Loved the writing style, plot, story. This was a great introduction to Mary Balogh and her regency era tales. Can't wait to indulge in another one of her books.

It’s a short and sweet novel that took me just one evening to read. For the short length that it was, I thought it was entertaining and a special twist was added in the book to add more to the story. I thought the twist was well thought of and to be frank, I didn’t even expect something like that to happen. It was definitely a refreshing surprise and I was glad to see that this sets the book apart from the typical romances you see on the shelf. When it comes to these kinds of books, I expect the main couple in question to have the chemistry required to make the plot flow and to make the reading interesting. Annabelle and Reginald felt well together. Both were headstrong and stubborn, and both had a fiery streak. When they both argued, you couldn’t help but chuckle to yourself while reading. They were entertaining and had that perfect chemistry to make them a good couple. They were also both very likable characters, Reginald did start off as a spoiled brat at first but as the story progressed, he was not who I thought he was. As for the ‘romantic’ parts, I’m not a fan of explicit scenes, but this novel passed. It wasn’t pages long with unnecessary descriptions, and can be skimmed through for those that are just not into that sort of reading (like I am!). This book is a nice light quick read that can be finished in less than a day. The twist in the novel brings more flavor to the storyline and sets itself apart from the typical romances you see on the shelves. This has been a most enjoyable read - even for a non romance fan like myself.

From the Inside Flap - Reginald Mason is wealthy, refined, and, by all accounts, a gentleman. However, he is not a gentleman by title, a factor that pains him and his father within the Regency society that upholds station over all else. That is, until an opportunity for social advancement arises, namely, Lady Annabelle Ashton. Daughter of the Earl of Havercroft, a neighbor and enemy of the Mason family, Annabelle finds herself disgraced by a scandal, one that has left her branded as damaged goods. Besmirched by shame, the earl is only too happy to marry Annabelle off to anyone willing to have her. Though Reginald Mason, Senior, wishes to use Annabelle to propel his family up the social ladder, his son does not wish to marry her, preferring instead to live the wild, single life he is accustomed to. With this, Reginald Senior serves his son an ultimatum: marry Annabelle, or make do without family funds. Having no choice, Reginald consents, and enters into a hostile engagement in which the prospective bride and groom are openly antagonistic, each one resenting the other for their current state of affairs while their respective fathers revel in their suffering. This Reader’s Opinion - Call me a die-hard romantic, but what a pleasant way to spend a winter day! Mary Balogh did a really fine job with A MATTER OF CLASS. This novella is short, sweet, and very well done and I couldn’t ask for more. I found myself entertained from start to finish! A MATTER OF CLASS’s release is in expensive hardcover format (around $15.00 Canadian and probably will become part of some future anthology) . . . still if you can’t wait . . . know that Mary Balogh does not disappoint with this gem. Grade: A (a lovely story) Sensuality: warm MaryGrace Meloche.

A matter of class tells the story of a forced marriage between Lady Annabelle and her neighbour, affectionately known as Reggie. She is the disgraced daughter of an Earl, he the spoiled son of a wealthy merchant and because of bad behaviour on both their parts are forced to make a match. This is a great, quick read about friendship and accidental love in Regency England. My only complaint was that it was so short (190 pages) and it was in hardcover ($20.00). Other than those two small complaints, I think readers will enjoy this book.