was so much fun! It is a long read and the language requires concentration, but I loved it. I thought the lack of spice would tune me off but the PG Wodehouse and Jane Austen vibes made this hilarious. There are so many great regency romance stories available but if you haven't read Georgette Heyer, you cannot consider yourself well read! Do it, do it now and I'm off to read more!

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The Marquis of Alverstoke is bored, and not interested in the concerns of his close relatives. The Merriville family are distant connections, but he agrees to take them under his protection. Frederica Merriville is only interested in facilitating a brilliant marriage for her beautiful younger sister, and in keeping her younger brothers safe. As the younger Merrivillles get in one scrape after another, Alverstoke is pulled into closer contact with Frederica. Will Frederica’s selfless nature have an affect on the selfish Marquis? And will the Marquis realize the depth of his feelings for Frederica before she disappears back into the country? Wonderful, fun story. I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley, and this is my honest opinion.

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Miss Frederica Merriville, age 24, has brought her younger sister, Charis, to London for her season. As she herself never had a season, she looks forward to joining in the festivities.

The Merriville siblings have lost both their mother and father. Frederica approaches her cousin, Vernon, Marquis of Alverstoke, age 37, to ask him to host a ball for Charis and herself. At the same time, his sister asks him to do the same for her daughters, Chloe and Jane. Therefore, a dual ball is planned.

As Vernon gets to know the Merriville family more, he is taken with the intelligence of Frederica and begins to become a guardian to the other siblings. The story covers encounters with all of the siblings who find that Vernon is a very kind and fair man who does his best to look out for them all.

Togetherness and admiration for Frederica finds Vernon falling in love with her. But as she considers herself to be a spinster and not interested in marriage, will he be able to convince her to marry him?

I enjoyed this story as I don’t recall how many of Miss Heyer’s books I have read. The dialogue of the time period is a bit difficult to get through at times which made it seem like the book was very long. All in all, a lovely book that I’m sure readers will enjoy.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

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Georgette Heyer is the Grand Lady of Regency Romance and her books, even if some parts seems not politically correct, are a realistic representation of an era.
She used the ringht language, followed the right social rules and created chararacter you can't forget.
I thought i read all her romances but somehow Federica seemed new to me and this is a treat.
Entertaining, well plotted, witty.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

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I read a lot of Georgette Heyer books in my teens, back when it was all about paper books and finding space for all of them!

This felt like an entirely new book since it had been too long. I enjoyed the book, it was clean and the dialogue fun.

The Marquis of Alderstoke meets his match in Frederica who isn’t anything like the usual society ladies of his acquaintance. She’s not after him for one thing, she wants his help to launch her sister..

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Frederica has cared for her younger siblings ever since they lost their parents. She asks a distant cousin, the Marquis of Alverstoke, to sponsor her younger sister's entry into London society. In the wake of a family crisis, will Alverstoke realize his feelings for Frederica have turned to love?

This re-release of the classic novel is an enjoyable read. There are a lot of characters, so it required a slow and careful reading at first to get my bearings. The warm and witty relationship between Frederica and Alverstoke was delightful.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

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This book was amazing from beginning to end- and I don't know how I didn't hear of it sooner! There were so many loveable characters! The banter is amazing, the setting is my favorite (regency romance is superior), the leading lady is my new favorite and I'll definitely be reading more Georgette Heyer.

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Vernon, the Marquis of Alverstoke is completely oblivious to his selfishness, as he is all that is celebrated by the ton. Being rich and handsome, who could not be captivated by him. When Frederica Merriville brings her three younger siblings to London determined to secure a brilliant marriage for her beautiful sister, Charis, she seeks out Vernon, their distant cousin. Yet Frederica is immune to his charms, or so it seems and in doing so, keeps him enthralled.
This book is so elegant in its prose and pace. The detail that Heyer would provide in her books, makes this the classic that it still is today. I also enjoyed the foreword, which surmised why this book is so cleverly unique. Alverstoke gradually transforms from the beginning of the book, solely from wanting to be better for Frederica. The witty conversations between the couple had me smiling long after the last page was read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Vernon Alverstoke, the Marquis of Alverstoke at seven-and-thirty sees no reason to put himself out for anyone. Until a distant connection, ignorant of his selfishness, applies to him for help. When Frederica Merriville brings her three younger siblings to London determined to secure a brilliant marriage for her beautiful sister, Charis, she seeks out their distant cousin the Marquis of Alverstoke. Lovely, competent, and refreshingly straightforward, Frederica makes such a strong impression that to his own amazement, the Marquis agrees to help launch them all into society. Vernon is usually bored by everyone but surprisingly, he finds himself far from bored when he spends time with Frederica.
This is one of my favourite books by the author, I loved The Merrivilles especially Frederica & also loved Vernon. The boys are an absolute delight & soon have Vernon wrapped round their grubby fingers. It’s humorous, it’s endearing & I loved how Vernon & Frederica fell in love. No matter how many times I read it I’m left with a smile on my face
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

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This is number 3 on my top 5 Heyer books (Arabella being no. 1 and Venetia no. 2)
It’s just so fun! And funny!
Honestly, if you haven’t read any Heyer novels, what are you waiting for? Pretty much every romance by Heyer is great. Grab some hot tea and settle in!
I really love the intros by Eloisa James in these editions. They have just enough info to be a good teaser, whet your appetite but not so much that it gives away the story. :)

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I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a wonderful book. I enjoyed it a lot.

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