Falling In Love Is a Family Affair!

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Source: Review Copy from Author

A few years ago I fell in love with DG Rampton’s spectacular debut novel, Artemisia: a Regency novel in the tradition of Jane Austen. This captivating read about a spirited heroine, who much rather stay in the country and continue her boyish pursuits, being thrust upon London society to gain “town polish” and her most unwilling chaperone, was quite the perfect blend of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer. I am so thrilled to read this latest novel by DG Rampton! Similar to Artemisia, Aphrodite is about a feisty and strong-willed heroine experiencing her first London season.

At the age of twenty-eight April Hartwood is finally making her societal debut. While April would be perfectly content to remain in Cornwall and keep herself occupied managing her newly inherited estate, she consents to come to London for the first time in support of her mother, who is recently engaged to Viscount Paisley and is hoping to make a good impression on all his family and friends. But April’s grandmother has other ideas. She wants to see April married. And she intends to use her powers of persuasion, scheming skills, and substantial influence to get her way.

Mr. Hugh Royce, Viscount Paisley’s nephew, is introduced to April and her mother upon their arrival in London. And even though Mr. Royce recognizes that April is a ravishing beauty, he is prejudiced against beautiful women and believes they are all vapid coquettes with no morals. But Hugh doesn’t need to worry about any romantic entanglements with April Hartwood because he has made his choice and is engaged to a Miss Starling. A young woman, who like himself, isn’t looking for or wanting love in marriage. So it would appear April’s grandmother needs to look elsewhere for a suitor…I wonder who she has in mind…

Just like with Artemisia, Aphrodite is an enthralling Regency romp full of endearing and meddlesome characters, a stubborn hero and heroine, and hilariously entertaining mix-ups and tangles! I love well-constructed Regency stories in this style – I felt the influence of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer in this work even without overt parallels to specific characters and novels.

What I loved most about this story were its characters. April is feisty, independent, and strong – she is a blend of Jane Bennet (with her astonishing beauty), Elizabeth Bennet (with her spiritedness and willfulness), and Elinor Dashwood (with her love and care for her mother). And I absolutely adored Hugh Royce with his prejudices and preconceived notions about love and marriage! I loved every moment these two spent together – the mortifying moments of awkwardness, the clever battles of wills, the tender scenes of care, and the heart-stopping moments of love….just terrific! My only desire would have been to spend some more time with Hugh and see a little bit more of his internal thoughts and journey.

Other characters I thoroughly enjoyed in this story were Mrs. Delamer, with her surreptitious machinations and shamelessness about her scandalous past; Lord Wulfingston, with his formidable manner, unabashed temerity, and sharp tongue; and Layton, April’s devoted and long-term butler who is as loyal as he is crotchety! There were plenty of other charming, diverting, and endearing characters to encounter in this story and I absolutely loved witnessing all their storylines and exchanges! And I thoroughly enjoyed the exceedingly satisfying developments and conclusions Ms. Rampton masterfully devised for these characters – I can’t say more because I don’t want to spoil…but trust me, it is brilliant!

Are you in the mood for a romantic Regency adventure during the London season brimming with orchestrated dinner parties, matchmaking schemes, unexpected romances, and competitive games? Silly question, right? If yes, I heartily recommend reading either (or both!) of DG Rampton’s diverting, witty, and well-crafted Regency romances. (NOTE: Each story is standalone. )

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