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The Gold Scent Bottle
Homecoming
Max Waring, Viscount Edgeworth, left London after his fiancee broke off their engagement and married his father instead. After four years abroad in the military, he has returned, only to be waylaid by his "stepmother" and coerced into visiting his family -- a prospect that fills Max with dread.
Abigail Monroe's brother foolishly lost a wager to Lord Edgeworth. So he offers Abigail's heart-shaped gold scent bottle -- a gift from their late mother -- to his opponent without her permission. To get her property back, she will have to pose as Max's bride-to-be while staying at his family's estate. But pretending to be in love awakens passions more intense than Max and Abigail could ever have imagined...
Max Waring, Viscount Edgeworth, left London after his fiancee broke off their engagement and married his father instead. After four years abroad in the military, he has returned, only to be waylaid by his "stepmother" and coerced into visiting his family -- a prospect that fills Max with dread.
Abigail Monroe's brother foolishly lost a wager to Lord Edgeworth. So he offers Abigail's heart-shaped gold scent bottle -- a gift from their late mother -- to his opponent without her permission. To get her property back, she will have to pose as Max's bride-to-be while staying at his family's estate. But pretending to be in love awakens passions more intense than Max and Abigail could ever have imagined...
Mass Market Paperback
First published April 1, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 14, 2023
This could've been awesome, if the H hadn't spent 75% of the story filled with bitterness because his former fiancee, Felicity, married his dad since it's more impressive to be the rich Countess of Dalmore, instead of settling for his viscount son ( the H ).
The H, Max ( Viscount Edgemore ), spent 4 years in the army, because he couldn't bear to remain in England and watch his dream girl cosy up to daddy. When Max returns from the continent, he goes to a London party, where Felicity begins flirting shamelessly with him. It's obvious that the little mattress wants to get laid, asap...
The H still thinks she's beautiful, but he's an honourable guy, who's not interested in daddy's used merchandise. Max is also aware that she might already be cheating on his father, since there are at least 2 men who seem to share an *interesting closeness* with her.
That same night, the H wins some money from a young man named Roland. This moron is the heroine's brother. Roland can't even afford a Covent Garden whore, so he shouldn't have been gambling with anybody. The H accepted Roland's IOU vouchers, not believing that the country bumpkin youngster would ever turn up to pay.
Roland does turn up the next day, bringing a golden perfume bottle to give as a pawn token, until he's able to pay in cash. Unfortunately, the scent bottle belongs to Abigail, the heroine. And, it's the only item she's inherited from her dead mother. Abigail can't afford to refill the bottle, but she treasures it for sentimental value.
The spitfire heroine is ready for all out war, when her heirloom is taken and she bullies Roland's gambling partner/friend to escort her to the H's house, so she can get back the bottle. Abigail turns up when the H isn't fully awake and assumes that nobody is home, since there appears to be no servants.
She doesn't realize that the H has yet to employ servants, since he's just returned from the continent. The impulsive Abigail climbs through an open window, when she spies the perfume bottle inside the room. The H hears the commotion, rushes in and catches her red handed.
The H uses this to blackmail Abigail and her brother into helping him with a fake engagement. Abigail ( and her brother ) accompany the H to a house party, at his father's country estate. Abigail also agrees because the H promises to return her gold perfume bottle. The OW's immediately jealous but fakes the cordiality when she meets Abigail, because she's still convinced that she can lure the H into her bed.
I would've given this a higher rating, if the romantic storyline between the MC's had been significant. The novel itself was entertaining, with quite a few hilarious scenes, but the MC's lacked chemistry and the OW was always at centre stage, plotting and trying to get the H into secluded corners so she could be alone with him.
The OW wasn't even threatened by the heroine's presence because she thought the engagement was a sham and didn't think her husband ( the H's father ) would approve of his son marrying a country bumpkin like Abigail. It's only when the old man openly acknowledges his fondness for his future daughter in law, that the OW takes off the kid gloves and tells the heroine exactly what she thinks of her, in brutally insulting words...
The heroine didn't cower, just because this female cretin was her hostess; on the contrary, Abigail gave back as good as she got and this was a shocker to the infuriated OW. This OW was such a selfish, lying twat that she deserved far worse than a few choice words from the heroine. I almost wished the heroine had behaved in an unladylike or uncouth manner and opened up a can of whoopass on this entitled villainess - who got absolutely zero comeuppance !
Furthermore, if that's not bad enough, the wuss H waited too long to make his move on the heroine. The story would've been better if the H's father had died, so that he ( the H ) would've been the current Earl, since the OW would've been relegated to being just a dowager countess.
Safety: This is a clean regency romance and there's no cheating, even though there's a former OW in the story. The H had never had a sexual relationship with the former OW, because she'd been a debutante when she dumped him to marry his father.
The H, Max ( Viscount Edgemore ), spent 4 years in the army, because he couldn't bear to remain in England and watch his dream girl cosy up to daddy. When Max returns from the continent, he goes to a London party, where Felicity begins flirting shamelessly with him. It's obvious that the little mattress wants to get laid, asap...
The H still thinks she's beautiful, but he's an honourable guy, who's not interested in daddy's used merchandise. Max is also aware that she might already be cheating on his father, since there are at least 2 men who seem to share an *interesting closeness* with her.
That same night, the H wins some money from a young man named Roland. This moron is the heroine's brother. Roland can't even afford a Covent Garden whore, so he shouldn't have been gambling with anybody. The H accepted Roland's IOU vouchers, not believing that the country bumpkin youngster would ever turn up to pay.
Roland does turn up the next day, bringing a golden perfume bottle to give as a pawn token, until he's able to pay in cash. Unfortunately, the scent bottle belongs to Abigail, the heroine. And, it's the only item she's inherited from her dead mother. Abigail can't afford to refill the bottle, but she treasures it for sentimental value.
The spitfire heroine is ready for all out war, when her heirloom is taken and she bullies Roland's gambling partner/friend to escort her to the H's house, so she can get back the bottle. Abigail turns up when the H isn't fully awake and assumes that nobody is home, since there appears to be no servants.
She doesn't realize that the H has yet to employ servants, since he's just returned from the continent. The impulsive Abigail climbs through an open window, when she spies the perfume bottle inside the room. The H hears the commotion, rushes in and catches her red handed.
The H uses this to blackmail Abigail and her brother into helping him with a fake engagement. Abigail ( and her brother ) accompany the H to a house party, at his father's country estate. Abigail also agrees because the H promises to return her gold perfume bottle. The OW's immediately jealous but fakes the cordiality when she meets Abigail, because she's still convinced that she can lure the H into her bed.
I would've given this a higher rating, if the romantic storyline between the MC's had been significant. The novel itself was entertaining, with quite a few hilarious scenes, but the MC's lacked chemistry and the OW was always at centre stage, plotting and trying to get the H into secluded corners so she could be alone with him.
The OW wasn't even threatened by the heroine's presence because she thought the engagement was a sham and didn't think her husband ( the H's father ) would approve of his son marrying a country bumpkin like Abigail. It's only when the old man openly acknowledges his fondness for his future daughter in law, that the OW takes off the kid gloves and tells the heroine exactly what she thinks of her, in brutally insulting words...
The heroine didn't cower, just because this female cretin was her hostess; on the contrary, Abigail gave back as good as she got and this was a shocker to the infuriated OW. This OW was such a selfish, lying twat that she deserved far worse than a few choice words from the heroine. I almost wished the heroine had behaved in an unladylike or uncouth manner and opened up a can of whoopass on this entitled villainess - who got absolutely zero comeuppance !
Furthermore, if that's not bad enough, the wuss H waited too long to make his move on the heroine. The story would've been better if the H's father had died, so that he ( the H ) would've been the current Earl, since the OW would've been relegated to being just a dowager countess.
Safety: This is a clean regency romance and there's no cheating, even though there's a former OW in the story. The H had never had a sexual relationship with the former OW, because she'd been a debutante when she dumped him to marry his father.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2020
I'm not sure why this was on my TBR list, or why I bought a hard copy when it's on KU AND Open Library, but oh well.
Ivy H does a much better review, https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...,
but here's my two cents worth.
H essentially hires the heroine to play his fiancee as a shield against his step-mother, once upon a time fiancee. Yep, his father married his fiancee, and knowingly married his fiancee at that. The father's attempt at an apology and explanation was sincere if poorly done. Really, what can you say about marrying your son's fiancee?
Now that the H is back from the war, thestep-mother Viper lets him know she would be happy to pick up where they left off. He's mad at dad, but not that mad as that so here comes the h.
The Viper is nasty in a clenched teeth, social way to the heroine who's pretty clueless as to the whole back story. Her personality and talents help deflect the Viper's petty attempts to ridicule her, and the heroine gives what I thought was a pretty epic telling off to the Viper. The words folly and atrocious are bandied about. Worth reading for that alone.
The romance is fairly tepid, and there is the lingering bad taste of a father rejoining life at the expense of his own son. His punishment, and I think he realizes it, is his marriage to the Viper who is auditioning young lovers. On top of being greedy, probably adulterous, a dog-in-the-manger, spiteful step mommy, she's also a poor mother to her own little moppet.
Ivy H does a much better review, https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...,
but here's my two cents worth.
H essentially hires the heroine to play his fiancee as a shield against his step-mother, once upon a time fiancee. Yep, his father married his fiancee, and knowingly married his fiancee at that. The father's attempt at an apology and explanation was sincere if poorly done. Really, what can you say about marrying your son's fiancee?
Now that the H is back from the war, the
The Viper is nasty in a clenched teeth, social way to the heroine who's pretty clueless as to the whole back story. Her personality and talents help deflect the Viper's petty attempts to ridicule her, and the heroine gives what I thought was a pretty epic telling off to the Viper. The words folly and atrocious are bandied about. Worth reading for that alone.
The romance is fairly tepid, and there is the lingering bad taste of a father rejoining life at the expense of his own son. His punishment, and I think he realizes it, is his marriage to the Viper who is auditioning young lovers. On top of being greedy, probably adulterous, a dog-in-the-manger, spiteful step mommy, she's also a poor mother to her own little moppet.
September 12, 2022
2.5 😐😐 Stars
I’ve got three of these to get out, so these will be short. The Gold Scent Bottle is a historical romance available on KU that I one-clicked because I was expecting buckets of drama-llama that unfortunately never developed. Basically, I was anticipating Spicy Doritos but ended up with rice cakes… and we’re talking the lightly salted not the chocolate ones.
The blurb sets it up, Max was engaged to Felicity when he brought her home to meet his father the Earl… sadly for Max, the social climbing twat decided to upgrade to the male with the title, and married the dad. Unable to face his love turned new step-mommy, Max enlisted and left home.
The book opens 4-years later with Max returning home, and running into Felicity. He’s bummed to realize he’s still peeved, and the new Lady Dalmore is putting out some come-hither vibes… fortunately, Max isn’t down with his dad’s sloppy seconds, so he leaves to drink/gamble the night away. Stuff happens, and Max catches Abigail (Gail) attempting to steal her gold scent bottle back (her bro lost at the tables). Knowing he must face his back-stabbing father and gold-digging step-mom, he proposes that she fake being his new fiancée in exchange for said bottle.
Now, if you love soapy-reads as much as I do… this SCREAMS delicious drama… but it doesn’t shake out that way. Mostly because nothing is really explored, and we just follow the characters around going about their business.
