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Regency Rakes #3
An Affair of Honor
An awkward ugly duckling when last they met, Meg Ashburton finds Viscount Sedgewick in her country manor recovering from an accident and becomes torn between her desire to keep her chastity and her passion for the handsome rake
Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 1996
About the author
Candice Hern
32 books249 followersCandice Hern is the award-winning, bestselling author of historical romance novels set during the English Regency period. Her books have won praise for the "intelligence and elegant romantic sensibility" (Romantic Times) as well as "delicious wit and luscious sensuality (Booklist). Candice's award-winning website (www.candicehern.com) is often cited for its Regency World pages, where readers interested in the era will find an illustrated glossary, a detailed timeline, illustrated digests of Regency people and places, articles on Regency fashion, research links, and much more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
September 22, 2019
Meg Ashurton is red-headed, tall, and finally gorgeous. Lord Colin Sedgewick is blond, tall, and finally ready to get married. THEY MISCOMMUNICATE FOR THE ENTIRE BOOK AND WE'RE SUPPOSED TO CARE. Also someone is trying to kill Sedge but who even cares about that crap.
1. I don't usually rate books that I haven't completely read, but I read 2/3 of this and then the last 4-5 chapters so I'm giving myself a soft pass. It is, in fact, that bad.
2. This number contains spoilers but I'm not flagging them because they're EXACTLY the trope you're expecting.
Sedge is ready to get married so he spends the first ~30% of the book (after he's finally conscious) thinking about how he likes Meg and maybe loves Meg and wants to marry Meg. Meg, meanwhile, doubles down on her feelings for the one lord who danced with her 6 years ago when she was shy and awkward.
When Sedge FINALLY gets around to proposing the bullet points on his presentation include:
Sedge doesn't even consider the possibility that there's a misunderstanding; he is merely heartbroken and then bitter. (Rumor has it from other reviews that he goes about introducing his boner to every lady in London but I skipped this part; previous run-ins with Hern Heroes tell me it is likely true.)
EVENTUALLY, Meg makes it to London and espies Sedge across a room and gets him alone and tells him "HEY ABOUT YOUR EARLIER OFFER; I've been thinking and YES I'LL BE YOUR MISTRESS." This time, Sedge is the one who says no and Meg flees.
ONCE AGAIN, Sedge doesn't bother to consider what the fuck he just heard. Now he's assuming Meg's """"tainted"""" in some way and he can't believe she would think so LOWLY of HIM that he would DISHONOR THE WOMAN HE LOVES. He continues moping dramatically and with great purpose until some stuff happens and in the final chapter they FINALLY figure shit out.
3. While all of the above is absolutely BANANAS, the thing that's the real cherry on this goddamned sundae is the fact that once they finally talk, SEDGE DOESN'T BOTHER TO APOLOGIZE and Meg fucking LAUGHS IT OFF like 'tee hee we did an oopsie nevermind the HEARTACHE and PAIN it's all just so SILLY RIGHT'.
4. It's not silly; it's RIDICULOUS.
5. The villain in this is so goddamned obvious I'm mad about it.
1. I don't usually rate books that I haven't completely read, but I read 2/3 of this and then the last 4-5 chapters so I'm giving myself a soft pass. It is, in fact, that bad.
2. This number contains spoilers but I'm not flagging them because they're EXACTLY the trope you're expecting.
Sedge is ready to get married so he spends the first ~30% of the book (after he's finally conscious) thinking about how he likes Meg and maybe loves Meg and wants to marry Meg. Meg, meanwhile, doubles down on her feelings for the one lord who danced with her 6 years ago when she was shy and awkward.
When Sedge FINALLY gets around to proposing the bullet points on his presentation include:
+I want you.Meg, not hearing a single mention of marriage BECAUSE SEDGE DOESN'T BOTHER TO INCLUDE IT, says no and flees the room.
+I would like to make love to you in the day time and also the night time
+I am the rich.
+I will buy you jewelry! Carriage! House!
+Please say 'yes' to all of the above!
Sedge doesn't even consider the possibility that there's a misunderstanding; he is merely heartbroken and then bitter. (Rumor has it from other reviews that he goes about introducing his boner to every lady in London but I skipped this part; previous run-ins with Hern Heroes tell me it is likely true.)
EVENTUALLY, Meg makes it to London and espies Sedge across a room and gets him alone and tells him "HEY ABOUT YOUR EARLIER OFFER; I've been thinking and YES I'LL BE YOUR MISTRESS." This time, Sedge is the one who says no and Meg flees.
ONCE AGAIN, Sedge doesn't bother to consider what the fuck he just heard. Now he's assuming Meg's """"tainted"""" in some way and he can't believe she would think so LOWLY of HIM that he would DISHONOR THE WOMAN HE LOVES. He continues moping dramatically and with great purpose until some stuff happens and in the final chapter they FINALLY figure shit out.
