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Adventurers' Club #2
A Lady's Guide to Improper Behavior
“Suzanne Enoch’s sparkling talent makes each book witty, romantic, and always an eagerly anticipated pleasure.”—Christina Dodd Adventure and heart-stopping romance go hand in hand in A Lady’s Guide to Improper Behavior, the second book in New York Times and USA Today bestseller Suzanne Enoch’s breathtaking Regency-set Adventurers Club series. This fun, emotional, sexy, and exciting story of a lady’s attempt to civilize a rogue by most improper means is a perfect example of the romantic storytelling mastery that has inspired superstar Julia Quinn to call Enoch, “One of my favorite authors.”
372 pages, ebook
First published April 27, 2010
81 people are currently reading
1575 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Enoch
101 books2,615 followersSuzanne was born in Southern California sometime in the latter half of the 20th century. In the way that some people are born knowing they want to be astronauts or cellists, Suzanne always knew she wanted to be a writer. Early dreams of becoming a zoologist and writing true stories about her adventures in Africa were crushed, however, after she viewed a television special about the world’s most poisonous snakes; she did NOT want to write about how she’d been bitten and lost a limb to a cobra. Thankfully at the same time the movie “Star Wars” premiered, and she realized that she could make up adventures and write about them, and not be eaten by deadly predators while doing research.
She dabbled in romantic fantasy writing for a year or two after graduating with a degree in English from the University of California, Irvine, until her affection for traditional Regency romances led her to write one for fun. After several encouraging rejections from publishers, she snared the interest of the world’s best and most patient literary agent, who advised her to revise the manuscript. This ultimately led to the publication of her first book, The Black Duke’s Prize, from Avon Books in the Spring of 1995. A second Regency, Angel’s Devil, followed that Fall.
When Avon folded its traditional Regency line, Suzanne was encouraged to try her hand at historical romance. As she remained keenly interested in England’s Regency period, she decided to attempt another manuscript set in that time. Lady Rogue hit the shelves in March of 1997. She wrote a total of 29 books for Avon, including two anthologies and a five-part contemporary series which received a pair of starred reviews from Publishers Weekly. One of those books, Twice the Temptation, was named one of the five best romances of the year by PW in 2007.
In 2002 her well-known love of all things “Star Wars” led to an invitation to appear on the E! channel in the television special “Star Wars: The Force Is Back”, where she discussed the romance in the movie series and ended up with more air time than George Lucas.
In 2010 Suzanne left Avon Books for St. Martin’s Press, where she continues to pen historical romance novels. Her 31st book, Taming an Impossible Rogue, is set to arrive in March 2012.
Suzanne is known for her humorous characters, sexy bad boys, and whip-sharp, witty dialogue. She currently resides in Placentia, California with several hundred guppies and various other tropical fish, and handful of very loud, spinach-loving finches. And her collection of action figures and statues from “Star Wars”, “Lord of the Rings”, “X-Men”, and “Pirates of the Caribbean”. Everybody needs some inspiration, after all.
www.facebook.com/SuzanneEnoch
She dabbled in romantic fantasy writing for a year or two after graduating with a degree in English from the University of California, Irvine, until her affection for traditional Regency romances led her to write one for fun. After several encouraging rejections from publishers, she snared the interest of the world’s best and most patient literary agent, who advised her to revise the manuscript. This ultimately led to the publication of her first book, The Black Duke’s Prize, from Avon Books in the Spring of 1995. A second Regency, Angel’s Devil, followed that Fall.
When Avon folded its traditional Regency line, Suzanne was encouraged to try her hand at historical romance. As she remained keenly interested in England’s Regency period, she decided to attempt another manuscript set in that time. Lady Rogue hit the shelves in March of 1997. She wrote a total of 29 books for Avon, including two anthologies and a five-part contemporary series which received a pair of starred reviews from Publishers Weekly. One of those books, Twice the Temptation, was named one of the five best romances of the year by PW in 2007.
In 2002 her well-known love of all things “Star Wars” led to an invitation to appear on the E! channel in the television special “Star Wars: The Force Is Back”, where she discussed the romance in the movie series and ended up with more air time than George Lucas.
In 2010 Suzanne left Avon Books for St. Martin’s Press, where she continues to pen historical romance novels. Her 31st book, Taming an Impossible Rogue, is set to arrive in March 2012.
Suzanne is known for her humorous characters, sexy bad boys, and whip-sharp, witty dialogue. She currently resides in Placentia, California with several hundred guppies and various other tropical fish, and handful of very loud, spinach-loving finches. And her collection of action figures and statues from “Star Wars”, “Lord of the Rings”, “X-Men”, and “Pirates of the Caribbean”. Everybody needs some inspiration, after all.
www.facebook.com/SuzanneEnoch
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
May 28, 2010
Déjà vu anyone ? Suzanne Enoch is an auto-buy for me but when I’ve already read the book the last thing I want to do it buy it again disguised as something new and that’s pretty much what she’s done with this story. It’s a recycled version of England's Perfect Hero only not as well-written and without the emotional punches you got via the hero. Now if you haven’t read "England’s Perfect Hero" then you may love this story because it’s good for the most part. Though it’s the second book in the Adventurers Club series it really can be read as a standalone. There’s a brief mention about the club and the Duke of Sommerset makes a few appearances but it’s not like you’re missing anything if you haven’t read book 1.
The book centers around Tess and Tolly (the guy’s name’s Bartholomew which is just as ‘unsexy’ as Tolly if you ask me) who don’t particularly like each other when they meet. He’s a boor with a closet full of secrets and she’s a social butterfly who takes it upon herself to act like the Miss Manners of her time. The only thing is that underneath her perfect exterior lies a wanna be “wanton” –too bad Enoch skimped on the steam scenes to show that :-/ She can normally write some very good sex scenes but it was almost like she couldn’t be bothered this time which was disappointing especially since the build-up to the steam was well-done. So the two meet off and on at various soirées and some good verbal sparring happens –reminded me of something along the lines of Loretta Chase’s Lord of Scoundrels but not as much quantity-wise, too bad too because there’s some stuff that you rarely see in a historical coming from the heroine. Tolly is suffering from a horrible leg wound that he got while on a mission of sorts for the East India Company. Towards the end the “bad guys” have got it in for him and the romance turns its focus there for the last bit of the book which I never like in a romance novel because it detracts from the h/h’s story and screams of filler. You can tell that the author ran out of things to say so she stuck in this overused, tired kind of ending. Predictable, unoriginal and boring. When I realized the direction that the book was going in I just wanted it to be finished so I could move on.
As for the writing style there is some great repartee between the two especially because the heroine remains strong and independent minded right to the end. She’s got a sharp tongue for every barb he throws at her. I didn’t particularly like the hero though. I never pictured him as a virile 28 year old but more so as an old geezer. He was missing something. He lacked that take control trait that Enoch’s heroes tend to have. Too many times he didn’t come across as sexy or powerful but more like someone who wanted to hide away which was understandable but again, not my kind of guy. This isn’t to say that he was weak but he wasn’t alpha enough for me, almost too down trodden and the heroine had the upper hand or they were on equal footing all the time. I like when it goes up and down between the h/h because it heightens the sexual tension between the characters more. The ending was really good and put a big ol’ smile on my face but that didn’t make up for the problem areas in the book.
So if you’ve read "England’s Perfect Hero" you may feel gypped with this story –I did when all was said and done. If you haven’t, it’s worth a lowish 4 star read.
I'm going to be generous and say that every author is entitled the odd dud once in a while so I'm impatiently waiting for her next installment in The Adventurers Club series –better be that hot babe the Duke of Sommerset’s story ;-)
The book centers around Tess and Tolly (the guy’s name’s Bartholomew which is just as ‘unsexy’ as Tolly if you ask me) who don’t particularly like each other when they meet. He’s a boor with a closet full of secrets and she’s a social butterfly who takes it upon herself to act like the Miss Manners of her time. The only thing is that underneath her perfect exterior lies a wanna be “wanton” –too bad Enoch skimped on the steam scenes to show that :-/ She can normally write some very good sex scenes but it was almost like she couldn’t be bothered this time which was disappointing especially since the build-up to the steam was well-done. So the two meet off and on at various soirées and some good verbal sparring happens –reminded me of something along the lines of Loretta Chase’s Lord of Scoundrels but not as much quantity-wise, too bad too because there’s some stuff that you rarely see in a historical coming from the heroine. Tolly is suffering from a horrible leg wound that he got while on a mission of sorts for the East India Company. Towards the end the “bad guys” have got it in for him and the romance turns its focus there for the last bit of the book which I never like in a romance novel because it detracts from the h/h’s story and screams of filler. You can tell that the author ran out of things to say so she stuck in this overused, tired kind of ending. Predictable, unoriginal and boring. When I realized the direction that the book was going in I just wanted it to be finished so I could move on.
As for the writing style there is some great repartee between the two especially because the heroine remains strong and independent minded right to the end. She’s got a sharp tongue for every barb he throws at her. I didn’t particularly like the hero though. I never pictured him as a virile 28 year old but more so as an old geezer. He was missing something. He lacked that take control trait that Enoch’s heroes tend to have. Too many times he didn’t come across as sexy or powerful but more like someone who wanted to hide away which was understandable but again, not my kind of guy. This isn’t to say that he was weak but he wasn’t alpha enough for me, almost too down trodden and the heroine had the upper hand or they were on equal footing all the time. I like when it goes up and down between the h/h because it heightens the sexual tension between the characters more. The ending was really good and put a big ol’ smile on my face but that didn’t make up for the problem areas in the book.
So if you’ve read "England’s Perfect Hero" you may feel gypped with this story –I did when all was said and done. If you haven’t, it’s worth a lowish 4 star read.
I'm going to be generous and say that every author is entitled the odd dud once in a while so I'm impatiently waiting for her next installment in The Adventurers Club series –better be that hot babe the Duke of Sommerset’s story ;-)
December 17, 2018
Más entretenida que la anterior, sus personajes me han gustado más.
Para pasar el rato.
Para pasar el rato.
dnf
May 14, 2018DNF 73 %
I've got shit to do and I'm really frustrated that finishing this book is on that list. I'm sure there are a lot of people who would just suffer through it, but as I said, my to-do list is just too long.
This book wasn't atrocious or anything, just kind of boring. I had a really hard time liking Tess, perhaps because her indecision regarding whether to stand by Tolly really killed the romance. I get it. The name of the book explains it all. She's obsessed with rules, and being with Tolly breaks a lot of them. I don't care, I hated that she spent half of the book deciding if he was worth the social ramifications. A realistic mindset in Regency England? Yes. But it made her love for him seem completely superficial. Tolly was 100% in the right and the fact that she even had to think about it kind of pissed me off. Even Tolly's sexy sarcasm and charisma couldn't make up for everything else.
As I said above, this was in no way a terrible book. The writing was fine and the banter was funny, it just didn't do it for me. I'm bored and I just don't feel like finishing this book.
I've got shit to do and I'm really frustrated that finishing this book is on that list. I'm sure there are a lot of people who would just suffer through it, but as I said, my to-do list is just too long.
This book wasn't atrocious or anything, just kind of boring. I had a really hard time liking Tess, perhaps because her indecision regarding whether to stand by Tolly really killed the romance. I get it. The name of the book explains it all. She's obsessed with rules, and being with Tolly breaks a lot of them. I don't care, I hated that she spent half of the book deciding if he was worth the social ramifications. A realistic mindset in Regency England? Yes. But it made her love for him seem completely superficial. Tolly was 100% in the right and the fact that she even had to think about it kind of pissed me off. Even Tolly's sexy sarcasm and charisma couldn't make up for everything else.
As I said above, this was in no way a terrible book. The writing was fine and the banter was funny, it just didn't do it for me. I'm bored and I just don't feel like finishing this book.
August 7, 2016
Suzanne Enoch definitely has a formula...and that is perfectly acceptable because I love it :) Enoch's formula goes something like this: 1) heroine is spunky/different and attracts the hero's attention almost immediately; 2) hero is scarred/injured/brooding in some way, but is drawn to the heroine like a moth to a flame; 3) there are typically no silly misunderstandings in the book but instead the hero and heroine unite early on which sets up the final ingredient; 4) there is a villain that the hero, heroine, and a host of fun secondary characters take on in order to achieve the happily ever after.
This formula worked for me in Something Sinful, The Care and Taming of a Rogue, Always a Scoundrel, and England's Perfect Hero...and it also worked here! See? I never seem to get tired of the plot line. Enoch changes up just enough that as long as I don't read these books one right after another, I highly enjoy them and you will too.
Bartholomew James, or Tolly, to friends and family (ugh...Enoch has too many nicknames for her characters...Tolly? Really?), has returned home with a ruined leg and a burning memory of the hellish experience that killed every soldier in his unit except him. He lives with the pain in his leg as penance for surviving when he should not have.
Theresa Weller is a queen of propriety, politeness, and all things tidy. She is the perfect social butterfly and has a posse of suitors that rivals any society diamond. She has refined this facade (and even written a book) as penance for a childhood action that resulted in tragedy. When she meets Bartholomew, she is appalled at his deplorable behavior, but also intrigued by a man who challenges her and sees the real her despite the cloak of propriety she wears.
Both characters have personality traits that are not likeable on their own, but they have enough redeeming qualities to keep them interesting and fun. Throughout the story, Tess and Tolly keep seeking each other out and despite their seemingly different masks they show to the world, discover that underneath it all, they are two very similar, wounded people. Both find themselves dropping their masks and embracing their true, better selves.
My favorite part is when Tess pokes fun at herself and her rules for proper behavior, as her love for Bartholomew causes her to throw all her preconceived notions of what she wants out of life clear out the window:
This was a fun read and one I enjoyed despite the familiar storyline. The characters were quirky and entertaining, and the attraction felt real. These characters were not perfect, but they were definitely perfect for each other.
I will be reading the final book in this series shortly...and continuing to hope that the Duke of Sommerset will one day get his book. He will be one sexy hero. For those who enjoy him, he has many memorable scenes here. At one point, when Tess is speaking to the duke about a dire situation, she thinks this:
YUM <3
This formula worked for me in Something Sinful, The Care and Taming of a Rogue, Always a Scoundrel, and England's Perfect Hero...and it also worked here! See? I never seem to get tired of the plot line. Enoch changes up just enough that as long as I don't read these books one right after another, I highly enjoy them and you will too.
Bartholomew James, or Tolly, to friends and family (ugh...Enoch has too many nicknames for her characters...Tolly? Really?), has returned home with a ruined leg and a burning memory of the hellish experience that killed every soldier in his unit except him. He lives with the pain in his leg as penance for surviving when he should not have.
Theresa Weller is a queen of propriety, politeness, and all things tidy. She is the perfect social butterfly and has a posse of suitors that rivals any society diamond. She has refined this facade (and even written a book) as penance for a childhood action that resulted in tragedy. When she meets Bartholomew, she is appalled at his deplorable behavior, but also intrigued by a man who challenges her and sees the real her despite the cloak of propriety she wears.
Both characters have personality traits that are not likeable on their own, but they have enough redeeming qualities to keep them interesting and fun. Throughout the story, Tess and Tolly keep seeking each other out and despite their seemingly different masks they show to the world, discover that underneath it all, they are two very similar, wounded people. Both find themselves dropping their masks and embracing their true, better selves.
My favorite part is when Tess pokes fun at herself and her rules for proper behavior, as her love for Bartholomew causes her to throw all her preconceived notions of what she wants out of life clear out the window:
And in the middle of it, her, the former princess of propriety, riding to the house of a bachelor duke in the company of three gentlemen and a valet.
This was a fun read and one I enjoyed despite the familiar storyline. The characters were quirky and entertaining, and the attraction felt real. These characters were not perfect, but they were definitely perfect for each other.
I will be reading the final book in this series shortly...and continuing to hope that the Duke of Sommerset will one day get his book. He will be one sexy hero. For those who enjoy him, he has many memorable scenes here. At one point, when Tess is speaking to the duke about a dire situation, she thinks this:
He didn't move, but she had the abrupt sensation that a great sleek panther had come awake.
YUM <3
August 29, 2011
Excerpt:
The Rules:
A lady should always make polite conversation . . .
Theresa Weller understands the rules of decorum, and is appalled when Colonel Bartholomew James disrupts a perfectly civilized dinner. This rude, insensitive man is the complete opposite of everything a gentleman should be—but with one searing kiss, Tess can think of no one else.
A lady should never lose her temper . . .
Aggravated beyond bearing by a man who speaks his mind, Tess wishes there was a guide to men like Bartholomew. Surely, with such an assortment of handsome, polite suitors to choose from, Tess should not ache for him.
And a lady should never pursue a gentleman.
She invites him on carriage rides and dares him to dance, and almost makes him want to return to Society. Bartholomew knows Tess wants to be seen as a proper miss, but deep down, he knows she is precisely the sort to spark his desire . . . A most improper lady.
REVIEW:
FIVE STARS all the way. Suzanne Enoch is the queen of writing tortured/wounded heroes as far as i'm concerned. *Bows down*. The book is so utterly good that i'm finding it troublesome to write this review because everything about it was just so perfect. I have nothing to complain about. The pacing of the romance was good. Tolly was *la sigh* and Theresa has to be one of my most favorite heroines of all time. I think the thing i really love about this story is that their romance rings true even thought it took part in over a short period of time.
After nearly being killed and left for dead by some Indian "Thuggie" Tolly comes back to England a wounded man in both body and mind. He wants nothing, but to be left alone. At the beginning he was determined to get that no matter how rude and how much he made people hated him. Theresa was the stickler for propriety at the beginning. That all ended with Tolly rubbed her the wrong way at dinner with her cousin (whom is married to Tolly's older brother) and she left it lose at him. This starts a battle of the wills between the two and an eventual friendship. This friendship later turns to love. The best part for me in the book was when Tolly got the operation on his knee, knowing he could possibly lose his leg, because he wanted to be able to dance with Theresa. I fell in love with him hard there. Then Theresa barging in on the surgery and helping the doctor... WOW. I could never do that. I would be with Tolly's brother, sister, and Amelia (Theresa's cousin) outside.
Another thing that i really loved about the book was the ending. You know Tolly and Amelia get's their "happily ever after" without it being all perfect. Tolly's reputation is still up in the air. The only thing is that people accept him enough to not shun him anymore. To me this was perfection since it wasn't a perfect ending. It was as close to real life as you can get. And i thank Suzanne for this.
Next up it's been confirmed that Bradshaw Carroway get's a book!! *squee*
Rating: 5 STARS. Perfect plot, characters, romance, and just everything *\^o^/*
The Rules:
A lady should always make polite conversation . . .
Theresa Weller understands the rules of decorum, and is appalled when Colonel Bartholomew James disrupts a perfectly civilized dinner. This rude, insensitive man is the complete opposite of everything a gentleman should be—but with one searing kiss, Tess can think of no one else.
A lady should never lose her temper . . .
Aggravated beyond bearing by a man who speaks his mind, Tess wishes there was a guide to men like Bartholomew. Surely, with such an assortment of handsome, polite suitors to choose from, Tess should not ache for him.
And a lady should never pursue a gentleman.
She invites him on carriage rides and dares him to dance, and almost makes him want to return to Society. Bartholomew knows Tess wants to be seen as a proper miss, but deep down, he knows she is precisely the sort to spark his desire . . . A most improper lady.
REVIEW:
FIVE STARS all the way. Suzanne Enoch is the queen of writing tortured/wounded heroes as far as i'm concerned. *Bows down*. The book is so utterly good that i'm finding it troublesome to write this review because everything about it was just so perfect. I have nothing to complain about. The pacing of the romance was good. Tolly was *la sigh* and Theresa has to be one of my most favorite heroines of all time. I think the thing i really love about this story is that their romance rings true even thought it took part in over a short period of time.
After nearly being killed and left for dead by some Indian "Thuggie" Tolly comes back to England a wounded man in both body and mind. He wants nothing, but to be left alone. At the beginning he was determined to get that no matter how rude and how much he made people hated him. Theresa was the stickler for propriety at the beginning. That all ended with Tolly rubbed her the wrong way at dinner with her cousin (whom is married to Tolly's older brother) and she left it lose at him. This starts a battle of the wills between the two and an eventual friendship. This friendship later turns to love. The best part for me in the book was when Tolly got the operation on his knee, knowing he could possibly lose his leg, because he wanted to be able to dance with Theresa. I fell in love with him hard there. Then Theresa barging in on the surgery and helping the doctor... WOW. I could never do that. I would be with Tolly's brother, sister, and Amelia (Theresa's cousin) outside.
Another thing that i really loved about the book was the ending. You know Tolly and Amelia get's their "happily ever after" without it being all perfect. Tolly's reputation is still up in the air. The only thing is that people accept him enough to not shun him anymore. To me this was perfection since it wasn't a perfect ending. It was as close to real life as you can get. And i thank Suzanne for this.
Next up it's been confirmed that Bradshaw Carroway get's a book!! *squee*
Rating: 5 STARS. Perfect plot, characters, romance, and just everything *\^o^/*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2010
Advice you won't find in 'A Lady's Guide to Proper Behavior':
1)Strongly berate someone at dinner while you're a guest in his brother's house
2) Tell a disabled man that he must ask you to dance
3) Kiss the disabled man on the stairs of his house after you've grabbed his cane & caused him to stumble
4) Enter a bachelor's bedroom while said bachelor is in his bed
I'm a sucker for stories about wounded and emotionally tortured heroes, so I was strongly disposed to like Bartholomew. I initially thought Tess was a proper snob - she did write and live her guide to proper behavior - but when I learned why she was so coldly and meticulously proper, I wanted to cry for her as well. And then of course, she started breaking her own rules with Tolly (see above advice). This was not an especially strong 5* read, but I was so impressed with what each did for the other that I couldn't rate it lower. And I look forward to more of the Adventurers' Club.
1)Strongly berate someone at dinner while you're a guest in his brother's house
2) Tell a disabled man that he must ask you to dance
3) Kiss the disabled man on the stairs of his house after you've grabbed his cane & caused him to stumble
4) Enter a bachelor's bedroom while said bachelor is in his bed
I'm a sucker for stories about wounded and emotionally tortured heroes, so I was strongly disposed to like Bartholomew. I initially thought Tess was a proper snob - she did write and live her guide to proper behavior - but when I learned why she was so coldly and meticulously proper, I wanted to cry for her as well. And then of course, she started breaking her own rules with Tolly (see above advice). This was not an especially strong 5* read, but I was so impressed with what each did for the other that I couldn't rate it lower. And I look forward to more of the Adventurers' Club.
September 27, 2017
“A young lady should be sensible and serene,
and if lucky will find herself attended by a man of similar temperament.
If she is very lucky,
he will also be possessed of passion and wealth.
But of the three, I must rank passion last.
Passion does not pay the bills.”
A LADY’S GUIDE TO PROPER BEHAVIOR
September 18, 2010
This is one of those romances where I am really fond of the hero but as a book there are some things that are just "off" and it never completely clicks with me.
Tolly is a man recently back from India damaged and traumatized, both physically and mentally. A native renegade group called the Thugee pretended to befriend Tolly's group. It ends in tragedy when Tolly's group and all fifteen men are ambushed, murdered, and thrown down a well. Tolly, left for dead is the only survivor and returns to England guilty about the deaths he feels responsible for and with a bum leg.
The heroine is a woman obsessed with rules. After Tolly comes home proper manners is the least of his concerns. He's rude and blunt and the couple find an attraction. The East India Trading Complany releases a statement that the Thugee don't exist (there existence is bad for investors) and Tolly is in the middle of a scandal.
The book is very well written but there are somethings I just don't like. I love Tolly as a hero, but don't really feel an attraction for the heroine other than physical. I never felt like he really needed her. The book was well written but I felt that the main conflict was between Tolly and the East India Trading Company, not the relationship.
Still, it's well written. It's my first Suzanne Enoch book and I want to try some more from her.
Tolly is a man recently back from India damaged and traumatized, both physically and mentally. A native renegade group called the Thugee pretended to befriend Tolly's group. It ends in tragedy when Tolly's group and all fifteen men are ambushed, murdered, and thrown down a well. Tolly, left for dead is the only survivor and returns to England guilty about the deaths he feels responsible for and with a bum leg.
The heroine is a woman obsessed with rules. After Tolly comes home proper manners is the least of his concerns. He's rude and blunt and the couple find an attraction. The East India Trading Complany releases a statement that the Thugee don't exist (there existence is bad for investors) and Tolly is in the middle of a scandal.
The book is very well written but there are somethings I just don't like. I love Tolly as a hero, but don't really feel an attraction for the heroine other than physical. I never felt like he really needed her. The book was well written but I felt that the main conflict was between Tolly and the East India Trading Company, not the relationship.
Still, it's well written. It's my first Suzanne Enoch book and I want to try some more from her.
June 26, 2022
This was really close to getting a five star from me! And it had such similar strengths to the first one that I’m wondering if this is Suzanne Enoch’s ‘thing.’ If so, I’m not mad about it 🥰
The characters were really interesting, again! I loved the FMC because she was so unique for a romance heroine. With double-digit marriage proposals already turned down, a bevy of suitors, plus a ton of friends, Theresa was one of the popular kids and she knew it. She was such an interesting mix of intelligent, empathetic, concerned with her reputation, with a hint of superficiality—I was basically picturing a regency-era Taylor Swift.
And of course, it was our caustic hero Tolly who she was interested in. He was a really well-conceived character too; a very specific kind of injured war vet, the best comparison I can make (and it’s so random that it’ll make sense to almost no one but iykyk) is N’dek from Devi’s Distraction by Ruby Dixon. The athletic go-getter guy who’s a bit intense, quiet and broody, admirable and likable, but actively trying to drive away everyone around him—he was such a vibe!
And like the first book, I loved all the warm-hearted family and friend relationships. And the plot had a chill, almost Jane Austen-y, quality to it. That said, I think this chill plot made the book feel put-down-able in my current mood. There wasn’t any angst or stress pushing me to read for the resolution and my mid-summer overheated brain is very distractible right now 🙃
I’m looking forward to reading the next book! And now my mood reading brain knows exactly where to classify Suzanne Enoch. Sometimes this is exactly what I want—a low-angst, character driven, Jane Austen vibes romance with good world building, a compatible couple, and heart-warming friend and family relationships. This book was everything I wish Tessa Dare books were and I’m so happy I started reading from this author!
The characters were really interesting, again! I loved the FMC because she was so unique for a romance heroine. With double-digit marriage proposals already turned down, a bevy of suitors, plus a ton of friends, Theresa was one of the popular kids and she knew it. She was such an interesting mix of intelligent, empathetic, concerned with her reputation, with a hint of superficiality—I was basically picturing a regency-era Taylor Swift.
And of course, it was our caustic hero Tolly who she was interested in. He was a really well-conceived character too; a very specific kind of injured war vet, the best comparison I can make (and it’s so random that it’ll make sense to almost no one but iykyk) is N’dek from Devi’s Distraction by Ruby Dixon. The athletic go-getter guy who’s a bit intense, quiet and broody, admirable and likable, but actively trying to drive away everyone around him—he was such a vibe!
And like the first book, I loved all the warm-hearted family and friend relationships. And the plot had a chill, almost Jane Austen-y, quality to it. That said, I think this chill plot made the book feel put-down-able in my current mood. There wasn’t any angst or stress pushing me to read for the resolution and my mid-summer overheated brain is very distractible right now 🙃
I’m looking forward to reading the next book! And now my mood reading brain knows exactly where to classify Suzanne Enoch. Sometimes this is exactly what I want—a low-angst, character driven, Jane Austen vibes romance with good world building, a compatible couple, and heart-warming friend and family relationships. This book was everything I wish Tessa Dare books were and I’m so happy I started reading from this author!
July 10, 2023
Ik heb de Nederlands talige uitgave gelezen : Onfatsoenlijke kussen - Candlelight Historische roman 930 .
Dit verhaal had te veel opvul blablabla en was op bepaalde punten heel erg ongeloofwaardig .
Dit verhaal had te veel opvul blablabla en was op bepaalde punten heel erg ongeloofwaardig .
July 15, 2010
What a delightful book this was to read! 4 stars!!
I just love a brooding hero that scowls and has a temper, and this book's hero is just that! He is an injured war hero who has all but given up on life until he meets the heroine of the story who gives him the will to fight for his life! She sparks his temper and ignites his passions. He makes her want to do all sorts of things a proper lady shouldn't be doing.
I really enjoyed reading about their story; it was sweet and touching and I can't wait to see what Ms. Enoch comes up with next! :)
I just love a brooding hero that scowls and has a temper, and this book's hero is just that! He is an injured war hero who has all but given up on life until he meets the heroine of the story who gives him the will to fight for his life! She sparks his temper and ignites his passions. He makes her want to do all sorts of things a proper lady shouldn't be doing.
I really enjoyed reading about their story; it was sweet and touching and I can't wait to see what Ms. Enoch comes up with next! :)
May 31, 2016
Reseña en mi BookTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3n0X...
May 9, 2010
(you may remember ColonelJames from the book The Care and Taming of a Rogue) Theresa Weller at first bugged me but when i found out that she had a whole different side to her, i completely changed my mind. She was just trying to stop scandalous things from happening around her...until she meets Colonel Bartholomew James. A wounded soldier with fowl temper trying to stay away from everything he onced loved. But once a dinner party goes wrong both Tess and Tolly find themselves in a situation that neither thought possible.
The excitment of this book is thrilling and Tolly is once brave, handsome, ungenltmany man around and Tess is for sure not the girl everyone thinks her to be. I cant wait for the next book...hopefully there will be one (I'm hoping its about the Duke of Sommerset.)
The excitment of this book is thrilling and Tolly is once brave, handsome, ungenltmany man around and Tess is for sure not the girl everyone thinks her to be. I cant wait for the next book...hopefully there will be one (I'm hoping its about the Duke of Sommerset.)
August 24, 2016
This wasn't a bad romance but I found the romance scenes a bit passionless and forced sounding. I found the heroine a little annoying with her constant hesitation about whether or not she should do something because it might be seen to be improper. I recommend romance readers try other Suzanne Enoch books instead of this one, which I found to be a bit below par for her.
March 28, 2018
her idea of being proper, pleasant and polite, not to act out so that nothing "bad" would happen was very real to me. it was a lesson I wasn't expecting out of this book.
"Damnation. You see? I can curse, too. It's only that I choose not to do so because it's terribly lowbrow."
"Damnation. You see? I can curse, too. It's only that I choose not to do so because it's terribly lowbrow."
November 25, 2015
Loved the fact that these two were so blunt and honest about their attraction to each other with none of the usual romantic misunderstandings. Refreshing.
June 29, 2016
I'm sorry. I just woke up from the long nap that was this book.
April 25, 2019
Ok, so, before, you must know that I have a soft spot for tortured war heros. If he limps, Im done for good. Thats exactly the case here: I was hopelessly in love with Tolly from the start. The book is lovely, the plot was better than the first to me and the couple was so good. Colonel Bartholomew James was wounded and almost murdered in India and now that he is back in London he just wanted to be left alone. Thank God that he didnt or he wouldnt have met the lovely Theresa. Tess is the perfect lady, but he makes her loose her temper at the first dinner they almost shared with his family. The sparks flies from the start and it was really cool to see Tolly melt away. At first he was grumpy and sullen and rude. Then, bit by bit, he became more human, more alive. Its so sweet! And with Theresa something happened too and its funny to see the always proper lady to behave "bad". She goes from a porcelain doll to a very human woman. I just loved it! And the end was good even if a bit rushed - all the tension bit happened in the last chapter or so. But I'm starting to notice that this is common in Enoch's books and thats fine lol.
January 26, 2018
4 stars.
Another enjoyable installment to the Adventurers' Club.
As the last survivor of a massacre in India, Tolly came back to London under a cloud and severely injured. The East India Company wanted to dispel all rumors of travelers being killed so as not to impact their profits and published a report in the London Times that implied he's a liar.
Tess is the cousin of Tolly's sister-in-law and has written a guidebook for proper behavior, believing that it was her improper conduct as a child that killed her parents. Since then, she has been a pattern of proper behavior.
But the minute proper Tess met the sullen Tolly, she started ignoring her own advice. What follows is a story of two emotionally scarred people finding their second chance at living.
A recurring character is the founder of the Adventurers' Club, the Duke of Sommerset, Nicholas Ainsley...hmmmm..... I hope we get to read his story soon!
Another enjoyable installment to the Adventurers' Club.
As the last survivor of a massacre in India, Tolly came back to London under a cloud and severely injured. The East India Company wanted to dispel all rumors of travelers being killed so as not to impact their profits and published a report in the London Times that implied he's a liar.
Tess is the cousin of Tolly's sister-in-law and has written a guidebook for proper behavior, believing that it was her improper conduct as a child that killed her parents. Since then, she has been a pattern of proper behavior.
But the minute proper Tess met the sullen Tolly, she started ignoring her own advice. What follows is a story of two emotionally scarred people finding their second chance at living.
A recurring character is the founder of the Adventurers' Club, the Duke of Sommerset, Nicholas Ainsley...hmmmm..... I hope we get to read his story soon!
June 3, 2017
The worst thing about this book is that I don't have the next in the series. This is the story of a prim and proper miss - an expert at primness and propriety, in fact, seeing as she's written the guide - who almost inadvertently tackles a broken hero. Along the way to their happy ending they discover they've more in common than they or society in general would have imagined. I enjoyed this story and appreciated both the heroine and the hero. A very good read - too bad I don't have the next (yet)!
January 5, 2021
Me encanto
September 7, 2022
4,5 ✴ Intriga, amor y humor.
January 1, 2011
SE is a NTM author and if this is what I can expect it won't be the last. Col. Bartholomew "Tolly" James is back from a nightmare in India. He now has a busted leg, a bad attitude, needs a shave and a haircut. But when the proper Theresa Weller catches sight of the tall man all she sees is gold eyes and shaggy russet hair that she has to sit on her hands to keep from running her hands through.
When these two meet the sparks immediately began to fly, but they are also as mismatched as they come. Theresa has wrote a book on a ladies decorum and behavior. Once Tolly gets is hands on Tess, he is thinking that she should be reading a different kind of book, one with pictures. ;-)
But Tess holds a secret that keeps her in line and out of Tully's arms. Tully himself is struggling with his own demons, as men that he thought as friends start denouncing his situation in India something that he made up to save face.
Tess then has to make a choice does she stand behind her cold rules of behavior or does she take door number two that has the man, the love and her heart. oh and the funny valet Lackaby as a throw in.) Very, good story and easy to fall into.
When these two meet the sparks immediately began to fly, but they are also as mismatched as they come. Theresa has wrote a book on a ladies decorum and behavior. Once Tolly gets is hands on Tess, he is thinking that she should be reading a different kind of book, one with pictures. ;-)
But Tess holds a secret that keeps her in line and out of Tully's arms. Tully himself is struggling with his own demons, as men that he thought as friends start denouncing his situation in India something that he made up to save face.
Tess then has to make a choice does she stand behind her cold rules of behavior or does she take door number two that has the man, the love and her heart. oh and the funny valet Lackaby as a throw in.) Very, good story and easy to fall into.
September 13, 2014
This was just so fun! And different.
Theresa is a proper lady and does everything right. She even wrote a book about it. Now she does sound dull, but trust me she is not. She meets Tolly and throws caution to the wind. She pursues him, a lady should not pursue a gentleman. She does everything she should not do, and I loved her for it. You go girl!
Tolly is one of those brooding heroes. But he has a reason. Everyone in his company was killed and he was left for dead. Now he has a leg that is practically falling of, he is very close to losing it. He is bitter, angry and the last thing he needs is some happy chit telling him what to do. But who can resist sunshine after thunder. He starts to fall for her.
They were so perfect together. Grumpy and Happy. And finally a hero who has a real reason to be sullen.
One thing though, we meet someone in this book, the Duke of Sommerset, and when I finished this book I had to check but sad! He has no book! It was even a FAQ on her webpage, so fingers crossed for him getting a book one day.
Back to our happy couple, because they will get their HEA and I am happy. Really enjoyable.
Theresa is a proper lady and does everything right. She even wrote a book about it. Now she does sound dull, but trust me she is not. She meets Tolly and throws caution to the wind. She pursues him, a lady should not pursue a gentleman. She does everything she should not do, and I loved her for it. You go girl!
Tolly is one of those brooding heroes. But he has a reason. Everyone in his company was killed and he was left for dead. Now he has a leg that is practically falling of, he is very close to losing it. He is bitter, angry and the last thing he needs is some happy chit telling him what to do. But who can resist sunshine after thunder. He starts to fall for her.
They were so perfect together. Grumpy and Happy. And finally a hero who has a real reason to be sullen.
One thing though, we meet someone in this book, the Duke of Sommerset, and when I finished this book I had to check but sad! He has no book! It was even a FAQ on her webpage, so fingers crossed for him getting a book one day.
Back to our happy couple, because they will get their HEA and I am happy. Really enjoyable.
September 20, 2015
Tess, é um dama refinada que já publicou um livro sobre as regras do bom comportamento. Ela procura não se envolver em algo que comprometa sua reputação de boa moça. Ao conhecer o cunhado de sua prima, vai perceber que não é tão fácil manter afastada do escândalo, pois Bartholomew James, é um homem rude, insensível e mal educado, que lhe provoca sentimentos aos quais não está acostumada. Logo descobre que ele sobreviveu a um ataque cruel de estranguladores na Índia e retornou a Londres, aleijado de uma perna que doe constantemente tornando-o mais irascível. A atitude desafiante dela irá tirá-lo do mundo sombrio em que vivia. De repente seu corpo cobra vida. Tess que está sempre rodeada de admiradores,mas nenhum consegue alterá-la como James faz. Mas quando o escândalo o atinge , se acovarda e tenta se afastar e com o decorrer da história se conhece a razão pela qual ela é tão apegada aos bons costumes.
Um história romântica e com cenas ardentes, com personagens interessantes como a avó, uma senhora adorável e seus gatos, entre outros.
Um história romântica e com cenas ardentes, com personagens interessantes como a avó, uma senhora adorável e seus gatos, entre outros.
July 3, 2010
I liked this book. Col Bartholomew James (Tolly) was injured and back from India. He no longer wanted to live, much less be socialable. He barely wanted to be around his beloved siblings. All this was about to change when Theresa Weller (Tessa also known as the Sun) walked into his world. Tessa was proper, and stayed away from any improprieties, until Tolly.
I loved both of the characters and how Suzanne Enoch developed their relationship through the book. It didn't take long for both characters to know what they felt for one another and that it was a once in a lifetime feeling. You could say they each saved each other from themselves.
I also liked all the supporting characters. Is there a book for Lord Ainsley the Duke of Sommerset or Michael, Viscount Weller or Alexander the Great (Alexander Rable) the Marquis of Montrose. Lackaby was great as Tolly's valet.
I loved both of the characters and how Suzanne Enoch developed their relationship through the book. It didn't take long for both characters to know what they felt for one another and that it was a once in a lifetime feeling. You could say they each saved each other from themselves.
I also liked all the supporting characters. Is there a book for Lord Ainsley the Duke of Sommerset or Michael, Viscount Weller or Alexander the Great (Alexander Rable) the Marquis of Montrose. Lackaby was great as Tolly's valet.
July 28, 2012
I love Suzanne Enoch's books and literary style! This book is witty and full of humorous dialogue.The hero is a wounded soldier, both physically and spiritually, back from India.The lone survivor of a brutal attack by Thuggee, he is full of guilt and anger. Because of the venal greed and corruption of the East India Company, rumors are spread of his cowardice and he is accused of lying to excuse the deaths of his men. When he meets the heroine, his anger leads him to insult her! The toast of the season, she is infuriated and yet intrigued by the pain she detects in his eyes.Both characters are more complex than they first appear and endearingly form a tender friendship that grows into respect and love.Another exquisite romance that I will enjoy reading over and over!
January 7, 2011
Sadly, this book is rather lackluster. Someone already mentioned that this book is rather vanilla and I tend to agree. It just feels like SE kinda phoned it in. Scarred hero. Check. Beautiful 'spunky' heroine. Check. Clever banter (or at least attempt it). Check. Premarital sex (and when they finally do the deed I was like...wait? you are inserting a sex here? It felt really forced.) Check. Danger. Check. End (and I was going... ummm...that's the end? really?) It's not a bad book but I kept waiting for it get better and it never did. Skip it and go read (or reread) England's Perfect Hero which is wayyyyy more interesting.
September 4, 2012
Interesting read with a strong female character and a tortured hero. I liked the way they interacted together, she outgoing and he a bit surprised by it all but eventually getting won over by her sparkling personality, generosity and love.
A lot of the characters muttered 'Mmm-hmm' at one time or other and I found it very distracting.
I also thought the Thuggee stuff slowed the pace of the book down. I didn't find it all that compelling nor interesting especially when Tolly brought in all these other guys to mill over who was in his camp and who wasn't and their game plan. And after it was all said and done, .
A lot of the characters muttered 'Mmm-hmm' at one time or other and I found it very distracting.
I also thought the Thuggee stuff slowed the pace of the book down. I didn't find it all that compelling nor interesting especially when Tolly brought in all these other guys to mill over who was in his camp and who wasn't and their game plan. And after it was all said and done, .
July 17, 2014
I seriously don't know why it took me this long to read this book it been sitting in my TR forever ><
It's not great or amazing... No No No IT'S BEYOND that it touched me so very deeply in a way that never happened before I don't know how to describe it!!!!
"Tolly" part of me will always belong to you and "Tess" dear, sweet and strong Tess I really really wish I could at least meet you.
I don't want to put spoilers in my review so, I'm ont saying more then I'm totally in love with this book and the characters and everyone out there who haven't read this you're missing a lot go grab the nearest copy and read it. ♥♡♥♡♥
It's not great or amazing... No No No IT'S BEYOND that it touched me so very deeply in a way that never happened before I don't know how to describe it!!!!
"Tolly" part of me will always belong to you and "Tess" dear, sweet and strong Tess I really really wish I could at least meet you.
I don't want to put spoilers in my review so, I'm ont saying more then I'm totally in love with this book and the characters and everyone out there who haven't read this you're missing a lot go grab the nearest copy and read it. ♥♡♥♡♥
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