The Lady Risks All

Oct 05, 2012 UniquelyMoi *Dhestiny* BlithelyBookish rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ebook-own-have-read, reviewed-for-edelweiss, reviewed-for-avon-addicts, historical-romance, sensual-more-than-sexy, gambling, secret-benefactor, good-causes, kidnapped-hostage, 3-5-stars, 2012-reads, author-stephanie-laurens, first-read-of-an-author

The Lady Risks All is an exciting mystery, one filled with enough twists and turns to keep me wondering who the villain is right ‘til the very end. It's also a lovely, historical romance, that was sweet, passionate, and very sensual.

Neville Roscoe, notorious and enigmatic, lives resolutely outside society, bound only by his own code of honor - until challenged by his desire for the one woman he cannot have.

Miranda Clifford is a lady imprisoned by rigid respectability - until tempted by a passion

...more

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Nov 04, 2012 The Window Seat rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I am very late to the Stephanie Laurens party. My first exposure to her writing was the recent Cynster Sisters trilogy, but I was immediately hooked by her vivid storytelling and compelling characters. While I haven’t had the courage to tackle her entire back catalog of books, I was quite anxious to read her latest story. I must say that The Lady Risks All was worth all the anticipation as I was rewarded with a great story and two very strong, vibrant lead characters.

Because my exposure to the...more

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Apr 15, 2013 Nikki Markle added it · review of another edition

Shelves: avon-addicts

The Lady Risks All Drinking Game!!!

Take a drink if...

*Someone says "thank you"

*A word is given, then a synonym is given just after
(ex. "their liaison, their affair" or "joy, pleasure, happiness"

*You confuse the names Roscoe & Roderick

Take a shot if....

*The heroine's age is told or surmised

*The phrase "gambling king" is used

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Sep 28, 2012 Jean rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance, england, romance

I almost didn't feel like picking up this book after burning myself out on reading so many of her novels and the teaser didn't do anything for me. But after reading the reviews of fellow GR users, I decided to give it a try and was not disappointed.

I liked the story though at times certain scenes seemed to drag. However, the suspense has you guessing and leaving you anxious to figure out who and what is going on with Roderick and the ultimate plot. I enjoyed the story and the characters. We also...more

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Sep 28, 2012 Jen rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fv, laurens

Roscoe and Miranda

Fiction Vixen Book Reviews

Stephanie Laurens is a prolific writer of historical romance. Her Cynster series is one of my favorite long-running romance series so I was happy to get my hands on The Lady Risks All, Ms. Laurens’ latest book.

The Lady Risks All with our hero, Lord Julian Delbraith, giving up his current life to save the family. The family has a special curse that keeps them from being able to resist gambling. One family member per generation is actually good at gambl...more Roscoe and Miranda

Fiction Vixen Book Reviews

Stephanie Laurens is a prolific writer of historical romance. Her Cynster series is one of my favorite long-running romance series so I was happy to get my hands on The Lady Risks All, Ms. Laurens’ latest book.

The Lady Risks All with our hero, Lord Julian Delbraith, giving up his current life to save the family. The family has a special curse that keeps them from being able to resist gambling. One family member per generation is actually good at gambling but the rest of the members are not. Julian happens to be the one good at gambling. For many years it seemed his brother had escaped the curse until one day he committed suicide. In order to save his mother, sisters and nephew he passes them his money and he disappears from society. A couple of years later Neville Roscoe appears and opens several gambling halls. Lord Julian is no more and Neville Roscoe has taken his place.

Several doors down from Neville Roscoe’s London residence lives Miranda Clifford. Miranda has been taking care of her brother for most of her life and now that he is almost a man she is at loose ends. They live with their aunt who is an overwhelmingly strict observer of the rules. When Roderick goes missing one day their aunt will not even allow Miranda to go to the authorities for fear of scandal. Miranda has nowhere to turn but to Roscoe.

Most of Ms. Laurens book are incredibly sensual. The Lady Risks All was the same but it took forever for our couple to get anywhere. When they finally had their first kiss I looked at my kindle to see 25%. Normally that wouldn’t be too bad but in a 500 page book that is a long time to wait for some payoff. Once the deed is done there is scene after scene of lovemaking. It was all so very repetitive. I think you could have cut about 50 pages of sex alone out and there still would have been a good bit to read.

The main conflict of Roscoe and Miranda finding her brother was also kind of drawn out. The rushed through towns and along country sides for a long time before anything was resolved. When they find Roderick he is injured and there is nothing to do but take everyone off to Roscoe’s home. Roscoe’s sisters are at home planning a wedding for the youngest so he is able to spend time with his family something he never does because of his secret identity. This also allows Miranda to learn the secret of who and what he is.

Once they leave the family home, their relationship is in limbo. While he is Roscoe, he is not at the social stature to be around Miranda but if he were to become Julian he would be above her social reach. This creates quite an issue that the couple must work through. I think once the conflict of saving Roderick was past there were many, too many, pages of extra stuff that was not needed. I didn’t need to rehash the same social issue six times before I got that it stood between Roscoe and Miranda being together.

Overall, I was let down by the book. When I read the blurb I was thinking I would get a Derek Craven like book. You know the Lisa Kleypas hero that was too yummy for words? The book could have gone so many ways with a gambling hall owner but it didn’t. It was flat. There were parts that reminded me of the Cynster series but it was too long and too drawn out. I was hoping Ms. Laurens would be starting a new series I could get behind but if they books are going to be like this I am not sure I can make it through the next one. Final grade- C-

Favorite Quote:

“To secure happiness in her life, it is imperative for a lady to know her own mind.”

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Sep 10, 2012 Diana N rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ebook, for-review, edelweiss, avon-addicts, historical-regency

I've read many Stephanie Laurens books and they usually are either hit or miss for me. There will be a book where I really enjoyed the characters or one that I couldn't connect to them at all. The Lady Risks All was different; I really enjoyed parts of the story and its characters and some of the parts I had issues with.

Born of a union between local gentry and the son of a mill owner, spinster Miranda was raised to always be conscious of her tenuous place in society. She spent her days taking ca...more I've read many Stephanie Laurens books and they usually are either hit or miss for me. There will be a book where I really enjoyed the characters or one that I couldn't connect to them at all. The Lady Risks All was different; I really enjoyed parts of the story and its characters and some of the parts I had issues with.

Born of a union between local gentry and the son of a mill owner, spinster Miranda was raised to always be conscious of her tenuous place in society. She spent her days taking care of her elderly (and very proper) aunt and her younger brother. However, when her brother disappears, she threw propriety out the window and enlisted the help of neighbor and notorious gambling kingpin, Neville Roscoe, to help her find him.

It was at this point that I developed issues. After hearing Miranda chastised daily (either by her aunt or herself), it was hard to believe she could forget twenty years of "conditioning" after only a couple of days of worrying about her brother. I've only heard of one instance that causes a personality change overnight: severe head trauma. Which did not happen here; Miranda was mental, but not like that.

Whatever the cause, Miranda developed a backbone in the middle of the story and embark with Roscoe on a journey across England to find her brother. There were moments when Miranda fell back into the criticizing mindset of before, but eventually she got herself in order.

Here is where I felt the best part of the book emerged. Miranda blossoms as a character during this section. She became independent; she took responsibility for her actions and acknowledged that she was attracted to a man who did not fit the notion of what was acceptable in a proper mate.

You might ask why I don't mention Roscoe's character and the changes he underwent. I did not feel he grew or changed overall as much in character as Miranda did. He did not need to change. He stayed relatively true to himself, no matter his name. Plus, he didn't personally bother me as much as Miranda did.

After they rescued her brother and she discovered Roscoe's secret, Miranda reverted to the old self-doubting and societally concerned Miranda. It was a struggle to watch her back slide after coming so far in the middle. I wanted to slap her and tell her to get her shit together and stop wavering!

The last part of the story was Roscoe and Miranda trying to figure out who wanted to harm her brother. I won't say exactly how it ends, but will say I had a hard time believing it. I think my notes read something like "Really?" or "Srsly now?!" and "Hmm". I had more notes, but they were all variations of the previous words.

For the most part, I did enjoy this story. Roscoe's family was fun and Roscoe himself was definitely worth reading about. The parts where Miranda showed her independent side and stood up for herself were wonderful, but the points where she was wishy-washy made me quickly tap my reader to for the next page.

In a way, The Lady Risks All reminded me of the old Signet Romances and Barbara Cartlands I read back in the day. Definitely the descriptions of the sex scenes were flowery in their terminology and tended to be skim over the good bits. If you enjoy those types of stories, then you will undoubtedly enjoy this one.(less)

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Oct 24, 2012 Cindi rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book is killing me. I usually like Stephanie Laurens but geez she is going on FOREVER about every emotion and sex scene. I am skimming and just keep going so I can be done (can't have an unfinished book!). Decent story but much too wordy.

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May 04, 2013 Cindy rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Lord Julian Delbraith had to give up his respectability and identity to save his family from ruin. He became Neville Roscoe the owner of a gaming establishment who could financially care for his family, but loose his standing in society. Miranda Clifford lives with her brother under the guardianship of her two protective aunts. Miranda lives her life suppressing her independent nature to satisfy her aunts and to act as a mother for her younger brother. When her brother Roderick disappears Mirand...more

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Apr 06, 2013 Pamela Richardson rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed

Review posted on BadassRomance

I picked it up largely out of nostalgia. So many wonderful reads from SL — I read her whole backlist about 6 years ago and still find the prospect of the familiar, cozy, dense, character-driven Cynster-esque tales appealing. What can I say – I’m loyal! But this one falls far short of the greatness of the early Cynster novels, and even pales in comparison to the Bastion Club books in which Roscoe first appeared (which prior appearances are made much of). It could be...more

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Feb 13, 2013 steph rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-read-in-2013, books-with-earls-dukes-viscounts, books-with-ladies-duchesses-visco, enjoyable, lots-of-characters, made-me-cry-like-a-baby, made-me-grin-like-a-lovesick-fool, romance, romance-historical, romance-regency

I closed this book feeling surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I've read a lot of Stephanie Laurens over the years and while I never hate her books, I have found the her latest published books don't entice me as much as her earlier ones do. Not so with this book.

Roscoe and Miranda are two people who had given everything up to take care of their families and now, years later when their families have either grown (in the case of Miranda's twenty three year old brother who no longer needs her const...more I closed this book feeling surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I've read a lot of Stephanie Laurens over the years and while I never hate her books, I have found the her latest published books don't entice me as much as her earlier ones do. Not so with this book.

Roscoe and Miranda are two people who had given everything up to take care of their families and now, years later when their families have either grown (in the case of Miranda's twenty three year old brother who no longer needs her constant supervision any more) or has stabilized enough to the point that they no longer need to be fully dedicated to the task of earning money(in the case of Roscoe's mother, sister-in-law, three sisters and nephew), both characters are left with a "what do I do now attitude?" which then leads into to a "what do I want out of life?" line of thinking.

When Miranda's brother gets kidnapped she goes to Roscoe, Gambling King to ask him to help find her brother and when he agrees (because Roscoe considers her brother a friend and since he brother was kidnapped leaving his house he considers the kidnapping a slap in his face), they start on a very intriguing and mysterious journey together.

I really liked both these characters and how they learned from each other but made no attempts to change who they were at the core for the other. I loved Roscoe's family and see how starved they were to see him/spend anytime with him drove home just how estranged he had let himself become to them over time for Society's sake and it really made me feel for them and their situation. Miranda I adored because she didn't let any man tell her what to do -her brother or Roscoe or anyone else and watching her evolve throughout this novel as she tried to figure out who she was, was really well done. As usual we had a few characters from the Bastion Club show up near the end to deal with the bad guys but other then that, this was a stand alone novel.

Also this had a good, realistic ending. Like, I was 90% certain the author was going to go one way in regards to this couple but when she didn't, I wanted to clap out loud because (view spoiler) It made me enjoy this book even more.

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Feb 07, 2013 Andrea rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance

This novel is tangentally connected to the Bastion Club novels as one of the mail characters, Neville Roscoe, appears in a previous Bastion Club novel as well as the concluding novel of the Brides Quarter series.
Miranda Clifford is a single woman of 29 years. She and her younger brother Roderick have been raised by two aunts in an atmosphere of unbending strictures on respectability. An older sister had fled the family and joined a gypsy band. She returned to the family diseased and dying. Miran...more

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Nov 24, 2012 Book Him Danno rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012, books-sent-by-author-publisher-for

I love regency romance and this is another winner from this author. This is a long book, but I enjoyed the twists and turns of the romance in this book. Finding out someone is not the someone you thought they were is always interesting and fun. Especially when you add to it a yummy single wealthy man who wants to do the right thing…every time, everywhere, then you have a mixture worth reading about and romance that is off the charts.

This is a book worthy of this author and the way she weaves a...more

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Nov 03, 2012 Tonya Warner rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Miranda Clifford has always done what was expected of her. Everything was for respectability. Her aunts had raised her and her siblings after their parents deaths, and made sure they knew the evil downfall that would happen to the if they failed to be respectable.

Lord Julian Roscoe Neville Delbraith would do everything within his power to save his family. Faced with the devastation of suicide and the total loss of their family fortune, he sacrifies his hopes, dreams, and fortunes to save the fa...more

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Oct 24, 2012 Kathleen J rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historic-romance

Laurens is my number one favorite romance writer; Devil's Bride, A Secret Love and The Perfect Lover are my favorites. Her heroes and heroines tend to have a lot of the same characteristics across books: the man is handsome, strong, confident, possessive, rather domineering, family oriented, and a warrior, that is, he looks out for people and defends them. I didn't like Roscoe/Julian as well as I have liked many of her other heroes. He is the first one I can remember where the H thinks badly of...more

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Oct 24, 2012 My Book Addiction and More MBA rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance

THE LADY RISKS ALL by Stephanie Laurens is an intriguing Regency historical romance.What a different historical romance where the heroine knows what she wants and goes after it, asking and pursuing her heart's desire for marriage,love,children,family and a home. What happens when you cross the rigid,and respectable, Lady Miranda Clifford with the dangerous and notorious Rake,Neville Roscoe? You get a witty,sometimes funny,refreshing story of living outside of society rules,danger,intrigue,romanc...more

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Oct 16, 2012 Susan rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-books-read, historical-fiction-romance, romance

Loved the book. Miranda is twenty nine and unmarried. She and her brother live with their aunt who has raised them under strict rules of respectability. Miranda has always watched out for her brother and follows him one night when she is worried about his activities. She is caught by the owner of the house, Neville Roscoe, the gambling king of London. He shows her that she doesn't need to worry about Roderick's presence there and escorts her home. A few nights later, Roderick goes missing and sh...more Loved the book. Miranda is twenty nine and unmarried. She and her brother live with their aunt who has raised them under strict rules of respectability. Miranda has always watched out for her brother and follows him one night when she is worried about his activities. She is caught by the owner of the house, Neville Roscoe, the gambling king of London. He shows her that she doesn't need to worry about Roderick's presence there and escorts her home. A few nights later, Roderick goes missing and she goes to Roscoe for help. In spite of his reputation, Miranda insists on accompanying him on his search. It takes several days and some danger, but they find him and take him to Roscoe's family's home to recover. From there it's back to London to try to find out who is behind the attack on Roderick. I loved both Miranda and Roscoe. He is a nobleman who left his life behind and became to gambling king in order to save his family from ruin. He has spent twelve years keeping himself separate from them, with only occasional furtive visits. He knows that if his identity were known his family would suffer the disgrace. He has also accepted the fact that no respectable woman would marry him. From the beginning Miranda has something that calls to him. He can't stop wanting to be with her, and even lets her in on his daily life while they wait for information on what has happened to her brother. He likes the way that she stands up to him even as it frustrates him. He is attracted to her but refuses to start anything with her, until she comes to him with her needs. When he takes her and Roderick to his family's home it is one more step in breaking down the walls that have kept his life apart from his family's. He is determined to protect her from danger, but also from being affected by his reputation, and tries to end their relationship on their return to London. I loved his protectiveness to his family and to Miranda. He was so willing to give her up for her own good that it hurt to see. I loved the way he came to the rescue at the end. Miranda was a woman who started out as kind of uptight, but that was due to her aunt's influence. When she made the decision to help with the search her inner strength came out. I loved the way that she simply refused to take no for an answer when dealing with Roscoe. Her appearances at his house enabled her to learn more about him and I loved the way that her opinions and feelings began to change right from the beginning. She also had no problem speaking up for herself when she had an idea that would help and kept after Roscoe until he had to admit that it would work. I loved the way that she decided that she would give in to her attraction and take the opportunity that she felt would never come again. I also enjoyed the way she was so readily accepted by Roscoe's family and the way that they showed her another side of him. I loved seeing her interactions with them and how they gave her a new perspective on society. When they returned to London she wanted to continue seeing him and was upset when he refused. She tried to move on with her life, but things kept happening that would bring them back together. I really enjoyed the time that she lost her temper with him and the effect it had on him. I really liked the way she went to him at the end and fought for what she wanted. Though there were a few times the story dragged a little bit, the rest of the book made up for it. I was glad that Roscoe got his own story since his appearances in The Reckless Bride and The Edge of Desire were very intriguing.(less)

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Sep 30, 2012 Shauni rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Stephanie Laurens is the queen of sensual delight and once again she makes it known that she remains on top. While many of Ms Laurens books are fast paced and action packed, The Lady Risks All is a Slow Slide into Sensation.. While this book is not part of any of her series, its main character Neville Roscoe has made an appearance in two previous books. And he has been slinking subliminally in the shadows for quite some time. It was great to see Ms Laurens sweeps him into the light.

Neville Rosco...more Stephanie Laurens is the queen of sensual delight and once again she makes it known that she remains on top. While many of Ms Laurens books are fast paced and action packed, The Lady Risks All is a Slow Slide into Sensation.. While this book is not part of any of her series, its main character Neville Roscoe has made an appearance in two previous books. And he has been slinking subliminally in the shadows for quite some time. It was great to see Ms Laurens sweeps him into the light.

Neville Roscoe, lives by the rules.. well his rules at least. At any early age he walked away from his family, his heritage, his very name.. All so he could save it. A hard choice but for him the only one he could make. Years later, he is successful, respected and secure in who he is. A gambling Kingpin, an honest one. He runs his life by his own code of ethics and demands everyone he knows do the same. When his nosy spinster neighbor sneaks in to spy on what sins he is tempting her brother with, Roscoe is thrown for a loop. And suddenly his world shifts.

Miranda Clifford, raised by her over cautious aunts to avoid scandal at all costs. Miranda has been sheltered, and worse cloistered her entire life. Her saving grace has been she has willing done all this to protect her brother. When she sees him slipping of to their neighbors Den of Iniquity she is quite perturbed and marches over there to put a stop to it. Much to her amazement, instead of finding gambling rake hells or wild orgys what she does find is a serious minded group of philanthropists.. While embarrased by her mistake, she discovers a true gentleman and when her brother goes missing, she knows who she can count upon.

Ms Laurens does her usual wonderful job creating lush backgrounds and sensual characters, even amidst the towns and countryside of England. She has a gift and uses it well. What she does different in this story is wrap the story so delicately around her main characters that it blends seamlessly into their lives. Her way of introducing Roscoe, letting us know who he was and what he gave up, right up front was unusual for her but it worked. You fell in love with him from the very first page.

The journey they embark upon to find out who attempted to kidnap Miranda's brother and tried to kill him was perfect. Throughout the book, I was sure I had it figured out.. *grins* I am so not going to say if I did or not but it was most definitely a well crafted mystery.

Through it all we watch bot Roscoe and Miranda step out of their comfort zones. Watching them bend the rules they live by and slowly find a way in which they can meet in the middle. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and Ms Laurens remains one of my all time favorites.

Shauni

For more reviews by Shauni check out Tea and Book and
Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy (less)

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Sep 28, 2012 May Mostly Romance rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical

The Lady Risks All ของสเตฟานี ลอว์เรนส์

เรื่องนี้อาจจะถือได้ว่าไม่เกี่ยวข้องกับชุดไหนนะคะ แต่ก็อยู่ในโลกที่สเตฟานี ลอว์เรนส์สร้างขึ้น ดังนั้นคาแร็คเตอร์ต่าง ๆ ในเรื่องจึงคุ้นหน้าคุ้นตากันเป็นอย่างดี กระทั่งตัวพระเอกเองก็มีบทบาทออกมาในหลายเล่ม

