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The Mad Baron
Nathaniel, the new Baron Felston, awakes from a fever to discover he’s a prisoner on his own estate. At first, certain he’s gone insane, Nathaniel learns potent opiates are the cause of his strange vision. But, barricaded in a small room, he can’t outwit his mysterious jailer.
Determined to steal back one of her father’s swords, Florrie Cadero gets more than she bargained for when she breaks into the baron’s mansion. The dashing, drugged man in the locked room soon sweeps her into his story—and his bed. When she discovers they’re trapped together, she devises a clever escape. Addicted to his captor’s drugs and bent on revenge, Nathaniel seeks out the feisty thief who freed him. Florrie, now a shopgirl, has foresworn her life of adventure. But Nathaniel’s offer of employment intrigues her. Together they must break his addiction and expose the villain who would destroy his life.
Determined to steal back one of her father’s swords, Florrie Cadero gets more than she bargained for when she breaks into the baron’s mansion. The dashing, drugged man in the locked room soon sweeps her into his story—and his bed. When she discovers they’re trapped together, she devises a clever escape. Addicted to his captor’s drugs and bent on revenge, Nathaniel seeks out the feisty thief who freed him. Florrie, now a shopgirl, has foresworn her life of adventure. But Nathaniel’s offer of employment intrigues her. Together they must break his addiction and expose the villain who would destroy his life.
219 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 21, 2011
17 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
About the author
Summer Devon
62 books226 followersSummer Devon is the pen name writer Kate Rothwell often uses. Whether the characters are male or female, human or dragon, her books are always romance.
You can visit her facebook page, where there's a sign up form for a newsletter (she'll only send out newsletters when there's a new Summer Devon or Kate Rothwell release and she will never ever sell your name to anyone).
Her blog is available here.
She also has a blog with Bonnie Dee, a frequent co-author. It's mostly just announcements, but we might do good give-aways on occasion.
You can visit her facebook page, where there's a sign up form for a newsletter (she'll only send out newsletters when there's a new Summer Devon or Kate Rothwell release and she will never ever sell your name to anyone).
Her blog is available here.
She also has a blog with Bonnie Dee, a frequent co-author. It's mostly just announcements, but we might do good give-aways on occasion.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 21, 2011
Reviewed By- Patti
Review Copy Provided By- Author
This was a wonderful story. It started out slow but I always try to give a book a chance. I am glad I did because I definitely enjoyed this one. Once the two main characters met I really began to care about them both.
Nathaniel’s character held my attention throughout the story. I wanted to climb into the book and protect him. His perseverance and strength of character made me admire him. He was raised by a mother and an uncle who never showed him affection. He lived a life of mental, emotional and physical abuse and the fact that it did not destroy his ability to be gentle with Florrie was remarkable. He was not perfect and that made him even more real. He has flaws and is a wounded hero but he was a man that inspired respect and loyalty.
Florrie also was portrayed as a real person with personality and spirit. She was not presented as a super heroine with power, grace, money and privilege. She did have an independent streak and was definitely not someone who just did as expected as a lady of society. She was compassionate and lived by her own moral code. I think the two characters complimented each other superbly. She gave Nathaniel a focus other than his addiction and also a reason to recover from the damage done to him. They found each other by chance and fulfilled each other in ways no one else could.
The Mad Baron is definitely on my list of books to recommend to other readers of historical romance.
Favorite Quote: He’d gotten himself engaged to a woman whose idea of fun was more than unconventional; it was lunatic.
Review Copy Provided By- Author
This was a wonderful story. It started out slow but I always try to give a book a chance. I am glad I did because I definitely enjoyed this one. Once the two main characters met I really began to care about them both.
Nathaniel’s character held my attention throughout the story. I wanted to climb into the book and protect him. His perseverance and strength of character made me admire him. He was raised by a mother and an uncle who never showed him affection. He lived a life of mental, emotional and physical abuse and the fact that it did not destroy his ability to be gentle with Florrie was remarkable. He was not perfect and that made him even more real. He has flaws and is a wounded hero but he was a man that inspired respect and loyalty.
Florrie also was portrayed as a real person with personality and spirit. She was not presented as a super heroine with power, grace, money and privilege. She did have an independent streak and was definitely not someone who just did as expected as a lady of society. She was compassionate and lived by her own moral code. I think the two characters complimented each other superbly. She gave Nathaniel a focus other than his addiction and also a reason to recover from the damage done to him. They found each other by chance and fulfilled each other in ways no one else could.
The Mad Baron is definitely on my list of books to recommend to other readers of historical romance.
Favorite Quote: He’d gotten himself engaged to a woman whose idea of fun was more than unconventional; it was lunatic.
![Profile Image for ᑭᑌᑎƳᗩ [Punya Reviews...].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1572968006i%2F3840999._UX200_CR0%2C33%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
September 1, 2013
My review contains spoilers and they're mostly my thoughts as I went with the book...
Note: I've read this book as The Mad Baron by Summer Devon, but now it has been re-issued as Her Mad Baron.
Summer Devon’s The Mad Baron was quite an interesting read. Personally, I liked most of it, until those times when the h and H, Florrie and Nathaniel were trying my patience. I also had trouble connecting with the author’s writing style for a while, but I let it grow on me gradually. Let’s see if I can elaborate in my review.
Florrie is an orphan, her only relative is her brother, Duncan. Now Duncan is a total a$$hole. He’s a bit selfish, a bit impulsive, has weird ideas all the times and has no problem using Florrie’s ‘special’ skills to get his way. And if it involves money, Duncan becomes a fox. Well, I wanted to kick his sleazy arse more than once throughout the story. What ‘special’ skill, you ask? She climbs buildings! Yah, righto! She loves claiming buildings and the rush of adrenaline that comes with it. Now don’t ask me how a Victorian girl (I assumed the story was set in that era) learned the skill to climb buildings, because I don’t know the answers but it was interesting nonetheless. We don’t know much of Florrie’s background, but whatever was mentioned, it seems like she came from a loving family. Her father wasn’t wealthy, but a whimsical blacksmith, with a love of making swords and knives. When both their parents died, it was apparent that some people never paid the big amount Florrie’s father owned them, and he being the nice man, never asked. So now, Duncan’s plan is to take Florrie and steal the knives back so that they can sell them and get the money. They (by that I mean Florrie, Duncan never moved his arse from the ground) apparently did a few climbing before and have been successful. This time, they are in the country, near the country estate of Baron Felston, to get another knife made by their father.
Florrie doesn’t like Duncan’s wheedling and all his moronic ‘big plans’ for them, still she is manipulated by him. This time, she decides, is the last time she’s going to listen to Duncan. Now the baron is known to be on his deathbed, a very hush hush situation. No one really knows what’s happening there actually. So, as planned, Florrie climbs the walls and lands in a room. From there, she ends up in another room searching for the knife. She immediately feels something’s not right. Someone was opening this room up but gets distracted and leaves the door open. Florrie’s curiosity gets her into trouble. In the room, she finds a bearded man only wearing a smallcloth, in a chain. Then he opens his eyes and starts talking weird stuff to her, that led her believe that the man is crazy. Florrie is at first scared… this part of the story is pretty hazy, made me confused a bit. After talking for a while, Florrie gets to learn that this IS the real Baron Felston, or Nathaniel; this handsome, strong (if a bit mad) man and not some weathered old curmudgeon. She also begins to realize something is, indeed, wrong and that Nathaniel is actually dosed with something and hallucinating. He’s a captive in his own home by someone’s orders. While talking, they share a kind of bond Florrie didn’t think she’d ever share with a man. Together they have some unlikely adventures, dodging Nathaniel’s captors. As the night falls, Florrie beings to understand she can’t flee this place, at least not now. But somehow, she’s not scared of Nathaniel anymore since he’d showed glimpses of his ‘real’ self, when he’s not in the haze of the addictive poison. As they talk (and I think because Nathaniel was in a haze, he was horny), they share kisses and fondlings, that turns into sex........ Umm well, told ya it’s confusing because all these happen in the first few pages. Nathaniel tries to be the gentleman, but Florrie tells him that she doesn’t expect to marry and so, can say goodbye to her virginity. Afterwards, they plan about how to free Nathaniel. Florrie is sympathetic and wants to help him anyway she can. At dawn, according to their plans, they struck one of the men who came to check up on Nathaniel down, and make their escape. As they run to relative safety, Nathaniel asks that he’d see Florrie back in London. But Florrie doesn’t want to meet him again. It hurts Nathaniel, and he really doesn’t want to let Florrie go just like that. So he extracts promise that if she’s pregnant, she’ll communicate with him as soon as possible.
Nathaniel gets help sooner than he thought from some of his close friends were looking for him. It’s been about a month since his disappearance. He’s also back to London soon enough. Then we get to see his fighting with the addiction. It was pretty tough and would sometimes touch your heart, and the other times, you’d just wanna shake him. But nonetheless, his fighting was admirable. And he wanted to find Florrie no matter what, so he put investigators to work on his case, as well on finding Florrie’s whereabouts. She, on the other hand, was also back in London but no more falling to the machination of her brother. Though Duncan the a$$ still lives with her, he doesn’t do anything but scheme on his ‘big plans’ for them. Florrie now works in a shop. She had a plan to open their own antiquities shop, and she is trying to save money for it. I liked Florrie a lot, until the times she, just as Nathaniel, would get on my nerves. I’ll come to those points later.
As we learn more and more about Nathaniel, a sad history is revealed; his childhood. He had a loving father, who doted on him. But his mother was a totally different thing altogether. And when his father died leaving him young, Nathaniel’s uncle, Lord Bassett became his guardian. This man is a self-righteous prig and thinks only he knows the right and the wrongs in this world. He’s the man of God etc. etc. blah-di-blah. Nathaniel mother was already a cold b*tch, and becomes an iceberg after she gave into her brother’s preaching into self-righteousness. And so, Nathaniel’s lovely childhood transforms into one with vigorous punishments for littlest faults, admonished by his uncle. His mother never stopped the bastard when he would beat Nathaniel to bloody pulp. This shaped the grown up man today and Nathaniel learned to mask his emotions through his ‘trainings’. And it did become a pain a lot of the times in the story where Nathaniel was concerned. But, I felt for him, no doubt about it, even cried once or twice when these things were revealed, mostly through Nathaniel’s musings.
