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Lord Rival #2
The Fortune Hunter
It was time to swallow his pride and face the obvious. It would take a fortune to replenish his estate. He could neither borrow it nor earn it. Very well, he must marry it.
Desperate and destitute, the devilish Lord Rival has drawn up a list of wealthy women who might be willing to wed—and Lady Olivia Fairfax is one of them. But when he finally meets the mysterious spinster, she is hardly the lonely naif he expected. Her quick wit, sweet temper, and passionate predilection for charity work completely entrance him—and make it most difficult to bring his heartless seduction to its conclusion....
Desperate and destitute, the devilish Lord Rival has drawn up a list of wealthy women who might be willing to wed—and Lady Olivia Fairfax is one of them. But when he finally meets the mysterious spinster, she is hardly the lonely naif he expected. Her quick wit, sweet temper, and passionate predilection for charity work completely entrance him—and make it most difficult to bring his heartless seduction to its conclusion....
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
January 23, 2018
If you like the reformed rake romance trope - and I have to admit that I'm kind of a sucker for it, logic and sensibility be hanged - this is a really good one. Maybe even my favorite romance of this type, partly because the man's change in heart is explained so well and is actually believable.
The scandalous Lord Rival has decided it's time to stop wasting away his life, and try to restore his dilapidated family estate. But he's (secretly) a pauper, so it's clear to him that he needs to marry a rich woman to fund the restoration of Rye Vale. Olivia Fairfax, a wealthy but reclusive lady in her mid-twenties, is at the top of his list of heiresses. Unfortunately Lord Rival mistakes Olivia for a servant at their first meeting, for understandable reasons, and then, less understandably, compounds his mistake by admitting to this attractive servant his need to marry into wealth. So now Olivia is on her guard against him, and George, Lord Rival, has blown his chance with her. Except that fate, in the form of a late mutual friend's bequest, conspires to throw them into each other's company. And Lord Rival decides that he isn't ready to give up on Olivia yet...
I liked this for a lot of reasons: Intelligent, capable heroine. Man who knows he's a cad but, somewhat to his surprise, discovers unexpected depths in himself. Steamy kisses. Witty banter. More steamy kisses.
Highly recommended if you like the romance genre. I don't claim it's deep literature, but it gave me major romantic feelz, and for that it gets all the stars. One of my very favorite Regencies.
Content notes: it's not explicit, and the main characters may or may not go all the way (it's left kind of ambiguous), but they do some fooling around in bed, so if your personal standard is squeaky clean, this will probably not be the book for you.
The scandalous Lord Rival has decided it's time to stop wasting away his life, and try to restore his dilapidated family estate. But he's (secretly) a pauper, so it's clear to him that he needs to marry a rich woman to fund the restoration of Rye Vale. Olivia Fairfax, a wealthy but reclusive lady in her mid-twenties, is at the top of his list of heiresses. Unfortunately Lord Rival mistakes Olivia for a servant at their first meeting, for understandable reasons, and then, less understandably, compounds his mistake by admitting to this attractive servant his need to marry into wealth. So now Olivia is on her guard against him, and George, Lord Rival, has blown his chance with her. Except that fate, in the form of a late mutual friend's bequest, conspires to throw them into each other's company. And Lord Rival decides that he isn't ready to give up on Olivia yet...
I liked this for a lot of reasons: Intelligent, capable heroine. Man who knows he's a cad but, somewhat to his surprise, discovers unexpected depths in himself. Steamy kisses. Witty banter. More steamy kisses.
Highly recommended if you like the romance genre. I don't claim it's deep literature, but it gave me major romantic feelz, and for that it gets all the stars. One of my very favorite Regencies.
Content notes: it's not explicit, and the main characters may or may not go all the way (it's left kind of ambiguous), but they do some fooling around in bed, so if your personal standard is squeaky clean, this will probably not be the book for you.
November 9, 2019
4.5 stars, bumped up to 5 because Lord Rival is the most adorable, most honorable, most heroic redeemed rake I've ever encountered.
I first read this book three years ago, gave it three stars, and promptly forgot everything about it. Why? I have no idea. But I was looking for a quick, light-hearted read and picked it up again.
I was intrigued because some friends had compared him to Lord Dain (Lord of Scoundrels), but he is not nearly so debauched or disillusioned as Dain. They also compared him to Lord St. Vincent (The Devil in Winter), and I do see some similarities there. Like St. Vincent, Lord Rival is desperate for money and willing to marry an heiress just for her fortune. But unlike Dain or St. Vincent, Lord Rival is tired of the rake's life and wants to marry money to rescue his beloved estate that was ruined by his father and grandfather. And his sense of humor -- it's delightful. What fun it was to watch him try to convince a confirmed, very wealthy, spinster that she wants to marry him. The banter is first-rate.
There's a pretty unlikely twist toward the end, but that did not spoil my enjoyment of this book, and I highly recommend it.
I first read this book three years ago, gave it three stars, and promptly forgot everything about it. Why? I have no idea. But I was looking for a quick, light-hearted read and picked it up again.
I was intrigued because some friends had compared him to Lord Dain (Lord of Scoundrels), but he is not nearly so debauched or disillusioned as Dain. They also compared him to Lord St. Vincent (The Devil in Winter), and I do see some similarities there. Like St. Vincent, Lord Rival is desperate for money and willing to marry an heiress just for her fortune. But unlike Dain or St. Vincent, Lord Rival is tired of the rake's life and wants to marry money to rescue his beloved estate that was ruined by his father and grandfather. And his sense of humor -- it's delightful. What fun it was to watch him try to convince a confirmed, very wealthy, spinster that she wants to marry him. The banter is first-rate.
There's a pretty unlikely twist toward the end, but that did not spoil my enjoyment of this book, and I highly recommend it.
June 22, 2015
Awesome story. Perfect (for me). Lord Rival, aka Baron George Carstairs, aka the fortune hunter, is about the sexiest fellow I've met in a tame Regency romance. Delicious. Emotional.
This author hit all my sweet spots: an earthy hero who trades in sexy banter and devil-may-care bravado while pulling madly for shore, an amusing surface with deadly serious undertones, and so much emotion: desperation, hope, elation, sadness, compassion, poignancy, protectiveness, passion, fear, shame, heartbreak, surprise, and jubilation.
The ending took me totally by surprise.
This is an upbeat read, even though it addresses dark topics (abuse, poverty).
Ps. I didn't read the first book in this Lord Rival series.
This author hit all my sweet spots: an earthy hero who trades in sexy banter and devil-may-care bravado while pulling madly for shore, an amusing surface with deadly serious undertones, and so much emotion: desperation, hope, elation, sadness, compassion, poignancy, protectiveness, passion, fear, shame, heartbreak, surprise, and jubilation.
He leaned toward her, bringing his face as close as he dared in such a public place. "I'll tell you another secret," he said softly. "You'd enjoy the sinning, too."I love Desperate George! Enjoyed Olivia, to less extent. Loved Cullpepper the solicitor. And let's not forget Tom the cat.
Her lips parted in shock. His gaze flicked down to her mouth.
The ending took me totally by surprise.
This is an upbeat read, even though it addresses dark topics (abuse, poverty).
Ps. I didn't read the first book in this Lord Rival series.
April 9, 2013
A surpassingly lovely story about a fortune hunter who falls in love with the rich lady he is chasing. Beautiful, charming, witty dialog. Lovely characterization of both the hero and the heroine.
The hero makes the mistake in the beginning by admitting to the heroine that he needed to marry money. He thinks that the heroine is a housemaid and then has to dig himself out of the hole he has placed himself into. He refuses to go on and try a different heiress since he has fallen hard for the heroine.
Very well written and the plot holds together very well. Even though she is an independent spinster lady of 26, she didn't seem to be just a modern woman stuffed into a long dress. The feel for the times was very well done.
The hero is more than just a rogue and fortune hunter. He has depths and is a very kind man. He character is very well developed. I loved him and would take him in a heartbeat.
If I thought harder I might be able to nit pick something that wasn't perfect but it would be hard and I loved it so much I don't want to spoil it for myself.
The hero makes the mistake in the beginning by admitting to the heroine that he needed to marry money. He thinks that the heroine is a housemaid and then has to dig himself out of the hole he has placed himself into. He refuses to go on and try a different heiress since he has fallen hard for the heroine.
Very well written and the plot holds together very well. Even though she is an independent spinster lady of 26, she didn't seem to be just a modern woman stuffed into a long dress. The feel for the times was very well done.
The hero is more than just a rogue and fortune hunter. He has depths and is a very kind man. He character is very well developed. I loved him and would take him in a heartbeat.
If I thought harder I might be able to nit pick something that wasn't perfect but it would be hard and I loved it so much I don't want to spoil it for myself.
January 29, 2018
George, Lord Rival is a rogue, fortune hunter looking to wed a rich heiress. His property and title has been depleted and destroyed by gambling relatives. He wants to try and restore his property, Rye Vale for his tenants and his legacy.
He meets his match with Olivia Fairfax, an independent, smart woman that’s beautiful inside as out. She operates and owns a school for orphaned girls. Yeah, she’s pretty awesome!
This was a great and well written historical romance. I loved both characters of George and Olivia. The romance between the two of them was believable. The relationship was founded on friendship as well as attraction. It was a slow burn and I tend to like this better than instalove.
Highly recommended if you like historical romance books with redeemable rakes, independent females and witty banter.
He meets his match with Olivia Fairfax, an independent, smart woman that’s beautiful inside as out. She operates and owns a school for orphaned girls. Yeah, she’s pretty awesome!
This was a great and well written historical romance. I loved both characters of George and Olivia. The romance between the two of them was believable. The relationship was founded on friendship as well as attraction. It was a slow burn and I tend to like this better than instalove.
Highly recommended if you like historical romance books with redeemable rakes, independent females and witty banter.
August 22, 2014
I know I love a book when I develop a massive crush on the hero. This was the case here with our charming, heart-melting and devilish Lord Rival, who captured my interest early on in the previous book, Falling For Chloe, and who totally had me at his feet in this book. Talk about ensnaring and manipulating an innocent woman!
There are different types of rakes, and to be perfectly honest, before I started reading Regency romances, I never thought I would like a rakish hero. I soon discovered that they make highly diverting and interesting characters, and after falling shamelessly for Lord Vidal (Heyer's Devil's Cub), who was quite the rudest, most arrogant and most violent rake I ever encountered, I gathered that it would be no surprise at all if I found myself smitten with Lord Rival.
The man was just so hot. He's your typical tall-dark--handsome-and-muscular-rake, but it's his personality and the motives behind his actions that really endear him to the reader. He is actually very nice, and although a flippant, mocking undertone usually lies behind his every word, he is not mean and wouldn't do anything truly despicable. He certainly knows how to charm his way through the ton and usually leaves a train of swooning females behind him, which is no wonder at all because he was so gorgeous and so irresistible.
"Divinely tall, elegantly dressed, broad-shouldered and capable-looking...heavens! What an attractive man!"
Now, that's not the only thing I got from this book, but that's what happens when you are a lazy reader like me, who can't be bothered to write notes down as I go, nor even to mark pages with passages/quotes that are important. And moreover, this is what happens when you procrastinate posting the review, and only end up remembering drooling over the hero. *slow clap*
Anyway, our dear George, behind his faultless appearance and roguish façade, hides many secrets: he is a) actually destitute, to the point where he has no food and no servants, b) only gains money by luring bored wives into playing piquet with him (which he always wins), c)desperate for more money, d)dreaming about his neglected estate Rye Vale, which he would love to restore and live in, e)conscience-stricken by his deceitful ways in Society, f)still desperate for money and last but not least, g)determined to marry an heiress.
Enter Lady Olivia Fairfax, who is also tall-dark-and-beautiful, but extremely rich and generous in the bargain. Living as a confirmed spinster in Chelsea and mistress of her own life and money, Lady Olivia is independent, strong, charitable and intelligent. She used her mother's inheritance to build a school for orphaned girls, and dedicates much of her time to charity work. Thus, she has no time for handsome strangers who randomly pop in on her while she is inventorying a late gentleman's basement.
*loud pounding on the door*
Lady Olivia: Oh, the butler will get it.
*loud pounding continues furiously*
Lady Olivia: Where is the butler??
*loud pounding has become utterly insupportable*
Lady Olivia: Why can't that butler get the door, honestly! And why is Bessie knocking so madly? OK, ok, I'M COMING!
*opens the door furiously*
Lady Olivia: Really Bes- Oh! (O.M.G. who is that man? Who is he? He's hot. No, he really is. He's gorgeous. What's he doing here? I've never seen him, that's for sure! One doesn't forget such a handsome face!)
Lord Rival: (Shheeesh finally the butler opens the- That's not the butler. That's a woman. Who is she and why does she answer the door? I've never seen her. Her eyes are silver. Her eyes are gorgeous. Is she...Is she checking me out? Omg she totally is! Why did she take so long to open the damn door?) Who the devil are you?!?! (WTF did I just say!)
Lady Olivia:EXCUSE ME? (Oh I knew it, I just KNEW IT! Can I not meet a man who is both handsome and nice? Noooo!)
Lord Rival: (Okay, man. Stay cool.) Is the knocker not audible in the servant's wing? Like, I've been knocking forever!
Lady Olivia: (Servants wing? He thinks I'm a servant???!Do I not look good? Do I really look like a maid? Oh no! I'm wearing a work dress. Oh shit. I must really look awful. Oh no, no, no!!) What do you want anyways?!
Lord Rival: I'm here to see Mr. Beebe. Can you pleaaaase let me in?
Lady Olivia: (Why are you so handsome! Stop looking at me like that!) No, go away! Mr. Beebe is gone.
Lord Rival: (I think you're the one who will be gone, missy, when I tell Beebe how you treated me!) Gone where?
Lady Olivia: I really couldn't say! It's not my place to judge. Now go away! (Hahaha, that's how servants get fired for insolence, right?? I totally nailed it!)
*slams door shut*
Lord Rival: (Oh no you don't!!) LET ME IN!!! *more furious pounding*
Lady Olivia: *looks herself in the mirror* I do look like a servant! Oh no! What must he think?!!?
*cracks door open*
Lady Olivia: Mr. Beebe is dead, sir. Sorry. (Not.)
Lord Rival: Dead?!?! Why didn't anyone tell me??
Lady Olivia: But who are you? Mr. Beebe knew no one!
Lord Rival: I'm his cribbage buddy player! *gives her his card*
Lady Olivia: (Looool! The eff! Cribbage, my foot! *gasp* Wowowow! This guy is LORD RIVAL?!? ok, breathe, breather, shhh, calm, breathe!) You don't look like a cribbage player! (more like piquet, am I right! :P)
Lord Rival ends up following Olivia downstairs where she was working to "help" her, and they accidentally get shut in. The sparks that had kindled between them only intensify, and Rival still has no idea that the woman is Lady Olivia. The scene where he found out was hilarious, and from then on, neither one is capable of putting the other out of their thoughts. Lord Rival is trying - and succeeding - to make Olivia mad with lust for him so she will accept his proposal of marriage. But in doing so, he inevitably starts falling under her charm as well, and the emotions she awakens in him make it all the more difficult for him to bring his plan about.
The Fortune Hunter was a wonderful story. Amazing H/h, great sizzling chemistry, amusing plot, funny situations, and breathtaking love that defeats all. Some scenes were definitely steamier than what I usually go for, and there was more fondling and passionate kissing than necessary, but given Lord Rival's nature it didn't feel out of place, and it was overall very tastefully written. Nothing explicit. The Vauxhall Garden scene was the best scene in the whole book and one of the best dancing scenes ever. You could feel the electricity between Rival and Olivia, see the moonlit fountain and smell the flowers. It was exquisite.
Diane Farr is quickly climbing up my list of favourite authors!
There are different types of rakes, and to be perfectly honest, before I started reading Regency romances, I never thought I would like a rakish hero. I soon discovered that they make highly diverting and interesting characters, and after falling shamelessly for Lord Vidal (Heyer's Devil's Cub), who was quite the rudest, most arrogant and most violent rake I ever encountered, I gathered that it would be no surprise at all if I found myself smitten with Lord Rival.
The man was just so hot. He's your typical tall-dark--handsome-and-muscular-rake, but it's his personality and the motives behind his actions that really endear him to the reader. He is actually very nice, and although a flippant, mocking undertone usually lies behind his every word, he is not mean and wouldn't do anything truly despicable. He certainly knows how to charm his way through the ton and usually leaves a train of swooning females behind him, which is no wonder at all because he was so gorgeous and so irresistible.
"Divinely tall, elegantly dressed, broad-shouldered and capable-looking...heavens! What an attractive man!"
Now, that's not the only thing I got from this book, but that's what happens when you are a lazy reader like me, who can't be bothered to write notes down as I go, nor even to mark pages with passages/quotes that are important. And moreover, this is what happens when you procrastinate posting the review, and only end up remembering drooling over the hero. *slow clap*
Anyway, our dear George, behind his faultless appearance and roguish façade, hides many secrets: he is a) actually destitute, to the point where he has no food and no servants, b) only gains money by luring bored wives into playing piquet with him (which he always wins), c)desperate for more money, d)dreaming about his neglected estate Rye Vale, which he would love to restore and live in, e)conscience-stricken by his deceitful ways in Society, f)still desperate for money and last but not least, g)determined to marry an heiress.
Enter Lady Olivia Fairfax, who is also tall-dark-and-beautiful, but extremely rich and generous in the bargain. Living as a confirmed spinster in Chelsea and mistress of her own life and money, Lady Olivia is independent, strong, charitable and intelligent. She used her mother's inheritance to build a school for orphaned girls, and dedicates much of her time to charity work. Thus, she has no time for handsome strangers who randomly pop in on her while she is inventorying a late gentleman's basement.
*loud pounding on the door*
Lady Olivia: Oh, the butler will get it.
*loud pounding continues furiously*
Lady Olivia: Where is the butler??
*loud pounding has become utterly insupportable*
Lady Olivia: Why can't that butler get the door, honestly! And why is Bessie knocking so madly? OK, ok, I'M COMING!
*opens the door furiously*
Lady Olivia: Really Bes- Oh! (O.M.G. who is that man? Who is he? He's hot. No, he really is. He's gorgeous. What's he doing here? I've never seen him, that's for sure! One doesn't forget such a handsome face!)
Lord Rival: (Shheeesh finally the butler opens the- That's not the butler. That's a woman. Who is she and why does she answer the door? I've never seen her. Her eyes are silver. Her eyes are gorgeous. Is she...Is she checking me out? Omg she totally is! Why did she take so long to open the damn door?) Who the devil are you?!?! (WTF did I just say!)
Lady Olivia:EXCUSE ME? (Oh I knew it, I just KNEW IT! Can I not meet a man who is both handsome and nice? Noooo!)
Lord Rival: (Okay, man. Stay cool.) Is the knocker not audible in the servant's wing? Like, I've been knocking forever!
Lady Olivia: (Servants wing? He thinks I'm a servant???!Do I not look good? Do I really look like a maid? Oh no! I'm wearing a work dress. Oh shit. I must really look awful. Oh no, no, no!!) What do you want anyways?!
Lord Rival: I'm here to see Mr. Beebe. Can you pleaaaase let me in?
Lady Olivia: (Why are you so handsome! Stop looking at me like that!) No, go away! Mr. Beebe is gone.
Lord Rival: (I think you're the one who will be gone, missy, when I tell Beebe how you treated me!) Gone where?
Lady Olivia: I really couldn't say! It's not my place to judge. Now go away! (Hahaha, that's how servants get fired for insolence, right?? I totally nailed it!)
*slams door shut*
Lord Rival: (Oh no you don't!!) LET ME IN!!! *more furious pounding*
Lady Olivia: *looks herself in the mirror* I do look like a servant! Oh no! What must he think?!!?
*cracks door open*
Lady Olivia: Mr. Beebe is dead, sir. Sorry. (Not.)
Lord Rival: Dead?!?! Why didn't anyone tell me??
Lady Olivia: But who are you? Mr. Beebe knew no one!
Lord Rival: I'm his cribbage buddy player! *gives her his card*
Lady Olivia: (Looool! The eff! Cribbage, my foot! *gasp* Wowowow! This guy is LORD RIVAL?!? ok, breathe, breather, shhh, calm, breathe!) You don't look like a cribbage player! (more like piquet, am I right! :P)
Lord Rival ends up following Olivia downstairs where she was working to "help" her, and they accidentally get shut in. The sparks that had kindled between them only intensify, and Rival still has no idea that the woman is Lady Olivia. The scene where he found out was hilarious, and from then on, neither one is capable of putting the other out of their thoughts. Lord Rival is trying - and succeeding - to make Olivia mad with lust for him so she will accept his proposal of marriage. But in doing so, he inevitably starts falling under her charm as well, and the emotions she awakens in him make it all the more difficult for him to bring his plan about.
The Fortune Hunter was a wonderful story. Amazing H/h, great sizzling chemistry, amusing plot, funny situations, and breathtaking love that defeats all. Some scenes were definitely steamier than what I usually go for, and there was more fondling and passionate kissing than necessary, but given Lord Rival's nature it didn't feel out of place, and it was overall very tastefully written. Nothing explicit. The Vauxhall Garden scene was the best scene in the whole book and one of the best dancing scenes ever. You could feel the electricity between Rival and Olivia, see the moonlit fountain and smell the flowers. It was exquisite.
Diane Farr is quickly climbing up my list of favourite authors!
March 31, 2016
A lovely romance about a young heiress and a fortune hunter. Though the story line has been done again and again, this time it was absolutely fresh. Nothing was as it seemed. The hero was to die for, yet I didn't start out liking him. In fact, I was pretty sure that he would end up on my "worthless heroes" bookshelf. But, the author did a great job in peeling back the multiple, complex layers that revealed a very worth man.
Secondary characters added depth to the story and the ending had a great twist. I only had one tiny issue with the story (thus 4 stars instead of 5).
I struggled with the heroine. In fact, I had the exact opposite reaction from the hero. The more I got to know her, the less I liked her. I found her to be small minded, her thoughts repetitive and she didn't redeem herself until the very end.
In spite of my one teensy issue, I highly recommend this book. It's fun, entertaining and different from your typical historical romance.
Secondary characters added depth to the story and the ending had a great twist. I only had one tiny issue with the story (thus 4 stars instead of 5).
I struggled with the heroine. In fact, I had the exact opposite reaction from the hero. The more I got to know her, the less I liked her. I found her to be small minded, her thoughts repetitive and she didn't redeem herself until the very end.
In spite of my one teensy issue, I highly recommend this book. It's fun, entertaining and different from your typical historical romance.
July 2, 2017
This is story about a guy who need to marry a heiress so he can have money to finance his bankrupt family estate and business.
Pinned by those silver eyes of hers, it struck him in a flash that the rock-bottom truth was, he was her enemy.
He meant to harm her. He liked her, he respected her, and he felt strongly attracted to her—but he would steal from her if he could. First her heart, and then her fortune. He had not thought of it in such bald terms until this very moment.
Of course everything is not as easy as he plan, especially when the girl is beautiful, independent and smart too:)
He was falling in love instead, where the lady knew from the start he was only wanted her money. To be fair he wasn't a bad guy, the badly needed money has gone before his time..
“Forgive me,” he said hoarsely. “I’ve been shallow and blind and selfish. I’ve lived in darkness for so many years, my dear, that when the sun finally shone on me I hadn’t the wit to recognize it.”
“Don’t you know, my darling girl, that you are the only breath of air my sorry, stale heart has ever breathed? I was a dead thing until I met you.” His fingers moved achingly, caressingly, to cup her cheeks. “For God’s sake, Ivy, don’t send me back there,” he whispered. “Don’t condemn me to a wasted life.”
I really like it but if there is something I want to complaint about this story, the hero is too nice for a rake and we don't see any bad thing of his rake's life at all, see? For my cynical heart I really wanted him to be bad! So I believe more with his 'fallen hard for her' part.
But still a lovely lovely romance and made you smile while reading it:)
March 4, 2010
I am very picky when it comes to romance novels. Too often it seems that good writing, fully-developed characters, and witty dialogue are swept aside to make room for an overabundance of cliches and bedroom scenes. Fortunately, that is not the case with this book. The Fortune Hunter is, in a word, delightful. It is everything you could wish for in a romance novel. I have read it three times, and it still makes me laugh out loud. The characters are interesting and well-developed. Devilishly delicious Lord Rival remains one of my favorite heroes, the kind of rogue you'd love to sweep you off your feet. Lady Olivia is intelligent and spunky, an admirable heroine. The plot draws you in immediately and moves along at a lively pace from beginning to end. The writing, in general, is top-notch, and I highly recommend this novel to anyone looking for a thoroughly enjoyable and all-around excellent romance!
August 25, 2016
I’ve had this one on my radar for a long time now and finally decided to give it a try. I read Falling for Chloe first, mainly to get a glimpse of Lord Rival before reading his story in The Fortune Hunter. Lord Rival (George, which isn’t a very sexy name) is dirt poor. His father and grandfather squandered all their money and left them in ruin. George is fed up with his lazy life and has finally reached a point where he wants to return his childhood home to its former glory. In order to do that he has to marry an heiress. He’s drawn up a list of eligible women and sets out to meet the elusive Lady Olivia Fairfax, a confirmed spinster with absolutely no desire to marry. Ever.
Their first meeting was hilarious! I love fun “meet cutes” and got a kick out of theirs. Mainly it was just great seeing George taken in and shaken up for a change. Olivia was his perfect match (and vise versa). I loved their relationship, there is an obviously plenty of desire between them, but mostly they have a strong friendship and surprisingly a great deal of respect for each other. I loved their interactions and thought they had great chemistry. They’re easily added to my “favorite couple” shelf.
I really liked Olivia. I liked her as a person and how she treated others. She is strong, savvy and kind. I liked that she was able to see the good in George, but didn’t overlook the bad. She might have been blinded by him at times, but she kept her head. I liked that George had to really work to win her over and win her trust. Which is exactly what he needed. At times I did wonder if it was just the chase that he enjoyed, he was such a practiced rake it was hard for me to always believe his intentions.
In Falling For Chloe he certainly does not come off well. Sure he is handsome, charming and has that certain confidence that is hard to resist. He is also a horrible rake, has pretty low morals and makes his living by fleecing married women in cards. He claims he doesn’t cheat, but really he targets sad, pathetic, lonely women who obviously won’t be good at cards in order to make a living. He makes it clear that he wants to marry Olivia for her money and will do anything to win her over. I kept waiting to see some deeper feelings from him, but it is not until the very end that I was satisfied with his motives. I also didn’t understand his hypocrisy about being okay with winning money from married women, but not being okay by honestly working and getting money from Olivia (which wasn’t even technically from her, just paid out by her). I guess part of that is the weird mentality the “gentlemen” back then, where it was okay to gamble and waste your life, but be shamed to earn an honest living by actual work.
As much as I enjoyed Olivia and George and thought they had great chemistry, I couldn’t add this one to my “swoony” shelf, because it just took so long for George to really win me over. Granted, he had some great swoony moments (I mean, he is a rake after all) but, he was so calculating and obviously set out to manipulate Olivia I couldn’t really fall for his charm, not entirely. While I believe on a deeper level he was truly falling in love with her, he just came across too much a player for the majority of the book. There was also one evening they shared together that was too steamy for me I actually believe in the end that he would be faithful to Olivia, I think she really did bring out his better qualities and by the end he truly was in love with her and wouldn’t dishonor her in that way. I liked the twist at the end and put my mind at ease about a few things.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. It was pretty lighthearted, I expected a little more drama I think, but I was glad how everything played out. I liked George and Olivia and it was fun reading their story. It was especially fun seeing George grow and become a better man, while still keeping his charming personality. I think it was just fun to see him realize how being in a meaningful relationship is so different than the life he had been living. A fun regency and one I would recommend.
Content
Romance: Hmm, probably depends on the person. Sketchy clean.
Lanugage: Mild
Violence: Mild
Their first meeting was hilarious! I love fun “meet cutes” and got a kick out of theirs. Mainly it was just great seeing George taken in and shaken up for a change. Olivia was his perfect match (and vise versa). I loved their relationship, there is an obviously plenty of desire between them, but mostly they have a strong friendship and surprisingly a great deal of respect for each other. I loved their interactions and thought they had great chemistry. They’re easily added to my “favorite couple” shelf.
I really liked Olivia. I liked her as a person and how she treated others. She is strong, savvy and kind. I liked that she was able to see the good in George, but didn’t overlook the bad. She might have been blinded by him at times, but she kept her head. I liked that George had to really work to win her over and win her trust. Which is exactly what he needed. At times I did wonder if it was just the chase that he enjoyed, he was such a practiced rake it was hard for me to always believe his intentions.
In Falling For Chloe he certainly does not come off well. Sure he is handsome, charming and has that certain confidence that is hard to resist. He is also a horrible rake, has pretty low morals and makes his living by fleecing married women in cards. He claims he doesn’t cheat, but really he targets sad, pathetic, lonely women who obviously won’t be good at cards in order to make a living. He makes it clear that he wants to marry Olivia for her money and will do anything to win her over. I kept waiting to see some deeper feelings from him, but it is not until the very end that I was satisfied with his motives. I also didn’t understand his hypocrisy about being okay with winning money from married women, but not being okay by honestly working and getting money from Olivia (which wasn’t even technically from her, just paid out by her). I guess part of that is the weird mentality the “gentlemen” back then, where it was okay to gamble and waste your life, but be shamed to earn an honest living by actual work.
As much as I enjoyed Olivia and George and thought they had great chemistry, I couldn’t add this one to my “swoony” shelf, because it just took so long for George to really win me over. Granted, he had some great swoony moments (I mean, he is a rake after all) but, he was so calculating and obviously set out to manipulate Olivia I couldn’t really fall for his charm, not entirely. While I believe on a deeper level he was truly falling in love with her, he just came across too much a player for the majority of the book. There was also one evening they shared together that was too steamy for me I actually believe in the end that he would be faithful to Olivia, I think she really did bring out his better qualities and by the end he truly was in love with her and wouldn’t dishonor her in that way. I liked the twist at the end and put my mind at ease about a few things.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. It was pretty lighthearted, I expected a little more drama I think, but I was glad how everything played out. I liked George and Olivia and it was fun reading their story. It was especially fun seeing George grow and become a better man, while still keeping his charming personality. I think it was just fun to see him realize how being in a meaningful relationship is so different than the life he had been living. A fun regency and one I would recommend.
Content
Romance: Hmm, probably depends on the person. Sketchy clean.
Lanugage: Mild
Violence: Mild
February 18, 2014
This is my second Diane Farr read, after The Nobody. How did I not know about her before? Especially as a Georgette Heyer fan, I can't believe I am only just discovering her work.
The Fortune Hunter revolves around Olivia, who is a spinster of the 26-years-old and actually very attractive variety. Olivia has pretty good reasons for not wanting to get married: she understands that her money is a powerful lure for a certain kind of untrustworthy man, she likes what freedom she has as a single lady, and she is very unwilling to hand herself over to a husband for managing.
George, Baron Rival, needs a rich wife. He REALLY needs a rich wife. He's so broke he lives on what he can make at the piquet table, and he hides his genuine poverty as best he can. His dream is to have enough money to restore the ruined estate he inherited, and given his time and class, he can't work for it, so he'll have to marry it. Enter Olivia, who Lord Rival stalks like a lion does an antelope. Except Olivia is not very antelopeish, more like an antelope-lion hybrid who can take quite good care of herself, thank you very much. Which is not to say that Olivia was (horrors) sassy! Or pert! Or constantly swanning around in breeches, or doing other odd, anachronistic things to demonstrate to the reader that she is, somehow, more modern or better than other ladies.
I loved so many things about this book, but the central thing I appreciated was that these people were grownups of their time and class who were smart and funny, who understood their own emotions and their own motivations. Not for this book a Big Misunderstanding and dumb ensuing heartbreak: Olivia knows nearly instantly what George is up to, with his fortune-hunting. And George knows nearly instantly that he doesn't just need Olivia's money, but that he also really likes her as a friend. They seemed like a truly well-matched couple, to me. They're both self-possessed adults who don't like being told what to do, but this didn't mean (thank goodness) that they're the kind of characters who shuck off the mores of their day. They know the rules, and play by them, with a little judicious bending here and there.
(I read a lot of historical romances. I love strong heroines, but I really dislike a variant of heroine who kind of looks strong if you squint, but who is really a stock "sassy" character from a bad sitcom randomly inserted into Regency London, if you know what I mean. Don't tell me what to do! Hair flip.)
I thought it was very good indeed. The secondary characters, while they don't get much airtime, were pretty good, too. I especially enjoyed the Culpepper character (Olivia's family solicitor, who dispenses her money and insists that women do not have the ability to think rationally) and the conversation Olivia and George have about Culpepper's ideas about female minds:
"How does Culpepper account for that, by the by-let alone your proficiency in what sounds like reasoned speech? I understand, now, that you must have learned English much the way a parrot does."
How could a lady resist a man who can whip out lines like that? I'm pretty sure I could not, and I completely understood Olivia's weakness for him. Lord Rival was a pretty delightful historical romance hero: flirtatious, rogueish, but trustworthy in a lot of ways, and strangely honest. I very much appreciated that the author didn't start with a big misunderstanding plot, but instead had Rival lay it all out for Olivia right away - he needs a rich wife, and he's chasing her - and then work hard to charm her in spite of why they both knew he was initially courting her.
The Fortune Hunter revolves around Olivia, who is a spinster of the 26-years-old and actually very attractive variety. Olivia has pretty good reasons for not wanting to get married: she understands that her money is a powerful lure for a certain kind of untrustworthy man, she likes what freedom she has as a single lady, and she is very unwilling to hand herself over to a husband for managing.
George, Baron Rival, needs a rich wife. He REALLY needs a rich wife. He's so broke he lives on what he can make at the piquet table, and he hides his genuine poverty as best he can. His dream is to have enough money to restore the ruined estate he inherited, and given his time and class, he can't work for it, so he'll have to marry it. Enter Olivia, who Lord Rival stalks like a lion does an antelope. Except Olivia is not very antelopeish, more like an antelope-lion hybrid who can take quite good care of herself, thank you very much. Which is not to say that Olivia was (horrors) sassy! Or pert! Or constantly swanning around in breeches, or doing other odd, anachronistic things to demonstrate to the reader that she is, somehow, more modern or better than other ladies.
I loved so many things about this book, but the central thing I appreciated was that these people were grownups of their time and class who were smart and funny, who understood their own emotions and their own motivations. Not for this book a Big Misunderstanding and dumb ensuing heartbreak: Olivia knows nearly instantly what George is up to, with his fortune-hunting. And George knows nearly instantly that he doesn't just need Olivia's money, but that he also really likes her as a friend. They seemed like a truly well-matched couple, to me. They're both self-possessed adults who don't like being told what to do, but this didn't mean (thank goodness) that they're the kind of characters who shuck off the mores of their day. They know the rules, and play by them, with a little judicious bending here and there.
(I read a lot of historical romances. I love strong heroines, but I really dislike a variant of heroine who kind of looks strong if you squint, but who is really a stock "sassy" character from a bad sitcom randomly inserted into Regency London, if you know what I mean. Don't tell me what to do! Hair flip.)
I thought it was very good indeed. The secondary characters, while they don't get much airtime, were pretty good, too. I especially enjoyed the Culpepper character (Olivia's family solicitor, who dispenses her money and insists that women do not have the ability to think rationally) and the conversation Olivia and George have about Culpepper's ideas about female minds:
"How does Culpepper account for that, by the by-let alone your proficiency in what sounds like reasoned speech? I understand, now, that you must have learned English much the way a parrot does."
How could a lady resist a man who can whip out lines like that? I'm pretty sure I could not, and I completely understood Olivia's weakness for him. Lord Rival was a pretty delightful historical romance hero: flirtatious, rogueish, but trustworthy in a lot of ways, and strangely honest. I very much appreciated that the author didn't start with a big misunderstanding plot, but instead had Rival lay it all out for Olivia right away - he needs a rich wife, and he's chasing her - and then work hard to charm her in spite of why they both knew he was initially courting her.
November 1, 2013
The title and blurb supposedly say it all, so I expected ‘predictable’ only to get unpredictable at every turn. Excellent writing, beautiful love story.
------------------------------------------------------------------
GENRE/TONE:
Historical/Light
------------------------------------------------------------------
FULL SCENES:
none, some kissing, making out not described, FM
------------------------------------------------------------------
HERO:
Playful, a sexy rake, gambles for a living. With heroine: Sensual, in pursuit.
------------------------------------------------------------------
HEROINE:
Spinster by choice, grounded, happy, distrustful with guys.
------------------------------------------------------------------
LOVE STORY PLOT:
A poor Baron schemes to seduce a rich spinster and marry her for money.
------------------------------------------------------------------
AGE OF H/h:
32-26
------------------------------------------------------------------
PET PEEVES FOR SOME READERS:
no epilogue
------------------------------------------------------------------
STANDALONE:
yes
------------------------------------------------------------------
PAGES:
ebook: 296 pages
------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------
GENRE/TONE:
Historical/Light
------------------------------------------------------------------
FULL SCENES:
none, some kissing, making out not described, FM
------------------------------------------------------------------
HERO:
Playful, a sexy rake, gambles for a living. With heroine: Sensual, in pursuit.
------------------------------------------------------------------
HEROINE:
Spinster by choice, grounded, happy, distrustful with guys.
------------------------------------------------------------------
LOVE STORY PLOT:
A poor Baron schemes to seduce a rich spinster and marry her for money.
------------------------------------------------------------------
AGE OF H/h:
32-26
------------------------------------------------------------------
PET PEEVES FOR SOME READERS:
no epilogue
------------------------------------------------------------------
STANDALONE:
yes
------------------------------------------------------------------
PAGES:
ebook: 296 pages
------------------------------------------------------------------
January 17, 2016
This romance is the follow-up to FALLING FOR CHLOE and is George Carstairs aka Lord Rival's story. His father and grandfather sucked his ancestral home dry before passing on to their great reward and leaving it in a mess for Rival to fix. Playing cards for money and wooing married women before moving on to someone else, he has finally reached rock bottom.
George has kept how he has lived a secret for so long that he seems to know nothing else. Both a scamp and a rogue, George finally realizes he needs to marry for money to save his impoverished estate. Actually putting himself to work and performing manual labor is beyond him.
Lady Olivia Fairfax is not a beauty in the typical sense. What a person encounters when being introduced to her is her sensibility and willingness to help others. So what happens when George and Olivia first meet? A misunderstanding, and it is not in George's favor. Putting it simply, he spends the rest of the story chasing and/or wooing Olivia to get her to marry him. And along the way something magical happens.
George is a despicable character at the onset of THE FORTUNE HUNTER. With Olivia's help they both learn to grow. Goofy at some moments and tender at others you can't help but like this guy. I found myself smiling at the end when he finally earned his HEA. One helpful suggestion? This story can be read as a stand-alone but will be better appreciated if you read FALLING FOR CHLOE first.
George has kept how he has lived a secret for so long that he seems to know nothing else. Both a scamp and a rogue, George finally realizes he needs to marry for money to save his impoverished estate. Actually putting himself to work and performing manual labor is beyond him.
Lady Olivia Fairfax is not a beauty in the typical sense. What a person encounters when being introduced to her is her sensibility and willingness to help others. So what happens when George and Olivia first meet? A misunderstanding, and it is not in George's favor. Putting it simply, he spends the rest of the story chasing and/or wooing Olivia to get her to marry him. And along the way something magical happens.
George is a despicable character at the onset of THE FORTUNE HUNTER. With Olivia's help they both learn to grow. Goofy at some moments and tender at others you can't help but like this guy. I found myself smiling at the end when he finally earned his HEA. One helpful suggestion? This story can be read as a stand-alone but will be better appreciated if you read FALLING FOR CHLOE first.
February 16, 2013
A wonderful, passionate story of trust and the importance of love, with no catches! It made a nice change to read a story about a rake, the one that doesn't seem to be the hero type, especially when he was the 'bad guy' in another story. But this character, as you discover throughout the story, does have a true heart, deep down, and heroic tendencies. And the heroine helps to stir these real and honourable characteristics and discover the hero lurking beneath. As you discover more and more about the heroes past, and the reasons behind why he is a fortune hunter, you start to feel for him and understand his motives. The heroine and her past is also very intriguing and you would really want her as a friend or neighbour. As she struggles to overcome her problems and learns how to trust once more, she discovers new emotions she never knew she had. A great story with fun characters; I look forward to the rest of her work.
January 13, 2016
This is one of my favorites. Everything about it is so very good and competent. The people are real, the stakes are real, the witty banter is (thank the lord) genuinely witty. Heroine is an independently-wealthy heiress who quietly bears up under the weight of her own era's pressures on single women (no freedom, no respect, but maybe still more freedom and respect than are available to you if you marry poorly!) - hero is a penniless aristocratic fortune hunter, and among the finest examples of the twinkling rogue hero ever written. He is delightful. She is delightful. The whole thing is just great.
January 31, 2014
4.5. Lovely well written story with likeable characters who are multidimensional.
May 9, 2022
A new-to-me author. Even though the trope is clear from the book's title, so I knew what I was in for, I found myself not much liking the hero. Yes he had good intentions and reasons why he needed to marry an heiress, but I did not like the kind of lifestyle he had been leading and his actions before meeting Ivy. Basically he was gambling, screwing around (sometimes with married women), and taking advantage of others to get/win money from them. Then to cap it all off, he fully intended to marry an heiress/almost any heiress, simply for her money. That included Ivy.
Although later in the book, he 'came good' and wanted to marry Ivy purely for love, I still didn't really buy it. For me there didn't feel like that much chemistry and love between them. Sadly I skimmed a few parts of the book as I was starting to get a little bored with it. I did finish it though.
I would label this a clean read,. I don't mind a clean read at all. I think the writing style of the book overall was not really my cup of tea though. But clearly many have enjoyed the book, so don't let my 'meh' rating put you off.
I read this for my Apr-Jun 2022 TBR Mountain Climbing Challenge. I did knock another one off my tbr, but sadly I don't think I'll be reading more by this author.
Although later in the book, he 'came good' and wanted to marry Ivy purely for love, I still didn't really buy it. For me there didn't feel like that much chemistry and love between them. Sadly I skimmed a few parts of the book as I was starting to get a little bored with it. I did finish it though.
I would label this a clean read,. I don't mind a clean read at all. I think the writing style of the book overall was not really my cup of tea though. But clearly many have enjoyed the book, so don't let my 'meh' rating put you off.
I read this for my Apr-Jun 2022 TBR Mountain Climbing Challenge. I did knock another one off my tbr, but sadly I don't think I'll be reading more by this author.
May 22, 2016
This was light and fluffy goodness. I tell you, it made me feel all warm and fuzzy in my heart. It was formulaic, full of tropes, yet it worked. Definitely a character driven story.
Ivy is independent, intelligent, and kind. Oh, and an heiress. She founded a charity school single handedly and manages all aspects, including banking and bookkeeping, herself. That, the fact that Ivy was somewhat lax about being alone with a male, and her sparkly dress kind of left me questioning the time period. It didn't seem quite Regency or Victorian to me, but I'm not exactly a scholar.
Lord Rival is our fortune hunter. He's a rake who needs to marry money. His bad rep has narrowed potential candidates, so he's researched unpopular rich females and is starting to chase the first bird on his list. (Okay, I did question the lack of rich mamas who were looking for a title for their daughters. Rival was hot like wasabi and fastidious about his dress.) I just enjoyed both MCs so much that I overlooked some underdeveloped plot points.
Random irritation: Why do authors say that a character's eyes DARKEN with desire? This eye darkening affliction affects mostly men, but the occasional female can fall prey to it as well. Does it look like this?
Ivy is independent, intelligent, and kind. Oh, and an heiress. She founded a charity school single handedly and manages all aspects, including banking and bookkeeping, herself. That, the fact that Ivy was somewhat lax about being alone with a male, and her sparkly dress kind of left me questioning the time period. It didn't seem quite Regency or Victorian to me, but I'm not exactly a scholar.
Lord Rival is our fortune hunter. He's a rake who needs to marry money. His bad rep has narrowed potential candidates, so he's researched unpopular rich females and is starting to chase the first bird on his list. (Okay, I did question the lack of rich mamas who were looking for a title for their daughters. Rival was hot like wasabi and fastidious about his dress.) I just enjoyed both MCs so much that I overlooked some underdeveloped plot points.
Random irritation: Why do authors say that a character's eyes DARKEN with desire? This eye darkening affliction affects mostly men, but the occasional female can fall prey to it as well. Does it look like this?
March 12, 2017
I absolutely loved this book! I've had this in my "to-read" pile for quite some time...... makes a person wonder how many hidden gems are really there. It was that good!
Favorite paragraph - "The life of a rake and an adventurer is highly overrated." "There is nothing duller then sin. You may trust me on this, for I know whereof I speak. I am intimately acquainted with sin. I have wallowed in it for years. Whatever thrills it once held faded long ago, and lately I have continued my way of life only because I did not know how to stop. It finally occurred to me that there was nothing stupider then to waste one's life simply because one could not think of anything better to do."
Favorite paragraph - "The life of a rake and an adventurer is highly overrated." "There is nothing duller then sin. You may trust me on this, for I know whereof I speak. I am intimately acquainted with sin. I have wallowed in it for years. Whatever thrills it once held faded long ago, and lately I have continued my way of life only because I did not know how to stop. It finally occurred to me that there was nothing stupider then to waste one's life simply because one could not think of anything better to do."
December 5, 2013
Absolutely loved this book! It had all the wit, madcap charm, and the deep emotionality of a classic George Cukor romantic comedy. The hero, Lord Rival (George) is quite possibly the sexiest and most charming rogue hero ever, and his heroine, Lady Olivia, is as intelligent and feisty as a young Katherine Hepburn. The secondary characters are vivid and contribute to all the plot twists and surprises that unfold. Superb writing and a definite keeper.
January 1, 2021
Oh, but what a delight this was! I chuckled so hard at some of the back and forth between Olivia and George, Lord Rival. I especially loved their meet-cute, and thoroughly enjoyed watching George seduce Olivia, and becoming seduced by her in turn.
Damn that interferring Culpepper though! There was the right amount of charm, forthrightness and steam. Definitely a must-read!
Damn that interferring Culpepper though! There was the right amount of charm, forthrightness and steam. Definitely a must-read!
September 3, 2014
Originally posted on My Kids led Me Back to Pride & Prejudice
Who would have thought it!
Who would have thought that after falling for a character as revered as Mr Darcy, I would be championing the cause of a rake!! I dare say there is a lot this particular rake could have taught pre-Elizabeth Mr Darcy, in the ways of wooing a lady. Which could have subsequently prevented his disastrous first encounter at the Meryton assembly and his subsequent Hunsford proposal. However Mr Darcy trumps a rake when it comes to honour and it takes for this rake to meet his own Elizabeth Bennet for us to see just how honourable he can be.
I first met Lord Rival in Falling for Chloe, a notorious rake who was far from Mr Darcy in all the ways of an honourable gentleman. Yet the author hinted to more, giving us a glimpse of the man behind the façade, a Lord who was two farthings away from the gutter, whilst gallivanting around London like he was no less poor than the Prince Regent himself. I was intrigued to say the least, a product of an ever changing world where members of the peerage did not have a penny to their name, how did this come to pass? I wanted the background story and did not hesitate in purchasing this book to find out.
“He had stayed in this damnably cramped flat long after the Season ended, trying to scramble together a loan. The rest of the aristocracy had deserted London and trotted down to Brighton or back to their own estates. He’d declined every invitation to accompany his friends and stayed on, sweltering in the summer heat, trying to accomplish what he dared not attempt while the gossiping ton was there to observe him. He’d approached every rich, social-climbing Cit in London. You’d think that one of them, at least, would be eager to put a nobleman under obligation. But he soon discovered that a rake’s title is worthless to a social-climber” – Diane Farr
Lady Olivia Fairfax is rich and independent, using her mother's inheritance to set up a charity for poor girls, who would otherwise be on the streets, she is without a doubt a wonderful and caring person. The income she has inherited from her controlling father she knows little about and this is one of the ways her father continues to control her from the grave. Determined no other man shall ever have full control over her again, she has vowed herself to spinsterhood, however she did not foresee Lord Rival, a charming force who is not to be reckoned with.
“It was pique, really, that had spurred her to order this particular gown. She had been thrown into such a temper by her chaotic and confusing emotions, and her overwhelming desire to attract George’s interest or know the reason why, that she had selected a fabric more suited for a high-class courtesan than a lady of quality” – Diane farr
Lord Rival is in need of a rich wife and can only marry for money. Befriending a recluse to gain information about the unknown Lady Olivia Fairfax, an unexpected turn of events forces the two of them together. A self-professed rake is hardly trust worthy and his reputation proceeds him, how the heck he is going to turn Lady Fairfax from determined spinster to wife? This is of course the heart and soul of this story and I enjoyed every minute of it!
“He had to have her. He desired her, now, almost as much as the money. He stole a glance at her and felt his blood heat. It wasn’t that she was conventionally pretty, although no fault could be found in her delicate features. She was better than pretty. A man could never tire of looking at that extraordinary, expressive face: the fine bones and clear eyes, the wonderful mix of strength and softness, intelligence and innocence, fire and laughter. And a man could certainly never tire of touching that soft skin of hers. But he wouldn’t think of that—not now.” –Diane Farr
I have always strived to be non-judgemental, I understand people are fundamentally shaped by circumstance, their past, their environment and their life experiences. Grasping this philosophy can enable you to better understand and forgive people. It is probably why I am training to become a Social worker. My parents were social workers and my belief that people can better themselves is a motto I personally live by. I fear I have monumentally digressed, yet it is the crux of my love for this book, Lord Rival's journey to rediscovering the goodness within and Olivia's selfless generosity and kindness. It would take a very special person to instigate the catalyst that would be the means of change for Lord Rival and the same can be equally said in regards to getting Olivia to relinquish her need for control.
I acknowledge I have not said much about the storyline, however I loathe to give anything away. In a nutshell I loved this story because it was clever, hot, witty, funny, heart-warming, and packaged within an exquisite form of dialogue. I defy you not to love this book! After hearing me chuckling to myself and enquiring as to what I found so funny. My teenage son, even with all his swag, wanted me to repeat the following passage so that he could share it with his friends! Need I say any more, I was all astonishment!!!!
“the whole purpose of your visit was wickedness, pure and simple!” “Wickedness is never pure. And, come to think of it, it’s rarely simple.” “Really? How interesting.” Her eyes flashed. “I shall take your word for it, my lord—since wickedness is your area of expertise.” He chuckled. “Very wise. A novice should always defer to an expert.” – Diane Farr
Who would have thought it!
Who would have thought that after falling for a character as revered as Mr Darcy, I would be championing the cause of a rake!! I dare say there is a lot this particular rake could have taught pre-Elizabeth Mr Darcy, in the ways of wooing a lady. Which could have subsequently prevented his disastrous first encounter at the Meryton assembly and his subsequent Hunsford proposal. However Mr Darcy trumps a rake when it comes to honour and it takes for this rake to meet his own Elizabeth Bennet for us to see just how honourable he can be.
I first met Lord Rival in Falling for Chloe, a notorious rake who was far from Mr Darcy in all the ways of an honourable gentleman. Yet the author hinted to more, giving us a glimpse of the man behind the façade, a Lord who was two farthings away from the gutter, whilst gallivanting around London like he was no less poor than the Prince Regent himself. I was intrigued to say the least, a product of an ever changing world where members of the peerage did not have a penny to their name, how did this come to pass? I wanted the background story and did not hesitate in purchasing this book to find out.
“He had stayed in this damnably cramped flat long after the Season ended, trying to scramble together a loan. The rest of the aristocracy had deserted London and trotted down to Brighton or back to their own estates. He’d declined every invitation to accompany his friends and stayed on, sweltering in the summer heat, trying to accomplish what he dared not attempt while the gossiping ton was there to observe him. He’d approached every rich, social-climbing Cit in London. You’d think that one of them, at least, would be eager to put a nobleman under obligation. But he soon discovered that a rake’s title is worthless to a social-climber” – Diane Farr
Lady Olivia Fairfax is rich and independent, using her mother's inheritance to set up a charity for poor girls, who would otherwise be on the streets, she is without a doubt a wonderful and caring person. The income she has inherited from her controlling father she knows little about and this is one of the ways her father continues to control her from the grave. Determined no other man shall ever have full control over her again, she has vowed herself to spinsterhood, however she did not foresee Lord Rival, a charming force who is not to be reckoned with.
“It was pique, really, that had spurred her to order this particular gown. She had been thrown into such a temper by her chaotic and confusing emotions, and her overwhelming desire to attract George’s interest or know the reason why, that she had selected a fabric more suited for a high-class courtesan than a lady of quality” – Diane farr
Lord Rival is in need of a rich wife and can only marry for money. Befriending a recluse to gain information about the unknown Lady Olivia Fairfax, an unexpected turn of events forces the two of them together. A self-professed rake is hardly trust worthy and his reputation proceeds him, how the heck he is going to turn Lady Fairfax from determined spinster to wife? This is of course the heart and soul of this story and I enjoyed every minute of it!
“He had to have her. He desired her, now, almost as much as the money. He stole a glance at her and felt his blood heat. It wasn’t that she was conventionally pretty, although no fault could be found in her delicate features. She was better than pretty. A man could never tire of looking at that extraordinary, expressive face: the fine bones and clear eyes, the wonderful mix of strength and softness, intelligence and innocence, fire and laughter. And a man could certainly never tire of touching that soft skin of hers. But he wouldn’t think of that—not now.” –Diane Farr
I have always strived to be non-judgemental, I understand people are fundamentally shaped by circumstance, their past, their environment and their life experiences. Grasping this philosophy can enable you to better understand and forgive people. It is probably why I am training to become a Social worker. My parents were social workers and my belief that people can better themselves is a motto I personally live by. I fear I have monumentally digressed, yet it is the crux of my love for this book, Lord Rival's journey to rediscovering the goodness within and Olivia's selfless generosity and kindness. It would take a very special person to instigate the catalyst that would be the means of change for Lord Rival and the same can be equally said in regards to getting Olivia to relinquish her need for control.
I acknowledge I have not said much about the storyline, however I loathe to give anything away. In a nutshell I loved this story because it was clever, hot, witty, funny, heart-warming, and packaged within an exquisite form of dialogue. I defy you not to love this book! After hearing me chuckling to myself and enquiring as to what I found so funny. My teenage son, even with all his swag, wanted me to repeat the following passage so that he could share it with his friends! Need I say any more, I was all astonishment!!!!
“the whole purpose of your visit was wickedness, pure and simple!” “Wickedness is never pure. And, come to think of it, it’s rarely simple.” “Really? How interesting.” Her eyes flashed. “I shall take your word for it, my lord—since wickedness is your area of expertise.” He chuckled. “Very wise. A novice should always defer to an expert.” – Diane Farr
May 3, 2022
Well written, sweet and clean romance about H who needs to marry money. She is wealthy but spends her money caring for others. I liked that he revealed his truth to her very early. It's a light enjoyable read about two very nice people.
May 24, 2013
Funny, entertaining, and a nice twist on a cliche. We've got a the biggest rake in London who's finally sick of his poverty and wants to marry rich so he can fix his family home. We've also got an independent (with a capital I) spinster who's very content with her life. They meet, he accidentally tells her his plans, she refuses to marry him but wants to be his friend to have a little adventure in her life, and he decides this is the perfect opportunity to seduce her into marriage. She's onto his ways and holds her ground, and he's so sure that he can get her to marry him.
This is one of those times where the heroine isn't a weak woman who gives in.. she's truly genuine about not getting married so she's smart to know when to not cross the line. The hero wants to win her willingly so he puts on all his moves to get her, but little does he know that the heroine sees his true self and that's who she falls for. Neither are looking for a dalliance, she wants fun and adventure, he wants her money and her hand in marriage. Its a wild ride but I had fun being on it!
This is one of those times where the heroine isn't a weak woman who gives in.. she's truly genuine about not getting married so she's smart to know when to not cross the line. The hero wants to win her willingly so he puts on all his moves to get her, but little does he know that the heroine sees his true self and that's who she falls for. Neither are looking for a dalliance, she wants fun and adventure, he wants her money and her hand in marriage. Its a wild ride but I had fun being on it!
October 4, 2013
Poignant, subtly witty, warm, emotionally rich and with some highlight-worthy insights and turns of phrase. I absolutely adored the hero who, like most alleged 'wicked' rakes is, of course, a wonderful man at heart. And a very charming, appealing one as well!
The heroine was a tiny bit too perfect for my taste, but she's certainly likable and admirable. My one minor complaint is that the author tends to add in some superfluous descriptions of exactly what everyone is feeling at a certain moment and why they're saying and doing whatever they're saying and doing when it's already sufficiently clear to the reader. The key word in that preceding sentence was 'minor', though, as this book's buy-worthy assets far outweigh its drawbacks!
Highly recommended for those who are craving a sweet (though not saccharine!), character-centric romance that's infused with a lot of emotion and subtle sexiness.
Steam Level: About a 1.75 of out of 5
The heroine was a tiny bit too perfect for my taste, but she's certainly likable and admirable. My one minor complaint is that the author tends to add in some superfluous descriptions of exactly what everyone is feeling at a certain moment and why they're saying and doing whatever they're saying and doing when it's already sufficiently clear to the reader. The key word in that preceding sentence was 'minor', though, as this book's buy-worthy assets far outweigh its drawbacks!
Highly recommended for those who are craving a sweet (though not saccharine!), character-centric romance that's infused with a lot of emotion and subtle sexiness.
Steam Level: About a 1.75 of out of 5
November 6, 2021
There were really funny and enjoyable moments in this story. I liked the way a rake-hero was shown. Nonetheless, I had a few buts.
I didn't buy e.g. that Rival had no servants - come on, we were in the Regency era! Or that someone rich, living in Chelsea, could be an enigma in society, that nobody knew about her - again, come on, at least servants would have given information. And don't forget about calling by name by a gentleman and a lady (let's forget of the last big breaking of the XIX century rule - I am not spoiling which one).
Secondly, there were some smaller inconsistencies in the story and characters.
For this kind of novel, it was too long, too much thinking, talking about the same (e.g. that Lord Rival was rake or that Olivia didn't want to get married).
The truth is if it were shorter, my enjoyment wouldn't have been intermittent by boring parts. And then, I would have liked the book much more.
I didn't buy e.g. that Rival had no servants - come on, we were in the Regency era! Or that someone rich, living in Chelsea, could be an enigma in society, that nobody knew about her - again, come on, at least servants would have given information. And don't forget about calling by name by a gentleman and a lady (let's forget of the last big breaking of the XIX century rule - I am not spoiling which one).
Secondly, there were some smaller inconsistencies in the story and characters.
For this kind of novel, it was too long, too much thinking, talking about the same (e.g. that Lord Rival was rake or that Olivia didn't want to get married).
The truth is if it were shorter, my enjoyment wouldn't have been intermittent by boring parts. And then, I would have liked the book much more.
April 11, 2018
Oh boy (fans self). This was a sizzler and no mistake. And yet, pretty clean. There’s one actual sex scene, although very tastefully done and completely non-graphic, but the rest of it is all kisses and gentle touches. And yet… so hot.
The story picks up the most interesting character from the previous book, Falling For Chloe. Lord Rival is one of the ton’s most notorious rakes, who’s been living a precarious hand-to-mouth existence ever since he inherited his run-down estate some twelve years ago. He’s so impoverished that he lives in rooms with no servants, and does all the work of taking care of his clothes. He survives by playing piquet for money against rich, not terribly bright women who fall for his charms and see their losses as a fair price for an hour in the gaming room with his undivided attention. But he’s beginning to realise that he needs to do something more permanent to resolve his financial woes, and that means marrying an heiress.
Top of his list is the elusive Lady Olivia Fairfax, and he meets the lady in the most inauspicious circumstances. She is dressed in old clothes, engaged in cleaning up the stored treasures of a recently deceased gentleman for one of her charity projects. He, not unnaturally, mistakes her for a maid, and so they get off on quite the wrong foot. But some odd clauses in the deceased gentleman’s will throw them together anyway, and since he’s determined to win her and she is equally determined that he won’t, the sparks soon fly.
There’s an oddness about money in this book. George (Lord Rival) is supposedly dead broke, but in the previous book he managed to win several hundred pounds at a time from his besotted victims, and in this one he’s offered an annuity of eight hundred pounds a year. These are large sums, and with a combination of the annuity and some light card play, he could give himself a substantial income of several thousand a year, more than adequate to restore his estate. But, no matter.
This is one of those books that takes a completely unlikeable character and, by shining a light on his history and circumstances, makes him into something approaching a real hero. I liked George a lot, and was really rooting for him to work out what it was that he really wanted, which, rather foolishly, he seems to be in the dark about. Olivia I was less enamoured of. She has the hots for George right from the start (as all the women he meets seem to), and she allows him to take a great many liberties, yet she won’t agree to marry him. I thought he had the patience of a saint to put up with her yes-please-no-don’t-yes-please shenanigans. But the banter between them is glorious, and did I mention how hot this book is?
The ending is perfect. I did wonder how the author was going to resolve the central issue of the situation, but she carried it off magnificently. That’s all I will say about it. Five stars.
The story picks up the most interesting character from the previous book, Falling For Chloe. Lord Rival is one of the ton’s most notorious rakes, who’s been living a precarious hand-to-mouth existence ever since he inherited his run-down estate some twelve years ago. He’s so impoverished that he lives in rooms with no servants, and does all the work of taking care of his clothes. He survives by playing piquet for money against rich, not terribly bright women who fall for his charms and see their losses as a fair price for an hour in the gaming room with his undivided attention. But he’s beginning to realise that he needs to do something more permanent to resolve his financial woes, and that means marrying an heiress.
Top of his list is the elusive Lady Olivia Fairfax, and he meets the lady in the most inauspicious circumstances. She is dressed in old clothes, engaged in cleaning up the stored treasures of a recently deceased gentleman for one of her charity projects. He, not unnaturally, mistakes her for a maid, and so they get off on quite the wrong foot. But some odd clauses in the deceased gentleman’s will throw them together anyway, and since he’s determined to win her and she is equally determined that he won’t, the sparks soon fly.
There’s an oddness about money in this book. George (Lord Rival) is supposedly dead broke, but in the previous book he managed to win several hundred pounds at a time from his besotted victims, and in this one he’s offered an annuity of eight hundred pounds a year. These are large sums, and with a combination of the annuity and some light card play, he could give himself a substantial income of several thousand a year, more than adequate to restore his estate. But, no matter.
This is one of those books that takes a completely unlikeable character and, by shining a light on his history and circumstances, makes him into something approaching a real hero. I liked George a lot, and was really rooting for him to work out what it was that he really wanted, which, rather foolishly, he seems to be in the dark about. Olivia I was less enamoured of. She has the hots for George right from the start (as all the women he meets seem to), and she allows him to take a great many liberties, yet she won’t agree to marry him. I thought he had the patience of a saint to put up with her yes-please-no-don’t-yes-please shenanigans. But the banter between them is glorious, and did I mention how hot this book is?
The ending is perfect. I did wonder how the author was going to resolve the central issue of the situation, but she carried it off magnificently. That’s all I will say about it. Five stars.
August 17, 2009
Great read! Very well written, sexy and sizzling without being steamy, how nice for a change! Both the hero and heroine are so well defined that you feel you could know them personally. I guessed the twist at the end but even so, it was the perfect way to reconcile the problems the characters were facing.
April 4, 2011
One of the unheralded gems in historical romance.
He's a fortune hunter, alright but he does care for heroine. I like the hero's assurance that if Olivia was to be stripped of all her inheritance anyway, who better to marry than him as he already knew how to economise and live in genteel poverty.
He's a fortune hunter, alright but he does care for heroine. I like the hero's assurance that if Olivia was to be stripped of all her inheritance anyway, who better to marry than him as he already knew how to economise and live in genteel poverty.
August 11, 2010
There were many funny bits but this book was very serious too. The heroine had been treated horribly earlier in her life: Lord Rival was, admittedly, a fortune hunter but he was also a real person with reasons for needing to marry money that were more than valid.
A real keeper shelf book for me!
A real keeper shelf book for me!
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