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Regency Nobles #2
The English Heiress
An Irish rogue and a duke’s daughter should have nothing in common except trouble...
Though enchanted by the selfless beauty of a duke’s granddaughter, Michael—a man of many names but none his own—has wisely kept his distance. But two years after the disastrous fire that brought Lady Blanche Perceval into his life, he is saddled with a lost, lying Irish waif and needs a woman’s understanding aid. To his dismay, the generous lady he remembers now despises him for deserting her when she needed him most.
Blanche has inherited all the wealth and responsibility of a dukedom, even if it is her cousin who wears the title. Forced to rely on her men of business to help her make decisions since she has no experience or knowledge of her own, she is at constant odds with the new duke who wishes to marry her for the sake of the estate.
When the irresistible and unreliable Michael O’Toole materializes in her life to enlist her care for another of the abandoned orphans he’s rescued—as he once did for her—Blanche doesn’t know whether to kill him or kiss him. After terrorists blow up her carriage, it becomes apparent that running away might be the best choice of all—but can they survive the pitfalls of their impossible attraction?
“Finally, Michael O’Toole! I’ve been waiting for his story ever since I read Patricia Rice’s The Marquess years ago. Michael and his delicious duke’s granddaughter demonstrate why bad boys are best!”
Mary Jo Putney
Though enchanted by the selfless beauty of a duke’s granddaughter, Michael—a man of many names but none his own—has wisely kept his distance. But two years after the disastrous fire that brought Lady Blanche Perceval into his life, he is saddled with a lost, lying Irish waif and needs a woman’s understanding aid. To his dismay, the generous lady he remembers now despises him for deserting her when she needed him most.
Blanche has inherited all the wealth and responsibility of a dukedom, even if it is her cousin who wears the title. Forced to rely on her men of business to help her make decisions since she has no experience or knowledge of her own, she is at constant odds with the new duke who wishes to marry her for the sake of the estate.
When the irresistible and unreliable Michael O’Toole materializes in her life to enlist her care for another of the abandoned orphans he’s rescued—as he once did for her—Blanche doesn’t know whether to kill him or kiss him. After terrorists blow up her carriage, it becomes apparent that running away might be the best choice of all—but can they survive the pitfalls of their impossible attraction?
“Finally, Michael O’Toole! I’ve been waiting for his story ever since I read Patricia Rice’s The Marquess years ago. Michael and his delicious duke’s granddaughter demonstrate why bad boys are best!”
Mary Jo Putney
285 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 8, 2012
78 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Rice
153 books513 followersWith several million books in print and New York Times and USA Today's bestseller lists under her belt, former CPA Patricia Rice writes emotionally-charged contemporary and historical romances which have won numerous awards, including the RT Book Reviews Reviewers Choice and Career Achievement Awards.
Her books have also been honored as Romance Writers of America RITA® finalists in the historical, regency and contemporary categories.
A firm believer in happily-ever-after for good reason, Patricia Rice is married to her high school sweetheart and has two children. A native of Kentucky and New York, a past resident of North Carolina and Missouri, she currently resides in Southern California, and now does accounting only for herself.
She also writes under the pen name Jamie Quaid
Her books have also been honored as Romance Writers of America RITA® finalists in the historical, regency and contemporary categories.
A firm believer in happily-ever-after for good reason, Patricia Rice is married to her high school sweetheart and has two children. A native of Kentucky and New York, a past resident of North Carolina and Missouri, she currently resides in Southern California, and now does accounting only for herself.
She also writes under the pen name Jamie Quaid
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 21, 2020
Wow, my first-year was 5 🌟!! I just listened to this book, thanks audible plus. I think Micheal O'toole Lawrence is one of my favorite characters in this series. He is quite magical and Blanche( the titular heiress) cannot resist him. There are 2 years between The Marquess and this book, and Blanche has matured and still unwilling to marry because she would have to give over her fortune to a husband. Yet, as a woman she really can't do it on her own and must have a man of business as well as stewards who weren't necessarily trustworthy. This book finally solves the mystery of Micheal's birth, Blanche's life and the laws of Britain that hurt the common man. All in all the best of the series and an excellent historical fiction forbthevyearsc1819 to 1823.
March 7, 2020
Michael and Blanche's story was far better than I expected. Including mine and mill riots and strikes, it really describes the unrest of the times well. As Michael and Blanche work out their differences with each other, they also have to work out their differences with the workers. The Irish Question also arises, something Parliament had debated numerous times after the Napoleonic Wars ended -with little progress. Ms. Rice does an excellent job of showing both sides of the problems England faced at this time.
November 1, 2015
There were a couple of scenes I had issues with:
-The heroine gets the hero drunk so that she can make out with him. This (of course) leads to more...which she doesn't seem to actually want. So the first "love scene" is completely dub con.
-The hero decides that the best time to make out with the heroine is just after she's swished her mouth out with watered wine to remove the taste of vomit because she had puked a few moments earlier.
-The heroine gets the hero drunk so that she can make out with him. This (of course) leads to more...which she doesn't seem to actually want. So the first "love scene" is completely dub con.
-The hero decides that the best time to make out with the heroine is just after she's swished her mouth out with watered wine to remove the taste of vomit because she had puked a few moments earlier.
October 2, 2020
Another wonderful book written by Patricia Rice. Michael was born in America raised by Gavin's family but he is supposedly Irish. Two years ago he helped save Lady Blanches life and know he has a waif he is trying to help that looks so much like him. He has no where else to go except to Lady Blanche for help.
It has been 2 years since she had seen or heard from Michael and then he shows up on her door step asking for help. She doesn't know if she wants to kill him or kiss his face when she sees him.
When Blanche's carriage is blown up Michael will do anything and everything to help Blanche and save his wayward waif.
A wonderful read with a great ending.
It has been 2 years since she had seen or heard from Michael and then he shows up on her door step asking for help. She doesn't know if she wants to kill him or kiss his face when she sees him.
When Blanche's carriage is blown up Michael will do anything and everything to help Blanche and save his wayward waif.
A wonderful read with a great ending.
April 19, 2021
Loved this story and the way the author brings to light issues that many of us have experienced at one time or another. Through her characters, she shows that even though things may not work out as planned, that if there is a will... there is a way. Sometimes you just have to look a little harder and have faith. Highly recommend
December 28, 2020
Was really looking forward to reading this story of Michael, am glad I did. Really enjoyed his story and how he discovered his own origins..
July 11, 2012
I am very new to Patricia Rice's writing having only read her latest series (The Rebellious Sons) which I loved very much. Her earlier work always intrigued and I put some of her Magic series on my wish list, but when Chris approached me with The English Heiress and told me that it's a sequel to The Marquess, an earlier published book which was being republished as an eBook, I jumped at the chance to broaden my knowledge of Ms. Rice's work, and offered to read and review both, The Marquess (for my b2b Blog) and The English Heiress for Chris, here at RCJR eZine.
Now that I've read both, I can say that both are amazing reads, but if I was made to choose between the two, The English Heiress would win hands down, and the reason for it is its hero. As I got done with The Marquess, I really didn't think Ms. Rice could have created a more interesting and compelling character then Gavin Lawrence, The Marquess of Effingham. Boy was I wrong!
While this story's plot is fast pacing and entertaining, its characters were driving it one hundred percent. Michael O'Toole was a hero to die for. Michael was Beta to Gavin's Alpha hero. His vagabond life style and eccentricities were not just endearing to our heroine but to all of us who couldn't help but like him despite of them. He accepted himself, his actions and was very much aware of his limitations.
His life's lessons were learned the hard way and they're the ones that shaped his priorities. To him, overcoming the disappointment was only achieved by accepting the reality of his origins. Because of them, he might have dreamt of Blanche, wanted to be near her and `save' her, but making her his wife... that wasn't even a dream!
As for our heroine Blanche, she might have been your typical English Rose, but for the way in which she grew up. Surrounded most of her growing-up years by employees and void of her mother's love and her father's hugs, she knew only order and correction which was thought to her by her tutors.
These two could not have been more different, yet the loneliness both felt despite being surrounded by many people, was something they had in common. Blanche was a perfect `corner stone' to Michael's `rolling stone' and once Blanche accepted Michael for it, all fell in its place.
Ms. Rice has outdone herself with this one and I cannot recommend it enough! I loved everything about this story, but the hero stole my heart and I'll remember him forever. If I had ten quills, trust me, all ten would go to it! If you've read The Marquess, I know you'll no doubt wish to read this sequel, and just in case you've never read the first one, please get it and read before you read The English Heiress. Not that you HAVE to, but please, please do. It will make this story even more enjoyable (if that's possible!).
Melanie for http://rcjrezine.com/ website
Now that I've read both, I can say that both are amazing reads, but if I was made to choose between the two, The English Heiress would win hands down, and the reason for it is its hero. As I got done with The Marquess, I really didn't think Ms. Rice could have created a more interesting and compelling character then Gavin Lawrence, The Marquess of Effingham. Boy was I wrong!
While this story's plot is fast pacing and entertaining, its characters were driving it one hundred percent. Michael O'Toole was a hero to die for. Michael was Beta to Gavin's Alpha hero. His vagabond life style and eccentricities were not just endearing to our heroine but to all of us who couldn't help but like him despite of them. He accepted himself, his actions and was very much aware of his limitations.
His life's lessons were learned the hard way and they're the ones that shaped his priorities. To him, overcoming the disappointment was only achieved by accepting the reality of his origins. Because of them, he might have dreamt of Blanche, wanted to be near her and `save' her, but making her his wife... that wasn't even a dream!
As for our heroine Blanche, she might have been your typical English Rose, but for the way in which she grew up. Surrounded most of her growing-up years by employees and void of her mother's love and her father's hugs, she knew only order and correction which was thought to her by her tutors.
These two could not have been more different, yet the loneliness both felt despite being surrounded by many people, was something they had in common. Blanche was a perfect `corner stone' to Michael's `rolling stone' and once Blanche accepted Michael for it, all fell in its place.
Ms. Rice has outdone herself with this one and I cannot recommend it enough! I loved everything about this story, but the hero stole my heart and I'll remember him forever. If I had ten quills, trust me, all ten would go to it! If you've read The Marquess, I know you'll no doubt wish to read this sequel, and just in case you've never read the first one, please get it and read before you read The English Heiress. Not that you HAVE to, but please, please do. It will make this story even more enjoyable (if that's possible!).
Melanie for http://rcjrezine.com/ website
July 16, 2012
After a fifteen year delay Patricia Rice finally brings us the story of Blanche and Michael that was begun in The Marquess (recently re-released). English Heiress picks up two years later. During this time Lady Blanche Perceval, daughter of a duke, has successfully avoided marriage and is less successfully managing the affairs of the dukedom. The enigmatic Michael O’Toole re-enters Blanche’s life with a desperate young Irishwoman in tow. Blanche, who has been attracted to Michael for years, is tired of Michael’s constant disappearances and irresponsibility. Little does she know, but Michael often disappears as a means to fight his intense attraction to her.
This star-crossed couple does not seem to be destined to fulfill their passions. Blanche is a deeply entrenched daughter of the aristocracy. Michael may or may not be related to the marquess brother that claims him. Michael needs to discover who he really is. They both need to discover where they fit into the world. Blanche and Michael embark on a series of adventures which involve Irish revolutionaries, disgruntled mine workers, and a plot to destroy the aristocracy. Through it all they find that love and trust may be the only things that matter.
Michael O’Toole (or whatever the real name) is a delightful character, full of charisma, humor and charm. He is a master of sleight of hand, juggling and disguise. Rice’s descriptions lead us to believe that he may even have Attention Deficit Disorder. He lives by his wits, but has a soft heart for the difficulties of others. We readers so passionately want him to find his identity along with some stability and peace in his life.
Blanche is kind and good. She demonstrates great concern for the situations of those for which she is responsible. However, she is not nearly as effective at looking out for herself. Blanche had an instinctive understanding of Michael’s character, but struggled with trust issues. It was such a pleasure to see Blanche’s character emerge and take charge of her life.
English Heiress was a wonderful read. Patricia Rice’s writing truly shines in her development of interesting, multidimensional characters. The only problems were some pacing and plot issues that slowed the movement of the story and caused the reader to be occasionally bogged down by secondary characters and subplots. Rice concludes the book with a nice setup for a subsequent book featuring characters Neville and Fiona. It is not absolutely necessary to read The Marquess first, but it is certainly recommended since the two stories are very much intertwined.
September 17, 2015
I was anxious to see how this book would play out. Once again, I don't really feel this is a stand alone story and in order to really appreciate the complexity of the characters the prequel (Ebook format only) and the first book the Marquess will help you better understand the story. Michael is a wonderful character who true nature is only appreciated if you have at least read The Marquess. A devil may care type persona who is really all about saving the down trodden and protecting his family he is a novelty in a Regency romance, where we tend to see only the aristocracy who only seem to think of their own pleasure. Lady Blanche is a delight as she comes into her own and realizes that she does not want to sit back and allow the men of society to "order" her live for her. Although the storyline is unusual for the time period, it is refreshing to see the different take on what could be. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the story and can't wait to finally have the Duke's (Neville's) story in the next book. And, isn't it poetic for those that have followed the series that he end up with the Irish Fiona ;)
May 28, 2020
I love the Irish!
From as far back as he remembers, he felt kinship with the same, so much so that even though he was raised by the Lawrence family and given their name, he also called himself O'Toole. With the skills and antics of the leprechaun Michael always kept you guessing whether he was coming or going, what he'd say or do next! He always made Blanche Percival laugh and she knew deep inside, like the Leprechaun that there was a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow--his heart! This couple had me howling with laughter and filled with tears the next! The author touched on the issues of economic strife in England and Ireland with the government handling of them lighting a fuse to the unrest! She paints a vivid picture of the characters life and times and all things Irish!
From as far back as he remembers, he felt kinship with the same, so much so that even though he was raised by the Lawrence family and given their name, he also called himself O'Toole. With the skills and antics of the leprechaun Michael always kept you guessing whether he was coming or going, what he'd say or do next! He always made Blanche Percival laugh and she knew deep inside, like the Leprechaun that there was a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow--his heart! This couple had me howling with laughter and filled with tears the next! The author touched on the issues of economic strife in England and Ireland with the government handling of them lighting a fuse to the unrest! She paints a vivid picture of the characters life and times and all things Irish!
August 15, 2014
This sequel to The Marquess is an excellent read. We were teased with the relationship of Blanche and Michael in the first book. Now it is two years later and the connection has not died. Once again, the plot is rather long and doesn't move as smoothly as I would have liked, but the characters were great. Rice also did a nice setup for another possible book about Neville and Fiona. If she writes it, I will read it for sure.
June 29, 2018
Blanche and Michael
Just a great series. Blanche, cousin to Dillon from the Marquis, finally gets together with the illusive brother Michael. With appearances from the first book, the plot thickens as Irish rebels, worker revolts, runaway girls, and a search for love and identity all clash. Lots of action, plot twists, romance and two characters determined to be independent.
Just a great series. Blanche, cousin to Dillon from the Marquis, finally gets together with the illusive brother Michael. With appearances from the first book, the plot thickens as Irish rebels, worker revolts, runaway girls, and a search for love and identity all clash. Lots of action, plot twists, romance and two characters determined to be independent.
June 25, 2015
Loved this story! Didn't think I would enjoy it more then book two ... but I did. I loved Michael and Blanche and watching them grow together. I enjoy when characters appear in subsequent stories and aren't stick people. Looking forward to book four.
June 20, 2016
Excellent series
Great characters, well developed and they remain strong through the three stories. Michael especially. Looking forward to the next book and what adventures are in-store for the Duke.
Great characters, well developed and they remain strong through the three stories. Michael especially. Looking forward to the next book and what adventures are in-store for the Duke.
August 15, 2020
Good series
I'm really enjoying the Regency nobles series. The characters are enchanting. The setting is historically interesting and believable. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I'm really enjoying the Regency nobles series. The characters are enchanting. The setting is historically interesting and believable. I look forward to the next book in the series.
September 5, 2012
Michael and Blanche's story is a continuation of "The Marquis" . I read both book one right after the other--perfect romance with some mystery thrown in. Patricia Rice is always a good read!
October 6, 2023
6/4/2016: 4*
10/6/2023: 4*
10/6/2023: 4*
March 23, 2020
Another hit
What a wonderful book as we follow another love story and get to keep up with the 2 couples from the previous books
What a wonderful book as we follow another love story and get to keep up with the 2 couples from the previous books
February 12, 2015
Really love this story! Michael and blanche are perfect together and make this book a great read!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews