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Company of Rogues #14
A Shocking Delight
From five-time RITA Award winner Jo Beverley comes an exciting new Regency romance in which a lady must risk all to win love.
The man she shouldn’t want. The woman he shouldn’t marry...
David Kerslake, smuggling master from The Dragon's Bride, is now Earl of Wyvern and must survive the ton as well as the Preventive Officers.
Lucy Potter, daughter of a wealthy merchant, is more interested in trade than in the men after her dowry. When forced to have a London season, she sets out to enjoy herself rather than to find a husband. But once she meets the notorious Earl of Wyvern, her resolve weakens, and when they kiss, it dissolves—even though her instincts warn he’s dangerous.
Wyvern has a dark secret, which means he must win a rich bride. Lucinda Potter seems ideal. Not for her beauty and her lively charm, but because at first meeting she seems unlikely to realize the truth.
As he comes to know her, however, as they spar and kiss, he realizes she’s too clever and honest by far. Marrying Lucy would mean living a lie with the woman he has come to love...
The man she shouldn’t want. The woman he shouldn’t marry...
David Kerslake, smuggling master from The Dragon's Bride, is now Earl of Wyvern and must survive the ton as well as the Preventive Officers.
Lucy Potter, daughter of a wealthy merchant, is more interested in trade than in the men after her dowry. When forced to have a London season, she sets out to enjoy herself rather than to find a husband. But once she meets the notorious Earl of Wyvern, her resolve weakens, and when they kiss, it dissolves—even though her instincts warn he’s dangerous.
Wyvern has a dark secret, which means he must win a rich bride. Lucinda Potter seems ideal. Not for her beauty and her lively charm, but because at first meeting she seems unlikely to realize the truth.
As he comes to know her, however, as they spar and kiss, he realizes she’s too clever and honest by far. Marrying Lucy would mean living a lie with the woman he has come to love...
432 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2014
181 people are currently reading
1228 people want to read
About the author
Jo Beverley
143 books1,120 followersMary Josephine Dunn was born 22 September 1947 in Lancashire, England, UK. At the age of eleven she went to an all-girls boarding school, Layton Hill Convent, Blackpool. At sixteen, she wrote her first romance, with a medieval setting, completed in installments in an exercise book. From 1966 to 1970, she obtained a degree in English history from Keele University in Staffordshire, where she met her future husband, Ken Beverley. After graduation, they married on June 24, 1971. She quickly attained a position as a youth employment officer until 1976, working first in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, and then in West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire.
In 1976, her scientist husband was invited to do post-doctoral research at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. When her professional qualifications proved not to be usable in the Canadian labour market, she raised their two sons and started to write her first romances.
Moved to Ottawa, in 1985 she became a founding member of the Ottawa Romance Writers’ Association, that her “nurturing community” for the next twelve years. The same year, she completed a regency romance, but it was promptly rejected by a number of publishers, and she settled more earnestly to learning the craft. In 1988, it sold to Walker, and was published as "Lord Wraybourne's Betrothed". She regularly appears on bestseller lists including the USA Today overall bestseller list, the New York Times, and and the Publishers Weekly list. She has been the recipient of numerous awards including the Golden Leaf, the Award of Excellence, the National Readers Choice, and a two Career Achievement awards from Romantic Times. She is also a five time winner of the RITA, the top award of the Romance Writers Of America, and a member of their Hall of Fame and Honor Roll.
Jo Beverley passed away on May 23, 2016 after a long battle with cancer.
In 1976, her scientist husband was invited to do post-doctoral research at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. When her professional qualifications proved not to be usable in the Canadian labour market, she raised their two sons and started to write her first romances.
Moved to Ottawa, in 1985 she became a founding member of the Ottawa Romance Writers’ Association, that her “nurturing community” for the next twelve years. The same year, she completed a regency romance, but it was promptly rejected by a number of publishers, and she settled more earnestly to learning the craft. In 1988, it sold to Walker, and was published as "Lord Wraybourne's Betrothed". She regularly appears on bestseller lists including the USA Today overall bestseller list, the New York Times, and and the Publishers Weekly list. She has been the recipient of numerous awards including the Golden Leaf, the Award of Excellence, the National Readers Choice, and a two Career Achievement awards from Romantic Times. She is also a five time winner of the RITA, the top award of the Romance Writers Of America, and a member of their Hall of Fame and Honor Roll.
Jo Beverley passed away on May 23, 2016 after a long battle with cancer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
May 13, 2014
4.5 Stars
In a single afternoon, Lucy Potter’s world turned upside down. Not only has her father announced his plans to marry again when her mother had only been dead one year, but he wants Lucy to abandon helping him on his mercantile interests, and get married to have her own children. Suffice it to say, the normally sensible and intelligent Lucy felt her place would be usurped by her new stepmother and her father’s future son, so she agrees to her aunt’s invitation to have a Season, joining company she normally detests.
David Kerslake-Somerford, is the reluctant 7th Earl of Wyvern, a title forced upon him by his predecessor (also his brother-in-law), in events detailed in The Dragon's Bride (Three Heroes, #2). He is also Captain Drake, head of the local smuggling ring, and desperately in need of funds. He sets his eye on the richest unmarried heiress, Lucy Potter, and begins a dangerous flirtation with innocent Lucy, who abhors fortune hunters and smugglers….
What is interesting about this book is in its attraction-of-opposites approach between two similar people. David held the first advantage with knowing Lucy’s identity and not vice versa, so he saw that her opinions on free trade, fortune hunters, and the aristocracy, contrast his own positions. But not his person. Stripped of his responsibilities, David is an honorable, slightly reticent man who appreciates Lucy’s insights and intelligence, and saw through her façade of a simpering debutante.
Lucy is a very complex character. She claims to hate fortune hunters and wishes not to marry. Yet David’s physical allure fells her, and we see more often her passionate side overruling her rational side. She is a rather contradictory character, though, as she both wants to avoid David but also dangles her fortune after him in hopes that he’ll pursuit her. And that enigma is answered only throughout the book, as Lucy matures.
The main theme of this novel is of honesty and deception. David and Lucy both think the other is skilled at deception, yet neither truly is. They had both set out to deceive the ton, but very quickly an honest bargain of bargain of truth – and a kiss per day! – was established. This book is related to Jo Beverley’s Company of Rogues series, and readers who have not read the previous books (like me) may feel like being thrust into a new world, but the author does try to make this a comfortable transition.
The blurb does not do justice to this book, as the plot has a good number of twists. In true Jo Beverley fashion, I was surprised and intrigued by not only Lucy and David’s persons, thoughts and actions, but also the turns in the plot. This is a great delight to read, to be sure.
