The Nonesuch

I grabbed *The Nonesuch* because I'm always in the mood for a sharp Georgette Heyer story and the James Lailey narration sounded appealing. I wasn't quite prepared for how much I'd enjoy the premise of an aristocratic gentleman, thrown off balance by his unfamiliar surroundings, being attracted to a Northern woman. The contrast between Waldo Hawkridge's world and that of Broom Hall is brilliantly handled by Heyer, providing ample material for witty social commentary and charming banter. James Lailey's narration is exceptional. He injects just the right amount of slight bewilderment into Waldo's voice, while clearly differentiating the various Northern accents – a crucial element that adds authenticity. The pacing is excellent, keeping even the slightly more foppish aspects of Waldo engaging. The romance unfolds naturally, and the whole story feels both classic Heyer and refreshingly different. My only minor critique might be a few secondary characters feel a little underdeveloped compared to the almost overwhelming presence of the 'Nonesuch' himself, but this never detracts from the main narrative. An excellent addition to any historical fiction or romance collection, flawlessly narrated.