THE NOTORIOUS RAKE - MARY BALOGH

The Lady and the Libertine

Lord Edmund Waite was everything that Lady Mary Gregg despised in a man. He was lewd, lascivious, mocking---the most notorious and successful rake in the realm. Happily, Mary had nothing to fear from this lord of libertines. A bluestocking like her could never tempt a man whose taste ran to pretty playthings for his pleasures.

How startled Mary was to find herself the object of Lord Waite's determined desires. But even more surprising was her reaction to his shocking advances. How could she remain a lady with this man who knew so well how to make her feel like a woman.

To my eternal surprise, this is a traditional romance and not a shorter version of a historical. Why do I begin by saying that? Because it needs to be said, I think it’s the most interesting feature of the book – the hero and heroine having sex at the beginning of the book has a tremendous impact over the way their relation develops throughout the story.

Usually I am not that fond of reading about sex scenes at the very beginning, especially when we’re talking about the Regency period and considering that in most books the hero and heroine meet for the first time at the beginning of the story. How can it ring true that the heroine would be that much sex starved to be willing to have sex with a stranger? In 1800 something? Or am I too narrow-minded?! Okay, nevermind that, Mary Balogh sometimes does this kind of plot, and even if I don’t like the excuse she used (heroine terrified of storms finds only one way to fight her fear and that is through sex!!!!! yep, pretty unbelievable), the fact that there was sexual intercourse between hero and heroine makes for a very special developing of the story.

For example, their dialogues are simply great – in my opinion, the best asset of the book. And they couldn’t have been so open and free in speaking if they haven’t had that scene. Another example are the hero and heroine themselves. As said in the blurb, they really are different, at least outwardly. There would have been little chance for them to begin a relation if it weren’t for that particular sex scene. And because it happened then it rings true that Edmond could try to persuade Mary, even harass her a little, just because he wants their affair to continue – they were after all, very compatible in bed.

These were the goodies… sadly there are also some parts that, even if I did not dislike totally, they were a little boring. Like the theme of the rake who is not actually a rake, or the hero’s conflict with his family that gets solved in the end. They were not badly written, but by the time I read the book, I had already read some other great books by this author with these particular themes.

Grade: 4/5

Lady Elizabeth's Comet - Sheila Simonson

At 28, lovely Lady Elizabeth Conway was old enough to know
what she wanted-most especially in the matter of choosing a mate. But now the independent Elizabeth found herself sorely perplexed... Her beau, the incredibly handsome and wealthy Lord Bevis was eagerly seeking her hand. Though the viscount showed no interest in Elizabeth's passion for astronomy or other intellectual pursuits, the young woman had to admit she was ever so fond of him...Then there was Lord Clanross, the insufferably opinionated and maddeningly bossy new heir to the Conway title. Still, Elizabeth had to admit she vastly admired his courage and enjoyed his brilliant mind. It would take a new comet in the heavens to help her choose wisely-and light her way to true love.

Let me start by saying I had a hard time warming up to Lady Elizabeth who I found to be in the beginning a bit of a cold fish, distant and a bit unfeeling. Things do change though and I enjoyed the second half of the story immensely.

When the story opens Elizabeth and two of her sisters receive the announcement that their father’s heir has arrived, one year late, to take possession of his title and his estate. When they meet Elizabeth finds him a bit stiff and even a bit rude. Not that she is worried about it, her prime concern is her work as an astronomer and then the raising of two of her younger sisters who live with her.

When Clanross, the heir, is found to being suffering of a war wound that explains much of his stiffness Elizabeth is forced to nurse him to health. They spend more time together and Clanross seems to respect and be interested in her work. In comes Bevis, friend of both who is been after Elizabeth to marry him for a long time. Bevis does explain much about Clanross’s past and since he keeps pursuing her, she eventually agrees to marry him. The fact that she now understands Clanross doesn’t stop her from inviting his heir, a wastrel of a cousin, whose temperament and interests are at odds with Conway just, in her own words, “to see the fireworks”. By this time I was definitely thinking cold fish. Not to mention that she seems more friend than lover to Bevis and he reciprocates by flirting with another woman, which doesn’t worry her at all.

Clanross proves to know Elizabeth better than anyone and respect her when, after she has discovered a comet and he shows his appreciation for her work, he hints that Bevis might not approve of her publishing astronomy projects after marriage and that she should be sure that she can work after marrying. After talking to him she does have a revelation. She won’t marry Bevis on his terms and she would very much like to marry Clanross. This surprises even herself and from that moment on, when she realizes that she is very much in love with him and that her aunt is matchmaking to marry him to another, she becomes much more human and interesting in my eyes. Instead of unfeeling she now feels deeply every range of emotion from doubt, self awareness, jealousy, fear of losing him.

Since this is a first person novel, we only follow Elizabeth’s side of the story and we are, as she is, quite in the dark about Clanross’s feelings. In fact she is convinced that he cannot reciprocate her feelings. He is always the perfect beta hero, never demanding but always supporting and suggesting improvements, for instance for the girls education. I found him absolutely fascinating and I was eager to see how the story would be unraveled so these two would be happy in the end.

Simonson writes great characters and great dialogue. Their witty conversation is just wonderful and I enjoyed them very much while I was following them through those plot twists and turns that they had suffer to reach their happy conclusion. Besides of how many heroes can you say that he accepted and encouraged his wife’s scientifical pursuits? Not many I would say.

Grade: 5/5
*****
For more on this book read Alex's review

The Sandalwood Princess - Loretta Chase

After a number of years keeping house for her brother in India, Amanda Cavencourt has decided to return to her native England. She receives a sandalwood fertility carving as a going-away gift from Rani Simhi, a notorious Indian princess she has befriended. Amanda soon learns that this carving is coveted by the powerful Lord Headgrave, who bears a grudge against Rani Simhi. Headgrave hires a mysterious, infamous thief named ''the Falcon'' to steal the carving from her. Although the Falcon is successful, clever Amanda manages to find a way to get it back--and steals the Falcon's heart in the bargain.

Amanda is a feisty even if sometimes too trusting heroine, but she’s also funny and very perceptive. Just the kind of girl I love to read about. When the story starts, she is about to leave her adoptive country, India, where she lived several years with her brother. Since he married, she felt that her presence was not really welcomed by her sister-in-law and decided to return to England.

In her last night in the country, she visits a princess who gives her a very mysterious statue, The Sandalwood Princess. Meanwhile, another person is also interested in the statue and hires a mysterious man going by the name of The Falcon to steal the precious gift from Amanda that same night. The next day they are both aboard the same boat returning to their home country…

If Amanda is a delicious heroine, The Falcon is a charmer! Philip Astonley, Viscount Felkoner (aka Mr. Brentick) didn’t think twice when he stole the statue from the young lady. Now, while returning home he meets and gets to know her and slowly falls under her charm. Arrogant, adventurous, charismatic, he has everything to win her heart, and ours too!

They both lie to each other and do everything they can to keep the statue, but somehow Loretta Chase manages to create a very dynamic couple who, in the end, understand they just cannot live without each other. Their bickering and competition is really funny. The initial condescending attitude from Philip quickly changes when he understands that Amanda is much more than a pretty lady and she stands up to him as an equal.

The story is not only exciting and very well crafted (in 220 pages!), we also get moments of pure fun and those are entirely Padji’s fault. The man is hilarious and kept me laughing out loud all the way until the end.

I read The Sandalwood Princess for the first time a couple of years ago and since then it remained one of my favorite Traditional Regencies. For me, it has a bit of everything I enjoy in a good story: a solid and exciting plot, a sparkling leading couple, attaching secondary characters (a special mention again for Padji) and an irresistible sense of humor. Also, it’s set in India which for me it’s always a plus!

Grade: 4.5/5

Four In Hand - Margaret Westhaven

Lady Jane Averham had been married once - and once was quite enough. Her late, unlamented husband left her with wealth, position, and two daughters to raise. He left her as well with a delight in freedom after the constraints of wedlock. All that was missing from her life was love - and the handsome, ardent Archibald MacGowen was on hand to fill that need. Unfortunately this marvelous man wanted her as a wife as well as a woman ... and somehow Jane had to find a way to keep the primrose path from leading her to the altar!

I was quite interested in this little story set in Vienna during the Congress and that featured a widow heroine who didn't want to remarry not to be under a man's thumb again. There's also the fact the heroine is older than the hero!

I must say that I found it very interesting and well written. The heroine, Lady Jane has two daugthers with the older one in her first season and is chaperoning two other girls. The brother of one of those girls visits her house and they are both immediately attracted to each and soon start an affair. I found it original that it's the hero who pursues the heroine, he wants to marry her after they became lovers which seems a bit odd to her considered how society marriages work and she doesn't want to marry him as she as fallen in love with him and doesn't want to suffer when he evetually gets tired of her.

I thought both their behaviours were interesting and believable. The hero, Archie is a diplomat and I liked that the author portrayed Vienna is such an important period for the world replete with diplomats, spys and several national interests on the table. Jane's daughters and charges are also involved in several adventures and some get their happy ending too.

My only complaint is that all seemed a bit too rational to me and never really felt for them. I enjoyed it, appreciated how good it was but I didn't love it...

Grade: 4/5

A Change of Heart - Candice Hern

Friend or Lover?

Lady Mary Haviland knew better than to think she ever would wed. No gentleman would woo a woman as long on the shelf or as plain as she was. In fact, her lack of the usual enticements made it easy for her to develop uncomplicated friendships, even with the most dangerous of rakes.

Mary could laugh, then, at the rumors about her and the Marquess of Pemerton. Why would the most irresistible lord in London want her as anything more than a friend? What could she offer him that a legion of beauties did not already freely give this legendary rake? How could anyone guess his hold on her heart, when she kept her feelings hidden so well? But all her questions faded before the greatest question of all -- when he asked her to be his bride. Now Mary faced the peril of the impossible dream coming terrifyingly true ...

---

I quite like the basic plot of this book, where the hero offers for the heroine because of her fortune, (without telling her that he is after her money, of course). But getting to know her he wants her for herself and not for the money. And what will the heroine do when she finds out the truth? Because they always do find out :) This is a not very common theme in Regencies. The fortune hunter role is usually reserved for a rival for the heroine’s affections and/or the villain. Alternatively the heroine meets and falls in love with a fortune hunter in her naïve youth, finds out it was her fortune the suitor was after, and guards her heart against men ever since; but the hero will change her mind of course. The few books I have read with fortune hunter as the hero are usually good ones (Diane Farr’s The Fortune Hunter comes to mind). The ‘Fortune Hunter Hero’ scenario has lots of potential for emotional angst and a moving romance because the heroine will feel betrayed and the hero has to win her over again and gain her trust. If used properly and skilfully that is. In this case, I can give Miss Hern full marks for good intentions but she did not manage to carry them through effectively.

Jack Raeburn, the Marquess of Pemerton, needs a wealthy bride to restore his debt-ridden estates. Of course the bad condition of the estates is not his fault but his father’s and brother’s. It seems his dire financial situation is not known.
Lady Mary Haviland, a spinster of 29 years, has not had an easy life with her father. He treated Mary very badly, always telling her she is ugly, and blaming her for her mother’s death in childbirth. Finally he dies, and Mary is free to enjoy her life, having inherited a great fortune from her mother. Mary has an outgoing and sunny personality and she is the sensible, independent, practical, strong heroine I would adore. I say ‘would’, because I did not like the fact tat she considered herself ugly (when she was not), and pretends to very much enjoy her single/spinster life. This is a sham because in reality, her dream would be to get married but since no one would want her, she is resigned to her single state and just puts on a brave and happy face about it. So she is in fact a victim heroine, masquerading as a strong heroine. I actually prefer the real thing :)

Lady Mary and Pemerton become friends and Mary volunteers to help him find a bride, only she does not know that above all his ideal bride needs to be rich. They grow to like each other and when Pemerton discovers that Lady Mary is a heiress herself he proposes. After some initial misgivings, thinking she not young or beautiful enough for the role, Lady Mary agrees. The engaged couple go to visit Pemerton’s family home, Pemworth.

Lady Mary and Pemerton were nice enough, but I did not find the book emotionally engaging. And it did feel somewhat as if the author was following a standard recipe, and the more I read the more this feeling increased. And there is an abundance of clichés one after the other because this is what the standard recipe for a romance prescribes. For example Mary was half in love with Jack from the beginning. Jack had grown very fond of her admired all her good qualities, her sunny personality and friendly and warm manner, throughout their friendship. And he thought her handsome enough and passionate. BUT never, did it cross his mind that he might be in love with her. Men! :) Suddenly one day after a week in Pemworth, with Mary just continuing to be her usual nice self, completely of the blue, Jack realises he loves her! Just like that! Very convenient, and unconvincing. It felt as if there was a timer somewhere, and the author thought "Ok, we are 2/3 through the book, it is time for the hero to suddenly wake up". And that was that. As if the timer for your roast in the oven went of, letting you know it was cooked now.

Going by the standard plot, I knew that immediately after we find out about Jack’s ‘change of heart’, it was time the heroine found out his true motives, feel betrayed and ran away. And right on cue, in the next paragraph the heroine is taking a walk alone in the gardens. "How much do you want to bet that she is now going to overhear the hero saying he offered for her because of her money?" I thought. That was a rhetorical question that popped into my mind, and of course don’t take the bet because you will loose.

More clichés follow: Mary runs away, Jack is angry at her betrayal, spends a few weeks drinking, gambling, wenching, then suddenly decides to go and find her after all. He finds her, convinces her he loves her now (he just says so, she believes him) and they live happily ever after.

There is nothing at all wrong with the premise of this story. It is just that its delivery, did not hit the mark, for me. Especially the part were the hero has to convince the heroine of the sincerity of his feelings – considering he is known to have lied to her originally- can be made so much more of. It deserves a bigger chunk of the book, not just 2 paragraphs. I think I am going to have a quick re-read of Diane Farr’s Fortune Hunter, to see if it as good as I remember. All I remember about it now is that I liked it, and that I had thought: "Aha! This is how a ‘Fortune Hunter Hero’ story should be like". Unfortunately, I can not say the same for ‘A Change of Heart’.

Grade 2.5/5

Lady Elizabeth's Comet - Sheila Simonson

At 28, lovely Lady Elizabeth Conway was old enough to know what she wanted-most especially in t he matter of choosing a mate. But now the independent Elizabeth found herself sorely perplexed... Her beau, the incredibly handsome and wealthy Lord Bevis was eagerly seeking her hand. Though the viscount showed no interest in Elizabeth's passion for astronomy or other intellectual pursuits, the young woman had to admit she was ever so fond of him...Then there was Lord Clanross, the insufferably opinionated and maddeningly bossy new heir to the Conway title. Still, Elizabeth had to admit she vastly admired his courage and enjoyed his brilliant mind.
It would take a new comet in the heavens to help her choose
wisely-and light her way to true love.

Lady Elizabeth Conway is an astronomer and the eldest of 8 daughters. Upon her father's death, it's a distant cousin who inherits the earldom, Tom Conway. But the new earl of Clanross doesn't seem very interested in his estates and takes a whole year to present himself to the family. When he finally arrives to the Abbey, he is not what it was expected…

Elizabeth is a very charming and strong-willed heroine. Her life is her telescope and her stars and, for once, this feels real and not just something to make the heroine look smarter or original. You can actually feel her passion and dedication to astronomy. She even refuses to marry if her profession is not accepted by her future husband. She's also independent and has a dry humor who easily makes you laugh out loud.

Tom Conway, the new earl of Clanross, prizes intelligence and education. He also cares for his family, even when he was never treated like such. A man who is not sure of himself and his appeal and yet, everyone seems under his charm. I'm not normally seduced by beta-heroes but I confess this one is absolutely marvellous.

There is no love at first sight, no initial and overwhelming attraction. When these two met the dislike is mutual. She finds him stiff and grayish. He completely disagrees with her decisions concerning her sisters education. They slowly become friends, respecting and admiring each other. We follow that relationship and it's obvious why they fall in love. We want them to be in love, there's no other way.

Sheila Simonson manages to create a very believable story and even Elizabeth's doubts and fears aren't silly or childish. We can only feel for her and expect for a happy ending.
I can say without doubts this was one of my best reads of 2008. The author's intelligent writing and attractive characters makes this book a must read for any Trad Regency fan. If you can get a copy of Lady Elizabeth's Comet, don't let it go!

Grade: 5/5

The Bumblebroth - Patricia Wynn

NO FEMALE STOOD A CHANCE AGAINST THE CHARMS OF LORD WESTBURY.

Mathilda, Duchess of Upavon, had reason to be alarmed. Her fifteen-year-old daughter was the object of attention from the notoriously handsome embodiment of every female's fantasy: Lord Westbury. Since scandal had shadowed Mattie's own life when she wed at sixteen, she vowed her daughter would not make the same mistake.

In truth, Lord Westbury's cursory call upon the schoolroom girl was all part of a lavish, under-handed plot to reclaim some land. But after one look at the lovely mother, his lordship began some scheming of his own....

So the first book I'm going to write about it's not special, not great, not really awful, just an ordinary book, like most of the books we usually read...
When I started reading this book I had two things that attracted me. First there was the seldom encountered plot where the heroine is older than the hero. Great! This should be quite interesting! After all, I do have a problem when reading romances: The Heroines Are Too Insipid!!! So, I try, and try, and hope to find a heroine that doesn't bore / annoy me to tears. I thought that an older heroine, who has lived her life should prove to be a more interesting character than a 17 years old virgin! But I digress...
The second thing was the title itself. English not being my first language, I have to confess that I didn't know what a “bumblebroth” should mean, but it caught my attention anyway.
And so the book starts with 2 strong assets, my frame of mind was quite positive. But I only had to begin the book...
On short, the 2 main characters begin their relation, she thinking that he wants to woo her daughter, so in order to avoid it, she spends a lot of time with him – and of course, starts liking him a lot. He, on the other hand, is attracted to her from the first moment - she is beautiful after all.

What I liked about the book is that their relation is quite simple – two people meeting, liking each other and starting to develop a relation (the main focus is on the heroine who has to learn her own valor and how to assert herself like the duchess that she is). So, not much melodrama where there is no need for it – a thing that I usually like.

What I did not like... okay, here we go:
first the heroine. She is a duchess of 35 years, and she behaves like a virgin of 19. Although technically she is older than the hero, in no part of the book we get to see her behaving like someone older than 20. She has no spine at all, she is ruled by her entire household, she wears clothes that were at fashion 15 years before (ahem, which is a good thing according to the hero, because they make her body more alluring :)), her entire behavior is unbelievable for her age and status! This fact just ruined the whole book for me – I hate it when authors don't stick true to their premises.
There's so little about the hero's thoughts, and most important – we can't imagine why he falls in love with the heroine! Excuse me, but the fact that she's very beautiful is not a reason! The fact that she lets everyone rule over her because she's to sweet to know otherwise is not a reason either. The fact that she loves her daughter and would do anything to protect her is only natural and again not a real reason. So why???
And well, he calls her “duchess” when he addresses her, even on official terms. Now I don't really know much about it, but the correct term is surely “your grace”, and being addressed as “duchess” borders very much on disrespect in my opinion...

In the end... I think the book is recommended only for those who either love the genre too much, or are through with complicated plots and want a break with an easy, non complicated relation that develops (somehow) into love ...

Grade: 2.5 /5