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Royally Ever After: Two Beloved Regency Romance Novellas of Love, Honor, and Second Chances
Now published together for the first Loretta Chase's beloved novellas Lord Lovedon's Duel from the Royal Bridesmaids anthology and The Jilting of Lord Rothwick from the Royal Weddings anthology
In Lord Lovedon's Duel, Chloe Sharp is prepared to protect her family's name, even to the death. When she hears the handsome Earl of Lovedon say her sister's royal marriage is a match made in money, she challenges him to a duel—for love and honor.
When the Marquess of Rothwick learns his fiancée, Barbara Findley, has broken off their engagement in The Jilting of Lord Rothwick, he rides out of London immediately to seek her out … and to win her back.
In Lord Lovedon's Duel, Chloe Sharp is prepared to protect her family's name, even to the death. When she hears the handsome Earl of Lovedon say her sister's royal marriage is a match made in money, she challenges him to a duel—for love and honor.
When the Marquess of Rothwick learns his fiancée, Barbara Findley, has broken off their engagement in The Jilting of Lord Rothwick, he rides out of London immediately to seek her out … and to win her back.
53 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 7, 2015
57 people are currently reading
425 people want to read
About the author
Loretta Chase
49 books3,692 followersLoretta Lynda Chekani was born in 1949, of Albanian ancestry. For her, the trouble started when she learned to write in first grade. Before then, she had been making up her own stories but now she knew how to write them down to share. In her teenage years, she continue to write letters, keep a journal, write poetry and even attempt the Great American Novel (still unfinished). She attended New England public schools, before she went off to college and earned an English degree from Clark University.
After graduation, she worked a variety of jobs at Clark including a part-time teaching post. She was also moonlighting as a video scriptwriter. It was there that she met a video producer who inspired her to write novels and marry him. Under her married name, Loretta Chase, has been publishing historical romance novels since 1987. Her books have won many awards, including the Romance Writers of America RITA.
After graduation, she worked a variety of jobs at Clark including a part-time teaching post. She was also moonlighting as a video scriptwriter. It was there that she met a video producer who inspired her to write novels and marry him. Under her married name, Loretta Chase, has been publishing historical romance novels since 1987. Her books have won many awards, including the Romance Writers of America RITA.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
June 13, 2019
3.75 stars for this pair of Regency romance novellas (still priced at 99c for the Kindle version, if you're a Loretta Chase fan). They were fun, though the second one is very short, more a short story than a novella.
4.25 stars for Lord Lovedon's Duel: Chloe's older sister Althea is getting married to Prince Louis, and the sisters overhear the Earl of Lovedon (seriously, that name) joking with his friends about how Louis is just marrying Althea for her money and was in love with someone else. After convincing her distraught sister that (a) Lovedon was drunk and didn't know anything about their relationship, and (b) Louis really does love her, Chloe sends Althea off and then (herself rather drunk) confronts Lovedon, insults him and challenges him to a duel. Chloe is swept away by her friend and her sister, but now she's caught Lovedon's attention ... and interest.
There's some great witty banter here, and I always enjoy reading romances where the couple is particularly intelligent. It's hilarious when they start sending notes to each other the next day, with Lovedon now demanding satisfaction from Chloe in a duel.
The dueling pistols:
3.25 stars for The Jilting of Lord Rothwick: The Marquess of Rothwick takes a fast, stormy ride from London to the country home of Barbara Findley 50 miles away, wanting to find out exactly why she's calling off her engagement; she wrote him a letter breaking it off because they "don't suit." It's pretty simple, actually: Barbara - who has a startlingly large dowry of 200,000 pounds - knows that Rothwick is just marrying her for her money. It plays out about the way you might expect. It's a pretty standard RR, not really memorable or unusual in any way, but Chase writes well and I enjoyed the read.
Content note: These stories aren't nearly as steamy as Chase romances usually are. I'd call them PG.
4.25 stars for Lord Lovedon's Duel: Chloe's older sister Althea is getting married to Prince Louis, and the sisters overhear the Earl of Lovedon (seriously, that name) joking with his friends about how Louis is just marrying Althea for her money and was in love with someone else. After convincing her distraught sister that (a) Lovedon was drunk and didn't know anything about their relationship, and (b) Louis really does love her, Chloe sends Althea off and then (herself rather drunk) confronts Lovedon, insults him and challenges him to a duel. Chloe is swept away by her friend and her sister, but now she's caught Lovedon's attention ... and interest.
There's some great witty banter here, and I always enjoy reading romances where the couple is particularly intelligent. It's hilarious when they start sending notes to each other the next day, with Lovedon now demanding satisfaction from Chloe in a duel.
The dueling pistols:
3.25 stars for The Jilting of Lord Rothwick: The Marquess of Rothwick takes a fast, stormy ride from London to the country home of Barbara Findley 50 miles away, wanting to find out exactly why she's calling off her engagement; she wrote him a letter breaking it off because they "don't suit." It's pretty simple, actually: Barbara - who has a startlingly large dowry of 200,000 pounds - knows that Rothwick is just marrying her for her money. It plays out about the way you might expect. It's a pretty standard RR, not really memorable or unusual in any way, but Chase writes well and I enjoyed the read.
Content note: These stories aren't nearly as steamy as Chase romances usually are. I'd call them PG.
May 10, 2018
Lord Lovedon's Duel is a delight. It's mostly a two-day relationship establishment and then a quick jump to the relationship conclusion/proposal. Chase shows how this is done by presenting a vector and letting the reader fill in the continuity between the two points. And it works marvelously. Five stars, easy.
The Jilting of Lord Rothwick is okay. It's way shorter than the first story and there's not much real development. It's essentially a single conflict that takes too long to resolve despite the shortness. Also, not a fan of having 15% filler at the end of this already-short Kindle...
To summarize: first story is outstanding. Second is so-so. I'm going to rate this four stars and highly recommend reading that first story. It's worth it for that alone.
A note about Chaste: Both stories are short, so it's just as well that there's no extras like explicit sex scenes...
The Jilting of Lord Rothwick is okay. It's way shorter than the first story and there's not much real development. It's essentially a single conflict that takes too long to resolve despite the shortness. Also, not a fan of having 15% filler at the end of this already-short Kindle...
To summarize: first story is outstanding. Second is so-so. I'm going to rate this four stars and highly recommend reading that first story. It's worth it for that alone.
A note about Chaste: Both stories are short, so it's just as well that there's no extras like explicit sex scenes...
May 9, 2015
I don't care if these are just two novellas, and I don't care that they have been published in anthologies. They're new-to-me from Loretta Chase, and I can't wait to read them enjoyed the heck out of them.
March 27, 2015
3.5 Stars
Arc provided by Avon Impulse through Edelweiss
Release Date: April 7 th
4 Stars to "Lord Lovedon's Duel"
Well, this was fun. And sweet...and unfortunately short. :/
My favourite novella _yes, of the two of them _ has to be "Lord Lovedon's Duel".
If you're a fan of witty repartee and insane characters, you're probably going to love this:
“It seems I must kill myself,” he said. “It is impossible to continue in this world without Miss Sharp’s approbation.” He put the back of his hand to his forehead. “Farewell, all. I go to a better place.”
“I think not,” she said. “I think it will be rather worse than this one and a good deal hotter.”
Insanity all around..I loved it! ;)
And since I am on the subject, why isn't there a series of which this novella could be part of?
So, I could go and you know..read it? At once.
2.5 Stars To "The Jilting of Lord Rothwick"
As for "The Jilting of Lord Rothwick", it had great potential _not that I am saying that I disliked it _ but it ended up being really short for a novella. More like an "itsy bitsy baby" novella. And I wanted more. o_O
In the end there's a presentation of the author's new book ,_ "Dukes Prefer Blondes", release date 2016_ and it ends up having almost as many pages as the second "novella".
_____________
Yes Avon, your bookish master plan worked: My curiosity has been awakened, and I would love to get my hands on Clara's and Oliver's book right this minute.
~January 2016 for heaven's sake~ mumbles to herself.
April 3, 2024
I want MORE I loved it
April 13, 2015
This anthology contains two previously released novellas:
Lord Lovedon's Duel (4 stars)
I really wish this was a full-length story. It had everything to be another winner by Ms. Chase. As it was, it was very good sample of her ability to write quirky and lovely characters.
The Jilting of Lord Rothwick (2 stars)
I'm afraid I didn't quite buy the way the conflict that set this story up was solved. That's one of the problems with short stories, some things need more time - i.e., more pages - to be developed in a believable way.
Lord Lovedon's Duel (4 stars)
I really wish this was a full-length story. It had everything to be another winner by Ms. Chase. As it was, it was very good sample of her ability to write quirky and lovely characters.
The Jilting of Lord Rothwick (2 stars)
I'm afraid I didn't quite buy the way the conflict that set this story up was solved. That's one of the problems with short stories, some things need more time - i.e., more pages - to be developed in a believable way.
February 21, 2015
Royally Ever After is a 2015 Avon Impulse publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
Two adorable short stories by Loretta Chase are packaged together in one book.
First up is the hilarious and touching “Lord Lovedon's Duel.
The happiest of days for Chole's sister is also a sad day, as the sisters will have to say goodbye to one another for a long time. As they take a moment to themselves before the wedding they happen to overhear the drunken accusations of Lord Lovedon who is certain the prince is not marrying for love, but for much needed funds to repair his three rundown castles. Outraged, Chloe defends her family honor by challenging Lovedon to a duel.
Hilarity ensues as Lovedon insist the duel take place even if the two of them had imbibed a little too much at the time the challenge was made. The end results could mean a true love match for Chloe too.
Charming and funny, I loved Chloe, a girl ahead of her time. She and Lovedon were smitten with each other from the time Chloe threw a drink in his face. An enjoyable short story with some interesting fact about dueling pistols. - 4 stars
The second story is the very short: The Jilting of Lord Rothwick
When Lord Rothwick receives a letter from his fiance', Barbara, explaining she can not marry him after all, he travels through the pouring rain to confront her. It seems Barbara is having second thoughts about marrying a man who only wants her money. A one sided love affair would only lead to years of heartache and Barbara decides she just can't live that way. Does Lord Rothwick soothe her worries, profess his undying love?
A massive misunderstanding between two people who care deeply for each other nearly ends with two broken hearts. But, of course fate has other plans and hurriedly steps in to thwart disaster.
This is a cute story but I didn't like Lord Rothwick at all until the very end, and the story was so short my emotions didn't have time to digest the sudden reversal. This is still a sweet romance and perfect for a break time read. 3 stars
Overall this collection gets a 3.5 rounded to 4
Two adorable short stories by Loretta Chase are packaged together in one book.
First up is the hilarious and touching “Lord Lovedon's Duel.
The happiest of days for Chole's sister is also a sad day, as the sisters will have to say goodbye to one another for a long time. As they take a moment to themselves before the wedding they happen to overhear the drunken accusations of Lord Lovedon who is certain the prince is not marrying for love, but for much needed funds to repair his three rundown castles. Outraged, Chloe defends her family honor by challenging Lovedon to a duel.
Hilarity ensues as Lovedon insist the duel take place even if the two of them had imbibed a little too much at the time the challenge was made. The end results could mean a true love match for Chloe too.
Charming and funny, I loved Chloe, a girl ahead of her time. She and Lovedon were smitten with each other from the time Chloe threw a drink in his face. An enjoyable short story with some interesting fact about dueling pistols. - 4 stars
The second story is the very short: The Jilting of Lord Rothwick
When Lord Rothwick receives a letter from his fiance', Barbara, explaining she can not marry him after all, he travels through the pouring rain to confront her. It seems Barbara is having second thoughts about marrying a man who only wants her money. A one sided love affair would only lead to years of heartache and Barbara decides she just can't live that way. Does Lord Rothwick soothe her worries, profess his undying love?
A massive misunderstanding between two people who care deeply for each other nearly ends with two broken hearts. But, of course fate has other plans and hurriedly steps in to thwart disaster.
This is a cute story but I didn't like Lord Rothwick at all until the very end, and the story was so short my emotions didn't have time to digest the sudden reversal. This is still a sweet romance and perfect for a break time read. 3 stars
Overall this collection gets a 3.5 rounded to 4
June 22, 2018
Lord Lovedon's Duel was AWESOME. I tend to forget how good Loretta Chase is when she's GOOD. Just fun, fun, fun.
The Jilting of Lord Rothwick was WAY too short. There's nothing else wrong with it . . . but it's way too short.
The Jilting of Lord Rothwick was WAY too short. There's nothing else wrong with it . . . but it's way too short.
October 28, 2023
4.25 for Lord Lovedon’s Duel, a delightful short novella pairing Chloe Sharp and Lovedon, who are so perfect for each other in terms of wit and overall boorishness. The duel is perfection.
3 for The Jilting of Lord Rothwick, which was sweet but insubstantial as cotton candy.
3 for The Jilting of Lord Rothwick, which was sweet but insubstantial as cotton candy.
December 28, 2022
A terrific treasure for Loretta Chase fans
This is a reprint of short stories previously contained in anthologies. I frequently only want the stories by one author in such anthologies, and I am always delighted when I can get them in a collection of stories by one author in Kindle form.
Loretta Chase is one of my favorite historical-romance authors, and I was delighted to discover two short stories that I had previously missed.
In Lord Lovedon's Duel, Chloe Sharp is a strong heroine, which I have come to expect from Loretta Chase. What a fun story, in which the heroine challenges the hero to a duel. I haven't seen anything like that in a historical-romance plot since Moonstruck Madness by Laurie McBain from over 40 years ago.
In The Jilting of Lord Rothwick, there is a very exciting romantic adventure when the Marquess of Rothwick refuses to blandly accept his fate when his fiancée, Barbara Findley, breaks off their engagement. He is determined to woo her and win her back.
I highly recommend this Kindle collection for fans of Loretta Chase.
6/30/19 I just re-read these two short stories for probably the third or fourth time. The first story is so witty, it is laugh out loud funny. Lord Lovedon is absolutely amazing and utterly adorable. And I love Chloe too. She's a fantastic, strong heroine.
The second story is both passionate and poignant and absolutely fantastic as well. Two more terrific protagonists.
And all of this wonderfulness costs only 99 cents! 👍👍👍
This is a reprint of short stories previously contained in anthologies. I frequently only want the stories by one author in such anthologies, and I am always delighted when I can get them in a collection of stories by one author in Kindle form.
Loretta Chase is one of my favorite historical-romance authors, and I was delighted to discover two short stories that I had previously missed.
In Lord Lovedon's Duel, Chloe Sharp is a strong heroine, which I have come to expect from Loretta Chase. What a fun story, in which the heroine challenges the hero to a duel. I haven't seen anything like that in a historical-romance plot since Moonstruck Madness by Laurie McBain from over 40 years ago.
In The Jilting of Lord Rothwick, there is a very exciting romantic adventure when the Marquess of Rothwick refuses to blandly accept his fate when his fiancée, Barbara Findley, breaks off their engagement. He is determined to woo her and win her back.
I highly recommend this Kindle collection for fans of Loretta Chase.
6/30/19 I just re-read these two short stories for probably the third or fourth time. The first story is so witty, it is laugh out loud funny. Lord Lovedon is absolutely amazing and utterly adorable. And I love Chloe too. She's a fantastic, strong heroine.
The second story is both passionate and poignant and absolutely fantastic as well. Two more terrific protagonists.
And all of this wonderfulness costs only 99 cents! 👍👍👍
May 11, 2018
OOPS I HAVE READ BOTH OF THESE BEFORE!
Here is a link to my review of Lord Lovedon's Duel in Royal Bridesmaids; here is a link to my review of The Jilting of Lord Rothwick in Royal Weddings.
The first remains a 4-5 star read for all its brevity; the second is a 3.5 star read, approximately.
Here is a link to my review of Lord Lovedon's Duel in Royal Bridesmaids; here is a link to my review of The Jilting of Lord Rothwick in Royal Weddings.
The first remains a 4-5 star read for all its brevity; the second is a 3.5 star read, approximately.
January 28, 2019
The length of both of these stories are like the published romance novel versions of a fic drabble - I read them in less than an hour! - but I BADLY needed a historical romance itch scratched, and this was exactly right, exactly perfect. The first one in particular is the most charming thing I've read in quite some time - the letter correspondence in the middle is fucking delightful, particularly because you can tell both of them like it so much. Ugh, it's so short! It's so good because it's so short but also I wanted to spend more time with them!!!!
The second one is also cute. Not as cute. But cute.
The second one is also cute. Not as cute. But cute.
October 15, 2021
These were both great. The only issue I had was that I found myself wishing they—especially the first one—were longer. Even so, Chase delivers banter and warmth that is the hallmark of her work. A fun afternoon read.
September 8, 2021
I have really missed reading new Loretta Chase, and these gave me a little reminder of why I enjoy her stories so much. Both of these were enjoyable despite their length (and the second was very short), but I really would have loved to read a full novel version of them. Tbh, the first one had several stories teased that I would have enjoyed reading as full novels.
June 17, 2015
At this point in a review I normally dive into a brief (hopefully spoiler free) synopsis of the book, but with Royally Ever After I am giving this a miss. This book is two historical romance novellas put together, Lord Lovedon’s Duel and The Jilting of Lord Rothwick.
This was such a charming duo of novellas! I haven’t read much of Loretta Chase, but it has certainly perked my interest in finding out more and doing an extensive Goodreads search. Both novellas were romantic with some gentle humour threaded in and although I preferred the first one, Lord Lovedon’s Duel I had a great time reading them both.
If you want something quick and fun to read, and perhaps haven’t tried any Loretta Chase novels before and want a taster, this is a great book, especially at only £/$0.99 (I feel we Brits have missed out somewhere with the pricing!).
February 25, 2016
This is one of my in-between reads...because i just can't stay true to one single book at a time! It's very short, very sweet and on point.
The first story is short and nothing out of the ordinary. Like many historical rom-com books, there'll be a girl who does something out of the ordinary, and then there's an douchey young aristocrat who would suddenly take notice that there are girls who aren't dim-witted marriage-crazy robots after all so voila! Insta-love! Cue guy hypnotized with girl's flushed and angry face (and thinks she's the most beautiful girl ever). Cute story.
The second one was super duper short. I think it took me a walk from the front door to the kitchen to finish it. It tells a story of a rich daughter of a merchant who's engaged to marry some penniless titled guy but backed out because she doesn't want him to marry her just for her money (well, duh!). Said penniless guy was transparent about his intentions from the start. But he didn't tell her something important that would make and break the deal. It got sorted out in the end.
The first story is short and nothing out of the ordinary. Like many historical rom-com books, there'll be a girl who does something out of the ordinary, and then there's an douchey young aristocrat who would suddenly take notice that there are girls who aren't dim-witted marriage-crazy robots after all so voila! Insta-love! Cue guy hypnotized with girl's flushed and angry face (and thinks she's the most beautiful girl ever). Cute story.
The second one was super duper short. I think it took me a walk from the front door to the kitchen to finish it. It tells a story of a rich daughter of a merchant who's engaged to marry some penniless titled guy but backed out because she doesn't want him to marry her just for her money (well, duh!). Said penniless guy was transparent about his intentions from the start. But he didn't tell her something important that would make and break the deal. It got sorted out in the end.
May 18, 2018
Lord Lovedon's Duel: 1
There's something about all-to-quick infatuation and love that I just don't believe in. And thus it was the case for the romance between Chloe and Lord Lovedon. How it went from animosity to interest to love was beyond me.
The Jilting of Lord Rothwick: 4
The second story though, was fantastic, though far too short. I liked that it was in medea res, and we got to see the aftermath of Barbara's refusal of Rothwick's marriage proposal. I appreciated the fact that there were strong feelings between them, and just had to be revealed over the course of the story.
There's something about all-to-quick infatuation and love that I just don't believe in. And thus it was the case for the romance between Chloe and Lord Lovedon. How it went from animosity to interest to love was beyond me.
The Jilting of Lord Rothwick: 4
The second story though, was fantastic, though far too short. I liked that it was in medea res, and we got to see the aftermath of Barbara's refusal of Rothwick's marriage proposal. I appreciated the fact that there were strong feelings between them, and just had to be revealed over the course of the story.
June 2, 2015
I know it was a novella, but it's much too short!! I want more!!
Loretta Chase is one of the author where her work either hit or miss with me. When it's a hit, I just couldn' put the book down, literally. And this compilation has all the marks of a winner. Hope it was longer (way longer), which will be more satisfying.
Loretta Chase is one of the author where her work either hit or miss with me. When it's a hit, I just couldn' put the book down, literally. And this compilation has all the marks of a winner. Hope it was longer (way longer), which will be more satisfying.
June 25, 2022
Lord Lovedon's Duel.
A delightful and hilarious little romcom short story that is guaranteed to brighten your day and irritate your nearest and dearest due to your loud laughter.
The Jilting of Lord Rothwick.
5 stars, even if a touch behind Lord Lovedon's Duel in quality and a little short. It appears Loretta is as deft a touch with short stories as she is with sparring (🤔can it be called sparring when there is a pistol involved?😉) romances.
A delightful and hilarious little romcom short story that is guaranteed to brighten your day and irritate your nearest and dearest due to your loud laughter.
The Jilting of Lord Rothwick.
5 stars, even if a touch behind Lord Lovedon's Duel in quality and a little short. It appears Loretta is as deft a touch with short stories as she is with sparring (🤔can it be called sparring when there is a pistol involved?😉) romances.
December 22, 2019
Not a novella, not a short story but two very brief stories! Quick, joyful but unsatisfying.
April 16, 2015
These are utterly charming stories featuring two quite different pairs of lovers. I appreciate how clearly Chase has delineated the two stories. You begin right in the middle of the story in both cases. The first, "Lord Lovedon's Duel" features a heroine who, honest to gosh!, challenges the hero to a duel. Only he's not a hero at this point, he's an annoying prat, a clueless bounder and a lying liar - or so she tells her sister whose impending nuptials are threatened by Lovedon's overheard comments that her princely groom is only marrying her for her money. Clearly grounds for a duel, especially if you're a little bit squiffy (both the challenger and the challengee). This is a giddy romp of a novella that wraps up all too quickly but with perfect harmony. And there's a wonderful historical artifact that helps to wrap up the story - watch for the mention and read her author's note!
The second selection, "The Jilting of Lord Rothwick" is an early Victorian piece, again featuring an heiress but her situation is different. The royal wedding of Victoria and Albert has inspired Barbara Findley to jilt her affianced groom. After all, he's only marrying her for her money, right? But there's more, as you must suspect, which unfolds in back-and-forth scenes of confession and snoring. You'll have to read to get the full context and the happy ever after!
My only complaint is that the two pieces are far too short. Fair warning: these will be easily read in a sitting so make certain you have another of Loretta Chase's books waiting in the wings!
The second selection, "The Jilting of Lord Rothwick" is an early Victorian piece, again featuring an heiress but her situation is different. The royal wedding of Victoria and Albert has inspired Barbara Findley to jilt her affianced groom. After all, he's only marrying her for her money, right? But there's more, as you must suspect, which unfolds in back-and-forth scenes of confession and snoring. You'll have to read to get the full context and the happy ever after!
My only complaint is that the two pieces are far too short. Fair warning: these will be easily read in a sitting so make certain you have another of Loretta Chase's books waiting in the wings!
March 28, 2015
Too short. I liked both couples and would have enjoyed reading more about each of them. But, even a little amuse bouche of Loretta Chase is better than a full meal of a less-skilled author.
July 20, 2023
The Jilting of Lord Rothwick is short and sweet. (3 stars)
Lord Lovedon's Duel is absolutely delicious! (5 stars)
Lord Lovedon's Duel is absolutely delicious! (5 stars)
April 24, 2015
Charming sweet romantic novellas, but too too short!
January 6, 2021
3.5 stars for the collection.
After reading Lord Lovedon's Duel in the Royal Bridesmaids anthology, I set out to see if I could find Ms. Chase's story on its own, so I could pass along the anthology to someone else. Mercifully, I found it here, with another short story to boot, and for a mere 99c! Hooray!
Lord Lovedon's Duel - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Setting: 1835
Chloe Sharp overhears Lord Lovedon insulting her sister on her sister's wedding day, and challenges him to a duel. They are both falling down drunk, but Chloe has piqued Lovedon's interest, so he holds her to her vow even after she regrets making it the next morning. The two do actually duel, with a rather surprising conclusion!
The characters are sharp and witty and fun, and the pacing was very nicely done. Ms Chase didn't try to tell too much story in too few pages, and though this does tie in with her Dressmakers series, it isn't overshadowed by the recurring series characters.
The Jilting of Lord Rothwick - ⭐⭐⭐
Setting: 1840
Set the day before the royal wedding of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, this is a very short story (a oneshot in fannish terms) that is exactly as it says on the tin. Lord Rothwick, a peer of the realm with pockets to let, had spent the previous nine weeks courting Miss Barbara Findley, the daughter of a non-titled man who'd made a fortune and saddled her with a £200K dowry, in hopes of buying a title. Miss Findley had indeed been approached by countless men, but she found Rothwick - the most arrogant, and yet also the most desperate - the most enticing. They courted and agreed to wed, but once he'd left her sphere of influence to prepare for their wedding in London, she'd started having second thoughts. After all, she thinks, if the Queen can marry for love, why can't she? She's desperately in love with Rothwick but fears her feelings are unreturned, so she sends him a note calling off their engagement.
He isn't about to accept her mere three sentences which amount to "we would not suit," so he harries back to Little Etford for an explanation. She offers him little more, so he grudgingly accepts it. Because the weather is horrendous, he spends the night at a local inn. Miss Findley goes to see him there later that evening, but he's drunk and maudlin, so she finds her confession of wanting romantic love falling on deaf ears.
The next morning, both wake up and realize that they don't want to call of their engagement after all - because of course Rothwick is in love with Barbara, even though he's never told her - and they literally clash in the street. Barbara gets her much-desired confession of love, and a passionate kiss to boot, and they agree that they will marry after all, even if they have to do it in the shadow of the royal wedding.
This was a bizarre experience for me, because it was such a short story. If it had been longer, it would've been an annoying Big Misunderstanding, so I'm glad that was cut off at the pass. It just feels like it ends abruptly.
Nevertheless, Ms. Chase can write witty dialog with the best of them, so I had to give it an extra star.
After reading Lord Lovedon's Duel in the Royal Bridesmaids anthology, I set out to see if I could find Ms. Chase's story on its own, so I could pass along the anthology to someone else. Mercifully, I found it here, with another short story to boot, and for a mere 99c! Hooray!
Lord Lovedon's Duel - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Setting: 1835
Chloe Sharp overhears Lord Lovedon insulting her sister on her sister's wedding day, and challenges him to a duel. They are both falling down drunk, but Chloe has piqued Lovedon's interest, so he holds her to her vow even after she regrets making it the next morning. The two do actually duel, with a rather surprising conclusion!
The characters are sharp and witty and fun, and the pacing was very nicely done. Ms Chase didn't try to tell too much story in too few pages, and though this does tie in with her Dressmakers series, it isn't overshadowed by the recurring series characters.
The Jilting of Lord Rothwick - ⭐⭐⭐
Setting: 1840
Set the day before the royal wedding of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, this is a very short story (a oneshot in fannish terms) that is exactly as it says on the tin. Lord Rothwick, a peer of the realm with pockets to let, had spent the previous nine weeks courting Miss Barbara Findley, the daughter of a non-titled man who'd made a fortune and saddled her with a £200K dowry, in hopes of buying a title. Miss Findley had indeed been approached by countless men, but she found Rothwick - the most arrogant, and yet also the most desperate - the most enticing. They courted and agreed to wed, but once he'd left her sphere of influence to prepare for their wedding in London, she'd started having second thoughts. After all, she thinks, if the Queen can marry for love, why can't she? She's desperately in love with Rothwick but fears her feelings are unreturned, so she sends him a note calling off their engagement.
He isn't about to accept her mere three sentences which amount to "we would not suit," so he harries back to Little Etford for an explanation. She offers him little more, so he grudgingly accepts it. Because the weather is horrendous, he spends the night at a local inn. Miss Findley goes to see him there later that evening, but he's drunk and maudlin, so she finds her confession of wanting romantic love falling on deaf ears.
The next morning, both wake up and realize that they don't want to call of their engagement after all - because of course Rothwick is in love with Barbara, even though he's never told her - and they literally clash in the street. Barbara gets her much-desired confession of love, and a passionate kiss to boot, and they agree that they will marry after all, even if they have to do it in the shadow of the royal wedding.
This was a bizarre experience for me, because it was such a short story. If it had been longer, it would've been an annoying Big Misunderstanding, so I'm glad that was cut off at the pass. It just feels like it ends abruptly.
Nevertheless, Ms. Chase can write witty dialog with the best of them, so I had to give it an extra star.
July 17, 2022
En este e-book de 2015 juntó Loretta Chase dos relatos cortitos que antes había publicado en otras antologías:
«Lord Lovedon’s duel» (2012). Lord Lovedon, invitado a una boda y borracho perdido, dice lo que no debe. Chloe Sharp, hermana de la novia, dama de honor y que también ha bebido hasta el agua de los floreros, se ofende. Y le reta a duelo. Dicho duelo tendrá lugar de una forma un poco peculiar. Y como se acaban de conocer y el formato no da más de si, habrá un pequeñito salto temporal al final para que se vea que lo de estos tiene su (matrimonial) final feliz.
En «The jilting of Lord Rothwick» (2011), Barbara Findley, una chica sin apellido aristocrático, pero con dinero, corta con su prometido, el marqués de Rothwick. Quiere una boda por amor y, aunque ella se ha enamorado realmente del marqués, no parece que él le corresponda. Cabreado y desconcertado, porque no entiende qué ha ocurrido, el marqués cabalga como un poseso hasta casa de los Findley, a pedir explicaciones.
Son historias cortitas que realmente solo sirven para pasar una tarde tonta. Cumplen, sin más.
En mi blog cuento algo más, tampoco mucho, porque no dan más de sí.
«Lord Lovedon’s duel» (2012). Lord Lovedon, invitado a una boda y borracho perdido, dice lo que no debe. Chloe Sharp, hermana de la novia, dama de honor y que también ha bebido hasta el agua de los floreros, se ofende. Y le reta a duelo. Dicho duelo tendrá lugar de una forma un poco peculiar. Y como se acaban de conocer y el formato no da más de si, habrá un pequeñito salto temporal al final para que se vea que lo de estos tiene su (matrimonial) final feliz.
En «The jilting of Lord Rothwick» (2011), Barbara Findley, una chica sin apellido aristocrático, pero con dinero, corta con su prometido, el marqués de Rothwick. Quiere una boda por amor y, aunque ella se ha enamorado realmente del marqués, no parece que él le corresponda. Cabreado y desconcertado, porque no entiende qué ha ocurrido, el marqués cabalga como un poseso hasta casa de los Findley, a pedir explicaciones.
Son historias cortitas que realmente solo sirven para pasar una tarde tonta. Cumplen, sin más.
En mi blog cuento algo más, tampoco mucho, porque no dan más de sí.
December 4, 2019
The two novellas in this bind-up are real short but real delightful if you ask me. Especially the first one.
Lord Lovedon's Duel
This was just marvelous. Have you ever really seen a historical romance where the main characters act like every other person would at a wedding - meaning, they get respectively and confidently drunk?
Me neither and it is a delight. It’s not only the man or only the woman but they both, separately, willingly drown themselves in champagne. I know, right? There is foxed confrontation, a dual with tricky pistols, very very funny insults, a main character with probable photographic memory and a lot of sass and wit.
This is a short read but a dear one at that, I would totally read a book about these dorks.
The Jilting of Lord Rothwick
Also has the signature Loretta Chase wit and strong personalities but the ending is more sappy. All in all, loved the situation and the characters but didn’t like the ending.
That bickerong is top scale tho, these two novellas are treats for those of us who love that.
Lord Lovedon's Duel
This was just marvelous. Have you ever really seen a historical romance where the main characters act like every other person would at a wedding - meaning, they get respectively and confidently drunk?
Me neither and it is a delight. It’s not only the man or only the woman but they both, separately, willingly drown themselves in champagne. I know, right? There is foxed confrontation, a dual with tricky pistols, very very funny insults, a main character with probable photographic memory and a lot of sass and wit.
This is a short read but a dear one at that, I would totally read a book about these dorks.
The Jilting of Lord Rothwick
Also has the signature Loretta Chase wit and strong personalities but the ending is more sappy. All in all, loved the situation and the characters but didn’t like the ending.
That bickerong is top scale tho, these two novellas are treats for those of us who love that.
February 21, 2017
In this book we have two novella's previously published in two different anthologies and if you've never read Loretta Chase (OMG! Where have you been for the last two decades?! LOL! Just teasing!), I think you should definitely go for this book.
Both stories are well written and although predictable at times, I found them entertaining.
In Lord Lovedon's Duel I loved the characters and their witty repartee. In The Jilting of Lord Rothwick I wasn't so fond of the hero, but in the end I did find the romance cute and sweet.
I'm not sure what your take on anthologies is, but I like them. If they're well put together they can be good and they are an awesome tool to introduce one to an author you've never read. There are times that no matter the great writing, if the plot is not feasible or the characters are weak, you'll find yourself abandoning the read. In this case, I enjoyed these two short stories and hope you will to.
Melanie for b2b
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher
Both stories are well written and although predictable at times, I found them entertaining.
In Lord Lovedon's Duel I loved the characters and their witty repartee. In The Jilting of Lord Rothwick I wasn't so fond of the hero, but in the end I did find the romance cute and sweet.
I'm not sure what your take on anthologies is, but I like them. If they're well put together they can be good and they are an awesome tool to introduce one to an author you've never read. There are times that no matter the great writing, if the plot is not feasible or the characters are weak, you'll find yourself abandoning the read. In this case, I enjoyed these two short stories and hope you will to.
Melanie for b2b
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher
December 29, 2017
I knew 2 novellas in one book that only had 192 pages was going to be pushing the bounds of my patience, and I was not wrong. My complaint with this book, is the same as my complaint with the last short book I read (The Bobby Gold Stories). This is not a story, these are a series of scenes. Especially the first novella, but also the second as well, the "story" is three scenes. That's not a romance. And, I know Loretta Chase can do better because I've read other short stories from her before. So I'm not sure why these were *so* short.
October 11, 2022
Two short novellas about love and understanding. Each story has a hero who has fallen in love very quickly. Each story has a heroine who is a strong and powerful young woman. I liked these very much. If a reader is looking for two stories to provide sighs and smiles, these are the stories for you. Ms Chase is a talented author and these stories show that very well.
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