I really enjoyed this book up until the hero and the heroine actually started interacting. The first fifty pages her sneaking about the secret passages of his ruin of a manor trying to figure out who he is and why he'd kidnapped her injured, blinded young cousin, and when he finally succeeds in catching her at this he threatens her with deportation for breaking in and stealing food. This coming from a kidnapper I thought was a bit rich. And when he grandly announces (as he's binding her up in ropes, now that he's finally caught her) that, "I have reason for what I do. You are in no position to comment on it." (p. 51) — like she doesn't? — I had to put the book down in order to sufficiently roll my eyes. I decided right then I wouldn't give the book more than a two-star rating unless she sasses that exact quotation back to him at a later point (spoiler alert: this book rates two stars).I found it inexplicable that the heroine got herself half free of her binds only to fall asleep for just long enough for him to check on her and notice that one hand was free, and then free herself completely in the space of the two pages it took for the hero to wander out of the room, muse about how voluptuous she is, and wander back. I'm sorry. If someone's accosted you and tied you up, you don't fall asleep mid-way through untying yourself, especially when five minutes more work would complete the untying, to say nothing of the fact you don't have any reason to fall asleep when you've spent several days relatively well-rested, robbing the kitchen at will, and are purportedly terrified out of your mind (or enraged. Either or). Narrow-eyed glare of incredulousness does not pleasantly follow eyeroll. And while I dutifully read on clear to the end of this book, I never regained any pleasure reading it. The remaining 300 pages of story dragged tediously.I reviewed one of Rice's contemporary books not long ago (Evil Genius) and adored it. I'm quite disappointed with this one. Even though I generally prefer historic and regency-themed romances to contemporaries, I found so very little to enjoy here.This is an electronic reissue of long out-of-print book, and it has apparently become something a fan favorite. A never-before-available sequel is scheduled to be published shortly (The English Heiress); it had been written concurrently but its publication was delayed. I'm a bit of two minds of whether I'll go through the trouble of reading the sequel. Eh. Maybe if I find it for free. I received a finished ecopy of this book through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers Program. This is the fourth review title I've received from this publisher, and the second from this author.Quote pulled from ISBN 9781611381733.
This one may sound like a typical romance novel, but there's way more to it. There's a lot of intrigue, murder, complex situations, and complex relationships. Also all the characters seem like real people. Patricia Rice forces you to believe that all these characters really existed. I love being sucked into a world. Better showed then told I've always been told, and Patricia Rice does good by that.I hate simple stories like boy-meets-girl-boy-loses-girl-he-fights-for-her-all-ends-happily-ever-after and stories such as those. This novel reminded me a lot of 'Castle of the Wolf' by Sandra Schwab, because there is a serious Beauty-and-the-Beast feel to it. Gavin was scared horribly in a duel and a beautiful, smart girl doesn't fear him and in the ends falls for him. I love that aspect of the book, because it made their love seem real. However, they just tried to cover it up and just call it 'lust', which you can obviously see through throughout the entire book. I loved how it took forever for Gavin and Dillan to realize that they actually cared for each other. It all seemed very realistic. However, I did roll my eyes at some parts because they seemed melodramatic and I just wanted to strangle someone (mostly Gavin or Dillan). Some of the dialogue was a little annoying, but I enjoyed all the wit being tossed around. Besides for some of the parts, there's nothing else I can really complain about. I couldn't put this book down! It was a cute book, but it really made you think. Too be honest, I had no clue how it was going to end and I thought I had the bad guy figured out, but I was wrong. I was a little shocked by the ending! I was a little upset at myself, because I was wrong. However, I give a bow to Patricia Rice for keeping me on the edge of my seat the whole book through. She bested me. I'm not sure what else to say, except that I really enjoyed this book and I plan to re-read it in the future! It's a cute book to read during lazy summer days. I grant this book five stars. ^.^ I recommend this book to those that like historical romance novels or just a cute book to pass by the time with. I plan to check out more of Patricia Rice's books in the future
Do You like book The Marquess (2012)?
This was a well written and engaging romance novel. The characters drew you into a mysterious story involving inheritances, historical gender roles, and lasting relationships. Best of all there weren't any glaring and distracting items of historical inaccuracy. I'm not an expert on the time period. However, it's nice to not be blown out a story by small details that scream of poor research. The heroine was intelligent and not easily wooed giving more substance to the actual story than most generic romance novels. I think anyone who enjoys seeing reluctant lovers realize the chemistry between them can carry them into a lasting relationship will find this a to be a great read. I was also thoroughly intrigued by the tidbits given for Michael and Lady Blanche. I'm looking forward to reading that story as well. Overall, it's a wonderful tale that will fill your needs for a mysterious and thrilling love story.
—Danni
This story was such a pleasure to read. Patricia Rice gives us her version of the beauty and the beast, and I really liked her take on it.Gavin Lawrence, recently titled Marquess of Effingham, a badly scarred man, has finally arrived in England to claim his title and properties, including an old and run down castle with hardly any servants. His brother Michael accompanies him for this adventure, and as younger brothers go, Michael is ever so obliging in throwing Gavin for a loop, and the latest one is particularly troubling to this impoverished newly minted aristocrat.Dillian Whitnell has lived with her young cousin Lady Blanche Perceval for a while now, and to many in the society, she’s known as Miss Reynolds, Blanche’s companion. The pretence is deliberate even though the name is legitimate. The women have become very close confidants and mostly rely on each other, and not on Lady Blanches cousin, young Neville, Duke of Anglesey who neither of them trust and are suspecting of trying to kill Blanche.The two main characters were very likable once you got to know them better and understand their backgrounds. Trust never came easy to them and trusting each other took some time. Once Gavin finds out who Dillian really is and learns of her childhood, he can’t help but admire the woman she’s become. The same goes for Dillian, although it was much harder for her to get to know the man behind the scars.What I also appreciated in this story is ...for the rest of this review, please visit me at...http://bookworm2bookworm.wordpress.co...Thanks,Melanie
—Melanie
I want to first make it clear that I really enjoyed this book. That being said, it did have a few shortcomings. It was a bit long, it was a slow read, and the plot seemed to meander somewhat. What made the book so good were the characters. Gavin and Dillian were so hard on themselves. Each was afraid to reach out for different reasons. It was a case of opposites attract to a large degree, but their similarities brought them together. We were also very much introduced to his brother, Michael and her cousin, Blanche -- the H/h of the sequel, The English Heiress (which I am reading now). This was an emotional journey for me and I sobbed at the end.
—Diane Peterson
