The Conquest

C Series #5

by Edith Layton

A Body Broken

Many times Alexandria Gascoyne has been called upon to nurse forest animals back to health -- but never before have her brothers brought her a wounded man! Though pale and grievously injured, the unconscious nobleman in Alexandria's bed is as striking a male as she has ever seen. But this is a time for tender healing, not for fantasy and dreams that leave an innocent maid flushed and breathless.

A Heart Reborn

An angel has brought the Earl of Drummond back to life. Her smile is a delight, her touch is ecstasy. Yet freedom-loving Drum knows he must leave the exquisite Alexandria as soon as he is able. Being discovered alone with this stunning country miss could lead to only scandal...or, worse, to matrimony! And Drum dares not expose her to the perils of world. But how can he abandon this incomparable lady who mended his damaged heart -- then conquered it with kindness, passion, and love?

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

Mass Market Paperback

First published July 31, 2001

About the author

Edith Layton wrote her first novel when she was ten. She bought a marbleized notebook and set out to write a story that would fit between its covers. Now, an award-winning author with more than thirty novels and numerous novellas to her credit, her criteria have changed. The story has to fit the reader as well as between the covers.

Graduating from Hunter College in New York City with a degree in creative writing and theater, Edith worked for various media, including a radio station and a major motion picture company. She married and went to suburbia, where she was fruitful and multiplied to the tune of three children. Her eldest, Michael, is a social worker and artist in NYC. Adam is a writer and performer on NPR's Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me. Daughter Susie is a professional writer, comedian and performer who works in television.

Publishers Weekly called Edith Layton "one of romance's most gifted writers." Layton has enthralled readers and critics with books that capture the spirit of historically distant places and peoples. "What I've found," she says, "is that life was very different in every era, but that love and love of life is always the same."

Layton won an RT Book Reviews Career Achievement award for the Historical genre in 2003 and a Reviewers' Choice award for her book The Conquest in 2001. Amazon.com's top reviewer called Layton's Alas, My Love (April 2005, Avon Books), "a wonderful historical." And her recent release, Bride Enchanted, is a Romantic Times 2007 Reviewers' Choice Award Nominee.

Edith Layton lived on Long Island where she devoted time as a volunteer for the North Shore Animal League , the world's largest no-kill pet rescue and adoption organization. Her dog Daisy --adopted herself from a shelter-- is just one member of Layton's household menagerie.

Edith Layton passed away on June 1, 2009 from ovarian cancer.

Reviews

[Grace*dnfing books since 2022* · Rating 2 out of 5]

This so does not live up to the Duke's Wager.

I read this series backwards, first with To Wed a Stranger, and then this. So you get glimpses of these other characters that had their own books and Eric Ford, who will get his own book later on.

The Premise
This book starts off with great promise, with a non-standard setting in 1821, where Drummond (Drum for short), our hero, is shot off his horse and rescued by three brothers. Their older sister, Alexandria (Ally) is quite the Christian role model, and they all haul him back to their tiny cottage to heal the unconscious man. As he recovers, it's revealed that his leg has been broken in two places, and the doctor fears for his broken head, so he's not allowed to move from his temporary home for at least a month. It's quickly brought up that it's not proper for him to stay, unchaperoned, at the dwelling of a respectable woman (despite the fact her three younger brothers are in residence), and so a resident grandmother, Mrs. Tooke, is brought in and squeezed into their cottage to make things above board. All appearances are appeased, and everything makes sense, as Drum isn't allowed to use crutches, hop around, any of that business. He's bedridden until his servants arrive, and then only to lift him onto a nearby chair. Makes sense, since if he's allowed to move around, then why would he still be stuck in this place?

The conflict is this: Alexandria is revealed to be a foundling, as are her three younger brothers. This renders her persona non grata to anyone in 1821 England, since lineage is all. If she were lucky, she may get together with a schoolmaster or vicar, but she can't look any higher than that, even though her upbringing as the "daughter" of a former Eton schoolmaster has rendered her educated above and beyond the average Joe. (We see her reading Greek to her brothers very early on.) Drum, on the other hand, is the only son of a Duke and is an earl in his own right. His father has made it clear that he is to marry soon, to a person of equal lineage, status, and money, and he loves his father, and wants to do what is right. Except that he's never been in love and doesn't think that he has it in him to be in love.

Where It All Fell Apart, Slowly. Very Slowly
Here's where the story starts to slowly unravel. And by slowly, I mean slowly, since he's bedridden until his father shows up and hustles his son and heir out of temptation's way. That's about halfway through the book.

Why is this weird? It's weird, because Drum's closest friend is married to another friend's ward, a girl who lived in the slums of London and dressed as a ragamuffin boy and was rescued and "adopted." Say! Just like Alexandria! Except, of course, Alexandria was adopted by a no-account uppity schoolmaster who was then fired from Eton, and the slum-kid was adopted by the creme of London society. So, what we are actually saying then is not that lineage matters, but who adopts you. I mean, they all accept that slum-kid as one of them and she's apparently hailed as a beauty now! So what gives?

Another thing that's weird is how Drum is supposedly all obsessed about his lineage and how his title and fortune is all that he believes he is. He's described as being incredibly charming, but no looks aside from his fantabulous blue eyes. But we don't really see this part of him. He doesn't come across as a person who's obsessed with doing his "duty" because that's what he believes to be right. The other obstacle in his way is that he's not in love. He feels very attracted to Ally, but won't do anything to encourage her (and good for him, he really doesn't put any hanky-panky moves on her for the first 80% of the book), because he's far above her station in life. In fact, you're led to believe that them ending up together = impossible. After all, it would be possible if he were in love, but he's not. And every other person in the book warns Ally of that as well -- Mrs. Tooke, Gilly, Eric Ford, random stranger on the street. Okay, not the random stranger, but it's hammered into the reader's head at some length. Drum + Ally = not going to happen. We get it. Gilly even takes the time to warn Ally that there's something in Drum to prevent him from falling in love.

So, by this point, Ally has better potential of ending up together on the moon than being with Drum, and Drum's over there being all ecstatic when Ally is invited up to London, and somehow all her previous fears about not having the money for the journey, for dresses, for tips, etc., are all washed away. That's fine -- they gots to get together at some point, right? They spend maybe a few times together that we see. Ally sees Drum in his normal, non-handicapped situation -- which is supposed to be sought-after, dressed in fine clothing, sitting in a fine chair inside a super awesome marble entryway parlor thingy that is bigger than her whole cottage, and surrounded by a bevy, and do I mean a bevy, of attractive, monied, statused ladies. There are like at least 10 that's always together, hankering after Drum. Or his title and fortune, as we're led to believe. Despite the fact that he's supposed to be poised, cool, and super charming. (Seriously, which is it? Is he only sought after for his fortune? Because I thought Jane Austen had already established that a charming man with a fortune is more in demand than a non-charming man with an even greater fortune?)

There's an event at Vauxhall, and at this point, you're wondering what the point of this book is. She's lower than a pig about to be slaughtered, and he's super charming, a super cool, efficient ex-spy, who's also titled, tall, and monied, with fantabulous blue eyes. Last I heard, none of those things rendered one unattractive. Also, you're starting to think that there's no reason they should be together. THEN, the very small side plot mystery that's been sort of discussed as a sidebar through most of the book appears in the form of Drum and Ally being captured by boat leaving Vauxhall Gardens.

Okay, that's not as unbelievable as it sounds since they all arrived by boat.

So, they're captured, and guess who it is! It's some weird ex-friend of Ally's weird sort-of father who also wanted to marry her and there's some insinuation by the weirdo that Ally and her sort-of father were lovers, which Drum believes until Ally corrects him, even though he's had ample opportunity to witness her respectability. And the weirdo wants to kill Drum because he thinks Drum killed Napoleon, his hero!

Yadda yadda yadda, they do away with the evil henchmen, but they're trapped underground somewhere near the river and locked in. They huddle together and despite the entire book of both of them thinking that they're no good for each other, somehow they end up getting it on. It was totally not good for me. It was sort of like watching a movie where the actors were clearly told to act as though they were into each other and they were feeling it less than the director was. Like they can't believe their lovey-doveyness anymore than you can. Or, like Katniss and Peeta during the Hunger Games, where you are giggling with embarrassment for them, because it's so awkward. And also because it would be more believable if Peeta hadn't been made out to be such a helpless loser.

They make it out and back to Gilly's house, where Peeta -- oops, Ally wants to leave London immediately and Gilly says she won't pry but manages to ask, "Oh! Is it because you guys got it o-- oh, I guess I shouldn't say anything because I've GUESSED IT! Naughty naughty!!" Yes, that was how subtle she was being. Then, Drum shows up and is all "I'm suddenly so in love with you. Sure, I proposed to Gilly before but I never said I loved her. Teehee, marry me!"

Somehow she says yes, and then there's the final test in the form of Drum's father, the Duke. Drum is anxious and doesn't want to tell his father privately as that would shame Ally (how so?). And SURPRISE! The Duke is super happy and thinks Drum has made a fine choice. WHAT? What the hell? That's it? That's all the opposition? Granted, I wanted the book to be over by then, but what was all that "go forth and marry a titled woman of fortune, thou son of mine" business for the ENTIRE book? And then all of that, poof! In a heartbeat, because, "the heart and soul is more important than lineage, my dear" to Ally.

In short, the book started out very nicely. I liked all the characters immensely. And then the author fell asleep, and someone else finished the book for her. That's what I am concluding.

[Misfit · Rating 1 out of 5]

"He was a nobleman of ancient lineage who needed a wife. That lady had to please his father as well as suit his own rank and station."

That's the basic premise of why our pair can't marry, and fellow readers, I promise you that you will be clubbed over the head with this over and over and over and over again. Outside of that there's a bit of a mystery trying to figure out who tried to kill the hero in the first place, but that's kind of a dropped ball until the very end when the author probably realized she had some loose ends to tie up. In between all that you will get pages and pages and pages and pages of the hero's broken leg (why do they make him wait weeks for crutches?) and about all the single ladies of the ton set to catch this oh-so eligible bachelor for their very own - and those ladies call on our hero at his bachelor home without their mamas in tow (!!!).

Top all that broken leg silliness (seriously, this author cannot be familiar with the ups and downs of a broken limb and how cautious you have to be for weeks after the cast comes off so you don't fall and break it again) is a much too heavy handed dose of adjectives:

"A blazingly yellow phaeton with gilded struts and bright red wheels, pulled by cream-colored horses, came tearing down the drive, sending up a cloud of dust in its wake. The phaeton was a stunning affair, elegant and delicate as a cranefly, precariously balanced and built for speed."

Plus a heavy dose of wall-paper historical. I could go on and on with examples but here's the kicker. It's not stated until the end what the year was, but then I find it was 1821. OK, but at the beginning of the book I have this:

"... how long poor old mad King George would last."

Ummmm. Wiki says George kicked the bucket in 1820.

Kindle copy obtained via library loan. Don't pay a penny more.

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the ups and downs of their relationship. Though at times I wanted to bash Drum’s head for being too staid and proud when it came to his station in life. I loved hiw they met. That hooked and reeled me in, to be honest. ☺️ 5/5 stars!

[Desi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked that Drum invented a home gym. Lovely use of modernity in a historical setting by the author. I also found it interesting to have an incapacitated hero for most of the book. I thought the boys were charming. The barn incident was cute and a great running gag. I do quite like that intimacy isn't insta-fantastic for a virgin in the book. Orgasms up the wahoo right out the gate for a first timer (as it is usually portrayed in books) can ring rather false. Not to mention the "ready for round two?" nonsense other authors sometimes do when the poor girl is still sore. Layton acknowledges this and works around it.

On the negative side, the threat to his life, and its resolution, was asinine and one got a bit tired hearing about how poor old Drum couldn't love a woman, he was also way too trumped up with his own superiority in his thoughts, but other than that things moved along briskly enough. Heroine was a bit of a wet blanket at times, spent most of the book lamenting her class and birth. Overall a good read that was still a step above many other books.

Excerpts

“Now Mrs. Tooke’s here, we can both relax. I’ll introduce her to you soon.” She forced herself to meet those knowing eyes. “She’s very respectable. In fact, she comes from a fine family. You should have much in common, actually. She’s only in this little village because she married beneath herself, they say. Doubtless you can commiserate about having to tolerate lesser beings. Now. Some soup and a wing of chicken?”

"I ought to praise your grace and charm, and so on and on. That’s all true too, but it doesn’t matter. I only know that from the moment I met you, I was yours."

[Jennie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Don't read unless you like pages and pages of repetitive inner monolog, condescending (and boderline sexist) male lead, a clichéd plot told in the most tired way...

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be honest this book drags on for awhile. The book setting is based at one specific location through out most of the book and there is not much variety either. Drum is injured through out most of the book as well. Other then those falts the book has some witty and funny characters. It was a good book and an easy read. I would recommend it as long as you have the patience to wait and see what happens.

[Debby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexandria Gascoyne is solely responsible for her 3 younger "brothers" after her stepfather dies. When they find an injured man on their property, they bring him home to heal. The man turns out to be the Earl of Drummond and his leg is badly broken. He regains consciousness, but is unable to be moved because of his leg. The family grows very fond of him, and he of them, but he's in the market for a noble wife to continue his very noble line and Alexandria doesn't have the bloodlines. She's very intelligent and attractive and they are attracted to each other even though both recognize it's wrong.

When she's invited to London to stay with some of his friends, the attraction continues. When an attempt is again made on his life (he was a spy during the war) and Alexandria is caught with him and they finally get together.

Well done, interesting book.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

An unlikely scenario, but I enjoyed the characters. The book read easily and was fast-paced enough. Alexandria is a wonderful portrayal of life experience; Drum an unfortunate product of elitism. My favorite part was Drum's father's summary of Drum's engagement. I had been saying the same thing in my thoughts all the way through. although it was unexpected coming out of the mouth of a duke. Still, a very enjoyable read, especially given the way Regencies have gone to pot in recent times.

[penelopewanders]

It had been a while since I'd last read a book by this author, but this one reminded me of why I enjoyed her books - her heroine is strong and unusual, the hero is not an Adonis, although he is an earl - and a former spy for the Crown. Aside from the somewhat classic impossible match between the two, there is a bit of unexpected danger as well. An entertaining read.

[Teresa A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Satisfying ending

Not your usual resolution to hurt lord falling in love with country less. She doesn't end up a lost child of the aristocracy, but love as blue just the same. A nice addition to this series.

[Denise Clethen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring

Edith Layton books has become very boring. This novel is over three hundred pages of total CRAP. She should have left Drum's story unknown rather than this garbage. Zi

[BURMA · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5
Sin excesivo interés

[Darbella · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am bummed that Drums story ended up being this meh!

[ASHLEY · Rating 3 out of 5]

This started off so perfectly but then nothing really happened. It picked up in the last 15% but then everything felt rushed at the end

[Doreen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mysterious attacker nearly kills our hero but he is saved and brought to recover in the cottage occupied by Alexandria and her brothers. Unwillingly they develop feelings for each other in spite of the difference in their stations. But the odds have to be against them finding happiness, until they are forced to confront their differences.

I'm glad our author didn't resort to a deus ex machina ending, with the poor girl suddenly elevated. Maybe it wasn't common for people of different status to marry, but it did happen from time to time, and it was accepted that a wife took on the status of her husband. I liked the parallels with Mrs Tooke, the neighbour who had married down, but had never regretted her action.

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Layton has written better, but this one was good. Just not her best. I really enjoyed the ending. How come we see so little of the Wycoffs in this series? I can't wait to read their story. I've been jumping about and haven't read about the Sinclairs or Ryders either.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really great read! Plenty of drama to keep the story interesting. Very well paced and nice narrative. A really sweet story at points and at other parts gut wrenching. Can't wait for more of the series!

[Ilze · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lovely story. After reading Mrs Giggles' negative review of this book I can't believe she and I read the same book!

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent writing, wonderful hero and heroine. Good secondary characters.

[Kagama-the Literaturevixen]

Kindle vailable now on Amazon for 0.99

[Seema · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, touching..a bit long but portions were beautifully written and poignant..Alexandria and Drum

[P.]

Conquest is a decent, but not remarkable, read.

[Alisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.6