__________
This is shorter than my usual reviews and has far less analysis than I wanted, but there are several slightly confusing aspects of this book that I think would be best understood if you were to read it.
In a single afternoon, Lucy Potter’s world turned upside down. Not only has her father announced his plans to marry again when her mother had only been dead one year, but he wants Lucy to abandon helping him on his mercantile interests, and get married to have her own children. Suffice it to say, the normally sensible and intelligent Lucy felt her place would be usurped by her new stepmother and her father’s future son, so she agrees to her aunt’s invitation to have a Season, joining company she normally detests.
David Kerslake-Somerford, is the reluctant 7th Earl of Wyvern, a title forced upon him by his predecessor (also his brother-in-law), in events detailed in The Dragon's Bride (Three Heroes, #2). He is also Captain Drake, head of the local smuggling ring, and desperately in need of funds. He sets his eye on the richest unmarried heiress, Lucy Potter, and begins a dangerous flirtation with innocent Lucy, who abhors fortune hunters and smugglers….
What is interesting about this book is in its attraction-of-opposites approach between two similar people. David held the first advantage with knowing Lucy’s identity and not vice versa, so he saw that her opinions on free trade, fortune hunters, and the aristocracy, contrast his own positions. But not his person. Stripped of his responsibilities, David is an honorable, slightly reticent man who appreciates Lucy’s insights and intelligence, and saw through her façade of a simpering debutante.
Lucy is a very complex character. She claims to hate fortune hunters and wishes not to marry. Yet David’s physical allure fells her, and we see more often her passionate side overruling her rational side. She is a rather contradictory character, though, as she both wants to avoid David but also dangles her fortune after him in hopes that he’ll pursuit her. And that enigma is answered only throughout the book, as Lucy matures.
The main theme of this novel is of honesty and deception. David and Lucy both think the other is skilled at deception, yet neither truly is. They had both set out to deceive the ton, but very quickly an honest bargain of bargain of truth – and a kiss per day! – was established. This book is related to Jo Beverley’s Company of Rogues series, and readers who have not read the previous books (like me) may feel like being thrust into a new world, but the author does try to make this a comfortable transition.
The blurb does not do justice to this book, as the plot has a good number of twists. In true Jo Beverley fashion, I was surprised and intrigued by not only Lucy and David’s persons, thoughts and actions, but also the turns in the plot. This is a great delight to read, to be sure.
__________
This is shorter than my usual reviews and has far less analysis than I wanted, but there are several slightly confusing aspects of this book that I think would be best understood if you were to read it.
August 15, 2016
Okay, that's a weird title. And it makes no more sense after reading than it did before. Also, this one is tightly tied into the series timeline, so I wouldn't recommend reading this without having read others before, though mainly The Dragon's Bride. Having read that one, you'll know most of what you're in for. Sort of.
The main new element is Lucy, of course (since she wasn't in that book). And I really liked Lucy. She's been involved with business all her life as a kind of help to her father. She suffers a shock a year after her mother's death when she learns he really hasn't considered her so much his partner all this time as a personal indulgence (though a helpful one). So now she needs a new life plan since taking over dad's businesses isn't going to happen (which was kind of an idle dream to begin with, she eventually acknowledges). So yeah, she's not exactly haut ton. Still, her mother came from that world so she might as well dip her toes in. Which makes Lucy an interesting character with strong motives as she explores her options and gets to know the world her mother came from.
Not so fun was David. I liked him from the previous book, but there's no denying the man has troubles. And he feels every one of them, and not in a good-natured way, either. This isn't helped when at one point he engages in my least favorite pet peeve of romance—the unilateral decision for-her-own-good maneuver. Ugh. Still, this gave Lucy a chance to show her gumption, so I'm almost fine with it in the end.
Indeed, by the end, I realized that I'm okay with David, though mostly because he's so right for Lucy and always ends up supporting her in exactly the ways that count. Which made this a fun read, but with enough irritation to keep it from the highest rankings.
A note about Steamy: There's only one explicit sex scene, though an additional fooling-around scene. Still, that makes this on the lighter side of my steam tolerance.
The main new element is Lucy, of course (since she wasn't in that book). And I really liked Lucy. She's been involved with business all her life as a kind of help to her father. She suffers a shock a year after her mother's death when she learns he really hasn't considered her so much his partner all this time as a personal indulgence (though a helpful one). So now she needs a new life plan since taking over dad's businesses isn't going to happen (which was kind of an idle dream to begin with, she eventually acknowledges). So yeah, she's not exactly haut ton. Still, her mother came from that world so she might as well dip her toes in. Which makes Lucy an interesting character with strong motives as she explores her options and gets to know the world her mother came from.
Not so fun was David. I liked him from the previous book, but there's no denying the man has troubles. And he feels every one of them, and not in a good-natured way, either. This isn't helped when at one point he engages in my least favorite pet peeve of romance—the unilateral decision for-her-own-good maneuver. Ugh. Still, this gave Lucy a chance to show her gumption, so I'm almost fine with it in the end.
Indeed, by the end, I realized that I'm okay with David, though mostly because he's so right for Lucy and always ends up supporting her in exactly the ways that count. Which made this a fun read, but with enough irritation to keep it from the highest rankings.
A note about Steamy: There's only one explicit sex scene, though an additional fooling-around scene. Still, that makes this on the lighter side of my steam tolerance.
March 9, 2014
It's so good to be back in the world of the Company of Rogues. I loved catching up with some of my favorite characters, and getting introduced to David and Lucy. Jo Beverley has such a distinctive voice. I appreciate that about her writing.
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur magazine in the April 2014 issue: http://affairedecoeur.com
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur magazine in the April 2014 issue: http://affairedecoeur.com
July 25, 2016
This, the fifteenth novel in Ms Beverley’s Company of Rogues series may not have been particularly shocking but it was a thoroughly delightful read ;-) I haven’t read all of the previous books in the series, but this works perfectly well as a standalone - although I did have a rough idea of who the secondary characters were from reading reviews of some of the other books, and Ms Beverley provides a little background information regarding the hero in her author’s note.
David Kerslake-Somerton first appeared in The Dragon's Bride (Three Heroes, #2), when he had just taken up the reins as “Captain Drake”, the leader of a large smuggling ring, having more or less inherited both “title” and responsibility from his father, Melchisadeck Clyst. At the end of that book, David has become the Earl of Wyvern, it having been discovered that although Mel was his biological father, his mother was actually married to the previous earl at the time of his birth, which makes him the legitimate heir. A Shocking Delight picks up David’s story around a year later. He is still leading a double life as both earl and smuggler, trying to be all things to all men and isn’t particularly comfortable in either role. The earldom is also deeply improverished, and David is going to have to find himself a rich wife is he is to be able to maintain his estates and continue to fulfil his obligations as earl.
His investigations lead him to believe that perhaps Miss Lucinda Potter, daughter of a wealthy Cit, might be the solution to his problems. She has a dowry of thirty thousand pounds, and David hopes that she will be like most young heiresses – frivolous and empty headed enough not to wonder why her husband is absent on moonless nights. He doesn’t relish the idea of marrying a stupid woman, but he can’t take the risk of having someone around is capable of putting two and two together and making four.
Lucinda – or Lucy – must also come to terms with massive upheavals in her life. Her mother - the daughter of a viscount who scandalised the ton by running off to marry a mere merchant - has been dead one year, and now that the mourning period is over, Lucy hopes that her father, who has been somewhat distant since the loss of his wife, will once again invite her to take part in some of his business dealings. Lucy is fascinated by the whirlwind of the City, would much rather read the newspapers than the fashion magazines, and has nurtured the secret hope that her father will involve her in his business more and more, with the ultimate intention of naming her as his successor. Her hopes are dashed when he tells her that he is going to remarry and hopes to have a son, and makes it clear that he has never seen Lucy in the light of a potential business partner. He wants her to take her place in the world she belongs to by rights; her mother’s world of the ton, and is keen for her to marry a title. He may have had an unconventional marriage but he wants the conventional for his daughter.
While wanting her father to be happy, Lucy knows she is going to find it difficult to conceal her unhappiness and frustration, and decides to take up a long-standing invitation from her aunt, Lady Caldross, to visit her. She isn’t interested in marrying and knows that her dowry will attract every fortune hunter in London, but decides she may as well enjoy a season, and prepares for the journey from the City to the completely different world of Mayfair and the West End.
On the day she departs, Lucy pays a visit to her favourite bookshop, and there encounters a tall, handsome, country gentleman with whom she spends a pleasant few minutes chatting about books.
She doesn’t know that this is the newly-minted young earl everyone is talking about, and he doesn’t know that she is the heiress he has come to town to pursue – but both are instantly smitten. Their eventual reunion several days later at a ball is far from auspicious; both are dismayed and feel betrayed because the other is not what they had first appeared to be. Very soon that animosity is dispelled, and smitten turns into stolen kisses and not-so-harmless flirtation that explodes into a yearning desire the like of which Lucy has never imagined.
David and Lucy appear, at first glance, to be complete opposites, and they are complex characters whose flaws serve to make them more interesting and their actions appear more naturalistic. Despite their obvious differences – Lucy is city bred, while David is happiest in the countryside and by the sea, David is a smuggler – Lucy hates them; they share an affinity so strong that it soon becomes impossible for either to envision life without the other.
The path to true love does not, of course, run completely smooth. David and Lucy have to cope with familial interference, deeply-held secrets and tough decisions which are going to involve major changes in their lives. But when push comes to shove, they face the challenges together.
As one would expect of such an experienced author, the writing itself flows beautifully. The central characters are well-rounded and have great chemistry; and the love scenes, while not terribly explicit, are romantic and sensual. I was intrigued by Ms Beverley’s descriptions of the very different lifestyles espoused in the physically close but socially distant areas of the City and the West End of London – which isn’t something to which I’ve given much thought before, but the idea that even the fashions were different was rather an eye-opener. In addition, the depictions of life in the small Devonian communities and descriptions of the landscapes are engaging and evocative, and I enjoyed the sense of kinship the author created between the populace, villager and landowner alike.
If I have a criticism, it’s that David and Lucy’s initial infatuation with each other blossomed into love after only a handful of encounters; although I admit that thought didn’t occur to me until after I’d finished the book because their attraction was written so well and given such depth.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Shocking Delight, and reading it has made me want to go back and read the other books in the series which are still languishing on my TBR pile.
David Kerslake-Somerton first appeared in The Dragon's Bride (Three Heroes, #2), when he had just taken up the reins as “Captain Drake”, the leader of a large smuggling ring, having more or less inherited both “title” and responsibility from his father, Melchisadeck Clyst. At the end of that book, David has become the Earl of Wyvern, it having been discovered that although Mel was his biological father, his mother was actually married to the previous earl at the time of his birth, which makes him the legitimate heir. A Shocking Delight picks up David’s story around a year later. He is still leading a double life as both earl and smuggler, trying to be all things to all men and isn’t particularly comfortable in either role. The earldom is also deeply improverished, and David is going to have to find himself a rich wife is he is to be able to maintain his estates and continue to fulfil his obligations as earl.
His investigations lead him to believe that perhaps Miss Lucinda Potter, daughter of a wealthy Cit, might be the solution to his problems. She has a dowry of thirty thousand pounds, and David hopes that she will be like most young heiresses – frivolous and empty headed enough not to wonder why her husband is absent on moonless nights. He doesn’t relish the idea of marrying a stupid woman, but he can’t take the risk of having someone around is capable of putting two and two together and making four.
Lucinda – or Lucy – must also come to terms with massive upheavals in her life. Her mother - the daughter of a viscount who scandalised the ton by running off to marry a mere merchant - has been dead one year, and now that the mourning period is over, Lucy hopes that her father, who has been somewhat distant since the loss of his wife, will once again invite her to take part in some of his business dealings. Lucy is fascinated by the whirlwind of the City, would much rather read the newspapers than the fashion magazines, and has nurtured the secret hope that her father will involve her in his business more and more, with the ultimate intention of naming her as his successor. Her hopes are dashed when he tells her that he is going to remarry and hopes to have a son, and makes it clear that he has never seen Lucy in the light of a potential business partner. He wants her to take her place in the world she belongs to by rights; her mother’s world of the ton, and is keen for her to marry a title. He may have had an unconventional marriage but he wants the conventional for his daughter.
While wanting her father to be happy, Lucy knows she is going to find it difficult to conceal her unhappiness and frustration, and decides to take up a long-standing invitation from her aunt, Lady Caldross, to visit her. She isn’t interested in marrying and knows that her dowry will attract every fortune hunter in London, but decides she may as well enjoy a season, and prepares for the journey from the City to the completely different world of Mayfair and the West End.
On the day she departs, Lucy pays a visit to her favourite bookshop, and there encounters a tall, handsome, country gentleman with whom she spends a pleasant few minutes chatting about books.
She doesn’t know that this is the newly-minted young earl everyone is talking about, and he doesn’t know that she is the heiress he has come to town to pursue – but both are instantly smitten. Their eventual reunion several days later at a ball is far from auspicious; both are dismayed and feel betrayed because the other is not what they had first appeared to be. Very soon that animosity is dispelled, and smitten turns into stolen kisses and not-so-harmless flirtation that explodes into a yearning desire the like of which Lucy has never imagined.
David and Lucy appear, at first glance, to be complete opposites, and they are complex characters whose flaws serve to make them more interesting and their actions appear more naturalistic. Despite their obvious differences – Lucy is city bred, while David is happiest in the countryside and by the sea, David is a smuggler – Lucy hates them; they share an affinity so strong that it soon becomes impossible for either to envision life without the other.
The path to true love does not, of course, run completely smooth. David and Lucy have to cope with familial interference, deeply-held secrets and tough decisions which are going to involve major changes in their lives. But when push comes to shove, they face the challenges together.
As one would expect of such an experienced author, the writing itself flows beautifully. The central characters are well-rounded and have great chemistry; and the love scenes, while not terribly explicit, are romantic and sensual. I was intrigued by Ms Beverley’s descriptions of the very different lifestyles espoused in the physically close but socially distant areas of the City and the West End of London – which isn’t something to which I’ve given much thought before, but the idea that even the fashions were different was rather an eye-opener. In addition, the depictions of life in the small Devonian communities and descriptions of the landscapes are engaging and evocative, and I enjoyed the sense of kinship the author created between the populace, villager and landowner alike.
If I have a criticism, it’s that David and Lucy’s initial infatuation with each other blossomed into love after only a handful of encounters; although I admit that thought didn’t occur to me until after I’d finished the book because their attraction was written so well and given such depth.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Shocking Delight, and reading it has made me want to go back and read the other books in the series which are still languishing on my TBR pile.
June 9, 2017
Good book. It is an opposites attract, city girl/country boy story. The book opens with Lucy's period of mourning for her mother at an end. She is ready to go back to helping her father with his business as a merchant, and dealing with everything that entails. Except her father drops the bombshell that he is about to remarry and wants Lucy to have a chance to find a husband of her own. Her mother was a member of the aristocracy and he wants Lucy to have a taste of that world. So off she goes to her aunt's home, to have a London Season with her cousin. She doesn't want a husband, but she'll try to have fun. Unfortunately, her aunt reminds her that intelligent, forthright women are not exactly appreciated (at least in her opinion) and reminds Lucy to tone down her personality.
David, who was introduced in The Dragon's Bride, is the new Earl of Wyvern. He didn't want the title, but he's stuck with it. The estate is essentially broke, and to do the things he needs to, he must find a wealthy bride. He pragmatically does the research and discovers that Miss Lucy Potter will fit the bill. Unfortunately, he will have to take the time and go to London to woo her. Complicating matters, he is also the head of the local smugglers, also unwillingly, and needs to keep that information under wraps. He's hoping Miss Potter is a typically empty-headed society miss.
I loved the way the two met by accident, not knowing who the other was. Their encounter takes place in a bookshop. David is looking for books on modern estate management. Lucy is looking at novels that will help her with her image of "silly Lucinda" while she is stuck dealing with society. When she also picks up a book on smuggling, they fall into a conversation about it. Lucy is pointed in her opinion that smuggling is wrong and must be stopped. David, of course, knows that things are not quite so simple. There are sparks of attraction under the surface, and each leaves the shop still thinking about the other.
When David meets Lucy officially, in his guise of Earl in pursuit of a wife, he is stunned to discover his woman of choice is the same as his bookshop acquaintance. Despite her illusion of empty-headedness, he knows she's not the oblivious woman he needs to marry. He tries to put her out of his mind, but finds it impossible. Lucy is equally drawn to him, but has no desire to marry at all, much less to an avowed fortune hunter. Their relationship grows slowly, with a few meetings in the park and at various society functions. Lucy is having trouble with overzealous suitors and David offers to pay his attentions to her, thereby discouraging the others. It doesn't take long for Lucy to realize that David is the one for her. But just as she does, he pushes her away and leaves London.
David has realized that his feelings for Lucy are too strong to put her in the position of having to deal with his secret life. Though he still needs money for his estate, he doesn't want anyone but her. An encounter with Lucy's father emphasizes the point. But Lucy isn't one to refuse a challenge and follows David to his home. David's stunned surprise is fun to see, and his efforts to scare her off were pretty blunt. But Lucy knows what she wants and isn't going to be discouraged by anything he shows her. It doesn't take her too long to figure out his secret and deals with it surprisingly well. She also keeps her head during a crisis and saves the day from unexpected trouble. This cements their determination to be together. I loved seeing them talk about their expectations and work out their future together.
I enjoyed seeing the changes that both David and Lucy go through. Each started the book hiding their true selves from others, but when they are together the masks slip. Lucy seemed a bit selfish and determined to have everything her way at the beginning, but as her feelings for David grew, so did her willingness to change. I really enjoyed her reactions to Crag Wyvern. David's determination to find a rich bride was logical in his circumstances. It was fun to see him realize that the one he wants is nothing like he expected. I liked the way that he appreciated Lucy's intelligence and treated her accordingly. I loved seeing him finally accept that he really could have it all.
I liked seeing the various Rogues who made brief appearances in the book. I especially liked seeing Nicholas take a hand in getting David and Lucy together. I also enjoyed seeing Susan and Con again.
David, who was introduced in The Dragon's Bride, is the new Earl of Wyvern. He didn't want the title, but he's stuck with it. The estate is essentially broke, and to do the things he needs to, he must find a wealthy bride. He pragmatically does the research and discovers that Miss Lucy Potter will fit the bill. Unfortunately, he will have to take the time and go to London to woo her. Complicating matters, he is also the head of the local smugglers, also unwillingly, and needs to keep that information under wraps. He's hoping Miss Potter is a typically empty-headed society miss.
I loved the way the two met by accident, not knowing who the other was. Their encounter takes place in a bookshop. David is looking for books on modern estate management. Lucy is looking at novels that will help her with her image of "silly Lucinda" while she is stuck dealing with society. When she also picks up a book on smuggling, they fall into a conversation about it. Lucy is pointed in her opinion that smuggling is wrong and must be stopped. David, of course, knows that things are not quite so simple. There are sparks of attraction under the surface, and each leaves the shop still thinking about the other.
When David meets Lucy officially, in his guise of Earl in pursuit of a wife, he is stunned to discover his woman of choice is the same as his bookshop acquaintance. Despite her illusion of empty-headedness, he knows she's not the oblivious woman he needs to marry. He tries to put her out of his mind, but finds it impossible. Lucy is equally drawn to him, but has no desire to marry at all, much less to an avowed fortune hunter. Their relationship grows slowly, with a few meetings in the park and at various society functions. Lucy is having trouble with overzealous suitors and David offers to pay his attentions to her, thereby discouraging the others. It doesn't take long for Lucy to realize that David is the one for her. But just as she does, he pushes her away and leaves London.
David has realized that his feelings for Lucy are too strong to put her in the position of having to deal with his secret life. Though he still needs money for his estate, he doesn't want anyone but her. An encounter with Lucy's father emphasizes the point. But Lucy isn't one to refuse a challenge and follows David to his home. David's stunned surprise is fun to see, and his efforts to scare her off were pretty blunt. But Lucy knows what she wants and isn't going to be discouraged by anything he shows her. It doesn't take her too long to figure out his secret and deals with it surprisingly well. She also keeps her head during a crisis and saves the day from unexpected trouble. This cements their determination to be together. I loved seeing them talk about their expectations and work out their future together.
I enjoyed seeing the changes that both David and Lucy go through. Each started the book hiding their true selves from others, but when they are together the masks slip. Lucy seemed a bit selfish and determined to have everything her way at the beginning, but as her feelings for David grew, so did her willingness to change. I really enjoyed her reactions to Crag Wyvern. David's determination to find a rich bride was logical in his circumstances. It was fun to see him realize that the one he wants is nothing like he expected. I liked the way that he appreciated Lucy's intelligence and treated her accordingly. I loved seeing him finally accept that he really could have it all.
I liked seeing the various Rogues who made brief appearances in the book. I especially liked seeing Nicholas take a hand in getting David and Lucy together. I also enjoyed seeing Susan and Con again.
March 28, 2014
I wrote a First Look of A Shocking Delight over at Heroes -- I most certainly enjoyed it, they were a delightfully well-matched couple even though they were quite different.
Lucinda Potter, like her late aristocratic mother, has “the sort of looks that made people think her empty-headed.” Looks are deceiving though, because Lucinda is fascinated by business. Before her mother’s death, Daniel, her lowborn father, had risen to become an extremely successful London merchant, gradually permitting Lucy to “conduct some small pieces of business herself, choosing cargoes at auction and finding good markets for them.” Lucinda hopes after a period of mourning that her father will again invite her into his exciting City world but unfortunately, he announces that he plans to remarry a neighborhood widow. He wants conventionality, companionship and a male heir to his fortune. So even though Lucinda’s dowry of thirty thousand pounds is substantial, she foresees a life that is not to her liking, reduced to an unmarried daughter in an altered family household. Seeing it as the lesser of two unpleasant options, Lucy wisely accepts her aristocratic Aunt Mary’s invitation to enjoy the London season.
Lucy’s friend Betty knows the distance between their neighborhood and the fashionable part of London is so much more than three miles, “…you’ll be going to a world as different as America.” Lucy decides to open herself up to enjoyment, for a time, much as a tourist might.
“… I might enjoy some parts of it. I’ve been to assemblies and private dance parties, but never to a ball in a grand house. There’ll be Venetian breakfasts and musical evenings featuring the finest performers, not to mention rubbing shoulders with dukes and dandies.”
The key word is performers. Lucinda, with her delightful dowry, attractive blonde looks, and perfect manners, prepares to perform a part, slipping into the role of an insipid and empty-headed young woman, enjoying herself in a world of frivolity. In preparing Lucinda for her ton debut, her Aunt Mary advises her to tamp down any “suggestions of cleverness” and to be less direct in her manner, since as the daughter of a Cit, she’ll be scrutinized very closely.
“I understand, Aunt. I’ll attempt to be as brainless as a bird and as decisive as a pudding.”
Here's a link to the rest: http://www.heroesandheartbreakers.com...
As they say, be warned this is TL:DR ... unless, like me, you're dying for A Shocking Delight to hit your shelves! Posted this at Heroes and Heartbreakers. http://www.heroesandheartbreakers.com... So not a review but a background on David Kerslake and the story we might anticipate.
Lucinda Potter, like her late aristocratic mother, has “the sort of looks that made people think her empty-headed.” Looks are deceiving though, because Lucinda is fascinated by business. Before her mother’s death, Daniel, her lowborn father, had risen to become an extremely successful London merchant, gradually permitting Lucy to “conduct some small pieces of business herself, choosing cargoes at auction and finding good markets for them.” Lucinda hopes after a period of mourning that her father will again invite her into his exciting City world but unfortunately, he announces that he plans to remarry a neighborhood widow. He wants conventionality, companionship and a male heir to his fortune. So even though Lucinda’s dowry of thirty thousand pounds is substantial, she foresees a life that is not to her liking, reduced to an unmarried daughter in an altered family household. Seeing it as the lesser of two unpleasant options, Lucy wisely accepts her aristocratic Aunt Mary’s invitation to enjoy the London season.
Lucy’s friend Betty knows the distance between their neighborhood and the fashionable part of London is so much more than three miles, “…you’ll be going to a world as different as America.” Lucy decides to open herself up to enjoyment, for a time, much as a tourist might.
“… I might enjoy some parts of it. I’ve been to assemblies and private dance parties, but never to a ball in a grand house. There’ll be Venetian breakfasts and musical evenings featuring the finest performers, not to mention rubbing shoulders with dukes and dandies.”
The key word is performers. Lucinda, with her delightful dowry, attractive blonde looks, and perfect manners, prepares to perform a part, slipping into the role of an insipid and empty-headed young woman, enjoying herself in a world of frivolity. In preparing Lucinda for her ton debut, her Aunt Mary advises her to tamp down any “suggestions of cleverness” and to be less direct in her manner, since as the daughter of a Cit, she’ll be scrutinized very closely.
“I understand, Aunt. I’ll attempt to be as brainless as a bird and as decisive as a pudding.”
Here's a link to the rest: http://www.heroesandheartbreakers.com...
As they say, be warned this is TL:DR ... unless, like me, you're dying for A Shocking Delight to hit your shelves! Posted this at Heroes and Heartbreakers. http://www.heroesandheartbreakers.com... So not a review but a background on David Kerslake and the story we might anticipate.
October 2, 2014
I'm a big Jo Beverley fan, but I particularly liked this book. The dramatic changes in settings (and people) from the City to the West End to Crag Wyvern. A strong and unconventional heroine who knows what she wants and has the knowledge to make it happen. A hero who's strong but likeable. The relationship between the two of them. What pushes this one to a 5-star rating, though, is the gripping "battle" toward the end, as well as the lead up to it. I had to keep reminding myself that the hero must live (and presumably not be in utter disgrace) for a happily-ever-after ending, but I had no idea how the book would pull it off. Really well done.
February 12, 2015
Bought this book only for RM5 at BBWB FireSale. Reason is because want to try this author. Hmm...I need time. Yes, time is the main point.
I can't keep up with the story. First, the earl wants to marry Lucy for her money. But after seeing, he changes his plan. Then I don't know how...suddenly he is in love with her and both are willing to face anything - including her father - to be together. Okay, move to another novel.
I can't keep up with the story. First, the earl wants to marry Lucy for her money. But after seeing, he changes his plan. Then I don't know how...suddenly he is in love with her and both are willing to face anything - including her father - to be together. Okay, move to another novel.
March 11, 2014
A wonderfully level-headed heroine and a grudgingly bad-ass hero suffer lust at first sight, then have to figure out how to put their completely different worlds together. She’s a proper city-born-and-bred maiden with thirty thousand pounds and a head for business, he’s a rural earl with a bad smuggling habit, an evil castle, and a bad reputation. Love it!
May 29, 2022
I usually like Jo Beverley, but this book was a bit of a disappointment. Slow for most of the story with a somewhat fantastical (not in a good way) ending. Lucy and David were fine, but there was a lot of waffling done by their characters, too much for my tastes. We see some of the Company of Rogues but all in all, this was just okay.
February 24, 2020
They both met as strangers yet with unexplained attraction at Winsom's bookstore near Lucy's home, though David already knew of Lucinda or Lucy Potter as an heiress worth thirty thousand pounds and that he, Lord Wyvurn, whom she referred to as Lord Penniless, was wooing her through her merchant father... her sire being eager to see her wed and restored to her rightful place in the beau monde as her deceased mother would have it, for Mr. Potter in turn wanted to marry a doctor's widow with two daughters. Anchorless and bereft of her goal as a partner to her father's import business, she went to her Aunt Mary, Lady Caldross, her mother's sister, in Mayfair to re~think and assess her position. Lucy was a strong heroine, reasonably decisive... intrepid and bold in putting into action whatever decision she arrived at and never leery in asking and expecting help from the Rogues while David was cautiously reluctant to even receive any aid from Nicolas Delaney and he was the one flirting with the law as Captain Drake, leader of a band of smugglers called Drake's Horde (Drake and Wyvurn both connoting Dragon). This is their thrilling and entertaining story... both vicarious excitements and then some, a reader always get from a Jo Beverley novel.
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January 22, 2015Read this review on Got Fiction? book blog
I think I officially have to DNF this book, but it’s not because I hated it, or didn’t like it. Sadly I was bored. It’s been several months and I just can’t get into the characters. No rating on this one, since I could see myself picking it up later on, it just won’t be now. But, that being said, after several months, it’s time to give up.
The heroine is part of my problem, by the way. Her father has a new fiancee and she’s acting like the girls in the Parent Trap, where they try to drive off the dad’s girlfriend. I’m expecting hijinks to ensue. But I’ve asked around, and this doesn’t happen (thank goodness!). However the fact that she feels immature enough to me that I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s what did happen, I think is a problem.
If I pick this up again and finish it, I’ll update in a new post, as well as here.
Oh! And it’s from a long-standing series, however, I don’t see a problem with just picking it up and reading it. You won’t be confused.
TL;DR
I’m neither shocked nor delighted.
***Review copy courtesy of Berkley Signet
I think I officially have to DNF this book, but it’s not because I hated it, or didn’t like it. Sadly I was bored. It’s been several months and I just can’t get into the characters. No rating on this one, since I could see myself picking it up later on, it just won’t be now. But, that being said, after several months, it’s time to give up.
The heroine is part of my problem, by the way. Her father has a new fiancee and she’s acting like the girls in the Parent Trap, where they try to drive off the dad’s girlfriend. I’m expecting hijinks to ensue. But I’ve asked around, and this doesn’t happen (thank goodness!). However the fact that she feels immature enough to me that I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s what did happen, I think is a problem.
If I pick this up again and finish it, I’ll update in a new post, as well as here.
Oh! And it’s from a long-standing series, however, I don’t see a problem with just picking it up and reading it. You won’t be confused.
TL;DR
I’m neither shocked nor delighted.
***Review copy courtesy of Berkley Signet
May 18, 2014
Why I read it: I bought it because: Jo Beverley and because: Company of Rogues. Duh.
What worked for me (and what didn’t): It’s been 7 years since I read a Rogues book. Not all of the Rogues feature here and most of them aren’t on page very much. Nicholas Delaney does his usual machinations to make things turn out right but once he’s done his deed, he’s out of the story too. It was nice to visit with the Rogues again but I can’t say this book was particularly memorable for me. There wasn’t all that much keeping Lucy and David apart and when they are faced with a problem, acting like the sensible adults they are, they talk about it frankly – and the obstacle is thus quickly resolved. That meant, as much as I appreciated they were grown ups who could communicate, the tension quotient in the story was low.
Read the rest of the review here: http://www.kaetrinsmusings.com/2014/0...
What worked for me (and what didn’t): It’s been 7 years since I read a Rogues book. Not all of the Rogues feature here and most of them aren’t on page very much. Nicholas Delaney does his usual machinations to make things turn out right but once he’s done his deed, he’s out of the story too. It was nice to visit with the Rogues again but I can’t say this book was particularly memorable for me. There wasn’t all that much keeping Lucy and David apart and when they are faced with a problem, acting like the sensible adults they are, they talk about it frankly – and the obstacle is thus quickly resolved. That meant, as much as I appreciated they were grown ups who could communicate, the tension quotient in the story was low.
Read the rest of the review here: http://www.kaetrinsmusings.com/2014/0...
April 11, 2014
This book was ok - but nothing special in my opinion. Well written and the characters likable. But a bit on the boring side.
I kept waiting for something to happen - but even when it did, it seemed anticlimactic I am not saying the book was bad - but it didn't grip me. And about the 75% mark, I just wanted it to be done.
Lucy and David are great characters - but I think they could have been so much more.
I kept waiting for something to happen - but even when it did, it seemed anticlimactic I am not saying the book was bad - but it didn't grip me. And about the 75% mark, I just wanted it to be done.
Lucy and David are great characters - but I think they could have been so much more.
May 3, 2014
This was a did not finish book for me. Where was the romance? They basically meet and decide on a few conversations they are right for each other.
The rest of the book was them making up reasons they couldn't be together. TALKING would have fixed this.
I did not finish this book.
The rest of the book was them making up reasons they couldn't be together. TALKING would have fixed this.
I did not finish this book.
April 3, 2014
Could not put it down!! Yet another great story by Jo Beverley.
April 27, 2023
Great comeback, following up on a secondary character in one of Beverley's earlier books. I liked it a lot.
July 23, 2017
After reading Merely a Marriage and see other comments about how much better the rest of Jo Beverley's books are, I decided to give this one a try when I found it available on my library's shelves. I absolutely loved this book and I can see what commenters mean when they say Merely a Marriage is different. The book was well-plotted and well written, and quite witty.
I was heavily invested in Lucy and David, and I loved the early meeting before they knew who each other were, and then the tension when they met again and realize who each is. I love the shenanigans that occur when they make a pact to "court" so that Lucy can avoid fortune hunters. I loved seeing both in their original elements, especially since Lucy is a City girl, which is unusual for this genre, and David is earl and smuggler.
I have to admit, I did skim through some paragraphs. Either I am too impatient or things were moving too slowly.
Because of this novel, I decided to read Nicholas and Eleanor's story next.
I was heavily invested in Lucy and David, and I loved the early meeting before they knew who each other were, and then the tension when they met again and realize who each is. I love the shenanigans that occur when they make a pact to "court" so that Lucy can avoid fortune hunters. I loved seeing both in their original elements, especially since Lucy is a City girl, which is unusual for this genre, and David is earl and smuggler.
I have to admit, I did skim through some paragraphs. Either I am too impatient or things were moving too slowly.
Because of this novel, I decided to read Nicholas and Eleanor's story next.
April 16, 2018
I am sorry to say, I found this book rather boring. Although, I finished it, I was tempted to just leave it half way through. The romance didn't seem all that romantic or compelling and I found I wasn't growing fond of the main characters. I have read other books by this author and have found she has never stood out for me as other writers do; writers like Mary Jo Putney, Loretta Chase, Laura Kinsale, Meredith Duran, and Mary Balogh. In this book, the characters have very little depth. It was hard for me to care about them. The writing seemed superficial especially when it came to the hero's relationship with his biological parents and the heroine's apparent ability to change her mind and adapt to new situations without much thought. Maybe I missed something by not reading The Dragon's Bride, which was the first book in the series; however, I am not tempted to do so now.
April 3, 2018
3.5 stars rounded to 4.
I enjoyed this book but found the insta-love a little hard to believe. Also the entire book the heroine was anti smuggling and loved the city and she changed her mind rather quickly and was prepared to live in the middle of no where and was forgiving towards the smugglers? I think the compromising of both characters wants and desires was a little light, although the hero doesn’t really give up anything in the end. I just think her change of heart could have been fleshed out a bit better.
I enjoyed this book but found the insta-love a little hard to believe. Also the entire book the heroine was anti smuggling and loved the city and she changed her mind rather quickly and was prepared to live in the middle of no where and was forgiving towards the smugglers? I think the compromising of both characters wants and desires was a little light, although the hero doesn’t really give up anything in the end. I just think her change of heart could have been fleshed out a bit better.
April 13, 2018
The story of David the Earl of Wyvern and Lucy Potter. Lucy is an heiress and David needs money to restore the earl's home and to lead his people out of the smuggling business. Lucy is of age to marry, but because she is the daughter of a merchant and a lady, she has not lived in the ranks of society. She moves in with her aunt and begins the rounds of husband hunting. She is popular since she has such a large inheritance. She meets David who is looking for money. They fall in love. There are adventures and help from the Rogues.
October 19, 2018
Lovely read
This book took its time to build,and was a bit slower than needed at times. That is the reason for four stars I dread of five. Also, it referenced a lot of characters that, while not essential to the story,clearly had their own backstory and that was distracting. However the basic story, that if a heiress whose father is also a " cit" being launched into society and the hero who needs her money and also loves her, is a good solid read.
This book took its time to build,and was a bit slower than needed at times. That is the reason for four stars I dread of five. Also, it referenced a lot of characters that, while not essential to the story,clearly had their own backstory and that was distracting. However the basic story, that if a heiress whose father is also a " cit" being launched into society and the hero who needs her money and also loves her, is a good solid read.
June 2, 2021
Stupid name! One of the rogues books a- Lucy is at loose ends . Not only is her father getting remarried but he isn’t interested in her joining the family business. Then she meets David, a handsome smart man who turns out to be the scandalous new Earl who is also a captain of a smuggling town. I wish there was more told about the improvements the town could make opposed to smuggling but it was a good story!
May 11, 2014
The Company of Rogues series has always been a source of fun and one of my comfort reads over the years. I just love the romantic adventures the rogues come together to solve and this was no exception.
This book is technically not a Rogue book because David Kerslake is the brother in law to a Rogue and an intriguing character who was key in an earlier Rogue book, The Dragon's Bride. It is directly associated with the earlier book, but in a pinch it could be read out of order as can the whole series if one doesn't mind a few hints about the other stories.
The story opens with Lucy Potter, daughter of a wealthy merchant, learning that her widowed father has plans that will alter her life drastically. He plans to remarry to get a son and he plans for Lucy to rejoin her mother's family in upper class society. Lucy doesn't hate the woman who is to become her step-mother, but she doesn't want to be around to see her making changes in the home that was her mother's so she heads the three miles into the West End and a whole other life to enjoy the pleasures of the season and hopefully avoid the fortune hunters long enough to find love like her parents had.
David Kerslake-Sommerfield, the new Earl of Wyvern, is at wit's end. He has two different legacies to uphold. He is the smuggling captain for the area and has a responsibility to keep things organized and as safe as possible for those involved even in the face of greater pressure from the exciseman and a few of his own. Then there is his other troubles that came with the extraordinary way he became an earl. The mad earl bankrupted the estate with his crazy schemes and David's mother stole the rest when she ran off leaving a letter that shocked society making the claim that David was the mad earl's heir though he is technically no relation. Now David has to marry a fortune to save the estate, but not just any fortune will do because he can't have a woman observant enough to notice his clandestine activities on moonless nights.
Lucy and David meet without exchanging names in a bookshop with both wistfully thinking of the other, but then they meet again at a ball and the sparks fly. David and Lucy circle each other warily, but then with growing interest. The attraction is there, but David has secrets that might be too much for Lucy to accept.
The plot on this one is gentler and meandering. The romance takes a while to come into the open though the two characters both fell in love pretty quick. It was refreshing because it’s not quite a typical Regency romance of a lord and lady courting in high society. Lucy comes from the merchant class and David is for all purposes, a criminal and they conduct their courtship in secret assignations and yet fully in front of London society. There's a steady pacing to their romance that grows more passionate as it goes along. Some back and forth mental monologue-ing made it drag a bit, but not to the point where I started skipping pages. I confess that the main conflict wasn't as sharp as many of the other books in the series though it did have a big scene near the end that got things racing along. It was great to see that the Rogues and their ladies were strongly represented as they came together to help out one of their own from a previous story and were around to help out David in his quest.
The characters were both likeable enough though Lucy could be a steamroller at times. She has decided ideas and thinks like a business woman with strong, independent notions which is so different from the usual women of her day, but it also makes her a perfect fit for a man like David and his dual roles. I did find her way of romancing was lacking on occasion in that she treated David like he was on a leash and at her beck and call when she'd get cranky about him not showing up at the precise place and time she wanted him even though he'd have to be a mindreader to do it with all the parties and stuff going on all the time. It didn't kill the story for me as it was just part of her maturing process and adjustment to adult society. David didn't seem to mind and joked about her being his virago so, eh.
David had his story begin in his sister's book and it’s interesting to see how the changes in his life have affected him. I liked him in the other story as the guy who leads in the shadows and is a bit rough and dangerous even, but it was interesting to see him polished and acting as the nobleman now, but not letting go of the other either. David in love was fun to watch too. He thought he was the predator and the romantic seducer and then had the tables turned on him when Lucy proved to be a whole lot more than he bargained for. They were fun to watch.
In the end, a nice read that wasn't my favorite in the series, but was an enjoyable historical romance. This is for those who like their romance to fall more toward the sweeter end of things with a touch of spice and are in the mood for a gentle cozy historical romance. Fans of the Company of Rogues will enjoy seeing this follow-up story for sure.
My thanks to Penguin Group for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
This book is technically not a Rogue book because David Kerslake is the brother in law to a Rogue and an intriguing character who was key in an earlier Rogue book, The Dragon's Bride. It is directly associated with the earlier book, but in a pinch it could be read out of order as can the whole series if one doesn't mind a few hints about the other stories.
The story opens with Lucy Potter, daughter of a wealthy merchant, learning that her widowed father has plans that will alter her life drastically. He plans to remarry to get a son and he plans for Lucy to rejoin her mother's family in upper class society. Lucy doesn't hate the woman who is to become her step-mother, but she doesn't want to be around to see her making changes in the home that was her mother's so she heads the three miles into the West End and a whole other life to enjoy the pleasures of the season and hopefully avoid the fortune hunters long enough to find love like her parents had.
David Kerslake-Sommerfield, the new Earl of Wyvern, is at wit's end. He has two different legacies to uphold. He is the smuggling captain for the area and has a responsibility to keep things organized and as safe as possible for those involved even in the face of greater pressure from the exciseman and a few of his own. Then there is his other troubles that came with the extraordinary way he became an earl. The mad earl bankrupted the estate with his crazy schemes and David's mother stole the rest when she ran off leaving a letter that shocked society making the claim that David was the mad earl's heir though he is technically no relation. Now David has to marry a fortune to save the estate, but not just any fortune will do because he can't have a woman observant enough to notice his clandestine activities on moonless nights.
Lucy and David meet without exchanging names in a bookshop with both wistfully thinking of the other, but then they meet again at a ball and the sparks fly. David and Lucy circle each other warily, but then with growing interest. The attraction is there, but David has secrets that might be too much for Lucy to accept.
The plot on this one is gentler and meandering. The romance takes a while to come into the open though the two characters both fell in love pretty quick. It was refreshing because it’s not quite a typical Regency romance of a lord and lady courting in high society. Lucy comes from the merchant class and David is for all purposes, a criminal and they conduct their courtship in secret assignations and yet fully in front of London society. There's a steady pacing to their romance that grows more passionate as it goes along. Some back and forth mental monologue-ing made it drag a bit, but not to the point where I started skipping pages. I confess that the main conflict wasn't as sharp as many of the other books in the series though it did have a big scene near the end that got things racing along. It was great to see that the Rogues and their ladies were strongly represented as they came together to help out one of their own from a previous story and were around to help out David in his quest.
The characters were both likeable enough though Lucy could be a steamroller at times. She has decided ideas and thinks like a business woman with strong, independent notions which is so different from the usual women of her day, but it also makes her a perfect fit for a man like David and his dual roles. I did find her way of romancing was lacking on occasion in that she treated David like he was on a leash and at her beck and call when she'd get cranky about him not showing up at the precise place and time she wanted him even though he'd have to be a mindreader to do it with all the parties and stuff going on all the time. It didn't kill the story for me as it was just part of her maturing process and adjustment to adult society. David didn't seem to mind and joked about her being his virago so, eh.
David had his story begin in his sister's book and it’s interesting to see how the changes in his life have affected him. I liked him in the other story as the guy who leads in the shadows and is a bit rough and dangerous even, but it was interesting to see him polished and acting as the nobleman now, but not letting go of the other either. David in love was fun to watch too. He thought he was the predator and the romantic seducer and then had the tables turned on him when Lucy proved to be a whole lot more than he bargained for. They were fun to watch.
In the end, a nice read that wasn't my favorite in the series, but was an enjoyable historical romance. This is for those who like their romance to fall more toward the sweeter end of things with a touch of spice and are in the mood for a gentle cozy historical romance. Fans of the Company of Rogues will enjoy seeing this follow-up story for sure.
My thanks to Penguin Group for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
July 13, 2017
I loved this book! The first three-quarters were Awesome!! The last bit was a little less interesting but I was shocked at the dad... not sure how forgivable that was. Finally a stock romance where I LOVED both characters!
May 6, 2018
I have really enjoyed reading about the Company of Rogues. Even thorough David is not a member, he is related to one and friends with another one. Lucy has just found out that one year after her mother's death her father is planning on remarrying and that he wants Lucy to marry.
November 6, 2018
I truly enjoyed David & Lucy's story. A destiny & responsibility he never wished for. An uncertain future, from the one she always envisioned. Together against all odds, they set out to create the future that they always desired. Highly Recommend. Happy Reading.
July 9, 2023
It started ok but then deteriorated into an uninteresting, slow, nonsensical bunch of words that went on and on and on until I thought the end would never come. I won’t be reading any more of this author after this tedious book.
October 14, 2023
A light book but I liked both the MCs and appreciated how maturely they dealt with their respective responsibilities and situations. I did question, even at the end, whether life in the middle of nowhere would really be a happy ending for Lucy.
March 7, 2018
I enjoyed reading.
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