What do you think?
Daughtry Family #3
How to Beguile a Beauty
His head tells him he shouldn't have her, but his heart...Tanner Blake, Duke of Malvern, promised his dying friend he'd take care of his true love. So how dare he covet the gentle blonde beauty for himself? His solution: find Lydia a suitable husband immediately. Lady Lydia Daughtry's thirst for books far outweighs any desire to entertain gentlemen callers. Especially those chosen by the one man she never wanted to see again. Several rejected suitors later, Lydia still hasn't found her beloved...but he may just be closer than she thinks!
368 pages, Paperback
First published May 25, 2010
About the author
Kasey Michaels
307 books542 followersKasey Michaels is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 100 books (she doesn't count them). Kasey has received three coveted Starred Reviews from Publishers Weekly, two for the historical romances, THE SECRETS OF THE HEART and THE BUTLER DID IT, and a third for contemporary romance LOVE TO LOVE YOU BABY (that shows diversity, you see). She is a recipient of the RITA, a Waldenbooks and Bookrak Bestseller award, and many awards from Romantic Times magazine, including a Career Achievement award for her Regency era historical romances. She is an Honor Roll author in Romance Writers of America, Inc. (RWA)
Kasey has appeared on the TODAY show, and was the subject of a Lifetime Cable TV show "A Better Way," in conjunction with Good Housekeeping magazine, a program devoted to women and how they have achieved career success in the midst of motherhood (short version: "with great difficulty").
A highly praised nonfiction book, written as Kathryn Seidick, "...OR YOU CAN LET HIM GO," details the story of Kasey and her family during the time of her eldest son's first kidney transplant.
Kasey has written Regency romances, Regency historicals, category books including novellas and continuities and a few series "launch" books, and single title contemporaries. She has coped with time travel, ghosts, trilogies, the dark side, the very light side, and just about everything in between. Hers is also the twisted mind behind her ongoing Maggie Kelly mystery series starring a former romance writer turned historical mystery writer whose gorgeous hunk of a fictional hero shows up, live and in color, in her Manhattan living room – to melt her knees, to help her solve murders, and to leave the top off her toothpaste. And, says Kasey, she's just getting started!
Series:
* His Chariot Awaits
* Lion On the Prowl
* Crown Family
* London Friends
* Chandlers Request
* The Trehan Brothers
* Maggie Kelly Mystery
* Romney Marsh
* Sunshine Girls
Kasey has appeared on the TODAY show, and was the subject of a Lifetime Cable TV show "A Better Way," in conjunction with Good Housekeeping magazine, a program devoted to women and how they have achieved career success in the midst of motherhood (short version: "with great difficulty").
A highly praised nonfiction book, written as Kathryn Seidick, "...OR YOU CAN LET HIM GO," details the story of Kasey and her family during the time of her eldest son's first kidney transplant.
Kasey has written Regency romances, Regency historicals, category books including novellas and continuities and a few series "launch" books, and single title contemporaries. She has coped with time travel, ghosts, trilogies, the dark side, the very light side, and just about everything in between. Hers is also the twisted mind behind her ongoing Maggie Kelly mystery series starring a former romance writer turned historical mystery writer whose gorgeous hunk of a fictional hero shows up, live and in color, in her Manhattan living room – to melt her knees, to help her solve murders, and to leave the top off her toothpaste. And, says Kasey, she's just getting started!
Series:
* His Chariot Awaits
* Lion On the Prowl
* Crown Family
* London Friends
* Chandlers Request
* The Trehan Brothers
* Maggie Kelly Mystery
* Romney Marsh
* Sunshine Girls
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
April 10, 2022
2.7 stars
June 24, 2010
This book was just a mild, lukewarm romance.
I had looked forward to seeing Lydia come out of her shell, especially after her twin's book How To Tame a Lady. I hated Nicole (Lydia's spoiled selfish twin). I was prepared to love seeing Lydia sprout her wings and emerge a butterfly, but the few times she became more vocal or impassioned fell flat for me.
I liked our hero, but I got sick of the "I'll be her friend til she needs something more from me" routine. It's been a year and 3 books. She needs a man. When he got his buddy Justin to give him some healthy competition, I thought that the book would get interesting, but it didn't do much more than have lots of banter, and conversations.
I felt Lydia was very teenagerish in her mentality. She's always been the intelligent bookish girl who is flat out gorgeous but pales next to her vivacious twin. Well, her twin's out of the picture, so where was the new Lydia? She had the whole "Does he like me? Or does he think of me as a friend. Am I just an obligation to him? But does he like like me? Or maybe I should pretend to like Justin to throw everybody off the trail?"
It got old. I'm not a teenager, and this isn't young adult lit.
I did enjoy the plot and the idiotic cousin. The mystery of the paste jewels was good and added a bit more to the intrigue.
I give it 2.5 stars because the writing is good and by 3 books I know the characters by now. But I might have to "break up" with this series since the past 2 have fallen flat.
I had looked forward to seeing Lydia come out of her shell, especially after her twin's book How To Tame a Lady. I hated Nicole (Lydia's spoiled selfish twin). I was prepared to love seeing Lydia sprout her wings and emerge a butterfly, but the few times she became more vocal or impassioned fell flat for me.
I liked our hero, but I got sick of the "I'll be her friend til she needs something more from me" routine. It's been a year and 3 books. She needs a man. When he got his buddy Justin to give him some healthy competition, I thought that the book would get interesting, but it didn't do much more than have lots of banter, and conversations.
I felt Lydia was very teenagerish in her mentality. She's always been the intelligent bookish girl who is flat out gorgeous but pales next to her vivacious twin. Well, her twin's out of the picture, so where was the new Lydia? She had the whole "Does he like me? Or does he think of me as a friend. Am I just an obligation to him? But does he like like me? Or maybe I should pretend to like Justin to throw everybody off the trail?"
It got old. I'm not a teenager, and this isn't young adult lit.
I did enjoy the plot and the idiotic cousin. The mystery of the paste jewels was good and added a bit more to the intrigue.
I give it 2.5 stars because the writing is good and by 3 books I know the characters by now. But I might have to "break up" with this series since the past 2 have fallen flat.
January 22, 2019
Nefes Nefese (Daughtry Family #3)
Kasey Michaels,
Bir serinin daha sonuna geldim. Beklediğim gibi bir kitaptı başta onu söyleyeyim. Romantik ve sıcak
Kitaplar içinde geçen onca zamana romantiklik ve uysallık barındıran Lady Lydia hak ettiği aşkı buldu. Ve Malvern Dükü Tanner Blake iyilik perisi misali hayatında yerini aldı. Tek şaşırtıcı taraf sonuydu😉 şimdi yeni serilere geçme zamanı
Kasey Michaels,
Bir serinin daha sonuna geldim. Beklediğim gibi bir kitaptı başta onu söyleyeyim. Romantik ve sıcak
Kitaplar içinde geçen onca zamana romantiklik ve uysallık barındıran Lady Lydia hak ettiği aşkı buldu. Ve Malvern Dükü Tanner Blake iyilik perisi misali hayatında yerini aldı. Tek şaşırtıcı taraf sonuydu😉 şimdi yeni serilere geçme zamanı
October 30, 2017
leído en Mayo 2011
September 10, 2010
I don't think I've ever read a Kasey Michaels historical before. I do know that I read one of her contemporary romances, ages ago and loved it. It was Catch Me if You Can. I loved that book, I think I even had pages highlighted and notes in the margin. Then the sequel to that book came out and I didn't like it so I never picked up another title by her.
So, I forgot how much I loved her books. I forgot how funny they were, how quickly you get sucked into the situation and the characters. As I read HOW TO BEGUILE A BEAUTY, I spent half that time berating myself for not having read more of her books. Especially as this is the third book in the series. The first two books dealt with her twin sister and older brother. However, I didn't feel as if I was missing anything major by not reading the earlier books; I just felt that I missed out on some darn good reading.
At first I wasn't sure I was going to like HOW TO BEGUILE A BEAUTY. Lydia, the heroine, seemed to be boring, not really letting life happen to her, but sitting back just allowing others dictate her actions. But as I kept reading, I realized Lydia wasn't boring . . . she was my mother.
Weird I know, but let me explain. My mother is the type of person who is quiet, let's others push her around, but when you push her too far her head spins around and you're like WTF . . .. It doesn't happen often. I can probably count the number of times, my mother has actually been pushed to her limits. Like, when my 5'4 inch mother nearly beat down my cousins 6'4 boyfriend when he dared to address my cousin in a manner she didn’t approve of. Then there was the time her annoying teenager daughter was sassing her bad and the teenage daughter all of a sudden saw her glasses flying across the living room as her mother slapped the crap out of her. . . . Umm, maybe I shouldn't have mentioned that one! LOL!
Umm, back to my review.
Lydia is an interesting and dynamic. She was defiantly the star of HOW TO BEGUILE A BEAUTY. I loved how all of her layers were slowly peeled away so the reader and Tanner (the hero) can see her true strength of character. I loved the fact that this journey. Because the strength of HOW TO BEGUILE A BEAUTY and Ms. Michaels writing is in its characters, the journey was never boring. Another strength of HOW TO BEGUILE A BEAUTY is its humor. The story is funny, but it's not over the top. Its humor is layered in beautifully with the characters and how they view the world.
If HOW TO BEGUILE A BEAUTY's strength is in its characters and the humor, it's weakness is its suspense and the rushed ending that didn't seem as fleshed out and flow as smoothly as the rest of the novel. The ending of HOW TO BEGUILE A BEAUTY was choppy and felt as scenes were being skipped over in a rush to get to the end of the book. Even with that, and even though the minor suspense part was laughable in its predictability, I couldn't stop turning the pages and I never once stopped to consider putting the book down for later. It was because the characters were so compelling.
Now I'm interested in going through Ms. Michaels back list and finding out what she's been up to over the years.
So, I forgot how much I loved her books. I forgot how funny they were, how quickly you get sucked into the situation and the characters. As I read HOW TO BEGUILE A BEAUTY, I spent half that time berating myself for not having read more of her books. Especially as this is the third book in the series. The first two books dealt with her twin sister and older brother. However, I didn't feel as if I was missing anything major by not reading the earlier books; I just felt that I missed out on some darn good reading.
At first I wasn't sure I was going to like HOW TO BEGUILE A BEAUTY. Lydia, the heroine, seemed to be boring, not really letting life happen to her, but sitting back just allowing others dictate her actions. But as I kept reading, I realized Lydia wasn't boring . . . she was my mother.
Weird I know, but let me explain. My mother is the type of person who is quiet, let's others push her around, but when you push her too far her head spins around and you're like WTF . . .. It doesn't happen often. I can probably count the number of times, my mother has actually been pushed to her limits. Like, when my 5'4 inch mother nearly beat down my cousins 6'4 boyfriend when he dared to address my cousin in a manner she didn’t approve of. Then there was the time her annoying teenager daughter was sassing her bad and the teenage daughter all of a sudden saw her glasses flying across the living room as her mother slapped the crap out of her. . . . Umm, maybe I shouldn't have mentioned that one! LOL!
Umm, back to my review.
Lydia is an interesting and dynamic. She was defiantly the star of HOW TO BEGUILE A BEAUTY. I loved how all of her layers were slowly peeled away so the reader and Tanner (the hero) can see her true strength of character. I loved the fact that this journey. Because the strength of HOW TO BEGUILE A BEAUTY and Ms. Michaels writing is in its characters, the journey was never boring. Another strength of HOW TO BEGUILE A BEAUTY is its humor. The story is funny, but it's not over the top. Its humor is layered in beautifully with the characters and how they view the world.
If HOW TO BEGUILE A BEAUTY's strength is in its characters and the humor, it's weakness is its suspense and the rushed ending that didn't seem as fleshed out and flow as smoothly as the rest of the novel. The ending of HOW TO BEGUILE A BEAUTY was choppy and felt as scenes were being skipped over in a rush to get to the end of the book. Even with that, and even though the minor suspense part was laughable in its predictability, I couldn't stop turning the pages and I never once stopped to consider putting the book down for later. It was because the characters were so compelling.
Now I'm interested in going through Ms. Michaels back list and finding out what she's been up to over the years.
January 29, 2011
Lydia is Nicole's twin sister and the difference between the two is night and day. And, I'm glad I didn't throw the entire series against the wall. This one actually helped me understand Nasty Nicole better.
Digressing with a true story: Once upon a time in a grocery store, I happened to see a mother and her two daughters. There was one walking beside the cart and another riding inside the cart. I looked at the one walking. She was a sweet little girl about eight or so. She had brown hair, brown eyes and had the look of a ballet dancer. Then I looked at the girl in the cart. OMG!!! I've never seen anyone with violet eyes before, unless you count Liz Taylor, but this little girl had them - along with black curly hair and Yes! she could have been Liz Taylor's stand-in when she was a child. The girl, probably seven or so, was absolutely gorgeous and didn't seem to be aware of the stalker woman staring at her. Can you imagine having a sister that looked like Elizabeth Taylor? Think of all the trauma your ego would go through...and then they grow up and become more beautiful. Anyway, my mind started wandering to the older sister who was pretty and what it must be like to have such a beauty for a sister. My mind instantly traveled to Romanceland, all the dynamics that these two had and would have when they grew older. And that brings me around to How to Beguile a Beauty, because that is what this tale explores - and explores very well.
Even though this is a love story and there is a hero, this is mostly Lydia's story and how she works her way out from her sister's shadow. This had some very touching parts in it, especially when Tanner tells Lydia he loves her. I loved this book so much more than Nicole's story. And, in this case I could see this marriage working out after 20 years.
There is a great best friend, Justin; I enjoyed eavesdropping on his and Tanner's conversations. The only problem I had with this book was once again the chaperon duties left a lot to be desired and the suspense thing seemed a bit rushed. It's my opinion that the suspense was a bit of a distraction to the really strong writing that Ms. Michaels did for Lydia's character. Loved Lydia.
Next up will be Justin's story in How to Wed a Baron.
Time/Place: Regency England
Rating: B+
Sensuality Rating: Almost Hot
Digressing with a true story: Once upon a time in a grocery store, I happened to see a mother and her two daughters. There was one walking beside the cart and another riding inside the cart. I looked at the one walking. She was a sweet little girl about eight or so. She had brown hair, brown eyes and had the look of a ballet dancer. Then I looked at the girl in the cart. OMG!!! I've never seen anyone with violet eyes before, unless you count Liz Taylor, but this little girl had them - along with black curly hair and Yes! she could have been Liz Taylor's stand-in when she was a child. The girl, probably seven or so, was absolutely gorgeous and didn't seem to be aware of the stalker woman staring at her. Can you imagine having a sister that looked like Elizabeth Taylor? Think of all the trauma your ego would go through...and then they grow up and become more beautiful. Anyway, my mind started wandering to the older sister who was pretty and what it must be like to have such a beauty for a sister. My mind instantly traveled to Romanceland, all the dynamics that these two had and would have when they grew older. And that brings me around to How to Beguile a Beauty, because that is what this tale explores - and explores very well.
Even though this is a love story and there is a hero, this is mostly Lydia's story and how she works her way out from her sister's shadow. This had some very touching parts in it, especially when Tanner tells Lydia he loves her. I loved this book so much more than Nicole's story. And, in this case I could see this marriage working out after 20 years.
There is a great best friend, Justin; I enjoyed eavesdropping on his and Tanner's conversations. The only problem I had with this book was once again the chaperon duties left a lot to be desired and the suspense thing seemed a bit rushed. It's my opinion that the suspense was a bit of a distraction to the really strong writing that Ms. Michaels did for Lydia's character. Loved Lydia.
Next up will be Justin's story in How to Wed a Baron.
Time/Place: Regency England
Rating: B+
Sensuality Rating: Almost Hot
October 8, 2021
Et de trois. Je suis ravie d’avoir pu lire enfin ce troisième tome et de connaître l’histoire de Lydia et Tanner.
On se retrouve peu de temps après la fin du tome deux concernant Nicole et Lucas. Lydia est maintenant « seule », sa sœur étant partie avec son fiancé pour rencontre sa belle-famille. Elle est encore en deuil mais commence à retrouver goût aux choses simples et Tanner qui l’a soutenue depuis le début apparaît sous un nouveau jour pour elle. Elle laisse enfin ses émotions et son caractère sortirent de leur coquille. C’est un personnage que j’ai appris a apprécié dans les deux tomes précédents. La voir réagir ainsi m’a bien amusé et je suis heureuse de voir qu’elle n’est pas si calme et effacée que ça. Pour Tanner, un homme respectable qui essaie de faire toujours ce qu’il peut même s’il devrait un peu mettre du poing sur la table. Quant à son ami Justin, un personnage amusant qui cache une grosse blessure.
Pour l’intrigue, je me suis fait quand même mener en bateau pendant la moitié du récit par un certain personnage qui joue parfaitement les idiots. Et surtout, je ne m’attendais pas à ce genre de retournement à la toute fin. Comme quoi, on peut être surpris à n’importe quel moment.
Pour finir, cette lecture aura été agréable et sympathique. La façon dont a été présentée l’évolution de Lydia au fil des semaines m’a plu. Et je me suis bien amusé du complot sentimental conspiré par Charlotte, Rafe et les autres. Ils n’ont vraiment pas peur de se mettre à dos quelqu’un de la famille.
https://la-bibliotheque-du-labyrinthe...
On se retrouve peu de temps après la fin du tome deux concernant Nicole et Lucas. Lydia est maintenant « seule », sa sœur étant partie avec son fiancé pour rencontre sa belle-famille. Elle est encore en deuil mais commence à retrouver goût aux choses simples et Tanner qui l’a soutenue depuis le début apparaît sous un nouveau jour pour elle. Elle laisse enfin ses émotions et son caractère sortirent de leur coquille. C’est un personnage que j’ai appris a apprécié dans les deux tomes précédents. La voir réagir ainsi m’a bien amusé et je suis heureuse de voir qu’elle n’est pas si calme et effacée que ça. Pour Tanner, un homme respectable qui essaie de faire toujours ce qu’il peut même s’il devrait un peu mettre du poing sur la table. Quant à son ami Justin, un personnage amusant qui cache une grosse blessure.
Pour l’intrigue, je me suis fait quand même mener en bateau pendant la moitié du récit par un certain personnage qui joue parfaitement les idiots. Et surtout, je ne m’attendais pas à ce genre de retournement à la toute fin. Comme quoi, on peut être surpris à n’importe quel moment.
Pour finir, cette lecture aura été agréable et sympathique. La façon dont a été présentée l’évolution de Lydia au fil des semaines m’a plu. Et je me suis bien amusé du complot sentimental conspiré par Charlotte, Rafe et les autres. Ils n’ont vraiment pas peur de se mettre à dos quelqu’un de la famille.
https://la-bibliotheque-du-labyrinthe...
March 10, 2022
I am convinced this book can only truly be fully enjoyed in the context of the two previous books in the series, as the main female character (Lydia) is an important part if those earlier stories, and the development/maturation of her story/persona in this one is really what the entire book centers on.
Note: if you're reading (or have read) book two of the series (wherein her irascible sister Nicole steals the show), be prepared for a much less screwball turn with Lydia's story. This is a stately one that unfurls slowly, but in the end is just as rewarding as each of the previous Daightry installments.
Note: if you're reading (or have read) book two of the series (wherein her irascible sister Nicole steals the show), be prepared for a much less screwball turn with Lydia's story. This is a stately one that unfurls slowly, but in the end is just as rewarding as each of the previous Daightry installments.
January 28, 2020
Michaels needs to do more research and she needs a better editor. Quoting Gertrude Stein in a Regency book is a failure in both areas. I don't know if this author is attempting to be funny but her use of inappropriate language and references to sayings in the future is not for this sort of book.
March 3, 2022
Sigue siendo super cliché y lo termine en 24 horas. Esta historia es muy tierna pero con emociónes y tiene puntos a tratar como el que la vida no es algo que se pueda posponer y como las mujeres no son frágiles o algunas inocentes
September 4, 2022
Likeable hero and heroine, mediocre sex scenes. Decent writing, but an uninspired mystery with an ending that made little sense.
March 20, 2017
It wasn't bad for what it was, I don't expect anything earth shaking from a Regency romance novel. But the ending was terrible enough to knock off a star. It tried to go for a twist (which wasn't really one if you paid attention), but it was very convoluted and, after three different versions of what happened, not really resolved. Plus it was very rushed after a rather slow paced book.
April 5, 2018
This is a really sweet story, and funny too.
I like most of the story, though in the end I got a little bit impatient. but I'm definitely going to read it again.
I like most of the story, though in the end I got a little bit impatient. but I'm definitely going to read it again.
June 12, 2010
How to Beguile a Beauty is a tender, sweet, regency romance, tinged with a hint of mystery.
A year later, Lady Lydia is still mourning the lose of her beloved Captain (Fitz), after the war violently took him from her. Tanner, who swore on the Captain's deathbed to watch over, protect and take care of Lydia, is starting to develop deep and ever growing feelings for her, that reach far beyond those of protector. How can he convince Lydia that his feelings for her, far outreach those of his promise to his dear friend?
Lydia knows that Tanner is every bit the gentleman and will uphold his promise, no matter what. However, she is tired of feeling like a burden and falling into the slot of "poor Lydia", especially now that her sister has left with her betrothed. When the companionable looks from Tanner hint at more than friendship, how can she be assured the feelings are from Tanner's heart, rather from his sense of duty? Enter, Tanner's good friend Baron Justin Wilde, who has an anything but innocent background, and whose eyes have been caught by Lydia's beauty and sauciness. Toss in Tanner's supposed intended, Jasmine, and you have the ingredients for a rather interesting tryst.
During a visit with Justin, Tanner realizes that his family's jewels have been replaced with glass and paste. He now knows there is a betrayer swarming around. Tanner has an idea who is behind this wretched deceit, but he cannot be positive. To see just how far this travesty has gone, Tanner invites Justin to travel to his home, to decide the authenticity of his additional jewels in the family collection.
It is decided that a week in the country, at Tanner's, estate is exactly what is needed for everyone. With that, Lydia, Tanner, Jasmine, Justin and their servants make their way to Melvern Hall. Along the journey, Lydia makes some shocking discoveries about Jasmine, a near scuffle takes place, and a dead body is discovered.
An intriguing story? Yes, by all means. Kasey Michaels is well known for her contemporary romances, chocked full of humor and mischief, her historicals are no different. Heroine, Lydia, is a delightful character that I adored. She may have began on the reserved side, but as the story progresses, watch out! Strength and sassiness soon weave tightly with beauty and intelligence, making for a most magnanimous character!
The story flows rather well and is a quick and engrossing read. Let it be known that this is part of a series, following How to Tempt a Duke and How to Tame a Lady. To be honest, while I have read Ms. Michaels' contemporary work, this is my first historical by her. With that being said, I never felt lost or as though I was missing part of the story by not having read the previous books in this series. From the way Ms. Michaels writes How to Beguile a Beauty, one can completely enjoy it as a stand alone, or part of the series. The romance between Tanner and Lydia is sweet and gentle, befitting their personalities perfectly. Readers will be satisfied with the ending - which does contain a few twists and turn, compliments of the mystery aspect of the plot. All in all, How too Beguile a Beauty is an enjoyable historical romance that will warm the heart and bring a serene smile, as the final page is turned.
A year later, Lady Lydia is still mourning the lose of her beloved Captain (Fitz), after the war violently took him from her. Tanner, who swore on the Captain's deathbed to watch over, protect and take care of Lydia, is starting to develop deep and ever growing feelings for her, that reach far beyond those of protector. How can he convince Lydia that his feelings for her, far outreach those of his promise to his dear friend?
Lydia knows that Tanner is every bit the gentleman and will uphold his promise, no matter what. However, she is tired of feeling like a burden and falling into the slot of "poor Lydia", especially now that her sister has left with her betrothed. When the companionable looks from Tanner hint at more than friendship, how can she be assured the feelings are from Tanner's heart, rather from his sense of duty? Enter, Tanner's good friend Baron Justin Wilde, who has an anything but innocent background, and whose eyes have been caught by Lydia's beauty and sauciness. Toss in Tanner's supposed intended, Jasmine, and you have the ingredients for a rather interesting tryst.
During a visit with Justin, Tanner realizes that his family's jewels have been replaced with glass and paste. He now knows there is a betrayer swarming around. Tanner has an idea who is behind this wretched deceit, but he cannot be positive. To see just how far this travesty has gone, Tanner invites Justin to travel to his home, to decide the authenticity of his additional jewels in the family collection.
It is decided that a week in the country, at Tanner's, estate is exactly what is needed for everyone. With that, Lydia, Tanner, Jasmine, Justin and their servants make their way to Melvern Hall. Along the journey, Lydia makes some shocking discoveries about Jasmine, a near scuffle takes place, and a dead body is discovered.
An intriguing story? Yes, by all means. Kasey Michaels is well known for her contemporary romances, chocked full of humor and mischief, her historicals are no different. Heroine, Lydia, is a delightful character that I adored. She may have began on the reserved side, but as the story progresses, watch out! Strength and sassiness soon weave tightly with beauty and intelligence, making for a most magnanimous character!
The story flows rather well and is a quick and engrossing read. Let it be known that this is part of a series, following How to Tempt a Duke and How to Tame a Lady. To be honest, while I have read Ms. Michaels' contemporary work, this is my first historical by her. With that being said, I never felt lost or as though I was missing part of the story by not having read the previous books in this series. From the way Ms. Michaels writes How to Beguile a Beauty, one can completely enjoy it as a stand alone, or part of the series. The romance between Tanner and Lydia is sweet and gentle, befitting their personalities perfectly. Readers will be satisfied with the ending - which does contain a few twists and turn, compliments of the mystery aspect of the plot. All in all, How too Beguile a Beauty is an enjoyable historical romance that will warm the heart and bring a serene smile, as the final page is turned.
January 4, 2015
I'm not even sure I made it to 20 pages, let alone my usual 100 page testing limit.
The writing style, and the dialogue in particular, was so clunky and unnatural that I actually laughed aloud at one point and it was most certainly not through good humour. I actually do enjoy it when authors introduce certain linguistical features that have echoes of real regency language, but there is a line between entertaining linguistic flair and this...
Who talks like that?! Even if this is a replica of Regency banter, I don't want to read it! Give me some hearty description about the London streets and the warmth of the sun, don't chuck it all into one clunky sentence and hope for the best!
Definitely not worthy of a place on my Books of 2015 list.
The writing style, and the dialogue in particular, was so clunky and unnatural that I actually laughed aloud at one point and it was most certainly not through good humour. I actually do enjoy it when authors introduce certain linguistical features that have echoes of real regency language, but there is a line between entertaining linguistic flair and this...
"Oh, speaking of Rafe, he's downstairs with our friend Tanner, who has come to take you for a drive on this unusual warm day in dreary London. It's so lovely to see the sun, even when it plays hide-and-seek with us as it is today."
Who talks like that?! Even if this is a replica of Regency banter, I don't want to read it! Give me some hearty description about the London streets and the warmth of the sun, don't chuck it all into one clunky sentence and hope for the best!
Definitely not worthy of a place on my Books of 2015 list.
June 23, 2014
How to Beguile a Beauty by Kasey Michaels
Even though the war on the Continent is over Lady Lydia Daughtry is still mourning her beloved who died in battle.
Captain Swayne Fitzgerald asked his best friend to swear that if he were killed, that Tanner Blake, Duke of Malvern would look out for his dearest Lyddie. This puts Blake in a bit of a quandary, first he is engaged to be married to his 3rd cousin Jasmine and second he falls in love with Lydia.
Lydia is too lost in mourning to realize that Blake has feelings for her. It is not until she realizes that life goes on and she must cease mourning her late lover that she begins to rejoin society again. She becomes friends with Jasmine, who tells her she does not love Blake, but another. This causes Lydia to look at Blake in anew light.
Will Jasmine find happiness with her lover? Will Lydia realize Blake’s feelings for her?
A good read from the author.
Even though the war on the Continent is over Lady Lydia Daughtry is still mourning her beloved who died in battle.
Captain Swayne Fitzgerald asked his best friend to swear that if he were killed, that Tanner Blake, Duke of Malvern would look out for his dearest Lyddie. This puts Blake in a bit of a quandary, first he is engaged to be married to his 3rd cousin Jasmine and second he falls in love with Lydia.
Lydia is too lost in mourning to realize that Blake has feelings for her. It is not until she realizes that life goes on and she must cease mourning her late lover that she begins to rejoin society again. She becomes friends with Jasmine, who tells her she does not love Blake, but another. This causes Lydia to look at Blake in anew light.
Will Jasmine find happiness with her lover? Will Lydia realize Blake’s feelings for her?
A good read from the author.
March 12, 2011
It's hard to describe how I feel about this book. In this book we are introduced to the Baron Wilde, but I have to say that I did NOT like his character at all in this one. I thought he was very annoying. But I loved his character in How to Wed a Baron. Tanner and Lydia's characters were ok. I just thought the story was slow to pick-up, and then when it did advance, it was so sudden that I was kind of surprised at how quickly they went from dancing around their feelings, to sharing a bed and declaring their love. And then the whole thing with the jewels was very confusing. I am still not sure what all happened there. And I'm not sure what ended up happening with Jasmine. Was she punished? I don't think anyone was... so what happened with all his stolen jewels? They are gone forever? I think that whole plot could've been much simpler, and the ending a little better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2011
This is my first historical novel by K.M., and I dare say it will not be my last!
I had some issues with the book - and I believe most are because of the way the books must clearly be intertwined within the series. When we get started, our main characters are already in love with one another, all that is left is for both to admit it really.
So there is a lack of romance, or rather the "getting to know each other, falling in love" bits that I so love about the genre. But there is adventure, interesting characters, and a writing style that moved right through the book and kept me interested.
I definitely like her in this format (vs contemporary fiction) WAY better!!
I had some issues with the book - and I believe most are because of the way the books must clearly be intertwined within the series. When we get started, our main characters are already in love with one another, all that is left is for both to admit it really.
So there is a lack of romance, or rather the "getting to know each other, falling in love" bits that I so love about the genre. But there is adventure, interesting characters, and a writing style that moved right through the book and kept me interested.
I definitely like her in this format (vs contemporary fiction) WAY better!!
December 18, 2011
Lydia and Tanner are perfectly suited for each other. He's a duke, she's a duke's sister. See how it works out perfectly? Except that he knows it can't work. Every time she looks at him, he knows that she remembers him breaking the news of her (almost) fiance's death.
And Lydia knows that she can't marry him. He's practically engaged to his cousin. It was a deathbed wish of his father's.
So Tanner decides that he's going to do the next best thing. He's going to find her the perfect husband. So he invites Lydia, the cousin, and a friend out to his country house for a party. Murder and mayhem ensue.
And Lydia knows that she can't marry him. He's practically engaged to his cousin. It was a deathbed wish of his father's.
So Tanner decides that he's going to do the next best thing. He's going to find her the perfect husband. So he invites Lydia, the cousin, and a friend out to his country house for a party. Murder and mayhem ensue.
February 22, 2012
This book seemed to have so much promise. It has several things that I particularly liked: a kind hero who is clearly in love with the heroine from the beginning. And the writing style was not that bad. But there was something off in the plotting in this and the ending was so nonsensical and convoluted that I'm still not quite sure what the author's point was with the murder/mystery story (oh, and there was never a more annoying character to read about than Jasmine). I could barely finish this and basically skimmed and skipped through.
I'm giving this two stars because I like to save the one star for the really awful piles of excrement and the author's writing did show some style.
I'm giving this two stars because I like to save the one star for the really awful piles of excrement and the author's writing did show some style.
September 28, 2015
I found this book horribly boring. Lydia and Malvern were BOTH boring. The novel was just so long and tedious with NOTHING happening that I didn't know how I persevered. What disappoints me most is that I'd had a hazy idea of how I'd wanted this book to go but it didn't end up that way at all. I don't think I've come across a more boring book. The ONLY things that sparked my interest was the Baron, Justin, who on occasion could be amusing and that crazy plot about the thieves. The latter didn't end up at all how I'd thought it would because instead of locking up the crazy lovers, Malvern lets them run free. I don't know if I should read the next novel; it's about Justin.
October 31, 2014
There was so much dialogue. That isn't automatically a bad thing, but it was boring. Predictable story. Both Justin and Jasmine were tedious characters. Mostly just wanted them to shut up and the story to get going. Very like a Stephanie Laurens book.
January 9, 2011
Here comes the more sedate of the twins and her story. The story actually introduces the love interest quite unusually and the young lady has fallen in love with one of her brother's friends who has returned to once again fight Napoleon as he tries once again to rule France. The friend dies and the young women's tale of unhappiness turns into romance with, of course, the bearer of the bad news who she has taken an instant dislike to because of his message.
July 30, 2011
This book was recommended to me by my co-worker. I couldn't get pass chapter 5. I usually like to read historical romance to get good laughs and to pass the time, but this one I got none and it's a waste of time. The story was told in a very boring tone about a guy who brought bad news of his passing friend to the wife who he ended up falling in love with??? Oh, brother. :/ The story needed better plots and not sooooo predictable.
March 10, 2012
This was the first book that I read in the series although this wasn't the first book. I loved the story and adored Lydia and Tanner. But the most obvious parts where Justin would have been funny wasn't funny. However, It did leave a big question mark in my head on what he'll be up to in the next book? Plus reading of other characters in the book I realised that I had to take a step back and read the Rafe's story (book one) which I hope would be as good as this one.
January 13, 2015
Actual rating 2,5 stars.
Although I liked some parts of the novel, my opinion of the book can be described as such:
If you're by any chance interested in reading more about my opinion, click HERE.
Although I liked some parts of the novel, my opinion of the book can be described as such:
If you're by any chance interested in reading more about my opinion, click HERE.
July 16, 2017
A Fun read. The author has a way with words that had me laughing most of the time. She made Justin Wilde so intriguing as well as exasperatingly clever and annoying at the same time. I am truly Aghast and Agog at the plethora of witticisms and mix of adjectives and descriptions that are literally endemic during this genre. This book has managed to overwhelm and entertain the reader with a barrage of Wit.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews