The English Witch

Trevelyan Family #2

by Loretta Chase

Pity Alexandra Ashmore! Though bewitching to behold, she has been forced into an engagement with a man she does not love. Alexandra's stodgy fiancé is blind not only to her considerable charms, but also to her dazzling effect on other men. Even worse, the green-eyed beauty is kidnapped by one such swain, a hot-blooded Albanian hopelessly smitten with her.

But Alexandra's true troubles begin with the arrival of her dashing rescuer, Basil Trevelyan. From Albania to England, the notorious cad pursues her, determined to make her his own, and setting Alexandra's world scandalously atilt in ways she never dreamed.…

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Regency, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Regency Romance

Paperback

First published July 1, 1988

About the author

Loretta Lynda Chekani was born in 1949, of Albanian ancestry. For her, the trouble started when she learned to write in first grade. Before then, she had been making up her own stories but now she knew how to write them down to share. In her teenage years, she continue to write letters, keep a journal, write poetry and even attempt the Great American Novel (still unfinished). She attended New England public schools, before she went off to college and earned an English degree from Clark University.

After graduation, she worked a variety of jobs at Clark including a part-time teaching post. She was also moonlighting as a video scriptwriter. It was there that she met a video producer who inspired her to write novels and marry him. Under her married name, Loretta Chase, has been publishing historical romance novels since 1987. Her books have won many awards, including the Romance Writers of America RITA.

Reviews

[willaful · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was only Chase's second romance, yet she already showed a rare talent for "promoting" a secondary character/villain to hero status. Three years after being packed off to India, Basil Trevelyan is somewhat ashamed over his dastardly actions in Isabella, has gained a lot of useful experience in solving problems, and is considerably richer. But he's still delightfully devious and witty--a state of affairs that does him no good at all when he falls in love for the first time, but which is certainly enjoyable for us. Basil has no trouble at all dealing with the tangled situation of Alexandra Ashmore, who is burdened by too many fiances, none of whom she wants; it's convincing her that he's husband material that's the tricky part.

I love Basil -- he's almost up there with Georgette Heyer's amiable snake Randall, from Behold, Here's Poison -- and I loved watching him fall. I'm not entirely sure Alexandra is good enough for him, but at least she appreciates him. This is a "traditional" Regency -- i.e., no sex -- but the tension is awesome.

[kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I HATE CHASE BOOKS.

Alexandra is so goddamned stunning that she collects men like bees collect pollen. Basil is so goddamned tricksy that he collects problems like flowers collect bees. After rescuing Alexandra from one unwanted suitor, he finds himself needing to rescue her from all her suitors, unwanted or not, because he's going to be her only suitor, goddamn it!

1. I was literally SO ANNOYED for the first half of this book. I HATED that Alexandra's Big Flaw is that she's so gorgeous men just...follow her around? and Basil was boring and it was all so awkward and dull and annoying and I was like "OH NO I AM GOING TO GIVE A CHASE BOOK 2 STARS WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME."

2. And then Basil saves Alexandra from another suitor, Will, and it just--took off. Something ignited and suddenly there was chemistry all over the place and the banter became this affectionate, dry sort of ribbing that Chase does wonders with, and it all just blossomed into something lovely and feelings-ridden and decent and UGH. SO GROSS. The last quarter was 4 stars, basically, and I got feeling-squirms.

3. Albania is a thing that happens in this book.

4. So is England!

[Jeannine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The villain from book 1 becomes the hero in book 2! I didn't really love the first book, though I saw signs of the Loretta Chase I love in there. This book was so much more fun. Basil benefits from a time jump, which has let him travel and earn some money working for Henry or Harry (too many similar names, Loretta!).

The first 30% of the book takes place in Albania, where we meet the Alexandra and her father. Basil is dispatched by Lady Clem, Alex's godmother, to rescue her from a kidnapping. They pretend to be engaged to facilitate their exit and return to England. Of course Basil is smitten, but so are others in Alex's orbit. Maria, mother of the FMC in book 1, is the puppet master in this one and it's kind of funny...she's downright lethargic, but knows everything that's happening amongst the different characters.

[guiltless pleasures · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I never read blurbs, and that meant I knew literally nothing about this book when I started it, and THAT meant I did a happy dance when I realized our hero was the divine Basil Trevelyan, the dastardly antihero from Chase’s previous (and first) novel, Isabella.

