Not a serious book, but a fun one. The narration, in particular, does very well in expressing what are considered the norms for Regency society, while making it very clear that this work is written for a modern audience, with modern sensibilities. The juxtaposition of those attitudes made for much of the humor in the work for me. The story itself was fun, with interesting characters, and by choosing persons who are not within the mainstream of Regency society allowed for a more enjoyable story.

My mother and I got this book as something for the road, and it served admirably to pass the hours and keep the mind engaged.

Finally, enough good cannot be said for the reader's performance. Ms. Porter manages to take unique voices for several major characters, such that simply hearing the tone of her voice will convey who is speaking - this made for a much more clear, and enjoyable, experience.

The author has the time period down pat. The reader had the perfect accent and "attitude" for each character's station for the time period. Looking forward to the next two books in the trilogy.

The scene in the kitchen where the Duke finds his long lost love bathing after her long hard day as the hotel's French chef.

When the Duke climbs the drainpipe to save his love from the burning house.

The book was humorous as well as touching for the positions innocent people found themselves in.

Well worth the listen.

It has a terrific story, humorous, sprinkled with tidbits of history and customs of the times which I loved! I have avoided "Regency Romances" with their lurid book covers and rote story lines and I was very hesitant to buy this book - but the story premise was different, intriguing. Here is a story of the genteel poverty stricken protagonists, several of senior years. Hmmmm, how will that be played out? Now, there are young protagonists, too! And there is some genteel romance!. This is not a bodice ripper and if you want graphic sex then this is not for you. Rather, this is an exceedingly well crafted story with an original plot, engaging characters, a expose of mores and customs of the later 1700's and is a MUST read in my opinion.

I thought this was a cute little story. I think I got it on a sale which is great, but I would not have used a credit or spent cash for full price.

The premise of poor royals getting together to build a business was great. I enjoyed the characters, the narration and the story itself, but I did not find this phenomenal. It helped to pass the time.

The series is a fun read. This is book 1 and in this book Lady Fortescue, widowed and alone save for two loyal, unpaid servants, has sold off almost all of the furnishings in her large Bond Street home and faces a grim future. To the rescue comes Colonel Sandhurst - and many other impoverished aristocrats. The characters are likeable and well developed.
The book shines the light on real problems during those days, many historic facts and some funny happenings.

In book 1 my favorite character was Colonel Sandhurst as he compliments the more opinionated Lady Fortescue.

Ms. Porter just knows how to read, act, and draw you in - she is superb.

I would highly recommend this series IF books are on sale - a credit better reserved for something a bit more deep and longer in audio hours. But overall I would recommend the book(s).

Love the way Davina Porter takes this little story and makes it into something worth listening to. Sets up the series in a very strong manner with the Duke gets the girl out of the kitchen. What's in #2?

Yes, there are a number of characters and I would read again to make sure I had each of them in my mind correctly. Not too many that you can't keep track, but background details on each is what I would want to clarify better.

The concept of the "poor relations"

Not that I know of. I've listened to a number of audio books but do not generally pay attention to the narrator.

Loved the story. Lots of texture with cross genurations interacting. Great narration loved the accents dialects very talented narrator. Love Davina Porter. LoveLove love love this series.
And Im really not all that into regency novels. Not smutty just histerically funny.

No. It was a delightful, light tale - no need to do it again.

Harriett. She's a fine heroine - plucky, bright and rising above hard times.

She can read anything and be the very best at it. This is no exception.

A ragtag bunch of down-on-their-luck characters with pluck and wit to make their way.

This book met my needs perfectly - a light and entertaining story to listen to while driving. There really aren't any plot twists that will shock and surprise, but the characters and story are fun and interesting. For the times when you want something that won't make you feel sad or stressed, or tax your brain too much when you're concentrating on driving, this is it.