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Chase Family #1
Amethyst
London, 1666Amethyst Goldsmith makes dazzling jewelry, but her future isn’t nearly as bright as the pieces she creates. Though custom dictates she wed her father’s apprentice, her heart rebels against the match. In mere days Amy will be condemned to a stifling, loveless marriage, and she sees no way out—until the devastating fire of 1666 sweeps through London, and tragedy lands her in the arms of a dashing nobleman who knows a diamond in the rough when he sees it…
Colin Chase, the Earl of Greystone, has his future all figured out. He’s restoring his crumbling castle and estate to its former glory, and the key to its completion is his rich bride-to-be. But the Great Fire lays waste to his plans, saddling him with trouble—in the form of a lowly shopkeeper’s daughter with whom he’s most inconveniently falling in love...
Colin Chase, the Earl of Greystone, has his future all figured out. He’s restoring his crumbling castle and estate to its former glory, and the key to its completion is his rich bride-to-be. But the Great Fire lays waste to his plans, saddling him with trouble—in the form of a lowly shopkeeper’s daughter with whom he’s most inconveniently falling in love...
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2000
5015 people are currently reading
3202 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Royal
73 books520 followersFALL IN LOVE WITH A HISTORICAL ROMANCE BY LAUREN ROYAL!
LAUREN ROYAL is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of humorous historical romance. Her “truly enchanting” novels have won many awards including Booklist's “Top 10 Romance of the Year,” and they’ve earned raves from reviewers including Publishers Weekly, who calls her “an impressive talent.”
All of Lauren's books are complete, stand-alone stories, and yet they are also all connected—because they all feature her beloved “outrageously funny, loyal, compassionate, and unconventional” Chase family!
Lauren writes steamy historical romance on her own and sweet/clean historical romance with her daughter, Devon Royal. Lauren lives in Southern California with her family, two constantly shedding cats, and a stupendous collection of fuzzy socks. When she's not busy writing, she enjoys singing along (off-key) to Hamilton, dancing (badly), and (wasting time) watching HGTV.
Want great free and 99¢ books sent to your inbox on select Fridays? Sign up for Lauren's Book Club newsletter at http://royall.ink/Newsletter
Become an honorary Chase cousin (and get a FREE historical cookbook)! Join Lauren's Chase Family Readers Group on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/ChaseFamilyReaders
Visit Lauren’s website at LaurenRoyal.com, where you can learn about the real people and real places in her books, enter a contest to win jewelry, and see the ever-growing branches of the Chase Family Tree.
Join Lauren on Facebook...
Readers Group: facebook.com/groups/ChaseFamilyReaders
Facebook Page: facebook.com/LaurenRoyal
LAUREN ROYAL is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of humorous historical romance. Her “truly enchanting” novels have won many awards including Booklist's “Top 10 Romance of the Year,” and they’ve earned raves from reviewers including Publishers Weekly, who calls her “an impressive talent.”
All of Lauren's books are complete, stand-alone stories, and yet they are also all connected—because they all feature her beloved “outrageously funny, loyal, compassionate, and unconventional” Chase family!
Lauren writes steamy historical romance on her own and sweet/clean historical romance with her daughter, Devon Royal. Lauren lives in Southern California with her family, two constantly shedding cats, and a stupendous collection of fuzzy socks. When she's not busy writing, she enjoys singing along (off-key) to Hamilton, dancing (badly), and (wasting time) watching HGTV.
Want great free and 99¢ books sent to your inbox on select Fridays? Sign up for Lauren's Book Club newsletter at http://royall.ink/Newsletter
Become an honorary Chase cousin (and get a FREE historical cookbook)! Join Lauren's Chase Family Readers Group on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/ChaseFamilyReaders
Visit Lauren’s website at LaurenRoyal.com, where you can learn about the real people and real places in her books, enter a contest to win jewelry, and see the ever-growing branches of the Chase Family Tree.
Join Lauren on Facebook...
Readers Group: facebook.com/groups/ChaseFamilyReaders
Facebook Page: facebook.com/LaurenRoyal
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 482 reviews
February 21, 2014
Just my opinion, but this was just a fluffy, oversexed wallpaper romance with a unbelievable plot that went on and on and on and on and on. Can Amy (Amethyst) the jeweler marry Colin Chase, Earl of Greystone? Or will he dump her for the wealthy heiress he's already formally betrothed to? And why isn't there one single person shocked at the idea of a lowly tradesperson marrying above her station?
Oh well, I see others have enjoyed it, but I didn't care for the characters, Amy being a bit too MarySue-ish, and Colin a bit of a self centered arse. I'm not a big fan of practical jokes (find them a bit mean), and Colin's went over and above any acceptable levels. YMMV. Moving on to the next book and zapping this one to Kindle oblivion. Glad it was free.
Oh well, I see others have enjoyed it, but I didn't care for the characters, Amy being a bit too MarySue-ish, and Colin a bit of a self centered arse. I'm not a big fan of practical jokes (find them a bit mean), and Colin's went over and above any acceptable levels. YMMV. Moving on to the next book and zapping this one to Kindle oblivion. Glad it was free.
February 16, 2016
The book wasn't bad....I rather enjoyed it most of the time....but the scenes where the hero is throwing tantrums and telling his siblings how unfit and working class the heroine is I wanted to punch him....I also wanted to shake the heroine everytime she wanted to stay with him despite his reckless and mean comments....like seriously he just called unfit to become his wife so you go and sleep with him anyway???? No and the thing is he didn't even apologize for those things...like what? Outraged!!! but if you can get over that then it was a cute love story
August 2, 2018
I have read another book by this author and enjoyed it. It is not the writing style that threw me off, but I can't stand either the hero or the heroine.
I would be interested in reading another book set during the great fire in London.
I would be interested in reading another book set during the great fire in London.
April 23, 2022
The fact that Lauren Royal saw it fitting to bring Regency HR tropes into the 17th century demonstrates two things: 1) she wasn't aware of the body of 17th century HF/ HR work and the subsequent canon, and 2) she was not familiar with the social mores that defined the 1600s across Britain and Europe (therein demonstrating she didn't research, like, at all...).
Someone I spoke to about this book agreed that about 20% in she thought, “Wait, WHAT period are we in?”
I was more like, “Half of England has been dying of the plague for the past year, Charles II is on his one hundredth mistress and one thousandth bastard and he still doesn’t have an heir from Catherine, London is literally in the process of burning to nothing and you are sitting on a wall NECKING!??!?!?”
It’s this kind of flippant disregard for historical context that makes me want to scream, “Why even bother making it a period novel at all!?!?” and then promptly hurl the book at the wall.
I don’t do that though, I read on a kindle.
Yes, it is fiction, and yes, I have a rather jaded eye for period accuracy. But if I can totally enjoy Tessa Dare’s work, then I am certainly not biased enough to take HR wallpaper into dislike. This, however, was just offensive and...Sorry to say, a juvenile effort at best.
Save your time and money and go read the stunning 17th century historical fiction/romance out there (Charlotte Betts and Stella Riley comes to mind). If you like a complete disregard for historical context and immature, silly characters then by all means proceed to read.
Sorry. I know this is a rage-review. I couldn’t help myself.
Someone I spoke to about this book agreed that about 20% in she thought, “Wait, WHAT period are we in?”
I was more like, “Half of England has been dying of the plague for the past year, Charles II is on his one hundredth mistress and one thousandth bastard and he still doesn’t have an heir from Catherine, London is literally in the process of burning to nothing and you are sitting on a wall NECKING!??!?!?”
It’s this kind of flippant disregard for historical context that makes me want to scream, “Why even bother making it a period novel at all!?!?” and then promptly hurl the book at the wall.
I don’t do that though, I read on a kindle.
Yes, it is fiction, and yes, I have a rather jaded eye for period accuracy. But if I can totally enjoy Tessa Dare’s work, then I am certainly not biased enough to take HR wallpaper into dislike. This, however, was just offensive and...Sorry to say, a juvenile effort at best.
Save your time and money and go read the stunning 17th century historical fiction/romance out there (Charlotte Betts and Stella Riley comes to mind). If you like a complete disregard for historical context and immature, silly characters then by all means proceed to read.
Sorry. I know this is a rage-review. I couldn’t help myself.
January 25, 2011
Amethyst "Amy" Goldsmith, daughter of a jeweler, is an accomplished and talented jewelry maker who loves her craft and has a great passion for her work but her personal life is hardly as fulfilling. In just two weeks she will be wed to a man whom she does not love - a man who plans to keep her away from her work to make babies and keep his house all nice and tidy-like. Amy longs for love but will not hurt her father by backing out of the unwanted marriage. One day Colin Chase "Earl of Greystone" walks into her family store and they immediately connect but, sadly, he is far out of her league.
These first few chapters are wonderful and really hooked me. The historic details are interesting and plentiful and Amy is presented as a likable and compassionate character full of life, dreams and motivation. Then a devastating fire destroys her life and changes everything. She now has the opportunity to take charge of her life but first is rescued by Colin who takes her to his home so she can heal from her physical and emotional wounds. She quickly finds love and acceptance amongst Colin's siblings but receives only the cold shoulder from Colin who wants her gone as soon as possible. Amy decides she wants Colin, cold shoulder and all, and comes up with one excuse after another to stick around.
It was Colin's attraction to Amy that impelled him to rescue her and it is that same attraction that makes him want her out of his sight as soon as possible. Colin is betrothed to a "titled" woman and has already spent a good portion of the woman's dowry and sees no way to get out of it. And, lets be real, he doesn't want to. For the majority of the story money and titles are more important to Colin than love and it's here that the book lost the most of its appeal for me. Colin's a first class ass and I'm really not a fan.
Colin and Amy are wildly attracted to each other and obviously belong together but he stubbornly refuses to break off his betrothal. This makes him come across as extremely selfish. Amy deserved so much better. Amy, unfortunately, loses some of her charm because she is forced into the role of pining away for the stubborn Colin instead of concentrating on getting back on her feet. The jewelry crafting, which was such a huge part of her life, takes a back to seat to thoughts of Colin and this was very disappointing.
This story is a good choice if you like your books steeped in historic detail and don't mind love-stubborn heroes. The author has an obvious love for her time period and weaves in interesting tidbits whenever possible. Although Colin didn't turn out to be my idea of a hero (to put it mildly) I do look forward to the forthcoming stories about Colin's siblings who were lovable characters.
These first few chapters are wonderful and really hooked me. The historic details are interesting and plentiful and Amy is presented as a likable and compassionate character full of life, dreams and motivation. Then a devastating fire destroys her life and changes everything. She now has the opportunity to take charge of her life but first is rescued by Colin who takes her to his home so she can heal from her physical and emotional wounds. She quickly finds love and acceptance amongst Colin's siblings but receives only the cold shoulder from Colin who wants her gone as soon as possible. Amy decides she wants Colin, cold shoulder and all, and comes up with one excuse after another to stick around.
It was Colin's attraction to Amy that impelled him to rescue her and it is that same attraction that makes him want her out of his sight as soon as possible. Colin is betrothed to a "titled" woman and has already spent a good portion of the woman's dowry and sees no way to get out of it. And, lets be real, he doesn't want to. For the majority of the story money and titles are more important to Colin than love and it's here that the book lost the most of its appeal for me. Colin's a first class ass and I'm really not a fan.
Colin and Amy are wildly attracted to each other and obviously belong together but he stubbornly refuses to break off his betrothal. This makes him come across as extremely selfish. Amy deserved so much better. Amy, unfortunately, loses some of her charm because she is forced into the role of pining away for the stubborn Colin instead of concentrating on getting back on her feet. The jewelry crafting, which was such a huge part of her life, takes a back to seat to thoughts of Colin and this was very disappointing.
This story is a good choice if you like your books steeped in historic detail and don't mind love-stubborn heroes. The author has an obvious love for her time period and weaves in interesting tidbits whenever possible. Although Colin didn't turn out to be my idea of a hero (to put it mildly) I do look forward to the forthcoming stories about Colin's siblings who were lovable characters.
April 22, 2015
Generous 3 stars. I found myself not knowing what to rate this novel. It had a lot of right ingredients. Plot, well developed characters, drama. However the story dragged on for quite awhile. I kept thinking this is where it ends right? To find out I had still quite a bit left each time. Normally I like a long developed story. However I felt the same theme was dragged on even after it should have been resolved many times over. And it wasn't one I was big on. The big theme was the heroine thinking she wasn't good enough for the hero. And then he loves her but can't marry her. And then he marries her but doesn't love her. On and on. I found myself annoyed at the novel that in the beginning had more potential. Maybe it just wasn't my cup of tea...
October 18, 2025
Read: 2018
read under title: The Earl's Unsuitable Bride
read under title: The Earl's Unsuitable Bride
April 30, 2012
Delving into the romance genre is not for the faint of heart. You can read a lot of really poorly written romances that just drag on and on and never go anywhere. I however like to think that reading the poorly written ones allows you to clearly know a gem when you read one. Lauren Royal's Amethyst is just that, a gem. (Yes, pun intended!)
Amy Goldsmith (although her real name is Amethyst) is a successful jewelry maker who has quite the unfortunate personal life. She is scheduled to marry a man whom she does not love in two short weeks. To make things worse, he wants her to become a stay at home mom, and give up her career, which she is not ready to do. Although she is stuck, Amy does not want to back out of the marriage for fear of embarrassing her father. She longs for true love, and she gets a glimpse of it when Colin Chase, the Earl of Greystone, enters her shop. Although she feels that he is definitely above his notice, her life is changed when a fire devastates her shop and home and Colin comes to her rescue. He takes her to his home to rehabilitate, and although Colin's siblings take a liking to Amy, he remains distant and asks her to leave as soon as possible. Amy, however, has begun to have feelings for Colin, and enjoys her time with his family. Unfortunately for her, Colin is betrothed to another woman, who's dowry has been spent towards the reconstruction of Colin's castle. Unwilling to break up this monetary agreement despite his attraction, Colin is locked in a battle of wills against Amy, who wants him no matter the cost. Will Colin eventually reconsider and give in to is heart's desire?
I've always enjoyed historical fiction novels that use true events as their backdrop, as opposed to just using a specific time period and developing a story. In Amethyst that true event is the Great Fire of London in 1666. As sad as the event was, it is an excellent plot device that sets the reader on a journey of self discovery with Amy and Colin that we certainly wouldn't have dreamed of without the amazingly detailed and intricate imagination of Royal.
To me, Amy read as a nod to the modern woman. Your first taste of her modern ideals comes when she stands up to her fiancée, Robert, and expresses her desires to continue being a jeweler. Robert's jealousy over her jeweling skills are what drive his desire to have her stay at home and give up her occupation. After the fire when Amy is able to escape and meet Colin, she continues to hold onto her ideals that she can run the family jewelry business. Even after finding herself in love with Colin she realizes a marriage between them would end any future she has with her craft. She forces herself to make a tough decision: choose love or her craft. Royal does an incredible job weaving this difficult journey of "staying true to self vs heart" effortlessly. I can honestly say that Amethyst is one of the only historical romance novels that I actually truly believed in the conflict of heart that the heroine and hero go through. Every romance novel I've read has a conflict drawing the heroine and hero away from each other, but it's rare to find one that has to do with something other than conflicting social classes. Amy's need to continue her craft made for a much more interesting conflict. It was refreshing, honest, and definitely a worthy addition to anyone's "to read" pile. Go pick up a copy!
Kimberly (Reflections of a Book Addict)
http://wp.me/p18lIL-XU
Amy Goldsmith (although her real name is Amethyst) is a successful jewelry maker who has quite the unfortunate personal life. She is scheduled to marry a man whom she does not love in two short weeks. To make things worse, he wants her to become a stay at home mom, and give up her career, which she is not ready to do. Although she is stuck, Amy does not want to back out of the marriage for fear of embarrassing her father. She longs for true love, and she gets a glimpse of it when Colin Chase, the Earl of Greystone, enters her shop. Although she feels that he is definitely above his notice, her life is changed when a fire devastates her shop and home and Colin comes to her rescue. He takes her to his home to rehabilitate, and although Colin's siblings take a liking to Amy, he remains distant and asks her to leave as soon as possible. Amy, however, has begun to have feelings for Colin, and enjoys her time with his family. Unfortunately for her, Colin is betrothed to another woman, who's dowry has been spent towards the reconstruction of Colin's castle. Unwilling to break up this monetary agreement despite his attraction, Colin is locked in a battle of wills against Amy, who wants him no matter the cost. Will Colin eventually reconsider and give in to is heart's desire?
I've always enjoyed historical fiction novels that use true events as their backdrop, as opposed to just using a specific time period and developing a story. In Amethyst that true event is the Great Fire of London in 1666. As sad as the event was, it is an excellent plot device that sets the reader on a journey of self discovery with Amy and Colin that we certainly wouldn't have dreamed of without the amazingly detailed and intricate imagination of Royal.
To me, Amy read as a nod to the modern woman. Your first taste of her modern ideals comes when she stands up to her fiancée, Robert, and expresses her desires to continue being a jeweler. Robert's jealousy over her jeweling skills are what drive his desire to have her stay at home and give up her occupation. After the fire when Amy is able to escape and meet Colin, she continues to hold onto her ideals that she can run the family jewelry business. Even after finding herself in love with Colin she realizes a marriage between them would end any future she has with her craft. She forces herself to make a tough decision: choose love or her craft. Royal does an incredible job weaving this difficult journey of "staying true to self vs heart" effortlessly. I can honestly say that Amethyst is one of the only historical romance novels that I actually truly believed in the conflict of heart that the heroine and hero go through. Every romance novel I've read has a conflict drawing the heroine and hero away from each other, but it's rare to find one that has to do with something other than conflicting social classes. Amy's need to continue her craft made for a much more interesting conflict. It was refreshing, honest, and definitely a worthy addition to anyone's "to read" pile. Go pick up a copy!
Kimberly (Reflections of a Book Addict)
http://wp.me/p18lIL-XU
October 4, 2015
Lol, I stopped reading when I got to the first practical joke that Colin played. I thought it was extremely idiotic and I knew right off that I wouldn't like him as a hero with tomfoolery immature behavior like that. Not very manly, hero-like in my opinion. I also thought the writing was .... different. The whole first scene in the jewelers when Colin comes in to buy a bracelet for his sister... it was just so awkward and I immediately became indifferent to the storyline. :(
November 6, 2015
read a while ago but couldn't remember to review. rather forgettable story. i did not understand the appeal of the heroine. She was good at her trade and fell in love with the hero when he asked her to create a piece for him. I don't see the appeal of such a woman and have no interests in her love story.
November 16, 2019
Una delle sorprese degli ebook gratuiti di Amazon. Un bel romance storico, curato nei particolari e ambientato in un periodo storico interessante. Belle le descrizioni dei luoghi e degli usi e costumi anche se, in qualche frangente, alcuni atteggiamenti dei protagonisti sembravano troppo moderni.
Un 4 - però ci sta.
Un 4 - però ci sta.
March 13, 2018
[Edit, March 13th, 2018: Free on Amazon. If you like romances you can try it, but feel warned by my review]
[This is a short review of two books, I put it for both books]
I try from time to time with "bestselling romance author" (I call it that). I do it because sometimes Amazon makes sales promotion and secondly I wonder why those books are so "bestselling". This time I have tried with two books of Lauren Royal: "Amethyst" and "Tempting Juliana".
First of all, it isn't a great work of literature. But who expects it from such books? Still, I have been reading it fast, with a little pleasure. Mostly because there is a little humor. There is one thing what singles out these books from they genre. Lauren Royal gave them interesting historical background. In "Amethyst" we have Great Fire of London (1666), in "Tempting Juliana" we have beginning of smallpox vaccinations and Foundling Hospital in London (beginnings of XIX century). Thanks to writer's explanations which are at the end of the book I know now a few more things about that.
Nonetheless these are only romances. You shouldn't expect more.
[This is a short review of two books, I put it for both books]
I try from time to time with "bestselling romance author" (I call it that). I do it because sometimes Amazon makes sales promotion and secondly I wonder why those books are so "bestselling". This time I have tried with two books of Lauren Royal: "Amethyst" and "Tempting Juliana".
First of all, it isn't a great work of literature. But who expects it from such books? Still, I have been reading it fast, with a little pleasure. Mostly because there is a little humor. There is one thing what singles out these books from they genre. Lauren Royal gave them interesting historical background. In "Amethyst" we have Great Fire of London (1666), in "Tempting Juliana" we have beginning of smallpox vaccinations and Foundling Hospital in London (beginnings of XIX century). Thanks to writer's explanations which are at the end of the book I know now a few more things about that.
Nonetheless these are only romances. You shouldn't expect more.
July 4, 2018
Delightful Read.
It's a long time since I read a novel set in the Restoration period and historical facts such as the Great Plague and Fire of London are skillfully woven into the story. Once started I couldn't put this book down and read it at one sitting. Thoroughly enjoyed the main characters and how they found a way to happily be together by the end. With thanks to the author for the epilogue (I enjoy an insight into characters several years hence).
It's a long time since I read a novel set in the Restoration period and historical facts such as the Great Plague and Fire of London are skillfully woven into the story. Once started I couldn't put this book down and read it at one sitting. Thoroughly enjoyed the main characters and how they found a way to happily be together by the end. With thanks to the author for the epilogue (I enjoy an insight into characters several years hence).
January 23, 2024
3.5 stars. The ending added the extra half star for me. The character development was stunted and the book could’ve been about 75 pages shorter.
Why do characters in historical romances never communicate??? And that would solve literally all of their problems???
Why do characters in historical romances never communicate??? And that would solve literally all of their problems???
January 23, 2013
3.5-4 stars
Set in London in 1666, "Amethyst" is the story of Amethyst (Amy) Goldsmith and Colin Chase, the Earl of Greystone.
Amy lives with her father in their Cheapside Goldsmith & Sons jewelry store. Her mother died just a year before during the Great Plague. Amy is affianced to Robert Stanley, her father's apprentice. It's tradition that if there are no sons in the family, that the eldest daughter marries the apprentice. Robert is from a good jewelry family. But as Amy's gotten to know him over the years, she finds that Robert isn't so light-of-heart and fun as he first was. And Robert is determined that once they're married, Amy will stop making jewelry and be his wife only. Amy's convinced that Robert's jealous that she has more custom orders and her designs sell more. And she doesn't like the way that Robert is not only possessive of her, but the way he grabs her and kisses her.
But Amy's father is too lost in his grief for her mother and his work. He knows that Amy doesn't want to marry Robert, but he forces Amy to promise that she'll do whatever necessary to keep Goldsmith & Sons going. To him, that means marrying Robert Stanley.
Amy caught her first glimpse of the Earl of Greystone at the coronation parade of Charles I. Colin Chase is the 2nd son of a Royalist family that chose to be outlawed with and fight for the royal family against Cromwell. While he lost both parents in the final battle, Colin and his brothers and sister find themselves back in London and firmly in Charles I's court and affections. So Colin was riding in the parade... when Amy caught a glimpse of him. The looks that they exchanged - he, flirting openly; she amazed - finds Amy unable to forget about the way that her heart fluttered. She tries to convince herself it's only fascination and attraction.
But when Colin comes to Goldsmith & Sons to buy a present for his sister, Kendra, Amy & Colin find themselves sneaking glances at each other. The attraction is still there and very strong. Strong enough that Colin commissions Amy to create a signet ring for him.
Robert sees this exchange and doesn't like it one bit. He pushes for the marriage to happen, as does Amy's father. But Amy holds off.
Then The Great Fire happens... and Goldsmith & Sons shop is burned to the ground. Amy loses her father in the fire, when he ran back in to get her mother's portrait. Amy managed to lug her case out - the case containing all the gold & jewels that make up the Goldsmith wealth for centuries... the materials that they use to make their jewelry.
Colin takes Amy and several children separated from their parents by the fire back to his eldest brother, Jason's home. There Amy's wounds heal, but not her heart. She writes Robert to call of their engagement.
Colin's family accepts and embraces Amy, but Colin stubbornly insists that she must go to France - to her aunt's home, where Amy can continue making jewelry. Colin finds her too irresistible, and Amy isn't of his class; she's a merchant! And Colin is engaged. He's already used a good portion of his fiancee's dowry to rebuild his own castle and lands, given to him along with his title by King Charles.
But, of course, this is a romance, and we all know where it's heading... it's just how they get there!
Other reviewers find Colin cruel and a real cad. But Colin is true to his times; and while much has changed in London with King Charles, the Great Plague, and the Great Fire, society is still what it is. It's a bit unusual and unlike the people and the times to accept Amy so willingly at court. She might be wealthy, but she's a merchant - not nobility. The way that Colin's fiancee treats her is more in line with how Amy would be perceived and received.
It's all a matter of whether he can overcome his inbred class prejudice (and society, too) and whether she can figure out how to love Colin & keep her promise to her father. Oh, and whether or not Robert Stanley can kidnap and coerce Amy to marry him, so he can get his hands on her jewels and her trade...
Set in London in 1666, "Amethyst" is the story of Amethyst (Amy) Goldsmith and Colin Chase, the Earl of Greystone.
Amy lives with her father in their Cheapside Goldsmith & Sons jewelry store. Her mother died just a year before during the Great Plague. Amy is affianced to Robert Stanley, her father's apprentice. It's tradition that if there are no sons in the family, that the eldest daughter marries the apprentice. Robert is from a good jewelry family. But as Amy's gotten to know him over the years, she finds that Robert isn't so light-of-heart and fun as he first was. And Robert is determined that once they're married, Amy will stop making jewelry and be his wife only. Amy's convinced that Robert's jealous that she has more custom orders and her designs sell more. And she doesn't like the way that Robert is not only possessive of her, but the way he grabs her and kisses her.
But Amy's father is too lost in his grief for her mother and his work. He knows that Amy doesn't want to marry Robert, but he forces Amy to promise that she'll do whatever necessary to keep Goldsmith & Sons going. To him, that means marrying Robert Stanley.
Amy caught her first glimpse of the Earl of Greystone at the coronation parade of Charles I. Colin Chase is the 2nd son of a Royalist family that chose to be outlawed with and fight for the royal family against Cromwell. While he lost both parents in the final battle, Colin and his brothers and sister find themselves back in London and firmly in Charles I's court and affections. So Colin was riding in the parade... when Amy caught a glimpse of him. The looks that they exchanged - he, flirting openly; she amazed - finds Amy unable to forget about the way that her heart fluttered. She tries to convince herself it's only fascination and attraction.
But when Colin comes to Goldsmith & Sons to buy a present for his sister, Kendra, Amy & Colin find themselves sneaking glances at each other. The attraction is still there and very strong. Strong enough that Colin commissions Amy to create a signet ring for him.
Robert sees this exchange and doesn't like it one bit. He pushes for the marriage to happen, as does Amy's father. But Amy holds off.
Then The Great Fire happens... and Goldsmith & Sons shop is burned to the ground. Amy loses her father in the fire, when he ran back in to get her mother's portrait. Amy managed to lug her case out - the case containing all the gold & jewels that make up the Goldsmith wealth for centuries... the materials that they use to make their jewelry.
Colin takes Amy and several children separated from their parents by the fire back to his eldest brother, Jason's home. There Amy's wounds heal, but not her heart. She writes Robert to call of their engagement.
Colin's family accepts and embraces Amy, but Colin stubbornly insists that she must go to France - to her aunt's home, where Amy can continue making jewelry. Colin finds her too irresistible, and Amy isn't of his class; she's a merchant! And Colin is engaged. He's already used a good portion of his fiancee's dowry to rebuild his own castle and lands, given to him along with his title by King Charles.
But, of course, this is a romance, and we all know where it's heading... it's just how they get there!
Other reviewers find Colin cruel and a real cad. But Colin is true to his times; and while much has changed in London with King Charles, the Great Plague, and the Great Fire, society is still what it is. It's a bit unusual and unlike the people and the times to accept Amy so willingly at court. She might be wealthy, but she's a merchant - not nobility. The way that Colin's fiancee treats her is more in line with how Amy would be perceived and received.
It's all a matter of whether he can overcome his inbred class prejudice (and society, too) and whether she can figure out how to love Colin & keep her promise to her father. Oh, and whether or not Robert Stanley can kidnap and coerce Amy to marry him, so he can get his hands on her jewels and her trade...
November 16, 2013
Amy (Amethyst) Goldsmith is a talented jeweler, not to mention the heiress to the family business and a trunk load of gold and jewels that her ancestors accumulated over generations. The hoard is a bit depleted by the Commonwealth years, when anything enjoyable or pretty was frowned upon.
But with the Restoration of King Charles II, things are looking up.
Amy was betrothed as an infant to Robert, the 2nd son of another jeweler, who is now her father's apprentice. But as the marriage draws closer she's finding it harder to accept this fate, especially since Robert is a drunken, gambling, rapey creep whose kisses are surprisingly uninspiring.
Colin and his siblings lived in exile with Charles II. Now that the Crown has been restored, Charles has awarded his friends with titles and estates forfeited by families that supported the Commonwealth. Colin Chase is now the Earl of Greystone, and he's been working hard to renovate the Greystone estate to suit his snobby wife-to-be, Priscilla. His family's wealth was depleted by the exile, so he is marrying a titled heiress, even if he doesn't like her much.
It doesn't matter that both Amy and Colin find it hard to breathe when the other is near. She's a commoner, he's a snob, and they're both betrothed so they need to forget the mind-blowing attraction and suck it up.
It takes the Great Fire of London—not to mention abduction and a few headsmack revelations—to make the two of them realize that class is not everything.
Historical details, like the claim that Chas II personally helped fight the Great Fire, not to mention the details of his intimate liaisons, add depth and richness to the story. 4 stars.
June 17, 2016
Amy ( Amethyst) and Colin the Earl of Greystone their story is such a wonderful romance I loved the way they met , I truly believe that she fell in love with him while she had gone to see the Kings coronation . He was magnificent on his stallion , and he took her breath away. Even though she was betrothed to Robert Stanley a man of her fathers choosing who also happened to be an apprentice in her fathers jewellery store . He never made her heart flutter as Colin did , just with one glimpse! As fate would have it they meet again when he enters her fathers store looking to buy something for his younger sister. He remembers her as the young girl he had seen at the parade and feels an attraction to her, he decides to have her design a signet ring for him. I truly enjoyed this story it had lots of twists to it , I also found it pretty descriptive on the Great London Fire , where Amy and Colin come together while trying to escape to what to them must have looked like the end of London. Don't hesitate to read this wonderful book. It's a great read , Lauren Royal is a great writer , her stories keep you entertained till the last page!!!
December 10, 2015
I absolutely loved this story. It has all of the elements that made you want to keep reading. When Amethyst and Mr. Chase meet they have no idea that circumstances will keep them together in a such a way that they must choose each other or lose everything they hold dear.
A couldn't put it down read with a compelling plot twists will have you up all night.
A couldn't put it down read with a compelling plot twists will have you up all night.
April 8, 2019
First time l have read any books from this author, l was'nt disappointed, loved this book.It kept me wanting to read more. It had romance, passion, everything you can except in a good book. Cant wait to read more.
December 13, 2016
DNF
This was too long, and getting nowhere fast, so I've given up on it. It was an easy read though,quite pretty
This was too long, and getting nowhere fast, so I've given up on it. It was an easy read though,quite pretty
Want to read
January 17, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/2/2019)! 🎁
July 27, 2019
Interesting time period. Some interesting history thrown in as well, but the characters didn’t do much for me. It was not that exciting.
February 27, 2025
2.5 rounded up
February 22, 2023
Finally finished it! I know I read about ford first but I did prefer that story over Colin and Amy, oops...
March 23, 2017
Oh my goodness I LOVED IT!!!! Absolutely no fillers. Every pages kept me eager for more story. The characters were beautifully developed and the scenes everything - I could feel it and see it for myself. So ready to devour the rest of her books
April 27, 2020
Lovely little love story
This story starts off a little hard to follow. You meet a lot of characters quickly and it takes at the meet cute, which is years before the actual story starts. Then the story picks up 5 years later when Amy and Colin meet each other again. Amy and Colin are betrothed to other people. This story is how they go against society to honor their love.
The story has a bit of drama and a solid plot. I started getting bored around 80-85% of the way finished with the book. I felt like it kind of dragged on after the climax happened. I was glad the author tied up all the loose ends, but it just felt a little slow after that point.
There were a few nicely written sex scenes. And overall this whole book was worth reading. I will probably read others in the series. All the characters were entertaining and I really fell in love with the chase family myself. Give this book a read! Happy reading y’all!!
This story starts off a little hard to follow. You meet a lot of characters quickly and it takes at the meet cute, which is years before the actual story starts. Then the story picks up 5 years later when Amy and Colin meet each other again. Amy and Colin are betrothed to other people. This story is how they go against society to honor their love.
The story has a bit of drama and a solid plot. I started getting bored around 80-85% of the way finished with the book. I felt like it kind of dragged on after the climax happened. I was glad the author tied up all the loose ends, but it just felt a little slow after that point.
There were a few nicely written sex scenes. And overall this whole book was worth reading. I will probably read others in the series. All the characters were entertaining and I really fell in love with the chase family myself. Give this book a read! Happy reading y’all!!
September 18, 2019
Queen - per RFS
.
Alle lettrici amanti del romance storico consiglio sicuramente questa lettura, che ho trovato coinvolgente e con tutti i requisiti che reputo necessari per questo genere letterario.
Ho trovato la trama originale, soprattutto per il mestiere svolto dalla protagonista, inusuale per una donna dell’Inghilterra del 1666; Amethyst (Amy) è orafa nel negozio di famiglia e fabbrica bellissimi gioielli. Il padre, rimasto vedovo con un’unica figlia, ripone in lei e nel suo innato talento tutte le aspettative per il futuro dell’oreficeria.
Promessa in sposa sin da bambina a Robert, l’apprendista del padre, la ragazza pur non amandolo decide di sposarlo ma, alla vigilia delle nozze, l’incendio che colpisce Londra nel 1666, cambia tutta la sua vita.
La sua casa e il negozio bruciano, durante l’incendio suo padre muore ed Amy viene tratta in salvo da Colin, il Conte di Greystone che altri non è che l’eroe che popolava i suoi sogni da quando, cinque anni prima lo aveva incontrato, durante l’incoronazione di re Charles.
Colin la conduce nel suo castello e si offre di ospitarla nell’attesa di spedirla al sicuro in Francia, dalla zia paterna. Qui Amy conosce la sua eccentrica famiglia e si lega particolarmente a sua sorella Kendra, di cui diventerà complice e molto amica.
Da subito tra i due giovani nasce una forte attrazione anche se con un comportamento altalenante da parte di Colin, che è fidanzato e prossimo alle nozze. Colin infatti, sta ristrutturando il castello di Greystone con la dote della giovane che dovrà sposare, pur non essendone innamorato.
Il racconto è ricco di momenti di pura passione, descritti in modo garbato che non tolgono nulla alle emozioni. Colin non si lascerà mai andare completamente, nonostante la forte attrazione per Amy, in virtù della sua promessa di matrimonio. I fratelli di Colin hanno un ruolo molto importante nell’evolversi della vicenda e soprattutto Kendra si dimostrerà una forte sostenitrice di Amy e l’aiuterà a superare le vicessitudini e la delusione dovuta all’atteggiamento di Colin di cui la ragazza è molto innamorata.
A un certo punto ricompare Robert, il promesso sposo di Amy, un ragazzo viscido e avido che per assicurarsi la sua fortuna proverà a sposarla contro la sua volontà. Tra vari colpi di scena l’amore trionferà.
Nel racconto sono stati inseriti accenni storici, come il famoso incendio che colpì Londra nel 1666, che ho trovato interessanti e non hanno appesantito la narrazione.
La storia d’amore è descritta con la giusta dose di erotismo che non sfocia mai nel volgare ed anche i momenti divertenti non mancano, considerando che il bel Colin è anche un uomo a cui piace fare degli scherzi impegnativi.
Amethyst è un romanzo che appaga nella lettura da tutti i punti di vista, mi ha emozionata per il garbo ed il romanticismo ed in considerazione del fatto che è solo il primo di una saga, di sicuro lascia buone aspettative per i prossimi capitoli.
.
Alle lettrici amanti del romance storico consiglio sicuramente questa lettura, che ho trovato coinvolgente e con tutti i requisiti che reputo necessari per questo genere letterario.
Ho trovato la trama originale, soprattutto per il mestiere svolto dalla protagonista, inusuale per una donna dell’Inghilterra del 1666; Amethyst (Amy) è orafa nel negozio di famiglia e fabbrica bellissimi gioielli. Il padre, rimasto vedovo con un’unica figlia, ripone in lei e nel suo innato talento tutte le aspettative per il futuro dell’oreficeria.
Promessa in sposa sin da bambina a Robert, l’apprendista del padre, la ragazza pur non amandolo decide di sposarlo ma, alla vigilia delle nozze, l’incendio che colpisce Londra nel 1666, cambia tutta la sua vita.
La sua casa e il negozio bruciano, durante l’incendio suo padre muore ed Amy viene tratta in salvo da Colin, il Conte di Greystone che altri non è che l’eroe che popolava i suoi sogni da quando, cinque anni prima lo aveva incontrato, durante l’incoronazione di re Charles.
Colin la conduce nel suo castello e si offre di ospitarla nell’attesa di spedirla al sicuro in Francia, dalla zia paterna. Qui Amy conosce la sua eccentrica famiglia e si lega particolarmente a sua sorella Kendra, di cui diventerà complice e molto amica.
Da subito tra i due giovani nasce una forte attrazione anche se con un comportamento altalenante da parte di Colin, che è fidanzato e prossimo alle nozze. Colin infatti, sta ristrutturando il castello di Greystone con la dote della giovane che dovrà sposare, pur non essendone innamorato.
Il racconto è ricco di momenti di pura passione, descritti in modo garbato che non tolgono nulla alle emozioni. Colin non si lascerà mai andare completamente, nonostante la forte attrazione per Amy, in virtù della sua promessa di matrimonio. I fratelli di Colin hanno un ruolo molto importante nell’evolversi della vicenda e soprattutto Kendra si dimostrerà una forte sostenitrice di Amy e l’aiuterà a superare le vicessitudini e la delusione dovuta all’atteggiamento di Colin di cui la ragazza è molto innamorata.
A un certo punto ricompare Robert, il promesso sposo di Amy, un ragazzo viscido e avido che per assicurarsi la sua fortuna proverà a sposarla contro la sua volontà. Tra vari colpi di scena l’amore trionferà.
Nel racconto sono stati inseriti accenni storici, come il famoso incendio che colpì Londra nel 1666, che ho trovato interessanti e non hanno appesantito la narrazione.
La storia d’amore è descritta con la giusta dose di erotismo che non sfocia mai nel volgare ed anche i momenti divertenti non mancano, considerando che il bel Colin è anche un uomo a cui piace fare degli scherzi impegnativi.
Amethyst è un romanzo che appaga nella lettura da tutti i punti di vista, mi ha emozionata per il garbo ed il romanticismo ed in considerazione del fatto che è solo il primo di una saga, di sicuro lascia buone aspettative per i prossimi capitoli.
March 13, 2013
I purchased this book when it was on sale for $0.99. I had read Lauren Royal's previous "free' offerings, and enjoyed them, and when the author said it was on for .99 cents I went and bought it.
It took me a surprisingly long time to read! Normal I devour romance novels—but this one took me about four days to read. I've been very busy recently, but it didn't engage me the way some other books do. However, I was interested in the characters, wanted to know what was going to happen, and wanted to finish the book, which I did do. But I think that perhaps I didn't want to read this book to the exclusion of all other things in life, like can happen with some other books that I've read. Not a bad thing for my family and children perhaps, but maybe not a great thing in a book.
I liked the characters, and that the main character had a career as a jeweler. I like the male protagonist, and I liked his family. I enjoyed the descriptions of the homes and landscapes, and I really liked the historical parts: the restoration, King Charles, his mistress, the plague, the London fire, etc. I felt that I really learned something while reading this book.
There was a few plot points that seemed unfinished. I kept on waiting to see if the male antagonist would reappear...and he didn't. The zenith of the book seemed to come very early, and that the rest of the book as a long slow slide to the epilogue. Not a bad slide, a well written slide, but a slide. More "bumps" would have added much needed interest!
I'll most definitely give further books in the series a read; often books in a series just get better and better.
It took me a surprisingly long time to read! Normal I devour romance novels—but this one took me about four days to read. I've been very busy recently, but it didn't engage me the way some other books do. However, I was interested in the characters, wanted to know what was going to happen, and wanted to finish the book, which I did do. But I think that perhaps I didn't want to read this book to the exclusion of all other things in life, like can happen with some other books that I've read. Not a bad thing for my family and children perhaps, but maybe not a great thing in a book.
I liked the characters, and that the main character had a career as a jeweler. I like the male protagonist, and I liked his family. I enjoyed the descriptions of the homes and landscapes, and I really liked the historical parts: the restoration, King Charles, his mistress, the plague, the London fire, etc. I felt that I really learned something while reading this book.
There was a few plot points that seemed unfinished. I kept on waiting to see if the male antagonist would reappear...and he didn't. The zenith of the book seemed to come very early, and that the rest of the book as a long slow slide to the epilogue. Not a bad slide, a well written slide, but a slide. More "bumps" would have added much needed interest!
I'll most definitely give further books in the series a read; often books in a series just get better and better.
November 24, 2013
A very enjoyable historical romance that's a little bit different because it's set in the Restoration.
It's love at first sight for Amethyst when she sees the handsome Colin Chase in a procession celebrating the restoration of King Charles II -Just two problems stand in their way - she is a child and a jeweller's daughter and whilst he is an aristocrat gentleman.
The story picks up a few years later when Colin visits the jewellers where Amethyst works and although he can't admit it to himself, starts to fall in love. Events gather pace as the Fire of London sweeps through London and throw Amy and Colin together...
Amethyst was refreshing on a number of levels. It was good to read a historical romance set in the Restoration, and the story never let up. Even when (spoiler alert) Amy and Colin are married , the twists don't stop coming and I thoroughly enjoyed the story right to the last page.
I read some of the 1 star reviews (on Amazon.com) and frankly, I can only assume they were written by people who don't like or understand the HR genre. I have no hesitation in recommending this book.
It's love at first sight for Amethyst when she sees the handsome Colin Chase in a procession celebrating the restoration of King Charles II -Just two problems stand in their way - she is a child and a jeweller's daughter and whilst he is an aristocrat gentleman.
The story picks up a few years later when Colin visits the jewellers where Amethyst works and although he can't admit it to himself, starts to fall in love. Events gather pace as the Fire of London sweeps through London and throw Amy and Colin together...
Amethyst was refreshing on a number of levels. It was good to read a historical romance set in the Restoration, and the story never let up. Even when (spoiler alert) Amy and Colin are married , the twists don't stop coming and I thoroughly enjoyed the story right to the last page.
I read some of the 1 star reviews (on Amazon.com) and frankly, I can only assume they were written by people who don't like or understand the HR genre. I have no hesitation in recommending this book.
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