Witty smart & smutty holiday reads - Jilly Cooper-eque. What shall I read?

[navygravy]

I've assiduously ploughed through a load of classics recently and not entirely enjoyed them.

I've read Dame Jilly to death (if she's not a Dame she bloody well should be) and would love something similar for some light - bot not too frothy - relief.

WWYR?

Do you like fantasy/steampunk at all? If so the Parasol Protectorate series by Gail Carriger aren't 'like' JC, but I think they might hit the same spot. (The first one is 'Soulless'.)

ooh I do have some leanings in that direction. I'll check it out, thanks :)

I often hear Georgette Heyer mentioned on MN but every time I see one of her books in the library they make me think of Mills & Boon. Shall I give them a whirl?

Rachel Johnson' s Notting Hell series of books are very Cooper-esque.

Yes, I'd definitely try GH and see whether she appeals - not smutty, but very witty. They vary in quality - I'd suggest The Grand Sophy, Frederica or Cotillion as good ones to try.

Freya North is fab, a really lighthearted read (and some are a touch frothy!). "On the island" by Tracy Garvis Graves is absolutely amazing...pretty much guarantee you will love it! Fiona Walker is another amazing author! Xx

Don't even mention Georgette Heyer and Mills and Boon in the same breath! She is a very funny writer, who manages to write amusing and engaging characters whilst using all the tropes of romantic fiction. My favourites are Frederica, Venetia, The Grand Sophy, Arabella and The Convenient Marriage. I envy anyone who has them all yet to discover.

Tamer than Dame Jilly but Katie Fforde books are a nice easy read.

I'd recommend Sasha Wagstaff Changing Grooms.

Thanks everyone! I only had time to read one in the end (darned children needing actual watching to avoid peril) but I chose The Grand Sophy and I LOVED it.

Once I got into the language it was so funny and vivid.

Off to binge-read GH at every possible opportunity

Try Tasmina Perry (earlier stuff), Louise Bagshawe/Mensch, Tilly Bagshawe