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The Truth About the Duke #2
Blame It on Bath
A marriage of convenience . . . or of destiny?
Gerard de Lacey is determined to find the man who is blackmailing his family, but with his inheritance and status at risk, a hasty marriage to a wealthy bride also seems in order—just in case things take a turn for the worse. Charismatic and capable, Gerard knows he can win the hand of any lady he chooses. Still, he's not expecting a rich widow to find him and propose the very thing he wants: a marriage of convenience.
Katherine Howe's first marriage was one of dreary duty. Now that she's being pressured to marry her late husband's heir, she's desperate for a better option. Gerard de Lacey, with his sinful good looks, charming manner, and looming scandal, fits her needs perfectly. The fact that she's nursed a secret affection for him only makes it better—and worse. Because Gerard will likely marry her for her fortune—but can he love her for herself, as she loves him?
Gerard de Lacey is determined to find the man who is blackmailing his family, but with his inheritance and status at risk, a hasty marriage to a wealthy bride also seems in order—just in case things take a turn for the worse. Charismatic and capable, Gerard knows he can win the hand of any lady he chooses. Still, he's not expecting a rich widow to find him and propose the very thing he wants: a marriage of convenience.
Katherine Howe's first marriage was one of dreary duty. Now that she's being pressured to marry her late husband's heir, she's desperate for a better option. Gerard de Lacey, with his sinful good looks, charming manner, and looming scandal, fits her needs perfectly. The fact that she's nursed a secret affection for him only makes it better—and worse. Because Gerard will likely marry her for her fortune—but can he love her for herself, as she loves him?
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 28, 2012
95 people are currently reading
1311 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Linden
57 books1,705 followersCaroline Linden was born a reader, not a writer. She earned a degree in mathematics from Harvard University and worked as a programmer in the financial services industry before realizing writing fiction is much more exciting than writing code. Her books have won the NEC-RWA Readers' Choice Award, the JNRW Golden Leaf, the Daphne du Maurier Award, and RWA's RITA Award, and have been translated into seventeen languages around the world. She lives in New England.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 255 reviews
June 10, 2019
Reread: Buddy read: June 2019. I love this book every time I read it. It’s subtle and honest and in the end triumphant.
Original review:
Gerard and Kate are a couple that I always cheer on, even when I know the ultimate ending is an HEA. Reading (or listening) to their love story unfold is lovely, a real treat. Despite knowing it's an HEA, it feels uncertain and tenuous.
This book is about the youngest of the Duke's sons, who marries an heiress. It occurs at about the same time as Edward's book, the first in the series. Gerard is a war hero and a real man's man. He exudes sex appeal and masculinity. Kate is a downtrodden heroine, who has had very little joy in her life. She takes a wild chance at happiness in the form of Gerard, but otherwise, she is a timid and insecure heroine. Her internal struggles feel real and relatable, but she may annoy those who prefer a stronger heroine. Neither are perfect, but they are perfect for each other. Their chemistry is palpable, and this book features amazingly sensual, well-done love scenes (worth checking out for these alone).
Caroline Linden is a masterful story-teller. She tugs at your emotions and makes you care for her characters, and this book is no exception.
Original review:
Gerard and Kate are a couple that I always cheer on, even when I know the ultimate ending is an HEA. Reading (or listening) to their love story unfold is lovely, a real treat. Despite knowing it's an HEA, it feels uncertain and tenuous.
This book is about the youngest of the Duke's sons, who marries an heiress. It occurs at about the same time as Edward's book, the first in the series. Gerard is a war hero and a real man's man. He exudes sex appeal and masculinity. Kate is a downtrodden heroine, who has had very little joy in her life. She takes a wild chance at happiness in the form of Gerard, but otherwise, she is a timid and insecure heroine. Her internal struggles feel real and relatable, but she may annoy those who prefer a stronger heroine. Neither are perfect, but they are perfect for each other. Their chemistry is palpable, and this book features amazingly sensual, well-done love scenes (worth checking out for these alone).
Caroline Linden is a masterful story-teller. She tugs at your emotions and makes you care for her characters, and this book is no exception.
December 6, 2025
When the author tries to drown us in plainness
That's the first impression the hero has of the heroine.
Not the best, but I don't mind heroines being plain... as long the whole book doesn't focus on only that.
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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His first thought was that he’d been right about the old woman’s being a schoolmistress; this must be her prize student, the one who would someday take her place. She wasn’t pretty at all, with too-prominent cheekbones and a wide mouth. Her hair was dark blond and scraped back from her face as severely as the schoolmistress’s. She had fine eyes, dark in the firelight and thickly lashed, but the expression in them was opaque and utterly without warmth. Her lips were pressed into a grim line that gave no hint of their shape.
That's the first impression the hero has of the heroine.
Not the best, but I don't mind heroines being plain... as long the whole book doesn't focus on only that.
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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February 28, 2023
Overall: 4.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Yes
Perspective: Third person from both the hero and heroine
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and Tartans Book Club )
Should I read in order?
Ideally yes because there’s a series long plot of finding if the father is a bigamist – but the relationship itself is fine as a stand alone. (Gerard has minimal page time in book 1)
Basic plot:
Gerard is trying to solve who is blackmailing his family when he’s approached by a mysterious woman that requests a marriage on convenience.
Give this a try if you want:
- Regency
- much of the story takes place in Bath
- marriage of convenience – heroine proposes to the hero to escape an abusive home situation
- rescue plot – loved how they come together to rescue the heroine
- medium to high steam – the scenes aren’t overly long (I listened to audio and it’s hard for me to tell length on there) but there’s a decent amount of scenes in the latter half! I have it at 5 scenes.
- unrequited love from the heroine
- widow heroine
- playful, former soldier hero
Ages:
- Hero is 28, heroine is 30
My thoughts:
I really ended up loving this story! I struggled a bit with the prior book in the series, so picking this one up and having more of the father’s mystery and a widow heroine I was worried it would feel similar. But Gerard’s spunky, playful personality completely won me over here.
The humor in this one was fun – the banter and how silly, sweet, and romantic Gerard was, how gentle with Kate he was had me swooning. I also tend to really like rescue plots and Kate is stuck in the beginning of this book. I love that Gerard went in ready to save the day even with it resulting in marriage. I love marriage of convenience because it totally eliminates the whole hero can’t marry because of xyz that drives me bonkers.
Some parts of this one are a bit slow but as I reread some parts and went through my notes I felt it tugging on my heart again so I had to round up. The sex in this one was really special to me – it was super emotional and always seemed to really progress their relationship and character connection. I found myself swooning and smiling through many parts of this story.
Quotes/spoiler-y thoughts:
Content warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Yes
Perspective: Third person from both the hero and heroine
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and Tartans Book Club )
Should I read in order?
Ideally yes because there’s a series long plot of finding if the father is a bigamist – but the relationship itself is fine as a stand alone. (Gerard has minimal page time in book 1)
Basic plot:
Gerard is trying to solve who is blackmailing his family when he’s approached by a mysterious woman that requests a marriage on convenience.
Give this a try if you want:
- Regency
- much of the story takes place in Bath
- marriage of convenience – heroine proposes to the hero to escape an abusive home situation
- rescue plot – loved how they come together to rescue the heroine
- medium to high steam – the scenes aren’t overly long (I listened to audio and it’s hard for me to tell length on there) but there’s a decent amount of scenes in the latter half! I have it at 5 scenes.
- unrequited love from the heroine
- widow heroine
- playful, former soldier hero
Ages:
- Hero is 28, heroine is 30
My thoughts:
I really ended up loving this story! I struggled a bit with the prior book in the series, so picking this one up and having more of the father’s mystery and a widow heroine I was worried it would feel similar. But Gerard’s spunky, playful personality completely won me over here.
The humor in this one was fun – the banter and how silly, sweet, and romantic Gerard was, how gentle with Kate he was had me swooning. I also tend to really like rescue plots and Kate is stuck in the beginning of this book. I love that Gerard went in ready to save the day even with it resulting in marriage. I love marriage of convenience because it totally eliminates the whole hero can’t marry because of xyz that drives me bonkers.
Some parts of this one are a bit slow but as I reread some parts and went through my notes I felt it tugging on my heart again so I had to round up. The sex in this one was really special to me – it was super emotional and always seemed to really progress their relationship and character connection. I found myself swooning and smiling through many parts of this story.
Quotes/spoiler-y thoughts:
Content warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
March 6, 2023
⭐⭐💫
2½ stars.
➕ What I liked :
A little bit “older” heroine (30)
Tiny age difference (2 years) between the hero and heroine (hero is younger)
Widowed heroine.
Rather interesting mystery.
➖ What I disliked:
The main characters needed more depth.
The chemistry and romantic build up was rushed and unconvincing.
How the hero described and thought about the heroines appearance/looks.
Toxic parent (heroines mother)
Toxic and emotional abusive mother (that got no comeuppance)
Some questions/issues more or less remained unanswered/unresolved in the end of the story. (Abrupt ending)
The lack of confidence from the heroine throughout the story. (even if some of it is understandable with the heroines past and her awful mother etc. …. But it was too repetitive and there was no real personal growth with the heroine she never actually grows a backbone when it comes to dealing with her mother.)
Formulaic.
2½ stars.
➕ What I liked :
A little bit “older” heroine (30)
Tiny age difference (2 years) between the hero and heroine (hero is younger)
Widowed heroine.
Rather interesting mystery.
➖ What I disliked:
The main characters needed more depth.
The chemistry and romantic build up was rushed and unconvincing.
How the hero described and thought about the heroines appearance/looks.
Toxic parent (heroines mother)
Toxic and emotional abusive mother (that got no comeuppance)
Some questions/issues more or less remained unanswered/unresolved in the end of the story. (Abrupt ending)
The lack of confidence from the heroine throughout the story. (even if some of it is understandable with the heroines past and her awful mother etc. …. But it was too repetitive and there was no real personal growth with the heroine she never actually grows a backbone when it comes to dealing with her mother.)
Formulaic.
May 17, 2013
This is a delightful follow-on to One Night in London, part of The Truth About the Duke trilogy. The three deLacey brothers, sons of the late Duke of Durham, are trying to find a blackmailer and secure evidence to show whether their father was a bigamist. If he was, they will be considered bastards and lose virtually all of their inheritance.