🔸Max is bitter for 75% of the book, but does nothing about it.
🔸Felicity is snarky, but in a snooty way.
🔸The dad is actually nice. He sees that his wife is a flirty biatch, but does nothing about it.
🔸Gail sorta-kinda likes Max, but shows no emotion.
🔸There’s no relationship development. No chemistry, no fighting, no sexy-time.
🔸No comeuppance for Felicity.
🔸Quick, bland apology from dad.
🔸No epilogue and the ending is rushed.
Bottom Line- This had the ingredients, but they were left in the pantry. They were all passive-aggressive and non-confrontational, so there wasn’t any passion or conflict. I needed something… dad and Max to duke it out… dad to call Felicity out on her harlot ways … Max to give her a verbal lashing… Gail to at least point out Felicity’s tarty ways when she gunning for her… Max and Gail to show some emotion… anything to spice up the blandness. The ending is rushed, and there’s no epilogue, so we have no idea what comes of the OW/dad/Max/Gail situation. (we really needed this) I agree with Carmen, the dad really needed to die, so we could see Max choose Gail and throw Felicity out on her ass.
Safety- Totally safe. When the 3-year-old daughter was mentioned in the first chapter, my soap-addled brain started jumping to conclusions, but that isn’t the case. Max and Felicity never slept together.
I’ve got three of these to get out, so these will be short. The Gold Scent Bottle is a historical romance available on KU that I one-clicked because I was expecting buckets of drama-llama that unfortunately never developed. Basically, I was anticipating Spicy Doritos but ended up with rice cakes… and we’re talking the lightly salted not the chocolate ones.
The blurb sets it up, Max was engaged to Felicity when he brought her home to meet his father the Earl… sadly for Max, the social climbing twat decided to upgrade to the male with the title, and married the dad. Unable to face his love turned new step-mommy, Max enlisted and left home.
The book opens 4-years later with Max returning home, and running into Felicity. He’s bummed to realize he’s still peeved, and the new Lady Dalmore is putting out some come-hither vibes… fortunately, Max isn’t down with his dad’s sloppy seconds, so he leaves to drink/gamble the night away. Stuff happens, and Max catches Abigail (Gail) attempting to steal her gold scent bottle back (her bro lost at the tables). Knowing he must face his back-stabbing father and gold-digging step-mom, he proposes that she fake being his new fiancée in exchange for said bottle.
Now, if you love soapy-reads as much as I do… this SCREAMS delicious drama… but it doesn’t shake out that way. Mostly because nothing is really explored, and we just follow the characters around going about their business.
🔸Max is bitter for 75% of the book, but does nothing about it.
🔸Felicity is snarky, but in a snooty way.
🔸The dad is actually nice. He sees that his wife is a flirty biatch, but does nothing about it.
🔸Gail sorta-kinda likes Max, but shows no emotion.
🔸There’s no relationship development. No chemistry, no fighting, no sexy-time.
🔸No comeuppance for Felicity.
🔸Quick, bland apology from dad.
🔸No epilogue and the ending is rushed.
Bottom Line- This had the ingredients, but they were left in the pantry. They were all passive-aggressive and non-confrontational, so there wasn’t any passion or conflict. I needed something… dad and Max to duke it out… dad to call Felicity out on her harlot ways … Max to give her a verbal lashing… Gail to at least point out Felicity’s tarty ways when she gunning for her… Max and Gail to show some emotion… anything to spice up the blandness. The ending is rushed, and there’s no epilogue, so we have no idea what comes of the OW/dad/Max/Gail situation. (we really needed this) I agree with Carmen, the dad really needed to die, so we could see Max choose Gail and throw Felicity out on her ass.
Safety- Totally safe. When the 3-year-old daughter was mentioned in the first chapter, my soap-addled brain started jumping to conclusions, but that isn’t the case. Max and Felicity never slept together.
May 10, 2020
I had a hard time with this one. I loved the way it began. It moved well and had me really wanting these two to figure things out. I felt like I kept waiting and waiting with this one. Where was the love story? It didn't happen for a long time. I think trying to show the character of the mother in law and introducing lots of side characters ,that have nothing to do with anything, and descriptions of the house and clothes made this book drag. I loved so many little things here and there but overall the book was too long and didn't have the slow build of the two main characters love. He was more wrapped up in his jilted x-woman and that is something no romance reader wants to read. Very chaste. Only a couple kisses. There was talk of affairs by others.
August 22, 2021
Decent
Great evil villainess. Hero and heroine was decent too. Great book for a rainy day. Overall a good book :)
Great evil villainess. Hero and heroine was decent too. Great book for a rainy day. Overall a good book :)
June 4, 2021
Wow. Where to start? I think I read this book at the wrong time.
Sometimes you want a book with a hero that is better than you and who can forgive. I get it. We love that moment when the main character has an epiphany and forgives everyone no matter what they've done.
Well...that was not what I needed at the end of this specific book at this specific time.
God no.
I honestly don't think I've ever cried out of frustration before but this book did it. It's currently 04.44 where I live and I've been awake the whole night trying to come to terms with what I feel after finishing it.
I did enjoyed 90% of it up until the last five (?) pages. It was well written and I did enjoy the plot. It was right up my ally with romance, angst, and betrayal. I was really intrigued by the whole "Father and ex-fiancee got married" and was so looking forward too where that would put the hero! It started so well and I really felt the angst and loved it! The hero meeting his ex fiancee now stepmother and then the hero meeting his father gave me what I needed; Cutting remarks, eyes that was dark with remorse and more.
But in the end it fell flat.
What especially made me want to throw the book away and made me sit crying in front of my mirror trying to redo the whole scene was the moment when the H talked to his father. I felt so bereft of a good groveling scene and honestly I wanted the father and his wife to really pay for what they've done. Honestly for me both their action was deplorable, selfish and unforgivable. I felt so empty by the fathers speech. The only thing he said was technically "You showed up with this young woman who I immediately got the hots for so I decided to marry her instead. Oops" The whole thing made me just feel cheep and weird in the end. The ending was unfortunately rushed and I feel like there were so much more to be said between father and son not to say between the hero and heroine.
Sometimes you want a book with a hero that is better than you and who can forgive. I get it. We love that moment when the main character has an epiphany and forgives everyone no matter what they've done.
Well...that was not what I needed at the end of this specific book at this specific time.
God no.
I honestly don't think I've ever cried out of frustration before but this book did it. It's currently 04.44 where I live and I've been awake the whole night trying to come to terms with what I feel after finishing it.
I did enjoyed 90% of it up until the last five (?) pages. It was well written and I did enjoy the plot. It was right up my ally with romance, angst, and betrayal. I was really intrigued by the whole "Father and ex-fiancee got married" and was so looking forward too where that would put the hero! It started so well and I really felt the angst and loved it! The hero meeting his ex fiancee now stepmother and then the hero meeting his father gave me what I needed; Cutting remarks, eyes that was dark with remorse and more.
But in the end it fell flat.
What especially made me want to throw the book away and made me sit crying in front of my mirror trying to redo the whole scene was the moment when the H talked to his father. I felt so bereft of a good groveling scene and honestly I wanted the father and his wife to really pay for what they've done. Honestly for me both their action was deplorable, selfish and unforgivable. I felt so empty by the fathers speech. The only thing he said was technically "You showed up with this young woman who I immediately got the hots for so I decided to marry her instead. Oops" The whole thing made me just feel cheep and weird in the end. The ending was unfortunately rushed and I feel like there were so much more to be said between father and son not to say between the hero and heroine.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2021
Another Interesting Read
Another Entertaining and well written read. Max Lord Edgeworth, having newly left his post in the army, And on his first night in London, ran into his 'step mother' Lady Dalmore, who in fact had been his betrothed 4 years previously before his father had married her. During his time away in the army Max had still not come to terms with this cruel fact and desperately didn't want to meet with either his father or step mother, but when the summons came from his father the Earl of Dalmore to visit the family home, plus the threat of Felicity (his step mother) that she would match make when he returned home, Max had to act quickly. Due to an unfortunate game of cards Max had met Roland and Abigail Monroe, and he persuaded Abigail to act as his betrothed when he went on the home visit, but not telling her the reason why. Despite Abigails misgivings, the visit proved very pleasant in some ways but Felicity proved to be the typical wicked step mother and wouldn't believe that Max could love anybody but her. Felicity was not an endearing person, she used people, flirted with other men in front of her husband, tried to embarrass and was spiteful to Abigail, made a play for Max, all leading to the point of Felicity telling Abigail the she had been betrothed to max. Abigail understandably ended the visit and was prepared not to see Max again.
I would thoroughly recommend this book.
Another Entertaining and well written read. Max Lord Edgeworth, having newly left his post in the army, And on his first night in London, ran into his 'step mother' Lady Dalmore, who in fact had been his betrothed 4 years previously before his father had married her. During his time away in the army Max had still not come to terms with this cruel fact and desperately didn't want to meet with either his father or step mother, but when the summons came from his father the Earl of Dalmore to visit the family home, plus the threat of Felicity (his step mother) that she would match make when he returned home, Max had to act quickly. Due to an unfortunate game of cards Max had met Roland and Abigail Monroe, and he persuaded Abigail to act as his betrothed when he went on the home visit, but not telling her the reason why. Despite Abigails misgivings, the visit proved very pleasant in some ways but Felicity proved to be the typical wicked step mother and wouldn't believe that Max could love anybody but her. Felicity was not an endearing person, she used people, flirted with other men in front of her husband, tried to embarrass and was spiteful to Abigail, made a play for Max, all leading to the point of Felicity telling Abigail the she had been betrothed to max. Abigail understandably ended the visit and was prepared not to see Max again.
I would thoroughly recommend this book.
June 17, 2020
Father marriage to son's fiancee and the aftermath
The resolution of this story left a lot to be desired, how do you reconcile that situation,deplorable behavior all around.
The resolution of this story left a lot to be desired, how do you reconcile that situation,deplorable behavior all around.
July 23, 2020
Rich detail
This marks my 20th Dorothy Mack book and, 15 of them are 5 star reads for me. I like her writing. She draws me into the characters and their backgrounds. She draws me into their motivations. I go willingly where she takes me - even when I know the next scenes will be troublesome.
I get so attached to the characters, that the quick resolution of the stories leaves me feeling bereft. I grieve that I will not share in their lives any more. I am, however, assured that these characters have faced a difficulty and successfully overcome it and I feel they will experience a "happy ever after".
I am so happy to read these books (with copyrights from 1977 to 2000) on Kindle! Mack has an impressive vocabulary and I look up many words. I enjoy expanding my knowledge and confirming my vague understandings. She also sprinkles a number of French phrases in the text and dialog. I find the Kindle translation feature helpful.
I find the title "The Gold Scent Bottle" intriguing. It sets something within me into an expectation of magic or treasure. In this case, this story, it is more like what Hitchcock called the "MacGuffin". It isn't exactly central to the story, but it adds texture and anticipation.
This marks my 20th Dorothy Mack book and, 15 of them are 5 star reads for me. I like her writing. She draws me into the characters and their backgrounds. She draws me into their motivations. I go willingly where she takes me - even when I know the next scenes will be troublesome.
I get so attached to the characters, that the quick resolution of the stories leaves me feeling bereft. I grieve that I will not share in their lives any more. I am, however, assured that these characters have faced a difficulty and successfully overcome it and I feel they will experience a "happy ever after".
I am so happy to read these books (with copyrights from 1977 to 2000) on Kindle! Mack has an impressive vocabulary and I look up many words. I enjoy expanding my knowledge and confirming my vague understandings. She also sprinkles a number of French phrases in the text and dialog. I find the Kindle translation feature helpful.
I find the title "The Gold Scent Bottle" intriguing. It sets something within me into an expectation of magic or treasure. In this case, this story, it is more like what Hitchcock called the "MacGuffin". It isn't exactly central to the story, but it adds texture and anticipation.
August 23, 2024
A Good Read
In many ways my reaction to this book is mixed. I like Abigail with her self-belief, independent spirit, and generous nature. She’s funny, adventurous, and sorely put upon by her father.
Max is an arse too tied up in his hurt to stop Felicity in her underhand, spiteful, and unpleasant treatment of Abigail. The author failed to make more of the changes in Max and his growing love for Abigail.
There are too many loose ends:
the relationship between the Earl & Felicity & her behaviour with other men
the huge problem between Earl and Max is barely dealt with and yet is in part central to the plot
Felicity & Lady Winter with hints at their conniving
Even so … it’s and entertaining read & is highly recommended
In many ways my reaction to this book is mixed. I like Abigail with her self-belief, independent spirit, and generous nature. She’s funny, adventurous, and sorely put upon by her father.
Max is an arse too tied up in his hurt to stop Felicity in her underhand, spiteful, and unpleasant treatment of Abigail. The author failed to make more of the changes in Max and his growing love for Abigail.
There are too many loose ends:
the relationship between the Earl & Felicity & her behaviour with other men
the huge problem between Earl and Max is barely dealt with and yet is in part central to the plot
Felicity & Lady Winter with hints at their conniving
Even so … it’s and entertaining read & is highly recommended
April 9, 2021
This was a fun diversion of a young officer who returned from war to be confronted by his former fiancee. She had married his father who was wealthy and titled before he left for the war. Now he has returned and must face the hurt inflicted by the woman he loved and his own father.
During his first night he encountered a young man gambling more money than skill. The officer tries to stop the money loss but the younger man continues to lose. The next day the young man offers a scent bottle as collateral against his debt. The problem is the scent bottle doesn't belong to him but to his twin sister. She attempts to steal it back. A compromise is reached and the story unfolds from there.
During his first night he encountered a young man gambling more money than skill. The officer tries to stop the money loss but the younger man continues to lose. The next day the young man offers a scent bottle as collateral against his debt. The problem is the scent bottle doesn't belong to him but to his twin sister. She attempts to steal it back. A compromise is reached and the story unfolds from there.
May 7, 2022
lost her mojo
Dorothy Mack used to be one of my favorite authors Unfortunately all the books in recent years are plots taken from other authors with a small twist as not to be considered plagiarism. Perhaps they are some of her older book plots revisited and not someone else’s but unfortunately regency books are my favorite I’ve read hundreds. Perhaps she has a ghost writer now?? Not enough dialogue but too much internal dialogue.
Dorothy Mack used to be one of my favorite authors Unfortunately all the books in recent years are plots taken from other authors with a small twist as not to be considered plagiarism. Perhaps they are some of her older book plots revisited and not someone else’s but unfortunately regency books are my favorite I’ve read hundreds. Perhaps she has a ghost writer now?? Not enough dialogue but too much internal dialogue.
April 6, 2025
In realtà si tratta di una rilettura, ma è stata una rilettura piacevole, perché DM è una delle mie preferite autrici regency. Considerando lo stato in cui versa attualmente questo genere, ho pensato fosse il caso di arrivare fino a (quasi) quattro stelle.
Certo, il punto debole (comune a molti suoi romanzi) sono le conclusioni, che sembrano arrivare dal nulla e chiudono una lunga storia in poche pagine. Ma l'insieme è decisamente di buon livello.
Certo, il punto debole (comune a molti suoi romanzi) sono le conclusioni, che sembrano arrivare dal nulla e chiudono una lunga storia in poche pagine. Ma l'insieme è decisamente di buon livello.
February 24, 2024
enjoyable and cute!!
Another enjoyable Dorothy Mack novel!! I liked both characters and the author managed to keep the fun traditional mangled plot set up but then explain and grow the characters to overcome some of the “wait…she/he is actually terrible” moments of reflection you get in some of these. Fun.
Another enjoyable Dorothy Mack novel!! I liked both characters and the author managed to keep the fun traditional mangled plot set up but then explain and grow the characters to overcome some of the “wait…she/he is actually terrible” moments of reflection you get in some of these. Fun.
July 8, 2020
DNF @20%
I usually try with books but I couldn’t get used to the run-on sentences and the over-excessive description of things. I’ve read a lot of books that flowed better than this one. Might pick up again but who knows.
I usually try with books but I couldn’t get used to the run-on sentences and the over-excessive description of things. I’ve read a lot of books that flowed better than this one. Might pick up again but who knows.
July 21, 2020
Far better than I expected. Excellent characterizations and some well thought out dilemmas for them to maneuver.
August 15, 2020
Another great read
My only complaint is that it isn’t longer...Thank you Ms Mack for the enjoyment of another of your stories. I am on to the next !
My only complaint is that it isn’t longer...Thank you Ms Mack for the enjoyment of another of your stories. I am on to the next !
January 9, 2021
I can't really remember this one well.
May 9, 2021
Wonderful !
A fast pace with new revelations in every. page. Lovely H@ h. I could not guess what would happen next very original
A fast pace with new revelations in every. page. Lovely H@ h. I could not guess what would happen next very original
December 24, 2021
charming and fun twist
A delightful read ! Really intuitive main characters and so many twists and turns, I could hardly put it down.
A delightful read ! Really intuitive main characters and so many twists and turns, I could hardly put it down.
May 29, 2024
This story was weak.
May 5, 2026
Close to a 4 but both primaries were annoying.
May 1, 2026
Betrayed by the two people he loved the most (his father & his would-be betrothed) Max joins the army and goes off to war. When he returns 4 years later and meets his former betrothed again (now his stepmother) he’s still greatly affected by what happened. After a bet over a gold scent bottle brings Abigail into his life he decides to use blackmail and he gets her to pretend to be his new fiancé when he goes back home to meet his father & new stepmother again. But Abigail starts to mean more to him than he thought she would.
Another nicely-written story by Dorothy. I’ve read quite a few of her novels over the years and they’re always a good read. But, they’re not without fault.
Firstly, I find the chapters are a bit long. Some were almost 20 mins which I find a bit much.
And as much as I like knowing the main characters thoughts & feelings the inner monologues can go on a bit.
Long words don’t impress me either.
I also found the romance between Max & Abigail seemed to happen quite quick. I would have liked to have known more about how Max came to feel what he did for Abigail (& even Felicity). I felt we were much more privy to her feelings over a lot of things than his.
But quibbles aside I did enjoy the book, and what I really did like with this particular story was the fact it was set in my county of Sussex!
Another nicely-written story by Dorothy. I’ve read quite a few of her novels over the years and they’re always a good read. But, they’re not without fault.
Firstly, I find the chapters are a bit long. Some were almost 20 mins which I find a bit much.
And as much as I like knowing the main characters thoughts & feelings the inner monologues can go on a bit.
Long words don’t impress me either.
I also found the romance between Max & Abigail seemed to happen quite quick. I would have liked to have known more about how Max came to feel what he did for Abigail (& even Felicity). I felt we were much more privy to her feelings over a lot of things than his.
But quibbles aside I did enjoy the book, and what I really did like with this particular story was the fact it was set in my county of Sussex!
January 12, 2017
3.5 out of 5 stars.
December 1, 2025
3.7 stars
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews