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Royal Entourage #1
Between the Duke and the Deep Blue Sea
Six Regency heroes—One royal hangover
An infamous night has been lost to memory. The scandalous Dukes of the Royal Entourage must make amends. The first step is a heroic rescue.
One of England’s most disreputable peers, Alexander Barclay, Duke of Kress, has stumbled upon a perfect opportunity for redemption. Having been exiled to Cornwall by the Prince Regent himself, Barclay discovers lovely Roxanne Vanderhaven clinging to the edge of a cliff, stranded there by her murderous blackguard of a husband . . . just waiting to be rescued.
Back on solid ground, Roxanne is desperate for a new life— once she’s retaliated for her husband’s despicable actions. Surprisingly, she finds herself drawn to her unlikely champion, certainly the last man in England she could count on. Yet, the infamous Duke of Kress isn’t quite the scoundrel he seems . . .
An infamous night has been lost to memory. The scandalous Dukes of the Royal Entourage must make amends. The first step is a heroic rescue.
One of England’s most disreputable peers, Alexander Barclay, Duke of Kress, has stumbled upon a perfect opportunity for redemption. Having been exiled to Cornwall by the Prince Regent himself, Barclay discovers lovely Roxanne Vanderhaven clinging to the edge of a cliff, stranded there by her murderous blackguard of a husband . . . just waiting to be rescued.
Back on solid ground, Roxanne is desperate for a new life— once she’s retaliated for her husband’s despicable actions. Surprisingly, she finds herself drawn to her unlikely champion, certainly the last man in England she could count on. Yet, the infamous Duke of Kress isn’t quite the scoundrel he seems . . .
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 28, 2012
72 people are currently reading
1212 people want to read
About the author
Sophia Nash
17 books269 followersSophia Nash’s novels have won almost two dozen national awards including the prestigious RITA Award and two spots on the American Library Association's “Top Ten Romances of the Year.” Sophia was born in Switzerland, raised in France and the United States, but says her heart resides in Regency England. Her ancestor, an infamous French admiral who traded epic cannon fire with the British Royal Navy, is surely turning in his grave. Before pursuing her long held dream of writing Historicals, Sophia was an award winning television producer for CBS, a congressional speechwriter, and a nonprofit CEO.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
March 18, 2012
"Look, plans rarely work. Don't you know that by now? Life never goes according to any grand scheme. Don't count on anyone or anything, even me. You of all people should know that by now."
That was an understatement. Roxanne, Countess of Paxton, was literally left hanging on a cliff by her dear husband. Holding on for dear life, several hours after he left, she finally came to the horrible realization--He'd set her up for a fall and had left her to die. Unfortunately for him, but fortunate for her, the Duke of Kress just happened to rest his horse nearby where the incident happened and with the help of her dog, found the poor woman. While some people find themselves between a rock and a hard place, she literally found herself 'Between the Duke and the Deep Blue Sea.'
Alexander Barclay, the Duke of Kress, just came into his own. He inherited a Dukedom and small fortune and was looking forward to all the benefits the position and wealth had to offer. Just a week into his newly acquired position, and he found himself having a very bad day or rather "morning after". While celebrating with the rest of the Royal Entourage he'd toasted in the night and the Duke of Candover's impending marriage with the only liquor to be found in his newly inherited cellars--Absinthe. The results of the previous night's revelry (or rather debauchery) were plastered the next day in the papers:
"And, indeed, this columnist has it on the very best authority, partially one's own eyewitness account, that not only the august bridegroom, His Grace, The Duke of Candover, but also seven other dukes, one archbishop and the Prince Regent himself, were seen cavorting about all of London last eve on an outrageous regal rampage. Midnight duels, Swimming amok with the swans in the Serpentine, a stream o scantily clad females in tow, lawn bowling in unmentionables, horse races in utter darkness, wild uproarious boasting, and jesting, and wagering abounded. Indeed, this author took it upon himself to retrieve and return to White's Club their infamous betting book...In this fashion we have learned that the Duke of Kress lost the entire fortune he so recently acquired with the title."
As a result, Alexander is barred to his country estate and ordered to select a bride within the next month from a pre-approved list of eligible females of the ton. The last thing he needed was to come to the aid of a damsel, or rather countess, in distress. After rescuing her he should have left her behind., but he just didn't have it in him to turn away a woman whose entire world had been shattered by the betrayal of the man she'd married. Perhaps he wasn't the rake all of London thought him to be?
This was such a fun and lighthearted read. I just loved the way Alexander sort of became Roxanne's knight in shining armor. Roxanne was a bleeding heart who didn't have it in her to hate another nor have it in her for an out and out confrontation. The main thing she wanted to know once the initial fury and shock of the matter had passed, was why her husband would want her dead. Unlike some characters that you might find weak for not gaining some vengeance, I thoroughly liked her and could sympathize with her for seeing this situation as a way of getting out from underneath the thumb of any and all males.
Alexander really shouldn't have taken Roxanne in and allowed her to stay with him under the guise of a distant cousin several times removed (whatever that means lol). He was supposed to keep himself out of any unsavory gossip and be above reproach from the day after all went to hell in a hand basket. Taking in another man's wife, one not related to him, was really not his brightest idea.
The relationship between Alexander and Roxanne progressed at a slow and steady pace. I liked how they grew to mutually respect one another. It was fun how Alexander took a protective type role for Roxanne when it came to her husband, and Roxanne, likewise, took a protective stance with all the females from which Alexander was to choose a wife from. It had a subtle 'The Bachelor' undercurrent to the whole selection/elimination process without being overpowering.
Some of my favorite quotes/lines:
- "I loved you even before I met you. I loved the idea of you." she said quietly. "And to think you existed all this time. And it only took that horrid moment when everything went wrong for the both of us for our paths to finally cross. I would fall off that cliff again and again for the promise of you."
- "I detest informality. You may not call me Meme. But, I suppose, since we are in some thin fashion related, you may call me Antoinette."
"I would be honored to do so."
The older lady harrumphed.
It wasn't until the evening meal that Roxanne learned that the comtesse's true given name was Jacqueline.
- "Love comes when it chooses. You don't get to say when and you don't get to say who...I guess the only choice you have is whether to say yes or no when it knocks on your heart."
I have to admit the ending had me rolling my eyes a bit, but I actually liked it even though it was a bit cheesy. Somehow it just kind of fit and made me laugh. Overall, I gave this one 4 out of 5 roses. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one scored a STEAM rating - too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed.
If you'd like to read more of my reviews, please visit my blog a www.seducedbyabook.com
That was an understatement. Roxanne, Countess of Paxton, was literally left hanging on a cliff by her dear husband. Holding on for dear life, several hours after he left, she finally came to the horrible realization--He'd set her up for a fall and had left her to die. Unfortunately for him, but fortunate for her, the Duke of Kress just happened to rest his horse nearby where the incident happened and with the help of her dog, found the poor woman. While some people find themselves between a rock and a hard place, she literally found herself 'Between the Duke and the Deep Blue Sea.'
Alexander Barclay, the Duke of Kress, just came into his own. He inherited a Dukedom and small fortune and was looking forward to all the benefits the position and wealth had to offer. Just a week into his newly acquired position, and he found himself having a very bad day or rather "morning after". While celebrating with the rest of the Royal Entourage he'd toasted in the night and the Duke of Candover's impending marriage with the only liquor to be found in his newly inherited cellars--Absinthe. The results of the previous night's revelry (or rather debauchery) were plastered the next day in the papers:
"And, indeed, this columnist has it on the very best authority, partially one's own eyewitness account, that not only the august bridegroom, His Grace, The Duke of Candover, but also seven other dukes, one archbishop and the Prince Regent himself, were seen cavorting about all of London last eve on an outrageous regal rampage. Midnight duels, Swimming amok with the swans in the Serpentine, a stream o scantily clad females in tow, lawn bowling in unmentionables, horse races in utter darkness, wild uproarious boasting, and jesting, and wagering abounded. Indeed, this author took it upon himself to retrieve and return to White's Club their infamous betting book...In this fashion we have learned that the Duke of Kress lost the entire fortune he so recently acquired with the title."
As a result, Alexander is barred to his country estate and ordered to select a bride within the next month from a pre-approved list of eligible females of the ton. The last thing he needed was to come to the aid of a damsel, or rather countess, in distress. After rescuing her he should have left her behind., but he just didn't have it in him to turn away a woman whose entire world had been shattered by the betrayal of the man she'd married. Perhaps he wasn't the rake all of London thought him to be?
This was such a fun and lighthearted read. I just loved the way Alexander sort of became Roxanne's knight in shining armor. Roxanne was a bleeding heart who didn't have it in her to hate another nor have it in her for an out and out confrontation. The main thing she wanted to know once the initial fury and shock of the matter had passed, was why her husband would want her dead. Unlike some characters that you might find weak for not gaining some vengeance, I thoroughly liked her and could sympathize with her for seeing this situation as a way of getting out from underneath the thumb of any and all males.
Alexander really shouldn't have taken Roxanne in and allowed her to stay with him under the guise of a distant cousin several times removed (whatever that means lol). He was supposed to keep himself out of any unsavory gossip and be above reproach from the day after all went to hell in a hand basket. Taking in another man's wife, one not related to him, was really not his brightest idea.
The relationship between Alexander and Roxanne progressed at a slow and steady pace. I liked how they grew to mutually respect one another. It was fun how Alexander took a protective type role for Roxanne when it came to her husband, and Roxanne, likewise, took a protective stance with all the females from which Alexander was to choose a wife from. It had a subtle 'The Bachelor' undercurrent to the whole selection/elimination process without being overpowering.
Some of my favorite quotes/lines:
- "I loved you even before I met you. I loved the idea of you." she said quietly. "And to think you existed all this time. And it only took that horrid moment when everything went wrong for the both of us for our paths to finally cross. I would fall off that cliff again and again for the promise of you."
- "I detest informality. You may not call me Meme. But, I suppose, since we are in some thin fashion related, you may call me Antoinette."
"I would be honored to do so."
The older lady harrumphed.
It wasn't until the evening meal that Roxanne learned that the comtesse's true given name was Jacqueline.
- "Love comes when it chooses. You don't get to say when and you don't get to say who...I guess the only choice you have is whether to say yes or no when it knocks on your heart."
I have to admit the ending had me rolling my eyes a bit, but I actually liked it even though it was a bit cheesy. Somehow it just kind of fit and made me laugh. Overall, I gave this one 4 out of 5 roses. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one scored a STEAM rating - too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed.
If you'd like to read more of my reviews, please visit my blog a www.seducedbyabook.com
June 3, 2012
This book is prefaced with an impressive list of acknowledgements, but it's not clear how these informants, editors, publishers, friends, et al. contributed to what reads like a first attempt at self-publishing.
The prologue describes the aftermath of a drunken debauch by 'Prinny', star of stage, screen and hundreds of Regency romances, and his gang of ducal sycophants. Sadly the reader is left as confused about the debauch as its participants. Worried that his latest excess will spark an uprising against the monarchy, Prinny attempts to deflect public disgust by imposing stiff penalties on his gang of dukes.
Alex, Duke of Kress (where did that name come from?) is held accountable for the debauch and is exiled to St Michael's Mount, his family seat in Cornwall, ordered to restore his crumbling castle, and find a suitable wife forthwith.
The story segues to Cornwall, where Alex just happens to be walking along a cliff path when the Earl of Paxton, the villain of the story, tries to rid himself of his wife by leading her over the edge of the cliff. Paxton decamps, leaving Roxanne clinging to the cliff face and her inevitable fate. Alex rescues Roxanne and agrees to hide her in his castle.
Despite the ludicrous improbabilities, we now have the foundation and framework for an enjoyable romantic romp. Alex and Roxanne seem made for each other, the villain plots to find hidden wealth and marry an airhead debutante, and Roxanne's fake death holds promise of interesting developments.
Alas, at this point a gaggle of dukes, sisters, cousins, relatives and other forgettable characters descends on St Michael's Mount and the story falls apart in confused complexity. Fortunately, most of these side characters are soon sent away, narrowing the cast to manageable proportions.
The stereotyped on-off relationship between Roxanne and Alex continues but is smothered with an over-the-top Perils of Pauline story of tin mine treasure and the loathsome Paxton's increasingly hysterical intrusions.
The narrative descends into the abyss of pantomime with the sudden appearance of Prinny himself in a Cornish courtroom.
Having lost control of narrative and characterisation, the author completes the grand slam by ruining the Regency dialogues and internal monologues with late 20th century idioms.
I didn't enjoy this book at all and will certainly not be reading further installments in the series, but amidst the wreckage of the story are glimpses of potential.
The prologue describes the aftermath of a drunken debauch by 'Prinny', star of stage, screen and hundreds of Regency romances, and his gang of ducal sycophants. Sadly the reader is left as confused about the debauch as its participants. Worried that his latest excess will spark an uprising against the monarchy, Prinny attempts to deflect public disgust by imposing stiff penalties on his gang of dukes.
Alex, Duke of Kress (where did that name come from?) is held accountable for the debauch and is exiled to St Michael's Mount, his family seat in Cornwall, ordered to restore his crumbling castle, and find a suitable wife forthwith.
The story segues to Cornwall, where Alex just happens to be walking along a cliff path when the Earl of Paxton, the villain of the story, tries to rid himself of his wife by leading her over the edge of the cliff. Paxton decamps, leaving Roxanne clinging to the cliff face and her inevitable fate. Alex rescues Roxanne and agrees to hide her in his castle.
Despite the ludicrous improbabilities, we now have the foundation and framework for an enjoyable romantic romp. Alex and Roxanne seem made for each other, the villain plots to find hidden wealth and marry an airhead debutante, and Roxanne's fake death holds promise of interesting developments.
Alas, at this point a gaggle of dukes, sisters, cousins, relatives and other forgettable characters descends on St Michael's Mount and the story falls apart in confused complexity. Fortunately, most of these side characters are soon sent away, narrowing the cast to manageable proportions.
The stereotyped on-off relationship between Roxanne and Alex continues but is smothered with an over-the-top Perils of Pauline story of tin mine treasure and the loathsome Paxton's increasingly hysterical intrusions.
