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Summersby #2
There's Something About Lady Mary
Sophie Barnes is back with another delightful Summersby Tale. This time, Ryan Summersby meets his match!
Mary Croyden lives a simple life . . . and she likes it. But when she inherits a title and a large sum of money, everything changes. Forced to navigate high society, Mary finds herself relying on the help of one man—Ryan Summersby. Determined not to lose her sense of self, she realizes that Ryan is the only person she can trust. But Mary's hobbies are not exactly proper, and Ryan is starting to discover that this simple miss is not at all what he expected...but just might be exactly what he needs.
Mary Croyden lives a simple life . . . and she likes it. But when she inherits a title and a large sum of money, everything changes. Forced to navigate high society, Mary finds herself relying on the help of one man—Ryan Summersby. Determined not to lose her sense of self, she realizes that Ryan is the only person she can trust. But Mary's hobbies are not exactly proper, and Ryan is starting to discover that this simple miss is not at all what he expected...but just might be exactly what he needs.
400 pages, ebook
First published November 13, 2012
72 people are currently reading
364 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Barnes
67 books1,753 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author Sophie Barnes writes historical romance novels in which the characters break away from social expectations in their quest for happiness and love. Having written for Avon, an imprint of Harper Collins, her books have been published internationally in eight languages. With a fondness for travel, Sophie has lived in six countries, on three continents, and speaks English, Danish, French, Spanish, and Romanian with varying degrees of fluency. Ever the romantic, she married the same man three times—in three different countries and in three different dresses.
When she’s not busy dreaming up her next swoon worthy romance novel, Sophie enjoys spending time with her family, practicing yoga, baking, gardening, watching romantic comedies and, of course, reading.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
December 14, 2012
I've given this book two stars because I found the information regarding medical practice in the early 19th century very interesting and the author has clearly done her homework. Without that, though, it wouldn't have got the second star.
The writing style was very simplistic and there was no real depth to either the hero or heroine. Mary in particular was a mass of contradictions; one minute she lacks confidence and self-esteem and the next she's giving the hero a dressing down or running off in masculine garb to perform life-saving but illegal surgery
The hero is bloodless and a bit of an arrogant twat who, despite his lust for Mary, comes over all prim-and-proper when he learns of her surgical exploits and outright forbids them.
The sub-plot concerns Mary's search for the reason her father was murdered and the resulting danger to her own life, but the plot holes serve to rob it of any tension or realism. Mary, at one point behaves with incredible stupidity when confronted with one of the men her father was investigating; instead of listening to him, she shoots him completely without reason and flies immediately into the trap set by the real bad guy.
And on top of all this, there is little or no chemistry or sexual tension between the H&H. Ryan goes from 0-60 on the lust-o-meter in about ten seconds flat and despite her concerns over attractiveness, by about a quarter of the way in, Mary is confident enough about herself to let him have a good groping session in the carriage! There were absolutely no pricks (!) of conscience on Ryan's part or any feeling that he shouldn't be doing what he was doing with a young, well-bred unmarried lady. Okay, she didn't protest, but the complete lack of compunction on either of their parts felt really odd.
There were some good ideas here - but they weren't worked through thoroughly; and the characterisation was extremely poor.
With thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for the review copy.
The writing style was very simplistic and there was no real depth to either the hero or heroine. Mary in particular was a mass of contradictions; one minute she lacks confidence and self-esteem and the next she's giving the hero a dressing down or running off in masculine garb to perform life-saving but illegal surgery
The hero is bloodless and a bit of an arrogant twat who, despite his lust for Mary, comes over all prim-and-proper when he learns of her surgical exploits and outright forbids them.
The sub-plot concerns Mary's search for the reason her father was murdered and the resulting danger to her own life, but the plot holes serve to rob it of any tension or realism. Mary, at one point behaves with incredible stupidity when confronted with one of the men her father was investigating; instead of listening to him, she shoots him completely without reason and flies immediately into the trap set by the real bad guy.
And on top of all this, there is little or no chemistry or sexual tension between the H&H. Ryan goes from 0-60 on the lust-o-meter in about ten seconds flat and despite her concerns over attractiveness, by about a quarter of the way in, Mary is confident enough about herself to let him have a good groping session in the carriage! There were absolutely no pricks (!) of conscience on Ryan's part or any feeling that he shouldn't be doing what he was doing with a young, well-bred unmarried lady. Okay, she didn't protest, but the complete lack of compunction on either of their parts felt really odd.
There were some good ideas here - but they weren't worked through thoroughly; and the characterisation was extremely poor.
With thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for the review copy.
March 9, 2017
I wanted to like this book, honest. The plot itself was intriguing and I liked the details -- a woman running around as an unlicensed surgeon, old time medical malpractice. There was a lot of promise in the premise.
But I couldn't identify with Ryan or Mary. Neither of them were offered any qualities or personalities beyond what was happening on the page. Mary was at times annoying, stubborn and stupid. Ryan was priggish, inconsistent. I didn't believe his emotions at any point. He never drove the action, neither did Mary. They were just a long for the ride.
The dialogue was often stilted, and it never flowed very smoothly. I didn't understand why the villains had begun to seek Mary out, as there was no evidence offered for why they believed she'd read the journals. It was implausible in that instance. Mary often felt like she was being written as perfect in regards to her medical skills -- she seemed to take in every single awesome piece of advice in the last hundred years that other doctors ignored. It just suspended my disbelief.
And the hero? Absolutely nothing beneath surface. His studies keep being referred to, but he's the only character that didn't seem to take it granted he'd be a doctor. I never felt any commitment to the choice and it seemed he only embraced it at the end to give Mary a future in the field.
I'm only rating it as high as two stars because the premise was promising. It leads me to believe the author is creative, she just can't quite get it together.
Thanks to Edelweiss and Avon for the ARC.
But I couldn't identify with Ryan or Mary. Neither of them were offered any qualities or personalities beyond what was happening on the page. Mary was at times annoying, stubborn and stupid. Ryan was priggish, inconsistent. I didn't believe his emotions at any point. He never drove the action, neither did Mary. They were just a long for the ride.
The dialogue was often stilted, and it never flowed very smoothly. I didn't understand why the villains had begun to seek Mary out, as there was no evidence offered for why they believed she'd read the journals. It was implausible in that instance. Mary often felt like she was being written as perfect in regards to her medical skills -- she seemed to take in every single awesome piece of advice in the last hundred years that other doctors ignored. It just suspended my disbelief.
And the hero? Absolutely nothing beneath surface. His studies keep being referred to, but he's the only character that didn't seem to take it granted he'd be a doctor. I never felt any commitment to the choice and it seemed he only embraced it at the end to give Mary a future in the field.
I'm only rating it as high as two stars because the premise was promising. It leads me to believe the author is creative, she just can't quite get it together.
Thanks to Edelweiss and Avon for the ARC.
December 29, 2012
None of the motivations of the characters of this book made any sense at all. Why would someone go to the trouble of making sure his title was inherited by his daughter without telling her that it even existed? Why would a hero who appreciated how unconventional the heroine was, and who had a unconventional sister whom he loved and respected, suddenly go all prudish when it was revealed the heroine was off acting unconventionally? If you knew someone had already broken into your house to steal something once, wouldn't you at least take the trouble of hiding that thing before going to sleep? Also thrown in: love at first sight and lots of villains who seem to be evil when all their goals could be achieved with much less energy and evilness.
Everything felt contrived and unrealistic, with lots of conflict created on the flimsiest of premises and misunderstandings. Never bought the connection between heroine and hero. Skipped about 10 chapters to the end because characters were getting on my nerves.
Everything felt contrived and unrealistic, with lots of conflict created on the flimsiest of premises and misunderstandings. Never bought the connection between heroine and hero. Skipped about 10 chapters to the end because characters were getting on my nerves.
November 15, 2012
Mary Croyden grew up with her father, a surgeon, learning all she could from him and is devastated by his death but she is even more stunned by all the secrets he was hiding. Her father was an earl and never told her, instead choosing to live his life quietly providing medical care. He made provisions for Mary though in the form of passing his title on to her, along with a fortune, so now Mary finds herself a lady and in the unfamiliar waters of the ton. Always feeling plain her whole life, she is pleased when a handsome man takes an interest in her and she knows she needs to tell Ryan Summersby about her illegal profession. However, just as things are heating up, the truth about his interest in her is revealed and Mary is left feeling hurt. Ryan tries to redeem his blunder and then he learns the full truth about Mary and he has a hard time grasping what she does. With someone out to steal Mary's fathers journals, with no regards to her life, can Mary and Ryan uncover the secrets that they hold? Will Ryan be able to come to terms with Mary's daring lifestyle and find a way that they can be happy together?
This was a very enjoyable, fun tale! I really enjoyed Mary and her determination to do the right thing, not matter what the cost. Being a female surgeon is highly illegal but she still considers the life of the patient first over her own safety. I liked seeing a bit about the medical profession without being overwhelmed in the process...it also made me very glad we live in modern times with regards to a simple procedure that just wasn't really done at the time! Mary is bold, sharp and has quick comebacks for Ryan. Ryan is just the sort of man you love--kind, smart and generous. Yet when it comes to Mary, he is a bit of a numskull. He has no problems with his daring, unique sister but when some of the same characteristics are shown in Mary, he is unable to accept them and it takes a series of missteps to realize the depth of his feelings for her. I also enjoyed the mystery aspect of the story, I really did not know who the final villain was (in part due to the fact there were quite a few people in the story and it was a bit hard for me to keep track of them all). Everything blended together very nicely for me...the mystery didn't overwhelm, the medical aspect didn't overwhelm either. I could have used a bit more romance as Mary and Ryan seemed to fall for each other pretty quickly, but I did like seeing the Summersby family again and the lovely interactions between them. Overall, a delightful tale that is a bit unique filled with fun, romance, mystery and love. 4 stars
eARC provided by Avon Impulse via edelweiss
This was a very enjoyable, fun tale! I really enjoyed Mary and her determination to do the right thing, not matter what the cost. Being a female surgeon is highly illegal but she still considers the life of the patient first over her own safety. I liked seeing a bit about the medical profession without being overwhelmed in the process...it also made me very glad we live in modern times with regards to a simple procedure that just wasn't really done at the time! Mary is bold, sharp and has quick comebacks for Ryan. Ryan is just the sort of man you love--kind, smart and generous. Yet when it comes to Mary, he is a bit of a numskull. He has no problems with his daring, unique sister but when some of the same characteristics are shown in Mary, he is unable to accept them and it takes a series of missteps to realize the depth of his feelings for her. I also enjoyed the mystery aspect of the story, I really did not know who the final villain was (in part due to the fact there were quite a few people in the story and it was a bit hard for me to keep track of them all). Everything blended together very nicely for me...the mystery didn't overwhelm, the medical aspect didn't overwhelm either. I could have used a bit more romance as Mary and Ryan seemed to fall for each other pretty quickly, but I did like seeing the Summersby family again and the lovely interactions between them. Overall, a delightful tale that is a bit unique filled with fun, romance, mystery and love. 4 stars
eARC provided by Avon Impulse via edelweiss
October 21, 2012
I wanted to like this, but I just couldn't. the main characters had no depth, and in spite of being smart medical students or surgeons were just so stupid. the medical practices that hadn't been invented yet were the final nail in the coffin.
I was disappointed because I wanted to like Mary. I quite enjoy strong heroines who know their minds. but this one, I just couldn't.
I was disappointed because I wanted to like Mary. I quite enjoy strong heroines who know their minds. but this one, I just couldn't.
October 21, 2023
This book attempts to be a romance and a mystery and I think those two parts get in the way of either one really succeeding. The hero can’t seem to make up his mind about whether to support the heroine or be a patriarchal ass. The villain of the mystery may as well be a mustache-twirler, and instead of adding to the drama, they’re just predictable.
The good parts are good (heroine’s competence, most scenes with Alex), the bad parts are annoying (hero being an ass just to stretch out plot) or boring (most of the mystery). I want more romance in my romance, and more mystery in my mystery.
The good parts are good (heroine’s competence, most scenes with Alex), the bad parts are annoying (hero being an ass just to stretch out plot) or boring (most of the mystery). I want more romance in my romance, and more mystery in my mystery.
December 18, 2024
Part mystery, part romance, completely enjoyable!
This is the first book by this author I've read and will definitely read more. It is part of a series and the characters are related but the story stands on its own. Mary and Ryan were perfect, both strong personalities but we'll suited.
This is the first book by this author I've read and will definitely read more. It is part of a series and the characters are related but the story stands on its own. Mary and Ryan were perfect, both strong personalities but we'll suited.
November 6, 2024
Gnomes and Oafs
A quite delectable love and mystery combination. This is the story of Ryan Summersby and Lady Mary Steepleton. Someone is threatening Mary and who it is might have committed murder.
A quite delectable love and mystery combination. This is the story of Ryan Summersby and Lady Mary Steepleton. Someone is threatening Mary and who it is might have committed murder.
January 10, 2013
A delightful tale which I actually rated 4.5! Taken from my review at RomanceJunkies.com:
Mary Croyden grew up in a modest house in Stepney, a far cry from any aristocrats. Her father had run a medical practice out of the house until she was old enough to accompany him on his travels. He also trained her in medicine as she assisted him, giving her vast experience that not even medical school would provide. With his death, she suddenly discovers that her father had a title, one she never knew about. So as his sole heir, she inherited all of his worldly goods, including his title, making her a peeress in her own right. Suddenly, she is the Marchioness of Steeplewood, a title she has not even heard of.
Ryan Summersby, the second son of the Earl of Moorland, was home from medical studies at Oxford, for the holidays and ready to sow a few wild oats. But upon his arrival home, he is met by Sir Percy, his who has a favor to ask of him. Several years earlier, Sir Percy had promised an old friend that if anything happened to him, he would keep a watchful eye on his daughter, believing she would be in terrible danger. With his friend’s passing at Waterloo a year ago, shot by a stray bullet while attending a wounded soldier, Sir Percy wants to honor his promise. Since his friend’s death, Sir Percy has been unable to find the daughter, but now she has suddenly surfaced in Mayfair after an absence from England. So Sir Percy wants Ryan to befriend Lady Mary without letting her know of her father’s request and Ryan’s reason for befriending her. Although Ryan is not happy about the secrecy and subterfuge, he knows it is for Lady Mary’s own good, so he agrees to help. However, when he makes the acquaintance of a charming lady on a balcony at a ball, he is surprised to find that she is Lady Mary.
Mary soon discovers that society is not as friendly as she had expected and finds herself relying on the friendship of Ryan, a man who makes her feel things she has never felt before. As Ryan and Mary fall in love, her secret life begins to get in the way. After all, dressing as a man and performing surgery without a physician’s license can only lead to scandal. But Mary is determined to hold onto her independence and help anyone who needs her.
However, when Mary’s father’s death is found to be murder and attempts are made to steal her father’s journals, she enlists Ryan’s aid to discover the identity of the culprit. Will they discover the killer’s identity before Mary is his next victim? Can they work out their differences so they can have the future they both long for?
Beautifully written by gifted author Sophie Barnes, THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY is an intriguing, sensual historical romance that readers will hate to see end. I enjoyed watching as Ryan and Mary try to come to terms with their love for each other and their differences, which threaten to keep them apart. Mary is a strong heroine, who is determined to stand by her convictions. Meanwhile, Ryan is a strong hero, trying to keep scandal from destroying his family, but it is his generosity and love which just may save their relationship. Methodically, they work together to reveal the identity of the men who killed her father and are now trying to get their hands on his cherished journals. Combining danger, clever dialogue, complex and compelling characters, an intriguing plot, passion, scandal, romance and love, this story is one that readers will find hard to put down before reaching the wonderful ending. As a fan of Ms. Barnes’ work, I look forward to reading the next story in this exciting series, THE SECRET LIFE OF LADY LUCINDA. Although this story is part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone. But for additional enjoyment, I advise also reading the rest of the books in this series. Above all, do not miss THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY. I highly recommend it!
Dottie, RomanceJunkies.com
Mary Croyden grew up in a modest house in Stepney, a far cry from any aristocrats. Her father had run a medical practice out of the house until she was old enough to accompany him on his travels. He also trained her in medicine as she assisted him, giving her vast experience that not even medical school would provide. With his death, she suddenly discovers that her father had a title, one she never knew about. So as his sole heir, she inherited all of his worldly goods, including his title, making her a peeress in her own right. Suddenly, she is the Marchioness of Steeplewood, a title she has not even heard of.
Ryan Summersby, the second son of the Earl of Moorland, was home from medical studies at Oxford, for the holidays and ready to sow a few wild oats. But upon his arrival home, he is met by Sir Percy, his who has a favor to ask of him. Several years earlier, Sir Percy had promised an old friend that if anything happened to him, he would keep a watchful eye on his daughter, believing she would be in terrible danger. With his friend’s passing at Waterloo a year ago, shot by a stray bullet while attending a wounded soldier, Sir Percy wants to honor his promise. Since his friend’s death, Sir Percy has been unable to find the daughter, but now she has suddenly surfaced in Mayfair after an absence from England. So Sir Percy wants Ryan to befriend Lady Mary without letting her know of her father’s request and Ryan’s reason for befriending her. Although Ryan is not happy about the secrecy and subterfuge, he knows it is for Lady Mary’s own good, so he agrees to help. However, when he makes the acquaintance of a charming lady on a balcony at a ball, he is surprised to find that she is Lady Mary.
Mary soon discovers that society is not as friendly as she had expected and finds herself relying on the friendship of Ryan, a man who makes her feel things she has never felt before. As Ryan and Mary fall in love, her secret life begins to get in the way. After all, dressing as a man and performing surgery without a physician’s license can only lead to scandal. But Mary is determined to hold onto her independence and help anyone who needs her.
However, when Mary’s father’s death is found to be murder and attempts are made to steal her father’s journals, she enlists Ryan’s aid to discover the identity of the culprit. Will they discover the killer’s identity before Mary is his next victim? Can they work out their differences so they can have the future they both long for?
Beautifully written by gifted author Sophie Barnes, THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY is an intriguing, sensual historical romance that readers will hate to see end. I enjoyed watching as Ryan and Mary try to come to terms with their love for each other and their differences, which threaten to keep them apart. Mary is a strong heroine, who is determined to stand by her convictions. Meanwhile, Ryan is a strong hero, trying to keep scandal from destroying his family, but it is his generosity and love which just may save their relationship. Methodically, they work together to reveal the identity of the men who killed her father and are now trying to get their hands on his cherished journals. Combining danger, clever dialogue, complex and compelling characters, an intriguing plot, passion, scandal, romance and love, this story is one that readers will find hard to put down before reaching the wonderful ending. As a fan of Ms. Barnes’ work, I look forward to reading the next story in this exciting series, THE SECRET LIFE OF LADY LUCINDA. Although this story is part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone. But for additional enjoyment, I advise also reading the rest of the books in this series. Above all, do not miss THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY. I highly recommend it!
Dottie, RomanceJunkies.com
November 19, 2012
Originally published at Reading Reality
The outline for There's Something About Lady Mary has some similarities to the first book in the Summersby series, Lady Alexandra's Excellent Adventure. A man who thinks he is quite conventional but actually isn't falls in love with a woman who is very unconventional. But because he thinks he is conventional, he spends much too much time trying to change the reasons that attracted him in the first place. Sparks, tension, and misunderstandings ensue.
The role reversal in Lady Mary's story is that the conventional male is Lady Alex's brother Ryan Summersby. After having grown up with Alex, he really should have known better than to think that a simpering society miss would actually suit him in the first place!
Ryan is tasked by a friend, the head of the Foreign Office, to keep an unofficial eye on Lady Steepleden, by any means necessary. Meaning that if he has to fake an affection, that's just fine with Lord Percy. Lady Steepleden might be in danger.
The problem is that until Lady Steepleden returned to London, she had no idea that she was Lady Anybody. As far as she knew, she was just Mary Croyden, the daughter of an exceedingly excellent surgeon. She never knew that her father was the Marquess of Steepleden, or that he'd petitioned to have her inherit his title and his estate. All she knew she'd inherited was his medical instruments. Her father had taught her all he knew, even if she couldn't be licensed as a surgeon in England. On the battlefields in Europe, no one had cared that she was female, only that she could save their lives. And she had.
But her father had more secrets than she knew. He was a member of the aristocracy. A wealthy and titled member of the aristocracy. And someone had murdered him for a secret that he kept, using the confusion of Waterloo to cover their tracks. Whoever killed him, now they sought Mary.
And Ryan discovered that his assignment was less onerous, and more dangerous, than he ever expected. He thought he'd be protecting some society chit he wouldn't be able to stand to be around.
Instead he found a woman who challenged him at every turn. But one who couldn't see through her own insecurities to believe that he might find her attractive, especially not when their initial relationship began on a foundation of lies
But before they can find a future, they have to figure out the past. If they live that long. And if they can keep their misunderstandings from tearing them apart.
Escape Rating B+: The author was very careful to include her historical precedents for Mary's medical practice in her notes. She knew that the first question that would crop up would be whether a woman could or did practice during the Napoleonic era. Apparently the answer is yes. Along with a whole slew of other medical precedents. Just because something wasn't regular practice didn't mean it wasn't known.
About the story, again, this was fun to read. The suspense angle kept the pace cracking along. Trying to figure out what Mary's father had been investigating that had gotten him killed, and who had betrayed him, heightened both the drama and the pathos, as it was his friends and colleagues who had turned on him.
Watching Mary and Ryan negotiate their relationship formed the core of the story. Ryan has to change his conventional attitude, but Mary has to compromise. Unlike Alex, Mary can't continue doing exactly what she's been doing--London is not a war zone. But Ryan has to find a way to bend, a lot, to make it work. The solution they find seems realistic, in the circumstances. They fit.
I'm looking forward to older brother William's story, The Secret Life of Lady Lucinda. I can't wait to see what sort of woman turns out to be his match!
The outline for There's Something About Lady Mary has some similarities to the first book in the Summersby series, Lady Alexandra's Excellent Adventure. A man who thinks he is quite conventional but actually isn't falls in love with a woman who is very unconventional. But because he thinks he is conventional, he spends much too much time trying to change the reasons that attracted him in the first place. Sparks, tension, and misunderstandings ensue.
The role reversal in Lady Mary's story is that the conventional male is Lady Alex's brother Ryan Summersby. After having grown up with Alex, he really should have known better than to think that a simpering society miss would actually suit him in the first place!
Ryan is tasked by a friend, the head of the Foreign Office, to keep an unofficial eye on Lady Steepleden, by any means necessary. Meaning that if he has to fake an affection, that's just fine with Lord Percy. Lady Steepleden might be in danger.
The problem is that until Lady Steepleden returned to London, she had no idea that she was Lady Anybody. As far as she knew, she was just Mary Croyden, the daughter of an exceedingly excellent surgeon. She never knew that her father was the Marquess of Steepleden, or that he'd petitioned to have her inherit his title and his estate. All she knew she'd inherited was his medical instruments. Her father had taught her all he knew, even if she couldn't be licensed as a surgeon in England. On the battlefields in Europe, no one had cared that she was female, only that she could save their lives. And she had.
But her father had more secrets than she knew. He was a member of the aristocracy. A wealthy and titled member of the aristocracy. And someone had murdered him for a secret that he kept, using the confusion of Waterloo to cover their tracks. Whoever killed him, now they sought Mary.
And Ryan discovered that his assignment was less onerous, and more dangerous, than he ever expected. He thought he'd be protecting some society chit he wouldn't be able to stand to be around.
Instead he found a woman who challenged him at every turn. But one who couldn't see through her own insecurities to believe that he might find her attractive, especially not when their initial relationship began on a foundation of lies
But before they can find a future, they have to figure out the past. If they live that long. And if they can keep their misunderstandings from tearing them apart.
Escape Rating B+: The author was very careful to include her historical precedents for Mary's medical practice in her notes. She knew that the first question that would crop up would be whether a woman could or did practice during the Napoleonic era. Apparently the answer is yes. Along with a whole slew of other medical precedents. Just because something wasn't regular practice didn't mean it wasn't known.
About the story, again, this was fun to read. The suspense angle kept the pace cracking along. Trying to figure out what Mary's father had been investigating that had gotten him killed, and who had betrayed him, heightened both the drama and the pathos, as it was his friends and colleagues who had turned on him.
Watching Mary and Ryan negotiate their relationship formed the core of the story. Ryan has to change his conventional attitude, but Mary has to compromise. Unlike Alex, Mary can't continue doing exactly what she's been doing--London is not a war zone. But Ryan has to find a way to bend, a lot, to make it work. The solution they find seems realistic, in the circumstances. They fit.
I'm looking forward to older brother William's story, The Secret Life of Lady Lucinda. I can't wait to see what sort of woman turns out to be his match!
December 4, 2012
Sophie Barnes finally gets it right in There's Something About Lady Mary. And I say that in a joyful way. Why? I read a ton of historical romance books, and until now, her books has left me frustrated with too many needless descriptions and flat characters. But in this offering, her writing has a definite shine.
Mary Croyden is a courageous young woman who dares to follow in her father's footsteps by becoming a surgeon. Her father believes many deaths could have been prevented if only other surgeons would have washed their hands prior to operating. When her father dies on the battlefield, she continues his practice and his forward thinking way of doing things. She also inherits a title and an estate that she never knew existed.
Ryan Summersby comes from a family of spies and is used to subterfuge, but when he meets Mary and learns someone is after her father's journals, all sorts of red flags begin to fly. Mary depends on him to help her, but she doesn't tell him she's a surgeon, because she knows what will happen – he'll demand she stop practicing. And she's right. He does.
Ryan is studying to become a surgeon, too, and what he learns from Mary is enough to change his mind about barring women from the practice. The two of them have great chemistry and when her life is threatened, Ryan goes into action. The only problem is, he doesn't know who's threatening her. By the time he figures it out, it's almost too late.
Ms. Barnes gives us all the right components for a good story and delivers all the way to the end. Emotions and prejudice run high, but the tension stays taut all the way to the climax. Even the happy ever after feels right, and that's why I'm joyful.
Mary Croyden is a courageous young woman who dares to follow in her father's footsteps by becoming a surgeon. Her father believes many deaths could have been prevented if only other surgeons would have washed their hands prior to operating. When her father dies on the battlefield, she continues his practice and his forward thinking way of doing things. She also inherits a title and an estate that she never knew existed.
Ryan Summersby comes from a family of spies and is used to subterfuge, but when he meets Mary and learns someone is after her father's journals, all sorts of red flags begin to fly. Mary depends on him to help her, but she doesn't tell him she's a surgeon, because she knows what will happen – he'll demand she stop practicing. And she's right. He does.
Ryan is studying to become a surgeon, too, and what he learns from Mary is enough to change his mind about barring women from the practice. The two of them have great chemistry and when her life is threatened, Ryan goes into action. The only problem is, he doesn't know who's threatening her. By the time he figures it out, it's almost too late.
Ms. Barnes gives us all the right components for a good story and delivers all the way to the end. Emotions and prejudice run high, but the tension stays taut all the way to the climax. Even the happy ever after feels right, and that's why I'm joyful.
November 20, 2012
From Goodreads: Sophie Barnes is back with another delightful Summersby Tale. This time, Ryan Summersby meets his match!
Mary Croyden lives a simple life . . . and she likes it. But when she inherits a title and a large sum of money, everything changes. Forced to navigate high society, Mary finds herself relying on the help of one man—Ryan Summersby. Determined not to lose her sense of self, she realizes that Ryan is the only person she can trust. But Mary's hobbies are not exactly proper, and Ryan is starting to discover that this simple miss is not at all what he expected . . . but just might be exactly what he needs.
My Thoughts: I hadn't read book one in this series, and I don't think I missed out on too much in terms of background, this is definitely an independent read. I enjoyed the hero and heroine, although I have to say that while our hero was definitely true to his time in many instances, I was disappointed in how long it took him to wisen up :) Mary is a great heroine...she's unique, a true individual, independent, dedicated and willing to do what she knows is right, even if improper or not allowed. How everything wraps up seems a bit much (a Frankenstein moment in my mind) but in the end this was a fun read and has me checking the local library to see if I can't find Book One in the series, with Ryan's sister (another heroine I think I will enjoy as outside the box) as the heroine.
Mary Croyden lives a simple life . . . and she likes it. But when she inherits a title and a large sum of money, everything changes. Forced to navigate high society, Mary finds herself relying on the help of one man—Ryan Summersby. Determined not to lose her sense of self, she realizes that Ryan is the only person she can trust. But Mary's hobbies are not exactly proper, and Ryan is starting to discover that this simple miss is not at all what he expected . . . but just might be exactly what he needs.
My Thoughts: I hadn't read book one in this series, and I don't think I missed out on too much in terms of background, this is definitely an independent read. I enjoyed the hero and heroine, although I have to say that while our hero was definitely true to his time in many instances, I was disappointed in how long it took him to wisen up :) Mary is a great heroine...she's unique, a true individual, independent, dedicated and willing to do what she knows is right, even if improper or not allowed. How everything wraps up seems a bit much (a Frankenstein moment in my mind) but in the end this was a fun read and has me checking the local library to see if I can't find Book One in the series, with Ryan's sister (another heroine I think I will enjoy as outside the box) as the heroine.
April 6, 2013
As the daughter of a doctor Mary learned a lot from her father, enough for her to be considered a doctor too. And while being a female doctor was an oddity she was good enough to gain the trust of her fathers peers. But when her father dies and she returns to England her life is turned upside down. Because in truth she is the Marchioness of Steepleton. So this means working as a doctor is even more of a problem for her, but it is also something she won't give up on. Then you have Ryan Summersby, who is tasked to keep an eye on Mary to protector her. These two characters are strong willed and used to getting their own way. Mary is still leery after having her whole world rocked by what her father kept silent about. And it seems as if her father might not have died from natural causes. So Ryan and Mary are thrust into a mystery from the past, which if they want a feature together they need to solve.
This was a fun book to read, I like that Mary is strong enough to keep Ryan on his toes. She challenges him at each turn and is not willing to give up her doctoring or let him run rough shod over him. But in the end she also does learn to listen to reason and the two learn that they can accomplish more working together than always fighting the other. The suspense and the way that Mary and Ryan interact makes this a very enjoyable book.
This book was provided to me by the publisher via NetGalley. The rating, review, and all opinions are my own
This was a fun book to read, I like that Mary is strong enough to keep Ryan on his toes. She challenges him at each turn and is not willing to give up her doctoring or let him run rough shod over him. But in the end she also does learn to listen to reason and the two learn that they can accomplish more working together than always fighting the other. The suspense and the way that Mary and Ryan interact makes this a very enjoyable book.
This book was provided to me by the publisher via NetGalley. The rating, review, and all opinions are my own
November 30, 2012
The second installment in the Summerby series has adventure and mystery.
Mary Croyden enjoyed her life just the way it was. She loved spending time with her father and enjoyed learning all he knew about medicine. She had a very unusual upbringing, for the last several years she and her father traveled around the countryside practicing medicine. He kept detailed journals about his travels and the things he learned which seems to be where all the problems have started. Recently her father was hit by a stray bullet at Waterloo and died leaving her alone. Mary eventually makes her way to London to visit the solicitor to see what her father’s will stated, thinking there is be a small home in Stepney and maybe a little inheritance, she is stunned when she finds out that not only did her father have a title he never used, but there is quite a bit of money that goes with the title. Her father made her a sole heir and peeress in her own right and as unusual as it may be, she is now the Marchioness of Steepleton.
See full review at:
Ramblings From a Chaotic Mind
Mary Croyden enjoyed her life just the way it was. She loved spending time with her father and enjoyed learning all he knew about medicine. She had a very unusual upbringing, for the last several years she and her father traveled around the countryside practicing medicine. He kept detailed journals about his travels and the things he learned which seems to be where all the problems have started. Recently her father was hit by a stray bullet at Waterloo and died leaving her alone. Mary eventually makes her way to London to visit the solicitor to see what her father’s will stated, thinking there is be a small home in Stepney and maybe a little inheritance, she is stunned when she finds out that not only did her father have a title he never used, but there is quite a bit of money that goes with the title. Her father made her a sole heir and peeress in her own right and as unusual as it may be, she is now the Marchioness of Steepleton.
See full review at:
Ramblings From a Chaotic Mind
January 3, 2017
This book has everything to recommend it to anyone seeking a good book. There is a young woman, trained by her father to be a doctor, in Regency England. She is brave, brilliant, kind, and has a good head on her shoulders. Her father dies, bequeathing her his title, and she attempts to enter English society. She meets a man who is attracted to her plain, no-nonsense approach to life. They begin to see each other. Good so far. So, you as a reader are about 25% in, and the Hero and heroine are a bit intimate, but, it's fast, no big deal, skip on. The story starts getting awesomely good: there are spies, lies, murder, and tea in the afternoon and you, dear reader, are Hooked. Then, you're 70% into the story and WHAMMO - there's a whole Very descriptive sex scene (this part goes here, that part goes there, etc.) Skip five pages, and it's never mentioned again, the story continues in its exciting way and the book is over and it is great. How to rate that? It's like eating a delicious chocolate cookie, and learning that 10% of the chocolate chips are rat feces. In other (paper) books I've read, I'd just "redact" the parts I found offensive and move on. Unfortunately, I read this on my Kindle and that's not an option. It's going back. Bummer.
December 2, 2012
There’s Something About Lady Mary is the second book in the Summersby Tale series. I have read the series backwards-finishing book 3 first and now book 2. Both did a good job of standing alone.
This is another book with a very strong female main character. Mary has been working as a surgeon with her father during the war in Spain. Now she is back in England and wants to continue but it is illegal for women to practice surgery so she works in secret. Enter Ryan who finds out her secret, wants to marry her, insists that she quit and just keeps issuing orders even though he know that she will not listen. There is a mystery here and Mary is in danger. It turns out that in addition to her trying to practice surgery there is something from the past that is threatening her. Ryan is on the spot for that danger. Both are really fun characters and I loved their interaction.
The story contains quite a bit of medical history. I found it fascinating and it added to the strength of the story. There is an afterward with more details and sources for anyone who like to see where information comes from.
This is another book with a very strong female main character. Mary has been working as a surgeon with her father during the war in Spain. Now she is back in England and wants to continue but it is illegal for women to practice surgery so she works in secret. Enter Ryan who finds out her secret, wants to marry her, insists that she quit and just keeps issuing orders even though he know that she will not listen. There is a mystery here and Mary is in danger. It turns out that in addition to her trying to practice surgery there is something from the past that is threatening her. Ryan is on the spot for that danger. Both are really fun characters and I loved their interaction.
The story contains quite a bit of medical history. I found it fascinating and it added to the strength of the story. There is an afterward with more details and sources for anyone who like to see where information comes from.
June 24, 2022
I enjoyed this suspense filled historical romance. Mary Croyden was raised by her physician father, living simply and learning to assist him as a surgeon as well. When her father dies, she learns that not only did he have a title, but he has left her as his heir and she has become the Marchioness of Steeplewood. Now she has to navigate the waters of the aristocracy and still try to practice her medicine, although women weren’t allowed to become doctors at that time. I found the medical aspect of the story interesting, but found Mary’s insistence on flouting the rules and restrictions a little short sighted. Instead of finding a way to help people using her new wealth and influence, she broke the law without thinking through her actions and their possible results. As she meets Ryan Summersby and becomes involved with him, she insists on stubbornly sticking to her guns, instead of listening to what he has to say. I thought the mystery and intrigue were a little heavy handed at times, but was rooting for Mary and Ryan to figure things out and find a way to accomplish their goals, including having a relationship with each other.
February 11, 2017
Enjoyed the story for the most part, but considering Ryan's sister was such a bluestocking. I would've expected ted him to be a bit more tolerant of Mary's activities.
November 28, 2012
I LOVED this book!
Sophie Barnes takes a subject matter that frankly for any writer, especially that of a regency era story, is really difficult to pull off.
She does it SPLENDIDLY! The amount of research that had to go into this story almost stressed me out for her, but again she does it so well!
I love Lady Mary. So many regency heroines are simpering or perhaps immature. Lady Mary nearly steals the story from the hero because she matches him in every way possible. He tries to be controlling and tries to tell her what is expected of her, but she doesn't care. She has strong convictions and stands by them.
Sophie Barnes did a BEAUTIFUL job on this story. I am currently reading her next in the series!
Sophie Barnes takes a subject matter that frankly for any writer, especially that of a regency era story, is really difficult to pull off.
She does it SPLENDIDLY! The amount of research that had to go into this story almost stressed me out for her, but again she does it so well!
I love Lady Mary. So many regency heroines are simpering or perhaps immature. Lady Mary nearly steals the story from the hero because she matches him in every way possible. He tries to be controlling and tries to tell her what is expected of her, but she doesn't care. She has strong convictions and stands by them.
Sophie Barnes did a BEAUTIFUL job on this story. I am currently reading her next in the series!
May 9, 2016
Story 4, I liked this even better than the first. The transitions from scene to scene was smoother, yet the inventive plot devices still remain with this series. A marked improvement of the prior book in form and execution.
Another woman acting as a man would in this story it's an 1810's women surgeon (Illegal at the time). Courts scandal and danger by continuing her work though she's now part of the "ton". Only thing lacking is the author only described one of her surgeries and I found myself wanting a bit more. Not for gory details but to provide a bit more medical suspense. I understand it wasn't the "focus" of the story but I did find I enjoyed the minor details she presented when Mary was performing a cesarean.
Another woman acting as a man would in this story it's an 1810's women surgeon (Illegal at the time). Courts scandal and danger by continuing her work though she's now part of the "ton". Only thing lacking is the author only described one of her surgeries and I found myself wanting a bit more. Not for gory details but to provide a bit more medical suspense. I understand it wasn't the "focus" of the story but I did find I enjoyed the minor details she presented when Mary was performing a cesarean.
November 5, 2012
I thought this novel was refreshing. Ryan Sommersby wasn't the annoying alpha male until well into the novel and then he was just worried about the heroine. I liked Mary in the beginning, her character was assertive and sure of herself. However, towards the end she was quite stupid like putting herself in danger because she wanted to show her independence. I was happy that the heroine not only had better social standing but more knowledge than the hero. Yet it felt like the author left the story unfinished at the end. What happened to the villain? What happened to the man who was shot?
April 12, 2013
Mary Croyden lives a simple life . . . and she likes it. But when she inherits a title and a large sum of money, everything changes. Forced to navigate high society, Mary finds herself relying on the help of one man—Ryan Summersby. Determined not to lose her sense of self, she realizes that Ryan is the only person she can trust. But Mary's hobbies are not exactly proper, and Ryan is starting to discover that this simple miss is not at all what he expected . . . but just might be exactly what he needs.
August 22, 2013
I enjoyed the medical history and the Regency setting. However, the different plot threads were not balanced. In the middle, the romance becomes insignificant only to rebound with a vengeance once the bad guy is exposed. I was frustrated that two bodies were left on the brink of death with no clear indication of how the men would survive, just the statement that it would be best if they did. Very bizarre how somethings were hashed over at length while others resolved off screen with no explanation.
December 16, 2012
I like Ryan until he tried to smother Mary and prevent her from being a surgeon. It was a bit hypocritical of him, since his sister is also outside of society rules. But I agreed with their comprise - the hospital where Mary could teach medicine.
They fought most of the book, there were parts that I wanted her to just forget about Ryan.
I expected Lady Stephanie's created scandal to be more scandalous. It was taken care of too swift.
The Surgery room was a good twist.
They fought most of the book, there were parts that I wanted her to just forget about Ryan.
I expected Lady Stephanie's created scandal to be more scandalous. It was taken care of too swift.
The Surgery room was a good twist.
January 21, 2013
Mary, is a revolutiony woman, and the male lead, well his kinda childish in a way and bound by strictures, and its nice to see him bend, and see her bend to some realities in that time but still manage to propose a change to the way of things. The historical facts with the story make it more believable, but in some instances the events became too repeated to read thoroughly and instead just skim through, but in all an enojoyable book
June 18, 2014
This is the second book of The Summersby’s series [my review of the first is here] and I’m finding myself in the same boat as I was reading the first book.
I can still see that her writing has potential, but I still feel that she needs to work on ... thanks for jumping to b2b to finish my review ...
http://bookworm2bookworm.wordpress.co...
Melanie for b2b
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher
I can still see that her writing has potential, but I still feel that she needs to work on ... thanks for jumping to b2b to finish my review ...
http://bookworm2bookworm.wordpress.co...
Melanie for b2b
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher
September 27, 2014
I really rated this a 3.5, I enjoyed this simplistic tale set in regency England. It appealed to me because the main character is a practicing surgeon and for a young woman this was not only illegal but highly unusual. The daughter of a surgeon she has learned medicine at her fathers side. It is the accurate medical facts that made this a fascinating story to me. It covers surgeries and medical malpractice from the regency point of view.
December 20, 2012
A book is not all about love ONLY.
Medical history was written thoroughly, she did a fine research and I applaud her for a job well done. And I love how Sophie Barnes expressed that a woman could be anything she wanted to be, and of course, the fact that women can surpass men. The unfair disregard to women makes want to hog-tie and shoot men to bleed. Really.
Medical history was written thoroughly, she did a fine research and I applaud her for a job well done. And I love how Sophie Barnes expressed that a woman could be anything she wanted to be, and of course, the fact that women can surpass men. The unfair disregard to women makes want to hog-tie and shoot men to bleed. Really.
October 4, 2013
This book brings up a number of issues about the practice of medicine in Regency England. Some of these same issues continue today. I liked this book because it wasn't a typical romance - there was a mystery to solve as well as intrigue and suspense. I couldn't wait to see how things resolved in the end.
August 5, 2014
Just finished the book and loved it!!! Mary and Ryan were a breath of fresh air and I loved it that Mary was similar to Alex, it was too funny!!! Loved the intrigue, suspense but wished there was an epilogue like in Alex's story!!! If you have read any of Sophie Barnes novels then you'll love this one!!!
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