The Diamond Key

Rating:
Summary: 2 1/2 star read
Review: I'd like to preface my comments by stating that I've always been a huge Barbara Metzger fan. I've found nearly every one of her books to be witty, intelligent and well written ones that have always given me hours of pleasurable reading. Which was why I was rather dismayed when I discovered that "The Diamond Key" just failed to entertain and satisfy on any level.

After several seasons, beautiful and much sought after Lady Victoria Keyes has yet to find the one gentleman that she could pledge her heart and hand in marriage to. Which is why when she finds herself trapped in a deadly blaze at her modiste's, she rashly vows to marry the very next man who askes her no matter who (or what) he is. Fortunately for Lady Victoria she's rescued -- but by Viscount Ingall, a social outcast whom rumour has it murdered his mistress's husband! Of course Lady Victoria (who has fallen for the good-looking viscount) decides that she will marry the handsome and intriguing gentleman. But he will have none of it -- afterall he as some honour (even if society has decided that has none) even if he is drawn to the delectable Lady Victoria. Who will win this battle of wills? The viscount will soon learns that no gentleman can nay say a determined young lady...

"The Diamond Key" is not a badly written book. To the contrary. It's just a matter of personal taste. And I was not quite in the mood for a romance novel in which the heroine basically sets her cap on the hero and goes out of her way to get him! Along the way were several supposedly amusing interludes involving the viscount and several other ladies he's trying to help and who all decid that he has to marry them for one reason or the other. Perhaps if I had been a better frame of mind these interludes may have been amusing, as it so happened I just found these episodes tired and overdone. However, while the pacing was a little erratic, the character portrayals were rather good, as was the prose style. Overall however I'd have to say that there have been better Barbara Metzger Regency novels (like "An Enchanted Affair," "Miss Tredwell's Talent" & "The Painted Lady") and my advice is that readers who have not had the pleasure of enjoying any of her works yet give those a try first.

Rating:
Summary: Great reading!
Review: Lady Victoria "Torrie" Ann Keyes had turned down many suitors. But when she found herself surrounded by fire at Madame Michaela's dressmaking shop, she vowed to marry the man who rescued her, if she lived.

The man who saved her was Wynn Ingram, Viscount Ingall. He had been exiled six years ago for dueling with Lord Lynbrook. He was NOT accepted by polite society and could care less by the fact. He was only in England to deal with three problems, all concerning letters sent to him by women. When Torrie offered marriage, he politely refused. He did, however, consider the government post her father offered him. Regardless of what Wynn said, he was very attracted to Torrie.

One of her rejected suitors, Lord Boyce, was out to compromise her. Lord Boyce and Wynn knew each other from younger days. Neither cared for the other. But Lord Boyce needed Torrie's money desperately and would go to any lengths to get it.

***** Very well done! This story began in the middle of a dangerous situation and captured my interest immediately. The author added little sub-plots, such as the three women Wynn was dealing with, to keep events lively as well.

This is the PERFECT book for a dull or rainy afternoon to help the time FLY by. Very good reading within these pages!

Rating:
Summary: Fires, Females and Funnies!
Review: Lady Victoria Ann Keyes is trapped in a burning building. She makes a vow to herself: she will marry the man who saves her. That man is Wynn Ingall, Viscount Ingall (and his dog). Now, she only needs to convince him of the power of fate. Will she hand over her diamond key--the key to her heart--to Wynn?

The only problem is, Wynn has no desire to marry. Because of a scandal 6 years ago, he was banished from society. Now he has a fortune, and he is being hailed as a hero. He certainly doesn't want to add "Torrie" (lovely, though she is) to the list of females who are begging to be his bride. A former mistress is desperate to marry him. A penniless widow is desperate to marry him. His sister-in-law is eager to marry him off to her prim and proper cousin. But Wynn doesn't want to take a wife--even though he finds himself growing more and more attracted to Miss Keyes.

Overall, the novel is yet another Metzger delight. But I've read better Metzger books. "The Diamond Key" starts with a bang (what could be more exciting than a brush with death?), then loses momentum middle. Most of the middle consists of Wynn dealing with the other women in his life, and Torrie catching him in compromising situations. For a period of the book, I was somewhat bored and frustrated. But the book picks up during the last 100 pages. You learn to love the characters. Torrie starts to seems less like a spoiled brat and more like a spirited, feisty woman. Wynn finally shows his colors as the charitable, caring man that he is. I loved Homer, Wynn's dog. (You can always count on Barbara to pen a humorous, heroic mutt). Even the bumbling villain was worth some laughs.

I would recommend this as yet another light, witty, Metzger read. (I thought Wynn's struggles with terrible valets were hilarious). It'll definitely brighten your afternoon.

Rating:
Summary: Delightful
Review: Ms. Metzger was "on it" with this one. Wynn is delicious and Torrie is a perfect foil for him. Lots of humor, some interesting subplots, and a happy, loving family along with the despicable one. It's a delight to watch Wynn change from a man totally against marriage and society into a man who cannot imagine his life with this woman. Torrie is strong and kind, but wrestles with snap judgements that tempt her to turn away from Wynn--very human, but she has a good heart and quickly realizes that she's not being fair. Very tame physically, but you hardly miss it. Enjoy!

Rating:
Summary: Another Metzger delight
Review: One of the best at regency comedy, Barbara Metzger has offered up another winner with The Diamond Key. Others have summed up the plot well so there is no point in going over it again. As always, with this author, it is the witty writing, colourful characters and bizarre supporting cast that makes her work so attractive.

Metzger's command of farcical writing is brilliant. She uses word-play so effectively and gives us wonderful comedic situations so very well. I love her use, in particular, of alliteration such as "preening pea-geese" which gives a bright sparkiness to her writing.

The best running joke in this novel was the search for the perfect valet for our delicious hero, Lord Ingall. Torrie, our heroine was not Metzger's best (hence 4 instead of 5 stars) as she was a bit two dimensional which made her effect on the plot a little heavy. However, Ingall grows in the reader's eyes throughout the story and you want to cheer for him at the end. By the way, the last chapter is a delight!

Rating:
Summary: Another Metzger delight
Review: One of the best at regency comedy, Barbara Metzger has offered up another winner with The Diamond Key. Others have summed up the plot well so there is no point in going over it again. As always, with this author, it is the witty writing, colourful characters and bizarre supporting cast that makes her work so attractive.

Metzger's command of farcical writing is brilliant. She uses word-play so effectively and gives us wonderful comedic situations so very well. I love her use, in particular, of alliteration such as "preening pea-geese" which gives a bright sparkiness to her writing.

The best running joke in this novel was the search for the perfect valet for our delicious hero, Lord Ingall. Torrie, our heroine was not Metzger's best (hence 4 instead of 5 stars) as she was a bit two dimensional which made her effect on the plot a little heavy. However, Ingall grows in the reader's eyes throughout the story and you want to cheer for him at the end. By the way, the last chapter is a delight!

Rating:
Summary: This Diamond Shines!
Review: This was my first outing with Barbara Metzger and I have to say that it was a trully enjoyable ride! Refreshing and light-hearted. I found myself chuckling out loud at the antics of Wynn and Torrie. The characters were very well written and believable. I also enjoyed the secondary characters. I cheered when Wynn FINALLY found a valet who could tie a proper cravat. I've gone out and bought up every book I could find by this author.

Rating:
Summary: This Diamond Shines!
Review: When Lady Victoria Keyes is trapped in a burning building she vows that if she is saved, she'll marry right away and do her duty. She'll even marry the man who saves her. Well as you can probably see, she is saved. And the man that saves her is none other than Wynn, Viscount Ingall who has been exiled from society after rumors of him killing someone during a duel.

When Torrie (Lady Victoria)tries to complete her vow and marry this handsome hunk, who has obviously been wrongly accused, he begins to run in the opposite direction because getting caught in the parson's mousetrap is the last thing he wants to do. But the more and more he sees Torrie, the more and more he wants to be with her. And she is the same with him, vow or no vow.

What follows is a great story filled with action and romance. This story was overall a good story. The minor characters and problems that Wynn is face with keep the story moving smoothly for the most part. There are a couple spots that seemed to drag on but not that many. The characters were well thought out and the reader is easily able to feel what they're feeling!

So yes, I do recommend this book to everyone!

Rating:
Summary: It begins with a fire....
Review: When Lady Victoria Keyes is trapped in a burning building she vows that if she is saved, she'll marry right away and do her duty. She'll even marry the man who saves her. Well as you can probably see, she is saved. And the man that saves her is none other than Wynn, Viscount Ingall who has been exiled from society after rumors of him killing someone during a duel.

When Torrie (Lady Victoria)tries to complete her vow and marry this handsome hunk, who has obviously been wrongly accused, he begins to run in the opposite direction because getting caught in the parson's mousetrap is the last thing he wants to do. But the more and more he sees Torrie, the more and more he wants to be with her. And she is the same with him, vow or no vow.

What follows is a great story filled with action and romance. This story was overall a good story. The minor characters and problems that Wynn is face with keep the story moving smoothly for the most part. There are a couple spots that seemed to drag on but not that many. The characters were well thought out and the reader is easily able to feel what they're feeling!

So yes, I do recommend this book to everyone!