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Matchmaker Duncan Sisters #2
Идеалната годеница
Темпераментните сестри Констас, Прюдънс и Частити Дънкан публикуват в своя вестник една критична статия за скандалния лорд Бъркли, с което си навличат тежък съдебен иск. Това принуждава Прюдънс да се обърне към младия адвокат сър Гидиън Малвърн. Но неговият хонорар е астрономически! Тогава Прюдънс му предлага необичайна сделка - ако успее да ги спаси от съдебно преследване, сър Гидиън ще получи идеалната годеница - нея самата...
250 pages, Paperback
First published January 19, 2004
63 people are currently reading
694 people want to read
About the author
Jane Feather
176 books626 followersJane Feather (born Jane Robotham) is a popular British–American writer of historical romance novels. In 1984 she wrote five contemporary romances under the pseudonym Claudia Bishop. She is a New York Times-bestselling, award–winning writer, and has more than ten million romance novels in print.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
June 27, 2021
Such an epic fail.
March 12, 2024
The Bride Hunt
4 Stars
A libel case has been brought against the controversial women's newspaper, The Mayfair Lady run by Prue Duncan and her sisters. In need of a skilled barrister, Prue approaches Sir Gideon Malvern, notorious for his ruthlessness in court. Not only must she convince him to take the challenging case, but also to agree to an outrageous proposal as the sisters cannot afford his fees. So Prue offers an exchange of services - he will take their case and she will find him a bride. Now if only they can each make good on their end of the bargain...
Jane Feather continues the story of the unconventional Duncan sisters with Prue's story. Her descriptions of the legal system and social changes during the Edwardian era, and her inclusion of early modern conveniences, such as the motor car and the telephone, add a note of authenticity to the tale.
While Prue and Gideon's romance is satisfying overall, it lacks the intensity of emotion that characterized Constance and Max's relationship. This could be because Prue is more reserved and logical than her more outspoken sister or because Gideon, unlike Max, is aware of Prue's secret occupation and this colors his initial behavior toward her.
Moreover, the conflict between Gideon and Prue, aside from the The Mayfair Lady, revolves around the re-appearance of his toward the end of the book. It is not really clear why Prue reacts so strongly to Gideon's attitude - is it jealousy or anger or fear? Regardless, the issue is resolved very quickly as Prue and Gideon acknowledge their feelings for one another.
To conclude, The Bride Hunt, is an entertaining follow-up to the first book and I look forward to Chastity's story in the final installment of the trilogy.
4 Stars
A libel case has been brought against the controversial women's newspaper, The Mayfair Lady run by Prue Duncan and her sisters. In need of a skilled barrister, Prue approaches Sir Gideon Malvern, notorious for his ruthlessness in court. Not only must she convince him to take the challenging case, but also to agree to an outrageous proposal as the sisters cannot afford his fees. So Prue offers an exchange of services - he will take their case and she will find him a bride. Now if only they can each make good on their end of the bargain...
Jane Feather continues the story of the unconventional Duncan sisters with Prue's story. Her descriptions of the legal system and social changes during the Edwardian era, and her inclusion of early modern conveniences, such as the motor car and the telephone, add a note of authenticity to the tale.
While Prue and Gideon's romance is satisfying overall, it lacks the intensity of emotion that characterized Constance and Max's relationship. This could be because Prue is more reserved and logical than her more outspoken sister or because Gideon, unlike Max, is aware of Prue's secret occupation and this colors his initial behavior toward her.
Moreover, the conflict between Gideon and Prue, aside from the The Mayfair Lady, revolves around the re-appearance of his toward the end of the book. It is not really clear why Prue reacts so strongly to Gideon's attitude - is it jealousy or anger or fear? Regardless, the issue is resolved very quickly as Prue and Gideon acknowledge their feelings for one another.
To conclude, The Bride Hunt, is an entertaining follow-up to the first book and I look forward to Chastity's story in the final installment of the trilogy.
July 7, 2017
Prudence menghadapi tuntutan pencemaran nama baik. Utk itu dia harus menyewa seorang pengacara. Dari situlah dia bertemu Gideon, pengacara arogan yg ternyata juga duda beranak satu. Prudence tidak berniat menjalin hubungan asmara, kecuali hanya mengenai persidangan. Tetapi apa yg bisa ditolak ketika Prudence mengenal lebih lanjut Gideon, seorang hedonis dan pecinta ulung. Dapatkah Gideon menaklukkan keangkuhan Prudence dan mengakui kelemahannya?
Ceritanya kebanyakan berisi woman talk antar saudari Duncan ini. Saya perhatikan tampaknya setting HR ini di era Edwardian (diatas tahun 1900an) dimana mobil buatan pabrik baru dipasarkan kepada publik. Selain itu author juga jago dalam hal detail-detail makanan yg sedang tren pada saat itu.
Kelemahannya, seperti biasa author tidak pernah membahas pergolakan batin tokoh2 utamanya, apa yg memotivasi perubahan perasaan mereka ataupun pergolakan batin mereka. Sebab tahu-tahu mereka sudah berubah pikiran dan BAM Happy ending. Padahal inti ceritanya sudah ada potensi bagus tetapi author kurang bisa mengolahnya menjadi luar biasa.
Ceritanya kebanyakan berisi woman talk antar saudari Duncan ini. Saya perhatikan tampaknya setting HR ini di era Edwardian (diatas tahun 1900an) dimana mobil buatan pabrik baru dipasarkan kepada publik. Selain itu author juga jago dalam hal detail-detail makanan yg sedang tren pada saat itu.
Kelemahannya, seperti biasa author tidak pernah membahas pergolakan batin tokoh2 utamanya, apa yg memotivasi perubahan perasaan mereka ataupun pergolakan batin mereka. Sebab tahu-tahu mereka sudah berubah pikiran dan BAM Happy ending. Padahal inti ceritanya sudah ada potensi bagus tetapi author kurang bisa mengolahnya menjadi luar biasa.
March 12, 2011
I've read Jane Feather before and enjoyed the book I read, but not so much this time.
The three Duncan sisters run a gossip sheet around the turn into the 20th century when they are sued for libel over an article they printed that, while short on evidence, denounces a man who has injured many people - including their own father. So, they hire top barrister, Gideon Malvern.
Neither the characters nor the plot kept me very engaged. There was a decided lack of emotion in this story, at least to me. While the naivete of the sisters in publishing such a story without proper proof was most likely meant to add dimension to the sisters, I found it annoying. Also, Prudence's taking money from rich ladies which were supposed to be donations for indigents for her own family bothered me. She was liberal enough to sleep with Gideon (and had already slept with a man before), but she denied having feelings for Gideon for a long time, which made no sense to me, given the context. Thus, I couldn't relate to her as a character and lacked emotional involvement in the story, the very opposite of my last Jane Feather book.
I did, however, like the timeframe: one not often used. There were nice historical items woven in, such as the telephone and motor car, which were nice touches. The author also did a great job of weaving in details about the characters, such as their appearance, throughout the story, rather than as a dump all upfront. I liked that.
The three Duncan sisters run a gossip sheet around the turn into the 20th century when they are sued for libel over an article they printed that, while short on evidence, denounces a man who has injured many people - including their own father. So, they hire top barrister, Gideon Malvern.
Neither the characters nor the plot kept me very engaged. There was a decided lack of emotion in this story, at least to me. While the naivete of the sisters in publishing such a story without proper proof was most likely meant to add dimension to the sisters, I found it annoying. Also, Prudence's taking money from rich ladies which were supposed to be donations for indigents for her own family bothered me. She was liberal enough to sleep with Gideon (and had already slept with a man before), but she denied having feelings for Gideon for a long time, which made no sense to me, given the context. Thus, I couldn't relate to her as a character and lacked emotional involvement in the story, the very opposite of my last Jane Feather book.
I did, however, like the timeframe: one not often used. There were nice historical items woven in, such as the telephone and motor car, which were nice touches. The author also did a great job of weaving in details about the characters, such as their appearance, throughout the story, rather than as a dump all upfront. I liked that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2016
Surat kabar kontroversial, The Mayfair Lady, yang dikelola tiga kakak beradik Duncan mendapat surat tuntutan oleh Lord Barclays dimana ada artikel yang dianggap mencemarkan nama baiknya. Prudence Duncan dan Chasity, adiknya, harus menghadapi masalah ini sementara menunggu kakak tertua mereka, Constance, pulang dari bulan madunya. Prudence harus segera mencari pengacara yang mampu membela mereka di pengadilan dan mereka mendapat satu nama, seorang pengacara yang cukup handal, yang mendapat gelar kehormatan karena berhasil menangani kasus kerabat kerajaan. Walaupun pengacara ini terkenal dengan sikap yang dinginnya dan pemilih untuk menangani kasus, tidak ada pilihan lain, Prudence harus menemui pengacara ini dan memintanya untuk membela The Mayfair Lady.
Sir Gideon Malvern merasa tersinggung ketika mengetahui ada sebuah surat kabar gosip yang datang meminta bantuannya untuk menangani kasus pencemaran nama baik, sudah sepatutnya surat kabar itu dituntut karena menurutnya surat kabar ini hanya menuliskan gosip tak berdasar. Tapi setelah bertemau dengan perwakilan mereka, Gideon melihat ada sesuatu yang menarik, bukan saja kasus pencemaran nama baik ini cukup menarik perhatiannya, tapi editor Mayfair Lady yang menemuinya dengan menggunakan penyamaran wanita kolot, yang dengan cukup tegas mengkritik dirinya. Gideon memutuskan untuk memberinya kesempatan wanita itu untuk meyakinkannya kenapa dia harus membela mereka di pengadilan, dan juga Gideon penasaran akan wanita tersebut dan ingin mengenalnya lebih lanjut.
Prudence tak menyangka bahwa ada pria yang lebih arogan dari kaka iparnya, Max. Tapi Prudence harus bisa meyakinkan pengacara ini untuk mau menerima kasusnya, jadi sebagai tambahan atas kesepakatan pembagian pembayaran 80:20 atas jasanya apabila kasus mereka menang, Prudence menawarkan jasa Go-Between, dimana 3 kakak beradik Duncan akan memberikan jasa untuk mencarikan Gideon seorang istri. Gideon merasa konyol akan kesepakatan makcomblang ini,
walaupun tak serius menanggapi tawaran Prudence ini, Gideon akan memainkan permainan ini walaupun dia sudah memilki seseorang yang dia inginkan, yaitu Prudence.
--
Cerita buku kedua Duncan Sister Series ini lebih bagus dan menarik dari buku pertamanya, karena selain menceritakan bagaimana Prudence akhirnya mendapatkan seseorang yang dia cintai, tapi juga berfokus pada kasus tuntutan hukum yang menimpa Mayfair Lady. Buku kedua ini seakan jawaban dari pertanyaan dari buku satu, bagaimana keluarga Duncan yang tadinya berkecukupan tiba-tiba jatuh bangkrut sehingga ketiga kakak beradik Duncan harus melakukan banyak penghematan dan pintar-pintar mengatur pengeluaran, dan menurutku buku kedua ini menjadi titik balik keluarga Duncan.
Aku suka chemistri yang terbangun secara perlahan tapi pasti antara Prudence dan Gideon. Keduanya sama-sama memiliki pendirian kuat, sama-sama ingin menjaga hubungan di antara mereka sebagai hubungan profesional, tapi itu yang membuat mereka berdua sangat manis. Perdebatan-perdebatan cerdas juga bertebaran di buku kedua ini sama seperti di buku pertama karena memang kakak beradik Duncan digambarkan sebagai wanita cerdas dan menjunjung
kesetaraan wanita.
Overall aku suka dan enjoy membaca buku kedua dari Duncan Sister Series, dan rasa penasaranku lengkap sudah terjawab. Berakhir dengan happy ending seperti biasanya, tapi alur cerita di buku kedua ini menarik karena juga menceritakan bagaimana kakak beradik Duncan menghadapi proses persidangan, jadi tidak membosankan dan page trunable. Sebagai tambahan, di tengah-tengah cerita kita dikasih klue untuk pria di buku ketiga nanti dan di bagian epilognya bagaimana awal dari Chasity, si bungsu, bertemu dengan pria ini.
Sir Gideon Malvern merasa tersinggung ketika mengetahui ada sebuah surat kabar gosip yang datang meminta bantuannya untuk menangani kasus pencemaran nama baik, sudah sepatutnya surat kabar itu dituntut karena menurutnya surat kabar ini hanya menuliskan gosip tak berdasar. Tapi setelah bertemau dengan perwakilan mereka, Gideon melihat ada sesuatu yang menarik, bukan saja kasus pencemaran nama baik ini cukup menarik perhatiannya, tapi editor Mayfair Lady yang menemuinya dengan menggunakan penyamaran wanita kolot, yang dengan cukup tegas mengkritik dirinya. Gideon memutuskan untuk memberinya kesempatan wanita itu untuk meyakinkannya kenapa dia harus membela mereka di pengadilan, dan juga Gideon penasaran akan wanita tersebut dan ingin mengenalnya lebih lanjut.
Prudence tak menyangka bahwa ada pria yang lebih arogan dari kaka iparnya, Max. Tapi Prudence harus bisa meyakinkan pengacara ini untuk mau menerima kasusnya, jadi sebagai tambahan atas kesepakatan pembagian pembayaran 80:20 atas jasanya apabila kasus mereka menang, Prudence menawarkan jasa Go-Between, dimana 3 kakak beradik Duncan akan memberikan jasa untuk mencarikan Gideon seorang istri. Gideon merasa konyol akan kesepakatan makcomblang ini,
walaupun tak serius menanggapi tawaran Prudence ini, Gideon akan memainkan permainan ini walaupun dia sudah memilki seseorang yang dia inginkan, yaitu Prudence.
--
Cerita buku kedua Duncan Sister Series ini lebih bagus dan menarik dari buku pertamanya, karena selain menceritakan bagaimana Prudence akhirnya mendapatkan seseorang yang dia cintai, tapi juga berfokus pada kasus tuntutan hukum yang menimpa Mayfair Lady. Buku kedua ini seakan jawaban dari pertanyaan dari buku satu, bagaimana keluarga Duncan yang tadinya berkecukupan tiba-tiba jatuh bangkrut sehingga ketiga kakak beradik Duncan harus melakukan banyak penghematan dan pintar-pintar mengatur pengeluaran, dan menurutku buku kedua ini menjadi titik balik keluarga Duncan.
Aku suka chemistri yang terbangun secara perlahan tapi pasti antara Prudence dan Gideon. Keduanya sama-sama memiliki pendirian kuat, sama-sama ingin menjaga hubungan di antara mereka sebagai hubungan profesional, tapi itu yang membuat mereka berdua sangat manis. Perdebatan-perdebatan cerdas juga bertebaran di buku kedua ini sama seperti di buku pertama karena memang kakak beradik Duncan digambarkan sebagai wanita cerdas dan menjunjung
kesetaraan wanita.
Overall aku suka dan enjoy membaca buku kedua dari Duncan Sister Series, dan rasa penasaranku lengkap sudah terjawab. Berakhir dengan happy ending seperti biasanya, tapi alur cerita di buku kedua ini menarik karena juga menceritakan bagaimana kakak beradik Duncan menghadapi proses persidangan, jadi tidak membosankan dan page trunable. Sebagai tambahan, di tengah-tengah cerita kita dikasih klue untuk pria di buku ketiga nanti dan di bagian epilognya bagaimana awal dari Chasity, si bungsu, bertemu dengan pria ini.
June 26, 2020
This book has his moments. I like the metaphors, they are well written, specially the one with Prudence's spectacles. I havent read the first book from the trilogy so the girls and their characters are already well established by now, which I think is why not much importance was given to it. I liked the names though and the character of Chastity attracted me most. But she is very less written about, which is understandable since the book is based on Prudence and Im told the next book in the series focuses on Chas. Not sure about reading that one though, as of now.
Speaking of characters, Gideon really didnt sit with me well. Perhaps such people do exist who switch personalities within mins, but I guess the romantic in me was hoping for a more likeable hero ? I did not like this man at all and I was completely horrified as Prudence constantly put up with his nonsense, even when he did this without her permission and forced his moods and decisions on her. Honestly, at those bits in the book I wish I could hug Prudence and tell her, darling, dont play by his rules. I guess they came to an understanding later on but imagining the both in a relationship for the rest of their lives ? Hmm, I would like to see how that turns out.
Gideon's daughter comes across as sweet, charming and well mannered. Her encounters with Pru have been well structured into the story in a way that she not only knows the woman but also the likeness of his father towards her and there are subtle nods that she accepts her already. I liked the delicate way this was written.
However the same cannot be said about Gideon's ex wife who returns at a very crucial point in the story and causes the conflict, but disappears soon enough leaving the question at hand unanswered. I feel like Prudence didnt really sort that out with Gideon. I call this a loose thread.
I enjoyed reading the court scenes, though they were wrapped up pretty quick, I think they were written quite well with hint of suspence.
I am not entirely convinced that the book stays true to history in all aspects, though I am not an expert in the area, there were certain parts which raised this question (referring to other books I have read from the same era)
I would like to read the third book maybe to discover Chas' story or hoping I will find out how Gideon and Prudence learned to co-exist, but I am not dying for the copy.
Speaking of characters, Gideon really didnt sit with me well. Perhaps such people do exist who switch personalities within mins, but I guess the romantic in me was hoping for a more likeable hero ? I did not like this man at all and I was completely horrified as Prudence constantly put up with his nonsense, even when he did this without her permission and forced his moods and decisions on her. Honestly, at those bits in the book I wish I could hug Prudence and tell her, darling, dont play by his rules. I guess they came to an understanding later on but imagining the both in a relationship for the rest of their lives ? Hmm, I would like to see how that turns out.
Gideon's daughter comes across as sweet, charming and well mannered. Her encounters with Pru have been well structured into the story in a way that she not only knows the woman but also the likeness of his father towards her and there are subtle nods that she accepts her already. I liked the delicate way this was written.
However the same cannot be said about Gideon's ex wife who returns at a very crucial point in the story and causes the conflict, but disappears soon enough leaving the question at hand unanswered. I feel like Prudence didnt really sort that out with Gideon. I call this a loose thread.
I enjoyed reading the court scenes, though they were wrapped up pretty quick, I think they were written quite well with hint of suspence.
I am not entirely convinced that the book stays true to history in all aspects, though I am not an expert in the area, there were certain parts which raised this question (referring to other books I have read from the same era)
I would like to read the third book maybe to discover Chas' story or hoping I will find out how Gideon and Prudence learned to co-exist, but I am not dying for the copy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2017
This book was more enjoyable than its predecessor for a series of reasons. First, with the Duncan sisters established, there is less exposition and more meat to the story. Second, I liked and identified with Prudence more than her sister Constance, as Prudence is very practical, level-headed, and responsible. Third, her love interest Gideon is more fleshed out and interesting than Max, although his abrupt shifts in mood from passionate lover to stern barrister isn't really explained (although it's hinted that these are his "personal" and "professional" faces, which understandably give Prudence some cause for concern.) Fourth, the romance felt more part of the story and the story itself with the Mayfair Lady coming under fire for libel after exposing an unsavory member of society was more compelling than the tale of "The Bachelor List." In fact, any digressions away from Prudence and Gideon into the matchmaking of the Mayfair Lady felt like just that: digressions.
In conclusion, I liked "The Bride Hunt" for it's story and characters. An amusing diversion for a rainy day!
In conclusion, I liked "The Bride Hunt" for it's story and characters. An amusing diversion for a rainy day!
November 12, 2011
The second in the series. The newspaper is sued by a nobleman—a good friend of the sisters’ father—for libel. The sisters go to a barrister and challenge him to represent them in court, without exposing that they are the publishers and editors of the paper. The barrister finds himself becoming increasingly intrigued by the middle sister, Prudence, and her cause, and agrees to take on the case because of the challenge, and the sister. She offers to find him a bride as an alternate payment—but he’ll take only Prudence. Nicely done, good story.
January 29, 2024
2.75 stars. Prudence and Gideon. Set in the early 1900's.
This one was weird to me.
This one was weird to me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2018
Jane Featherová rozbehla nevšednú sériu ľúbostných románov, ktoré sa odohrávajú v eduardovskom Anglicku na počiatku dvadsiateho storočia a hlavnými hrdinkami sú tri emancipované a podnikavé sestry. V období, kedy sa emancipácia ešte nenosila, by tri sestry boli čosi viac ako tŕňom v oku spoločnosti – preto si dávajú dobrý pozor, aby nikto nevedel, že za novinami The Mayfair Lady stoja práve ony. Okrem klebiet a klasických babských rečí sa totiž miešajú aj do politiky. A vedú zoznamku.
O osude najstaršej temperamentnej sestry Constance, ktorá nemyslela na vydaj, ale len na zlepšenie životných podmienok a práv pre ženy, sme čítali v knihe Ideálny starý mládenec. V Ideálnej neveste na rad prišla Prudence. A nemá to ľahké.
Jej sestra Constance totiž už zase zašla priďaleko. V novinách verejne obvinila dobrého priateľa ich otca grófa Barclaya zo zneužívania svojich slúžiek, ktoré, ak otehotnejú, jednoducho nezabezpečené vyženie na ulicu. Sestry to dostalo do parádneho prúseru – gróf Barclay noviny a neznámych majiteľov zažaloval za nactiutŕhanie. A tri sestry pritom nemajú ani najmenší dôkaz, ktorý by obstál na súde... Sú však tri, sú odhodlané a podnikavé, a hoci Constance je šťastne vydatá, stoja pri sebe všetky tri aj v tejto časti.
Sestry Duncanové sa zamerajú na významného právnika sira Gideona Malverna a za svoju hovorkyňu si vybrali Prudence. Chastity vraj nevyzerá seriózne a Constance sa nemôže predstaviť ako manželka člena parlamentu. Preto práve Prudence dostane neľahkú úlohu presvedčiť Malverna, aby sa za tri odvážne a inteligentné ženy postavil.
Ten je, pochopiteľne, ohromený ich drzosťou.
No ani Prudence nie je žena, ktorá by sa dala odradiť. A keďže sú na tom finančne biedne a nemajú z čoho zaplatiť drahého právnika, príde s drzým návrhom:
Veselohra intelektov, zaužívaných zvykov, predsudkov a boja proti neprávosti môže začať. Vzrušujúca, vášnivá, roztopašná. Pretože Malvern sa rozhodne dobre pobaviť. Pretože iskričky v očiach skrytých za okuliarmi ženy, ktorá sa tvári príliš prudérne, no v nestrážených chvíľach prejavuje horúci temperament, mu nedajú pokoj.
A na záver navyše veľkolepé súdne pojednávanie, na ktorom sa rozhodne o všetkom. O The Mayfair Lady, o Prudence, o grófovi Barclayovi a otcovi sestier Duncanových, ktorý do poslednej chvíle netuší, čo sa deje a svedčí dokonca v prospech svojho priateľa Barclaya...
O osude najstaršej temperamentnej sestry Constance, ktorá nemyslela na vydaj, ale len na zlepšenie životných podmienok a práv pre ženy, sme čítali v knihe Ideálny starý mládenec. V Ideálnej neveste na rad prišla Prudence. A nemá to ľahké.
Jej sestra Constance totiž už zase zašla priďaleko. V novinách verejne obvinila dobrého priateľa ich otca grófa Barclaya zo zneužívania svojich slúžiek, ktoré, ak otehotnejú, jednoducho nezabezpečené vyženie na ulicu. Sestry to dostalo do parádneho prúseru – gróf Barclay noviny a neznámych majiteľov zažaloval za nactiutŕhanie. A tri sestry pritom nemajú ani najmenší dôkaz, ktorý by obstál na súde... Sú však tri, sú odhodlané a podnikavé, a hoci Constance je šťastne vydatá, stoja pri sebe všetky tri aj v tejto časti.
Usmial sa. „Jeden za všetkých a všetci za jedného. Akoby na uliciach Londýna znova ožili traja mušketieri.“
Sestry Duncanové sa zamerajú na významného právnika sira Gideona Malverna a za svoju hovorkyňu si vybrali Prudence. Chastity vraj nevyzerá seriózne a Constance sa nemôže predstaviť ako manželka člena parlamentu. Preto práve Prudence dostane neľahkú úlohu presvedčiť Malverna, aby sa za tri odvážne a inteligentné ženy postavil.
Ten je, pochopiteľne, ohromený ich drzosťou.
„Vy a vaše sestry asi nechápete realitu. Ženy by sa nemali púšťať do takých bojov. Toto je čisto emotívny, nepremyslený útok na osobu s cieľom uštedriť jej čo najväčšiu potupu, čo sa aj stalo. Preto si myslím, že gróf má právo na odškodné za potupu a poníženie, aké ste mu tým ohováraním spôsobili. Radil by som vám, aby ste v budúcnosti so sestrami udržali klebety len v ženských kruhoch a nedávali ich na papier.“
No ani Prudence nie je žena, ktorá by sa dala odradiť. A keďže sú na tom finančne biedne a nemajú z čoho zaplatiť drahého právnika, príde s drzým návrhom:
„Výmenou za vaše služby sa naša zoznamka podujme nájsť vám manželku a nevlastnú matku vašej dcére.“
„Čože?“ zatiahol neveriacky (Malvern, pozn. autorky článku). V tej chvíli nedokázal normálne premýšľať.
„Je to jednoduché. Pravdaže, ak vám nenájdeme vhodnú partnerku, potom platí vaša ponuka, teda osemdesiat percent z odškodného pre vás.“ Pokojne sa usmiala. „A keby sme aj prehrali, túto dohodu môžeme dodržať. Manželku vám nájdeme.“ Uvoľnila si ruky. „V takom prípade o nič neprídete.“
Veselohra intelektov, zaužívaných zvykov, predsudkov a boja proti neprávosti môže začať. Vzrušujúca, vášnivá, roztopašná. Pretože Malvern sa rozhodne dobre pobaviť. Pretože iskričky v očiach skrytých za okuliarmi ženy, ktorá sa tvári príliš prudérne, no v nestrážených chvíľach prejavuje horúci temperament, mu nedajú pokoj.
„Viete,“ povedal po chvíli sucho, hoci v očiach mu tancovali iskričky, „myslel som, že by pomohlo, keby ste zistili, aká žena mi vyhovie. Aj budúcim kandidátkam by pomohlo, keby vedeli, aký som milenec. Teraz budete informovanejšia a dokážete to zhodnotiť aj sama.“ Vystúpil z auta, otvoril jej dvere a podával jej ruku.
A na záver navyše veľkolepé súdne pojednávanie, na ktorom sa rozhodne o všetkom. O The Mayfair Lady, o Prudence, o grófovi Barclayovi a otcovi sestier Duncanových, ktorý do poslednej chvíle netuší, čo sa deje a svedčí dokonca v prospech svojho priateľa Barclaya...
August 19, 2023
There were two aspects to the story that I disliked immensely.
1) The sisters kept the fact that the family was financially strapped from their father. It's the father's fault that they are in that position! Their father is not an invalid or mentally deficient so why would you keep the reality of the family's finances from him? To make matters worse, they let their father find out that he was swindled and in financial straits during the trial of his so-called friend. He's supposed to be a character witness for this friend who is suing 'The Mayfair Lady' (unaware that his daughters own it) but right before he testifies, he finds out his friend swindled him and illegally took a lien against his home. First his daughters coddle him and then they allow him to be taken off guard and humiliated? It just made no sense.
2) Gideon's wife abandoned Gideon and their daughter, Sarah, when she took off with the horse trainer. When his ex-wife somes back, bags in tow, after years of having no contact besides a yearly birthday/Christmas card for her daughter, Gideon actually lets her back in the house. Prudence is there to witness the entire fiasco. What is Gideon thinking? Since when is he a push-over? And to make matters worse, the situation is conveniently rectified when the horse trainer comes back to his ex. Gideon doesn't even deal with the situation himself. And Prudence forgives all. Ugh!
1) The sisters kept the fact that the family was financially strapped from their father. It's the father's fault that they are in that position! Their father is not an invalid or mentally deficient so why would you keep the reality of the family's finances from him? To make matters worse, they let their father find out that he was swindled and in financial straits during the trial of his so-called friend. He's supposed to be a character witness for this friend who is suing 'The Mayfair Lady' (unaware that his daughters own it) but right before he testifies, he finds out his friend swindled him and illegally took a lien against his home. First his daughters coddle him and then they allow him to be taken off guard and humiliated? It just made no sense.
2) Gideon's wife abandoned Gideon and their daughter, Sarah, when she took off with the horse trainer. When his ex-wife somes back, bags in tow, after years of having no contact besides a yearly birthday/Christmas card for her daughter, Gideon actually lets her back in the house. Prudence is there to witness the entire fiasco. What is Gideon thinking? Since when is he a push-over? And to make matters worse, the situation is conveniently rectified when the horse trainer comes back to his ex. Gideon doesn't even deal with the situation himself. And Prudence forgives all. Ugh!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2018
Slečny Duncanové sú nám všetkým veľmi dobre známe. Jedna z nich dokonca skončila v chomúte (viď román Ideálny starý mládenec). A kým Constance si teraz užíva svadobnú cestu v ďalekom Egypte, Prudence a Chastity sa starajú o chod ich novín The Mayfair Lady. Prichádzajú však nečakané komplikácie. Prudence sa do rúk dostane tučná obálka, v ktorej je žaloba na noviny. Lord Barclay ich zažaloval za nactiutŕhanie!
Spočiatku sa zdá, že ryšavé krásky sú bez svojej najstaršej sestry stratené, no Prudence sa rozhodne vziať celú záležitosť do vlastných rúk. Rozhodne sa vyhľadať najlepšieho advokáta v Londýne, ktorý im pomôže sa z tejto "nepríjemnosti" dostať. Objaví Gideona Malverna, ktorý vyhral niekoľko prípadov, čo je zárukou toho, že bude jedným z najlepších. Jediné, čo treba spraviť je, presvedčiť ho, aby sa ujal aj ich prípadu. Pretože nactiutŕhanie veľmi nepatrilo do jeho kompetencie.
Gideona prípad zaujme - i keď viac ho zaujme krásna Prudence (čo si budeme klamať). A keďže ho doslova upúta, rozhodne sa dať jej šancu presvedčiť ho, aby ich prípad vzal. No dá sa to, keď dievčatá chcú ostať za každých okolností v tajnosti? Zvládnu to? Zvyšok recenzie nájdete tu: http://kokinakniznica.blogspot.sk/201...
Spočiatku sa zdá, že ryšavé krásky sú bez svojej najstaršej sestry stratené, no Prudence sa rozhodne vziať celú záležitosť do vlastných rúk. Rozhodne sa vyhľadať najlepšieho advokáta v Londýne, ktorý im pomôže sa z tejto "nepríjemnosti" dostať. Objaví Gideona Malverna, ktorý vyhral niekoľko prípadov, čo je zárukou toho, že bude jedným z najlepších. Jediné, čo treba spraviť je, presvedčiť ho, aby sa ujal aj ich prípadu. Pretože nactiutŕhanie veľmi nepatrilo do jeho kompetencie.
Gideona prípad zaujme - i keď viac ho zaujme krásna Prudence (čo si budeme klamať). A keďže ho doslova upúta, rozhodne sa dať jej šancu presvedčiť ho, aby ich prípad vzal. No dá sa to, keď dievčatá chcú ostať za každých okolností v tajnosti? Zvládnu to? Zvyšok recenzie nájdete tu: http://kokinakniznica.blogspot.sk/201...
January 29, 2024
3.5 to 4 stars. The second book in this Edwardian age trilogy about three clever and independent sisters. This one revolves around Prudence, and King's Counsel Sir Gideon Malvern. The two dislike each other at first, but have to work together on a libel case involving the three sisters, which gradually draws them together. Their father is also indirectly involved in the case.
Whilst I did not perhaps enjoy this book quite as much as the first book, it was still a good read. I liked both Gideon and Prudence. The way the case was resolved was satisfying, and it was a fairly quick and straightforward read. I would not recommend it as a standalone, however. The father's storyline overlaps both books, and it might be a little confusing without having read the first one first. I think reading the books in order helps readers get to know the three sisters and the ins-and-outs of them and their family.
I plan to go straight on and read Chastity's story with her Scottish doctor, The Wedding Game.
Whilst I did not perhaps enjoy this book quite as much as the first book, it was still a good read. I liked both Gideon and Prudence. The way the case was resolved was satisfying, and it was a fairly quick and straightforward read. I would not recommend it as a standalone, however. The father's storyline overlaps both books, and it might be a little confusing without having read the first one first. I think reading the books in order helps readers get to know the three sisters and the ins-and-outs of them and their family.
I plan to go straight on and read Chastity's story with her Scottish doctor, The Wedding Game.
June 29, 2025
Also not my preferred London time period; this story took place in the early 1900s. I also didn't find it terribly romantic, as much of the story focused on the sisters' relationships with each other, and the male lead was rather unlikable. Don't get me wrong, I love the "beastly" trope of taming the harsh, arrogant man - but I don't think any taming actually took place. The female lead doesn't soften either; so there really isn't any character growth. Not interested in reading the other books in this series, either.
PLOT
Prudence Duncan has been elected by her two sisters to interact with and attempt to persuade the talented barrister Sir Gideon Malvern to take their case. The crime? Accusing an earl of licentious and fiscally fraudulent behavior, in alleged libel. The challenge? They must remain anonymous, as that is how their publication, The Mayfair Lady, is able to operate.
There is no denying the physical attraction between the staid Prue and the divorced Gideon, though. Will they be able to focus on the case, or will Gideon's tough courtroom manner prove to be too much for the Duncan sisters?
PLOT
Prudence Duncan has been elected by her two sisters to interact with and attempt to persuade the talented barrister Sir Gideon Malvern to take their case. The crime? Accusing an earl of licentious and fiscally fraudulent behavior, in alleged libel. The challenge? They must remain anonymous, as that is how their publication, The Mayfair Lady, is able to operate.
There is no denying the physical attraction between the staid Prue and the divorced Gideon, though. Will they be able to focus on the case, or will Gideon's tough courtroom manner prove to be too much for the Duncan sisters?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2017
I mistakenly read #2 in the series before #1 but it can stand alone. I love the strong women characters in Feather's books and Prudence is no exception. The Duncan sisters continue to publish their late mother's gossip/women's rights newspaper and operate a matchmaking business to keep their household afloat after their father's poor financial decisions put them at the edge of financial ruin. A lawsuit is filed against them...and Prudence enlists the help of barrister Gideon. Their story is an engaging one. I am now going back and reading #1, Constance's story, and also look forward to Chastity's story in #3 of this series. I love when I find a "new to me" author!
September 12, 2021
Sestry Duncanové pokračujú vo svojej redaktorskej činnosti. A však trochu prestrelia v jednom článku a nastane problém, s ktorým sa musia vysporiadať. Prudence osloví právnika, ktorý o tento prípad nemá záujem, bude sa ho snažiť presvedčiť, ale nato aby ju mohol zastupovať, ju musí najskôr skutočne spoznať...
Áno, bola to romantika a áno hlavní hrdinovia sa veľakrát správali tak iracionálne, že by ich jeden prefackal...ale to tak nejak k tomuto žánru aj trošku patrí, inak by tam len ťažko vznikali zápletky. Od knižky som neočakávala niečo extra a možno preto sa mi tak ľahko čítala, pre mňa bola rovnako príjemnou oddychovkou na pár hodín čìtania, ako aj predchádzajúca časť.
Áno, bola to romantika a áno hlavní hrdinovia sa veľakrát správali tak iracionálne, že by ich jeden prefackal...ale to tak nejak k tomuto žánru aj trošku patrí, inak by tam len ťažko vznikali zápletky. Od knižky som neočakávala niečo extra a možno preto sa mi tak ľahko čítala, pre mňa bola rovnako príjemnou oddychovkou na pár hodín čìtania, ako aj predchádzajúca časť.
July 20, 2018
I was so disappointed in this book. I really had a strong dislike for Prudence and didn't understand, at all, what attraction was between her and Gideon. She refused to have any substantive discussion with him other than about the case and about her search for a wife for him. I guess it served for her to learn about him a bit that way - but really it just didn't seem to serve a purpose. Gideon, for his part, never really asked many questions about Prudence at all. Overall - I just didn't get it.
February 26, 2024
Historical romance set in Victorian England.
The two main characters were very weird together.
I liked the heroine rather well, with her strong personality, although she was a little bit naive with regard to the hero. Although she wasn’t a virgin, she still was very inexperienced for the hero’s character: he was grumpy, gruff and moody AND high-handed, taking many things for granted with regard to the heroine. Honestly, if I was in her shoes, I would have sent him packing. To the devil!
Their romance was illogical, in my opinion. I didn’t enjoy the story
The two main characters were very weird together.
I liked the heroine rather well, with her strong personality, although she was a little bit naive with regard to the hero. Although she wasn’t a virgin, she still was very inexperienced for the hero’s character: he was grumpy, gruff and moody AND high-handed, taking many things for granted with regard to the heroine. Honestly, if I was in her shoes, I would have sent him packing. To the devil!
Their romance was illogical, in my opinion. I didn’t enjoy the story
November 9, 2019
:-D
See there are even men for us mathematical, studious types. Great story, it was interesting that Sir Gideon could switch between personalities so quickly and smoothly. I'm wondering where the Mayfair Ladies will go from here...
And who will end up with the house? Has 'Father' really gone so far off the deep end that there is no way to save the day?
See there are even men for us mathematical, studious types. Great story, it was interesting that Sir Gideon could switch between personalities so quickly and smoothly. I'm wondering where the Mayfair Ladies will go from here...
And who will end up with the house? Has 'Father' really gone so far off the deep end that there is no way to save the day?
August 3, 2021
Finished this a couple of days ago. There were a few things that irked me. Sometimes Prue was very thick headed, that she didn't see things right in front of her face and Gideon was so sanctimonious in his maleness, that it drove me bonkers. Overall, I really enjoyed the storyline of the libel case. I felt that the sisters keeping their father in the dark about certain things was just wrong.
February 28, 2022
x Girls hide debt from cause, pa, say late ma would, insults parents. Like #1, each competes to fool other. Society disturbs in any century.
Pru ~27, most style and # saavy, fakes dowd, smug barrister Gideon 40s kisses, twice. Pru `thin n angular .. pointy hipbones`, silk n lace ; Con `knobby`.
Pru ~27, most style and # saavy, fakes dowd, smug barrister Gideon 40s kisses, twice. Pru `thin n angular .. pointy hipbones`, silk n lace ; Con `knobby`.
June 14, 2023
I discovered this book in stack of unread books so I decided why not. I expected a Regency romance but while it was a romance but not from that period. I never got a really clear idea when it was set but it seems to be the just a little after the of the 20th century (maybe 8 to 10 years before the start of WWI). I did enjoy it.
July 13, 2017
omg I luved it... can't wait to read the next one. I think that characters were great n fit eachother so well
July 28, 2018
Excellent
Cleverly done, full of intrigue, the Duncan sisters must defend their secret publication in court. And of course, the happily ever after occurs.
Cleverly done, full of intrigue, the Duncan sisters must defend their secret publication in court. And of course, the happily ever after occurs.
October 24, 2018
Fiction : Romance : Historical
19th-century London
light fun read
19th-century London
light fun read
November 25, 2018
Love the strength of these heroines in this series.
January 26, 2020
Jane Feather is always a pleasure to read. The Duncan sisters were so much fun, I didn't want to put any of the books down.
January 22, 2022
Very much enjoyed the book. Highly recommend
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