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The Diamond Key
The Key to His Heart
On the evening of her come-out ball, Lady Victoria Keyes received from her Father a gold key with diamonds and the admonition to find the heart the gift unlocked. But after three Seasons she is still unwed. Then a trip to a London modiste ends with Torrie trapped in a deadly blaze, and she vows that if she lives she'll marry the next man who asks, be he a fop, a tool, or a fortune hunter.
Exiled from Society, Wynn, Viscount Ingall, has braved barren wildernesses and sailed the seven seas. Yet he faces trepidation such as he has never known after lie saves a damsel in distress from a burning building and she insists on becoming his bride. Even though Wynn believes he's the worst man Torrie could ever love, he soon finds that once the flame sparks. there's no putting out the fire.
On the evening of her come-out ball, Lady Victoria Keyes received from her Father a gold key with diamonds and the admonition to find the heart the gift unlocked. But after three Seasons she is still unwed. Then a trip to a London modiste ends with Torrie trapped in a deadly blaze, and she vows that if she lives she'll marry the next man who asks, be he a fop, a tool, or a fortune hunter.
Exiled from Society, Wynn, Viscount Ingall, has braved barren wildernesses and sailed the seven seas. Yet he faces trepidation such as he has never known after lie saves a damsel in distress from a burning building and she insists on becoming his bride. Even though Wynn believes he's the worst man Torrie could ever love, he soon finds that once the flame sparks. there's no putting out the fire.
210 pages, ebook
First published April 1, 2003
About the author
Barbara Metzger
91 books192 followersBarbara Metzger is the author of over three dozen books and a dozen novellas. She has also been an editor, a proof-reader, a greeting card verse-writer, and an artist. When not painting, writing romances or reading them, she volunteers at the local library, gardens and goes beach-combing and yard-saling.
Her novels, mostly set in Regency-era England, have won numerous awards, including the Romance Writers of America RITA, the National Reader's Choice Award, and the Madcap award for humor in romance writing. In addition, Barbara has won two Career Achievement Awards from Romantic Times Magazine.
Source: http://www.barbarametzger.com/about_b...
Her novels, mostly set in Regency-era England, have won numerous awards, including the Romance Writers of America RITA, the National Reader's Choice Award, and the Madcap award for humor in romance writing. In addition, Barbara has won two Career Achievement Awards from Romantic Times Magazine.
Source: http://www.barbarametzger.com/about_b...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
October 23, 2014
Lady Victoria Keyes is known as the Diamond of the ton. She's been out for three seasons and hasn't found a husband, despite her great beauty and wealth. Torrie's parents want her to marry for true and abiding love, just as they did, and Torrie wears a diamond key necklace around her neck as the key to her heart. She will not unlock her heart for just anyone. Then, she's caught in a terrible fire at the dressmakers and she makes a vow to marry the first man Papa brings home from White's - nay- she vows to marry her rescuer, so she knows he's an honorable man. Wynn, Viscount Ingall, and his dog Homer are the ones to rescue Torrie from the burning building. Torrie sets her sights firmly on Wynn. He has other ideas. Recently returned to England after 6 years in exile, he has amassed a fortune to rival Golden Ball and everyone wants a piece of him. He already has several plaguey females hanging on his sleeve: one former sister-in-law, living off his fortune with a poor relation cousin to marry off; one former mistress who is breeding and wants to give another man's child Wynn's name and one old friend, in need of money and a husband. Wynn does not want anything more to do with Torrie, but when her father promises to introduce Wynn back into Society where he can do a lot of good with his money, Wynn can't refuse. First he needs to find a valet who can make him presentable, and who isn't averse to dogs or foreigners. Then he begins to suspect that the fire was no accident and Torrie is in danger. He can't let the silly chit get herself into more trouble, but why he should care is beyond him. He's not the marrying kind.
This is a cute story, typical of Metzger's early works. Though it was written in the last decade, it's classified as a "sweet" or clean Regency. The passionate kisses are off page. There's the usual talk of mistresses and duels and several characters are breeding, but the story is sweet. I felt like clapping at the very end. I only rated the book 4 stars because the story moves a bit slowly. At certain points I was left wondering "now what?" It fails to reach the screwball level as some of her others do. High sticklers beware that there's several improbable inaccuracies in the story but it's fun so go with the flow. The villain is a little obvious and a lot bumbling. The mystery kind of gets lost halfway through but picks up again towards the end. It's not a breathtaking, can't put it down sort of mystery.
Torrie is a bit naive and silly for me. At first I didn't like her but she grew on me. She's feisty and stubborn and despite her ridiculous vow, she knows what she wants. I just don't see her as mature enough to be getting married yet. Wynn is also difficult to like at first. I wondered why he was such a misogynist and what made him that way. Once I got to know him, I saw that he's a sensitive, caring, noble man. He's a little too noble for me. I'm not so fond of the heroes who have to fix everyone's problems and fall on their swords to save the world. Wynn isn't quite that noble as it turns out, and he grew on me. I loved his relationships with everyone around him, including Homer. They show what kind of man he really is. I especially liked how Homer, the ragged terrier, played a large role in the story. I bumped the book from 3 3/4 stars to 4 because of Homer. I also loved Torrie's Papa and how he and Mama are so deeply in love. They truly care about their daughter and wish her to be happy. It makes a nice change from the awful, pushing parents who want to marry the girl to the highest bidder. The other secondary characters are a bit annoying. I liked Beroggi because he adds a lot of comic relief. The series of valets were a riot.
Georgette Heyer fans and fans of Metzger's other books should enjoy this one. It's the perfect fluffy, fun read that will make you smile.
This is a cute story, typical of Metzger's early works. Though it was written in the last decade, it's classified as a "sweet" or clean Regency. The passionate kisses are off page. There's the usual talk of mistresses and duels and several characters are breeding, but the story is sweet. I felt like clapping at the very end. I only rated the book 4 stars because the story moves a bit slowly. At certain points I was left wondering "now what?" It fails to reach the screwball level as some of her others do. High sticklers beware that there's several improbable inaccuracies in the story but it's fun so go with the flow. The villain is a little obvious and a lot bumbling. The mystery kind of gets lost halfway through but picks up again towards the end. It's not a breathtaking, can't put it down sort of mystery.
Torrie is a bit naive and silly for me. At first I didn't like her but she grew on me. She's feisty and stubborn and despite her ridiculous vow, she knows what she wants. I just don't see her as mature enough to be getting married yet. Wynn is also difficult to like at first. I wondered why he was such a misogynist and what made him that way. Once I got to know him, I saw that he's a sensitive, caring, noble man. He's a little too noble for me. I'm not so fond of the heroes who have to fix everyone's problems and fall on their swords to save the world. Wynn isn't quite that noble as it turns out, and he grew on me. I loved his relationships with everyone around him, including Homer. They show what kind of man he really is. I especially liked how Homer, the ragged terrier, played a large role in the story. I bumped the book from 3 3/4 stars to 4 because of Homer. I also loved Torrie's Papa and how he and Mama are so deeply in love. They truly care about their daughter and wish her to be happy. It makes a nice change from the awful, pushing parents who want to marry the girl to the highest bidder. The other secondary characters are a bit annoying. I liked Beroggi because he adds a lot of comic relief. The series of valets were a riot.
Georgette Heyer fans and fans of Metzger's other books should enjoy this one. It's the perfect fluffy, fun read that will make you smile.
November 4, 2018
Average overall. Less funny than her other work. Sort of a worn out version of the same recycled plot without the level of humour required to distract from this. Nothing much to offend either so it's very readable.
Also, was Metzger pregnant when she wrote this, because honest to goodness every second character was.
Also, was Metzger pregnant when she wrote this, because honest to goodness every second character was.
