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Pink Carnation #4
The Seduction of the Crimson Rose
A continuation of the series that began with The Masque of the Black Tulip and The Deception of the Emerald Ring finds Mary accepting a secret assignment from spy Lord Vaughn to infiltrate the Black Tulip's operation in order to prevent an invasion of England. 40,000 first printing.
385 pages, Hardcover
First published January 6, 2008
91 people are currently reading
2766 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Willig
44 books4,731 followersLauren Willig is the New York Times bestselling author of nineteen works of historical fiction. Her books have been translated into over a dozen languages, awarded the RITA, Booksellers Best and Golden Leaf awards, and chosen for the American Library Association's annual list of the best genre fiction. After graduating from Yale University, she embarked on a PhD in History at Harvard before leaving academia to acquire a JD at Harvard Law while authoring her "Pink Carnation" series of Napoleonic-set novels. She lives in New York City, where she now writes full time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 609 reviews
January 5, 2015
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★★★★½ I love this series! If anyone is looking for a good serial “buddy read,” this is the book for your group. That is, if everyone can commit to sticking to the reading schedule and not jump ahead. In that case, you’ll get a lot of this in answer to your Discussion Questions: “Sorry, I can’t answer; I read ahead.”
Like most of my other “buddy read” members, I liked, not loved the main characters. Nevertheless, I truly appreciated that the author presents us with unique individuals for this, the fourth in the Pink Carnation series, instead of the same cookie-cutter H/h. Like the rest of these novels, the plot and the pacing are spot-on – and I think the suspense may even be better.
Special Note: I spent half my time reading the paperback, half listening to the audiobook. Kate Reading, the same narrator as the first three, does her usual excellent job.
October 30, 2010
Lauren Willig's fourth Pink book tells the story of two very SLYTHERIN characters (and do pardon me for the use of Harry Potter parallels).
The girl is Mary Alsworthy (sister of Letty Alsworthy, the leading lady in the Book 3, who is portrayed as a haughty and opportunistic debutante. In Book 3, we learned that Mary schemed to get a viscount to marry him, only to have her plans foiled when the viscount decided to marry her sister instead. So her suitor became her brother-in-law and she isn't happy about it. She's very, very bitter about her situation in the beginning of this book and is decidedly bitchy about it. But I rather adore her bitchiness. I don't know why exactly. I just do.
Her suitor in this book is the much older Sebastian, Lord Vaughn. Vaughn loves to speak in triple entendres and misquote Shakespeare. He's also bitter because he secretly loves Mary but can't do anything about his attraction to her, thanks to his not-quote-dead wife. At the request of the English spy Pink Carnation, together they both got busy trying to uncover the secret identity and treacherous plans of the deadly French spy, the Black Tulip. Somewhere during and after the (attempted) murder and mayhem, they overcame the major obstacles in their lives and got together.
Let me now tell you why this is my favorite book in the series.
As I've said before, both characters are so very Slytherin (I don't usually see characters in other books in Harry Potter terms, but the ones here are just so very representative of that particular House in HP that I can't resist myself!) They're cunning and manipulative and not above using other people to get their way. It's quite refreshing to see characters with grey morals like these because, even though the Pink Carnation series is more plot-and-suspense than bodice-ripping romance, the previous heroes and heroines are of the "dashing knights in shining armor" and "damsels in distress" type. Vaughn and Mary, on the other hand, are different. They're mature characters with obnoxious opinions and plenty of charm and sophistication.
Oh, and, by the way, thanks to the whole Slytherin thing, I'm totally picturing Vaughn as Lucius Malfoy (except that his face is more Alan Rickman than Jason Isaacs, which is just as sexy, actually). I couldn't sleep for days just thinking of Alan Rickman playing Vaughn. *laughs*
The girl is Mary Alsworthy (sister of Letty Alsworthy, the leading lady in the Book 3, who is portrayed as a haughty and opportunistic debutante. In Book 3, we learned that Mary schemed to get a viscount to marry him, only to have her plans foiled when the viscount decided to marry her sister instead. So her suitor became her brother-in-law and she isn't happy about it. She's very, very bitter about her situation in the beginning of this book and is decidedly bitchy about it. But I rather adore her bitchiness. I don't know why exactly. I just do.
Her suitor in this book is the much older Sebastian, Lord Vaughn. Vaughn loves to speak in triple entendres and misquote Shakespeare. He's also bitter because he secretly loves Mary but can't do anything about his attraction to her, thanks to his not-quote-dead wife. At the request of the English spy Pink Carnation, together they both got busy trying to uncover the secret identity and treacherous plans of the deadly French spy, the Black Tulip. Somewhere during and after the (attempted) murder and mayhem, they overcame the major obstacles in their lives and got together.
Let me now tell you why this is my favorite book in the series.
As I've said before, both characters are so very Slytherin (I don't usually see characters in other books in Harry Potter terms, but the ones here are just so very representative of that particular House in HP that I can't resist myself!) They're cunning and manipulative and not above using other people to get their way. It's quite refreshing to see characters with grey morals like these because, even though the Pink Carnation series is more plot-and-suspense than bodice-ripping romance, the previous heroes and heroines are of the "dashing knights in shining armor" and "damsels in distress" type. Vaughn and Mary, on the other hand, are different. They're mature characters with obnoxious opinions and plenty of charm and sophistication.
Oh, and, by the way, thanks to the whole Slytherin thing, I'm totally picturing Vaughn as Lucius Malfoy (except that his face is more Alan Rickman than Jason Isaacs, which is just as sexy, actually). I couldn't sleep for days just thinking of Alan Rickman playing Vaughn. *laughs*
September 17, 2023
Pretty Mary, so contrary,
Will you spy with me?
