Tired of her servitude to her own family, Lady Jane Guthrie gets the chance to escape--at least for one night--by donning a daring gown to attend a scandalous courtesans's masquerade ball, where she encounters Seth Rutledge, the man she has always loved but who has had eyes only for her title-hungry sister. Original.

2008-07-15 Sweet, unassuming Regency romance

Widowed Lady Jane Guthrie is fed up with her family treating her like a servant and longs to have just one night of freedom. With the help of her friends, she dons the most daring gown and manages to sneak to a scandalous courtesans' masquerade ball. While there, she comes face to face with Seth Rutledge, her childhood friend and the man who broke her heart all those years ago by choosing her beautiful, title-hungry sister over her. But now, with a mask to conceal her identity, Seth definitely wants only Jane.

Just back from war and new to a title he never expected to inherit, Seth is entranced by the masked beauty before him and vows to reveal all her secrets. Determined to marry for duty alone, passion is something that Seth has no place for in his life. But he can't help but want the mysterious woman before him, possibly for more than just one night. But what will happen when he realises that his masked love is none other than his childhood friend Jane?


This was an unassuming and invariably sweet Regency romance and another winner from Sophie Jordan.

The plot of two childhood friends that come together and re-learn what they feel for each other captured me and I was eager to keep reading to find out what happened to the characters. Jane is uncomplicated and fresh - someone you might not necessarily relate to but certainly will root for. Seth too was an interesting hero. Slightly brooding and dark but with the tender streak I like in a leading male. I have to admit that I didn't really understand his motivations at times but that didn't really spoil the story for me.

The conflict in the story wasn't clichéd but I did feel that it was a little drawn out towards the end and I was wondering how many more obstacles would be thrown at Jane and Seth before they could reach their happy ever after. I'll also admit to feeling slightly let down by the speed of Seth's changing feelings at the end of the book, but as everything concluded the way it should then I really shouldn't complain.

If you're looking for a light, sweet and romantic Regency story then you really can't go wrong with this book. 4 stars.