Book Review and Giveaway: Venetia by Georgette Heyer

I am glad to post a review to celebrate Georgette Heyer's Birth date. 
Venetia by Georgette Heyer

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (May 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402238843
• ISBN-13: 978-1402238840

 Genre:  Regency Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0
Product Description
Venetia features a remarkably independent heroine who falls deeply in love with the wrong man. Venetia Lanyon lives a quiet life until she meets her notorious neighbor Jasper, Lord Damerel, who would marry her in a heartbeat if he didn't think it would ruin her. Then she discovers a shocking family secret that changes everything...

[Audible Description
Venetia Lanyon, beautiful, intelligent and independent woman, lives in comfortable seclusion in rural Yorkshire with her precocious brother Aubrey. Her future seems safe and predictable: either marriage to the respectable but dull Edward Yardley, or a life of peaceful spinsterhood. But when she meets the dashing, dangerous rake Lord Damerel, her well-ordered life is turned upside down, and she embarks upon a relationship with him that scandalizes and horrifies the whole community. Has she found her soul-mate, or is she playing with fire?]

Review: This is a lovely, charming read.

Venetia is a beauty but her more important qualities are her intelligence, wit and confidence.  She has remained home, living a rather reclusive and bookish country lifestyle, to watch over her sickly younger brother.  She doesn’t feel that she can leave for a season in town or a life of her own until their elder brother returns from the war to take over the household responsibilities.  Venetia does have two local suitors who are enthralled with her beauty.  One is an infatuated young man who is several years younger. The other is a serious neighbor who would make a respectable, if not exciting, husband.  Neither her relatives or suitors recognize the spirited young woman just waiting to be allowed some independence away from home.

Unexpectedly Venetia encounters another neighbor, the dangerous rake, Lord Damerel.  There have been many rumors about his dissolute and scandalous past but Venetia always looks for the good in people. The cynical Damerel is immediately enchanted by the natural warmth and spirit he sees in Venetia.  She is charmed by his willingness to challenge her wit and spirit. They share literary interests and enjoy bantering as they toss quotes back and forth.

Despite objections from the community a close friendship develops between Damerel and Venetia.  Damerel knows that he doesn’t deserve such an innocent beauty; she is much too special for a tainted character like himself.  Damerel is determined not to hurt Venetia’s reputation but in charming her he hurts her heart.  Venetia sees that Damerel cares for her but he will only treat it as a passing idle.  How can she convince him that she doesn’t care about his past or the scandal if only she can be with him?

Damerel is a deliciously wicked hero with a cynical view of life.  It is enjoyable to watch as he falls in love with the sweet heroine who is determined to catch the man she wants. Although this may be a predicable relationship - the rake and the innocent - it is charmingly handled with a few twists to add interest.

I listened to the Audible version as well as reading along at parts. The narrator did a fine job capturing the charm and personalities once you got used to the accent. However, I was disappointed that the Audible version was abridged and I would recommend going with the printed book so as not to miss any of the charming descriptions and banter.

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I received this book from Sourcebooks for review.  Sourcebooks is offering all Georgette Heyer ebooks at the sale price of $1.99 - this week only so take advantage of the sale to pick up some wonderful reads!

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY:
1. Visit the Heyer Celebration page at Sourcebooks and tell me what other title catches your attention. This is required for entry.

2.  For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For two entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Four total entries possible.)

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.

* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.

* Limit one win per household.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on August 26, 2011.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on AUGUST 27 and will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.