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Rogues to Riches #5
Lord of Secrets
Some secrets should never be unveiled…
Heath Grenville is the problem-solver for London's elite. Unmask the devious cretin skewering the ton with audacious caricatures? With pleasure. His success should keep the powerful happy. But when his work leads him to a young lady outside his class, surely he won’t do anything so scandalous as to fall in love...
By day, Miss Eleanora Winfield is a proper, unremarkable paid companion. By night, Nora’s skillful hands sketch the infamous penny caricatures rocking high society. Nora desperately needs the money…and her anonymity. But how can she keep them both, when she’s fallen for the one man whose livelihood and reputation requires him to expose her?
Heath Grenville is the problem-solver for London's elite. Unmask the devious cretin skewering the ton with audacious caricatures? With pleasure. His success should keep the powerful happy. But when his work leads him to a young lady outside his class, surely he won’t do anything so scandalous as to fall in love...
By day, Miss Eleanora Winfield is a proper, unremarkable paid companion. By night, Nora’s skillful hands sketch the infamous penny caricatures rocking high society. Nora desperately needs the money…and her anonymity. But how can she keep them both, when she’s fallen for the one man whose livelihood and reputation requires him to expose her?
304 pages, ebook
First published June 15, 2018
390 people are currently reading
372 people want to read
About the author
Erica Ridley
133 books2,202 followersGet freebies and 99¢ deals at: https://ridley.vip
Erica Ridley is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of historical romance novels, including THE DUKE HEIST, featuring the Wild Wynchesters. Why seduce a duke the normal way, when you can accidentally kidnap one in an elaborately planned heist?
In the 12 Dukes of Christmas series, enjoy witty, heartwarming Regency romps nestled in a picturesque snow-covered village. After all, nothing heats up a winter night quite like finding oneself in the arms of a duke!
Two popular series, the Dukes of War and Rogues to Riches, feature roguish peers and dashing war heroes who find love amongst the splendor and madness of Regency England.
When not reading or writing romances, Erica can be found eating couscous in Morocco, zip-lining through rainforests in Costa Rica, or getting hopelessly lost in the middle of Budapest.
Erica Ridley is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of historical romance novels, including THE DUKE HEIST, featuring the Wild Wynchesters. Why seduce a duke the normal way, when you can accidentally kidnap one in an elaborately planned heist?
In the 12 Dukes of Christmas series, enjoy witty, heartwarming Regency romps nestled in a picturesque snow-covered village. After all, nothing heats up a winter night quite like finding oneself in the arms of a duke!
Two popular series, the Dukes of War and Rogues to Riches, feature roguish peers and dashing war heroes who find love amongst the splendor and madness of Regency England.
When not reading or writing romances, Erica can be found eating couscous in Morocco, zip-lining through rainforests in Costa Rica, or getting hopelessly lost in the middle of Budapest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews
June 28, 2018
*3.5 stars*
Lord of Secrets was a very nice story in the dependable Rogues to Riches series by Erica Ridley. Though it didn't blow me away, I enjoyed the story a good deal.
In historical romance, I'm a total sucker for the "royalty vs average person" pairings. There is just something dreamy about a titled man or woman finding love in an unexpected place and making things work between them, don't you think? Though, I had trouble buying that the somewhat morally and societally rigid Heath Grenville would end up with someone below his station (so to speak, though that term always makes me cringe).
I liked the talented and interesting Miss Eleanora Winfield, who always seems to see beyond a person's exterior. She was non-judgmental, and I liked how she viewed upper-crust society fairly objectively. She was a lovely female MC, and I liked being inside her head a great deal.
I found Heath Grenville to be much more one-note. I struggled with him a bit, and I was really, really anxious about how he would take the big reveal that Eleanora was hiding (it made me so nervous that I was flying through the last 20% to see what would happen). I found the tension to be resolved too anti-climacticly for my tastes, and the love to be a bit on the dull side, but I still enjoyed the writing and romance overall.
While not my favorite in the Rogues to Riches series, I always like visiting with the Grenville clan and having another strong female MC to cheer for. Erica Ridley is always a solid choice.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
Lord of Secrets was a very nice story in the dependable Rogues to Riches series by Erica Ridley. Though it didn't blow me away, I enjoyed the story a good deal.
In historical romance, I'm a total sucker for the "royalty vs average person" pairings. There is just something dreamy about a titled man or woman finding love in an unexpected place and making things work between them, don't you think? Though, I had trouble buying that the somewhat morally and societally rigid Heath Grenville would end up with someone below his station (so to speak, though that term always makes me cringe).
I liked the talented and interesting Miss Eleanora Winfield, who always seems to see beyond a person's exterior. She was non-judgmental, and I liked how she viewed upper-crust society fairly objectively. She was a lovely female MC, and I liked being inside her head a great deal.
I found Heath Grenville to be much more one-note. I struggled with him a bit, and I was really, really anxious about how he would take the big reveal that Eleanora was hiding (it made me so nervous that I was flying through the last 20% to see what would happen). I found the tension to be resolved too anti-climacticly for my tastes, and the love to be a bit on the dull side, but I still enjoyed the writing and romance overall.
While not my favorite in the Rogues to Riches series, I always like visiting with the Grenville clan and having another strong female MC to cheer for. Erica Ridley is always a solid choice.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
June 24, 2018
3.5 stars rounded up for the mature, grown-up conversation and total lack of drama in this sloooow burn romance!
This series is growing on me more with every book. They're sweet and light, perfect cozy reads. All you have to do is suspend your belief a bit more than usual. In this case, you need to just go with the heir of a baron being a known fixer who saves reputations of the ton members for money and his more than eccentric sisters (one runs an orphanage in a rookery, one becomes an opera singer, and another one is a genius with numbers who earns money on the stock exchange).
So on the one hand, we have Hugh Grenville. The fixer. The one who is so appalled by the way society treats its wallflowers and his eccentric sisters that he goes out of his way to save reputations, to make sure people can live the lives they want without being judged unfairly.
When he is hired to discover the identity of the caricaturist who is becoming more famous with every outrageous drawing, he is determined to unmask the culprit, come what may.
And then there is Eleanora "Nora" Winfield. From a poor family who runs a farm in the country, always on the brink of destitution, she is being offered the chance of a lifetime when a distant cousin hires her as a companion. She moves to London, accepting the fact that her status as paid companion will never allow her to be a part of the glittering world her cousin belongs to, determined to earn enough money to allow her hard-working grandparents who took her and her brother in when their parents died to live comfortably.
When her brother passed on one of the drawings she send home from London to a publisher, he didn't think they would be an instant success. But Nora can't deny that the extra income doesn't make a difference..
What will Hugh do when he finally unmasks the artist whose life he swore to ruin after his family was featured in one of the infamous drawings? And how will Nora keep her secret from the one person who sees past her lowly status, upbringing, and lack of refinement? Can the heir to a baronetcy really ignore his rigid moral compass and find the courage to throw his rulebook out the window for love? Only one way to find out...
*I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
This series is growing on me more with every book. They're sweet and light, perfect cozy reads. All you have to do is suspend your belief a bit more than usual. In this case, you need to just go with the heir of a baron being a known fixer who saves reputations of the ton members for money and his more than eccentric sisters (one runs an orphanage in a rookery, one becomes an opera singer, and another one is a genius with numbers who earns money on the stock exchange).
So on the one hand, we have Hugh Grenville. The fixer. The one who is so appalled by the way society treats its wallflowers and his eccentric sisters that he goes out of his way to save reputations, to make sure people can live the lives they want without being judged unfairly.
When he is hired to discover the identity of the caricaturist who is becoming more famous with every outrageous drawing, he is determined to unmask the culprit, come what may.
And then there is Eleanora "Nora" Winfield. From a poor family who runs a farm in the country, always on the brink of destitution, she is being offered the chance of a lifetime when a distant cousin hires her as a companion. She moves to London, accepting the fact that her status as paid companion will never allow her to be a part of the glittering world her cousin belongs to, determined to earn enough money to allow her hard-working grandparents who took her and her brother in when their parents died to live comfortably.
When her brother passed on one of the drawings she send home from London to a publisher, he didn't think they would be an instant success. But Nora can't deny that the extra income doesn't make a difference..
What will Hugh do when he finally unmasks the artist whose life he swore to ruin after his family was featured in one of the infamous drawings? And how will Nora keep her secret from the one person who sees past her lowly status, upbringing, and lack of refinement? Can the heir to a baronetcy really ignore his rigid moral compass and find the courage to throw his rulebook out the window for love? Only one way to find out...
*I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
July 11, 2024
⭐
1 star.
👎
DNF @ 50%.
Very repetitious.
Underwhelming.
Annoying/unlikable hero.
(He is too snobbish/arrogant and pompous.)
Annoying heroine.
(Does not really stand up for herself and more or less agrees with everything everyone says to/about her and is a doormat for the hero and has very little respect for herself and not very much sense of her own worth and she constantly puts herself down as well… in other words too self-deprecating.)
Zero chemistry and tension between the main characters.
Zero romance/romantic build-up.
(The hero sees the heroine as totally inferior etc.)
Bland and thin plot.
Both main characters lack depth.
Predictable/formulaic.
1 star.
👎
DNF @ 50%.
Very repetitious.
Underwhelming.
Annoying/unlikable hero.
(He is too snobbish/arrogant and pompous.)
Annoying heroine.
(Does not really stand up for herself and more or less agrees with everything everyone says to/about her and is a doormat for the hero and has very little respect for herself and not very much sense of her own worth and she constantly puts herself down as well… in other words too self-deprecating.)
Zero chemistry and tension between the main characters.
Zero romance/romantic build-up.
(The hero sees the heroine as totally inferior etc.)
Bland and thin plot.
Both main characters lack depth.
Predictable/formulaic.
June 12, 2018
Heath has always been a man of honor, he plays the games of the ton with ease, becoming the discreet problem-solver for London’s Elite. His future has been set for him, his duty to his family comes naturally, but when he meets a refreshing young lady born “beneath” is station, he will find his heart doesn’t care if the eligible bachelor becomes the next juicy scandal for wagging tongues.
Nora, a distant cousin to the Lady Roundtree has left the family sheep farm to work as a paid companion to help keep the farm afloat. Out of her league, unprepared for the opulence of the titled and wealthy, she is never the less immediately smitten by the dashing Heath.
How could she know, her dirty little secret could possibly be uncovered by the man who stole her heart, the man whose calling is ferreting out even the darkest of truths?
Erica Ridley’s LORD OF SECRETS is THAT read, THAT romance that is more fun than frenzy, more sweet than bitter and definitely should be headlining that summer reading list as two people throw caution to the wind in an attempt to follow their hearts while one secret threatens to derail a future filled with love.
One again, Erica Ridley pours on the heat, the humor and the hysterics of the Ton while serving up yet another fabulous historical romance that leaves readers smiling! Wonderfully drawn characters, cleverly placed humor, and a sweet romance without theatrics and vapors!
I received a complimentary ARC edition from WebMotion!
Series: Rogues to Riches - Book 5
Publication Date: June 15, 2018
Publisher: WebMotion
Genre: Regency Romance
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Nora, a distant cousin to the Lady Roundtree has left the family sheep farm to work as a paid companion to help keep the farm afloat. Out of her league, unprepared for the opulence of the titled and wealthy, she is never the less immediately smitten by the dashing Heath.
How could she know, her dirty little secret could possibly be uncovered by the man who stole her heart, the man whose calling is ferreting out even the darkest of truths?
Erica Ridley’s LORD OF SECRETS is THAT read, THAT romance that is more fun than frenzy, more sweet than bitter and definitely should be headlining that summer reading list as two people throw caution to the wind in an attempt to follow their hearts while one secret threatens to derail a future filled with love.
One again, Erica Ridley pours on the heat, the humor and the hysterics of the Ton while serving up yet another fabulous historical romance that leaves readers smiling! Wonderfully drawn characters, cleverly placed humor, and a sweet romance without theatrics and vapors!
I received a complimentary ARC edition from WebMotion!
Series: Rogues to Riches - Book 5
Publication Date: June 15, 2018
Publisher: WebMotion
Genre: Regency Romance
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
June 11, 2018
I LOVE IT, I cannot express myself enough this book is simply delightful, I have grown to love and expect the unexpected from Erica Ridley books, and this one was no exception. This book had me smiling from beginning to the I especially love how Eleanora dealt with a stallion among men priceless. Heath was a real gentleman even when he got royal pissed or and Mrs. Roundtree she played her part flawlessly. Everything about this book is good, even the cover which is gently stated, psst I am eagerly awaiting the next, Great job Erica Ridley a masterpiece crafted by a master.
June 14, 2018
Three and a half stars.
Miss Eleanora (Nora) Winfield has been summoned from her family's sheep farm in the West Midlands to act as a lady's companion to her (distant) cousin Lady Roundtree whilst that lady recovers from a fractured ankle. She's homesick and lonely, treated as a servant, invisible and overlooked she finds her employer catty and an incurable gossip but eight weeks work as a paid companion could help her brother and aged grandparents enormously, taking them from the brink of destitution to almost comfortable so she'll grit her teeth and get on with it.
At Lord Carlisle's ball Nora runs into a handsome gentleman by accident whilst carrying a glass of lemonade to her employer. The gentleman is the first person to actually 'see' Nora and she is struck by his good looks and his charming manners. Later in the evening the gentleman, Mr Heath Grenville, approaches her to ask her to dance and is horrified to discover that she is little better than a servant (and consequently far beneath the heir to a baronetcy).
Heath Grenville is the older brother of three sisters, two of whom have had their own books. He is very aware that his duty to his family and his future role is to marry a woman of impeccable lineage, one who will not bring any hint of scandal to the family. Yet he can't help but remember a young woman with red hair and a pink dress who acts as a companion to Lady Roundtree.
Nora sends drawings and caricatures of the people and places she sees in London back to her family, partly because she has difficulty reading and writing but partly to share her life with them. Unfortunately her brother shares some of the caricatures (anonymously) with a contact and the next thing she knows her sketch of Lord Wainwright, which she laughingly titled 'Lord of Pleasure' has been published in a London newspaper and is the talk of the ton. Not only that, the paper will pay her five pounds for every caricature she sends them - provided of course that they are of the ton. Nora is torn between wanting to earn money to help her family and horror at being exposed as the artist who dared to lampoon a member of the aristocracy - she knows if the artist's identity is discovered she will be sacked and bring censure down upon her cousin's family.
This was immediately gripping, I love a romance featuring a lowly lady's companion, especially one who draws vicious caricatures of the stupidity and ridiculousness of high society and throw in an untameable puppy and you've got me hooked. It would have got a higher rating if Heath hadn't come across as a leetle bit of a prig, so dismissive of all the eligible young ladies of the ton and so judgemental if they so much as smiled in his direction, despite his own mother's obsession with marrying off each of her offspring. I also felt that there was a lack of angst/ tension - whilst that was a twist to confound my expectations it also felt like the ending slightly puttered out.
Nevertheless, another fun read from Erica Ridley. I am SO stoked about the next book ... can't wait.
I received a free copy of this book from the author, via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Miss Eleanora (Nora) Winfield has been summoned from her family's sheep farm in the West Midlands to act as a lady's companion to her (distant) cousin Lady Roundtree whilst that lady recovers from a fractured ankle. She's homesick and lonely, treated as a servant, invisible and overlooked she finds her employer catty and an incurable gossip but eight weeks work as a paid companion could help her brother and aged grandparents enormously, taking them from the brink of destitution to almost comfortable so she'll grit her teeth and get on with it.
At Lord Carlisle's ball Nora runs into a handsome gentleman by accident whilst carrying a glass of lemonade to her employer. The gentleman is the first person to actually 'see' Nora and she is struck by his good looks and his charming manners. Later in the evening the gentleman, Mr Heath Grenville, approaches her to ask her to dance and is horrified to discover that she is little better than a servant (and consequently far beneath the heir to a baronetcy).
Heath Grenville is the older brother of three sisters, two of whom have had their own books. He is very aware that his duty to his family and his future role is to marry a woman of impeccable lineage, one who will not bring any hint of scandal to the family. Yet he can't help but remember a young woman with red hair and a pink dress who acts as a companion to Lady Roundtree.
Nora sends drawings and caricatures of the people and places she sees in London back to her family, partly because she has difficulty reading and writing but partly to share her life with them. Unfortunately her brother shares some of the caricatures (anonymously) with a contact and the next thing she knows her sketch of Lord Wainwright, which she laughingly titled 'Lord of Pleasure' has been published in a London newspaper and is the talk of the ton. Not only that, the paper will pay her five pounds for every caricature she sends them - provided of course that they are of the ton. Nora is torn between wanting to earn money to help her family and horror at being exposed as the artist who dared to lampoon a member of the aristocracy - she knows if the artist's identity is discovered she will be sacked and bring censure down upon her cousin's family.
This was immediately gripping, I love a romance featuring a lowly lady's companion, especially one who draws vicious caricatures of the stupidity and ridiculousness of high society and throw in an untameable puppy and you've got me hooked. It would have got a higher rating if Heath hadn't come across as a leetle bit of a prig, so dismissive of all the eligible young ladies of the ton and so judgemental if they so much as smiled in his direction, despite his own mother's obsession with marrying off each of her offspring. I also felt that there was a lack of angst/ tension - whilst that was a twist to confound my expectations it also felt like the ending slightly puttered out.
Nevertheless, another fun read from Erica Ridley. I am SO stoked about the next book ... can't wait.
I received a free copy of this book from the author, via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
August 24, 2018
Charmed by the Lord and his love
When Miss Eleanora (Norah) Winfield 's brother sends one of her 'ton' caricatures off to a publisher, a star is born. Albeit an anonymous reluctant star. Norah is horrified when she sees her drawing as a 'lead' in the scandal sheets.
Employed as the paid companion to Lady Rowntree, a distant cousin, Norah realizes that each caricature raises more than her companion income does, and that that extra money will save her beloved grandparents' farm.
What Norah doesn't count on is that Heath Grenville, the ton problem solver, the Lord of Secrets, is determined to find out who the traitor amongst the ton is.
Heath finds himself attracted to Lady Rowntree's companion, but as she is only a lass from a pig farm, what can he do? After all he has standards. His latest task is to track down the wicked caricaturist and expose them as the traitor to their class they are, at the same time keeping his attraction to the desirable companion stifled, if he can!
Mmm! More a conundrum than Heath imagines.
BTW I loved the inclusion of the pug puppy Captain Pugboat.
A NetGalley ARC
When Miss Eleanora (Norah) Winfield 's brother sends one of her 'ton' caricatures off to a publisher, a star is born. Albeit an anonymous reluctant star. Norah is horrified when she sees her drawing as a 'lead' in the scandal sheets.
Employed as the paid companion to Lady Rowntree, a distant cousin, Norah realizes that each caricature raises more than her companion income does, and that that extra money will save her beloved grandparents' farm.
What Norah doesn't count on is that Heath Grenville, the ton problem solver, the Lord of Secrets, is determined to find out who the traitor amongst the ton is.
Heath finds himself attracted to Lady Rowntree's companion, but as she is only a lass from a pig farm, what can he do? After all he has standards. His latest task is to track down the wicked caricaturist and expose them as the traitor to their class they are, at the same time keeping his attraction to the desirable companion stifled, if he can!
Mmm! More a conundrum than Heath imagines.
BTW I loved the inclusion of the pug puppy Captain Pugboat.
A NetGalley ARC
September 14, 2020
His Secret Love 💘
SWEET Regency Romance💕 and Mystery.
Nora💃💋 comes off the farm to be a companion and aide for The Baroness, Lady Roundtree. She is Nora's distant cousin, and Nora💃💋 will be in her employ until the splints come off her broken leg. Nora💃💋 finds herself at a ton ball in a beautiful pink gown after only 6 days of preparation. She is only expected to assist the Baroness by fetching drinks, helping her move about, etc.
While fetching lemonade at a ball, Nora💃💋 is bumped into by Heath Grenville🐺🍆⛲💪, heir to a barony and known as a problem solver among the ton and very rich. He helps them hide scandals, but his true love is collecting fine art. There is an instant attraction💕 and he thinks she is a member Of The ton!
Nora💃💋 spends her free time drawing fashion plates of gowns she designs, and drawing caricatures of people. When a caricature of a rake, Lord WainWright🐺, a handsome man she named "Lord Of Pleasure"' is somehow published and sent at mach speed around London, She is mortified. She sent the drawing to her brother on the farm! How was it published? She needs this job with the Baroness! She'll definitely get canned if she is found to be the caricature artist! Meanwhile, her brother is getting five pounds for each of her drawings!
Heath🐺🍆⛲💪 is very interested in Nora💃💋, but realizes he needs a wife that is a daughter of an aristocrat, not a cousin to an aristocrat. Nora💃💋 fantasizes about Heath🐺🍆⛲💪 and draws the two of them together dancing, walking in Hyde Park, etc. Heath🐺🍆⛲ doesn't know she is an artist, yet....and he has no idea She is the one drawing the caricatures of members of the ton!
This is a great story about a baron's family of four children that doesn't fit into the ton society, but still insists on doing things their own way!
I loved the name Captain Pugboat for the pug puppy but the first tugboat was not in use until about 1825!
SWEET Regency Romance💕 and Mystery.
Nora💃💋 comes off the farm to be a companion and aide for The Baroness, Lady Roundtree. She is Nora's distant cousin, and Nora💃💋 will be in her employ until the splints come off her broken leg. Nora💃💋 finds herself at a ton ball in a beautiful pink gown after only 6 days of preparation. She is only expected to assist the Baroness by fetching drinks, helping her move about, etc.
While fetching lemonade at a ball, Nora💃💋 is bumped into by Heath Grenville🐺🍆⛲💪, heir to a barony and known as a problem solver among the ton and very rich. He helps them hide scandals, but his true love is collecting fine art. There is an instant attraction💕 and he thinks she is a member Of The ton!
Nora💃💋 spends her free time drawing fashion plates of gowns she designs, and drawing caricatures of people. When a caricature of a rake, Lord WainWright🐺, a handsome man she named "Lord Of Pleasure"' is somehow published and sent at mach speed around London, She is mortified. She sent the drawing to her brother on the farm! How was it published? She needs this job with the Baroness! She'll definitely get canned if she is found to be the caricature artist! Meanwhile, her brother is getting five pounds for each of her drawings!
Heath🐺🍆⛲💪 is very interested in Nora💃💋, but realizes he needs a wife that is a daughter of an aristocrat, not a cousin to an aristocrat. Nora💃💋 fantasizes about Heath🐺🍆⛲💪 and draws the two of them together dancing, walking in Hyde Park, etc. Heath🐺🍆⛲ doesn't know she is an artist, yet....and he has no idea She is the one drawing the caricatures of members of the ton!
This is a great story about a baron's family of four children that doesn't fit into the ton society, but still insists on doing things their own way!
I loved the name Captain Pugboat for the pug puppy but the first tugboat was not in use until about 1825!
June 18, 2018
This is the fifth book in the series about the Grenville siblings (and friends). The three sisters of the family are unconventional at best, and their brother Heath, in efforts to keep the family name respectable, has somehow managed to become the premier secret-keeper and investigator for Ton insider gossip.
When a new caricaturist with access to the highest of inner circles sets the upper class aflutter, Heath is determined to unmask the owner of the wickedly cruel pen. It’s inconceivable that Nora, quiet companion to Lady Roundtree, could be the artist. She’s too kind to poke fun… isn’t she?
Of course, what Heath doesn’t know is that Nora needs the money. Five pounds per caricature is far too much to pass up for a girl whose brother and grandparents are struggling to keep food on the table at the family farm. Except, when she realizes she’s falling in love with Heath, sworn to hunt down and unmask her own secret identity, massive inner conflicts overwhelm her.
I’m sure you can guess that Heath manages to find out the truth and there’s a huge confrontation. Which was absolutely my favourite part of the book, because Nora is not even remotely the kind of girl who is going to take reproach lying down. She gets right back up in Heath’s face and turns the argument back on him; why is he so angry about the caricatures? How dare the poor see how their betters behave, and laugh at them? It was the most wonderful piece of social commentary as Nora made Heath take a good hard look at himself, and discover he’s no better than some of the most idle and useless aristocrats he professes distaste for.
As part of a series, this does have an interwoven timeline with some of the others, but it can be read reasonably comfortably as a standalone. I’m giving it five stars, for two lead characters I liked immensely and one of the best set-down scenes I’ve read in a Regency-era romance since Jane Austen’s legendary Hunsford proposal.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
When a new caricaturist with access to the highest of inner circles sets the upper class aflutter, Heath is determined to unmask the owner of the wickedly cruel pen. It’s inconceivable that Nora, quiet companion to Lady Roundtree, could be the artist. She’s too kind to poke fun… isn’t she?
Of course, what Heath doesn’t know is that Nora needs the money. Five pounds per caricature is far too much to pass up for a girl whose brother and grandparents are struggling to keep food on the table at the family farm. Except, when she realizes she’s falling in love with Heath, sworn to hunt down and unmask her own secret identity, massive inner conflicts overwhelm her.
I’m sure you can guess that Heath manages to find out the truth and there’s a huge confrontation. Which was absolutely my favourite part of the book, because Nora is not even remotely the kind of girl who is going to take reproach lying down. She gets right back up in Heath’s face and turns the argument back on him; why is he so angry about the caricatures? How dare the poor see how their betters behave, and laugh at them? It was the most wonderful piece of social commentary as Nora made Heath take a good hard look at himself, and discover he’s no better than some of the most idle and useless aristocrats he professes distaste for.
As part of a series, this does have an interwoven timeline with some of the others, but it can be read reasonably comfortably as a standalone. I’m giving it five stars, for two lead characters I liked immensely and one of the best set-down scenes I’ve read in a Regency-era romance since Jane Austen’s legendary Hunsford proposal.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
June 15, 2018
I loved this book!
Nora Winfield, a farmer’s granddaughter, serving as a temporary paid companion to Lady Roundtree. Heath Grenville, heir to a Baronetcy, and the keeper of secrets of the ton. Even if these two have a few things in common, Nora’s secret is too explosive to ever be found out. And finding out secrets is what Heath DOES...
Nora Winfield, a farmer’s granddaughter, serving as a temporary paid companion to Lady Roundtree. Heath Grenville, heir to a Baronetcy, and the keeper of secrets of the ton. Even if these two have a few things in common, Nora’s secret is too explosive to ever be found out. And finding out secrets is what Heath DOES...
May 23, 2019
Recensione in ANTEPRIMA
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Lucia63 - per RFS
.
“Nora non riuscì a ricambiare il sorriso; lo sforzo per evitare che le sue dita tremanti li inzuppassero ancora di più entrambi di limonata era eccessivo. Cosa doveva fare? Costui era il primo gentiluomo di un certo livello che le avesse mai rivolto la parola. Cosa doveva dirgli? La sua testa si colmò di una serie di risposte sbagliate. Siete così bello che non riesco a pensare non le pareva l’approccio più assennato. Né lo sarebbe stato blaterare che l’uomo avrebbe anche potuto lanciare davvero una nuova moda, considerato lo sconvolgente numero di giovani della sua classe che si bagnavano il corpino nel gabinetto per mettere meglio in mostra i loro argomenti. Nora si ingobbì per la vergogna. Era quello il genere di donna che gli uomini preferivano? Santi numi. Era andata a sbattere contro il gentiluomo con un bicchiere di limonata e tutto ciò a cui riusciva a pensare era che forse avrebbe dovuto bagnarsi il corpino prima di farlo.”
Care Fenici oggi vi parlo del quinto libro della serie Dalle stalle alle stelle di Erica Ridley dal titolo Il signore dei segreti.
Nei precedenti libri della serie abbiamo avuto modo di conoscere Heath, l’unico figlio maschio dei Grenville, colui che accompagna al piano le note serate musicali delle sorelle e che alla morte del padre diventerà Barone. Heath è conosciuto nel ton per essere un risolutore di problemi. Non una vera e propria professione che lo porterebbe immediatamente ad essere escluso dagli esclusivi salotti, ma un passatempo pagato profumatamente da coloro che vogliono che alcuni piccoli scandali non vengano alla luce. Heath infatti fa in modo di impedire che vi possano essere ricatti futuri, e mantiene integro l’onore delle famiglie più nobili. Ora ha un nuovo incarico: trovare l’uomo che con le sue caricature sta mettendo in imbarazzo personaggi molto in vista. Oltre a questo, Heath ha sempre il terrore che prima o poi le sue sorelle così insolite e particolari finiscano nel mirino del caricaturista. Da anni infatti le sue più grandi e ignare clienti sono proprio quelle ragazze così poco curanti della loro reputazione. Eleanora Winfield è una giovane donna che, pur con una parentela nobile, ha sempre vissuto in campagna nella fattoria dei nonni dove ha conosciuto un duro lavoro e a volte anche la fame. Ora però un incidente accorso alla cugina l’ha fatta diventare la sua dama di compagnia. Pur non trattandola come una parente, Lady Roundtree le ha donato un nuovo guardaroba e le ha permesso di mettere piede nei salotti migliori di Londra, dove la giovane è venuta a contatto con il mondo pieno di segreti e pregiudizi della nobiltà. E questo ha risvegliato il senso critico e ironico della ragazza. Per Eleonora leggere e scrivere è un grande problema: le lettere si confondono e tutto le richiede un grande sforzo; per questo descrive al fratello ciò che vede con argute e a volte crudeli caricature che dovrebbero far sorridere la famiglia lontana. Ed è perciò con gran sgomento che scopre che il fratello le ha fatte vedere a qualcuno che ne ha visto le grandi potenzialità e le sta pubblicando. Eleonora, accortasi di quanto queste siano diventate popolari e di quanto male abbiano fatto anche se non intenzionalmente, vorrebbe smettere, ma come può farlo quando questi disegni possono salvare la fattoria dei nonni e impedire che la sua famiglia soffra la fame? E se questo è già un rimorso che la tormenta, diventa ancora più intenso quando i suoi rapporti con Heath prendono una piega imprevista. Ma il nobile odia tutto ciò che può provocare scandalo, e niente sarebbe più deleterio per la sua reputazione che avere rapporti con una giovane che non solo non è del ceto sociale giusto, ma che si è anche permessa di prendere in giro le loro abitudini rendendoli lo zimbello del popolino.
Quello che inizialmente vi renderà confusi nelle prime pagine è scoprire di essere tornati in un momento che precede gli ultimi due libri della serie. Le sorelle di Heath sono ancora nubili, e nessuna delle due ha ancora fatto ciò che le renderà incredibilmente felici ma invise alla loro cerchia sociale. Heath si è fatto un nome risolvendo per i suoi pari situazioni imbarazzanti. Ormai da tempo la sua reputazione lo precede ed è per questo che tutti lo ritengono il Signore dei segreti. Ciò che lo rende prezioso è la sua morale integerrima e la sua discrezione: in tanti hanno tentato di estorcergli particolari piccanti, ma nessuno c’è mai riuscito. Se in un primo tempo il caricaturista è solo uno dei suoi tanti casi, quando la sorella maggiore si sposa e tenta la carriera della cantante lirica, per Heath diventa assolutamente necessario stanare il disegnatore, tanto è il terrore che la prossima vignetta la ritragga. Sa inoltre da tutta la vita di doversi sposare in modo adeguato, ma finora nessuna delle tante debuttanti ha attirato la sua attenzione, fino al momento in cui incontra una ragazza dai capelli rossi vestita di rosa, che ha gli occhi più belli che lui abbia mai visto. Scoprire che è solo una dama di compagnia dovrebbe smorzare il suo interesse e, invece, non riesce a dimenticarla ed ogni volta che la rivede la trova sempre più affascinante.
Eleonora, dopo aver scoperto di essere diventata famosa sua malgrado, è preda dei rimorsi. Le sue vignette sono ovunque e il ton chiede a gran voce che sia scoperto chi si cela dietro l’anonimato. È infatti ormai palese che il colpevole sia uno di loro, troppi sono i particolari disegnati, e solo chi è stato presente a quei particolari eventi potrebbe averlo fatto. Il suo terrore di essere scoperta però si scontra con il suo desiderio di aiutare i suoi nonni anziani che stanno vivendo in grandi ristrettezze: ogni disegno infatti le viene pagato più di quanto percepisce in mesi di lavoro. Per gran parte del libro la vediamo in preda all’ansia: da una parte la sua famiglia, dall’altra persone che la trattano come se fosse trasparente e in molti casi la fanno sentire inferiore. Personaggi che nascondo malignità e vizi dietro saloni splendenti, pieni di ipocrisia. Quando Heath le comincia a mostrare interesse, la cosa diventa ancora più difficile da portare avanti, specie quando il giovane si rivela ben diverso dai suoi pari e le confida aspirazioni che nessuno ha mai neppure sospettato. Il loro sembra un amore impossibile. Heath è troppo abituato a seguire regole ben prestabilite, la sua vita sembra già programmata. Eppure tutto cambia quando le sorelle che ama con tutto se stesso chiedono il suo aiuto per poter vivere come desiderano infischiandosene di ceto e reputazione.
Questo è sicuramente uno dei capitoli migliori della serie, i personaggi rivelano notevoli sfaccettature nel loro carattere. Anche se la loro storia d’amore non copre molta parte della storia, questa risulta comunque interessante. Abbiamo modo di vedere come Heath sia sempre stato presente nella vita delle sorelle, come abbia sempre fatto in modo che i loro caratteri così esuberanti ed inusuali non arrecassero danni alla loro reputazione. Eppure lo vedremo disposto a lottare con loro, quando decideranno che vivere le loro aspirazioni sia più importante degli inviti del ton. Come ormai ci ha abituato quest’autrice le scene erotiche sono molto delicate e ben poco minuziose, anche i baci sono rari, ma del resto il loro corteggiamento appare molto tardi nella storia. La scrittura della Ridley è scorrevole, la traduzione molto buona, e pur non essendo questa una delle mie serie preferite, si è rivelata una piacevole lettura. E non vi nascondo che non vedo l’ora di poter avere fra le mani l’ultimo libro della serie che vedrà come protagonista l’ultima sorella Grenville e Maxwell Gideon, il proprietario dello Zoccolo Fesso, un uomo dal grande fascino e dalla diabolica astuzia.
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Lucia63 - per RFS
.
“Nora non riuscì a ricambiare il sorriso; lo sforzo per evitare che le sue dita tremanti li inzuppassero ancora di più entrambi di limonata era eccessivo. Cosa doveva fare? Costui era il primo gentiluomo di un certo livello che le avesse mai rivolto la parola. Cosa doveva dirgli? La sua testa si colmò di una serie di risposte sbagliate. Siete così bello che non riesco a pensare non le pareva l’approccio più assennato. Né lo sarebbe stato blaterare che l’uomo avrebbe anche potuto lanciare davvero una nuova moda, considerato lo sconvolgente numero di giovani della sua classe che si bagnavano il corpino nel gabinetto per mettere meglio in mostra i loro argomenti. Nora si ingobbì per la vergogna. Era quello il genere di donna che gli uomini preferivano? Santi numi. Era andata a sbattere contro il gentiluomo con un bicchiere di limonata e tutto ciò a cui riusciva a pensare era che forse avrebbe dovuto bagnarsi il corpino prima di farlo.”
Care Fenici oggi vi parlo del quinto libro della serie Dalle stalle alle stelle di Erica Ridley dal titolo Il signore dei segreti.
Nei precedenti libri della serie abbiamo avuto modo di conoscere Heath, l’unico figlio maschio dei Grenville, colui che accompagna al piano le note serate musicali delle sorelle e che alla morte del padre diventerà Barone. Heath è conosciuto nel ton per essere un risolutore di problemi. Non una vera e propria professione che lo porterebbe immediatamente ad essere escluso dagli esclusivi salotti, ma un passatempo pagato profumatamente da coloro che vogliono che alcuni piccoli scandali non vengano alla luce. Heath infatti fa in modo di impedire che vi possano essere ricatti futuri, e mantiene integro l’onore delle famiglie più nobili. Ora ha un nuovo incarico: trovare l’uomo che con le sue caricature sta mettendo in imbarazzo personaggi molto in vista. Oltre a questo, Heath ha sempre il terrore che prima o poi le sue sorelle così insolite e particolari finiscano nel mirino del caricaturista. Da anni infatti le sue più grandi e ignare clienti sono proprio quelle ragazze così poco curanti della loro reputazione. Eleanora Winfield è una giovane donna che, pur con una parentela nobile, ha sempre vissuto in campagna nella fattoria dei nonni dove ha conosciuto un duro lavoro e a volte anche la fame. Ora però un incidente accorso alla cugina l’ha fatta diventare la sua dama di compagnia. Pur non trattandola come una parente, Lady Roundtree le ha donato un nuovo guardaroba e le ha permesso di mettere piede nei salotti migliori di Londra, dove la giovane è venuta a contatto con il mondo pieno di segreti e pregiudizi della nobiltà. E questo ha risvegliato il senso critico e ironico della ragazza. Per Eleonora leggere e scrivere è un grande problema: le lettere si confondono e tutto le richiede un grande sforzo; per questo descrive al fratello ciò che vede con argute e a volte crudeli caricature che dovrebbero far sorridere la famiglia lontana. Ed è perciò con gran sgomento che scopre che il fratello le ha fatte vedere a qualcuno che ne ha visto le grandi potenzialità e le sta pubblicando. Eleonora, accortasi di quanto queste siano diventate popolari e di quanto male abbiano fatto anche se non intenzionalmente, vorrebbe smettere, ma come può farlo quando questi disegni possono salvare la fattoria dei nonni e impedire che la sua famiglia soffra la fame? E se questo è già un rimorso che la tormenta, diventa ancora più intenso quando i suoi rapporti con Heath prendono una piega imprevista. Ma il nobile odia tutto ciò che può provocare scandalo, e niente sarebbe più deleterio per la sua reputazione che avere rapporti con una giovane che non solo non è del ceto sociale giusto, ma che si è anche permessa di prendere in giro le loro abitudini rendendoli lo zimbello del popolino.
Quello che inizialmente vi renderà confusi nelle prime pagine è scoprire di essere tornati in un momento che precede gli ultimi due libri della serie. Le sorelle di Heath sono ancora nubili, e nessuna delle due ha ancora fatto ciò che le renderà incredibilmente felici ma invise alla loro cerchia sociale. Heath si è fatto un nome risolvendo per i suoi pari situazioni imbarazzanti. Ormai da tempo la sua reputazione lo precede ed è per questo che tutti lo ritengono il Signore dei segreti. Ciò che lo rende prezioso è la sua morale integerrima e la sua discrezione: in tanti hanno tentato di estorcergli particolari piccanti, ma nessuno c’è mai riuscito. Se in un primo tempo il caricaturista è solo uno dei suoi tanti casi, quando la sorella maggiore si sposa e tenta la carriera della cantante lirica, per Heath diventa assolutamente necessario stanare il disegnatore, tanto è il terrore che la prossima vignetta la ritragga. Sa inoltre da tutta la vita di doversi sposare in modo adeguato, ma finora nessuna delle tante debuttanti ha attirato la sua attenzione, fino al momento in cui incontra una ragazza dai capelli rossi vestita di rosa, che ha gli occhi più belli che lui abbia mai visto. Scoprire che è solo una dama di compagnia dovrebbe smorzare il suo interesse e, invece, non riesce a dimenticarla ed ogni volta che la rivede la trova sempre più affascinante.
Eleonora, dopo aver scoperto di essere diventata famosa sua malgrado, è preda dei rimorsi. Le sue vignette sono ovunque e il ton chiede a gran voce che sia scoperto chi si cela dietro l’anonimato. È infatti ormai palese che il colpevole sia uno di loro, troppi sono i particolari disegnati, e solo chi è stato presente a quei particolari eventi potrebbe averlo fatto. Il suo terrore di essere scoperta però si scontra con il suo desiderio di aiutare i suoi nonni anziani che stanno vivendo in grandi ristrettezze: ogni disegno infatti le viene pagato più di quanto percepisce in mesi di lavoro. Per gran parte del libro la vediamo in preda all’ansia: da una parte la sua famiglia, dall’altra persone che la trattano come se fosse trasparente e in molti casi la fanno sentire inferiore. Personaggi che nascondo malignità e vizi dietro saloni splendenti, pieni di ipocrisia. Quando Heath le comincia a mostrare interesse, la cosa diventa ancora più difficile da portare avanti, specie quando il giovane si rivela ben diverso dai suoi pari e le confida aspirazioni che nessuno ha mai neppure sospettato. Il loro sembra un amore impossibile. Heath è troppo abituato a seguire regole ben prestabilite, la sua vita sembra già programmata. Eppure tutto cambia quando le sorelle che ama con tutto se stesso chiedono il suo aiuto per poter vivere come desiderano infischiandosene di ceto e reputazione.
Questo è sicuramente uno dei capitoli migliori della serie, i personaggi rivelano notevoli sfaccettature nel loro carattere. Anche se la loro storia d’amore non copre molta parte della storia, questa risulta comunque interessante. Abbiamo modo di vedere come Heath sia sempre stato presente nella vita delle sorelle, come abbia sempre fatto in modo che i loro caratteri così esuberanti ed inusuali non arrecassero danni alla loro reputazione. Eppure lo vedremo disposto a lottare con loro, quando decideranno che vivere le loro aspirazioni sia più importante degli inviti del ton. Come ormai ci ha abituato quest’autrice le scene erotiche sono molto delicate e ben poco minuziose, anche i baci sono rari, ma del resto il loro corteggiamento appare molto tardi nella storia. La scrittura della Ridley è scorrevole, la traduzione molto buona, e pur non essendo questa una delle mie serie preferite, si è rivelata una piacevole lettura. E non vi nascondo che non vedo l’ora di poter avere fra le mani l’ultimo libro della serie che vedrà come protagonista l’ultima sorella Grenville e Maxwell Gideon, il proprietario dello Zoccolo Fesso, un uomo dal grande fascino e dalla diabolica astuzia.
July 14, 2019
1.5 stars.
This is the story of Nora, the cartoonist from one of the earlier books. I thought her caricatures were clever and I was looking forward to her story.
Then the snobbish hero appeared, who couldn't conceive of marrying someone from the "middling classes", (although he did briefly entertain the idea of having her as his mistress, because of the very inconvenient physical attraction he was feeling.) What a tosser.
Unfortunately, Nora does not give him the set-down he deserved- where is Elizabeth Bennett when we need her? She does try and call him on his hypocrisy, (he accepts money from aristos to hide their scandals, and is appalled that her family works in trade?) but crumbles in the face of his wonderfulness. Ugh.
And again- what's with all those illicit sexual encounters? I'm so over it. Hero doesn't respect you, you don't respect yourself. It's just painful.
This is the story of Nora, the cartoonist from one of the earlier books. I thought her caricatures were clever and I was looking forward to her story.
Then the snobbish hero appeared, who couldn't conceive of marrying someone from the "middling classes", (although he did briefly entertain the idea of having her as his mistress, because of the very inconvenient physical attraction he was feeling.) What a tosser.
Unfortunately, Nora does not give him the set-down he deserved- where is Elizabeth Bennett when we need her? She does try and call him on his hypocrisy, (he accepts money from aristos to hide their scandals, and is appalled that her family works in trade?) but crumbles in the face of his wonderfulness. Ugh.
And again- what's with all those illicit sexual encounters? I'm so over it. Hero doesn't respect you, you don't respect yourself. It's just painful.
July 4, 2018
Book five in the Rogues to Riches Series was a nice read. I have enjoyed all the books in this series. Heath Grenville is widely known as the man to see if you need to hush up a scandal or fix a problem that would ruin you. He has made a career of helping people keep their secrets. He is the heir to a Baronetcy and does not have to worry about money, so he donates all his fees to his sister's boarding school. He has also promised his mother that he would look for a wife this Season. His father is hale and hearty so he has decades before he will become the Baron. All the young ladies out for the Season are the same, young, silly and just plain not worth a second look. Then one day he meets the paid companion of a lady he is acquainted with and he is dumbstruck. She is everything that he would want in a wife. She is beautiful, smart, kind and she loves her family and will do whatever it takes to make them safe and happy. He feels the same way about his three sisters. The only problem is that she is not well born, or so he thinks.
Miss Eleanora Winfield has been brought to London to be a paid companion to her second cousin Lady Roundtree, who has broken her leg and needs someone to help her. Nora is not used to this privileged life. On her farm, she toils day and night with her younger brother and takes care of her Grandparents. They are always one step from poverty. Nora has secrets that could send her back to the farm, but if it helps her family she will do whatever it takes.
As Nora and Heath get to know each other their feelings for each other intensify, but can they overcome the obstacles that are in the way of their HAE?
Erica's books are full of great characters, surprising plot twists, humor, heartbreak, and love. This series is a must-read.
Miss Eleanora Winfield has been brought to London to be a paid companion to her second cousin Lady Roundtree, who has broken her leg and needs someone to help her. Nora is not used to this privileged life. On her farm, she toils day and night with her younger brother and takes care of her Grandparents. They are always one step from poverty. Nora has secrets that could send her back to the farm, but if it helps her family she will do whatever it takes.
As Nora and Heath get to know each other their feelings for each other intensify, but can they overcome the obstacles that are in the way of their HAE?
Erica's books are full of great characters, surprising plot twists, humor, heartbreak, and love. This series is a must-read.
July 17, 2018
~3.5 stars ~
As an heir to a barony, Heath knows he must choose the right woman to marry. She’ll have to be a proper lady of a good family, and will never, ever give motive for scandal or gossip. So what if he’s not in love with the lady, right?
Heath in a way reminded of Mr. Darcy although not as brooding or surly. Honor bound to a fault, his first priority was always his family and his duty to the title. As the problem-solver of the ton, he considered his responsibility to keep his peers out of the gossip columns and pursue those that dared taint their “good” name. This attitude of him grated me because how could anyone be so honorable yet try to cover up other people’s mistakes. To me that was hypocritical. Fortunately, love outweighed any preconceived notions of honor and he found his true calling.
Nora had a secret of her own that if uncovered it could not only ruin her but also ruin her chances at love. I thought she was sweet, smart, and witty however I could totally see why she didn’t think highly of herself. It made me a happy reader when Heath saw past all of her shortcomings and focused on what mattered most. Their romance was engaging and slow-burning with the right amount of tension which made it feel believable.
Although there weren’t any tug-at-your-heart moments it was definitely enjoyable and a good continuation to the series. I recommend this series to anyone that likes endearing yet complex characters, funny moments, and good romance.
Thanks to Negalley for providing a copy of this story for review.
As an heir to a barony, Heath knows he must choose the right woman to marry. She’ll have to be a proper lady of a good family, and will never, ever give motive for scandal or gossip. So what if he’s not in love with the lady, right?
Heath in a way reminded of Mr. Darcy although not as brooding or surly. Honor bound to a fault, his first priority was always his family and his duty to the title. As the problem-solver of the ton, he considered his responsibility to keep his peers out of the gossip columns and pursue those that dared taint their “good” name. This attitude of him grated me because how could anyone be so honorable yet try to cover up other people’s mistakes. To me that was hypocritical. Fortunately, love outweighed any preconceived notions of honor and he found his true calling.
Nora had a secret of her own that if uncovered it could not only ruin her but also ruin her chances at love. I thought she was sweet, smart, and witty however I could totally see why she didn’t think highly of herself. It made me a happy reader when Heath saw past all of her shortcomings and focused on what mattered most. Their romance was engaging and slow-burning with the right amount of tension which made it feel believable.
Although there weren’t any tug-at-your-heart moments it was definitely enjoyable and a good continuation to the series. I recommend this series to anyone that likes endearing yet complex characters, funny moments, and good romance.
Thanks to Negalley for providing a copy of this story for review.
June 8, 2018
I received a free advance copy of this book from the publisher. This is my unbiased and voluntary review. Now that that is out of the way ...
This book runs chronologically parallel to some of the other books in the series and also has some characters from the Dukes of War series. I think it would be helpful to have a "Cast of characters" or book "family tree" to refresh the memory of the reader who has read the previous books some time ago and to help the new reader to this wonderful author.
We've met the Grenville family and the first born, only male, Heath Grenville, who, in his desire to help people, had become the problem solver for the ton in general and his younger sisters in particular. Miss Eleanora (Nora) Winfield and her younger brother, Carter, were raised on a sheep farm by their grandparents, but it has become a difficult struggle to keep the farm going. Nora is offered the position of paid companion to her second cousin Lady Roundtree, who has fractured her leg. At her first ball, she literally runs into Heath, who afterwards, can not get her our of his mind. She has the same problem, despite knowing that as a commoner, they can have no future together.
Nora has dyslexia, but has developed a talent for drawing to convey what she can not write. Sending sketches and caricatures to her family, her brother sends some samples to publisher, who sent back desperately needed funds and requested more. Unknown to her, she had become the infamous caricaturist, who Heath has been paid to find. Both of these people will do anything to protect their family.
A lovely written story, with appealing characters, an endearing pup, a villain, interesting conflict and of course the HEA.
This book runs chronologically parallel to some of the other books in the series and also has some characters from the Dukes of War series. I think it would be helpful to have a "Cast of characters" or book "family tree" to refresh the memory of the reader who has read the previous books some time ago and to help the new reader to this wonderful author.
We've met the Grenville family and the first born, only male, Heath Grenville, who, in his desire to help people, had become the problem solver for the ton in general and his younger sisters in particular. Miss Eleanora (Nora) Winfield and her younger brother, Carter, were raised on a sheep farm by their grandparents, but it has become a difficult struggle to keep the farm going. Nora is offered the position of paid companion to her second cousin Lady Roundtree, who has fractured her leg. At her first ball, she literally runs into Heath, who afterwards, can not get her our of his mind. She has the same problem, despite knowing that as a commoner, they can have no future together.
Nora has dyslexia, but has developed a talent for drawing to convey what she can not write. Sending sketches and caricatures to her family, her brother sends some samples to publisher, who sent back desperately needed funds and requested more. Unknown to her, she had become the infamous caricaturist, who Heath has been paid to find. Both of these people will do anything to protect their family.
A lovely written story, with appealing characters, an endearing pup, a villain, interesting conflict and of course the HEA.
June 11, 2018
“Lord of Secrets” is the fifth book in Erica Rigley’s Rogues to Riches series. The story was well written, with a well structured storyline and well developed characters. Ms. Eleanora Winfield the daughter of a sheep farmer is the paid companion to Lady Roundtree and Mr. Heath Grenville is heir to a baronetcy. Society dictates they can never be together yet they begin to develop feelings for each other. Their romance had a slow build up and there seemed to be more interaction with Heath and his family than Nora and Heath. In this storyline, Mr. Grenville, the problem solver for the Ton vows to identify the person responsible for infamous caricatures that hurt his sisters while Ms. Winfield secretly pens those unflattering caricatures of the ton to help her family survive. What happens when Ms. Winfield’s secret is exposed and how it affects their budding romance makes for an interesting and entertaining story. I also found Lady Roundtree’s part in their romance fun to watch since it soon became obvious she had her own agenda when it came to Nora and Heath. I never give storyline specifics in my reviews because writing is an author’s livelihood. The book was an enjoyable read that I recommend and look forward to the next in the series.
I received an ARC of this book from the author. This is my honest opinion about the book.
I received an ARC of this book from the author. This is my honest opinion about the book.
June 11, 2018
Miss Nora Winfield is a simple farm girl earning some extra money by being her cousins paid companion. She draws caricatures to send home to her family to tell of her time in London. When she finds that one of her anonymous caricatures has been sent in to a local newspaper she is horrified until they offer her more money than she can imagine. Mr. Heath Grenville is the man people turn to in London to help hide their secrets. When he meets Miss Winfield he is captivated. “With her soft pink gown and lustrous red curls, she more than stood out from the sea of pastel hopefuls. Wide blue eyes, blushing cheeks, lips a perfect, dusty rose…..He’d let the red-tressed goddess go without ascertaining her name or securing a spot on her card. And in doing so, he seemed to have lost the intriguing young lady entirely.”
But Miss Winfield’s anonymous caricatures are shaking the Ton to its core. Heath is hired to find the name of the secret culprit. Will he uncover Nora’s secret? What can she a simple farm girl do about her own heart towards Heath?
Wonderful book. I truly enjoyed it.
But Miss Winfield’s anonymous caricatures are shaking the Ton to its core. Heath is hired to find the name of the secret culprit. Will he uncover Nora’s secret? What can she a simple farm girl do about her own heart towards Heath?
Wonderful book. I truly enjoyed it.
June 12, 2018
Lord of Secrets (Rogues to Riches, #5) by Erica Ridley is a fun, romantic Regency Romance. While #5 in this wonderful series, it can be read as a stand alone.
This is the story of Heath Grenville, the ton's problem solver and Miss Eleanora Winfield (Nora). Nora has a huge secret, one that can could the budding romance between herself and Heath when he learns her secret.
Well crafted with charming and engaging characters. The storyline fun, humorous, with interesting dialogue, secrets, romance, a villain, an adorable pug puppy, and a HEA. The reader will find reocurring characters from Ms Ridley's previous books, which is always wonderful to visit with again. I enjoyed Heath and Nora's love story, their challenges and their relationship. For a fun romp in Regency England, pick up LORD OF SECRETS by Erica Ridley. Makes for some wonderful summer reading. Strongly recommended!
I received a complimentary copy, however, all opinions are my own.
Rating: 4.5
This is the story of Heath Grenville, the ton's problem solver and Miss Eleanora Winfield (Nora). Nora has a huge secret, one that can could the budding romance between herself and Heath when he learns her secret.
Well crafted with charming and engaging characters. The storyline fun, humorous, with interesting dialogue, secrets, romance, a villain, an adorable pug puppy, and a HEA. The reader will find reocurring characters from Ms Ridley's previous books, which is always wonderful to visit with again. I enjoyed Heath and Nora's love story, their challenges and their relationship. For a fun romp in Regency England, pick up LORD OF SECRETS by Erica Ridley. Makes for some wonderful summer reading. Strongly recommended!
I received a complimentary copy, however, all opinions are my own.
Rating: 4.5
June 21, 2018
Secrets and scandal.
Heath Grenville has spent his life trying to be perfect, keep scandal from his family and help others with their problems. He has become the secret keeper for the tonne. He is also keeping a big secret about himself and his true desires from those closest to him. He will do anything for the family he loves.
Nora Winfield has her own secrets and is also desperate to help her family. Her secret actions do help her family financially, but she feels less and less comfortable about them.
Nora and Heath come from very different social spheres, but they both enjoy the company of each other as they can be themselves. The dialogue between these two seems real; just the way we would chat with a good friend or close colleague. In the beginning this feeling comes from the absolute certainty that there can never be anything but friendship between them. Later it is because they can’t be any other way with each.
I like the way that the internal dialogue of the characters is written very clearly. You can identify with their reservations and feelings of inadequacy, especially if you have ever tried to do your best for the benefit of others. Givers will be able to see themselves in Heath and Nora.
This was an enjoyable read, with may reasons to smile and the occasional moments when you wanted the floor to open up under the character because of what they were saying or doing. You do not need to read the rest of the series before this book, but it may convince you to read them afterwards. There is a spoiler in this book for one earlier in the series (Lord of Pleasure), but this is because of the time frame this book is set in.
I read and reviewed an ARC.
Heath Grenville has spent his life trying to be perfect, keep scandal from his family and help others with their problems. He has become the secret keeper for the tonne. He is also keeping a big secret about himself and his true desires from those closest to him. He will do anything for the family he loves.
Nora Winfield has her own secrets and is also desperate to help her family. Her secret actions do help her family financially, but she feels less and less comfortable about them.
Nora and Heath come from very different social spheres, but they both enjoy the company of each other as they can be themselves. The dialogue between these two seems real; just the way we would chat with a good friend or close colleague. In the beginning this feeling comes from the absolute certainty that there can never be anything but friendship between them. Later it is because they can’t be any other way with each.
I like the way that the internal dialogue of the characters is written very clearly. You can identify with their reservations and feelings of inadequacy, especially if you have ever tried to do your best for the benefit of others. Givers will be able to see themselves in Heath and Nora.
This was an enjoyable read, with may reasons to smile and the occasional moments when you wanted the floor to open up under the character because of what they were saying or doing. You do not need to read the rest of the series before this book, but it may convince you to read them afterwards. There is a spoiler in this book for one earlier in the series (Lord of Pleasure), but this is because of the time frame this book is set in.
I read and reviewed an ARC.
June 15, 2018
A delicious romance from beginning to end! Miss Eleanora Winfield had a hidden talent. She could draw the most fabulous caricatures of the high society Ton and make money that she desperately needed. How harmless you say? Well it has come to the attention of Heath Grenville, who takes a task and solves it to find the artist behind the pictures. I mean there was a drawing of one of his sisters!! Of course Heath has no idea who the culprit behind the drawings are, but when he meets Nora, a lady's companion, he is very attracted. The wonderful characters come to life and it was such an enjoyable, fun story that I could only smile. What will happen when Heath finds out it is Nora behind the drawings? Can they find their happy ever after? As with all of Erica Ridley's books, you will be entertained and anxiously awaiting her next story!!
June 27, 2018
He may be the Lord of secrets, but it takes him about 200 pages to figure out her secret.
I'm so happy Erica Ridley decided to become a writer! Her books are simply wonderful! Warm, filled with interesting, passionate and kind characters. The banter between the Grenville siblings is wonderful and entertaining. Lady Roundtree turns out to be a funny and kind woman.
From this series, the book about Dahlia (Lord of Night) has gripped me the most. Her brother and sisters play a small part in her story. In this book you get to know the Grenville family even better. And all of them are passionate about something (music, art, a school). And they all do something the 'ton' does not really approve of. But they don't care, since love gives them the strenght to do it.
I received a copy and chose to review it.
I'm so happy Erica Ridley decided to become a writer! Her books are simply wonderful! Warm, filled with interesting, passionate and kind characters. The banter between the Grenville siblings is wonderful and entertaining. Lady Roundtree turns out to be a funny and kind woman.
From this series, the book about Dahlia (Lord of Night) has gripped me the most. Her brother and sisters play a small part in her story. In this book you get to know the Grenville family even better. And all of them are passionate about something (music, art, a school). And they all do something the 'ton' does not really approve of. But they don't care, since love gives them the strenght to do it.
I received a copy and chose to review it.
June 13, 2018
Who knew that sketching caricatures of the haute ton would earn enough to support a destitute family? Miss Eleanora Winfield sure didn’t. Now if she can keep her conscious and the handsome problem solver to the ton at bay.
Problem solving the ton’s picadilloes is something Heath Granville is good at and enjoys. His greatest enjoyment will be unmasking the dastardly caricature artist poking fun at the ton; especially when his sister is portrayed in one. What he doesn’t count on is the beguiling lady’s companion who stirs his blood like no other.
While the story started slow it did eventually pick up steam, and along with Erica Ridley’s ability to make the character’s emotions jump off the page, it snowballed into a 4.5 star story.
Problem solving the ton’s picadilloes is something Heath Granville is good at and enjoys. His greatest enjoyment will be unmasking the dastardly caricature artist poking fun at the ton; especially when his sister is portrayed in one. What he doesn’t count on is the beguiling lady’s companion who stirs his blood like no other.
While the story started slow it did eventually pick up steam, and along with Erica Ridley’s ability to make the character’s emotions jump off the page, it snowballed into a 4.5 star story.
June 17, 2018
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley - thank you! All opinions are my own.
Lord of Secrets is part of the Rogues to Riches series - which I haven't read, in my opinion it can be read as a stand-alone. Our hero and heroine meet at a ball, but not as equals in the eyes of the society: Heath Grenville is a guest at said ball, Nora Winfield a paid companion to a lady. The whole "beneath his/her station" is a theme I quite enjoy in HR, so I immediately got intrigued. Nora is a farmer's daughter (and a distant cousin to the lady she is serving as a companion) - but she also is quite a talented artist of infamous caricatures. Heath is supposed to find and uncover the artist behind these caricatures, not knowing that he already met and found her enchanting....I really enjoyed this plot, both hero and heroine are endearing and very likeable.
Lord of Secrets is part of the Rogues to Riches series - which I haven't read, in my opinion it can be read as a stand-alone. Our hero and heroine meet at a ball, but not as equals in the eyes of the society: Heath Grenville is a guest at said ball, Nora Winfield a paid companion to a lady. The whole "beneath his/her station" is a theme I quite enjoy in HR, so I immediately got intrigued. Nora is a farmer's daughter (and a distant cousin to the lady she is serving as a companion) - but she also is quite a talented artist of infamous caricatures. Heath is supposed to find and uncover the artist behind these caricatures, not knowing that he already met and found her enchanting....I really enjoyed this plot, both hero and heroine are endearing and very likeable.
June 17, 2018
He's the smartest person in the room, except when it comes to matters of the heart. Heath is a whiz when it comes to solving a problem, but clueless when it comes to love. Tasked with unveiling a nuisance, he ends up finding his heart. Eleanora is used to being overlooked. Standing in the background is just one of her many talents. When her other secret starts to make waves within the upper class, her greatest wish could prove to be her undoing. Lord of Secrets is about taking risks. Eleanora and Heath are two lonely hearts looking to find a home. Life has a way of placing a person right where they were meant to be. There's pleasure wrapped up in this heartwarming scandal.
June 20, 2018
I have always loved Erica's work ... she writes, sweet , simple, sizzling Regency Romance ... " Lord Of Secrets " is the 5th book in Rogues to Riches series & can be read as a standalone, i ve read the previous 4 books in this series & am happy to say was not disappointed...
This books presents us with Heath Grenville & Miss Eleanora Winfield's story ...Nora Winfieldia a farmer’s granddaughter, serving as a temporary paid companion to Lady Roundtree & Heath Grenville is heir to a Baronetcy, and the keeper of secrets of the ton & is a renowned problem solver hence his name is tagged as " LOrd of Secrets "...
when an anonymous caricaturist targets his sister and makes her a laughing stock, he vows to find the man and ruin him.Unknown to Heath, Nora is the caricaturist that he despises and is determined to ruin. Nora needs the money to keep food on the table & save the family farm.
Though Nora and Heath come from very different social spheres, there circumstances differ vastly they get attracted to each other ...A delicious romance from beginning to end..Erica Ridley’s ability to make a story captivating , interesting is a outstanding talent ...
The story,script is well developed , writing is simple , characters well placed , wonderful presentation...liked the book ...
This books presents us with Heath Grenville & Miss Eleanora Winfield's story ...Nora Winfieldia a farmer’s granddaughter, serving as a temporary paid companion to Lady Roundtree & Heath Grenville is heir to a Baronetcy, and the keeper of secrets of the ton & is a renowned problem solver hence his name is tagged as " LOrd of Secrets "...
when an anonymous caricaturist targets his sister and makes her a laughing stock, he vows to find the man and ruin him.Unknown to Heath, Nora is the caricaturist that he despises and is determined to ruin. Nora needs the money to keep food on the table & save the family farm.
Though Nora and Heath come from very different social spheres, there circumstances differ vastly they get attracted to each other ...A delicious romance from beginning to end..Erica Ridley’s ability to make a story captivating , interesting is a outstanding talent ...
The story,script is well developed , writing is simple , characters well placed , wonderful presentation...liked the book ...
June 23, 2018
Another wonderful installment in the Rogues to Riches series.
Secret keeper of the ton, Heath Grenville, tries to uncover the identity of the caricaturist haunting the beau monde with their accurate drawings. He's been paid by Lady Roundtree to find the culprit.
Nora, second cousin to Lady Roundtree, is in Town for only a few weeks. She's the paid companion to Lady Roundtree, while the lady recovers from a broken leg. Nora, a poor country girl from a sheep farm, carries more than one secret.
There's spilled lemonade, stale sponge cakes, prejudice, secrets, lots of red hair and the wonderful Grenville siblings.
Can't wait to read Bryony's story.
Secret keeper of the ton, Heath Grenville, tries to uncover the identity of the caricaturist haunting the beau monde with their accurate drawings. He's been paid by Lady Roundtree to find the culprit.
Nora, second cousin to Lady Roundtree, is in Town for only a few weeks. She's the paid companion to Lady Roundtree, while the lady recovers from a broken leg. Nora, a poor country girl from a sheep farm, carries more than one secret.
There's spilled lemonade, stale sponge cakes, prejudice, secrets, lots of red hair and the wonderful Grenville siblings.
Can't wait to read Bryony's story.
June 9, 2018
So normally I read and love books about alpha men but this is not that kind of story. I picture Heath as a wonderful brother who always takes care of his family and friends. He is kind and gentle. I'm thinking I have a huge crush on Heath. Who wouldn't want him. The parts of the story with him and his family are fantastic. I love how they get along and are supportive. This can also be seen in the book with Dahlia which takes place after this storyline. I also very much enjoyed Nora's interactions with her cousin and that darn cute dog. I wish that Heath and Nora had more interaction in the story. Until 75% it was minimal. But Ms. Ridley's writing is so wonderful and the other storylines are so great that I would not discount this book because of that. This is definitely a slow burn romance.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
June 6, 2018
Rags to Riches .... Cinderella or rather 'Cindernora' (known as Nora in the story) is the poor relative who works as a companion to her wealthy cousin.
Heath on the other hand is extremely wealthy and will inherit the title of Baron in due course.
Of course they meet and it is lovely to see the gradual love which begins to bind them together, but she has a secret and he is the 'uncoverer of secrets' to whom the ton come to have 'secrets' uncovered so it is easy to surmise that he will uncover hers, but what goes on in-between is the guts of this delightfully exciting love story which is also an entertaining page-turner.
Besides loving the whole story, I especially loved the little puppy and all his antics. He sure raised a good many chuckles.
This story kept me glued to the pages and I happily recommend it (and the others in this series).
I was also fortunate to have been able to read an advance copy and this is my voluntary and unbiased review of it.
Heath on the other hand is extremely wealthy and will inherit the title of Baron in due course.
Of course they meet and it is lovely to see the gradual love which begins to bind them together, but she has a secret and he is the 'uncoverer of secrets' to whom the ton come to have 'secrets' uncovered so it is easy to surmise that he will uncover hers, but what goes on in-between is the guts of this delightfully exciting love story which is also an entertaining page-turner.
Besides loving the whole story, I especially loved the little puppy and all his antics. He sure raised a good many chuckles.
This story kept me glued to the pages and I happily recommend it (and the others in this series).
I was also fortunate to have been able to read an advance copy and this is my voluntary and unbiased review of it.
June 11, 2018
I enjoyed reading this. The storyline is a bit out of the ordinary. It is helpful to have read some of the previous stories in the series, but not a prerequisite.
The overall tone is lighthearted. There was some very cute dialog around the humping pug, Capt. Pugboat. Nora's employer, Lady Roundtree, had me wondering if she was trying to matchmake or not.
I received a free advance reader copy, which I voluntarily read and reviewed.
The overall tone is lighthearted. There was some very cute dialog around the humping pug, Capt. Pugboat. Nora's employer, Lady Roundtree, had me wondering if she was trying to matchmake or not.
I received a free advance reader copy, which I voluntarily read and reviewed.
June 14, 2018
I love reading Erica Ridley books because the story draws me in and I feel like I am there. It was great to see the next in the Rogues to Riches series. I enjoy re-visiting couples from the other books. This book took place concurrent with some of the other books but it didn't compromise the story at all. Great entertainment!
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