What do you think?
Rate this book
Ladies of Worth #1
Fool Me Twice
In the gaming hells of eighteenth century London, orphan Caro Worth is leading a double life. By day she plays a proper gentlewoman on the lookout for a wealthy husband. By night she plays the infamous Angelica, her fictional half-sister with a talent for cards and an ability to finance the life her respectable self has built. An introduction to a rich Marquis brings marriage and security within Caro’s grasp…until the arrival of the unpredictable and totally ineligible Mr. Tobias Felton.
Dismayed by Felton’s persistent appearances, shocking frankness, and enigmatic green eyes, Caro watches helplessly as he comes closer than anyone to guessing her secret, but when complete and utter ruin threatens, she finds that Felton’s suspicions just might become her salvation. As the walls she has built to protect herself crumble down around her, Caro learns that no matter how careful your plans, life and love have a habit of falling quite spectacularly out of control!
Dismayed by Felton’s persistent appearances, shocking frankness, and enigmatic green eyes, Caro watches helplessly as he comes closer than anyone to guessing her secret, but when complete and utter ruin threatens, she finds that Felton’s suspicions just might become her salvation. As the walls she has built to protect herself crumble down around her, Caro learns that no matter how careful your plans, life and love have a habit of falling quite spectacularly out of control!
263 pages, Paperback
Published December 1, 2016
64 people are currently reading
535 people want to read
About the author
Philippa Jane Keyworth
15 books114 followersPhilippa Jane Keyworth, also known as P. J. Keyworth, writes historical romance and fantasy novels you'll want to escape into.
She loves strong heroines, challenging heroes and backdrops that read like you're watching a movie. She creates complex, believable characters you want to get to know and worlds that are as dramatic as they are beautiful.
Keyworth's historical romance novels include Regency and Georgian romances that trace the steps of indomitable heroes and heroines through historic British streets. From London's glittering ballrooms to its dark gaming hells, characters experience the hopes and joys of love while avoiding a coil or two! Travel with them through London, Bath, Cornwall and beyond and you'll find yourself falling in love.
Keyworth's fantasy series The Emrilion Trilogy follows strong love stories and epic adventure. Unveiling a world of nomadic warrior tribes and peaceful forest-dwelling folk, you can explore the hills, deserts and cities of Emrilion and the history that is woven through them. With so many different races in the same kingdom it's become a melting pot of drama and intrigue where the ultimate struggle between good and evil will bring it all to the brink of destruction.
She loves strong heroines, challenging heroes and backdrops that read like you're watching a movie. She creates complex, believable characters you want to get to know and worlds that are as dramatic as they are beautiful.
Keyworth's historical romance novels include Regency and Georgian romances that trace the steps of indomitable heroes and heroines through historic British streets. From London's glittering ballrooms to its dark gaming hells, characters experience the hopes and joys of love while avoiding a coil or two! Travel with them through London, Bath, Cornwall and beyond and you'll find yourself falling in love.
Keyworth's fantasy series The Emrilion Trilogy follows strong love stories and epic adventure. Unveiling a world of nomadic warrior tribes and peaceful forest-dwelling folk, you can explore the hills, deserts and cities of Emrilion and the history that is woven through them. With so many different races in the same kingdom it's become a melting pot of drama and intrigue where the ultimate struggle between good and evil will bring it all to the brink of destruction.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
February 15, 2017
If you’ve read any of my reviews before you’ll know I’m not a fan of romance novels..it’s just not my genre but this book has a plot that easily overshadows the underlying romance of the tale.
Caro Worth has been left penniless and alone except for her trusting servants. She leads a double life as Angelica in order to pay her debts and to keep a roof over her head.
During the day Caro is looking for a suitor to save her. She isn’t intent on finding love..what she needs is safety and protection that can be given by a man of worth.
I didn’t really like that side to Caro, she’s only after a man for the money and safety he can provide at first but you learn she does this with the best intentions, she’s not a black widow or a gold digger..just a woman in need.
In walks Felton, loved him. He’s a misfit and a constant embarrassment to his family. Felton and Caro’s worlds collide and he finds himself drawn to her.
There’s a lot of back and forth between the two, neither wanting to fully admit the attraction that grows.
The plot thickens when another suitor appears on the scene..but he’s after Angelica, and he wants to treat her like his property. This man forces his way into Caro’s life by way of gossip and debt so she is stuck not knowing how to get rid of this unwanted attention.
When Felton puts things together you can see him change, he wants to help her as any respectable man should.
It would spoil the book if I told you what happens next but let’s just say Caro struggles to keep her secret and let anyone get close to the real Caro.
The book is well written and easy to follow. I loved the plot and was eager to see if Caro could find a way out of this mess.
