With Old Latin Teacher giving this five (rarely-granted) stars, and GR friend Juliana Phillippa recommending it to "Every single person alive (who likWith Old Latin Teacher giving this five (rarely-granted) stars, and GR friend Juliana Phillippa recommending it to "Every single person alive (who likes romances)," how could I pass up this new-to-me author?
And my assessment is: The Improper Bride is every bit as good as they said. Henry and Cassandra are a wonderful couple, and we get to know them very well as the story progresses. This is one of those books where not a lot happens -- except the marquess (and duke's heir) falls deeply in love with his housekeeper, and we're right there with them each step of the way. Character-driven, I believe, is the term. This cross-class romance is entirely believable, as each of them firmly believes that marriage is not an option.
Ah, but this is Romancelandia, and a happy ending is ensured.
Merged review:
With Old Latin Teacher giving this five (rarely-granted) stars, and GR friend Juliana Phillippa recommending it to "Every single person alive (who likes romances)," how could I pass up this new-to-me author?
And my assessment is: The Improper Bride is every bit as good as they said. Henry and Cassandra are a wonderful couple, and we get to know them very well as the story progresses. This is one of those books where not a lot happens -- except the marquess (and duke's heir) falls deeply in love with his housekeeper, and we're right there with them each step of the way. Character-driven, I believe, is the term. This cross-class romance is entirely believable, as each of them firmly believes that marriage is not an option.
Ah, but this is Romancelandia, and a happy ending is ensured....more
Lovely writing. Great character development. This story covers four years, and while some reviewers think it moves too slowly, I liked the time that iLovely writing. Great character development. This story covers four years, and while some reviewers think it moves too slowly, I liked the time that it took for Grace and Theo to figure out that they belonged together. Also, during this time, all of the other characters are growing and changing (mostly for the better), giving this book a feeling of real life.
I will definitely be reading more books by Cate Charleston.
Merged review:
Lovely writing. Great character development. This story covers four years, and while some reviewers think it moves too slowly, I liked the time that it took for Grace and Theo to figure out that they belonged together. Also, during this time, all of the other characters are growing and changing (mostly for the better), giving this book a feeling of real life.
I will definitely be reading more books by Cate Charleston....more
I've loved mysteries, ever since starting out as a girl with Nancy Drew. I eventually moved on to Agatha Christie, Arthur Conan Doyle, and Dorothy L. I've loved mysteries, ever since starting out as a girl with Nancy Drew. I eventually moved on to Agatha Christie, Arthur Conan Doyle, and Dorothy L. Sayers. I also love to read historical romance, especially Regency and Victorian.
So how could I help loving the Lady Julia Grey books? Simple. I couldn't. The three books in this very nicely priced ebook bundle were much more mystery than romance, but that's okay. They were engaging and well constructed. The underlying romance -- which in these three books take Julia and Brisbane from first meeting to marriage -- is subtle but gripping. Brisbane is such a delicious, deeply layered character.
Merged review:
I've loved mysteries, ever since starting out as a girl with Nancy Drew. I eventually moved on to Agatha Christie, Arthur Conan Doyle, and Dorothy L. Sayers. I also love to read historical romance, especially Regency and Victorian.
So how could I help loving the Lady Julia Grey books? Simple. I couldn't. The three books in this very nicely priced ebook bundle were much more mystery than romance, but that's okay. They were engaging and well constructed. The underlying romance -- which in these three books take Julia and Brisbane from first meeting to marriage -- is subtle but gripping. Brisbane is such a delicious, deeply layered character....more
This book is one of my favorite Heyer mysteries, primarily due to the presence of "Terrible" Timothy H Review of the audiobook narrated by Ulli Birvé.
This book is one of my favorite Heyer mysteries, primarily due to the presence of "Terrible" Timothy Harte, a precocious fourteen-year-old fan of American gangster movies who is thrilled when there are two mysterious deaths in the family. (Side note: One of my favorite Heyer Regency romances is Frederica, where the heroine has two young brothers who cause no end of problems while being adorable at the same time. Terrible Timothy is cut from the same cloth as Felix Merriville.)
The setting is the classic house party, in this case involving extended family members. When the patriarch falls off of a cliff and dies, it is called an accident. When his heir is shot in the head, however, it's time for Scotland Yard. Superintendent Hannasyde ably leads the investigation, but Sergeant (later Inspector) Hemingway steals every scene that he is in. Georgette Heyer was known for her wit and reparteé, and she put that talent to excellent use in this book. The interplay between Hemingway and Terrible Timothy is especially entertaining. (A grown-up Timothy appears in Duplicate Death.)
All of the characters are deftly drawn, even if somewhat stereotypical. (A stereotype done well can still be fun to read, can't it?) Everyone is a suspect, and the action hums along. Readers more clever than I may spot the villain early on, but a large part of the fun is watching how Hannasyde and Hemingway figure things out.
I bumped this up to five stars, on this re-listen. It's the only Heyer detective story that I think is worthy of that honor, even though I have enjoyed all of them.
Merged review:
Review of the audiobook narrated by Ulli Birvé.
This book is one of my favorite Heyer mysteries, primarily due to the presence of "Terrible" Timothy Harte, a precocious fourteen-year-old fan of American gangster movies who is thrilled when there are two mysterious deaths in the family. (Side note: One of my favorite Heyer Regency romances is Frederica, where the heroine has two young brothers who cause no end of problems while being adorable at the same time. Terrible Timothy is cut from the same cloth as Felix Merriville.)
The setting is the classic house party, in this case involving extended family members. When the patriarch falls off of a cliff and dies, it is called an accident. When his heir is shot in the head, however, it's time for Scotland Yard. Superintendent Hannasyde ably leads the investigation, but Sergeant (later Inspector) Hemingway steals every scene that he is in. Georgette Heyer was known for her wit and reparteé, and she put that talent to excellent use in this book. The interplay between Hemingway and Terrible Timothy is especially entertaining. (A grown-up Timothy appears in Duplicate Death.)
All of the characters are deftly drawn, even if somewhat stereotypical. (A stereotype done well can still be fun to read, can't it?) Everyone is a suspect, and the action hums along. Readers more clever than I may spot the villain early on, but a large part of the fun is watching how Hannasyde and Hemingway figure things out.
I bumped this up to five stars, on this re-listen. It's the only Heyer detective story that I think is worthy of that honor, even though I have enjoyed all of them....more
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 because I was pleasantly surprised.
I thoroughly enjoyed this new-to-me author's cosy mystery, which I received from NetGall3.5 stars rounded up to 4 because I was pleasantly surprised.
I thoroughly enjoyed this new-to-me author's cosy mystery, which I received from NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books. Although this is the third volume in the series, it worked just fine as a standalone.
Kate Hamilton is an American antiques dealer living in the Suffolk village of Long Barston. Her stay is meant to be temporary, but there is a romance budding between Kate and Detective Inspector Tom Mallory, so Kate is torn about when and if she will return to America and her elderly mother (who has a surprise for her daughter!).
The mystery was complex but solved in a believable manner. The romance is sweet. The main characters are engaging, and the cast of secondary characters includes some typically eccentric English village folks. In keeping with what I like about the cosy genre, there were no car chases or shootouts, but there was a bit of violence, mostly from Mother Nature.
I recommend this title to cosy mystery fans, and I intend to go back and read the first two volumes. ...more
A delightful continuation of The Palace of Rogues series. The love story between these two complicated people is deep and touching. I particularly enjA delightful continuation of The Palace of Rogues series. The love story between these two complicated people is deep and touching. I particularly enjoy the denizens of the Palace; they bring not only a continuity to the series but also are quite interesting in their own right.
I'm delighted that Julie Anne Long has returned to historicals and look forward to the next chapter in this wonderful series....more
As I have become older, I have grown to appreciate older heroines, and Aunt Matilda is a great older heroine. She has appeared in sevJust delightful.
As I have become older, I have grown to appreciate older heroines, and Aunt Matilda is a great older heroine. She has appeared in several of the earlier titles in this series, always as the almost elderly spinster who fusses over her mother. In this book, however, we learn that there is more to Matilda than we thought. Mary Balogh excels at writing this kind of sweet, insightful plot, and you'll be rooting for Matilda and Charles to make a go of it....more
Regular readers of my reviews know that there is no place I would rather visit than Grace Burrowes' Windham World, where Percival and Esther Windham, Regular readers of my reviews know that there is no place I would rather visit than Grace Burrowes' Windham World, where Percival and Esther Windham, the Duke and Duchess of Moreland, preside over a gaggle of children, in-laws, grandchildren, and – in the Windham Brides series – four unmarried nieces. In the first three volumes of the series, each of Charlotte Windham's sisters has married, one to an English duke, one to a Scottish duke, and one to the Scottish duke's younger brother. Naturally, everyone expects that Charlotte will make a similarly brilliant match. Everyone, that is, except Charlotte.
Charlotte Windham is weary of the entire rigmarole – the season, the parties, the fortune hunters, the boring aristocrats. She would rather remain unmarried and independent, free to secretly support her pet causes, primarily helping fallen women who find themselves with child and lacking any support from the (often aristocratic) father. Charlotte presents a special problem for her matchmaking aunt and uncle, as she is quite opinionated, a bit tetchy, and far more outspoken than becomes a young lady.
In No Other Duke Will Do, in which she and her sister Elizabeth are attending the Duke of Haverford's house party in Wales, Charlotte is slightly intrigued when she meets Haverford's neighbor, the fabulously wealthy, rough-around-the-edges commoner, Lucas Sherbourne. Sherbourne and Haverford have been at loggerheads for years over Sherbourne's desire to begin mining in the area, but they finally reach an uneasy truce and Sherbourne drops his plans to call in Haverford's considerable debts. Charlotte, who has been thinking that she might just avoid marriage by getting herself ruined, considers tapping Sherbourne for that honor, but nothing comes of it even though he finds Charlotte most appealing.
Lucas and Charlotte meet again in London, where Lucas is attempting to attract more investors to his mining scheme. At a garden party, he rescues her from an unwelcome suitor's overly amorous proposal only to find himself suddenly proposing marriage himself. His proposal is not only not amorous, it is more of a business arrangement. Although he has a low opinion of the aristocracy – viewing them as lazy, often dishonest, and incapable of adapting to the changes brought on by industrialization – Sherbourne knows that marrying into the illustrious Windham family would bring many advantages. Charlotte declines his proposal, but the couple shares a passionate kiss, and it is not as private as they thought. Wedding bells ring within a week.
The couple hies off to Wales to begin their life together, and most of the story deals with their efforts to make this sudden marriage work. The couple are really strangers to one another, but slowly Charlotte develops respect and affection for Lucas, as he does for her. There are plenty of bumps in the road along the way however. The author herself summed it up in a blog posting:
He’s so convinced that his responsibility as Charlotte’s husband is to be a financial mover and shaker, somebody who brings prosperity to the whole valley so Charlotte’s ducal family won’t look down on her for marrying him. He really is a sweet guy, but his version of partnering Charlotte–and her version of partnering Sherbourne–needs about 343 pages of work.
It's a delightful 343 pages indeed. This book has all of the things that I enjoy in a Grace Burrowes book – beautifully drawn characters, romance with just the right amount of sexytimes, warm yet sometimes vexing family relationships, and drama that never sinks into melodrama. I have savored all four of the Windham Brides books, but they need not be read in order; each works quite well as a standalone. If you relish Windham World as I do, a visit to Wales might be in order....more
I freely admit that not every Meredith Duran book has been my cup of tea, but in the Rules for the Reckless series she has impressed me beyond words. I freely admit that not every Meredith Duran book has been my cup of tea, but in the Rules for the Reckless series she has impressed me beyond words. Literally. I find it difficult to write a proper review, when all I want to say is, “This book is great. Read it!” Our esteemed editor here at Romantic Historical Reviews, however, insists upon more, so I shall try my best. [Quite right – Ed.]
Liam Devaliant, fifth Earl of Lockwood, who has appeared as a secondary character in previous books, is every young lady's ideal – handsome, charming, honorable, and full of life. Except for one thing: he needs to marry for money. Fortunately for him, he falls in love with Anna,, a wealthy woman who holds the Scottish title Countess of Firth in her own right. In earlier books, Lockwood's four-year absence from England and his fraught relationship with Anna have been mentioned but not explained. Now, we find out what happened, and it is a heartbreaking, but ultimately uplifting, story of love, determination, and victory over one's demons. (Some characters from earlier books – Lord Lockwood's friends – make an appearance, but this book works quite well as a standalone. )
Four years earlier, Lockwood disappeared without a trace on his wedding night, leaving Anna so confused, angry, and embarrassed that she fled to her home on the Isle of Rawsey. One day she is shocked to learn from the newspapers that her husband had returned to London eight months earlier without a word to her. Barely containing her fury, she shows up at the Lockwood town house to find it full of a strange assortment of servants and a Lord Lockwood whom she barely recognizes. Lockwood is not best pleased to see her and thinks he can drive her away, but he has seriously miscalculated. Anna is staying, and she is determined to be a wife to Lockwood in every way, mainly because she wants a legitimate child to inherit her title.
Anna and Lockwood once had been madly in love with one another, although they never confessed it and pretended that theirs was a marriage of convenience. Anna struggles to understand what has happened to the happy, charming man she married. She had assumed that he was larking about, but slowly she comes to realize that something awful happened to him and that his only goal in life is to wreak revenge on the perpetrator. The identity of the villain is no secret to the reader; it is Lockwood's cousin and heir Stephen, who arranged to have Lockwood kidnapped and put on a convict ship to New South Wales so that Stephen could inherit upon Lockwood's “death.” I won't go into the details of what happened during Lockwood's four-year absence, other than to say that he suffered horribly and has returned with what we would now call PTSD. He is so traumatized and ashamed of what happened to him that he goes to great lengths to conceal the truth from Anna, until finally he confesses all and she can't believe him.
This is a beautiful, complex story of two damaged but lovely, and loving, people finding one another again, with some mystery and adventure along with a lovely story of devotion and courage. Meredith Duran is an outstanding writer, and she is at the top of her game here. As with many of her books, there is great angst, and it is sometimes difficult to read. A reader's perseverance will be rewarded though because, as I said at the beginning, “This book is great. Read it!”...more
Fabulous, as expected, in both the written and audio versions. Kate Reading narrates, and she is the perfect narrator for this author. I have said theFabulous, as expected, in both the written and audio versions. Kate Reading narrates, and she is the perfect narrator for this author. I have said the same thing about her performances of Loretta Chase's books, which are nothing like Sherry Thomas's, but that must be evidence of Reading's superlative skills.
This is the best of the series so far, and they simply MUST be read in order because in many ways each story is a continuation of the other -- and there are loads of twists and turns. In fact, before I listened to this one I took the time to listen again to the first two and I'm glad that I did.
I don't think that it's an exaggeration to say that this is another masterpiece from Sherry Thomas. I can't wait until the next one!...more
In Satyr's Son, Lucinda Brant has created a worthy conclusion to the Roxton Family Saga. This Cinderella-inspired love story features Henri-AntoinIn Satyr's Son, Lucinda Brant has created a worthy conclusion to the Roxton Family Saga. This Cinderella-inspired love story features Henri-Antoine Hesham – the younger son of the late fifth Duke of Roxton and his beloved duchess Antonia – who meets his match in lowly but proud Lisa Crisp. Knowing this to be the last of the series, I joyfully savored this book, as I have its four full-length predecessors. The dramatis personae are numerous, however, so I shall try to sketch them out in this review. The new reader may also choose to refer to the family tree appearing at the beginning of the book.
In Noble Satyr, Henri-Antoine's parents meet and fall deeply in love, with the duke forsaking his debauched life to experience the unexpected joys of marriage and fatherhood with his much younger wife. Antonia and her “Monseigneur” have thirty wonderful years together, until he dies, and Antonia is inconsolable, almost to the point of madness. In Autumn Duchess however she finds love again with Jonathan Strang Leven, a nabob who inherits a Scottish dukedom from a distant relative. To her and everyone else's surprise, she gives birth to a daughter, Elsie, now a precocious young miss at age eight.
In Midnight Marriage Julian, their elder son, is forced by his father to marry the very young Deborah Cavendish and immediately sent on an eight-year grand tour with his tutor, Martin. Thanks to the gods of Romancelandia, Julian and Deb meet again as adults and fall in love. Now, Julian is the sixth Duke of Roxton, and he and his duchess have seven lively children who are the apple of their grandmother's eye.
Dair Devil and Proud Mary focus on the Fitzstuart/Cavendish clan, Antonia's cousins. Alasdair Cavendish returned from fighting in the American colonies to become a dashing rogue, but he is brought to heel by his love for retiring spinster Rory Talbot. They are now the Earl and Countess of Strathsay. Dair's sister Lady Mary is the heroine of Proud Mary. In the earlier books, Mary was unhappily married to Sir Gerald Cavendish, a self-centered social climber who tried to exploit his connections to the Roxtons. Upon his death, Lady Mary and their daughter Theodora were left virtually destitute, with the estate entailed upon the teen-aged heir Jack. Their neighbor, country squire Christopher Bryce, is Theodora's guardian, and acting upon the wishes of Sir Gerald he refuses to allow “Teddy” (as she prefers to be called) to mingle with her Roxton relatives. True love wins out however when the socially inferior squire with the scandalous past finally declares his love for Lady Mary and is surprised to find himself welcomed into the extended Roxton tribe.
Whew. Got all that? As Satyr's Son opens, all of these characters, and more, are planning to gather at Treat, the Roxton estate, for the wedding of Teddy Cavendish to her distant cousin Jack, now Sir John Cavendish, MP. As it happens, the groom has been Henri-Antoine's closest friend since their school days. In the earlier books, Jack and Teddy seemed destined for one another, and now it is coming to pass.
But before the wedding festivities begin, we must become acquainted with Lisa Crisp, the orphaned nineteen-year-old woman who lives with Dr. and Mrs. Warner and assisted in Dr. Warner's dispensary. Although Lisa is Mrs. Warner's cousin, she is treated as something less than a member of the family yet more than a lowly servant. Mrs. Warner is self-absorbed and indolent, while the doctor is kindly but engrossed by his medical practice. Neither of them gave much thought to Lisa. Henri-Antoine is busy in London leading a dissolute life in the manner of his late father when a drinking bout at a friend's home causes him to fall into a seizure. He has suffered from the “falling sickness” (epilepsy) since birth, but his condition is hidden from all except his close family and his pal Jack.
By happenstance, Lisa is in the house when this incident occurs, and her medical knowledge allows her to discretely assist Henri-Antoine until the seizure passes. Afterward, he visits the dispensary to thank Lisa and is astonished to see that she toils among the poorest and sickest people in London. When he learns that Lisa helps the doctor's illiterate patients by writing letters to their families, he buys Lisa a beautiful rosewood writing box with mother-of-pearl inlay. (A short visit to the authors Pinterest page reveals a picture of such a box, along with other wonderful illustrations.)
Henri-Antoine is intrigued by Lisa, but the two never expect to see one another again. Imagine Lisa's surprise and delight then when she receives an invitation to the wedding from her best schoolfriend Teddy. It turns out that Lisa's aunt was Antonia's personal maid for many years, and her close friend, and Antonia had arranged for Lisa to attend an exclusive girls' school. After rumors of Lisa's scandalous behavior got her expelled from school, she and Teddy lost touch with one another, but once again fairy-godmother Antonia finds Lisa and insists that she be allowed to attend the wedding.
The romance between Henri-Antoine and Lisa blooms as they spend time together at Treat. To describe what happens there would be spoilerish, but suffice it to say that Henri-Antoine behaves badly at times, and he is a rather difficult hero to like. Some readers have disapproved of him so much that they graded the book downward, but overall I found his behavior understandable, if not admirable. And where Henri-Antoine is sometimes cynical and thoughtless, Lisa is kind and gentle and brings lightness into his life.
For this reader, the pleasure of catching up with all of the Roxton family nine years after the events in Proud Mary more than made up for some less pleasant parts. Although the earlier books in this series are excellent, one need not have read them in order to enjoy this one. Because Lisa is the newcomer to this world, we see the extended Roxton family through Lisa's eyes and hear their backstories through her ears.
Brant gives her readers her usual perfect mixture of history, romance, and family, setting much of the book in the glittering environs of Treat (think Bleinham Palace). So, time-travel back to 1786 and revel in the setting, the characters, and the story.
Finally, full disclosure: I received an advance copy of this book from Lucinda Brant for review purposes, and I probably should disclose that I am flattered to be one of the three people mentioned in her dedication. ...more
This second installment in Laura Lee Guhrke’s Dear Lady Truelove series features the younger sister of Irene Deverill, the heroine of book one, The TrThis second installment in Laura Lee Guhrke’s Dear Lady Truelove series features the younger sister of Irene Deverill, the heroine of book one, The Truth About Love and Dukes. Clara Deverill is shy and retiring, the polar opposite of her sister who is off on her wedding trip with the Duke of Torquil. Irene – a take-charge, energetic, and quite progressive woman for her time – has been running the family-owned newspaper, The Weekly Gazette, and writing its most popular feature, the “Dear Lady Truelove” advice column. Irene has left Clara in charge, and Clara is sure that she is not up to the job, her only experience having been as a stenographer to Irene. Moreover, Clara is feeling bullied by the paper’s gruff editor and abandoned by her brother who is supposed to be back from his travels in America to take over the running of the paper.
Faced with a looming deadline, Clara fights panic and escapes to a neighborhood tea shop, where salvation presents itself in the form of two gentlemen conversing at the next table. Lionel is being pressured by his merry-widow mistress to marry her, but he isn't sure that he wants to. His friend Rex, comes up with a ruse that Lionel can use to hold out the possibility of marriage without actually promising anything. Lionel should suggest ending the relationship, as he hasn't the funds to support a wife.
“Remind her of that and suggest—gently—that perhaps the two of you should go your separate ways? You don’t want to do it, of course, because you’re wild about her, and you can’t sleep or eat for wanting her, and your nights with her are the most amazing thing that’s ever happened to you, but for her sake, you feel you must tear yourself away.”
As Rex acts out the scene, he is confident that Lionel's lady-love will then realize that it's better to keep their relationship as is rather than giving up the man she loves. Clara is incensed by what she overhears and uses the next Lady Truelove column as a means of warning the lady, indeed warning all ladies about the duplicitous nature of men.
A few nights later, Rex dances with Clara at a ball; he thinks she looks familiar, but he cannot place her. Clara assures him that they have never been introduced. Then Lionel shows up, punches Rex in the face, and accuses Rex of ruining his love life. When Lionel shows Rex the Lady Truelove column and he sees their conversation reproduced almost verbatim, he makes the connection and realizes that he saw Clara in the tea shop. Rex visits Clara's office in high dudgeon and threatens to expose her secret identity as Lady Truelove. Clara surprises herself by standing up to him, with the result that they develop a surprising plan that suits them both: a fake courtship.
This arrangement suits Clara because she would like to get married and have a family, but her shyness and lack of presence make it difficult for her to meet gentlemen via the traditional marriage mart. If a handsome, titled man like Rex (he is Viscount Galbraith and heir to the Earl of Leyland) shows interest in her then other men will as well. Rex has no desire to marry, but his father has cut off his allowance, and he hopes that if he is seen as seeking a bride his father will restore it. Moreover, his beloved Aunt Petunia, who has been supporting him, would dearly love to see him marry.
Those of us who regularly read historical romance have seen the fake courtship plot before, but Ms. Guhrke pulls it off quite adeptly, primarily because she takes the time to develop the characters so that the reader comes to like and understand them. We see how Rex's selfish, feuding parents have soured him on the notion of marriage, and we come to know him as a basically honorable, caring man. He finds Clara to be adorable and authentic, so different from the typical society girls, and it's quite lovely how he helps her spread her wings and learn to fly out from under her older sister's shadow. Although the two are immediately attracted to one another, the love story plays out slowly and deliciously.
I was not enamored of the first book in this series, but The Trouble With True Love was engaging and fun to read, and I can wholeheartedly recommend it to readers who enjoy character-driven romances that don't resort to silliness or big misunderstandings....more
4.5 stars rounded up because writing a satisfying novella is a rare talent.
This novella was published in an anthology several years ago, but now it is4.5 stars rounded up because writing a satisfying novella is a rare talent.
This novella was published in an anthology several years ago, but now it is repackaged as the "prequel" (hate that word!) to Jennifer Ashley's new Kat Holloway series about a Victorian-era crime-solving cook. Death Below Stairs will come out in January 2018.
The publisher's blurb sums up the plot nicely, so I won't add much more, except to say that it is not strictly necessary to read this novella before Death Below Stairs but you will understand the relationship between Kat and Daniel (her potential love interest) if you have read this one.
Oh, yes, a warning: do not read when hungry. The scenes set in Kat's kitchen may make you drool....more
This is a charming romance, which I would rate at 3.5 stars. I took off 1/2 star because I just couldn't quite believe Lanta's ten-year self-imposed eThis is a charming romance, which I would rate at 3.5 stars. I took off 1/2 star because I just couldn't quite believe Lanta's ten-year self-imposed exile in Yorkshire, as well as her reluctance to accept Sebastian's love after they rediscover on another. Sebastian is one of the most adorable heroes I have encountered, which was quite surprising as the story begins with Lanta's niece referring to him as "The Ogre." Lots of sexual chemistry between these two.
Inevitably, one is reminded of Georgette Heyer -- humor, great conversation, a sprightly plot. I plan to visit this author again....more
I was surprised at how good this book was. If you like Jane Austen FF, I recommend it.
The opening one-third or so of Austen's Pride and Prejudice is mI was surprised at how good this book was. If you like Jane Austen FF, I recommend it.
The opening one-third or so of Austen's Pride and Prejudice is mentioned as backstory, as the book opens with Lizzie visiting Charlotte Collins and encountering Darcy and his cousin Fitzwilliam at Rosings. Darcy is on the verge of proposing when Lizzie and Fitzwilliam announce their engagement. Naturally, Darcy is crushed and agonizes at the thought of the woman he loves being married to his dearest friend.
Fitzwilliam is on leave from the Army and must return to the Peninsula, and here is where the author begins her own plot. Events conspire to throw Lizzie and Darcy together in fairly believable ways, and Lizzie begins to see Darcy's admirable traits, even though Darcy is careful not to reveal his true feelings for her.
Fitzwilliam is a doll, though, so how can Lizzie dump him for Darcy? Fear not, this author has devised a plot that gives everyone a happy ending. As I said, it's really quite good....more
With maturity comes the desire to read about a romance between an older lady and a hot younger man, so I snapped up a copy of this book when it was ofWith maturity comes the desire to read about a romance between an older lady and a hot younger man, so I snapped up a copy of this book when it was offered. I was not disappointed.
Graciela is the familiar type of woman who has always put children and husband first. Now the children are grown, and the not-so-nice husband is dead, leaving Ela at loose ends. When a friend tempts her to visit a club called Sodom, where masked ladies may choose to dally with attractive men, Ela nervously goes along. There she encounters Colin, Lord Strickland, who helps conceal her from being recognized by his best friend. Turns out that best friend is Ela's stepson, who would be highly displeased to know that the Dowager Duchess of Autenberry was visiting Sodom.
Colin has long been attracted to Ela, and their semi-intimate encounter at the club just whets his appetite. Thus begins the age-old dialogue, with Ella "no, no, no," and Colin saying "yes, yes, yes." Ela runs, and Colin chases, and I must say that Ela turned a little bit silly, when she was supposed to be such a strong woman. Anyway, the chase and the romance are full of seduction, discreet encounters, angst, and family histrionics.
Notwithstanding the title, one thing this book does not have is scandal. It just didn't happen, but that's fine. I enjoyed the book and will no doubt read more of Sophie Jordan in the future.
Thanks to Edelweiss+ and Avon for a review copy of this book....more
3.5 rounded up to 4 for a pretty good debut novel. I'm pleased to find another new historical romance author to follow.
I am not a fan of revenge plots3.5 rounded up to 4 for a pretty good debut novel. I'm pleased to find another new historical romance author to follow.
I am not a fan of revenge plots, but I enjoyed this one immensely. Probably because the revenge sought is not anything violent; the hero just sets out to steal the heroine from marriage to a horrible man. Also, there is an excellent twist at the end.
As a romance, it's quite satisfying. Susanna and Westcott are very well drawn characters, and there is an engaging group of secondary characters. I will definitely be reading the next title in this series.
Thank you, Edelweiss and Amberjack Publishing for a complimentary copy of this book....more
This marvelous audiobook is available in Audible's two-for-one-credit sale which starts today and lasts for 81 days. If you haven't listened to it -- This marvelous audiobook is available in Audible's two-for-one-credit sale which starts today and lasts for 81 days. If you haven't listened to it -- performed by the wonderful Kate Readiing -- now's your chance. The entire series has been five-stars for me. Highly recommended Added on 10 July 2020
I enjoyed this book so much that I also listened to the audio version, beautifully narrated by Kate Reading, one of the best in the business. I would give it more than five stars if I could.
Sherry Thomas is one of the best historical romance authors of the past decade, so I had no concerns that she could write a good historical mystery. BSherry Thomas is one of the best historical romance authors of the past decade, so I had no concerns that she could write a good historical mystery. But Sherlock Holmes? As a woman? Even though I am a long-time Sherlockian, I am not fanatical about the sanctity of Conan Doyle's canon -- so why not? I can enthusiastically report that Thomas has pulled off this challenge in a first-rate manner.
It is very easy to see Sherlock in Charlotte Holmes's personality, mannerisms, and intellect. Conan Doyle never showed us the very young Sherlock, so Thomas is free to experiment here. Charlotte is the youngest of four daughters born to the unhappily-wed Sir Henry and Lady Holmes. Henrietta, the eldest, has modeled herself after her unpleasant mother, and is married to a Mr. Cumberland. It remains to be seen whether she has adopted her mother's habit of slapping hapless servants and unruly daughters. The next sister, Bernadine, is so withdrawn that she is no longer taken out in society; today we probably would diagnose her as autistic, perhaps epileptic, and anorexic to boot. Sister Livia, Charlotte's only friend, has had eight unsuccessful Seasons and is prone to depression. She at least takes pleasure from writing incessantly in her journal. One other member of the family is Mrs. Gladwell, the widow of Sir Henry's cousin, whom Charlotte has figured out is also Sir Henry's mistress.
Charlotte is her father's pet and her mother's despair. She is sharply intelligent and blessed with an amazing memory as well as powers of observation and deduction. She is forthright to the point of rudeness and so completely uninterested getting married that she has turned down several proposals. She is quite beautiful and has allowed her mother to dress her in the height of fashion, but underneath the veneer Charlotte is a determined non-conformist.
Although they play relatively minor roles in the book's plot, I mention Charlotte's family because Thomas paints a particularly affecting portrait of them in the first few chapters. It wasn't really necessary, but it sets up the story so nicely. Such is the mark of an extraordinary writer. Moreover, this part of the story is written from Livia's point of view and suggests that Livia may be the chronicler, i.e., a sort of Watson to Charlotte's Sherlock.
Charlotte's ambition is to become headmistress of a girls' school, which is really quite silly, as she has never been to school, but that seems to be the only professional option available to a gently-bred young lady. Her father encourages Charlotte's aspiration, but as the book opens Charlotte is infuriated to see that he is succumbing to his wife's pressure to marry her off.
Although Charlotte is supposedly very smart, she embarks on a farcical scheme to get herself ruined (by a carefully selected married man) and thus made ineligible for marriage. The scheme goes spectacularly awry, and Charlotte flees her home and reckons she can find some type of respectable employment. With no references and no experience, she is finding it rough going. Until, that is, she meets and instantly feels an affinity for a colorful, older lady whose army officer husband died in Afghanistan. This Mrs. Watson is a comfortably-wealthy but lonely former actress who has unsuccessfully been looking for a paid companion. She is intrigued by Charlotte's special talent for solving mysteries, and when she offers Charlotte the position as her companion, the reader can see that she envisions them as partners in adventure.
Aside from her sweet sister Livia, Charlotte has one other friend: Lord Ingram Ashburton, to whom she has been close since childhood. Indeed, when Lord Ingram enters the plot, it is clear that he and Charlotte are in love with one another. Not that they would admit it, for he is unhappily married and far too honorable to act upon his improper feelings. Lord Ingram, a gentleman archeologist, has served as a go-between for Charlotte and Scotland Yard's Inspector Treadles (ah, we have our Lestrade) where Charlotte's talent has helped solve a few cases. Treadles, however, does not know that Charlotte is Sherlock; he thinks she is the ailing, reclusive Sherlock's sister.
This, then, is the set-up for the mysteries that confront Inspector Treadles when Sherlock Holmes publishes a letter connecting three, apparently unrelated and apparently natural, deaths:
It has come to my attention that Mr. Harrington Sackville’s death, by apparent overdose of chloral, may not be an isolated incident: Lady Amelia Drummond preceded him in death by a week and a half; the Dowager Baroness Shrewsbury followed a mere twenty-four hours later. Lady Amelia was first cousin to Mr. Sackville’s elder brother by the same father, Lord Sheridan, and godmother to one of Baroness Shrewsbury’s children.
With this shocking announcement – and how could I resist saying it? – the game is afoot. I found this book to be quite as good as any Conan Doyle mystery (and I have read them all many times). The characters are intriguing and well-drawn, and the pacing is excellent. As with any mystery, not everyone is completely honest, but neither did I notice anything so misleading as to be considered unfair. Although this book is not a historical romance like many of Sherry Thomas's other books, I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who enjoys mysteries in a historical setting. I can't wait for the next book, A Conspiracy in Belgravia, due out in September 2017, where Charlotte's client is looking for her missing lover. And that client is none other than Lord Ingram's wife!...more
Lady Wesley
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