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Brandon Brothers #1
A Trick of Fate: Brandon Brothers, Book 1
Someone is misusing Max Brandon’s name - resulting in bills for services he never ordered and goods he did not buy. For reasons he can't begin to guess, he has become the victim of some unknown person's campaign of persecution.
When the games move closer to home, almost forcing him to fight a duel...more particularly, when they draw in Frances Pendleton, a lady he never expected to see again...Max vows to catch the man behind them, no matter what the cost.
The result is a haphazard chase involving ruined abbeys, a hunt for hermits, a grotesque portrait...and a love story which, but for this odd trick of fate, might never have been given a second chance.
When the games move closer to home, almost forcing him to fight a duel...more particularly, when they draw in Frances Pendleton, a lady he never expected to see again...Max vows to catch the man behind them, no matter what the cost.
The result is a haphazard chase involving ruined abbeys, a hunt for hermits, a grotesque portrait...and a love story which, but for this odd trick of fate, might never have been given a second chance.
Audible Audio
First published October 25, 2019
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About the author
Stella Riley
23 books455 followers Stella Riley lives in Kent, England. She enjoys theatre, travel and playing the harpsichord.
Her award-winning 7 book Rockliffe series (recommended in The Times!) is available in audio, narrated by Alex Wyndham.
She is also the author of 6 books set in the 17th century: The Marigold Chain, A Splendid Defiance, The Black Madonna, Garland of Straw, The King's Falcon and Lords of Misrule.
All titles are available from Amazon, Kobo, Barnes & Noble and Apple.
Rockliffe Book 6 - Cadenza - is the 2019 Readers' Favourite gold medallist for Historical Romance and also the 2021 Book Excellence Awards winner in the Romance category.
Her award-winning 7 book Rockliffe series (recommended in The Times!) is available in audio, narrated by Alex Wyndham.
She is also the author of 6 books set in the 17th century: The Marigold Chain, A Splendid Defiance, The Black Madonna, Garland of Straw, The King's Falcon and Lords of Misrule.
All titles are available from Amazon, Kobo, Barnes & Noble and Apple.
Rockliffe Book 6 - Cadenza - is the 2019 Readers' Favourite gold medallist for Historical Romance and also the 2021 Book Excellence Awards winner in the Romance category.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
October 25, 2019
A Trick of Fate is both the first in a new trilogy by Stella Riley and a spin-off from her highly popular Rockliffe series. It promises to be every bit as addictive as not only that series, but also her highly successful Roundheads and Cavaliers which is, quite simply stupendous. For me, an added bonus is that A Trick of Fate cleverly links in to both Cadenza (Rockliffe, #6) and her absolutely tremendous Garland of Straw, which is set some one hundred and fifty years before. It’s extremely well done and I loved the connection to the characters from that book. However, I must add, it’s not necessary to have read Garland of Straw, but dyed-in-the-wool fans of Stella Riley will love the connection - feeling, I’m sure as I did, that I was re-visiting old friends, Gabriel and Venetia Brandon, the great-great-grandparents of Max Brandon, one of the MC’s of this story.
Ms. Riley uses a series of flash backs to show us how our MC’s originally met and then were separated for almost five years. Also how, by a A Trick of Fate they are reconnected against all the odds. The author has woven her tale plausibly and intelligently with some inventive twists and turns and, as I said previously, with a link back some five generations. She explains it all so simply, that as the story unravels, those who are not familiar with her Roundheads and Cavaliers series will not be confused or bogged down with historical detail they do not understand. Although I urge those who have not yet read this masterfully researched and historically brilliant series to do so - you won’t be disappointed.
One of Ms. Riley’s greatest strengths is her ability to create drop dead gorgeous men who are so real we can almost reach out and touch them - if only! Max Brandon is one such man, epitomising the honourable, decent family man, but with a wicked sense of the ridiculous (which I loved) and a naughty sense of humour, which stops him appearing too perfect. He’s described as looking like his great-great-grandfather, Gabriel Brandon, who is one of Ms. Riley’s most memorable characters - one who stands out a mile for me - so I was always going to love Max. First introduced in Cadenza, I adored Max’s character and always hoped the author had plans for him, and now, with her further development of his character, I love him even more. Once the reader becomes familiar with this author’s work, there’s often a pattern (although not always) and I was extremely pleased when I learned that Max was to have a story of his own.
The story begins with Max beset by a series of annoying events and it becomes increasingly obvious that they are being deliberately orchestrated by someone intent on blackening his good name. At first, he and his secretary, Duncan Balfour, attempt to keep the family in the dark while they attempt to unravel the mystery themselves, but soon it becomes more of a problem as the perpetrator, under the pseudonym of Mr. Grey, is not only leaving a trail of debts in Max’s name but it is also becoming worryingly obvious that he has been in the grounds of Max’s home. The straw that finally breaks the camel’s back arrives while Max is in the process of dealing with yet another crisis perpetrated by Grey - this time a furious young woman named Frances Pendleton, known to a shocked Max as his lost love of five years ago. She demands to be seen and then hurls yet one more unfair accusation at him. Grey has thrown down a gauntlet and Max has no option but to pick it up and pursue him.
Frances inveigles herself into Max’s company on the journey, although he is adamant he will go alone. She, on the other hand, has her own axe to grind with Grey and cares naught for the good opinion of others, having been all but ostracised from polite society, after jilting her fiancé five years earlier. Max isn’t happy but sees the possibility of repairing his relationship with Frances and so semi-reluctantly agrees to her company. And so begins their protracted chase and the criss-crossing of the borders of Scotland and England. Grey leaves letters at every inn, instructing them where to go to, but staying elusively just one step ahead of them. Meanwhile, with the passage of time, and the opportunity to spend time together, Max and Frances begin to rekindle the love neither of them has ever fully recovered from. This slow burn of magnetism is sexy and sweet and their attraction to each other fairly jumps off the page.
I think this is probably Stella Riley’s most sensual love story so far, although there is nothing very sexually explicit, just a little more than she usually treats us to. However she manages to convey sexiness with a look or remark, mostly from the outrageous Max with his funny, and witty innuendo, and most certainly Frances’s receptiveness to it. It’s quite obvious that the two are falling deeply for each other all over again - the air between them fairly sizzling. They are the perfect couple, sharing the same sense of the ridiculous and always on the same wave length - I just loved both characters.
There’s so much to love about this delightful story, such as the interesting little snippets the author slips in - one being about Knaresborough’s famous prophetess, Mother Shipton, a reputedly local witch who lived in a cave with a Petrifying well nearby (which I confess I looked up) and I shall make a point of visiting when I’m next in the north of England. As always, Ms. Riley’s secondary characters are superb. I loved clever Leo, who had me chuckling more than once with his penchant for levity. I’m pretty sure there’s a lot more to him which we’ll discover when we are privy to his own story. Brother Adam, who made only a brief appearance towards the end, but is intriguing none the less. Then there’s Ralph Sherbourne, who has gone from villain to misunderstood little-boy-lost in the course of three books. Ms.Riley has portrayed him to be an anxious but loving husband - who incidentally, once helped Frances - and I defy anyone not to love him now, as does his wife Lizzie and the Brandon family, who have taken him to their hearts. So many fabulous characters to mention - the three orphaned, illegitimate children adopted by Belle and Julian, Figgy, the mongrel dog, the delectable virtuoso earl, Julian, and of course his wife, Belle, Max’s sister, and his brothers, Leo and Adam, whom I’ve already mentioned.
