England during the Regency Period

Andrew Carrington would be the catch of the year for any member of the ton, but Andrew isn't interested in the young ladies who cruise through the Season. Men are really his only interest. As a member of the secretive Brotherhood of Philander, where he can entertain his partners in relative safety, Andrew -- handsome, elegant, and very rich -- suddenly comes to the realization that he should be providing his family with an heir. With his latest lover, Harry, in the army and fighting Napoleon, Andrew confesses to a friend at the Brotherhood that he should marry -- a woman. Luckily for Andrew, his friend, Sir Frederick Verney, knows just the woman for this situation. Andrew finds himself heading into the country with a special license in hand just in case this young woman is the right one.

Languishing far from the excitement of London, Phyllida Lewis is diligently working on her second novel, another gothic romance. Her mother, who has been pushing her to wed a local attorney, is pleased when Sir Frederick makes an offer for an even better proposition. What does it matter if Mr. Carrington prefers men? He is obviously in need of a compliant and fecund wife, so why not Phyllida? When Phyllida meets the tall, darkly good-looking Andrew, she knows what her answer will be despite his pre-nuptial requirement to be free to pursue his normal lifestyle. But Andrew must agree to a concession too -- Phyllida will look the other way if Andrew allows her to continue her writing career. He reluctantly agrees, generally pleased with the outspoken, beautiful, lusty young woman.

Despite the bridegroom's preference for men, and the bride's inexperience, the couple are immediately taken with one another. The first few days of their marriage are spent getting to know each other. What Andrew finds is a wife who not only doesn't care about his sexual proclivity, but one that is bold, brave, and no shrinking violet in London Society. What Phyllida finds in Andrew is a man who has no idea how to woo or seduce a woman -- he's pretty much only interested in satisfying himself. That causes a few heated discussions.

Regency England is a rumor-filled society where everyone's business is free to be discussed. The story gets back to Andrew and Phyllida that people are betting on whether Andrew can impregnate his new bride. Behind the scenes, there is a strange young man employed by Andrew as his secretary who affects the couple's lives, as well as the threat from outside to expose the Brotherhood, which would have dire consequences for all of the members. Plus, the arrival of a man who will steal Andrew's heart -- how will this affect Phyllida?

I totally enjoyed this humorous, historical, character-driven story set in straight-laced Regency England. The tongue-in-cheek scenes between the myriad of characters had me giggling quite often. Readers should be prepared for some steamy intimate scenes not only between Andrew and Phyllida, but between Andrew and his lovers. The other members of the Brotherhood, all members of the ton, rally round each other, sometimes in totally comedic ways. I can't remember when I laughed so much while reading a novel -- one scene with the Duke of Wellington is simply hysterically funny.

PHYLLIDA AND THE BROTHERHOOD OF PHILANDER is Ann Herendeen's first book, and I certainly hope I get to read her next one! Her impeccable research, fantastic characters, and even a bit of mystery made this one of the best novels so far for 2008. Be prepared to be shocked, to learn something about the Regency world, and to laugh out loud. Ms. Herendeen writes a dynamite tale. I very highly recommend this clever story and give it a Perfect 10.

Jani Brooks