The narrative descends into the abyss of pantomime with the sudden appearance of Prinny himself in a Cornish courtroom.
Having lost control of narrative and characterisation, the author completes the grand slam by ruining the Regency dialogues and internal monologues with late 20th century idioms.
I didn't enjoy this book at all and will certainly not be reading further installments in the series, but amidst the wreckage of the story are glimpses of potential.
February 16, 2012
Alexander Barclay, Duke of Kress, is on his way to his country estate to marry an heiress quickly to help squelch the public outrage over a very sordid bachelor party. Unfortunately, none of the men involved in the bachelor party can really remember what happened and as Alex provided the drinks for the party, well, he is first up to feel the wrath of the Prince Regent (who was also at the party and now needs to repair his reputation). As he is gazing at the cliffs a movement catches his eye and he is stunned to see a woman hanging there! He quickly rescues the spirited Roxanne Vanderhaven and agrees to shelter her at his home.
Roxanne is flabbergasted that her husband tried to kill her! All she was doing was looking over the cliff, slipped on the wet ground and he says he will go get help. Only to never return. How can this man that she provided so much for want her dead? Her goal is to find out and extract a measure of revenge. With no money and the need to stay hidden, she pleads to stay with Alex and the sparks and humor start to fly.
This series was inspired by "The Hangover" movie and while I have not seen it yet, I can see how the inspiration was played out. It looks like there will six books about these bachelors at this infamous party who will all have to do their part, ordered by the Prince Regent, to rise above the scandal. I really enjoyed how this book started out quickly and just kept on moving. Watching Alex slowly fall for the scandal ridden and currently penniless Roxanne all while trying to host a house party to choose a 'correct' wife was delightful. I also really appreciated how Roxanne knew she was still married--though presumed dead--and tried to honor that commitment. I won't go into much detail but to me, there was no 'total' cheating. Plus, her husband tried to kill her so I was not going to hold passionate moments against them! There is also a bit of humor through Alex 'befriending" Roxannes husband to help find out why he did what he did. Yes, the ending did wrap everything up a bit neatly but then again, it needed to for our couple to find their own HEA. Overall, I was happy with this book and I am anxious for the next book as there are just enough glimpses of a few of the other bachelors to make me ready for their stories. It looks to be the start of a delightfully fun series! 4 stars
I received this eARC from Avon via netgalley.com
Roxanne is flabbergasted that her husband tried to kill her! All she was doing was looking over the cliff, slipped on the wet ground and he says he will go get help. Only to never return. How can this man that she provided so much for want her dead? Her goal is to find out and extract a measure of revenge. With no money and the need to stay hidden, she pleads to stay with Alex and the sparks and humor start to fly.
This series was inspired by "The Hangover" movie and while I have not seen it yet, I can see how the inspiration was played out. It looks like there will six books about these bachelors at this infamous party who will all have to do their part, ordered by the Prince Regent, to rise above the scandal. I really enjoyed how this book started out quickly and just kept on moving. Watching Alex slowly fall for the scandal ridden and currently penniless Roxanne all while trying to host a house party to choose a 'correct' wife was delightful. I also really appreciated how Roxanne knew she was still married--though presumed dead--and tried to honor that commitment. I won't go into much detail but to me, there was no 'total' cheating. Plus, her husband tried to kill her so I was not going to hold passionate moments against them! There is also a bit of humor through Alex 'befriending" Roxannes husband to help find out why he did what he did. Yes, the ending did wrap everything up a bit neatly but then again, it needed to for our couple to find their own HEA. Overall, I was happy with this book and I am anxious for the next book as there are just enough glimpses of a few of the other bachelors to make me ready for their stories. It looks to be the start of a delightfully fun series! 4 stars
I received this eARC from Avon via netgalley.com
March 24, 2012
The story starts off in what felt like a tribute to the movie The Hangover, only set in historical romance England among royalty. It really cracked me up. Instead of waking up in a trashed suite in Vegas after a night of roofies and drinking… they wind up in the Prince Regent’s suite after a long night of swilling Absinthe. This book explores what happened to Alexander Barclay the Duke of Kress, and his consequences after the bachelor party. This looks to be a series and the next book will follow up on another hung-over member of English aristocracy.
Roxanne always thought she was the perfect wife until her husband leaves her for dead. Recently exiled to his country estate for his part in the drunken debauchery with his royal pals, Alexander Barclay comes across Roxanne clinging to life and rescues her. He then, begrudgingly, allows her to hide at his home while she figures out her next move.
The chemistry between Roxanne and Alexander was both combustible and comedic. The rapid fire wit the two are constantly exchanging had me comparing them to the team of Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn and/or Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell. It had me laughing out loud and looking forward to what they would say or do next. The characters in this story are just that, characters. Each one has their quirks and unique personalities that lend to the hilarity of the story.
I can’t wait to see what happens next and with all the other members of the ton. I think this was a really amusing and distinctive historical romance. There is plenty of romance and spark… but I think it’s the wit that steals the show.
Cherise Everhard, March 2012
Roxanne always thought she was the perfect wife until her husband leaves her for dead. Recently exiled to his country estate for his part in the drunken debauchery with his royal pals, Alexander Barclay comes across Roxanne clinging to life and rescues her. He then, begrudgingly, allows her to hide at his home while she figures out her next move.
The chemistry between Roxanne and Alexander was both combustible and comedic. The rapid fire wit the two are constantly exchanging had me comparing them to the team of Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn and/or Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell. It had me laughing out loud and looking forward to what they would say or do next. The characters in this story are just that, characters. Each one has their quirks and unique personalities that lend to the hilarity of the story.
I can’t wait to see what happens next and with all the other members of the ton. I think this was a really amusing and distinctive historical romance. There is plenty of romance and spark… but I think it’s the wit that steals the show.
Cherise Everhard, March 2012
September 22, 2017
i confess i love to read dedications, it is one of my reading quirks.
and with a dedication like this, how can one not want to read the book?
and with a dedication like this, how can one not want to read the book?
Dedication
To nobody but you.
December 19, 2022
3.5 stars. Review to come.
March 13, 2012
Between the Duke and the Deep Blue Sea by Sophia Nash
The Royal Entourage series: Six Regency heroes — One royal hangover! The morning after the most scandalous bachelor party of the century, the dukes of the royal entourage must face all of London’s fury . . . when not one of them can remember a thing. The very beginning of this book the "Royal Entourage" of Dukes, including the Prince Regent, while celebrating the upcoming wedding of the Duke of Candover get into some major mischief the night before his wedding and causes some major royal scandals.
Alexander Barclay, Duke of Kress is exiled to Cornwall ordered to rebuild and fortify his ducal seat Mount St. Michael, and by decree the dashing new duke must also seek a royal bride to regain favor with the Prince for the previous night's folly as it was the drink (absinthe) from his cellar (actually the previous duke's supply) that caused the wild behaviors and to help quell the public’s fury against the excesses of the crown.
Roxanne Vanderhaven always believed herself the perfect wife. But when her husband, the Earl of Paxton, leaves her clinging to the edge of a cliff, she’s forced to face the truth: she married a murderous blackguard. Roxanne came to the realization her husband wanted her dead because he came upon her hanging from the side of the cliff and called down to her that he was going to get rope but never came back to her rescue. This is how Alex found and rescued Roxanne. Roxanne had no wish to go back to her home and husband and Alex agreed to help her for the time being. Alex has to host a country party for the dukes and the selected royal favorite brides and their families and choose a bride within a month's time and to explain Roxanne being there he passes her off as some long lost cousin.
The majority of the story reminded me of Alice in Wonderland's Mad Hatter's tea party scene or the Queen's garden party. While I did like the story, I am am left wondering what to make of the series with the start of this story. James Fitzroy - the Duke of Candover was late waking on account of his excessives the night before for his wedding as was left looking like he was jilted at the alter after his bride's family kept her hidden for 90 minutes and whisked her away unseen from the church. Roman Montagu (Kress' good friend) - The Duke of Norwich has gone missing nowhere to be found. A dead body in Carleton house's billiards room that the Duke of Barry believed he shot, why? he can not recall. Swimming in the Serpentine, midnight duels, lawn bowling in unmentionables and horse racing in complete darkness were some of the cavorting antics that has London in an uproar. A satiracal farce of a story that left me confused more than laughing at the antics of the "Royal Entourage".
The Royal Entourage series: Six Regency heroes — One royal hangover! The morning after the most scandalous bachelor party of the century, the dukes of the royal entourage must face all of London’s fury . . . when not one of them can remember a thing. The very beginning of this book the "Royal Entourage" of Dukes, including the Prince Regent, while celebrating the upcoming wedding of the Duke of Candover get into some major mischief the night before his wedding and causes some major royal scandals.
Alexander Barclay, Duke of Kress is exiled to Cornwall ordered to rebuild and fortify his ducal seat Mount St. Michael, and by decree the dashing new duke must also seek a royal bride to regain favor with the Prince for the previous night's folly as it was the drink (absinthe) from his cellar (actually the previous duke's supply) that caused the wild behaviors and to help quell the public’s fury against the excesses of the crown.
Roxanne Vanderhaven always believed herself the perfect wife. But when her husband, the Earl of Paxton, leaves her clinging to the edge of a cliff, she’s forced to face the truth: she married a murderous blackguard. Roxanne came to the realization her husband wanted her dead because he came upon her hanging from the side of the cliff and called down to her that he was going to get rope but never came back to her rescue. This is how Alex found and rescued Roxanne. Roxanne had no wish to go back to her home and husband and Alex agreed to help her for the time being. Alex has to host a country party for the dukes and the selected royal favorite brides and their families and choose a bride within a month's time and to explain Roxanne being there he passes her off as some long lost cousin.
The majority of the story reminded me of Alice in Wonderland's Mad Hatter's tea party scene or the Queen's garden party. While I did like the story, I am am left wondering what to make of the series with the start of this story. James Fitzroy - the Duke of Candover was late waking on account of his excessives the night before for his wedding as was left looking like he was jilted at the alter after his bride's family kept her hidden for 90 minutes and whisked her away unseen from the church. Roman Montagu (Kress' good friend) - The Duke of Norwich has gone missing nowhere to be found. A dead body in Carleton house's billiards room that the Duke of Barry believed he shot, why? he can not recall. Swimming in the Serpentine, midnight duels, lawn bowling in unmentionables and horse racing in complete darkness were some of the cavorting antics that has London in an uproar. A satiracal farce of a story that left me confused more than laughing at the antics of the "Royal Entourage".
March 30, 2012
An unexpected "knight in shining armor", Alexander Barclay, the Duke of Kress rescues Roxanne Vanderhaven, Countess of Paxton, while clinging to a cliff-side edge. Alexander who is a new member to the Prince Regent's "Royal Entourage" has been exiled to the country and ordered to choose a wife within the month by the Prince Regent himself. The blame to this harsh sentence can be assigned to the devil-drink, Absinthe, (unfortunately supplied by the Duke of Kress) causing a notorious night of debauchery by the Prince Regent and his Royal Entourage. After the public humiliation and denouncement of the Prince and his group, Alexander has no choice but to follow the command. However, Alexander finds himself in the unexpected position of rescuer as well as a partner in revenge against the Earl of Paxton who it seems had left his wife to her demise on the side of a cliff. Alexander ends up with a much bigger battle in attempting to keep his heart walled off from the emotion of love which he has been doing quite successfully up to this point.
Surprisingly, I quite enjoyed Alexander and Roxanne's story. At first, the plot description seemed a little generic and I wasn't expecting a story that would overwhelm me. However, the quick whit and humor made for a story that was never dull. It was so enjoyable in parts that I could not keep myself from chuckling out loud during several scenes. I love steamy romance, but a novel that has enough good humor to make me laugh is priceless. Speaking of steamy romance, this story definitely has plenty of sexual tension throughout, but the heavy stuff comes towards the end. Again, for a reader who really likes heavy and hot romance, the humor and whit made up for what this story might lack in that region. Also, don't expect the "happily ever after" to happen too quickly in this one....in fact, don't give up hope that it happens at all. Just a comment on the cover illustration. . . .Love the color, but other than that not real eye-catching for me. The story is much more than the cover represents or hints at. Overall, I would definitely recommend this novel by Sophia Nash as a story that most would thoroughly enjoy.
Surprisingly, I quite enjoyed Alexander and Roxanne's story. At first, the plot description seemed a little generic and I wasn't expecting a story that would overwhelm me. However, the quick whit and humor made for a story that was never dull. It was so enjoyable in parts that I could not keep myself from chuckling out loud during several scenes. I love steamy romance, but a novel that has enough good humor to make me laugh is priceless. Speaking of steamy romance, this story definitely has plenty of sexual tension throughout, but the heavy stuff comes towards the end. Again, for a reader who really likes heavy and hot romance, the humor and whit made up for what this story might lack in that region. Also, don't expect the "happily ever after" to happen too quickly in this one....in fact, don't give up hope that it happens at all. Just a comment on the cover illustration. . . .Love the color, but other than that not real eye-catching for me. The story is much more than the cover represents or hints at. Overall, I would definitely recommend this novel by Sophia Nash as a story that most would thoroughly enjoy.
August 13, 2012
This was okay. I'd thought about DNF-ing it, but, when I picked up to skim through the rest (as I do with most DNF books), I found myself reading it instead. A lot of it was amusing, but, as can happen in humorous books, some of it seemed forced. And I thought a lot of the character building suffered as a result of the humor.
There are a LOT of characters, but I did eventually get them pretty figured out. I don't think I'll read any more in the series, but it's been set up well. (I might've read the second one if it were about Mary or Isabella. But instead it's about people we don't really know. Ah well.)
There are a LOT of characters, but I did eventually get them pretty figured out. I don't think I'll read any more in the series, but it's been set up well. (I might've read the second one if it were about Mary or Isabella. But instead it's about people we don't really know. Ah well.)
April 24, 2019
3.5 stars
March 15, 2012
A fun, fanciful read that begins the series of novels featuring members of the Prince Regent's inner circle of dukes--bachelors all--with whom he cavorts. Prinny likes to play, but in this case, he and his entourage have managed to scandalize both aristocrat and commoner. In a bid to reclaim some of his people's loyalty, Prinny decrees that all the dukes must marry and do it fast, and the brides are to be chosen from an approved list given to them. All the dukes and the prospective brides gather in the ancient castle in Cornwall, ancestral home of the Duke of Kress, the hero of this novel. The heroine, however, is most definitely not on the list of approved bridal candidates. He found her hanging off a cliff, nearly ready to drop to her death on the rocks below, waiting hopelessly for her husband to return with help--which he never did. The carrying on of the prospective brides and grooms along with the rather unweildy relationship that grows between the duke and the countess he saves are at the core of this engaging and vastly entertaining read.
December 18, 2015
This book was actually very humorous. The hero had a good joking personality that I don't see often in historical romances. The heroine on the other hand... she wasn't bitchy, but she constantly made stupid, stupid decisions. She was supposed to be hiding out from 'the bad guy', but she continually went running about, placing herself in plain sight of being seen. There were a lot of characters to keep track of, a lot of confusing scenes (like when she was hiding in a trunk, I never understood how the top was opened, or why) and by the end of the book, I lost interest in the love story because I thought the heroine was just too much of an idiot. :/
March 31, 2012
I went into this book a bit leery as the blurb made this out to be a farcical romp. I was sooo glad that it wasn't completely. While some of the fringe characters, i.e Prince George or Prinny, were a bit heavy handedly caricature, the main characters had more depth and emotion than I had expected which was a very pleasant surprise. I really enjoyed the banter between all the main characters and while it did veer a bit into the nonsensical, it wasn't enough to draw me out of the story.
I won't reiterate the blurb, as it's available to read and it does a great job of pulling a bait and switch. The blurb makes this out to be a fun and entertaining romp of a historical romance. What we get is a cute romance with enough depth to make me appreciate the author's ability to make me laugh and yet still become invested in her main couple.
From the start, Roxanne and Alex have all the odds stacked against them. For one, she's married, even though her husband tries to kill her and two, he's under orders by the prince to marry a rich noble heiress. At first Alex really comes across as the atypical rake, boozing and wenching his way across England with Prinny and the gang. It's not until their shenanigans get them in disfavor with the general public, that Alex is made a scapegoat by the prince and forced to become respectable. Exiled to the country until he fulfills this decree, he never expected to meet a woman like Roxanne who will actually make him face his feelings and allow him to feel something other than shallow indifference. While I really, really enjoyed his banter with Roxanne, I still felt though out the book that he was still in the historical romance hero mold. He played the part well, but I never really felt that he grew into a three dimensional character. I felt that his changes were more plot driven and not character and didn't feel as natural. While I still enjoyed him as the necessary half of this couple, I never really felt like he broke out of the mold and he became just one of many interchangeable HR heroes.
Roxanne is the one who made this romance appealing to me and I feel that it is she who undergoes the more dramatic changes. And thank god for that otherwise this would have been a helpless female trope which I hate. Instead, as she is dangling off that initial cliff, she comes to some important realizations about her life. And she makes changes. Dramatic changes which I felt was really shown through out the book. She became a bright, witty, vibrant character and I love how she gradually and begrudgingly falls in love with Alex. And I also enjoyed her interactions with the supporting cast as well.
While the resolution to the conflict felt a bit rushed and contrived, and the end was all wrapped up nice and tidy, I did enjoyed this book. And I really enjoyed the character interactions. Ms. Nash has a talent for great conversation. The witty banter flowed very smoothly even with the period "speak" and it flowed so naturally and just snapped back and forth so well I could hear it in my head. This book was cute,light and funny. A bit of a fluff read but still very well written.
I would rate it more 3.5-3.75.
I received a copy of this book through a giveaway sponsored by Seductive Musing (http://seductivemusings.blogspot.com).
I won't reiterate the blurb, as it's available to read and it does a great job of pulling a bait and switch. The blurb makes this out to be a fun and entertaining romp of a historical romance. What we get is a cute romance with enough depth to make me appreciate the author's ability to make me laugh and yet still become invested in her main couple.
From the start, Roxanne and Alex have all the odds stacked against them. For one, she's married, even though her husband tries to kill her and two, he's under orders by the prince to marry a rich noble heiress. At first Alex really comes across as the atypical rake, boozing and wenching his way across England with Prinny and the gang. It's not until their shenanigans get them in disfavor with the general public, that Alex is made a scapegoat by the prince and forced to become respectable. Exiled to the country until he fulfills this decree, he never expected to meet a woman like Roxanne who will actually make him face his feelings and allow him to feel something other than shallow indifference. While I really, really enjoyed his banter with Roxanne, I still felt though out the book that he was still in the historical romance hero mold. He played the part well, but I never really felt that he grew into a three dimensional character. I felt that his changes were more plot driven and not character and didn't feel as natural. While I still enjoyed him as the necessary half of this couple, I never really felt like he broke out of the mold and he became just one of many interchangeable HR heroes.
Roxanne is the one who made this romance appealing to me and I feel that it is she who undergoes the more dramatic changes. And thank god for that otherwise this would have been a helpless female trope which I hate. Instead, as she is dangling off that initial cliff, she comes to some important realizations about her life. And she makes changes. Dramatic changes which I felt was really shown through out the book. She became a bright, witty, vibrant character and I love how she gradually and begrudgingly falls in love with Alex. And I also enjoyed her interactions with the supporting cast as well.
While the resolution to the conflict felt a bit rushed and contrived, and the end was all wrapped up nice and tidy, I did enjoyed this book. And I really enjoyed the character interactions. Ms. Nash has a talent for great conversation. The witty banter flowed very smoothly even with the period "speak" and it flowed so naturally and just snapped back and forth so well I could hear it in my head. This book was cute,light and funny. A bit of a fluff read but still very well written.
I would rate it more 3.5-3.75.
I received a copy of this book through a giveaway sponsored by Seductive Musing (http://seductivemusings.blogspot.com).
February 22, 2012
Rating: A-
This was surprisingly funny for a historical romance. I don't usually expect much humor when reading historicals unless it's the sarcastic, self-deprecating humor usually imparted by the long suffering hero. This time around it's both the hero and heroine who try to out-do each other with their sharp wit. Their bantering reminded me of David (Bruce Willis) and Maddie (Cybill Shepard) from the show Moonlighting.
After being sent to the wilds of Cornwall to redeem himself by finding a suitable bride, Alex Barclay instead finds a lady hanging on for dear life. Being somewhat of a hero, he rescues her then finds himself caught up in her crazy scheme to fake her death. It wasn't that hard to convince Alex to help Roxanne, he expects to be bored in Cornwall and thinks Roxanne might liven things up a bit. Alex is an adorable scoundrel that I couldn't help but be smitten with! His humor, kindness and protectiveness all make for a most excellent hero.
Roxanne is an outsider. Her father was in trade (how dreadful!) which made her marriage to the Earl of Paxton on the scandalous side. She received a title, he received a large dowry. Roxanne didn't think Paxton was madly in love with her but she did think he liked and cared for her. So wrong! The man was a complete ass and when Roxanne realizes this, she comes out of her shell and becomes a woman on a quest. She was delightful in her schemes and plans for revenge on her husband. She still has doubts about her appeal as a woman but Alex erased those doubts. I felt sorry for Roxanne in that she didn't fit in anywhere. The peerage looked down on her and she stayed away from her childhood home because she didn't think her old neighbors would welcome her. I enjoyed seeing her make a home with Alex and his odd assortment of family and friends.
The secondary characters are there for moral support, good-nature ribbing, trouble and alcohol (Not always in that order). They are a fascinating assemblage including a few dukes, a duchess, an eccentric aunt and a number of locals for added flair. This is the first book in a planned series and we do meet some of the heroes and heroines of future books but there wasn't a feeling of "setting up" for the next book while overlooking the current story. The developing friendship and eventual romance between Roxanne and Alex was front and center. If I had one issue with the story it was Roxanne's husband and how he was dealt with. Not what I would call satisfying.
The first book in a new series needs to grab you, give you interesting characters and make you want to come back for more, Between the Duke and the Deep Blue Sea does all that and more.
This was surprisingly funny for a historical romance. I don't usually expect much humor when reading historicals unless it's the sarcastic, self-deprecating humor usually imparted by the long suffering hero. This time around it's both the hero and heroine who try to out-do each other with their sharp wit. Their bantering reminded me of David (Bruce Willis) and Maddie (Cybill Shepard) from the show Moonlighting.
After being sent to the wilds of Cornwall to redeem himself by finding a suitable bride, Alex Barclay instead finds a lady hanging on for dear life. Being somewhat of a hero, he rescues her then finds himself caught up in her crazy scheme to fake her death. It wasn't that hard to convince Alex to help Roxanne, he expects to be bored in Cornwall and thinks Roxanne might liven things up a bit. Alex is an adorable scoundrel that I couldn't help but be smitten with! His humor, kindness and protectiveness all make for a most excellent hero.
Roxanne is an outsider. Her father was in trade (how dreadful!) which made her marriage to the Earl of Paxton on the scandalous side. She received a title, he received a large dowry. Roxanne didn't think Paxton was madly in love with her but she did think he liked and cared for her. So wrong! The man was a complete ass and when Roxanne realizes this, she comes out of her shell and becomes a woman on a quest. She was delightful in her schemes and plans for revenge on her husband. She still has doubts about her appeal as a woman but Alex erased those doubts. I felt sorry for Roxanne in that she didn't fit in anywhere. The peerage looked down on her and she stayed away from her childhood home because she didn't think her old neighbors would welcome her. I enjoyed seeing her make a home with Alex and his odd assortment of family and friends.
The secondary characters are there for moral support, good-nature ribbing, trouble and alcohol (Not always in that order). They are a fascinating assemblage including a few dukes, a duchess, an eccentric aunt and a number of locals for added flair. This is the first book in a planned series and we do meet some of the heroes and heroines of future books but there wasn't a feeling of "setting up" for the next book while overlooking the current story. The developing friendship and eventual romance between Roxanne and Alex was front and center. If I had one issue with the story it was Roxanne's husband and how he was dealt with. Not what I would call satisfying.
The first book in a new series needs to grab you, give you interesting characters and make you want to come back for more, Between the Duke and the Deep Blue Sea does all that and more.
April 5, 2012
A “love affair with a book” for me starts with a click, just like between people: it clicks right away or it doesn’t. In the case of Between the Duke and the Blue Sea, it simply didn’t. And it’s so unfortunate, because I believe this novel had a great potential. To give you an idea of the way I felt about this book, imagine to be sitting in front of a beautiful fireplace blazing with fire, but no warmth whatsoever coming out of it. Such a pity…the author introduced such great elements of suspense (the attempted murder plot, the rescue, the mystery of the disappearance of a miner’s hidden fortune, an unexpected new love), without really exploiting all their potentials.
After a night of outrageous debauchery under the influence of strong spirits, the Prince Regent forces a group of dissolute dukes to a temporary exile in order to reform their scandalous conduct: no more mistresses and other self-indulgent behaviors. The Prince demands sobriety, marriage and heirs from all of them. The first one to comply to the new orders is the very duke who provided the spirits for that reckless night. Alex Barclay, Duke of Kress will retire to his estate in Cornwall (Saint Michael’s Mount), restore it to its original shape of military outpost, find an impeccable young lady to wed and produce an heir, all within a month.
Roxanne Vanderhaven, Countess of Paxton, is the daughter of a wealthy miner, married to an earl who, after eight years of marriage, decides to kill her. Orchestrating the disappearance of her beloved dog and sure that she would search for her pet, he leads her on a very weak spot on the cliffs by the sea. When the ground gives away under her feet, she falls, but she luckily finds the strength to hold on hanging by the rocks and waiting for her husband to come back with help. The Earl of Paxton doesn’t come back to rescue her. It will be the Duke, Alex, to find her and save her. He also provides her with an accommodation at his castle and protection in the meanwhile she figures out how to react to her husband’s actions.
BtDatBS mainly lacks intensity. The emotional connection between the characters is intermittent. Even the sexual tension is somehow awkward ( I am thinking about their first “encounter” at night after the ball by a pool). Despite the interesting plot, several scenes seem to be written without a real thread holding them together.
It was so below my expectations that I am really curious to read the next (The Art of the Duke Hunting) in the series. I am giving myself a second chance.
One last thought…who killed Roxanne’s husband, the Earl of Paxton? Did I miss it or the author actually never makes it clear?
After a night of outrageous debauchery under the influence of strong spirits, the Prince Regent forces a group of dissolute dukes to a temporary exile in order to reform their scandalous conduct: no more mistresses and other self-indulgent behaviors. The Prince demands sobriety, marriage and heirs from all of them. The first one to comply to the new orders is the very duke who provided the spirits for that reckless night. Alex Barclay, Duke of Kress will retire to his estate in Cornwall (Saint Michael’s Mount), restore it to its original shape of military outpost, find an impeccable young lady to wed and produce an heir, all within a month.
Roxanne Vanderhaven, Countess of Paxton, is the daughter of a wealthy miner, married to an earl who, after eight years of marriage, decides to kill her. Orchestrating the disappearance of her beloved dog and sure that she would search for her pet, he leads her on a very weak spot on the cliffs by the sea. When the ground gives away under her feet, she falls, but she luckily finds the strength to hold on hanging by the rocks and waiting for her husband to come back with help. The Earl of Paxton doesn’t come back to rescue her. It will be the Duke, Alex, to find her and save her. He also provides her with an accommodation at his castle and protection in the meanwhile she figures out how to react to her husband’s actions.
BtDatBS mainly lacks intensity. The emotional connection between the characters is intermittent. Even the sexual tension is somehow awkward ( I am thinking about their first “encounter” at night after the ball by a pool). Despite the interesting plot, several scenes seem to be written without a real thread holding them together.
It was so below my expectations that I am really curious to read the next (The Art of the Duke Hunting) in the series. I am giving myself a second chance.
One last thought…who killed Roxanne’s husband, the Earl of Paxton? Did I miss it or the author actually never makes it clear?
April 19, 2012
Well, I was going to give this four stars until the . Actually, that sounds suspiciously similar to my complaint for the next book in the series
The Art of Duke Hunting
. Hmmmm.
Beyond that complaint, this was an enjoyable romance. The prologue - the regrettable morning after a terrible evening of absinthe imbibing - sets up both books nicely with the promise of books for Candover, Abshire, Sussex, and Barry. And maybe Isabelle if she doesn't end up the heroine in one of their books. Nash even kept them around to give us a taste of their different characters - a nice touch.
Roxanne and Alex made a nice couple.
Beyond that complaint, this was an enjoyable romance. The prologue - the regrettable morning after a terrible evening of absinthe imbibing - sets up both books nicely with the promise of books for Candover, Abshire, Sussex, and Barry. And maybe Isabelle if she doesn't end up the heroine in one of their books. Nash even kept them around to give us a taste of their different characters - a nice touch.
Roxanne and Alex made a nice couple.
abandoned
December 19, 2014I'm taking a class on the romance genre and this is my homework. This is not a genre I typically read (hence the class), so I'm going into this thing relatively green.
…
Well, I'm going to give up on this one, especially since my reason for reading it has come and gone. Rather than do a typical review, I'll just list the three main reasons I couldn't bring myself to finish the book.
1. The story outside the romance was too thinly dispersed for me. It seemed to surface every fifty-plus pages or so, just for a moment, and then sink back under an ocean of flirtation, banter, and partygoers.
2. There were too many characters for me to remember. So many dukes and earls and the myriad women who wanted to marry them. They are all called by their titles, family names, and given names interchangeably. I struggled just to keep track of the major characters.
3. I'm not sure if this is a regency romance thing I'm unaware of or just a style, but everywhere the word woman would normally appear, the word female showed up in its place—not just in the narrative, but all the characters spoke this way. "Females" were all over giggling, gawking, gossiping, and just being way too stupid to exist. All except our heroine, who was perfect and not at all like other women. She and the eponymous duke both looked down their noses at silly "females" regularly. I got the feeling I was meant to find it charming, but I didn't.
These things together made Between the Duke and the Deep Blue Sea too difficult for me to love despite it's super-fun title, so I've decided to move on.
…
Well, I'm going to give up on this one, especially since my reason for reading it has come and gone. Rather than do a typical review, I'll just list the three main reasons I couldn't bring myself to finish the book.
1. The story outside the romance was too thinly dispersed for me. It seemed to surface every fifty-plus pages or so, just for a moment, and then sink back under an ocean of flirtation, banter, and partygoers.
2. There were too many characters for me to remember. So many dukes and earls and the myriad women who wanted to marry them. They are all called by their titles, family names, and given names interchangeably. I struggled just to keep track of the major characters.
3. I'm not sure if this is a regency romance thing I'm unaware of or just a style, but everywhere the word woman would normally appear, the word female showed up in its place—not just in the narrative, but all the characters spoke this way. "Females" were all over giggling, gawking, gossiping, and just being way too stupid to exist. All except our heroine, who was perfect and not at all like other women. She and the eponymous duke both looked down their noses at silly "females" regularly. I got the feeling I was meant to find it charming, but I didn't.
These things together made Between the Duke and the Deep Blue Sea too difficult for me to love despite it's super-fun title, so I've decided to move on.
March 18, 2012
Alexander Barclay, the ninth Duke of Kress, has no recollection of what went on last night. After waking up with a splitting headache and coming to the conclusion that all the other Dukes he partied with the night before are in the same predicament that he is, he knows that nothing good must have happened the night before. When their night of debauchery is described in full detail in the paper, he comes to learn that not only has he lost his fortune in a bet that he doesn't even remember, but he has made Prinny very upset.
Now banished to the country, Prinny has ordered that Alex get two things accomplished, first restore his ancestral home/castle back to its former glory and secondly, that he find himself a bride. No easy feat since, firstly, he's broke and, secondly, he has no interest in settling down.
This was so fun!! Very refreshing and entertaining - full of moments that caused me to laugh out of loud... which is no easy task. I found Alex, Roxanne, Alex's great-aunt and all the other Dukes to be an uproariously funny bunch. The situations were fun, the characters were quirky and the dialogue was delightful. Ms. Nash's start to her "Royal Entourage" series is a hit. I've read that the movie "The Hangover" was an inspiration for this series and I can definitely appreciate a story line like that. I cannot wait to see what she has in store for the remaining Dukes. Sheer pleasure to read!
Now banished to the country, Prinny has ordered that Alex get two things accomplished, first restore his ancestral home/castle back to its former glory and secondly, that he find himself a bride. No easy feat since, firstly, he's broke and, secondly, he has no interest in settling down.
This was so fun!! Very refreshing and entertaining - full of moments that caused me to laugh out of loud... which is no easy task. I found Alex, Roxanne, Alex's great-aunt and all the other Dukes to be an uproariously funny bunch. The situations were fun, the characters were quirky and the dialogue was delightful. Ms. Nash's start to her "Royal Entourage" series is a hit. I've read that the movie "The Hangover" was an inspiration for this series and I can definitely appreciate a story line like that. I cannot wait to see what she has in store for the remaining Dukes. Sheer pleasure to read!
August 19, 2016
I adore the writing of Sophia Nash, and I am so excited that she has created a new series, "The Royal Entourage"! "Between the Duke and the Deep Blue Sea" features a half-French and totally charming hero, Alex Barclay. When he rescues lovely and lively Roxanne Vanderhaven from a murder attempt by her own husband, his own life is turned topsy-turvy in a most delightful manner. Banished to the country by the Prince Regent after a fateful night of debauchery, Alex is ordered to restore his own familial home and find a suitable bride. He is beset by all manner of marriage-minded females, put upon by his own great aunt, and tempted by the intelligent and enticing Roxanne, whom he is sheltering in his home. Roxanne is hiding out from her heinous husband, watching and waiting as he goes about "mourning" her and even going through with her funeral, which she secretly attends. Roxanne and Alex have a fiery attraction, complete with verbal sparring, deep, delicious kisses, and an unexpected yearning for mutual happiness. Sophia Nash has a undeniable talent for creating marvelous historical romance, with involving characters and intriguing, immensely enjoyable story lines. I look forward with great relish to the further romantic adventures of "The Royal Entourage". Highly recommended!
Review Copy Gratis Amazon Vine
Review Copy Gratis Amazon Vine
June 27, 2012
Ms. Nash’s new series The Royal Entourage starts off with a premise that six bachelor dukes of the royal entourage spent one night celebrating the upcoming nuptials of one of them, got so wasted that none could remember the scandal they created for not just themselves, but for their Prince Regent as well. Well, said Prince Regent has just about had enough of their debauchery [and never you mind that he himself was present at the time] and to punish one wouldn’t do, so he decides he would punish all six.
First up is Duke of Kress who is now under royal orders to go back to his dilapidated Cornwall castle, try to make it livable and find a bride, post-haste.
In his wildest dreams, Alex could not have dreamt that his future bride would be one Roxanne, who he rescues from the certain death as she hangs from the side of a sea cliff determined to find out why would the man she’s married to try to murder her.
This story wasn’t bad, but then again ...please click for the rest of the review...
http://bookworm2bookworm.wordpress.co...
Mel
*Copy provided by AVON publisher through Edelweiss*
First up is Duke of Kress who is now under royal orders to go back to his dilapidated Cornwall castle, try to make it livable and find a bride, post-haste.
In his wildest dreams, Alex could not have dreamt that his future bride would be one Roxanne, who he rescues from the certain death as she hangs from the side of a sea cliff determined to find out why would the man she’s married to try to murder her.
This story wasn’t bad, but then again ...please click for the rest of the review...
http://bookworm2bookworm.wordpress.co...
Mel
*Copy provided by AVON publisher through Edelweiss*
February 9, 2012
This was a refreshing and entertaining story filled with interesting characters and wonderful dialog. Alex Barclay, the new Duke of Kress, is in disgrace and is sent to his crumbling castle to restore it and find a rich, titled and scandal-free bride. On his way home, he rescues Roxanne Vanderhaven from a cliff. Her husband had assisted in her fall and now Roxanne is presumed dead. Alex reluctantly takes her home with him. She isn't exactly scandal-free!
Roxanne is determined to take revenge on her husband and to start a new life. She is reluctant to depend on any man let alone the notorious Duke of Kress. However, despite their best efforts, the two fall in love. There are certainly impediments to their romance especially the fact the Roxanne is already married. The escapades that fill this story are both humorous and touching. The conversations between Roxanne and Alex are wonderful, blunt and humorous.
I recommend the story to lovers of historical romance.
Roxanne is determined to take revenge on her husband and to start a new life. She is reluctant to depend on any man let alone the notorious Duke of Kress. However, despite their best efforts, the two fall in love. There are certainly impediments to their romance especially the fact the Roxanne is already married. The escapades that fill this story are both humorous and touching. The conversations between Roxanne and Alex are wonderful, blunt and humorous.
I recommend the story to lovers of historical romance.
May 20, 2013
I think maybe it will backfire if someone tries too hard to never do something... Such as include as many cliched phrases as possible. This certainly seemed the case for me while reading this. The beginning left me cold, and the end had me proverbially rolling my eyes. The premise had a cliched gothic novel twist, how the two met. It didn't get better. This wasn't awful, they could have been great, if given the chance. Broadcasting what is about to occur on at least three occasions is an unforgivable offense for published authors, in my book.
February 1, 2015
To me this book was chaotic and confusing from beginning to end. No one ever finished their sentences or someone was interrupting someone else. There were way to many characters crowding the scenes and entering out of nowhere without any information of who they are. Nothing made much sense. And the ending was a way too neat. The one thing that is a positive throughout the book is the humor (why I gave the book 3 stars). I laughed a lot and I enjoyed the banter between Alex and Roxanne. We will see what happens in book 2.
January 28, 2012
Loved, loved, loved this book! The quirky charachters, witty dialog, just all around fantastic book!
December 17, 2014
Took me a long time to get through this. Didn't enjoy all of it, bits I didn't like at all.
No pizzazz!
No pizzazz!
September 26, 2019
After a night of debauchery fueled by absinthe, the Royal Entourage is in trouble with the public and with the Prince Regent (even though he participated with them). Prinny is determined to punished, and since Alex, Duke of Kress, brought the drinks, he's the first one banished to Cornwall where he must find a wife. Arriving there, he finds Roxanne Vanderhaven, Countess of Paxton, hanging from a cliff (a la Thomas Hardy) and rescues her. Roxanne's husband left her there and assumes she fell to her death. She wants to find out why he wants to murder her, and Alex wants to find a way out of his current dilemma with the Prince Regent.
I read the second book of the series first by mistake, but it was fine though I'd recommend reading them in order. Roxanne and Alex are a fun couple, and their exploits make for fun reading. The secondary characters are also interesting though there's so many, it can be confusing. The plot was a bit loose in places, but mostly hung together and the story is so entertaining the small lapses don't matter. It's definitely a fun series, one I'll be following.
I read the second book of the series first by mistake, but it was fine though I'd recommend reading them in order. Roxanne and Alex are a fun couple, and their exploits make for fun reading. The secondary characters are also interesting though there's so many, it can be confusing. The plot was a bit loose in places, but mostly hung together and the story is so entertaining the small lapses don't matter. It's definitely a fun series, one I'll be following.
April 29, 2022
I checked this out from KU a while back and read it off and on in between ARCS. FINALLY got around to finishing it (when it takes me a weeks to finish a book, it's never a good sign). I kept hanging in there because this writer is new to me and she seems to have some talent, plus I don't mind quirky humor in Regencies (Tessa Dare and Charlie Lane at times hit the spot for me with their silly scenes). But this is way too frantic, with too many characters and screwball situations. The final courtroom scene is over-the-top ridiculous, inspiring me to roll my eyes so many times even my kids noticed.
I teetered between 2 and 3 stars for this one. I'm giving 3, because the writer was trying something unique by transplanting the concept of the movie The Hangover to Regency England, and there aren't glaring editing issues (anachronisms do raise their ugly head, though). Unfortunately, the execution just didn't work for me.
I teetered between 2 and 3 stars for this one. I'm giving 3, because the writer was trying something unique by transplanting the concept of the movie The Hangover to Regency England, and there aren't glaring editing issues (anachronisms do raise their ugly head, though). Unfortunately, the execution just didn't work for me.
October 20, 2019
This was terrible.
So many plot holes. Times when things weren't explained clearly, leaving me confused and rereading. And modern day sayings! I mean, Roxanne says "Hey..." At one point. Ummm. No.
Alex's character would have been more interesting had he not played the "I don't care about anything card" for so long. Roxanne at least had an interesting story, but clearly her husband was a dick, and his death seems so convenient. No justice was given for her.
Plus we don't know if Prinny was okay with Alex's decision to marry Roxanne. We get a HFN instead of a HEA.
Not continuing on with this series.
So many plot holes. Times when things weren't explained clearly, leaving me confused and rereading. And modern day sayings! I mean, Roxanne says "Hey..." At one point. Ummm. No.
Alex's character would have been more interesting had he not played the "I don't care about anything card" for so long. Roxanne at least had an interesting story, but clearly her husband was a dick, and his death seems so convenient. No justice was given for her.
Plus we don't know if Prinny was okay with Alex's decision to marry Roxanne. We get a HFN instead of a HEA.
Not continuing on with this series.
April 24, 2019
Improbable, implausible and annoyingly silly. Heroine is a saint, the hero is an idiot and too many characters are thrown into the mix who really serve no purpose but to pad the pages. Too much 20th-century language and really - how hard is it to research titles and honorifics in the 19th century to realize the "Prinny" was never addressed as "Your Majesty" until he became King George IV - at which point he was no longer "Prinny" A crash course in reading Mary Balogh and Georgette Heyer is required.
April 27, 2018
Gotta love a book that literally starts with a cliffhanger. Truly appreciate Nash's integration of humor with a bit of ridiculous era stereotyping. Delicious romance, delightful banter, and what a fun premise for a series. Very enjoyable read.Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews