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The Carsington Brothers #4
Not Quite a Lady
Irresistible Force
Darius Carsington is a spectacularly handsome rake with a rare intelligence and no heart, a man who divides his time between bedding loose-moraled women and writing scholarly papers. He finds society's "perfect darlings" exceedingly boring. But there's something intriguing, and not quite perfect, about faultless Lady Charlotte Hayward. He senses a crack under her polished surface, and finding it is a challenge he can't resist.
Immovable Object
Lady Charlotte is so beautiful, charming, and gracious that no one has noticed what an expert she is at Not Getting Married. Early on, she learned a painful lesson about trust... and temptation. In the years since, she's devoted her life to being all she ought to be—and she's not about to let a man like Carsington entice her to do everything she shouldn't.
A Splendid Collision
But the rules of attraction can easily overpower the rules of manners and morals, and sometimes even the best-behaved girl has to follow her instincts, even if it means risking it all.
Darius Carsington is a spectacularly handsome rake with a rare intelligence and no heart, a man who divides his time between bedding loose-moraled women and writing scholarly papers. He finds society's "perfect darlings" exceedingly boring. But there's something intriguing, and not quite perfect, about faultless Lady Charlotte Hayward. He senses a crack under her polished surface, and finding it is a challenge he can't resist.
Immovable Object
Lady Charlotte is so beautiful, charming, and gracious that no one has noticed what an expert she is at Not Getting Married. Early on, she learned a painful lesson about trust... and temptation. In the years since, she's devoted her life to being all she ought to be—and she's not about to let a man like Carsington entice her to do everything she shouldn't.
A Splendid Collision
But the rules of attraction can easily overpower the rules of manners and morals, and sometimes even the best-behaved girl has to follow her instincts, even if it means risking it all.
350 pages, Paperback
First published April 24, 2007
About the author
Loretta Chase
68 books3,776 followersLoretta 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 416 reviews
December 9, 2022
get you a man that thinks of you both as mere animals, ready to breed at any given moment
this dude spends his free time watching animals fuck and writing pamphlets on it. doesn't believe in love. his dad says "hey u need to get married or you need to clean up this old house and make the property useful." he chooses door #2 and then meets our spinster heroine who lives next door.
she has secrets. that secret being a 10 yr old fatherless kid she gave away. he's cool with it. they find the kid. live happily ever after.
book is remarkably conflict free. but referring to your dick as a "breeding organ" is a crime most foul.
this dude spends his free time watching animals fuck and writing pamphlets on it. doesn't believe in love. his dad says "hey u need to get married or you need to clean up this old house and make the property useful." he chooses door #2 and then meets our spinster heroine who lives next door.
she has secrets. that secret being a 10 yr old fatherless kid she gave away. he's cool with it. they find the kid. live happily ever after.
book is remarkably conflict free. but referring to your dick as a "breeding organ" is a crime most foul.
September 8, 2024
I read this as my BOTM and rate it 3.5* I adore the authors Lord of Scoundrels and it is one of my favorites. The prologue was heartbreaking, and the ending was lovely. It was the middle that bogged down for me.
10/7/26 I just wanted to check out the new star rating. Yep it worked
10/7/26 I just wanted to check out the new star rating. Yep it worked
February 3, 2009
Having enjoyed every book by Ms. Chase I've read so far, I'm always a bit wary when I start reading a new (to me) release. I mean, I can't possibly love everything she writes, so I can't help thinking the book I'm about to read is going to be "the dreadful one", the one that doesn't live up to my expectations... Well, I'm happy to say that this isn't "the one" yet. Phew! :)
This is the 4th book in the Carsington Brothers series, and it's youngest brother Darius' turn to find his HEA.
Darius Carsington is the Earl of Hargate's youngest son, the intellectual one, always ruled by Logic and Reason. He's one of the most highly regarded members of the Philosophical Society and he's well known for: (1) studying animal behavior, especially breeding and mating behavior, and (2) devoting his leisure hours to emulating this behavior. Item One gives Darius respectability but no income. Item Two gives him a reputation - not necessarily a bad one among the ton, but an aggravating one in his father's eyes. So Lord Hargate decides to "tame" his rakish son and gives him an ultimatum: Darius must either (1) take charge of Beechwood, a neglected property, and make it produce income in one year, so he can support himself and stop bleeding his father's purse, or (2) marry an heiress, so he can support himself and stop bleeding his father's purse. Darius chooses the lesser of two evils: Beechwood. However, Fate has other plans for him and puts an heiress on his way...
Lady Charlotte Hayward, Darius' new neighbor the Marquess of Lithby's only daughter, is a puzzle Darius can't solve. She's titled, wealthy, beautiful and seemingly placid - the perfect wife for any gentleman. Yet, she's still single at the advanced age of seven and twenty and, even though she isn't obvious about it, she isn't interested in marriage and deflects all her suitors' attentions with easy politeness. What's behind her "strange" behavior? Logic, Darius' best friend and mentor, can't rest until he solves that puzzle. Naturally, it doesn't take long until Logic abandons Darius and gives way to Feelings - like Lust and Love. Unfortunately, that's when this book lost one star.
What can I say? As always, I loved Ms. Chase's humorous writing, Darius and Charlotte were likable, their witty banter and playful tricks made me laugh, and their loves scenes made me sigh. But why, oh why, did Ms. Chase decide to throw coincidence after coincidence halfway through the story? Not to mention that unbelievable plot twist near the end of the story. All of a sudden, Logic left not only Darius, but the plot altogether. I can't say more because I don't want to give any spoilers away, but that almost ruined the book for me. Luckily, I'm a sucker for a HEA, so I just reminded myself how much I had enjoyed the story up until that point and decided to let it go. Yes, I can buy (almost) anything in Romancelandia when the author does his/her job and makes me care for the H/h and root for their HEA. :)
All in all, this was a very fun read. I'm still a devoted fan of Ms. Chase and can't wait to read the next book in the series, the most awaited Last Night's Scandal.
This is the 4th book in the Carsington Brothers series, and it's youngest brother Darius' turn to find his HEA.
Darius Carsington is the Earl of Hargate's youngest son, the intellectual one, always ruled by Logic and Reason. He's one of the most highly regarded members of the Philosophical Society and he's well known for: (1) studying animal behavior, especially breeding and mating behavior, and (2) devoting his leisure hours to emulating this behavior. Item One gives Darius respectability but no income. Item Two gives him a reputation - not necessarily a bad one among the ton, but an aggravating one in his father's eyes. So Lord Hargate decides to "tame" his rakish son and gives him an ultimatum: Darius must either (1) take charge of Beechwood, a neglected property, and make it produce income in one year, so he can support himself and stop bleeding his father's purse, or (2) marry an heiress, so he can support himself and stop bleeding his father's purse. Darius chooses the lesser of two evils: Beechwood. However, Fate has other plans for him and puts an heiress on his way...
Lady Charlotte Hayward, Darius' new neighbor the Marquess of Lithby's only daughter, is a puzzle Darius can't solve. She's titled, wealthy, beautiful and seemingly placid - the perfect wife for any gentleman. Yet, she's still single at the advanced age of seven and twenty and, even though she isn't obvious about it, she isn't interested in marriage and deflects all her suitors' attentions with easy politeness. What's behind her "strange" behavior? Logic, Darius' best friend and mentor, can't rest until he solves that puzzle. Naturally, it doesn't take long until Logic abandons Darius and gives way to Feelings - like Lust and Love. Unfortunately, that's when this book lost one star.
What can I say? As always, I loved Ms. Chase's humorous writing, Darius and Charlotte were likable, their witty banter and playful tricks made me laugh, and their loves scenes made me sigh. But why, oh why, did Ms. Chase decide to throw coincidence after coincidence halfway through the story? Not to mention that unbelievable plot twist near the end of the story. All of a sudden, Logic left not only Darius, but the plot altogether. I can't say more because I don't want to give any spoilers away, but that almost ruined the book for me. Luckily, I'm a sucker for a HEA, so I just reminded myself how much I had enjoyed the story up until that point and decided to let it go. Yes, I can buy (almost) anything in Romancelandia when the author does his/her job and makes me care for the H/h and root for their HEA. :)
All in all, this was a very fun read. I'm still a devoted fan of Ms. Chase and can't wait to read the next book in the series, the most awaited Last Night's Scandal.
January 25, 2018
This story follows the youngest Carsington brother, Darius, who is a bit of a rake, yet also an intellectual. He loves women and sex. Having studied the mating habits of animals quite extensively, Darius believes it's just a natural urge and feels no shame in 'scratching the itch', but of course is careful to avoid gently-bred virgins. The reader feels a fun feeling of anticipation, knowing Darius is ready to fall.......
Charlotte is just a lovely person. Now twenty-seven, she has avoided marriage for years. At seventeen, Charlotte had a baby which she gave up for adoption. No spoiler - it's revealed in the opening pages of the book. The caddish father who took advantage of an innocent 16-year-old is out of the picture. Charlotte has kept her secret and hidden her private grief for ten years.
Their attraction is mutual and immediate, but the growth of their love is handled well and is quite convincing. The country setting is also a refreshing change from the stuffy ballrooms and parlours of London.
I liked both hero and heroine - both people of integrity (despite Darius' previous casual attitude towards sex). The storyline involving Charlotte's teen pregnancy and the grief and fallout from that is handled sensitively and is quite touching. And of course it would not have been an uncommon scenario. The ending of the book is satisfying and quite moving. Another lovely read from Ms. Chase.
I reread this book for the September 2024 BOTM, 'Surprise Reveal' trope, with the Historical Romance Book Club.
Charlotte is just a lovely person. Now twenty-seven, she has avoided marriage for years. At seventeen, Charlotte had a baby which she gave up for adoption. No spoiler - it's revealed in the opening pages of the book. The caddish father who took advantage of an innocent 16-year-old is out of the picture. Charlotte has kept her secret and hidden her private grief for ten years.
Their attraction is mutual and immediate, but the growth of their love is handled well and is quite convincing. The country setting is also a refreshing change from the stuffy ballrooms and parlours of London.
I liked both hero and heroine - both people of integrity (despite Darius' previous casual attitude towards sex). The storyline involving Charlotte's teen pregnancy and the grief and fallout from that is handled sensitively and is quite touching. And of course it would not have been an uncommon scenario. The ending of the book is satisfying and quite moving. Another lovely read from Ms. Chase.
I reread this book for the September 2024 BOTM, 'Surprise Reveal' trope, with the Historical Romance Book Club.
February 11, 2017
Darius Carsington is a bastard. Lady Charlotte Hayward is nearly almost a virgin. When he meets her his heart grows probably three sizes if not for copyright infringement, so let's call it 3 and a solid quarter. Also, she has a 10 year old that's a secret. ENTER ROMANCE NOVEL.
1. This is a patchwork thing, with holes and ridiculousness everywhere.
2. Casting the youngest of the Carsington brood as a logical thinker is an interesting choice. Casting him as a heartless bastard is less interesting. Casting him as an intolerable rake is more of a disaster than anything. Why should we root for Charlotte to find her happy ever after with a man who GLOATINGLY points out the fact that he doesn't remember the names of his conquests. Who looks forward with some eagerness to having sex with one--OR BOTH--of the chambermaids at the Inn he's staying at? What the fuck kind of shitty prostate lump hero is this?
HE'S GROSS.
3. ALSO, for someone who is ALLEGEDLY so damned smart, I was super annoyed by his attempts to 'solve' Charlotte. Her early, extremely negative reactions to him touching her should have thrown up some flags he did not even consider. And how does he--not even to dismiss it--consider the fact that she might have had sex at least once before? I don't give a flying fuck what 'society' says; he claims to be learned man that ~knows about the world. His inability to consider that a woman might function outside the accepted bounds of society was just the dumbest plot hole of them all.
4. Charlotte isn't much better. She lets herself be fooled into thinking that she's 'trapped' in her current way of life and doesn't consider anything outside that really contrived world view. It was frustrating to see her talk herself into a corner so early and so fast and without cause. Because usually Chase's heroines are nothing if not scrappy, wily fighters who don't take no shit.
5. Chase's banter, once it hits the page, remains FUCKING EXCELLENT. The fact that it's with such a shitty cast of characters is just a huge shake of the head.
6. The stars this book does get is ENTIRELY for sidestepping the traditional secret-withholding nonsense. Having Charlotte list out her shit in one scene like that was so goddamned refreshing--I wanted to throw my hands in the air. COMMUNICATION WORKS. TELL YOUR FRIENDS.
7. What the hell was that 'villain' even? Was he a villain? What happened? Did I stroke?
8. I'm still seriously so confused by some of the disgusting shit that came out of Darius's mouth about how foolish and unnecessary women are. Like, go fuck yourself? Use a fire poker? Don't hold back?
1. This is a patchwork thing, with holes and ridiculousness everywhere.
2. Casting the youngest of the Carsington brood as a logical thinker is an interesting choice. Casting him as a heartless bastard is less interesting. Casting him as an intolerable rake is more of a disaster than anything. Why should we root for Charlotte to find her happy ever after with a man who GLOATINGLY points out the fact that he doesn't remember the names of his conquests. Who looks forward with some eagerness to having sex with one--OR BOTH--of the chambermaids at the Inn he's staying at? What the fuck kind of shitty prostate lump hero is this?
HE'S GROSS.
3. ALSO, for someone who is ALLEGEDLY so damned smart, I was super annoyed by his attempts to 'solve' Charlotte. Her early, extremely negative reactions to him touching her should have thrown up some flags he did not even consider. And how does he--not even to dismiss it--consider the fact that she might have had sex at least once before? I don't give a flying fuck what 'society' says; he claims to be learned man that ~knows about the world. His inability to consider that a woman might function outside the accepted bounds of society was just the dumbest plot hole of them all.
4. Charlotte isn't much better. She lets herself be fooled into thinking that she's 'trapped' in her current way of life and doesn't consider anything outside that really contrived world view. It was frustrating to see her talk herself into a corner so early and so fast and without cause. Because usually Chase's heroines are nothing if not scrappy, wily fighters who don't take no shit.
5. Chase's banter, once it hits the page, remains FUCKING EXCELLENT. The fact that it's with such a shitty cast of characters is just a huge shake of the head.
6. The stars this book does get is ENTIRELY for sidestepping the traditional secret-withholding nonsense. Having Charlotte list out her shit in one scene like that was so goddamned refreshing--I wanted to throw my hands in the air. COMMUNICATION WORKS. TELL YOUR FRIENDS.
7. What the hell was that 'villain' even? Was he a villain? What happened? Did I stroke?
8. I'm still seriously so confused by some of the disgusting shit that came out of Darius's mouth about how foolish and unnecessary women are. Like, go fuck yourself? Use a fire poker? Don't hold back?
September 19, 2021
I enjoyed so much how they met, how the hero thought and acted according to animal behavior (it added a great humor to the story), how they learned how to feel together, the puzzles, the fact that there's a house renovation... even though I enjoyed almost everything I am not sure why I am not entirely satisfied with their HEA. I can't put my finger on it.
September 8, 2017
Achingly sweet and lovely. I'm not sure if I just went into this one with few expectations. I enjoy Loretta Chase's writing and expected to like it, but when two of her most popular books were the two preceding this one in the series, I didn't expect to like this one more. That is probably the reason this is my favorite of the series to date (still have the last to go).
Charlotte is 27 and an heiress from a good family. For 10 years, she has deftly and subtly managed to avoid marriage. She manages people without realizing they are being managed. Due to a not insignificant secret indiscretion in her youth, she considers herself unworthy of being a gentleman's wife.
Darius is the youngest and only remaining unwed Carsington son. He is a respected scientist and observer of animal behaviors -- with the inclusion of humans. He is rational and does not believe that love exists because it is irrational. His father gives him the task of making his deceased great aunt's neglected estate profitable within one year or marry an heiress. The neglected estate abuts Charlotte's family estate.
While on one of her solitary thoughtful walks, she accidentally runs into and disrupts Darius, who is observing dragon flies. It is the first of many mishaps that had me laughing or smiling. It does not take long for Darius to become intrigued by the puzzle Charlotte is and for Charlotte to find her usual evading tactics do not work on Darius.
The way the romance unfolds is delightful and seeing these two grow as individuals and in love and respect for each other is a journey I truly enjoyed. Darius really won me over, and I felt for Charlotte dearly. He realized quickly that his feelings for Charlotte were in a class a part from the lust he has felt before -- it must be love. As the drama surrounding the youthful indiscretion unfolds, Darius is the perfect hero to Charlotte. His rationale towards Charlotte's emotional behavior was great. Rather than try to argue it was irrational behavior, he rationalized that it was normal behavior and his job was comfort and support.
There was great cat-and-mouse by-play and dialogue between these two. It was funny and emotional and beautifully done. I am quite happy with this read.
Charlotte is 27 and an heiress from a good family. For 10 years, she has deftly and subtly managed to avoid marriage. She manages people without realizing they are being managed. Due to a not insignificant secret indiscretion in her youth, she considers herself unworthy of being a gentleman's wife.
Darius is the youngest and only remaining unwed Carsington son. He is a respected scientist and observer of animal behaviors -- with the inclusion of humans. He is rational and does not believe that love exists because it is irrational. His father gives him the task of making his deceased great aunt's neglected estate profitable within one year or marry an heiress. The neglected estate abuts Charlotte's family estate.
While on one of her solitary thoughtful walks, she accidentally runs into and disrupts Darius, who is observing dragon flies. It is the first of many mishaps that had me laughing or smiling. It does not take long for Darius to become intrigued by the puzzle Charlotte is and for Charlotte to find her usual evading tactics do not work on Darius.
The way the romance unfolds is delightful and seeing these two grow as individuals and in love and respect for each other is a journey I truly enjoyed. Darius really won me over, and I felt for Charlotte dearly. He realized quickly that his feelings for Charlotte were in a class a part from the lust he has felt before -- it must be love. As the drama surrounding the youthful indiscretion unfolds, Darius is the perfect hero to Charlotte. His rationale towards Charlotte's emotional behavior was great. Rather than try to argue it was irrational behavior, he rationalized that it was normal behavior and his job was comfort and support.
There was great cat-and-mouse by-play and dialogue between these two. It was funny and emotional and beautifully done. I am quite happy with this read.
September 30, 2026
“I hope you have learned your lesson. You must never assault me again.”
“Put your mind at rest,” she said crisply. “The next time I want excitement, I’ll shoot myself. It will be a good deal more fun.”
What a lovely, funny, touching book with wonderful heroes!
Charlotte is twenty-seven and the daughter of a scholarly marquess. Despite her beauty, she's still unmarried because she intentionally repels all her admirers. That's because she believes that a scandalous secret from her youth will prevent her from having a happy marriage.
Darius is twenty-eight, the youngest son of an earl, a scholar, and a bit of a rake. His father sends him to the country to make a rundown property productive. There, he meets Charlotte.
From their first encounter, they are fascinated by each other, though they would never admit it. Over teasing and witty banter, they develop a friendship full of longing and inevitably fall in love. There's no dithering or hesitation—as soon as they realize their deep feelings, they honestly admit them to each other and embrace them. Despite the opportunity, there isn't even a third-act breakup to spice things up. Everything is refreshingly straightforward, yet not boring in the least.
It's great entertainment, and the narrator of the audiobook, Kate Reading, makes it even better.
4.5
“Put your mind at rest,” she said crisply. “The next time I want excitement, I’ll shoot myself. It will be a good deal more fun.”
What a lovely, funny, touching book with wonderful heroes!
Charlotte is twenty-seven and the daughter of a scholarly marquess. Despite her beauty, she's still unmarried because she intentionally repels all her admirers. That's because she believes that a scandalous secret from her youth will prevent her from having a happy marriage.
Darius is twenty-eight, the youngest son of an earl, a scholar, and a bit of a rake. His father sends him to the country to make a rundown property productive. There, he meets Charlotte.
From their first encounter, they are fascinated by each other, though they would never admit it. Over teasing and witty banter, they develop a friendship full of longing and inevitably fall in love. There's no dithering or hesitation—as soon as they realize their deep feelings, they honestly admit them to each other and embrace them. Despite the opportunity, there isn't even a third-act breakup to spice things up. Everything is refreshingly straightforward, yet not boring in the least.
It's great entertainment, and the narrator of the audiobook, Kate Reading, makes it even better.
“I notice that you’re not overly fond of marriage, either. Seven and twenty and not wed. It is absurd.”
She stiffened. “How old are you?”
“Eight and twenty,” he said.
“You’re not married.”
“I’m a man!”
One of the horses snorted.
“You’re upsetting the horses,” she said. She started to move past him, toward the door, then stopped short. Her Cupid’s bow mouth shaped an O. She brought her hand to the back of her dress. Her eyes widened. “You undid my frock!”
“No, I didn’t,” he said.
“Who else do you think could have done it?” she said, backing away into the shadows again. “It was fastened when I came in here. Do you think one of the horses did it?”
4.5
October 2, 2021
We're back to rakes again, are we? This was no doubt a well-written book, but it wasn't an easy read. It dealt with a lot of heartbreaking issues.
The heroine, Charlotte, a daughter of an earl had to give up her baby when she was 17 because the child was conceived out of wedlock. She was seduced by a rake and the rake died in a duel (not over her). 10 years later, she was still unmarried and she became a champion at Not Getting Married. Enter Darius Carsington, the youngest son of an Earl, who was bequeathed with a neighboring estate with a condition that he had to turn a profit within a year or marry a rich heiress in order for the estate to become his. He was somewhat a scholar in agricultural but a rake. He didn't see anything wrong with bedding many women as long as they were willing but drew the line at virgins.
Their meet cute was a lot of fun. The book also contained one of the most heartbreaking prologue that I've ever read. It opened with the scene where Charlotte had just given birth and had to give up her baby. Her stepmother (who was only 9 years older than her) and her maid helped to secret her away to give birth. Her father, Lord Lithby never knew about this right until the end. Charlotte was so afraid of being less than perfect in her father's eyes that she never even considered going to him for help. One of the most painful scenes in the book was when Lord Lithby asked Charlotte when did he become a monster in her eyes that she wouldn't even consider going to him for help. He was actually a good parent, but I guess he was a bit of an exacting figure. Darius had a lot to live up to considering he was the youngest son. He actually had a lot of potential. His father was very critical of him so decided not to even bother. The thing is, his father saw his potential, but went the wrong way about it.
This book is about parents expectation and how the children dealt with it. It's never an easy thing when you couldn't live up to your parents expectation. Parents do not have it easy as well in dealing with the children. No child is the same, so different methods have to be employed on each child. This book shows how intuitive Ms. Chase is when it comes to human nature and family dynamics.
I was completely blown away by this book. This was the first book of the series that I read and if this book is any indication, I am so looking forward to the rest of the series.
The heroine, Charlotte, a daughter of an earl had to give up her baby when she was 17 because the child was conceived out of wedlock. She was seduced by a rake and the rake died in a duel (not over her). 10 years later, she was still unmarried and she became a champion at Not Getting Married. Enter Darius Carsington, the youngest son of an Earl, who was bequeathed with a neighboring estate with a condition that he had to turn a profit within a year or marry a rich heiress in order for the estate to become his. He was somewhat a scholar in agricultural but a rake. He didn't see anything wrong with bedding many women as long as they were willing but drew the line at virgins.
Their meet cute was a lot of fun. The book also contained one of the most heartbreaking prologue that I've ever read. It opened with the scene where Charlotte had just given birth and had to give up her baby. Her stepmother (who was only 9 years older than her) and her maid helped to secret her away to give birth. Her father, Lord Lithby never knew about this right until the end. Charlotte was so afraid of being less than perfect in her father's eyes that she never even considered going to him for help. One of the most painful scenes in the book was when Lord Lithby asked Charlotte when did he become a monster in her eyes that she wouldn't even consider going to him for help. He was actually a good parent, but I guess he was a bit of an exacting figure. Darius had a lot to live up to considering he was the youngest son. He actually had a lot of potential. His father was very critical of him so decided not to even bother. The thing is, his father saw his potential, but went the wrong way about it.
This book is about parents expectation and how the children dealt with it. It's never an easy thing when you couldn't live up to your parents expectation. Parents do not have it easy as well in dealing with the children. No child is the same, so different methods have to be employed on each child. This book shows how intuitive Ms. Chase is when it comes to human nature and family dynamics.
I was completely blown away by this book. This was the first book of the series that I read and if this book is any indication, I am so looking forward to the rest of the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2024
Read: 8/23/24
Okay
Rtc
Okay
Rtc
September 22, 2020
3.5 stars for the fourth book in the Carsington Family series. This series is one of our favorites, but unfortunately the final installment is a bit of a letdown. After some critical thinking, we believe that the reason is the plot. Chase always writes amusing, sympathetic, complex main characters, and Not Quite a Lady delivers with Charlotte and Darius. And her writing style is pretty unique for historical romance in that she attempts to write "of the time," with little to no anachronisms present (the closest comparison is Georgette Heyer).
But the plot here involves an indiscretion in Lady Charlotte's youth that has led to her feeling that she cannot have a normal life. (It's not exactly a spoiler, since we find out that she had a child that she was able to hold for only a few minutes before giving away in the prologue.) 10 years later, she meets Darius, and starts to reconsider her choices.
We want to reiterate that Chase's writing is as good as ever, and your reaction to the book will likely depend on how compelling you find the above paragraph. One of us (Meg) cried several times during the book, while the other (Laine) was not very moved. The similarity in our reactions? Neither of us really ENJOYED the plot, despite its many qualities.
4-Word Summaries:
Meg: Love heals past trauma.
Laine: There are no coincidences.
www.linktr.ee/plottrysts
But the plot here involves an indiscretion in Lady Charlotte's youth that has led to her feeling that she cannot have a normal life. (It's not exactly a spoiler, since we find out that she had a child that she was able to hold for only a few minutes before giving away in the prologue.) 10 years later, she meets Darius, and starts to reconsider her choices.
We want to reiterate that Chase's writing is as good as ever, and your reaction to the book will likely depend on how compelling you find the above paragraph. One of us (Meg) cried several times during the book, while the other (Laine) was not very moved. The similarity in our reactions? Neither of us really ENJOYED the plot, despite its many qualities.
4-Word Summaries:
Meg: Love heals past trauma.
Laine: There are no coincidences.
www.linktr.ee/plottrysts
June 23, 2021
I'm so glad I was in the mood for a Historical Romance today. I didn't know what I wanted to read and I had this one saved by my bedside as an emergency read.
Also, the audio was on sale for Prime Day, so it was the prefect choice.
This book was charming, funny, heartbreaking, hopeful and had a beautiful HEA.
I loved the chemistry between the love interests and the slow burn that spilled over into romance.
It was a great experience.
5/5 stars
Also, the audio was on sale for Prime Day, so it was the prefect choice.
This book was charming, funny, heartbreaking, hopeful and had a beautiful HEA.
I loved the chemistry between the love interests and the slow burn that spilled over into romance.
It was a great experience.
5/5 stars
February 1, 2016
Review of the audiobook.
4.5 stars because there are a few plot holes, but really, it's Loretta Chase so how bad could it be?
I am blessed with a poor memory. I say "blessed" because this means that I can read a book for a second time and not remember what's going to happen next. Saves me a lot of money on buying new books.
Anyway, I read Not Quite a Lady three years ago and gave it four stars. Kate Reading's narration was, as usual, spot on, so I bumped up my rating a bit. Truly, Kate Reading is the perfect narrator for Loretta Chase's books. She handles Chase's trademark rapid-fire banter perfectly.
In a couple of years, I no doubt will listen again and enjoy it just as much as the first time.
4.5 stars because there are a few plot holes, but really, it's Loretta Chase so how bad could it be?
I am blessed with a poor memory. I say "blessed" because this means that I can read a book for a second time and not remember what's going to happen next. Saves me a lot of money on buying new books.
Anyway, I read Not Quite a Lady three years ago and gave it four stars. Kate Reading's narration was, as usual, spot on, so I bumped up my rating a bit. Truly, Kate Reading is the perfect narrator for Loretta Chase's books. She handles Chase's trademark rapid-fire banter perfectly.
In a couple of years, I no doubt will listen again and enjoy it just as much as the first time.
January 22, 2018
This was probably my favourite of the Carsington Brothers series, I think because it moved me the most. Indeed, I was in tears towards the end.
Initially, the hero comes across as a bit of an arse. He is described as a rake, and here that means a man who pursues sexual liaisons purely for pleasure and never has any emotional connection with the women he sleeps with. He is not cruel or nasty, he keeps away from innocents, but as a man of science he regards copulation as a natural urge for the continuation of the species and just goes with the urge when it hits him- which is often. So I was, like, YUK!
It was just delicious, then, when this detached man, who satisfies his sexual urges with never a thought, finds himself having- God forbid- FEELINGS for a woman.
The woman is the lovely, 27 year-old, unwed Charlotte, who has spent the last 10 years avoiding prospective husbands with clever strategies she adapts to the character of the suitor. She also has a dark secret in her past.
It is particularly lovely to see inside the tortured mind of our hero, Darius, as he watches all his theories that disparage the concept of romantic love gradually crumble. The lust he initially felt for Charlotte- it could only be lust- is of course a deep and passionate love. It just about kills him to admit it, too! But he is so funny with it, and their snappy exchanges, where she gives as good as she gets, are very amusing.
Charlotte struggles with her demons. The grief she has buried as deeply as she is able is gradually revealed, both to the listener and also to Darius, who is an acute observer of both animals and humans. The social issue raised is quite heart-breaking.
The emotion is beautifully conveyed by our narrator Kate Reading- when her voice breaks, you really feel it. She does a wonderful job of the boy Pip's voice, as well. I could almost see him standing in front of me when he was talking.
There are a couple of very sensual sex scenes, with a surprising amount of tenderness and mutual respect as well as passion. Most importantly, the love is so clearly there, even when they have not yet reached the point of declaring this love, even to themselves.
Darius is a very "modern" Regency hero who roundly condemns double standards regarding "rake" behaviour and illegitimate children. His objective, analytical thought processes are a positive in this regard. (His views as to why marriage is a useful and practical social institution, although he does not wish to embrace it for himself, are hilarious and absolutely spot-on.)
A beautiful, emotional story, deftly lightened by many moments of wit and humour.
Initially, the hero comes across as a bit of an arse. He is described as a rake, and here that means a man who pursues sexual liaisons purely for pleasure and never has any emotional connection with the women he sleeps with. He is not cruel or nasty, he keeps away from innocents, but as a man of science he regards copulation as a natural urge for the continuation of the species and just goes with the urge when it hits him- which is often. So I was, like, YUK!
It was just delicious, then, when this detached man, who satisfies his sexual urges with never a thought, finds himself having- God forbid- FEELINGS for a woman.
The woman is the lovely, 27 year-old, unwed Charlotte, who has spent the last 10 years avoiding prospective husbands with clever strategies she adapts to the character of the suitor. She also has a dark secret in her past.
It is particularly lovely to see inside the tortured mind of our hero, Darius, as he watches all his theories that disparage the concept of romantic love gradually crumble. The lust he initially felt for Charlotte- it could only be lust- is of course a deep and passionate love. It just about kills him to admit it, too! But he is so funny with it, and their snappy exchanges, where she gives as good as she gets, are very amusing.
Charlotte struggles with her demons. The grief she has buried as deeply as she is able is gradually revealed, both to the listener and also to Darius, who is an acute observer of both animals and humans. The social issue raised is quite heart-breaking.
The emotion is beautifully conveyed by our narrator Kate Reading- when her voice breaks, you really feel it. She does a wonderful job of the boy Pip's voice, as well. I could almost see him standing in front of me when he was talking.
There are a couple of very sensual sex scenes, with a surprising amount of tenderness and mutual respect as well as passion. Most importantly, the love is so clearly there, even when they have not yet reached the point of declaring this love, even to themselves.
Darius is a very "modern" Regency hero who roundly condemns double standards regarding "rake" behaviour and illegitimate children. His objective, analytical thought processes are a positive in this regard. (His views as to why marriage is a useful and practical social institution, although he does not wish to embrace it for himself, are hilarious and absolutely spot-on.)
A beautiful, emotional story, deftly lightened by many moments of wit and humour.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2021
After seeing some friends reviews and rating I was not sure I would enjoy this but I was shocked at how much I did! Charlotte was an interesting heroine. I like that she was older and had some life experience. I wasn't too sure about Darius at the beginning but he really won me over. The supporting cast was well written, they added to the story but didn't take away from the main event. Charlottes relationship with her mother and father was refreshing. So many historical romances have families at war with one another but this was truly a loving and devoted family. I also enjoyed the country setting. I find that when a book more engaging when it takes place in one location rather than jumping from place to place that you really get to build the scenes as you read. A short and sweet review but this series is a real gem.
December 20, 2015
So, Not Quite A Lady, or, How To Fall In Love In Five Easy Pratfalls.
Seriously. There are a lot of pratfalls in this book. The background music in my head was that ricocheting gunshot sound they’d play every time Wile E. Cayote nearly doesn’t fall off the cliff but then for various comic reasons, does.
If you think about this book too hard, or, at all, really, you will realise how flawed it is. Silly me, I have thought about it. As a consequence, it’s dropped from four stars to three.
Let me start by saying though: this was fun. There is usual Loretta Chase lightheartedness and banter of the highest order, a lovely setting and secondary characters and the plot was entertaining (although with some holes, on which, see below).
But. It’s light on a characterization for a Chase novel and the H/h act inconsistently with what little characters they have. The heroine in particular is defined by the one mistake from her past, it’s shaped her entire approach to men, to the way she lives. Then she makes exactly the same mistake with the hero, but without any really convincing reason to do so, other than: he’s hot.
The hero is a logical rake. Except when he ceases to be. The heroine changes him. I get that, but, I think it should have been a better journey to reformation. As it was, it just kind of happened. He comes to the estate neighboring the heroine’s to make the land profitable in 12 months so he can escape his father’s plans for marriage. And yet, in spite knowing that the house cannot of itself turn a profit and refurbishing it would be a waste of money, he allows the heroine and her step-mother to undertake that task. It makes no sense for his character, but it’s a convenient way of throwing the two of them together.
I was engaged and entertained, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized: this is not the usual level of service we receive from LC. She might even be *gasp* Phoning It In. Even the sex, something Chase usually does very well, was a bit by the number.
My advice, read it, enjoy it (you will) and then move on. Just don’t think, like that fifth gin and tonic on a work night, if you think about it, you will ruin it.
October 15, 2019
2.5 stars
It seems like each book in this series is not quite as good as the one before. I almost didn't finish the book but count it anyway because I got more than halfway through. Since I forced myself to at least get through three quarters of the way through, I started enjoying the last bit and decided to complete the read.
The hero is a person who only values women for his sexual use. He does not think they could possibly have a mind or any value otherwise. The heroine was just stupid. Not only did she give up her virginity without any thought to pregnancy when she was a foolish sixteen-year-old, she did it again for no apparent reason. I get that these two were the epitome of perfect beauty. I also get that they were both intelligent. However, I saw absolutely no connection deeper then the surface. Somehow, they went from two people who were trying to avoid a romantic entanglement with each other to a couple who were in love. There was absolutely no development in their relationship. It was like the flip of a light switch. I did appreciate the last 20%. Even though I have no idea how it happened, I liked that the two were fully honest with each other and trusted each other implicitly. I appreciated that there was no back and forth with their commitment to each other once that switch flipped.
It seems like each book in this series is not quite as good as the one before. I almost didn't finish the book but count it anyway because I got more than halfway through. Since I forced myself to at least get through three quarters of the way through, I started enjoying the last bit and decided to complete the read.
The hero is a person who only values women for his sexual use. He does not think they could possibly have a mind or any value otherwise. The heroine was just stupid. Not only did she give up her virginity without any thought to pregnancy when she was a foolish sixteen-year-old, she did it again for no apparent reason. I get that these two were the epitome of perfect beauty. I also get that they were both intelligent. However, I saw absolutely no connection deeper then the surface. Somehow, they went from two people who were trying to avoid a romantic entanglement with each other to a couple who were in love. There was absolutely no development in their relationship. It was like the flip of a light switch. I did appreciate the last 20%. Even though I have no idea how it happened, I liked that the two were fully honest with each other and trusted each other implicitly. I appreciated that there was no back and forth with their commitment to each other once that switch flipped.
June 1, 2021
3.5 stars. I hate giving Loretta Chase anything less but 4 stars but this one just didn't have her usual magic.
Charlotte is an unusual and fascinating heroine. She's the daughter of an earl and the book opens with her giving birth at 16, surrounded by her stepmother and maid. It's clear that she's about to give up her baby and she's heartbroken. She's young, ashamed, but there doesn't seem to be any other option for a young lady of her class who finds herself in her predicament. Her stepmother is a lovely woman, newly married, but supportive and and has agreed to Charlotte's request to hide this from her father.
Darius Carsington is a scientist, intellectual and first rate rake. He is also the last born (5th) son of the Earl of Hargate. Having read the rest of the Carsington Series brothers, I can't help but notice the similarities between him and Rupert, the 4th son in Mr. Impossible. The only difference is that while Rupert is "supposed" to be the big, dumb, oafish rake, Darius is portrayed as the coldly rational, scientist rake without a heart. But otherwise, they're both irresponsible, have no money as younger sons, and lack their father's respect since he views them as dilettantes.
Charlotte's secret grief and shame because of her teenage pregnancy and abandoning her baby is always in the background. This secret explains why she's a spinster at 27 despite being an extremely beautiful, intelligent, rich lady with a large dowry. She's learned to present a cheerful, perfect, imperturbable facade in order to overcompensate for what she views as her past sins.
Charlotte fends off all prospective suitors, being afraid that once they discover that she is no longer a virgin, her whole past will come out. But she is so clever in pushing away her suitors that they remain unaware that she is the one who actually manipulates events so that they end up rejecting her, thus allowing them to save face.
Enter Darius Carsington. As a scientist he is intrigued by the puzzle she presents--why she remains unmarried given how attractive a prospect she is. He starts observing her and determines that there's more to her than meets the eye. He's also intensely attracted to her as she is to him to. They begin having these push-pull situations where they're either fighting or making out like crazy. But they also end up confiding in each other to a degree that neither of them has either done so with anyone else.
Now, my reservations with the book. First of all, it got off to a really slow start. It didn't really start getting interesting until the around 40% mark. Secondly, my major problem is that the h/H relationship felt a bit forced at times. Loretta Chase is known for beautiful, witty banter but I felt it often missed the mark this time. And somehow Charlotte and Darius just didn't have that spark that makes a great romance. I just wasn't as emotionally invested in them as I usually as with her books.
Third, did I mention that Charlotte is reunited with her son Pip 10 years later? Yet I didn't like the plot device that was used to introduce/handle his reentry in Charlotte's life. I love, however, Pip's character, the depiction of the turmoil that his reentry in Charlotte's life causes and his interactions with Darius. Those are handled so beautifully and sensitively. The scene where he meets his grandfather is just so touching! Yes, I cried.
So yeah, I don't feel that this is Loretta Chase's best effort but it's worth reading if you've read the rest of the Carsington Brothers series.
Charlotte is an unusual and fascinating heroine. She's the daughter of an earl and the book opens with her giving birth at 16, surrounded by her stepmother and maid. It's clear that she's about to give up her baby and she's heartbroken. She's young, ashamed, but there doesn't seem to be any other option for a young lady of her class who finds herself in her predicament. Her stepmother is a lovely woman, newly married, but supportive and and has agreed to Charlotte's request to hide this from her father.
Darius Carsington is a scientist, intellectual and first rate rake. He is also the last born (5th) son of the Earl of Hargate. Having read the rest of the Carsington Series brothers, I can't help but notice the similarities between him and Rupert, the 4th son in Mr. Impossible. The only difference is that while Rupert is "supposed" to be the big, dumb, oafish rake, Darius is portrayed as the coldly rational, scientist rake without a heart. But otherwise, they're both irresponsible, have no money as younger sons, and lack their father's respect since he views them as dilettantes.
Charlotte's secret grief and shame because of her teenage pregnancy and abandoning her baby is always in the background. This secret explains why she's a spinster at 27 despite being an extremely beautiful, intelligent, rich lady with a large dowry. She's learned to present a cheerful, perfect, imperturbable facade in order to overcompensate for what she views as her past sins.
Charlotte fends off all prospective suitors, being afraid that once they discover that she is no longer a virgin, her whole past will come out. But she is so clever in pushing away her suitors that they remain unaware that she is the one who actually manipulates events so that they end up rejecting her, thus allowing them to save face.
Enter Darius Carsington. As a scientist he is intrigued by the puzzle she presents--why she remains unmarried given how attractive a prospect she is. He starts observing her and determines that there's more to her than meets the eye. He's also intensely attracted to her as she is to him to. They begin having these push-pull situations where they're either fighting or making out like crazy. But they also end up confiding in each other to a degree that neither of them has either done so with anyone else.
Now, my reservations with the book. First of all, it got off to a really slow start. It didn't really start getting interesting until the around 40% mark. Secondly, my major problem is that the h/H relationship felt a bit forced at times. Loretta Chase is known for beautiful, witty banter but I felt it often missed the mark this time. And somehow Charlotte and Darius just didn't have that spark that makes a great romance. I just wasn't as emotionally invested in them as I usually as with her books.
Third, did I mention that Charlotte is reunited with her son Pip 10 years later? Yet I didn't like the plot device that was used to introduce/handle his reentry in Charlotte's life. I love, however, Pip's character, the depiction of the turmoil that his reentry in Charlotte's life causes and his interactions with Darius. Those are handled so beautifully and sensitively. The scene where he meets his grandfather is just so touching! Yes, I cried.
So yeah, I don't feel that this is Loretta Chase's best effort but it's worth reading if you've read the rest of the Carsington Brothers series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2013
I've read and enjoyed all of the other Carsington Brothers' stories, and this one was just as good as the others. Darius and Charlotte are a fun, passionate hero and heroine. Charlotte's story, in particular, is rather sad, but Darius brings her out of her funk. There is a pretty over-the-top plot twist toward the end, but it's all written so movingly that I can't find too much fault with it.
January 7, 2020
Dos veces empecé a leer este libro y lo dejé en ambas ocasiones. Creo que por cosas que me chocaron al comienzo y no le di oportunidad.
Pero era el único de Loretta traducido que me faltaba leer e hice un esfuerzo.
XD lo que me estaba perdiendo!
Me encantó y lo disfruté muchísimo.
Qué se dice en estos casos?
Me dejó con una sonrisa en el rostro.
Darius me encantó, lo amé. Charlotte también.
Le doy 5 estrellas porque disfruté mucho con la lectura aunque reconozco que es un tema difícil para hacer una comedia. Creo que eso me bloqueó las anteriores oportunidades que quise leerlo. Mas una casualidad media traída de los pelos.
Pero vale. Venía muy mal este 2020.
No encuentro una autora nueva en histórica que no me saque de las casillas.
Acepto sugerencias.
Gracias Loretta.
Pero era el único de Loretta traducido que me faltaba leer e hice un esfuerzo.
XD lo que me estaba perdiendo!
Me encantó y lo disfruté muchísimo.
Qué se dice en estos casos?
Me dejó con una sonrisa en el rostro.
Darius me encantó, lo amé. Charlotte también.
Le doy 5 estrellas porque disfruté mucho con la lectura aunque reconozco que es un tema difícil para hacer una comedia. Creo que eso me bloqueó las anteriores oportunidades que quise leerlo. Mas una casualidad media traída de los pelos.
Pero vale. Venía muy mal este 2020.
No encuentro una autora nueva en histórica que no me saque de las casillas.
Acepto sugerencias.
Gracias Loretta.
November 4, 2020
This was so damn delightful. Great banter, funny, hot enemies to lovers tension, and a truly endearing cast of secondary familial characters. Did I mention it was hot? Because it IS and I adored every scene that brought their passion to the surface while building their connection.
April 20, 2022
Another nice book, this one more ontense than the others. Darius and Charllote find...
April 19, 2016
This book is interesting, but problematic. And I don't mean because Charlotte starts the book by having a baby when seventeen—ten years before the book really starts. That's actually a large part of the interesting. The problematic was more because of Darius.
Charlotte didn't hang together terribly well, either, frankly. Yeah, she's no longer a virgin, but putting off suitors for ten years in fear of discovery seems rather . . . contrived. She's clever and used to misdirecting men and her hang-up didn't seem to be about deception so much as whether she could get away with it. So I can't think she wouldn't find some prospects in 8 "unsuccessful" seasons that would be tolerable enough to get on with. And yes, you can make a case for holding out for more, but she didn't actually do so, even in the privacy of her own head. She wasn't hanging out for true love. Or because she didn't want to start marriage in deception. She gave every impression (again, from inside her own head) that the problem was that she feared being caught.
Not that I didn't like her, because I did. She was clever and witty and kind. And she didn't flinch from hardship or quail before even Darius (who could be very intimidating). But that's just it. I liked her and wanted more than just the flimsy afraid-to-get-caught excuse for her situation.
Darius was way more problematic, though. He's hyper-rational and sex is explicitly all about animal urges to him. Indeed, it's mentioned several times that he doesn't even bother remembering his paramours' names once he's done with them. So he's callus and kind of a jerk. He's intrigued by Charlotte at first because she doesn't trip his virgin detector (I kid you not) even though she's an unwed lady of twenty-seven. Not that he believes she isn't a virgin, he just thinks she's an anomaly and a pretty one he'd like to get to know better. With that kind of background, strongly established, it didn't make sense for him to fall in love quite so easily or completely. Or for her to believe it when it happens because she knows he's a rake (because her rake detector is quite functional, thank-you-very-much—yes, that's explicitly established as well. sigh).
So yes, there are contrivances. Unfortunately, there are also coincidences and deceptions as well . If it hadn't been Chase I may have left this unfinished. As it is, I can't really come up with more than three stars for it all-told.
A note about Steamy: Another unsatisfying aspect of the novel, I'm afraid. There are three explicit sex scenes, which makes it typical of the middle of my tolerance. Unfortunately, the last is the longest and felt completely tacked-on (and utterly unnecessary) and the others aren't really emotionally engaging because they felt more like lust than anything more intimate.
Charlotte didn't hang together terribly well, either, frankly. Yeah, she's no longer a virgin, but putting off suitors for ten years in fear of discovery seems rather . . . contrived. She's clever and used to misdirecting men and her hang-up didn't seem to be about deception so much as whether she could get away with it. So I can't think she wouldn't find some prospects in 8 "unsuccessful" seasons that would be tolerable enough to get on with. And yes, you can make a case for holding out for more, but she didn't actually do so, even in the privacy of her own head. She wasn't hanging out for true love. Or because she didn't want to start marriage in deception. She gave every impression (again, from inside her own head) that the problem was that she feared being caught.
Not that I didn't like her, because I did. She was clever and witty and kind. And she didn't flinch from hardship or quail before even Darius (who could be very intimidating). But that's just it. I liked her and wanted more than just the flimsy afraid-to-get-caught excuse for her situation.
Darius was way more problematic, though. He's hyper-rational and sex is explicitly all about animal urges to him. Indeed, it's mentioned several times that he doesn't even bother remembering his paramours' names once he's done with them. So he's callus and kind of a jerk. He's intrigued by Charlotte at first because she doesn't trip his virgin detector (I kid you not) even though she's an unwed lady of twenty-seven. Not that he believes she isn't a virgin, he just thinks she's an anomaly and a pretty one he'd like to get to know better. With that kind of background, strongly established, it didn't make sense for him to fall in love quite so easily or completely. Or for her to believe it when it happens because she knows he's a rake (because her rake detector is quite functional, thank-you-very-much—yes, that's explicitly established as well. sigh).
So yes, there are contrivances. Unfortunately, there are also coincidences and deceptions as well . If it hadn't been Chase I may have left this unfinished. As it is, I can't really come up with more than three stars for it all-told.
A note about Steamy: Another unsatisfying aspect of the novel, I'm afraid. There are three explicit sex scenes, which makes it typical of the middle of my tolerance. Unfortunately, the last is the longest and felt completely tacked-on (and utterly unnecessary) and the others aren't really emotionally engaging because they felt more like lust than anything more intimate.
August 9, 2026
The end of each book in this series has the literary equivalent to an end-credits scene where Lord Hargate gives a satisfied and knowing look as one of his son’s—in ever increasingly unlikely circumstances—collect wives like infinity stones. Hargates machinations are difficult to fully appreciate, as each pairing has been at the mercies of chance to a degree that for the patriarch to take credit, this series would need to switch-up genres to accommodate his use of prophecy.
Not Quite A Lady shouldn’t work for me. Rake reforms his ways through the power of love isn’t a plot anymore, so much as the inevitable characterization men get in this genre. No matter which brother you pick in this series, or in any of these kinds of books, they have dalliances. They are never virgins. A certain subset of women in society is discardable to their vices, and rake becomes more about a lack of discretion or a performance.
Even so, Chase has pulled it off before with Lord of Scoundrels, and she pulls the same trick here to by elevating our female lead.
Charlotte spent most of her childhood an only child, with a sickly mother and loving father. Not long after her mother’s death, her father remarries and Charlotte, in the throes of grief and feeling further abandoned, is left vulnerable to the attentions of a rake. They have a brief affair before he leaves and dies in a duel shortly after over another woman, at which point, Charlotte, at sixteen, realises she’s pregnant.
With the help of her stepmother, the pregnancy is kept secret, and the child is given away. Over the next decade, the shame from the event has Charlotte tactfully redirecting the advances of many eligible suitors as she plans a life of spinsterhood for herself. God, that word is awful.
Darius is sent to a derelict house neighbouring hers at the behest of his scheming father, presenting another one of his sons with an ultimatum: have the property make a profit or find an heiress to cover your expenses.
The build-up and back-and-forth between Darius and Charlotte is fantastic and the pacing in general is much improved from Lord Perfect. Reading two people so adamantly opposed to marriage eventually reason themselves into marriage is a lot more engaging than a simple matter of respectability and doing one’s duty (but also its love).
At the same time, I would have liked if the house party with suitors meant for Charlotte had played into the story more in the first half, because once the second half drops Pip into the mix—dramatically, and emotionally, none of it matters. Pip is Charlotte’s ten-year-old son, and now that I think of it, this has the exact same plot points that Lord of Scoundrels went through, except now it’s the woman with the illegitimate son. Although, it’s handled so much better here.
In every book so far, anything to do with children hasn’t been great, but I actually loved this one. Even Pip himself. I love how Charlotte’s stepmother was the one that helped her when she got pregnant, that she kept a secret from her husband for a decade to protect her fragile state. How her father, upon learning of the child, is more hurt that his own daughter didn’t feel able to confide in him, and how Charlotte’s fears were more about disappointing her father with the truth, all the while knowing he would be just as loving and caring.
There is something so honestly wholesome about the last few chapters. The book doesn’t go for easy targets dramatically. Even Darius’s technical romantic rival, having figured out Charlotte’s secret, is quickly discarded, despite the implicit threats. It’s not a mad scramble to preserve her reputation but a reconstituting of a family missing a few pieces—a lost mother, son, grandparent—just in time for Darius to do the same to the estate thrust upon him, with the help of each member.
Not Quite A Lady shouldn’t work for me. Rake reforms his ways through the power of love isn’t a plot anymore, so much as the inevitable characterization men get in this genre. No matter which brother you pick in this series, or in any of these kinds of books, they have dalliances. They are never virgins. A certain subset of women in society is discardable to their vices, and rake becomes more about a lack of discretion or a performance.
Even so, Chase has pulled it off before with Lord of Scoundrels, and she pulls the same trick here to by elevating our female lead.
Charlotte spent most of her childhood an only child, with a sickly mother and loving father. Not long after her mother’s death, her father remarries and Charlotte, in the throes of grief and feeling further abandoned, is left vulnerable to the attentions of a rake. They have a brief affair before he leaves and dies in a duel shortly after over another woman, at which point, Charlotte, at sixteen, realises she’s pregnant.
With the help of her stepmother, the pregnancy is kept secret, and the child is given away. Over the next decade, the shame from the event has Charlotte tactfully redirecting the advances of many eligible suitors as she plans a life of spinsterhood for herself. God, that word is awful.
Darius is sent to a derelict house neighbouring hers at the behest of his scheming father, presenting another one of his sons with an ultimatum: have the property make a profit or find an heiress to cover your expenses.
The build-up and back-and-forth between Darius and Charlotte is fantastic and the pacing in general is much improved from Lord Perfect. Reading two people so adamantly opposed to marriage eventually reason themselves into marriage is a lot more engaging than a simple matter of respectability and doing one’s duty (but also its love).
At the same time, I would have liked if the house party with suitors meant for Charlotte had played into the story more in the first half, because once the second half drops Pip into the mix—dramatically, and emotionally, none of it matters. Pip is Charlotte’s ten-year-old son, and now that I think of it, this has the exact same plot points that Lord of Scoundrels went through, except now it’s the woman with the illegitimate son. Although, it’s handled so much better here.
In every book so far, anything to do with children hasn’t been great, but I actually loved this one. Even Pip himself. I love how Charlotte’s stepmother was the one that helped her when she got pregnant, that she kept a secret from her husband for a decade to protect her fragile state. How her father, upon learning of the child, is more hurt that his own daughter didn’t feel able to confide in him, and how Charlotte’s fears were more about disappointing her father with the truth, all the while knowing he would be just as loving and caring.
There is something so honestly wholesome about the last few chapters. The book doesn’t go for easy targets dramatically. Even Darius’s technical romantic rival, having figured out Charlotte’s secret, is quickly discarded, despite the implicit threats. It’s not a mad scramble to preserve her reputation but a reconstituting of a family missing a few pieces—a lost mother, son, grandparent—just in time for Darius to do the same to the estate thrust upon him, with the help of each member.
November 3, 2024
Very sweet and fun. As always with Loretta Chase, the couple is crackling and the banter top-rate.
There is a little tension over a rival for her affections, but it’s not over the top dramatic. Just how I like it.
There is a little tension over a rival for her affections, but it’s not over the top dramatic. Just how I like it.
January 9, 2016
I began reading this without the highest of expectations. Having previously read and been disappointed by Scandal Wears Satin, I wasn't at all sure that I hadn't already managed to read all of the best Loretta Chase has to offer. I am pleased to report that, while this isn't among my very favorites, it was also not disappointing to me at all. In fact, a lot about it was really sweet and charming. It's not without faults- there is the need to suspend some disbelief in a big way here. How did Charlotte's father honestly fail to have any idea his daughter had gotten pregnant all those years ago, especially when she was whisked away for so long- and to Switzerland? Why in the world would a woman not related to a man volunteer to redo his house for him and then be accepted? (This may have been the least likely plot point to me- I can't see a neighbor just coming over and saying, "I'mma going to redo your mansion for you, mkay?" Nope. Silly.) How likely was it that Pip would have turned up and been who he was, and for some useless dope like that Morrell guy to figure it all out? That said, there was a lot to like here. Including:
1. Charlotte was likeable and realistic. I can see someone in her position staying away from marriage and being worried that her secret would come out. There wasn't anything contrived about her being 27 and unmarried; she had actual, real, baggage that was serious and difficult to deal with. She was full of the emotions that I would expect, and she acted very authentically. She was honest when she was overwrought and couldn't think straight and asked Darius for help, which I take as a strength more than a weakness.
2. I felt like the fun banter and scenes that I have come to expect from Ms. Chase came back to me in this one. It started a little slow, but once Charlotte and Darius kept being thrown together, they steadily built a connection and got to know one another, bickering for a good portion of it. I loved the laundry scene in particular. There was a lot of cute here. I liked that their relationship was allowed to grow and that they really got to know other, at least compared to other couples in romancelandia. They actually seemed to compliment each other nicely.
3. I liked that there wasn't anything that ripped Darius and Charlotte apart once they grew to care about each other. I kept worrying that somehow there'd be some misunderstanding that would mess everything up (a la Morrell), but gloriously there wasn't. I liked that they were honest with each other, and Charlotte actually told Darius her secret instead of him having to pry it out of her or figure it all out for himself. They talked to each other and were honest. It was refreshing.
4. Darius was just too freaking good to be true. He took everything in stride- and there was a lot for him to take in stride, stayed calm under pressure, handled sobbing Charlotte in the best way possible, spoke his mind, actually announced his intentions and didn't play games, told Charlotte he loved her and repeated it when she asked him to, and insisted he court her and make her want to choose him. I hate his name, and I can't for the life of me figure out how he was so oft-described as a rake of monumental proportions when he ended up being about as close to Prince Charming as I've read considering the circumstances, but I choose to ignore that. Rake though he may have previously been, he was pretty perfect when Charlotte needed him to be.
I liked this. I'm glad I read it. I'm still not sure anything is ever going to top Mr. Impossible for me, but I'll keep reading just in case.
1. Charlotte was likeable and realistic. I can see someone in her position staying away from marriage and being worried that her secret would come out. There wasn't anything contrived about her being 27 and unmarried; she had actual, real, baggage that was serious and difficult to deal with. She was full of the emotions that I would expect, and she acted very authentically. She was honest when she was overwrought and couldn't think straight and asked Darius for help, which I take as a strength more than a weakness.
2. I felt like the fun banter and scenes that I have come to expect from Ms. Chase came back to me in this one. It started a little slow, but once Charlotte and Darius kept being thrown together, they steadily built a connection and got to know one another, bickering for a good portion of it. I loved the laundry scene in particular. There was a lot of cute here. I liked that their relationship was allowed to grow and that they really got to know other, at least compared to other couples in romancelandia. They actually seemed to compliment each other nicely.
3. I liked that there wasn't anything that ripped Darius and Charlotte apart once they grew to care about each other. I kept worrying that somehow there'd be some misunderstanding that would mess everything up (a la Morrell), but gloriously there wasn't. I liked that they were honest with each other, and Charlotte actually told Darius her secret instead of him having to pry it out of her or figure it all out for himself. They talked to each other and were honest. It was refreshing.
4. Darius was just too freaking good to be true. He took everything in stride- and there was a lot for him to take in stride, stayed calm under pressure, handled sobbing Charlotte in the best way possible, spoke his mind, actually announced his intentions and didn't play games, told Charlotte he loved her and repeated it when she asked him to, and insisted he court her and make her want to choose him. I hate his name, and I can't for the life of me figure out how he was so oft-described as a rake of monumental proportions when he ended up being about as close to Prince Charming as I've read considering the circumstances, but I choose to ignore that. Rake though he may have previously been, he was pretty perfect when Charlotte needed him to be.
I liked this. I'm glad I read it. I'm still not sure anything is ever going to top Mr. Impossible for me, but I'll keep reading just in case.
October 12, 2010
Well thank goodness, I am warming up to Darius and Charlotte a lot faster than the main characters from the last book. Charlotte is of course a woman who does not want to get married but the way her thought process is described makes it more believable than other characters I have read before. Like Charlotte says "It was uphill work for an attractive, rich girl not to get married and not get caught not getting married." Sounds a little different from the usual "men are icky/loud/rude/stupid so I'm not going to get married" storyline. Charlotte just sounds more mature about not wanting to get married and her approach to avoiding it. Darius of course being the lead male also does not want to get married. He of course thinks love is "Superstition, Myth, and Poetic Nonsense".
All in all a storyline we have all read before but yet I'm intrigued by these characters; they seem to have some panache which is drawing me in.Sidenote: Oh how I wish we could have read more about the crazy old aunt who left her estate to her pug "Galahad"!
Haha Darius prides himself on spotting experienced women right away and Charlotte claims she can spot a rake at 50 paces. They seem to know each other's score.I absolutely loved how after Charlotte and Darius's first kiss she grabs his hat off his head, hits him with it, throws it to the ground and then kicks it. I love the childishness of it and can't help but wonder what Darius was thinking.
This book started off interesting but about halfway through it feel into the dreaded mediocre realm. Like I said before the storyline was nothing new so the only thing saving the story in the beginning was the characters personalities but at the end even the characters became blah.
The little boy Pip showing up was a little bit of a coincidence for me and how every thing worked out in the end. I was greatly disappointed in the end of this book.The last half was blah,blah,blah. A lot of books have been displaying this nasty trait lately. Haven't any of these authors heard of the saying "finish strongly"?
Anyway, I really liked how Darius would always think "I'm in trouble" whenever he was around Charlotte and how both of them tried to deal logically with everything and leave out emotions. These personality traits provided some great conversations between the two and wonderful inner dialogue.As always Loretta Chase is a wonderful writer and I really enjoy how she writes the interactions between her two lead characters, it just seemed like she was phoning this one in.
B-
All in all a storyline we have all read before but yet I'm intrigued by these characters; they seem to have some panache which is drawing me in.Sidenote: Oh how I wish we could have read more about the crazy old aunt who left her estate to her pug "Galahad"!
Haha Darius prides himself on spotting experienced women right away and Charlotte claims she can spot a rake at 50 paces. They seem to know each other's score.I absolutely loved how after Charlotte and Darius's first kiss she grabs his hat off his head, hits him with it, throws it to the ground and then kicks it. I love the childishness of it and can't help but wonder what Darius was thinking.
This book started off interesting but about halfway through it feel into the dreaded mediocre realm. Like I said before the storyline was nothing new so the only thing saving the story in the beginning was the characters personalities but at the end even the characters became blah.
The little boy Pip showing up was a little bit of a coincidence for me and how every thing worked out in the end. I was greatly disappointed in the end of this book.The last half was blah,blah,blah. A lot of books have been displaying this nasty trait lately. Haven't any of these authors heard of the saying "finish strongly"?
Anyway, I really liked how Darius would always think "I'm in trouble" whenever he was around Charlotte and how both of them tried to deal logically with everything and leave out emotions. These personality traits provided some great conversations between the two and wonderful inner dialogue.As always Loretta Chase is a wonderful writer and I really enjoy how she writes the interactions between her two lead characters, it just seemed like she was phoning this one in.
B-
June 30, 2025
This book is quite a sea change from the cheery and sexy banter of the first three Carsington books. We have a deeply damaged Charlotte, who is given the kind of tragic prologue Chase hasn't penned since Lord of Scoundels, a deeply unlikable Darius, and matchmaking papas on both sides.
Charlotte was taken advantage of by a rake when she was little more than a child herself. The resulting baby was given away, and "What remained was the ache of grief, almost beyond enduring. Love. Never again. Her soul could not bear it." She's carefully spent her adulthood NOT getting married, no small feat for a wealthy and beautiful aristocrat. Unfortunately for that plan, Darius moves next door, having been ultimatum'ed by his father to turn around a failing estate. And, like all the couples in this series, they are thunderstruck at first sight.
At the beginning of this book Darius sucks, plain and simple. He studies reproduction in livestock, and practices the act liberally himself, raking around not in the fun way like "oh I love women and treat them with respect as we both have fun" but more like "I [marital congress] anything that moves, and don't remember their names or anything about them later" kind of way. "He'd counted at least two attractive and clearly-willing maidservants there. Either one - or perhaps both - would serve his purpose." Ew. Poor little rich boy Darius, he publishes his pamphlets on farming to try to get daddy's attention "How else was I to stand out than by cultivating my one advantage - my intellect?" So he has to make a go of this estate, and Charlotte's stepmother ends up guiding the remodel (bringing Charlotte in proximity).
There's SUCH great character development on both sides of this relationship. Darius goes from the purely logical and scientific view of relations (there's a hilarious reference to him wanting to remove a speck of mud from her skin and he's like "he caught himself in the nick of time - half a heartbeat before his tongue could flick out to...groom her?"). He find himself thinking of her, and worrying ("Panicked was more like it") over her, knowing it's not logical.
Meanwhile, Charlotte has become the expert in not getting married, in discovering what would steer her suitors interest away, and deploying that. Here she senses Darius thinks "in his experience, the higher a lady stood upon the social latter, the less erudition - or even intelligence - mattered." And she delivers docile stupidity in spades. "Sweet and well behaved. More intelligent than she appears. Yet dangerous."
Hs character arc is the more showy evolution, but hers is profound and interesting as well. She has ten years of living like this "Pretend to be in complete control. Pretend not to notice an insult or a faux pas. Pretend not to be hurt. Pretend to be amused. Pretend to be interested. Pretend to care. Pretend not to care." Chase shows her tiny softening and curiosity towards him. She shows him her capabilities and retreats fast when he doesn't match the energy "and he wanted to cut out his tongue." She makes the conscious choice to not paint him with the same brush as the man who took advantage of her, trust builds, and she tells him her secrets, knowing he'll keep them safe.
Nothing in this book happens exactly like I thought it would. It's all done so much better. Once these characters come together in mutual support they are unshakable. Her emotional intelligence and caring meets his logical mind. The journey from protective shell of a woman and unfeeling rake is complete. "He'd never guessed how good it could make him feel, to be needed, and to know he was capable of doing what needed to be done."
There are scenes here with hats, and father's questions, and late realizations that will make you cry. There's plenty to make you laugh. There's scenes that will make you swoon. What a book!
Charlotte was taken advantage of by a rake when she was little more than a child herself. The resulting baby was given away, and "What remained was the ache of grief, almost beyond enduring. Love. Never again. Her soul could not bear it." She's carefully spent her adulthood NOT getting married, no small feat for a wealthy and beautiful aristocrat. Unfortunately for that plan, Darius moves next door, having been ultimatum'ed by his father to turn around a failing estate. And, like all the couples in this series, they are thunderstruck at first sight.
At the beginning of this book Darius sucks, plain and simple. He studies reproduction in livestock, and practices the act liberally himself, raking around not in the fun way like "oh I love women and treat them with respect as we both have fun" but more like "I [marital congress] anything that moves, and don't remember their names or anything about them later" kind of way. "He'd counted at least two attractive and clearly-willing maidservants there. Either one - or perhaps both - would serve his purpose." Ew. Poor little rich boy Darius, he publishes his pamphlets on farming to try to get daddy's attention "How else was I to stand out than by cultivating my one advantage - my intellect?" So he has to make a go of this estate, and Charlotte's stepmother ends up guiding the remodel (bringing Charlotte in proximity).
There's SUCH great character development on both sides of this relationship. Darius goes from the purely logical and scientific view of relations (there's a hilarious reference to him wanting to remove a speck of mud from her skin and he's like "he caught himself in the nick of time - half a heartbeat before his tongue could flick out to...groom her?"). He find himself thinking of her, and worrying ("Panicked was more like it") over her, knowing it's not logical.
Meanwhile, Charlotte has become the expert in not getting married, in discovering what would steer her suitors interest away, and deploying that. Here she senses Darius thinks "in his experience, the higher a lady stood upon the social latter, the less erudition - or even intelligence - mattered." And she delivers docile stupidity in spades. "Sweet and well behaved. More intelligent than she appears. Yet dangerous."
Hs character arc is the more showy evolution, but hers is profound and interesting as well. She has ten years of living like this "Pretend to be in complete control. Pretend not to notice an insult or a faux pas. Pretend not to be hurt. Pretend to be amused. Pretend to be interested. Pretend to care. Pretend not to care." Chase shows her tiny softening and curiosity towards him. She shows him her capabilities and retreats fast when he doesn't match the energy "and he wanted to cut out his tongue." She makes the conscious choice to not paint him with the same brush as the man who took advantage of her, trust builds, and she tells him her secrets, knowing he'll keep them safe.
Nothing in this book happens exactly like I thought it would. It's all done so much better. Once these characters come together in mutual support they are unshakable. Her emotional intelligence and caring meets his logical mind. The journey from protective shell of a woman and unfeeling rake is complete. "He'd never guessed how good it could make him feel, to be needed, and to know he was capable of doing what needed to be done."
There are scenes here with hats, and father's questions, and late realizations that will make you cry. There's plenty to make you laugh. There's scenes that will make you swoon. What a book!
July 15, 2022
Si quieres enaguas ligeritas, siempre entretenidas, con diálogos chispeantes y momentos sensuales, Loretta Chase es un valor seguro. Y sus Hermanos Carsington, la mejor de las series.
Darius Carsington, un truhán atractivo e inteligente, tiene harto a su padre. Así que, o hace rendir una propiedad remota, o se casa con una mujer rica, él verá. Pronto chocará con una vecina, la siempre correcta lady Charlotte Hayward. A pesar de su belleza y encanto, esta muchacha ha conseguido hábilmente rehuir el matrimonio. Algo que tienen los dos en común, esto de aborrecer el compromiso. Lo que les hace chocar todavía más, porque notan que el otro le gusta demasiado. Claro, acabarán retozando alegremente, sin complejos, y muy a su pesar, en los lugares más insospechados.
Luego hay un poco de suspense sin mucho misterio y es novela con niño, lo que hizo bajar algo mi aprecio. Pero vamos, en general, como casi siempre, Loretta Chase es notable.
Crítica más extensa, en mi blog.
Darius Carsington, un truhán atractivo e inteligente, tiene harto a su padre. Así que, o hace rendir una propiedad remota, o se casa con una mujer rica, él verá. Pronto chocará con una vecina, la siempre correcta lady Charlotte Hayward. A pesar de su belleza y encanto, esta muchacha ha conseguido hábilmente rehuir el matrimonio. Algo que tienen los dos en común, esto de aborrecer el compromiso. Lo que les hace chocar todavía más, porque notan que el otro le gusta demasiado. Claro, acabarán retozando alegremente, sin complejos, y muy a su pesar, en los lugares más insospechados.
Luego hay un poco de suspense sin mucho misterio y es novela con niño, lo que hizo bajar algo mi aprecio. Pero vamos, en general, como casi siempre, Loretta Chase es notable.
Crítica más extensa, en mi blog.
July 5, 2021
Charlotte and Darius. I enjoyed this one even though it is my least favorite of the whole series. Some quibbles of mine are about Darius. The author makes sure that there is no pretty servants around him after meeting Charlotte so I would have liked to see them in a setting where it proves that he would not be tempted to stray with another pretty face like he has done in the past everywhere. Also, Darius's character at first was not appealing to me. Thank heavens he grew up a bit as the story continues.
Another quibble of mine was, the new step mom and Charlotte keeping the secret about her being pregnant from Charlotte's father. He did not deserve that. When the big reveal came he was nothing but helpful as he could be. He was not a rigid and menacing character in which Charlotte needed to fear him and what her being ruined would do to him as much as she did.
I loved that Charlotte, Darius, and Pip together. The hea including Pip was nice. I in my usual way would have love an epilogue except in this one I would want more about Pip. Do the servants and villagers still treat him differently over having the two different eye colors, how is he adjusting to his new status in life.
Another quibble of mine was, the new step mom and Charlotte keeping the secret about her being pregnant from Charlotte's father. He did not deserve that. When the big reveal came he was nothing but helpful as he could be. He was not a rigid and menacing character in which Charlotte needed to fear him and what her being ruined would do to him as much as she did.
I loved that Charlotte, Darius, and Pip together. The hea including Pip was nice. I in my usual way would have love an epilogue except in this one I would want more about Pip. Do the servants and villagers still treat him differently over having the two different eye colors, how is he adjusting to his new status in life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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