I actually read Devil's Cub first (not realizing this was a bit of a series), so going back in time with this one. I may actually go reread the Devil's Cub now...

But back to These Old Shades - it took me a bit to get into this one. I tend to like Heyer's later novels (Black Sheep may be my favorite) - the heros and heroines are older and a bit less silly. I believe the author was only 20 herself when this novel was written so I suppose it makes sense.

My biggest issue with this book was the age difference between Leonie and Justin. Twenty years is a bigggg gap and it’s not like Leonie is mature or Justin doesn’t spend the majority of the book saying she was his ward and calling her infant. At least the other characters acknowledge there’s an age difference and I must say the last chapter made it feel more realistic for me. So yeah, I do wish maybe it was ten years or less (because in the back of my mind there’s this huge inequity between the couple which I don’t like but on the other hand, Leonie is kind of Justin’s redemption and it melts my heart a bit).

My second issue was this revenge thing - I didn’t read The Black Moth, but it felt like Justin’s need for revenge was a bit flimsy, although in the end Leonie’s dad did prove himself to be utter trash.

Still, I read Georgette Heyer for a little light romance, so I can’t say I didn’t get what I came for!

The secondary characters were especially well done - Hugh, Edward, Fanny, Rupert, and Tony felt like more than just window dressing and added to the fabric of the story. Over all a very enjoyable read and I think I shall go find my copy of the Devil’s Cub!

What fun! This book reminded me of The Scarlet Pimpernel by Orczy. It was set before the French revolution but was similar in that it was witty, clever, and had a mystery to solve. I had to really concentrate to follow the dialogue but it was worth the effort. What a fun find! I think I will really enjoy this author.

That was a FUN read!
Still a lil miffed by the age gap, but Léonie is such a refreshing heroine! Barely any lulls in the story, good pacing and a really well executed climax.

Every few years, I try another Georgette Heyer historical romance. After this latest foray, I think I have to face an unfortunate truth: Heyer is just not for me. Even this, one of her best loved works, I found to be slow and lumpy with (very) occasional bright spots (the woman knows her history, I'll give her that). And could I have been the only one put off by the heroine and her "i'm a very sexy baby" ways? Surely not??

Excellent!

One of my favourite books by Georgette Heyer. Have had it in print and decided to get the ebook to accompany the audio. Excellent story that still captivates me.
PSA: The audio as narrated by Sarah Nichols is an almost pitch perfect performance. It will be a performance that I will listen to many more times!

Consider me a convert to the cult of Georgette Heyer! These Old Shades is the second book I've read by her, and my new favorite. It's got a bit of everything -- the dashing, aristocratic hero, the waifish young girl with a mysterious identity, a long-buried scandal that's revealed in a truly marvelous scene, and lots of occasions to rub elbows with high society in all the best salons of Paris. The romance is rather delicious, and there's plenty of witty banter and silliness mixed in with the more dramatic deceptions and revenge schemes.

Can't wait to sample more GH!