April 11, 2012
I ended up really enjoying this one. I was a little surprised that most of the story takes place from Wynn’s perspective, luckily I liked him and it was fun to see the awkward situations he would find himself in. He is a very likable character, I loved that he was so eager to help those around him. I also liked that he ended up having good morals. Lady Torrie was also very likable; I wouldn’t have minded a bit more interaction between the two. While the story does contain a lot of slang from that time period, I didn’t find it too distracting. It reminded me of a Heyer novel in that respect. I loved that it was lighthearted and fun. And of course I fell for little Homer. Great read, I look forward to reading more by this author.
Content: Clean romance, PG. Contains some swearing (mostly the D word), and a little innuendo, mostly Wynn enjoying Torrie’s…shape.
Content: Clean romance, PG. Contains some swearing (mostly the D word), and a little innuendo, mostly Wynn enjoying Torrie’s…shape.
December 9, 2011
I loved this book. It was well written, had a great story with likeable characters. The heroine's vow to marry the man who would save her from the burning building created and instantly likeable character. It also promised the reader that there would be lots of fun twists in this story, and the author lives up to that. I highly recommend this book and can't wait to read others by this author.
March 14, 2017
Lady Victoria Keyes is beautiful, well-mannered, and an heiress. She's been beset by suitors since her come-out, but has yet to meet someone she actually wants to marry. When a fire breaks out at her dressmaker's, she swears to marry whoever rescues her...and it's a rich titled hottie named Ingram. But between his disreputable dog, even more disreputable manservant, a scandalous duel in his past, and a long list of ladies he feels the need to help, Torrie and Ingram might never be able to get together.
As is usual to Regency romances, all the plot (the kidnappings, the arson, the murder, etc) wraps up a bit too conveniently. But the writing is just fine, I bought the characters' affection for each other, and there's a nice dose of humor to this.
As is usual to Regency romances, all the plot (the kidnappings, the arson, the murder, etc) wraps up a bit too conveniently. But the writing is just fine, I bought the characters' affection for each other, and there's a nice dose of humor to this.
June 10, 2024
Historical Romance, funny and no spice.
May 25, 2023
This is a 100% me thing but I hate how Torrie’s parents had more kids in the book. Especially that they were boys in that time period it made the boys more important than Torrie. Plus her parents seemed more than happy to just have her. Now I’m definitely projecting on this because I am a youngest sibling and would hate to have another sibling born so far after me but it seemed very unnecessary. Which is probably why I gave it a lower rating. House of the dragony.
Love Homer though! Wynns cool too.
h 20 H 29
Love Homer though! Wynns cool too.
h 20 H 29
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2014
Delightful! With many romances and a plethora of happy endings, this story is fun to read.
June 9, 2015
3,5 because the last 30-40 pages were not up to the rest of the book.
October 21, 2016
A fast read that is genre true with likeable characters and some funny bits.
For my full review: http://www.regrom.com/2015/11/16/barb...
For my full review: http://www.regrom.com/2015/11/16/barb...
May 17, 2018
3.25 stars - heavy pg13/mild r-lite (see below)
Fun book. Some funny, sharp lines throughout, as well as some over-the-top stuff and a silly ending typical for Metzger. Barrogi, the Hero’s rough, somewhat-seedy, Italian, man-of-all-jobs is absolutely hysterical!!! The “field hospital” at Mrs. Reese’s ball is a complete hoot!
(This would be considered a typical “clean” secular traditional regency, but I would call it a more “tarnished” clean. Possible use of: innuendo, mild cursing &/or crudeness, God’s name in vain, mild violence. Reference to mistresses/”whores”, very vague reference to homosexuality. And in my opinion lines like this just aren’t necessary: ”soft creamy mounds rose above the lace trim, like twin pillows a man could dream on, could climb, like white-capped waves” My rating would be higher, if it were a bit more clean.)
Fun book. Some funny, sharp lines throughout, as well as some over-the-top stuff and a silly ending typical for Metzger. Barrogi, the Hero’s rough, somewhat-seedy, Italian, man-of-all-jobs is absolutely hysterical!!! The “field hospital” at Mrs. Reese’s ball is a complete hoot!
(This would be considered a typical “clean” secular traditional regency, but I would call it a more “tarnished” clean. Possible use of: innuendo, mild cursing &/or crudeness, God’s name in vain, mild violence. Reference to mistresses/”whores”, very vague reference to homosexuality. And in my opinion lines like this just aren’t necessary: ”soft creamy mounds rose above the lace trim, like twin pillows a man could dream on, could climb, like white-capped waves” My rating would be higher, if it were a bit more clean.)
June 1, 2019
A lot of adventure with several couples finding a happy ending before the last pages.
The male main character was great, a bit of a tough guy with soft heart. Despite all the unkindness done to him in the past he was generous and thoughtful in helping others.
The female main character was fun and her scenes/situations were very entertaining. When the footman at the ball crosses himself... well, that was great storytelling.
Just a delightful romp full of character detail and the kind of high drama that these period pieces thrive on. Everything was just slightly overblown until it just fit together into a fun read.
Violence, no sex but some innuendo, some swearing,
The male main character was great, a bit of a tough guy with soft heart. Despite all the unkindness done to him in the past he was generous and thoughtful in helping others.
The female main character was fun and her scenes/situations were very entertaining. When the footman at the ball crosses himself... well, that was great storytelling.
Just a delightful romp full of character detail and the kind of high drama that these period pieces thrive on. Everything was just slightly overblown until it just fit together into a fun read.
Violence, no sex but some innuendo, some swearing,
July 16, 2021
Metzger 's writing is like a drug
It is not just addictive, I turn to her novels to soothe me after a frustrating day like a tranquilizer, only with wit and fun and a guaranteed happy ending. I am beginning to wonder if some of the recency slang is made up, or sim ply something she found in her research that needed to be shared.
It is not just addictive, I turn to her novels to soothe me after a frustrating day like a tranquilizer, only with wit and fun and a guaranteed happy ending. I am beginning to wonder if some of the recency slang is made up, or sim ply something she found in her research that needed to be shared.
December 12, 2021
Another winner
Including a actual key to the heroine's heart, the book starts with a bang with her trapped in a burning building. Then it gets dangerous. There's a slightly disgraced hero included who needs to be redeemed and definitely needs people to stop assuming things about him. Altogether a slightly humorous, adventurous, dare doing, but sweet romance.
Including a actual key to the heroine's heart, the book starts with a bang with her trapped in a burning building. Then it gets dangerous. There's a slightly disgraced hero included who needs to be redeemed and definitely needs people to stop assuming things about him. Altogether a slightly humorous, adventurous, dare doing, but sweet romance.
December 20, 2018
È nella media dei romanzi della Metzger: scritto con spirito, con un po' di crimine, giusto tocco di romance, e tante fortunate coincidenze. E se la trama è, tutto sommato, poco plausibile, è congegnata in modo che nessuno la prenda troppo sul serio
February 6, 2018
Clean, despite the trashy looking cover.
July 5, 2018
What a fun read. Perfect for fans of Georgette Heyer - great vocabulary, very amusing and a good yarn!
July 15, 2018
A fun, farcical romance.
Read
September 8, 2020DNF at 45%. I've had enough of perfect Torrie's plotting and scheming to make Wynn marry her.
November 22, 2020
Short and Charming, á la Georgette Heyer.
August 26, 2024
Who chooses a total stranger who just happens to save you from a burning building to be their husband?
January 11, 2021
Wynn rescues Tor from dressmaker fire; she plights troth. Both are rich, look good. Evil Boyce plots against her for funds. Wynn resists wedding. She is jealous. When he wins her, she gives him key necklace to her heart.
Typo: 30.1 alter IS altar
Typo: 30.1 alter IS altar
June 12, 2019
Metzger's comedic forte is in evidence with Wynn Ingall, Viscount Ingall's difficulties in finding and keeping a valet.
Lady Victoria Ann Keyes makes a vow while she is struggling to escape a burning building. She promises herself that she will marry whomever saves her. Unfortunately for the heroine, the hero (Wynn Ingall, Viscount Ingall) has no wish to marry.
Years earlier, Wynn Ingall was involved in a scandal. Now, because he has come back from his banishment a wealthy man, the ton is willing to take Wynn in again.
Wynn has a woman problem -- actually, he has several. His sister-in-law wants to marry him to her cousin. A former mistress wants to be his bride. A penniless bride wants to marry Wynn. Looking among his choices, Wynn thinks Miss Keyes is growing on him.
This is another light and witty Regency romp.
Lady Victoria Ann Keyes makes a vow while she is struggling to escape a burning building. She promises herself that she will marry whomever saves her. Unfortunately for the heroine, the hero (Wynn Ingall, Viscount Ingall) has no wish to marry.
Years earlier, Wynn Ingall was involved in a scandal. Now, because he has come back from his banishment a wealthy man, the ton is willing to take Wynn in again.
Wynn has a woman problem -- actually, he has several. His sister-in-law wants to marry him to her cousin. A former mistress wants to be his bride. A penniless bride wants to marry Wynn. Looking among his choices, Wynn thinks Miss Keyes is growing on him.
This is another light and witty Regency romp.
February 19, 2017
it was sweet and light. not as good as some of her others
February 13, 2017
it was very light, cute. not her best
Read
March 13, 2009Half the length of RR, and eight times faster a read. Metzger's later books might actually be slightly "better" since for her, discarding all attempts at copying Heyer and just going with the simplest "plot" actually makes that much more legible. The adventure bits do have adequate space, and the pushme-pullme of the couple is seen as amusingly infuriating.
It is basically the same plot as always - I actually forgot the beginning now that I finished - incl. her trademark dog and sending the not-dead mother off to the country, the couple semi-agreeing to marriage at the first meeting and then just randomnly tithering. The comedy in the hero's impossible search for a valet didn't wow me, but I was glad that what seemed an awful lot of the usual injustice - these rakes are from the start better than gold and unfairly deprived and maligned (and all younger sons and sudden hairs, see Beverly, Carlyle, Duane/Gaston for this and most other stuff) - didn't drag on so much because the pov was mostly his, and he kept trying to find husbands for the various women that were all not his mistresses.
He did have some character therefore, so that was ok.
It is basically the same plot as always - I actually forgot the beginning now that I finished - incl. her trademark dog and sending the not-dead mother off to the country, the couple semi-agreeing to marriage at the first meeting and then just randomnly tithering. The comedy in the hero's impossible search for a valet didn't wow me, but I was glad that what seemed an awful lot of the usual injustice - these rakes are from the start better than gold and unfairly deprived and maligned (and all younger sons and sudden hairs, see Beverly, Carlyle, Duane/Gaston for this and most other stuff) - didn't drag on so much because the pov was mostly his, and he kept trying to find husbands for the various women that were all not his mistresses.
He did have some character therefore, so that was ok.
March 29, 2011
I thoroughly enjoy this one. I love Torrie’s impetuosity and the way she thinks. It reminds me of myself once upon a time. Situation after situation arise in almost a comedic farce or series of unfortunate events that make you laugh at the situations they find themselves in. Wynn is a strong character with a good moral code and a good sense of humor. I enjoy the word usage and they word play that the author uses. Definitely a good read.
http://cleanromancereviews.blogspot.com
http://cleanromancereviews.blogspot.com
January 3, 2012
Really having trouble getting through this one. There is just way too much wording that I don't understand from that time period used in this book. And there is not much dialogue, and when there is, it doesn't seem very believable. I'm wanting something that really grabs me! I find myself loving the idea and plot, but every time I try to read it, I get annoyed by how it's executed or something. I have to move on to something else for now.
April 7, 2013
With the willing suspension of disbelief about historical accuracy this is a great read - very amusing, great characrters and another original plot by Metzger with a heroine who, trapped by a fire, swears to marry the man who rescues her. The trouble is, he's not so keen...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews