Funny, romantic and oddly moving - Rated 
I think this is my favourite Heyer yet though I have to admit I have only discovered her fairly recently. I far prefer her rakish heroes to the vulnerable ones, and Justin Alistair, Duke of Avon, is the rake to perfection.
Walking in Paris one night, he is assailed by a young boy called Leon and takes him on as his page. But the adoring and impish Leon actually turns out to be Leonie, a ravishing tomboy beauty who takes Paris by storm. But there's a secret in her past and Alistair's whole family get drawn into the ensuing intrigue.
There's no secret about the romantic ending here, but the strength of the book lies in the wonderful characterisation and witty dialogue as the drama plays itself out. The relationship between Leonie and Alistair is one which changes over time, and which is funny, romantic and actually very moving for Heyer who can sometimes be emotionally light. Highly recommended.
Georgette Heyer - Rated
As usual for a Georgette Heyer book, the characters and plot are superb. A great book for a rainy afternoon by the fire.
4 Stars because it's a Georgette Heyer. - Rated 
I've given this 4 stars because it's a Georgette Heyer but in truth it's not one of my favourites. I just don't think it has the charm and wit of Ms Heyers later novels.
Whilst I could happily fall in love with the Duke of Avon, I think that Leonie is seriously irritating and don't like her at all. I'm not that impressed with Rupert or Fanny either. The attitudes and beliefs of the characters towards the lower classes leave you in no doubt as to why the guillotine became popular and all in all, I'd have to say that they're not that nice a bunch of people.
I do find a lot of the novel very amusing though perhaps not for the right reasons.
The first chapter where our hero 'minces' along in his high red heels, buys a page boy 'body and soul', and they both generally act like a Dom/slave couple in a gay S&M novel is hysterically funny. I doubt that Ms Heyer meant it that way though. (Or perhaps she was seriously ahead of her time, who knows?).
As I said, not one of my favourites, but if you're a Georgette Heyer fan, you'll probably want to read it anyway.
A Perfect Romance - Rated
From the very opening scene, the reader is captivated - a perfect love story with witty and enchanting characters with none of the insipidness that unfortunately so typicalises the many romances available today. I highly recommend to any georgette heyer fan, or indeed a beginner - you will be hooked immediately! The sequel 'Devil's Cub', is also funny, enthralling and of course, wickedly romantic. Neither book should be missed!
My favourite - Rated
I can't imagine anyone reading this book and not falling in love with Georgette Heyer's style of writing.
Many other reviewers have explained the storyline of this novel beautifully, so I won't repeat what they've already said.
'These Old shades' is my favourite of all Georgette Heyer's novels. I've owned a copy for many years and it has become dog-eared from multiple readings.
If you haven't read any of her writing, give yourself the gift of starting now. :-)
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