Just sumptuous Ms. Riley - I loved it all. And I believe Alex Wyndham is in his recording booth - I can hardly wait.
Ms. Riley uses a series of flash backs to show us how our MC’s originally met and then were separated for almost five years. Also how, by a A Trick of Fate they are reconnected against all the odds. The author has woven her tale plausibly and intelligently with some inventive twists and turns and, as I said previously, with a link back some five generations. She explains it all so simply, that as the story unravels, those who are not familiar with her Roundheads and Cavaliers series will not be confused or bogged down with historical detail they do not understand. Although I urge those who have not yet read this masterfully researched and historically brilliant series to do so - you won’t be disappointed.
One of Ms. Riley’s greatest strengths is her ability to create drop dead gorgeous men who are so real we can almost reach out and touch them - if only! Max Brandon is one such man, epitomising the honourable, decent family man, but with a wicked sense of the ridiculous (which I loved) and a naughty sense of humour, which stops him appearing too perfect. He’s described as looking like his great-great-grandfather, Gabriel Brandon, who is one of Ms. Riley’s most memorable characters - one who stands out a mile for me - so I was always going to love Max. First introduced in Cadenza, I adored Max’s character and always hoped the author had plans for him, and now, with her further development of his character, I love him even more. Once the reader becomes familiar with this author’s work, there’s often a pattern (although not always) and I was extremely pleased when I learned that Max was to have a story of his own.
The story begins with Max beset by a series of annoying events and it becomes increasingly obvious that they are being deliberately orchestrated by someone intent on blackening his good name. At first, he and his secretary, Duncan Balfour, attempt to keep the family in the dark while they attempt to unravel the mystery themselves, but soon it becomes more of a problem as the perpetrator, under the pseudonym of Mr. Grey, is not only leaving a trail of debts in Max’s name but it is also becoming worryingly obvious that he has been in the grounds of Max’s home. The straw that finally breaks the camel’s back arrives while Max is in the process of dealing with yet another crisis perpetrated by Grey - this time a furious young woman named Frances Pendleton, known to a shocked Max as his lost love of five years ago. She demands to be seen and then hurls yet one more unfair accusation at him. Grey has thrown down a gauntlet and Max has no option but to pick it up and pursue him.
Frances inveigles herself into Max’s company on the journey, although he is adamant he will go alone. She, on the other hand, has her own axe to grind with Grey and cares naught for the good opinion of others, having been all but ostracised from polite society, after jilting her fiancé five years earlier. Max isn’t happy but sees the possibility of repairing his relationship with Frances and so semi-reluctantly agrees to her company. And so begins their protracted chase and the criss-crossing of the borders of Scotland and England. Grey leaves letters at every inn, instructing them where to go to, but staying elusively just one step ahead of them. Meanwhile, with the passage of time, and the opportunity to spend time together, Max and Frances begin to rekindle the love neither of them has ever fully recovered from. This slow burn of magnetism is sexy and sweet and their attraction to each other fairly jumps off the page.
I think this is probably Stella Riley’s most sensual love story so far, although there is nothing very sexually explicit, just a little more than she usually treats us to. However she manages to convey sexiness with a look or remark, mostly from the outrageous Max with his funny, and witty innuendo, and most certainly Frances’s receptiveness to it. It’s quite obvious that the two are falling deeply for each other all over again - the air between them fairly sizzling. They are the perfect couple, sharing the same sense of the ridiculous and always on the same wave length - I just loved both characters.
There’s so much to love about this delightful story, such as the interesting little snippets the author slips in - one being about Knaresborough’s famous prophetess, Mother Shipton, a reputedly local witch who lived in a cave with a Petrifying well nearby (which I confess I looked up) and I shall make a point of visiting when I’m next in the north of England. As always, Ms. Riley’s secondary characters are superb. I loved clever Leo, who had me chuckling more than once with his penchant for levity. I’m pretty sure there’s a lot more to him which we’ll discover when we are privy to his own story. Brother Adam, who made only a brief appearance towards the end, but is intriguing none the less. Then there’s Ralph Sherbourne, who has gone from villain to misunderstood little-boy-lost in the course of three books. Ms.Riley has portrayed him to be an anxious but loving husband - who incidentally, once helped Frances - and I defy anyone not to love him now, as does his wife Lizzie and the Brandon family, who have taken him to their hearts. So many fabulous characters to mention - the three orphaned, illegitimate children adopted by Belle and Julian, Figgy, the mongrel dog, the delectable virtuoso earl, Julian, and of course his wife, Belle, Max’s sister, and his brothers, Leo and Adam, whom I’ve already mentioned.
Just sumptuous Ms. Riley - I loved it all. And I believe Alex Wyndham is in his recording booth - I can hardly wait.
October 29, 2019
I'm starting to feel lately as if it's my fate to be tricked into buying historical romances I think will be great, only to be somewhat underwhelmed and disappointed. This is the third new release in the past week or so that has left me thinking, "Well, that's nice, but is that all there is?" And by favorite authors too: Sherry Thomas's THE ART OF THEFT, Mimi Matthews's A CONVENIENT FICTION, and now this one by Riley.
This starts out very well. An intriguing little mystery about a prankster/identify thief who is going around pretending to be our hero Max Brandon, racking up unpaid bills, stealing a horse, sending an inappropriate gift to someone's wife, and, just in general, doing his best to make Max look like an unreliable, untrustworthy man.
So Max needs to find this trickster and sets out to follow the bread crumbs intentionally left behind by him. Now add in to the mix lovely Frances Pendleton, with whom Max had had a star-crossed romance five years ago. Turns out her brother is one of the victims of that prankster pretending to be Max, and she descends upon Max like a fury.
What transpires next is a good ol' road trip. Max and Frances set off together to find the identity thief. At the same time, they will also perhaps find the love connection they once had before they had been separated by unfortunate circumstances, misunderstandings, and Frances's manipulative parents.
This is an agreeable romance. The MCs are appealing, their interactions are humorous and warm and the reader wants very much for them to find their deserved happiness together. Yet somewhere along the way I started to find this story less than stellar. The romance began to drag and become tedious and repetitious, with too much overthinking by the heroine.
In addition, the prankster was a letdown for me. He had seemed to have such a witty, caustic personality when he was an anonymous annoyance, but when we finally catch up with him he shows himself to be rather ho-hum.
What's nice about this new book is the connection of its characters to both Riley's Roundheads and Cavaliers series and her Rockliffe series. Max is the brother of Belle, one of the heroines of the previous Rockliffe romance CADENZA and the Brandon family descends from the couple to be found in A GARLAND OF STRAW, part of Riley's Roundheads and Cavaliers series.
Also, if you like warm family interactions and meeting up again with characters from previous books, you'll like this aspect of A TRICK OF FATE. Authors Stella Riley, Lucinda Brant, and Mary Balogh are perhaps the best HR authors for showing these interbook connections and familial ties and affection.
Unfortunately for me, there is just so much rose-colored sweetness I can handle featuring people who are really nice and almost verging on personality perfection. And Riley's characters here are so, so nice. Except for a couple of secondaries who aren't, such as Frances's mother, who is drawn as an unbelievably horrid human being. (If I were Max I might rethink a relationship with Frances. Does anyone remember My Mother/My Self: The Daughter's Search for Identity?)
Bottom line about this story is that it is well written and has some charming characters and a warm romance. But I like a bit more spice to my romances. This one was bland. I'm not saying it needed more sex. There was enough of that. I'm talking about needing characters who are a bit more vivid and interesting and complex, with more intense relationships. The kind of characters Riley used in have in her books, especially those written in the 1980s and 1990s, such as THE BLACK MADONNA, A GARLAND OF STRAW, and THE PARFIT KNIGHT.
This starts out very well. An intriguing little mystery about a prankster/identify thief who is going around pretending to be our hero Max Brandon, racking up unpaid bills, stealing a horse, sending an inappropriate gift to someone's wife, and, just in general, doing his best to make Max look like an unreliable, untrustworthy man.
So Max needs to find this trickster and sets out to follow the bread crumbs intentionally left behind by him. Now add in to the mix lovely Frances Pendleton, with whom Max had had a star-crossed romance five years ago. Turns out her brother is one of the victims of that prankster pretending to be Max, and she descends upon Max like a fury.
What transpires next is a good ol' road trip. Max and Frances set off together to find the identity thief. At the same time, they will also perhaps find the love connection they once had before they had been separated by unfortunate circumstances, misunderstandings, and Frances's manipulative parents.
This is an agreeable romance. The MCs are appealing, their interactions are humorous and warm and the reader wants very much for them to find their deserved happiness together. Yet somewhere along the way I started to find this story less than stellar. The romance began to drag and become tedious and repetitious, with too much overthinking by the heroine.
In addition, the prankster was a letdown for me. He had seemed to have such a witty, caustic personality when he was an anonymous annoyance, but when we finally catch up with him he shows himself to be rather ho-hum.
What's nice about this new book is the connection of its characters to both Riley's Roundheads and Cavaliers series and her Rockliffe series. Max is the brother of Belle, one of the heroines of the previous Rockliffe romance CADENZA and the Brandon family descends from the couple to be found in A GARLAND OF STRAW, part of Riley's Roundheads and Cavaliers series.
Also, if you like warm family interactions and meeting up again with characters from previous books, you'll like this aspect of A TRICK OF FATE. Authors Stella Riley, Lucinda Brant, and Mary Balogh are perhaps the best HR authors for showing these interbook connections and familial ties and affection.
Unfortunately for me, there is just so much rose-colored sweetness I can handle featuring people who are really nice and almost verging on personality perfection. And Riley's characters here are so, so nice. Except for a couple of secondaries who aren't, such as Frances's mother, who is drawn as an unbelievably horrid human being. (If I were Max I might rethink a relationship with Frances. Does anyone remember My Mother/My Self: The Daughter's Search for Identity?)
Bottom line about this story is that it is well written and has some charming characters and a warm romance. But I like a bit more spice to my romances. This one was bland. I'm not saying it needed more sex. There was enough of that. I'm talking about needing characters who are a bit more vivid and interesting and complex, with more intense relationships. The kind of characters Riley used in have in her books, especially those written in the 1980s and 1990s, such as THE BLACK MADONNA, A GARLAND OF STRAW, and THE PARFIT KNIGHT.
June 20, 2023
I really enjoyed the start of the book. The "prankster" was an interesting idea for idenity theft in the Georgian era. I had not paid attention to the book summary and didn't realize that much of the book takes place over a road trip. I dislike road trip romances. So, this book never had much of a chance with me. I enjoyed the info exchanged between the main couple of what happened between them FIVE YEARS ago. But it did seem that people move on with their lives except for these 2. I would have liked this book if it was a short story but there was not enough here for me for a full-length book even though the reader was wonderful. Plus the BIG reveal left me flat.
April 23, 2021
4.5 STARS
Loved it. Another fantastic story by Stella Riley. I knew that she would not sell the Brandon brothers short. And of course the audiobook made it even better.. thank you, Alex Wyndham. There weren't as many touching moments in this one as in some of the others, which is why I didn't give it 5, but honestly I couldn't take off for much. If you're a fan of historical romance.. you'll love this.
Loved it. Another fantastic story by Stella Riley. I knew that she would not sell the Brandon brothers short. And of course the audiobook made it even better.. thank you, Alex Wyndham. There weren't as many touching moments in this one as in some of the others, which is why I didn't give it 5, but honestly I couldn't take off for much. If you're a fan of historical romance.. you'll love this.
October 7, 2021
5+ Stars
A TRICK of FATE is the first book in Ms. Riley’s much anticipated Brandon Brothers series. With its intriguing storyline, heart-warming romance, endearing characters and sparkling dialogue, it is an absolute delight from start to finish.
I have fallen in love with every one of Ms. Riley’s heroes and Max is no exception. In Cadenza, he was so loving and protective, but also understanding towards his sister, Arabella, and he showed kindness in the way he helped Julian. In A TRICK OF FATE, he is honourable, hardworking, loyal and totally dedicated to his family too. I love how his serious side is offset by a deliciously wicked sense of humour and a real appreciation of the frivolous.
The flashbacks showing how he and Frances met and fell in love, five years earlier at a house party, are utterly charming and their dialogue sparkles like champagne. They are so in tune with each other that I never doubted they were truly meant to be together, which made what transpired to keep them apart all the more heart-breaking.
I especially enjoyed the road trip element of the story because their close proximity creates a palpable sexual tension between Max and Frances, while providing the opportunity for them to confront the past and rekindle their love for each other. I enjoyed the descriptions of the Scottish landscape and the interesting historical details, which are blended into this part of the story without it sounding like a travelogue.
I LOVE the humour in this book - from the ridiculous hermit repartee, to the wee, timorous beasties tale, to Max and Leo's witty banter, to Max’s naughty innuendos. The mystery concerning the illusive ‘Mr Grey’ kept the story moving and I never once suspected his true identity or his motives. Cleverly done, Ms. Riley.
It was lovely catching up with characters from Cadenza - Julian, Arabella, their three adopted children, and Lizzie and Ralph, who all make an appearance. Ralph’s vulnerability when it comes to his wife, and learning that he was once kind to Frances when she needed it most certainly confirmed his redemption in my eyes.
As always, the main characters are supported by a wonderful cast of secondary ones including:
• Max’s younger brothers – Leo, a talented artist, and Adam, who is mad about swords and swordsmanship
• Lady Louisa, Max’s mother, who loves her family and only wants their happiness.
• Duncan Balfour, Max’s red-headed, Scottish secretary, who is more of a friend to him
• Lady Pendleton, Frances’ mother, a selfish old battle-axe, but she is no match for a wrathful Max
I love how Ms. Riley incorporates family links to her Roundheads and Cavaliers series when Max tells Frances about his great-great-grandparents, Gabriel and Venetia Brandon, whose story is told in Garland of Straw. The exceptionally talented goldsmith on Bond Street is sure to be a descendant of Toby Maxwell, a character from The Black Madonna.
What a wonderful start to a new series and I eagerly await Leo and Adam’s stories. Highly recommended
A TRICK of FATE is the first book in Ms. Riley’s much anticipated Brandon Brothers series. With its intriguing storyline, heart-warming romance, endearing characters and sparkling dialogue, it is an absolute delight from start to finish.
I have fallen in love with every one of Ms. Riley’s heroes and Max is no exception. In Cadenza, he was so loving and protective, but also understanding towards his sister, Arabella, and he showed kindness in the way he helped Julian. In A TRICK OF FATE, he is honourable, hardworking, loyal and totally dedicated to his family too. I love how his serious side is offset by a deliciously wicked sense of humour and a real appreciation of the frivolous.
The flashbacks showing how he and Frances met and fell in love, five years earlier at a house party, are utterly charming and their dialogue sparkles like champagne. They are so in tune with each other that I never doubted they were truly meant to be together, which made what transpired to keep them apart all the more heart-breaking.
I especially enjoyed the road trip element of the story because their close proximity creates a palpable sexual tension between Max and Frances, while providing the opportunity for them to confront the past and rekindle their love for each other. I enjoyed the descriptions of the Scottish landscape and the interesting historical details, which are blended into this part of the story without it sounding like a travelogue.
I LOVE the humour in this book - from the ridiculous hermit repartee, to the wee, timorous beasties tale, to Max and Leo's witty banter, to Max’s naughty innuendos. The mystery concerning the illusive ‘Mr Grey’ kept the story moving and I never once suspected his true identity or his motives. Cleverly done, Ms. Riley.
It was lovely catching up with characters from Cadenza - Julian, Arabella, their three adopted children, and Lizzie and Ralph, who all make an appearance. Ralph’s vulnerability when it comes to his wife, and learning that he was once kind to Frances when she needed it most certainly confirmed his redemption in my eyes.
As always, the main characters are supported by a wonderful cast of secondary ones including:
• Max’s younger brothers – Leo, a talented artist, and Adam, who is mad about swords and swordsmanship
• Lady Louisa, Max’s mother, who loves her family and only wants their happiness.
• Duncan Balfour, Max’s red-headed, Scottish secretary, who is more of a friend to him
• Lady Pendleton, Frances’ mother, a selfish old battle-axe, but she is no match for a wrathful Max
I love how Ms. Riley incorporates family links to her Roundheads and Cavaliers series when Max tells Frances about his great-great-grandparents, Gabriel and Venetia Brandon, whose story is told in Garland of Straw. The exceptionally talented goldsmith on Bond Street is sure to be a descendant of Toby Maxwell, a character from The Black Madonna.
What a wonderful start to a new series and I eagerly await Leo and Adam’s stories. Highly recommended
February 4, 2022
Ms. Riley knows how to write! That's fact! Otherwise this book would be barely 2 stars!
But thanks to an excellent writing this is a full 4 stars!
The story in itself is not interesting enough. They run after a guy who evades them again and again. They go from one place to the other. They talk and they visit places.
So, as you see nothing so very interesting. But...
The dialogue is so wonderful that I just enjoyed the ride! And the writing is so great that you don't feel the need for action.
So, this is not the best book by Ms. Riley, but it is still enjoyable!
But thanks to an excellent writing this is a full 4 stars!
The story in itself is not interesting enough. They run after a guy who evades them again and again. They go from one place to the other. They talk and they visit places.
So, as you see nothing so very interesting. But...
The dialogue is so wonderful that I just enjoyed the ride! And the writing is so great that you don't feel the need for action.
So, this is not the best book by Ms. Riley, but it is still enjoyable!
October 27, 2019
It’s always bittersweet to finish a beautifully-written book, knowing the future holds many others not quite up to par. It’s one of the reasons I try not to read Dorothy Dunnett too often. I can’t imagine what it would be like if Stella Riley were as prolific as, say, Nora Roberts. As it is, this first entry in the Brandon Brothers series is just lovely.
I will say, though, that I’m a 4.5 stars rounding up. In less deft hands I would have found some plot elements a little too pat and tidy, and more than once I felt it went longer than it needed. But the characters are richly drawn, it feels perfectly in its time, and I can’t wait to read about Leo, I suspect Duncan, and I hope another character I will leave nameless.
I will say, though, that I’m a 4.5 stars rounding up. In less deft hands I would have found some plot elements a little too pat and tidy, and more than once I felt it went longer than it needed. But the characters are richly drawn, it feels perfectly in its time, and I can’t wait to read about Leo, I suspect Duncan, and I hope another character I will leave nameless.
February 18, 2020
3.5 stars for this enjoyable road trip romance
Riley's prose is lovely, the main characters very likeable, but there's not a whole lot of depth to the story. No big conflict, no big emotions (and Riley is capable of both). It's like a hot mug of cocoa on a cold, dreary day--comforting and happy.
A pleasant way to pass a few hours. If you need a break from other, perhaps heavier, subjects, this book delivers the goods in style.
Riley's prose is lovely, the main characters very likeable, but there's not a whole lot of depth to the story. No big conflict, no big emotions (and Riley is capable of both). It's like a hot mug of cocoa on a cold, dreary day--comforting and happy.
A pleasant way to pass a few hours. If you need a break from other, perhaps heavier, subjects, this book delivers the goods in style.
April 9, 2021
LOVED IT!
I am a huge fan of Stella Riley and I adore her characters and stories. And of course I love listening to Alex Wyndham.
I suggest that if you too are a fan of both SR & AW that you grab this one and enjoy! ❤
I'm looking forward to reading/listening to the other books in this series.
December 15, 2021
Lovely detailed writing style about a stoic gentleman being taunted by an imposter and by the woman he loved and lost many years before. I liked the reveal of their history although their romance and travels were overly drawn out. The H truly loved the h and made her challenges disappear. Good read.
January 1, 2021
What’s not to like?
Ms Riley always serves up something different, this time a Georgian-era road trip through the Scottish border region, a light mystery (which, incidentally, leads to an intriguing ), and one of the loveliest and most memorable .
It’s a light read, for sure, with not much keeping the couple apart except Frances’ family problems and a five-year separation. The angst is all in the past, in the circumstances which separated them in the first place. But here, the road trip gives Max Brandon and Frances a chance to reconnect, which they do in a series of delightful scenes. Max isn’t your typical drawing-room hero, he finds society stifling and is happy to remain at Brandon Lacey most of the time managing his estates. It means he’s not averse to teasing Frances or trying to shock her, whether it’s daring her to wear her hair down in public (if he does the same), or offering to elaborate on how a marriage is consummated, or shamelessly referring to a man’s ‘most prized asset.’
All highly improper, of course, but humour is hard to resist, as Frances discovers. But that’s not all there is to Max. We see early on his care for others, when he pays some of the tradesmen who would lose out as a result of the hoax being played on him. He’s also thoroughly likeable, honourable, generous, forthright and kind.
If there were a couple of small quibbles, it would be the love-at-first-sight aspect. But as neither Max nor Frances sought another partner in five years, this went some way towards making it believable, as did the strength of their renewed connection. The other was the final outcome of the mystery, which strained credulity a little and wasn’t entirely necessary - the plot would have been equally well served by However, that particular aspect was still fascinating. In addition, it gave Max’s brother Leo a more defined role, and I’m looking forward to his story being the next in the series.
I also liked how Ms Riley tied in a connection between Frances and Rafe Sherbourne, and gave us a glimpse of Elizabeth and Rafe six months or so into their marriage. They’re a couple I’d still like to read more about.
All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Ms Riley always serves up something different, this time a Georgian-era road trip through the Scottish border region, a light mystery (which, incidentally, leads to an intriguing ), and one of the loveliest and most memorable .
It’s a light read, for sure, with not much keeping the couple apart except Frances’ family problems and a five-year separation. The angst is all in the past, in the circumstances which separated them in the first place. But here, the road trip gives Max Brandon and Frances a chance to reconnect, which they do in a series of delightful scenes. Max isn’t your typical drawing-room hero, he finds society stifling and is happy to remain at Brandon Lacey most of the time managing his estates. It means he’s not averse to teasing Frances or trying to shock her, whether it’s daring her to wear her hair down in public (if he does the same), or offering to elaborate on how a marriage is consummated, or shamelessly referring to a man’s ‘most prized asset.’
All highly improper, of course, but humour is hard to resist, as Frances discovers. But that’s not all there is to Max. We see early on his care for others, when he pays some of the tradesmen who would lose out as a result of the hoax being played on him. He’s also thoroughly likeable, honourable, generous, forthright and kind.
If there were a couple of small quibbles, it would be the love-at-first-sight aspect. But as neither Max nor Frances sought another partner in five years, this went some way towards making it believable, as did the strength of their renewed connection. The other was the final outcome of the mystery, which strained credulity a little and wasn’t entirely necessary - the plot would have been equally well served by However, that particular aspect was still fascinating. In addition, it gave Max’s brother Leo a more defined role, and I’m looking forward to his story being the next in the series.
I also liked how Ms Riley tied in a connection between Frances and Rafe Sherbourne, and gave us a glimpse of Elizabeth and Rafe six months or so into their marriage. They’re a couple I’d still like to read more about.
All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable read.
November 22, 2019
This is not Stella Riley of The Mesalliance. I almost feel “a trick of fate” was played on me after this rather ho-hum Georgian offering. Look, I have a serious weakness for Georgian romance, and even more of a weakness for Stella Riley (The Mesalliance is one of my favorites of all time) but this felt terribly like it was a fill-in-the-blank wallpaper historical. Three stars for a few stellar moments, but overall quite boring.
June 15, 2021
I do believe this is my favorite thus far of Stella Riley’s books although I may have said that for each of her books that I’ve read. Hehe!! I loved Max and Frances. Do I believe in love at first sight? Perhaps not but it worked in this story therefore I’m going with it. As always… Alex Wyndham was superb as the narrator. I’m anxious to read the next in the series but will patiently wait for the audiobook.
May 2, 2023
In a sideways move branching off her excellent Rockliffe novels "A Trick of Fate" is the first in the new Brandon Brothers series. The focus moves to Max Brandon (brother to Arabella Brandon from "Cadenza") and the story opens at his estate in Yorkshire, where Max has discovered that he is the victim of eighteenth-century style identity theft. While trying to deal with this problem he receives a visit from Frances Pendleton, the love he lost five years previously and who is now angrily accusing him destroying the job prospects of her younger brother.
I really loved this delightful story from a very talented author. In addition to the gorgeous characters of Frances and Max and their wonderful love story, I particularly like the mystery element, the road tour of the Scottish borders, the interactions of the family and the excellent dialogue.
Max and Frances’s romance sparkles throughout the novel. I like the flashbacks telling their back story and love seeing the characters’ internal thoughts. The author is so clever in revealing the character of her protagonists and the development of their story through their words and actions rather than tell us through description. It has much more immediacy and involves the reader more closely in the story.
As someone who reads a lot of crime novels, I was thoroughly engaged by the “mystery element” of Grey’s outrageous antics. I loved the suspense of wondering what he would do next, who was he and how he would get his comeuppance. This certainly added piquancy to the story. I rather enjoyed Grey’s character. From the beginning he shows inventiveness and an engaging sense of humour.
I think the road trip element was inspired. Not only does Grey’s merry dance move the plot along (literally and figuratively) but it gives us a fantastic opportunity to see Max and Frances’s story develop. The intimacy of the coach and the anonymity of wayside inns enable Max and Frances to rediscover each other. The dialogue in these sections is particularly strong. I love their sense of humour and that feel they are each other’s equal. Max is masterful but that is understandable given his responsibilities and it is nicely balanced by a barely concealed vulnerability in his need of Frances.
I always love re-entering the Georgian world that Ms Riley creates. It is wonderful to meet old friends from earlier books and catch up on their lives. In this story we learn a little more about Ralph and Lizzie Sherbourne and meet again the delightful Chalfont children. However, the author is also so skilled in creating new people for us to love. She has fleshed out minor characters from earlier stories so that they spring to life: Max’s brother Leo, his mother Lady Louisa and his steward, Duncan are wonderful additions. I also really enjoyed the author’s handling of Lady Pendleton who really shone in all her ghastliness.
You don’t need to have read Ms Riley’s earlier works to enjoy this lovely book. It is a strong story and one I know I will read again and again. However, if you have not read any of the author’s other works, I urge you to do so. The Rockliffe series – six delightful Georgian romances – do provide excellent background for this story. I would also strongly recommend Ms Riley’s Roundhead and Cavalier novels which bring to glorious life the turbulent events and romances of the English Civil War and you will also meet Max’s 5x great grandparents and see from whom he inherits his strength, intelligence and compassion.
I just love Ms Riley's writing and cannot think of another author whose books I look forward to reading with such joy and excitement. She always delivers a thoroughly engaging and satisfying read. "A Trick of Fate" sits happily alongside all Ms Riley's novels. I heartily recommend it.
I really loved this delightful story from a very talented author. In addition to the gorgeous characters of Frances and Max and their wonderful love story, I particularly like the mystery element, the road tour of the Scottish borders, the interactions of the family and the excellent dialogue.
Max and Frances’s romance sparkles throughout the novel. I like the flashbacks telling their back story and love seeing the characters’ internal thoughts. The author is so clever in revealing the character of her protagonists and the development of their story through their words and actions rather than tell us through description. It has much more immediacy and involves the reader more closely in the story.
As someone who reads a lot of crime novels, I was thoroughly engaged by the “mystery element” of Grey’s outrageous antics. I loved the suspense of wondering what he would do next, who was he and how he would get his comeuppance. This certainly added piquancy to the story. I rather enjoyed Grey’s character. From the beginning he shows inventiveness and an engaging sense of humour.
I think the road trip element was inspired. Not only does Grey’s merry dance move the plot along (literally and figuratively) but it gives us a fantastic opportunity to see Max and Frances’s story develop. The intimacy of the coach and the anonymity of wayside inns enable Max and Frances to rediscover each other. The dialogue in these sections is particularly strong. I love their sense of humour and that feel they are each other’s equal. Max is masterful but that is understandable given his responsibilities and it is nicely balanced by a barely concealed vulnerability in his need of Frances.
I always love re-entering the Georgian world that Ms Riley creates. It is wonderful to meet old friends from earlier books and catch up on their lives. In this story we learn a little more about Ralph and Lizzie Sherbourne and meet again the delightful Chalfont children. However, the author is also so skilled in creating new people for us to love. She has fleshed out minor characters from earlier stories so that they spring to life: Max’s brother Leo, his mother Lady Louisa and his steward, Duncan are wonderful additions. I also really enjoyed the author’s handling of Lady Pendleton who really shone in all her ghastliness.
You don’t need to have read Ms Riley’s earlier works to enjoy this lovely book. It is a strong story and one I know I will read again and again. However, if you have not read any of the author’s other works, I urge you to do so. The Rockliffe series – six delightful Georgian romances – do provide excellent background for this story. I would also strongly recommend Ms Riley’s Roundhead and Cavalier novels which bring to glorious life the turbulent events and romances of the English Civil War and you will also meet Max’s 5x great grandparents and see from whom he inherits his strength, intelligence and compassion.
I just love Ms Riley's writing and cannot think of another author whose books I look forward to reading with such joy and excitement. She always delivers a thoroughly engaging and satisfying read. "A Trick of Fate" sits happily alongside all Ms Riley's novels. I heartily recommend it.
December 28, 2023
First of all, I am a fan of the author. Some of her novels are pure joy. So, my expectations were very high. That is perhaps why the disappointment was so sad.
As OLT wrote somewhere along the way I started to find this story less than stellar. The romance began to drag and become tedious and repetitious, with too much overthinking by the heroine and the hero. I skimmed and skipped more often with each next chapter. And then, the last sparky, interesting part of the story - a mysterious Mr Grey turned out to be not what I hoped for.
Again citing after OLT: Bottom line about this story is that it is well written and has some charming characters and a warm romance. It wasn't a bad novel, compared to others of the genre it is still above average. I finished it just because it is the first part of the series and I want to read the rest two parts. But, still, I don't say you should avoid it - although perhaps I would recommend other books by the author (e.g. A Splendid Defiance and The Black Madonna).
[2-2.5 stars]
As OLT wrote somewhere along the way I started to find this story less than stellar. The romance began to drag and become tedious and repetitious, with too much overthinking by the heroine and the hero. I skimmed and skipped more often with each next chapter. And then, the last sparky, interesting part of the story - a mysterious Mr Grey turned out to be not what I hoped for.
Again citing after OLT: Bottom line about this story is that it is well written and has some charming characters and a warm romance. It wasn't a bad novel, compared to others of the genre it is still above average. I finished it just because it is the first part of the series and I want to read the rest two parts. But, still, I don't say you should avoid it - although perhaps I would recommend other books by the author (e.g. A Splendid Defiance and The Black Madonna).
[2-2.5 stars]
June 12, 2022
The story begins with Max Brandon receiving bills for goods he did not buy and for a while, this is just a minor inconvenience. However, when the mysterious character, Mr Grey, ups his game and Max is blamed for actions he has no knowledge of, the situation becomes more serious and he decides he must take action. Frances Pendleton is a lady Max fell in love with some five years earlier and when she arrives, furious at Max for an incident involving her brother, old emotions rise to the surface. He eventually convinces her of his innocence and together they are determined to bring the true culprit to justice. Mr Grey leads them on a merry dance leaving clues which take them to Northern England and the Scottish borders. Inevitably old feelings are aroused but is it too late to rekindle the love they once felt for each other? This is the first book I have read by this author but it will certainly not be the last. The novel is beautifully written and well researched and a must for lovers of historical fiction.
December 17, 2019
3.5 stars. I do love Stella Riley books, both the Roundheads and Cavaliers series and Rockwell, so this book was a chance to re-connect with both. I finished this a few weeks ago so I don't feel I can give a real detailed review. However, I will say that one thing I didn't appreciate as much was the whole "road trip" premise and the cutesy banter. Sometimes I think I am lacking a funny bone gene or something. I prefer dramas to comedies and basically that applies to books as well. Anyway, I am still looking forward to the next book, featuring the younger brother I would guess.
October 24, 2021
Another fabulous story from Stella Riley. This was simply delicious in every way. I really liked Max and Frances and the way their tragic backstory was made better by the journey in the Scottish Borders.
I also was delighted to meet Ralph and Lizzie again, 6 months after their wedding. More insight into Ralph - and a delightful reveal.
I totally adored the way Max dealt with his horrid mother-in-law. Altogether a really entertaining and enjoyable read.
I also was delighted to meet Ralph and Lizzie again, 6 months after their wedding. More insight into Ralph - and a delightful reveal.
I totally adored the way Max dealt with his horrid mother-in-law. Altogether a really entertaining and enjoyable read.
February 8, 2020
Deeply, deeply satisfying *happysigh*
May 18, 2022
3.5 stars
This was a nice surprise book in that I didn't know it existed until I did. LOL.
I like to get these books in audio because the marriage of the story and Alex Wyndham, the narrator is just so great.
I liked this book fine. One reason I did not rate it higher is because of my own tastes. I am not a fan of the road trip/ bread crumb mystery trope. And a large section of the middle portion of this book involved her hero and heroine following a set of clues to find and confront the person who has been impersonating the hero. So in that sense it is just a personal taste thing.
Outside of that though, the story was very good. This is, at its core, a second chance at love story. I liked the background story of how Max and Frances first met. It was romance with some soapy elements. They are out of each others' lives for five years until the machinations of the identity thief propels them back into each other's orbit (where in addition to the road trip we get a forced proximity thing going on... and that is one I like).
They are forced to confront their relationship, their understanding and misunderstandings of each other over the course of he trip even as the identity thief is leading them a merry chase.
Once they catch up with the villain (or are they...?) the story immediately gets more engaging for me because the road trip is done. It brings up some interesting results and the romance reaches its peak nicely.
So the story ended on a very strong and really positive note all around.
This takes place in the same universe as her Rockliffe books -- they are a spin-off as the characters in this book are close family with the characters in Cadenza and those characters appear in this one as well. One thing I really appreciated was that this book redressed what was, imo, an niggling omission from Cadenza in that one couple from that book did not get the most satisfactory full story trajectory. But they were featured here and I am happy to see we got some really good face time with them and it felt like finally I could see their HEA in full glare.
Looking forward to hanging out with this group more and planning to go on to the next book in this series.
This was a nice surprise book in that I didn't know it existed until I did. LOL.
I like to get these books in audio because the marriage of the story and Alex Wyndham, the narrator is just so great.
I liked this book fine. One reason I did not rate it higher is because of my own tastes. I am not a fan of the road trip/ bread crumb mystery trope. And a large section of the middle portion of this book involved her hero and heroine following a set of clues to find and confront the person who has been impersonating the hero. So in that sense it is just a personal taste thing.
Outside of that though, the story was very good. This is, at its core, a second chance at love story. I liked the background story of how Max and Frances first met. It was romance with some soapy elements. They are out of each others' lives for five years until the machinations of the identity thief propels them back into each other's orbit (where in addition to the road trip we get a forced proximity thing going on... and that is one I like).
They are forced to confront their relationship, their understanding and misunderstandings of each other over the course of he trip even as the identity thief is leading them a merry chase.
Once they catch up with the villain (or are they...?) the story immediately gets more engaging for me because the road trip is done. It brings up some interesting results and the romance reaches its peak nicely.
So the story ended on a very strong and really positive note all around.
This takes place in the same universe as her Rockliffe books -- they are a spin-off as the characters in this book are close family with the characters in Cadenza and those characters appear in this one as well. One thing I really appreciated was that this book redressed what was, imo, an niggling omission from Cadenza in that one couple from that book did not get the most satisfactory full story trajectory. But they were featured here and I am happy to see we got some really good face time with them and it felt like finally I could see their HEA in full glare.
Looking forward to hanging out with this group more and planning to go on to the next book in this series.
January 14, 2022
This was lovely as any book written by Stella Riley must be. I enjoyed the meandering voyage to Scotland on the tail of a prankster, and the rekindling of a love thought lost. Mr Wyndham is one of my very favorite narrators and added to the pleasure. As a whole it did not quite achieve the perfection of some of her other novels, but it was really nice to meet up with some old friends.
March 12, 2020
Another outstanding book by Stella Riley!
When I read Cadenza, I noticed how wonderful Max Brandon was (Arabella's brother), and I hoped that Stella Riley would write his story one day. This book is Max's story. It starts with a mystery, and in the process of solving it, we meet Frances (his long lost love), and accompany them on a romantic adventure that melted my heart. He is the perfect hero, loving, caring, sexy, strong, and yet a responsible family man, imbued with honesty and integrity. I liked Frances too and felt she was worthy of him. There were no games--no miscommunications, just heart wrenching honesty between two people who through sheer luck got their second chance.
I always enjoy the dialogue in Stella Riley's books. Her characters' are often witty and clever. For example when France is discussing her family, she says to Max, that her mother "could have turned the Garden of Eden into a desert."
I loved how the mystery evolved. I started off disliking the person who was responsible for Max's problems, but as I learned more, I saw him as a multi-dimensional character--not a villain. Ms. Riley has a gift for fleshing out characters and allows us to see them as people--people who have been suffered and are a product of their circumstances. Sometimes they are redeemed, as in the case of Ralph. I hated him in Hazard, but since his marriage in Cadenza, I like him very much.
I loved the references to Ms. Riley's book, Garland of Straw. She even referred to a certain jeweler from that book. It was so nice to be reminded of the family's past (and even if I hadn't read that series, it wouldn't have mattered--it's just nostalgic for those who have.)
I love the world Ms. Riley has created in her books. I love her writing style, and I LOVE hearing Alex Wyndham read them. He has an incredibly seductive voice that I adore. His narration lends a sexy gravitas to anything he reads. I can't wait to read and listen to the next book in this new series. I just wish Max had more brothers.
When I read Cadenza, I noticed how wonderful Max Brandon was (Arabella's brother), and I hoped that Stella Riley would write his story one day. This book is Max's story. It starts with a mystery, and in the process of solving it, we meet Frances (his long lost love), and accompany them on a romantic adventure that melted my heart. He is the perfect hero, loving, caring, sexy, strong, and yet a responsible family man, imbued with honesty and integrity. I liked Frances too and felt she was worthy of him. There were no games--no miscommunications, just heart wrenching honesty between two people who through sheer luck got their second chance.
I always enjoy the dialogue in Stella Riley's books. Her characters' are often witty and clever. For example when France is discussing her family, she says to Max, that her mother "could have turned the Garden of Eden into a desert."
I loved how the mystery evolved. I started off disliking the person who was responsible for Max's problems, but as I learned more, I saw him as a multi-dimensional character--not a villain. Ms. Riley has a gift for fleshing out characters and allows us to see them as people--people who have been suffered and are a product of their circumstances. Sometimes they are redeemed, as in the case of Ralph. I hated him in Hazard, but since his marriage in Cadenza, I like him very much.
I loved the references to Ms. Riley's book, Garland of Straw. She even referred to a certain jeweler from that book. It was so nice to be reminded of the family's past (and even if I hadn't read that series, it wouldn't have mattered--it's just nostalgic for those who have.)
I love the world Ms. Riley has created in her books. I love her writing style, and I LOVE hearing Alex Wyndham read them. He has an incredibly seductive voice that I adore. His narration lends a sexy gravitas to anything he reads. I can't wait to read and listen to the next book in this new series. I just wish Max had more brothers.
October 27, 2019
I have been eagerly anticipating this first book in the new series from the incomparable Stella Riley and was not disappointed.
The book is a spin off from the wonderful Rockliffe series and features appearances from a number of the characters from Cadenza the final book in that series.
The story is a great romp featuring a mystery, a road trip and a second chance romance Involving two lovely protagonists who so deserve their happy ever after. Max Brandon is a wonderful hero who is strong and handsome without being in the least arrogant and who has a great sense of humour. Frances is a lovely heroine who totally gets Max’s sense of humour and very much enjoys his teasing.
As a Scot I felt Ms Riley really depicted Scotland and the Scots featured in the book really well. I tend to avoid HR set in Scotland because very often the people and the country seem to me to be a complete caricature and as such tends to irritate me and lift me out of the story. Not so this book where I was particularly amused by the haggis joke.
I also liked the fact that one of the characters who featured in Hazard and appeared to be very much a villain in that book but who was redeemed in a very clever manner in Cadenza also appears in this book and is shown to be allowing the walls he had erected around his heart to continue to be pulled down.
All in all a very satisfying read and now I eagerly look forward to the next in the series.
The book is a spin off from the wonderful Rockliffe series and features appearances from a number of the characters from Cadenza the final book in that series.
The story is a great romp featuring a mystery, a road trip and a second chance romance Involving two lovely protagonists who so deserve their happy ever after. Max Brandon is a wonderful hero who is strong and handsome without being in the least arrogant and who has a great sense of humour. Frances is a lovely heroine who totally gets Max’s sense of humour and very much enjoys his teasing.
As a Scot I felt Ms Riley really depicted Scotland and the Scots featured in the book really well. I tend to avoid HR set in Scotland because very often the people and the country seem to me to be a complete caricature and as such tends to irritate me and lift me out of the story. Not so this book where I was particularly amused by the haggis joke.
I also liked the fact that one of the characters who featured in Hazard and appeared to be very much a villain in that book but who was redeemed in a very clever manner in Cadenza also appears in this book and is shown to be allowing the walls he had erected around his heart to continue to be pulled down.
All in all a very satisfying read and now I eagerly look forward to the next in the series.
January 24, 2020
A sparking new entry from master storyteller Stella Riley, which combines her deftly drawn characters and dry sense of humour. We are introduced to star crossed lovers in the midst of a mystery which touches both their lives. It has been five long years and a series of events which tore them apart. This is told in flashbacks over the course of the mad dance that an unknown trickster leads the on The settings are intimate and Frances and Max are in essence living together without the sex, which actually gives them a chance to get to know each other better. They are both unconventional, passionate and funny characters put in awkward and unusual situations. This journey takes them to Scotland where of course the opportunities to marry are endless. Meanwhile back at the ranch the Brandon family reunites and we get to visit with friends from other novels which I love. The pace is fast and satisfyingly slow due to weather and conditions of the road and basically fate. There is a lovely tension with the mystery which mingles with the sexual tension between the two. When all is revealed we get a lot of new details about the family and there are some very satisfying scenes where a particularly nasty character gets her comeuppance. All in all a delightful romp but then you add the brilliant narration of Alex Wyndham who brings his own unique talent to totally inhabit his characters and the warmth and mirth and passion spill out. This is a must read and preferably listen
April 19, 2020
Having loved the Rockliffe series I was eagerly looking forward to this, but have to say I was quite disappointed.
Max Brandon was introduced in the last book of the Rockliffe series, and indeed is a likeable character, however, I just felt there wasn't enough plot in this book really to sustain my interest. Most of the book is spent with Max on a wild goose chase, which just gets very repetitive, and whilst he and Frances made a sweet couple, they seemed to tread in circles around one another for most of the book for no good reason. Also the structure of the book, with most of it dedicated to Max and Frances' journey, means the supporting characters only really feature at the beginning and end, and again makes for a lack of diversity for much of the middle section.
There seemed to be quite a lot of reference to Max's ancestory too, which whilst I was able to follow, I think I perhaps might have appreciated more if I was familiar with Riley's previous Roundheads and Cavalier's series, as I believe this featured Venetia and Gabriel Brandon.
I did like Ralph Sherbourne's appearance again in this one, and the three children, though not in it much, are adorable as ever.
I'm sure there are more planned in the Brandon series, and as such I do hope the next book is a return to form.
Max Brandon was introduced in the last book of the Rockliffe series, and indeed is a likeable character, however, I just felt there wasn't enough plot in this book really to sustain my interest. Most of the book is spent with Max on a wild goose chase, which just gets very repetitive, and whilst he and Frances made a sweet couple, they seemed to tread in circles around one another for most of the book for no good reason. Also the structure of the book, with most of it dedicated to Max and Frances' journey, means the supporting characters only really feature at the beginning and end, and again makes for a lack of diversity for much of the middle section.
There seemed to be quite a lot of reference to Max's ancestory too, which whilst I was able to follow, I think I perhaps might have appreciated more if I was familiar with Riley's previous Roundheads and Cavalier's series, as I believe this featured Venetia and Gabriel Brandon.
I did like Ralph Sherbourne's appearance again in this one, and the three children, though not in it much, are adorable as ever.
I'm sure there are more planned in the Brandon series, and as such I do hope the next book is a return to form.
October 28, 2021
Gorgeous, and perfect, cleverly linked to Garland of Straw, part of the author’s English Civil War series, set 150 years before, and to Cadenza, and some of the other books in her Rockcliffe series. It is however, entirely satisfying in its own right.
Max Brandon and Frances Pendleton met at a house party 5 years before, and fell hard for each other, unfortunately they were separated. Through a number of instances of someone stealing Max’s identity for an obscure reason - the Trick of Fate of the title, they are reunited on a wild chase after the villain though the Scottish Borders. Accompanied on their spur of the moment road trip by Max’s groom and childhood friend, they set off in pursuit of the mysterious ‘Grey’
Another fabulous romp from one of my absolute favourite authors.
Max Brandon and Frances Pendleton met at a house party 5 years before, and fell hard for each other, unfortunately they were separated. Through a number of instances of someone stealing Max’s identity for an obscure reason - the Trick of Fate of the title, they are reunited on a wild chase after the villain though the Scottish Borders. Accompanied on their spur of the moment road trip by Max’s groom and childhood friend, they set off in pursuit of the mysterious ‘Grey’
Another fabulous romp from one of my absolute favourite authors.
March 12, 2023
I have just finished The Brandon Trilogy by Stella Riley, and I loved all three books -- A Trick of Fate, Under A Dark Moon, and The Montesoro Legacy. In a Trick of Fate, Max Brandon is led on a wild goose chase from Yorkshire to Scotland, but he has at his side, Frances, his long lost love. The question for Max is, can their love be rekindled during this seemingly never ending trek. In A Trick of Fate, Max's brother Adam joins a secret British spy system. His first task is to discover who is in charge of a smuggling operation in Kent, but more important, who are the traitors who are smuggling in French spies. Handicapping his task are the niece and nephew of his commander. The niece, Camilla, because she is entirely too enticing, the nephew because he seems to be involved in the smuggling. In the final book, The Montesoro Legacy, Max's youngest brother, Leo, a renowned artist, becomes involved in a scandal with Mariella Talbot due to a vicious-spirited woman who claims Leo and Mariella have been indiscreet. To save Mariella's reputation, Leo is forced to ask her to marry him. Needing to escape her wicked step-brother and save her brother, Donato, from being put in an asylum, Mariella agrees to the marriage proposal, but only if the betrothal lasts until she can regain her finances that her step-brother has stolen. But as Leo and Mariella spend more and more time together, and Leo and his family help to protect Mariella from her step-brother, they begin to sense love may be blossoming, and the betrothal may not be broken after all. Each one of these books is full of fun and adventure as well as the romance. I am hoping Riley will continue with this group of characters and tell us how a Brandon distant cousin prospers, how Donato and his step-sister Charlotte fare, and what of the younger, and kindhearted step-brother, Titus. Such fun!!
Celia Martin
Celia Martin
January 3, 2024
3.5
this series is essentially a continuation of Riley's Rockliffe series, following the three Brandon brothers - descendents of the Brandon family first introduced in Riley's other series, Roundheads & Cavaliers.
This book follows Max Brandon as his identity appears to have been stolen and, in the course of trying to figure out who is responsible, he crosses paths with the woman he fell in love with 5 years previously, Frances. Hijinks ensue as Frances joins Max on his journey to discover who has been harassing him.
This is a cute story, and it's nice that it more solidly connects Riley's two series together. It has basically the same vibe as the later books in the Rockwell series (and takes place roughly 6 months after book 6 of that series ends). If you are wanting more like Rockwell, this is a good book to pick up. As always, the best part of Riley's books are her characters and this book is no exception.
this series is essentially a continuation of Riley's Rockliffe series, following the three Brandon brothers - descendents of the Brandon family first introduced in Riley's other series, Roundheads & Cavaliers.
This book follows Max Brandon as his identity appears to have been stolen and, in the course of trying to figure out who is responsible, he crosses paths with the woman he fell in love with 5 years previously, Frances. Hijinks ensue as Frances joins Max on his journey to discover who has been harassing him.
This is a cute story, and it's nice that it more solidly connects Riley's two series together. It has basically the same vibe as the later books in the Rockwell series (and takes place roughly 6 months after book 6 of that series ends). If you are wanting more like Rockwell, this is a good book to pick up. As always, the best part of Riley's books are her characters and this book is no exception.
February 21, 2020
I loved this, both the e-book and the audio read by the amazing Alex Wyndham. I loved following Max and Frances as they travelled in search of the mysterious identity stealing Mr Grey through the North of England and the borders of Scotland. Watching Max and Frances back story slowly revealed was both heart breaking and heart warming. I had some real laugh out loud moments( the shy wee Haggis Bird😄😄) and Max's reaction to porridge!! I don't want go give too much away but Mr Grey's true identity was quite a revelation. Read it and see I can't recommend to much. I can't wait for the next Brandon book
April 7, 2021
[Updated April 3rd] Well. At long last, I have finally read a Stella Riley book. I bought THE PARFIT KNIGHT months ago, urged on by all the glowing reviews from people I trust, but haven't taken the plunge into it as of yet. Why not? I don't know. Waiting for the right moment? Something like that. Then, a few days ago, after reading a blurb for her newest, UNDER A DARK MOON, I thought Damn, that sounds good... but I should probably begin with the first one in the series, A TRICK OF FATE
So here it is barely 48 hours later, I've finished A TRICK OF FATE, and just.... Wow. Wow wow wow. Not ashamed to admit it, I'm fairly gobsmacked here. Now I know what all the shouting's been about. Wow. More please!
Update, April 3rd:
Now that I've decisively taken the plunge into reading Stella Riley books, I appear to have my work cut out for me. Now I need to immediately read the entire Rockliffe series, which includes CADENZA, in which several characters in A TRICK OF FATE appear rather prominently. Somehow I don't feel that this is going to be a chore, or a terrible hardship to be endured. 🙂
So here it is barely 48 hours later, I've finished A TRICK OF FATE, and just.... Wow. Wow wow wow. Not ashamed to admit it, I'm fairly gobsmacked here. Now I know what all the shouting's been about. Wow. More please!
Update, April 3rd:
Now that I've decisively taken the plunge into reading Stella Riley books, I appear to have my work cut out for me. Now I need to immediately read the entire Rockliffe series, which includes CADENZA, in which several characters in A TRICK OF FATE appear rather prominently. Somehow I don't feel that this is going to be a chore, or a terrible hardship to be endured. 🙂
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