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A Lady's Secret (Malloren #8)

by Jo Beverley

3.66 · rating details · 409 ratings · 43 reviews

When Robin Fitzvitry, the fun-loving Earl of Huntersdown, encounters a cursing nun in a French inn, he can't resist the mystery. He offers to help Sister Immaculata reach England, expecting amusement on the tedious journey home from Versailles.

Petre d'Avernio is not exactly a nun, though she has spent years in an Italian convent with her mother, whose death has left her ...more

Paperback, 432 pages

Published April 1st 2008 by Signet

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Mar 21, 2009

Julie (jjmachshev) rated it

Shelves: 2009-reads

How can you not enjoy a book that begins with a cursing nun? OK, so she's not really a nun, but HE doesn't know that for sure until quite a bit further in the book. "A Lady's Secret" is a wonderful reunion with Jo Beverley's Malloren family, one of my cherished keeper series. It was my own stupidity that had this book sitting in my TBR pile (which should more correctly be called 'the Alps' vice 'pile') as even after reading the back cover blurb, I didn't connect it with the Malloren...moreHow can you not enjoy a book that begins with a cursing nun? OK, so she's not really a nun, but HE doesn't know that for sure until quite a bit further in the book. "A Lady's Secret" is a wonderful reunion with Jo Beverley's Malloren family, one of my cherished keeper series. It was my own stupidity that had this book sitting in my TBR pile (which should more correctly be called 'the Alps' vice 'pile') as even after reading the back cover blurb, I didn't connect it with the Malloren family. But then again, it was kind of like putting on your favorite jeans and finding a $20 bill in the back pocket! An unexpected, but serendipitous event.

Robin, Earl of Huntersdown, is on his way back to England from a mission in France. He's still the fun-loving and adventurous man from earlier books, but with his father's death he knows it's only a matter of time before he's forced to face the responsibilities and accompanying boredom of life as The Earl. So when he catches sight of what appears to be a nun and hears her utter Italian curses, he's intrigued. And when he sees her face, he's captivated. She's a mystery and an enigma...and Robin is rather bored at the moment.

Petra is on a flight for her freedom. Disguised as a nun, she's trying to reach the father she's never met, and who knows nothing of her, in England. It's either that, or become the mistress to a spoiled and dangerous nobleman back in Italy. All that protects her is her ingenuity, her bravery, and her nun's habit. Then she's surprised by a teacup of a dog...and her life will never be the same.

Coquette the papillon dog is unarguably one of the funniest, and most endearing, secondary characters in this book. There are many scenes where she stole the show and I loved it. Petra is an astonishing woman for her time and it was hard not to admire her bravery, even during the times I thought she was foolhardy and rash. But overall, she's one of the more interesting heroines I've read so far this year. And once her father was revealed...well, enough about that. You'll have to read the book to find out. And Robin? Oh the confusion and consternation Petra brings to his life. I can't think of anyone more deserving and I am awed by the way Beverley uses his situation with Petra to silently spur his emotional and mental growth. Two characters, well three if you count Coquette, who will stay in my memory for a long time.

Beverly's Malloren series is set in the Georgian era and her depictions are fabulous and fascinating. The action never really slows over the 409 pages of the entire story. Fans of the Malloren series MUST buy this book and I would guess those who read this without having read other books about the family will find themselves searching out the previous reads. Sexual tension, mystery, and suspense all liberally interspersed with heaping doses of humor and witty dialogue are all, for me, trademarks of a Jo Beverley story. "A Lady's Secret" didn't disappoint and if those tags sound interesting to you, I can't recommend this one enough.

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Mar 09, 2010

Catherine rated it

Shelves: england, historical, illegitimate, romance, series

This was a very enjoyable book. It started out a little differently with a nobleman becoming fascinated with a cursing nun. Sister Immaculata, or Petra as she is later found out to be, has been traveling from Italy and is trying to get to England. Enter Robin; a nobleman who has just come from Versailles and is on his way home to England. They decide to travel together (which stretches credulity) and we are treated to a fun journey filled with half-truths, insults, and desire.

I very mu...moreThis was a very enjoyable book. It started out a little differently with a nobleman becoming fascinated with a cursing nun. Sister Immaculata, or Petra as she is later found out to be, has been traveling from Italy and is trying to get to England. Enter Robin; a nobleman who has just come from Versailles and is on his way home to England. They decide to travel together (which stretches credulity) and we are treated to a fun journey filled with half-truths, insults, and desire.

I very much so liked Petra and her outlook on life. Here finally was a heroine who was presented as level-headed and actually stayed level-headed. Even though she occasionally indulged in fantasies of Robin and got distracted at times, she always came back to herself and continued with the path she had set. I liked that she didn't abandon all her plans and become unable to think beyond Robin the minute she met him. I also liked the lack of woe is me about her past with Ludo.

Robin was a pretty good guy, even though he didn't seem to be able to take anything seriously if they weren't in immediate danger. That isn't a bad thing though. His light hearted attitude gave the journey a very fun feel to it. I think Petra's attitude toward his obligatory stroking and petting was very realistic and in keeping with her level-headed attitude. The aftermath of the first love scene emphasized her feelings on that very well. One thing that bothered me about him was his interactions with his mother. She was very interfering and felt a bit spoiled. Robin made her butt out on some points and hired someone who wasn't her spy, but he didn't seem to mind her prying conversations that much. I couldn't help but think mama's boy and get a little sneer.

The only major problems I had with the book started when Petra got to her father. I never got a sense of adjustment or any real closeness to them. I read the author's note and apparently the family is part of a series, so maybe I was supposed to care about them and know how they would feel already? If so, it doesn't really help her new readers. Petra's lack of upset about her father's lack of attachment toward his past with her mother was refreshing.

I liked the dueling views of what was going on with Petra and Robin while they were apart. I was irritated by the fact that they were separated for so long though. I also never got a real sense of why Petra had to get to her father alone. I would fear rape if I were traveling alone like that. When Petra and Robin reunited I was left feeling dissatisfied. All of a sudden everything will work out without any reservation or problems? No more discussions and growing as a couple? I couldn't help but be reminded that they had only spent a few days together and start to doubt the strength of their attachment for the future.

Overall a good book with enjoyable characters and well written prose. The relationship seemed a little weak, but the bones were there and it would have been great if they were built on a little more. (less)

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Aug 13, 2009

Nisha rated it

Shelves: historicalromance, favorites, to-buy, re-read

I wanted to read this since the 2nd book of the Malloren series, but I held out so that I would be done with at least Rothgar's story. I'm glad I did. This book was worth the wait. It was fantastic and difficult to put down.
Robin is my type of hero, generally careless and seemingly self-serving, yet very protective and lovable. Petra is a wonderful heroine. It has been a long time to come across a heroine who was not virginal or previously married. I think, her foreign background also mad...more

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Mar 22, 2009

penelopewanders rated it

Shelves: rings-rays-loans-traded, historical-romance

On a loan from Alex... another (unexpected) Malloren story... great read. I was sad when I reached the end of the Malloren series, but as I generally enjoy Jo Beverley's stories was happy to borrow this one - and only realized once well into it that some of the names were starting to sound familiar. Of course, once Petra arrives at Rothgar's home, all is revealed... Very enjoyable read, and glad to have been able to borrow it! In the acknowledgements, a Maria Rosa is thanked for help with the I...more

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Oct 30, 2010

Lessgravity rated it

Shelves: romance

I haven't ready any of the other books in this series (though I have read other Jo Beverly books), but after this one I will. There is just the right amount of humor, action, and of course, romance. The leading lady is humorous and immensely likable; the hero has a heart of gold underneath his carefree and slightly foppish exterior. My favorite character may well be his adorable dog whom he obtained to try and get a lady at court, but who now seems to be his loyal companion. For all the complain...more

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Aug 04, 2009

couchpapaya rated it

Shelves: read-in-2009, recently-reviewed, romance

In Jo Beverley's A Lady's Secret, Robin, the Earl of Huntersdown, is returning to England from Versailles when he comes across a swearing nun. Convinced that the beauty in nun costume is an adventuress, he offers to provide her an escort looking forward to some amusement over a long journey.

Petra D'Averio or Sister Immaculata, aforementioned nun, is at wits' end. Rejected by Milanese society since she is the bastard of an English lord, she has no friends to support her after her moth...moreIn Jo Beverley's A Lady's Secret, Robin, the Earl of Huntersdown, is returning to England from Versailles when he comes across a swearing nun. Convinced that the beauty in nun costume is an adventuress, he offers to provide her an escort looking forward to some amusement over a long journey.

Petra D'Averio or Sister Immaculata, aforementioned nun, is at wits' end. Rejected by Milanese society since she is the bastard of an English lord, she has no friends to support her after her mother's death. She needs to find her father before her old lover Count Ludovico, can capture her. After meeting carefree and rakish Robin she's unsure if she's leaping from the frying pan into the fire. But, she accepts Robin's help and the rest is a sort of comedy of errors on the journey with villainous Italians, murderous peasants, a papillon dog and a hero and heroine whose secrets are revealed over the course of the journey.

The book was likable and entertaining enough that I didnt stop reading. It has some humorous moments, fun banter between the principals and a clever spin on an old nursery rhyme (Who Killed Cock Robin). But, I'm a bit tired of all the stereotypical contrivances of this genre. And I'm sick of rakes who spend the entire book lusting after the heroine or pages full of sexual innuendo only to suffer from instant regret once the deed is done.

The hero, Robin or Cock Robin is one of those beta heroes I think. Much like the crowing cock, he makes grand promises to the heroine to protect her and falls flat. Often. His only saving grace is he is charming. Petra is a good character, she's gutsy and well able to take care of herself. Since, Petra saves herself each time, it beats me why she is in love with Mr. Cocky. And then we have a married villain pursuing Petra across Italy, France and England only to make her his mistress. Illogical, much? Even Petra wonders why.

I've read Ms. Beverly's medieval romances before and they were good reads. If you want to start off with her, I'd say pick those up.(less)

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Oct 25, 2008

Mia Marlowe rated it

Recommends it for: historical romance readers

I just finished reading Jo Beverley's A LADY'S SECRET and found it enchanting. If you've read any of her Malloren stories, you'll be glad to be swept back into that world. The premise of a nun and a rake reeks a bit of medieval pornography, but Ms. Beverley would never be so common. Her characters are definitely passionate, but they are also well-rounded human beings with devotion to their faith and family, as well as each other.

As always, her stories are chockful of witty repartee ...more

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Apr 22, 2009

Ana T. rated it

Shelves: georgian, read-in-2009, traded

After reading a few of Beverley’s Company of Rogue’s books last month I decided to start this latest installment in the Malloreen series.

It is a light and nice read about a nun on the run and the nobleman who helps her. Of course, Petra is not really a nun but she is on the run from an Italian duke who wants her to be his mistress. When we meet her, she is decided to travel to England in search of the father she never knew, having been raised by her mother and acknowledged by her mo...more

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Jun 02, 2008

Jess rated it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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May 30, 2008

Gail rated it

I read this book shortly after reading THE SPYMASTER'S LADY, and there are a few similarities between the two. Mostly that both books are "road trip" books from France to England with bad guys chasing them. However, this story takes place at least a generation earlier, in the Georgian era. It opens when the hero hears a cursing nun outside the French inn where he's stopped for the moment. He's traveling, bored and the nun offers possibilities for amusement. She's traveling with an awfu...more

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Jan 28, 2012

Jasey rated it

Shelves: historical-romance

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Mar 21, 2009

Donna Hatch rated it

The hero was a sorta ne'er do well but he was likable and had a code of honor that kept me rooting for him. The heroine was strong and independent but not so headstrong that she didn't need people. I liked them both and cheered for them right to the sweet end.

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May 12, 2009

Joy rated it

Shelves: 21c, british, historical-fiction, romance

Liked: the Georgian setting, the fake nun, and the masquerade. Disliked: much of the characterization, especially of the male lead.

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Feb 23, 2009

Marilyn rated it

One of the women in my book club described this book as "a bodice ripper". It is a pretty hot romance. Not especially my genre.

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Feb 12, 2011

Cary rated it

This was nice and rather lacking in sexual descriptions which is great! did not know it was the 8th of the series though.

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May 05, 2009

Kel rated it

I liked this book better than the last Beverly novel I read. It moved along quickly and included some very funny moments.

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Jul 28, 2011

Jaime rated it

Shelves: historical, romance, adventure

Better than other Jo Beverly books I've read but I didn't get attached to the male protagonist. 2.5 stars

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May 14, 2011

Lady of the Lake rated it

Shelves: historical-romance, romantic-suspense

A well written romance...and the narrator of this audiobook, Jill Tanner was excellent.
This is number 8 in the Malloren family series by Jo Beverley and as far as I can tell it did not matter that I had not read any of the other books in this series so it's fine as a stand alone historical romance. Good characters, I liked both the H&h they are very likable and you want them to get their HEA. Add that to a fun storyline and it made for 13hrs and 13 minutes of time well spent.
I will...more

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Mar 23, 2009

Pamela rated it

Read this for a book club thinking it was historical fiction...it's basically just romance/porn.

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Sep 15, 2009

Mary Kay rated it

She's not Georgette Heyer but Jo Beverley writes a good period romance.

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Jul 07, 2009

Denise rated it

Historical fiction romance in the 1700's. I enjoyed the book.

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Sep 11, 2008

Alaya rated it

Self-assured, witty historical romance. The characters were well-drawn if a little stock as the beautiful ingenue and dashing, experienced rake. I found myself wishing at the end that everything didn't turn out quite so well (of course the bastard daughter is accepted into the bosom of her perfect new family!), but then, I think I'd need to be reading something other than a well-written, if standard Georgian romance novel.

Another one of the freebies I picked up from RWA (I don't actua...more

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Jan 08, 2010

Lynn Calvin added it

ARC,April 08,Amazon received,headless woman cover

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Dec 17, 2008

Onika rated it

Romance and humor, what a great mix!!

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Jul 12, 2009

ZaBeth rated it

Recommended to ZaBeth by: Julie (jjmachshev) Anderson

Shelves: source-lib, _g-rom-georgian, w-rev-goodreads

This might be one of my favorite of the Malloren series. It doesn't take long to figure out who Petra's father is when you see she her strong-willed, spirit and need to protect and orcherstraight everything. She is as strong a personality for Robin is and these create a heated passion.

Jo Beverly's research and attention to detail has created a great road trip adventure and the people that Petra meets along the way makes you feel good about the world even though you learn to look ou...more

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May 08, 2011

Tishke rated it

Shelves: georgian-or-regency-era

A fun read.

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Mar 08, 2011

Catherine rated it

served its purpose.

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Nov 05, 2010

Annabel Joseph rated it

Oh god, I LOVE THE MALLORENS! And I loved this story. I have a massive crush on Rothgar so I think my favorite part of this book was seeing him interact with his newly-discovered daughter, but the plot, romance, all of it was just spectacular as a whole. A+++ and straight to my keeper shelf. If you read the earlier Malloren books you just have to read this one too.

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Feb 18, 2010

Shannan added it

A cursing nun, a bored nobleman, and a papillon round out the cast of this darling story. The plot's far-fetched, and the book itself fits squarely in the light and fluffy category, but Beverly does light and fluffy with style and humor.

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Oct 13, 2008

Cameron rated it

Shelves: historical-romance

If it were food this book might be a cream puff. But a good one, with delicious pastry cream filling. It's fun, it's sweet and tasty, not particularly filling or complex, but it's so much better than the ones filled with reddi-whip.

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About Jo Beverley

Jo Beverley is one the few authors writing English-set historical romance who is English. She was born and raised in England, and has a degree in English history from Keele University in Staffordshire. She and her husband emigrated to Canada, where they now live. They have two sons.

Though Jo started to write as a young child, it was only in the eighties that she began to think that it ...more

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A Lady's Secret (Malloren #8)

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