Foxing the Geese

April 15, 2016

At the advanced age of 24, independent Vivienne Fox knows her chances at marriage are dwindling, but she's not about to wed without love--and she definitely doesn't want to attract a fortune hunter by spreading the news of her recent surprise inheritance. So she keeps it a secret, even from Lord Alex LeSayres, a childhood acquaintance she is coming to love but who needs to marry money for the sake of his property. Pleasantly delineated supporting players (especially a lecherous villain, a shallow cousin, and a cruel, thoughtless aunt), excellent detail, and an accurate knowledge of the period provide a good sense of time and place and vivify the sparkling era. VERDICT With wit and grace, Woods spins a romantic tale of a heroine who yearns to be loved for herself and a responsible hero who must choose between family obligation and the woman of his heart. An engaging, slightly sexy romp with a classic Regency air. Woods (Different Tides) lives near Freemantle in Western Australia.

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from March 15, 2016
Vivienne Fox, the vicar's daughter, has inherited a huge fortune from a distant relative. Since she has reached the terrible age of spinsterhood, her father is anxious for her to marry as soon as possible, so he sends her off to London to accompany her spoiled cousin who is also there for the season. But Vivienne doesn't want anyone to know about her new wealth. She wants a man to marry her for love. Lord Alex LeSayres might be an earl, but he's broke. His father left him with a mountain of gambling debts, so he needs to find a rich wife, and quickly. Alex would much rather marry for love, but he's too pragmatic for that. It's just too bad that he's fallen for Vivienne, the penniless daughter of a clergyman. Woods (Different Tides, 2014; Moon Cutters, 2014) has written a delightful Regency romp, complete with a hero worthy of Jane Austen and a feisty, resourceful heroine who has no use for the social conventions of the time. This will be a pleasure to recommend to fans of historical romances.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)