The Baron In Bath By Isabella Thorne

Miss Julia Bellevue: A Regency Romance Novel

Heart of a Gentleman Book 4

STORY-LINE THE BARON IN BATH BY ISABELLA THORNE:

The Baron In Bath, a Regency romance, features Julie Bellevue and Godwin Gruger, Baron of Fawkland. Julie’s an absolute horror at the society whirl. She’s out spoken, never says the correct thing, blurts out what’s on her mind, and she’s tall as an amazon, as well as, awkward and insecure. Tales, rumors, and gossip, persist and never died of her parentage; increasing her insecurities.

After her father’s death, Julie finds he’s betrothed her to Godwin Gruger, Baron of Fawkland. Gossips say he’s a rake and produced bastards numbering from one to twenty-five, depending on who recounting the tale; the gossip flies across society and the ton endlessly. The terms of her inheritance, tied to marrying Godwin, breaks her heart; she’ll lose her beloved home in Bath if the marriage does not take place.

Julie and her sister, Jane, travel to Bath to meet her future intended; who’s the brother of her childhood confident and friend Cedric. In a flurry of parties, dances, and social events, Julie finds she still does not fit in with the idea of the Regency woman; she’s out spoken, far from graceful, an amazon in a jungle of beautiful petite ladies, and insecure. Julie finds herself torn between two battling brothers. Her friend from the past or Godwin, her father’s choice of husband, into whose hands will Julie decide to place her future? Or will she surprise everyone and choose another gentleman? My Regency romance book reviews of The Baron In Bath follows.

CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, DEVELOPMENT:

Oh my, what a wonderful tale of love, jealousy, envy, and romance, Isabella Thorne created for us in The Baron In Bath. With a variety of characters, we get to see our favorites from earlier books and glimpse into their lives. The twist and turns and revelations in this book kept coming as Throne led us through her Regency tale.

I love a romance which includes an underdog; Julie’s name should be under the definition of underdog. As Isabella Thorne developed her character, I came to love and root for Julie more and more. Watching Julie find her place in life and realize home is not a building but the people you love, almost made me stand up and cheer. She had considered herself less for so long, I loved seeing her grab life. Thorne also shows the damage gossip causes in the lives of the people involved. Coming to know Godwin’s character is enlightening. Far from the rake the ton gossips purport, he’s grounded, kind, and caring. A man willing to take other’s sins on his shoulders.

Every good romance must have a villain, and Thorne created a dastardly villain for The Baron In Bath. You will love to hate him. Selfish, self-centered, obnoxious, conniving, envious, and jealous, are just a few of adjectives I could use to describe him. Thorne developed his character to his full potential; I wanted to slap him silly.

The pace of The Baron In Bath never slowed down; speeding towards the end. Thorne told this tale in 4 parts; each part transitions smoothly and flows well from part to part without pause or lag. I found the scenes descriptive and Throne’s writing clear and easy to read. The plot lines kept me glued to this book; I did not put it down until I reach the last satisfying sentence. Thorne hooked me in the first pages and held my attention throughout. Bringing all the threads together with skill, Thorn wove an intriguing story-line.

A clean Regency romance, I would not hesitate to buy this book for myself or a friend. Of all Thorne‘s books I have reviewed, I think I loved this one the best. Each book keeps getting better and better. Although a standalone, I would suggest reading the earlier books in this series to enhance your reading pleasure; creating a group of people you feel you know. I can’t wait for the next book as Thorne has several characters for more in this series.

THE BARON IN BATH RECOMMENDATION: STARS 4

FINALLY, PLEASE NOTE

Additionally, I voluntarily purchased this book and I voluntarily chose to review the book with honest Regency romance book reviews. Hence, book reviews of any novel are dependent on the book review author’s opinion. Consequently all book reviews on-line and on my blog, are my opinions. Furthermore, no one influences my voluntary regency romance book reviews.