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The Viscount Who Lived Down the Lane

(Rhymes With Love #4)

Elizabeth Boyle (Goodreads Author)

3.86 · Rating details · 2,694 ratings · 281 reviews

In New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Boyle's fourth novel in the Rhymes With Love series, a resolute young woman goes toe-to-toe with the Beast of Mayfair...

She has no desire for love...

As she arrives in Mayfair, Louisa Tempest is horrified when her incorrigible cat bolts from the carriage and dashes into a neighbor's house, where she comes face-to-face with the ...more

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ebook, 384 pages

Published October 28th 2014 by Avon

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Lists with This Book

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Sep 09, 2017 Andrea rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance, loved-the-hero

So I asked my awesome GR friends for a light, funny romance to read on vacation. And this definitely was all that! But you do have to ignore that hideous cover... The hero of this book is absolutely nothing like that person on the cover 😁 He is a war veteran, adorably grumpy, and despite his issues, he was a genuinely sweet guy who hid away from the pain and just wanted to be left alone - totally unprepared to have his life turned upside down by a meddling female. It was adorable to see him bein ...more

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Aug 01, 2016 Avid Booker rated it liked it · review of another edition

Recommends it for: People Who Like A Simple Read That Has A Little Fluff

3.5 Well kind of. It wasn't a very interesting read, but it was super comfortable and good. I liked it.

Our hero, Pierson-Which I LOVE that name now. I don't know why, but it's kinda sexy. Anyway, Pierson is a brooding, war-veteran, who lost his best friend in the war and has now turned into an antisocial recluse. I honestly thought this story would touch on his PTSD a little more, seeing as it was brought up as a problem. But it kind of left that hanging a bit. I did like how his character coul 3.5 Well kind of. It wasn't a very interesting read, but it was super comfortable and good. I liked it.

Our hero, Pierson-Which I LOVE that name now. I don't know why, but it's kinda sexy. Anyway, Pierson is a brooding, war-veteran, who lost his best friend in the war and has now turned into an antisocial recluse. I honestly thought this story would touch on his PTSD a little more, seeing as it was brought up as a problem. But it kind of left that hanging a bit. I did like how his character couldn't let anyone else have Louisa.

Our heroine, Louisa, I liked her. I liked that she didn't give up on the viscount and that she kept going to bother him. It wasn't bothering him in a pesty way. She was honestly JUST trying to fix her wrongs, and help out. I didn't find her annoying or stupid. Except once. She did NOT have to know you slept with him. That was dumb. Just saying.

Livinia(Louisa's twin) honestly seemed like the more annoying and impetuous twin.

Okay, hear me out. I'm not trying to ruin these books for you, I LOVE HR and I will always. But have you ever just thought about the fact that these men are randomly fingering these girls and we have no idea of their hand's health? Like omg what if their hands are dirty or have longer fingernails? EW. lol (I can't really talk seeing as I love Rakes when I know that if they're sleeping around that much at that average disease would be more common.) LOL So lets forget about that, shall we?

ANYWAY, I enjoyed this story. And I HATE cats, but I loved Hannibal. That little tuff of fur.

The sex was minimal. Barely described but it wasn't brushed over as if the author was a prude though. It was discussed, just not in super fine detail.

In honesty, the hero was his own villain. There was no big conflict stopping them from being together, except himself.

I did cry. Maybe I'm being overemotional. But I did. Poldie and the whole situation was sad as hell and it really did touch me. That was true friendship. That was what a healthy loving best friendship looks like and I loved it.

Quotes:
"Get out now," he told her, pointing again towards the stair with his pistol.
Her dark blue eyes widened like a pair of saucers, and she whirled about and fled. Until, that is, she got to the head of the stairs and took one last glance in his direction.
IT would have been kinder if she hadn't.
For the big, round tears in her eyes held not fear, but pity.
And in Pierson's opinion, a bullet would have been kinder.

"I like her," Rosalie told her brother.
"I don't think you're alone in that regard," Tuck muttered, though no one was paying much need.
Rosalie continued on, "Yes, well, I suspect you are going to wish you'd never become acquainted with my brother after tonight. He's done you a horrible wrong, Miss Tempest, by dragging you into his folly.
Then the lady in question surprised Pierson, her finger curling a bit around his. "I think he was being rather splendid." ...more

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Mar 31, 2014 WhiskeyintheJar rated it liked it

Shelves: series, historical, regency

3.5 stars

Very light and fluffy humorous regency romance,there were two or three heavier moments when the male lead is dealing with the death of a friend who fought in the war with him. Completely disregards time period's societal rules and had a chaotic messy ending where everything but the kitchen sink was thrown in. It was a fun romp though and I'll be on the lookout for the next book in the series. ...more

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Nov 12, 2014 M.M. Jaye rated it it was amazing

Shelves: well-paced, captivating-couple, historical, great-writing, awesome-banter, adult-romance

Louisa Tempest is a disaster magnet. And Lavinia, her identical twin, is even worse! But when they are offered a sponsored Season in London full of social life among the best of the ton, Lavinia drags Louisa with her. While Lavinia is set on finding a respectable husband, Louisa's practical mind knows that their family's tarnish won't be covered with pretty frocks and intricate hairdos. She's not the marriage sort, anyway. So she brings Hannibal, her devilish one-eyed tomcat with her. With him a Louisa Tempest is a disaster magnet. And Lavinia, her identical twin, is even worse! But when they are offered a sponsored Season in London full of social life among the best of the ton, Lavinia drags Louisa with her. While Lavinia is set on finding a respectable husband, Louisa's practical mind knows that their family's tarnish won't be covered with pretty frocks and intricate hairdos. She's not the marriage sort, anyway. So she brings Hannibal, her devilish one-eyed tomcat with her. With him at hand, no one will bother her.

All Viscount Wakefield wants is his thick drapes shut and his bottle of Madeira full. After the retreat to Corunna, amidst the Peninsular War, that shattered his leg and his heart, he resents still being among the living. But when a cat from hell wreaks havoc in his household and his tempestuous mistress (Miss Tempest, indeed!) decided she wants to put everything to rights, including his life, he bans both cat and lady from his house. So she starts working on his garden. And suddenly that demmed drape insists on letting sunshine creep in even when he's sure he left it hermetically shut. Just like his heart.

This historical romance was a delight! The language was as authentic as it gets, the plot, although not highly original, delicious, but what made the difference for me were the characters. True to themselves down to the bone, they never falter, and that's including pets! From the elderly butler and the impertinent new cook to the two kids that are hired as extra help, and Hannibal the cat (unforgettable Hannibal) they all get memorable, fast-paced scenes that often made me think that I'm watching a farse on stage.

The dialogues are witty, the settings well-rendered (although maybe a bit underdescribed) and the main characters set so many obstacles along the way, I really wondered how the HEA would come about. If I must complain about something that would be that the final reconciliation scene was too easy, and there are loose ends concerning other characters, but Ms Boyle has promised that everything will be sorted out in the next installment where we'll learn what Lavinia is up to. I'm surely picking that one up!

All in all, I truly enjoyed this delightful historical romance. In terms of character development, I would say that Ms Boyle is among the best. This new version of The Beauty and The Beast put a smile on my face--not an easy task with a swollen cheek after a wisdom tooth extraction. :)

This book was offered to me in exchange for an honest review. ...more

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Jun 09, 2019 Jeanette rated it really liked it

Loved it. :)

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Jan 26, 2019 Elodie’s Reading Corner rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This read was next in line after a new released book but I was unable to continue my reading because of some bothering details and too messy events. So here I am.
And this book cooled off the unsettled feelings I get each time I can’t finish a book, I do hate to give up a story, I feel like I let down the writer.
Plus with a cat notified in the blurb, I was sold.
I have read some reviews saying Louisa was too meddlesome and too intrusive, yes she can be but it was with the best at heart. She brough This read was next in line after a new released book but I was unable to continue my reading because of some bothering details and too messy events. So here I am.
And this book cooled off the unsettled feelings I get each time I can’t finish a book, I do hate to give up a story, I feel like I let down the writer.
Plus with a cat notified in the blurb, I was sold.
I have read some reviews saying Louisa was too meddlesome and too intrusive, yes she can be but it was with the best at heart. She brought her cat against everyone’s opinion because she wanted someone with her who would be there only for her. So yes, her cat bears perfectly his name, wreaking havoc in its wake.
After, she can’t stand seing things not tidy as they should be, no OCD but not so far too.So yes, she invited herself in Lord Wakefield’s house, first to get her cat, then to apologize for the damage caused and after to right some of the wrongs done to Wakefield during his time buried from society. But she only wishes to help, nothing else, plus when asked, she can not refuse. She didn’t come to London I search for a husband, she just followed her sister, so there she is bored, not used to be useless so when she finds a goal, she decides to aim for it even if it ennoies to no end her mark but it also makes him leave his stupor and his room.
Pierson Stratton came back from war a broken man from body to soul, since he believes he has no right to enjoy life when others didn’t make it. Why now he lives a sham of a life, drowning his guilt hell-deep in a bottle. Until a fury not even liking like a cat and it’s mistress erupted in his house to turn his misery upside down and make him see there is still light beyond his pain. He will have to work on himself, to let his guilt go before being able to fully accept Louisa in his life and his future, and all it will implied.
In some way, Louisa was more resilient then Pierson, having accepted her cross but not backing down from a fight if necessary when he drowned his sorrows in alcohol.

My second read by Elizabeth Boyle and not my last as I now need to get my hand on the next book of this series to read the twin sister’s story. ...more

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Oct 17, 2015 Claudia rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical-romance

This was a funny and fluffly story and I really enjoyed it ...

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Nov 16, 2021 PlotTrysts rated it really liked it

Shelves: romance-novels

The simple facts of the book: grumpy/sunshine, managing miss, devil cat, disaster at Almack's, true love! Also twins.

The book is fun, funny, and sexy. Sure, there are some unbelievable moments ... the girls' godmother is directing their lives from beyond the grave through her will and lots of letters she's written; their stay at Almack's is about 20 minutes long and ends in disaster for them both; our MCs live next door to each other and Louisa visits him all the time, and no one thinks this is ...more

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Dec 13, 2014 Julie is on vacation- Happy Easter! rated it liked it

Shelves: historical-romance, e-book, edelweiss-review, avon-publishing, humor

The Viscount who Lives Down the Lane by Elizabeth Boyle is a 2014 Avon Publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

This one started off being kind of funny with the aptly name cat- Hannibal, and his antics and so I settled in for a light and humorous story.

Louisa and her sister have arrived in London in order to be introduced to society and Louisa hopes her sister will find a husband. But, they are also living under the cloud The Viscount who Lives Down the Lane by Elizabeth Boyle is a 2014 Avon Publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

This one started off being kind of funny with the aptly name cat- Hannibal, and his antics and so I settled in for a light and humorous story.

Louisa and her sister have arrived in London in order to be introduced to society and Louisa hopes her sister will find a husband. But, they are also living under the cloud of scandal and hopefully no one knows about their past.
When Louisa's cat runs into the neighbor's home and wreaks havoc, Louisa is stunned and horrified to find the occupant of the house is Viscount Wakefield. He half dressed, disheveled, and his home a wreck.
While it isn't really her concern, Louisa can't let the matter drop and barges into the Viscount's life and begins to set his affairs in order.

Viscount Wakefield returned from the war a scarred man, but it is a broken heart that caused him to withdraw from society and just let himself and his property go to seed. Louisa is a meddling woman and her cat is a hellion. He won't have her in his house, his kitchen.... or his linen closet. But at every turn he finds her in his life, and then something miraculous begins to happen. Wakefield begins to feel things other than bitterness, he begins to step out of his home and even into society a little. Could it be that the confounded woman who so rudely invaded his privacy is actually making a difference in his life?

Beauty and the Beast is the obvious theme running through this one. While this has been done in countless ways, I wanted to stick with it and see what kind of spin the author put on it.

The book got off to a strong start , but slowly began to fall apart. It was pieced together kind of sloppily and there were too many things left hanging, too many story lines going on and none of them were cohesive. So, while I am used to there being a little mystery left to carry on into the next book, this one left entirely too many threads open and unexplained to the reader, which was kind of frustrating.
The troublemaker cat was a scene stealer and I did chuckle a few times where he was concerned. I liked Louisa and could identify with her awkwardness. Wakefield is gruff and rude, and of course, deep down is just hurting. His story is not an unusual one in regards to war and it's effects, but Wakefield took it very hard. So, it's easy to see beyond his callous exterior to the man beneath all that bluster and feel nothing by empathy for him. So, there were a few moments of deep emotions, but mostly this is just a very light story and I think we need those from time to time. Not bad if you know what to expect going in. I wouldn't say this one was the author's best work but it's was entertaining enough and since we are promised some answers to these burning questions in upcoming releases you may want read this one in order to stay up to speed. 3 stars ...more

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Sep 26, 2017 Lori rated it it was ok

Only because I was actually interested enough to actually finish it, did I give it 2 stars. Not perfect, but could have been worse.

For me, it started off great. The brooding, injured war veteran, the meddling, sunny heroine next door, the hero shows jealousy when thinking of losing her to others, he finally leaves his house and follows her to Almacks and surprises her...

But it just felt like so much was missing. Every time it was building up to something, the scene fell flat for me. Like the cur Only because I was actually interested enough to actually finish it, did I give it 2 stars. Not perfect, but could have been worse.

For me, it started off great. The brooding, injured war veteran, the meddling, sunny heroine next door, the hero shows jealousy when thinking of losing her to others, he finally leaves his house and follows her to Almacks and surprises her...

But it just felt like so much was missing. Every time it was building up to something, the scene fell flat for me. Like the curtain was closed too soon and great opportunities were missed I thought. The romance was non-existent until the very end (basically) and then the heroine becomes a wild minx on us with acting out some things that she had seen in a book before. From prude to Christina Aguilera dirrrty in 60 seconds (for her first sexual encounter, mind you). I've read a lot of reviewers complain that they didn't feel a connection btwn the H/h, and honestly this was the case for me. I finally understand that saying now. It was a cute and fluffy story, but more so on the corny side. This might have been better at being a novella, as they could have easily cut out 50% of the book which I found to be filler material (repetitive inner thoughts of over analyzing everything, especially their "unfinished kiss" in the linen closet! Omg we had to read them rethink that kiss about 500 times)

Lastly, the two scenes that totally suspended my belief in the possible reality of this story, was first... the location where they finally had sex. So improper, unromantic and totally lacking of any worry that anyone will notice what they were doing. Secondly, the little meeting btwn our heroine and the big bad mean lady at the end. Really? That lady invites herself into another persons house while they are sleeping, sends a servant to fetch our heroine from next door, conducts a meeting with her in the study... and doesn't worry that the owner will walk in and find them in his house conducting a meeting? (eye roll)

PS: the next book in this series is about her twin sister Lavinia. That book starts off with the dancing scene that you will read mid-way in this book.
...more

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May 04, 2016 Angela rated it really liked it

3.5 stars. Unlike the previous Rhymes with Love books, this is a stand alone and can be read out of order (but don't read Knave of Hearts first, because it's the sequel to this book). A few characters from the previous books make minor appearances, but none of the main players so it's almost like a new series.

What I liked:
Pierson. Even though he's rough around the edges (very), you can understand how he'd be so sunk in mourning/grief/guilt. He makes some major transformations, with a couple of ...more

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Oct 04, 2014 Alyssa rated it really liked it · review of another edition

***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***

The Viscount Who Lived Down the Lane by Elizabeth Boyle
Book Four of the Rhymes With Love series
Publisher: Avon
Publication Date: October 28, 2014
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from Edelweiss

***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***

Summary (from Goodreads):

In New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Boyle's fourth novel in the Rhymes With Love series, a resolute young woman goes toe-to-toe with the Beast of Mayfair...

Sh ...more

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Apr 26, 2020 Monty Cupcake ☠ Queen of Bloodshed ☠ rated it liked it

Shelves: historical, 2020

Dragged on, but cute.

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Apr 25, 2016 Cheesecake rated it really liked it

Shelves: fave-easy-stress-free-reads, favourites, yeah-hero-grovels-just-fine, hero-needs-to-man-up, romantic-oh-yes, hero-hides-emotion, short-300-to-380, heroine-clumzy-clutze, romance-she-makes-him-smile, mc-wrong-first-impressions

Louisa and Pierson, the Viscount. Louisa and her twin, Lavinia arrive in London for a much overdue season. They are both 24 so getting long in the tooth. They bring with them Hannabal, the tom cat from hell. Hannabal provides comic relief when needed, and he was pretty funny. Pierson lives next door to the girls' Godfather and is an utter recluse since his return from the war. He spends his days reading military books and drinking himself into oblivion. But the cat serves as an introduction to L ...more

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May 14, 2016 Marina rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, romance, regency, elizabeth-boyle

This was the 2nd book I read in this series. But in fact this book is the 4th one in the series. I really like this series. The characters had good chemistry and I cried as well as laughed throughout the book. I give this 4 stars. I can't wait to read the other books in this series. Love this author. =0)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Spoiler
Note to Self: 1810 London
Louisa Tempest(24yo,twin sis,"LaLa,"pal)& Hannibal(her cat)+Pierson Stratton(5th Visc ...more

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Oct 07, 2019 Sabina rated it really liked it

This is one of those series that you can't put down. I highly recommend it! ...more

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Jul 19, 2017 Jen (The Starry-Eyed Revue) rated it liked it

Shelves: audiobooks, library, historical-fiction, adult, 2017

I've never read this author's work before but I just had to try this one since it sounds SO much like The Duchess Deal, which I just read and adored. On the surface, the stories are similar: gruff lord has unfortunate run-in with naive spinster-type and is almost immediately besotted but fights his feelings for most of the book. However, that's where the similarities end. This story was entertaining, but it lacked the heart of Dare's novel. Although, I was looking for a happily ever after in bot ...more

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Feb 20, 2017 Melanie rated it it was amazing

This is the fifth story in this series that I've read, and truly the most fun book I've read in a very long time. I chuckled, giggled and down right laughed out loud at some of the antics of this heroine.

Both characters are extremely likable and fun to be around. They made for an entertaining and very passionate creatures. To watch them manipulating each other and work around the situations they find themselves in, was very gratifying. It was like watching a train wreck and not being able to ave ...more

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Sep 13, 2017 Gloria added it · review of another edition

Dnf. Might Go back to another time. Maybe not.

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Aug 03, 2014 Jaclyn rated it liked it

Shelves: arc, edelweiss, historical-romance, adventure, war-hero-soldier, madcap

I haven’t read many historical romances by Elizabeth Boyle, but this one certainly makes me want to read many more. The Viscount Who Lived Down the Lane is the fourth book in the Rhymes with Love series. This one was funny and lighthearted and exactly what I was looking for when I picked up the book.

Louisa Tempest and her twin sister, Lavinia, have both come to town at the behest of their late godmother. Louisa could have done without a season in the ton as she has no illusions that she will be ...more

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May 13, 2015 Quinn rated it really liked it

Shelves: adult, adult-romance, 2015-audiobook-challenge, historical-romance

Historical Romance is one of my favorite genres. The majority of my favorite romances in general are historicals, and the books I re-read the most are historical romances. But, for some reason, I’m also so hesitant to try a new author. I think it is due to the fact that I want very specific things in a historical romance, and when those things aren’t there, I am left very, very disappointed, even when it isn’t a bad book. However, I am trying to explore the genre a bit more to get ready for our Historical Romance is one of my favorite genres. The majority of my favorite romances in general are historicals, and the books I re-read the most are historical romances. But, for some reason, I’m also so hesitant to try a new author. I think it is due to the fact that I want very specific things in a historical romance, and when those things aren’t there, I am left very, very disappointed, even when it isn’t a bad book. However, I am trying to explore the genre a bit more to get ready for our next #HistRom101 chat on July 28th. While perusing my library’s Overdrive audiobooks, I came across The Viscount Who Lived Down the Lane by Elizabeth Boyle, and it was total love on my part. I can’t say enough good things about this book.

The Viscount Who Lived Down the Lane is the fourth book in the Rhymes with Love series, but I’m reading it first, of course. Louisa Tempest and her twin sister, Lavinia, are off to London for a season. Their godmother’s husband is giving them one, and Lavinia is determined to make the most of it. Louisa just wants to make sure her sister has a good time and return home. There is a family secret that Louisa knows about and she doesn’t want anyone else to find out.

Viscount Wakefield is a neighbor to Louisa’s new residence, and he has some demons. He has PTSD for sure, a scarred leg that requires the use of a cane, and so much survivor’s guilt from the war. He just wants to live a hermit life, and not be disturbed. But Louisa and Wakefield’s lived intersect and how wonderful that is.

I don’t know what it says about me, but I am such a sucker for the grumpy, surly, curmudgeonly heroes, and Wakefield is that. He’s like the Beast from Beauty and the Beast. In fact, this whole book does have a somewhat Beauty and the Beast feel. I also just loved Louisa. She’s so determined to make this right when Louisa keeps accidentally causing Wakefield headaches. And even when Wakefield orders Louisa out of his house, she keeps coming back. And that is exactly what Wakefield needs.

I also must mentioned the wonderful addition of Hannibal, Louisa’s trouble-making cat. Man oh man, I just love Hannibal, and he makes Louisa and Wakefield’s love story possible.

My only real complaint is that sometimes the same scene would be repeated but from different points of view. This isn't a huge issue though. Well, also, I think the cover is pretty awful.

Basically I just adored The Viscount Who Lived Down the Lane. It’s lighthearted and humorous, and the characters are so wonderful. I cannot wait to discover more Elizabeth Boyle, because she is my kind of author. ...more

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Dec 16, 2014 Kym rated it really liked it

Shelves: reviewed, audio, romance, regency, reviewed-at-audible, 4-star

Setting: London November 1810 (prologue), May 1811
Genre: Romance
Please forgive any misspelling of the names of people and places as this is a review of the audio edition.
The identical Tempest twins, Louisa and Lavinia, have come to London for the season, ostensibly to find husbands. Louisa, however, doesn't want to marry due to the curse on the village of Kempton where they live (I'm not clear on that since this is the 4th book in the series, but the 1st for me), but she will support her Lavinia Setting: London November 1810 (prologue), May 1811
Genre: Romance
Please forgive any misspelling of the names of people and places as this is a review of the audio edition.
The identical Tempest twins, Louisa and Lavinia, have come to London for the season, ostensibly to find husbands. Louisa, however, doesn't want to marry due to the curse on the village of Kempton where they live (I'm not clear on that since this is the 4th book in the series, but the 1st for me), but she will support her Lavinia in her efforts. They will stay with Lord Charleton, the widower of their Godmother. Pierson, the Viscount who lives next door (and nephew of the late Lady Charleton) returned from Spain feeling guilty because he survived the retreat in which his leg was disabled but one of his best friends was killed. He stays in his house, drunk and morose. Then Louisa starts to interfere with his life, beginning with her cat's invasion of his home. Louisa is appalled at the state of the Viscount's house. His only servants are are a butler and a French chef (who can't cook). She's the managing sort and can't help trying to get the place in order. This angers Pierson, who yells a lot and tells the butler to refuse her entry. No one can prevent the cat from returning, and he keeps showing up with "gifts". Louisa keeps coming around, if not into the house itself, then into the poorly maintained garden, and attraction ensues.
I really liked the characters and the plot. I was also pleased with Boyle's writing style and her grasp of the language, including grammar. . Nothing pleases me so much as writing that doesn't drag me out of the story with egregious errors in grammar and usage! I know. I sound like the worst sort of English teacher, but I can't help it (having had most excellent English teachers myself).
The narration was excellent. The differentiation of characters, including gender and regional accents, was great, and pronunciation was correct. I have never had a complaint with any of Susan Duerden's performances. ...more

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Nov 04, 2014 Cathy rated it it was amazing

LOVED IT! LOVED IT!! LOVED IT!!! "The Viscount that Lived Down the Lane" has become one of my all time favorites! It is simply delightful. Louisa is a pip - although I don't think she tries to be. She's kindhearted, determined and a bit of a klutz! Pierson is brooding, mean and cranky. The affect that she has on him did nothing but make me smile throughout the entire book. In my humble opinion, Ms. Boyle does a wonderful job of portraying the tortured world of Wakefield from his time in the serv ...more

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Oct 28, 2014 TheGeekyBlogger rated it really liked it

Shelves: audiobook

Listened for Fun (Audible)
Overall Rating: 4.50
Story Rating: 4.25
Character Rating: 4.75

Audio Rating: 4.00 (not part of the overall rating)

First Thought when Finished: The Viscount Who Lived down the Lane by Elizabeth Boyle was an emotionally fun read!

Read It File It Thoughts (short review): This was my kind of historical romance: issues dealt with, spunky leading lady (with a bit of a meddlesome personality), damaged leading man (war damage), and a story that made me both laugh & tear up! Miss T ...more

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Dec 19, 2014 Laura rated it it was ok

Shelves: d-n-f

Full review posted on Got Fiction?

I honestly don't like the heroine. She's annoying and pushy. I'm pretty sure that she's supposed to be cute and quirky and have chaos follow in her path. The hero will be then pulled from his dark, drunken hole of PTSD to notice this woman who has taken over his household. He can't stop thinking about her, and voila! Love!

But he's "damaged" from the war, and can't pull a woman into this dark place he calls his life. So he's awful to her. And she's hurt, but not ...more

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Dec 06, 2019 BJ rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: loved-it

The H has PTSD, is not impressed when he meets the h. She's kind and persistent, pushes the angsty H to rejoin the world. The sub-plots detracted from their love affair, and his need to be rehabilitated. He had the makings of a good man, but he's a drunk, and the didn't give a clear view of their future.
It was good, but felt unfinished. ...more

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Aug 24, 2018 Ashley Nicole rated it really liked it

This was a 3.5-4 star, enjoyable middle of the road romance. I probably won’t be rereading it any time soon or think much about it after finishing.

However, it was a fun read with some laugh out loud moments and fairly sweet romance.

The heroine and her twin sister are sponsored for the season by their late godmother’s husband (he gets a mini romance in this book too that was seriously left hanging... but I digress). Their hometown recently rid itself of some sort of curse that married couples go ...more

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Oct 10, 2020 Pooja Peravali rated it liked it

Being such a mess I have a soft spot for tidying heroines, and this forthright aspect of the heroine kept the story from melting into a slog of other Regency romances about ex-soldier heroes suffering from PTSD. The hero too was imminently likable - more bluster than bite - and together the leads carry the story in a book otherwise light on plot.

I did not love the last-minute intrusion of the ex-fiancée, but such tropes have to be expected. There's a fair few more loose ends than one would expe ...more

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May 04, 2021 Dancing Marshmallow rated it it was ok

Shelves: reviewed, romances-read, dnf, historical-romance

DNF @30%.

I was expecting this to be light and fluffy, but it’s just too twee and contrived for me. The number of times the couple has already been almost naked/making out only to be interrupted by an actual cat, for instance, is just too much.

Also that cat has way too much screen time.

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Jan 18, 2019 Brandy rated it it was amazing

Fast paced and witty writing, lots of fun to read!

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About Elizabeth Boyle

Elizabeth Boyle

1,939 followers

Elizabeth Boyle is the New York Times bestselling author of 27 historical romance novels and several novellas. Her first novel, Brazen Angel, won Dell's Diamond Debut Award and the Romance Writers of America's RITA Award for Best First Book. Her books are called "fast-paced," "adventurous," and "funny."

Not sure where to begin? If you love adventure, try THIS RAKE OF MINE or ONE NIGHT OF PASSION.

I ...more

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“She wanted his touch, wanted him to find that spot where her need left her begging and hungry. Anxious and half mad.
And when he touched her, teased her open, slid his finger over the wetness and inside her, her hips arched up, welcoming his touch.
"Oooh," she gasped, as his finger slid over her again, swirling in a circle and then pressing down right where it was the tightest and vibrating against her until she was nearly at her peak. "Please-” — 1 likes

“For here he was about to take her to that passionate brink and she reached upward, her hips rising, her breath catching as she dared not even exhale...
Yet he stopped, and let himself go farther down, until his lips blew a hot, steamy kiss over her sex, leaving her gasping, and then it was his tongue on her, lapping at her, drawing her into his mouth and sucking at her sex.
He'd slid his fingers inside her again, easing their way in, but it was his mouth, teasing over her, that left her gasping for air, reaching upward, nearly at that brink.” — 1 likes

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