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Copeland Sisters #2

The Lady Forfeits

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Lady Diana Copeland has hot-footed it to London to tell her new guardian, Lord Faulkner, exactly what she thinks of his outrageous marriage demands! Well, with her two flighty sisters having run off, no one else is going to do it….

Surely this magnificent man with a naughty glint in his eye can't be the pompous old fool she was expecting? Inhaling deeply, Diana fights not to get lost in the depths of Lord Faulkner's intoxicating gaze…or to make the worst forfeit—by agreeing to be the lord's new countess!

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

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259 people want to read

About the author

Carole Mortimer

1,300 books911 followers
I have written almost 250 romance novels in contemporary and Regency.

I am a USA Today Bestselling Author and recipient of the 2015 RWA Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2014 I received a Pioneer of Romance Award from Romantic Times in the US and in 2012 I was recognised by Queen Elizabeth II for my 'outstanding service to literature'.

I am very happily married to Peter with six sons, and live on the Isle of Man

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5 stars
110 (28%)
4 stars
121 (30%)
3 stars
125 (31%)
2 stars
24 (6%)
1 star
12 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Alba Turunen.
846 reviews271 followers
July 24, 2017
2'5 Estrellas. Efectivamente, no me ha emocionado como lo hizo el otro libro que leí de la autora. Puede ser que los personajes no me hayan convencido, o la propia historia.

Admito que no he leído el anterior libro de ésta serie, porque éste lo compré en una ganga de segunda mano, pero tras leer sinopsis y opiniones del primer libro de las hermanas Copeland, no me dieron muchas ganas, y lo que se comenta en este libro sobre él, me da que es una historia absurda e inverosímil.

En cuanto a "La dama dijo sí", lo dividiría en tres partes. Una primera que podría haber presentado la historia, pero que me ha tenido algo aburrida porque no me enganchaba, se perdía en sucesos del primer libro. Una segunda parte, que es la que me ha gustado, con dramas familiares e historia truculenta, y una tercera parte, muy evidente y farragosa que no me ha convencido lo suficiente.

Como todo Harlequin de éste sello, es una historia corta y sencilla, que quizás con unos personajes más atractivos podría haberse aprovechado mejor, pero Diana y Gabriel no me han llegado ni convencido como pareja, y eso que el tema tutor/pupila siempre puede dar mucho juego. Es posible que Diana me haya gustado más, pero sus indecisiones finales y dar por hecho cosas que no son nunca me gustan y me cabrean mucho. Gabriel es un hombre frío y serio, salpicado por un horrible escándalo del pasado que lo tuvo exiliado de Inglaterra durante ocho años, y de su situación se podía haber sacado más jugo en el libro.

En conclusión, un libro sencillo, fácil y rápido de leer que puede engancharte sin problemas, pero cuya historia y personajes me parece que han estado desaprovechados. No creo que continúe con ésta serie.
Profile Image for Susan.
4,815 reviews126 followers
January 31, 2015
Fantastic book. I loved both characters. Gabriel was so delightfully alpha, but completely confused by Diana. He was not expecting one of his wards to be so self-possessed, confident, and willing to tell him exactly what she thought. He also did not expect her to be able to see beneath the cynical shell the rest of the world saw. Diana, for her part, did not expect her new guardian to be so devastatingly attractive. When they worked together to find out what was going on with his mother, they grew closer. I loved seeing the interactions between them and Caroline and Dominic. I can't wait to read Elizabeth's story.
Profile Image for Maria.
309 reviews21 followers
October 26, 2013
Ξεκίνησα να διαβάζω την πρώτη ιστορία με επιφύλαξη στην αρχή, λόγω Mortimer. Η Mortimer, αν και αγαπημένη, έχει τρομερό θέμα στις ερωτικές σκηνές. Είναι συντηρητικές και καθόλου περιγραφικές. Όμως λατρεύω τις τριλογίες, ιδιαιτέρως αδερφών, καθώς και τα εποχής με λόρδους και κόμισες. Η Mortimer είναι ειδική στις τριλογίες. Δεν είχα ιδέα ότι έγραφε όμως και βιβλία εποχής. Και τι βιβλία!!!!! Απλά υπέροχα!!!! Γεμάτα αισθησιασμό, πάθος και μυστήριο. Αγάπησα πολύ το πρώτο βιβλίο με την Καρολάιν όμως λάτρεψα μέσα από αυτό τον λόρδο Φόκνερ. Περίμενα με αγωνία το βιβλίο του(ήμουν σίγουρη ότι θα είχε). Ήλπιζα λοιπόν ότι θα κάναμε μαζί του φινάλε. Έκανα λάθος και χαίρομαι γι αυτό γτ το τρίτο βιβλίο μάλλον θα είναι ακόμα καλύτερο, εάν αυτό γίνεται!!!!!! Ο Φόκνερ και η Νταιάνα είναι ένα εκπληκτικό ζευγάρι, που μέσα στη λογική και την ψυχρότητα του φανερώνεται όλη η χημεία και το πάθος τους. Περιμένω με αγωνία την ιστορία της τρίτης και τελευταίας αδερφής. Όποιος είναι λόγο παρατηρητικός μαθαίνει κάποια στοιχεία για την τύχη της, αν και προς το παρόν αγνοείται!!!!
Profile Image for E..
732 reviews6 followers
December 22, 2011
The story is focused on the eldest Copeland sister and her new guardian, who has some unfinished business to take care of. Said unfinished business needs Lady Diana's attention.

Frankly, I actually liked Lady Diana more than Lord Gabriel. The man's hangups just annoyed me through the middle of the book. The only redeeming part of him that I liked was at the end.

Thus far, I think Lady Caroline and Lord Dominic are the better couple out of the two in my eyes. Now one more Copeland sister to read and see which couple I liked the most out of the three.
Profile Image for Tasneem.
1,808 reviews
January 24, 2012
This was an excellent story. I adored the heroine, who was strong, courageous but practical. She was willing to marry with cold-blooded thought, she stood by him even when it seemed he was in the wrong and she was loyal under pressure. No simpering, no wanting things she felt she couldn't have. Even when she does desire him and his love, she is still not given to over-the-top sentiment. I adored her restraint, her ability to be logical. The hero meanwhile was arragont, sardonic and sexy. What a combintion. I loved the book, their story, their romance and passion. Well written.
Profile Image for Veronica H.
168 reviews2 followers
February 19, 2018
Vad ska jag säga? Att få läsa om Diana & Gabriel var ett sant nöje & en historia som inte var helt given. Mortimer väver snyggt ihop det tre systrarnas liv med de tre manliga vännernas i historier som inte är helt givna. Gillar den här serien skarpt hittills!
Profile Image for Chris.
1,320 reviews38 followers
March 15, 2021
The story of Copeland Sisters continues and it's Diana's turn! I enjoyed reading again Diana and Lord Faulkner's shenanigans, though I liked Caroline's story a little bit more that "The Lady Forfeits".

Re-Read: 3/2021
387 reviews5 followers
March 25, 2012
Lady Diana Copeland has hot-footed it to London to tell her new guardian, Lord Faulkner, exactly what she thinks of his outrageous marriage demands! Well, with her two flighty sisters having run off, no one else is going to do it….
Surely this magnificent man with a naughty glint in his eye can't be the pompous old fool she was expecting? Inhaling deeply, Diana fights not to get lost in the depths of Lord Faulkner's intoxicating gaze…or to make the worst forfeit—by agreeing to be the lord's new countess!

When I read this book, I had thought to read the others in the series (The Lady Confesses and The Lady Gambles), but when I finished this one, I wasn't as enthusiastic. It wasn't that the book was bad, it was that I had no desire to spend more time with these characters. They just weren't compelling.
Profile Image for Diandra Fernandes.
797 reviews8 followers
May 27, 2017
Eu havia detestado o primeiro livro da série. Já deste eu gostei bem mais.
Diana é a certinha, ajuizada e com senso de honra afiado. Não teve nada que eu não gostasse nela. Gabriel, o injustiçado, deserdado e amargurado pelo abandono da família. Não teve a menor chance contra Diana.
152 reviews3 followers
March 2, 2025
Enjoyed reading this book. I liked the h but found the H a little too standoffish to be a favorite H for me. The past 8 years have turned Gabriel into a rather unfeeling individual. I liked the length of the book, less than 300 pages. I liked that the story was all about the relationship that built on admiration of the other person. It was passionate yet the love scenes weren't overpowering. Last 1/3 not quite as good so lowered the rating: a little melodramatic for a bit, never like misunderstanding and thought Diana a little harsh on her rejection of her childhood friend.

Looks like her earliest books were around 1980s up until 2019 or so. This was the first book I've read from this author. I liked it and will look for more.
Profile Image for Fareeha.
837 reviews5 followers
August 9, 2018
The only reason I finished this book was I didn’t want another DNF on my list.

It’s a feeble book with a dismal plot, average characters, and average writing.

It is a quick read though so if you want a quick book for a mindless escape, this might fit the bill - I’m still wondering why I picked up it in the first place.
44 reviews
January 16, 2021
Intriguing Story of Family Dynamics

I loved the story of Gabriel and Diana! Poor Gabriel was misjudged and treated badly by his family. Diana was the oldest girl in a motherless family, having to take care of the entire household. Their love of each other came as no surprise.
Profile Image for Michaela.
394 reviews1 follower
November 6, 2017
I tried to read the first one but couldnt stand Caroline however this one is fairly good, though the ending did seem a little out of character for Gabriel.
Profile Image for G..
297 reviews3 followers
June 8, 2022
Já dei 3 estrelas para livros piores, então...
Esse não é um livro ruim, foi uma leitura bem gostosinha e os personagens principais são bem carismáticos, até
23 reviews4 followers
September 12, 2012
Diana Copeland has always been the most responsible sister out of the trio. When her parents died, she knew they were all being left under the care of their three guardians, who were soon to take their hands in marriage. But what she hadn't expected was her two irresponsible sisters having taken off.

She hurries to London to tell her new guardian, Gabriel Faulkner, also known as Lord Faulkner, exactly what she thinks of his marriage proposal. She has no plans of getting married right away, especially not with two sisters on the loose. But she has no idea what she's getting into...

This was a fantastic book! I loved this one most out of the whole trilogy. My only problem was that Carole Mortimer's steamy scenes get a little, well...predictable, after you've read one of her books and are reading the second one back-to-back. But other than that, this was great.

The characters are well-developed, completely fleshed-out, and relatable. Diana accepts her responsibilities with patience but doles out her temper when necessary. She is a three-dimensional character that kept me turning the pages. And Gabriel Faulkner is alpha as alpha gets, but Diana flusters him. Each character has their own downsides and qualities, which is what makes them so real.

The plot here was not very complex or detailed, but when you have such gripping characters and a heat level brimming on exploding, it doesn't matter how arresting the plotline is. As simple as the events of the story were, what happened at the events was what mattered most. And in this story, that worked for me.

This is definitely the most recommended out of the trilogy. If you're looking for a heroine who has her ups-and-downs and yet comes out victorious in her life, despite her trials, then Diana Copeland is the right choice.

~Harlequin Romance Reviews
Profile Image for Sabrina (Soter) Sally.
2,177 reviews70 followers
October 20, 2013
"Voleva Diana tutta per sé. Moriva dalla voglia di baciarla di nuovo, di stringerla fra le braccia, ma il suo desiderio non era soltanto fisico. Voleva averla accanto, godere del suo affetto, ammirare il suo coraggio e la sua dignità."

Questo secondo capitolo delle sorelle Copeland mi è piaciuto più del primo, Diana è la sorella che preferisco, impulsiva quando serve ma anche intelligente e con la testa sulle spalle, e anche Gabriel tra il gruppo dei tre amici è il più interessante, con il suo scandaloso e misterioso passato. A differenza delle sue sorelle, che si sono date convenientemente alla fuga senza guardarsi indietro, Diana ha scelto di rimanere e affrontare l'arrivo del loro nuovo tutore, Lord Gabriel Faulkner. Non solo, poiché è stata recentemente abbandonata dal suo fidanzato, ha deciso anche di accettare la famosa proposta di matrimonio che, abbastanza insensibilmente, Gabriel aveva esteso a tutte e tre le sorelle. Gabriel rimane subito sorpreso dalla grande forza d'animo e dalla bellezza della maggiore delle sorelle, che persa la madre in giovane età si è fatta carico delle sorelline, delle incombenze domestiche e in ultimo anche del padre malato. Gabriel non si aspetto l'amore, non crede nemmeno che la ragazza possa credere alla sua innocenza sullo scandalo che l'ha esiliato anni prima dall'Inghilterra ma Diana lo sorprenderà più di una volta, e grazie al suo coraggio riuscirà anche a svelare cosa successe davvero e a ricucire i rapporti con la famiglia del futuro marito ;) Non mi ha fatto molto piacere rincontrare Caroline, più infantile e rompiscatole che mai, cosa ci ha trovato Dominic non me lo spiego XD la parte finale è stata un pò tirata per le lunghe, ma tutto è bene ciò che finisce bene e non ci resta che la storia dell'ultima delle sorelle Copeland, la fuggiasca Elizabeth! ;)
Profile Image for Lyndsay.
376 reviews2 followers
January 1, 2012
This is the second book in the copeland sister series. We discover here why Gabriel was disowned by his family eight years ago. The oldest sister, Diana, accpets his proposal of marriage, hoping that it will cause her sisters to come home. (they ran away in the first book). Anyways. Diana shocks Gabriel with her loyalty to him (b/c she said that she would be) and her acceptance of his claim that the reason for his scandal was not true. (HE DID NOT SLEEP W/ AND GET THAT GIRL PREGNANT)

She forces his hand on the issue of going back to his ancesteral home to face his mother and he learns that all is not well with his mother. It has been eight years since he has been home and The woman who destroyed his happiness is now the mistress of the house. Through it all, Gabriels anger, hostility and unbedning will, Diana still stands firm and loyal and with her un biased eye sees what is going at that house for what it is. (A thicker plot of scheming then anything Gabriel first suspected).

Its all good fun. Can't wait till the third.

Plus we see Caroline and Dominic again. Neither girl will get married now until Elizabeth is found.

Profile Image for Bay.
462 reviews27 followers
February 26, 2015
3.5 once again I'm left with a it-was-alright-feeling, after I had read another romance. And once again I love the male character but not a fan of the female protagonist. He made her seem so speciel and noone was like her, but I thought 'I can name about 8 right here at the moment, who remind me of this Diana, responsable, proude, a bit cold, selfless. He on the otherhand is wonderful. He is funny, he is arrogant, he is commanding and he is so Brittish gentleman!!! One thing I really like is that his anger doesn't suddenly disapeare and his is good again. He can stay mad, just like in the real world! How it should be!
It is not a masterpiece. You read it, to distract your mind and at the same time to entertain you. The purpose has been done, but no five stars for it.
Profile Image for Sharyn.
3,160 reviews26 followers
April 26, 2014
I found book # 1 at a used book sale. I luckily chanced on book 2 at the library after which I also found book 3 at a book sale, so I was able to finish the series, which I enjoyed because of the heroines. Each book of course had big misunderstandings, but all ended happily. Three sisters embark on journeys, 2 to avoid a possible marriage with their guardian, (misunderstanding #1). Lady Diana, the eldest actually set out for London to accept the offer, thereby saving one of her younger sisters. Alpha male Gabriel, who has had his own major misunderstandings, accepts her proposal and then is amazed that she continues to act independently! Love ensues!!
Profile Image for Sara Easton.
Author 5 books14 followers
December 5, 2011
Those who do not like graphic descriptions of sex might want to skip this novel, as there are a few love scenes within it. However, the story was a delight to read; Diana is a sweet heroine who is realistically hurt by her fiance leaving her and reasonably protective of her younger sisters. We learn more about Lord Faulkner's past in this novel, and a mystery adds some intrigue to the plot. This is one of Carole Mortimer's better books.
505 reviews2 followers
July 3, 2014
Lady Diana's father passed away and Lord Faulkner becomes guardian to her and her two sisters. Lord Faulkner proposes marriage to any one of the three sisters, he doesn't care which one. Two sizers run away but Lady Diana takes him up on his offer hoping that her two sisters will now return. She believes him to be old and paunchy and he believes her to be ugly and fat. When they meet, they are both shocked. Will they find true love?
Profile Image for Alyssa White.
529 reviews18 followers
January 25, 2016
At first I thought this book was going to start out slow which it kind of did... But it quickly picked up! I just sat for the last hour crying my eyes out , which is a good thing. This book was definitely far better than the first one I cannot wait to get started on the 3rd! I wish I could give half marks because this would be a four and a half.
Profile Image for Dragana.
1,897 reviews154 followers
December 9, 2011
I enjoyed reading this book. Both Gabriel and Diana have complex and very realistic personalities. I enjoyed watching love between them grow. Only thing I did not like is that ending seemed a little bit rushed.
Profile Image for Laysa.
351 reviews8 followers
September 21, 2016
Good enough if you have a few hours to kill and want to read something nice without many plot twists. Diana is a bit reckless but still a lovable character, Gabriel is annoying at times, but forgivable enough to make me keep on reading so... I would say give it a shot.
Profile Image for Gail.
Author 25 books216 followers
July 3, 2012
This is the oldest sister, who comes to town to scold the rogue who's become their guardian, and winds up falling for him instead. It was a good read.
Profile Image for Carol Storm.
Author 28 books241 followers
September 24, 2012
Tried this, couldn't get into it -- waaaaay too old-fashioned. Plus when the hero meets the heroine she's so spirited and fiery that his eye starts twitching. Eww!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

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