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The Scarlet Plumiere #1
Blood For Ink
An alternate cover edition can be found here.
If he unmasks her, she's as good as dead...
As the mysterious writer who exposes gentlemen's secrets, it is not the first time The Scarlet Plumiere has been hunted. But this time it’s different. This time, she interferes with one of the Four Kings, and the brotherhood will not rest until they marry her off and place her securely under a man’s thumb. Only they have to catch her first.
The Earl of Northwick is falling for this writer, sight unseen. Will she be pretty? Will she have all her teeth? In his rush to claim her for himself, regardless of who she might ultimately be, he places her in grave danger - her desperate enemies are watching closely for the moment her mask is removed.
If he unmasks her, she's as good as dead...
As the mysterious writer who exposes gentlemen's secrets, it is not the first time The Scarlet Plumiere has been hunted. But this time it’s different. This time, she interferes with one of the Four Kings, and the brotherhood will not rest until they marry her off and place her securely under a man’s thumb. Only they have to catch her first.
The Earl of Northwick is falling for this writer, sight unseen. Will she be pretty? Will she have all her teeth? In his rush to claim her for himself, regardless of who she might ultimately be, he places her in grave danger - her desperate enemies are watching closely for the moment her mask is removed.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 15, 2012
222 people are currently reading
752 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
November 1, 2016
Si tuviera que describir esta historia en una palabra, ésta sería tonta. Muy tonta.
Y para justificar mi descripción pondré algunos ejemplos.
Tenemos cuatro personajes masculinos, que van a ser los protagonistas de cada libro de la serie, y la heroína de esta historia:
Ramsey Birmingham, Conde de Northwick, el protagonista, que se enamora de una chica sin conocerla, pero decide empujarla a los brazos de otro porque su pasado le hace sentirse inseguro de si será o no capaz de protegerla de los peligros que la acechan.
Olivia, Ivvy, la protagonista, que es el tipo de chica que decide que ella sola debe salvar a los 4 protagonistas (veteranos de guerra, si me permiten la aclaración) de los peligros que la acechan, porque, por supuesto, es culpa suya, y ya de camino consiguen que la secuestren, así que sí, es exactamente una manera sutil de decir que la criatura es TSTL, a pesar de ser descrita como muy inteligente… También es la última en enterarse de todo… la pobre…
Stanley Winters, Vizconde Forsgreen, que no tiene ningún problema con hablar sobre su amante en la mesa durante una cena donde su prometida está presente… pensaba yo que la amante no era un tema que se trataba así tan a la ligera…
Presley Talbot, Marqués de Harcourt, de este personaje apenas recuerdo nada, creo que era el que dejaba obnubilado a la protagonista con su sonrisa, o era Forsgreen??
Y Earnest Meriwether, Conde de Ashmoore, que se supone que es el personaje serio y gris, con una mirada que mata y que tiene un mote super oscuro que da mucho miedo, pero que se lleva toda la historia guiñándole a Ivvy y volviendo los ojos ante las estupideces que se cometen a su alrededor.
Y todos ellos, absolutamente todos tienen varios ataques de risitas, sí, lo han leído bien, risitas, durante la historia. Decir que me ha resultado chocante es quedarse corto.
Y con referencia a la historia per se decir que es un melodrama que ha tenido casi 100 páginas de más. Al llegar al 24% de la historia los protagonistas saben quién es quien, no hay misterio, el misterio es que ninguno sabe que los otros lo saben, y las razones para mantener esta situación son de lo más tontas… y se mantiene casi hasta el final. Ha sido exasperante ver cómo nadie habla claro y el engaño se lía y lía…
Así que no, no puedo recomendar esta historia. Me ha resultado casi imposible de terminar. No ha sido ni entretenida, ni precisa ni interesante.
***
If I had to describe this story in a word, it would be silly. So silly.
And to justify my description I´ll give you some examples.
We have four male characters, who will be the protagonists of each book in the series, and the heroine of this story:
Ramsey Birmingham, Earl of Northwick, the hero, who falls for a girl whom he haven´t seen ever, and then he decided to push this girl into the arms of another man because his past makes him feel unsure of whether or not he would be able to protect her from the dangers that lurks for her.
Olivia, Ivvy, the heroine, is the kind of girl who decides that she alone must save the four men (war veterans, FYI) of the dangers that, of course, are her fault. In the meanwhile, just as expected, she got herself kidnapped, so yes, it is exactly a subtle way of say that the creature is TSTL, despite being described as clever ... She is also the last one to know everything that´s going on ... poor thing ...
Stanley Winters, Viscount Forsgreen, which has no problem with talking about his mistress during dinner with his fiancée present ... I thought that one´s lover was a subject off limits during meals...
Presley Talbot, Marquis of Harcourt, character from who I hardly remember a thing, I think he was who makes the heroine obsessed with his smile, or was it Forsgreen ??
And Earnest Meriwether, Count of Ashmoore, who is supposed to be the dark and serious character, who would kill with a look and has a super dark and very scary nickname, but the man spends the whole story winking at Ivvy and rolling his eyes.
And all of them, absolutely all, have several attacks of giggles, yes, you read that right, giggles, throughout the story. To say that I found this shocking is an understatement.
And with reference to the story per se is a melodrama which has had nearly 100 pages more than necessary. Upon reaching 24% of the story the characters know who is who, no mystery there, the mystery is that no one knows that the others know it, and the reasons for maintaining this situation are the dumbest ... and it remains this way almost to the end. It has been exasperating to see how anyone speaks clearly and the deception got tangled and tangled ...
So no, I can´t recommend this story. I found it almost impossible to finish. It was neither entertaining nor accuracy nor interesting.
Y para justificar mi descripción pondré algunos ejemplos.
Tenemos cuatro personajes masculinos, que van a ser los protagonistas de cada libro de la serie, y la heroína de esta historia:
Ramsey Birmingham, Conde de Northwick, el protagonista, que se enamora de una chica sin conocerla, pero decide empujarla a los brazos de otro porque su pasado le hace sentirse inseguro de si será o no capaz de protegerla de los peligros que la acechan.
Olivia, Ivvy, la protagonista, que es el tipo de chica que decide que ella sola debe salvar a los 4 protagonistas (veteranos de guerra, si me permiten la aclaración) de los peligros que la acechan, porque, por supuesto, es culpa suya, y ya de camino consiguen que la secuestren, así que sí, es exactamente una manera sutil de decir que la criatura es TSTL, a pesar de ser descrita como muy inteligente… También es la última en enterarse de todo… la pobre…
Stanley Winters, Vizconde Forsgreen, que no tiene ningún problema con hablar sobre su amante en la mesa durante una cena donde su prometida está presente… pensaba yo que la amante no era un tema que se trataba así tan a la ligera…
Presley Talbot, Marqués de Harcourt, de este personaje apenas recuerdo nada, creo que era el que dejaba obnubilado a la protagonista con su sonrisa, o era Forsgreen??
Y Earnest Meriwether, Conde de Ashmoore, que se supone que es el personaje serio y gris, con una mirada que mata y que tiene un mote super oscuro que da mucho miedo, pero que se lleva toda la historia guiñándole a Ivvy y volviendo los ojos ante las estupideces que se cometen a su alrededor.
Y todos ellos, absolutamente todos tienen varios ataques de risitas, sí, lo han leído bien, risitas, durante la historia. Decir que me ha resultado chocante es quedarse corto.
Y con referencia a la historia per se decir que es un melodrama que ha tenido casi 100 páginas de más. Al llegar al 24% de la historia los protagonistas saben quién es quien, no hay misterio, el misterio es que ninguno sabe que los otros lo saben, y las razones para mantener esta situación son de lo más tontas… y se mantiene casi hasta el final. Ha sido exasperante ver cómo nadie habla claro y el engaño se lía y lía…
Así que no, no puedo recomendar esta historia. Me ha resultado casi imposible de terminar. No ha sido ni entretenida, ni precisa ni interesante.
***
If I had to describe this story in a word, it would be silly. So silly.
And to justify my description I´ll give you some examples.
We have four male characters, who will be the protagonists of each book in the series, and the heroine of this story:
Ramsey Birmingham, Earl of Northwick, the hero, who falls for a girl whom he haven´t seen ever, and then he decided to push this girl into the arms of another man because his past makes him feel unsure of whether or not he would be able to protect her from the dangers that lurks for her.
Olivia, Ivvy, the heroine, is the kind of girl who decides that she alone must save the four men (war veterans, FYI) of the dangers that, of course, are her fault. In the meanwhile, just as expected, she got herself kidnapped, so yes, it is exactly a subtle way of say that the creature is TSTL, despite being described as clever ... She is also the last one to know everything that´s going on ... poor thing ...
Stanley Winters, Viscount Forsgreen, which has no problem with talking about his mistress during dinner with his fiancée present ... I thought that one´s lover was a subject off limits during meals...
Presley Talbot, Marquis of Harcourt, character from who I hardly remember a thing, I think he was who makes the heroine obsessed with his smile, or was it Forsgreen ??
And Earnest Meriwether, Count of Ashmoore, who is supposed to be the dark and serious character, who would kill with a look and has a super dark and very scary nickname, but the man spends the whole story winking at Ivvy and rolling his eyes.
And all of them, absolutely all, have several attacks of giggles, yes, you read that right, giggles, throughout the story. To say that I found this shocking is an understatement.
And with reference to the story per se is a melodrama which has had nearly 100 pages more than necessary. Upon reaching 24% of the story the characters know who is who, no mystery there, the mystery is that no one knows that the others know it, and the reasons for maintaining this situation are the dumbest ... and it remains this way almost to the end. It has been exasperating to see how anyone speaks clearly and the deception got tangled and tangled ...
So no, I can´t recommend this story. I found it almost impossible to finish. It was neither entertaining nor accuracy nor interesting.
December 3, 2013
Decent concept, poorly executed. The writing was vague and inconsistent, and replete with errors, misspellings, missing words, etc. I kept asking myself why I continued reading...I can only assume it was because there was some part of the plot or cast of characters that I had inadvertently started to care about. Hence the 2 stars.
October 6, 2013
In order to save herself from a horrible marriage, Olivia, the heroine, turns herself into a the newspaper's Scarlet Premiere. No only does she disgrace her fiance so the wedding can be called off, but through a network of women, assists them to find happiness.
However, when she writes about one of the members of the "Four Kings", they devise a plan to put her out of commission by having someone marry her. North realizes that he is half in love with her all ready and when he draws the persons name, names himself as the person who must find and marry Scarlet. Other members of the brotherhood, Ashwood, Harwood and Stanley vow to help him.
Each King learns of Olivia's secret in their own way and also learns that if she is exposed, her very life could be in danger from the many men that she has thwarted with her column. Even with their protection, her life is put in danger and when she is kidnapped, North will do everything in his power to save her.
I am usually into more spicy romance but this still held my interest and I enjoyed getting to know all the characters in the book. I did get lost a few times in the story as it seemed like there should have been a prequel to this series, but even though I had to try and get through past details that were revealed in later parts of the book, it was still a sweet romance with lots of fun elements.
However, when she writes about one of the members of the "Four Kings", they devise a plan to put her out of commission by having someone marry her. North realizes that he is half in love with her all ready and when he draws the persons name, names himself as the person who must find and marry Scarlet. Other members of the brotherhood, Ashwood, Harwood and Stanley vow to help him.
Each King learns of Olivia's secret in their own way and also learns that if she is exposed, her very life could be in danger from the many men that she has thwarted with her column. Even with their protection, her life is put in danger and when she is kidnapped, North will do everything in his power to save her.
I am usually into more spicy romance but this still held my interest and I enjoyed getting to know all the characters in the book. I did get lost a few times in the story as it seemed like there should have been a prequel to this series, but even though I had to try and get through past details that were revealed in later parts of the book, it was still a sweet romance with lots of fun elements.
own-to-read
September 30, 2013Free on Amazon today - 9/30/13
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September 4, 2012
I fully enjoyed this comical,mysterious, witty, and CLEAN Regency Romance novel. Fun read!
July 21, 2016
The seeming lack of research into the times in which the book is set really bothered me. So many of the societal conventions of the time were disregarded, and I had a hard time getting past that.
June 1, 2024
DNF: The guys’ thoughts were a jumbled mess the first few pages, I couldn’t make sense of him. Plus, I’m and his friends didn’t seem like the best of men, maybe if I’d kept going he would have been redeemed, but the all over the place-ness of it stopped me. Also it seemed like a raffle was happening to see who was to marry the Scarlet Plumierre, but the lords
Didn’t even know if she was a gentlewoman. That would not have happened in the regency. Class structure mattered then.
Also I was reading a kindle edition with a different cover than this main one shown on goodreads- but why does this have good reads cover, probably the original have a modern day wedding gown in a regency? I’m so confused.
Didn’t even know if she was a gentlewoman. That would not have happened in the regency. Class structure mattered then.
Also I was reading a kindle edition with a different cover than this main one shown on goodreads- but why does this have good reads cover, probably the original have a modern day wedding gown in a regency? I’m so confused.
April 22, 2020
I don't know how to rate this book. Let's do a recap:
The good: it's funny. The characters are interesting, the love story is enjoyable.
Then why was I struggling to finish it?
The bad: too historically inaccurate. I mean, I get it, nobody wants a realistic, word-by-word portrayal of regency era England in a romance novel. But the level of inaccuracy in this one is so much that I skimmed the last chapters. Suuure I want my bad-ass heroine but not like this.
The good: it's funny. The characters are interesting, the love story is enjoyable.
Then why was I struggling to finish it?
The bad: too historically inaccurate. I mean, I get it, nobody wants a realistic, word-by-word portrayal of regency era England in a romance novel. But the level of inaccuracy in this one is so much that I skimmed the last chapters. Suuure I want my bad-ass heroine but not like this.
March 20, 2014
Great story where the Scarlet Plumiere uses blood for ink (figuratively) to save the poor women of London from the scoundrels who would ruin their lives through her fiction installments in the newspaper. The 4 Kings (4 devoted friends) decide to unmask her and draw lots for the task of finding her and then marrying her to shut her up and keep her in her place. But the Earl of Northwick (one of the 4 friends) has fallen in love, sight unseen, with the witty writer and fixes the drawing to ensure he is the one to find her. A thoroughly entertaining tale of wit, intrigue, mystery, romance, and murderous intent. I liked that it was clean too.
April 30, 2014
This was a fabulously funny romance that kept me either laughing out loud or smiling like a fool the entire time. The Scarlet Plumiere is one heck if a woman, and Lord North is certainly her match. They exchange barbs and taunts as they try to outwit each other, and even in the end it isn't certain who really wins the match. I will definitely read more from this author.
March 17, 2014
A fun adventure and well written likeable characters. There were a few parts that were confusing when characters acted like they didn't have knowledge of something the reader would think they did have knowledge of.
September 13, 2012
I loved it. I thought it was fun and witty. I laughed out loud several times.
June 19, 2013
Loved the adventure. And the empowered heroine. The love story good, wanted a little more. Clean!
October 6, 2013
A great traditional regency and the beginning of a series that I will have to read. I enjoyed the characters and certainly want to see what happens to the rest of 'the Kings'...
February 28, 2014
Surprisingly, I really enjoyed this book (not what I expected). A mostly light-hearted read with some humor added in (e.g. rat dog). Loved the written exchanges between the hero/heroine.
September 3, 2016
Light mystery, with light chaste Victorian style romance. I would definitely read more from this author.
November 24, 2016
Light read, but enjoyable. 3.5 stars.
Read
February 26, 2013Loved it
July 23, 2018
I really did enjoy Blood for Ink (The Scarlet Plumiere Series #1) - it was a terrific story with wonderful characters. I found romance, danger, suspense, abductions & love among the main & secondary characters. The four handsome, titled men dubbed the "4 Kings" have been friends since childhood. Livvy aka Scarlet Plumiere is our heroine & Ramsey, Earl of Northwick is are hero - and oh what a love story they have. I will not go in to all the plot details but suffice it to say I would recommend this book to anyone who loves historical romance - there are only a few kissing scenes but no sex (if that matters to you for reading purposes) but I didn't end the book wishing for more of anything!
March 6, 2019
My dilemma
I had not previously read a book with this theme. Found it to be entertaining. However when reading a book such as this one where the lead character has opinions that differs significantly from the other characters, I struggle with whether they are being self serving versus protective. Olivia appeared to believe as she took a position that opposed that of everyone else she was protecting them. What I saw were selfish acts that endangered her safety as well as that of others. Thought I was determined not to like Olivia, the nice flow of the story forced me to.
I had not previously read a book with this theme. Found it to be entertaining. However when reading a book such as this one where the lead character has opinions that differs significantly from the other characters, I struggle with whether they are being self serving versus protective. Olivia appeared to believe as she took a position that opposed that of everyone else she was protecting them. What I saw were selfish acts that endangered her safety as well as that of others. Thought I was determined not to like Olivia, the nice flow of the story forced me to.
June 16, 2019
Complex but good
It took me a little while to get into the rhythm of this writer's style, as well the effort involved in separating each of the individual characters, but the effort was worth it. A rollicking good tale, told with humour and a good sense of timing. Needs a human editor, if the number of typos that weren't picked up by spellcheck are anything to go by (there/they're, truck/track kind of thing) Annoying but not insurmountable. Recommended
It took me a little while to get into the rhythm of this writer's style, as well the effort involved in separating each of the individual characters, but the effort was worth it. A rollicking good tale, told with humour and a good sense of timing. Needs a human editor, if the number of typos that weren't picked up by spellcheck are anything to go by (there/they're, truck/track kind of thing) Annoying but not insurmountable. Recommended
April 13, 2025
The premise of the story was good and interesting.
It could have used an editor though, for a lot of grammatical mistakes and to help the flow of the story a little better. Chapter headings would have been nice, including timelines and characters. Maybe a character map a the beginning of the book to help guide the reader, as each character seemed to have more than one name. These mistakes made it a bit confusing to read.
It could have used an editor though, for a lot of grammatical mistakes and to help the flow of the story a little better. Chapter headings would have been nice, including timelines and characters. Maybe a character map a the beginning of the book to help guide the reader, as each character seemed to have more than one name. These mistakes made it a bit confusing to read.
February 22, 2017
A must read.
I read this book in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. Such wonderful characters. I loved North and Livy, however Livy's father was by far the greatest character of all. (And the little Rat also.) I am starting on the next book and will definitely look for more frim this author. Goodbye to the Scarlet Plumiere.
I read this book in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. Such wonderful characters. I loved North and Livy, however Livy's father was by far the greatest character of all. (And the little Rat also.) I am starting on the next book and will definitely look for more frim this author. Goodbye to the Scarlet Plumiere.
August 18, 2020
This author has the makings of greatness. There are so many positive things I could say about her writing style. I expected it to be a clean read - it walks the edge. However, I gave the book three stars because, by the end, I was bored with the wrap-up. I ended up skipping through the pages to catch the dialogue rather than read every word.
December 2, 2016
Scarlet
Very charming story will keep you reading till the end.all three books in series are kindle unlimited so they are free of charge if you belong to club. Best 9.99 per month I've ever spent.
Very charming story will keep you reading till the end.all three books in series are kindle unlimited so they are free of charge if you belong to club. Best 9.99 per month I've ever spent.
June 16, 2017
Great book overall!
For me, this book had a slow start. I am happy to say I continued on, knowing L.L. Muir has never had a slow book in my opinion. I was correct! Great storyline, full of details with laughter and danger in equal turns. Off to start the next!
For me, this book had a slow start. I am happy to say I continued on, knowing L.L. Muir has never had a slow book in my opinion. I was correct! Great storyline, full of details with laughter and danger in equal turns. Off to start the next!
August 29, 2017
A fun read !
It starts off interesting and it keeps getting better til the end. Love the verbal exchanges between all the characters . Kind of reminded me of Emma . Well done and I hope to see more stories like this from you in the future.
It starts off interesting and it keeps getting better til the end. Love the verbal exchanges between all the characters . Kind of reminded me of Emma . Well done and I hope to see more stories like this from you in the future.
December 23, 2018
Intrigue
A intriguing,story with humor,drama,action and romance.
Really liked the characters especially Olivia and the Kings.
Enjoyed reading looking forward in reading more.
Voluntarily reviewed.
A intriguing,story with humor,drama,action and romance.
Really liked the characters especially Olivia and the Kings.
Enjoyed reading looking forward in reading more.
Voluntarily reviewed.
September 28, 2019
A unique setting! Fine characters.
The characters were delightful, the setting unique.
My only complaint was the change in character of Ashmoore at the end (without giving anything away).
A clean, riveting story.
The characters were delightful, the setting unique.
My only complaint was the change in character of Ashmoore at the end (without giving anything away).
A clean, riveting story.
Read
January 11, 2021Wow
This is the second time reading this and it is just as exciting and nerve wracking as it was before! Wow, true love and wonderful characters that you will love again and again!
This is the second time reading this and it is just as exciting and nerve wracking as it was before! Wow, true love and wonderful characters that you will love again and again!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews