The Rules of Gentility — Janet Mullany

"It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single woman of fortune and passable good looks amuses herself in London with fashion, philanthropic works, and flirtation, until a suitable gentleman makes an offer. I consider the pursuit of bonnets and a husband fairly alike -- I do not want to acquire an item that will wear out, or bore me after a brief acquaintance, and we must suit each other very well."

Regency heiress Philomena Wellesley-Clegg has rather strong pinions about men and clothing. As to the former, so far two lords, a viscount, and a mad poet have fallen far short of her expectations. But she is about to meet Inigo Linsley, an unshaven, wickedly handsome man with a scandalous secret. He's nothing she ever dreamed she'd want -- why then can she not stop thinking about how he looks in his breeches?

A delightful marriage of Pride and Prejudice with Bridget Jones's Diary, Janet Mullany's The Rules of Gentility transports us to the days before designer shoes, apple martinis, and speed dating -- when great bonnets, punch at Almack's, and the marriage mart were in fashion -- and captivates us with a winsome heroine who learns that some rules in society are made to be broken.

Hero: Inigo Linsley
Heroine: Philomena Wellesley-Clegg