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Royce Lie Detectors #1
Truly Yours
When Amanda Carville, who has been shunned by polite society after being accused of murdering her stepfather, asks for his help in proving her innocence, Viscount Rexford, dealing with his own troubles, refuses to get involved, until his heart gives him no choice. Original.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 4, 2007
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168 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Metzger
103 books200 followersBarbara Metzger is the author of over three dozen books and a dozen novellas. She has also been an editor, a proof-reader, a greeting card verse-writer, and an artist. When not painting, writing romances or reading them, she volunteers at the local library, gardens and goes beach-combing and yard-saling.
Her novels, mostly set in Regency-era England, have won numerous awards, including the Romance Writers of America RITA, the National Reader's Choice Award, and the Madcap award for humor in romance writing. In addition, Barbara has won two Career Achievement Awards from Romantic Times Magazine.
Source: http://www.barbarametzger.com/about_b...
Her novels, mostly set in Regency-era England, have won numerous awards, including the Romance Writers of America RITA, the National Reader's Choice Award, and the Madcap award for humor in romance writing. In addition, Barbara has won two Career Achievement Awards from Romantic Times Magazine.
Source: http://www.barbarametzger.com/about_b...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 8, 2022
3.5 stars.
The plot is well-done, especially the paranormal aspect. Unfortunately, the writing is a bit flat to me. I accidentally dozed off a couple of times whilst reading. When this happens, it means the book drags in certain places. The whole human lying detector that runs in the hero, Rex's family is intriguing enough that I'll probably read the rest of the books in the series.
The plot is well-done, especially the paranormal aspect. Unfortunately, the writing is a bit flat to me. I accidentally dozed off a couple of times whilst reading. When this happens, it means the book drags in certain places. The whole human lying detector that runs in the hero, Rex's family is intriguing enough that I'll probably read the rest of the books in the series.
February 1, 2018
I really like Barbara Metzger. She writes very witty books, and no one can portray children or dogs as well as she can. This book has sparkling dialogue and droll observations, as well as a terrific dog. It has an interesting mystery, and delightful and/or fascinating secondary characters. What it doesn't have is a very believable romance.
Despite their sexual encounters, there is no real heat or chemistry between the hero, Rex, and the heroine, Amanda. They are both likable and sympathetically drawn, but there is no development at all of a burgeoning romance. As another reader said, it just feels slapped in haphazardly. In fact, the real romance in this book - or I guess I should say "bromance" - is between Rex and his cousin Daniel, who have grown up together and would die for each other. Daniel will get his own book, number three in the series, and I am interested to see how the author will turn this lovable lummox into a believable romantic hero. There is also a delightful secondary romance involving Rex's parents.
This was a very enjoyable book, but because it was so thin on the romance I would give it 3.5 stars if that rating was available.
Despite their sexual encounters, there is no real heat or chemistry between the hero, Rex, and the heroine, Amanda. They are both likable and sympathetically drawn, but there is no development at all of a burgeoning romance. As another reader said, it just feels slapped in haphazardly. In fact, the real romance in this book - or I guess I should say "bromance" - is between Rex and his cousin Daniel, who have grown up together and would die for each other. Daniel will get his own book, number three in the series, and I am interested to see how the author will turn this lovable lummox into a believable romantic hero. There is also a delightful secondary romance involving Rex's parents.
This was a very enjoyable book, but because it was so thin on the romance I would give it 3.5 stars if that rating was available.
March 1, 2023
Wounded in the war and worse, having the reputation as a ruthless torturer for his country, the hero wants nothing more than to live peacefully in the country. His 'gift' or rather his curse to see the colours of lies as made it hard to impossible for a life in London yet that's what his father is asking of him. The goddaughter of his estranged mother has been accused of murder and only his gift of seeing the truth will be able to determine if the Lady if guilty or not. He puts up a fight but, in the end, he is a good man, an honorable man who can't stomach the idea of an innocent woman hanging for a crime she didn't commit. So, with his cousin in toe, the hero travels to the big city. There he is truly horrified by the site that awaits him in the jail. The lady is badly beaten, starved and had been very close to being raped. Pulsing anger shoots through him at the idea of such treatment and he demands her freedom from the prison and takes her into his care. With nowhere to go to allow the heroine to recover and for him to begins creating a case for her defense, he grudgingly accepts the fact that he must take her to his mothers. She needs a lady to care for her and his presence with an unchaperoned girl will send tongues wagging and very well thrust him into a marriage, something he refuses to allow to happen. But his mother is not in town and until he can find a replacement, the girl needs him. He is astonished by his protectiveness of the girl. He wants to shield her from the world and the fact that innocent of the crime she is accused of makes him fear for his life is he should fail to find the true killer. Despite his attraction to her, or rather because of it, he tries to distance himself from her. He remains on the streets all day hunting down clues. Clues that lead him into the smuggling game and serves up plenty of potential suspects.
The heroine truly hated her step father but she didn't kill him. And no one seems to believe in her but the damaged hero. He accepts her word as fact even though she keeps secret the man she's been sneaking off during the night to meet with. Her stepfather was a cruel man and a drunk and she's not surprised someone wanted him dead but with the crime hanging over her head, she's frightened for her life. She's a fallen woman in more sense than her tarnished reputation. No man will want her now. But she wants the hero. And he wants her in return. She pushes him to surrender to their passion because she longs for the feel of love in case something should happen. And as time starts to run out, the hero must to everything he can to save the woman he loves.
I was anticipating this book something fierce and the stunning cover paired with the stellar beginning of the novel signed to me of a potential home run. But despite appearances, I was less the impressed with this book. My main issue is the fact that the hero and heroine spend very little at all time together before suddenly falling madly in love. Most of the story is based around the mystery or who killed the stepfather and that's not what I'm looking for in my historical romance. Funny me, I'm looking for romance set in the historical.... Sooo, I was disappointed with the way this book played out. I wanted more drama, more angst. I imagined the hero, with his bum leg and anger over how people perceive him to be more developed. The heroine was nice. Vulnerable. Beautiful. Heart of gold. Maybe a bit whinny and having the tendency to cry too often. Over all, I thought the chemistry was okay but nothing amazing. The plot just didn't hold my attention and the characters weren't fully developed into their potential.
The heroine truly hated her step father but she didn't kill him. And no one seems to believe in her but the damaged hero. He accepts her word as fact even though she keeps secret the man she's been sneaking off during the night to meet with. Her stepfather was a cruel man and a drunk and she's not surprised someone wanted him dead but with the crime hanging over her head, she's frightened for her life. She's a fallen woman in more sense than her tarnished reputation. No man will want her now. But she wants the hero. And he wants her in return. She pushes him to surrender to their passion because she longs for the feel of love in case something should happen. And as time starts to run out, the hero must to everything he can to save the woman he loves.
I was anticipating this book something fierce and the stunning cover paired with the stellar beginning of the novel signed to me of a potential home run. But despite appearances, I was less the impressed with this book. My main issue is the fact that the hero and heroine spend very little at all time together before suddenly falling madly in love. Most of the story is based around the mystery or who killed the stepfather and that's not what I'm looking for in my historical romance. Funny me, I'm looking for romance set in the historical.... Sooo, I was disappointed with the way this book played out. I wanted more drama, more angst. I imagined the hero, with his bum leg and anger over how people perceive him to be more developed. The heroine was nice. Vulnerable. Beautiful. Heart of gold. Maybe a bit whinny and having the tendency to cry too often. Over all, I thought the chemistry was okay but nothing amazing. The plot just didn't hold my attention and the characters weren't fully developed into their potential.
October 21, 2019
Another Metzger hit
Rex was a little tiresome at times but all in all cute story. Nice cast of characters. Love the fact she puts a dog in every story.
Rex was a little tiresome at times but all in all cute story. Nice cast of characters. Love the fact she puts a dog in every story.
August 26, 2018
Na het lezen ( of beter gezegd - half lezen ) van een hele berg Stephanie Laurens boeken , is Barbara Metzger gewoon een verademing . Heerlijk gewoon ! geen opvul blablabla om over te slaan .
Dit was een vrij donker B. M. verhaal en mijn waardering voor de politie en justitie van nu is behoorlijk gestegen . Gelukkig weeft B. M. haar gebruikelijke humor door het verhaal en Verity de hond en haar onstilbare honger maakten het allemaal wat luchtiger .
Dit was een vrij donker B. M. verhaal en mijn waardering voor de politie en justitie van nu is behoorlijk gestegen . Gelukkig weeft B. M. haar gebruikelijke humor door het verhaal en Verity de hond en haar onstilbare honger maakten het allemaal wat luchtiger .
July 18, 2023
This story was surprisingly funny and cute! I mean, considering the blurb mentioned the heroine was accused of murder and the Hero had troubles, I really expected it to be dark and scary. Boy, was I wrong!
I felt this story was very entertaining. I so badly wanted to find out who the killer was and the motive behind the murder. But as much as I wanted the crime solved, I did feel the story kind of focused a bit too much on solving the crime than the romance between Rex and Amanda. And I have to admit I was sorely disappointed with the revelation of the crime. I was imagining an epic showdown between Rex and the villain with bullets flying everywhere and Amanda being a damsel screaming and probably held hostage at one point. And maybe Rex would have to choose between rescuing Amanda and revealing his secret or something. And he romantically chooses Amanda. That would've been real epic. But no! That was not what happened. Once we finally got to know who the killer was, it was told in a very rushed way and we got the story secondhand as it was only told to Rex and Amanda by other people instead of them actually being there themselves! Meh... I don't know why the author rushed it. It wasn't like the book would've been too long. It ended at around 340 pages.
Despite my disappointment with the crime subplot, I still enjoyed the story. I liked how Rex and his cousin Daniel interacted with each other. They were the cutest crime fighting cousins ever. With Daniel being so huge in size and always being so hungry. And him being so adorably protective of Rex. Awwww... Plus, the fact that he was always dressed like a "hot air balloon" was just hilarious! I can't wait to read Daniel's story.
I also loved this author's humour in making her jokes be on the readers instead of just on the characters. Like when she wrote that Amanda badly wanted to make love to Rex. And the next paragraph she wrote Rex woke up in bed with a warm body next to him, we readers assumed Amanda crawled into bed with him. I admit I was breathlessly thinking "oh wow, we're getting a sexy scene already?" And then Rex said to his dog "Damn it, Verity! You know you are not supposed to sleep on the bed!" I totally did not expect that. It was so funny!
Speaking of sexy scenes, there were a lot of them but they were sadly not explicit. I mean, we roughly got to know they enjoyed themselves but we don't know in detail what exactly they did. I was a bit disappointed with this cause I shipped Rex and Amanda. I thought their Hero-and-damsel romance was adorable and sexy. Would've definitely loved their romance more if it was more explicit.
But their Happily Ever After was very sweet! I mean, boy girl twins? Couldn't get any sweeter than that.
I felt this story was very entertaining. I so badly wanted to find out who the killer was and the motive behind the murder. But as much as I wanted the crime solved, I did feel the story kind of focused a bit too much on solving the crime than the romance between Rex and Amanda. And I have to admit I was sorely disappointed with the revelation of the crime. I was imagining an epic showdown between Rex and the villain with bullets flying everywhere and Amanda being a damsel screaming and probably held hostage at one point. And maybe Rex would have to choose between rescuing Amanda and revealing his secret or something. And he romantically chooses Amanda. That would've been real epic. But no! That was not what happened. Once we finally got to know who the killer was, it was told in a very rushed way and we got the story secondhand as it was only told to Rex and Amanda by other people instead of them actually being there themselves! Meh... I don't know why the author rushed it. It wasn't like the book would've been too long. It ended at around 340 pages.
Despite my disappointment with the crime subplot, I still enjoyed the story. I liked how Rex and his cousin Daniel interacted with each other. They were the cutest crime fighting cousins ever. With Daniel being so huge in size and always being so hungry. And him being so adorably protective of Rex. Awwww... Plus, the fact that he was always dressed like a "hot air balloon" was just hilarious! I can't wait to read Daniel's story.
I also loved this author's humour in making her jokes be on the readers instead of just on the characters. Like when she wrote that Amanda badly wanted to make love to Rex. And the next paragraph she wrote Rex woke up in bed with a warm body next to him, we readers assumed Amanda crawled into bed with him. I admit I was breathlessly thinking "oh wow, we're getting a sexy scene already?" And then Rex said to his dog "Damn it, Verity! You know you are not supposed to sleep on the bed!" I totally did not expect that. It was so funny!
Speaking of sexy scenes, there were a lot of them but they were sadly not explicit. I mean, we roughly got to know they enjoyed themselves but we don't know in detail what exactly they did. I was a bit disappointed with this cause I shipped Rex and Amanda. I thought their Hero-and-damsel romance was adorable and sexy. Would've definitely loved their romance more if it was more explicit.
But their Happily Ever After was very sweet! I mean, boy girl twins? Couldn't get any sweeter than that.
January 11, 2014
2 1/2 stars
Finally managed to finish this. Not up to Ms Metzger's usual standard. Too much lust than action and love combined.
Finally managed to finish this. Not up to Ms Metzger's usual standard. Too much lust than action and love combined.
April 28, 2019
Once I got my mind around the concept that the male members ofViscount Rexford's family could recognize the truth when heard, and could accept that idea, the rest of the story was interesting and moved quickly to a satisfying conclusion.
Viscount Rexford is at home recovering from a war injury. People don't trust Rexford and his cousin, because they question the two men's methods of extracting information during the Napolean Wars. Rexford is at loose ends but does not want to get involved in a shocking case of a stepdaughter murdering a peer.
Amanda Carville has no one who believes her when she says she did not kill her evil stepfather. After all, she was found with the gun in her hand. Rexford's father and mother (who is godmother to Amanda) beg him to reconsider. When he talks to Amanda, he realizes that she has not done the evil deed and he sets about to find the culprit.
Royce Lie Detectors
** 1. Truly Yours (2007)
2. The Scandalous Life of a True Lady (2008)
3. The Wicked Ways of a True Hero (2009)
Viscount Rexford is at home recovering from a war injury. People don't trust Rexford and his cousin, because they question the two men's methods of extracting information during the Napolean Wars. Rexford is at loose ends but does not want to get involved in a shocking case of a stepdaughter murdering a peer.
Amanda Carville has no one who believes her when she says she did not kill her evil stepfather. After all, she was found with the gun in her hand. Rexford's father and mother (who is godmother to Amanda) beg him to reconsider. When he talks to Amanda, he realizes that she has not done the evil deed and he sets about to find the culprit.
Royce Lie Detectors
** 1. Truly Yours (2007)
2. The Scandalous Life of a True Lady (2008)
3. The Wicked Ways of a True Hero (2009)
November 7, 2017
A fun read! Rex is a former military intelligence man living in the time of Napoleon's reign. He fought for England and was feared by all for his uncanny ability to tell if someone is lying. It is a curse handed down from his father's side and after a wound, Rex is hiding out.
His father sends him to London to find out the truth concerning his wife's goddaughter, Amanda, who has been accused of murdering her stepfather.
Adventure follows with a cast of interesting characters and a giant mastiff named Verity. If you like regency romances that are heavy on the storyline and light on sensuality, this one is right up your alley.
His father sends him to London to find out the truth concerning his wife's goddaughter, Amanda, who has been accused of murdering her stepfather.
Adventure follows with a cast of interesting characters and a giant mastiff named Verity. If you like regency romances that are heavy on the storyline and light on sensuality, this one is right up your alley.
January 12, 2021
This is the first book I've read by the author, and I look forward to enjoying more. Very much in the vein of Georgette Heyer, though not as good as her best work, I quite enjoyed reading this story. If you left out the slightly supernatural element of men who can tell if someone is lying, it would fit into the Heyer stable quite well. Again, not the best book along these lines that I've read, but enthusiasts who are looking for something new will probably enjoy it.
April 24, 2020
3.5
Wasn't sure I'd like this based on the cover, but it was a fun read in the end. It has the lightest touch of fantasy, but is a period piece with murder and romance. The romance is a bit vanilla, but still had some passion. The author is skilled in using wit and some wry humour, which I enjoyed.
Wasn't sure I'd like this based on the cover, but it was a fun read in the end. It has the lightest touch of fantasy, but is a period piece with murder and romance. The romance is a bit vanilla, but still had some passion. The author is skilled in using wit and some wry humour, which I enjoyed.
February 20, 2021
I was almost weeping with frustration reading this book...Barbara Metzger can write with such wit and creativity, and this book had none of that. The magical realism of the premise was intriguing but sadly that was the only creative thing in the book. The characters were unintelligent, one-dimensional and inconsistent and the mystery was poorly executed.
January 3, 2022
First of the Royce Trilogy
Viscount Rex has a problem, he sees colors and can tell if someone lies. His Father, the Earl and his Cousin Daniel along with another family member also are dealing with the same issue. So when he's asked to help his Mother's Goddaughter who has been accused of murder, he knows she is innocent. But to prove it will be hard.
Viscount Rex has a problem, he sees colors and can tell if someone lies. His Father, the Earl and his Cousin Daniel along with another family member also are dealing with the same issue. So when he's asked to help his Mother's Goddaughter who has been accused of murder, he knows she is innocent. But to prove it will be hard.
July 7, 2019
Great read
This is the first time that I've read this author and I'm very impressed . Great Mystery great plot great characters I couldn't solve it at all , if you haven't read her you should start
This is the first time that I've read this author and I'm very impressed . Great Mystery great plot great characters I couldn't solve it at all , if you haven't read her you should start
October 3, 2022
Not Barbara Metzger's Usual Writin
Lord Rexford can tell when anyone talks whether he is lying or telling the truth. So he is sent to interrogate Lady Amanda Carville and see if she murdered her awful stepfather or not. Most of this novel was pretty boring.
Lord Rexford can tell when anyone talks whether he is lying or telling the truth. So he is sent to interrogate Lady Amanda Carville and see if she murdered her awful stepfather or not. Most of this novel was pretty boring.
December 11, 2018
Truly....
Truly one of her worst. The plot was convoluted and inane at the same time. The heroine spent most the book crying which I always find very unappealing.
Truly one of her worst. The plot was convoluted and inane at the same time. The heroine spent most the book crying which I always find very unappealing.
March 10, 2024
I don’t think the family stuff had the emotional resolution it needed but this was cute. And it started really well.
Heat level: 1.5
Heat level: 1.5
October 29, 2008
I really need to stop picking up random romances. The plot of this one focused more on figuring out who murdered the heroine's stepfather and untangling a smuggling scheme than it did on the relationship between the hero and heroine. Also, because the hero has the power of being able to tell when someone tells the truth, he solved the case by barging around and asking people rude and impertinent questions. He wasn't the least bit clever, so it wasn't even interesting as a mystery. The relationship wasn't at all believable or even hot. He's all, she's blonde and frail and cute and needs my protection and she's all, I'm not a lady anymore and he's attractive!
March 29, 2011
Finally - I read the first book in this series. I must say, it was pretty good. A little dicey when it comes to cleanliness, but I'd still say it stays in line - barely. Amanda is a good character who has some real depth to her. Rexford really develops and changes through the story. Good side characters, with a good introduction to the heroes of the other two books. Some good twists and a well thought out plot though it could have done slightly better in my opinion. My favorite is still the second in the series, but hey, that's okay.
http://cleanromancereviews.blogspot.com
http://cleanromancereviews.blogspot.com
July 13, 2017
This was a find!!! This was hilarious and clever and the paranormal aspect was quirky awesomeness. Heroine is accused of murdering her stepfather and is imprisoned. Luckily, her godmother has a son with the unique ability to always tell the truth from a lie (which the males in the family inherit.) He rescues the heroine from prison and sets out to find who really murdered her stepfather. The end resolution was more telling than showing, but I loved the rest of it so much that I’m not taking off stars for that.
May 29, 2023
pace dragged at spots. The plot was an interesting one though & I enjoyed the wry humor sprinkled here and there, as with her other books. I imagine I could have read a book like this in the past, forgot about it, & reread it now again with pleasure.
The part about Rex lying to Daniel to get him to go home (as heir since his father died) makes a tad less sense since 1. they were already in a more protected position than most in the field & 2. Daniel would have got itchy when Rex lied, so refused to leave.
The part about Rex lying to Daniel to get him to go home (as heir since his father died) makes a tad less sense since 1. they were already in a more protected position than most in the field & 2. Daniel would have got itchy when Rex lied, so refused to leave.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2009
I'm disappointed with the latest Barbara Metzger books. I've always been a big fan of hers but I'm not liking her recent work nearly as much. As usual, the story itself was well written but adding all the sexual content was not necessary nor pleasing. Apparently Ms. Metzger is trying to fit in with today's requirements for historical romances and not the old style regency romances which is too bad
August 10, 2011
3.5 stars. I enjoyed this story. It was nice to read something with a mystery as well as romance. I thought it wrapped up rather abruptly and that the solution to everyone's problems as well as the romance didn't get the attention it needed to give us a satisfying conclusion. Otherwise it would have been four stars because I really enjoyed till then. It was witty and cute and a change from normal romances.
June 6, 2014
Fast read & entertaining first book in a trilogy. Truth seeing runs through the male line of this family, but manifests in different ways: lies might make one itch or taste lemons or see red while truth causes not itching, tastes better, and shows as true blue. Gift or curse, the truth is always found by the abilities of these men. Love, murder, lies, swindles, danger, and truth mix together in this book.
September 25, 2009
Regency
March 28, 2011
Breezed through this one quickly. Book 1 and I read it second... Wish I had known the order so I could have read it in order. A bit fantastical but enjoyable.
March 31, 2012
I'm in Metzger fever again. Soon I will have to go through by cellar boxes where my old treasures are stored.
February 21, 2016
Really great
Well written with great wit and wonderful characters. The plot kept the reader captivated with the hint of magic. Love all Barbara Metzger's books!
Well written with great wit and wonderful characters. The plot kept the reader captivated with the hint of magic. Love all Barbara Metzger's books!
November 7, 2016
It got a little convoluted with extra characters, but I suspect they are for future books
November 5, 2021
First read in 2010? Reread in 2013 or thereabouts. Reread January 2017.
Not the best Metzger but a classic!
Not the best Metzger but a classic!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews