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The Secrets of Hadley Green #4
The Last Debutante
Who is the captive and who is the captor? When a sexy laird holds a spirited English lady for ransom, she turns the tables and steals his heart.
The lush Scottish Highlands are a tempting setting for seduction in New York Times bestselling author Julia London's sparkling new novel.
The last person Daria Babcock expects to find in her grandmother's home is a brawny, naked Highlander. She doesn't buy Mamie's explanation about finding the poor man shot in the woods. Nor does she trust the gorgeous laird, who insists his own memory fails him. But Daria came to Scotland looking for adventure and romance, and after the intriguing stranger kidnaps her, she gets her wish, and so much more. . . .
The lush Scottish Highlands are a tempting setting for seduction in New York Times bestselling author Julia London's sparkling new novel.
The last person Daria Babcock expects to find in her grandmother's home is a brawny, naked Highlander. She doesn't buy Mamie's explanation about finding the poor man shot in the woods. Nor does she trust the gorgeous laird, who insists his own memory fails him. But Daria came to Scotland looking for adventure and romance, and after the intriguing stranger kidnaps her, she gets her wish, and so much more. . . .
356 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 26, 2013
139 people are currently reading
1938 people want to read
About the author
Julia London
190 books3,137 followersJulia London is the New York Times and USA Today best selling author of more than two dozen romantic fiction novels. She is the author of the popular historical romance series, the Cabot Sisters, including The Trouble with Honor, The Devil Takes a Bride, and The Scoundrel and the Debutante. She is also the author of several contemporary romances, including Homecoming Ranch, Return to Homecoming Ranch, and The Perfect Homecoming.
Julia is the recipient of the RT Bookclub Award for Best Historical Romance and a six-time finalist for the prestigious RITA award for excellence in romantic fiction. To keep up with all the Julia London news, please visit http://www.julialondon.com. Follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/julialondon
Julia is the recipient of the RT Bookclub Award for Best Historical Romance and a six-time finalist for the prestigious RITA award for excellence in romantic fiction. To keep up with all the Julia London news, please visit http://www.julialondon.com. Follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/julialondon
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
May 13, 2020
Que posso dizer? Adorei a série!!! 😍
Continuo a lamentar apenas dois dos cinco livros terem sido editados em Portugal.
Este foi quase o meu favorito (devo confessar que não há amor como o primeiro e as personagens Declan e Keira ficaram em mim, lamentavelmente apenas no livro 1 e 1,5 têm destaque).
Sou só eu ou todos os personagens highlanders são demais? Adorei o Jamie 🤗
Quando julgava que o segredo das jóias e de Ashwood tinha sido descoberto no terceiro livro, eis que no final este nos surpreende 😉
Continuo a lamentar apenas dois dos cinco livros terem sido editados em Portugal.
Este foi quase o meu favorito (devo confessar que não há amor como o primeiro e as personagens Declan e Keira ficaram em mim, lamentavelmente apenas no livro 1 e 1,5 têm destaque).
Sou só eu ou todos os personagens highlanders são demais? Adorei o Jamie 🤗
Quando julgava que o segredo das jóias e de Ashwood tinha sido descoberto no terceiro livro, eis que no final este nos surpreende 😉
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February 22, 2015
I loved this novel!
This was a truly perfect Historical Romance, where I can't find any fault.
Julia London is a real talented author, especially with her Historicals. The Last Debutante is no exception, every HR-lover will be satisfied with it.
The story begins with Jamie Campbell being shot at by the grandmother of the heroine, Daria. Her Grandmother, Mamie, is trying to finish him off while he is bedridden, when Daria arrives to visit with her Grandmother for some time.
A funny and quirky beginning, which catched my interest from the very start. I especially liked how innocent Daria was and wanted to help Jamie find his health, while her Grandmother tried to kill him without making it too obvious to Daria. Yes, it gets a bit complicated and it comes to the point where Jamie kidnaps Daria, to get the Ransom from her Grandmother.
The story continues to be quite unique and comical, and not just were Jamie and Daria adorable as the H/h, but all the other characters, just wow! One was funnier and more likable than the other, the round-up picture Julia London created was not just very enjoyable, but something different from your usual HR.
The relationship between Daria and Jamie was cute and tender on the one hand, and on the other hand Daria's temper and Jamie's laid back, Alpha attitude clashed more than enough in their various conversations.
But even in other regards, it wasn't shallow or light, there were so many issues and deep-going aspects about all characters, which turned this into a perfect blend of, well, everything
Strongly recommended!
This was a truly perfect Historical Romance, where I can't find any fault.
Julia London is a real talented author, especially with her Historicals. The Last Debutante is no exception, every HR-lover will be satisfied with it.
The story begins with Jamie Campbell being shot at by the grandmother of the heroine, Daria. Her Grandmother, Mamie, is trying to finish him off while he is bedridden, when Daria arrives to visit with her Grandmother for some time.
A funny and quirky beginning, which catched my interest from the very start. I especially liked how innocent Daria was and wanted to help Jamie find his health, while her Grandmother tried to kill him without making it too obvious to Daria. Yes, it gets a bit complicated and it comes to the point where Jamie kidnaps Daria, to get the Ransom from her Grandmother.
The story continues to be quite unique and comical, and not just were Jamie and Daria adorable as the H/h, but all the other characters, just wow! One was funnier and more likable than the other, the round-up picture Julia London created was not just very enjoyable, but something different from your usual HR.
The relationship between Daria and Jamie was cute and tender on the one hand, and on the other hand Daria's temper and Jamie's laid back, Alpha attitude clashed more than enough in their various conversations.
But even in other regards, it wasn't shallow or light, there were so many issues and deep-going aspects about all characters, which turned this into a perfect blend of, well, everything
Strongly recommended!
March 24, 2013
Jamie Campbell, laird of his clan, goes to confront a crazy old English woman who "stole" a thousand pounds from a crazy old man from his clan. But she meets him at the door with a blunderbuss.
Threats are exchanged, and long story short, she sorta accidentally shoots him.
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Daria Babcock is the titular last debutante of Hadley Green, in that every other gal she knows is married or a scandalous ho. She's suffering from a bad case of "I'll die a virgin" when a letter arrives from her grandma asking her parents for money. Anxious to at least have an adventure, she manages to talk them into letting her go, accompanied by her friend Charity (who is a scandalous ho--Perfect chaperone material).
Next thing you know, Charity has hooked up with a sea captain and Daria and her trunk have been dumped on a deserted "road" in the armpit of the Highlands. She's not capable of schlepping her trunk up the steep rabbit trail that is supposedly the road to granny's house, so she deserts it (which of course leaves me for the next SIX chapters wondering what the hey happened to the dam trunk).
She arrives at granny's cottage to find a half-crazy old lady she barely recognizes
with a wounded, naked Scot in the guest room.
Unfortunately he's doped up on laudanum.
When Jamie finally comes around, after a brief pretense of amnesia for no obvious reason, he explains why he's there (granny supposedly rooked a crazy old man in his clan) and threatens to put granny in jail (gaol, in case it sounds better that way). Daria argues that he's an a$$wad for picking on a dotty old lady, so when his clansmen arrive looking for him, he decides to abduct Daria and hold her until the debt is repaid.
Now here's where I don't get Daria. At first she thinks about how the ransom will ruin her. No man will have her if this gets out. But does she put up a fight? Or at least tell Jamie that destroying the future of an innocent woman is hardly justice, even if he's right about her granny? When he has her forcibly on his horse, does she fight? He is wounded. All she'd have to do is pound on one of his injuries. Why isn't she verbally hammering him, at least? No, she just tells him she's not afraid of him--to which he says "oh, yeah?"
Daria embarks on a "nice" offensive. Even while everybody in the clan is calling her "ransom" and making her feel as welcome as a skunk at a debutante ball, she's as disgustingly cheerful as one of those greeters at a megachurch.
In fact, the biggest threat she poses to her captors is that she might put them into diabetic comas.
Me, I'd be all in the man's face about how dare he act like he's the injured party, when his own actions have destroyed the future of an innocent, but nope, not Daria. Even though she initially thinks that this abduction pretty much ruins her socially and wrecks any chance she has of marriage and children, when her future is mentioned, she's all "oh, don't worry, no harm no foul."
Meanwhile granny is going even crazier, and it's clear she's got a ginormous, crazy-making secret.
Part of my problem here is the conventions of the genre. In many Regencies, if an ingénue is even alone with a guy for twelve seconds she's ruined unless he marries her. Here, the heroine is held captive, unchaperoned, for weeks, and other than an early panic attack, nobody thinks it'll be a problem for her.
And the denouement is a little out of the blue.
Long story short, it sort of sticks together, but isn't one of London's best. I'm going to blame it on deadlines and say that if she'd had more time with it, it could've been much better. 3 stars
Threats are exchanged, and long story short, she sorta accidentally shoots him.
Daria Babcock is the titular last debutante of Hadley Green, in that every other gal she knows is married or a scandalous ho. She's suffering from a bad case of "I'll die a virgin" when a letter arrives from her grandma asking her parents for money. Anxious to at least have an adventure, she manages to talk them into letting her go, accompanied by her friend Charity (who is a scandalous ho--Perfect chaperone material).
Next thing you know, Charity has hooked up with a sea captain and Daria and her trunk have been dumped on a deserted "road" in the armpit of the Highlands. She's not capable of schlepping her trunk up the steep rabbit trail that is supposedly the road to granny's house, so she deserts it (which of course leaves me for the next SIX chapters wondering what the hey happened to the dam trunk).
She arrives at granny's cottage to find a half-crazy old lady she barely recognizes
with a wounded, naked Scot in the guest room.
Unfortunately he's doped up on laudanum.
When Jamie finally comes around, after a brief pretense of amnesia for no obvious reason, he explains why he's there (granny supposedly rooked a crazy old man in his clan) and threatens to put granny in jail (gaol, in case it sounds better that way). Daria argues that he's an a$$wad for picking on a dotty old lady, so when his clansmen arrive looking for him, he decides to abduct Daria and hold her until the debt is repaid.
Now here's where I don't get Daria. At first she thinks about how the ransom will ruin her. No man will have her if this gets out. But does she put up a fight? Or at least tell Jamie that destroying the future of an innocent woman is hardly justice, even if he's right about her granny? When he has her forcibly on his horse, does she fight? He is wounded. All she'd have to do is pound on one of his injuries. Why isn't she verbally hammering him, at least? No, she just tells him she's not afraid of him--to which he says "oh, yeah?"
Daria embarks on a "nice" offensive. Even while everybody in the clan is calling her "ransom" and making her feel as welcome as a skunk at a debutante ball, she's as disgustingly cheerful as one of those greeters at a megachurch.
In fact, the biggest threat she poses to her captors is that she might put them into diabetic comas.
Me, I'd be all in the man's face about how dare he act like he's the injured party, when his own actions have destroyed the future of an innocent, but nope, not Daria. Even though she initially thinks that this abduction pretty much ruins her socially and wrecks any chance she has of marriage and children, when her future is mentioned, she's all "oh, don't worry, no harm no foul."
Meanwhile granny is going even crazier, and it's clear she's got a ginormous, crazy-making secret.
Part of my problem here is the conventions of the genre. In many Regencies, if an ingénue is even alone with a guy for twelve seconds she's ruined unless he marries her. Here, the heroine is held captive, unchaperoned, for weeks, and other than an early panic attack, nobody thinks it'll be a problem for her.
And the denouement is a little out of the blue.
Long story short, it sort of sticks together, but isn't one of London's best. I'm going to blame it on deadlines and say that if she'd had more time with it, it could've been much better. 3 stars
October 19, 2016
Llegué al final de la serie y debo admitir que me ha gustado, éste último libro, me ha gustado. La lástima es que ésta serie de Julia London es de lo más mediocre que he leído y sólo salvo el 2º libro y éste 4º. Normalmente la autora no me decepciona con el libro que cierra sus series, pero a pesar de que éste libro está bien, no le llega ni de lejos a "El amante secreto" o "Escándalo en Palacio".
En ésta conclusión sabemos qué ocurrió finalmente en Hadley Green en 1793, pero debo admitir que lo de las joyas no me ha quedado muy claro, o no se explica o ha pasado tan de pasada, que ni me he pispado. Sólo debo decir que ha sido un giro espectacular que realmente no esperaba, pero Julia London lo ha hilado muy bien.
La historia de amor me ha gustado mucho, es bonita y tierna, con las suficientes dosis de romanticismo y sensualidad. Son unos protas que se ven y se desean, pero ése deseo no es loco ni precipitado, tiene el justo equilibrio. Al principio del libro me dejó totalmente descolocada la actitud y los actos de la abuela Mamie, y aunque al final lo acabas entendiendo, creo que no había que llegar a tales extremos.
Por otro lado admito que soy fácilmente susceptible a los libros de los tíos con faldas, así que no es extraño que el libro me haya gustado habiendo un escocés de por medio. Y también me ha gustado que el libro haya salido de Hadley Green y no se desarrolle allí, si no en Escocia.
En resumen, la serie es entretenida, pero ni de lejos la mejor de Julia London. Sólo la recomendaría si eres fan de la autora y tienes ganas.
En ésta conclusión sabemos qué ocurrió finalmente en Hadley Green en 1793, pero debo admitir que lo de las joyas no me ha quedado muy claro, o no se explica o ha pasado tan de pasada, que ni me he pispado. Sólo debo decir que ha sido un giro espectacular que realmente no esperaba, pero Julia London lo ha hilado muy bien.
La historia de amor me ha gustado mucho, es bonita y tierna, con las suficientes dosis de romanticismo y sensualidad. Son unos protas que se ven y se desean, pero ése deseo no es loco ni precipitado, tiene el justo equilibrio. Al principio del libro me dejó totalmente descolocada la actitud y los actos de la abuela Mamie, y aunque al final lo acabas entendiendo, creo que no había que llegar a tales extremos.
Por otro lado admito que soy fácilmente susceptible a los libros de los tíos con faldas, así que no es extraño que el libro me haya gustado habiendo un escocés de por medio. Y también me ha gustado que el libro haya salido de Hadley Green y no se desarrolle allí, si no en Escocia.
En resumen, la serie es entretenida, pero ni de lejos la mejor de Julia London. Sólo la recomendaría si eres fan de la autora y tienes ganas.
October 25, 2021
3.5 but I’m clicking 4 stars. I’m feeling generous because it left me in a good mood compared to the other JL highlander books. I started on this without reading the prior books in the series, so this is a standalone review. After a rocky and tedious start, this book certainly improved. Jamie our hero laird and Daria encounter each other in a small cottage under some shocking circumstances. I consider myself shocked by few things but when villainy is committed by the heroine’s grandmother - shooting Jaime and causing grievous bodily harm to the hero, all for inexplicable and evasive reasons, I was ready to quit the book. The grandmother was manipulative and repulsive. Fortunately, I persisted. Daria had a charming personality and was not TSTL. She sought survival and made the most out of a bad situation. A fighter in her clever, sweet ways. The book had genuine moments of laugh-out-loud amusement. Everything Geordie (H’s brother) had to say made me laugh. Nothing funnier than misspelled nonsense - he earns the rating a full half-star.
Jamie is our young and handsome laird who is already betrothed to Other Woman, a lady from the neighbouring Brodie clan. It was called off over an incident and he’s trying to keep things together. After meeting Daria and bringing her back to Dundavie due to circumstances, the two gradually fall in love. Alas, just when they do, OW shows up, ready to pick up on the betrothal. Jamie struggled a lot between his duty and following his heart’s wishes.
There is much disbelief to suspend since Daria was basically unchaperoned the entire duration with Jamie. Unbelievable for Georgian era and smacked of modern-with-historical-dressing. And Daria as the last debutante is quite overwrought - she’s only 21 for goodness’s sake. She isn’t in the same situation as Charity, her friend with a disgraced reputation and child to boot. And really, there was everything going for Jamie and OW and they probably could have married well - other than his change of heart once he met Daria. And the financial and political issues around Dundavie never could have gone away easily just like that, so the tidy HEA is a little contrived.
Otherwise, this was a breezy read of young and tender first love against a scenic Highland backdrop, and miscellaneous Hadley Green villainy. I was in the exact mood for a sweet romance with some cheerful people. Having read this 4th book first, I don’t think I need to read the prior books as the narratives quickly brought me up to speed. I am generally annoyed by narratives that I have to skim through, but starting a series backwards may be just the cure for it.
(Spoiler)
While the book was safe, he did kiss OW despite having fallen for Daria. Some readers might be ready with pitchforks for him. I’m ready to forgive him since he felt guilt and committed to pursuing his heart over his responsibility, … although he didn’t come clean with it to Daria. I think that she would have forgiven him had she known somehow, so I am ready to overlook it.
(End spoiler)
P.S. I thought Daria rhymes with Dahlia, but if it doesn’t, it’s an unfortunate name that sounds like a terrible physical condition.
Jamie is our young and handsome laird who is already betrothed to Other Woman, a lady from the neighbouring Brodie clan. It was called off over an incident and he’s trying to keep things together. After meeting Daria and bringing her back to Dundavie due to circumstances, the two gradually fall in love. Alas, just when they do, OW shows up, ready to pick up on the betrothal. Jamie struggled a lot between his duty and following his heart’s wishes.
There is much disbelief to suspend since Daria was basically unchaperoned the entire duration with Jamie. Unbelievable for Georgian era and smacked of modern-with-historical-dressing. And Daria as the last debutante is quite overwrought - she’s only 21 for goodness’s sake. She isn’t in the same situation as Charity, her friend with a disgraced reputation and child to boot. And really, there was everything going for Jamie and OW and they probably could have married well - other than his change of heart once he met Daria. And the financial and political issues around Dundavie never could have gone away easily just like that, so the tidy HEA is a little contrived.
Otherwise, this was a breezy read of young and tender first love against a scenic Highland backdrop, and miscellaneous Hadley Green villainy. I was in the exact mood for a sweet romance with some cheerful people. Having read this 4th book first, I don’t think I need to read the prior books as the narratives quickly brought me up to speed. I am generally annoyed by narratives that I have to skim through, but starting a series backwards may be just the cure for it.
(Spoiler)
While the book was safe, he did kiss OW despite having fallen for Daria. Some readers might be ready with pitchforks for him. I’m ready to forgive him since he felt guilt and committed to pursuing his heart over his responsibility, … although he didn’t come clean with it to Daria. I think that she would have forgiven him had she known somehow, so I am ready to overlook it.
(End spoiler)
P.S. I thought Daria rhymes with Dahlia, but if it doesn’t, it’s an unfortunate name that sounds like a terrible physical condition.
March 15, 2013
What a delightful addition to the Secrets of Hadley Green series!
Daria Bobcock is the last debutante of Hadley Green. Her day begins and ends like most English ladies, with teas and parties, but as she sees all of her friends enjoying their martial lives and babies, she grows restless and thirsts for a meaning to her life, a purpose that will fulfill and define her. Having no wanted martial prospects in the vicinity, and with her parents' refusal to grant her a Season in London, she is eager to go help her grandmother in Scotland when her grandmother's letter came to request financial assistance. Of course, she never expected to encounter a naked, unconscious man in her grandmother's cottage.
Jamie Campbell, Laird of the Dundavie Campbells, was unexpectedly shot by an old woman when he tried to make her admit her thievery to his clan, that she had duped his mentally ill uncle for a much-needed thousand pounds. He woke to find the old woman's beautiful granddaughter, Daria, and after some confusion, decided to take her ransom in his clan's castle until the thousand pounds is paid.
What I enjoy most about this book are the main characters and the gradual love that is built between them throughout the novel. Daria may be a young English miss, but she is nothing if not cheerful and determined, with a sincere heart to want to help others. She makes the best of her captivity and tries to befriend the Campbells, all the while falling in love with their intelligent and kind Laird. Jamie may not like the English, but he cannot resist Daria's sunny smiles and the warmth she infuses her surroundings. Their relationship develops from admiration of each other's character to a gentle camaraderie and love. Jamie perceives the missing component in Daria's life - bravery to pursue her own happiness, and she in turn teaches him that love is more important than clan alliances and heritage.
The first 3/4 of the book moves pleasantly, mostly with the developing relationship between Daria and Jamie. There is an underlying mystery and intrigue aspect to the novel that is fully explained near the end when the secret of Hadley Green is finally revealed, along with some skeletons of Daria's family. The ending feels a little rushed, and not enough has been expanded on how the characters will eventually deal with these emerging problems, but the book's end message is a timeless one of love conquers all.
I have thoroughly enjoyed The Last Debutante. This novel is like a refreshing walk through the meadows, full of sweetness and poignancy. The cast of characters is interesting and dynamic, and the lush settings of the wilds of Scotland only serves to enhance the reading experience. It's time to add Julia London to your auto-buy list if you haven't already done so!
Daria Bobcock is the last debutante of Hadley Green. Her day begins and ends like most English ladies, with teas and parties, but as she sees all of her friends enjoying their martial lives and babies, she grows restless and thirsts for a meaning to her life, a purpose that will fulfill and define her. Having no wanted martial prospects in the vicinity, and with her parents' refusal to grant her a Season in London, she is eager to go help her grandmother in Scotland when her grandmother's letter came to request financial assistance. Of course, she never expected to encounter a naked, unconscious man in her grandmother's cottage.
Jamie Campbell, Laird of the Dundavie Campbells, was unexpectedly shot by an old woman when he tried to make her admit her thievery to his clan, that she had duped his mentally ill uncle for a much-needed thousand pounds. He woke to find the old woman's beautiful granddaughter, Daria, and after some confusion, decided to take her ransom in his clan's castle until the thousand pounds is paid.
What I enjoy most about this book are the main characters and the gradual love that is built between them throughout the novel. Daria may be a young English miss, but she is nothing if not cheerful and determined, with a sincere heart to want to help others. She makes the best of her captivity and tries to befriend the Campbells, all the while falling in love with their intelligent and kind Laird. Jamie may not like the English, but he cannot resist Daria's sunny smiles and the warmth she infuses her surroundings. Their relationship develops from admiration of each other's character to a gentle camaraderie and love. Jamie perceives the missing component in Daria's life - bravery to pursue her own happiness, and she in turn teaches him that love is more important than clan alliances and heritage.
The first 3/4 of the book moves pleasantly, mostly with the developing relationship between Daria and Jamie. There is an underlying mystery and intrigue aspect to the novel that is fully explained near the end when the secret of Hadley Green is finally revealed, along with some skeletons of Daria's family. The ending feels a little rushed, and not enough has been expanded on how the characters will eventually deal with these emerging problems, but the book's end message is a timeless one of love conquers all.
I have thoroughly enjoyed The Last Debutante. This novel is like a refreshing walk through the meadows, full of sweetness and poignancy. The cast of characters is interesting and dynamic, and the lush settings of the wilds of Scotland only serves to enhance the reading experience. It's time to add Julia London to your auto-buy list if you haven't already done so!
February 5, 2013
"The Last Debutante" is the fourth book in the The Secrets of Hadley Green series. Starring Daira Babcock, a spirited albeit sheltered English Rose, who at 21 finds herself still unmarried and without prospect. When her beloved grandmother writes home from Scotland, requesting that someone send her much needed funds; Daria jumps at the chance for adventure.
This is a wonderful book that though part of a series, has a story that has no trouble standing alone. Daria is a leading lady who manages to be both fresh and unpretentious while maintaining her intelligence and wit.
Action and a bit of comedy are present from the opening chapters, in which readers are introduced to Daria's feisty and resourceful grandmother and a certain Scottish laird.
Though there is romance in this read, it takes a backseat for most of the read to the secrets, intrigue, and power plays that surround both Daria and the young laird.
Romance between the two does bloom sweetly and slowly, despite both strange beginnings and less than hospitable surroundings.
There are secrets that will change Daria's life, as scandal from her father's past comes back to haunt the family and possibly bar Daria from true love forever.
This multifaceted romance is not one to be missed. A perfectly balanced combination of romance, mystery, and drama sure to keep pages turning and hearts skipping a beat.
I was provided with an ARC of this book in exchange for the honest review provided.
To see this review as it appears on my blog: http://www.wtfareyoureading.com/2013/...
This is a wonderful book that though part of a series, has a story that has no trouble standing alone. Daria is a leading lady who manages to be both fresh and unpretentious while maintaining her intelligence and wit.
Action and a bit of comedy are present from the opening chapters, in which readers are introduced to Daria's feisty and resourceful grandmother and a certain Scottish laird.
Though there is romance in this read, it takes a backseat for most of the read to the secrets, intrigue, and power plays that surround both Daria and the young laird.
Romance between the two does bloom sweetly and slowly, despite both strange beginnings and less than hospitable surroundings.
There are secrets that will change Daria's life, as scandal from her father's past comes back to haunt the family and possibly bar Daria from true love forever.
This multifaceted romance is not one to be missed. A perfectly balanced combination of romance, mystery, and drama sure to keep pages turning and hearts skipping a beat.
I was provided with an ARC of this book in exchange for the honest review provided.
To see this review as it appears on my blog: http://www.wtfareyoureading.com/2013/...
January 2, 2021
The last debutante was not really my kind of historical romance, felt rather bored and the story rather bland
April 2, 2013
This is the first book I have read from author Julia London. It was the picture on the front, the title, the summary, and all the positive reviews. In addition, the twist of my favorite English Regency genre takes place in Scotland, not England. I’ve been there twice and could see this setting as being just as fascinating for a story. Not disappointed - it was a fun PG-13 read!
Lovely Daria, embarrassed and unfortunate in her eyes, is the last unspoken for girl in the village of Hadley Green and her recluse parents will not take her to London for a season to find a husband. Therefore, poor 21yr. old Daria’s life is pretty bleak and doomed.
Well, what the heck, why not escape to Scotland to see her beloved grandmother who needs some money delivered? Adventure awaits our heroine and boy, is she in for it! Daria travels there and finds dear granny in a tiny cottage with a handsome Scotsman, (our hero), lying nearly passed out from pain and totally naked, because dear old granny shot him. She’s nursing him back to health, but in the meantime, his buds come get him and he takes darling Daria as ransom for money that granny took from Uncle Hamish Campbell. So off handsome hero, Laird Jamie, goes with Daria to Castle Dundavie where he oversees the whole Campbell clan.
Daria is allowed to go out and about as she wants, but she will be not released until the ransom is paid. In the meantime, Daria makes the best of her idle time and wins the hearts of some of the clansmen, including our hero, the Laird. And she with him, of course. Fun and touching moments happen during her "imprisoned" time at Dundavie. (I liked the dinner and waltz scenes!)
My only complaint is that the end seemed very rushed. I actually had to re-read the explanations of the details because some of them didn’t make sense to me. There wasn’t any hint of some details throughout the story which I thought odd. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the story. Apparently this is #4 of a series, but can stand-alone. Judging by reviews of #1-#3, I will stop with “The Last Debutant”.
Lovely Daria, embarrassed and unfortunate in her eyes, is the last unspoken for girl in the village of Hadley Green and her recluse parents will not take her to London for a season to find a husband. Therefore, poor 21yr. old Daria’s life is pretty bleak and doomed.
Well, what the heck, why not escape to Scotland to see her beloved grandmother who needs some money delivered? Adventure awaits our heroine and boy, is she in for it! Daria travels there and finds dear granny in a tiny cottage with a handsome Scotsman, (our hero), lying nearly passed out from pain and totally naked, because dear old granny shot him. She’s nursing him back to health, but in the meantime, his buds come get him and he takes darling Daria as ransom for money that granny took from Uncle Hamish Campbell. So off handsome hero, Laird Jamie, goes with Daria to Castle Dundavie where he oversees the whole Campbell clan.
Daria is allowed to go out and about as she wants, but she will be not released until the ransom is paid. In the meantime, Daria makes the best of her idle time and wins the hearts of some of the clansmen, including our hero, the Laird. And she with him, of course. Fun and touching moments happen during her "imprisoned" time at Dundavie. (I liked the dinner and waltz scenes!)
My only complaint is that the end seemed very rushed. I actually had to re-read the explanations of the details because some of them didn’t make sense to me. There wasn’t any hint of some details throughout the story which I thought odd. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the story. Apparently this is #4 of a series, but can stand-alone. Judging by reviews of #1-#3, I will stop with “The Last Debutant”.
May 15, 2014
En realidad sería 3.5 pero me da rabia que no se puedan poner.
No me esperaba este tipo de argumento en esta saga...y lo cierto es que estoy muy saturada de la trama de las novelas en las que aparecen los fornidos hombres con faldas a cuadros... pese a todo, resulta una lectura muy dulce, porque la relación entre ellos es "normal", ella es un encanto, todo positivismo y a él, le resulta imposible luchar contra eso.
Muchos (demasiados) de los tópicos de estas novelas aparecen en la trama. Pero bueno, en resumen, me ha resultado muy entretenida y, en verdad, me ha gustado.
Por fin se confirma el tema de las joyas del primer libro, eso sí, la autora pasa de puntillas.
No me esperaba este tipo de argumento en esta saga...y lo cierto es que estoy muy saturada de la trama de las novelas en las que aparecen los fornidos hombres con faldas a cuadros... pese a todo, resulta una lectura muy dulce, porque la relación entre ellos es "normal", ella es un encanto, todo positivismo y a él, le resulta imposible luchar contra eso.
Muchos (demasiados) de los tópicos de estas novelas aparecen en la trama. Pero bueno, en resumen, me ha resultado muy entretenida y, en verdad, me ha gustado.
Por fin se confirma el tema de las joyas del primer libro, eso sí, la autora pasa de puntillas.
Read
August 17, 2017"Leap, lass.
You’ll either fall or fly,
but if you donna leap,
you will waste your time on this earth.
Be brave, Daria. Be courageous.”
November 27, 2014
Enjoyable story about a spinster with no prospects who stumbles upon a taciturn Scotsman living in a castle but with no family bonding to speak of. Slowly her generous personality touches all who live there and she brings closeness and love back within its walls.
Into this mix was a little bit of a mystery and family secret, which made for an interesting story.
I enjoyed this for the most part, but I found the heroine a little bit too naive for my taste. Also, the batty grandmother got on my nerves, but aside from these small quibbles, this was a pretty good story!
Into this mix was a little bit of a mystery and family secret, which made for an interesting story.
I enjoyed this for the most part, but I found the heroine a little bit too naive for my taste. Also, the batty grandmother got on my nerves, but aside from these small quibbles, this was a pretty good story!
August 18, 2023
As the fourth and last book in this series, The Last Debutante brings to a conclusion the 25-year-old mystery of Ashwood's stolen gems with a surprising twist. The give and take between Daria and Jamie was fun to read as they ultimately reach their HEA.
February 27, 2020
I liked the reader for the audiobook.
January 30, 2020
The protagonist had a lot of say-not-show character traits shoved at you in a way that felt like "oh I forgot to tell you she's good at navigating this kind of situation, anyway, that's relevant right now to the plot because..."
It got better but was overall never better than average
It got better but was overall never better than average
May 3, 2013
auf Wiedersehen Hadley Green
So we bid a fond farewell to Julia London's Hadley Green series, and I have to say right up front that The Last Debutante is given short shrift. It has the feel of an author eager to move on to her next project, especially the ending, which has a very rushed feel and a quick wrapping of loose ends. I was disappointed that I was not allowed to savor The Last Debutante.
Daria, our heroine, is off on an adventure! She is the last unmarried girl in Hadley Green, so she must must must find adventure. So, she talks the "bad" girl into being her chaperone in her little jaunt into the wilds of Scotland to give her grandmother some money. Now, why Daria's parents would okay Daria journeying anywhere with the resident fallen woman, Charity, is one of those "this would not happen in real life but since this is a make-believe romance we have to do some stretching of the boundaries and no one will care." Charity's chaperoning doesn't really matter anyway, since she disappears for some behind-the-scenes hanky panky on board ship and then abandons Daria and runs off with a Captain MacKenzie. This part had me searching my short stories and/or others in the series to see if I had missed something...don't think I did. And, let me say Charity's character deserved a better treatment than what she was allotted in this book.
The story starts with a bang. And that is because Daria's grandmother shoots our hero, Jamie Campbell. There is a reason for that and the reason is one of the mysteries around which this story revolves. Daria, our plucky heroine, gets left in the lurch by her chaperone Charity and then deposited along the road along with her luggage. Eventually, she walks to her grandmother's cottage (sans luggage). And what is one of the first things that meets her eyes when she enters? A big naked Scottish guy (our hero) asleep in her grandmother's bed. He's big, big, big. Daria has never seen anyone so big...everything on his body is big. Of course, she has nothing to compare it to, being a virgin and all. Her grandmother returns and lies to her, Jamie wakes up and kidnaps her and holds her at his castle for ransom. Thus romance is born once again.
I thought this part of the story was fun. Of course, she wins over almost all of the "I hatessss Sassenach" Campbells. But, I noticed that there was a little lacking in all of her encounters with the clan. Her relationship with them was sort of glossed over. What could have been some well-developed characterizations were lost in the shuffle of bringing out the mystery of her grandmother's secret. And, then when we finally find out what the mystery is, it also involves a villain. This villain also has a connection with our missing chaperone Charity. All these things and more are thrown together in a "hodgepodge" ending that was a disappointing culmination to a lovely series. Daria and Jamie were great characters; it's just too bad they were in the book that wrapped up Hadley Green.
KaysBlog
So we bid a fond farewell to Julia London's Hadley Green series, and I have to say right up front that The Last Debutante is given short shrift. It has the feel of an author eager to move on to her next project, especially the ending, which has a very rushed feel and a quick wrapping of loose ends. I was disappointed that I was not allowed to savor The Last Debutante.
Daria, our heroine, is off on an adventure! She is the last unmarried girl in Hadley Green, so she must must must find adventure. So, she talks the "bad" girl into being her chaperone in her little jaunt into the wilds of Scotland to give her grandmother some money. Now, why Daria's parents would okay Daria journeying anywhere with the resident fallen woman, Charity, is one of those "this would not happen in real life but since this is a make-believe romance we have to do some stretching of the boundaries and no one will care." Charity's chaperoning doesn't really matter anyway, since she disappears for some behind-the-scenes hanky panky on board ship and then abandons Daria and runs off with a Captain MacKenzie. This part had me searching my short stories and/or others in the series to see if I had missed something...don't think I did. And, let me say Charity's character deserved a better treatment than what she was allotted in this book.
The story starts with a bang. And that is because Daria's grandmother shoots our hero, Jamie Campbell. There is a reason for that and the reason is one of the mysteries around which this story revolves. Daria, our plucky heroine, gets left in the lurch by her chaperone Charity and then deposited along the road along with her luggage. Eventually, she walks to her grandmother's cottage (sans luggage). And what is one of the first things that meets her eyes when she enters? A big naked Scottish guy (our hero) asleep in her grandmother's bed. He's big, big, big. Daria has never seen anyone so big...everything on his body is big. Of course, she has nothing to compare it to, being a virgin and all. Her grandmother returns and lies to her, Jamie wakes up and kidnaps her and holds her at his castle for ransom. Thus romance is born once again.
I thought this part of the story was fun. Of course, she wins over almost all of the "I hatessss Sassenach" Campbells. But, I noticed that there was a little lacking in all of her encounters with the clan. Her relationship with them was sort of glossed over. What could have been some well-developed characterizations were lost in the shuffle of bringing out the mystery of her grandmother's secret. And, then when we finally find out what the mystery is, it also involves a villain. This villain also has a connection with our missing chaperone Charity. All these things and more are thrown together in a "hodgepodge" ending that was a disappointing culmination to a lovely series. Daria and Jamie were great characters; it's just too bad they were in the book that wrapped up Hadley Green.
KaysBlog
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2013
Daria Babcock is tired of being the last debutante left in Hadley Green. All of her friends are not only married, but also having babies and enjoying their deliriously happy lives. When her family receives a plea for help from her Grandmama in Scotland, Daria leaps at the chance to go and visit her beloved Mamie. Finally, she has a chance to get out of Hadley Green and have a little adventure of her own.
Laird Jamie Campbell cannot figure out what the crazy Englishwoman is up to. First, the old woman steals clan money from Jamie’s ailing Uncle Hamish, then she up and shoots Jamie in the back and tries to hold him hostage. When Jamie awakes and finds himself face to face with the crazy woman’s beautiful granddaughter, he decides there is only one option, if he ever wants answers, so he takes Daria hostage and holds her in the Campbell family stronghold for ransom.
Daria is nothing that Jamie expects her to be. Plucky and full of life, she inserts herself into Campbell Clan life despite their determination to hate the English interloper. Soon, Jamie begins to realize that, even if her family pays the ransom, he would rather not part with his precious prize. Sometimes, it takes the hand of fate to put the pieces exactly where they need to be.
Ms. London writes a cast of unforgettable characters that readers will fall instantly in love with. As both Daria and Jamie grapple with the importance of familial duty and honor, their battles will resonate strongly with modern audiences. Sprinkled with poignant details of life in the Highlands, this is definitely one to add to your shelf.
Kaitlin
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Laird Jamie Campbell cannot figure out what the crazy Englishwoman is up to. First, the old woman steals clan money from Jamie’s ailing Uncle Hamish, then she up and shoots Jamie in the back and tries to hold him hostage. When Jamie awakes and finds himself face to face with the crazy woman’s beautiful granddaughter, he decides there is only one option, if he ever wants answers, so he takes Daria hostage and holds her in the Campbell family stronghold for ransom.
Daria is nothing that Jamie expects her to be. Plucky and full of life, she inserts herself into Campbell Clan life despite their determination to hate the English interloper. Soon, Jamie begins to realize that, even if her family pays the ransom, he would rather not part with his precious prize. Sometimes, it takes the hand of fate to put the pieces exactly where they need to be.
Ms. London writes a cast of unforgettable characters that readers will fall instantly in love with. As both Daria and Jamie grapple with the importance of familial duty and honor, their battles will resonate strongly with modern audiences. Sprinkled with poignant details of life in the Highlands, this is definitely one to add to your shelf.
Kaitlin
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
March 1, 2013
It pissed me off. Would like to think author knew what thy were writing about - but at one point they had a character being compared to a MOCKINGBIRD. Well, excuse me for being Miss Picky... but mockingbirds? In Scotland? In the early 19th Century?
And then there's my normal gripe with this genre. Current authors seem to feel they HAVE to have at least one gratuitous sex scene, for preference they make it a pre-marital one, to show that the Heroine is Brave and Doesn't Care for the Conventions of Her Class (or something... not entirely sure WHY they do this!). It doesn't work, for me. Your mileage may vary, of course. But now I don't really want to read anything by this author ever again. EVER.
And then there's my normal gripe with this genre. Current authors seem to feel they HAVE to have at least one gratuitous sex scene, for preference they make it a pre-marital one, to show that the Heroine is Brave and Doesn't Care for the Conventions of Her Class (or something... not entirely sure WHY they do this!). It doesn't work, for me. Your mileage may vary, of course. But now I don't really want to read anything by this author ever again. EVER.
March 15, 2013
I might have given this a higher rating if it wasn't a complete rip-off of "Outlander." I understand that there might be similar stories floating around, but all the elements were the same: kidnapped English brown haired heroine gets brought to the laird's home (who has been shot). The names are even the same: Jamie, Hamish, Dougal, etc. The laird wants to marry the "Sassenach" (and calls her such), but cannot turn away from the responsibility of his clan, was meant to be laird, etc., etc. Likeable characters, but read this book when it was called "Outlander" and was way better!
August 17, 2013
Their relationship doesn't seem to take off until the end. I did enjoy the way the book was completed (disregarding the epilogue) more than most, even if it was rushed a bit. Daria and Mamie were irritating. Mamie was OBVIOUSLY hiding something and Daria didn't pursue it enough at the get-go. Daria was whiney and spoiled but she still managed to befriend the unbefriendable with relative ease it seemed. I thought Jamie was smoking and I loved everything he was in. I'd like to read about Jamie's brother.
October 17, 2014
Uma história com um toque de humor. Uma debutante a procura de um príncipe encantado; um conde que só desejava o bem de seu clã. Mas que tem seus planos alterados quando Daria chega a suas terras para visitar a avó. Daria fica abismada ao encontrar o conde ferido na casa da avó. Uma série de enganos faz com que Jamie Campbell a sequestre até que ele recupere um dinheiro que a avó dela deu sumiço. E Daria aos pouquinhos, mesmo com tudo contra ela, conquista aos poucos seu clã e o coração dele. Uma boa leitura.
June 11, 2020
This was actually my third time reading this story. It’s such a good read that every now and then when I find myself unable to find a good book to start reading, I go back to a couple of my favorites; including this one.
I love the way Daria and Jamie’s love developed over time, the battle between love and duty Jamie had with himself until he could no longer deny his love. I also loved how caring and gentle Daria was and how she kept her dignity in the face of adversity.
I love the way Daria and Jamie’s love developed over time, the battle between love and duty Jamie had with himself until he could no longer deny his love. I also loved how caring and gentle Daria was and how she kept her dignity in the face of adversity.
May 6, 2017
I picked this up at the library as a book on tape to fill a gap. It was part of a series (is anything not?) and large elements of the plot depended on that. Still, it didn't do badly as a stand alone. More sweet than sexy, I liked the dignity of the heroine.
November 18, 2017
Love it!
I honestly love all of Julia Londons books. I have yet to read one that i dont love. Read this one!
I honestly love all of Julia Londons books. I have yet to read one that i dont love. Read this one!
April 12, 2021
A sweet read.
Not enough to convince me why people love pocket books, but at least I tried something new.
Not enough to convince me why people love pocket books, but at least I tried something new.
March 1, 2016
this review was originally published at DearAuthor.com
Dear Ms. London,
I have read all the books in your The Secrets of Hadley Green series. (OK, I didn't read the Christmas novella.) I seem to enjoy every other one. The first, The Year of Living Scandalously, failed to grab my attention. I liked the second, The Revenge of Lord Eberlin (my review is here) and actively disliked the third, The Seduction of Lady X. This one, The Last Debutante, is a lighter read than the two that preceded it. I enjoyed it despite the fact it's set in romancelandia Scotland and the hero speaks romancelandia Scottish--all "wee" and "donna"--which usually are buzz-kills for me.
Daria Babcock lives with her exceedingly devoted-to-one-another parents in Hadley Green where she is the last one in her set without a studly husband. Daria, who had three unsuccessful seasons in Hadley Green, is somewhat depressed.
She would like to be married, to be a mother, a wife, to have some purpose other than to attend teas.
One day, after attending a tea, Daria comes home to find her usually ebullient parents acting subdued. When Daria asks why her mother tells her that her grandmother Mamie is yet again in need of money and that her father must travel to Scotland to give it to her. Daria, bored and lonely, announces that she will go in her father's place. Her parents say no, then say yes, Daria sails to Scotland with her friend Charity (the sister of Lord Eberlin), and, after Charity pretty much abandons her, Daria finds herself stranded in the "middle of nowhere" in the Highlands. She hikes up a tiny trail to her grandmother's crofter's cottage where she finds not her grandmother but an unconscious "completely naked man."
Daria's breath deserted her. She stood rooted to the floor, her gaze locked on him, a tremor of fear building in the pit of her belly. He was ... a very big man. All of him was big. Daria had seen a little boy without his breeches, but she'd never seen a fully grown man in all his splendor. She'd had no idea that boys turned into this.
The robust specimen in question is Jamie Campbell, the laird of the Dundavie Campbells. Jamie had come to query Mamie whom he has been told beguiled a thousand pounds out of his slightly senile Uncle Hamish. Mamie shot him in the side with her blunderbuss and is now drugging him with valerian.
Daria can't fathom why her grandmother would have a wounded naked man in her home but when Mamie returns to the cottage and Daria demands an explanation, Mamie's makes no sense. Mamie claims she found the man, already shot, lying in the woods, and brought him home out of the goodness of her heart.
As soon as Jamie is able, he explains to Daria who he is and how he came to be shot. Mamie doesn't deny shooting him but she still hasn't a believable reason for doing so. Jamie is more than a wee bit miffed. He wants Mamie to be punished and to repay his clan's thousand pounds. Daria promises to do the latter if he will give way on the former. When Jamie's men arrive to rescue him, Jamie announces that Daria will be returning with him to Dundavie. When an outraged Daria protests, Jamie explains.
"You have made your argument for it yourself, lass. Your desire is that I do no harm to your grandmamma. My desire is that we handle this matter by applying the rules of Highland justice. Plainly put, if your grandmamma wants to see you returned to Enland, she will repay the money she took from Uncle Hamish."
This silly set-up is just that: a set-up to get Daria placed in the midst of a quirky Scottish village ruled by Jamie. I forgave its silliness because, once Daria is ensconced in Dundavie, surrounded by Jamie's clan, The Last Debutante becomes a lot of fun.
The best thing in this novel is not the romance (which is fine) nor is it the historically dubious setting. The best thing is the cast of characters living in Dundavie. There's Jamie's brother Geordie who, after having his throat slashed in a stupid fight, is now mute and must communicate by writing on a slate. Despite being an atrocious speller, Ian determinedly comments on everything his brother does and is often hilarious. There's prescient, perpetually cranky Bethia who is assigned act as a maid to Daria and who gloomily predicts Daria's happy future. There's Jamie's cousin and bodyguard Duff who constantly corrects Daria's English misapprehensions about Scottish life. Daria falls for Jamie's people who in turn come to see her as far more than the nickname they've given her: Ransom.
I like Jamie and Daria individually and as a couple. Daria is smart, independent, and resourceful. When the book begins, she's a rather spoiled girl determined to become more than what Hadley Green offers her. In the Scottish highlands, far away from the rules of early 1800's England, she becomes an interesting woman with the brains and insight needed to be the lady of Dundavie. Jamie who at first seems like a stereotypical alpha Laird is really a thoughtful, compassionate caretaker who works hard to protect he people he is responsible for. Each brings out the best in the other. Their relationship is less sexual than in those in the other Hadley Green books and that's a good thing. Jamie and Daria fall in love through conversation; the passion between them matters but it's not the thing that draws then binds them together.
I have never liked the plot that snakes through all the Hadley Green books. It involves stolen jewels and an evil vanished earl. In this (I think) final book of the series, that plot is resolved and it's no more interesting here than it was in the other novels. Mamie's reasons for needing money and shooting Jamie are a part of it as are, rather horribly, the reason Daria's parents are so devoted to each other. Everything is explained and the good people of Hadley Green live happily ever after and the bad people don't. My response to this tidy finish is a big yawn.
Despite its silly premise and plot, The Last Debutante is entertaining. I read it while in Florida where I took my two youngest for their Spring Break. It made a great vacation read: funny, slightly sexy, sweet, and utterly undemanding. I give it a "beach read" B-.
Sincerely,
Dabney
February 16, 2023
3.5
Para que mentir en lo que pensé al comenzar esta lectura odie a la abuela, me caía mal, ni siquiera al final pude sentirme bien por ella, ojalá que se caiga y se rompa una pierna, no le deseo buena salud, es una manipuladora en potencia, hace lo que quiere cuando quiere. El libro de por sí me mantuvo bien entretenida viendo como todos.
°Los padres de Daría a pesar de todo lo que hicieron, me hubiera gustado que le hablarán de todo, le escondieron prácticamente toda su vida.
°Jamie me pareció un personaje que a pesar de que fuera "frío" parecía tan cercano que hizo su lectura agradable.
°Aqui es la chica quien conquista al chico.
°Mostar personajes con diferentes discapacidades y mostrar cómo sus vidas no cambian mostro el otro lado que se tenía en aquella época.
Reseña.
Daría se ha mantenido aburrida en sus veintiun años, no se ha casado ni a sentido el amor que espera recibir por lo cual a la hora de cualquier aventura se irá y su viaje a ver a su queridísima abuela Mamie, le dará lo que necesita aunque se ve obstruido cuando se encuentre a su abuela con un hombre herido y nada menos con ella, por lo cual cuando esté más recuperado aquel hombre herido quien era nada más y nada menos que Laird Jamie Campbell, se llevará a Daría puesto su abuela le había robado una gran suma de dinero y la única manera que creía que se le sería devuelto es teniendo a Daria con el, pero nunca creyó que ella se haría de amiga de su sobrino ademas que le quitaría a sus dos perros, mucho menos que fuera tan feliz cuando todos la acepten a pesar de los prejuicios había ella, aunque de todas maneras no todos están feliz con su llegada, pero si son solo con tres aliados ella es feliz, hasta que se da cuenta que los besos de Jamie son tan buenos como peligrosos ya que deberá de irse de esas tierras pronto sin embargo si logra conquistarlo aquello nunca sucederá.
Para que mentir en lo que pensé al comenzar esta lectura odie a la abuela, me caía mal, ni siquiera al final pude sentirme bien por ella, ojalá que se caiga y se rompa una pierna, no le deseo buena salud, es una manipuladora en potencia, hace lo que quiere cuando quiere. El libro de por sí me mantuvo bien entretenida viendo como todos.
°Los padres de Daría a pesar de todo lo que hicieron, me hubiera gustado que le hablarán de todo, le escondieron prácticamente toda su vida.
°Jamie me pareció un personaje que a pesar de que fuera "frío" parecía tan cercano que hizo su lectura agradable.
°Aqui es la chica quien conquista al chico.
°Mostar personajes con diferentes discapacidades y mostrar cómo sus vidas no cambian mostro el otro lado que se tenía en aquella época.
Reseña.
Daría se ha mantenido aburrida en sus veintiun años, no se ha casado ni a sentido el amor que espera recibir por lo cual a la hora de cualquier aventura se irá y su viaje a ver a su queridísima abuela Mamie, le dará lo que necesita aunque se ve obstruido cuando se encuentre a su abuela con un hombre herido y nada menos con ella, por lo cual cuando esté más recuperado aquel hombre herido quien era nada más y nada menos que Laird Jamie Campbell, se llevará a Daría puesto su abuela le había robado una gran suma de dinero y la única manera que creía que se le sería devuelto es teniendo a Daria con el, pero nunca creyó que ella se haría de amiga de su sobrino ademas que le quitaría a sus dos perros, mucho menos que fuera tan feliz cuando todos la acepten a pesar de los prejuicios había ella, aunque de todas maneras no todos están feliz con su llegada, pero si son solo con tres aliados ella es feliz, hasta que se da cuenta que los besos de Jamie son tan buenos como peligrosos ya que deberá de irse de esas tierras pronto sin embargo si logra conquistarlo aquello nunca sucederá.
April 1, 2024
Not everyone will like this as much as I did--there is very little in the way of romance (I only skipped two pages out of the 356) and much more mystery! Why did her grandmother steal the $1000? Why would she shoot an unarmed man in the back--twice? (That is not a spoiler--it is on the back cover and happens on page 5, but you see it coming on page 2.) Does she have a gambling debt? Who is stealing all her belongings? Is she insane or just have senile dementia like the man she stole from? Is the Laird a rake who means her harm, and will he, as he said he would, use her and discard her? A true page turner for me. Several expertly created and deftly handled plot twists.
I love the scenery descriptions. I love the people (Yes they are clannish and I can see why a woman who craves London could see them as backward), who so different than I am--although my world seems to be changing as rapidly as theirs was. I do hope there is a follow-up in the works as I am dying to know the fates of the two handicapped males, the spurned lover and her shifty clan, and the whole Campbell clan.
I love the scenery descriptions. I love the people (Yes they are clannish and I can see why a woman who craves London could see them as backward), who so different than I am--although my world seems to be changing as rapidly as theirs was. I do hope there is a follow-up in the works as I am dying to know the fates of the two handicapped males, the spurned lover and her shifty clan, and the whole Campbell clan.
January 8, 2018
Please note that this book likely would have gotten more than three stars if the dreaded reading slump hadn't set in when I was 1/4 of the way from finishing. It sat on my bed side for over three months before I just gave up on the idea of reading it as by then I had lost interest. But what I did read, I absolutely loved. One thing I greatly appreciated was that our main couple did not yet sleep together over 3/4 of the way in, which means a great deal of time was spent on developing plot and relationship to work up to that particular moment. The plot is different compared to other novels and the situation that her family gets her into is interesting and works to bring our couple together. If anything I would have liked some more concentration on developing the relationship over her family's involvement in the events the ultimately bring them together, several things became a little repetitive. But then again I didn't read that last 100 or so pages.
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