The investigator finds Florrie too, which was a blessing for Nathaniel. He wanted Florrie in his life and it’s not because he felt a sense of duty towards her. I just felt that he needed someone to hold onto, even though Nathaniel won’t admit it. He needed warmth and love of a woman, something he never had in his young life. He remembered that hazy night with Florrie and knew even then that he couldn’t do without her. This is why it hurt him when she declined to see him again. But Florrie treasured her independence more, a fact Nathaniel was aware of. She also knew that she and Nathaniel would never have a future, seeing their status. But, when he comes to pay a call to her in her shop, Florrie is breathless to see him in all his glory; neat and cleaned, no beard. She now knew that she didn’t imagine his good looks. Nathaniel has already been taken with Florrie’s charms, so I don’t think I have elaborate that he was more than elated to see her again. As they talk, Florrie confirms that she isn’t pregnant. Nathaniel has a plan to keep her with him this time. No, he knew that at this point marriage isn’t the solution (and he wanted to marry her no matter what), so he asks her to help him in the investigation with her special skill. Florrie at first balks at the idea, though she’s intrigued by the fact that she can be close to him if she takes the job. She is also a bit confused by this cold, formal stranger and the fact that it feels like nothing ever happened between them. Florrie refuses the job offer citing people are going to talk. Nathaniel doesn’t give up so easily though. He keeps giving her incentives, good wages and all that. Duncan gets the smell of this, and tries to make bargains with Nathaniel, though he handles the man easily.
Some parts of the story were spent on this; whether Florrie should take the job or not and how they would try to ignore this obvious attraction between them. It was beginning to frustrate me. Both would botch up their communication one way or the other. Nathaniel was smart, no matter what and hated to succumb to the after affects of his addiction, the deadly craving of the thing. He stopped taking the medicines that might help him temporarily but can’t be in the long run. He decides to fight on his own. This fact, that he’s so alone in his battle made my heart break. But the arse won’t come out and tell Florrie about his feelings. Florrie didn’t help the matter by continually refusing him. I didn’t like it at all because it hurt Nathaniel but couldn’t blame her as well because he was to blame partially for her actions. Both were eternally stubborn and confused about the next step. It was utterly frustrating!
In the meantime, Nathaniel had a suspicion that Bassett might be someway involved in his captivity and got to work. While making inquiries, he found proofs of Bassett’s not-so-holier-than-thou self, namely a hidden mistress. When he goes to meet the woman, she makes pass at him as she also was annoyed by Bassett’s hypocritical views and made it clear that she wants to break up. I was a bit apprehensive since Nathaniel has been horny most of the times (and he hasn’t been with anyone but Florrie, even though he could’ve been), he might give in. But he didn’t disappoint me. I totally admired this restraint.
At one point, Florrie finally caves in to help Nathaniel in the investigation. She just couldn’t get him out of her mind. And they also end up in bed, or in this case Nathaniel’s library carpet, together, more than once. They just couldn’t keep their hands off to each-other. It was very sexy IMO. When they were making love, it was palpable how good they fit together. But soon after it’s done, Nathaniel would revert to his cold self faster than a rocket and would confuse the hell outta Florrie (and me). Did I mention I was FRUSTRATED by his activities? But couldn’t blame him either because the whole thing was so ingrained in him that even he couldn’t help doing it. Later, Florrie even begged him not to turn into what he’s not. In the course of the story, more often than not, it felt like both were only trying to push each-other away with one action or the other... But I tell you that there were some really sexy scenes, one of that includes a hoooot bondage sex, another, much later, pure needy sex from Nathaniel. I got totally blown by those. Nathaniel could be a sexy sweetpea when he wished to be! Florrie already knew she was falling, but still confused about his feelings for her.
Florrie had an idea that she’s too passionate for a gentlewoman, and so, even though she came from a good family, she thought she’s not a ‘gentlewoman’ per say because of her physical needs. She thought hers was a bit abnormal since she loved having sex with Nathaniel. Well, I certainly didn’t mind their love-makings, not one of them. Soon, Nathaniel ends up proposing Florrie but he still doesn’t let her see that he REALLY wants her. His words and actions (out of bed) was still as misleading as ever. Florrie is, again, confused by the sudden proposal, her weird idea about her sexual needs and a bit more than scared that her heart would break if Nathaniel keeps being this cold man out of bed. I can see why she would feel this way! So she denies him at first. Frustration, frustration... more frustration! I got annoyed by this constant push and pull and wanted to tear my hair out a few times. In time though, Florrie helps Nathaniel find some proof from Bassett’s house. This climbing sets off Nathaniel’s alarm system about Florrie’s well-being. When she returns, he makes sure she knows that there would be no more climbing, ever, when they marry.
The meetings with Nathaniel’s mother were a revelation. The woman was cold as hell! No feelings for her son as she deems him a ‘disappointment’ all the freakin’ time! All she cares about are her brother’s wishes. It made me so sad for the poor baby. Nathaniel wasn’t scared of anyone anymore though, and so he makes it clear to her and Bassett that Florrie would be his wife, no matter what. Neither, of course, take this well and Bassett later pays a call at Florrie’s house. When Nathaniel hears of it, he’s immediately concerned about Florrie’s safety. With this, he convinces her that staying with him would be the best way to ensure her safety, and for this, they need to marry without delay... which they do. I assure you that Duncan was dancing a jig to this news!
