3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 because I liked Dysart so much.
The Duke of Sherrington is a valetudinarian (that’s Regency-speak for hypochondriac) who wa3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 because I liked Dysart so much.
The Duke of Sherrington is a valetudinarian (that’s Regency-speak for hypochondriac) who wants to see his three daughters wed before he shuffles off this mortal coil. Hence, his insistence that their annual house party take place, in hopes that some eligible gentlemen will help fulfill his wish.
Lady Elizabeth Wilde, (Lizzie) the eldest daughter, is shocked by her father’s sudden change in condition and begins to suspect that someone may be poisoning him. Intrepid Lady Elizabeth takes herself off to Bow Street to hire a runner, and there she encounters Dysart (no first name), lounging on the pavement smoking a cheroot. He happens to be the only runner available at the moment, so Lizzie engages him. Despite his scruffy appearance and insolent manner, Dysart knows something about high society, so the plan is for him to join the house party as a guest, using a pseudonym and some concocted connections to the duke.
From the moment Dysart joins Lizzie for the carriage ride to Suffolk, sparks are flying, but neither one of them will acknowledge it. I knew that I would love Dysart when I read this exchange:
“I am Lady Elizabeth Wilde.” . . . “Are ye now?” “Am I what?” “Wild.” The maid let out a gasp.
Dysart is an enigma. He can drop his Bow Street accent and smart-arse attitude to converse like a gentlemen in a flash. He apparently has a gentleman’s wardrobe, for no mention is made of him being dressed inappropriately. He knows which fork to use. One of the guests, a nasty piece of work named Pendleton, even recognizes him and calls him “Gus.” Dysart, however, has the goods on Pendleton and threatens him with exposure to keep him silent. He roams the house at all hours investigating and he suspects everyone. From time to time, we see Dysart’s inner bad boy make an appearance; Lizzie sees it too, and she likes it.
But Lizzie does not want to like it; Dysart is completely unsuitable for a duke’s daughter. Besides, she is expected to marry her second cousin Snowley, her father’s fussy, fastidious heir. The thought of intimacy with him makes her shudder, but she must consider the possibility; it is her father’s fondest wish, and Lizzie is a dutiful daughter. Along with being dutiful, however, Lizzie is strong, intelligent, and brave. Due to her father’s years of illness, she is the de facto head of the household and is a substitute mother to her two younger sisters. While Lizzie is a modern character in some ways, Ashlyn Macnamara does an excellent job making her a woman of her time, although I must say that Lizzie is a good deal bolder in carnal matters that one would expect of a gently bred young lady. The sexual tension between her and Dysart is so palpable, though, that she might be forgiven her indiscretions.
Although there are plenty of secondary characters, some of whom are just there to set up the rest of the series, Dysart is the star of this book. He is taciturn, moody, clever, gallant, and hot as coals of glowing fire. (Fans of Deanna Raybourn’s Lady Julia series might be reminded Brisbane from time to time!) Clearly, he has a past, which he gradually shares with Lizzie as the investigation draws them closer; and the events of that past demonstrate just what a noble soul lies beneath the rough exterior.
Although the mystery was unexciting (until the surprisingly thrilling ending), I thoroughly enjoyed To Lure a Proper Lady and added a star to my rating just for Dysart. I look forward to reading the rest of this series.
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 because I liked Dysart so much.
The Duke of Sherrington is a valetudinarian (that’s Regency-speak for hypochondriac) who wants to see his three daughters wed before he shuffles off this mortal coil. Hence, his insistence that their annual house party take place, in hopes that some eligible gentlemen will help fulfill his wish.
Lady Elizabeth Wilde, (Lizzie) the eldest daughter, is shocked by her father’s sudden change in condition and begins to suspect that someone may be poisoning him. Intrepid Lady Elizabeth takes herself off to Bow Street to hire a runner, and there she encounters Dysart (no first name), lounging on the pavement smoking a cheroot. He happens to be the only runner available at the moment, so Lizzie engages him. Despite his scruffy appearance and insolent manner, Dysart knows something about high society, so the plan is for him to join the house party as a guest, using a pseudonym and some concocted connections to the duke.
From the moment Dysart joins Lizzie for the carriage ride to Suffolk, sparks are flying, but neither one of them will acknowledge it. I knew that I would love Dysart when I read this exchange:
“I am Lady Elizabeth Wilde.” . . . “Are ye now?” “Am I what?” “Wild.” The maid let out a gasp.
Dysart is an enigma. He can drop his Bow Street accent and smart-arse attitude to converse like a gentlemen in a flash. He apparently has a gentleman’s wardrobe, for no mention is made of him being dressed inappropriately. He knows which fork to use. One of the guests, a nasty piece of work named Pendleton, even recognizes him and calls him “Gus.” Dysart, however, has the goods on Pendleton and threatens him with exposure to keep him silent. He roams the house at all hours investigating and he suspects everyone. From time to time, we see Dysart’s inner bad boy make an appearance; Lizzie sees it too, and she likes it.
But Lizzie does not want to like it; Dysart is completely unsuitable for a duke’s daughter. Besides, she is expected to marry her second cousin Snowley, her father’s fussy, fastidious heir. The thought of intimacy with him makes her shudder, but she must consider the possibility; it is her father’s fondest wish, and Lizzie is a dutiful daughter. Along with being dutiful, however, Lizzie is strong, intelligent, and brave. Due to her father’s years of illness, she is the de facto head of the household and is a substitute mother to her two younger sisters. While Lizzie is a modern character in some ways, Ashlyn Macnamara does an excellent job making her a woman of her time, although I must say that Lizzie is a good deal bolder in carnal matters that one would expect of a gently bred young lady. The sexual tension between her and Dysart is so palpable, though, that she might be forgiven her indiscretions.
Although there are plenty of secondary characters, some of whom are just there to set up the rest of the series, Dysart is the star of this book. He is taciturn, moody, clever, gallant, and hot as coals of glowing fire. (Fans of Deanna Raybourn’s Lady Julia series might be reminded Brisbane from time to time!) Clearly, he has a past, which he gradually shares with Lizzie as the investigation draws them closer; and the events of that past demonstrate just what a noble soul lies beneath the rough exterior.
Although the mystery was unexciting (until the surprisingly thrilling ending), I thoroughly enjoyed To Lure a Proper Lady and added a star to my rating just for Dysart. I look forward to reading the rest of this series.
With Old Latin Teacher giving this five (rarely-granted) stars, and GR friend Juliana Phillippa recommending it to "Every single person alive (who likWith Old Latin Teacher giving this five (rarely-granted) stars, and GR friend Juliana Phillippa recommending it to "Every single person alive (who likes romances)," how could I pass up this new-to-me author?
And my assessment is: The Improper Bride is every bit as good as they said. Henry and Cassandra are a wonderful couple, and we get to know them very well as the story progresses. This is one of those books where not a lot happens -- except the marquess (and duke's heir) falls deeply in love with his housekeeper, and we're right there with them each step of the way. Character-driven, I believe, is the term. This cross-class romance is entirely believable, as each of them firmly believes that marriage is not an option.
Ah, but this is Romancelandia, and a happy ending is ensured.
Merged review:
With Old Latin Teacher giving this five (rarely-granted) stars, and GR friend Juliana Phillippa recommending it to "Every single person alive (who likes romances)," how could I pass up this new-to-me author?
And my assessment is: The Improper Bride is every bit as good as they said. Henry and Cassandra are a wonderful couple, and we get to know them very well as the story progresses. This is one of those books where not a lot happens -- except the marquess (and duke's heir) falls deeply in love with his housekeeper, and we're right there with them each step of the way. Character-driven, I believe, is the term. This cross-class romance is entirely believable, as each of them firmly believes that marriage is not an option.
Ah, but this is Romancelandia, and a happy ending is ensured....more
Lovely writing. Great character development. This story covers four years, and while some reviewers think it moves too slowly, I liked the time that iLovely writing. Great character development. This story covers four years, and while some reviewers think it moves too slowly, I liked the time that it took for Grace and Theo to figure out that they belonged together. Also, during this time, all of the other characters are growing and changing (mostly for the better), giving this book a feeling of real life.
I will definitely be reading more books by Cate Charleston.
Merged review:
Lovely writing. Great character development. This story covers four years, and while some reviewers think it moves too slowly, I liked the time that it took for Grace and Theo to figure out that they belonged together. Also, during this time, all of the other characters are growing and changing (mostly for the better), giving this book a feeling of real life.
I will definitely be reading more books by Cate Charleston....more
I've loved mysteries, ever since starting out as a girl with Nancy Drew. I eventually moved on to Agatha Christie, Arthur Conan Doyle, and Dorothy L. I've loved mysteries, ever since starting out as a girl with Nancy Drew. I eventually moved on to Agatha Christie, Arthur Conan Doyle, and Dorothy L. Sayers. I also love to read historical romance, especially Regency and Victorian.
So how could I help loving the Lady Julia Grey books? Simple. I couldn't. The three books in this very nicely priced ebook bundle were much more mystery than romance, but that's okay. They were engaging and well constructed. The underlying romance -- which in these three books take Julia and Brisbane from first meeting to marriage -- is subtle but gripping. Brisbane is such a delicious, deeply layered character.
Merged review:
I've loved mysteries, ever since starting out as a girl with Nancy Drew. I eventually moved on to Agatha Christie, Arthur Conan Doyle, and Dorothy L. Sayers. I also love to read historical romance, especially Regency and Victorian.
So how could I help loving the Lady Julia Grey books? Simple. I couldn't. The three books in this very nicely priced ebook bundle were much more mystery than romance, but that's okay. They were engaging and well constructed. The underlying romance -- which in these three books take Julia and Brisbane from first meeting to marriage -- is subtle but gripping. Brisbane is such a delicious, deeply layered character....more
Has the Home Secretary been murdered? Roderick Allen is on the case. Despite the abundant clues, I did not spot the killer. Reminds me of Green for DaHas the Home Secretary been murdered? Roderick Allen is on the case. Despite the abundant clues, I did not spot the killer. Reminds me of Green for Danger.
Merged review:
Has the Home Secretary been murdered? Roderick Allen is on the case. Despite the abundant clues, I did not spot the killer. Reminds me of Green for Danger....more
Lorac had me completely fooled here, possibly because the murder plot was so damnably complex. I have no argument with that. McDonald’s sleuthing was Lorac had me completely fooled here, possibly because the murder plot was so damnably complex. I have no argument with that. McDonald’s sleuthing was impeccable.
I did not enjoy this book as much as I have the others that I’ve read so far. One of the things I admire about Lorac’s work is the strong sense of place she creates to go along with the mystery. Here, the only “place” was a creepy old medieval/Elizabethan/Jacobean house where most of the action occurred. And the main characters were five members of a capital ”D” dysfunctional family, not one of whom was the least bit likable.
Nevertheless, I give her credit for coming up with a diabolical plot. ...more
Another winner from E.C.R. Lorac (writing here as Carol Carnac), this time set in the hills of the Welsh borders during a nasty winter snow/flood. I lAnother winner from E.C.R. Lorac (writing here as Carol Carnac), this time set in the hills of the Welsh borders during a nasty winter snow/flood. I love stories with a strong sense of place, and this author excels at portraying country landscapes and the farm families who live there. Of course, I didn’t catch on to whodunnit (and I still have a problem with how the culprit was able to pull off his final attempt to escape.
This was my first time to read about Scotland Yard Chief Inspector Rivers, but I will definitely seek out more. ...more
It’s hard to pick a favorite Nero Wolfe book, but this is in my top three. Nero Wolfe versus the FBI. Needless to say, Wolfe wins, with an assist fromIt’s hard to pick a favorite Nero Wolfe book, but this is in my top three. Nero Wolfe versus the FBI. Needless to say, Wolfe wins, with an assist from his erstwhile nemesis Lt. Cramer of the NYPD. ...more
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