Dear Vaughn, keep your pants on!
Does this mean you'll marry me?
Will you spy with me?
Dear Vaughn, keep your pants on!
Does this mean you'll marry me?
December 30, 2010
I have the utmost admiration of Willig's skill as an author. And for her sheer bravery for letting her characters remain true to their natures--flaws and all. It would have been easy to explain away their rather unpleasant characteristics with stories of a troubled childhood or various heartbreaks. But she didn't take the easy way, instead walking a tightrope between unlikable and admirable. I'm not sure anyone else would have been able to tell Vaughn and Mary's story and make me like them. They're still unpleasant at times, and certainly not as admirable as some of her other heroes and heroines, but I found their romance believable and for all their denials, really rather sweet. There were a couple of times when they crossed lines that made me a bit squeamish. But I'm pretty good at glossing over things like that. In books. I was glad to see Eloise make some progress on the Colin front! Fun read.
May 22, 2009
I reviewed this book at my blog. Twice, since it's one I've re-read quite a number of times now. Here's the combined craziness:
In The Seduction of the Crimson Rose, Lauren Willig has pulled off an extraordinary feat: She has taken a woman who was established to be a spoiled, somewhat conniving social-climber as her Regency heroine, and paired her with a man who, in two prior books, has shown himself to be a somewhat predatory and amoral rake at best, and a dangerous double-agent at worst - he's too slippery to pin down, really - and she makes me love them both. With a big, hearty love. And that, my friends, is some Very Good Writing.
In this, the fourth novel in the Pink Carnation series, we follow the story of Mary Alsworthy (sister to Letty, the heroine of The Deception of the Emerald Ring). Master spy, the Pink Carnation, has asked Lord Vaughn (rogue, bounder, scoundrel and somewhat pretentious cad) to enlist Mary's assistance in catching the Black Tulip - a French spy first introduced properly in The Masque of the Black Tulip. Vaughn never speaks in simple sentences when double entendres will do, and is a bit of a roué. Mary is, as stated, a social-climbing conniver who finds herself in the awkward position of being a hanger-on in the home of her younger sister, who accidentally eloped with Mary's intended beau; naturally, Letty and Geoff are blissfully happy in their romance, and Mary is, well, in a state of constant mortification.
Mary and Vaughn have a lot in common, as well as a lot of issues to overcome. The plot moves along at a terrific pace, and is extremely interested. Once again, points to me for immediately sorting out the identity of the Black Tulip. I mean, I know I said that in book 2 as well, but I should qualify that I correctly identified the person acting in the capacity of the Black Tulip in that book, and I spotted the correct person in this one as well. I didn't, however, sort out the backstory for the Black Tulip, and was delighted to find it all out.
I was also terribly delighted with Eloise Kelly's story in this one, Eloise being the modern-day researcher who is relating/reading/uncovering the Regency romance portion of the book (which occupies the vast majority of the pages). Eloise finally has her date with the dishy Colin Selwick in this book, as well as interacting with a nefarious archivist. I couldn't be more pleased, I think, than I was with this book.
I realize that my fondness for this particular title in the series beginning with The Secret History of the Pink Carnation is based in part on my admiration for her taking an unlikeable woman and making her the heroine of the historical part, in part on her selection of the morally ambiguous and always urbane Lord Vaughn, in part on the modern-day romance between Eloise and Colin (which involves an actual date and first kiss in this particular book), and in part on the amount of poetry and Shakespeare that is quoted throughout the book, sometimes as chapter headers, and frequently in Vaughn's dialogue.
"Break of Day" by John Donne, is quoted twice in the book. The last couplet ("He which hath business, and makes love, doth do/Such wrong, as when a married man doth woo") is quoted as an epigram to chapter 28, and the first two lines ("Tis true, 'tis day; what though it be?/O wilt thou therefore rise from me?") are spoken by Vaughn in chapter 26. So now I'm not only re-reading the book (as mentioned in Thursday's post), but also re-reading yesterday's poem selection. Plus, I'm about to embark on re-reading Much Ado About Nothing by Shakespeare, which is quoted several times as epigraphs to various chapters (along with quotes from Hamlet, King Lear, Measure for Measure, As You Like It, The Winter's Tale, and Richard III, and the text includes additional quotes and references from those plays as well as Romeo and Juliet as well). Additional references are made to Paradise Lost by John Milton, several other John Donne poems, Christopher Marlowe, Ben Jonson, Robert Burns, and more.
I have realized that I am a complete sucker for Shakespeare and other quotes. And now, I'm off. No, not "pursued by a bear."* I'm going to conclude my re-reading of the book, and then fish out my Complete Works of Shakespeare to start Much Ado About Nothing.
*Points to you if you recognize that as the (perhaps most-famous ever) stage direction from The Winter's Tale by William Shakespeare.
In The Seduction of the Crimson Rose, Lauren Willig has pulled off an extraordinary feat: She has taken a woman who was established to be a spoiled, somewhat conniving social-climber as her Regency heroine, and paired her with a man who, in two prior books, has shown himself to be a somewhat predatory and amoral rake at best, and a dangerous double-agent at worst - he's too slippery to pin down, really - and she makes me love them both. With a big, hearty love. And that, my friends, is some Very Good Writing.
In this, the fourth novel in the Pink Carnation series, we follow the story of Mary Alsworthy (sister to Letty, the heroine of The Deception of the Emerald Ring). Master spy, the Pink Carnation, has asked Lord Vaughn (rogue, bounder, scoundrel and somewhat pretentious cad) to enlist Mary's assistance in catching the Black Tulip - a French spy first introduced properly in The Masque of the Black Tulip. Vaughn never speaks in simple sentences when double entendres will do, and is a bit of a roué. Mary is, as stated, a social-climbing conniver who finds herself in the awkward position of being a hanger-on in the home of her younger sister, who accidentally eloped with Mary's intended beau; naturally, Letty and Geoff are blissfully happy in their romance, and Mary is, well, in a state of constant mortification.
Mary and Vaughn have a lot in common, as well as a lot of issues to overcome. The plot moves along at a terrific pace, and is extremely interested. Once again, points to me for immediately sorting out the identity of the Black Tulip. I mean, I know I said that in book 2 as well, but I should qualify that I correctly identified the person acting in the capacity of the Black Tulip in that book, and I spotted the correct person in this one as well. I didn't, however, sort out the backstory for the Black Tulip, and was delighted to find it all out.
I was also terribly delighted with Eloise Kelly's story in this one, Eloise being the modern-day researcher who is relating/reading/uncovering the Regency romance portion of the book (which occupies the vast majority of the pages). Eloise finally has her date with the dishy Colin Selwick in this book, as well as interacting with a nefarious archivist. I couldn't be more pleased, I think, than I was with this book.
I realize that my fondness for this particular title in the series beginning with The Secret History of the Pink Carnation is based in part on my admiration for her taking an unlikeable woman and making her the heroine of the historical part, in part on her selection of the morally ambiguous and always urbane Lord Vaughn, in part on the modern-day romance between Eloise and Colin (which involves an actual date and first kiss in this particular book), and in part on the amount of poetry and Shakespeare that is quoted throughout the book, sometimes as chapter headers, and frequently in Vaughn's dialogue.
"Break of Day" by John Donne, is quoted twice in the book. The last couplet ("He which hath business, and makes love, doth do/Such wrong, as when a married man doth woo") is quoted as an epigram to chapter 28, and the first two lines ("Tis true, 'tis day; what though it be?/O wilt thou therefore rise from me?") are spoken by Vaughn in chapter 26. So now I'm not only re-reading the book (as mentioned in Thursday's post), but also re-reading yesterday's poem selection. Plus, I'm about to embark on re-reading Much Ado About Nothing by Shakespeare, which is quoted several times as epigraphs to various chapters (along with quotes from Hamlet, King Lear, Measure for Measure, As You Like It, The Winter's Tale, and Richard III, and the text includes additional quotes and references from those plays as well as Romeo and Juliet as well). Additional references are made to Paradise Lost by John Milton, several other John Donne poems, Christopher Marlowe, Ben Jonson, Robert Burns, and more.
I have realized that I am a complete sucker for Shakespeare and other quotes. And now, I'm off. No, not "pursued by a bear."* I'm going to conclude my re-reading of the book, and then fish out my Complete Works of Shakespeare to start Much Ado About Nothing.
*Points to you if you recognize that as the (perhaps most-famous ever) stage direction from The Winter's Tale by William Shakespeare.
July 22, 2020
There is something tremendously attractive about the sardonic resilience of both hero (Vaughn) and heroine (Mary) in this anti-love story. Leaving aside the minor problems that Vaughn is married, and Mary is a (reluctantish) fortune-hunter, neither has any time for the sentimentalities of their circle (Mary is particularly scathing of her sister's sweetness and light) and both are resolutely unsympathetic MCs. So when they do finally acknowledge their feelings for each other in a brilliantly sustained three-chapter tour-de-force, it is with a deep-grained reluctance that is curiously convincing:-
“Never underestimate the healing power of love’s gentle balm,” intoned Vaughn in saccharine tones.
Mary looked up at him, her brows a straight, dark line above her eyes. “Is it?” she asked seriously. “Love?”
“It isn’t the opium,” replied Vaughn.
Mary waited, unwilling to let him off that easily. After a very long moment, as Vaughn’s arm grew heavier and heavier beneath her neck and the ticking of the clock grew louder by the moment, he spoke.
“Yes,” he said heavily. “I suppose it is.”
“Much against your will,” Mary supplied for him.
“Rather like you.” Vaughn’s lips quirked in a twisted smile.
Like some other reviewers, I find the Eloise/Colin interventions characterless and annoying, and the actual Pink Carnation plot is not terribly gripping. But I read this frequently because the chemistry between Vaughn and Mary jumps off the page (and they are funny with it).
“Never underestimate the healing power of love’s gentle balm,” intoned Vaughn in saccharine tones.
Mary looked up at him, her brows a straight, dark line above her eyes. “Is it?” she asked seriously. “Love?”
“It isn’t the opium,” replied Vaughn.
Mary waited, unwilling to let him off that easily. After a very long moment, as Vaughn’s arm grew heavier and heavier beneath her neck and the ticking of the clock grew louder by the moment, he spoke.
“Yes,” he said heavily. “I suppose it is.”
“Much against your will,” Mary supplied for him.
“Rather like you.” Vaughn’s lips quirked in a twisted smile.
Like some other reviewers, I find the Eloise/Colin interventions characterless and annoying, and the actual Pink Carnation plot is not terribly gripping. But I read this frequently because the chemistry between Vaughn and Mary jumps off the page (and they are funny with it).
November 5, 2017
4.5 stars This series continues to delight me. In this installment, the historical storyline pairs two of the more difficult to like characters in Willig's Regency world - Lord Vaughn and Mary Alsworthy. Personally, I've found both characters quite intriguing. In a genre where the heroines tend toward saintliness, Mary has a strong self-interest that I found intriguing. Her position in life is precarious and she knows it, so she is determined to marry well in order to avoid an uncertain future. She's beautiful and not exactly the warm and fuzzy sort of personality, so she's something of an outsider among the other young women.
Sebastian, Lord Vaughn, is a good bit older than Mary. In his mid-30s, he's quite worldly and seems to hint at a throwback to the more hedonistic aspects of the Georgian era rather than a man of the 19th century. Whether his loyalties lie with England or with France is often a matter of some debate, and it's hard to tell to whom he is loyal - aside from himself.
When Mary accepts a secret assignment from Vaughn, the growing attraction between the two as well as the edge of moral uncertainty in their story makes this an interesting read. This novel features two strong characters and because their voices are quite different than, say, Henrietta and Miles, the book has an entirely different tone to it than the three which came before. There's not quite as much humor, but Willig writes drama very well, too.
And of course the saga of Eloise and Colin continues with their first actual date and some interesting revelations. It's all good stuff.
Sebastian, Lord Vaughn, is a good bit older than Mary. In his mid-30s, he's quite worldly and seems to hint at a throwback to the more hedonistic aspects of the Georgian era rather than a man of the 19th century. Whether his loyalties lie with England or with France is often a matter of some debate, and it's hard to tell to whom he is loyal - aside from himself.
When Mary accepts a secret assignment from Vaughn, the growing attraction between the two as well as the edge of moral uncertainty in their story makes this an interesting read. This novel features two strong characters and because their voices are quite different than, say, Henrietta and Miles, the book has an entirely different tone to it than the three which came before. There's not quite as much humor, but Willig writes drama very well, too.
And of course the saga of Eloise and Colin continues with their first actual date and some interesting revelations. It's all good stuff.
July 25, 2019
WIG??????? will write a proper review when my brain catches up.
----
I have no idea, I feel like I was given a direct injection of coke into my bloodstream, it's That relevant to my id. It's a lot less lighter than the other books - Mary's jaded, and Sebastian is straight up a cryptic puzzle and there's a lot of dry humor, it really was incredible. I had only wished that Mary and Letty's relationship could've been repaired more (I mean - Willig does a good job at pointing out how annoyed Mary was after the events of book 3, and there's a brief moment near the end when she has a feeling of fondness for when Letty doesn't ask where she spent the night but I wish there was MORE. One thing I love more than tight sister bonds is strained sister bonds and it wasn't really a passing thought!) SO anyway, the relationship between Vaughn and Mary is very push and pull, and fun to unpack with it being built on secrecy and Vaughn using Mary so he can be free of being the Carnation's errand boy - but then they find underneath the iciness of their hearts something like spring coming around as it thaws around each other and it's fucking great. Vaughn being jealous of the men Mary was by, and also dealing with (redacted), was great when we got it but I wished there was a bit more of Vaughn's feeling for Mary because what we did (basically, the whole Chinese room scene) was hot and I wish there was just a little more of it. Because we see Mary's feelings for him go from "Hot, but annoying" to "Man, he's hot and annoying and I don't mind that" --- he butchers Shakespeare!!!! And she's completely okay with it!!!! There's such a ruthless level of practicality in their love for each other but also devotion that they'd definitely follow each other into hell. More Eloise/Colin relationship is so good. It's so fucking good, Eloise ruining that archivist's life on behalf of Serena and Colin watching it is like, god, I love romance.
----
I have no idea, I feel like I was given a direct injection of coke into my bloodstream, it's That relevant to my id. It's a lot less lighter than the other books - Mary's jaded, and Sebastian is straight up a cryptic puzzle and there's a lot of dry humor, it really was incredible. I had only wished that Mary and Letty's relationship could've been repaired more (I mean - Willig does a good job at pointing out how annoyed Mary was after the events of book 3, and there's a brief moment near the end when she has a feeling of fondness for when Letty doesn't ask where she spent the night but I wish there was MORE. One thing I love more than tight sister bonds is strained sister bonds and it wasn't really a passing thought!) SO anyway, the relationship between Vaughn and Mary is very push and pull, and fun to unpack with it being built on secrecy and Vaughn using Mary so he can be free of being the Carnation's errand boy - but then they find underneath the iciness of their hearts something like spring coming around as it thaws around each other and it's fucking great. Vaughn being jealous of the men Mary was by, and also dealing with (redacted), was great when we got it but I wished there was a bit more of Vaughn's feeling for Mary because what we did (basically, the whole Chinese room scene) was hot and I wish there was just a little more of it. Because we see Mary's feelings for him go from "Hot, but annoying" to "Man, he's hot and annoying and I don't mind that" --- he butchers Shakespeare!!!! And she's completely okay with it!!!! There's such a ruthless level of practicality in their love for each other but also devotion that they'd definitely follow each other into hell. More Eloise/Colin relationship is so good. It's so fucking good, Eloise ruining that archivist's life on behalf of Serena and Colin watching it is like, god, I love romance.
May 20, 2021
Fun to take two somewhat unlikeable characters from the previous books and throw them together.
December 4, 2013
So, when I read the blurb for this book, I figured I'd end up liking it okay, but not as much as the two prior because it was about Vaughn and I couldn't really see him carrying a book or holding my interest. He's pretty much a mustache twirling foil in the first two books, and who can take that seriously, you know?
BUT! Turns out, I did not know I liked Vaughn as much I ended up liking Vaughn! He had a personality and he even cracked a joke or two. And, of course, he had SECRET PAIN. When it comes to fiction, I have a type and that type is emotionally damaged with baggage.
As for Mary, I dig how unapologetic she was about finding a husband. Sometimes, a lady's just got to make the best of a situation and look out for herself.
Once again, excellent narration, EXCEPT for the American bits. After 3 audiobooks in this series, I have confirmed that I hate narrator's Eloise for being super smug and not half as funny, charming, or self-deprecating as she thinks she is. Maybe Eloise reads better on the page than how it sounds in audio?
BUT! Turns out, I did not know I liked Vaughn as much I ended up liking Vaughn! He had a personality and he even cracked a joke or two. And, of course, he had SECRET PAIN. When it comes to fiction, I have a type and that type is emotionally damaged with baggage.
As for Mary, I dig how unapologetic she was about finding a husband. Sometimes, a lady's just got to make the best of a situation and look out for herself.
Once again, excellent narration, EXCEPT for the American bits. After 3 audiobooks in this series, I have confirmed that I hate narrator's Eloise for being super smug and not half as funny, charming, or self-deprecating as she thinks she is. Maybe Eloise reads better on the page than how it sounds in audio?
February 27, 2022
I am raising this to a five star read, it's just SO good. Mary is the most prickly, mercenary heroine and it is GREAT. And she and Vaughn are such a good match, plus . The Colin and Eloise of it all really starts hitting its stride in this one too, and that makes me very happy.
Series ranking:
1. The Masque of the Black Tulip
2. The Seduction of the Crimson Rose
3. The Deception of the Emerald Ring
4. The Secret History of the Pink Carnation
Series ranking:
1. The Masque of the Black Tulip
2. The Seduction of the Crimson Rose
3. The Deception of the Emerald Ring
4. The Secret History of the Pink Carnation
April 4, 2012
I bought this book because it was on sale. REALLY on sale. And because it was hardcover. And, well, it looked pretty. So...why not?
I'm actually torn between giving 3 or 4 stars. (Yes, this is when I'd like half stars.) Two otherwise unlikeable characters come together with such wit and intelligent dialogue that I found myself empathizing and ultimately cheering for them. These two actually GET each other's humor, and they're able ot bounce back-handed comments, sparring asides and private jokes between each other with flawless ease. Yes, it's really great dialogue, whether it's historically accurate or not, but if I ever encountered people talking this way today, I would thoroughly enjoy it...while finding myself woefully unable to measure up. This is why I'm keeping this book on my shelves.
Different, from what reviews I've read, from the earlier books in the series (which, yes, I will probably end up reading now)...I've now found myself hooked on the series regardless. I actually didn't care much for the modern-day researcher Eloise. She just seemed too obtuse in her interactions to want to bother with--particularly after reading better-developed characters in the historical story. (The book has two stories going on at alternating intervals. Eloise has been able to develop through four books by now, but I obviously missed out on three-fourths of that.)
Ok, so the pretty cover doesn't look bad on my shelves, either. ;)
I'm actually torn between giving 3 or 4 stars. (Yes, this is when I'd like half stars.) Two otherwise unlikeable characters come together with such wit and intelligent dialogue that I found myself empathizing and ultimately cheering for them. These two actually GET each other's humor, and they're able ot bounce back-handed comments, sparring asides and private jokes between each other with flawless ease. Yes, it's really great dialogue, whether it's historically accurate or not, but if I ever encountered people talking this way today, I would thoroughly enjoy it...while finding myself woefully unable to measure up. This is why I'm keeping this book on my shelves.
Different, from what reviews I've read, from the earlier books in the series (which, yes, I will probably end up reading now)...I've now found myself hooked on the series regardless. I actually didn't care much for the modern-day researcher Eloise. She just seemed too obtuse in her interactions to want to bother with--particularly after reading better-developed characters in the historical story. (The book has two stories going on at alternating intervals. Eloise has been able to develop through four books by now, but I obviously missed out on three-fourths of that.)
Ok, so the pretty cover doesn't look bad on my shelves, either. ;)
May 10, 2012
For some reason I didn't like this one as much as I've liked the previous books in this series. Now, that's not to say that it isn't good, cause as you can see, I gave it 4 stars. I just don't feel the same excitement now that it's over. Without giving away to much of the plot, there were some things that were resolved in this book, that can't have gone the way it appears, since there are more books in the series.
As much as I'm feeling kind of blah about this, I have to say I grew to like Lord Vaughn. He's not your typical hero...he still talked in circles and I'm not 100% convinced of his love for Mary, but when he told her how he felt about her and how if he had his way she'd be buying her bridal clothes, I melted. There were no flowery words or promises, it was blunt and even a bit angry. But it was all Lord Sebastian Vaughn cause that is the way he is.
I'm sure I'll reread this at a later date to see if I don't get all the warm and fuzzy feelings like I did from the rest of the books in the series.
As much as I'm feeling kind of blah about this, I have to say I grew to like Lord Vaughn. He's not your typical hero...he still talked in circles and I'm not 100% convinced of his love for Mary, but when he told her how he felt about her and how if he had his way she'd be buying her bridal clothes, I melted. There were no flowery words or promises, it was blunt and even a bit angry. But it was all Lord Sebastian Vaughn cause that is the way he is.
I'm sure I'll reread this at a later date to see if I don't get all the warm and fuzzy feelings like I did from the rest of the books in the series.
November 4, 2015
rhaaaaaaaaaaaaa ♥ *-* ♥
soyons folles, 5 étoiles pourMick Vaughn ♥♥♥♥ (désolée c'est une private joke qui s'est produite lors d'un sms et le super autocorrect m'a mis 'Mick ♥" au lieu de "mici ♥" ce qui a laissé Pando dans la confusion la plus total "mais qui est Mick ???" sur quoi j'ai lancé que c'était le prénom caché de Vaughn... bref.)
les réparties entre Mary et Vaughn sont un régal à lire, et les voir s'attacher l'un à l'autre malgré eux c'est trop meugnon. et puis ils y vont pas par 4 chemins quand ils réalisent leur sentiment, ils balancent tout direct entre deux mots de Shakespeare #aaaaaawwwwwww
et Eloïse et Colin gniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii, j'ai couiné comme une demeurée pendant tout le chapitre sur leur rendez-vous et le bisouuuuuuuuuuuuuu ♥♥♥
sinon la Black Tulip n'a pas dis son dernier mot (et vu mon premier statut de lecture, je dois avoir un radar à psychopathe franchement xD)
soyons folles, 5 étoiles pour
les réparties entre Mary et Vaughn sont un régal à lire, et les voir s'attacher l'un à l'autre malgré eux c'est trop meugnon. et puis ils y vont pas par 4 chemins quand ils réalisent leur sentiment, ils balancent tout direct entre deux mots de Shakespeare #aaaaaawwwwwww
et Eloïse et Colin gniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii, j'ai couiné comme une demeurée pendant tout le chapitre sur leur rendez-vous et le bisouuuuuuuuuuuuuu ♥♥♥
sinon la Black Tulip n'a pas dis son dernier mot (et vu mon premier statut de lecture, je dois avoir un radar à psychopathe franchement xD)
May 10, 2012
The 4th book in the Pink Carnation series and a great addition. I didn't particularly like either Mary or Vaughn (I didn't hate them, though) in the previous book but I warmed up to them quickly in this one. It would be hard to say which book is my favorite so far but this one is probably in the running. Vaughn recruits Mary at the request of the Pink Carnation to help expose the Black Tulip. Never a dull moment as we go back and forth from Eloise and Colin in the present day to Vaughn and Mary in Georgian era England.
May 27, 2018
Modern plot: An American graduate student is researching in London for her dissertation, and falling in love with an Englishman whose family holds the key secrets to the success of her dissertation. Official historian at the archives evidently is in competition with her dissertation: he previously tried to get at the family secrets by seducing the Englishman's sister. Who is a friend of a friend....not much activity in this plot, mostly silly schoolgirl-crush dreaminess by grad student.
Historical plot: The Pink Carnation is threatened by the Purple Gentian, still doesn't know the PG's identity. PG doesn't know PC's identity either. PC enlists the help of a friend, a wealthy, arrogant and sexy widower, to catch PG. Widower attracts a beautiful young woman, recently jilted, now considered a spinster by high society. He entraps her into serving as bait to catch the Purple Gentian. As they begin to fall in love despite fierce resistance by both, the presumed-dead wife returns to complicate matters. Was/is the wife working for PG? Plenty of action in this plot, however the resolution is implausible.
A fun romp, however silly or implausible. Recommend the series for light entertainment.
Historical plot: The Pink Carnation is threatened by the Purple Gentian, still doesn't know the PG's identity. PG doesn't know PC's identity either. PC enlists the help of a friend, a wealthy, arrogant and sexy widower, to catch PG. Widower attracts a beautiful young woman, recently jilted, now considered a spinster by high society. He entraps her into serving as bait to catch the Purple Gentian. As they begin to fall in love despite fierce resistance by both, the presumed-dead wife returns to complicate matters. Was/is the wife working for PG? Plenty of action in this plot, however the resolution is implausible.
A fun romp, however silly or implausible. Recommend the series for light entertainment.
June 23, 2019
I wasn't sure if I would like these individual perspectives or the pairing but I ended up really enjoying this book. Onto the next!
March 18, 2024
Another good mystery/romance. Good enough to make me want to add the next book to my TBR pile! I’m even getting used to slipping between eras. Would that a person really could!
November 13, 2023
Apparently, if a main character is named Vaughn, I am a goner. Happened with Unsticky, happened here. Mary and Vaughn are both self-centered and ruthless, the banter is excellent. Slytherins to the core. Loved the dynamics and also the scorned schemer theme we had going on for Mary. Loved it for the characters, they really are stellar and arrive beautifully to their moment of truth scene.
I am taking a star because I could not care less for the 21st century research plotline that's apparently the link between the books of the series - to be more precise I could not care less for the romance there.
I am taking a star because I could not care less for the 21st century research plotline that's apparently the link between the books of the series - to be more precise I could not care less for the romance there.
March 5, 2015
Things aren't going very well for Mary Alsworthy. Her midnight elopement ended with a married younger sister and herself still on the shelf. Not that she really loved Geoff or anything, but the title and the houses were just the thing. Now she's stuck rusticating with the new couple who are sickeningly in love and oversolicitous of her. She might just be able to stomach it if they weren't so apologetic about the whole situation. But when she hears that they are going to pay for her next London season she can't take their kindness anymore. Lord Vaughn, at the urging of the Pink Carnation, has made Mary an offer. With her coloring and her bearing she appears to be just the type of girl a certain Black Tulip might hire as one of his assassins. After his recent foray in Ireland he is short a few petals. Mary agrees to play the game in exchange for one last chance at a suitable match. With Vaughn as her escort and entree to some of the more radical groups, she tries to establish herself as just the type of girl a famous French spy might seek out. From Vauxhall to Vaughn House, she tries to work her way in the world, all while trading barbs with the king of cynicism and insult, Lord Sebastian Vaughn himself. Mary does meet one eligible prospect, a Mr. St. George. But an earnest lord who spends much time rusticating looks less and less appealing next to the unattainable Vaughn. Mary would rather trade insults with Vaughn than words of endearment with St. George. Could it be that the ice maiden, who has always viewed her marriage as a commodity, where the best bank account wins, be falling for a man who turns out to be unattainable after the reappearance of his long dead wife? But matters of the heart might not signify if one of the hearts is no longer beating, because the Black Tulip doesn't hesitate to spill blood. Someone will die and a happy ending might not be in the cards. And while Eloise looks into Vaughn's past, could her present collide with Serena Selwick's heart breaker?
This is the book that made me fall irrevocably in love with this series. Mary and Vaughn are the perfect sparring partners. They duel with words in a way that is sheer entertainment and hasn't been seen since Elizabeth and Darcy. No saccharine and sweetness, we have barbed and witty repartee that just keeps the pages flying long through the night. They are what this series needed more than ever, a balance. Not all heroes are virtuous and good, not all are in it for the good of the country. Some heroes are just in it for themselves. If this book had one flaw, it's that once they start to fall for each other, their bark is worse than their bite. Their claws retract a little and it's never more enjoyable than when they are at each other full force. There are also no misunderstandings between the two. They have their obstacles, that's for sure, but they always know where the other one stands. They are a perfectly matched pair. I just hope that married life doesn't sweeten them one bit. But aside from the titular hero and heroine, we finally get a satisfactory conclusion to the identity of the Black Tulip, who is far more deranged, deluded and demented that we thought. With motivations that work for and against France, he was a nice surprise and not a simplistic ending to a plot device that has been going strong for three books. A satisfactory ending all around, even if just the tiniest bit of sweetness sneaks in at the end, but who can fault a happy ending?
This is the book that made me fall irrevocably in love with this series. Mary and Vaughn are the perfect sparring partners. They duel with words in a way that is sheer entertainment and hasn't been seen since Elizabeth and Darcy. No saccharine and sweetness, we have barbed and witty repartee that just keeps the pages flying long through the night. They are what this series needed more than ever, a balance. Not all heroes are virtuous and good, not all are in it for the good of the country. Some heroes are just in it for themselves. If this book had one flaw, it's that once they start to fall for each other, their bark is worse than their bite. Their claws retract a little and it's never more enjoyable than when they are at each other full force. There are also no misunderstandings between the two. They have their obstacles, that's for sure, but they always know where the other one stands. They are a perfectly matched pair. I just hope that married life doesn't sweeten them one bit. But aside from the titular hero and heroine, we finally get a satisfactory conclusion to the identity of the Black Tulip, who is far more deranged, deluded and demented that we thought. With motivations that work for and against France, he was a nice surprise and not a simplistic ending to a plot device that has been going strong for three books. A satisfactory ending all around, even if just the tiniest bit of sweetness sneaks in at the end, but who can fault a happy ending?
July 24, 2011
I was disappointed with this book. I loved #2 and #3 in the series, so I looked forward to reading about Lord Vaughn and Mary, but their love story never quite convinced me. Lord Vaughn's character was so intriguing in the other books! I thought his own story rather uninteresting, and fell flat at times. And for Lord Vaughn, so valued for his role as the "notorious rake", his book proved to be the most chaste- at least up to this point. I also didn't like how Letty was portrayed in this installment, when I adored her in Deception of the Emerald Ring. As far the modern love story of Eloise and Colin, I like how they are actually progressing, but I would like to see Colin embarrass himself or have an awkward moment.. no one can be that perfect!!
I'd like to give this book only 2 stars, but it was written well enough that I can't really make myself do it! I will wait awhile before reading #5, as I'm afraid of disappointment. I can only hope the offering is up to the quality and charm of the first 3 books.
I'd like to give this book only 2 stars, but it was written well enough that I can't really make myself do it! I will wait awhile before reading #5, as I'm afraid of disappointment. I can only hope the offering is up to the quality and charm of the first 3 books.
March 21, 2015
J'ai passé une nuit presque blanche pour le finir! Après une scène digne de "Sunset beach" qui m'a tiré des larmes (que voulait vous je suis trèèèèès fleur bleue), il me fallait connaitre la fin!
Donc il s'agissait du tome consacré à Lord Vaughn et Mary, la soeur de Letty, la précédente héroïne. ET on peut dire que le ton change. Ici, plus de bluette un peu fofolle mais une histoire entre deux personnes plus cyniques, qui ne croient pas/plus en l'amour.
C'est différent, c'est sombre mais ça colle aux personnages. Mary m'a touchée et je dirais que je la préfère à sa soeur, dans sa franchise et sa vision très réaliste de la femme et du mariage.
Quant à Vaughn... il ne m'a pas déçue loin de là!!! Il reste égal à lui même, froid, hautain et lorsqu'il craque ...Je vous ai dit que j'ai pleuré?
Donc au final, un très bon tome (youhouuu je n'ai pas été déçue) mais différent, on a un temps quitté les loufoqueries ...encore que ...
Donc il s'agissait du tome consacré à Lord Vaughn et Mary, la soeur de Letty, la précédente héroïne. ET on peut dire que le ton change. Ici, plus de bluette un peu fofolle mais une histoire entre deux personnes plus cyniques, qui ne croient pas/plus en l'amour.
C'est différent, c'est sombre mais ça colle aux personnages. Mary m'a touchée et je dirais que je la préfère à sa soeur, dans sa franchise et sa vision très réaliste de la femme et du mariage.
Quant à Vaughn... il ne m'a pas déçue loin de là!!! Il reste égal à lui même, froid, hautain et lorsqu'il craque ...Je vous ai dit que j'ai pleuré?
Donc au final, un très bon tome (youhouuu je n'ai pas été déçue) mais différent, on a un temps quitté les loufoqueries ...encore que ...
May 3, 2015
C'était biiiiiiiien ! Si j'ai mis plus de temps à le lire que prévu, c'est uniquement dû au fait que j'ai été un peu obsédée par Daredevil dernièrement et que j'avais un peu la flemme de lire XD mais une fois repris c'était impossible de le relâcher ^^
Moins loufoque que les précédents effectivement, mais tout aussi potentiellement dangereux en public, à cause des échanges absolument délicieux entre Vaughn et Mary, joutes verbales entrecoupées par ci par là de citations plus ou moins Shakespeariennes (parfois même avant le petit déjeuner, diantre !). Un vrai bonheur de les voir succomber l'un à l'autre malgré eux ^^
Alors ouais y a aussi un gros rebondissement soapesque, mais c'est biiiiiiiieeeeeen :D (ne jamais sous estimer l'intérêt d'une bonne morue !) hmmmm.
Et sinon Eloise et Colin ? RHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA !!!!! *_*
Moins loufoque que les précédents effectivement, mais tout aussi potentiellement dangereux en public, à cause des échanges absolument délicieux entre Vaughn et Mary, joutes verbales entrecoupées par ci par là de citations plus ou moins Shakespeariennes (parfois même avant le petit déjeuner, diantre !). Un vrai bonheur de les voir succomber l'un à l'autre malgré eux ^^
Alors ouais y a aussi un gros rebondissement soapesque, mais c'est biiiiiiiieeeeeen :D (ne jamais sous estimer l'intérêt d'une bonne morue !) hmmmm.
Et sinon Eloise et Colin ? RHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA !!!!! *_*
August 5, 2015
Audiobook Re-read August 2015
I decided to re-read my favorite Pink before the last one.
I didn't like the narrator much. She made Eloise sound dumb at times and pronounced French words awkwardly (and I'm saying that as a non-French speaker).
original review
I really loved this one! The characters were very much each other's equals and I loved the progress of their romance. And all the dialogue was so much fun!
I'm going to try to finish up some other things before moving to the next book . . . but will probably end up starting it tonight.
First read October 14, 2010. Re-read September 10, 2011.
I decided to re-read my favorite Pink before the last one.
I didn't like the narrator much. She made Eloise sound dumb at times and pronounced French words awkwardly (and I'm saying that as a non-French speaker).
original review
I really loved this one! The characters were very much each other's equals and I loved the progress of their romance. And all the dialogue was so much fun!
I'm going to try to finish up some other things before moving to the next book . . . but will probably end up starting it tonight.
First read October 14, 2010. Re-read September 10, 2011.
May 18, 2021
The Seduction of the Crimson Rose was excellent! In an unlikely turn of events, a previous somewhat villain, Lord Vaughn, turns into the hero of this book, as does his heroine. Willig has a way of changing her characters to make them fit a plotline that is unexpected. Her knowledge of classical literature adds so much to the dialogue and setting of her books. The right amount of suspense and intrigue keeps the reader engaged.
I enjoyed this book just as much in a reread. Again, I want to highlight the excellent writing skills of Lauren Willig as she made two unlikable characters, Lord Vaughn and Mary Alsworthy, admirable in this novel, focusing on traits not mentioned previously.
I enjoyed this book just as much in a reread. Again, I want to highlight the excellent writing skills of Lauren Willig as she made two unlikable characters, Lord Vaughn and Mary Alsworthy, admirable in this novel, focusing on traits not mentioned previously.
June 19, 2008
I feel like Willig's starting to force this series a tad; the plot (that is, the Dastardly Plot of the villains) was pretty implausible. Still they are fun reads. I was a little iffy about having Mary and Vaughn as the main characters and felt that she altered their previous established characters to make them fit the romantic mold. On the other hand, it was a nice change to for once have protagonists who weren't so good-goody.
April 16, 2009
the fourth in the series is good. i find that i go too long in between the novels, so i tend to forget many of the details of the characters from previous novels. willig is good about reminding the reader about minor details, but i find it a bit disconcerting. i wish the story of eloise would move along at a faster pace, but i am glad that she finally is together with the brit.
January 9, 2015
January 2015...Re-reading
Loved it even more than I remembered!! 4.5 stars. I liked the unconventionality of main characters and the unlikely love story. A nice change up in the series.
Loved it even more than I remembered!! 4.5 stars. I liked the unconventionality of main characters and the unlikely love story. A nice change up in the series.
January 13, 2024
This isn't my favorite book in the series. Vaughn and Mary are so basic on the surface and there are glimpses of depth to them, but not enough to make it believable.
Previously Read May 3, 2014
Previously Read May 3, 2014
April 24, 2021
Year long reread continues! Month 4, book 4! This is a rather refreshing entry in the series. Mary Allsworthy is approaching the reality of spinsterhood as she is about to start her fifth Season, embarrassingly funded by her younger sister...the same sister that stopped Mary's elopement by marrying her intended. But it's all well and good because Mary's true affections lie with the elusive Lord Vaughn who doesn't pay her much mind. Until Vaughn needs Mary as bait for the Black Tulip.
This is such a Slytherin romance and it was absolutely beautifully done. I do remember this is around the time I stopped caring about Eloise and Colin in the modern world cause they just kind of chug along with their romance and it's just fluff and filler that I didn't care for. But the spies and their friends are still wonderful and I love how Lauren Willig spins her tale of love and romance.
This is such a Slytherin romance and it was absolutely beautifully done. I do remember this is around the time I stopped caring about Eloise and Colin in the modern world cause they just kind of chug along with their romance and it's just fluff and filler that I didn't care for. But the spies and their friends are still wonderful and I love how Lauren Willig spins her tale of love and romance.
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