Devil's Cub

Devil's Cub by Georgette Heyer

Reader's Annotation

When Mary spoils the young Marquis's non-matrimonial plans for her social-climbing sister Sophia, he abducts Mary to France instead.

Summary

The young Marquis of Vidal leaves highwaymen dead in the road and eats social-climbing little chits like Sophia Challoner for dessert but, when it comes to Sophia's fiercely protective older sister Mary, the Marquis has met his match. Mary knows that Vidal will never marry Sophia, so, when she intercepts a message inviting Sophia to run away with him, Mary puts on a mask and goes in Sophia's stead. Then when Vidal discovers the switch, Mary deepens the deception by claiming that the switch was all Sophia's idea for a joke at his expense. This so enrages Vidal that he forcibly abducts Mary onto his yacht and sails for France. There, after many misunderstandings, interfering friends and relatives, a shooting, and a duel, Mary and Vidal realize they are a perfect match and are betrothed.

Evaluation

This fun novel is a well done Comedy of Manners set during the British Regency era. The Marquis of Vidal is the perfect rake, drinking, gambling, dueling, and pursuing women with the most dishonorable of intentions. Mary Challoner is the perfect spunky heroine who tames the rake. The repartee among the supporting characters is tres amusant and there's enough action for any adventure novel. The historical details and language seem accurate to the best of my limited knowledge. Georgette Heyer is considered the queen of the Regency Romance and has inspired many imitators. Her fans include many men like myself who enjoy the adventure and humor of her Regency Romances.

Fans of Jane Austen may enjoy Heyer's Regency Romances. Those who enjoy the adventure in them may also enjoy the historical novels of Rafael Sabatini, while those who enjoy their humor may like the aristocratic buffoonery of P.G. Wodehouse.

Genres: Romance, Historical
Subgenres: Regency Romance