I won’t go into the revelations of Nathaniel’s captivity and the villains behind it, but that, Florrie and his relationship was pretty stormy till the end. It wasn’t necessarily entertaining, as I’ve already mentioned; those parts of confusion, miscommunications, a little distrust and secretive activities. And yet, I knew that individually they cared for each-other very very much. I only wish the connection they shared on their very first meeting was consistent throughout the story. This is why I was also hovering between 3.5 and 4 stars. But I rounded up on 4 stars ultimately. Having said it all, I can assure you that I’m going to get a few more Summer Devon books later!
Note: I've read this book as The Mad Baron by Summer Devon, but now it has been re-issued as Her Mad Baron.
Summer Devon’s The Mad Baron was quite an interesting read. Personally, I liked most of it, until those times when the h and H, Florrie and Nathaniel were trying my patience. I also had trouble connecting with the author’s writing style for a while, but I let it grow on me gradually. Let’s see if I can elaborate in my review.
Florrie is an orphan, her only relative is her brother, Duncan. Now Duncan is a total a$$hole. He’s a bit selfish, a bit impulsive, has weird ideas all the times and has no problem using Florrie’s ‘special’ skills to get his way. And if it involves money, Duncan becomes a fox. Well, I wanted to kick his sleazy arse more than once throughout the story. What ‘special’ skill, you ask? She climbs buildings! Yah, righto! She loves claiming buildings and the rush of adrenaline that comes with it. Now don’t ask me how a Victorian girl (I assumed the story was set in that era) learned the skill to climb buildings, because I don’t know the answers but it was interesting nonetheless. We don’t know much of Florrie’s background, but whatever was mentioned, it seems like she came from a loving family. Her father wasn’t wealthy, but a whimsical blacksmith, with a love of making swords and knives. When both their parents died, it was apparent that some people never paid the big amount Florrie’s father owned them, and he being the nice man, never asked. So now, Duncan’s plan is to take Florrie and steal the knives back so that they can sell them and get the money. They (by that I mean Florrie, Duncan never moved his arse from the ground) apparently did a few climbing before and have been successful. This time, they are in the country, near the country estate of Baron Felston, to get another knife made by their father.
Florrie doesn’t like Duncan’s wheedling and all his moronic ‘big plans’ for them, still she is manipulated by him. This time, she decides, is the last time she’s going to listen to Duncan. Now the baron is known to be on his deathbed, a very hush hush situation. No one really knows what’s happening there actually. So, as planned, Florrie climbs the walls and lands in a room. From there, she ends up in another room searching for the knife. She immediately feels something’s not right. Someone was opening this room up but gets distracted and leaves the door open. Florrie’s curiosity gets her into trouble. In the room, she finds a bearded man only wearing a smallcloth, in a chain. Then he opens his eyes and starts talking weird stuff to her, that led her believe that the man is crazy. Florrie is at first scared… this part of the story is pretty hazy, made me confused a bit. After talking for a while, Florrie gets to learn that this IS the real Baron Felston, or Nathaniel; this handsome, strong (if a bit mad) man and not some weathered old curmudgeon. She also begins to realize something is, indeed, wrong and that Nathaniel is actually dosed with something and hallucinating. He’s a captive in his own home by someone’s orders. While talking, they share a kind of bond Florrie didn’t think she’d ever share with a man. Together they have some unlikely adventures, dodging Nathaniel’s captors. As the night falls, Florrie beings to understand she can’t flee this place, at least not now. But somehow, she’s not scared of Nathaniel anymore since he’d showed glimpses of his ‘real’ self, when he’s not in the haze of the addictive poison. As they talk (and I think because Nathaniel was in a haze, he was horny), they share kisses and fondlings, that turns into sex........ Umm well, told ya it’s confusing because all these happen in the first few pages. Nathaniel tries to be the gentleman, but Florrie tells him that she doesn’t expect to marry and so, can say goodbye to her virginity. Afterwards, they plan about how to free Nathaniel. Florrie is sympathetic and wants to help him anyway she can. At dawn, according to their plans, they struck one of the men who came to check up on Nathaniel down, and make their escape. As they run to relative safety, Nathaniel asks that he’d see Florrie back in London. But Florrie doesn’t want to meet him again. It hurts Nathaniel, and he really doesn’t want to let Florrie go just like that. So he extracts promise that if she’s pregnant, she’ll communicate with him as soon as possible.
Nathaniel gets help sooner than he thought from some of his close friends were looking for him. It’s been about a month since his disappearance. He’s also back to London soon enough. Then we get to see his fighting with the addiction. It was pretty tough and would sometimes touch your heart, and the other times, you’d just wanna shake him. But nonetheless, his fighting was admirable. And he wanted to find Florrie no matter what, so he put investigators to work on his case, as well on finding Florrie’s whereabouts. She, on the other hand, was also back in London but no more falling to the machination of her brother. Though Duncan the a$$ still lives with her, he doesn’t do anything but scheme on his ‘big plans’ for them. Florrie now works in a shop. She had a plan to open their own antiquities shop, and she is trying to save money for it. I liked Florrie a lot, until the times she, just as Nathaniel, would get on my nerves. I’ll come to those points later.
As we learn more and more about Nathaniel, a sad history is revealed; his childhood. He had a loving father, who doted on him. But his mother was a totally different thing altogether. And when his father died leaving him young, Nathaniel’s uncle, Lord Bassett became his guardian. This man is a self-righteous prig and thinks only he knows the right and the wrongs in this world. He’s the man of God etc. etc. blah-di-blah. Nathaniel mother was already a cold b*tch, and becomes an iceberg after she gave into her brother’s preaching into self-righteousness. And so, Nathaniel’s lovely childhood transforms into one with vigorous punishments for littlest faults, admonished by his uncle. His mother never stopped the bastard when he would beat Nathaniel to bloody pulp. This shaped the grown up man today and Nathaniel learned to mask his emotions through his ‘trainings’. And it did become a pain a lot of the times in the story where Nathaniel was concerned. But, I felt for him, no doubt about it, even cried once or twice when these things were revealed, mostly through Nathaniel’s musings.
The investigator finds Florrie too, which was a blessing for Nathaniel. He wanted Florrie in his life and it’s not because he felt a sense of duty towards her. I just felt that he needed someone to hold onto, even though Nathaniel won’t admit it. He needed warmth and love of a woman, something he never had in his young life. He remembered that hazy night with Florrie and knew even then that he couldn’t do without her. This is why it hurt him when she declined to see him again. But Florrie treasured her independence more, a fact Nathaniel was aware of. She also knew that she and Nathaniel would never have a future, seeing their status. But, when he comes to pay a call to her in her shop, Florrie is breathless to see him in all his glory; neat and cleaned, no beard. She now knew that she didn’t imagine his good looks. Nathaniel has already been taken with Florrie’s charms, so I don’t think I have elaborate that he was more than elated to see her again. As they talk, Florrie confirms that she isn’t pregnant. Nathaniel has a plan to keep her with him this time. No, he knew that at this point marriage isn’t the solution (and he wanted to marry her no matter what), so he asks her to help him in the investigation with her special skill. Florrie at first balks at the idea, though she’s intrigued by the fact that she can be close to him if she takes the job. She is also a bit confused by this cold, formal stranger and the fact that it feels like nothing ever happened between them. Florrie refuses the job offer citing people are going to talk. Nathaniel doesn’t give up so easily though. He keeps giving her incentives, good wages and all that. Duncan gets the smell of this, and tries to make bargains with Nathaniel, though he handles the man easily.
Some parts of the story were spent on this; whether Florrie should take the job or not and how they would try to ignore this obvious attraction between them. It was beginning to frustrate me. Both would botch up their communication one way or the other. Nathaniel was smart, no matter what and hated to succumb to the after affects of his addiction, the deadly craving of the thing. He stopped taking the medicines that might help him temporarily but can’t be in the long run. He decides to fight on his own. This fact, that he’s so alone in his battle made my heart break. But the arse won’t come out and tell Florrie about his feelings. Florrie didn’t help the matter by continually refusing him. I didn’t like it at all because it hurt Nathaniel but couldn’t blame her as well because he was to blame partially for her actions. Both were eternally stubborn and confused about the next step. It was utterly frustrating!
In the meantime, Nathaniel had a suspicion that Bassett might be someway involved in his captivity and got to work. While making inquiries, he found proofs of Bassett’s not-so-holier-than-thou self, namely a hidden mistress. When he goes to meet the woman, she makes pass at him as she also was annoyed by Bassett’s hypocritical views and made it clear that she wants to break up. I was a bit apprehensive since Nathaniel has been horny most of the times (and he hasn’t been with anyone but Florrie, even though he could’ve been), he might give in. But he didn’t disappoint me. I totally admired this restraint.
At one point, Florrie finally caves in to help Nathaniel in the investigation. She just couldn’t get him out of her mind. And they also end up in bed, or in this case Nathaniel’s library carpet, together, more than once. They just couldn’t keep their hands off to each-other. It was very sexy IMO. When they were making love, it was palpable how good they fit together. But soon after it’s done, Nathaniel would revert to his cold self faster than a rocket and would confuse the hell outta Florrie (and me). Did I mention I was FRUSTRATED by his activities? But couldn’t blame him either because the whole thing was so ingrained in him that even he couldn’t help doing it. Later, Florrie even begged him not to turn into what he’s not. In the course of the story, more often than not, it felt like both were only trying to push each-other away with one action or the other... But I tell you that there were some really sexy scenes, one of that includes a hoooot bondage sex, another, much later, pure needy sex from Nathaniel. I got totally blown by those. Nathaniel could be a sexy sweetpea when he wished to be! Florrie already knew she was falling, but still confused about his feelings for her.
Florrie had an idea that she’s too passionate for a gentlewoman, and so, even though she came from a good family, she thought she’s not a ‘gentlewoman’ per say because of her physical needs. She thought hers was a bit abnormal since she loved having sex with Nathaniel. Well, I certainly didn’t mind their love-makings, not one of them. Soon, Nathaniel ends up proposing Florrie but he still doesn’t let her see that he REALLY wants her. His words and actions (out of bed) was still as misleading as ever. Florrie is, again, confused by the sudden proposal, her weird idea about her sexual needs and a bit more than scared that her heart would break if Nathaniel keeps being this cold man out of bed. I can see why she would feel this way! So she denies him at first. Frustration, frustration... more frustration! I got annoyed by this constant push and pull and wanted to tear my hair out a few times. In time though, Florrie helps Nathaniel find some proof from Bassett’s house. This climbing sets off Nathaniel’s alarm system about Florrie’s well-being. When she returns, he makes sure she knows that there would be no more climbing, ever, when they marry.
The meetings with Nathaniel’s mother were a revelation. The woman was cold as hell! No feelings for her son as she deems him a ‘disappointment’ all the freakin’ time! All she cares about are her brother’s wishes. It made me so sad for the poor baby. Nathaniel wasn’t scared of anyone anymore though, and so he makes it clear to her and Bassett that Florrie would be his wife, no matter what. Neither, of course, take this well and Bassett later pays a call at Florrie’s house. When Nathaniel hears of it, he’s immediately concerned about Florrie’s safety. With this, he convinces her that staying with him would be the best way to ensure her safety, and for this, they need to marry without delay... which they do. I assure you that Duncan was dancing a jig to this news!
I won’t go into the revelations of Nathaniel’s captivity and the villains behind it, but that, Florrie and his relationship was pretty stormy till the end. It wasn’t necessarily entertaining, as I’ve already mentioned; those parts of confusion, miscommunications, a little distrust and secretive activities. And yet, I knew that individually they cared for each-other very very much. I only wish the connection they shared on their very first meeting was consistent throughout the story. This is why I was also hovering between 3.5 and 4 stars. But I rounded up on 4 stars ultimately. Having said it all, I can assure you that I’m going to get a few more Summer Devon books later!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2020
Entertaining book dealing with drugs used to hold someone against their will. The Victorian era of someone being "mad" with little to no evidence. Unusual story with characters backgrounds explained more fully. Book is sexy and steamy so be warned. I enjoyed it and give it 3 1/2 stars rounding up to 4. I listened to the free audio book in the expanded "Plus Catalog" of Audiobooks.
January 13, 2022
Cat burglar meets mad Baron. Love the plot!
April 22, 2011
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: Available Now!
Publisher: Liquid Silver Books
Author’s Website: http://www.summerdevon.com
My Source for This Book: Liquidsilverbooks.com
Part of a Series: No
Steam Level: Hot
It isn’t often that I’ve come across a historical romance that involves both mental health issues and drug addiction, so when I read the blurb, and took a peek at the preview available on Liquid Silver’s website, I knew I had to snatch this one up.
One thing that’s always interested me is the various treatments for mental disorder, or “madness”, over the course of the years. I’ve especially been intrigued by the concept of sane people being deemed crazy and subjected to the same indignities and loss of freedom as those who are truly ill.
Despite the horrible treatment of Nathaniel, he was still treated remarkably well for someone who was being pawned off as being “mad”. He was well fed, allowed to bathe regularly, and kept in a fairly comfortable room. Granted, he was a prisoner, and was being drugged with powerful opiates that allowed his captors to maintain the illusion of his mental illness, so it makes sense that his mysterious captors wanted to keep him in fairly good condition.
Florrie was adorable. Desperate to be a “lady”, she had an awful predilection towards danger and adventure, which eventually led to her initial meeting of Nathaniel, when she quite literally stumbled upon him after breaking into his uncle’s house to retrieve a dagger belonging to her deceased father.
With the exception of the issue that Nathaniel and Florrie faced at the end of the novel, I thought that the pacing was absolutely perfect. Despite the scorching attraction and passion that they found together, both Nathaniel and Florrie rather danced around each other for a long time, yet I never had that “fish-or-cut-bait” feeling that is so common in romances today.
Having never read anything by this author, I wasn’t sure what to expect. However, I was very pleased to discover that not only did I enjoy the story line itself, but that the love scenes were fantastic and the writing itself was beautifully done. Overall, I adored it, and not only will The Mad Baron be lodged firmly on my keeper shelf, but I will also definitely be reading more of this author in the future. A deliciously solid 5/5 Stars
Expected Release Date: Available Now!
Publisher: Liquid Silver Books
Author’s Website: http://www.summerdevon.com
My Source for This Book: Liquidsilverbooks.com
Part of a Series: No
Steam Level: Hot
It isn’t often that I’ve come across a historical romance that involves both mental health issues and drug addiction, so when I read the blurb, and took a peek at the preview available on Liquid Silver’s website, I knew I had to snatch this one up.
One thing that’s always interested me is the various treatments for mental disorder, or “madness”, over the course of the years. I’ve especially been intrigued by the concept of sane people being deemed crazy and subjected to the same indignities and loss of freedom as those who are truly ill.
Despite the horrible treatment of Nathaniel, he was still treated remarkably well for someone who was being pawned off as being “mad”. He was well fed, allowed to bathe regularly, and kept in a fairly comfortable room. Granted, he was a prisoner, and was being drugged with powerful opiates that allowed his captors to maintain the illusion of his mental illness, so it makes sense that his mysterious captors wanted to keep him in fairly good condition.
Florrie was adorable. Desperate to be a “lady”, she had an awful predilection towards danger and adventure, which eventually led to her initial meeting of Nathaniel, when she quite literally stumbled upon him after breaking into his uncle’s house to retrieve a dagger belonging to her deceased father.
With the exception of the issue that Nathaniel and Florrie faced at the end of the novel, I thought that the pacing was absolutely perfect. Despite the scorching attraction and passion that they found together, both Nathaniel and Florrie rather danced around each other for a long time, yet I never had that “fish-or-cut-bait” feeling that is so common in romances today.
Having never read anything by this author, I wasn’t sure what to expect. However, I was very pleased to discover that not only did I enjoy the story line itself, but that the love scenes were fantastic and the writing itself was beautifully done. Overall, I adored it, and not only will The Mad Baron be lodged firmly on my keeper shelf, but I will also definitely be reading more of this author in the future. A deliciously solid 5/5 Stars
August 11, 2014
I liked this story, I really did, I just wish that there had been more. I think the concept was amazing. The struggle with drug addition is a topic that is not generally addressed in romance novels at all, much less in historicals, so I commend the author for trying something different. I really liked both Florrie and Nathaniel, I just think that the author could have done a lot more with the characters. There were some confrontations that needed to take place that either didn't happen or we glossed over and some major issues that weren't addressed. As readers we are left without knowing the outcome of things that would potentially change the main characters lives. I also was somewhat disappointed with the ending, I found it to be very anticlimactic. we are faced with this new intrigue and then it's resolved in less than a page. It was rather abrupt, I almost feel as though the author got tired of writing and just decided to end it as soon as possible.
May 16, 2013
This book was okay. For a period of several pages, I thought it was "good"....and it could have been so much more. I just felt cheated. I wanted more details and more depth. We kept getting hints of why Nathaniel behaves the way he does; of what Florrie's past was like. But that's it. Hints. Also, there wasn't really an ending. No real resolution. Are we getting a sequal? I gave three stars because I liked the concept and the characters, but I think I'm being pretty generous.
May 25, 2013
I enjoyed curling up on the couch and finishing this book up this morning. Nathaniel's addiction is such a compelling part of the story. Florrie is a great heroine. I love the fact that she's not the typical historical heroine. I wanted to kick her brother Duncan down a dark hole though! The passion between Nathaniel and Florrie is hot and I was cheering for them both to get their happily ever after.
January 29, 2012
This was something different (Nathaniel drugged and imprisoned, Florrie who saves him). My big issue was editing. It could have been edited better. (Few typos, but what bothered me was dialogue from both Nathaniel/Florrie in the same paragraph- at times I would have to go back and re-read to figure who said what). I knocked a star off for that.
April 26, 2021
Disappointing - Had the Potential To Be A Memorable Tale
I wish this story had dug deeper into the multiple issues presented with the interesting premise. Imprisonment, addiction, intrigue, and revenge offered many depths to explore, and the beginning of the book was promising. Unfortunately, it took a deep dive into dull and didn't resurface. I found myself nodding off several times in my effort to finish it.
I wish this story had dug deeper into the multiple issues presented with the interesting premise. Imprisonment, addiction, intrigue, and revenge offered many depths to explore, and the beginning of the book was promising. Unfortunately, it took a deep dive into dull and didn't resurface. I found myself nodding off several times in my effort to finish it.
February 4, 2021
I found this book as a free audiobook and enjoy it. My only complaint is that it feels unfinished, there are loose threads that made me think there was a sequel but found none. I do like when all the villains get some justice. Quick read (or listen?), and very entertaining. If anyone knows of a sequel please let me know ;)
December 18, 2021
Started off sooooo well but ended up really boring and so different from the starting few chapters that I thought someone else wrote the rest. Meh.
May 17, 2022
Very Enjoyable.
September 10, 2011
For an erotic historical romance not bad at all. I'm always wary of historical romances published by those erotic orientated e-publishers...nothing's wrong with erotica per se, but combined with historical setting it often results in such glaring mistakes (obviously the author and publisher both think that a number of hot scenes can sufficiently disctract the reader's mind so no research is necessary) that I simply cannot suspend my disbelief. That doesn't mean that mainstream publishers don't publish historically hilarious books, but e-publishers are even less discerning.
However,this one was a good surprise. Okay, so I don't believe in an impoverished gentlewoman turned wall-climbing thief (and with a craftsman father and housebreaker ex-fiancee to boot), and her working as a single female salesgirl in otherwise male-staffed shop, not to say selling male wear...that's quite in the realm of fantasy, given the times. All in all, the heroine doesn't become real in the novel, though I can't say I didn't like her. She's a wise woman always reading her complex man's mind - wish I could! - and that reminded me of Genevieve from Loretta Chase's Lord of Scoundrels (love that book). Still, for all my love of independent female protagonists who aren't idiots at the same time, this one didn't convince me she isn't time-travelling. Or is a male pretending he's female.
It doesn't help that the book doesn't have much to anchor it to some historical period or other - it's set in a kind of imaginary 19th century, Victorian-like, but nothing more tangible.
The main focus is, of course, the hero, who is all you (traditionally minded enough to like historicals) would wish for in a hero. He had a hard upbringing, is somewhat emotionally damaged but didn't turn in a demonstrative rebel and/or cad as many such heroes are prone to do. Quite likeble but not dull, and convincing, too.
The instant attraction part and the subsequent sex with a stranger was also prettily done in this book. Usually it's the thing I most cringe at in paranormal and contemporary romances - in historicals I just drop the book and don't read further. Here it was under the influence of drugs and had a convincing dreamlike quality about it, when people indeed act upon their desires while the rational mind isn't turned off completely (which I don't believe it can, given that you have one), but looks at the body from a distance. Sweet sex scenes and not kinky at all.
A good and relaxing read.
However,this one was a good surprise. Okay, so I don't believe in an impoverished gentlewoman turned wall-climbing thief (and with a craftsman father and housebreaker ex-fiancee to boot), and her working as a single female salesgirl in otherwise male-staffed shop, not to say selling male wear...that's quite in the realm of fantasy, given the times. All in all, the heroine doesn't become real in the novel, though I can't say I didn't like her. She's a wise woman always reading her complex man's mind - wish I could! - and that reminded me of Genevieve from Loretta Chase's Lord of Scoundrels (love that book). Still, for all my love of independent female protagonists who aren't idiots at the same time, this one didn't convince me she isn't time-travelling. Or is a male pretending he's female.
It doesn't help that the book doesn't have much to anchor it to some historical period or other - it's set in a kind of imaginary 19th century, Victorian-like, but nothing more tangible.
The main focus is, of course, the hero, who is all you (traditionally minded enough to like historicals) would wish for in a hero. He had a hard upbringing, is somewhat emotionally damaged but didn't turn in a demonstrative rebel and/or cad as many such heroes are prone to do. Quite likeble but not dull, and convincing, too.
The instant attraction part and the subsequent sex with a stranger was also prettily done in this book. Usually it's the thing I most cringe at in paranormal and contemporary romances - in historicals I just drop the book and don't read further. Here it was under the influence of drugs and had a convincing dreamlike quality about it, when people indeed act upon their desires while the rational mind isn't turned off completely (which I don't believe it can, given that you have one), but looks at the body from a distance. Sweet sex scenes and not kinky at all.
A good and relaxing read.
March 22, 2014
I wasn't expecting such an interesting, engaging read!
I liked that this wasn't the typical Lord meets a shop girl who is really a noble that was in hiding or switched at birth etc etc etc. Florrie was the daughter of a gentleman but she really was a shop girl and a thief. She meets Nathaniel while breaking into his house. She finds him a prisoner in the house and is accidentally locked in with him.
She helps him escape and they go their separate ways. She doesn't expect to see him again. But he tracks her down for reasons he doesn't want to acknowledge even to himself.
It was a very different story and I think it could have been a bit longer. The end was rushed and tied up way too quickly without any real closure. I think this would have been a solid 5 star book with another two or three chapters and an epilogue.
** I read the kindle edition by Kate Rothwell aka Summer Devon **
I liked that this wasn't the typical Lord meets a shop girl who is really a noble that was in hiding or switched at birth etc etc etc. Florrie was the daughter of a gentleman but she really was a shop girl and a thief. She meets Nathaniel while breaking into his house. She finds him a prisoner in the house and is accidentally locked in with him.
She helps him escape and they go their separate ways. She doesn't expect to see him again. But he tracks her down for reasons he doesn't want to acknowledge even to himself.
It was a very different story and I think it could have been a bit longer. The end was rushed and tied up way too quickly without any real closure. I think this would have been a solid 5 star book with another two or three chapters and an epilogue.
** I read the kindle edition by Kate Rothwell aka Summer Devon **
June 19, 2013
When I think regency romance novels I don't expect opiate addictions, shopgirls who truly are shopgirls and not some down on her luck Lady, or conspiracy of insanity claims but this story had it all and made it look good.
Strong lead characters with spunk, good writing, and ends happily ever after I really can't ask for more.
Strong lead characters with spunk, good writing, and ends happily ever after I really can't ask for more.
June 25, 2015
Great romance
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The premise of the book was different then most of the romance books I read. I found the characters to be first rate with depth and interesting backgrounds. My only problem was that the ending seemed a little rushed, but overall a solid 4 stars!!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The premise of the book was different then most of the romance books I read. I found the characters to be first rate with depth and interesting backgrounds. My only problem was that the ending seemed a little rushed, but overall a solid 4 stars!!!
May 20, 2013
I liked this book, but there was something about it that bothered me. As the characters were talking and I was following along, all of a sudden I was confused as to who was saying what. Liked the h and H, the sex scenes were good.
July 4, 2013
A really fantastic plot, it was so well thought out. There was always something happening, with twists, turns and shifts. It had some really engaging characters, with great interaction and emotional play. This is a page turner.
November 26, 2013
Had just the worst time trying to get into it. The beginning appeared promising, but the more I read, the more disinterested I became. Will try to find myself in the mood to completely finish the book at some later date.
November 21, 2011
This review can be found at:
http://www.romancing-the-book.com/201...
http://www.romancing-the-book.com/201...
August 13, 2016
Pleasant read. Felt frustrated that most of the story is the courtship, not much else. Resolution was too blah. It should've had more oomph.
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