ในฐานะของบุตรชาย และน้องชายของดยุคแห่งริดจ์เวอร์ ลอร์ดจูเลียน เดลเบลธมีชีวิตเหมือนชายหนุ่มในวงสังคมทั่วไป และแม้ว่าเขาจะเป็นหนึ่งในคนของตระกูลที่ "โดนคำสาป" ทำให้ติดการพนัน แต่เพราะจอร์จ พี่ชายของเขาไม่ได้ถูกครอบงำด้วยโรคเดียวกัน ทุกคนจึงมองว่า ในรุ่นนี้คนใน...more

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Mar 09, 2013 Sarah rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction-romance

6/3 - Kind of reminds me of her spin-off Cynster trilogy that started with Viscount Breckenridge to the Rescue, as the first 1/2 of the book features a carriage chase, although it differs from the Cyster Sisters trilogy in that this time the heroine is chasing the bad guys instead of being kidnapped by them. This is probably a 3 1/2 starrer for me. There's really not much sexual tension, it almost seems like Miranda sees Roscoe as her last resort for a relationship with a man and she sort of fig...more

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Nov 12, 2012 Cherie Jensen rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: couldnt-finish, library

I love Stephanie Laurens. I have to read with a dictionary nearby because I enjoy adding words to my vocabulary. I was not disappointed. As you can see, I have put it in the "Couldn't Finish" category though. The reason? I was having trouble keeping my interest. So much so that I cheated and read the ending. Still couldn't get into it. I got to the point where Miranda and Neville are going to travel together to track down her missing brother. Of course, the close proximity will throw together tw...more

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Oct 23, 2012 Becky rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012, historical-romance

First of all, contrary to the title I'm not sure what the lady in question was risking.

Now, as to the book itself ... meh. I got about 1/4 of the way through before I remembered why I stopped reading Laurens in the first place: that woman couldn't string a cohesive sentence together if her paycheck demanded it. So many broken sentences and non-sensical descriptions - especially the sex scenes. Goodness, there is nothing at all titillating about the same poorly written sexcapade popping up again...more

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Nov 15, 2012 Maya rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance

The story has a nice flow, I love Miranda's voice and how she grows throughout the book, but the book is just too long. It goes on and on and on. It is about a 100 pages too long.

The sex scenes at some point became redundant. Who would have thought that I would ever be bore by a sex scene - it's well written - but after they arrived at Ridgware almost every chapter ended up with a sex scene.

Miranda and Roscoe's ponderation about their relationship were many and repetitive.

Roderick's kidnapper ma...more

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Sep 25, 2012 Melissa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Neville Roscoe was not always Neville Roscoe, he was born Lord Julian Delbraith, Males in his family are susceptible to a gambling addiction, only Lord Julian was the exception, he was actually a good gambler. His older brother commits suicide and leaves the family in imminent financial ruin, Lord Julian gives up his life to save his siblings and nephew from ruin and secretly becomes Neville Roscoe the successful gambling kingpin

Lady Miranda Clifford also has a family “curse”, members of her fa...more

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Sep 24, 2012 The_Book_Queen rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: e-book, romance, edelweiss, historical, england, arc-copy, read-in-2012

Review originally posted on TBQ's Book Palace

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I've been a fan of Stephanie Laurens since I picked up “Devil's Bride” years ago (back when I was still a teenager and had to sneak my romance novels...). I quickly devoured most of her books, and while I liked some more than others, overall I really enjoyed her books.

I haven't read one of her books in a few years now; I'm behind on many of her series. And so I was looking forward to reading The Lady Risks All. But, after a few chapters,...more

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Oct 09, 2012 Lisarenee rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Notes: I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

My synopsis:
Gambling. It is a game of chance, luck, skill, and risk. For a small percentage of the populous the game becomes addictive, an obsession they cannot resist. The stakes are high and the games have been the ruin of many a man and family. It was also a known danger or curse, as the family looked upon it, for the men of the Delbraith family. One that seemed to have a habit of taking hold of just abou...more

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Aug 27, 2012 Melissa McHugh rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to rate Stephanie Laurens at a full 5 stars, though her last three novels were at 4.5. Her stories are always solid and exciting, well-plotted and fun to read, but occasionally, I was frustrated because her characters remained the same. She seemed to be varying that with the Cynster sisters trilogy, and with The Lady Risks All she steps out of her mold with her leads. Miranda Clifford and Roscoe Neville have shades of similarity, but have qualities that...more It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to rate Stephanie Laurens at a full 5 stars, though her last three novels were at 4.5. Her stories are always solid and exciting, well-plotted and fun to read, but occasionally, I was frustrated because her characters remained the same. She seemed to be varying that with the Cynster sisters trilogy, and with The Lady Risks All she steps out of her mold with her leads. Miranda Clifford and Roscoe Neville have shades of similarity, but have qualities that set them apart and put this novel a cut above the rest. Bravo, Ms. Laurens, you’ve got me firmly back in your camp.

The Lady Risks All begins with the back story of how Lord Julian Delbraith became Roscoe Neville, the king of the gambling underworld–he sacrificed his comfortable life to save his family after his brother ruined the duchy and killed himself. He runs his life family and seeks to control everything in his purview to detriment of himself. When the story begins properly, he is facing the wedding of his last sister, the fact that his nephew is almost grown and the estate has righted itself–he has no one left to protect. He is very nearly alone.

Miranda Clifford is not like Stephanie Laurens’ usual heroines. She is quiet, wedded to respectability–on the verge of accepting an offer to marry a man she isn’t sure she likes because she is twenty-nine and will likely not have another one. She has been raised in fear of stepping of out line because there is a taint of trade in her past. She, too, looks to protect her younger sibling, and is very nearly at the end of her responsibilities as Roderick is twenty-three and ready to set out on her own.

The story sets out when Roderick, a member of Roscoe’s Philanthropy Guild, is kidnapped off the street one night. This leads Miranda to throw off the cloak of responsibility and approach Roscoe for help in locating him. They are attracting to one another because they sense each value family and loyalty–and both are about to be very alone in the world. But Roscoe knows that as a gambling king, he’s not appropriate for Miranda.

Laurens takes the reader on a trip through England as Miranda and Roscoe track Roderick’s kidnappers and attempt to rescue them, and Miranda convinces Roscoe to take a chance on their relationship. It’s really a fun, involving and wonderful read. For once, Miranda pursues Roscoe–and it’s not the hero pursuing the heroine as it so often is in Laurens’ novels. (With the exception of the Elusive Bride, but I really didn’t like Emily much in that. The leads decided too early they were in love.)

Stephanie Laurens has always been enjoyable, and though I truly enjoyed all the Cynster sisters trilogy, there was something about this book that put it a cut above the rest. Her books are good for 4 stars, the last three were 4.5. This one? Five stars all the year. Brilliant move, can’t wait to see what she has up her sleeve next. (less)

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Nov 19, 2012 Angelc rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: already-own-read

This is the first book I've read by Laurens, and I must say I enjoyed it quite a lot. I attempted to read one a few years ago, but I felt like the story was lost in all the Regency era manners and witticisms, so I only read a few chapters. While this story is still a hefty 450 pages long, I feel like it wasn't as bogged down with bows and how do you dos.

The characters were very likable. I worried that the hero would be that old fashioned 70s and 80s style of creep, since the author has been writ...more

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Oct 19, 2012 Dawn rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: laurens-stephanie

I'm on page 336 of 461 and my heart is breaking for Roscoe and Miranda... It's going to be a long 125 pages to go to, hopefully, reach the HEA.

Indeed, the last 125 pages went quickly. Roscoe, our hero, was the second son in a ducal family. His older brother, George, had committed suicide due to having lost everything gambling. In order to save the family, Roscoe assumes a new identity and becomes London's Gambling King. Their family had been long cursed with gambling and Roscoe had been one of...more

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Oct 09, 2012 Sharon Galligar rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I always enjoy Stephanie Lauren's historical romances, and "The Lady Risks All" is no exception. This story about two head-strong characters who are determined to make the best of their individual circumstances was just a delight to read.

Lauren's character of Miranda, the proper lady who takes a chance on causing a scandal to save her brother is admirable - I loved her fiestiness and the self-confidence she develops along the way. And Neville Roscoe is a great hero for Miranda - tough when he ha...more

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Sep 27, 2012 Tori smexys_sidekick rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, read-in-2012, romance-historical, review-for-smexybooks

Originally posted at http://smexybooks.com/2012/09/review-...

Favorite Quote: “This wasn’t some passing connection. This power and glory wasn’t something that would fade and die- “

Neville Roscoe is the notorious, scandalous owner of several gambling dens. A private man, he exists on the fringes of society and is given wide berth by everyone. We learn early on that Neville is really Lord Julian Delbraith and his decline into society’s more dark ventures is forced by family circumstances. He choose...more Originally posted at http://smexybooks.com/2012/09/review-...

Favorite Quote: “This wasn’t some passing connection. This power and glory wasn’t something that would fade and die- “

Neville Roscoe is the notorious, scandalous owner of several gambling dens. A private man, he exists on the fringes of society and is given wide berth by everyone. We learn early on that Neville is really Lord Julian Delbraith and his decline into society’s more dark ventures is forced by family circumstances. He chooses to sacrifice himself in order to save his family from ruin. This has caused Neville to isolate himself, not only from his family, but from society in general. While not a heartless man, he is aloof and removed, in order to not only protect his family, but also himself. It’s only when he meets Miranda Clifford does his protective instincts come roaring forefront and he begins to wish that things were different.

Lady Miranda Clifford is locked in the rigid confines of society, made to pay for her mother’s fall from grace by her two spinster aunts. Her aunts have quashed almost all of her independence and spirit and Miranda has spent a majority of her life raising her younger brother and looking to making a respectable marriage. When her brother Roderick begins to buck against her yoke, Miranda knows it’s time to let him go but she finds herself following him one night to see what he is up to. He leads her to one of Neville’s gambling dens and she sneaks in to spy on her brother. Neville catches her and instead of ejecting her, he allows her to hide and see her what her brother is doing. Miranda appeals to Neville for help when a series of attacks befall her brother and before he knows it, Neville finds himself opening up to a woman who for all intents and purposes would be shunned should their association be discovered.

As their attraction to one another grows, Miranda makes a daring proposition and Neville, caught between his honor and passion for Miranda, agrees. Soon their affair blossoms into a love so deep and commanding, Neville fears that only death will release them.

The Lady Risks All is the story of Neville Roscoe who was seen in both The Edge Of Desire and The Reckless Bride. I would like to point out this is a stand alone and you do not have to read the others in order to appreciate this story. I found myself instantly smitten by the hero and heroine in here. Neville, an alpha with a dark commanding presence, is complex in his ability to disregard society so completely but falls back upon age old honor when dealing with Miranda. Miranda seems very uptight, wrapped in her respectability and need for rules, in the beginning yet you see a spark of spirit that grows brighter and stronger each time she is with Neville. Their romance begins slowly; our hero and heroine fighting against the chemistry that blazes as soon as they meet. We are privy to their every thought which makes for interesting insight into this particular era.

I liked watching Miranda grow, not only in her sexuality but as a person. With Neville at her side, she is able to accomplish anything. Neville’s past is tragic and he has kept his feelings buried for so long. Miranda helps to break down his walls and watching him acknowledge his love for her, to himself, is emotionally gratifying. His constant struggle between what he wants and what he feels he should do is a never ending battle that extends through much of the story. The physical scenes are very passionate, emotional wise, though Ms. Laurens seems to spend an inordinate amount of time examining each and every detail through lyrical prose until you find yourself skimming pages to get to the actual scene.

The secondary characters are all well developed and add to the depth and emotional evolution of the story. The merging of their lives stays constant through the entire story and Ms. Laurens does well in slowly revealing their back stories and reasons in order to allow us better understanding of our protagonists. I enjoyed seeing some old faces that I fell in love with from previous books. Rafe Carstairs -The Reckless Bride -YUM! There is a sweet small secondary romance that reveals itself gently. The ending comes at you fast and wraps up the storyline and subsequent sub plots in a clear and concise manner that answers all our questions and concerns. There is even a sweet epilogue (and you all know how much I love epilogues) that leave us secure in Miranda’s and Neville’s future.

My main problem with this romance is the length. Ms. Laurens could have easily cut out about 200 pages of overused prose, descriptive details, and repetitive scenes that bog the story down drastically. I honestly felt that the prologue was one of the best written sections of the book and wished Laurens could have continued the entire story in that fashion. I enjoyed The Lady Risks All, as it has a very old school feel to it that reminds me of why I fell in love with historical romances in the first place, but I will admit the filler you have to wade through to get to the HEA is daunting and I found myself challenged to finish on more than one occasion.

Overall Rating: C+(less)

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