Ransom Redeemed

The Deverells #4

by Jayne Fresina

"Well, he had brought this being to life. It was up to him now to teach the child how to live. Fortunately, he knew something about survival. But he could not coddle the child when it cried. That he could not do, for he had no knowledge of how. As if the babe knew this, its wailing petered out. Man and boy studied each other. "I'll do what I can," True muttered gruffly. "I make no promises." It was all new to him. To them both. The babe raised a fist toward his face and shook it. "Just like your mother," he sighed. It was some time before he realized his son was trying to reach his nose, not blacken his eye. They would be at similar cross purposes for many years to come." — From the Memoirs of True Deverell. "Children are an extraordinary inconvenience, always wanting attention. At least Ransom was a quiet baby. Although, I suppose I would not have heard him crying from my suite at the other end of the house, in any case. Thankfully." — Lady Charlotte Rothsey Deverell. "Brat will end his days swinging from a gibbet. And good riddance." — Evelyn Bond, Nanny. "The upstart put me face down in the privy and ruined a very good cravat. Now that I am minded of it, I shouldn't be a bit surprised if the blackguard stole my pater's gold watch. It seems they'll let anyone into Oxford these days." — The Honorable Cedric "Drippy" Pennington-Whittmore. "Infidele! Sans coeur! L'homme impossible!"— Belle Saint Claire (Mademoiselle), Stage Artiste of Popular Renown. "He is worse even than his father; a despicable scoundrel, a sybarite without conscience."— Anon. of Mayfair. "One (1) Brovver For Free to good howme. Or any howme."— Raven Deverell, (seven and three quarters), in a note left on park railings. "Who?" — Miss Mary Ashford, proprietress of Beloved Books, Trinity Place, London.

Genres: Historical, Historical Romance, Romance

392 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 31, 2016

About the author

Out now! DANCE WITH A DEVERELL. Do you dare?

Reviews

[Lyuda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m sure we’ll talk about it for years to come- the curious incident of a man who doesn’t read books walking into a bookshop. Shirtless. The start of a wonderful story in itself.

Jayne Fresina continues to delight readers with captivating tales of the Deverell family.
It’s now Ransom’s turn. He’s the oldest legitimate child of True Deverell.

Born of a loveless marriage and then blamed for every discomfort and discontent his parents suffered as if he directly caused it, Ransom grew up under a dark cloud of animosity. Left often to the “care” of detached, bureaucratic nannies, the first two things he’d ever learned were the art of self-preservation and how to make his own entertainment.

And entertainment is what he needs to keep in constant supply, otherwise reality would intrude and nightmare would chase him again- nightmare born of guilt- not necessarily a rational one- over the death of a young woman six years ago.

The morning after one of Ransom's orgies, his temperamental mistress unexpectedly returns from France and all hail brakes lose. Trying to elude her, Ransom ran on foot, collided with a gas lamp and discovered a new path, down which he’d never before ventured. Just when he thought there were none left.

The path leads him to a dusty bookstore partly owned by Mary Ashford- a woman who would become Ransom’s salvation, a breath of fresh air. She doesn't flirt with him or get dazzled by him. On a contrary, Mary seems to not like him very much and, of cause, Ransom is intrigued and puzzled at the same time.

She was such an unexpected sight emerging from the gloom that a man was instantly knocked off balance. He did not stand a chance. It was like the discovery of a bright daisy growing in a coal mine. With a wasp hidden in the petals.

This was enjoyable heartwarming fun-filled romance with superb writing. The author perfectly captures the often elusive but necessary to romance requirement - chemistry between main characters – with practically no sex at all. And if you read previous installments of the series, you will be rewarded by meeting some familiar characters, including my very favorite, True Deverell, himself.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Another enjoyable read in the Deverells series, although perhaps not quite as good as the first three books. Another quick read.

Ransom is the oldest legitimate son of True Deverell's numerous sons. His childhood was tumultuous because at times he was a pawn in the battleground of his parents' divorce. It was not till a number of years later that Ransom discovered that many of the cruel stories his mother had told him about his father were pure fabrication.

Now Ransom has become the brother that the others turn to when they're in trouble and they don't want their redoubtable father to know. Ransom seems to spend quite a bit of his time quietly helping his brothers out.

I liked all of this. I also liked the lovely meet-cute between Ransom and Mary. The first two thirds or so of the book really held my interest. A little touch of mystery, some wry humour, some great banter and a developing romance. Mary and Ransom are lovely together.

The last third of the book felt a bit rushed, sadly. After Ransom was attacked, his sudden declaration of love and proposal just seemed to happen too quickly for me. I didn't really enjoy this section of the book so much, even though we got to visit with True. It felt like a race to the finish, and seemed to lack some of the character and plot development of the earlier part of the book. I wanted to know more about Ransom, and his eidetic memory. Perhaps we could have seen him at work in the gaming club rather than just having it alluded to in passing. But suddenly everything was wrapped up and we got our HEA.

Oh well, in spite of this, I did enjoy the book anyway. I really like the characters and world that Jayne Fresina has created, and I will continue to read the series.

[OLT · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.5 stars) Ransom Deverill is a "Determined Malefactor." Sure that he is not worthy, he lives his life determined to prove that point. As a young boy he was pulled apart by squabbling parents: his father, True Deverill, the rogue we all know and love from True Story (The Deverells Book 1), and his mother, Lady Charlotte, the most self-serving, self-centered, self-obsessed woman I've come across (in books or real life).

And Ransom can't sleep. He's haunted by Sally White, the young woman whose death he was accused of causing. Although proven innocent, he remains guilt-stricken and feeling he is unworthy and irredeemable. So to keep the nightmares away he doesn't sleep and instead spends that time in riotous living, drinking and womanizing. (When he's not handling secrets and problems of his siblings, that is; something he never seems to give himself any credit for.)

Then Mary Ashford enters his life, or perhaps one should say he steps into her bookshop when trying to elude his irrate French mistress. Mary is a longtime friend of Ransom's sister Raven and a frequent visitor of Lady Charlotte, although Ransom and Mary have never met and Ransom was not even aware of her existence. I don't want to tell much of the story but I did very much enjoy it. Mary and Ransom are great together. I love the way she discombobulates him with her unusual, non-melting ways. "She was such an unexpected sight...He did not stand a chance. It was like the discovery of a bright daisy growing in a coal mine. With a wasp hidden in the petals."

The 5-star rating I've given this is not really due to its plot. It's the writing. Jayne Fresina has a way with words that few other HR writers have. She's funny and witty and I found myself chuckling often while reading Ransom and Mary's story. For example, she catches the personality of overbearing, overwhelming, overweening Lady Charlotte with conversational bits such as Lady C saying to Mary, "Sit, Mary! You know I don't like it when you hover. It makes the room untidy." Or when Ransom wonders why Mary visits his mother: "Surely nobody would voluntarily seek out Lady Charlotte's company." And the interchange between Mary and her sister Violet. Violet: "...she [Lady Charlotte] is positively delightful." Mary: "You're fortunate, Violet. She took a liking to you--as she does to shiny, decorative things."

Fresina's way with words makes the love story all the better too. Consider Ransom's thought about Mary: "Hers was a face that made a man look twice and then a third time. And then he could not stop looking." Yep, warm fuzzies for me. And read the story to find out why he calls her "my delectable basket of cabbages." Yes, I'm in love with the love in this. So yeah, I really like this love story. And to think that there isn't even any sex to speak of in it. There's a lot of chemistry and attraction and yearning but only a few fade-to-black intimate scenes past the 96% mark.

Although not as good as TRUE STORY it's a close second, IMO. And good news: Since True's litter is so numerous it looks as if Damon and then Justify will be having upcoming romances. At least it seems that way to me. Meanwhile, there'll soon be a second entry in Fresina's Ladies Most Unlikely series, entitled THE DANGER IN DESPERATE BONNETS.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating 3.75

This was my first Jayne Fresina novel. I was reading a couple of Mary Balough’s books, who I love but I wanted a change. So I spent about 2 hours browsing online to find an author I hadn’t heard of... Enter J.Fresina. It seems as though not as many people know of her compared to other more popular authors in the genres, and I don’t know why it took me so long to find her - but I must say that I am very happy that I did.

Oh, this book was lovely. Truly. The banter between the leads was wonderful. I just loved their back and forth dialogue. And the way the author uses descriptions in her story. She has such a beautiful way with words that I just had to fall in love with her writing.

The female lead was just my cup of tea. Not too bossy and not too timid. She knew when it was best to keep quiet , and when she had to stand up for what she believed in. I liked the male lead too. We get to see a bit of growth and change in both.

However, I did initially wanted to give this book a 5 star rating. In the end I felt the ending a little rushed for my liking. I wanted the story to go on a few more chapters, and if it had I definitely would have given it a 5 star. There was so much more to add to the story and more growth to be had especially or the male lead. Still, the ending did not make me hate the story, I think most of the book was written too well for me to do so.

Side note: The story also does not have descriptive sex scenes in it so if you’re into that, you’re not going to read much of it here.

I’ll definitely be looking at other books from JF because I am officially a fan. To be honest I’ve already picked my next book and am going to jump into it right now.

Happy reading...

[Radd Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

“She was such an unexpected sight emerging from the gloom that a man was instantly knocked off balance. He did not stand a chance. It was like the discovery of a bright daisy growing in a coal mine. With a wasp hidden in the petals.”

<><> Story Overview <><>
 Ransom’s divorced parents hate each other and Ransom was raised with that hate as his foundation. He has now inherited his father’s successful gambling business but doesn't have a good relationship with either parent.

He is by no means a saint, and while trying to flee a woman one morning, he hides in Mary’s bookstore. Mary is not unfamiliar with the Deverell family’s reputation (after all, her best friend is Ransom’s sister). But she does not run in the same circles as Ransom, so they seem an unlikely pair, They truly are opposites that attract.

~~ "I can see you must be bored out of your stockings, Miss Ashford. You need a worthy opponent, a man to kindle your temper and your passions. A man to challenge you and make your life less predictable.”

<><> Characters <><>
Hero: Ransom Deverell; Age: 30

* The following words/phrases were used to describe Hero: shot at his father, wicked, the most ill-mannered, licentious beast ever to walk the streets of Mayfair, plagued by dreams of an unfortunate incident, straightforward, irredeemable, he is the one all the siblings turn to when they need help

Heroine: Mary Ashford ; Age: 25;

* The following words/phrases were used to describe Heroine: the daughter of a Baron but her family was forced to sell their ancestral home when they fell on hard times, engaged once, both parents dead, two brothers died in the war, calm, thoughtful, has a strong sense of justice, has a tedious and unexciting life, co-owns a bookstore (thanks to Uncle Hugo’s inheritance), lives above the bookstore with her sister, quick witted, sensible, level-headed

<><> A Few Thoughts <><>

^^ ~ I thought Ransom’s shift after his accident was too rushed or forced or something. It just didn't feel authentic

^^ ~ I liked the chemistry between Mary and Ransom. Her teasing nature was cute when he was clueless

^^ ~ there were some long stretches of inner dialogue. That’s not my favorite to happen in a book

^^ ~ the bedroom scene took a long time to happen. And, the steamier parts were behind closed doors.


<><> The Basics <><>
- Setting: London 1850
- Do you need to read previous books in series?: I think it would be helpful to read the series in order. There are recurring characters from the previous book that appear in this one.
- POV: Dual POV
- Tropes: historical
- Hero likable? yes
- heroine likable? yes
- h virgin? Yes
- First time they kiss: 51%
- First time they sleep together: 97%
- Safe sex? I assume no
- First time they say I Love You: 96%
- steamy? no. Love scene behind closed doors
- Chemistry? I thought they had good chemistry
- OW/OM drama? there were a couple scenes involving partners from past relationships, but neither H or h had interest in the other individuals
- H/h cheat? No
- Time apart? No
- Did I skip pages? I skipped over some of the lengthy inner dialogue passages
- Big secrets? No
- Did I cry? No
- Did I laugh? No
- Did I swoon🥰? No
- Cliffhanger? No
- HEA? yes
- Epilogue? Yes -a few days/weeks later
- Recommend? it was ok

<><> Quotes <><>
“You are surely old enough to stand up for yourself, sir. She's one third your size." "So are you, but you put me in my place."

“Men like Ransom Deverell spun through life and through women's hearts like a sharp-edged Aboriginal boomerang.”

“We Deverells are resilient. Like weeds that cannot be eradicated.”

“My concern is that you and I would have nothing in common, nothing to talk about...if I must share my dinner with a man, I prefer that he have a brain and interesting conversation to offer.��

[Bks43v3r · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Ransom’s story. I won’t really give much of a summary. Ransom is True Deverell’s (see True Story) oldest legitimate son. (True makes no distinction between legitimate/illegitimate children.) He has had a hard time of it, especially when growing up. Folks thought he was/would be no good. After a while, he just started to believe their opinion. No one thinks much of him, even his family can be pretty harsh. It’s interesting that even some of his siblings--who share some of these negative views--are the same folks who turn to him for assistance. Which he offers readily. Anyway, seems to me that Ransom got a bad rap. He’s no angel; however, nor is he the miscreant others make him out to be. If he was, he would NOT feel misguided guilt for something that happed six years ago. Nor would he continue to feel hurt—which he doesn’t acknowledge—when others (mostly family) express bad opinions of him (and continued grief regarding revelations about his mother’s previous lies etc.).

Mary is delightful. She’s has had a tough time too. Her family went broke, so her financial situation has been much reduced. She, unlike her spoiled brat of a sister, has kept her dignity and made the best of the situation. And right from the first meeting with Ransom, she has stood up and handled him with great aplomb. Their interchanges are great.

I have read some romances and wondered why the couple were even together. One or both characters would treat the other horribly or their romance just did not have that certain je ne sais quoi about it. At times I would wish they would not get together in the end, get together with someone else in the story or had more interest in a secondary couple’s romance.

This was NOT the case with Ransom and Mary. They were perfect for each other. I loved them from the first exchange. The way Mary put Ransom in his place was hilarious. She was so clever. And the way she stood up to him, got his interest and notice.

I agree with some reviewers that things were a bit rushed at the end. For example’s, with Ransom’s recovery more so than the HEA. I like that True makes an appearance. I would have liked more of Olivia. I have only read two books in the series so far. Each book is a stand alone pretty much; however, I don’t think you really get the dynamics from just one. There are some other series writing authors who do a better job with intertwining/connecting/overlapping each individual story to the series. Enabling each novel to both stand-alone but at the same time mesh fluently with the other novels. I don’t think Ms. Fresina is strong in this aspect. But it's still an enjoyable read.

For those who are interested, there is no detailed sex scenes in this book. The H and h are in bed once but nothing is described. Besides that, there were a few kisses. So, considering, pretty clean in that aspect.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

With each book I fall more and more in love with this family and its members!!

From the previous books Ransom sounded the worst one of the litter, with his job at his dad's club, the wild life, the loose women and the late nights. Then getting drunk and causing Sally's and his accident and even if we know he wasn't responsible for her death, it hung on him and his nightmares like a dark cloud. He thought of himself as irredimable and was sure his parents never loved him.

Then through this book you find out, his uncanny resemblance to his dad is not just physical but character wise too. They are both blunt, go after what they want like a bulldozer, daring anyone to stand in their way, and when they fall in love they do it completely and it takes them a long while to realise it, never having felt the sentiment before.

His difference from his dad is that while both have a huge heart and are very protective of their family, his brothers coming to him with their troubles and not his dad, show that he is more approachable, doesn't judge and helps them without questions, even getting beaten to a pulp....

His immediate attraction to Mary is adorable to witness, she doesn't let him have the last word, puts him in his place, time and time again but he keeps coming, doing small but generous things for her, solving her problems without telling her (this reminded me of Mr Darcy!) and still he doesn't realise he has fallen in love with her.

Mary, tells herself, she will only fall a little in love with him, cause she just can't help it but when he calls her to his side when he is hurt, she doesn't think about protecting her heart anymore, she is there for him, cares and loves him and even "saves" his life with her pro thinking.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

It appears I am having a Fresina glom! These are quick reads for me, but I love the characters and dialogue. I purposely jumped ahead in the series because the other two did not interest me - and appreciated that this was pretty much a standalone so long as you read the first, True Story.

[SM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read. Bantering between Ransom and Mary was very funny. Loved sensible witty Mary. Loved True’s appearance. Ransom really was redeemed and in peace with past and his family.

I didn’t love the book as True story, but it is entertaining for sure.

[Nanette · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a way with words and humor JF has! And the characters were so lovingly drawn. It had everything— characters, mom great plot, great dialogue and banter, incredible humor and lots of chemistry between the two MCS even if it was tame by today’s standards and partly behind closed doors.

[Swati Pant · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Vivienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story; dialogue, as always, is very sharp and witty. Loved Ransom and Mary's story.

[Kristie Heath · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed see the way the family so relies on Ransom. I've enjoyed this series.

[Amur3n · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun characters

[Quinn Fforde · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had 2 strikes against it for me right from the beginning: I didn't like Ranson in the other books, and I avoid books with redemption themes. But it is one in a series, so I had to give it a go. By the end of chapter 1, I was solidly in Ransom's corner, and I couldn't wait to see him redeemed. By the end of chapter 2, I was Mary's biggest fan and couldn't wait to see her get what she deserved. She was sharp as a tack and so much fun to read! The resolution was perfect for the characters, too.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful, charming and fresh. I never seem to tire of the Deverell clan. But now I'm out of Jayne Fresina's books to read. I hope Damon's story comes soon.

[kathy kemmerer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such good stories.

I loved this story about a very dysfunctional family. Ransom and Mary lead us on a very good tale and a very happy ever after. They have both been hurt in life a need each other for happiness in their lives. Love these books can't wait for another one soon.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Deverell Family. Can't wait for the next book!