He’s got tawny hair, golden cat eyes and a silver tongue that could make you forget your name. He is a manipulative little sh*t, but in the BEST possible way. It’s in Basil that you see the beginnings of what Chase will go on to do in Lord of Scoundrels. I love him.

I would definitely recommend reading Isabella first, for all its flaws, because many of its characters roll over into this book. And that brings me to my first lament: that there are again way too many characters. They should have been culled by a third. If you don’t find yourself thinking, “Wait, which Latham is this? Who is Marianne again?” then you are a far better reader than I.

There were also a couple out-of-character moments for both Basil and Alexandra, our heroine, which an editor should have caught.

Overall, I’d say the big difference between this and Chase’s more recent books is that things happen TO Alexandra, rather than her having much agency of her own. She’s dragged from pillar to post by all the various men, including her father. I liked her character, but I wanted to see a little more Jessica Trent and a little less marionette. Maybe that’s a 90s thing?

End note: There is no sex in this book, but it doesn’t mean there aren’t a number of VERY sexy little moments.

[Lady Wesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just her second book, and already Loretta Chase's marvelous talent convincingly takes the villain from her first book and turns him into the reluctant hero here. And what a delicious rogue he is! The action ranges from his rescue of Arabella in Albania to the ballrooms of London to the English countryside. Yes, some of the action is rather unlikely (and far too complicated to even try to summarize), but LC keeps things moving and the reader enjoys going along for the ride.

This book is the sequel to Isabella, which is good but not great. There are many characters who turn up in both books, so for maximum enjoyment, I recommend reading both in quick succession. The Kindle versions are just $2.99.

[SheLove2Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the kind of book I live to read - witty, engaging & intelligent dialog and a supporting cast almost as fun as the main couple. Chase lays out a story so thoroughly she makes it seem effortless. I adored Basil, the rake and reluctant suitor. He made this book!
Recommended read / A-

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loretta Chase's writing is superb! Such a talent with the turning of a phrase and the crisp dialogue. I always enjoy her books. ;)

[Kit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than the first book

I LOVE Basil. I loved him in Isabella; he was much more interesting than Edward. I liked Alexandra too, but Basil was the best part of the book.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loretta Chase is known for writing historical romances with brainy heroines who defy societal conventions and rakish heroes who underneath there charm possess a heart of gold along with elegant dialogue and an engaging storyline. In the English Witch, she doesn’t disappoint.

Our heroine Alexandra has been dragged through Albania by her father who cares more for investigating antiquities than engaging with humans, including his daughter. As they travel, Alexandra bewitches the men in every village with her beauty and insousciant personality, which leads the women to call her the English witch.


He’s insisting that his daughter marry Randolph, the son of a wealthy merchant, so that the merchant will forgive his debts. In desperation, she writes her godmother begging for salvation from the arranged marriage. Aunt Clem sends Basil Tevelyans, one of England’s most notorious rakes, to rescue her. If he were alive today, Basil would be a “fixer.” He’s overcome his lack of fortune (and added debt) through his skill at resolving other people’s problems in ways that escape notice. He arrives in Albania in the nick of time as Alexandra has been kidnapped by another suitor who refuses to believe that she loves her betrothed “Randolph.”

The action moves to England and one of those estate parties that lasts several weeks. Alexandra has caught the eye of Lord Arden, soon to be Duke, and a frenemy of Basil. Arden decides he must marry Alexandra (though that won’t mean giving up his twins on the side who reside in London). Alexandra finds herself caught between suitors, Basil, and her father.

The romance is charming and a quick read. There’s a not a lot of action - it’s more about the verbal and intellectual gamesmanship between Basil and Alexandra, but that’s okay. Delicious.

So hard to rate this one - enjoyable and Loretta Chase stands head and shoulders above so many romance authors. The rating is closer than a 3.5, but I couldn't quite give it a 4 in light of her other books. (all rated on my 5 star romance scale)

[Susinok · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loretta Chase can do humerous and witty characters better than anyone else writing today.

I loved Basil and Alexandra! Both were strong personalities that would fit perfectly together, if only they realized it. Some of the secondary charcters were equally amusing. I especially loved the scheming Aunt Clem and Lady Deverall, who languishes on the settee all day long, similar to the Lady Bertram in Mansfield Park.

This book is the follow up to Isabella, and though this story would stand on it's own, I highly recommend that you read Isabella first, because it's just as much fun as this book.

[QNPoohBear · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexandra Ashmore is known as "The English Witch" all over Albania where her intense green eyes bewitch every man around. Alexandra's archeologist Papa barely notices. He wants her to marry the son of a his man of business, a wealthy wool merchant. Alexandra finds Randolph Burnham extremely boring. She writes an impassioned plea to her godmother, Lady Bertram, back in London for help. Lady Bertram dispatches her wayward nephew Basil Trevelyan to rescue Alexandra. Basil has spent three wretched years in India paying his debts and making a profit. He travels to Greece where he receives his Aunt Clem's letter. When he arrives in Albania to discover that Alexandra has been kidnapped by one of her would-be Albanian suitors. Basil dashes in to rescue the lady, only to be bewitched himself! There's nothing to do but fake an engagement in order to persuade Alexandra's Papa to allow her to return to London instead of hurrying her off to Yorkshire to be married. In London, Alexandra is the guest of Lady Bertram and her friend Lady Maria Deverell. Basil plays least in sight trying to return to his libertine ways. Enter William Farrington, Marquess of Arden, a long time friend of Basil's and Bail's equal in debauchery. Will takes one look at Alexandra and knows he has to posses her. His "aged parent" is after him to marry so there's nothing to it but to woo and win Alexandra. Then Alexandra is invited to a house party at Lord Hartleigh's, along with Will, his sister Jess and of course, Basil. Also in attendance are a number of unmarried young ladies falling prey to Basil's flirtatious charm. Why should that annoy Alexandra so much? Why can't she seem to succumb to Will's charm? Further complications ensue when her father arrives determined to marry her off to Randolph no matter what. Alexandra may have to sacrifice her dreams of love in order to save her family from scandal.

This book starts off really strong. The Albanian setting is very unique. The description is excellent. It sounds as if the author did her research, but she could have written any old thing and it would have sounded right. The dialogue between the heroine and hero is witty. The second section of the novel copies the plot of Isabella more or less. The third section is a comedy of errors worthy of Shakespeare. I liked the first and third sections the best. They were more unique and amusing than the middle part. The middle part sort of drags on a bit too long. The way Alexandra's problems are solved is predictable, but funny. There are a few surprises along the way though. My biggest complaint is that the romance is quick off the ground with a true connection but then the witty dialogue gives way to kissing and longing. We're told how the characters feel and how they can be comfortable with each other and why they're good for each other but most of the showing from the middle forward is in the form of physical attraction.

I loved the characters in this novel. I disliked Basil in Isabella but he feels some remorse for what he did and in this story, he gets a taste of his own medicine. It's vastly amusing to watch Basil be out-raked by his friend. His jealously is very telling of his feelings for Isabella; feelings which take a long time to acknowledge. He tries to go back to his old ways but finds he can't which is very telling. He discovers that he wants to be with someone with whom he can argue and have lively conversation. This says a lot about his character and how he has changed. Alexandra is intelligent and level headed. She's confident and manipulative in her own way. Yet, she doesn't see why all these men fall in love with her. She turns into a watering pot in the middle of the story and doesn't stop. I disliked that about her but I did admire her independence in wanting to solve her problems on her own. The chemistry between the hero and heroine sizzles. There are a few scenes with rather more intense kissing than I would have liked. The heroine nearly allows herself to be seduced. I thought she was going to give in and that would have solved her problems, sort of.

The secondary characters are very good also. Will takes the place of the rake character. He's just like Basil used to be. I didn't like him much but he does make Alexandra's internal dialogue a bit funny as she contemplates his courtship techniques. His sister Jess sounds like a great character. She's very level headed. I didn't quite understand why the gentleman with the title goes by his name when Basil is known as Trev. The best characters are Maria and Aunt Clem. I loved Maria in Isabella and here she has an even greater role. She rouses herself from her chaise lounge to attend her daughter's house party. She's still languid and finds anything too fatiguing but yet behind her facade, she's a skilled manipulator. I knew exactly what she and Aunt Clem/Lady Bertram were up to. It should have been obvious to at least Isabella, but it wasn't. They're very funny in a sly, subtle sort of way. I think they'll set their sights on matchmaking for Will and Jess now. It was great to catch up with Isabella and Hartleigh and their family. Little Lucy is now 10 and just as chatty as ever. She's a great gossip and will be a matchmaker when she grows up. Uncle Henry also appears in this novel, as skilled as ever at manipulating business affairs as well as personal affairs. I love the Deverell-Latham-Trevelyan family and want more of them!

Though this book is a sequel to Isabella, it can be read on it's own. I think Georgette Heyer would approve of the characters and most of the plot. She wouldn't like the intense kissing scenes, though, from what I've read about Loretta Chase's newer books, this is pretty tame.

[Jan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very old school HR, things have changed.

[Mikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Alexandra Ashmore, plagued from every which way by fiances and suitors she doesn't want. In order to put off one engagement, Alexandra pretends to be engaged to another in the form of Basil Trevelyan, a villainous-scoundrel-turned-wealthy-hero, then turns around and secures another one once they return to England, just to be safe. Of course, then it turns out that she and Basil were perfect for each other all along, and after various mishaps and misunderstandings, end up happily together, the end.

The English Witch is definitely superior to its predecessor, Isabella, but one has to suspend one's disbelief to get through it. Once all skepticism is shed and a willingness to accept the ridiculous and implausible is established, the delights of this book will be revealed. There is a definite spark between Alexandra and Basil that comes off as natural and exciting. I loved the way they talked to each other, which could make or break a romance novel for me, but Loretta Chase nailed it. The rest of the book's problems fall away in the light of their banter, so four stars it is.

And I still loved Isabella's mother.

[Karin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think it would have helped to have read Isabella before reading this book. While the story was understandable, there were a lot of references to events that were quite confusing. Rather than puzzle them out, I just read on and accepted what was written as it stood without fully understanding all the connections between various characters. While it didn't necessarily diminish this book, I think knowing that information would have made it more enjoyable.

[Vivisection · Rating 2 out of 5]

With a title like The English Witch, I was expecting a willfully tempestuous heroine and 100% more smut. Instead, this is a tonny novel of manners and marriageable misses. The anti-hero, the rake in need of reform however, is delightfully witty;and while Basil is not diabolically wicked, his naughty charm is the bright point in an otherwise slog of a book.

[Mia · Rating 4 out of 5]

"She would have preferred certainly that Lovelace did not so very much remind her of Mr. Trevelyan."
Poor Basil but he was a little bit like that ( but surely not as cruel as Lavelace! ) in the previous book of the series...

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best of her early Regencies. Again, a villain redeemed, which she does remarkably well. Plus Albania makes its first appearance.

[P.]

Interesting beginning but a bit of the same old for the rest.

[Marcela · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has such a great start, with Basil back and even better than in the first one. But boy, were we misguided! It became boring, with a dragging storyline and characters that were not well explored. Maria is just annoying, Sir Charles doesn't know what he wants, Randolph is just a big nothing and so on... I was expecting more from the author.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, it's been too long since I read Isabella, which means there were way too many characters I didn't remember in this book. I liked a lot of the interactions between the hero and heroine, but I just couldn't keep up with all the characters. (And this is a short book.)

[Courtney K · Rating 1 out of 5]

Gave it a go and didn't care for the lack of action even though the first few pages include a kidnapping and daring rescue. There was more historical information than I cared to know and little character development.

[Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is just not going to be as good as Chase's later works. It was her second ever I believe and written 30 years ago. But, it wasn't offensive and I'm very glad she continued at it, so I'm rounding up to 3 stars.

[ChristineZ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the characters and the plot was original. Albanian people make take offence though! Too many extraneous characters for me, called by their various names and titles so it was even harder to keep track.

[Debra K. Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Read

Sometimes funny, not as honest as I like. It must be difficult for Chase to spin plots and storylines. I’d have appreciated more honesty and more sex. Oh, did I say that out loud?

[Laura Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would give it 3.5 stars but not 4 because I feel this isn't a stand alone novel, Isabella needs to be read first. There are a lot of characters and subplots going on in this story ,and to make sense of it you need to read the first book.

[Ariel Hill · Rating 2 out of 5]

Super boring, I only read it because the first book was okay, but i could hardly get through this one. They don’t have chemistry and i couldnt wait to put the book down. I’m disappointed they got married because Basil sucks and I dont like him.

[Siyka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining and charming!

[Cary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the witty banter of the characters! The plot twists were nice and the story moved along good pace.

[Carol Chiovatto · Rating 2 out of 5]

pretty ok, entertaining enough

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Couldn’t finish it. The hero and heroine didn’t seem like round characters and the plot didn’t grab me.