The ending suited the tale perfectly for me and the romance while always a present undertone didn’t overwhelm the story.
Will Caro be saved? Will Felton become a man and take some responsibility for his life? Well why not have a read and find out?
My thanks go to the author and Rosanne at MStPublishing for the chance to read/review the book.
Caro Worth has been left penniless and alone except for her trusting servants. She leads a double life as Angelica in order to pay her debts and to keep a roof over her head.
During the day Caro is looking for a suitor to save her. She isn’t intent on finding love..what she needs is safety and protection that can be given by a man of worth.
I didn’t really like that side to Caro, she’s only after a man for the money and safety he can provide at first but you learn she does this with the best intentions, she’s not a black widow or a gold digger..just a woman in need.
In walks Felton, loved him. He’s a misfit and a constant embarrassment to his family. Felton and Caro’s worlds collide and he finds himself drawn to her.
There’s a lot of back and forth between the two, neither wanting to fully admit the attraction that grows.
The plot thickens when another suitor appears on the scene..but he’s after Angelica, and he wants to treat her like his property. This man forces his way into Caro’s life by way of gossip and debt so she is stuck not knowing how to get rid of this unwanted attention.
When Felton puts things together you can see him change, he wants to help her as any respectable man should.
It would spoil the book if I told you what happens next but let’s just say Caro struggles to keep her secret and let anyone get close to the real Caro.
The book is well written and easy to follow. I loved the plot and was eager to see if Caro could find a way out of this mess.
The ending suited the tale perfectly for me and the romance while always a present undertone didn’t overwhelm the story.
Will Caro be saved? Will Felton become a man and take some responsibility for his life? Well why not have a read and find out?
My thanks go to the author and Rosanne at MStPublishing for the chance to read/review the book.
March 29, 2017
Double life. Control. Mystic. TROUBLE. Something has to give. Caro has to make the world believe she is what she appears to be. The only way to do any of that was to create a new identity. She never counted on it working so well. His facade worked enough to get her what she thought she wanted but then it brought more than she could have ever desired. The men are trouble turns out to be true for Caro. But it also turned in to a blessing in a way. This was a crafty game of cat and mouse between Caro and Felton. There was more there than what was presented. This drew you in and kept you moving forward to the end. There were a host of characters to fall in love with. The back and forth. The in the moment drama. There was more than you anticipated. I had a great time reading this one.
March 11, 2017
This was my first time reading a book by Philippa Jane Keyworth and I am now a fan! I stayed up until 2:30 am reading the whole book. I love that this one had the powdered hair and beauty patches because I rarely see books with that. They seemed like totally different people, but were alike in many ways when the walls were down. I was not expecting the twist with the Marquis and what he would do or how her brother would be.
Caro is a strong woman that has done what she must to survive after her father dies. I was on edge thinking someone besides Tobias would start to figure it out. She tried so hard to convince herself that Tobias plan would end a different way.
Tobias was very different because he was a gentleman when he wanted to be, but most of the time he said and did what he wanted. I loved how he started changing when he realized his father might follow through with his threat and when he met Caro.
I loved Lady Felton because she was not as quiet as you think at first. I love a good duel scene!
Caro is a strong woman that has done what she must to survive after her father dies. I was on edge thinking someone besides Tobias would start to figure it out. She tried so hard to convince herself that Tobias plan would end a different way.
Tobias was very different because he was a gentleman when he wanted to be, but most of the time he said and did what he wanted. I loved how he started changing when he realized his father might follow through with his threat and when he met Caro.
I loved Lady Felton because she was not as quiet as you think at first. I love a good duel scene!
May 15, 2025
A very decent historical romance with a dose of adventure, set in Georgian England. The protagonists are a young woman who leads a double life (respectable lady in the day, gamester at night) and a younger son, who doesn't seem to take anything seriously but who raises to the occasion when it's needed.
On the positive side, neither the female nor the male protagonists were stereotypical or one-dimensional and there were a couple of interesting secondary characters. The historical setting is convincing, with no obvious historical blunders. And it's nice that the plot is not only or mainly concerned with the romance, but there's a good dose of intrigue and action thanks to a villain and a tangle in which the lady finds herself in.
The villain is perhaps a bit of a caricature and he's not very convincing. First, he's attributed with too much power and, in the end, he's too easily defeated. It somewhat detracted from the enjoyment, because I couldn't buy the whole story. Also on the downside, the first half was burdened by an excess of explanations by the omniscient narrator: in the middle of a dialogue, the reader is told not only how some person is feeling or their reasons for behaving one way or the other, but also if they're being rude, bold, witty... I'd rather feel or deduce by myself what's going on, instead of being told and take it at face value. That's what good dialogue and narrative are for. Also, when the dialogue is finally resumed, I need to go back 2-3 pages to remember what the speaker is referring to... and I find this quite irritating. Luckily, as the story gains pace and the action comes to the forefront the explanations are much more reasonable and, in consequence, I enjoyed the second half of the book much more.
Overall, although imperfect, it was good enough to want to read the next book in the series.
On the positive side, neither the female nor the male protagonists were stereotypical or one-dimensional and there were a couple of interesting secondary characters. The historical setting is convincing, with no obvious historical blunders. And it's nice that the plot is not only or mainly concerned with the romance, but there's a good dose of intrigue and action thanks to a villain and a tangle in which the lady finds herself in.
The villain is perhaps a bit of a caricature and he's not very convincing. First, he's attributed with too much power and, in the end, he's too easily defeated. It somewhat detracted from the enjoyment, because I couldn't buy the whole story. Also on the downside, the first half was burdened by an excess of explanations by the omniscient narrator: in the middle of a dialogue, the reader is told not only how some person is feeling or their reasons for behaving one way or the other, but also if they're being rude, bold, witty... I'd rather feel or deduce by myself what's going on, instead of being told and take it at face value. That's what good dialogue and narrative are for. Also, when the dialogue is finally resumed, I need to go back 2-3 pages to remember what the speaker is referring to... and I find this quite irritating. Luckily, as the story gains pace and the action comes to the forefront the explanations are much more reasonable and, in consequence, I enjoyed the second half of the book much more.
Overall, although imperfect, it was good enough to want to read the next book in the series.
November 28, 2017
Fool Me Twice is an enjoyable, romantic adventure set in Georgian London. It is the story of Caro Worth and the drastic measures she takes to survive when her father leaves her destitute, and her brother deserts her. Keyworth writes of how Caro creates an alter ego, a bastard half-sister Angelica, to play at the gaming tables at night whilst maintaining her own respectability so that she can restore her family fortunes by making a good marriage. Unsurprisingly, her plans go awry, but the unlikely hero of the tale, Tobias Felton, is there to rescue her.
There are some nice historical touches, like visiting the Pot and Pineapple, the confectioner’s shop which later became the famous Gunter’s. I confess that the phrase ‘alter ego’ grated on me when I first read it, but my etymological dictionary tells me it has been in use since the 1530s, so my criticism was unmerited. Pedantic, I know, but I did struggle with Astley’s Amphitheatre being spelt ‘Amphitheater’; this just seemed wrong to me.
A thoroughly entertaining, well written tale with plenty of action, no embarrassing sex scenes, and a highly satisfactory ending. I look forward to reading Keyworth’s other books.
There are some nice historical touches, like visiting the Pot and Pineapple, the confectioner’s shop which later became the famous Gunter’s. I confess that the phrase ‘alter ego’ grated on me when I first read it, but my etymological dictionary tells me it has been in use since the 1530s, so my criticism was unmerited. Pedantic, I know, but I did struggle with Astley’s Amphitheatre being spelt ‘Amphitheater’; this just seemed wrong to me.
A thoroughly entertaining, well written tale with plenty of action, no embarrassing sex scenes, and a highly satisfactory ending. I look forward to reading Keyworth’s other books.
February 23, 2017
Deception and gambling take center stage in this atypical Regency Romance as Miss Caroline Worth schemes to survive until she can gain a husband. The Beau Monde are as opinionated and near sighted as ever. A man can be forgiven almost any misdeed over time. A woman's reputation can be ruined by mere gossip or even by being perceived as too strong and outspoken.
I got very angry that no one would call out the card cheats!
I did appreciate the strong female roles depicted at all levels of society and all ages.
My favorite scene was Tobias Felton's mother's reaction to the Viscount's refusal to give his blessing.
The final event was breathtakingly written and held me in tension for pages.
All of the characters were given depth and personality.
I voluntarily read this book.
I got very angry that no one would call out the card cheats!
I did appreciate the strong female roles depicted at all levels of society and all ages.
My favorite scene was Tobias Felton's mother's reaction to the Viscount's refusal to give his blessing.
The final event was breathtakingly written and held me in tension for pages.
All of the characters were given depth and personality.
I voluntarily read this book.
April 6, 2025
The premise is promising, and it all pays off and is executed well.
I was hooked from the very first page, and the action continued to keep me glued to the pages, wondering what would happen next.
The plot is fun and original, with many twists and schemes that keep you hanging on to every word, desperate to know how it will all play out.
The main characters are all interesting, and fairly fleshed out, and the side characters are entertaining, especially Aunt Etheridge, who is my favorite character.
A very fun read, recommended for period drama fans, especially Georgette Heyer fans.
Four stars.
I was hooked from the very first page, and the action continued to keep me glued to the pages, wondering what would happen next.
The plot is fun and original, with many twists and schemes that keep you hanging on to every word, desperate to know how it will all play out.
The main characters are all interesting, and fairly fleshed out, and the side characters are entertaining, especially Aunt Etheridge, who is my favorite character.
A very fun read, recommended for period drama fans, especially Georgette Heyer fans.
Four stars.
February 6, 2017
Book Review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/book-tou...
In Fool Me Twice, Caro Worth is an orphan in eighteenth century London, and she’s leading a double life. By day, she plays the proper woman, on the lookout for a wealthy husband. By night, she plays the infamous Angelica, her supposed half-sister with an uncanny talent for playing cards, and the ability to finance the life her day version of herself has built. Caro has prospects of marrying a Marquis, which would settle her for life… But then an unpredictable and ineligible Mr. Tobias Felton shows up, and pulls the rug from under her feet.
Felton is everything she can’t have. Persistent, frank, and worst of all, he’s suspicious, and very close to finding out her secret. But his suspicions might just rescue her in time when everything she’s built threatens to collapse around her.
I loved this book, the premise, the characters, the historical setting, everything. The writing was phenomenal, and hooked me from the start, making me wonder what would happen next, and how Caro would fare with her risky double life. Tobias Felton was such an intriguing and mysterious character too, and Caro had so much personality and was very daring.
Fans of historical fiction will no doubt love this book.
In Fool Me Twice, Caro Worth is an orphan in eighteenth century London, and she’s leading a double life. By day, she plays the proper woman, on the lookout for a wealthy husband. By night, she plays the infamous Angelica, her supposed half-sister with an uncanny talent for playing cards, and the ability to finance the life her day version of herself has built. Caro has prospects of marrying a Marquis, which would settle her for life… But then an unpredictable and ineligible Mr. Tobias Felton shows up, and pulls the rug from under her feet.
Felton is everything she can’t have. Persistent, frank, and worst of all, he’s suspicious, and very close to finding out her secret. But his suspicions might just rescue her in time when everything she’s built threatens to collapse around her.
I loved this book, the premise, the characters, the historical setting, everything. The writing was phenomenal, and hooked me from the start, making me wonder what would happen next, and how Caro would fare with her risky double life. Tobias Felton was such an intriguing and mysterious character too, and Caro had so much personality and was very daring.
Fans of historical fiction will no doubt love this book.
February 7, 2017
Ms. Caro Worth is a lady of quality, but when her father dies in disgrace due to gambling debts and her brother goes away, she has to resort to lies and deceit in order to keep appearances and buy time to find herself the husband that would be the solution to her dire situation. As Angelica Worth, she is famous in the hells of London, known as the illegitimate sister of the late Lord Worth, a woman of dubious reputation that plays cards with the same men Caro is aiming for a match with in polite society.
When both her personas meet Mr. Tobias Felton, a handsome and very ineligible second son of a Viscount, and he starts being a constant presence around her, she fears being discovered and having her secrets exposed by the incorrigible man, but it’s another who represents a real threat to her…
This book came as quite a surprise. The plot is interesting a full of twists, nicely paced and the characters are really good. I enjoyed both Caro and Tobias’ personalities; their interaction and banter are really good without losing the propriety of the genre and I also liked the secondary characters very much, especially Lady Rebecca and her aunt.
This is a nice, clean romance story for the lovers of historical fiction and I’d definitely love to see a future story of Lady Rebecca and James Worth.
4 stars
*A review copy was provided in exchange for an honest review*
When both her personas meet Mr. Tobias Felton, a handsome and very ineligible second son of a Viscount, and he starts being a constant presence around her, she fears being discovered and having her secrets exposed by the incorrigible man, but it’s another who represents a real threat to her…
This book came as quite a surprise. The plot is interesting a full of twists, nicely paced and the characters are really good. I enjoyed both Caro and Tobias’ personalities; their interaction and banter are really good without losing the propriety of the genre and I also liked the secondary characters very much, especially Lady Rebecca and her aunt.
This is a nice, clean romance story for the lovers of historical fiction and I’d definitely love to see a future story of Lady Rebecca and James Worth.
4 stars
*A review copy was provided in exchange for an honest review*
February 8, 2017
4.5/5.0
“Fool Me Twice” explores the life of a gentlewoman caught between two lives.
Read full review in the 2017 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.
“Fool Me Twice” explores the life of a gentlewoman caught between two lives.
Read full review in the 2017 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.
August 18, 2018
This is a sweet historical romance, with plenty of banter and intrigue. Clean, light, and enjoyable!
November 6, 2022
06.11.22 added back after loss of data early October.
There was a lot that really annoyed me about this, but I find myself still wanting to read the next book A Dangerous Deal even though it is not Rebecca's story (which leads me to ask why not?) purely because I need more Lady Etheridge in my head!
Edited to add
If this is the 'historically accurate' 🙄🙄🙄 side of HR, then I'm not interested. Leave me with the more progressive variety so that I don't blow a fuse reading all the things that put me off of reading HR for so many years.
And the romance, whilst a tad sweet, was so slow that it never even simmered yet alone burned!!! It went at the pace of a sloth - as in nothing happened until about 80% in. And what started as a feisty and inventive FMC ended up as a simpering wet blanket hiding behind the menfolk... because of 'the times'...
There was a lot that really annoyed me about this, but I find myself still wanting to read the next book A Dangerous Deal even though it is not Rebecca's story (which leads me to ask why not?) purely because I need more Lady Etheridge in my head!
Edited to add
If this is the 'historically accurate' 🙄🙄🙄 side of HR, then I'm not interested. Leave me with the more progressive variety so that I don't blow a fuse reading all the things that put me off of reading HR for so many years.
And the romance, whilst a tad sweet, was so slow that it never even simmered yet alone burned!!! It went at the pace of a sloth - as in nothing happened until about 80% in. And what started as a feisty and inventive FMC ended up as a simpering wet blanket hiding behind the menfolk... because of 'the times'...
July 31, 2023
3.5 stars
This is an interesting and very different historical romance. It is well researched and well written, as well as being clean. While there is an attempted rape, there is no pornographic details - just torn clothes, slight violence and then the emotional effects afterwards. No swearing. I liked Tobias. Well, he grows on you... Caro started out well but later made some rather idiotic decisions that were not only annoying, but seemed at odds with her character. I really liked Rebecca and particularly, her aunt. For me, the story felt unfinished. It really needs an epilogue. On a positive note, I liked that there was some consequence for the villain. Too often authors of this genre allow them 'off the hook' so to speak, which I detest. There must be justice. I think many will enjoy this story.
This is an interesting and very different historical romance. It is well researched and well written, as well as being clean. While there is an attempted rape, there is no pornographic details - just torn clothes, slight violence and then the emotional effects afterwards. No swearing. I liked Tobias. Well, he grows on you... Caro started out well but later made some rather idiotic decisions that were not only annoying, but seemed at odds with her character. I really liked Rebecca and particularly, her aunt. For me, the story felt unfinished. It really needs an epilogue. On a positive note, I liked that there was some consequence for the villain. Too often authors of this genre allow them 'off the hook' so to speak, which I detest. There must be justice. I think many will enjoy this story.
March 16, 2023
3.75 stars ****
This book had me on a rollercoaster.
At first I was a tad bored at the first 30 pages with the introduction of our main characters but then this book picked up speed.
Also, at first I did not like Rebecca because I did not know if I could trust her but she proved to be quite wonderful
I loved Caro's interaction with Tobias when she was playing Angelica.
Overall, this book was quite good and interesting. There was humor and at some points I was on the edge of the seat not knowing how the situation would turn out.
This book had me on a rollercoaster.
At first I was a tad bored at the first 30 pages with the introduction of our main characters but then this book picked up speed.
Also, at first I did not like Rebecca because I did not know if I could trust her but she proved to be quite wonderful
I loved Caro's interaction with Tobias when she was playing Angelica.
Overall, this book was quite good and interesting. There was humor and at some points I was on the edge of the seat not knowing how the situation would turn out.
Read
May 6, 2024Trying to survive
Caro takes to card playing in order to survive. Its what led to her father's downfall, but she doesn't know what else to do. She creates a disguise as an illegitimate half sister to try to keep her positive reputation in society. All works well until she gets distracted by Tobias. He seems to be a wastrel, but turns out to have a heart of gold and a love that is constant for her. Together they fight and bicker as they face a dangerous person who doesn't like losing to a woman. An enjoyable story to read!
Caro takes to card playing in order to survive. Its what led to her father's downfall, but she doesn't know what else to do. She creates a disguise as an illegitimate half sister to try to keep her positive reputation in society. All works well until she gets distracted by Tobias. He seems to be a wastrel, but turns out to have a heart of gold and a love that is constant for her. Together they fight and bicker as they face a dangerous person who doesn't like losing to a woman. An enjoyable story to read!
June 4, 2024
clean romance
I gave this story four stars as I felt it just ended when there was more to be resolved.
The author created great characters that either gain the readers support or ire as intended.
There is suspense and a building of drama that keeps the reader engaged. There is an interesting plot between two worlds that slowly come together.
I also enjoyed the friendship between the heroine and Lady Rebecca.
I look forward to reading the next in the series.
I gave this story four stars as I felt it just ended when there was more to be resolved.
The author created great characters that either gain the readers support or ire as intended.
There is suspense and a building of drama that keeps the reader engaged. There is an interesting plot between two worlds that slowly come together.
I also enjoyed the friendship between the heroine and Lady Rebecca.
I look forward to reading the next in the series.
January 28, 2024
Twin
Great story wonderful story line great characters. A story with a twist that will keep you reading, is Caro who she says she is, or is
she Angelica or both? One man will discover the truth. That will leave one twin devastated and the other in scandal.
Thank you ❤️
Great story wonderful story line great characters. A story with a twist that will keep you reading, is Caro who she says she is, or is
she Angelica or both? One man will discover the truth. That will leave one twin devastated and the other in scandal.
Thank you ❤️
April 12, 2025
The hero is the star
Mr Tobias Felton is all that and more! What a character. Charming, honest, hurt. He is wonderful.
The other supporting characters are also well written and endearing. I do hope they get their own stories.
Mr Tobias Felton is all that and more! What a character. Charming, honest, hurt. He is wonderful.
The other supporting characters are also well written and endearing. I do hope they get their own stories.
November 14, 2025
Wonderful!!!
What a great story from Ms. Keyworth. I followed the story with keen delight, reading way too late into the night. That's how invested in the story that the author made me. I'm sure you will feel the same or at least close to it.
What a great story from Ms. Keyworth. I followed the story with keen delight, reading way too late into the night. That's how invested in the story that the author made me. I'm sure you will feel the same or at least close to it.
September 6, 2021
It was good, but not compelling.
August 7, 2024
fascinating plot
Loved this story of survival, intrigue, and love. The characters were easy to love or hate- well developed. This was very hard to put down!
Loved this story of survival, intrigue, and love. The characters were easy to love or hate- well developed. This was very hard to put down!
March 25, 2025
An entertaining and engaging story. Great characters, including villains. Well written with a creative plot.
June 16, 2017
Characters
Caro is a feisty but desperate woman. She doesn't want to abandon all home so instead she assumes the persona of another. Angelica has some freedoms that Caro does not - like speaking her mind. Tobias is a bloody mess. Being the youngest he hasn't found anything worth while to invest his time or energy in so he just drifts. Rebecca is adorable - I loved her more than Caro most of the time.
Despite the fact that in the end and over all I like Caro, she could be down right wishy washy and irritating. Actually I didn't like her very much for the second half of the book. Especially after her secret gets out. Instead of rising up - she had to be saved by the men around her. That was the most frustrating thing about this entire book. I thought it would be more about her saving herself but no. So fair warning there.
Plot
Caro's double life as Angelica catches up with her. There wasn't a lot of lead in to the bad guy being a bad guy but it was believable. Entitled and malicious. Surprisingly the romance is as important as the rest of the plot. I believe that even some men would enjoy this book due to its duel plot nature. The romantic aspect was really secondary for most of the book - only the last 25% really felt like a historical romance. Which was the worst part of the book in my opinion.
Overall
Absolutely gripping read. The writing flowed well and was at a fast paced tempo. It did a good job of sticking with the era and its colorful vernacular. At times the author overshadowed that something (mostly bad) was about to happen, which took me out of the book. There were a few POV shifts as well but also minimal. Not to mention that the grammatical errors were almost non-existent.
The characters were alright, Rebecca being my favorite and frankly Caro being my least favorite. At least the 'bad guy' (don't want to give away who it is) is consistent - Caro isn't throughout the book. She is all over the map. The only consistency is her inconsistency. The setting was well done, although more than once breaking the rules of proper society. Which may or may not be a good thing! The scenes between Caro and Tobias are very sweet though and by the end I went from not really liking to Tobias to loving him.
Rating
4 stars
The duel plot and fluid writing that is gripping and interesting is the reason for this rating. Fantastic read for any vacation!
I received a free copy in exchange of an honest review. More reviews at creatingworldswithwords.wordpress.com.
Caro is a feisty but desperate woman. She doesn't want to abandon all home so instead she assumes the persona of another. Angelica has some freedoms that Caro does not - like speaking her mind. Tobias is a bloody mess. Being the youngest he hasn't found anything worth while to invest his time or energy in so he just drifts. Rebecca is adorable - I loved her more than Caro most of the time.
Despite the fact that in the end and over all I like Caro, she could be down right wishy washy and irritating. Actually I didn't like her very much for the second half of the book. Especially after her secret gets out. Instead of rising up - she had to be saved by the men around her. That was the most frustrating thing about this entire book. I thought it would be more about her saving herself but no. So fair warning there.
Plot
Caro's double life as Angelica catches up with her. There wasn't a lot of lead in to the bad guy being a bad guy but it was believable. Entitled and malicious. Surprisingly the romance is as important as the rest of the plot. I believe that even some men would enjoy this book due to its duel plot nature. The romantic aspect was really secondary for most of the book - only the last 25% really felt like a historical romance. Which was the worst part of the book in my opinion.
Overall
Absolutely gripping read. The writing flowed well and was at a fast paced tempo. It did a good job of sticking with the era and its colorful vernacular. At times the author overshadowed that something (mostly bad) was about to happen, which took me out of the book. There were a few POV shifts as well but also minimal. Not to mention that the grammatical errors were almost non-existent.
The characters were alright, Rebecca being my favorite and frankly Caro being my least favorite. At least the 'bad guy' (don't want to give away who it is) is consistent - Caro isn't throughout the book. She is all over the map. The only consistency is her inconsistency. The setting was well done, although more than once breaking the rules of proper society. Which may or may not be a good thing! The scenes between Caro and Tobias are very sweet though and by the end I went from not really liking to Tobias to loving him.
Rating
4 stars
The duel plot and fluid writing that is gripping and interesting is the reason for this rating. Fantastic read for any vacation!
I received a free copy in exchange of an honest review. More reviews at creatingworldswithwords.wordpress.com.
September 26, 2018
The story of Caro Worth, a young lady who is left destitute by her dead father’s gambling debts and desertion by her brother. But Caro is strong (and stubborn) and devises a way to keep her and her two faithful servants out of the poorhouse. By day, she is Caro, a fair-haired respectable lady, looking to make a good match with a wealthy husband. By night she takes on the alter ego of Angelica, dark-haired bastard daughter, and Caro’s despised half-sister.
For a while this double life is working, she is making money as her alter ego, playing in the gambling hells. Until Tobias Felton stumbles upon her (literally), and after running into her again the next day as Caro, he refuses to believe they are not one in the same.
Tobias was adorable (“I say!”) in his affable, laid-back, mischievous manner. There was some great lol moments when he would have hilarious comebacks to Caro’s seriousness. Not the least bit perturbed. Humorously bouncing around awkward situations. The second son of a Viscount, and cut off due to his irresponsible ways, he was constantly berating himself for his shortcomings, which made him all the more endearing.
This book was somewhat of a short read, and it was very enjoyable, with some very sweet moments. I liked the historical references to 1700’s England. I am not familiar with that era, so I greatly enjoyed the added bonus of looking up powdered hair, Garrick coats, and swords as fashion accessories. I also looked up the author after, and I was surprised that I didn’t even notice that this was a chaste romance. I look forward to reading her other works – two other historical romances, and a new fantasy trilogy coming too.
For a while this double life is working, she is making money as her alter ego, playing in the gambling hells. Until Tobias Felton stumbles upon her (literally), and after running into her again the next day as Caro, he refuses to believe they are not one in the same.
Tobias was adorable (“I say!”) in his affable, laid-back, mischievous manner. There was some great lol moments when he would have hilarious comebacks to Caro’s seriousness. Not the least bit perturbed. Humorously bouncing around awkward situations. The second son of a Viscount, and cut off due to his irresponsible ways, he was constantly berating himself for his shortcomings, which made him all the more endearing.
This book was somewhat of a short read, and it was very enjoyable, with some very sweet moments. I liked the historical references to 1700’s England. I am not familiar with that era, so I greatly enjoyed the added bonus of looking up powdered hair, Garrick coats, and swords as fashion accessories. I also looked up the author after, and I was surprised that I didn’t even notice that this was a chaste romance. I look forward to reading her other works – two other historical romances, and a new fantasy trilogy coming too.
April 22, 2017
I love reading a book by a new-to-author and loving the book. Don't you? After reading this book, and others from new favorite for me authors, I scour the library and internet for other books by the author. Although, I am pretty sure we all do that, lol...
Anyway, this book...I have fallen in love with historical romances and this didn't disappoint. However, the author took this historical romance to a whole new level for me. She added mystery and suspense that I wasn't expecting from a typical historical romance I could tell from the blurb that I was going to enjoy the book but...I wasn't holding out to LOVE the book! The main character, Caro is living a double life. During the day she is this elegant and proper woman trying to find a suitable husband while at night, she's her "half-sister", Angelica who has all sort of tricks that benefit her financially to support her day role. But can she keep up with the double facade?Anybody who keeps up with a lie like that is bound to crack under pressure. I loved that there was a few twists I did not see coming and the ending quite surprised me!
For my full review, go to:
http://bookjunkiemom.blogspot.com/201...
Anyway, this book...I have fallen in love with historical romances and this didn't disappoint. However, the author took this historical romance to a whole new level for me. She added mystery and suspense that I wasn't expecting from a typical historical romance I could tell from the blurb that I was going to enjoy the book but...I wasn't holding out to LOVE the book! The main character, Caro is living a double life. During the day she is this elegant and proper woman trying to find a suitable husband while at night, she's her "half-sister", Angelica who has all sort of tricks that benefit her financially to support her day role. But can she keep up with the double facade?Anybody who keeps up with a lie like that is bound to crack under pressure. I loved that there was a few twists I did not see coming and the ending quite surprised me!
For my full review, go to:
http://bookjunkiemom.blogspot.com/201...
October 30, 2018
Great, fun Regency read! About a young noblewoman Caroline/Angelica Worth, who left without money after her father's death, assumes and altar-ego as a gamester and makes her money through gambling at some of London's most notorious clubs, that were literally called Gaming Hells.
When she wins thousands from the Duke she has set her cap at to marry, things begin to spiral out of control as he demands the money back from her- or worse. Enter Tobias Felton, the younger son of a Viscount who seems like an irresponsible ne-er do well but has a good heart in spite of it all and sees something in the fascinating young woman he meets across the gaming table.
Now lest this review makes Caroline sound like a helpless damsel in distress, be certain she is not. Caroline has had to make her own way and is strong, but her choices ultimately place her in an untenable situation which is exploited by the schemes of the devious Duke.
Overall, the story is told well, with a helping of the wit and humour which has marked other books by this author. I really Caroline's straight talking friend Rebecca 'blunt as a butter knife', and her Aunt.
If you want a relatively short, immersive Regency story that's a bit different from the rest Fool Me Twice is a great choice.
When she wins thousands from the Duke she has set her cap at to marry, things begin to spiral out of control as he demands the money back from her- or worse. Enter Tobias Felton, the younger son of a Viscount who seems like an irresponsible ne-er do well but has a good heart in spite of it all and sees something in the fascinating young woman he meets across the gaming table.
Now lest this review makes Caroline sound like a helpless damsel in distress, be certain she is not. Caroline has had to make her own way and is strong, but her choices ultimately place her in an untenable situation which is exploited by the schemes of the devious Duke.
Overall, the story is told well, with a helping of the wit and humour which has marked other books by this author. I really Caroline's straight talking friend Rebecca 'blunt as a butter knife', and her Aunt.
If you want a relatively short, immersive Regency story that's a bit different from the rest Fool Me Twice is a great choice.
November 13, 2017
A truly delightful story
This story has a rather unusual plot. Miss Caro Worth, in order to support herself and her two faithful servants, leads a double life. By night, she takes to the gaming hells as Miss Angelica Worth, gamestress.
As Angelica, she draws the attention of two men in particular: Mr. Tobias Felton and the Marquis of Ravensbough. As Caro, she also becomes a matter of interest to Mr. Felton. Caro desires to catch the eye of the Marquis as a potential husband, but he takes no notice of her. Instead he becomes obsessed with Angelica.
17
This story has a rather unusual plot. Miss Caro Worth, in order to support herself and her two faithful servants, leads a double life. By night, she takes to the gaming hells as Miss Angelica Worth, gamestress.
As Angelica, she draws the attention of two men in particular: Mr. Tobias Felton and the Marquis of Ravensbough. As Caro, she also becomes a matter of interest to Mr. Felton. Caro desires to catch the eye of the Marquis as a potential husband, but he takes no notice of her. Instead he becomes obsessed with Angelica.
17
June 28, 2019
Un romanzo Regency scritto come un Regency, con la mano esperta di Georgette Heyer (solo io ho ricordato 'Pharo's Daughter'?) a guidare da dietro le quinte la storia e i dialoghi. L'ho profondamente apprezzato: la storia è sinceramente improbabile, ma diverte e ha una sua coerenza interna, e si può intuire il gran lavoro dell'autrice, e la sua profonda conoscenza della letteratura inglese 'd'antan'.
Peccato che una scrittrice che lavora in questo modo non possa sfornare romanzi con la velocità delle più note autrici di bestseller!
Peccato che una scrittrice che lavora in questo modo non possa sfornare romanzi con la velocità delle più note autrici di bestseller!
Read
March 31, 2017My review has been posted on Shelly's Book Corner
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
October 9, 2017
Review to follow.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews