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Lovers and Ladies #2
Lord Wraybourne's Betrothed
Sheltered stuffy heiress Jane Sandiford is confused and mortified by her responses to debonair Lord Wraybourne, suspected fortune hunter. The dread Whisperer, scourge of polite Society, rasps unspeakable vileness into her ear, someone assaults young women "of the middling class" in the streets of London, and one close conspires to break up her romance.
293 pages, Paperback
First published October 6, 2009
45 people are currently reading
309 people want to read
About the author
Jo Beverley
142 books1,131 followersMary Josephine Dunn was born 22 September 1947 in Lancashire, England, UK. At the age of eleven she went to an all-girls boarding school, Layton Hill Convent, Blackpool. At sixteen, she wrote her first romance, with a medieval setting, completed in installments in an exercise book. From 1966 to 1970, she obtained a degree in English history from Keele University in Staffordshire, where she met her future husband, Ken Beverley. After graduation, they married on June 24, 1971. She quickly attained a position as a youth employment officer until 1976, working first in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, and then in West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire.
In 1976, her scientist husband was invited to do post-doctoral research at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. When her professional qualifications proved not to be usable in the Canadian labour market, she raised their two sons and started to write her first romances.
Moved to Ottawa, in 1985 she became a founding member of the Ottawa Romance Writers’ Association, that her “nurturing community” for the next twelve years. The same year, she completed a regency romance, but it was promptly rejected by a number of publishers, and she settled more earnestly to learning the craft. In 1988, it sold to Walker, and was published as "Lord Wraybourne's Betrothed". She regularly appears on bestseller lists including the USA Today overall bestseller list, the New York Times, and and the Publishers Weekly list. She has been the recipient of numerous awards including the Golden Leaf, the Award of Excellence, the National Readers Choice, and a two Career Achievement awards from Romantic Times. She is also a five time winner of the RITA, the top award of the Romance Writers Of America, and a member of their Hall of Fame and Honor Roll.
Jo Beverley passed away on May 23, 2016 after a long battle with cancer.
In 1976, her scientist husband was invited to do post-doctoral research at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. When her professional qualifications proved not to be usable in the Canadian labour market, she raised their two sons and started to write her first romances.
Moved to Ottawa, in 1985 she became a founding member of the Ottawa Romance Writers’ Association, that her “nurturing community” for the next twelve years. The same year, she completed a regency romance, but it was promptly rejected by a number of publishers, and she settled more earnestly to learning the craft. In 1988, it sold to Walker, and was published as "Lord Wraybourne's Betrothed". She regularly appears on bestseller lists including the USA Today overall bestseller list, the New York Times, and and the Publishers Weekly list. She has been the recipient of numerous awards including the Golden Leaf, the Award of Excellence, the National Readers Choice, and a two Career Achievement awards from Romantic Times. She is also a five time winner of the RITA, the top award of the Romance Writers Of America, and a member of their Hall of Fame and Honor Roll.
Jo Beverley passed away on May 23, 2016 after a long battle with cancer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
February 1, 2011
THANK YOU. I love this book. Not casually, not just really like it, I LOVE this book!!! Lets get to know a character, shall we? Jane. Jane is an heiress from the strictest home, ever. No dancing, no entertaining, reading? Yeah, if it's a sermon. Dress clothes? Totally modest and unrevealing. This poor girl is blessed with a sheltered life. When she becomes betrothed to one of London's top socialites she gets the chance to spread her wings, loosen her braid and put something on that shows her womanhood. Amidst the fun and nerves of growing up and learning how to behave in society she also encounters lust, jealousy, sure heartbreak, rejoicing love and the power that we women have over the men that love us :) Unlike the last book I read, this book ties everything up into a perfect bow. I won't spoil any of the surprises but there is scandal, love, lust, and even rejection! All in a Jane Austen kind of setting. Ahh, propriety, how sweet you are! I am dead serious. Go read this book. Then buy 50 copies and hand them out to your friends. I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!
March 28, 2014
This was Jo Beverley's first novel and is a decent start. The mystery plot would have been more interesting if I hadn't read some of the follow-up novels and already knew who the villain was. The denouement was really quick and should have been drawn out more. The romance plot was a bit boring. Jane's constant insecurity wears thin after awhile. Her fears make sense given her upbringing but are tedious to read. I liked her a lot though, despite her insecurities. I liked seeing her blossom and learn to think and act on her own without direction from her mother. The romance develops nicely and is very sweet and quiet though both the heroine and hero are strongly attracted to one another. I had hoped to like Sophie and Randal after reading about them in other books but I found Sophie to be too young and silly for me to really like. Her hey-go-mad schemes are really outlandish at times and her sauciness is rather rude. The introduction of Randal and his adventures is quite shocking. I was disappointed to learn that his reputation was well-earned and everyone's fears regarding Sophie's feelings towards him are justified. He improves a lot in the final scene in which he appears. That happens to be my favorite scene in the novel. If you're looking for something a little different and more than the chaste kisses only sort of traditional Regency, I would recommend this one. I would not recommend following up with The Stolen Bride. It's not necessary.
November 9, 2014
The first time I read this, I loved the bold hero's patient pursuit of the shy heroine.
That was in... 2011.
Three years later, the second read felt very different. This time, the shy heroine, who readers are told is witty and clever, even if she had been utterly secluded from the world. Her shyness is explained by her innocence and unworldliness, but it goes further than shyness, because she's incredibly impressionable, too. I get this - if you've lived entirely at home, and haven't been able to experience any kind of social life, you're probably not going to know which way is up the first time you enter society. But for me, it went too far - she reads one of the Gothic novels, one of the most famous ones (I forget which), and then CONFUSES HER FIANCE WITH THE VILLAIN. That's not witty, it's not clever. It's dumb.
And it bothers me that this novel perpetuates, without discussion, the belief that women are so impressed by what they read that they confuse stories with reality.
I wish the hints at the heroine pursuing the hero had been more developed. There are a few moments in the story where she decides she's going to play the game and get him to love her, but it quickly fades into passivity.
Unfortunately, the heroine is more Catherine Morland than Elizabeth Bennett.
So, my second rating of this book... is probably a 2.5
That was in... 2011.
Three years later, the second read felt very different. This time, the shy heroine, who readers are told is witty and clever, even if she had been utterly secluded from the world. Her shyness is explained by her innocence and unworldliness, but it goes further than shyness, because she's incredibly impressionable, too. I get this - if you've lived entirely at home, and haven't been able to experience any kind of social life, you're probably not going to know which way is up the first time you enter society. But for me, it went too far - she reads one of the Gothic novels, one of the most famous ones (I forget which), and then CONFUSES HER FIANCE WITH THE VILLAIN. That's not witty, it's not clever. It's dumb.
And it bothers me that this novel perpetuates, without discussion, the belief that women are so impressed by what they read that they confuse stories with reality.
I wish the hints at the heroine pursuing the hero had been more developed. There are a few moments in the story where she decides she's going to play the game and get him to love her, but it quickly fades into passivity.
Unfortunately, the heroine is more Catherine Morland than Elizabeth Bennett.
So, my second rating of this book... is probably a 2.5
January 8, 2023
A lovely Regency to start off the new year.
September 3, 2012
Pretty good book for a Regency romance. I don't usually read these, but a friend of mine who likes Jane Austen said it was a good read. I like the fact that amid the romance there was a mystery involved. And the villian was not who I thought it would be. Jane Sandiford was 12 years younger than her bethroed, David Wraybourne. Her immaturity could be seen, yet her mother raised her to have no fun at all. It was interesting to see how Jane handled many adult aspects of her life when she went to London to learn the "art of conversation". Lord Wraybourne was always the gentleman, at first seemingly wanting to marry Jane for her dowry, but later on falling in love with her after their first few encounters.
April 18, 2012
Not really as good as I was hoping, or what I've read from Jo Beverley in the past. It explains in the back of the book that this was her first novel, so that's understandable. "The Whisperer" guy was never really a threat, at least it didn't feel that way to me. I got the feeling he was supposed to be intriguing, or at least "scare" the readers into thinking he would harm one of the main characters, but I never really felt that urgency. This story would've made a great YA, but as an adult romance novel, it kind of falls flat.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2010
I was excited to find out about this series from the "Clean Romance" group on goodreads. I wasn't sure what to expect after seeing the cover! I've been in a rut of bad books lately so this book was especially refreshing. Just a nice clean romance. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series. Unfortunately our library is missing two but hopefully they're not too interrelated that I will miss anything.
July 27, 2010
This book had such potential, since this was Jo Beverley's very first book that she wrote. I love her as an author, but this one was BORING. It had all the parts of a promising romance novel - new love, a crime/mystery, and a London season. They just did not come together quite as expected, and I had to struggle to finish this book, actually skimming the last pages. YAWN.
July 2, 2023
Jo Beverley's first published novel, chronologically 2nd in a loosely connected series.
Recently I've been reading too many Regencies in which sex seems to replace too much of what actually makes a Regency interesting to me, so this was a relief, because there is no sex. And Beverley shows quite nicely how one can still have sexual tension appropriate to the times, even though the protagonists aren't constantly undressing each other and driven to ridiculous risks by sex drives they apparently have zero control over (I always roll my eyes at that). It's nice to read something without hysterical insta-lust.
There's also an absence of heroine who's TSTL, and of hero who's a total jerk. I like both, Jane more than David -- we're more often in Jane's head, and she has more personality and grows throughout the story while he is just the foil, which is a bit disappointing. Jane is shy and naive, but far from stupid, and even though she is unfamiliar with the ton, she has sense enough to tell that her chaperone doesn't give her the best advice, for example; she often makes good choices even when somebody tries to derail her. She does jump to wrong conclusions at times, but she doesn't usually act precipitously even when she does that, and even when she acts out, she doesn't completely go beyond all bounds, which is well contrasted by Sophie, David's young sister, who has no such self-control even though she has much more experience with the ton. I really liked it that there were misunderstandings, but hero and heroine didn't create lot of dumb drama when they could have just talked -- whenever they did talk, things got either cleared up, or at least Jane reconsidered her fears. Hurrah for Jane, I liked her a lot.
The mystery wasn't much of one, I pretty much figured out who the villain was right away. Nobody in the book did, but I guess people at the time were less likely to suspect people with his characteristics as being unbalanced. I think Beverley's inexperience is probably responsible for the villain coming across as less scary than he actually was (the fact that he was a serial rapist is sort of buried, and one of the supposedly good characters even jokes about it). Because I was sure who he was, the few red herring scenes weren't scary either; I never believed the other guy was even an option.
The book could have used some better pacing, more of David's head space, and more interaction between Jane and David to allow the romance to grow, but it was overall quite pleasant and I have no major quibbles. It even felt like a Regency because the language was appropriate (I could name some more recently famous authors who should take lessons). A pretty impressive first effort. And actually I like it better than some of her later work. 3.5 stars; I might up that to 4.
Recently I've been reading too many Regencies in which sex seems to replace too much of what actually makes a Regency interesting to me, so this was a relief, because there is no sex. And Beverley shows quite nicely how one can still have sexual tension appropriate to the times, even though the protagonists aren't constantly undressing each other and driven to ridiculous risks by sex drives they apparently have zero control over (I always roll my eyes at that). It's nice to read something without hysterical insta-lust.
There's also an absence of heroine who's TSTL, and of hero who's a total jerk. I like both, Jane more than David -- we're more often in Jane's head, and she has more personality and grows throughout the story while he is just the foil, which is a bit disappointing. Jane is shy and naive, but far from stupid, and even though she is unfamiliar with the ton, she has sense enough to tell that her chaperone doesn't give her the best advice, for example; she often makes good choices even when somebody tries to derail her. She does jump to wrong conclusions at times, but she doesn't usually act precipitously even when she does that, and even when she acts out, she doesn't completely go beyond all bounds, which is well contrasted by Sophie, David's young sister, who has no such self-control even though she has much more experience with the ton. I really liked it that there were misunderstandings, but hero and heroine didn't create lot of dumb drama when they could have just talked -- whenever they did talk, things got either cleared up, or at least Jane reconsidered her fears. Hurrah for Jane, I liked her a lot.
The mystery wasn't much of one, I pretty much figured out who the villain was right away. Nobody in the book did, but I guess people at the time were less likely to suspect people with his characteristics as being unbalanced. I think Beverley's inexperience is probably responsible for the villain coming across as less scary than he actually was (the fact that he was a serial rapist is sort of buried, and one of the supposedly good characters even jokes about it). Because I was sure who he was, the few red herring scenes weren't scary either; I never believed the other guy was even an option.
The book could have used some better pacing, more of David's head space, and more interaction between Jane and David to allow the romance to grow, but it was overall quite pleasant and I have no major quibbles. It even felt like a Regency because the language was appropriate (I could name some more recently famous authors who should take lessons). A pretty impressive first effort. And actually I like it better than some of her later work. 3.5 stars; I might up that to 4.
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December 14, 2023It feels like a long time since I last read a Jo Beverley book, even though she was a long time "must-read" for me. Realizing that the only TBR by her on my shelf is fourth (or fifth?) in its series, I decided to try to fill the gap via the virtual library.
I used to feel that there was always a bit more violence in her books than in Mary Balogh's, and this one is no exception. Apparently this was the first book she ever published, and here we already have strong characters and a decided touch of evil lurking.
I am always irritated when misunderstandings bloom from information withheld... and here our dear Jane reacts to what she misconstrues, time and again. Wraybourne seems to have unusually strong nerves and patience, not to mention almost omniscient awareness of Jane's concerns. Ah well, it makes for a good story, and of course, for the time, his attitude was quite liberal.
I look forward to reading the others in this series.
I used to feel that there was always a bit more violence in her books than in Mary Balogh's, and this one is no exception. Apparently this was the first book she ever published, and here we already have strong characters and a decided touch of evil lurking.
I am always irritated when misunderstandings bloom from information withheld... and here our dear Jane reacts to what she misconstrues, time and again. Wraybourne seems to have unusually strong nerves and patience, not to mention almost omniscient awareness of Jane's concerns. Ah well, it makes for a good story, and of course, for the time, his attitude was quite liberal.
I look forward to reading the others in this series.
October 17, 2017
Heroine Jane hasn't been allowed to do much in her life. Not even read books or newspapers. Her tyrannical mother has even picked out her husband, which Jane doesn't actually object to, because at least Mom picked out a young and fairly handsome one. The hero thinks she'll do because she's quiet. He even cons mom into letting Jane come to London for a few weeks so she can learn to get along in society, since the hero is an earl and would expect it from his wife. The hero is also conducting an investigation into a series of crimes involving an apparently upper class criminal against young professional class women working in the arts, and even young ladies in the ton. Mostly, it's about the romance, with just enough of the suspense subplot to keep things ticking along. I liked it.
June 25, 2019
Loved Jo Beverly back when Zebra Regency, Walker Regency, and Signet Regency all existed. Now the re-release (which I never realized at the time) is bringing her first books out. Sooo, I grabbed what I could and started up the series. She said it isn’t required to read in order, which makes sense as you read book one, seem to do a prequel for book 2 and then back to “now” in book 3.
I liked this first book of hers. It is sweet AND gives advice on how to keep aspects of the Gentry correct in the story (I mean her website does, the story proves how many folks are not researching aspects of Regency Society before writing!)
On to book 2...prequel-ish that it is. :-)
I liked this first book of hers. It is sweet AND gives advice on how to keep aspects of the Gentry correct in the story (I mean her website does, the story proves how many folks are not researching aspects of Regency Society before writing!)
On to book 2...prequel-ish that it is. :-)
June 12, 2017
#2 in the series. Sorry to give JB a 2 star. This is actually her first published book. Unfortunately, it's a yawner.
Dull story.
Horrible cover - what the heck? I have the new issue cover & the couple on the cover is not the couple described in the book.
Dull story.
Horrible cover - what the heck? I have the new issue cover & the couple on the cover is not the couple described in the book.
August 29, 2024
I was weeding at the library and this was on the chopping block so I took it home to read. If you want a simple, no-nonsense Regency with low-stakes drama and characters you can both love and hate, this will work for you. If you're looking for Bridgerton-level spicy drama, take a pass.
October 2, 2024
It has romance, suspense, wit, but the heroine portraying the characters of a gothic novel ( her first) onto her lover and others seems rather dumb for a supposedly clever young woman. And despite Sophie and Jane being up to mischief, they are passively awaiting the actions of the men. A pity.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2017
Enjoyable historical romance.
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July 20, 2021Read 2021
February 17, 2024
One of my favorite authors of regency/historicals. This may be her very first published novel, but it is really well done. I need to go back and reread more of them.
February 17, 2024
This was actually a lovely Renaissance romance. A breath of fresh air after the last nasty book I read.
May 22, 2025
Beautiful story of Love
Greater plots and characters kept you guessing about them until the almost end of the story. Loved the descriptions of the clothing from that time too.
Greater plots and characters kept you guessing about them until the almost end of the story. Loved the descriptions of the clothing from that time too.
April 7, 2013
I enjoyed this story for its characters from the very beginning. It was Regency Romance at its Golden Age best.
The story begins when David, The Earl of Wraybourne, unaccountably becomes engaged to a sheltered and strictly brought up young woman, Jane Sandiford. Everyone, including Jane, thinks it is her impeccable birth and fortune that draw him. Jane makes the assumption based on the fact that David is handsome, fashionable and catches every eye in society. She can't figure out what he sees in her otherwise, but she wants so much not to be a disappointment to him so she takes the opportunity to join his mischievous sister Sophie to make her debut for the London Season before her wedding to garner a bit of polish and understanding of the new world she will inhabit.
While Jane is confused and unsure about things, David has it all worked out. He is not one to speak out of turn so people must speculate and he lets them. He knows why, out of all the eligible ladies, he chose Jane and he sets himself on a private mission to bring out the woman buried beneath all the training her mother instilled. His plans are interrupted when his uncle asks his help to find a man of rank who attacks women of good birth and virtue. And if that weren't enough others, like his jealous ex-mistress and her friend his cousin who is chaperoning Jane and Sophie set out to sabotage Jane.
Through all the machinations around them, Jane finds herself falling in love with her own fiance, but can she get him to love her back she wonders.
The plot was three-fold with the romance of David and Jane, the adventures of Lady Sophie and the situation with the man attacking the ladies. Jane is the main focus and it is mostly her voice who tells the story though there are snippets from David and the others. The reader understands everyone's motives all along, but Jane must discover them over time. The story is more a coming of age piece for Jane. She has been brought up strictly and sheltered and now she is let loose into all the glitter of London with a chaperone that wants her to fail. It is Jane's own internal compass that helps her to see her way clear. Now does she make some mistakes? Sure! But she owns them and moves on. I adored Jane. David is a bit of an enigma. Not even his closest friends or family know what he is really about. He stumbled on the opportunity to meet Jane, but he wisely sees the diamond in the rough that still outshines every female he has known. I thought he took a big gamble on how secretive he was being with Jane, but then again he didn't realize that she was being fed carefully crafted lies about him or that all the talk by others of her fortune made her think that it was the only reason he wanted her.
Sophie's side plot was fun and I loved seeing her get her own romance because she was a good friend for Jane and kept things lively. The other subplot of the attacker gave me a little mystery to ponder, but I didn't figure it out much sooner than the reveal because for most of the time it was off scene and only served to cause Jane to misunderstand and get jealous over David's secretive activities.
This was a gentle, sweet romance that only stirred the mildest of emotions in me, but it was engaging and heartwarming too. Those who enjoy the older Regency Romances should definitely give this one a try. Thankfully, the cover has been changed with the newer edition since I'm not one who appreciated this older one much.
The story begins when David, The Earl of Wraybourne, unaccountably becomes engaged to a sheltered and strictly brought up young woman, Jane Sandiford. Everyone, including Jane, thinks it is her impeccable birth and fortune that draw him. Jane makes the assumption based on the fact that David is handsome, fashionable and catches every eye in society. She can't figure out what he sees in her otherwise, but she wants so much not to be a disappointment to him so she takes the opportunity to join his mischievous sister Sophie to make her debut for the London Season before her wedding to garner a bit of polish and understanding of the new world she will inhabit.
While Jane is confused and unsure about things, David has it all worked out. He is not one to speak out of turn so people must speculate and he lets them. He knows why, out of all the eligible ladies, he chose Jane and he sets himself on a private mission to bring out the woman buried beneath all the training her mother instilled. His plans are interrupted when his uncle asks his help to find a man of rank who attacks women of good birth and virtue. And if that weren't enough others, like his jealous ex-mistress and her friend his cousin who is chaperoning Jane and Sophie set out to sabotage Jane.
Through all the machinations around them, Jane finds herself falling in love with her own fiance, but can she get him to love her back she wonders.
The plot was three-fold with the romance of David and Jane, the adventures of Lady Sophie and the situation with the man attacking the ladies. Jane is the main focus and it is mostly her voice who tells the story though there are snippets from David and the others. The reader understands everyone's motives all along, but Jane must discover them over time. The story is more a coming of age piece for Jane. She has been brought up strictly and sheltered and now she is let loose into all the glitter of London with a chaperone that wants her to fail. It is Jane's own internal compass that helps her to see her way clear. Now does she make some mistakes? Sure! But she owns them and moves on. I adored Jane. David is a bit of an enigma. Not even his closest friends or family know what he is really about. He stumbled on the opportunity to meet Jane, but he wisely sees the diamond in the rough that still outshines every female he has known. I thought he took a big gamble on how secretive he was being with Jane, but then again he didn't realize that she was being fed carefully crafted lies about him or that all the talk by others of her fortune made her think that it was the only reason he wanted her.
Sophie's side plot was fun and I loved seeing her get her own romance because she was a good friend for Jane and kept things lively. The other subplot of the attacker gave me a little mystery to ponder, but I didn't figure it out much sooner than the reveal because for most of the time it was off scene and only served to cause Jane to misunderstand and get jealous over David's secretive activities.
This was a gentle, sweet romance that only stirred the mildest of emotions in me, but it was engaging and heartwarming too. Those who enjoy the older Regency Romances should definitely give this one a try. Thankfully, the cover has been changed with the newer edition since I'm not one who appreciated this older one much.
July 7, 2011
A very clean, very fun historical romance. Though not geared specifically toward young adults, it would definitely be suitable for them to read. It is always such a lovely surprise when I close a book and find that not only did I thoroughly enjoy myself reading it, but that I can now tell some of the mother/teen daughter pairs that I know of it and know with confidence that both will enjoy it.
There's not much to tell about the plot that you can't find on other review boards, so I'll try to concentrate on other aspects. It had a good subplot regarding Lord Wraybourne's sister that could have easily been made into its own book and I would have devoured it. Sophie was indeed an excellent character all on her own and I hope I stumble across her story. Granted, even if I don't, it had a very satisfying conclusion, but still....
There was a definite mystery going on throughout it and it was extremely well written. By the end of the book, I was still debating between the same two characters they were, but it was very well played out and resolved. I won't give a spoiler, but I will say that after you find out who the bad guy is, there's still a few twists to leave a smile on your face and keep you turning the pages.
As for the primary romance, I have to say that the characters were exceptionally well written. I found both of them believable within the period that they were written into. The dialogue was wonderful and I found myself sharing it with my husband several times...and he laughed. Always a good test.
Anyway, I picked up the very next book of her's that I happened to have and am waiting for lunch to begin it. =)
There's not much to tell about the plot that you can't find on other review boards, so I'll try to concentrate on other aspects. It had a good subplot regarding Lord Wraybourne's sister that could have easily been made into its own book and I would have devoured it. Sophie was indeed an excellent character all on her own and I hope I stumble across her story. Granted, even if I don't, it had a very satisfying conclusion, but still....
There was a definite mystery going on throughout it and it was extremely well written. By the end of the book, I was still debating between the same two characters they were, but it was very well played out and resolved. I won't give a spoiler, but I will say that after you find out who the bad guy is, there's still a few twists to leave a smile on your face and keep you turning the pages.
As for the primary romance, I have to say that the characters were exceptionally well written. I found both of them believable within the period that they were written into. The dialogue was wonderful and I found myself sharing it with my husband several times...and he laughed. Always a good test.
Anyway, I picked up the very next book of her's that I happened to have and am waiting for lunch to begin it. =)
December 4, 2012
As a huge fan of romances set in this time period I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I picked it up last night before bed and finished it in the early hours. Loved Jane a lot, she was witty and funny and well-written in my personal opinion. The romance between her and Wraybourne was sweet and developed at a pace that I think seemed reasonable. A nice switch from that insta-love/lust which plagues so many books these days.
The subplot that happened while the romance blossomed with the man assaulting women at the fringes of the Ton was interesting and added a lil something extra to the story.
What I really appreciated was how clean the romance was. Just sweet and enjoyable, nothing untoward. It's far too rare these days and it was a nice change of pace to see him fall for her because of her charm and wit and not just her curves.
The subplot that happened while the romance blossomed with the man assaulting women at the fringes of the Ton was interesting and added a lil something extra to the story.
What I really appreciated was how clean the romance was. Just sweet and enjoyable, nothing untoward. It's far too rare these days and it was a nice change of pace to see him fall for her because of her charm and wit and not just her curves.
October 28, 2009
I like how the publisher's reprint books at 2x the cost. I also like how they did away with the genre books: Regency but will bring these out at higher cost.
This according to the Postscript is Jo Beverley's first published book. Highly entertaining. I read it in one sitting staying up late to do so. I can see this was a first book. The hero has arranged to marry an heiress lacking in town polish. She comes to town to gain some, and Lord Wraybourne begins to fall for his fiancee. We don't find out why (remember first book)we just know he does. Spooky whisperings hint at a villan with a subplot revolving around the hero's bold sister and her suitor.
I can't decide if I will keep or not. Depends on the cost of the complete republished series. The remaining books are due out in 2010. Look for them.
This according to the Postscript is Jo Beverley's first published book. Highly entertaining. I read it in one sitting staying up late to do so. I can see this was a first book. The hero has arranged to marry an heiress lacking in town polish. She comes to town to gain some, and Lord Wraybourne begins to fall for his fiancee. We don't find out why (remember first book)we just know he does. Spooky whisperings hint at a villan with a subplot revolving around the hero's bold sister and her suitor.
I can't decide if I will keep or not. Depends on the cost of the complete republished series. The remaining books are due out in 2010. Look for them.
November 2, 2010
I recently started reading "The Stolen Bride", then found out it would make more sense if I started with this one first.
I downloaded it onto my i-phone and started reading.
I really liked the story. I can't say that I fell in love with the book, or the characters, but I really liked them.
Lord Wraybourne finds a country girl, who is extremely wealthy and agrees to take her for his bride. Her parents are highly judgemental and self-righteous. It is amazing that Lord Wraybourne comes up to snuff.
Jane is the country girl, her parents let her take her first season as a betrothed young woman with Lord Wraybourne's aunt. Her aunt is not a nice lady.
There is a mystery going on, and many misunderstood circumstances. Some of it is a bit rough around the edges, just like my review. Overall it is a good clean romance.
http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com
I downloaded it onto my i-phone and started reading.
I really liked the story. I can't say that I fell in love with the book, or the characters, but I really liked them.
Lord Wraybourne finds a country girl, who is extremely wealthy and agrees to take her for his bride. Her parents are highly judgemental and self-righteous. It is amazing that Lord Wraybourne comes up to snuff.
Jane is the country girl, her parents let her take her first season as a betrothed young woman with Lord Wraybourne's aunt. Her aunt is not a nice lady.
There is a mystery going on, and many misunderstood circumstances. Some of it is a bit rough around the edges, just like my review. Overall it is a good clean romance.
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January 4, 2014
You're not going to like the next sentence you read.
I like when the characters I read about are attractive. I liked this book.
This book mainly focuses on Jane. Poor Jane was brought up blind to the ton. Wraybourne visits her manor house, invited by Jane's mother, to see if they would suit. He's enchanted by her and accepts to take her hand in marriage. Wraybourne is an easy going type of guy, although, don't fuck with him, he'll get extremely pissed. But he's always forgiving of crazy females.
Jane visits Wraybourne before their marriage to adjust to the ton life and finds it extremely overwhelming. She soon finds friendship with Wraybourne's sister. The two strike a devilish friendship and soon you are laughing out loud at the adventures, witty comments and stupidity, while all along her love and bond with Wraybourne grows.
I enjoyed this book.
I like when the characters I read about are attractive. I liked this book.
This book mainly focuses on Jane. Poor Jane was brought up blind to the ton. Wraybourne visits her manor house, invited by Jane's mother, to see if they would suit. He's enchanted by her and accepts to take her hand in marriage. Wraybourne is an easy going type of guy, although, don't fuck with him, he'll get extremely pissed. But he's always forgiving of crazy females.
Jane visits Wraybourne before their marriage to adjust to the ton life and finds it extremely overwhelming. She soon finds friendship with Wraybourne's sister. The two strike a devilish friendship and soon you are laughing out loud at the adventures, witty comments and stupidity, while all along her love and bond with Wraybourne grows.
I enjoyed this book.
August 26, 2011
I wanted to give this 4.5 stars, because it really was a wonderful book! I'm going to keep it on my bookshelf, for sure. The dynamic between Jane and David was adorable, and I loved to watch Jane grow throughout the book. The fact that they were betrothed without knowing anything about each other, but David just knew he would love her made it so sweet, especially when Jane thought so little of herself at first. There was a little intrigue, but that is where my half star got deducted. I didn't feel like it ended...dramatically enough? But maybe I'm more dramatic than most.
The best part? It was clean! I can actually recommend it to my friends without adding, "But you'll have to skip a lot of it..."
Love this book, and definitely recommend it to everyone!
The best part? It was clean! I can actually recommend it to my friends without adding, "But you'll have to skip a lot of it..."
Love this book, and definitely recommend it to everyone!
July 11, 2016
The match between Lord Wraybourne and Jane Sandiford was grist for the gossip-mill, except there wasn't anything interesting to say about it. Especially since no one in Society know Miss Sandiford. Then it is arranged that she will come-out with Wraybourne's sister Sophie. Jane and Sophie quickly become friends, but there are schemers who would prefer that the marriage not take place. In addition, at his uncle's urging, Wraybourne is investigating a mystery, even though it takes him away from his betrothed, just when he should be getting to know her.
This was the very first published Regency Romance by Jo Beverley, and includes excellent characterization, along with a believable plot, although some of the situations may strain credulity.
This was the very first published Regency Romance by Jo Beverley, and includes excellent characterization, along with a believable plot, although some of the situations may strain credulity.
February 3, 2020
A re~read. Well~written and still as Entertaining the first time I read it. It started off as a very conventional betrothal; love never featured into the equation. Nevertheless, David chose Jane, a country miss with a very strict upbringing, finding something in her that called to his intellect and his own brand of humor. Little did he know that his cursory piqued interest would soon blossom into love. As for Jane, David disturbs her in some unexplained way. Thus is the beginning of this convoluted courtship spiced up with the presence of a conniving sluttish chaperone conspiring with a penniless scoundrel, catching a villainous rapist misogynist, and an untried and naive heroine navigating the waters of the ton while meeting the other lovable characters.
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