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Bachelor Brides #1
Rosalind
He is determined to avoid marriage, she to despise men…1818: Destitute, disillusioned and desperate, Lady Rosalind Marlowe sets the tongues of Regency London wagging when she becomes the Mayfair Thief. Targeting only those she knows won large sums of money from her father, bleeding him dry and causing him to take his own life, she decides to teach them a lesson. She takes something valuable from each, leaving her calling card with a bible quote behind her. On her last outing, she is caught red-handed.Bored, restless and guilt-ridden over the death of his own father and with his accusations of him being a selfish whelp still ringing in his ears, Lord Atherton heads off a bow street runner who is pursuing Rosalind and in an altruistic act he engages her to be a companion to his mother. Unaware that he has become the target of enmity from a desperate gambler from whom he has won a large sum of money, they are thrown into a series of increasingly dangerous situations. Can love blossom amidst the perils and pitfalls of Regency England?
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 26, 2018
307 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Hambly
36 books91 followersI love history and the Regency period in particular. I grew up on a diet of Jane Austen, Charlotte and Emile Bronte, and Georgette Heyer.
I now write traditional Regency romance novels. I like to think my characters, though flawed, are likeable, strong, and true to the period. Rosalind is the first in my Bachelor Brides series. Sophie and Katherine complete the series. The books are linked by characters introduced in each. They can be read as stand-alone novels, but are best read in order.
I live by the sea in Plymouth, England with my partner, Dave. I like reading, sailing, wine, getting up early to watch the sunrise in summer, and long quiet evenings by the wood burner in our cabin on the cliffs in Cornwall in winter.
Find out more about me, join my mailing list, or just see what I am up to, at www.jennyhambly.com
I now write traditional Regency romance novels. I like to think my characters, though flawed, are likeable, strong, and true to the period. Rosalind is the first in my Bachelor Brides series. Sophie and Katherine complete the series. The books are linked by characters introduced in each. They can be read as stand-alone novels, but are best read in order.
I live by the sea in Plymouth, England with my partner, Dave. I like reading, sailing, wine, getting up early to watch the sunrise in summer, and long quiet evenings by the wood burner in our cabin on the cliffs in Cornwall in winter.
Find out more about me, join my mailing list, or just see what I am up to, at www.jennyhambly.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
December 27, 2018
It’s always a delight to find a new author who respects the traditions of the incomparable Georgette Heyer, and so it is with Jenny Hambly. Heyer afficianados will find echoes of the great lady in the characters, the situations and some of the expressions and cant terms used, and if Hambly doesn’t quite capture Heyer’s sublime touch with sparkling dialogue - well, who does?
The premise is that Lady Rosalind Marlowe is the daughter of an earl who died in impoverished circumstances after gambling away his wealth. She sets out to get her revenge on the men who won large sums from him by breaking into their homes and stealing valuable items from them, not for the money but simply to shame them. But on her last venture, she is caught - not by the elderly Earl of Atherton who had been her father’s gambling crony, but by his handsome son George who has recently inherited. Well, we can see where this is going, can’t we?
He is surprisingly lenient, not only shielding her from the Bow Street Runner who is hot on her trail, but offering her a post as companion to his newly widowed mother. His motives are not entirely altruistic - he finds her very attractive, and really, the gentlemanly thing to do would be to offer help, but keep himself out of it. But the romance has to get going somehow, so I’m not going to complain at a little implausibility at the start.
The Dowager Lady Atherton turns out not to be the traditional dragon, but a charming and very friendly woman, who delights in fostering the budding romance between the two. George has two sisters, both married, and the whole family is a great deal of fun and not at all starchy. I really liked George’s two friends, too, because yes, as in all the best Heyer stories, the hero has a couple of friends to help him into and out of scrapes. It wasn’t clear how they all met (if it was mentioned, I’ve forgotten it), but they seemed an odd bunch. Sir Philip Bray is an ex-soldier, and Lord Preeve is the stammering, gentlemanly, but not terribly bright, comedy turn.
What about the plot? Well, after the excitement of Rosalind breaking and entering, being caught, evading the Bow Street Runner and facing up to her captor, the book becomes a less dramatic drawing room affair. Rosalind sets aside her breeches and mask, and becomes a well-behaved lady again. Well, perhaps not totally well-behaved, for she’s not a woman to swoon at a challenge or leave things to the men, and she’s as often doing the rescuing as being rescued. Still, for a while there’s a little less drama and the problems are of a more domestic nature.
But of course there’s a villain lurking about the place and getting up to his villainous tricks. This was all suitably thrilling and built to a very satisfactory climax and conclusion. I confess to being a little disappointed that the villain’s motivation was George and not Rosalind. It would have been perfect if Mr Villain had discovered Rosalind’s thievery, and she had learnt that her actions could have serious consequences. Instead, George has to appear to be heartless about Mr V to set things off, which seems out of character in such an otherwise thoroughly nice bloke, and all Rosalind learns from her stealing is that if you get caught, you get whisked off to a country estate and have a very pleasant time.
Everything comes right in the end, naturally, and the slightly neglected romance reemerges and reaches its triumphant conclusion, with a delicious proposal and a rather splendid wedding scene. An honourable mention here for a creative use of Pride and Prejudice. So many Regency authors think it’s cute to have the heroine reading Austen, but here the book has an actual role to play in the development of the story, which I thought was very ingenious. Kudos to the author.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this. The author’s liking for comma splices took some getting used to, but there were so few other issues that I set it down as authorial style and therefore intentional. Otherwise, the writing is spot on, with lots of great period detail, Heyer-esque dialogue and an elegant way with description that the author in me greatly admired. A terrific debut, although a few plot issues keep it to four stars. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a clean traditional Regency. I’m now waiting for the next book, which will feature the charming and wise Sir Philip.
The premise is that Lady Rosalind Marlowe is the daughter of an earl who died in impoverished circumstances after gambling away his wealth. She sets out to get her revenge on the men who won large sums from him by breaking into their homes and stealing valuable items from them, not for the money but simply to shame them. But on her last venture, she is caught - not by the elderly Earl of Atherton who had been her father’s gambling crony, but by his handsome son George who has recently inherited. Well, we can see where this is going, can’t we?
He is surprisingly lenient, not only shielding her from the Bow Street Runner who is hot on her trail, but offering her a post as companion to his newly widowed mother. His motives are not entirely altruistic - he finds her very attractive, and really, the gentlemanly thing to do would be to offer help, but keep himself out of it. But the romance has to get going somehow, so I’m not going to complain at a little implausibility at the start.
The Dowager Lady Atherton turns out not to be the traditional dragon, but a charming and very friendly woman, who delights in fostering the budding romance between the two. George has two sisters, both married, and the whole family is a great deal of fun and not at all starchy. I really liked George’s two friends, too, because yes, as in all the best Heyer stories, the hero has a couple of friends to help him into and out of scrapes. It wasn’t clear how they all met (if it was mentioned, I’ve forgotten it), but they seemed an odd bunch. Sir Philip Bray is an ex-soldier, and Lord Preeve is the stammering, gentlemanly, but not terribly bright, comedy turn.
What about the plot? Well, after the excitement of Rosalind breaking and entering, being caught, evading the Bow Street Runner and facing up to her captor, the book becomes a less dramatic drawing room affair. Rosalind sets aside her breeches and mask, and becomes a well-behaved lady again. Well, perhaps not totally well-behaved, for she’s not a woman to swoon at a challenge or leave things to the men, and she’s as often doing the rescuing as being rescued. Still, for a while there’s a little less drama and the problems are of a more domestic nature.
But of course there’s a villain lurking about the place and getting up to his villainous tricks. This was all suitably thrilling and built to a very satisfactory climax and conclusion. I confess to being a little disappointed that the villain’s motivation was George and not Rosalind. It would have been perfect if Mr Villain had discovered Rosalind’s thievery, and she had learnt that her actions could have serious consequences. Instead, George has to appear to be heartless about Mr V to set things off, which seems out of character in such an otherwise thoroughly nice bloke, and all Rosalind learns from her stealing is that if you get caught, you get whisked off to a country estate and have a very pleasant time.
Everything comes right in the end, naturally, and the slightly neglected romance reemerges and reaches its triumphant conclusion, with a delicious proposal and a rather splendid wedding scene. An honourable mention here for a creative use of Pride and Prejudice. So many Regency authors think it’s cute to have the heroine reading Austen, but here the book has an actual role to play in the development of the story, which I thought was very ingenious. Kudos to the author.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this. The author’s liking for comma splices took some getting used to, but there were so few other issues that I set it down as authorial style and therefore intentional. Otherwise, the writing is spot on, with lots of great period detail, Heyer-esque dialogue and an elegant way with description that the author in me greatly admired. A terrific debut, although a few plot issues keep it to four stars. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a clean traditional Regency. I’m now waiting for the next book, which will feature the charming and wise Sir Philip.
December 28, 2021
Welp, I just deleted the review I wrote here six days ago. It was very whiny and nasty and almost casually cruel and I felt guilty about it nearly immediately after posting it. Let me start again.
This is overall a perfectly adequate novel. It has a beginning middle and ending. It all hangs together very nicely.
I found both the main characters to be a little one-dimensional and there was an ongoing issue with run-on sentences which irritated me. Then when I was reminded that this was Jenny Hambly's first book, all my quibbles seemed a bit shallow and I felt ashamed at the snark I had leveled at her efforts. After all, how many books have I written? That's right, none. So who am I to be so catty and cutting with criticism?
I was also reminded that authors grow and develop their skills over time, and perhaps I should give this author another try.
So I did. I read her most recent book, (Carteret) and damned if it wasn't a full-on five star grand slam! One of the most memorable regency romances I have ever read; just blazing with charm and wonderful characters and delightful wit.
But here's the thing: even if I had found the more recent book lacking, (which it most definitely was not) her first book still did not deserve the drubbing I gave it. So here is my attempt at a more balanced appraisal as a way of making amends.
And yes, I definitely will be reading more from Jenny Hambly. If I hadn't given her another try, I'd have missed out on some truly wonderful writing.
This is overall a perfectly adequate novel. It has a beginning middle and ending. It all hangs together very nicely.
I found both the main characters to be a little one-dimensional and there was an ongoing issue with run-on sentences which irritated me. Then when I was reminded that this was Jenny Hambly's first book, all my quibbles seemed a bit shallow and I felt ashamed at the snark I had leveled at her efforts. After all, how many books have I written? That's right, none. So who am I to be so catty and cutting with criticism?
I was also reminded that authors grow and develop their skills over time, and perhaps I should give this author another try.
So I did. I read her most recent book, (Carteret) and damned if it wasn't a full-on five star grand slam! One of the most memorable regency romances I have ever read; just blazing with charm and wonderful characters and delightful wit.
But here's the thing: even if I had found the more recent book lacking, (which it most definitely was not) her first book still did not deserve the drubbing I gave it. So here is my attempt at a more balanced appraisal as a way of making amends.
And yes, I definitely will be reading more from Jenny Hambly. If I hadn't given her another try, I'd have missed out on some truly wonderful writing.
January 16, 2022
Now this is in true Heyeresque style!
I have searched unsuccessfully for so long for another author who can provide good, clean stories with fairly witty dialogue, real characters and interesting, fun plot lines.
I have seen many authors praised as being of the same rank as Austen and Heyer and they have fallen far short! Their stories often full of explicit love scenes trying to make up for obtuse dialogue, fantastical plots and one dimensional characters and emotions.
Hambly is a real regency romance author and you will not be disappointed if you're looking for the authentic ambience! Thank you Jenny, I had nearly given up hope! I can't wait to read the next in this series and I will be buying every one of her books to add to my collections!
I have searched unsuccessfully for so long for another author who can provide good, clean stories with fairly witty dialogue, real characters and interesting, fun plot lines.
I have seen many authors praised as being of the same rank as Austen and Heyer and they have fallen far short! Their stories often full of explicit love scenes trying to make up for obtuse dialogue, fantastical plots and one dimensional characters and emotions.
Hambly is a real regency romance author and you will not be disappointed if you're looking for the authentic ambience! Thank you Jenny, I had nearly given up hope! I can't wait to read the next in this series and I will be buying every one of her books to add to my collections!
Read
July 17, 2019I dnf'd at 30% when the Rosalind Mary Sue proceeded to tell Lord Atherton (who had rescued her from being thrown into prison) and his mother that they were selfish, inconsiderate, irresponsible, feckless ill-mannered wastrels.
I'd have had her thrown out on her pretty arse (complete with her 'intense golden eyes')
I'm all for strong, capable women, but not ones who are downright obnoxious and rude, especially to a man who has saved her life and to his mother who she has only just met and who is willing to take her - a complete stranger - as her companion.
I'm done.
I'd have had her thrown out on her pretty arse (complete with her 'intense golden eyes')
I'm all for strong, capable women, but not ones who are downright obnoxious and rude, especially to a man who has saved her life and to his mother who she has only just met and who is willing to take her - a complete stranger - as her companion.
I'm done.
September 14, 2019
Duration: 6 hrs 43 mins
Rosalind: A Regency Romance, Bachelor Brides, Book 1 by Jenny Hambly is an entertaining Regency romance with plenty of intrigue and mystery to keep it going.
I enjoyed this audiobook and its slight departure from many similar historical romances, but it still adheres to most of the traditional elements and I'm not sure I would really describe it as a 'thriller', despite the claims on the cover.
In the beginning I was thrown a little off-kilter by the easy openness between characters who are scarcely acquainted, which is so uncommon for the era that it sometimes unseats it slightly. Their warmth is charming, but it takes some getting used to. It's also present when the men in this audiobook address each other by their given names not their titles, surnames - or even nicknames - which would have been rather irregular amongst the gentry. Whilst it is not unprecedented it is unusual, but it soon felt more natural as I grew to know the characters better and the depth of their friendships became clear.
I especially loved Lord Atherton and his family. The Dowager, Lady Atherton, is a wise and wily matriarch and his sister, Belle, is a delight. They contributed much of the humour which really helped endear me to the characters and become invested in their fates. It felt very much like Sir Philip Bray's story were being teased for a future novel, and I hope this is so as it would be nice to see him take a more central role.
As well as not always being faithful to Regency grammar and styling, some of the language felt overly-embellished at the beginning, as if the author had tried to squeeze in as much cant and cockney as possible to try and make it authentic, and to pepper the text with facts and phrases discovered during her research. Sometimes it didn't really suit the characters, such as Rosalind's maid, Lucy, calling Ned a "lobcock" immediately before quoting a bible verse and talking about living by "the Good Lord's teachings". Lucy may not be a gentlewoman but if she was goodly then she would still have been careful with her language, especially in front of a Lady.)
This gimmicky tendency was exemplified by lengthy and recurring references to "Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen", which Rosalind says she has "always wanted to read". This is an awkward conceit which really pulls the listener out of the story and cheapens any moment it is shoehorned into. I had only just forgiven it when the author pulled out an "...although it goes against my better judgement" speech straight from the pages of the aforementioned classic. Referencing such a well known text so directly makes the book feel like amateur fanfiction, and is all the more frustrating because the rest of this audiobook is certainly good enough to stand on its own two feet. Despite the knowing comparisons it still appears trite and rather silly, and utterly ruined one of the most highly anticipated scenes between Rosalind and George by turning it into a clumsy parody. (So annoyed with it was I, that I had to pause the audio while I went to make a cup of tea to assuage my disappointment. The dog failed to appreciate my exasperation, so my partner was subjected to the whole of it. At least he had the good sense to ratify my dismay without needing to be bribed with biscuits.)
I do appreciate the compulsion to honour one's forbears when writing genre fiction, but it is rarely done with enough subtlety to blend into the narrative. Unfortunately, on this particular matter, this book dispenses with subtlety altogether.
Alongside the traditional Regency elements was, of course, the dastardly plot against Lord Atherton. This lent the story an interesting diversion and plenty of intrigue to keep up the pace. I did feel that two kidnappings was somewhat repetitive and, of them both, Belle's ordeal was much more compelling.
There are some very good passages within this book, and a great many very engaging characters, but I would have liked to feel a little more of the attraction growing between Lord Atherton and Lady Rosalind. It sometimes felt as though their connection was overshadowed because the author was trying to accomplish so many things all at once. In a Regency romance the point of all the thrilling adventures should have been to draw them together at every turn (or cast them apart so that they might be reunited later on), yet there were times when it felt as though the various threads were not especially well entwined in the central plot. I had also expected Rosalind to be more central to countering the villainy, but after the initial promise her feisty nature seemed to wane.
It is a credit to the other characters that the titular heroine was actually my least favourite of them all. I wondered at first why I was struggling to like Rosalind, but as the story progressed the reason became clear. Rosalind is a bit of a Mary Sue; beautiful, liked by all who meet her, and adept at everything she turns a hand to - be it shooting, climbing, dancing, or flirting. Had she two left feet and less mesmerising eyes then it would have helped give her a little more depth. Perfection, as George observes in many of the Ton ladies who have tried to ensnare him, is often rather bland. Belle's vivacity and humour, Lucy's steadfastness, Lady Atherton's warmth, Sir Philip's kindness, Lord Preeve's good-naturedness, and Lord Atherton's wry wit more than make up for any deficits in Rosalind's character, though, and they are the people I would be happy to see return in future books in the Bachelor Brides series.
The narrator, Helen Taylor, has a lovely tone to her voice and is very pleasant to listen to. Her pace is a little slow but her female voices are all very good. I would have liked Lord Atherton's voice to have had more richness but it is always difficult for a single narrator to perform both sexes' parts, and personal preference is key. (I tend to prefer male-doing-female to female-doing-male, but know many with an opposing view on the matter.)
Despite this, the voice she gave to Lord Preeve reminded me very much of that which Caroline Hunt gives Mr Pommeroy in The Convenient Marriage , and displayed a comfortable familiarity with the period.
Her performance is very entertaining, with each character having a distinct voice and personality. My only complaint would be that there are lots of audible sounds of breath and swallowing, especially at the beginning, which can be problematic for some listeners (especially those enjoying the story via the intimacy of earbuds).
Whilst Hambly is certainly no Heyer, few reach the vertiginous heights of that particular bar, and it is a good deal more diverting than many of the Regency romances I come across. The focus upon the vengeful wrath of a 'gentleman scorned' tempered the predictability of the traditional formula, and made for a very enjoyable twist. Despite the one significant criticism I have about this story, I would listen to other Regency audiobooks by this author.
I think that this audiobook would appeal to other fans of Regency romance, especially those who are looking for some 'clean' excitement.
*I received this audiobook free of charge in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
If you liked this review then please join me for more!
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Rosalind: A Regency Romance, Bachelor Brides, Book 1 by Jenny Hambly is an entertaining Regency romance with plenty of intrigue and mystery to keep it going.
I enjoyed this audiobook and its slight departure from many similar historical romances, but it still adheres to most of the traditional elements and I'm not sure I would really describe it as a 'thriller', despite the claims on the cover.
In the beginning I was thrown a little off-kilter by the easy openness between characters who are scarcely acquainted, which is so uncommon for the era that it sometimes unseats it slightly. Their warmth is charming, but it takes some getting used to. It's also present when the men in this audiobook address each other by their given names not their titles, surnames - or even nicknames - which would have been rather irregular amongst the gentry. Whilst it is not unprecedented it is unusual, but it soon felt more natural as I grew to know the characters better and the depth of their friendships became clear.
I especially loved Lord Atherton and his family. The Dowager, Lady Atherton, is a wise and wily matriarch and his sister, Belle, is a delight. They contributed much of the humour which really helped endear me to the characters and become invested in their fates. It felt very much like Sir Philip Bray's story were being teased for a future novel, and I hope this is so as it would be nice to see him take a more central role.
As well as not always being faithful to Regency grammar and styling, some of the language felt overly-embellished at the beginning, as if the author had tried to squeeze in as much cant and cockney as possible to try and make it authentic, and to pepper the text with facts and phrases discovered during her research. Sometimes it didn't really suit the characters, such as Rosalind's maid, Lucy, calling Ned a "lobcock" immediately before quoting a bible verse and talking about living by "the Good Lord's teachings". Lucy may not be a gentlewoman but if she was goodly then she would still have been careful with her language, especially in front of a Lady.)
This gimmicky tendency was exemplified by lengthy and recurring references to "Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen", which Rosalind says she has "always wanted to read". This is an awkward conceit which really pulls the listener out of the story and cheapens any moment it is shoehorned into. I had only just forgiven it when the author pulled out an "...although it goes against my better judgement" speech straight from the pages of the aforementioned classic. Referencing such a well known text so directly makes the book feel like amateur fanfiction, and is all the more frustrating because the rest of this audiobook is certainly good enough to stand on its own two feet. Despite the knowing comparisons it still appears trite and rather silly, and utterly ruined one of the most highly anticipated scenes between Rosalind and George by turning it into a clumsy parody. (So annoyed with it was I, that I had to pause the audio while I went to make a cup of tea to assuage my disappointment. The dog failed to appreciate my exasperation, so my partner was subjected to the whole of it. At least he had the good sense to ratify my dismay without needing to be bribed with biscuits.)
I do appreciate the compulsion to honour one's forbears when writing genre fiction, but it is rarely done with enough subtlety to blend into the narrative. Unfortunately, on this particular matter, this book dispenses with subtlety altogether.
Alongside the traditional Regency elements was, of course, the dastardly plot against Lord Atherton. This lent the story an interesting diversion and plenty of intrigue to keep up the pace. I did feel that two kidnappings was somewhat repetitive and, of them both, Belle's ordeal was much more compelling.
There are some very good passages within this book, and a great many very engaging characters, but I would have liked to feel a little more of the attraction growing between Lord Atherton and Lady Rosalind. It sometimes felt as though their connection was overshadowed because the author was trying to accomplish so many things all at once. In a Regency romance the point of all the thrilling adventures should have been to draw them together at every turn (or cast them apart so that they might be reunited later on), yet there were times when it felt as though the various threads were not especially well entwined in the central plot. I had also expected Rosalind to be more central to countering the villainy, but after the initial promise her feisty nature seemed to wane.
It is a credit to the other characters that the titular heroine was actually my least favourite of them all. I wondered at first why I was struggling to like Rosalind, but as the story progressed the reason became clear. Rosalind is a bit of a Mary Sue; beautiful, liked by all who meet her, and adept at everything she turns a hand to - be it shooting, climbing, dancing, or flirting. Had she two left feet and less mesmerising eyes then it would have helped give her a little more depth. Perfection, as George observes in many of the Ton ladies who have tried to ensnare him, is often rather bland. Belle's vivacity and humour, Lucy's steadfastness, Lady Atherton's warmth, Sir Philip's kindness, Lord Preeve's good-naturedness, and Lord Atherton's wry wit more than make up for any deficits in Rosalind's character, though, and they are the people I would be happy to see return in future books in the Bachelor Brides series.
The narrator, Helen Taylor, has a lovely tone to her voice and is very pleasant to listen to. Her pace is a little slow but her female voices are all very good. I would have liked Lord Atherton's voice to have had more richness but it is always difficult for a single narrator to perform both sexes' parts, and personal preference is key. (I tend to prefer male-doing-female to female-doing-male, but know many with an opposing view on the matter.)
Despite this, the voice she gave to Lord Preeve reminded me very much of that which Caroline Hunt gives Mr Pommeroy in The Convenient Marriage , and displayed a comfortable familiarity with the period.
Her performance is very entertaining, with each character having a distinct voice and personality. My only complaint would be that there are lots of audible sounds of breath and swallowing, especially at the beginning, which can be problematic for some listeners (especially those enjoying the story via the intimacy of earbuds).
Whilst Hambly is certainly no Heyer, few reach the vertiginous heights of that particular bar, and it is a good deal more diverting than many of the Regency romances I come across. The focus upon the vengeful wrath of a 'gentleman scorned' tempered the predictability of the traditional formula, and made for a very enjoyable twist. Despite the one significant criticism I have about this story, I would listen to other Regency audiobooks by this author.
I think that this audiobook would appeal to other fans of Regency romance, especially those who are looking for some 'clean' excitement.
*I received this audiobook free of charge in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
If you liked this review then please join me for more!
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January 29, 2019
A Joy to Read
Very much in the tradition of Georgette Heyer, this novel sparkles with witty dialogue, well drawn characters and the dastardly villain de rigeur. It is well written and edited with just a couple of typos. Highly recommended.
Very much in the tradition of Georgette Heyer, this novel sparkles with witty dialogue, well drawn characters and the dastardly villain de rigeur. It is well written and edited with just a couple of typos. Highly recommended.
October 30, 2019
Loved this book!
Could not put this story down. Loved every character in the book. The story was e entertaining and fast paced. Will look forward to other books by this suthlr.
Could not put this story down. Loved every character in the book. The story was e entertaining and fast paced. Will look forward to other books by this suthlr.
Read
September 9, 2020I enjoyed the complex storyline and the characters. I plan to read the rest of the series.
February 16, 2021
I was so very thrilled to read a book with a NEW idea and story; not the usual - same o - same o - ball room boring junk that so many writers write about in historical book. Thank you Ms. Hambly for a CREATIVE idea!!! Loved your book very much. This was my first read of yours.
September 5, 2021
A great read
I enjoyed this story very much it is a feel good story. You start to feel good during the first chapter. The characters are mainly lovely too . Thank you for a lovely story
I enjoyed this story very much it is a feel good story. You start to feel good during the first chapter. The characters are mainly lovely too . Thank you for a lovely story
January 29, 2019
She was the Mayfair thief for like 1 chapter. Then nada. Too bad, should have stuck to that line longer.
July 4, 2020
Revenge sweet revenge. Rosalind was determined to seek revenge on the men who gambled with her father until he lost absolutely everything. A broken man, disgraced and a shadow of his former self after the dead of his wife. He took his own life. Rosalind was left with nothing but the bitter taste of poverty and shame. She found in his desk a list of names of men he owed money to. She was determined to make them feel the sting of loss. She turned to thievery to rob the men of family jewels to embarrass them. She was not totally without honor. She planned to return all stolen gems after the men had been lowered from their lofty perches in society.
One major problem, she got caught not but the evil man ( who had recently passed away) but by the new dark his son. The earl recognized a lady of quality even when dressed as a rag-a-muffin. He returns her to the inn where she is living to pack. Not to turn her over to the authorities he lost for the option of taking her to his estate to be a companion for his widowed mother.
There everyone become acquainted and friendships form and mysteries are solved.
One major problem, she got caught not but the evil man ( who had recently passed away) but by the new dark his son. The earl recognized a lady of quality even when dressed as a rag-a-muffin. He returns her to the inn where she is living to pack. Not to turn her over to the authorities he lost for the option of taking her to his estate to be a companion for his widowed mother.
There everyone become acquainted and friendships form and mysteries are solved.
August 16, 2021
Retribution
I totally enjoyed this aristocratic young woman's plan to steal valuable items from each of the members of the ton to whom her father owed money. ( No, I'm not an advocate of theft, but don't want to ruin the story for you.) After the death of her mother, her father started to drink and gamble until there was no money left. Now, alone, she is going through the list of names she found after his death, (many her father's friends), name by name, to let the list's occupants have a taste if what it feels like to have someone steal from you. What she didn't factor in was that every man on the list might not be owed a gambling debt or that she was stealing too frequently to avoid being caught.
A fantastic tale of what a strong willed person can accomplish even when in desperate straights! And how much the kindness of a person you've wronged can change your life!
I totally enjoyed this aristocratic young woman's plan to steal valuable items from each of the members of the ton to whom her father owed money. ( No, I'm not an advocate of theft, but don't want to ruin the story for you.) After the death of her mother, her father started to drink and gamble until there was no money left. Now, alone, she is going through the list of names she found after his death, (many her father's friends), name by name, to let the list's occupants have a taste if what it feels like to have someone steal from you. What she didn't factor in was that every man on the list might not be owed a gambling debt or that she was stealing too frequently to avoid being caught.
A fantastic tale of what a strong willed person can accomplish even when in desperate straights! And how much the kindness of a person you've wronged can change your life!
July 28, 2019
Excellent Story
I haven't read books by this author before, but I must say how impressed I am, and look forward to reading the next book in the series. As stated in the piece 'About the Author' at the end of the book,Jenny states that ' a good book is like a fine wine -it shouldn't be rushed, in either the writing or the reading' and this is apparent, the book has been thoughtfully and well written, with the plot well filled out and interesting. The characters are well described and most are endearing, apart from the 'baddie' who was truly that and deserved his comeuppance.
I would thoroughly recommend this book, as unlike a lot of books being written at the moment, which lack substance and in some cases are historically incorrect, this book was well worth reading, and paying slightly more for.
I haven't read books by this author before, but I must say how impressed I am, and look forward to reading the next book in the series. As stated in the piece 'About the Author' at the end of the book,Jenny states that ' a good book is like a fine wine -it shouldn't be rushed, in either the writing or the reading' and this is apparent, the book has been thoughtfully and well written, with the plot well filled out and interesting. The characters are well described and most are endearing, apart from the 'baddie' who was truly that and deserved his comeuppance.
I would thoroughly recommend this book, as unlike a lot of books being written at the moment, which lack substance and in some cases are historically incorrect, this book was well worth reading, and paying slightly more for.
November 8, 2019
This was a fun spin on a Regency romance, it just starts as a jewelry heist with the main female character as the thief. The story was very entertaining and yes was a bit predictable, but aren't all romances? It was entertaining enough that I will listen again when I need something fluffy while I'm working on my projects. The narrator does a wonderful job with the acting and voices and really had a very pleasant voice to listen to. Overall a great book for those who like a good clean Regency romance.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
December 19, 2022
Every time I read a book by Jenny Hambly, I am left with the same feeling. it is enjoyable as you read it, the story goes along smoothly, the characters are engaging, the villains truly horrible, but that's as far as it goes. There is something lacking to make them really memorable. This story is no different.
So what is missing? In this case, I think it might be the romance itself, rather contrived and slightly unbelievable. There were some enjoyable moments, particularly around the hero's mother, but even then her involvement around the final wedding was rather too manipulating.
Of course, the writing is very good and my opinions are as ever, subjective. Others may well love this.
So what is missing? In this case, I think it might be the romance itself, rather contrived and slightly unbelievable. There were some enjoyable moments, particularly around the hero's mother, but even then her involvement around the final wedding was rather too manipulating.
Of course, the writing is very good and my opinions are as ever, subjective. Others may well love this.
August 17, 2024
After her father has lost everything and died Rosalind is left alone in the world, and all she wants is to punish those who bankrupted her father. On breaking into the last of their houses she is caught remanded by George Earl of Atherton son of the man she thought gambled with her father.
George is surprised when a young lady breaks into his house, but when he heard her story, offers her a job as companion to his recently widowed mother. So Rosalind travels to Shropshire to meet his mother, and also meets all his family, as well as George's friends Philip and John.
I wonder if Belles story has its own book?
George is surprised when a young lady breaks into his house, but when he heard her story, offers her a job as companion to his recently widowed mother. So Rosalind travels to Shropshire to meet his mother, and also meets all his family, as well as George's friends Philip and John.
I wonder if Belles story has its own book?
Currently reading
December 11, 2019I quit on page 29. This author represents herself as loving Jane Austen, and perhaps she believesthat run-on sentences and the liberal use of the thesaurus make her writing sound like the period. Instead, it is frequently almost incomprehensible, and NOT because it has the elegance of early 19th century prose. An editor might have helped, but I don't think there was one. And the first major plot twist left me with eyes rolling and I gave up. Georgette Heyer, she ain't.
April 28, 2020
Regency romance fans will love it.
Great read. All very nicely written, the characters never felt silly or rushed. They plot played out beautifully addressing a woman’s unfair treatment at the time and an understanding of how they had to navigate being both alluring and innocent to attract a suitable match. Rosalind foregoes all the preferred social etiquette by being herself which goes to make a real impression on the romantic lead. Will be reading more from author.
Great read. All very nicely written, the characters never felt silly or rushed. They plot played out beautifully addressing a woman’s unfair treatment at the time and an understanding of how they had to navigate being both alluring and innocent to attract a suitable match. Rosalind foregoes all the preferred social etiquette by being herself which goes to make a real impression on the romantic lead. Will be reading more from author.
March 8, 2025
I'm not really fond of a plot where the hero and heroine change radically and stop being rakes or heartless flirts. This one has main characters who are basically decent human beings, who save each other who both like flowers, who are just kept apart by events in their past. There is one villain, and otherwise the characters are believable. Not too many ballrooms, and most of the gambling, though a major plot point occurs off stage or in the past. Quick and pleasant read.
April 5, 2020
A Good Yarn
A most entertaining well written story with a happy ending. Rosalind is a proud forthright girl in unfortunate circumstances. I wish the author had told us what she finally did with her prior ill gotten gains. Perhaps this could be added to future editions?
Also the editor should have made sure that the printers had not printed “Thou art” and not “thou are.”
A most entertaining well written story with a happy ending. Rosalind is a proud forthright girl in unfortunate circumstances. I wish the author had told us what she finally did with her prior ill gotten gains. Perhaps this could be added to future editions?
Also the editor should have made sure that the printers had not printed “Thou art” and not “thou are.”
November 2, 2021
Beginning showed promise
Hero saves girl from poverty. Was a nice beginning even though she shared the annoying trait of some heroines of being argumentative. But then the tired plot of not one but two kidnappings happened. That is the storyline that consumed the rest of the book. I imagine they got together in the end but I gave it up 50 pages near the end.
Hero saves girl from poverty. Was a nice beginning even though she shared the annoying trait of some heroines of being argumentative. But then the tired plot of not one but two kidnappings happened. That is the storyline that consumed the rest of the book. I imagine they got together in the end but I gave it up 50 pages near the end.
May 9, 2025
Author continues to amaze in New series
I like that the most humble and unlikely, independent and poor get involved with very desirable bachelor sorts, and begin to love in tentative ways until struggle brings them together. Her drawing of various characters is clearly the work of a woman paying attention to human emotions.
I like that the most humble and unlikely, independent and poor get involved with very desirable bachelor sorts, and begin to love in tentative ways until struggle brings them together. Her drawing of various characters is clearly the work of a woman paying attention to human emotions.
July 17, 2019
Enjoyable story
I was enjoying the story so much that I was a little surprised that it had ended....a little more to round it off would have been perfect for me. Absorbing anyway and looking forward to the next one.
I was enjoying the story so much that I was a little surprised that it had ended....a little more to round it off would have been perfect for me. Absorbing anyway and looking forward to the next one.
January 29, 2020
A traditional Regency
With a rash and misguided heroine fortunate in her associations, and peppered with humor and appropriate and inspiring quotations from poets of the era and the Bible.
With a rash and misguided heroine fortunate in her associations, and peppered with humor and appropriate and inspiring quotations from poets of the era and the Bible.
May 23, 2020
Rosalind
I found this story quite a romp and loved the characters. I highly recommend it if you enjoy romance and a little mystery. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
I found this story quite a romp and loved the characters. I highly recommend it if you enjoy romance and a little mystery. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
August 3, 2020
Another wonderful Regency novel by Jenny Hambly. I have so far read four of her books and have not been disappointed. The main women in her books have depth of character and intelligence. Family closeness, intrigue, romance, and a happy ending. A delightful read!
July 7, 2021
Most enjoyable read
Loved the characters and story, read it in a day
Beautiful romance with no explicit sex scenes,
Enjoyed being curled up on a wet day with a good book
Loved the characters and story, read it in a day
Beautiful romance with no explicit sex scenes,
Enjoyed being curled up on a wet day with a good book
January 23, 2022
spirited
The language of the era had me wandering if this was going to be a good read. Not disappointed at all. The spunk, the honesty, and the heart of Rosalind made this a timely read.
The language of the era had me wandering if this was going to be a good read. Not disappointed at all. The spunk, the honesty, and the heart of Rosalind made this a timely read.
July 23, 2022
Freddie
Beautiful beautiful love story!! You just can’t beat Ms Hambly she never disappoints. This one had everything: love, mystery, wonderful characters that you couldn’t help but fall in love with. ❤️❤️❤️
Beautiful beautiful love story!! You just can’t beat Ms Hambly she never disappoints. This one had everything: love, mystery, wonderful characters that you couldn’t help but fall in love with. ❤️❤️❤️
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