3. While all of the above is absolutely BANANAS, the thing that's the real cherry on this goddamned sundae is the fact that once they finally talk, SEDGE DOESN'T BOTHER TO APOLOGIZE and Meg fucking LAUGHS IT OFF like 'tee hee we did an oopsie nevermind the HEARTACHE and PAIN it's all just so SILLY RIGHT'.
4. It's not silly; it's RIDICULOUS.
5. The villain in this is so goddamned obvious I'm mad about it.
February 5, 2017
3.5 stars
The third one in the tradition regency rake series. I liked the characters but the mystery was too obvious. I also hate it when the man has to hop from one bed in another in order to try to forget the girl he thinks he loves because as we all know, if you really love someone you can't bring yourself to do that.
The third one in the tradition regency rake series. I liked the characters but the mystery was too obvious. I also hate it when the man has to hop from one bed in another in order to try to forget the girl he thinks he loves because as we all know, if you really love someone you can't bring yourself to do that.
September 4, 2012
If I have learned nothing else from the miscommunications which are rife within this book, I am, at least, now schooled in the art of being as vague and misleading as possible when having a potentially life altering conversation. Why take five minutes to clear up a misunderstanding that has the potential to last several chapters? There is enough pining in this book to reforest the Rocky Mountains. In general, I accept the all too often used "drawn-out to the point of ridiculousness misunderstanding" plot device in romances with fairly good grace, but this one was a bit much for me and, by the end of the novel, the inevitability of two such obstinately slow-witted people with a tendency towards high dramatics eventually procreating drove all romance away for me. To be fair to the author, I do want to state that I actually really like many of Candice Hern's novels and I even liked this hero as a background character in the previous books, but this story missed the mark for me. That being said, if you should have a high tolerance for lovers who thrive on misinterpreting one another, this read does have the author's flair for regency details, which may make it worth your while. Now, where is that phone, so I can have a simple five minute conversation, in order to make sure I have not left any of my own miscellaneous heroes declining in a sea of pitiful melancholy?
January 8, 2014
An English gentleman lived by a code of honor, but does that also apply to rakes? Even if he is a gentleman by birth do his actions make the man? An Affair of Honor plays on that premise in an amusing way.
After being thrown from his curricle and hitting his head, Colin Herriot, Viscount Sedgewick thinks he sees an angel hovering over him, so he must be dead. Better angels than devils; though his capricious life and rakish ways should equal the later. The figure dons coppery curls and creamy skin so he must be in heaven.
Cradled gently in her arms, Meg Ashburton recognizes the injured traveler immediately as Lord Sedgewick whom she met six years prior during her London Season of 1808. She was a gangly debutante imitating a wallflower. He was a handsome rake with an infamous smile and scandalous reputation. He gallantly asked her to dance. She was smitten. She would never forget the handsome, charming man who showed a kindness to one who others of his station would not give the time of day. She doubted that he remembered her.
Meg and her brother Terrence rescue Sedge and bring him to their home, Thornhill, a horse breeding farm not far away from the scene of the accident. His head injury and broken leg bring on a serious fever which engulfs him for days. Letters are sent to his family and soon Cousin Albert Herriot arrives to see him improving, well cared for, but bedridden until his leg mends. Sedge is unconcerned when Terrence tells him that the axle of his curricle was purposely cut. Who could possibly want to harm him? He truly believes that it was just an accident.
After her disastrous debut season six years ago, Meg has had no interest in men and does not realize the beautiful woman that she has become. Sedge does, and is immediately attracted to her. She enjoys their time together as she helps care for him during his convalescence. She hopes he might propose. Cousin Bertie sees the attraction building between Meg and his cousin and tells Terrence that Sedge is not the marrying kind. Meg overhears his warning to her brother and the reality check hits her hard, so hard that when Sedge decides to propose she believes that he is playing true to form as the consummate rake and wants to engage her as his mistress and not his wife. This misunderstanding separates them brusquely and he returns to London a sullen man totally baffled by her refusal. She is totally offended by his dishonorable proposal. “,i>He wanted her for his mistress. He could not have been more plain. He wanted her body and was willing to pay for it. What a fool she had been!”
This is the third novel in the Regency Rakes Trilogy and I am sure it is no surprise that all three heroes in the series meet their match and fall in love; these novels are romances after all. Each of the stories is connected through the friendship of the three men: Robert Cameron in A Proper Companion, Jack Raeburn in A Change of Heart and Colin Herriot in An Affair of Honor. Each are aristocratic libertine’s who have seduced women, gambled, drank, and avoided romance for many years, yet each in their own way are changed by the love of a woman.
Colin, or “Sedge” to his friends, is the last holdout of the group. The story opens brilliantly with the scene of the carriage accident and renewed acquaintance with Meg, an unlikely heroine who does not realize the power of her beauty or the charm of her own personality. It is a stark contrast to our hero who knows exactly the effect of his charms and plays them like a masterful musician. We don’t trust him, nor do we trust Meg’s inexperienced judgment. It is a perplexing misalliance.
The characterizations in An Affair of Honor are articulated and engaging. Hern gave herself a big challenge by confining the hero to his sickbed for half of the novel. To compensate we are given a generous helping of inner exposition, so be prepared for a slower pace. There is an interesting mystery that threads its way through the story which, though predictable, was intriguing. I was hoping for an Agatha Christie-like twist at the end, but we do get our share of romance. Huzzah indeed! “…he was a cad, she was a fool…” but who isn’t when it comes to love?
Laurel Ann, Austenprose
After being thrown from his curricle and hitting his head, Colin Herriot, Viscount Sedgewick thinks he sees an angel hovering over him, so he must be dead. Better angels than devils; though his capricious life and rakish ways should equal the later. The figure dons coppery curls and creamy skin so he must be in heaven.
Cradled gently in her arms, Meg Ashburton recognizes the injured traveler immediately as Lord Sedgewick whom she met six years prior during her London Season of 1808. She was a gangly debutante imitating a wallflower. He was a handsome rake with an infamous smile and scandalous reputation. He gallantly asked her to dance. She was smitten. She would never forget the handsome, charming man who showed a kindness to one who others of his station would not give the time of day. She doubted that he remembered her.
Meg and her brother Terrence rescue Sedge and bring him to their home, Thornhill, a horse breeding farm not far away from the scene of the accident. His head injury and broken leg bring on a serious fever which engulfs him for days. Letters are sent to his family and soon Cousin Albert Herriot arrives to see him improving, well cared for, but bedridden until his leg mends. Sedge is unconcerned when Terrence tells him that the axle of his curricle was purposely cut. Who could possibly want to harm him? He truly believes that it was just an accident.
After her disastrous debut season six years ago, Meg has had no interest in men and does not realize the beautiful woman that she has become. Sedge does, and is immediately attracted to her. She enjoys their time together as she helps care for him during his convalescence. She hopes he might propose. Cousin Bertie sees the attraction building between Meg and his cousin and tells Terrence that Sedge is not the marrying kind. Meg overhears his warning to her brother and the reality check hits her hard, so hard that when Sedge decides to propose she believes that he is playing true to form as the consummate rake and wants to engage her as his mistress and not his wife. This misunderstanding separates them brusquely and he returns to London a sullen man totally baffled by her refusal. She is totally offended by his dishonorable proposal. “,i>He wanted her for his mistress. He could not have been more plain. He wanted her body and was willing to pay for it. What a fool she had been!”
This is the third novel in the Regency Rakes Trilogy and I am sure it is no surprise that all three heroes in the series meet their match and fall in love; these novels are romances after all. Each of the stories is connected through the friendship of the three men: Robert Cameron in A Proper Companion, Jack Raeburn in A Change of Heart and Colin Herriot in An Affair of Honor. Each are aristocratic libertine’s who have seduced women, gambled, drank, and avoided romance for many years, yet each in their own way are changed by the love of a woman.
Colin, or “Sedge” to his friends, is the last holdout of the group. The story opens brilliantly with the scene of the carriage accident and renewed acquaintance with Meg, an unlikely heroine who does not realize the power of her beauty or the charm of her own personality. It is a stark contrast to our hero who knows exactly the effect of his charms and plays them like a masterful musician. We don’t trust him, nor do we trust Meg’s inexperienced judgment. It is a perplexing misalliance.
The characterizations in An Affair of Honor are articulated and engaging. Hern gave herself a big challenge by confining the hero to his sickbed for half of the novel. To compensate we are given a generous helping of inner exposition, so be prepared for a slower pace. There is an interesting mystery that threads its way through the story which, though predictable, was intriguing. I was hoping for an Agatha Christie-like twist at the end, but we do get our share of romance. Huzzah indeed! “…he was a cad, she was a fool…” but who isn’t when it comes to love?
Laurel Ann, Austenprose
December 12, 2018
This is the final book of a trilogy. I really enjoyed the first two books - A Proper Companion and A Change of Heart. They were well-written traditional regencies, with interesting and engaging characters, and entertaining plots.
The first two-thirds of this book was as enjoyable as the previous two books. It had one of my favorite plot devices - the hero is in an accident, and convalesces in the heroine's home. It was really well done here, and the author did a first rate job of developing the romance between Meg the heroine, and Sedge the hero as Sedge recovers from a broken leg and other injuries. However, then came the big misunderstanding which in turn led to more misunderstandings. The big misunderstanding is absolutely my least favorite plot device, and here it quite spoiled an otherwise good book for me. Although even that part was well written, the big misunderstanding is like nails on a chalkboard for me.
I would give the first two-thirds of the book a solid 4 stars, but would rate the final third much lower because of the Big Miz. So my overall rating for this book is 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Update 12/11/18 My opinion of the book has not changed upon a second reading. In fact there were far more misunderstandings than I had remembered. And the hero and heroine agree. At one point the hero says "All those ridiculous misunderstandings...and senseless heartbreak." Sadly, I agree.
The first two-thirds of this book was as enjoyable as the previous two books. It had one of my favorite plot devices - the hero is in an accident, and convalesces in the heroine's home. It was really well done here, and the author did a first rate job of developing the romance between Meg the heroine, and Sedge the hero as Sedge recovers from a broken leg and other injuries. However, then came the big misunderstanding which in turn led to more misunderstandings. The big misunderstanding is absolutely my least favorite plot device, and here it quite spoiled an otherwise good book for me. Although even that part was well written, the big misunderstanding is like nails on a chalkboard for me.
I would give the first two-thirds of the book a solid 4 stars, but would rate the final third much lower because of the Big Miz. So my overall rating for this book is 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Update 12/11/18 My opinion of the book has not changed upon a second reading. In fact there were far more misunderstandings than I had remembered. And the hero and heroine agree. At one point the hero says "All those ridiculous misunderstandings...and senseless heartbreak." Sadly, I agree.
October 17, 2021
Lord Sedgewick, the best friend of the heroes from A Proper Companion and A Change of Heart, wrecks his curricle right on the doorstep of the Amazonian Miss Margaret Ashburton. Sedge thinks she's very beautiful; Meg thinks he's very handsome; and then at the halfway point begins one of the worst cases of a Big Misunderstanding that I have ever encountered.
Sedge makes a marriage proposal without ever mentioning the word "marriage," and Meg obviously comes to the wrong conclusion. One clarifying sentence could have cleared this all up, but then we wouldn't have had a novel here... The villain was also super obvious to me, but apparently not to our hero and heroine.
Sedge makes a marriage proposal without ever mentioning the word "marriage," and Meg obviously comes to the wrong conclusion. One clarifying sentence could have cleared this all up, but then we wouldn't have had a novel here... The villain was also super obvious to me, but apparently not to our hero and heroine.
June 10, 2018
The misunderstandings between the hero and heroine were unusually idiotic, even for a romance novel. I lost patience with it about halfway through.
July 31, 2018
The finale of the Regency Rakes series was wonderful! I loved Meg and Sedge, and was really surprised at how long their misunderstanding went on for! It was quite dramatic at the climax! The baddy in this story was truly bad but it was a great story nonetheless!
I think I've read all of Hern's clean regency stories! What am I going to do now? Will there be more???
I think I've read all of Hern's clean regency stories! What am I going to do now? Will there be more???
March 25, 2013
A quick read, but a disappointing one, from an author who so far I've liked a lot. The historical information tidbits, as always, were good, but that was one of the few aspects I enjoyed. The other? The working stud farm, which Ms. Hern took pains to describe as what it was: a BUSINESS. Too often in romance similar situations are described in a way that makes it seem like more of a hobby, especially when the main character (usually male) is never there, never checks in, and never asks any questions about it. This book earned its second star on that basis, alone.
Anyways. Sedge and Meg seem nice enough, but turn themselves literally into ostriches (if I can't see it, or talk over it, it's not happening!) both with regards to each others' feelings, and with regards to Sedge's many "accidents." The "villain" was obvious from the second time they had dialogue in the story; why this wasn't apparent to Sedge, Meg or ANYONE else involved is a mystery. There were several times in the story when one character was about to say something that would have blown the whole mystery wide open, and was prevented by another character interrupting or speaking over them. No one ever followed up on their "I wonder why so-and-so would mention that?" feelings. Meh.
The romance itself was a little weak, with far too much angst bestowed upon a pretty sizable misunderstanding of classic (and done-to-death) romance type.
I hope that this book constitutes an aberration from Ms. Hern, whose writing quality is usually much higher.
Anyways. Sedge and Meg seem nice enough, but turn themselves literally into ostriches (if I can't see it, or talk over it, it's not happening!) both with regards to each others' feelings, and with regards to Sedge's many "accidents." The "villain" was obvious from the second time they had dialogue in the story; why this wasn't apparent to Sedge, Meg or ANYONE else involved is a mystery. There were several times in the story when one character was about to say something that would have blown the whole mystery wide open, and was prevented by another character interrupting or speaking over them. No one ever followed up on their "I wonder why so-and-so would mention that?" feelings. Meh.
The romance itself was a little weak, with far too much angst bestowed upon a pretty sizable misunderstanding of classic (and done-to-death) romance type.
I hope that this book constitutes an aberration from Ms. Hern, whose writing quality is usually much higher.
Read
October 18, 2018Early on in the book our hero decides he's of average intelligence. It's bit of a stretch. In aAoH there are at least five [I may have lost count] attempts to kill him. He never cozens to any of them and actually colludes with the last attempt. It's the heroine [herself no threat to anyone's laurels] who 'puts it all together' at the very last minute. There is only one possible suspect, and he's outed early, eliminating any hope of surprise even if you weren't paying attention. The plot is stuffed full of endless, mind-numbing misunderstandings, and silly to boot, but the characters are decent so 2 stars for them.
July 19, 2011
Having thoroughly enjoyed A Proper Companion and A Change of Heart, I was a little disappointed by this book.
Some of the circumstances were downright ridiculous/unbelievable and I guessed the plot twist/ending less than a third of the way through.
It was eloquently written and did have the enjoyable banter I've come to expect from Candice Hern's novels, so I would say it's worth reading but it's just not as good as some of her other work.
Some of the circumstances were downright ridiculous/unbelievable and I guessed the plot twist/ending less than a third of the way through.
It was eloquently written and did have the enjoyable banter I've come to expect from Candice Hern's novels, so I would say it's worth reading but it's just not as good as some of her other work.
February 27, 2022
The 'mystery' isn't resolved until the last 4 pages even though we all know who it is after 2nd chapter, until then NO ONE speaks clearly and is tiresome and stupid
July 30, 2021
Candice Hern always weaves a delight! (Clean and Sweet PG13)
A delightful fun read. You will enjoy it too. I've been waiting for Sedgewicks turn for a few books now....finally!!! I love his character. I liked Meg, but didn't fall in love w the character as much. I did like very much the story of her first season and who she wad a wallflower. Her history. We don't read much about those girls who go an entire season without even one dance... She had two, ALL season. I
Candice, I'd love to read Sedge's sister's story!
This book has a little mystery to it also.
Experiencing broken hearts from losing someone you've deeply come to love, Hern did a very good job "showing" us. ..
Sedge is the character I've felt fell in love most deeply.
All the accidents were most clever. And to "see" Megs transformation from 6 years prior to this year's season was most fun to read.
I enjoyed very much Jack's character development in this book... Very very well done. I enjoy the actions of the truest friendships.
Some passages ran a tad slow, but for me stories are not about keeping it always "fast pace".
Hern is always wonderful on true history, especially fashion! Btw her website is wonderful!!
Minor Spoiler, very minor:
Only one thing I feel wasn't realistic, and it's really small, I believe Terrence would have told him about the axle. That was not a minor thing to wait on ...it was a glaring attempt on his life and only Sedge would know who he could trust... Maybe if it had been less obvious. But like i said, minor point, and the story did build up nicely ask due to the "accident".
Overall, fun regency read, true to history, always something new to learn from Candice. And sweet HEA. Good grammer, too.
Thanks Candice!!!!
A delightful fun read. You will enjoy it too. I've been waiting for Sedgewicks turn for a few books now....finally!!! I love his character. I liked Meg, but didn't fall in love w the character as much. I did like very much the story of her first season and who she wad a wallflower. Her history. We don't read much about those girls who go an entire season without even one dance... She had two, ALL season. I
Candice, I'd love to read Sedge's sister's story!
This book has a little mystery to it also.
Experiencing broken hearts from losing someone you've deeply come to love, Hern did a very good job "showing" us. ..
Sedge is the character I've felt fell in love most deeply.
All the accidents were most clever. And to "see" Megs transformation from 6 years prior to this year's season was most fun to read.
I enjoyed very much Jack's character development in this book... Very very well done. I enjoy the actions of the truest friendships.
Some passages ran a tad slow, but for me stories are not about keeping it always "fast pace".
Hern is always wonderful on true history, especially fashion! Btw her website is wonderful!!
Minor Spoiler, very minor:
Only one thing I feel wasn't realistic, and it's really small, I believe Terrence would have told him about the axle. That was not a minor thing to wait on ...it was a glaring attempt on his life and only Sedge would know who he could trust... Maybe if it had been less obvious. But like i said, minor point, and the story did build up nicely ask due to the "accident".
Overall, fun regency read, true to history, always something new to learn from Candice. And sweet HEA. Good grammer, too.
Thanks Candice!!!!
May 2, 2018
The heroine fell in love with the hero six years ago when she had her one and only season in London, and he was kind enough to dance with her on two separate occasions. Back then she was awkward and skinny, dressed by her grandmother in frilly, overdone dresses that didn't suit her 6-foot height. Now she's grown into her height and when the hero rouses from his head injury after a carriage accident and sees her, he thinks he's dead and she's an angel. She nurses him back to health and they fall in love, but she doesn't think they're possible because he's a Lord and she's the sister of a Sir. Then he botches his intended proposal. Mixed in with the romance are a number of suspicious close calls on the hero's health and safety, beginning with his carriage accident-- due to the axle being sawed nearly through. It's a good read. I liked it.
July 6, 2018
This is really cute! I was laughing like crazy about all the misgivings and such! Oh lord, the book would be much shorter then! I hate hate hate Sedges cousin for the start, it was pretty obvious. And, like in the first book, the so called villain was no villain at all and surrendered quite quickly. Meg was a wonderful character, I just loved that she was attached to Sedge before (still not over the fact they didnt called him Colin, I adore this name!). Sedge was less cheerfull than in previous books, but its really nice to notice how a POV story unearth things that the outside world didnt see. All the struggles, the insecurity and such. A lovely book and I loved that Pemerton appeared too!
May 10, 2023
Clean Regency Romance
Sedge meets his match in Meg, considered too tall to be acceptable as a ton bride but perfect for him. An unfortunate curricle accident lands a badly injured almost comatose Sedge close to Meg's home. Her aunt, brother, staff and of course she herself work themselves to the bone to help him recover. This time away from the whirlygig of London life gives Sedge the time and head (and heart) space to appreciate that life has much more to offer should he choose to commit himself to the right lady. More close shaves provide a mystery as to who might be targeting Sedge's life. It all sorts itself out satisfactorily and we get the hea and also catch up with the other 2 rakes of the trio. A fun read.
Sedge meets his match in Meg, considered too tall to be acceptable as a ton bride but perfect for him. An unfortunate curricle accident lands a badly injured almost comatose Sedge close to Meg's home. Her aunt, brother, staff and of course she herself work themselves to the bone to help him recover. This time away from the whirlygig of London life gives Sedge the time and head (and heart) space to appreciate that life has much more to offer should he choose to commit himself to the right lady. More close shaves provide a mystery as to who might be targeting Sedge's life. It all sorts itself out satisfactorily and we get the hea and also catch up with the other 2 rakes of the trio. A fun read.
August 28, 2025
I really liked Hern’s characters, and the story was interesting. I rolled my eyes (figuratively) at the crisis between the two. It’s just not one of my favorite tropes.
Hern does include some interesting action in the story, and our FMC is a can-do kind of lady.
It’s a good representation of this type of Regency. Closed door, so no sexual activity except kisses.
Hern does include some interesting action in the story, and our FMC is a can-do kind of lady.
It’s a good representation of this type of Regency. Closed door, so no sexual activity except kisses.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2025
This was by far the worst of the Regency Rakes trilogy. The first few chapters were charming, but then came the Big Misunderstanding between the main couple that was SO stupid. More importantly the hero's life was at risk, and a two-year-old could have put it together in the first ten pages, but it took the nitwits in this book until the end to figure out who the culprit was. I ended up skimming through it, really. I'll give this author another chance, but this was disappointing.
"Threw back his/her head and laughed" total for Book #1: 5
"Threw back his/her head and laughed" total for Book #2: 6
"Threw back his/her head and laughed" total for Book #3: 6
"Threw back his/her head and laughed" total for Book #1: 5
"Threw back his/her head and laughed" total for Book #2: 6
"Threw back his/her head and laughed" total for Book #3: 6
January 27, 2022
I struggled with whether to give this book 3 or 4 stars. I liked this book so I just stuck with 3 stars because the ending was a little anticlimactic and the fact that the "whodunit" underlying story line what anything but a mystery (you simply know from the get-go who is trying to kill the male lead but all the characters are just, well, so stupid, that they can't see what's right in front of them!).
June 8, 2024
This book was too “smutty” for me. To be fair I didn’t know the title of the series before reading the book. Lol 🤪the writer started with good story telling and the building love between the couple was good but everything went down hill after their first kiss. The descriptions during their kissing gave me the “ick” and the miscommunication there after were very frustrating. Also, the ending was way too abrupt.
October 18, 2018
The first few pages of Affair of Honor are very amusing, with that je ne sais quoi charm. The rest of the book is misunderstanding squared. The characters are good, the writing is fine, but one dwells in the land of misunderstanding far too long. It doesn't help that you know instantly who the bad guy is.
September 3, 2021
Sweet and Exciting Stories
I love tales with romance, adventure and just a tiny bit of spice between the lovers. The author creates detailed ,compelling and sympathetic characters normally only found in longer books. I recommend all three of these satisfying reads.
I love tales with romance, adventure and just a tiny bit of spice between the lovers. The author creates detailed ,compelling and sympathetic characters normally only found in longer books. I recommend all three of these satisfying reads.
August 8, 2017
Sweet and very humorous. I enjoyed all three books in the series very much.
February 1, 2019
Like the second book in the series, excellent for the first two thirds and ridiculous for the last third such that I couldn’t handle how stupid it was and needed to skim to the end.
May 16, 2021
why does every plot have to center around miscommunication? drives me up the wall.
January 2, 2022
Very dull. Light romantic suspense with an obvious villain.
May 21, 2025
Delightful Regency Reads
Fun series. Loved every hero, heroine & villain. Stories & mysteries were all different & cleverly presented. As good Regency fix. Start with #1!
Fun series. Loved every hero, heroine & villain. Stories & mysteries were all different & cleverly presented. As good Regency fix. Start with #1!
September 14, 2013
An Affair of Honor
Book One
by: Candice Hern
On the Thornhill equestrian/stud farm in Suffolk, Meg Ashburton finds the wreckage of a curricle belonging to Colin Herriot, Viscount Sedgewick. She danced with him some six years prior and fallen in love with his beauty and charm. He was the only one who would dance with the six foot gangly redhead and she never forgot him.
With the help of her brother, Sir Terrence Ashburton they brought him home and under the care of their herbalist grandmother, Mrs. Lattimer, nursed him. He went in and out of a coma and, during his conscious periods, he swore there was a red haired angel looking over him. When he finally came to Meg nursed him and kept him company during the long hours of the day when he was stuck in bed with a broken leg. He was smitten with her beauty and the regal way she carried herself.
Our hero began experiencing a series of 'accidents' starting with the wreckage of his curricle. Ashburton found the front axle cut almost through, but Sedge insisted it was an accident. After he became fully conscious he was to drink an herbal tea made by Gram. Meg happened to recognize something about the drink did not smell right and prevented him from drinking what turned out to be a poisonous mixture. When he finally was able to walk about with crutches he almost slipped on an oily mixture at the landing of the stairs. Again, Meg was assisting him and saw it before Sedge stepped in it, thus preventing a certain broken neck or death.
At this point the ever present, ever helpful cousin Albert had a talk with Terrence, suggesting that Meg was getting too close to Sedge and would certainly get her heart broken. On the way back to his London home he was stopped by some thieves. He shot one and the other two scattered. Then at his home, his bedclothes caught fire.
Through a series of miscommunications Sedge's proposal of marriage did not come across as such, it sounded like he wanted her for his mistress. When Terrence learned of this, a dual ensued. Meg put on her breeches and went to stop it because she knew there was someone in common with these occurrences. Another almost mishap shone a light on the betrayer.
This is an exciting story of love, friendship and family. A well written first edition of the series, not serial. There is good dramatization and character development. A perfect weekend read.
Book One
by: Candice Hern
On the Thornhill equestrian/stud farm in Suffolk, Meg Ashburton finds the wreckage of a curricle belonging to Colin Herriot, Viscount Sedgewick. She danced with him some six years prior and fallen in love with his beauty and charm. He was the only one who would dance with the six foot gangly redhead and she never forgot him.
With the help of her brother, Sir Terrence Ashburton they brought him home and under the care of their herbalist grandmother, Mrs. Lattimer, nursed him. He went in and out of a coma and, during his conscious periods, he swore there was a red haired angel looking over him. When he finally came to Meg nursed him and kept him company during the long hours of the day when he was stuck in bed with a broken leg. He was smitten with her beauty and the regal way she carried herself.
Our hero began experiencing a series of 'accidents' starting with the wreckage of his curricle. Ashburton found the front axle cut almost through, but Sedge insisted it was an accident. After he became fully conscious he was to drink an herbal tea made by Gram. Meg happened to recognize something about the drink did not smell right and prevented him from drinking what turned out to be a poisonous mixture. When he finally was able to walk about with crutches he almost slipped on an oily mixture at the landing of the stairs. Again, Meg was assisting him and saw it before Sedge stepped in it, thus preventing a certain broken neck or death.
At this point the ever present, ever helpful cousin Albert had a talk with Terrence, suggesting that Meg was getting too close to Sedge and would certainly get her heart broken. On the way back to his London home he was stopped by some thieves. He shot one and the other two scattered. Then at his home, his bedclothes caught fire.
Through a series of miscommunications Sedge's proposal of marriage did not come across as such, it sounded like he wanted her for his mistress. When Terrence learned of this, a dual ensued. Meg put on her breeches and went to stop it because she knew there was someone in common with these occurrences. Another almost mishap shone a light on the betrayer.
This is an exciting story of love, friendship and family. A well written first edition of the series, not serial. There is good dramatization and character development. A perfect weekend read.
May 12, 2013
When I decided to join the Regency Romance Reading Challenge I was planning to start my first book in January. Things got in the way though and although I do have the books for January and February in the TBR pile the truth is that March was the first month where I managed to read the book scheduled. I didn't realise it while reading but this book - An Affair of Honor - is actually the third in a trilogy (the first two being the January and February titles. And if I didn't feel like I was missing something now that I know of this I am wondering if my enjoyment of the book would have been different if I had read them in order.
This is a story I enjoyed more while I was reading it than now that I am trying to come up with a review. The characters are very engaging, really nice people to be honest, and while we know the heroine has fallen for the hero a few years back we slowly see them getting to know each other and liking each other in the present time. There's a lot of humour in their relationship and I thought that was a really nice touch. While they are physically attracted to one another we see them developing a deeper connection.
But they are, eventually separated by a silly misunderstanding. One that leads Sedge to some wild behaviour and Meg to a broken heart. But, after a while, they do decide to pull their lives back together and their reunion will lead to some much needed explanations.
I think my problem with it, as I look back to write the review, is that the misunderstanding that separated them is indeed silly and very easily solved if they had just talked to each other instead of assuming the worst. I feel that separation was forced just for the sake of a few more pages.
There's a bit of a mystery that runs through the story. It's quite predictable to be honest but it didn't bother me much. I was hoping that that bit would lead to a stronger ending but oh well... I think I would have given it a 4 while I was reading it but now I will lower it a bit.
Grade: 3.5/5
This is a story I enjoyed more while I was reading it than now that I am trying to come up with a review. The characters are very engaging, really nice people to be honest, and while we know the heroine has fallen for the hero a few years back we slowly see them getting to know each other and liking each other in the present time. There's a lot of humour in their relationship and I thought that was a really nice touch. While they are physically attracted to one another we see them developing a deeper connection.
But they are, eventually separated by a silly misunderstanding. One that leads Sedge to some wild behaviour and Meg to a broken heart. But, after a while, they do decide to pull their lives back together and their reunion will lead to some much needed explanations.
I think my problem with it, as I look back to write the review, is that the misunderstanding that separated them is indeed silly and very easily solved if they had just talked to each other instead of assuming the worst. I feel that separation was forced just for the sake of a few more pages.
There's a bit of a mystery that runs through the story. It's quite predictable to be honest but it didn't bother me much. I was hoping that that bit would lead to a stronger ending but oh well... I think I would have given it a 4 while I was reading it but now I will lower it a bit.
Grade: 3.5/5
April 9, 2012
I found this story in a Barnes and Noble Nook collection Regency Rakes Trilogy Omnibus containing The Proper Companion, A Change of Heart, and An Affair of Honor by Candice Hern
The Story
Sedge who we first see in The Proper Companion falls in succumbs to love. Everything seems to line up perfectly. Meg seems to love him so why does she refuse? Meg was in love with Lord Sedgewick six years ago when he was so kind as to dance with her, the pitiful wallflower in her only Season. She had gotten over her crush until he turn up injured and unconscious near her home in the country. As Sedge recovers Meg finds herself falling in love once again with the charming Lord Sedgewick. All seems perfect, so why didn’t he ask for her hand? The entire world seems to crash down around them with all hope dashed in a misunderstanding. Someone seems to be plotting to kill Sedge only he has no idea that all his recent misfortunes are the result of murderous schemes. I could say a lot more but Candice Hern is a better storyteller than I.
My Two Cents
I liked this book. I liked Sedge back in The Proper Companion and was glad to see him fall in love not just settle for a nice girl. Meg is so quirky and loveable. Wouldn’t be nice if all the awkward wallflower girls could grow in to the goddess that Meg becomes? Well, that is why it is fiction. I love happy endings. A lot of smiling moments in this book- perfect for a pick-me-up on any rainy day.
The Story
Sedge who we first see in The Proper Companion falls in succumbs to love. Everything seems to line up perfectly. Meg seems to love him so why does she refuse? Meg was in love with Lord Sedgewick six years ago when he was so kind as to dance with her, the pitiful wallflower in her only Season. She had gotten over her crush until he turn up injured and unconscious near her home in the country. As Sedge recovers Meg finds herself falling in love once again with the charming Lord Sedgewick. All seems perfect, so why didn’t he ask for her hand? The entire world seems to crash down around them with all hope dashed in a misunderstanding. Someone seems to be plotting to kill Sedge only he has no idea that all his recent misfortunes are the result of murderous schemes. I could say a lot more but Candice Hern is a better storyteller than I.
My Two Cents
I liked this book. I liked Sedge back in The Proper Companion and was glad to see him fall in love not just settle for a nice girl. Meg is so quirky and loveable. Wouldn’t be nice if all the awkward wallflower girls could grow in to the goddess that Meg becomes? Well, that is why it is fiction. I love happy endings. A lot of smiling moments in this book- perfect for a pick-me-up on any rainy day.
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