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Royal Agents #3
No Place for a Dame
The sequel to All Through the Night where gorgeous, damaged Giles, Lord Strand finally finds his happily-ever-after.
Beautiful, bold and brilliant, Avery dreams of becoming a member of the Royal Astronomical Society—and the only way she can join the all-male society is to disguise herself as a boy. After helping Giles, Lord Strand, escape a disastrous engagement, she is certain he will assist in her daring masquerade. No lady would ever come up with such a preposterous scheme, and no gentleman would accept…but fortunately for Avery, Giles is no gentleman.
A bargain is struck between the stargazing adventuress and society's most sophisticated lord. He will sponsor her as his prodigy, and she will cover for him as he hunts London's darkest warrens for a missing colleague from his shadowy past. But time and again Giles finds his quest compromised by his fierce and unwise attraction to the lovely girl who, though no lady, may well be the one dame to finally unlock the secrets of his heart.
Beautiful, bold and brilliant, Avery dreams of becoming a member of the Royal Astronomical Society—and the only way she can join the all-male society is to disguise herself as a boy. After helping Giles, Lord Strand, escape a disastrous engagement, she is certain he will assist in her daring masquerade. No lady would ever come up with such a preposterous scheme, and no gentleman would accept…but fortunately for Avery, Giles is no gentleman.
A bargain is struck between the stargazing adventuress and society's most sophisticated lord. He will sponsor her as his prodigy, and she will cover for him as he hunts London's darkest warrens for a missing colleague from his shadowy past. But time and again Giles finds his quest compromised by his fierce and unwise attraction to the lovely girl who, though no lady, may well be the one dame to finally unlock the secrets of his heart.
292 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2013
105 people are currently reading
766 people want to read
About the author
Connie Brockway
61 books727 followersNew York Times and USAToday best selling author Connie Brockway has twice won the Romance Writers of America's Rita award for best historical romance as well as being an eight time finalist. After receiving a double major in art history and English from Macalester College, Connie entered grad school with an eye to acquiring her MFA in creative writing. Soon enough she jettisoned the idea of writing serious literature for what she considered (and still considers) the best gig in the world, writing romance.
Connie has received numerous starred reviews for her romances in Publisher's Weekly and Library Journal. Library Journal also named her Her 2004 romance, My Seduction, one of the year's top ten romances.
In November of 2011, THE OTHER GUY'S BRIDE (a sequel to the perennially popular AS YOU DESIRE) was Amazon's Montlake Publishing's launch title. Here next book, NO PLACE FOR A DAME will be published September, 2013. A regency set romance, it is also the sequel to ALL THROUGH THE NIGHT.Today Connie lives in Minnesota with her husband David, a family physician, and two spoiled mutts.
Connie has received numerous starred reviews for her romances in Publisher's Weekly and Library Journal. Library Journal also named her Her 2004 romance, My Seduction, one of the year's top ten romances.
In November of 2011, THE OTHER GUY'S BRIDE (a sequel to the perennially popular AS YOU DESIRE) was Amazon's Montlake Publishing's launch title. Here next book, NO PLACE FOR A DAME will be published September, 2013. A regency set romance, it is also the sequel to ALL THROUGH THE NIGHT.Today Connie lives in Minnesota with her husband David, a family physician, and two spoiled mutts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
August 9, 2016
3.5 or possibly 4 stars. Love Brockway, but I wish Giles and Avery had been given more quality time together, especially after they made love. Their newfound bond was shunted aside for other stuff (Neville, Jamison, etc.). They were rarely alone.
The urchin boy (Will) broke with character. Not credible because of how the author portrayed his thoughts when Avery left the party. Odd, getting the kid's POV for only that scene.
Disappointing epilogue. The astronomy thing again! And the urchin and his dog wouldn't have been at that ceremony, not even in the periphery. Trite. Pat. Pat the tummy.
But some scenes were sublime! And the prequels didn't bother me. I never felt that Giles was truly in love with Cat in Promise Me Heaven or with Anne in All Through the Night. Herein, he explained that he was drawn to them because subconsciously they reminded him of Avery. (No sighting of Jack Steward and Ann in this book. None.).
Fine narration by Alison Larkin, except for "detritus" pronunciation. Or do Brits say it that way?
The urchin boy (Will) broke with character. Not credible because of how the author portrayed his thoughts when Avery left the party. Odd, getting the kid's POV for only that scene.
Disappointing epilogue. The astronomy thing again! And the urchin and his dog wouldn't have been at that ceremony, not even in the periphery. Trite. Pat. Pat the tummy.
But some scenes were sublime! And the prequels didn't bother me. I never felt that Giles was truly in love with Cat in Promise Me Heaven or with Anne in All Through the Night. Herein, he explained that he was drawn to them because subconsciously they reminded him of Avery. (No sighting of Jack Steward and Ann in this book. None.).
Fine narration by Alison Larkin, except for "detritus" pronunciation. Or do Brits say it that way?
January 3, 2015
I wanted to love this book, as I loved the book that preceded it over a decade ago, All Through the Night. As sometimes happens when expectations are high for the culmination of a series, especially one so long in coming, "Dame" was a bit of a letdown.
The hero appeared in both All Through the Night and the earlier Promise Me Heaven, both times as the man who loses his heart to the heroine only to have her choose someone else. Dame could probably stand alone, but if you've read either or both of the previous stories, you're going to be rooting for this guy to fall in love with a woman who will love him back.
My problem isn't with Brockway's writing, which is always a delight, or with either of the characters. It's the way this couple's relationship is established
In recent years, Connie Brockway has given her fans two sequels to beloved books, this one and the dizzyingly fun The Other Guy's Bride, which follows her classic As You Desire. In the latter case, the sequel is every bit as delightful and suspenseful as the original. That's not the case with No Place for a Dame, which suffers in comparison to Brockway's body of work. It's still worth reading, though. At her weakest, she's a must-read author of historical romance.
The hero appeared in both All Through the Night and the earlier Promise Me Heaven, both times as the man who loses his heart to the heroine only to have her choose someone else. Dame could probably stand alone, but if you've read either or both of the previous stories, you're going to be rooting for this guy to fall in love with a woman who will love him back.
My problem isn't with Brockway's writing, which is always a delight, or with either of the characters. It's the way this couple's relationship is established
In recent years, Connie Brockway has given her fans two sequels to beloved books, this one and the dizzyingly fun The Other Guy's Bride, which follows her classic As You Desire. In the latter case, the sequel is every bit as delightful and suspenseful as the original. That's not the case with No Place for a Dame, which suffers in comparison to Brockway's body of work. It's still worth reading, though. At her weakest, she's a must-read author of historical romance.
November 24, 2013
Historical Romances are so...classy.
For example, instead of describing a schlong as a "throbbing member", we have a member that is "silky and adamantine."
Or instead of sayng "That stupid son of a bitch! I'm going to kick his ass!" they say "The impertinence of that great blond jackanapes! I've mind to trash his innocent hide the length and breadth of St. James road!"
That's right you jackanape! Length and breadth!
And while sometimes classy can get boring, No Place for a Dame had a very interesting storyline and very likable characters. But I may stick to regular romances from now on - cuz hey, I like my members throbbing.
For example, instead of describing a schlong as a "throbbing member", we have a member that is "silky and adamantine."
Or instead of sayng "That stupid son of a bitch! I'm going to kick his ass!" they say "The impertinence of that great blond jackanapes! I've mind to trash his innocent hide the length and breadth of St. James road!"
That's right you jackanape! Length and breadth!
And while sometimes classy can get boring, No Place for a Dame had a very interesting storyline and very likable characters. But I may stick to regular romances from now on - cuz hey, I like my members throbbing.
August 13, 2016
What drew me to this story is the premise, and the title says it all: Avery Quinn is entering a world that wasn't meant for her, and she is up against very challenging odds. For one, Avery Quinn wasn't born a lady -- she's the daughter of the Dalton Family gamekeeper, who happened to have saved the Marquess of Strand's life. Then, in a moment of sheer inspiration, asked to have his daughter receive an education, as a reward for his service.
So Avery Quinn received the best education any woman (or man) could have -- and, she has used the great gift her father and the Marquess has given her and used it to discover a comet. Now she intends to present her discovery to the Royal Astronomical Society -- a mens-only organization -- and hopes to become their first female member.
Avery is undaunted, because she has a plan -- but she needs the current Marquess of Strand, Giles Dalton, to help her.
Giles has always respected and thought very fondly of Avery -- but he recognized the risk of her most current scheme. If she is discovered, her reputation and her credibility would be destroyed. If she was discovered, his reputation and place in society would be destroyed as well. But Giles agrees -- because, for the first time in a very long time, he is participating in something that is meaningful ... though, admittedly, a bit crazy.
But Giles's agreement isn't purely out of goodwill -- he needs a cover as he investigates the disappearance of his friend Jack Seward.
The story proceeds at a very uneven pace -- the first half of the book establishes Giles's backstory and motivation, then discusses (at length) Avery's plans to masquerade as a male Avery Quinn. The story gets interesting when Giles and Avery admit to the attraction that has long brewed between the two of them -- and London serves as an interesting background for their most unusual courtship. There are no dances in ballrooms or dinners together -- Avery masquerades as a man in and out of Giles's London house, so their relationship develops through conversation.
What's interesting is that both of them seem to have felt this attraction long before the novel started, but neither of them acted on it. It's not an attraction that Giles had ever intended to pursue: he wants to do the honorable thing and leave Avery chaste, and Avery had never dreamed to overstep the social boundaries that separates her and Giles -- a gamekeeper's daughter does not fall in love with the master of the house.
But you could clearly see that they are perfect for each other: Giles's backstory reveals how he's never been able to be his true self, he's always had to play a role -- for his father's sake, for his late brother's sake, etc. -- with Avery, he's really able to say and be exactly who he is. I get the sense that Avery was lonely -- despite living at Killylea (the Strand seat) with an army of servants, Avery didn't really have any confidantes or friends. Giles is the closest thing to a friend that Avery has.
What suffers the most is the investigation into Jack Seward's disappearance -- the blurb for the book hints that this is a major plot point in the story, but it is relegated to a few chapters. It does serve a purpose in resolving the story between Giles and Avery, but I did wish there would be more of Giles searching for his friend, with Avery's help. Avery shows that she has a very clever mind, and she could've been a big help to Giles -- instead, Giles kept that part of himself separate from his endeavors with Avery.
I had expected more based on the blurb, but Connie Brockway does deliver a solid story -- one that resolves quite nicely (and happily), though a bit too neatly in the end.
So Avery Quinn received the best education any woman (or man) could have -- and, she has used the great gift her father and the Marquess has given her and used it to discover a comet. Now she intends to present her discovery to the Royal Astronomical Society -- a mens-only organization -- and hopes to become their first female member.
Avery is undaunted, because she has a plan -- but she needs the current Marquess of Strand, Giles Dalton, to help her.
Giles has always respected and thought very fondly of Avery -- but he recognized the risk of her most current scheme. If she is discovered, her reputation and her credibility would be destroyed. If she was discovered, his reputation and place in society would be destroyed as well. But Giles agrees -- because, for the first time in a very long time, he is participating in something that is meaningful ... though, admittedly, a bit crazy.
But Giles's agreement isn't purely out of goodwill -- he needs a cover as he investigates the disappearance of his friend Jack Seward.
The story proceeds at a very uneven pace -- the first half of the book establishes Giles's backstory and motivation, then discusses (at length) Avery's plans to masquerade as a male Avery Quinn. The story gets interesting when Giles and Avery admit to the attraction that has long brewed between the two of them -- and London serves as an interesting background for their most unusual courtship. There are no dances in ballrooms or dinners together -- Avery masquerades as a man in and out of Giles's London house, so their relationship develops through conversation.
What's interesting is that both of them seem to have felt this attraction long before the novel started, but neither of them acted on it. It's not an attraction that Giles had ever intended to pursue: he wants to do the honorable thing and leave Avery chaste, and Avery had never dreamed to overstep the social boundaries that separates her and Giles -- a gamekeeper's daughter does not fall in love with the master of the house.
But you could clearly see that they are perfect for each other: Giles's backstory reveals how he's never been able to be his true self, he's always had to play a role -- for his father's sake, for his late brother's sake, etc. -- with Avery, he's really able to say and be exactly who he is. I get the sense that Avery was lonely -- despite living at Killylea (the Strand seat) with an army of servants, Avery didn't really have any confidantes or friends. Giles is the closest thing to a friend that Avery has.
What suffers the most is the investigation into Jack Seward's disappearance -- the blurb for the book hints that this is a major plot point in the story, but it is relegated to a few chapters. It does serve a purpose in resolving the story between Giles and Avery, but I did wish there would be more of Giles searching for his friend, with Avery's help. Avery shows that she has a very clever mind, and she could've been a big help to Giles -- instead, Giles kept that part of himself separate from his endeavors with Avery.
I had expected more based on the blurb, but Connie Brockway does deliver a solid story -- one that resolves quite nicely (and happily), though a bit too neatly in the end.
August 11, 2016
I am often too lazy to write reviews because I would rather be moving on to my next book, but I did get this as a Kindle First and felt the need to add in some alternating perspective to some of the reviews that I've read (several of whom I suspect would not have picked up the book if they hadn't gotten it for free).
I've read a number of romances set during this time and so have come to very much appreciate those which are different. No Place for a Dame is one of those books. Yes, society is a part of the storyline since Avery does need the help of several lords to achieve her goals, and Giles is a part of it. It's easy for us in modern day to blow of societal inequalities, but at the time it would have been a big deal for a lord to marry a woman without noble birth or money no matter how intelligent she is or how much he loves her. I also liked that she wasn't afraid to take us, at least briefly, into the darker side of noble life. For all the books I have read, I'm fairly certain this is the first to do more than mention in passing how the road to gambling ruin too easily began. I won't say more because, well, spoilers.
That to say,I appreciate that Brockway took note of those things and the research that she did in terms of the astronomy portion of the storyline. I always wonder when reading historical fiction how much is drawn from the real and how much is totally fiction, so I appreciate author's notes like the one that can be found at the end of this book.
More than any of that, I liked the characters. They are multi-dimensional and their relationship is more like a chess match than what may be expected as a romance coming to fruition. Avery is brash and headstrong and too smart for her own good, but she also has her moments of insecurity and even fear at a few points. Giles is leading two lives and the wear of it shows through as well as his quick-thinking and concern for those he is close to (even if he doesn't always want to admit it). I am looking forward to going back in the series and meeting some of the characters who only showed up in passing this time around.
If you're looking for a fun historical romance with a bit of intrigue showing more than just the glittering halls of the nobility, I recommend that you check it out.
I've read a number of romances set during this time and so have come to very much appreciate those which are different. No Place for a Dame is one of those books. Yes, society is a part of the storyline since Avery does need the help of several lords to achieve her goals, and Giles is a part of it. It's easy for us in modern day to blow of societal inequalities, but at the time it would have been a big deal for a lord to marry a woman without noble birth or money no matter how intelligent she is or how much he loves her. I also liked that she wasn't afraid to take us, at least briefly, into the darker side of noble life. For all the books I have read, I'm fairly certain this is the first to do more than mention in passing how the road to gambling ruin too easily began. I won't say more because, well, spoilers.
That to say,I appreciate that Brockway took note of those things and the research that she did in terms of the astronomy portion of the storyline. I always wonder when reading historical fiction how much is drawn from the real and how much is totally fiction, so I appreciate author's notes like the one that can be found at the end of this book.
More than any of that, I liked the characters. They are multi-dimensional and their relationship is more like a chess match than what may be expected as a romance coming to fruition. Avery is brash and headstrong and too smart for her own good, but she also has her moments of insecurity and even fear at a few points. Giles is leading two lives and the wear of it shows through as well as his quick-thinking and concern for those he is close to (even if he doesn't always want to admit it). I am looking forward to going back in the series and meeting some of the characters who only showed up in passing this time around.
If you're looking for a fun historical romance with a bit of intrigue showing more than just the glittering halls of the nobility, I recommend that you check it out.
November 2, 2013
Amazon Prime early release program - this made me so happy.
gave-up
June 22, 2014DNF. I just can't do chicks-in-pants books. I really must quit trying.
January 3, 2022
En su momento le di 5/10, que traducido a estrellas se queda en dos. Giles, Lord Strand, ha abandonado eso del espionaje por cuenta de la Corona. Tiene pensado casarse pero su prometida rompe con él gracias a la intervención de Avery Quinn, la hija del guardabosque. Esta muchacha es una apasionada de la astronomía, y quiere que se le reconozca como descubridora de un cometa. Solo que para ello tiene que ingresar en una sociedad científica que solo admite mujeres. Le propone a Giles hacerse pasar por un muchacho, su protegido, y él lo introducirá en los ambientes adecuados para poder conseguir sus objetivos. A Giles todo esto le parece disparatado. No obstante, acaba aceptando porque tiene su propio objetivo secreto: encontrar a su desaparecido amigo Jack Seward. Avery puede ser la tapadera perfecta mientras él se sumerge en los barrios bajos en busca de este colega.
Este planteamiento me resultó atractivo. Pero luego su ejecución,... dejó mucho que desear. Tengo la impresión de que, si hubiera contado esta misma historia de otro modo, me habría atrapado más.
Este planteamiento me resultó atractivo. Pero luego su ejecución,... dejó mucho que desear. Tengo la impresión de que, si hubiera contado esta misma historia de otro modo, me habría atrapado más.
June 3, 2022
Phoned in :( boo
edit: archive.org again, bless them fr
edit: archive.org again, bless them fr
November 28, 2013
No Place for a Dame by Connie Brockway will be released in December 2013. I received a copy of this book as an Amazon Prime member and the Kindle first program in exchange for an honest review.
Avery is the gamekeeper's daughter. When Lord Strand returns home in preparation for marriage, she schemes to save him from a life of misery with Sophia.
She has only one small little request for her efforts. She wants to be an astronomer. Lord Strand has always been attracted to Avery. In fact, he was once scolded for his attempt at seducing her when they were younger. It was made clear Avery was off limits. Instead of being groomed for marriage and society, Avery was provided books and education. Lord Strand was saved from a loveless marriage and Avery could have had a better life if not for certain circumstances Strand's father was responsible for so...
When a plan is formed so that Avery can realize her dream, Lord Strand finds all of his life plans are no longer in place. Instead, he is sponsoring a beautiful young women disguised as a boy. Will Avery be able to pull it off or will forces beyond her control interfere.
Not only that, she now has the ability to spend time with Lord Strand without causing a scandal. She discovers that the two of them enjoy each other's company quite a lot.
I love Connie Brockway's style of historical romances. She slides humor and wit into the story that keeps the mood light.
This one is a quick and enjoyable historical romance with some inspiration from fact. Having said that, I just never warmed up to the protagonist. The romance had a forced feeling to it and some of the story didn't gel completely before ended. I liked the book well enough, but I have to say this was not one the best I've read from this author. This one gets a C+
Avery is the gamekeeper's daughter. When Lord Strand returns home in preparation for marriage, she schemes to save him from a life of misery with Sophia.
She has only one small little request for her efforts. She wants to be an astronomer. Lord Strand has always been attracted to Avery. In fact, he was once scolded for his attempt at seducing her when they were younger. It was made clear Avery was off limits. Instead of being groomed for marriage and society, Avery was provided books and education. Lord Strand was saved from a loveless marriage and Avery could have had a better life if not for certain circumstances Strand's father was responsible for so...
When a plan is formed so that Avery can realize her dream, Lord Strand finds all of his life plans are no longer in place. Instead, he is sponsoring a beautiful young women disguised as a boy. Will Avery be able to pull it off or will forces beyond her control interfere.
Not only that, she now has the ability to spend time with Lord Strand without causing a scandal. She discovers that the two of them enjoy each other's company quite a lot.
I love Connie Brockway's style of historical romances. She slides humor and wit into the story that keeps the mood light.
This one is a quick and enjoyable historical romance with some inspiration from fact. Having said that, I just never warmed up to the protagonist. The romance had a forced feeling to it and some of the story didn't gel completely before ended. I liked the book well enough, but I have to say this was not one the best I've read from this author. This one gets a C+
February 5, 2014
You guys! This book actually features a heroine who pretends to be a man and wears a pillow to hide her rack. THEY STILL MAKE THOSE. I CAN'T. I JUST CAN'T.
Oh my heart. My poor insignificant heart. WHY. HOW.
Are all books in this genre self published? This is the only valid explanation as to how they've ALL made it. Also, they must all be written by the same deprived person. I think I've read this book 105 times in 105 other identical books. Down to the very smallest detail: the dialogue, the phrasing of sentences, the description of everything from the clubs, the gowns, the carriages to fucking male genitals.
London was one massive whore house apparently. Everyone had a mistress and all mistresses were also graceful independent women and all virgins were alluring and dark and experimental and all dukes/viscounts were brooding and all dandies were also brooding gentlemen and probably also graceful independent women? EVERYONE WAS EVERYTHING and they all met at White's.
Back to this book. Um it was shit. Naturally. Giles wants to fuck Avery, Avery doesn't know it yet but also wants to fuck Giles; doesn't matter which one is male/female. There's some cheap investigation that (doesn't) happen on the side on Giles's part. The book goes like: Thoughts on producing an heir, thoughts on Avery's physique, more thoughts on Avery's physique, thoughts on Giles's ass/abdomen/balls/you name it, thoughts on fucking, pining, pining some more, actually screwing, I can't really remember what happens next. I'm not even sure it's the same book.
Whatever, stop reading, I've stopped writing.
(Pray for me to finally quit this genre)
Oh my heart. My poor insignificant heart. WHY. HOW.
Are all books in this genre self published? This is the only valid explanation as to how they've ALL made it. Also, they must all be written by the same deprived person. I think I've read this book 105 times in 105 other identical books. Down to the very smallest detail: the dialogue, the phrasing of sentences, the description of everything from the clubs, the gowns, the carriages to fucking male genitals.
London was one massive whore house apparently. Everyone had a mistress and all mistresses were also graceful independent women and all virgins were alluring and dark and experimental and all dukes/viscounts were brooding and all dandies were also brooding gentlemen and probably also graceful independent women? EVERYONE WAS EVERYTHING and they all met at White's.
Back to this book. Um it was shit. Naturally. Giles wants to fuck Avery, Avery doesn't know it yet but also wants to fuck Giles; doesn't matter which one is male/female. There's some cheap investigation that (doesn't) happen on the side on Giles's part. The book goes like: Thoughts on producing an heir, thoughts on Avery's physique, more thoughts on Avery's physique, thoughts on Giles's ass/abdomen/balls/you name it, thoughts on fucking, pining, pining some more, actually screwing, I can't really remember what happens next. I'm not even sure it's the same book.
Whatever, stop reading, I've stopped writing.
(Pray for me to finally quit this genre)
February 22, 2016
Gender-bending and science! No Place for a Dame was great! As we saw last time, Giles proposed to the horrible Sophia out of a sense of honor and duty, and now has quickly come to regret that decision. Luckily, his friend Avery and the household staff are willing to help him get out of it. After scaring Sophia off, Avery asks for a tiny favor in return. She wants Giles to take her on as his protege so that she can join a prestigious astronomy society and present her comet research. She’ll also have to pretend to be a man in the process.
I adored No Place for a Dame! Avery was such a fun character! She’s a total science nerd and just wants to contribute her findings and maybe gain some recognition in the process. But she can do neither as herself. I loved how she actually made an awful boy. Her breasts were too big to bind, so they made her fat instead, chopped off her hair, and stuck some glasses on her face. She also has no idea how to hold a conversation with the men if it’s not about science. And on top of all that, the rumor is that she’s Giles’ young, male lover rather than his protege! Which is only “confirmed” when they’re caught kissing.
No Place for a Dame was an amazing ending to this series. I adored how everything was wrapped up for Giles and Avery. They put on quite the performance at the end to make sure that she kept her scientific award, while also allowing her to return to being herself. There’s also a showdown with Jameson! It wasn’t all that exciting, but I was glad to see him get what he deserved.
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
I adored No Place for a Dame! Avery was such a fun character! She’s a total science nerd and just wants to contribute her findings and maybe gain some recognition in the process. But she can do neither as herself. I loved how she actually made an awful boy. Her breasts were too big to bind, so they made her fat instead, chopped off her hair, and stuck some glasses on her face. She also has no idea how to hold a conversation with the men if it’s not about science. And on top of all that, the rumor is that she’s Giles’ young, male lover rather than his protege! Which is only “confirmed” when they’re caught kissing.
No Place for a Dame was an amazing ending to this series. I adored how everything was wrapped up for Giles and Avery. They put on quite the performance at the end to make sure that she kept her scientific award, while also allowing her to return to being herself. There’s also a showdown with Jameson! It wasn’t all that exciting, but I was glad to see him get what he deserved.
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
November 10, 2013
I got this book as a Kindle First pick. I love historical romances, and the synopsis provided made me hopeful that this book would have something that other historical romances didn't.
It DID have a unique element (which is the ONLY reason it's getting 2 stars instead of 1) - but that's about all I can say it has going for it. It read just like any other historical romance with a "spy" sub plot to it that I've ever read, with the same characters.
A sharp, intelligent man masquerading as a dandy falling in love with someone he thinks he's not worthy of or isn't worthy of him or whatever self-pitying excuse they come up with. Which is his only fault.
A witty, intelligent female in love with a man she believes is either out of her league socially, or is too much of a rake. Which is HER only fault.
Truly, the most enjoyable parts of the book are when the heroine gets thrown into some situations that I believe any sheltered, non-society female at the time would find to be VERY awkward. And had absolutely nothing to do with the "romance" OR the sub plot of the book. I would have been quite content to read it without the romance, as it added absolutely nothing to the story.
It DID have a unique element (which is the ONLY reason it's getting 2 stars instead of 1) - but that's about all I can say it has going for it. It read just like any other historical romance with a "spy" sub plot to it that I've ever read, with the same characters.
A sharp, intelligent man masquerading as a dandy falling in love with someone he thinks he's not worthy of or isn't worthy of him or whatever self-pitying excuse they come up with. Which is his only fault.
A witty, intelligent female in love with a man she believes is either out of her league socially, or is too much of a rake. Which is HER only fault.
Truly, the most enjoyable parts of the book are when the heroine gets thrown into some situations that I believe any sheltered, non-society female at the time would find to be VERY awkward. And had absolutely nothing to do with the "romance" OR the sub plot of the book. I would have been quite content to read it without the romance, as it added absolutely nothing to the story.
December 2, 2013
I got a preview copy of this book. I highly recommend it if you like historical romance, even though it uses some tried-and-true (and trite) devices for the genre. The heroine masquerades as a man to get entry into a scientific society (device number 1) and the damaged hero, a member of the nobility, is a secret spy for Great Britain. England must have been absolutely crawling with spies in 1819, because every other good-looking male nobleman seems to have been a spy. But the idea of a woman who was a genius astronomer in 1819 is original, and made for an engaging read.
Despite the triteness of some of the plot, the book is very engaging and very entertaining, and I liked the hero and heroine and found myself cheering for them. If you like historical romance, I recommend it.
Despite the triteness of some of the plot, the book is very engaging and very entertaining, and I liked the hero and heroine and found myself cheering for them. If you like historical romance, I recommend it.
November 26, 2013
Got the book through Amazon First. I enjoyed it much more than its predecessor, "All Through the Night". The storyline isn't new but the characterization and the writing are both wonderful. I like Strand and Avery - their chemistry is palpable and the development of their relationship since childhood is believable and nicely nuanced. Strand is a great beta hero.
December 11, 2013
I got this free as a kindle first, thank goodness. I would have been ticked if I paid for it. I've now read two books by this author, and hated them both. I don't think her style is for me.
August 30, 2015
a little more intrigue than the regular romance novels I enjoyed a few books by this author
April 3, 2025
3.5 stars. I spotted this on KU and borrowed it because I have liked some of the author's other books. I did not realise it was a sequel, but fortunately it didn't seem to matter overly much and it stood alone OK. I might go back at some point and read the other books in the series.
Avery is the daughter of a gamekeeper, and yet somehow she ends up married to a marquess. Hmmm. OK. Not my fav trope really, but the author pulled it off OK. I liked the brainy and insightful Avery, with her kind and loving personality and her strong interest in astronomy. I also quite liked Strand. As an idealistic young man, he had desperately wanted to fight for England in the war, but his father forbade it. For a while he became a bit of a wastrel, until he was targeted by government agents to become a spy, which he apparently did quite well, but is now semi-retired from that.
The plot of the book has a bit of a mystery, with Strand keen to find a friend and his wife who have disappeared. (I now realise these are probably characters from an earlier book LOL). There is also another key storyline, about Avery dressing as a young man so she can seek recognition for her discoveries in the field of astronomy. The cross-dressing secret identity stretched credulity a little, but as a reader I went with it, and I did enjoy most of the book overall.
I felt the ending was a bit rushed. It kind of tried to fit too much in, yet at the same time left some threads hanging. I was left feeling unclear, wondering what exactly had happened, and went back to reread some pages again. And even then, I still wasn't really satisfied.
Still, I liked the relationship that grew between Avery and Strand, and thought they were well-suited despite the class difference. So overall, a decent read, if not my fav by this author.
Avery is the daughter of a gamekeeper, and yet somehow she ends up married to a marquess. Hmmm. OK. Not my fav trope really, but the author pulled it off OK. I liked the brainy and insightful Avery, with her kind and loving personality and her strong interest in astronomy. I also quite liked Strand. As an idealistic young man, he had desperately wanted to fight for England in the war, but his father forbade it. For a while he became a bit of a wastrel, until he was targeted by government agents to become a spy, which he apparently did quite well, but is now semi-retired from that.
The plot of the book has a bit of a mystery, with Strand keen to find a friend and his wife who have disappeared. (I now realise these are probably characters from an earlier book LOL). There is also another key storyline, about Avery dressing as a young man so she can seek recognition for her discoveries in the field of astronomy. The cross-dressing secret identity stretched credulity a little, but as a reader I went with it, and I did enjoy most of the book overall.
I felt the ending was a bit rushed. It kind of tried to fit too much in, yet at the same time left some threads hanging. I was left feeling unclear, wondering what exactly had happened, and went back to reread some pages again. And even then, I still wasn't really satisfied.
Still, I liked the relationship that grew between Avery and Strand, and thought they were well-suited despite the class difference. So overall, a decent read, if not my fav by this author.
May 29, 2023
Giles, the third spy, finally finds the love of his life who was inevitably someone from his past. The main trope for this romance book is different class / social status. Avery is the daughter of the games keeper for Lord Strand. Giles is now Lord Strand. They both grew up together, but while many people admired Avery for her beauty and learnings, the deceased Lord Strand looked down on his son who is now Lord Strand. Giles was warned against ever pursuing Avery because the Marquess had taken her and her family under their care and because of her social class. So, for many, many years Giles ignored his love for Avery and Avery ignored her love for Giles.
Then, when Giles becomes betrothed to Sophie in book 2, the previous book, he brings his fiance home where Avery awaits. Avery spooks Sophie and Sophie shows her true colors and calls off the engagement. In return, Giles owes Avery a favor. Avery wants to be admitted into an Astronomy Society in London and so she disguises herself as a man.
With the help of Giles, she is introduced to the right men in the Astronomy Society and she presents her paper on the comet she has found. Disguised as a man, she is admitted. But, through a series of unfortunate events, Avery needs to be rescued by Giles. Giles rescues her and then their story continues on together. In the end, they are happily together and Avery is a woman of substance and brains while Giles has a dark, sordid past but is very handsome.
This was part of my Kindle Unlimited read.
Then, when Giles becomes betrothed to Sophie in book 2, the previous book, he brings his fiance home where Avery awaits. Avery spooks Sophie and Sophie shows her true colors and calls off the engagement. In return, Giles owes Avery a favor. Avery wants to be admitted into an Astronomy Society in London and so she disguises herself as a man.
With the help of Giles, she is introduced to the right men in the Astronomy Society and she presents her paper on the comet she has found. Disguised as a man, she is admitted. But, through a series of unfortunate events, Avery needs to be rescued by Giles. Giles rescues her and then their story continues on together. In the end, they are happily together and Avery is a woman of substance and brains while Giles has a dark, sordid past but is very handsome.
This was part of my Kindle Unlimited read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2018
I don’t know if I’m being overly generous with the rating ... but I daresay I enjoyed it more thoroughly than the previous Ms. Brockway novel I read.
Granted, both had headstrong, intelligent women in atypical scientific fields, but I *liked* Avery better than Ginesse. Maybe because Giles had been complicit in Avery’s masquerade whereas Jim found out much later in their story.
I must have liked it enough to be able to finish this in a day. (Because I wasn’t able to renew it - some other library patron put it on hold, and our library system doesn’t have an electronic copy (or any other paper copies) I could borrow instead.) Even under the time crunch, I think I wouldn’t have enjoyed it so much if I forced myself to finish. Rather, I really did want to keep on reading to see what happened next, excitedly!
Granted, both had headstrong, intelligent women in atypical scientific fields, but I *liked* Avery better than Ginesse. Maybe because Giles had been complicit in Avery’s masquerade whereas Jim found out much later in their story.
I must have liked it enough to be able to finish this in a day. (Because I wasn’t able to renew it - some other library patron put it on hold, and our library system doesn’t have an electronic copy (or any other paper copies) I could borrow instead.) Even under the time crunch, I think I wouldn’t have enjoyed it so much if I forced myself to finish. Rather, I really did want to keep on reading to see what happened next, excitedly!
February 5, 2018
If you are into Victorian romances this is the book for you. I liked the plot premise and it would be a fun read except this was a romance genre which I got tired of oh, say about 40 years ago. I can only read about just so many "throbbing members", filmy gowns made see through by the moonlight and bodices straining to hold in overly ample bosoms........
I believe, looking at the covers of all the books by this author (there ARE some books you can judge by their covers) that these are all bodice rippers. They all have the Fabio/Vivian Leigh couple straining against each other (look those names up you youngsters).
This is not a criticism of the author; she is very popular in her genre, so if this is your scene then I recommend them for you.
I believe, looking at the covers of all the books by this author (there ARE some books you can judge by their covers) that these are all bodice rippers. They all have the Fabio/Vivian Leigh couple straining against each other (look those names up you youngsters).
This is not a criticism of the author; she is very popular in her genre, so if this is your scene then I recommend them for you.
January 10, 2019
Swept Away
I haven't read a historical romance in quite a while, so I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I have read several books by Ms. Brockway and must admit that I truly loved her stories. If historical romances are what you read try this author She doesn't disappoint.
I haven't read a historical romance in quite a while, so I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I have read several books by Ms. Brockway and must admit that I truly loved her stories. If historical romances are what you read try this author She doesn't disappoint.
June 19, 2019
I felt like the premise of a decent book was there and then the plot totally flopped. It just didn’t make sense, no character connection or development. Just a series of random events strung together with the characters ending up together in the end. The description of her trying to be a boy was likely supposed to be comical but was just painful.
September 13, 2024
First book in the series was the best. This one is good. I liked the hero and the heroine. Not a very plausible story but still enjoyable. I was disappointed in the epilogue would love to have seen the three couples reunited a few years down the road. The three heroes were somewhat friends and a reunion would have been sweet.
June 23, 2017
Enjoyable historical romance
A pleasant read set in a romanticized era, which always makes for an enjoyable couple of hours when the story has been written by an accomplished writer.
A pleasant read set in a romanticized era, which always makes for an enjoyable couple of hours when the story has been written by an accomplished writer.
November 29, 2018
I found a handful of typos in this story, which is surprising. A bit slow in the beginning. Towards the middle I kept yelling at Giles to realize he loved her! And I hate a definite laugh out loud moment towards the end. Cute story.
Read
October 2, 2022This was a delight to read and reminded me how much I love Connie Brockway's historicals. It's a continuation of an series, but you don't need to have read the previous books to know what is happening.
April 30, 2023
No Place for a Dame
I enjoyed reading this book about Avery and her adventure to bring her brilliant studies and theories about comets to the attention of London astronomers at a time when ladies were not allowed in this arena.
I enjoyed reading this book about Avery and her adventure to bring her brilliant studies and theories about comets to the attention of London astronomers at a time when ladies were not allowed in this arena.
January 5, 2018
only bc I like Avery.
April 14, 2018
I'm not sure how I feel about this. I like Giles and I like Avery but this was just okay compared to the previous books. 3.5 stars.
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