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Lord Heartless
A HEART IN HIDING
The rakish, independent, and devilishly handsome Viscount Hartleigh needs no one in his well-ordered life--until he discovers a bundle of joy on his doorstep. Overwhelmed by his newly acquired title of Father, the viscount turns to the only expert he knows: Mrs. Carissa Kane.
Abandoned by her husband and cheated out of her inheritance, Carissa is forced to work for the viscount's neighbor to support her young daughter. Then a series of events reveals a most sinister plot--and the astonishing fact that Hartleigh indeed possesses a heart after all!
The rakish, independent, and devilishly handsome Viscount Hartleigh needs no one in his well-ordered life--until he discovers a bundle of joy on his doorstep. Overwhelmed by his newly acquired title of Father, the viscount turns to the only expert he knows: Mrs. Carissa Kane.
Abandoned by her husband and cheated out of her inheritance, Carissa is forced to work for the viscount's neighbor to support her young daughter. Then a series of events reveals a most sinister plot--and the astonishing fact that Hartleigh indeed possesses a heart after all!
199 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 31, 1998
36 people are currently reading
293 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Metzger
93 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 85 reviews
July 23, 2015
What I love most about Barbara Metzger is her sense of the ridiculous. Each time I read a book by her, I always find myself thinking "What the heck are they doing?!" at some point because the characters always end up in some crazy, hilarious situations that are plausible yet ridiculous at the same time, and I find it very enjoyable when I'm in the mood for such books.
So far Barbara Metzger has not disappointed me; along with Miss Lockharte's Letters and A Loyal Companion, Lord Heartless earns a special place on my Regency shelf for its pure entertainment and fun combined with historical accuracy and humorous prose. Although I enjoyed it a bit less than the two previous ones I'd read, it was still a very good book that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to my fellow Regency romance readers.
The hero, Lord Hartleigh, was a delight. A rake, a womanizer, and a drinker, Lord Heartless has a heart as big as the sky, and as soft as the clouds. When one of his former mistresses leaves her baby on his doorstep, he finds himself completely overwhelmed and incapable of taking care of it, leaving him with no choice but to ask the widow next door to help him out. Carissa is straitlaced, hardened, a little aloof and very correct, but underneath her careful exterior, she is as sensitive and sweet as the viscount. She also has a very correct six-year old daughter, Pippa, and a very correct cat, Cleo, who couldn't hurt a mouse. In a whirlwind they invade the viscount's life, house, and of course, his heart. It's a charming tale of two very different people who realize they care for and need the same things, and who come to agree on pretty much anything save animals.
Throw in a little mystery, some cold-hearted villains, imbecilic neighbours and top-lofty family members, and you have yourself a nice little story that will warm your heart and make you laugh. There were a few plotholes, some unnecessary fondling, and the secondary characters were mostly only glanced at, but all in all it was a good book and makes a nice add to my Metzger collection.
Most important lesson to learn from Lord Hearltess: Don't feed your baby with brandy...your three-month old baby...who should be breastfeeding... ;)
So far Barbara Metzger has not disappointed me; along with Miss Lockharte's Letters and A Loyal Companion, Lord Heartless earns a special place on my Regency shelf for its pure entertainment and fun combined with historical accuracy and humorous prose. Although I enjoyed it a bit less than the two previous ones I'd read, it was still a very good book that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to my fellow Regency romance readers.
The hero, Lord Hartleigh, was a delight. A rake, a womanizer, and a drinker, Lord Heartless has a heart as big as the sky, and as soft as the clouds. When one of his former mistresses leaves her baby on his doorstep, he finds himself completely overwhelmed and incapable of taking care of it, leaving him with no choice but to ask the widow next door to help him out. Carissa is straitlaced, hardened, a little aloof and very correct, but underneath her careful exterior, she is as sensitive and sweet as the viscount. She also has a very correct six-year old daughter, Pippa, and a very correct cat, Cleo, who couldn't hurt a mouse. In a whirlwind they invade the viscount's life, house, and of course, his heart. It's a charming tale of two very different people who realize they care for and need the same things, and who come to agree on pretty much anything save animals.
Throw in a little mystery, some cold-hearted villains, imbecilic neighbours and top-lofty family members, and you have yourself a nice little story that will warm your heart and make you laugh. There were a few plotholes, some unnecessary fondling, and the secondary characters were mostly only glanced at, but all in all it was a good book and makes a nice add to my Metzger collection.
Most important lesson to learn from Lord Hearltess: Don't feed your baby with brandy...your three-month old baby...who should be breastfeeding... ;)
July 22, 2016
So this rivals Miss Lacey's Last Letters as one of my favorite B. Metzger novels. Here, the premise is not the same old same old. It's a tale of a rake's grumpy awakening as a family man thanks to a love child/infant daughter left on his doorstep and the frosty uptight housekeeper from across the street he dragoons into helping him set up house, find a wet nurse and staff to turn his shambles of a life into a wholesome atmosphere in which to raise his offspring till he can find an adoptive couple for her.
Funny, endearing and unforced humor throughout as a hard-drinking reprobate reforms himself and strives to defrost the competent and judgmental widow with a secret.
It's not as madcap as the other BM books I've read, but the funny was very, very humorous but at the same time, far more affecting in a sincerely emotional way. I was charmed.
Funny, endearing and unforced humor throughout as a hard-drinking reprobate reforms himself and strives to defrost the competent and judgmental widow with a secret.
It's not as madcap as the other BM books I've read, but the funny was very, very humorous but at the same time, far more affecting in a sincerely emotional way. I was charmed.
May 1, 2020
4.5
"One of those very rare authors with a fine talent for zany humor and touching emotion."
-Romantic Times
This was quite the story! I thoroughly enjoyed it. Fun characters, witty writing, sweet romance and overall charming tale. I really enjoy some of these "old" regencies, they're totally different than a lot of the ones coming out today. Lord Heartleigh stumbles home from a night of debauchery to discover a baby left on his doorstep! Needless to say, his whole life is turned upside down. It's hilarious, and cringeworthy, as he and his trusty valet try to figure out what to do with a baby. They finally decide to ask the housekeeper, Mrs. Cariss Kane, across the way to help them. She reluctantly agrees, and a very fun adventure unfolds. Mrs. Kane isn't as uptight as Heartleigh first assumes and has secrets of her own.
Carissa and Heartleigh have a great relationship, I loved watching it bloom. I loved the subtle ways we see Heartleigh fall in love with Carissa and her daughter, Pippa. Heartleigh turns out to be a pretty charming hero, and despite his rakish ways, you can't help rooting for him and Carissa to end up together.
Ms. Metzger is a hit or miss for me, some of her books I've really enjoyed, while others not at all. I did enjoy this one. Even though this was published in 1998, I think contemporary readers would enjoy it as well. A bit reminiscent of Heyer, but I think more easily readable. Would recommend to any Regency fan looking for a lighthearted, witty romp with a different storyline than your typical regency romance.
ContentPG13-mild
Romance: Pretty clean. Just kisses, closed door intimacy He is also a rake, so mentions of mistresses in the past.
Language: Very mild (a couple D, I think that's it)
Violence: Mild. Talk of a servant being raped, resulting in a pregnancy. A mild fight scene. Kidnapping. The whole book is done in a very lighthearted tone.
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"One of those very rare authors with a fine talent for zany humor and touching emotion."
-Romantic Times
This was quite the story! I thoroughly enjoyed it. Fun characters, witty writing, sweet romance and overall charming tale. I really enjoy some of these "old" regencies, they're totally different than a lot of the ones coming out today. Lord Heartleigh stumbles home from a night of debauchery to discover a baby left on his doorstep! Needless to say, his whole life is turned upside down. It's hilarious, and cringeworthy, as he and his trusty valet try to figure out what to do with a baby. They finally decide to ask the housekeeper, Mrs. Cariss Kane, across the way to help them. She reluctantly agrees, and a very fun adventure unfolds. Mrs. Kane isn't as uptight as Heartleigh first assumes and has secrets of her own.
Carissa and Heartleigh have a great relationship, I loved watching it bloom. I loved the subtle ways we see Heartleigh fall in love with Carissa and her daughter, Pippa. Heartleigh turns out to be a pretty charming hero, and despite his rakish ways, you can't help rooting for him and Carissa to end up together.
Ms. Metzger is a hit or miss for me, some of her books I've really enjoyed, while others not at all. I did enjoy this one. Even though this was published in 1998, I think contemporary readers would enjoy it as well. A bit reminiscent of Heyer, but I think more easily readable. Would recommend to any Regency fan looking for a lighthearted, witty romp with a different storyline than your typical regency romance.
ContentPG13-mild
Romance: Pretty clean. Just kisses, closed door intimacy He is also a rake, so mentions of mistresses in the past.
Language: Very mild (a couple D, I think that's it)
Violence: Mild. Talk of a servant being raped, resulting in a pregnancy. A mild fight scene. Kidnapping. The whole book is done in a very lighthearted tone.
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January 3, 2024
This is the kind of book you never knew you needed until you read it. It is hilarious. I had a horrible week and needed something to cheer me up, and this book was it. It's one of Ms Metzger's best works. Read it if you want something light-hearted but with a lot of heart.
July 13, 2016
What a delightful book.
The author managed to wrap a pretty serious problems with silliness, funnies and a bit of slapstick humour without making light of what the characters went through.
A very satisfying read for me. Will definitely read another book by this author.
The author managed to wrap a pretty serious problems with silliness, funnies and a bit of slapstick humour without making light of what the characters went through.
A very satisfying read for me. Will definitely read another book by this author.
December 6, 2025
This is a contrast of the plausible and the ridiculous. Could the things that happened here have happened? Oh yes, absolutely. I actually think it was very common back in the day and still happens to this day. But this author has the art of making things dramatic, shall we say?
Anyway, I wouldn't reread this story, but it was good while it lasted. Not my favorite subject, because I wouldn't be so understanding, but to each their own.
PS: very sad to think that the things that took you a whole life to achieve can be gone in the blink of an eye!
Anyway, I wouldn't reread this story, but it was good while it lasted. Not my favorite subject, because I wouldn't be so understanding, but to each their own.
PS: very sad to think that the things that took you a whole life to achieve can be gone in the blink of an eye!
May 29, 2019
Great read!
Lord Heartless is the story of a sweet titled rogue and an intelligent lady fallen on hard times. The book is light, fun, and the characters are adorable, from the grump “valet”, to the children and the pets. Barbara Metzger never disappoints. Love her books!
Lord Heartless is the story of a sweet titled rogue and an intelligent lady fallen on hard times. The book is light, fun, and the characters are adorable, from the grump “valet”, to the children and the pets. Barbara Metzger never disappoints. Love her books!
April 17, 2013
Viscount Hartleigh, Lord Heartless, is a drunk, womanizer and devil-may-care. He has money and spends it on whatever he needs at the moment. He also has a valet/servant/friend who says whatever he wants and a monstrous dog who digs holes on his property and, in general, interferes with his life. He wouldn't admit it to anyone but he loves the mutt. He also finds out that a slip-up of his with a certain princess has resulted with an infant at his door. She is left to his care and he doesn't know the first things about babies.
The beginning of this story took off with humorous moments and I had really high hopes for a fun regency. Mrs. Carissa Kane, a neighbor's housekeeper, comes to his aid. They butt heads at the start and I enjoyed the witty banter between these two. Ever so slowly, Hartleigh realizes he wants more then just a housekeeper's help. Where I first thought of Carissa as a strong intelligent woman, she starts to become somewhat obnoxious. She has her secrets and I respect that. Unfortunately she changes at some point past the halfway mark of the story and I didn't like the woman she became.
I am giving it three stars because I enjoyed some of this romance. Then it took a slump for awhile and, finally, eased into the acceptable HEA. I just expected more from this author.
The beginning of this story took off with humorous moments and I had really high hopes for a fun regency. Mrs. Carissa Kane, a neighbor's housekeeper, comes to his aid. They butt heads at the start and I enjoyed the witty banter between these two. Ever so slowly, Hartleigh realizes he wants more then just a housekeeper's help. Where I first thought of Carissa as a strong intelligent woman, she starts to become somewhat obnoxious. She has her secrets and I respect that. Unfortunately she changes at some point past the halfway mark of the story and I didn't like the woman she became.
I am giving it three stars because I enjoyed some of this romance. Then it took a slump for awhile and, finally, eased into the acceptable HEA. I just expected more from this author.
June 4, 2011
This one was funny! I enjoyed it for the most part. I loved the hero. He made the book worth the read. It was so sweet to watch him fall in love with his illegitimate baby. The heroine on the other hand had no appeal IMO. I hated the way she was always trying to get the hero to give his baby away to a family. What the hell?! The man wanted to keep his child! Anyone could tell he adored the little thing! I didn't get why the hero wanted this woman and it seemed to me it was only because he thought she was a good mother and needed her to raise the baby. Overall, this was not a bad book. It only needed a more appealing heroine.
August 19, 2023
So much fun!
Definitely worth it if you're looking for quick, lighthearted read that's actually pretty funny. Barbara Metzger is quickly becoming my go to author for a sweet fluffy read.
Definitely worth it if you're looking for quick, lighthearted read that's actually pretty funny. Barbara Metzger is quickly becoming my go to author for a sweet fluffy read.
April 23, 2013
This is a cute, well-written book that is completely in style with the author's early books. Lesley, Viscount Hartleigh, is another great beta hero. I'm beginning to think that Barbara Metzger is the best at writing these types of heroes. Lesley is a typical, young lord-about-town who has taken residence in a run-down house on a respectable street in order to escape his step-mother and her family. Unfortunately for the neighbors, he has also brought his very disreputable dog and manservant. Now Lesley isn't a Saint by any sense of the word. He regularly drinks, gambles and intermingles with the ladies. In fact, it is some of this intermingling which results in a baby being deposited on his doorstep one morning.
This is where our heroine enters the story. Mrs. Kane is a widowed housekeeper a few doors down from the Viscount. She also has a young daughter who as Lesley puts it "seemed happy and healthy and devoted to her mother. That was enough recommendation for the desperate peer". Lesley takes the baby to Mrs. Kane and convinces her to help. Now Mrs. Kane has all sorts of trouble herself including being cheated out of an inheritance, her long-thought dead disreputable husband coming back to life, and her growing attraction to the completely impossible Viscount.
The resulting story is a fun read with the colorful secondary characters that always show up in a Barbara Metzger novel. The dialogue is perfect and believable, the plot moves along a a good pace, the characters act and react as they should to stay in character, and the ending is completely believable. What more could a regency romance junkie ask for??? I loved that Lesley reminded me so much of my brothers - good, decent men who are just a tad bit intimidated and exasperated with women. I often say that the hero almost always will make or break the plot for me and this is no exception. Mrs. Kane is a fine heroine, but it is her interactions with the Viscount that had me turning the pages (or swiping the screen in this case).
This is definitely a four star story and well-worth the $3.99. In fact, if I could have found it for twice as much in paperback, I would have paid it.
This is where our heroine enters the story. Mrs. Kane is a widowed housekeeper a few doors down from the Viscount. She also has a young daughter who as Lesley puts it "seemed happy and healthy and devoted to her mother. That was enough recommendation for the desperate peer". Lesley takes the baby to Mrs. Kane and convinces her to help. Now Mrs. Kane has all sorts of trouble herself including being cheated out of an inheritance, her long-thought dead disreputable husband coming back to life, and her growing attraction to the completely impossible Viscount.
The resulting story is a fun read with the colorful secondary characters that always show up in a Barbara Metzger novel. The dialogue is perfect and believable, the plot moves along a a good pace, the characters act and react as they should to stay in character, and the ending is completely believable. What more could a regency romance junkie ask for??? I loved that Lesley reminded me so much of my brothers - good, decent men who are just a tad bit intimidated and exasperated with women. I often say that the hero almost always will make or break the plot for me and this is no exception. Mrs. Kane is a fine heroine, but it is her interactions with the Viscount that had me turning the pages (or swiping the screen in this case).
This is definitely a four star story and well-worth the $3.99. In fact, if I could have found it for twice as much in paperback, I would have paid it.
May 17, 2018
3.85 stars - rated mild r-lite/r-lite? (see below)
”His morals were abysmal, yet his manners were everything pleasing. He was arrogant and overbearing, but melted at a child’s smile. He could outstare pompous despots, yet befriend those far beneath him in status. Truly, Lord Heartless was an enigma.”
So, if you’re able to overlook all the “abysmal morals” and all the not-so-wholesome parts, it’s a very fun and engaging story. I loved the wit and the writing style. There’s a dog (it’s Metzger, so naturally there’s a dog!), a cat, a canary, and lots of crazy secondary characters. This book had me laughing out loud from cover to cover. Lord Heartless’s man-of-all-jobs is hysterical. The main downsides to this book were, well, the aforementioned “abysmal morals” and a heroine who suddenly, and temporarily, changes from sensible woman to ridiculous, obtuse twit (why do authors do that??!!).
One of my favorite lines: ”’The nursery milord??’ ‘Yes, you know, where one places small persons to keep them from staining the upholstery.’” <-- Ha!! Love it!!
(This would probably be considered a typical “clean” secular traditional regency, but I would consider it a rather more “tarnished” clean. The main character in this one is a rake and womanizer who led a dissipated and debauched lifestyle to try and shut out reality; but throughout the book he begins to grow up and become more responsible. Included in this book: innuendo, mild cursing &/or crudeness, God’s name used in vain, alcohol and drunken behavior, references to mistresses using several terms, unnecessary fondling, carousing, gambling, not-nice-term for an illegitimate child. My rating would be higher, if it were a bit cleaner.)
For a much better review see my friend Anne’s review
”His morals were abysmal, yet his manners were everything pleasing. He was arrogant and overbearing, but melted at a child’s smile. He could outstare pompous despots, yet befriend those far beneath him in status. Truly, Lord Heartless was an enigma.”
So, if you’re able to overlook all the “abysmal morals” and all the not-so-wholesome parts, it’s a very fun and engaging story. I loved the wit and the writing style. There’s a dog (it’s Metzger, so naturally there’s a dog!), a cat, a canary, and lots of crazy secondary characters. This book had me laughing out loud from cover to cover. Lord Heartless’s man-of-all-jobs is hysterical. The main downsides to this book were, well, the aforementioned “abysmal morals” and a heroine who suddenly, and temporarily, changes from sensible woman to ridiculous, obtuse twit (why do authors do that??!!).
One of my favorite lines: ”’The nursery milord??’ ‘Yes, you know, where one places small persons to keep them from staining the upholstery.’” <-- Ha!! Love it!!
(This would probably be considered a typical “clean” secular traditional regency, but I would consider it a rather more “tarnished” clean. The main character in this one is a rake and womanizer who led a dissipated and debauched lifestyle to try and shut out reality; but throughout the book he begins to grow up and become more responsible. Included in this book: innuendo, mild cursing &/or crudeness, God’s name used in vain, alcohol and drunken behavior, references to mistresses using several terms, unnecessary fondling, carousing, gambling, not-nice-term for an illegitimate child. My rating would be higher, if it were a bit cleaner.)
For a much better review see my friend Anne’s review
May 15, 2015
I stumbled on this author when I had nothing to read and some of her books were available through the library. She was a breath of fresh air. The books are sweet, light, funny, and focus on events and personality instead of sex. Lord Heartless is the oh-so-overdone cliche story of reformed rake to a lady below his station. But never quite in a story like this. Such a fun read, even through the heavy moments. Ms. Metzger has a way with the words. She's able to convey so much with few words. She knows just how to write for the Regency era without being overly flowery or show-y.
In short, if you want an easy read that still feels smart and will make you smile, Barbara Metzger is your woman. I've read 3 of her books now, and look forward to checking out more.
In short, if you want an easy read that still feels smart and will make you smile, Barbara Metzger is your woman. I've read 3 of her books now, and look forward to checking out more.
July 8, 2008
LORD HEARTLESS - Good
MeThe rakish, independent, and devilishly handsome Viscount Hartleigh needs no one in his well-ordered life - until he discovers a bundle of joy on his doorstep. Overwhelmed by his newly acquired title of' Father, the viscount turns to the only expert he knows: Mrs. Carissa Kane.
Abandoned by her husband and cheated out of her inheritance, Carissa is forced to work for the viscount’s neighbor to support her young daughter. Then a series of events reveals a most sinister plot--and the astonishing fact that Hartleigh indeed possesses a heart after all!
Rake, abandoned baby, housekeeper, dog. Light and cute.
MeThe rakish, independent, and devilishly handsome Viscount Hartleigh needs no one in his well-ordered life - until he discovers a bundle of joy on his doorstep. Overwhelmed by his newly acquired title of' Father, the viscount turns to the only expert he knows: Mrs. Carissa Kane.
Abandoned by her husband and cheated out of her inheritance, Carissa is forced to work for the viscount’s neighbor to support her young daughter. Then a series of events reveals a most sinister plot--and the astonishing fact that Hartleigh indeed possesses a heart after all!
Rake, abandoned baby, housekeeper, dog. Light and cute.
March 19, 2015
Amusing romp from start to finish. Just don't look for realism (housekeeper and a lord in a park, anyone? Yeah right). Definitely relaxing and entertaining though. Fast paced and full of the author's trademark humour.
February 4, 2014
Charming, every time one reads it!
January 17, 2015
a predictable so-so romance involving a desperate young woman with a child and a rake. not a bad story line, but the writing is torturous and convoluted
October 15, 2024
Pleasant story, nice start, overall good impression... 3.5 :)
January 8, 2024
Lo volveré a decir, la forma en que esta autora escribe es brutalmente buena y sus historias son originales, interesantes, y muy muy divertidas, pero .... No ame este libro y veo un patrón en sus novelas que me hace pensarlo dos veces antes de leer más libros de ella.
La historia trata de los siguiente: Carissa es una "viuda" que aunque nació noble, ahora es pobre y para mantener a su hija pequeña Pippa, trabaja como ama de llaves de un noble adinerado, quien es todo un caballero y las trata bien, un día llega a buscarla un vecino, el Visconde y heredero a un ducado, Leslie, apodado "sin corazón" esto por qué es un mujeriego, bebedor y sin sentido del deber o la seriedad, perooo resulta que una ex amante suya que es una princesa alemana, le envía el fruto de su relación, una bebe, obviamente Leslie no sabe que hacer, su casa es un cochinero, sin muebles ni empleados, por eso busca a Carissa quien aunque al inicio no quiere estar cerca de ese mal hombre, por compasión a la bebé lo ayuda a poner las cosas en orden, a conseguir una nodriza, empleados y muebles, ese proceso es divertidísimo de leer, obviamente choca las personalidad responsable, y contratada de ella, con el cinismo de el, pero pronto Carissa se da cuenta que Leslie en realidad tiene un corazón enorme, hace todo por su bebé y de paso es encantador con Pippa, la atracción surge, pero al tiempo muere el jefe de ella, le roban su herencia su esposo que pensaba muerto pero que resulta ser un imbécil reaparece, aunque al final esto tiene un final feliz.
La historia es realmente graciosa, ahí situaciones que no solo son realistas sino dramáticas y cómicas, la historia refleja bien las dificultades que enfrentaban las madres solteras y las mujeres solteras en general, violaciones, robos y maltrato, también habla de la sociedad y la forma en que marginaban lo que no les agradaba, me gustó mucho el personaje de él, es buena persona en toda la extensión de la palabra, trata bien a empleados y amigos, no juzga a la gente y vive su vida como le place, ella también es agradable, es inteligente, decente, valiente, luchadora, y buena madre, sin embargo su personaje tuvo una evolución extraña, pasa de ser una mujer super super virtuosa y súper super decente a ser una mujer atrevida que busca iniciar un amorío con su jefe !!!! No lo hace pero por qué el la rechaza lo que son embargo tampoco tiene lógica siendo el mujeriego que sabemos es, pero ok a mi no me molestó tanto aunqu es indudable que el personaje de ella cambia demasiado y sin razón, ahora lo que no me gustó y es una constante en los libros de este autor es que NO AHÍ ROMANCE !!!! Si encantadoras las niñas, si encantadoras las mascotas, si entretenido el misterio pero Y EL ROMANCE ????? Pues nada solo 3 besos en toda la historia y de lo demás ni hablamos...... La relación entre ellos se da bonita entre conversaciones y situaciones graciosas pero da más un aire de amistad, expresan su interés el uno en el otro, pero es cosa de una línea, ninguna confesión romántica, ningún momento emotivo, nada, el incluso le dice que la quiere más por ser buena madre, nunca le expresa sentimientos de amor, ni de atracción, y de hecho le dice que no está seguro de serle fiel, que lo intentará pero que en todo caso será discreto (What????) Osea no tengo problemas con los hombres infieles en este tipo de libros, por qué era algo común en la epoca, pero bajo ciertas condiciones, en ciertas circunstancias, en este caso no me agrado, se supone que nuestro héroe que se está reformando está cortejando a la protagonista a la mujer que lo hace mejor a su amor, y le dice que le será infiel pero discreto !!! En serio ????? Y a eso sumemos que el final es inconcluso nunca se explica ni se explora, que pasa con la mamá de la niña? Y si regresa por ella? Además aparentemente ni siquiera terminaron su relación, tampoco se deja claro que paso con las amantes de él, así que si buscas este libro con la intención de leer un buen romance, pasión, ternura, emoción, olvídalo eso no lo encuentras aquí y por lo que eh notado no está en ninguno de los libros de está autora, lo suyo es más crear historias de vida, situaciones graciosas con un pequeño pequeñisimo minimo toque de romance, y el final es ambiguo realmente.
La historia trata de los siguiente: Carissa es una "viuda" que aunque nació noble, ahora es pobre y para mantener a su hija pequeña Pippa, trabaja como ama de llaves de un noble adinerado, quien es todo un caballero y las trata bien, un día llega a buscarla un vecino, el Visconde y heredero a un ducado, Leslie, apodado "sin corazón" esto por qué es un mujeriego, bebedor y sin sentido del deber o la seriedad, perooo resulta que una ex amante suya que es una princesa alemana, le envía el fruto de su relación, una bebe, obviamente Leslie no sabe que hacer, su casa es un cochinero, sin muebles ni empleados, por eso busca a Carissa quien aunque al inicio no quiere estar cerca de ese mal hombre, por compasión a la bebé lo ayuda a poner las cosas en orden, a conseguir una nodriza, empleados y muebles, ese proceso es divertidísimo de leer, obviamente choca las personalidad responsable, y contratada de ella, con el cinismo de el, pero pronto Carissa se da cuenta que Leslie en realidad tiene un corazón enorme, hace todo por su bebé y de paso es encantador con Pippa, la atracción surge, pero al tiempo muere el jefe de ella, le roban su herencia su esposo que pensaba muerto pero que resulta ser un imbécil reaparece, aunque al final esto tiene un final feliz.
La historia es realmente graciosa, ahí situaciones que no solo son realistas sino dramáticas y cómicas, la historia refleja bien las dificultades que enfrentaban las madres solteras y las mujeres solteras en general, violaciones, robos y maltrato, también habla de la sociedad y la forma en que marginaban lo que no les agradaba, me gustó mucho el personaje de él, es buena persona en toda la extensión de la palabra, trata bien a empleados y amigos, no juzga a la gente y vive su vida como le place, ella también es agradable, es inteligente, decente, valiente, luchadora, y buena madre, sin embargo su personaje tuvo una evolución extraña, pasa de ser una mujer super super virtuosa y súper super decente a ser una mujer atrevida que busca iniciar un amorío con su jefe !!!! No lo hace pero por qué el la rechaza lo que son embargo tampoco tiene lógica siendo el mujeriego que sabemos es, pero ok a mi no me molestó tanto aunqu es indudable que el personaje de ella cambia demasiado y sin razón, ahora lo que no me gustó y es una constante en los libros de este autor es que NO AHÍ ROMANCE !!!! Si encantadoras las niñas, si encantadoras las mascotas, si entretenido el misterio pero Y EL ROMANCE ????? Pues nada solo 3 besos en toda la historia y de lo demás ni hablamos...... La relación entre ellos se da bonita entre conversaciones y situaciones graciosas pero da más un aire de amistad, expresan su interés el uno en el otro, pero es cosa de una línea, ninguna confesión romántica, ningún momento emotivo, nada, el incluso le dice que la quiere más por ser buena madre, nunca le expresa sentimientos de amor, ni de atracción, y de hecho le dice que no está seguro de serle fiel, que lo intentará pero que en todo caso será discreto (What????) Osea no tengo problemas con los hombres infieles en este tipo de libros, por qué era algo común en la epoca, pero bajo ciertas condiciones, en ciertas circunstancias, en este caso no me agrado, se supone que nuestro héroe que se está reformando está cortejando a la protagonista a la mujer que lo hace mejor a su amor, y le dice que le será infiel pero discreto !!! En serio ????? Y a eso sumemos que el final es inconcluso nunca se explica ni se explora, que pasa con la mamá de la niña? Y si regresa por ella? Además aparentemente ni siquiera terminaron su relación, tampoco se deja claro que paso con las amantes de él, así que si buscas este libro con la intención de leer un buen romance, pasión, ternura, emoción, olvídalo eso no lo encuentras aquí y por lo que eh notado no está en ninguno de los libros de está autora, lo suyo es más crear historias de vida, situaciones graciosas con un pequeño pequeñisimo minimo toque de romance, y el final es ambiguo realmente.
June 9, 2020
The rakish, independent, and devilishly handsome Viscount Hartleigh needs no one in his well-ordered life--until he discovers a bundle of joy on his doorstep. Overwhelmed by his newly acquired title of Father, the viscount turns to the only expert he knows: Mrs. Carissa Kane.
Abandoned by her husband and cheated out of her inheritance, Carissa is forced to work for the viscount's neighbor to support her young daughter. Then a series of events reveals a most sinister plot- and the astonishing fact that Hartleigh indeed possesses a heart after all!
The blurb of this story does not do justice to the book.
It is one of the wittiest, funniest books I have read in a while.
The hero, Lord Hartleigh, is not really a hero when the story starts. He lives a life of total debauchery of his own choosing in a not-so fashionable neighbourhood, until one of his mistresses leaves him a not so welcome package; a baby!
The viscount hardly knows what to do with this little human, so he asks our heroine to help. Which she does, albeit disapprovingly.
I loved both the characters, and the secondary characters were just as lovable, but certainly not in the normal way. The giant Byrd with his coarse language, and ever-willingness to abandon ship, and little Pippa was just plain adorable.
The hero is a rake, make no mistake about it, but by the end of the story, his character has arced so well, you have no choice but to like him!
This isn't the normal "rake wants to turn around the life of a lonely spinster" story; Carissa Kane has some backbone and doesn't allow Hartleigh to shove her around. She is stubborn, but she knows when to submit as well.
Most of the story isn't even a romance. You will love the baby with the viscount before you will love him with the heroine and he isn't exactly father of the year material; if I may say so!
It's a good, fun read for any day.
Clean: some kissing, no sexual content
Abandoned by her husband and cheated out of her inheritance, Carissa is forced to work for the viscount's neighbor to support her young daughter. Then a series of events reveals a most sinister plot- and the astonishing fact that Hartleigh indeed possesses a heart after all!
The blurb of this story does not do justice to the book.
It is one of the wittiest, funniest books I have read in a while.
The hero, Lord Hartleigh, is not really a hero when the story starts. He lives a life of total debauchery of his own choosing in a not-so fashionable neighbourhood, until one of his mistresses leaves him a not so welcome package; a baby!
The viscount hardly knows what to do with this little human, so he asks our heroine to help. Which she does, albeit disapprovingly.
I loved both the characters, and the secondary characters were just as lovable, but certainly not in the normal way. The giant Byrd with his coarse language, and ever-willingness to abandon ship, and little Pippa was just plain adorable.
The hero is a rake, make no mistake about it, but by the end of the story, his character has arced so well, you have no choice but to like him!
This isn't the normal "rake wants to turn around the life of a lonely spinster" story; Carissa Kane has some backbone and doesn't allow Hartleigh to shove her around. She is stubborn, but she knows when to submit as well.
Most of the story isn't even a romance. You will love the baby with the viscount before you will love him with the heroine and he isn't exactly father of the year material; if I may say so!
It's a good, fun read for any day.
Clean: some kissing, no sexual content
February 12, 2021
Viscount Hartleigh, Lord Heartless, is the rakeyist rake who ever raked. Women have tried to snare him into marriage for years and he is immune to their scheming, hence his moniker. He's moved out of his giant Mayfair manor to a pied-a-terre in Kensington to escape his stepmother and her sisters and to, well, rake at leisure. That is until he staggers home one morning to find that a previous fling has left their baby on his doorstep. He and his pugilistic manservant know nothing of babies so what do they do? They enlist the help of the stern, pinched-lipped widowed housekeeper across the street. And hilarity ensues.
But there is a sinister side to this story, too. Is the housekeeper really widowed? Is her background what she claims it is? There are also a LOT of characters in this book who call her a whore. To her face. Including her father. Simply because she works in two different homes with single men. It made me absolutely crazy to say nothing of how Regency women must have felt at the time in similar circumstances.
But there is a sinister side to this story, too. Is the housekeeper really widowed? Is her background what she claims it is? There are also a LOT of characters in this book who call her a whore. To her face. Including her father. Simply because she works in two different homes with single men. It made me absolutely crazy to say nothing of how Regency women must have felt at the time in similar circumstances.
November 3, 2024
Just mehhh—-
I thought it was going in the right direction with all the heart melting domesticity, getting to know each other, getting to be close friends. An indepth relationship between a rake who is a single father and a widowed housekeeper who has a toddler. But the second half is just a loaded mess of bad guys here and there, the heroine trying to fit in the society for whatever reason then the next day, hating to be paraded in society. The addition of the duchess, the earl, Aunt Mattie, is in imo piontless and didn’t really add anything.
I was also frustrated by the heroine’s back to back bad decisions and the typical acting on your own and keeping things secret. Plus her, fighting with the hero every step of the way and not communicating. I missed their earlier relationship which is much cuter and heart felt than the later scenes we had.
This has the potential for family fluff but we get predictable action instead.
I thought it was going in the right direction with all the heart melting domesticity, getting to know each other, getting to be close friends. An indepth relationship between a rake who is a single father and a widowed housekeeper who has a toddler. But the second half is just a loaded mess of bad guys here and there, the heroine trying to fit in the society for whatever reason then the next day, hating to be paraded in society. The addition of the duchess, the earl, Aunt Mattie, is in imo piontless and didn’t really add anything.
I was also frustrated by the heroine’s back to back bad decisions and the typical acting on your own and keeping things secret. Plus her, fighting with the hero every step of the way and not communicating. I missed their earlier relationship which is much cuter and heart felt than the later scenes we had.
This has the potential for family fluff but we get predictable action instead.
July 2, 2022
Excellent relatable characters
This was the first book I've read by this author, but it certainly will not be the last. What I enjoyed most about this book was the wonderful characters. My second favorite bit about the book was that the author managed to keep the flow going throughout the story so that I never had the sense of wanting things to hurry along, as I so often do when reading historical romances.
My least favorite thing about the book was that some of the premise was a bit farfetched to fit the period. However, my incredulity was not triggered enough to disrupt my enjoyment of the book.
I recommend this as a light enjoyable historical romance read that will leave most readers feeling pretty satisfied. If, however, you prefer steamy romance scenes, you we'll need to look elsewhere. This may be a bit team for you.
This was the first book I've read by this author, but it certainly will not be the last. What I enjoyed most about this book was the wonderful characters. My second favorite bit about the book was that the author managed to keep the flow going throughout the story so that I never had the sense of wanting things to hurry along, as I so often do when reading historical romances.
My least favorite thing about the book was that some of the premise was a bit farfetched to fit the period. However, my incredulity was not triggered enough to disrupt my enjoyment of the book.
I recommend this as a light enjoyable historical romance read that will leave most readers feeling pretty satisfied. If, however, you prefer steamy romance scenes, you we'll need to look elsewhere. This may be a bit team for you.
October 1, 2017
I enjoyed reading about Lord Heartless very much - especially in his drunken state or how he slowly turns sober ;) I also loved his dog, even though he is not actually very loveable. Both deserve a five stars rating.
The rest of the book was well executed, as everything I have read by Barbara Metzger so far, BUT somehow did not appeal to me that much. Especially the complications regarding the heroine's late husband. So much so that I only skipped through the last chapters. Therefore, all in all, only 3 stars.
The rest of the book was well executed, as everything I have read by Barbara Metzger so far, BUT somehow did not appeal to me that much. Especially the complications regarding the heroine's late husband. So much so that I only skipped through the last chapters. Therefore, all in all, only 3 stars.
September 2, 2021
Horray! At last a regency romance that can be placed alongside books by Georgette Heyer! A historical romantic comedy of (yep) real Quality.
Intricate language full of word play, puns, metaphors and good-auld slang. Funny (to say the least) plot, likeable heroes, lots of witty banter (witty everything) and laughable situations.
Historical details are there, and (mostly) historically proper behavior.
Language – excellent. Plot – funny. Romance – is there. Nothing explicit at all.
Loved it.
Intricate language full of word play, puns, metaphors and good-auld slang. Funny (to say the least) plot, likeable heroes, lots of witty banter (witty everything) and laughable situations.
Historical details are there, and (mostly) historically proper behavior.
Language – excellent. Plot – funny. Romance – is there. Nothing explicit at all.
Loved it.
August 23, 2022
We all know that regency romances end happily, but what the writer (in this case Barbara Metzger) does until the end is very important. And in Lord Heartless the writer does not disappoint. Viscount Hartleigh discovers a baby on his doorstep. At a loss how to take care of it he turns to his next door neighbor's housekeeper, Mrs Carrissa Kane, who is trying to eke out a better life for her child after her husband is killed in the war against France. I laughed on the first page and again on the 2nd and there was no stopping the laughter from then. Metzger can be funny with a turn of phrase. I like her writing.
March 19, 2024
What a pair of idiots! I'm afraid this one was too silly for me, I don't like zany, essentially modern characters, plopped into a historical setting to give them somewhere interesting to sit. The whole premise is absurd: that Lesley, Viscount Hartleigh would keep a baby dropped on his doorstep, & that the mother was a foreign princess, it's ludicrous. Lord Heartless does grow on you, though. The same cannot be said for Carissa Kane who becomes more unlikable as the tale continues. The dog & cat, Gladiator & Cleo, are welcome additions. Not a well-written example of Regency fare.
February 18, 2020
Challenges
How to reform a rake? Mix a mysterious widow and her daughter with a baby from the doorstep, then add a pirate butler, overactive dog, pampered kitty, sassy cook, kind knight, evil ex, greedy valet, overbearing step mama, negligent granddad, lecherous nephew and various other characters. Sprinkle generously over a secretly softhearted rake and prepare for mayhem!
This is clean but they do celebrate their wedding a day early.
How to reform a rake? Mix a mysterious widow and her daughter with a baby from the doorstep, then add a pirate butler, overactive dog, pampered kitty, sassy cook, kind knight, evil ex, greedy valet, overbearing step mama, negligent granddad, lecherous nephew and various other characters. Sprinkle generously over a secretly softhearted rake and prepare for mayhem!
This is clean but they do celebrate their wedding a day early.
April 21, 2020
Splendid. Hilarious. Engrossing.
Fresh from the usual RRG (Regency Romance Genre). A wide and memorable cast of characters who are constantly finding themselves is ridiculous predicaments. Also, loved the different setting, pace and circumstances: didn't realize what I was missing! Can't wait to try out another from Barbara Metzger (get that woman some new book covers!).
Fresh from the usual RRG (Regency Romance Genre). A wide and memorable cast of characters who are constantly finding themselves is ridiculous predicaments. Also, loved the different setting, pace and circumstances: didn't realize what I was missing! Can't wait to try out another from Barbara Metzger (get that woman some new book covers!).
July 23, 2020
Barbara Metzger is an author that I thought I would enjoy since I enjoy lighthearted Regency books on occasion. However, most of the books I've read of her have been either average, forgettable, or books I couldn't finish. Not so this book. I enjoyed this from beginning till the end. Maybe it's time for me to give her other books another try..
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