The Devilish Montague

Rebellious Sons #2

by Patricia Rice

A taciturn soldier and a social butterfly - is the perfect home worth the price of a marriage of inconvenience? Blake Montague's draconian temper and clever mind belong on the Continent, decoding French communications. Instead, as the youngest son of a baron, he's terrorizing London ballrooms in search of a wife who will buy the commission he can't afford. Jocelyn Carrington, after years of smiling through the pain inflicted by an uncaring family, has just inherited a fortune. Now she can buy the special home with an aviary her eccentric younger brother needs - but Blake Montague's family owns it. They offer the house if she will marry their son and prevent him from marching off to war. Except Blake will use her dowry to buy his commission. How can Jocelyn gain the home of her dreams while keeping alive a courageous man with a bad habit of attracting trouble? Can Blake believe the beautiful Jocelyn might actually free him from his family's manipulations? Can this wary, cynical pair open their hearts to trust in the power of love?

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Regency, Audiobook, Marriage Of Convenience, Fiction

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published July 1, 2011

About the author

With several million books in print and New York Times and USA Today's bestseller lists under her belt, former CPA Patricia Rice writes emotionally-charged contemporary and historical romances which have won numerous awards, including the RT Book Reviews Reviewers Choice and Career Achievement Awards.

Her books have also been honored as Romance Writers of America RITA® finalists in the historical, regency and contemporary categories.

A firm believer in happily-ever-after for good reason, Patricia Rice is married to her high school sweetheart and has two children. A native of Kentucky and New York, a past resident of North Carolina and Missouri, she currently resides in Southern California, and now does accounting only for herself.

She also writes under the pen name Jamie Quaid

Reviews

[Joanna Loves Reading · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars- another enjoyable story in this series. Fun and diverting. I did like the first book better, and I have had a number of good reads lately.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author, but it won’t be my last. We definitely started off on the right foot. As soon as I started reading, I was hooked. I smiled my way through the book and finished it wishing I had an easier time finding books that pleased me as much as this one did.

I was completely gone for both of the main characters. They were both so interesting and just plain likable. They both needed what marriage to each other would bring, and it was refreshing to see a Marriage of Convenience storyline where both parties were matter of fact and accepting of the limitations of such a union. There was no angst, no regretful moping…ah, bliss. It was just two practical people developing a friendship and slowly falling in love.

The humor here was great. The situations were laugh out loud, without straying toward being over the top. The heroine, Jocelyn, is usually at the center of the debacles, and the unexpecting hero, Blake, is left to try and keep up.

"I've met her only the once, when we visited Lady Bell a few months back. She seems a pleasant sort."

"She shot me in the foot and stole an obscene parrot!"

It’s not that Jocelyn tries to be outrageous, she is just willing to do whatever it takes to take care of the people that she feels responsible for. If that means stealing a bird, well, a girl’s got to do what a girl’s got to do.

I adored Jocelyn. She was always reading people, ready to turn the situation to her advantage. Blake was the total opposite. He was bluntly honest, to the point of rudeness. He had no compunction about bellowing and generally acting crabby, but he was the kind of guy with manners so ingrained that he would help you across a puddle, without even thinking about it, and all the while he would be lecturing or ranting. They both had to learn to adjust to each other’s personalities, but I loved watching the journey.

I think the author did an excellent job of creating believable, sympathetic family situations, without miring us in angst. Blake couldn’t stand being coddled anymore and Jocelyn was at her wits’ end with all the lives she was responsible for. They both needed each other to provide an occasional breather from their burdens. It didn’t happen overnight, but slowly they learned to trust each other.

I loved the secondary characters and am on pins and needles, hoping to see a book for Quentin and Lady Bell. Their sparring was delicious. Plus, having a hero in trade promises an intriguing conflict. That brings up something I wanted to mention. For all those who have been looking for HR’s that don’t focus on the higher nobility and the ton, look no further. Jocelyn is the estranged half sister of a viscount, and Blake is the third son of a Baron, but neither of them have much to do with society—barring a few short scenes in the book. Blake’s major goal in life is to crack codes, and Jocelyn just wants to have a home of her own. They are both pleased with their lot in life and don’t aspire for loftier things.

There is a spy subplot in the book. It didn’t really interest me, but it didn’t bother me either. For the most part it was a background feature. It was only toward the end that it came to the forefront. I felt it slowed down the momentum of the story a little, but not enough to impact my grade. Besides, it probably wouldn’t bother someone who enjoyed that sort of thing more.

Favorite Quote:

"How do you do that? How do you take everything I say and turn it around so that you seem sweet and appealing, when I know you are simply skewering me?"

Review originally posted on Fiction Vixen

*For a sneak peek check out my Tempting Teaser on Fiction Vixen*

[Jultri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blake Montague is the cash-strapped, barely civilised younger son of a Baron. Frustrated by his war injury which forced him out of the battle zone prematurely, he puts his ample cerebral abilities to good use by trying to crack French codes. Problem is, in order to have a chance of success in his decoding endeavour, he needs to be in the middle of the action but he lacks the funds to buy his commission and his protective parents certainly will not assist him in this matter. Devoid of any patience for social niceties, the cantankerous Blake seems an unlikely match for the beautiful and graceful Jocelyn Carrington, the sister of a Viscount and an expert in utilising her magnificently honed social skills to achieve her ends. But Jocelyn has money, courtesy of her insanely wealthy benefactress and widow of a distant relative, and Blake has unexpectedly been gifted the deed to her beloved, old family home. They strike a practical and seemingly fair arrangement, except Blake didn't count on Jocelyn's odd little brother and mother being very much part of the deal, let alone 2 crazy, filthy-mouthed parrots and Jocelyn's psychopathic older brother. From resisting the coddling of his family all his life, he runs straight into the folds of this very unorthodox family, and God love him, Blake just takes all their crazy antics in stride and accepts them all (sans murderous brother-in-law) unquestioningly. He merely just shifts over unblinkingly and makes a bit of room for them in his home and in his life and carves an extra large space out for Jocelyn and her animal menagerie especially in his heart. Once again, the author deftly tells an amusing story with likable characters and a good dose of humour.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had already added this series to my TBR list, but after reading Catherine's review(which you should read), I decided to jump ahead and read The Devilish Montague first. And everything in Catherine's review turned out to be true. I loved this book. It had a certain freshness and joi de vivre to it that I haven't encountered in Historical Romance lately.

For starters, the hero isn't a rake suffering from ennui, or a Duke who needs to produce heirs. Instead Blake is a very intelligent man who wants to serve his country by cracking a code the French are using in the War. Only to obtain more samples of the code he has to rejoin the army, and since he isn't an heir he hasn't enough money to buy an army commission. After trying everything, the only solution left is marrying someone with money, but who would want to marry someone just to be left alone again?

Enter Jocelyn, who has come into a bit of money, and finally sees the opportunity to escape the evil clutches of her family and make a home for her brother and herself. When Jocelyn and Blake realize they could be each others solution, they start arranging a marriage of convenience.

I loved that this was a marriage of convenience where both parties truly got something they really wanted, and that they discussed what the marriage entailed at length and as equals. In fact, I loved how the brunt of the romance was about how they got to understand and love each other, thanks to spending time together and learning to listen to each other. Jocelyn and Blake were acquainted before the start of the novel, and I adored how each of them had to readjust the image they had of the other while the novel progressed.

I loved both their personalities - they had quite a bit of faults, but they were both oh so charming. Blake reminded me a lot of Rupert, the hero of Mr. Impossible (one of my all time favorite HR's). He was so bluntly honest and very much a man of action that he had gathered quite a bad reputation, even though he was every inch the gentleman and a man of honor. Only he doesn't really care for all the fuzz and superficial signs of what that should entail according to the ton. (There's this awesome scene where he's angry at Jocelyn and yelling at her, and unconsciously he helps her over a puddle of mud). I loved him.

Jocelyn was a wily sort of woman who could take care of herself, and used that for years to protect those of her family she loved. Yet having someone she could finally lean on gave her so much more strength. It was awesome to read how she managed everybody and took care of everyone, and in the end was taken care of for once. But mostly it was awesome how she finally stood up for herself after years of standing up for others.

I always feel that true Romance should be about a couple which makes each other a better version of themselves, and here that was absolutely the case.

There were a bit too much silly accidents and antics (including several hijinks concerning a parrot or two), plus the simmering spy plot that jumps to the forefront by the end, for me to count this among my favorites, but I definitely see myself rereading this, and I'm looking forward to read more books in the series.

Recommended.

[Rachel (BAVR)]

I couldn't do it. I suppose Rice intended to be funny and clever while writing this book, but the pace and characterizations just annoyed me. The heroine totally lies to the hero to trick him into marrying her, and all we get for it are countless scenes and conversations about ... wait for it ... BIRDS! Big birds, small birds, talking birds, mysterious birds. I'm not using "birds" as a euphemism, either. Actual birds are used to move the plot. I already solved the mystery, and the hero isn't devilish at all, despite the title. DNF and on to something more interesting without birds.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I reviewed The Devilish Montague a few years ago...thought I'd post it on goodreads. It's long: be warned!

The Devilish Montague by Patricia Rice

One of my favourite tropes is the marriage of convenience. Patricia Rice’s new historical novel, The Devilish Montague, part of the Rebellious Sons series, was right up my alley! I inhaled the book like a pint of smooth French vanilla ice cream but my review got a tad sidetracked because of a certain royal tour of North America that was followed by a country-rocking scandal in the UK followed by this and followed by that (choose an excuse: debt ceiling, financial meltdown, going on vacation, heading to a wedding…). Without further ado, here’s the description from the back cover:

AN INCONVENIENT MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE

He thinks he can save all of Europe from a tyrant. She’s just trying to rescue a stolen parrot. Marriage is the farthest thing from their minds—until they realize they each have what the other wants…

Blake Montague’s one desire is to return to war on the Continent, where he hopes to employ his exceptional skill at decoding French communications to break Napoleon’s stranglehold on Europe. But as the penniless youngest son of a baron, he lacks the funds necessary to buy a commission, and frustration has made him restless and prone to fighting duels. His only hope is a marriage of convenience that will provide the money he requires. Then he meets a blond beauty who can fulfill all his needs—especially those best satisfied by a wife!

Jocelyn Carrington’s one desire is to acquire her family’s estate, which her despicable elder brother lost in a wager to Blake’s father. Now, to win it back, she must wed the youngest Montague, a man with few social graces and a habit of attracting trouble. Soon enough, she discovers that keeping her heroic groom alive is a challenging—though highly enjoyable—pastime. Especially since, to her surprise, she’s developing feelings for him that belong only to a husband.

My shelves are groaning with Out Of Print (OOP) Regencies and one of the stars of the panoply is Patricia Rice. A few hallmarks of her style – humourous introspection from both the heroine and the hero, a respect for the mores of the time and unforgettable animals. And always, a story that draws in the reader because they care about the protagonists. The Devilish Montague has all this in abundance plus an intriguing continuing story a la Eloisa James (I’m referring to the taut and sizzling interchanges between Lady Isabell Belden and Lord Quentin Hoyt – they had better get their own book). One of my pet peeves is starting a book and realizing that it’s the 2nd or 3rd in a series and I’m lost. That doesn’t happen here – yes, it is 2nd in the Rebellious Sons series but although you meet the couple from the first book, it’s entirely natural and believable, much like the friendship between the gentlemen of the Burgundy Club, Miranda Neville’s continuing series.

Let me set the stage ~ Blake and Jocelyn are in a pickle. They both need money to pursue the dreams closest to their hearts, Jocelyn to feel safe and return to Carrington House, her childhood home, thus giving stability to her younger brother Richard; Blake to shake off the family curse and to be allowed to continue code cracking in Europe. Underestimated by others, they misjudge each other but their growing acquaintance leads to lust, longing and eventually a loving appreciation of each other’s idiosyncrasies. Jocelyn is manipulative, observant and possessed of great emotional intelligence. I also very much liked her older friend and mentor, Lady Belden, the relict of a marquess, who lovingly yet sensibly presented Jocelyn with her choices:

“… now that you have my late husband’s bequest, you have choices. I will not hurry you into a decision that will affect the rest of your life. If your family comes first, so be it. But your social flair would be an asset for so many men, and even if you do not marry, I’m sure you could find other means of employing your talents. Why, your eye for choosing just the right fabrics and ribbons could make you an arbiter of fashion!” pg. 13

It’s lovely to read a book where a heroine’s choices are considered sensibly and without passion and heat. Jocelyn has grown up in a hard school where survival has meant deflecting attention from herself and getting her own way has required navigating surreptitious channels. Part of Blake’s appeal to her is that “his worth lay in his intellect, not in his pockets”. He intrigues her.

She must admit that he was a handsome, if formidable, figure of a man—not one easily manipulated by the deceptive smiles and beguiling ways she’d learned to employ. pg. 31

Rice’s characters, in my experience, are not mealy-mouthed: they may dissemble but their usual inclination is to be forthright. This book is no exception. I won’t distract you with a long segue about why a salty-tongued parrot is a pivotal member of the cast of characters; just take my word for it. Jocelyn steals Percy, the parrot and persuades Blake to take care of him.

“You are not normal, you know that?” he asked, warily taking the box, which muffled Percy’s protests. “Women do not marry for birds.”

“Most men do not marry to get themselves killed, either,” she said cheerfully. “We must get to know each other … Consider this preliminary negotiations to see if we will suit.” pg. 59

And of course they do suit: they become engaged but with few illusions on either side. Unfortunately, Jocelyn’s tortured relationship with her eeeeeeevil half-brother Harold results in him demanding 400 pounds from her before she marries in order for him to relinquish guardianship of her brother Richard. Still with me? Jocelyn will do anything to take care of her younger brother, even spend the money that Blake is counting on, her dowry, so that he can pay his way back to the war on the continent. Every book needs a conflict or two to be conquered on the path to an HEA and Jocelyn’s deception will be their first. Even so, when Blake physically removes Harold from her presence (before their marriage), Jocelyn realizes that in her finance, she may have found a champion. Blake sloughs off her praise and appreciation.

“Blowhards and bullies are not worth the trouble,” her gallant knight said dismissively.

She’d accept this as a sign that Mr. Montague would protect her and hers, even after he learned of her deception. pg. 136

Before they marry, Jocelyn is thrilled to be courted by Blake, even when she receives a scarcely legible note, “Picnic tomorrow? Noon. Best, Montague.” Even so, when they marry Jocelyn is a bundle of nerves, because she is worried about what her husband will think and do when he realizes that he has been deceived and that she has no ready cash. Marriages of convenience that aren’t convenient for one of the partners are particularly interesting. Their wedding night is proceeding along intensely exciting lines when they hear a frantic cry just outside the door. It’s Richard, her brother, suddenly arrived on her doorstep. So no consummation and then Blake finds out the next day from his wife’s banker that there are no funds: can this fledgling marriage be saved?

Blake confronts his wife and they actually talk. There is no miscommunication or continuing secrets. Their journey to love sees them each solving each other’s most besetting problems. What’s sexier than a man demanding that you talk with him? A husband who admires your smarts, even if they’re different from his? I may be using modern language but the character’s talents are rooted in their time: Jocelyn specializes in people and Blake solves puzzles. Emotions, though, are timeless and Rice makes the reader believe in her characters and what makes them tick.

Reading a book that reinforces the transformational power of love is a special experience. Sink into The Devilish Montague and revisit the first flush of love. Patricia Rice will have you remembering that love can enhance and enlarge every aspect of your life.

“Love is a kind of madness, is it not? I love and adore you, but I will never be the clever, obedient sort of wife you wish.”

Briefly, Blake closed his eyes and let her declaration sink in. Love had been a smothering emotion until Jocelyn entered his life. Now, he could see the freedom it offered.

“`Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds,’” he quoted, leaning over to kiss the upper curve of her lip. “Why would I be so dunderheaded as to wish to change anything about you?” pg. 347

And perhaps a cliché, but I wouldn’t change a word of The Devilish Montague. Enjoy Patricia Rice, at the top of her form.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed both of the main characters in this book, although Montague is a bit gruff and taciturn and Jocelyn flighty and loquacious - at first. I love the way they both grow and open up to each other as they fight to find common ground. It takes a while to truly understand them. Richard, Joceyln's mother, and the pets are a hoot. You can't help but wish them the best. I also like the way they resolve their multiple problems without too much loss and the bad guys get their comeuppance. I love a good ending.

[Elodie’s Reading Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the first book WICKED WYCKERLY in this series I knew I will have to read this one too.
It was very different from the first one, with less humor but still plenty of action.
From the beginning it was an opposites attract kind of trope, as even if they deny it, Jocelyn Carrington is drawn to Blake Montague. While he is rude to her, he thought her a dimwit young miss and nothing more. But soon she shows him there is more than her fluttering of lashes and blinding smiles behind her well built facade.
While Blake’s bluntness hide his unease among his peer, he get to the point. Why he can appear gruff, because he does not know otherwise.
But for Jocelyn, he is willing to try. But it is a road paved with dents and accidents.
He is prone to kill himself at any turning point when she only plots how to protect those under her care even if it means deceit.
Outside the spy plot, their greatest challenge is being able to trust the other, him to confide in her and her to accept his support. They lived so long without anyone close enough to see past their mask, they had their trust chattered so they need to put their misconceiving aside and work together with each one’s talent.
It was lovely and quite amusing to see Jocelyn let her social mask slip and express her true feeling and finally stand for herself after bending for so long. While even if Blake stayed true to him, he was also able to see Jocelyn other than a charming hostess and that not all heroic acts were on the battlegrounds.

[Vikki Vaught · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the heroine from her first scene. She’s a real sweetheart. She’s such a nurturer. Whether it’s her autistic brother or her quirky mother, she will do anything to protect her loved ones. I always enjoy a beta hero and Blake fits the role perfectly. The narrator is fantastic with her lovely high society accent and her ability to fit her tone to the characters. Happy reading and listening!

[May Mostly Romance · Rating 3 out of 5]

เราอ่านบทความนึงในอินเตอร์เน็ตซึ่งพูดถึง ความสำคัญของลูกชายคนรอง โดยเฉพาะในประวัติศาสตร์อังกฤษ เนื่องจากบุคคลที่สร้างสิ่งที่ยิ่งใหญ่ หรือประสบความสำเร็จมาก ๆ หลายคนไม่ใช่ลูกชายคนที่เป็นทายาทที่สืบทอดบรรดาศักดิ์ หากแต่เป็นลูกชายคนรอง คนที่ไม่มีส่วนที่จะได้รับมรดกตกทอดของวงค์สกุล พวกเขาเหล่านี้คือคนที่สร้างรากฐานของประเทศ

ลอร์ดเนลสัน แม่ทัพเรือชื่อดัง (คนที่รูปปั้นอยู่ที่จตุรัสทราฟัลกรา), ดยุคแห่งเวลลิงตัน แม่ทัพผู้เอาชนะนโปเลียน, หรือกระทั่งวิลเลียม พิตต์ นายกรัฐมนตรีที่อายุน้อยที่สุดของอังกฤษ ทั้งหมดล้วนเริ่มต้นชีวิตด้วยการเป็นลูกชายคนรอง

นั่นทำให้เราเริ่มสนใจหนังสือที่พูดถึงบรรดาลูกชายคนรองมากขึ้น เพราะเขาเหล่านั้นไม่ได้เกิดบนกองเงินกองทอง จุดเริ่มต้นของชีวิตแทบจะไม่แตกต่างอะไรจากคนสามัญทั่วไป แต่คงต้องบอกว่า หาหนังสือที่เล่าเรื่องราวของพวกเขาได้ยากมากนะคะ เพราะในโรแมนซ์ มันง่ายกว่าที่จะให้พระเอกเป็นดยุค ขุนนางผู้มีบรรดาศักดิ์สูงสุดในแผ่นดิน กระทั่งนักเขียนก็เคยออกมาพูดว่า เธอเต็มใจที่จะเขียนเรื่องที่พระเอกเป็นคนธรรมดา แต่สำนักพิมพ์ไม่สนใจที่จะตีพิมพ์ เพราะคนอ่านชอบตัวละครที่มีบรรดาศักดิ์

ดังนั้นเมื่อเราเห็นพล็อตเรื่องของหนังสือเล่มนี้ ซึ่งตัวพล็อตเองก็ถูกใจเราอยู่แล้ว (การแต่งงานเพื่อความสะดวก) แถมยังเป็นเรื่องของลูกชายคนรองที่มีเวลาว่างในชีวิตมากเกินไป ฉลาดเกินไป ที่จะใช้ชีวิตว่างเปล่าไปวัน ๆ เขากลับดิ้นรนที่จะเป็นบางสิ่ง สร้างบางอย่าง แต่ด้วยความที่เป็นลูกคนรอง ไม่มีใครมองศักยภาพของเขาออก หรือมองเห็นแต่ไม่คิดว่ามีความสำคัญอะไร

หนังสือเล่มนี้เป็นเล่มที่สองในชุด The Rebellious Sons เรื่องราวของเหล่าลูกชายคนรองที่ไม่มีบรรดาศักดิ์ และต้องดิ้นรนหาชีวิตที่เป็นของตัวเอง ซึ่งถ้า่เราเข้าใจไม่ผิด คนแต่งน่าจะตั้งใจเล่าเรื่องราวของคาแร็คเตอร์อีกหลายคนค่ะ แต่ดูท่าทางแล้ว เล่มนี้อาจจะเป็นเล่มสุดท้ายที่ได้รับการตีพิมพ์แล้วล่ะค่ะ เพราะข่าวว่าปีหน้า คนแต่งจะต้องหันไปเขียนหนังสือแนว Urban Fantasy ตามกระแสแล้วล่ะ (ซึ่งเป็นเรื่องน่าเสียดายมาก เพราะคาแร็คเตอร์ที่เหลืออยู่ล้วนน่าสนใจทั้งสิ้น)

เบลค มองเตกิวฉลาดเกินไป ไม่มีอธิบายอะไรอื่นได้ ถ้าเพียงแต่เขายอมรับสภาพชีวิตของตัวเอง ถ้าเพียงแต่เขายอมรับที่จะเป็นลูกชายคนรองของครอบครัวผู้มีอันจะกินที่ไม่ต้องการให้เขาเสี่ยงชีวิตในสงคราม แต่เบลคต้องการมากกว่านั้น เขาต้องการทำในสิ่งที่ยิ่งใหญ่ และสำหรับนักคิดและผู้คงแก่เรียน เบลครู้ว่า เขาสามารถไขรหัสลับที่เหล่าสายลับฝรั่งเศสใช้ได้ แต่เบลคต้องการข้อมูลเพิ่ม ข้อมูลที่เขาไม่มีหากยังอยู่ในลอนดอน ดังนั้นเบลคต้องการไปร่วมรบกับเวลส์ลีย์ (ที่ต่อมากลายเป็นดยุคแห่งเวลลิงตัน) เพื่อเก็บข้อมูลเพิ่ม แต่ในฐานะของลูกชายคนรอง เบลคซึ่งได้รับการปกป้องจากครอบครัว สกัดกั้นความต้องการจะเป็นทหารของเขาเอาไว้ เบลคไม่มีทางเลือกนอกจากอยู่ในลอนดอนต่อไป

จนกระทั่งผู้เป็นพ่อของเขาเสนอบ้านที่ (พ่อของ) เขาชนะจากการพนัน โดยบอกว่า จะให้เบลคหากเขาแต่งงานลงหลักปักฐานเสียที และเจ้าบ้านหลังนี้เองล่ะที่เป็นที่สนใจของโจเซลิน เบิร์ด-คาร์ริงตัน หญิงสาวผู้ซึ่งเพิ่งได้รับของขวัญเป็นสินสอดจากญาติที่เสียชีวิตไป

โจเซลินเติบโตมาในบ้านหลังนั้น แต่เธอ น้องชายผู้มีอาการของโรคแอสเพอร์เจอร์ (โรคเดียวกะลอร์ดเอียน จาก The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie) และมารดา ถูกพี่ชายต่างมารดาซึ่งกลายเป็นเจ้าของหลังจากความตายของผู้เป็นบิดาขับไล่ออกไป จากนั้นโจเซลีนต้องระหกระเหินไปอยู่กับพี่สาวต่างมารดา ก่อนที่จะความเพี้ยนของมารดาและน้องชาย จะทำให้พวกเธอโดนไล่จากบ้านหลังนึงไปอีกหลังนึง

การที่พบกับเบลค และรู้ว่า ถ้าหากแต่งงานกับเขา เธอจะได้มีบ้านเป็นของตัวเอง สถานที่ที่ซึ่งไม่มีใครขับไล่เธอได้อีก แถมยังเป็นบ้านหลังเก่าของเธอเสียอีก ทำให้โจเซลีนยอมตกลงใจแต่งงานเพื่อความสะดวกกับชายหนุ่มผู้ไม่ได้ปกปิดความตั้งใจของเขาเลยว่า จะเอาเงินสินสอดของเธอไปซื้อยศทหารเพื่อไปร่วมรบ

แต่พ่อแม่ของเบลคก็เหนือชั้นกว่านั้น พวกเขาใส่เงื่อนไขเข้าไปในสัญญาการแต่งงานว่า หากเบลคเสียชีวิตก่อนการแต่งงานครบรอบหนึ่งปี โจเซลีนจะไม่มีสิทธิในบ้านหลังนั้นเลย ก็เพื่อให้โจเซลีนช่วยป้องกันลูกชายไม่ให้ไปรบอีกคน

การแต่งงานเพื่อความสะดวกจึงเกิดขึ้น และก็เหมือนคำอธิบายที่ปกหลังของเรื่องค่ะ มันเป็นการแต่งงานเพื่อความสะดวกที่ไม่สะดวกเอาเสียเลย เพราะทั้งโจเซลีน และเบลคไม่เคยคิดว่า มันจะวุ่นวายแบบนี้ แต่ในขณะเดียวกันก็ไม่เคยคิดเลยว่า ชีวิตของพวกเขาจะครบถ้วนมากขึ้น

เบลคเรียนรู้ที่จะอยู่ร่วมกับคนอื่น เขาเข้าใจแม่และน้องชายของโจเซลินมากกว่าคนอื่น ๆ และไม่มีปัญหาในการอยู่ร่วมกับคนทั้งคู่ซึ่งเป็นสิ่งที่ไม่เคยมีใครทำได้มาก่อน และเบลคยังไม่ใช่คนที่โจเซลีนมีหน้าที่ต้องดูแล ไม่เหมือนแม่หรือน้องชายที่ติดอยู่ในโลกของตัวเอง โจเซลินเป็นคนเดียวที่ดูแลทั้งหมด แต่กับเบลคเธอได้ใครสักคนที่พึ่งพาได้ ไว้ใจได้ และแบ่งเบาภาระอันหนักอึ้งบนบ่าลงไป

ในทางกลับกันการที่เขาเป็นคนที่ฉลาดเกินไป เก่งเกินไปที่จะเป็นลูกชายคนรอง ซึ่งไม่มีใครถือสาเขาจริงจัง เบลคถูกมองว่าเป็นตัวปัญหา และก่อเรื่อง เพราะพลังในการมีชีวิตที่เต็มที่มากเกินไป แต่เมื่อเขาอยู่กับโจเซลิน ซึ่งเคยชินกับการเป็นแม่งานของนักการเมืองและผู้ทรงอำนาจ (เพราะพ่อของเธอก่อนเสียชีวิตเป็นนักการเมือง) เธอทำให้คนอื่นมองเบลคด้วยสายตาที่แตกต่างออกไป เห็นเขาในตัวตนที่เขาเป็น

สำหรับเราที่อ่านเรื่องนี้ เรารู้สึกถึงความลงตัวของกันและกันระหว่างเบลคและโจเซลินอย่างยิ่งค่ะ

นี่เรายังไม่ได้พูดถึงริชาร์ด น้องชายของโจเซลีนนะคะ พออ่านเรื่องนี้จบลง แม็กซ์นึกอยากไปหยิบ The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie มาอ่านใหม่อีกรอบจริง ๆ คาแร็คเตอร์คล้ายกันในระดับนึง (แม้ว่าริชาร์ดจะมีความเป็นเด็กมากกว่า) เรานึกอยากให้แพทริเซียเขียนเรื่องของริชาร์ดออกมาจังเลยค่ะ

งานเขียนของแพทริเซียไม่ได้ถึงกับลึกล้ำทางอารมณ์ เป็นงานที่อ่านไปได้เรื่อย ๆ สบาย ๆ แต่เราชอบพล็อต ชอบความลงตัวของโรแมนซ์ และนั่นก็มากพอจะทำให้เราชอบเล่มนี้ค่ะ

คะแนนที่ 70

[BigComfyChairBookReviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't like this book as much as I thought I would. I liked both the main characters, but the romance between them felt forced at times and nonexistent at other times. They could have worked really well together if things were laid out better. Josie's reason for not having sex was dumb and I felt it was unnecessary drama that took a lot of the romance out of their already flaccid relationship. I would have done the drama of the climax a bit differently there were too many people present and it felt convoluted and silly. I'm disappointed because I thought this book had such potential. I still love Rice and look forward to her next in the series. I have read, probably, 12 books by Patricia Rice and I strongly recommend her as an author. WARNING: there is sex in this book, it is not erotica, but enough to be an adult romance. Please do not read if you are looking for something PG. Romance-3/5 Steaminess-2/5 Explicitness-2/5

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is so boring. Chapter 28 and they have been MARRIED FOREVER, but no one has gotten laid.

The parrot gets more attention than the main characters! I finished this, but I admit to skimming most of it.

[Cruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author: Patricia Rice
First published: 2011
Length: 357 pages, 4863 locations
Setting: London and Chelsea, ~1820s. (Late Regency)
Sex: heated kisses, a couple of explicit bedroom scenes towards the end. Fade to black at actual culmination.
Hero: Younger son, soldier, cryptographer.
Heroine: Has been primary carer for (on the autistic spectrum?) younger brother since very young age. Is a carer and nurturer who uses her "feminine wiles" to get her way.
Series: Book 2 of 3
Includes: Excerpt from The Wicked Wyckerly by Patricia Rice.

I'm not sure what to think of this book. For a start, I shouldn't like either Hero or heroine. But I did. And the story is so predictably farce it should slide into ridiculous. A pet pig? A swearing parrot? French spies and Government secrets. What have I gotten myself into?

Jocelyn (on the surface) would be The Bitch in any other Regency Romance. She's decidedly manipulative who takes whatever she can from Blake without giving.

But the depths and background Rice gives her has Jocelyn make sense. Her growth as she settles into being loved and accepting help is nice. And Jocelyn grew on me. As a not-TSTL-but-pretending-to-be, inner strength, lightly abused, not a cookie cutter heroine.

Our Hero, Blake, is a brilliant Beta-male who'd much rather spend his time thinking but has an athletic, energetic bent. He gets things wrong, he has little sympathy for Jocelyn, and he knows it'll take work to get their marriage an HEA. He is more than the superficial facade he presents to the World. And Jocelyn gets him.

In the end this is a bright, happy book with people who accept others for themselves.

It works.

Really well.

And I am surprised.

The Rebellious Sons:
The Wicked Wyckerly - John Fitzhugh Wyckerly and Abigail Merriweather
The Devilish Montague - Blake Montague and Jocelyn Carrington
Notorious Atherton - Nick Atherton and Nora Adams

References:
Author's website: http://www.patriciarice.com/

(ISBN 978-1-101-51681-2)

-CR-

[Janga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patricia Rice’s Rebellious Sons series is surely among this prolific author’s best work. I loved The Wycked Wyckerly, and The Devilish Montagu is just as wonderful. The characters are fresh, the humor is unforced, and the story has warmth and meaning. I have a friend who’s going through a rough patch who asked for some take-me-away books that would make her laugh. These two books are on top of the stack I’m taking her.

Addendum: The thirst read was just as rewarding as the first.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blake is a man who wants to serve his country. He has a quick mind, a vivid imagination and the ability to solve puzzles. He believes he can develop a way to read coded messages sent by the French. It would help the British war effort. That is exactly what Blake wants. He is also cursed with no patience, a large temper and the ability to fence with the best of them.

Jocelyn is in the company of a woman who admires her and has provided money in order that Jocelyn can have a season. She is being emotionally abused by an older brother and his French wife. She has refused proposals by many men who bored her. She is specifically looking for a man who will recognize that she has a brain and knows how to use it.

She feels it is her responsibility to find a secure home for her mother and her younger brother. Then of course there are the birds which will come with her brother. She is well aware, her hopes are never likely be met. Caring for others is what she does.

She did not realize that Blake is the man she needs.

Ms Rice writes wonderful stories which are populated by lovely people.

Jocelyn and Blake are strong and powerful people. If I had a problem with either one, it seemed that Jocelyn had a tendency to dither and tease Blake. She was a very intelligent woman and her being unable to completely commit was not what would be expected of someone with her character.

This story has mystery and adventure. There is humor. There is family love and devotion. There is romantic love. In short, this story has everything.

The atmosphere of a certain time and place is quite present and an important part of the story. Britain is in a war with unknown enemies. The people at the top of the heap are not necessarily in charge because of their intellects. And government red tape seems to be alive and well even in the 19th century.

I enjoyed seeing Jocelyn and Blake come to know and understand one another. Blake is full of surprises. He takes life as it comes and when he does heroic deeds, he simply does them without any hesitation. His most endearing quality may be the fact that he is willing to take an interest in and accept any person he meets.

Jocelyn’s strongest characteristic is being politically astute and aware. If she were a man in those times, she would have become Prime Minister at the very least.

The secondary characters add a great deal of depth to the story. There are no shy and retiring people here. They all have stories and they are ready to share those stories with the reader.

I really enjoyed this book. I always enjoy Ms Rice’s books.

[Sienna · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars

I had just read a lovely, soft, and charming regency romance and in the mood for something similar I was recommended this. However, this book was more sensual and sexy than I was particularly looking for at this time. (Just was not what I wanted but have liked similar books in the past.)

I do want to address that Blake truly does show that he is the best character with his patient and acceptance of his eccentric brother and mother-in-law because they are not society standard of normal and he takes it in stride.

At first, the absurdity of the sister stealing back her birds was hilarious but then the birds being so central to the plot got repetitive. Honestly, for me, it got to the point where the birds felt like main characters too with how much attention they got in the writing. But it was fun.

Josie had these great qualities of political moving and how to manipulate people. She read people very well and that quality I find rare even in the modern-day regency romances but every time she tried to placated Blake and never communicated with him her problems I got frustrated. The author tried to create great communication from when they were working out the marriage deal but so much was omitted that this is again another romance that lacked a couple who can communicate. But the book had a bad attempt at it.

Obviously due to the lack of communication smaller problems and conflicts arrive making it lag in the overarching plot because the author needs to address those to move on or else plot holes would be very much a problem.

Furthermore, you have an honorable male character with these morals who gets married to a deceitful (for survival) and has grey morals. Realistically I do not think this couple could work.

EVERYONE IS SOOOO FUCKING OBLIVIOUS TO THE CLUES!!!!!!

[DJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

More fun than a barrel of monkeys!

Devilish Montague, book 2 of Patricia Rice's Rebellious Sons series, is so much more than a historical romance. Devilish Montague is a magical, mysterious, chaotic,hilarious romp through the English countryside of yesteryear. For this story Patricia Rice has chosen to upset another second son's ordered reality using a woman who is so much more than she appears to be at first glance. I love how Patricia's female protagonists learn to take control of a society that views them as less worthy then men and manipulates their circumstances to get what they want and need! In this novel that is Jocelyn, who brings into Montague's life a pair of talkative grey parrots, a socially inept brother and mother and a whole menagerie of dogs, cats and a feral pig or two. Add to that French spies, a puzzling code and a chance at a passionate romance and Patricia Rice has created a fast-paced, laugh a minute, unforgettable sequel to the first in the series Wicked Wickerly!

I was totally bewitched by the characters in this book and by the time I reached the climax of the story, I was rolling on the ground laughing while wishing the book would never end.

Devilish Montague is one of those books I will happily read again and again. It provided hours of pleasure and escape from reality of grey cold winters and being stuck at home. It is impossible to be bored when reading this book. Thank you, Patricia Rice for writing such a beguiling tale that was more fun than a barrel of monkeys!

[Susan Liberty · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Devilish Montague by Patricia Rice was, without a doubt, entertaining.


Blake and Jocelyn’s love story was slow to build in the romance department. Joslyn was obsessed over Blake getting killed. Thankfully, Blake persevered and lived.


I adored Blake Montague’s character—the code-breaking ex-military man. He not only loved Jocelyn Carrington, but he genuinely cared about her eccentric brother, Richard. And using Richard’s birds, Percy and Africa, to speak in code was a touch of genius. But, even better, Richard was the one to figure it out! Perfection.


Jocelyn was a strong woman who fought for Richard and Blake. I loved it when she refused to give up the birdcage even though she had a knife to her throat. And I was rooting for her when she took the poker to her half-brother.

Needless to say, all the characters and settings were well developed. I was also thrilled the people from The Wicked Wyckerly novel were included in this book. The twists and turns of the story kept me pinned to the pages. And the romantic scenes were sizzling hot. Five Stars!

[Melanie S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alt-neuro, espionage, and caretaking

This is a fine new wrinkle in a regency romance trope that has become a little shopworn: the Napoleonic wars and consequent evolution in spy craft. Our hero is a blunt, strangely rigid and socially inept dabbler in code breaking - a mathematical tyro with the social graces of a barn animal. Our heroine is elder sister to a seventeen year old who dotes on birds, and daughter to a mother whose obsession is genealogy research. Were these people living today, we might recognize them as “alt-neuro” - people on the autism spectrum. The classically over-competent caretaker does what she does best - she falls for and takes on the hero whose difficulties and works are so familiar. The tone of this romance is anything but gloomy, martyred misery, and the author’s portrayal of these characters is realistic, respectful, and positive. Nobody’s helpless, everyone has talents and contributions to make to the HEA that solves a mystery, heals a family, and sees justice done. And the romance? Hot, hot, HOT!

[Jerry Jares · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wanting to return to the war on the Continent, Blake Montague has to marry to be able to buy a commission in the British Army. Blake has a personal skill in determining ciphers; he believes he holds the key to understanding French communications. However, he's been unable to figure this one out.

Jocelyn Carrington spent her early life keeping her brother (Richard) and herself safe in the world of her unfortunate family. After their father died, a mean older brother threw Jocelyn and Richard out of their family home. Soon after that, he lost that home while gambling. The Montague family won it and offered it to Blake to help him find a wife.

When Jocelyn steals back a parrot that belonged to her brother, she and Blake meet. Before long, they realize that each has what the other wants, so they agree to a marriage of convenience. The mystery of Blake's continual "accidents" and his working on the French ciphers keeps the story humming along. In addition, Blake and Jocelyn's merging into a family (complete with the eccentrics Richard and his mother) make for an entertaining yarn.

[Carôle Ceres · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook version of this title and I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I wasn’t sure that I would (I ignored the reviews whining about the narrator, because I find no fault with her - my advice: listen to a sample before purchasing). However the tale was really different from it’s predecessor and that threw me - given that it was about the same group of friends.

That’s where the genius lies. Yes, they’re friends, but no, they are not remotely alike and that is where the enjoyment begins. Lady Bell is more interesting and likeable - she has evidently learned something from her first sponsorship. I still don’t have a handle on her nemesis, Lord Quentin, and look forward to their story.

All in all, this is a very palatable series for those who enjoy Regency Romances. Onto the next one…

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aaah, she's a good one that Patricia Rice. Again: Loved the nicknames - except Ladybyrd (yes it's spelled that way) because of the double meaning. Of course nothing will ever beat Rhubarbara, but she did well.

Well written, the beginning reminded me a lot of the first book of the series, but it was still a solid book. I liked the characters and Blake especially, he is sort of misogynistic with his thoughts of not swearing in front of women and them all being sensitive, but it honestly is more funny than it's a annoying.

What more can I say? it's good, not an all-time favorit and probably won't reread it, but I very rarely do that so it doesn't really say much.

It took me a while to read, but I don't think it's because I was bored, only distracted by life. And nonograms.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intrigue and romance

This series follows a group of four friends as they make their way in the world and find love. This particular book is about Blake, a former soldier chomping at the bit to get back to the fight against Napoleon, and Jocelyn, the second youngest of several siblings who has to use her wits to protect her eccentric mother and younger brother. Together the two could become a political powerhouse, if they learn to trust each other. Of course, the real interesting power couple in this series is Lord Quent and Lady Bel. It's always fun to read about the two of them attempting to out maneuver each other.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of a Series: bk2
Setting: England during the Napoleonic wars
Hero: Blake- Braniac injured Solder who specializes in cryptology
Heroine: Jocelyn -Feisty, animal lover wants stability for her and her younger brother.
Characterization: 5* strong, developed, and great sub characters as well.
plot/storyline: 4.5* slow start/middle
Writing: 4.5* good voice.
Ending- A good HEA: 5* Great couple!!
How much I enjoyed it: 5*
Overall rating: 5* (out of 5*)
Other: This book was entertaining. The hero's banter with friends and Percy cracked me up.

[Linda George · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blake Montague is desperate to buy a set of colors so he can return to the war on the continent and continue to decipher coded messages by the French army. Jocelyn Carrington wants to secure a home for her brother, mother and herself. Since her father passed away, her brother and half sisters have tossed the three of them from their homes. An unexpected inheritance helps her in her efforts to find a husband and the security she craves. Can what starts out as an agreement to a marriage of mutual convenience lead to true love? It can be a dangerous and exciting journey.

[Linda Smatzny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Blake Montague and Jocelyn Carrington and how marriage suits them. He is the younger son who is very logical and loves solving puzzles and being honorable. She is a young lady who from a very young age has behaved as an adult in order to keep order in her family and shelter her brother and mother. She now has money and Blake needs money so he can buy a commission in the army. It turns out what they both need is someone they can trust. The book was a quick easy read.

[Miriamgreen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this quirky book quite a bit. had the comedy of manners and wit that I seek in such titles so I was happy. one problem only was the Rice, unless I missed it, never had Blake once mention it was Richard who solved his puzzle. this was so out of character found it a major flaw. would have loved an epilogue. It appears that Jocelyn and Blake will have quite a life. The revelations were done layer by layer, but of course the main stars were Percy and Africa. Well done Ms Rice.

[Sharyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

2nd in a series, this is an excellent audiobook. Lady Bell has given a dowry to Jocelyn, who has been the the guardian of her autistic brother and her scholarly mother sent from one half sister to another after her half brother kicked them out if his house. Another penniless friend of Quentin Hoyt , who is match making, Blake is a brilliant cryptographic.
There are parrots, French spies, and other secrets, and a lot of misunderstandings. Quite enjoyable. Now on to the next match.

[A Swirl Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid four stars! I enjoyed this second entry in the series. Blake and Jocelyn each have personal issues to overcome, and eventually (finally!) they were able to come to an understanding. The secondary characters were there in full force (with appearances by Fitz and Abby). Instead of adorable children, we had adorable animals.
All in all, a satisfying, well-plotted story. On to the next one in the series!

[Cecily · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book. As other reviewers have said - something fresh in terms of the marriage of convenience plotline, and two thoroughly likeable and very human characters. A brother who is on the autism spectrum treated as an individual and a story about adjustment as much as respect and passion. Enormous fun.