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Castonbury Park #3
The Lady Who Broke the Rules
'Your rebellion has not gone unnoticed…'
Anticipating her wedding vows and then breaking off the engagement has left Kate Montague's social status in tatters. She hides her hurt at her family's disapproval behind a resolutely optimistic façade, but one thing really grates… For a fallen woman, she knows shockingly little about passion!
Could Virgil Jackson be the man to teach her? A freed slave turned successful businessman, his striking good looks and lethally restrained power throw normally composed Kate into a tailspin! She's already scandalised society, but succumbing to her craving for Virgil would be the most outrageous thing Kate's done by far…
Anticipating her wedding vows and then breaking off the engagement has left Kate Montague's social status in tatters. She hides her hurt at her family's disapproval behind a resolutely optimistic façade, but one thing really grates… For a fallen woman, she knows shockingly little about passion!
Could Virgil Jackson be the man to teach her? A freed slave turned successful businessman, his striking good looks and lethally restrained power throw normally composed Kate into a tailspin! She's already scandalised society, but succumbing to her craving for Virgil would be the most outrageous thing Kate's done by far…
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
16 people are currently reading
436 people want to read
About the author
Marguerite Kaye
247 books345 followersMarguerite Kaye is a prolific historical romance author hailing from Argyll’s West Coast. She is a voracious consumer of books, Scotland’s world-class larder, and the occasional cocktail.
Find out more on her website at www.margueritekaye.com
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Find out more on her website at www.margueritekaye.com
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 8, 2013
A Regency-era interracial romance? Sounds intriguing, but ultimately I was disappointed in this book. The hero is an amazing man who worked his way out of bondage and has become a wealthy businessman in Boston. The heroine is the daughter of a duke, whose reputation has been ruined. She is also a free-thinking abolitionist. She meets Virgil when he is in England meeting with that country's leading abolitionists. The attraction is strong and immediate, but . . . .
In HR, there's always a "but . . . . " Here, you would expect all sorts of complications relating to racial differences; even abolitionists didn't 'want their daughters to marry one.' This topic, however, is barely mentioned, and ultimately the story is not much different from what it would have been if Virgil was a white American businessman wanting to carry off a duke's daughter to America.
In HR, there's always a "but . . . . " Here, you would expect all sorts of complications relating to racial differences; even abolitionists didn't 'want their daughters to marry one.' This topic, however, is barely mentioned, and ultimately the story is not much different from what it would have been if Virgil was a white American businessman wanting to carry off a duke's daughter to America.
November 22, 2012
I was particularly looking forward to this book because it's about a relationship between a freed slave and a Duke's daughter. I thought that an ambitious and interesting idea and I applaud Marguerite Kaye for attempting it. I think, overall, she succeeded. Being a category romance, she had only a short space in which to fit the story, and she brings in prejudice, the famous abolitionists of the period, and the horrors of being a slave considered incorrigible. Of course, I also have problems with it. It seems odd, to me, that the hero could, even with the support of his former master turned business partner, become a wealthy man in his own right and keep that wealth after his partner's death. Virgil, the hero, says that he is a member of Boston society, but not many years after this story is set, Boston was the setting for some violent race riots, and I have difficulty imagining that the pressures that triggered those riots weren't already extant. (Of course, we are made aware that he is very careful not to offend with the wives and daughters of that society.) While Virgil mostly socializes with abolitionists in England, he doesn't seem to be an abolitionist himself, at least, not with their fervor. He doesn't do public speaking, nor does he write poetry or essays on any social issue. His focus is on building schools and libraries for freed slaves, but it is a quiet ambition.
Kate has lost her reputation, and so is not welcome in polite society...at least until Virgil brings her back into fashion, which is a stretch beyond my ability to suspend disbelief. They attend a local assembly together, with no chaperone, and yet by the end of it she's been greeted by most of her neighbors with civility, at least. The man's rich, but his wealth is not coming to anyone in the neighborhood. He has no political or social power in their insular community. He accompanies a fallen woman. He's a former slave. I'm pretty sure all those things would have turned the situation ugly, rather than otherwise, even in a romance novel. There's a touch of "jungle fever" going on in Kate's admiration of Virgil, at least at first, but the heroine does come to recognize the qualities of the man underneath his physical attributes and skin color.
Overall, I think the story worked, as long as you're willing to visit this other, rather nicer world, which we often do when reading a regency romance that doesn't bring in these important issues.
Kate has lost her reputation, and so is not welcome in polite society...at least until Virgil brings her back into fashion, which is a stretch beyond my ability to suspend disbelief. They attend a local assembly together, with no chaperone, and yet by the end of it she's been greeted by most of her neighbors with civility, at least. The man's rich, but his wealth is not coming to anyone in the neighborhood. He has no political or social power in their insular community. He accompanies a fallen woman. He's a former slave. I'm pretty sure all those things would have turned the situation ugly, rather than otherwise, even in a romance novel. There's a touch of "jungle fever" going on in Kate's admiration of Virgil, at least at first, but the heroine does come to recognize the qualities of the man underneath his physical attributes and skin color.
Overall, I think the story worked, as long as you're willing to visit this other, rather nicer world, which we often do when reading a regency romance that doesn't bring in these important issues.
December 26, 2019
I really loved this! It wasn't perfect by any means, and yet Kate and Virgil's love story spoke to me.
As for whether or not it's "realistic", I'll just say that who is looking for realism in a Mills & Boon book? And that I've not seen any calls of "unrealistic" for the previous two books (a duke's son falling in love with a foundling vicar's daughter and a duke's nephew marrying a maid) so I can only think that it has something to do with Virgil's race. So. Don't.
As for whether or not it's "realistic", I'll just say that who is looking for realism in a Mills & Boon book? And that I've not seen any calls of "unrealistic" for the previous two books (a duke's son falling in love with a foundling vicar's daughter and a duke's nephew marrying a maid) so I can only think that it has something to do with Virgil's race. So. Don't.
November 13, 2012
I cannot deny that I adore historical romance. The beautiful clothes, the manners, the propriety. I love it all. I’m not oblivious to the obvious issues with plumbing, but I find the idea of literary time travel delicious, especially between the covers of a well written book. And this is an extremely well written book.
Lady Katherine Montague, Kate, is a strong, independent woman who has had to weather her fair share of heartbreak and difficulty. Maligned by her former fiancé, she finds herself firmly outside popular society, entertained and welcomed by a small, yet loving group of friends who are unafraid of being tainted by association. Determined never to marry, she pours herself into her philanthropic endeavours, determined to carve out a life that has meaning.
Virgil Jackson was born into slavery. Bought, freed, educated, he has worked hard to achieve great success in the States. Now, on a visit to England to broker a deal with Josiah Wedgewood, renowned abolitionist and son of the famous potter, Virgil is the talk of society. His easy manner and exotic looks have made him a popular dinner guest, accepted into all the great houses – a position as far removed from his start in life as he could ever have imagined.
Both Kate and Virgil are slaves in their own way. Virgil, quite literally and yet despite his success, he is still enslaved by his past. Kate is a slave to society, to the very propriety which dictates her place as a woman. Exchanging ideas, revelling in challenging each other, they find that they are wonderfully matched, but their relationship will shock society.
The only question is, will it all be more than their love can overcome?
The mark of a great romance writer lies for me in the ability to lose myself in the story, to believe the characters as they are written and to be able to imagine that I am witnessing something real regardless of the setting. Marguerite is an expert at this, her attention to detail as she subtly builds an image of the society and geography of the day, enables you to really emotionally understand what her heroine has endured without having to “slap you in the face with it” – as it were. Her hero, more obviously scarred, is handled just as tenderly. His history is captured succinctly without losing any of the power of his experiences and how they have shaped him today and all along we are able to witness as he slowly comes to terms with his past.
She has taken two characters as different and controversial as they could be and crafted their story into a tale of healing, acceptance and romance that transcends all issues. A tale that captures your heart and leaves you cheering them on!
Lady Katherine Montague, Kate, is a strong, independent woman who has had to weather her fair share of heartbreak and difficulty. Maligned by her former fiancé, she finds herself firmly outside popular society, entertained and welcomed by a small, yet loving group of friends who are unafraid of being tainted by association. Determined never to marry, she pours herself into her philanthropic endeavours, determined to carve out a life that has meaning.
Virgil Jackson was born into slavery. Bought, freed, educated, he has worked hard to achieve great success in the States. Now, on a visit to England to broker a deal with Josiah Wedgewood, renowned abolitionist and son of the famous potter, Virgil is the talk of society. His easy manner and exotic looks have made him a popular dinner guest, accepted into all the great houses – a position as far removed from his start in life as he could ever have imagined.
Both Kate and Virgil are slaves in their own way. Virgil, quite literally and yet despite his success, he is still enslaved by his past. Kate is a slave to society, to the very propriety which dictates her place as a woman. Exchanging ideas, revelling in challenging each other, they find that they are wonderfully matched, but their relationship will shock society.
The only question is, will it all be more than their love can overcome?
The mark of a great romance writer lies for me in the ability to lose myself in the story, to believe the characters as they are written and to be able to imagine that I am witnessing something real regardless of the setting. Marguerite is an expert at this, her attention to detail as she subtly builds an image of the society and geography of the day, enables you to really emotionally understand what her heroine has endured without having to “slap you in the face with it” – as it were. Her hero, more obviously scarred, is handled just as tenderly. His history is captured succinctly without losing any of the power of his experiences and how they have shaped him today and all along we are able to witness as he slowly comes to terms with his past.
She has taken two characters as different and controversial as they could be and crafted their story into a tale of healing, acceptance and romance that transcends all issues. A tale that captures your heart and leaves you cheering them on!
October 1, 2012
Yes, I bought it and finished it the first day it was out. I am not ashamed; Virgil and Kate are great characters who work together to overcome the demons in their pasts.
June 15, 2022
Après ma lecture de la seconde intégrale de La Chronique des Roskeby, je n’avais pas envie de quitter la romance historique et j’ai eu envie de retrouver l’univers de Castonbury Park ainsi que la famille Montague et je dois dire qu’après un premier volume réussi, le début de celui-ci se démarque totalement grâce à une plume bien plus mature, traitant de forts et sensibles sujets traités avec merveille et réussite.
En effet, Marguerite Kaye dévoile une romance des plus séduisante et captivante à parcourir grâce à ses personnages marquants et attachants, en particulier Virgil notre jeune homme noir, libéré il y a peu de l’esclavage et des plantations dans lequel il était contraint d’exercer. Ce sujet n’était que trop peu couramment évoqué dans le genre, j’ai été ravi du traitement de ce dernier que j’ai trouvé à la fois juste et touchant. Sans être une profonde critique de société, l’auteure apporte néanmoins une audacieuse touche de réalisme à son histoire qui m’a plus que séduit et fortement résonné en moi. D’autant plus qu’à travers son personnage masculin au passé trouble et aux délicats secrets bien gardés, cette dernière offre une alléchante et séduisante histoire d’amour rythmée par les nombreuses différences sociales et culturelles. J’ai apprécié ce mélange de culture entre l’Amérique et l’Angleterre ainsi que celle entre l’aristocratie et le petit peuple dont j’ai trouvé le résultat rondement mené. D’autan plus que le tout se dévoile porté par une héroïne intrépide et attachante, Kate. Suivre l’apprivoisement de ces deux êtres que tout oppose m’a totalement diverti et plus que convaincu.
Ainsi, je me suis régalé de cette romance et j’ai dévoré en quelques heures à peine ce doux roman dont le style de Marguerite Kaye m’a paru des plus addictif et accrochant qu’il soit. Il m’était impossible de quitter ma lecture tant que je n’étais pas arrivé à la conclusion de celle-ci et bien que loin d’être surprenante, le cheminement opéré par l’auteure n’en demeure pas moins plaisant, divertissant et parfois débordant de sentiments. Ajouter à cela une réelle utilité des personnages secondaires à l’avancée de l’intrigue et me voila complètement conquis. En ce sens, il m’a semblé que l’auteure se démarquait aisément de ce qui se fait déjà dans ce genre littéraire et apportait une certaine fraicheur, tout en conservant les codes que j’ai tant apprécié retrouver une fois de plus.
En bref, ce troisième volet m’a donné l’occasion de découvrir une plume aboutie ainsi qu’un style délicieusement raisonnable dont je me suis délecté avec plaisir. Tout comme j’ai adoré cette douce romance aux sujets forts et sensibles, apportant un certain renouveau à l’univers et portée par des personnages attachants dont la construction se veut pertinente.
En effet, Marguerite Kaye dévoile une romance des plus séduisante et captivante à parcourir grâce à ses personnages marquants et attachants, en particulier Virgil notre jeune homme noir, libéré il y a peu de l’esclavage et des plantations dans lequel il était contraint d’exercer. Ce sujet n’était que trop peu couramment évoqué dans le genre, j’ai été ravi du traitement de ce dernier que j’ai trouvé à la fois juste et touchant. Sans être une profonde critique de société, l’auteure apporte néanmoins une audacieuse touche de réalisme à son histoire qui m’a plus que séduit et fortement résonné en moi. D’autant plus qu’à travers son personnage masculin au passé trouble et aux délicats secrets bien gardés, cette dernière offre une alléchante et séduisante histoire d’amour rythmée par les nombreuses différences sociales et culturelles. J’ai apprécié ce mélange de culture entre l’Amérique et l’Angleterre ainsi que celle entre l’aristocratie et le petit peuple dont j’ai trouvé le résultat rondement mené. D’autan plus que le tout se dévoile porté par une héroïne intrépide et attachante, Kate. Suivre l’apprivoisement de ces deux êtres que tout oppose m’a totalement diverti et plus que convaincu.
Ainsi, je me suis régalé de cette romance et j’ai dévoré en quelques heures à peine ce doux roman dont le style de Marguerite Kaye m’a paru des plus addictif et accrochant qu’il soit. Il m’était impossible de quitter ma lecture tant que je n’étais pas arrivé à la conclusion de celle-ci et bien que loin d’être surprenante, le cheminement opéré par l’auteure n’en demeure pas moins plaisant, divertissant et parfois débordant de sentiments. Ajouter à cela une réelle utilité des personnages secondaires à l’avancée de l’intrigue et me voila complètement conquis. En ce sens, il m’a semblé que l’auteure se démarquait aisément de ce qui se fait déjà dans ce genre littéraire et apportait une certaine fraicheur, tout en conservant les codes que j’ai tant apprécié retrouver une fois de plus.
En bref, ce troisième volet m’a donné l’occasion de découvrir une plume aboutie ainsi qu’un style délicieusement raisonnable dont je me suis délecté avec plaisir. Tout comme j’ai adoré cette douce romance aux sujets forts et sensibles, apportant un certain renouveau à l’univers et portée par des personnages attachants dont la construction se veut pertinente.
November 1, 2012
Review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2012/10/22/...
Publisher: Harlequin
Publish Date: Out Now
How I got this book: Purchased (Failed to request it via NetGalley when it was available)
Castonbury Park, Autumn 1816
Shunned by society since she ended her disastrous engagement, Lady Katherine Montague is determined never to allow any man to hurt her again. Instead, Kate invests all her energy and emotions in philanthropy, building a village school, rescuing fallen women and supporting the abolitionist cause.
Virgil Jackson was born into slavery in Virginia, but sold into the north when he led a rebellion which had tragic consequences. Hard work, a brilliant mind and a fierce determination to succeed have earned him freedom, power and wealth, but it seems nothing will ever be enough to satisfy Virgil’s need to pay penance for his past.
Kate and Virgil meet at the house of the abolitionist Josiah Wedgewood, the son of the famous potter. Two outcasts, two rebels, they are instantly drawn to each other. But the past, for each of them, has taken a heavy emotional toll. Can they cut themselves free from its fetters, and take a chance on a love so shocking that even the most liberal of Kate’s aristocratic family will find it impossible to accept?
This is the third in the Castonbury Park series. Kate and Virgil’s story is set almost entirely in and around Castonbury Park, where the mysterious woman claiming to be the wife of the missing heir finally arrives ‘on stage’ and readers of the earlier books will meet the familiar cast of family and servants.
This blurb came from the author’s website here.
I have read and enjoyed Kaye’s work in the past so when she sent me a review request, and included the link providing information about the series, I was intrigued. When I read the theme of the series, (see the Castonbury Park link above), I decided that I had to give it a try. Even though I have not read the previous books in this series, and I must fix that, I thoroughly enjoyed this third installment. The combination of supporting cast, time in history, the underlying story, and the extremely vivid hero and heroine made The Lady Who Broke the Rules very entertaining.
The introduction to Virgil certainly sets the stage for his character. It makes it plain the horrific things people can do to those they think of as sub-human. His treatment would have broken most and the fact that he not only survives but becomes an extremely wealthy man determined to make life better for others is a testament to his strength of will and determination. Even with that he was still tortured and mentally punishing himself for the aftermath of his rebellion. I especially loved his mental description of the fit, cut and style of his clothing – not to mention his description of the food. He also had an incredible strength of personality and charm, so instead of being ostracized or treated like the nth wonder of the world after his initial meetings with most people, he was mostly accepted regardless of their status.
Kate was also very interesting. She was a contradiction. On the one had she seemed to be completely accepting of her shunning from polite society and while not exactly flaunting it not hiding from it either. On the other hand sometimes her mask of acceptance would crack and some of the cost of her past would slip out. One of the things I admired about her is that perhaps because of her circumstances she has decided to do what she can to improve the life and plight of others. From her maid, Polly, a former streetwalker to the primary instructor at the village school, and the village children Kate was making a difference. She also hadn’t dealt with her feelings regarding the events that “ruined” her and the lack of support from her family since then. She really wanted acceptance and support but she wasn’t going to lose herself to gain them, which was something else I really admired about her character.
Watching Virgil and Kate interact with each other as well as the others in and around the estate was engrossing. Their slow friendship and attraction grew as Kate tried to deal with her family upheaval regarding the central theme of the series. Both Kate and Virgil would manage to inadvertently touch one of their other’s sore spots as they go to know each other during their conversations. I liked how the instant reaction didn’t result in rejection or a refusal to continue their friendship but instead generated healing. I also really liked how there was time between their initial meeting with attraction at first encounter and actually acting on that attraction. The development of an emotional relationship between them made their eventual physical encounters worth that much more.
While the relationship between Kate and Virgil was the center-point of this story it was set against the overall backdrop of the greater issue regarding determining the heir to Castonbury Park. Things continue to move forward regarding that concern as the stakes continue to get higher. I am very interested in seeing what happens next because the actions of the mysterious woman are well mysterious *grin*. I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Lady Who Broke the Rules even though I didn’t start the series in the beginning. Kaye provides her typical well-fleshed out characterization with a touch of the unusual that makes her work enjoyable.
I give The Lady Who Broke the Rules a B+
Publisher: Harlequin
Publish Date: Out Now
How I got this book: Purchased (Failed to request it via NetGalley when it was available)
Castonbury Park, Autumn 1816
Shunned by society since she ended her disastrous engagement, Lady Katherine Montague is determined never to allow any man to hurt her again. Instead, Kate invests all her energy and emotions in philanthropy, building a village school, rescuing fallen women and supporting the abolitionist cause.
Virgil Jackson was born into slavery in Virginia, but sold into the north when he led a rebellion which had tragic consequences. Hard work, a brilliant mind and a fierce determination to succeed have earned him freedom, power and wealth, but it seems nothing will ever be enough to satisfy Virgil’s need to pay penance for his past.
Kate and Virgil meet at the house of the abolitionist Josiah Wedgewood, the son of the famous potter. Two outcasts, two rebels, they are instantly drawn to each other. But the past, for each of them, has taken a heavy emotional toll. Can they cut themselves free from its fetters, and take a chance on a love so shocking that even the most liberal of Kate’s aristocratic family will find it impossible to accept?
This is the third in the Castonbury Park series. Kate and Virgil’s story is set almost entirely in and around Castonbury Park, where the mysterious woman claiming to be the wife of the missing heir finally arrives ‘on stage’ and readers of the earlier books will meet the familiar cast of family and servants.
This blurb came from the author’s website here.
I have read and enjoyed Kaye’s work in the past so when she sent me a review request, and included the link providing information about the series, I was intrigued. When I read the theme of the series, (see the Castonbury Park link above), I decided that I had to give it a try. Even though I have not read the previous books in this series, and I must fix that, I thoroughly enjoyed this third installment. The combination of supporting cast, time in history, the underlying story, and the extremely vivid hero and heroine made The Lady Who Broke the Rules very entertaining.
The introduction to Virgil certainly sets the stage for his character. It makes it plain the horrific things people can do to those they think of as sub-human. His treatment would have broken most and the fact that he not only survives but becomes an extremely wealthy man determined to make life better for others is a testament to his strength of will and determination. Even with that he was still tortured and mentally punishing himself for the aftermath of his rebellion. I especially loved his mental description of the fit, cut and style of his clothing – not to mention his description of the food. He also had an incredible strength of personality and charm, so instead of being ostracized or treated like the nth wonder of the world after his initial meetings with most people, he was mostly accepted regardless of their status.
Kate was also very interesting. She was a contradiction. On the one had she seemed to be completely accepting of her shunning from polite society and while not exactly flaunting it not hiding from it either. On the other hand sometimes her mask of acceptance would crack and some of the cost of her past would slip out. One of the things I admired about her is that perhaps because of her circumstances she has decided to do what she can to improve the life and plight of others. From her maid, Polly, a former streetwalker to the primary instructor at the village school, and the village children Kate was making a difference. She also hadn’t dealt with her feelings regarding the events that “ruined” her and the lack of support from her family since then. She really wanted acceptance and support but she wasn’t going to lose herself to gain them, which was something else I really admired about her character.
Watching Virgil and Kate interact with each other as well as the others in and around the estate was engrossing. Their slow friendship and attraction grew as Kate tried to deal with her family upheaval regarding the central theme of the series. Both Kate and Virgil would manage to inadvertently touch one of their other’s sore spots as they go to know each other during their conversations. I liked how the instant reaction didn’t result in rejection or a refusal to continue their friendship but instead generated healing. I also really liked how there was time between their initial meeting with attraction at first encounter and actually acting on that attraction. The development of an emotional relationship between them made their eventual physical encounters worth that much more.
While the relationship between Kate and Virgil was the center-point of this story it was set against the overall backdrop of the greater issue regarding determining the heir to Castonbury Park. Things continue to move forward regarding that concern as the stakes continue to get higher. I am very interested in seeing what happens next because the actions of the mysterious woman are well mysterious *grin*. I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Lady Who Broke the Rules even though I didn’t start the series in the beginning. Kaye provides her typical well-fleshed out characterization with a touch of the unusual that makes her work enjoyable.
I give The Lady Who Broke the Rules a B+
October 14, 2012
An intriguing and sexy tale! Taken from my review at RomanceJunkies.com:
A slave, Virgil Jackson’s latest attempt at a strike had resulted in another whipping for him and being imprisoned. As long as he had been confined, he knew that Master Booth was going to sell him. He should rejoice at this news, but instead he is filled with guilt as he would be leaving behind Millie, who meant everything to him. At nineteen, his body was well-built, muscled after all the years he had spent laboring. He knew how to read and write and one day he would get his freedom and come back for Millie. That would be his revenge. He was not interested in getting back at those who had treated him badly. After all, bloodshed only led to more bloodshed. But he would prove to all of them that he could be better, and he would do it on his own terms. Millie just had to keep herself safe until he could return for her. But the master’s last evil act before Virgil was taken to be sold was punishing Millie in a public and brutal manner. Although Virgil had tried to come to her rescue, he had been hit on the head and knocked unconscious.
It has been more than a year since Lady Katherine Montague, the daughter of the Duke of Rothermere, lost her two brothers; Ned was killed at Waterloo and James disappeared in Spain. They had been buried in the lands where they had fallen. Now her father seems to be out of touch with the world, living in the past. So she had been happy to accept her friend Sarah Wedgewood’s invitation to dinner and get out of the house for a while. Sarah’s abolitionist father was the son of the famous potter and owner of Maer Hall. To the duke, he was a mere tradesman. The guest of honor at the dinner was a man Katherine had never met, Mr. Virgil Jackson, who was different from any man she had ever met, and she could not deny her attraction to him. After being used by a man selected for her by her father and her aunt years ago, she believed she was frigid, but in Virgil’s arms, she finds a passion she never expected.
Eleven years since that fateful day and now in England, dressed in fine clothes and doing business with English society, Virgil, who is now a wealthy, freed man, realizes that although the chains of slavery had been cut, he still is not free. After the business was concluded he would have preferred to have avoided the dinner party, but the Wedgewoods are trying to show their support of him. He and Josiah Wedgewood are going into business together. Virgil’s factories will ensure that the pottery will be within the means of the average American, rather than importing the pottery and making it subject to the Protective Tariff. For the last eleven years, he has not been interested in love and romance, but he cannot deny his attraction to Katherine, who is not only unusual for a duke’s daughter, she also supports the abolitionist movement and educating the less fortunate. They know there is no possibility of a future for the two of them, as this is scandalous liaison is one that not even their most understanding family and friends will accept. Will their love lives once more result in tragedy and scandal?
THE LADY WHO BROKE THE RULES, the third book in talented author Marguerite Kaye’s CASTONBURY PARK series, is a scandalous, passionate historical romance that will captivate you from the very beginning. Both Virgil and Katherine are outcasts and rebels, which has caused them problems in the past, even among those who should love them the most. Now they have found understanding and passion in each other’s arms, but a future together for the two of them may come at too high of a price. Packed with tragedy, intrigue, slavery, secrets, unresolved issues, understanding, romance and love, this unusual and stimulating story is one you will not want to miss. Readers will find themselves eagerly turning the pages to see what happens next. I enjoyed this story immensely and look forward to reading more of Ms. Kaye’s works. In the meantime, be sure to pick up your own copy of THE LADY WHO BROKE THE RULES!
Dottie, RomanceJunkies.com
A slave, Virgil Jackson’s latest attempt at a strike had resulted in another whipping for him and being imprisoned. As long as he had been confined, he knew that Master Booth was going to sell him. He should rejoice at this news, but instead he is filled with guilt as he would be leaving behind Millie, who meant everything to him. At nineteen, his body was well-built, muscled after all the years he had spent laboring. He knew how to read and write and one day he would get his freedom and come back for Millie. That would be his revenge. He was not interested in getting back at those who had treated him badly. After all, bloodshed only led to more bloodshed. But he would prove to all of them that he could be better, and he would do it on his own terms. Millie just had to keep herself safe until he could return for her. But the master’s last evil act before Virgil was taken to be sold was punishing Millie in a public and brutal manner. Although Virgil had tried to come to her rescue, he had been hit on the head and knocked unconscious.
It has been more than a year since Lady Katherine Montague, the daughter of the Duke of Rothermere, lost her two brothers; Ned was killed at Waterloo and James disappeared in Spain. They had been buried in the lands where they had fallen. Now her father seems to be out of touch with the world, living in the past. So she had been happy to accept her friend Sarah Wedgewood’s invitation to dinner and get out of the house for a while. Sarah’s abolitionist father was the son of the famous potter and owner of Maer Hall. To the duke, he was a mere tradesman. The guest of honor at the dinner was a man Katherine had never met, Mr. Virgil Jackson, who was different from any man she had ever met, and she could not deny her attraction to him. After being used by a man selected for her by her father and her aunt years ago, she believed she was frigid, but in Virgil’s arms, she finds a passion she never expected.
Eleven years since that fateful day and now in England, dressed in fine clothes and doing business with English society, Virgil, who is now a wealthy, freed man, realizes that although the chains of slavery had been cut, he still is not free. After the business was concluded he would have preferred to have avoided the dinner party, but the Wedgewoods are trying to show their support of him. He and Josiah Wedgewood are going into business together. Virgil’s factories will ensure that the pottery will be within the means of the average American, rather than importing the pottery and making it subject to the Protective Tariff. For the last eleven years, he has not been interested in love and romance, but he cannot deny his attraction to Katherine, who is not only unusual for a duke’s daughter, she also supports the abolitionist movement and educating the less fortunate. They know there is no possibility of a future for the two of them, as this is scandalous liaison is one that not even their most understanding family and friends will accept. Will their love lives once more result in tragedy and scandal?
THE LADY WHO BROKE THE RULES, the third book in talented author Marguerite Kaye’s CASTONBURY PARK series, is a scandalous, passionate historical romance that will captivate you from the very beginning. Both Virgil and Katherine are outcasts and rebels, which has caused them problems in the past, even among those who should love them the most. Now they have found understanding and passion in each other’s arms, but a future together for the two of them may come at too high of a price. Packed with tragedy, intrigue, slavery, secrets, unresolved issues, understanding, romance and love, this unusual and stimulating story is one you will not want to miss. Readers will find themselves eagerly turning the pages to see what happens next. I enjoyed this story immensely and look forward to reading more of Ms. Kaye’s works. In the meantime, be sure to pick up your own copy of THE LADY WHO BROKE THE RULES!
Dottie, RomanceJunkies.com
October 10, 2012
This is a long review, but there is a lot to love about this book.
Note: this book can stand alone, you don't have to read the first two, but you will want to!
Kate, the heroine of this tale, is not your average Regency heroine, in that, as the title states, she breaks the rules. Her reputation is, she thinks, in shambles thanks to events and people in her past, so she goes forth and does what is in her heart. This doesn't mean she doesn't care what people think about her; I think she cares a great deal, and is hurt by this, but she doesn't let it control her life to the extent that she is a complete shut-away and does whatever is asked of her in order to gain approval. She is her own person. I found Kate to be very much a multi-dimensional character, and I found her to be very refreshing.
Virgil is our hero, and he is a freed African American slave with a painful past. One of my favorite things about this book is how yes, of course this guy has baggage and pain from his past, and he has some issues he needs to move past, but the story doesn't just linger on this in order to have the reader feel sympathy. Virgil is a strong character. He has moved beyond slavery to become a powerful businessman who uses his influence and money to help others. He's a genuinely good person who doesn't whine about his past.
The love story is, once again, refreshing. We have a white English woman and an African American man, but this is not a story merely about racial difficulties. It's about overcoming obstacles in the past to find true love and happiness in the future. I found the descriptions of the characters to be sensual and "enough." I felt like I was there; there were just enough details to know what these people looked like, and enough sensations to really be there in the story, but the balance was so carefully kept; I didn't feel like someone was being described to me, like I was on the outside. Detail came out through action, as characters noticed things, which kept me fully engaged, almost like watching a movie.
I can't express how much I *love* the direction some of the Harlequin novels have been taking (and this is the second of Kaye's books I've seen this in) as far as dealing with social issues. These issues of course were relevant in the Regency times, but they are also just as important to think about today. Both the hero and heroine of this book have causes close to their hearts, and it really warmed me to see them working for them. So often I've read Regencies and other historical romances where, as a friend of mine so aptly put, there's nothing going on but "balls and duke-screwing." (I'm sorry, I had to). There is more to Kaye's characters--they aren't just thinking about having heirs and keeping their reputations intact; they are bigger people because they focus on bigger things.
I'm trying not to give anything away, because I think this book was superb. Many aspects of the book could have swiftly fallen down the tunnel of cliche with another author, but in the hands of a master, these aspects proved to strengthen the story, and make its message more powerful. This is a true love story.
PS--Love Aunt Wilhelmina. LOVE her, especially the turbans. Wonderful example of secondary character who is very endearing (and gosh, I want to know more about her) but who does not take over the story. Her actions toward the end of the story made me cry.
Note: this book can stand alone, you don't have to read the first two, but you will want to!
Kate, the heroine of this tale, is not your average Regency heroine, in that, as the title states, she breaks the rules. Her reputation is, she thinks, in shambles thanks to events and people in her past, so she goes forth and does what is in her heart. This doesn't mean she doesn't care what people think about her; I think she cares a great deal, and is hurt by this, but she doesn't let it control her life to the extent that she is a complete shut-away and does whatever is asked of her in order to gain approval. She is her own person. I found Kate to be very much a multi-dimensional character, and I found her to be very refreshing.
Virgil is our hero, and he is a freed African American slave with a painful past. One of my favorite things about this book is how yes, of course this guy has baggage and pain from his past, and he has some issues he needs to move past, but the story doesn't just linger on this in order to have the reader feel sympathy. Virgil is a strong character. He has moved beyond slavery to become a powerful businessman who uses his influence and money to help others. He's a genuinely good person who doesn't whine about his past.
The love story is, once again, refreshing. We have a white English woman and an African American man, but this is not a story merely about racial difficulties. It's about overcoming obstacles in the past to find true love and happiness in the future. I found the descriptions of the characters to be sensual and "enough." I felt like I was there; there were just enough details to know what these people looked like, and enough sensations to really be there in the story, but the balance was so carefully kept; I didn't feel like someone was being described to me, like I was on the outside. Detail came out through action, as characters noticed things, which kept me fully engaged, almost like watching a movie.
I can't express how much I *love* the direction some of the Harlequin novels have been taking (and this is the second of Kaye's books I've seen this in) as far as dealing with social issues. These issues of course were relevant in the Regency times, but they are also just as important to think about today. Both the hero and heroine of this book have causes close to their hearts, and it really warmed me to see them working for them. So often I've read Regencies and other historical romances where, as a friend of mine so aptly put, there's nothing going on but "balls and duke-screwing." (I'm sorry, I had to). There is more to Kaye's characters--they aren't just thinking about having heirs and keeping their reputations intact; they are bigger people because they focus on bigger things.
I'm trying not to give anything away, because I think this book was superb. Many aspects of the book could have swiftly fallen down the tunnel of cliche with another author, but in the hands of a master, these aspects proved to strengthen the story, and make its message more powerful. This is a true love story.
PS--Love Aunt Wilhelmina. LOVE her, especially the turbans. Wonderful example of secondary character who is very endearing (and gosh, I want to know more about her) but who does not take over the story. Her actions toward the end of the story made me cry.
October 13, 2012
The review is also posted on my blog, The Rambling Readerista.
The rating is more like 4.5.
Have you ever wondered what it would have been to live and love at a certain point in human history. Well, if you did, I would recommend this book. It was really a mind opener for me. It brought me closer to the slavery of American 19th century South, and the still aristocratic England. I have absolutely loved reading about the clash of tradition, newer ages coming and how it could have possibly influenced the people of that time.
What is the best part of this book is the fact that the author has written such incredible characters, a former slave who has inherited the fortune of the man who set him free and a young woman, disparaged by most of her family for not marrying a man her father chose for her. Those two put together will make you want to read more of these books since it is the third book in the Castonbury Park Series, but I do not feel as if I had lost anything for not reading the previous two because this book contains every facet of information you will need to understand the story. This only indicates the proficiency of the author's words. I have enjoyed the language and the story in equal measure not wanting to put this book down. The characters are excellently portrayed, the setting and scenery are colourful, the sentences quick and quirky.
The Lady Who Broke the Rules can be taken as an example of feminist movement in its making and the ending of the slavery. From the historical point there are some educating historical fact to be found, and the romance is suspenseful and strong. Considering that even today in some countries the love match between a Caucasian and an African American is considered awkward, it is left to imagination how it must have seemed to go against everything known and acceptable to people of the 19th century and the author makes the story unique and interesting with tendrils of personal histories involved. From that point also, this book is an eye opener.
The main characters? Both, Virgil and Kate are multidimensional and complicated characters that will grab your attention and won't let you rest until you discover what the future brings for them. Though, let me confess this, I had my doubts about the happy ending. But Marguerite Kay did deliver eventually after few toss' and turns. Not to forget the secondary characters that are intriguing in their own way, this book is a "real" love story.
To sum up, I have really enjoyed reading this book (my first by Marguerite Kaye, for now, at least) and would recommend it to anyone interested in a great love story with a little historical lesson on the side. Marguerite Kaye's knowledge of history speaks from every page and it took me to a world of high society, passion, protocol and heartache.
The rating is more like 4.5.
Have you ever wondered what it would have been to live and love at a certain point in human history. Well, if you did, I would recommend this book. It was really a mind opener for me. It brought me closer to the slavery of American 19th century South, and the still aristocratic England. I have absolutely loved reading about the clash of tradition, newer ages coming and how it could have possibly influenced the people of that time.
What is the best part of this book is the fact that the author has written such incredible characters, a former slave who has inherited the fortune of the man who set him free and a young woman, disparaged by most of her family for not marrying a man her father chose for her. Those two put together will make you want to read more of these books since it is the third book in the Castonbury Park Series, but I do not feel as if I had lost anything for not reading the previous two because this book contains every facet of information you will need to understand the story. This only indicates the proficiency of the author's words. I have enjoyed the language and the story in equal measure not wanting to put this book down. The characters are excellently portrayed, the setting and scenery are colourful, the sentences quick and quirky.
The Lady Who Broke the Rules can be taken as an example of feminist movement in its making and the ending of the slavery. From the historical point there are some educating historical fact to be found, and the romance is suspenseful and strong. Considering that even today in some countries the love match between a Caucasian and an African American is considered awkward, it is left to imagination how it must have seemed to go against everything known and acceptable to people of the 19th century and the author makes the story unique and interesting with tendrils of personal histories involved. From that point also, this book is an eye opener.
The main characters? Both, Virgil and Kate are multidimensional and complicated characters that will grab your attention and won't let you rest until you discover what the future brings for them. Though, let me confess this, I had my doubts about the happy ending. But Marguerite Kay did deliver eventually after few toss' and turns. Not to forget the secondary characters that are intriguing in their own way, this book is a "real" love story.
To sum up, I have really enjoyed reading this book (my first by Marguerite Kaye, for now, at least) and would recommend it to anyone interested in a great love story with a little historical lesson on the side. Marguerite Kaye's knowledge of history speaks from every page and it took me to a world of high society, passion, protocol and heartache.
July 2, 2013
I’m not sure which surprises me more: a Harlequin Historical featuring an interracial romance, or a Harlequin Historical featuring juicy sex. The language isn’t graphic — we’re still in the land of potent manhoods here — but it’s definitely steamier than I’m used to.
Virgil, a fiercely determined and intelligent plantation slave, was sold after a failed rebellion. His buyer chose him for those same qualities, freed him, and gave him opportunities which have led to Virgil becoming an extraordinarily successful businessman in Boston. His goals in life are to help others who are shackled or downtrodden, fueled less by his own experiences than by a need to make reparation to his former lover Millie, who was punished for his crimes.
On a business visit to England he meets Kate, a “ruined” duke’s daughter who is also a progressive free thinker. (And astonishingly, not obnoxious about it.) They’re both attracted to each other, though at first Virgil questions her motives: “I hope, Lady Kate, that you are not thinking of using me as a weapon in some private war. Are you perhaps eager to prove your reputation for being a revolutionary to your father and your aunt?” Kate can’t deny the charge entirely, but her interest is mostly sincere — and she’s sincerely hot for him. Which is a tremendous relief to her, since her “ruination” by her louse of former fiance left her fearing that she’s frigid.
I don’t know enough to comment on the historical plausibility or authenticity of this novel, though I suspect they’re iffy. Race issues aside, it seemed surprisingly easy for the characters to find private places to have trysts — although according to the author’s note, the house and grounds for the series were designed with that in mind! (The book is part of a multi-author continuity series, but stands fine on its own.) In any event, the overall tone felt appropriate, and that’s generally good enough for me.
I did find it odd how little race is addressed in the story. Virgil encounters very little hostility and when he does, it’s not shown as a race issue. For example, here are Kate’s father’s thoughts on their proposed match: “That the man was an America, albeit one of that country’s richest inhabitants, was bad enough. That he was a commoner, and ex-slave with a lineage that could be traced back precisely one generation and only on one side, made the marriage, as far as the duke was concerned, simply impossible.” This comes off as somewhat disingenuous. And except for one mention of his discomfort at being the only black person in a room, Virgil himself seems as color-blind as everyone else, and surprisingly detached from his former slave status.
Aside from its unusual premise, this wasn’t particularly groundbreaking or original, but it was an absorbing story with appealing characters.
Virgil, a fiercely determined and intelligent plantation slave, was sold after a failed rebellion. His buyer chose him for those same qualities, freed him, and gave him opportunities which have led to Virgil becoming an extraordinarily successful businessman in Boston. His goals in life are to help others who are shackled or downtrodden, fueled less by his own experiences than by a need to make reparation to his former lover Millie, who was punished for his crimes.
On a business visit to England he meets Kate, a “ruined” duke’s daughter who is also a progressive free thinker. (And astonishingly, not obnoxious about it.) They’re both attracted to each other, though at first Virgil questions her motives: “I hope, Lady Kate, that you are not thinking of using me as a weapon in some private war. Are you perhaps eager to prove your reputation for being a revolutionary to your father and your aunt?” Kate can’t deny the charge entirely, but her interest is mostly sincere — and she’s sincerely hot for him. Which is a tremendous relief to her, since her “ruination” by her louse of former fiance left her fearing that she’s frigid.
I don’t know enough to comment on the historical plausibility or authenticity of this novel, though I suspect they’re iffy. Race issues aside, it seemed surprisingly easy for the characters to find private places to have trysts — although according to the author’s note, the house and grounds for the series were designed with that in mind! (The book is part of a multi-author continuity series, but stands fine on its own.) In any event, the overall tone felt appropriate, and that’s generally good enough for me.
I did find it odd how little race is addressed in the story. Virgil encounters very little hostility and when he does, it’s not shown as a race issue. For example, here are Kate’s father’s thoughts on their proposed match: “That the man was an America, albeit one of that country’s richest inhabitants, was bad enough. That he was a commoner, and ex-slave with a lineage that could be traced back precisely one generation and only on one side, made the marriage, as far as the duke was concerned, simply impossible.” This comes off as somewhat disingenuous. And except for one mention of his discomfort at being the only black person in a room, Virgil himself seems as color-blind as everyone else, and surprisingly detached from his former slave status.
Aside from its unusual premise, this wasn’t particularly groundbreaking or original, but it was an absorbing story with appealing characters.
October 24, 2012
This review also appears on my blog at http://www.thegoldenruleof666.blogspo...
The Lady Who Broke the Rules is a different historical romance, but in a good way. It was a lovely book, as well as a breath of fresh air from the usual historical romances.
Just the fact that the love interest in this book is black gave it points. It immediately set it apart from the usual. Though, I did raise my eyebrows at the historical accuracy of an English lady falling for a black ex-slave-I mean, the probably wouldn't have happened in reality-I was immensely pleased with this book.
Obviously, Kate is not your average society lady. She broke off an engagement, leaving her reputation ruined, and now she has fallen in love with an ex-slave. Clearly, she is a remarkably strong heroine to go against every social rule of the time. That was really the distinguishing trait about her. Though she was also kind, clever, and sensible, I will remember her character most for her strength. And that made me very fond of the rebel.
Virgil, needless to say, has a horrifying past. I mean, he was a slave to a cruel overseer before he was sold to a kind man who freed him. Of course his past is full of horrors. But he never let his poor beginnings bring him down. After he was freed, he worked and worked until he became one of the richest and successful men in America. But, the past still scarred him, both physically and emotionally. As I saw him fight his demons, he earned my sympathy. And a soft spot in my heart. His relationship with Kate really helped him past his troubles. It was very sweet. Of course, some spicy is mixed in, just enough to keep things interesting :)
The book stays fairly true to the time period. The author wasn't shy about showing other characters' disdain for Virgil. He may have been successful and rich, but, to society, he was still considered inferior. Ms. Kaye shows this, though she does it tactfully, so it doesn't offend. It was true to the times and had me rallying even more support for our society defying couple.
The plot kept me interested all the way. And the end was sweet and left me smiling. I was sad to say goodbye to Kate and Virgil. I got attached to them throughout the story, which is really high praise for a romance, for me.
The Lady Who Broke the Rules is a brilliantly done historical romance. Anyone and anyone who likes romance should read it.
5/5
Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin for a copy!
The Lady Who Broke the Rules is a different historical romance, but in a good way. It was a lovely book, as well as a breath of fresh air from the usual historical romances.
Just the fact that the love interest in this book is black gave it points. It immediately set it apart from the usual. Though, I did raise my eyebrows at the historical accuracy of an English lady falling for a black ex-slave-I mean, the probably wouldn't have happened in reality-I was immensely pleased with this book.
Obviously, Kate is not your average society lady. She broke off an engagement, leaving her reputation ruined, and now she has fallen in love with an ex-slave. Clearly, she is a remarkably strong heroine to go against every social rule of the time. That was really the distinguishing trait about her. Though she was also kind, clever, and sensible, I will remember her character most for her strength. And that made me very fond of the rebel.
Virgil, needless to say, has a horrifying past. I mean, he was a slave to a cruel overseer before he was sold to a kind man who freed him. Of course his past is full of horrors. But he never let his poor beginnings bring him down. After he was freed, he worked and worked until he became one of the richest and successful men in America. But, the past still scarred him, both physically and emotionally. As I saw him fight his demons, he earned my sympathy. And a soft spot in my heart. His relationship with Kate really helped him past his troubles. It was very sweet. Of course, some spicy is mixed in, just enough to keep things interesting :)
The book stays fairly true to the time period. The author wasn't shy about showing other characters' disdain for Virgil. He may have been successful and rich, but, to society, he was still considered inferior. Ms. Kaye shows this, though she does it tactfully, so it doesn't offend. It was true to the times and had me rallying even more support for our society defying couple.
The plot kept me interested all the way. And the end was sweet and left me smiling. I was sad to say goodbye to Kate and Virgil. I got attached to them throughout the story, which is really high praise for a romance, for me.
The Lady Who Broke the Rules is a brilliantly done historical romance. Anyone and anyone who likes romance should read it.
5/5
Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin for a copy!
October 30, 2012
"Il tuo atto di ribellione non e' passato inosservato."
Kate Montague ha rovinato la sua reputazione e il suo status sociale all'interno della l'alta società inglese: dopo aver ceduto alle avances del fidanzato, decide di non volerlo sposare. Nasconde il dolore che prova di fronte alla disapprovazione della sua famiglia e nasconde i suoi reali sentimenti dietro a una facciata di costante ottimismo; ma c'è una cosa che risulta strana: per essere una donna dalla cattiva reputazione, Kate conosce ben poco riguardo alla passione.
Potrà essere Virgil Jackson il suo maestro? Uno schiavo che si e' trasformato in un uomo libero e di successo negli affari. Il suo bell'aspetto e il suo fascino letale fanno perdere a Kate la sua solita freddezza. Ha già scandalizzato la società, ma cedere al desiderio che prova verso Virgil potrebbe rappresentare l'atto più oltraggioso commesso da Kate in tutta la sua vita.
La trama del libro non rende pienamente giustizia al racconto che ho letto, diciamo che forse lo rappresenta in modo un po' superficiale.
"The lady Who broke the rules" e' un historical romance in cui viene raccontata una bella storia in cui i suoi protagonisti principali sono completamente al di fuori degli schemi e delle regole, rispetto alla società in cui si trovano a vivere.
Virgil e' un uomo con un passato molto doloroso, e' un sopravvissuto che porta fuori e dentro di se' delle ferite e sceglie di vendicarsi attraverso il riscatto personale, grazie al suo orgoglio e alle sue capacita' diventa un uomo potente e influente, a cui nessuno può dire di no, nonostante lui sia un ex schiavo nero.
Kate e' un'eroina straordinaria, controcorrente nelle sue scelte, rispetto a quello che la società dell'epoca si aspetta da una donna.
Il rapporto tra Kate e Virgil e' molto diretto, sincero e passionale.
Il libro mi e' piaciuto molto, e' stata una lettura veloce e piacevole; se non avessi letto che e' il terzo componente di una serie non lo avrei immaginato, visto che fino a quel momento lo avevo considerato autoconclusivo.
Si ringraziano Netgalley e la Harlequin per la gentile preview.
VOTO 4/5 stelle
Kate Montague ha rovinato la sua reputazione e il suo status sociale all'interno della l'alta società inglese: dopo aver ceduto alle avances del fidanzato, decide di non volerlo sposare. Nasconde il dolore che prova di fronte alla disapprovazione della sua famiglia e nasconde i suoi reali sentimenti dietro a una facciata di costante ottimismo; ma c'è una cosa che risulta strana: per essere una donna dalla cattiva reputazione, Kate conosce ben poco riguardo alla passione.
Potrà essere Virgil Jackson il suo maestro? Uno schiavo che si e' trasformato in un uomo libero e di successo negli affari. Il suo bell'aspetto e il suo fascino letale fanno perdere a Kate la sua solita freddezza. Ha già scandalizzato la società, ma cedere al desiderio che prova verso Virgil potrebbe rappresentare l'atto più oltraggioso commesso da Kate in tutta la sua vita.
La trama del libro non rende pienamente giustizia al racconto che ho letto, diciamo che forse lo rappresenta in modo un po' superficiale.
"The lady Who broke the rules" e' un historical romance in cui viene raccontata una bella storia in cui i suoi protagonisti principali sono completamente al di fuori degli schemi e delle regole, rispetto alla società in cui si trovano a vivere.
Virgil e' un uomo con un passato molto doloroso, e' un sopravvissuto che porta fuori e dentro di se' delle ferite e sceglie di vendicarsi attraverso il riscatto personale, grazie al suo orgoglio e alle sue capacita' diventa un uomo potente e influente, a cui nessuno può dire di no, nonostante lui sia un ex schiavo nero.
Kate e' un'eroina straordinaria, controcorrente nelle sue scelte, rispetto a quello che la società dell'epoca si aspetta da una donna.
Il rapporto tra Kate e Virgil e' molto diretto, sincero e passionale.
Il libro mi e' piaciuto molto, e' stata una lettura veloce e piacevole; se non avessi letto che e' il terzo componente di una serie non lo avrei immaginato, visto che fino a quel momento lo avevo considerato autoconclusivo.
Si ringraziano Netgalley e la Harlequin per la gentile preview.
VOTO 4/5 stelle
June 20, 2021
I was given a copy of this book for an honest review. Part of the Castonbury Park continuity series, this book stands alone but numbers third in the series. *likely spoilers ahead*
Lady Kate Montague, always a square peg in a round hole was never going to be conventional, despite her privileged upbringing. Bring in former slave Virgil Jackson and you have a huge scandal on your hands.
This book for me was something of a surprise though in a good way! The story begins with a prologue which explains some of Virgil's history as an enslaved person and is brutal indeed a real eye opener. It sets the scene for an extremely unconventional for the time not only mixed race but very different social status romance.
Kate and Virgil meet via the Wedgwood family who were famously abolitionists and as they meet they strike sparks from one another. Virgil is now a wealthy businessman with contacts high up in English society and Kate has already scandalised society by a broken engagement. Despite the forbidden nature of their relationship the more they meet the more they are attracted to one another intellectually and otherwise resulting in some sensual scenes and adding to the scandal.
Both claim they are not in love with one another but it became clear to me that in spite of their very different backgrounds they were both very lonely people wanting to love and trust another. Throw in the fact that this is a multi-racial relationship and set in the Regency period with such an potentially explosive and emotive subject as slavery this makes it a very unusual book indeed and quite a poignant one love triumphs but some large sacrifices must still be made.
If you only read one of the Castonbury Park series this one is highly recommended.
Lady Kate Montague, always a square peg in a round hole was never going to be conventional, despite her privileged upbringing. Bring in former slave Virgil Jackson and you have a huge scandal on your hands.
This book for me was something of a surprise though in a good way! The story begins with a prologue which explains some of Virgil's history as an enslaved person and is brutal indeed a real eye opener. It sets the scene for an extremely unconventional for the time not only mixed race but very different social status romance.
Kate and Virgil meet via the Wedgwood family who were famously abolitionists and as they meet they strike sparks from one another. Virgil is now a wealthy businessman with contacts high up in English society and Kate has already scandalised society by a broken engagement. Despite the forbidden nature of their relationship the more they meet the more they are attracted to one another intellectually and otherwise resulting in some sensual scenes and adding to the scandal.
Both claim they are not in love with one another but it became clear to me that in spite of their very different backgrounds they were both very lonely people wanting to love and trust another. Throw in the fact that this is a multi-racial relationship and set in the Regency period with such an potentially explosive and emotive subject as slavery this makes it a very unusual book indeed and quite a poignant one love triumphs but some large sacrifices must still be made.
If you only read one of the Castonbury Park series this one is highly recommended.
February 17, 2013
The Lady Who Broke The Rules is part of the Castonbury Park series from Harlequin. All the books are written by different authors. I read a prequel of sorts many months ago. It wasn't my favorite historical fiction, but it was enjoyable. I haven't read the first two book in this series either. One of the things that I like about this series is that you don't have to start at the beginning to understand the characters. There are cross-over characters in this book, but you get enough explanation to understand the story.
The two main characters in this book are Kate Montague and Virgil Jackson. Kate has recently upset her family by breaking off her engagement. Virgil is a freed slave that now has a successful business. Kate and Virgil's paths cross, and their attraction to each other cannot be denied. I applaud Kaye for her unique spin on this romance, but I had a few problems with the story line. Most of my reservations lay with the historical accuracy in this book. I don't mean that a book has to be 100% accurate to be believable, but I can only suspend my disbelief so far. All though Kaye does mention the hardships the couple will have to face, it's not really stressed upon especially for this time period. Not only of being different social classes, but also that the characters are different races. However overlooking that aspect of the story, it's enjoyable. It's more of a novelette at 169 pages than a full-length novel. I think if the author added another 150 pages she could have built a more believable story line. As it was it's an okay read. I'm a huge fan of historical romance, but this book fell a little short for me.
Read more at http://www.2readornot2read.com/2013/0...
The two main characters in this book are Kate Montague and Virgil Jackson. Kate has recently upset her family by breaking off her engagement. Virgil is a freed slave that now has a successful business. Kate and Virgil's paths cross, and their attraction to each other cannot be denied. I applaud Kaye for her unique spin on this romance, but I had a few problems with the story line. Most of my reservations lay with the historical accuracy in this book. I don't mean that a book has to be 100% accurate to be believable, but I can only suspend my disbelief so far. All though Kaye does mention the hardships the couple will have to face, it's not really stressed upon especially for this time period. Not only of being different social classes, but also that the characters are different races. However overlooking that aspect of the story, it's enjoyable. It's more of a novelette at 169 pages than a full-length novel. I think if the author added another 150 pages she could have built a more believable story line. As it was it's an okay read. I'm a huge fan of historical romance, but this book fell a little short for me.
Read more at http://www.2readornot2read.com/2013/0...
January 10, 2014
I love Marguerite Kaye's writing style, attention to detail and atmospheric descriptive passages.
Her novels are well researched and always hold my interest. The Lady Who Broke The Rules was expertly written about an extremely controversial subject, especially for the time.
I would have given this novel a 5 star rating except that it was not a stand alone story. It was written as part of an 8 book anthology and I was not happy that the ending was left as a bit of a cliff hanger. Had the complete series been written by Ms Kaye I would have been happy to read the other 7 books. However, as each book was written by different authors, all with completely different writing styles I did not complete the series. For this reason alone I was not satisfied. I do not believe this anthology worked. It is a pity for Ms Kaye, it is the only time I have not been completely happy at the completion of one of her books.
P.S.
I need to add on reflection, that the story itself stands alone, in that Virgil and Kate do find their happy ending eventually. My problem is with the family, the cliff hanger arises because the heir is missing and there is a possible imposter posing as this missing heir's wife. I did not find this a satisfactory ending to a book although to be fair to Ms. Kaye this was not her fault.
Her novels are well researched and always hold my interest. The Lady Who Broke The Rules was expertly written about an extremely controversial subject, especially for the time.
I would have given this novel a 5 star rating except that it was not a stand alone story. It was written as part of an 8 book anthology and I was not happy that the ending was left as a bit of a cliff hanger. Had the complete series been written by Ms Kaye I would have been happy to read the other 7 books. However, as each book was written by different authors, all with completely different writing styles I did not complete the series. For this reason alone I was not satisfied. I do not believe this anthology worked. It is a pity for Ms Kaye, it is the only time I have not been completely happy at the completion of one of her books.
P.S.
I need to add on reflection, that the story itself stands alone, in that Virgil and Kate do find their happy ending eventually. My problem is with the family, the cliff hanger arises because the heir is missing and there is a possible imposter posing as this missing heir's wife. I did not find this a satisfactory ending to a book although to be fair to Ms. Kaye this was not her fault.
November 22, 2012
This is the first mixed race romance I've ever read. To make it even more unique, it is a regency romance!
This is by far one of the best romances I've read this year.
Here's why:
The hero and heroine are both strong and determined characters for their own reasons. Virgil has ghosts from his past when he was a slave to deal with and Kate has family issues that stem from a broken engagement.
The story wasn't all sweetness and light and though the characters had a HEA things weren't all happy. Kate found some peace with her aunt, but her father was still and issue.
There was a lot of conflict between the secondary characters Alicia, Kate's brother Jamie's widow. There's some unfinished business there and you get to thinking something isn't right with her. And then Giles, who is the heir apparent at the current time.
But back to the main characters. Virgil was just the type of man you couldn't help but love and he had such an interesting and sad back story.
There are very few romances that really offer you something different, but this one does.
Oh and did I mention some really hot love scenes?
This is a regency that shouldn't be missed!
This is by far one of the best romances I've read this year.
Here's why:
The hero and heroine are both strong and determined characters for their own reasons. Virgil has ghosts from his past when he was a slave to deal with and Kate has family issues that stem from a broken engagement.
The story wasn't all sweetness and light and though the characters had a HEA things weren't all happy. Kate found some peace with her aunt, but her father was still and issue.
There was a lot of conflict between the secondary characters Alicia, Kate's brother Jamie's widow. There's some unfinished business there and you get to thinking something isn't right with her. And then Giles, who is the heir apparent at the current time.
But back to the main characters. Virgil was just the type of man you couldn't help but love and he had such an interesting and sad back story.
There are very few romances that really offer you something different, but this one does.
Oh and did I mention some really hot love scenes?
This is a regency that shouldn't be missed!
June 7, 2015
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Si vous recherchez un titre régence de qualité en Harlequin, je vous recommande fortement de lire celui-ci, tout à fait original, bien pensé et assez développé pour donner à cette histoire d'amour inhabituelle une jolie profondeur.
Marguerite Kaye a réussi son pari en faisant de ses héros des êtres touchants et très humains, intelligents, honnêtes et sensuels, auxquels on ne peut que s'attacher. Je n'entrerai pas dans le détail, car je l'ai lu il y a plusieurs semaines, mais je me souviens avoir pris grand plaisir à le lire.
Affreusement déçue par les deux premiers tomes de cette série, je n'ai pas regretté d'avoir persévéré, car ce tome 3 a été une fort jolie surprise. Je me souviens avoir aimé Prince du Désert, une autre série de la même auteur. Marguerite Kaye semble encore une fois se démarquer au sein de cette collection souvent inégale.
Voilà un titre qui me redonne de l'élan pour programmer la suite de cette série dans mes projets de lecture.
Si vous recherchez un titre régence de qualité en Harlequin, je vous recommande fortement de lire celui-ci, tout à fait original, bien pensé et assez développé pour donner à cette histoire d'amour inhabituelle une jolie profondeur.
Marguerite Kaye a réussi son pari en faisant de ses héros des êtres touchants et très humains, intelligents, honnêtes et sensuels, auxquels on ne peut que s'attacher. Je n'entrerai pas dans le détail, car je l'ai lu il y a plusieurs semaines, mais je me souviens avoir pris grand plaisir à le lire.
Affreusement déçue par les deux premiers tomes de cette série, je n'ai pas regretté d'avoir persévéré, car ce tome 3 a été une fort jolie surprise. Je me souviens avoir aimé Prince du Désert, une autre série de la même auteur. Marguerite Kaye semble encore une fois se démarquer au sein de cette collection souvent inégale.
Voilà un titre qui me redonne de l'élan pour programmer la suite de cette série dans mes projets de lecture.
October 9, 2012
This is the first Castonbury Park novel I have read and it is really very good. I really was NOT expecting the book to contain what it did. When I read the first chapter about Virgil, my eyes widened in surprise. Wow! Never read a M/R book before, and Marguerite has set an incredibly high standard for other writers to follow.
The book itself left me wanting to read the rest of the Castonbury Park series. I loved Kate and Virgil's romance. The way Marguerite describes the scenery and puts into words the vibrant colours of the Regency period. This is no way a typical Regency romance. This is extraordinary and is a must read. Her research is meticulous as always, and as the reader, I was taken out of my house and into a world of manners, protocol and passion.
A joy to read, and a definate loved addition to my bookshelf. Marguerite has taken the Regency romance to a whole new level. Brilliantly done!
The book itself left me wanting to read the rest of the Castonbury Park series. I loved Kate and Virgil's romance. The way Marguerite describes the scenery and puts into words the vibrant colours of the Regency period. This is no way a typical Regency romance. This is extraordinary and is a must read. Her research is meticulous as always, and as the reader, I was taken out of my house and into a world of manners, protocol and passion.
A joy to read, and a definate loved addition to my bookshelf. Marguerite has taken the Regency romance to a whole new level. Brilliantly done!
October 17, 2012
An enthralling tale of two lovers who overcome societal pressures to be together during the Industrial Revolution.
Kate leads a lonely existence with a passion for educating all of society, not just the elite in England.
Virgil, a freed slave and entrepreneur, struggles against his own dark past until he meets Kate who helps bring him out of it.
Settings are described in vivid detail, in particular i liked the author's sumptuous descriptions of all of Kate's wardrobe from her lace garters to her silk taffeta low cut bodices.
The chemistry between Kate Montague and Virgil Jackson is unmistakable and there are plenty of hot steamy scenes. I really enjoyed their rendezvous on the island at Castonbury Park, wet, skin on skin.
If you like racy romance historicals, read this one!
Kate leads a lonely existence with a passion for educating all of society, not just the elite in England.
Virgil, a freed slave and entrepreneur, struggles against his own dark past until he meets Kate who helps bring him out of it.
Settings are described in vivid detail, in particular i liked the author's sumptuous descriptions of all of Kate's wardrobe from her lace garters to her silk taffeta low cut bodices.
The chemistry between Kate Montague and Virgil Jackson is unmistakable and there are plenty of hot steamy scenes. I really enjoyed their rendezvous on the island at Castonbury Park, wet, skin on skin.
If you like racy romance historicals, read this one!
December 30, 2012
Having the read the first two books in the Castonbury Park series, I can say, without a doubt, that Virgil Jackson is the most interesting hero so far. Even though he is "damaged", he can still see beyond the shields that Lady Katherine puts up and their romance is definitely out of the ordinary for Regencies. While it's not uncommon in Regencies to find an aristocratic female falling in love with someone from the lower classes, I can't think of another romance where the male lead is an African American, making this an interesting inter-racial romance. So kudos to Kaye for adding a new twist in what would otherwise be a typical Regency novel and for creating an enjoyable read from start to finish.
January 18, 2013
La Kaye maneggia la penna (o la tastiera del compuer, visti i tempi) con una maestria rara. Le sue storie sono sempre molto intense e coinvolgenti, e questa non fa di certo eccezione. Nonostante io non abbia letto i titoli precedenti di questa serie, Marguerite non me ne ha fatto sentire assolutamente la mancanza... un libro consigliato a tutti.
Ho apprezzato in particolar modo il modo in cui l'autrice ha creato questo rapporta tra una nobildonna inglese (anche se con una pessima reputazione, povera lei) e l'ex schiavo americano, quindi una donna bianca di ottima posizione sociale e un uomo di colore di proveniente dal fondo della società... belissimo.
Ho apprezzato in particolar modo il modo in cui l'autrice ha creato questo rapporta tra una nobildonna inglese (anche se con una pessima reputazione, povera lei) e l'ex schiavo americano, quindi una donna bianca di ottima posizione sociale e un uomo di colore di proveniente dal fondo della società... belissimo.
March 7, 2013
The prologue chapter brought back a few painful memories for me personally. But with that aside it was great to read about a mixed race relationship which would have been frowned upon during the regency period. Kate is a sassy heroine and not afraid to stand up on her own. Virgil is a kind heart man who has gone through the horrors of slavery and brutality. Marguerite always manages to transport the reader into what ever historical period she is writing about. Historically accurate and i just have to see how this series ends.
October 21, 2013
Very nicely done on a difficult subject.
February 24, 2013
a difficult topic sensitively treated.
Read
May 4, 2013Review to come...
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