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Review by Jodi Israel
Also in the friends-to-married category is Michelle Martin's new Regency romance. Regencies are more than simply historical novels set in the Regency period of England. Regencies take the conventions of romance fiction one step further. Behavior, fashion, and even friendships were strictly regulated. All of this makes The Butler Who Laughed that much more delightful.
Though Martin made her successful contemporary debut several months ago (Stolen Hearts), she is best known for her Regencies. This book shows why. Lady Sarah Thorndike is being forced to marry Viscount Lyleton, even though it is abundantly clear that they don't suit. The Viscount completely agrees with this assessment, but he has even bigger worries: he's being blackmailed. He enlists an old schoolmate, John Rawlins, to help him with this little problem and pose as his butler for the summer.
Lady Sarah is intrigued by Rawlins, though her parents forbid her friendliness with the servants. Rawlins takes notice of Sarah immediately and is stunned to discover she has a heart.
Since Rawlins and Sarah are bound by conventions dictating their actions, it makes each glance more provocative, each smile an entreaty. Martin writes wonderful dialogue and description that will appeal even to those who prefer spicier romances.
Jodi Israel is an avid reader of romance. She can be reached at jodi@tiac.net.
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