What I Liked
• Captain Lord Gerard deLacey. He's handsome (of course), brash, adventurous, and loyal. He's the youngest son, serving in the wars against Napoleon. Under any circumstances his fortune will be relatively small, so he's decided to be on the lookout for a rich bride while he travels to Bath to track down information on the blackmailer. When a perfectly strange wealthy woman proposes a marriage of convenience, he barely hesitates before deciding to take on the challenge.
• Kate deLacey. You can't help but feel sorry for her at first. She's hardly had an enjoyable life, despite her wealth. Her vain, narcissistic mother has convinced her she's too plain to attract a man and married her off to a middle-aged viscount, who ignored and abused her. Now that he's dead, her mother is pressuring her to marry the viscount's odious heir, convinced that nobody better will ever come along. Kate is such a doormat that she doubts her ability to withstand her mother's pressure. The most enjoyable part of the book is watching her emerge from her shell, in response to Gerard's kindness and attention. She doesn't become a "beauty," but rather simply a beautiful person.
• Sexytimes. Gerard wants to break down Kate's defenses, and she discovers her previously unknown wanton side. Excellent love scenes.
• The love story. Kate harbors a childhood passion for Gerard, but he has no memory of meeting her. Linden does an excellent job of showing Gerard's surprise and wonder as he gradually finds himself falling in love with his wife. This is just a very sweet story.
What I Didn't Like
• Not a lot of progress is made toward resolving the mystery, but after the first book, I came to realize that it wouldn't be wrapped up until the third.
• As a 21st century woman, I often have trouble understanding an 19th century woman's desperation to get married. Linden mentions several times that a widow was almost as independent as a man, so it was difficult to see why Kate thought marriage, or death, was her only way to avoid the odious heir. It was hard to believe that she was so cowed by her mother. She was so spineless in this regard, but yet showed great spirit elsewhere.
•
These two volumes of The Truth About the Duke were my first Caroline Linden reads, and I find her writing crisp and witty. She does not indulge in one of my pet peeves, namely using an abundance of one-word sentences and one-sentence paragraphs. It's a pleasure to read someone who knows and uses the English language so well.
What I Liked
• Captain Lord Gerard deLacey. He's handsome (of course), brash, adventurous, and loyal. He's the youngest son, serving in the wars against Napoleon. Under any circumstances his fortune will be relatively small, so he's decided to be on the lookout for a rich bride while he travels to Bath to track down information on the blackmailer. When a perfectly strange wealthy woman proposes a marriage of convenience, he barely hesitates before deciding to take on the challenge.
• Kate deLacey. You can't help but feel sorry for her at first. She's hardly had an enjoyable life, despite her wealth. Her vain, narcissistic mother has convinced her she's too plain to attract a man and married her off to a middle-aged viscount, who ignored and abused her. Now that he's dead, her mother is pressuring her to marry the viscount's odious heir, convinced that nobody better will ever come along. Kate is such a doormat that she doubts her ability to withstand her mother's pressure. The most enjoyable part of the book is watching her emerge from her shell, in response to Gerard's kindness and attention. She doesn't become a "beauty," but rather simply a beautiful person.
• Sexytimes. Gerard wants to break down Kate's defenses, and she discovers her previously unknown wanton side. Excellent love scenes.
• The love story. Kate harbors a childhood passion for Gerard, but he has no memory of meeting her. Linden does an excellent job of showing Gerard's surprise and wonder as he gradually finds himself falling in love with his wife. This is just a very sweet story.
What I Didn't Like
• Not a lot of progress is made toward resolving the mystery, but after the first book, I came to realize that it wouldn't be wrapped up until the third.
• As a 21st century woman, I often have trouble understanding an 19th century woman's desperation to get married. Linden mentions several times that a widow was almost as independent as a man, so it was difficult to see why Kate thought marriage, or death, was her only way to avoid the odious heir. It was hard to believe that she was so cowed by her mother. She was so spineless in this regard, but yet showed great spirit elsewhere.
•
These two volumes of The Truth About the Duke were my first Caroline Linden reads, and I find her writing crisp and witty. She does not indulge in one of my pet peeves, namely using an abundance of one-word sentences and one-sentence paragraphs. It's a pleasure to read someone who knows and uses the English language so well.
June 16, 2017
This book has carry-over plot from the first in the series. The brothers have been pretty isolated throughout, however, and the plot connections are mild, so you don't really need to read the other first, I don't think. It's just as well if you do, as the first is a bit better, but the option is there if you want to skip around.
As with the first, the title is stupidly irrelevant. Yeah, they spend time in Bath, but there's no blame or even mild scandal (beyond the frame story), really. Which is just as well, really, because I kind of enjoyed the story we get. Katherine is an unusual Regency Romance heroine, as she's a 30 year-old widow with a pile of money. Linden pulls off making her feel oppressed despite these advantages, but only by making her weak. Which, surprisingly, turns out not to be a bad thing. Linden does a great job depicting her as someone used to emotional abuse (on top of past physical abuse) and in a way that evokes sympathy rather than irritation at letting herself be pushed around. No small part of this is the hints of strength peeking out, even early on.
So Katherine engaged my sympathy early. Gerard much less so. He's not awful or anything. He's nice enough and I always like a steady man who gets things done. Well, mostly gets things done. Sort of. Okay, he struggles to get things done but at least he's trying, right? Yeah, I had a problem with taking him very seriously. His pursuit of the blackmailer was tepid and a bit unorganized and made little progress (because, duh, the resolution has to happen in the next book). It doesn't help that the only progress he made . It also didn't help that he blundered about rather a lot in his relationship with Katherine. More than once, he defaults to "the sex is good, so we must be good", and let himself be blind to her needs as a result. This was particularly bad in the last quarter of the novel and that rankled.
Which sounds worse than it really was. He wasn't callous so much as negligent and I really enjoyed their relationship as it developed. I particularly liked that he was two years younger than Katherine, as that's rare in the genre (though no big deal is made of that fact beyond Katherine adding that to her pile of insecurities). I also liked that Katherine isn't beautiful and doesn't really undergo one of those ugly-duckling make overs (beyond learning to assert herself and wear things she likes). I loved that Gerard appreciates her for who she is and brings out the best in her by encouraging her to express herself.
So the relationship worked despite Gerard being a bonehead at times. Which is all I ask for in my romances.
A note about Steamy: Sex is important to the relationship in this story. They marry early on, so there's little hesitation in getting that far. Linden shows three or so explicit sex scenes and does an excellent job showing both the intimacy it engenders and the insecurities that can result. In all, a strong aspect of the story and well-done.
As with the first, the title is stupidly irrelevant. Yeah, they spend time in Bath, but there's no blame or even mild scandal (beyond the frame story), really. Which is just as well, really, because I kind of enjoyed the story we get. Katherine is an unusual Regency Romance heroine, as she's a 30 year-old widow with a pile of money. Linden pulls off making her feel oppressed despite these advantages, but only by making her weak. Which, surprisingly, turns out not to be a bad thing. Linden does a great job depicting her as someone used to emotional abuse (on top of past physical abuse) and in a way that evokes sympathy rather than irritation at letting herself be pushed around. No small part of this is the hints of strength peeking out, even early on.
So Katherine engaged my sympathy early. Gerard much less so. He's not awful or anything. He's nice enough and I always like a steady man who gets things done. Well, mostly gets things done. Sort of. Okay, he struggles to get things done but at least he's trying, right? Yeah, I had a problem with taking him very seriously. His pursuit of the blackmailer was tepid and a bit unorganized and made little progress (because, duh, the resolution has to happen in the next book). It doesn't help that the only progress he made . It also didn't help that he blundered about rather a lot in his relationship with Katherine. More than once, he defaults to "the sex is good, so we must be good", and let himself be blind to her needs as a result. This was particularly bad in the last quarter of the novel and that rankled.
Which sounds worse than it really was. He wasn't callous so much as negligent and I really enjoyed their relationship as it developed. I particularly liked that he was two years younger than Katherine, as that's rare in the genre (though no big deal is made of that fact beyond Katherine adding that to her pile of insecurities). I also liked that Katherine isn't beautiful and doesn't really undergo one of those ugly-duckling make overs (beyond learning to assert herself and wear things she likes). I loved that Gerard appreciates her for who she is and brings out the best in her by encouraging her to express herself.
So the relationship worked despite Gerard being a bonehead at times. Which is all I ask for in my romances.
A note about Steamy: Sex is important to the relationship in this story. They marry early on, so there's little hesitation in getting that far. Linden shows three or so explicit sex scenes and does an excellent job showing both the intimacy it engenders and the insecurities that can result. In all, a strong aspect of the story and well-done.
July 9, 2023
It's a Marriage of convenience with a dash of mystery. Plot-wise I don't think the book offers anything new but then it's difficult with the MOC trope. Still, I loved the character development of Kate(h). Throughout her life, She lived under the shadow of her Narcissist mother and developed serious self-esteem issues. She was never valued by her mother or by her first husband. This all made her a mouse, prickly like a racoon ready to bite.
Her second marriage to Gerard gave her the much-required support but mostly I loved that the story focused on how the colourless Katerine became lovely Kate.
I believe the book had the potential to become better if the author could have avoided OTT drama in the end.
Note-I feel in this series, no one is behaving the way they are supposed to or the way I expect them to behave. At least this h was gullible and far more predictable than Francesca(I loved her😍😍) from the previous book.
Note-2- Kate should have given the much-needed dressing down to her mother. But, we all can't get everything.
Her second marriage to Gerard gave her the much-required support but mostly I loved that the story focused on how the colourless Katerine became lovely Kate.
I believe the book had the potential to become better if the author could have avoided OTT drama in the end.
Note-I feel in this series, no one is behaving the way they are supposed to or the way I expect them to behave. At least this h was gullible and far more predictable than Francesca(I loved her😍😍) from the previous book.
Note-2- Kate should have given the much-needed dressing down to her mother. But, we all can't get everything.
April 9, 2022
I thought this second book quite boring to be honest. And not even because the heroine considered herself a dull person. She was certainly shy, but many people would, had they grown up with a mother like hers. I think her story was a common enough tale from back then when even widows with money had to fight for their freedom.
I didn't enjoy the fact that we once again had a widow story. Usually I love a marriage of convenience and the first two chapters of this book were over the top excelente. But then everything else was lukewarm. The hero was such a clueless person for someone supposed to be smart. And I thought it so weird that the brothers are marrying without their other brothers knowing. Who does that?
I would like more family interaction. We didn't see Edward, the brother from the previous book, at all. Heard about him once. Saw Charlie, the Duke, only in the end.
Well, I guess not every book can compare to the previous one. And not every couple can be that great. Maybe that is the problem, expectations.
The mystery side of the book took another step, so I am curious to finish this series.
PS: I was so impatient that I already read the last book lol I will be reviewing it soon.
I didn't enjoy the fact that we once again had a widow story. Usually I love a marriage of convenience and the first two chapters of this book were over the top excelente. But then everything else was lukewarm. The hero was such a clueless person for someone supposed to be smart. And I thought it so weird that the brothers are marrying without their other brothers knowing. Who does that?
I would like more family interaction. We didn't see Edward, the brother from the previous book, at all. Heard about him once. Saw Charlie, the Duke, only in the end.
Well, I guess not every book can compare to the previous one. And not every couple can be that great. Maybe that is the problem, expectations.
The mystery side of the book took another step, so I am curious to finish this series.
PS: I was so impatient that I already read the last book lol I will be reviewing it soon.
July 23, 2020
Totally enjoying this series as three brothers try and prove they are the rightful heirs to the Dukedom!
This installment focused on the younger son, Gerald. He's a captain in the military and a man of action. A good, honorable man. I loved that he was looking for a marriage of convenience but ended up finding a damsel in distress, in need of a protector!
I loved Kate and enjoyed watching her transformation from an ugly duckling, to lovely woman!
This installment focused on the younger son, Gerald. He's a captain in the military and a man of action. A good, honorable man. I loved that he was looking for a marriage of convenience but ended up finding a damsel in distress, in need of a protector!
I loved Kate and enjoyed watching her transformation from an ugly duckling, to lovely woman!
August 24, 2024
Review from 2014
B+ for narration / A- for content, so 4.5 stars.
Blame It on Bath is the second book in Ms Linden’s The Truth About the Duke series, which features the three sons of the late Duke of Durham. On his deathbed, the duke tells his two youngest sons – Edward and Gerard – that he had been blackmailed because someone had discovered a marriage that predated his marriage to their mother, and that there is a chance that they are all illegitimate.
Each book in the series follows one of the brothers as he makes the attempt, in his own way, to discover the truth. The first book, One Night in London, follows Edward, the middle brother, and in this one Gerard (the youngest) – more of a man of action than his brother and perhaps rather more impatient – formulates his own plan to track down the blackmailer.
Captain Gerard de Lacy is on leave from his army post, and intends to begin his search in Bath, as that’s where most of the blackmail letters appear to have been posted. Before he can leave London, however, he is visited late at night by an unremarkable looking woman who introduces herself as Lady Katherine Howe. Gerard has no idea who she is or what she could possibly want – and is astonished when she tells him that she is in possession of a fortune of eighty thousand pounds and then proposes marriage.
She explains that she needs to remarry quickly as her late husband’s nephew is intent on wedding her himself in order to pay off his debts and to gain control of the money – and that having read of the “Durham Dilemma” in the papers, had reasoned that Gerard, a third son who has had to make his own way in the world, would be amenable to such an arrangement.
In fact, Katherine isn’t far off the mark. Gerard had indeed intended to find himself a rich wife, as in the event he and his brothers are disinherited he will be left with a small estate and very little to live on. While he is used to the privations of army life, he does not intend to spend the rest of his life in comparative poverty. He listens to Katherine’s proposal and promises her an answer in three days’ time.
What Gerard doesn’t remember is that he and Katherine have met, once, a long time ago. Aged around sixteen, he’d been out riding and had come across a young woman trudging along in the pouring rain. Rather than leave her, he’d taken her up in front of him and taken her home. This act of kindness and consideration meant a lot to Katherine, who had never known either of those things, and she’d fallen in love with him on the spot. He was, she says rather poignantly later, the first man ever to put his arms around her willingly.
Eager to get started on his quest to find the blackmailer, and sensing there might be more to Katherine than her drab gowns and self-effacing attitude would suggest, Gerard decides he might as well accept her proposal – but makes it very clear to her that he wants a real marriage. Love isn’t a requirement, but affection and respect certainly are, and given he’d like children, he expects to share her bed on occasion. Surprised at that last – protesting that at thirty, she’s too old to have children – Katherine nonetheless agrees, and the couple is married the following day.
The marriage-of-convenience trope is quite possibly my favourite one of all when it comes to historical romance, and this is an excellent example. Gerard is a terrific hero – handsome and charming (of course!), loyal and best of all, incredibly considerate of his new wife.
Katherine’s life, while certainly not one of material hardship, has been difficult in other ways. Her mother is a very beautiful woman who so dislikes competition from any quarter that she convinced her daughter that she was plain and unattractive, insisting she was best suited by dark, drab colours and severe hairstyles, and who, instead of launching Katherine into a London Season, married her off to a dour, middle-aged viscount who rarely left his estate. She’s never asked for anything for herself, knowing she was unlikely to receive it – so seeking out Gerard and asking him to marry her is an incredibly bold thing for her to have done.
What makes this more than a “simple” marriage-of-convenience-turns-to-love story is the way in which Katherine comes into her own once she’s married to Gerard. Even though he’s a man who has never really given much thought to love when it comes to women – his mother died when he was very young, so the idea of actually sharing thoughts and emotions is rather alien to him – his care for Katherine shines through in his every action, and his obvious affection for her helps her to gain the confidence to be herself and to finally stand up to her manipulative mother. There are a few bumps along their road to happiness, of course, because Gerard, being a man, thinks he’s got it all – a great sex life and financial security – and it takes him a while to realise that perhaps there’s a little more to marriage.
I really enjoyed Gildart Jackson’s narration of the first book in this series, and he doesn’t disappoint here. He has a gorgeous voice, a deep baritone which he uses to knee-weakening effect in the love scenes – seriously, you’ll need a fan and the smelling-salts! – and his portrayals of both Gerard and Charlie (the eldest brother) are consistent with the way they sounded in the previous book. If I have a complaint, it’s that Gerard sometimes sounds a little too sharp and nasally, but for the most part, Mr Jackson captures the essence of him very well – authoritative, a bit impetuous with something of a temper on him, but never unkind or cruel, and sexy enough to melt earbuds! I was very pleased to hear that his portrayal of the heroine has improved since the last book, and rather than sounding a bit like a middle-aged dowager, Katherine sounds as she should, a young woman full of intelligence and spirit. All the secondary characters are equally well realised, from the oily, grasping Nollworth to Katherine’s conniving mother, and his rendition of the sanctimonious Lucien Howe is utterly perfect.
Minor quibbles aside, this is a very accomplished and enjoyable performance and I’ve already purchased the third and final book in the series on the strength of what I’ve heard so far. And “powers that be” at Tantor Audio – if you’re reading/listening, please give Mr Jackson some more historicals to narrate. There’s a dearth of really good male narrators in the genre and he’s a more than welcome addition to what is a very small club!
N.B.: The “Durham Dilemma” isn’t resolved in this book – listeners will have to wait until book three for the truth to be revealed!
B+ for narration / A- for content, so 4.5 stars.
Blame It on Bath is the second book in Ms Linden’s The Truth About the Duke series, which features the three sons of the late Duke of Durham. On his deathbed, the duke tells his two youngest sons – Edward and Gerard – that he had been blackmailed because someone had discovered a marriage that predated his marriage to their mother, and that there is a chance that they are all illegitimate.
Each book in the series follows one of the brothers as he makes the attempt, in his own way, to discover the truth. The first book, One Night in London, follows Edward, the middle brother, and in this one Gerard (the youngest) – more of a man of action than his brother and perhaps rather more impatient – formulates his own plan to track down the blackmailer.
Captain Gerard de Lacy is on leave from his army post, and intends to begin his search in Bath, as that’s where most of the blackmail letters appear to have been posted. Before he can leave London, however, he is visited late at night by an unremarkable looking woman who introduces herself as Lady Katherine Howe. Gerard has no idea who she is or what she could possibly want – and is astonished when she tells him that she is in possession of a fortune of eighty thousand pounds and then proposes marriage.
She explains that she needs to remarry quickly as her late husband’s nephew is intent on wedding her himself in order to pay off his debts and to gain control of the money – and that having read of the “Durham Dilemma” in the papers, had reasoned that Gerard, a third son who has had to make his own way in the world, would be amenable to such an arrangement.
In fact, Katherine isn’t far off the mark. Gerard had indeed intended to find himself a rich wife, as in the event he and his brothers are disinherited he will be left with a small estate and very little to live on. While he is used to the privations of army life, he does not intend to spend the rest of his life in comparative poverty. He listens to Katherine’s proposal and promises her an answer in three days’ time.
What Gerard doesn’t remember is that he and Katherine have met, once, a long time ago. Aged around sixteen, he’d been out riding and had come across a young woman trudging along in the pouring rain. Rather than leave her, he’d taken her up in front of him and taken her home. This act of kindness and consideration meant a lot to Katherine, who had never known either of those things, and she’d fallen in love with him on the spot. He was, she says rather poignantly later, the first man ever to put his arms around her willingly.
Eager to get started on his quest to find the blackmailer, and sensing there might be more to Katherine than her drab gowns and self-effacing attitude would suggest, Gerard decides he might as well accept her proposal – but makes it very clear to her that he wants a real marriage. Love isn’t a requirement, but affection and respect certainly are, and given he’d like children, he expects to share her bed on occasion. Surprised at that last – protesting that at thirty, she’s too old to have children – Katherine nonetheless agrees, and the couple is married the following day.
The marriage-of-convenience trope is quite possibly my favourite one of all when it comes to historical romance, and this is an excellent example. Gerard is a terrific hero – handsome and charming (of course!), loyal and best of all, incredibly considerate of his new wife.
Katherine’s life, while certainly not one of material hardship, has been difficult in other ways. Her mother is a very beautiful woman who so dislikes competition from any quarter that she convinced her daughter that she was plain and unattractive, insisting she was best suited by dark, drab colours and severe hairstyles, and who, instead of launching Katherine into a London Season, married her off to a dour, middle-aged viscount who rarely left his estate. She’s never asked for anything for herself, knowing she was unlikely to receive it – so seeking out Gerard and asking him to marry her is an incredibly bold thing for her to have done.
What makes this more than a “simple” marriage-of-convenience-turns-to-love story is the way in which Katherine comes into her own once she’s married to Gerard. Even though he’s a man who has never really given much thought to love when it comes to women – his mother died when he was very young, so the idea of actually sharing thoughts and emotions is rather alien to him – his care for Katherine shines through in his every action, and his obvious affection for her helps her to gain the confidence to be herself and to finally stand up to her manipulative mother. There are a few bumps along their road to happiness, of course, because Gerard, being a man, thinks he’s got it all – a great sex life and financial security – and it takes him a while to realise that perhaps there’s a little more to marriage.
I really enjoyed Gildart Jackson’s narration of the first book in this series, and he doesn’t disappoint here. He has a gorgeous voice, a deep baritone which he uses to knee-weakening effect in the love scenes – seriously, you’ll need a fan and the smelling-salts! – and his portrayals of both Gerard and Charlie (the eldest brother) are consistent with the way they sounded in the previous book. If I have a complaint, it’s that Gerard sometimes sounds a little too sharp and nasally, but for the most part, Mr Jackson captures the essence of him very well – authoritative, a bit impetuous with something of a temper on him, but never unkind or cruel, and sexy enough to melt earbuds! I was very pleased to hear that his portrayal of the heroine has improved since the last book, and rather than sounding a bit like a middle-aged dowager, Katherine sounds as she should, a young woman full of intelligence and spirit. All the secondary characters are equally well realised, from the oily, grasping Nollworth to Katherine’s conniving mother, and his rendition of the sanctimonious Lucien Howe is utterly perfect.
Minor quibbles aside, this is a very accomplished and enjoyable performance and I’ve already purchased the third and final book in the series on the strength of what I’ve heard so far. And “powers that be” at Tantor Audio – if you’re reading/listening, please give Mr Jackson some more historicals to narrate. There’s a dearth of really good male narrators in the genre and he’s a more than welcome addition to what is a very small club!
N.B.: The “Durham Dilemma” isn’t resolved in this book – listeners will have to wait until book three for the truth to be revealed!
March 23, 2020
This series has been excellent! While I didn’t like some of Gerard’s impulsiveness and like Edward’s reserved honor a little more, I really liked Kate. Kate is not your typical spunky heroine who thinks she can get away with any behavior because she has never experienced hardship. Kate has faced heaps of emotional abuse which has made her more quiet and thoughtful in her actions. She recognizes her reticence and works to build trust and build a better life. Despite the negativity she persevered and went after what she wanted. I really liked how real she felt and how she was pursuing a family life (not every heroine has to be against marriage).
This was a refreshing, heartfelt marriage of convenience story with some nice heat. Can’t wait to finish the series with Charlie who has grown on me a bit through the series ;)
This was a refreshing, heartfelt marriage of convenience story with some nice heat. Can’t wait to finish the series with Charlie who has grown on me a bit through the series ;)
January 15, 2022
4 Stars
After a few series in between, I am back to figuring out this damned secret!
The ducal household of the de Lacey family is in shock, not only because the old duke has passed away, but a devastating secret has come to light, one that of his first marriage sans divorce. The de Lacey children might be illegitimate, their inheritance in question, and with a blackmailer afoot threatening to reveal all to create a scandal of the century.
Plot Summary
Lord Gerard de Lacey is a man of action, be it in the army or concerning the looming scandal. He wants to go charging in to figure out the blackmailer's identity, with the little information he has and then shoot the blackguard or maim him or destroy the evidence, if any, depending on his mood. Illegitimate or not, he is also aware that as a third son, his prospects are few. Catching an heiress to secure his future in holy convenient matrimony seems to be the best option for him. Then how very lucky for Gerard that a widow of vast fortune proposes a very convenient marriage of convenience, indeed. Katherine wants to avoid an undesirable match and an impending misery that goes with it. At least, that is the only reason she wants Lord Gerard, well that, and her fortune, of course, would help him. Her harbouring a decade long secret tendré towards him is most definitely not a factor, well maybe, a little.
When the pursuit of the blackmailer takes the de Laceys to Bath, a lot of things are about to change. Maybe it's love, or maybe it's Bath. But it's always easier to blame it on Bath!
*My, that was a difficult plot summary
Quick Review
- Caroline Linden is growing on me. Her style is a bit descriptive, but captivating, nonetheless. This silly secret has me piqued with curiosity.
- The pacing is quick at the beginning, languishes in the middle and then a lot of things happen towards the end. I am guessing it's the author's style. Would have helped if the book was a little shorter.
- Ms Linden has added quite a dramatic flair to this "fortune hunter meets heiress" trope, making it an engaging read.
- The romance was slightly substandard in this story. Probably because there was a lack of "time spent with each other" between Gerard & Kate.
- Gerard was charming, dedicated, and forthright. These are great qualities in a man/ army Captain, but as an HR hero, not really up to the mark. He got so caught up in finding the blackmailer, he kinda forgot about his wife. His apology and declaration of love were amazing though.
- Kate was insecure, about everything. I wholeheartedly empathized with her. With a bitch of a mother, how could she not be? Unfortunately, it put a pall on the romance. Apart from that, she was nice, patient and a strong heroine.
- Steam was there, some good, some okay. Nothing to swoon over. I would have liked more banter between Kate & Gerard, a few real conversations, laughs, and teasing, a marital courtship, if you will.
*I am reading this series to get to the bottom of the aforementioned (aplenty) scandal. Romance is not high on my list, hence the high rating.
- This story makes a lot of progress with the Durham Dilemma. So that was a treat, a balm to my compulsive need to know.
- We get an interesting glimpse into His Grace(?) The (new) Duke of Durham Charles, who is now going to take over the problem.
My Recommendation
It's an engrossing read to sure. I am off to begin the next one. Charlie's story The Way to a Duke's Heart!
After a few series in between, I am back to figuring out this damned secret!
The ducal household of the de Lacey family is in shock, not only because the old duke has passed away, but a devastating secret has come to light, one that of his first marriage sans divorce. The de Lacey children might be illegitimate, their inheritance in question, and with a blackmailer afoot threatening to reveal all to create a scandal of the century.
Plot Summary
Lord Gerard de Lacey is a man of action, be it in the army or concerning the looming scandal. He wants to go charging in to figure out the blackmailer's identity, with the little information he has and then shoot the blackguard or maim him or destroy the evidence, if any, depending on his mood. Illegitimate or not, he is also aware that as a third son, his prospects are few. Catching an heiress to secure his future in holy convenient matrimony seems to be the best option for him. Then how very lucky for Gerard that a widow of vast fortune proposes a very convenient marriage of convenience, indeed. Katherine wants to avoid an undesirable match and an impending misery that goes with it. At least, that is the only reason she wants Lord Gerard, well that, and her fortune, of course, would help him. Her harbouring a decade long secret tendré towards him is most definitely not a factor, well maybe, a little.
When the pursuit of the blackmailer takes the de Laceys to Bath, a lot of things are about to change. Maybe it's love, or maybe it's Bath. But it's always easier to blame it on Bath!
*My, that was a difficult plot summary
Quick Review
- Caroline Linden is growing on me. Her style is a bit descriptive, but captivating, nonetheless. This silly secret has me piqued with curiosity.
- The pacing is quick at the beginning, languishes in the middle and then a lot of things happen towards the end. I am guessing it's the author's style. Would have helped if the book was a little shorter.
- Ms Linden has added quite a dramatic flair to this "fortune hunter meets heiress" trope, making it an engaging read.
- The romance was slightly substandard in this story. Probably because there was a lack of "time spent with each other" between Gerard & Kate.
- Gerard was charming, dedicated, and forthright. These are great qualities in a man/ army Captain, but as an HR hero, not really up to the mark. He got so caught up in finding the blackmailer, he kinda forgot about his wife. His apology and declaration of love were amazing though.
- Kate was insecure, about everything. I wholeheartedly empathized with her. With a bitch of a mother, how could she not be? Unfortunately, it put a pall on the romance. Apart from that, she was nice, patient and a strong heroine.
- Steam was there, some good, some okay. Nothing to swoon over. I would have liked more banter between Kate & Gerard, a few real conversations, laughs, and teasing, a marital courtship, if you will.
*I am reading this series to get to the bottom of the aforementioned (aplenty) scandal. Romance is not high on my list, hence the high rating.
- This story makes a lot of progress with the Durham Dilemma. So that was a treat, a balm to my compulsive need to know.
- We get an interesting glimpse into His Grace(?) The (new) Duke of Durham Charles, who is now going to take over the problem.
My Recommendation
It's an engrossing read to sure. I am off to begin the next one. Charlie's story The Way to a Duke's Heart!
April 21, 2019
The De Lacey's brothers had terrible news upon their father's death and are at risk of losing their social position and inheritance. Edward, the good son, was taking care of the legal measures while Gerard, the youngest and most impulsive of the trio, went around in order to try to catch the blackmailer. Charles, the oldest one and heir to the dukedom, was just sitting and waiting to see what would come out of his brother's efforts.
This book tells us about Gerard. Ever so practical and already expecting to have to work for a living (as a third son), Gerard decides that the best course is to marry an heiress before the family situation is known to the ton. As if listening to his wishes, a plain rich widow (Catherine) comes to his hotel room and offers to marry him. She is in need of protection and it awakens in him a protectiveness that he was not prepared for.
He is a cynic and not such a nice catch at the beginning, but he sees the error of his ways and improves considerably.
The side characters are also interesting: Charles and his aloofness, Hal (Catherine's previous suitor), and also the mean and self-absorbed mom of the heroine.
This book tells us about Gerard. Ever so practical and already expecting to have to work for a living (as a third son), Gerard decides that the best course is to marry an heiress before the family situation is known to the ton. As if listening to his wishes, a plain rich widow (Catherine) comes to his hotel room and offers to marry him. She is in need of protection and it awakens in him a protectiveness that he was not prepared for.
He is a cynic and not such a nice catch at the beginning, but he sees the error of his ways and improves considerably.
The side characters are also interesting: Charles and his aloofness, Hal (Catherine's previous suitor), and also the mean and self-absorbed mom of the heroine.
July 28, 2018
No surprise here: I LOVED THIS! I really can't get enough of Caroline Linden. The tides were turned when our heroine asks the hunky hero to marry her! And yes Gerard eventually grovelled. He grovelled her right to the ground in the middle of the day! Nuff said.
:D
:D
October 9, 2018
Blame it on Bath
4.5 Stars
Series note: There is an ongoing story arch involving the deceased Duke of Durham's secret and as such it is recommended that the books be read in order.
As a third son, Captain Gerrard de Lacey always knew he would have to marry an heiress, and this is only reinforced by the revelation of the Durham Dilemma. Thus, when he is approached by Lady Katherine Howe with the proposition of a marriage of convenience, he is only too eager to accept.
Kate and Gerrard's opposites attract romance is delightful. Honorable, courageous and daring, Gerrard is a bit of a hot head, who never encountered a challenge he could refuse. Kate is reserved and shy, but shows a great deal of strength when provoked. Their chemistry is intense and their love scenes sensual and scorching.
There are some minor developments in the ongoing blackmail plot, but obviously Linden is leaving the majority of the twists as well as the resolution for the final installment.
My one small nitpick is the , which goes on a tad too long for my tastes.
In sum, an excellent follow-up and I am looking forward to Charles meeting his match in the last book.
4.5 Stars
Series note: There is an ongoing story arch involving the deceased Duke of Durham's secret and as such it is recommended that the books be read in order.
As a third son, Captain Gerrard de Lacey always knew he would have to marry an heiress, and this is only reinforced by the revelation of the Durham Dilemma. Thus, when he is approached by Lady Katherine Howe with the proposition of a marriage of convenience, he is only too eager to accept.
Kate and Gerrard's opposites attract romance is delightful. Honorable, courageous and daring, Gerrard is a bit of a hot head, who never encountered a challenge he could refuse. Kate is reserved and shy, but shows a great deal of strength when provoked. Their chemistry is intense and their love scenes sensual and scorching.
There are some minor developments in the ongoing blackmail plot, but obviously Linden is leaving the majority of the twists as well as the resolution for the final installment.
My one small nitpick is the , which goes on a tad too long for my tastes.
In sum, an excellent follow-up and I am looking forward to Charles meeting his match in the last book.
June 30, 2014
This is a solid 4*
And yes, it is quite a lot better than the first, with a wonderful heroine and an adorable hero. Again all the era-related stuff works just fine, and the heroine is within the confines of the culture she lives in and still a strong one. Still a bit too much sex, but what there was was very erotic.
A greatly enjoyable read!
And yes, it is quite a lot better than the first, with a wonderful heroine and an adorable hero. Again all the era-related stuff works just fine, and the heroine is within the confines of the culture she lives in and still a strong one. Still a bit too much sex, but what there was was very erotic.
A greatly enjoyable read!
December 3, 2020
4⭐️
Blame It on Bath was a charming and pleasant surprise. So entertaining, lovely and dare I say realistic? There is no insta love or instalust to be found here, but instead two likable, smart and strong MC's who believe in action instead of sitting around and brooding.
Plus they believe the in big bad C-Word *GASP*
So there was no unnecessary contrived angst or drama used to propel the story forward since the characters actually COMMUNICATED.
The story starts off with Captain Gerard Durham the third son of the Duke of Durham being at risk of losing his inheritance. A blackmailer is threatening to reveal aGINORMOUS secret to the world that has the power to disinherit him and his brothers. To ensure this never happens Gerard is determined to find the blackmailer AND a rich bride as back up, just in case he is disinherited. This is where wealthy widow Catherine Howe steps in and boldly offers for Gerard's hand in marriage. Catherine met Gerard once before more than ten years ago and immediately fell in love, she has had feelings for him ever since. However, back then since she was just the very plain daughter of a wealthy merchant and he a Duke's son, and one of the most eligible bachelors in town, she didn't even hope for his attentions.
Gerard soon accepts Catherine's proposal and after a shot gun wedding they head to Bath in search of the blackmailer, and in Bath is where the romance ensues.
The emotional slow burn in this book is REAL while right away physically Gerard and Catherine hit it off and have really good chemistry in bed. However, Gerard has no intention of falling in love and Catherine due to constant belittlement from her mother growing up and then being practically ignored by her late husband during her first marriage has become closed off and rigid.
But being in Bath and being surrounded by good people who Catherine could call friends and Gerard, really helps her grow into this passionate, loving and understanding woman.
Unlike most ugly duckling books Catherine's transformation isn't of the physical variety, but rather an acquired luminescence that can only be the achieved from a concoction of accepting oneself, feeling loved and loving boldly.
Thinking back now, I realize how much I adored Catherine even though pre-Bath she had me worried.
From the way Linden initially described her I feared she was going to be one of those really uptight and sanctimonious heroines and have no chemistry with Gerard, who is the complete opposite of her. But even back then her refusal to continue living by the expectations forced upon her was admirable and as the book progressed she became this whole different person.
I also loved that how Catherine confronted Gerard every step of the way. The two times she suspected he was having an affair she GOT IN HIS FACE and it was perfection!
Gerard was muy delicioso, he was the perfect alpha male without being a complete controlling asshole, and usually I don't really like the non-assholes but I loved me some Captain Durham.
Gerard had this buzzing energy about him, he constantly needed to be active, something about that was so HOT! His characterization was perfect, he is exactly what you would expect a military captain to be: all alpha with a good and loyal heart.
As aforementioned the emotional slow burn in this book was REAL, Catherine refused to show how deeply she loved Gerard and he just basically assumed he would't fall in love with his wife, LOL.
I appreciated that the I love you's didn't come out of nowhere and how with every prior interaction of theirs you can feel the growth and culmination in emotional intensity that led to the I love you especially, on Gerard's side.
The secondary mystery plot line with the blackmailer was a nice touch, it didn't overtake the romance, but created this balance so the romance didn't go stale.
So why the fours stars? Well....while this is a great read its too light to be impactful, even though it is totally on my VERY VERY short reread list it didn't hit me in the gut but thats totally a its me not you thing.
Blame It on Bath was a charming and pleasant surprise. So entertaining, lovely and dare I say realistic? There is no insta love or instalust to be found here, but instead two likable, smart and strong MC's who believe in action instead of sitting around and brooding.
Plus they believe the in big bad C-Word *GASP*
So there was no unnecessary contrived angst or drama used to propel the story forward since the characters actually COMMUNICATED.
The story starts off with Captain Gerard Durham the third son of the Duke of Durham being at risk of losing his inheritance. A blackmailer is threatening to reveal a
Gerard soon accepts Catherine's proposal and after a shot gun wedding they head to Bath in search of the blackmailer, and in Bath is where the romance ensues.
The emotional slow burn in this book is REAL while right away physically Gerard and Catherine hit it off and have really good chemistry in bed. However, Gerard has no intention of falling in love and Catherine due to constant belittlement from her mother growing up and then being practically ignored by her late husband during her first marriage has become closed off and rigid.
But being in Bath and being surrounded by good people who Catherine could call friends and Gerard, really helps her grow into this passionate, loving and understanding woman.
Unlike most ugly duckling books Catherine's transformation isn't of the physical variety, but rather an acquired luminescence that can only be the achieved from a concoction of accepting oneself, feeling loved and loving boldly.
Thinking back now, I realize how much I adored Catherine even though pre-Bath she had me worried.
From the way Linden initially described her I feared she was going to be one of those really uptight and sanctimonious heroines and have no chemistry with Gerard, who is the complete opposite of her. But even back then her refusal to continue living by the expectations forced upon her was admirable and as the book progressed she became this whole different person.
I also loved that how Catherine confronted Gerard every step of the way. The two times she suspected he was having an affair she GOT IN HIS FACE and it was perfection!
Gerard was muy delicioso, he was the perfect alpha male without being a complete controlling asshole, and usually I don't really like the non-assholes but I loved me some Captain Durham.
Gerard had this buzzing energy about him, he constantly needed to be active, something about that was so HOT! His characterization was perfect, he is exactly what you would expect a military captain to be: all alpha with a good and loyal heart.
As aforementioned the emotional slow burn in this book was REAL, Catherine refused to show how deeply she loved Gerard and he just basically assumed he would't fall in love with his wife, LOL.
I appreciated that the I love you's didn't come out of nowhere and how with every prior interaction of theirs you can feel the growth and culmination in emotional intensity that led to the I love you especially, on Gerard's side.
The secondary mystery plot line with the blackmailer was a nice touch, it didn't overtake the romance, but created this balance so the romance didn't go stale.
So why the fours stars? Well....while this is a great read its too light to be impactful, even though it is totally on my VERY VERY short reread list it didn't hit me in the gut but thats totally a its me not you thing.
January 16, 2018
I adored Gerard Delacey, as voiced by Gildart Jackson, in this audio book. Just as in the first installment of this series, One Night in London: The Truth about the Duke, Jackson's sexy baritone makes the hero truly swoonworthy. Jackson's female voices have improved since the first book, so the heroine does not sound like an aging dowager.
For more about this book, my review of the written edition can be found here.
I'm enjoying this series so much that I rushed out and used an audible.com credit on the final volume.
For more about this book, my review of the written edition can be found here.
I'm enjoying this series so much that I rushed out and used an audible.com credit on the final volume.
August 12, 2019
Can Caroline Linden do anything wrong?
P.S - Though at some points I had a frown while reading Gerard's inner monologues, especially when it came to his opinion about Kate, but Linden made up for it alter. Still, he's a bit thick at times, and not in a good way.
P.S - Though at some points I had a frown while reading Gerard's inner monologues, especially when it came to his opinion about Kate, but Linden made up for it alter. Still, he's a bit thick at times, and not in a good way.
November 3, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up
Although Blame it on Bath is the second in this series, I think there's enough foundation shared at the start that it could be read without reading book one. Of course, each book in the trilogy builds on the mystery of who's trying to ruin the family of the late Duke of Durham. In this installment, we follow Gerard (H), the youngest son, who's actively trying to hunt down his late father's blackmailer. He's chased by the rumor of scandal and the possibility that he and his brothers may be declared bastards so he has a secondary goal of potentially locating an heiress. In his lap falls the widowed heiress Katherine (h), who approaches Gerard and proposes marriage due to the danger of being forced into marrying her late husband's heir. A quick marriage of convenience later and they're off to Bath! Despite the looming danger of scandal and the element of damsel in distress, the story wasn't overly angsty and flowed pretty smoothly til closer to the end when the angst did peak. The mystery itself is going into the final book so the overarching plot is not resolved in this story. Written in third person, dual POV. Small om drama from h feeling pressured to marry someone she doesn't want to, perceived ow drama with h questioning H's intentions during a couple interactions with ow (he's not interested in either ow but there is jealousy and feelings of inadequacy on the h's part), and neither are virgins.
Gerard is warm and charming and Katherine's reserved and quiet, this is very much a romance of opposites. I did like how Kate (Gerard's nickname for her) was able to grow and relax around him, dropping some of her coolness that she used as a shield. I still found her to be a harder h to root for though, because she reverted back to old, negative habits and thought patterns so easily. I liked Gerard more, but his focus on how Kate wasn't beautiful bugged me. He does come to appreciate her appeal more as their marriage continues, but her outward appearance was too much of a focus for me for too long into the book. One area that both work super well together though is in the bedroom, which was good and bad. I enjoyed the steamy scenes, but it did set up the characters to be in sync only in physical intimacy and not emotional intimacy.
I also genuinely felt that a couple of the side characters who were awful in the book needed to experience their comeuppance and I didn't get that satisfaction. Thankfully I had read a friend's review that prepared me for that or I would have been furious. There are positive side characters however, including friendships that Kate builds in Bath that helped grow her confidence and bolster her ability to speak up. The oldest brother, Charlie, also appears close to the end and already shows growth from book 1 in the brief time he's on page. I still don't particularly want to read his book though, sadly.
Plot-wise, the investigation into the blackmailer was intriguing, but not overly gripping. It consumed Gerard and I was side eyeing how much he was willing to go through, at the possible expense of his relationship with Kate. Then a lead is introduced at a critical and vulnerable moment and he makes poor choices that made me want to reach in and smack him. His character falls back into the cliche of the man being unable to communicate feelings unfortunately and Kate's the one who's hurt most by it.
The ending is HFN with Kate and Gerard on the same page marriage wise and after a strong scene of them reconnecting, airing their relationship, expressing feelings, and getting spicy. I'm not sure if the final book includes an extended epilogue for all the brothers, but at least I'm assured they're together and in love.
Although Blame it on Bath is the second in this series, I think there's enough foundation shared at the start that it could be read without reading book one. Of course, each book in the trilogy builds on the mystery of who's trying to ruin the family of the late Duke of Durham. In this installment, we follow Gerard (H), the youngest son, who's actively trying to hunt down his late father's blackmailer. He's chased by the rumor of scandal and the possibility that he and his brothers may be declared bastards so he has a secondary goal of potentially locating an heiress. In his lap falls the widowed heiress Katherine (h), who approaches Gerard and proposes marriage due to the danger of being forced into marrying her late husband's heir. A quick marriage of convenience later and they're off to Bath! Despite the looming danger of scandal and the element of damsel in distress, the story wasn't overly angsty and flowed pretty smoothly til closer to the end when the angst did peak. The mystery itself is going into the final book so the overarching plot is not resolved in this story. Written in third person, dual POV. Small om drama from h feeling pressured to marry someone she doesn't want to, perceived ow drama with h questioning H's intentions during a couple interactions with ow (he's not interested in either ow but there is jealousy and feelings of inadequacy on the h's part), and neither are virgins.
Gerard is warm and charming and Katherine's reserved and quiet, this is very much a romance of opposites. I did like how Kate (Gerard's nickname for her) was able to grow and relax around him, dropping some of her coolness that she used as a shield. I still found her to be a harder h to root for though, because she reverted back to old, negative habits and thought patterns so easily. I liked Gerard more, but his focus on how Kate wasn't beautiful bugged me. He does come to appreciate her appeal more as their marriage continues, but her outward appearance was too much of a focus for me for too long into the book. One area that both work super well together though is in the bedroom, which was good and bad. I enjoyed the steamy scenes, but it did set up the characters to be in sync only in physical intimacy and not emotional intimacy.
I also genuinely felt that a couple of the side characters who were awful in the book needed to experience their comeuppance and I didn't get that satisfaction. Thankfully I had read a friend's review that prepared me for that or I would have been furious. There are positive side characters however, including friendships that Kate builds in Bath that helped grow her confidence and bolster her ability to speak up. The oldest brother, Charlie, also appears close to the end and already shows growth from book 1 in the brief time he's on page. I still don't particularly want to read his book though, sadly.
Plot-wise, the investigation into the blackmailer was intriguing, but not overly gripping. It consumed Gerard and I was side eyeing how much he was willing to go through, at the possible expense of his relationship with Kate. Then a lead is introduced at a critical and vulnerable moment and he makes poor choices that made me want to reach in and smack him. His character falls back into the cliche of the man being unable to communicate feelings unfortunately and Kate's the one who's hurt most by it.
The ending is HFN with Kate and Gerard on the same page marriage wise and after a strong scene of them reconnecting, airing their relationship, expressing feelings, and getting spicy. I'm not sure if the final book includes an extended epilogue for all the brothers, but at least I'm assured they're together and in love.
February 9, 2012
Lady Katherine Howe is feeling quite a bit of pressure to marry her late husbands heir in order to forgive a large debt that must be repaid to her otherwise. Her late husband squandered her entire dowry and her father gave him a loan that must now be repaid. But Katherine does not want to be forced into another marriage not of her choice so she comes up with a rather bold plan. She plans to propose to Gerard de Lacey--yes, that de Lacey of the wild rumors of illegitimacy--as she knows he will be in need of a large fortune if the rumors are true. But her deeper reason for wanting this marriage to the bold captain has to do with one long ago rainy afternoon in which he kindly helped her--a plain, quiet young lady.
Gerard is stunned when he receives a most unique proposal from this rather unremarkable looking woman. Kate, as Gerard grows to call her, is so careful with her wording and demeanor and he just can't understand why she wears such dull, drab clothing and as he is most intrigued to find out more about her, he agrees to her proposal. He steals a kiss and is relieved to find there is a bit of passion hiding underneath her facade. As Gerard was on his way to Bath to uncover clues as to who is blackmailing his family, he takes Kate with him as soon as they are married and together they try to find the right balance for their new marriage of convenience.
If you read the previous book in this series, One Night in London, this book takes place during the same time as that one but with hardly any overlapping as most of the story is set in Bath versus London. I was a bit surprised by this as the ending of One Night in London left me quite anxious for this one and I was a little disappointed that the reveal of what happened isn't almost until the end of this story. I understand that the whole book leads up to the dilemma Gerard got himself into but I was hoping for a bit more scandalous reveal I guess. *shrugs* Once Gerard finally confesses the reason for being in Bath to Kate, they are able to uncover some clues about the blackmailer but overall this book seemed a bit light in the illegitimacy issues and I would have liked it to move forward in that direction more.
I really enjoyed our two characters. I liked that Kate is not a raving beauty and is quiet and we get to see her emerge from her shell and transform into a lovely butterfly and I really enjoyed how Gerard saw her for her true self almost from the start. He quickly learns that getting Kate to smile is one of the best things to do and he loves to watch her transform when she gives a rare smile. Gerard for his part is brash, bold and a bit quick-tempered but he learns to curb this soon around his new wife as she divulges she suffered some abuse from her first husband. Together, they mesh and this is a sweet yet hot romance of two people finding love where they least expect it. Overall, I enjoyed this book for its uniqueness of no titles for the couple, a different location, an unassuming woman just waiting to be polished off a bit and a decisive hero. There really is no major action or danger to take away from the romance so it truly is a lovely romance to watch emerge. I know I am anxiously awaiting the final book in this series and the teaser already has me wanting it right now even though this book left me wanting a bit more from it. 3 1/2 stars
I received this eARC from Avon via netgalley.com
Gerard is stunned when he receives a most unique proposal from this rather unremarkable looking woman. Kate, as Gerard grows to call her, is so careful with her wording and demeanor and he just can't understand why she wears such dull, drab clothing and as he is most intrigued to find out more about her, he agrees to her proposal. He steals a kiss and is relieved to find there is a bit of passion hiding underneath her facade. As Gerard was on his way to Bath to uncover clues as to who is blackmailing his family, he takes Kate with him as soon as they are married and together they try to find the right balance for their new marriage of convenience.
If you read the previous book in this series, One Night in London, this book takes place during the same time as that one but with hardly any overlapping as most of the story is set in Bath versus London. I was a bit surprised by this as the ending of One Night in London left me quite anxious for this one and I was a little disappointed that the reveal of what happened isn't almost until the end of this story. I understand that the whole book leads up to the dilemma Gerard got himself into but I was hoping for a bit more scandalous reveal I guess. *shrugs* Once Gerard finally confesses the reason for being in Bath to Kate, they are able to uncover some clues about the blackmailer but overall this book seemed a bit light in the illegitimacy issues and I would have liked it to move forward in that direction more.
I really enjoyed our two characters. I liked that Kate is not a raving beauty and is quiet and we get to see her emerge from her shell and transform into a lovely butterfly and I really enjoyed how Gerard saw her for her true self almost from the start. He quickly learns that getting Kate to smile is one of the best things to do and he loves to watch her transform when she gives a rare smile. Gerard for his part is brash, bold and a bit quick-tempered but he learns to curb this soon around his new wife as she divulges she suffered some abuse from her first husband. Together, they mesh and this is a sweet yet hot romance of two people finding love where they least expect it. Overall, I enjoyed this book for its uniqueness of no titles for the couple, a different location, an unassuming woman just waiting to be polished off a bit and a decisive hero. There really is no major action or danger to take away from the romance so it truly is a lovely romance to watch emerge. I know I am anxiously awaiting the final book in this series and the teaser already has me wanting it right now even though this book left me wanting a bit more from it. 3 1/2 stars
I received this eARC from Avon via netgalley.com
February 7, 2021
Captain Gerard de Lacey is maybe a bastard, so when wealthy widow Katherine Howe proposes marriage, he decides to accept. They marry, end up in Bath, and discover the True Meaning of Marriage (sex sex sex sex sex sex). Only Kate wants more from her husband than his magnificent wang, and Gerard really wants to know who's blackmailing his family.
1. The blackmail plot was pretty ridiculous. This is partially because I haven't read the first book so the setup was lost on me, and also because I don't really need an overreaching plot in my romance trilogies unless it's extremely relevant or silly. And this is the worst of the bunch: the plot is just a frame for us to plug-and-play with the various heroes and heroines; it doesn't truly impact the development of the relationship in any grand way; you'd get the same outcome with a different plot or a different premise. And yet it takes itself too serious to be a silly link between the books. But this is a complaint I have for like most of the romance novels I read so I can't really hold it against Blame It on Bath specifically.
2. I really liked Katherine as a heroine: she is anxious and not confident, but she strives for what she wants and comes to find her place in the world. A lot of it is overly reliant on Gerard and his boners, but there's also glimpses of her finding friendships with other women.
(I wanted more of that sensation of discovering her life without her dead husband or the unwanted suitor or her mother: there's a line upon their arrival in Bath where she realizes that she doesn't have to wait for the unwanted knock at her door before bed—but instead we turn a corner into all the sex and it gets lost. SAD.)
3. Gerard would have been a better hero with more oogling of his wife and less angst over the ridiculous blackmail notes. He eventually realizes that Kate's actually pretty bamf but it happens far too late.
4. I'm also unduly annoyed by the fact that Kate comes to find such joy in Bath being her own woman and then not only gives into her mother's demands to leave with her, but also doesn't challenge Gerard's decision to go to Cornwall to repine in sexual bliss or whatever. Like, dude! CHILL FOR TEN SECONDS PUT TOGETHER.
5. I'm complaining so much because I did enjoy most of this: Kate, the marriage agreement, the coming to know one another carefully. But so much just irked in retrospect that I complain, a lot.
1. The blackmail plot was pretty ridiculous. This is partially because I haven't read the first book so the setup was lost on me, and also because I don't really need an overreaching plot in my romance trilogies unless it's extremely relevant or silly. And this is the worst of the bunch: the plot is just a frame for us to plug-and-play with the various heroes and heroines; it doesn't truly impact the development of the relationship in any grand way; you'd get the same outcome with a different plot or a different premise. And yet it takes itself too serious to be a silly link between the books. But this is a complaint I have for like most of the romance novels I read so I can't really hold it against Blame It on Bath specifically.
2. I really liked Katherine as a heroine: she is anxious and not confident, but she strives for what she wants and comes to find her place in the world. A lot of it is overly reliant on Gerard and his boners, but there's also glimpses of her finding friendships with other women.
(I wanted more of that sensation of discovering her life without her dead husband or the unwanted suitor or her mother: there's a line upon their arrival in Bath where she realizes that she doesn't have to wait for the unwanted knock at her door before bed—but instead we turn a corner into all the sex and it gets lost. SAD.)
3. Gerard would have been a better hero with more oogling of his wife and less angst over the ridiculous blackmail notes. He eventually realizes that Kate's actually pretty bamf but it happens far too late.
4. I'm also unduly annoyed by the fact that Kate comes to find such joy in Bath being her own woman and then not only gives into her mother's demands to leave with her, but also doesn't challenge Gerard's decision to go to Cornwall to repine in sexual bliss or whatever. Like, dude! CHILL FOR TEN SECONDS PUT TOGETHER.
5. I'm complaining so much because I did enjoy most of this: Kate, the marriage agreement, the coming to know one another carefully. But so much just irked in retrospect that I complain, a lot.
December 7, 2022
Mostly Bath, 1810. Another yummy brother.
Katherine had a late, wealthy merchant father. Her
beautiful mother encouraged her to wear ugly,
shapeless clothes. Mother frequently rebuked her
and feared competition from her. Her late 1st spouse
kept her expressionless. Mom sanctioned religious
zealot Lucian (nephew of her spouse) as dtr's next
spouse. Luc kept her a prisoner & forced her to read
religious books,further dampening her spirits.
Katherine, now an heiress, decided to choose her own
spouse. She proposed to Gerard, 3rd son of the late
Duke of Durham. Gerard called her Kate, and enjoyed
getting to know her, esp. in the BR & other locales.
My favorite scene- when Ger & Kate revealed to Luc
that they were married.
This felt like a real couple with ups and downs. The
sex scenes felt like playful love scenes. Just when
Kate gained confidence, her mother re-appeared to
make her doubt herself.
Readers were given a few clues on the bigamy case.
Now Charles, the eldest brother, must take up the
investigation. I so wanted Charles to meet Kate's
friend Cora but it wasn't to be.
Katherine had a late, wealthy merchant father. Her
beautiful mother encouraged her to wear ugly,
shapeless clothes. Mother frequently rebuked her
and feared competition from her. Her late 1st spouse
kept her expressionless. Mom sanctioned religious
zealot Lucian (nephew of her spouse) as dtr's next
spouse. Luc kept her a prisoner & forced her to read
religious books,further dampening her spirits.
Katherine, now an heiress, decided to choose her own
spouse. She proposed to Gerard, 3rd son of the late
Duke of Durham. Gerard called her Kate, and enjoyed
getting to know her, esp. in the BR & other locales.
My favorite scene- when Ger & Kate revealed to Luc
that they were married.
This felt like a real couple with ups and downs. The
sex scenes felt like playful love scenes. Just when
Kate gained confidence, her mother re-appeared to
make her doubt herself.
Readers were given a few clues on the bigamy case.
Now Charles, the eldest brother, must take up the
investigation. I so wanted Charles to meet Kate's
friend Cora but it wasn't to be.
October 3, 2022
This opens with Gerard planning on going to Bath to hunt the blackmailer. Before he can leave London, Katherine proposes marriage. Katherine much older than her husband has died and instead of being able to enjoy being a widow (this was not a happy marriage), she is being pressured to marry again by Lucien, her deceased spouse's nephew. Katherine was left a large sum of money by her father when he died and in addition, Lucien owes her money. Before he died, the dead spouse borrowed money and didn't pay it back. Lucien is also super conservative and restrictive. Gerard decides to take her up on offer and marry. He needs a wealthy wife in case he loses his inheritance (d/t his father's scandal- he may have been married before when he was super young).
What starts out as a marriage of convenience, turns into much more. Kate is able to grow her confidence and come out of her shell. Her marriage was abusive and her mother is verbally/emotionally abusive to her.
More hints at the blackmailer and Gerard is able to locate more information. Gerard gives all this information to Charlie, who is now responsible for finding out the blackmailer. It's fitting since Charlie is the current duke and has skated by allowing his brothers to do the heavy lifting.
What starts out as a marriage of convenience, turns into much more. Kate is able to grow her confidence and come out of her shell. Her marriage was abusive and her mother is verbally/emotionally abusive to her.
More hints at the blackmailer and Gerard is able to locate more information. Gerard gives all this information to Charlie, who is now responsible for finding out the blackmailer. It's fitting since Charlie is the current duke and has skated by allowing his brothers to do the heavy lifting.
July 4, 2012
I loved this book and will be getting hold of the others in the series asap. I'm not a huge fan of mysteries, but I thought that the one here was done very well indeed, and didn't overshadow the romance.
Marriage of Convenience turns to love is one of my favourite tropes in HR, and this is extremely well done. Katherine approaches Gerard de Lacy and asks him to marry her to prevent her being forced into marriage with her late husband's nephew. Gerard needs to marry an heiress becuase of the possibility that he and his brothers could be declared illegitimate.
Katherine has lived all her life under the domineering thumb of her mother - a beautiful but mean-spirited woman who was forever belittling her. Once married to Gerard, she begins to blossom; and it's this aspect of the book that, for me, turned it into more than "just" another marriage of convenience plot.
Gerard is an incredibly appealing hero - he's very considerate of Kate and treats her with kindness and respect and makes it clear from the start that he wants a proper marriage; which to him means sex, at first! Kate had envisioned their getting to know each other before going to bed together, but her husband had other ideas. The sex scenes in the book are pretty steamy, but not graphic - and the one where Gerard literally seduces Kate's secret out of her... *fans self*.
This was a real page-turner and I didn't feel I needed to have read the earlier book One Night in London. I'm going to find it now, though, and am looking forward to the final book in the trilogy later this summer!
Marriage of Convenience turns to love is one of my favourite tropes in HR, and this is extremely well done. Katherine approaches Gerard de Lacy and asks him to marry her to prevent her being forced into marriage with her late husband's nephew. Gerard needs to marry an heiress becuase of the possibility that he and his brothers could be declared illegitimate.
Katherine has lived all her life under the domineering thumb of her mother - a beautiful but mean-spirited woman who was forever belittling her. Once married to Gerard, she begins to blossom; and it's this aspect of the book that, for me, turned it into more than "just" another marriage of convenience plot.
Gerard is an incredibly appealing hero - he's very considerate of Kate and treats her with kindness and respect and makes it clear from the start that he wants a proper marriage; which to him means sex, at first! Kate had envisioned their getting to know each other before going to bed together, but her husband had other ideas. The sex scenes in the book are pretty steamy, but not graphic - and the one where Gerard literally seduces Kate's secret out of her... *fans self*.
This was a real page-turner and I didn't feel I needed to have read the earlier book One Night in London. I'm going to find it now, though, and am looking forward to the final book in the trilogy later this summer!
October 17, 2018
Een heer op jacht - Candlelight Historische roman 1108
Review in Englisch language see below .
In dit verhaal is de jongste zoon - Gerard de Lacey - aan de beurt om te proberen het mysterie op te lossen waar zijn broer Edward in deel 1 al aan begonnen was . Daarvoor heeft hij aanwijzingen dat hij naar Bath moet maar kort voor vertrek zoekt een intrigerende weduwe hem 's nachts op en doet hem een voorstel wat hij na wat bedenk-/ uitzoektijd niet kan weigeren . Ze trouwen onmiddellijk en vertrekken samen met hun trouwe lijfknecht en dienstmeid naar Bath .
Eenmaal daar gaat hij hele dagen op speurtocht zonder haar erbij te betrekken en hij is meestal bij het avondeten pas thuis . Behalve in de slaapkamer hebben ze dus weinig tijd om elkaar te leren kennen . Dit is gewoon niet mijn idee van een romance .
In this story it's the youngest son's - Gerard the Lacey - turn to try to solve the mystery on whitch his brother Edward has already started in book 1 . There are clues he has to go to Bath , but while he's making travelpreparations a mysterious widow visits him at night and makes him an offer he , after he had some time to think / investigate over , just could not refuse . They marry immediately and leave for Bath together with his batman and her personal maid .
There he is all day away looking for clues whitout involving his new wife in any way and they see each other only at dinner and in the bedroom - so they have no time to learn to know each other . This is just not my idea of a romance .
Review in Englisch language see below .
In dit verhaal is de jongste zoon - Gerard de Lacey - aan de beurt om te proberen het mysterie op te lossen waar zijn broer Edward in deel 1 al aan begonnen was . Daarvoor heeft hij aanwijzingen dat hij naar Bath moet maar kort voor vertrek zoekt een intrigerende weduwe hem 's nachts op en doet hem een voorstel wat hij na wat bedenk-/ uitzoektijd niet kan weigeren . Ze trouwen onmiddellijk en vertrekken samen met hun trouwe lijfknecht en dienstmeid naar Bath .
Eenmaal daar gaat hij hele dagen op speurtocht zonder haar erbij te betrekken en hij is meestal bij het avondeten pas thuis . Behalve in de slaapkamer hebben ze dus weinig tijd om elkaar te leren kennen . Dit is gewoon niet mijn idee van een romance .
In this story it's the youngest son's - Gerard the Lacey - turn to try to solve the mystery on whitch his brother Edward has already started in book 1 . There are clues he has to go to Bath , but while he's making travelpreparations a mysterious widow visits him at night and makes him an offer he , after he had some time to think / investigate over , just could not refuse . They marry immediately and leave for Bath together with his batman and her personal maid .
There he is all day away looking for clues whitout involving his new wife in any way and they see each other only at dinner and in the bedroom - so they have no time to learn to know each other . This is just not my idea of a romance .
April 13, 2012
3.5 stars
I liked this book fine and I'll read the next in the series but it didn't stand out as anything special. The elements were all there: charming rogue, marriage of convenience, undermining mother, but they didn't come together as anything magical. Still, there's a place for decent, solidly written, enjoyable romances, and this series fits in that place.
I liked this book fine and I'll read the next in the series but it didn't stand out as anything special. The elements were all there: charming rogue, marriage of convenience, undermining mother, but they didn't come together as anything magical. Still, there's a place for decent, solidly written, enjoyable romances, and this series fits in that place.
tbr-series-sequels-x
March 18, 201518 March 2015: $0.99 on Kindle
June 5, 2019
Book 2 of a series. I didn’t read Book 1 and I had no problems following this story. Although the plot carries through to this book, the characters from other books are either just mentioned or appear very briefly in this book. Therefore, it is not necessary to read the prior book.
Captain Gerard de Lacey - 3rd son of the Duke of Durham (28).
Gerard was 5 when his mother died and he has no real memories of her, which is sad as she was apparently a wonderful woman. His father was also very good to the boys, but many years later when he dies they find out he had a clandestine, scandalous marriage years before he inherited the dukedom and that 1st marriage was never annulled. The Duke had concealed this from everyone and had been blackmailed and threatened with exposure and ruin. So, this means Gerard and his brothers could be considered illegitimate and lose all that belongs to the Dukedom. Therefore, they will do whatever they need to do to save their family and find the blackmailer.
Katherine (30) - widow with great financial means. She has a mother who is beautiful, and Katherine’s looks come up woefully short when compared to her mother. Her mother is also controlling, so it seems Katherine has never truly learned how to stand up for herself.
This is a marriage of convenience story. I understood why Gerard needed to marry Katherine, but I’m a bit unclear why Katherine approached him seeking marriage. Yes, she lived with her controlling mother and her dead husband’s nephew, who was a bit creepy. But, she is a widow, she’s 30 and she has plenty of money. So why did she need to marry??? 🤔🤔 I’m a bit hazy on this point.
Now, to the reason I’m really knocking off stars for this book.
1. Katherine. I thought her character was inconsistent and weak. She acts like she was abused. Why doesn't she have a backbone? When Gerard asks if her late husband abused her she said he slapped her a couple times. Yes, that's bad, but it doesn't support why she acts like a beaten down animal. Even after she’s married, when her mother swoops in she falls into old habits and just lets her mother control her thoughts and actions Once again, she’s 30 and has been married before. Does she not have the ability to think for herself?? Argh 🙄. Also, she just always seemed somber or sad. She was a Debbie-downer, in my opinion. Wah, Wah. Boring.
2. How many times do we have to be reminded that she isn’t a beauty or pretty. Dang. 🤨🥴 There are over a dozen references to the fact that she isn’t pretty......Here’s just a few examples:
Page 29 - “She wasn’t pretty at all,”
Page 36 - “I know I’m not a beauty”
Page 85 - “I know she’s not a great beauty.”
Page 97 - “She wasn’t a beauty,”
Page 98 - “She wasn’t ugly. A bit plain, perhaps”
Page 122 - “She wasn’t a beauty,”
Page 138 - “You’re not a beauty like your mother”
- and on and on and on. 😤😤OK.....I get it. No wonder she had insecurities. Geez. And, if she’s not a beauty, get a different cover because I think the woman on the cover is very pretty. It’s a pet peeve of mine when a cover doesn’t match the story.
Oh, and this is just too much. After Katherine buys a new dress other than drab brown and Gerard takes her to the assembly, these are his thoughts......
”On the positive side, his wife had never looked better. No one would call her a beauty, but tonight . . . well, tonight she was quite fetching, to tell the truth. He’d been right that a decent dress would make a world of difference, but he’d had no idea how much. The dull brown dress she once called her best made her look pale and skinny. Even Gerard, who knew every curve of her body, was astonished at how the new blue gown made the most of her slim figure. He was sure he wasn’t the only man entranced by her newly displayed bosom, perfectly set off by the amethyst pendant. Certainly the number of gentlemen who appeared to solicit an invitation and a dance did nothing to diminish that belief. He felt the fierce satisfaction of a speculator who’d bought a piece of land for its rich soil, only to discover a large vein of coal ran through it as well.”
😂😂😂 Wow dude.....you’re comparing your wife to a piece of land??? Yup, that should win you points in the bedroom. 🤨🤨 Sigh 😔 And, apparently he doesn’t mind other men being ”entranced by his wife’s bosom”. 😳
Anyway, Gerard and Katherine head to Bath to follow a clue about the blackmailer. What does Gerard do while in Bath? Asks the postman about who mailed the letters. Wow.....good detective work dude. The only thing that potentially produces another lead is from something Katherine suggests. So honestly, I was not impressed with Gerard much either.
So although I didn’t hate it, I didn’t love it either. Middle of the road for me, so 3 stars.
Captain Gerard de Lacey - 3rd son of the Duke of Durham (28).
Gerard was 5 when his mother died and he has no real memories of her, which is sad as she was apparently a wonderful woman. His father was also very good to the boys, but many years later when he dies they find out he had a clandestine, scandalous marriage years before he inherited the dukedom and that 1st marriage was never annulled. The Duke had concealed this from everyone and had been blackmailed and threatened with exposure and ruin. So, this means Gerard and his brothers could be considered illegitimate and lose all that belongs to the Dukedom. Therefore, they will do whatever they need to do to save their family and find the blackmailer.
Katherine (30) - widow with great financial means. She has a mother who is beautiful, and Katherine’s looks come up woefully short when compared to her mother. Her mother is also controlling, so it seems Katherine has never truly learned how to stand up for herself.
This is a marriage of convenience story. I understood why Gerard needed to marry Katherine, but I’m a bit unclear why Katherine approached him seeking marriage. Yes, she lived with her controlling mother and her dead husband’s nephew, who was a bit creepy. But, she is a widow, she’s 30 and she has plenty of money. So why did she need to marry??? 🤔🤔 I’m a bit hazy on this point.
Now, to the reason I’m really knocking off stars for this book.
1. Katherine. I thought her character was inconsistent and weak. She acts like she was abused. Why doesn't she have a backbone? When Gerard asks if her late husband abused her she said he slapped her a couple times. Yes, that's bad, but it doesn't support why she acts like a beaten down animal. Even after she’s married, when her mother swoops in she falls into old habits and just lets her mother control her thoughts and actions Once again, she’s 30 and has been married before. Does she not have the ability to think for herself?? Argh 🙄. Also, she just always seemed somber or sad. She was a Debbie-downer, in my opinion. Wah, Wah. Boring.
2. How many times do we have to be reminded that she isn’t a beauty or pretty. Dang. 🤨🥴 There are over a dozen references to the fact that she isn’t pretty......Here’s just a few examples:
Page 29 - “She wasn’t pretty at all,”
Page 36 - “I know I’m not a beauty”
Page 85 - “I know she’s not a great beauty.”
Page 97 - “She wasn’t a beauty,”
Page 98 - “She wasn’t ugly. A bit plain, perhaps”
Page 122 - “She wasn’t a beauty,”
Page 138 - “You’re not a beauty like your mother”
- and on and on and on. 😤😤OK.....I get it. No wonder she had insecurities. Geez. And, if she’s not a beauty, get a different cover because I think the woman on the cover is very pretty. It’s a pet peeve of mine when a cover doesn’t match the story.
Oh, and this is just too much. After Katherine buys a new dress other than drab brown and Gerard takes her to the assembly, these are his thoughts......
”On the positive side, his wife had never looked better. No one would call her a beauty, but tonight . . . well, tonight she was quite fetching, to tell the truth. He’d been right that a decent dress would make a world of difference, but he’d had no idea how much. The dull brown dress she once called her best made her look pale and skinny. Even Gerard, who knew every curve of her body, was astonished at how the new blue gown made the most of her slim figure. He was sure he wasn’t the only man entranced by her newly displayed bosom, perfectly set off by the amethyst pendant. Certainly the number of gentlemen who appeared to solicit an invitation and a dance did nothing to diminish that belief. He felt the fierce satisfaction of a speculator who’d bought a piece of land for its rich soil, only to discover a large vein of coal ran through it as well.”
😂😂😂 Wow dude.....you’re comparing your wife to a piece of land??? Yup, that should win you points in the bedroom. 🤨🤨 Sigh 😔 And, apparently he doesn’t mind other men being ”entranced by his wife’s bosom”. 😳
Anyway, Gerard and Katherine head to Bath to follow a clue about the blackmailer. What does Gerard do while in Bath? Asks the postman about who mailed the letters. Wow.....good detective work dude. The only thing that potentially produces another lead is from something Katherine suggests. So honestly, I was not impressed with Gerard much either.
So although I didn’t hate it, I didn’t love it either. Middle of the road for me, so 3 stars.
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