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Ladies' Fashionable Cabinet #3
El caballero y las damas
Prudence Armitage es su más querida amiga… hasta que una situación comprometida lo cambia todo.
Nicholas Parrish no tenía intención de casarse y menos con Pru, pese a que sea encantadora, agradable, e incluso podría considerársela guapa (pasando por alto el castaño claro de su cabello y sus espantosas gafas). Además es una concienzuda empleada de El gabinete de las damas de moda, la revista que Nicholas y su hermana dirigen desde casa. Pero cuando una noche Pru se queda dormida sobre su escritorio en la casa de Nicholas, el padre de esta exige una reparación. Nicholas, como es un caballero, conviene en hacer lo correcto.
Y aunque jamás se le hubiese ocurrido unirse a Prudence, debe admitir que empieza a descubrir en ella un lado enigmático y sugerente que lo atrae.
Puede que Nicholas tenga que reconsiderar sus planes de mantener un matrimonio sólo de nombre, sobre todo ahora que Prue ha decidido convertirse en una mujer totalmente deseable.
Nicholas Parrish no tenía intención de casarse y menos con Pru, pese a que sea encantadora, agradable, e incluso podría considerársela guapa (pasando por alto el castaño claro de su cabello y sus espantosas gafas). Además es una concienzuda empleada de El gabinete de las damas de moda, la revista que Nicholas y su hermana dirigen desde casa. Pero cuando una noche Pru se queda dormida sobre su escritorio en la casa de Nicholas, el padre de esta exige una reparación. Nicholas, como es un caballero, conviene en hacer lo correcto.
Y aunque jamás se le hubiese ocurrido unirse a Prudence, debe admitir que empieza a descubrir en ella un lado enigmático y sugerente que lo atrae.
Puede que Nicholas tenga que reconsiderar sus planes de mantener un matrimonio sólo de nombre, sobre todo ahora que Prue ha decidido convertirse en una mujer totalmente deseable.
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
27 people are currently reading
369 people want to read
About the author
Candice Hern
32 books250 followersCandice Hern is the award-winning, bestselling author of historical romance novels set during the English Regency period. Her books have won praise for the "intelligence and elegant romantic sensibility" (Romantic Times) as well as "delicious wit and luscious sensuality (Booklist). Candice's award-winning website (www.candicehern.com) is often cited for its Regency World pages, where readers interested in the era will find an illustrated glossary, a detailed timeline, illustrated digests of Regency people and places, articles on Regency fashion, research links, and much more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
February 7, 2017
Nicholas Parrish wakes one morning to an entire herd of Vikings in his foyer, demanding justice for their female property. After a gross misunderstanding, he realizes that the property in question is Prudence Armitage, the mousy, lumpy editor of his sister's magazine. One shotgun marriage later and it's time for the rest of the book!
1. THIS BOOK IS SO FRUSTRATING.
2. FRUSTRATION ONE: Prudence is described as frumpy and plain. Here is a literal rundown of her features: thick, curly golden-red hair ("apricot hair"); big blue eyes fringed by golden, curled lashes; a "peaches-and-cream" complexion with a sprinkle of freckles across her aristocratic nose; a pink rosebud mouth; and she's small with a good figure hidden under too many layers.
IF THAT'S UGLY I'LL BE SELLING BAGS AT THE CORNER. (Seriously, though: this shit gets hard to deal with. It's difficult to connect with heroines who "struggle" with their looks when all they need is a makeover.)
2. FRUSTRATION TWO: Prudence's incapacitating shyness. She is nearly mute in several cases; she says nothing to further her own cause. And I get shy heroines--it was one of the things I was drawn to in this novel!--but she does absolutely nothing else to try and communicate with Nick. She doesn't try; she curls behind her shyness and lets it define her in a way that is enormously frustrating. If you can't speak, find another way to let your husband know that he's not rushing you, that you're ready, that you want him as a husband--whatever it is. UGH.
3. FRUSTRATION THREE: Nick, all together. Talk about needing to clobber someone with a two-by-four. SERIOUSLY: GET A BRAIN, BRO!! He's the worst: he doesn't listen, he doesn't think. Every time he kisses Prudence he notes she reacts to him. So he jumps to the conclusion that clearly she's frightened of him. And refuses to examine any new evidence that doesn't support his hypothesis. I wanted to kick him in the teeth REPEATEDLY AND NONSTOP. UGH. Fucking empty headed whiny brat.
4. FRUSTRATION FOUR: The "fight". Prudence gets a chance to say some shit that needed to be said and half a chapter later she's regretting everything she said and ready to apologize and take it all back and UGH CAN I BURN IT TO THE GROUND? Nick flies off the handle because Pru finds a way to get her money into his hands since he refuses to take any of hers. And so she flips her own lid and JESUS CHRIST I have never wanted to bang anyone's heads together more than I wanted to bang these two fools'.
5. FRUSTRATION FIVE: The could have been. As long-time listeners know, I love me some MOC/forced intimacy tropes. Add in a shy, plain heroine (SO I THOUGHT) and the fool who doesn't realize she's in love with him and I was pumped. COULD HAVE BEEN SO GOOD. IT WASN'T.
1. THIS BOOK IS SO FRUSTRATING.
2. FRUSTRATION ONE: Prudence is described as frumpy and plain. Here is a literal rundown of her features: thick, curly golden-red hair ("apricot hair"); big blue eyes fringed by golden, curled lashes; a "peaches-and-cream" complexion with a sprinkle of freckles across her aristocratic nose; a pink rosebud mouth; and she's small with a good figure hidden under too many layers.
IF THAT'S UGLY I'LL BE SELLING BAGS AT THE CORNER. (Seriously, though: this shit gets hard to deal with. It's difficult to connect with heroines who "struggle" with their looks when all they need is a makeover.)
2. FRUSTRATION TWO: Prudence's incapacitating shyness. She is nearly mute in several cases; she says nothing to further her own cause. And I get shy heroines--it was one of the things I was drawn to in this novel!--but she does absolutely nothing else to try and communicate with Nick. She doesn't try; she curls behind her shyness and lets it define her in a way that is enormously frustrating. If you can't speak, find another way to let your husband know that he's not rushing you, that you're ready, that you want him as a husband--whatever it is. UGH.
3. FRUSTRATION THREE: Nick, all together. Talk about needing to clobber someone with a two-by-four. SERIOUSLY: GET A BRAIN, BRO!! He's the worst: he doesn't listen, he doesn't think. Every time he kisses Prudence he notes she reacts to him. So he jumps to the conclusion that clearly she's frightened of him. And refuses to examine any new evidence that doesn't support his hypothesis. I wanted to kick him in the teeth REPEATEDLY AND NONSTOP. UGH. Fucking empty headed whiny brat.
4. FRUSTRATION FOUR: The "fight". Prudence gets a chance to say some shit that needed to be said and half a chapter later she's regretting everything she said and ready to apologize and take it all back and UGH CAN I BURN IT TO THE GROUND? Nick flies off the handle because Pru finds a way to get her money into his hands since he refuses to take any of hers. And so she flips her own lid and JESUS CHRIST I have never wanted to bang anyone's heads together more than I wanted to bang these two fools'.
5. FRUSTRATION FIVE: The could have been. As long-time listeners know, I love me some MOC/forced intimacy tropes. Add in a shy, plain heroine (SO I THOUGHT) and the fool who doesn't realize she's in love with him and I was pumped. COULD HAVE BEEN SO GOOD. IT WASN'T.
December 27, 2023
Just as a note (I didn't have time to write a detailed review, though I do have some comments specific to this book below)...
As a general comment, here is a link to a more general complaint of mine regarding romance novels (this novel was cited as an example of the problems I discuss in my complaint).
Please note that this review/comment discusses some adult topics.
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Some details regarding why this book annoyed me so much though:
(1) The 'hero' (as well as the main female character and everyone around her) constantly points out that the main (female) character is not good enough for the 'hero' etc. (and she believes this), because he is sooo gorgeous and she is apparently not. This is a constant theme in the book and is pretty misogynistic, thank you very much. (Particularly since it is OBVIOUS to me that if he were ugly and she was beautiful, this disparity would be considered to be of much less importance. (This interesting review by a fellow reviewer discusses this in passing.)
(2) After they are married they hold off on having sex, so our 'hero' naturally wonders how long he'll have to hold out and whether he'll have to resort to 'other means' (i.e. read cheating on his wife), because OF COURSE a man can never go without and men are inherently more sexual than women.
A quote from the book (chapter 10) (our two main idiots are Nick and Prudence): "Nick studied his mother’s painting, in which pearly white limbs were entwined and discreet folds of deep red drapery hid very little of what the lovers did. The face of Venus was rapturous with release. Nick wondered if he would ever see such a look on his wife’s face. Would he ever know such unbridled sexuality in his own home? Or would he be forced to seek it elsewhere? He had not yet done so. He had wanted to give this marriage, and Pru, a chance. But how long was a man expected to wait?"
...What an asshole!
Girl...
As a general comment, here is a link to a more general complaint of mine regarding romance novels (this novel was cited as an example of the problems I discuss in my complaint).
Please note that this review/comment discusses some adult topics.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Some details regarding why this book annoyed me so much though:
(1) The 'hero' (as well as the main female character and everyone around her) constantly points out that the main (female) character is not good enough for the 'hero' etc. (and she believes this), because he is sooo gorgeous and she is apparently not. This is a constant theme in the book and is pretty misogynistic, thank you very much. (Particularly since it is OBVIOUS to me that if he were ugly and she was beautiful, this disparity would be considered to be of much less importance. (This interesting review by a fellow reviewer discusses this in passing.)
(2) After they are married they hold off on having sex, so our 'hero' naturally wonders how long he'll have to hold out and whether he'll have to resort to 'other means' (i.e. read cheating on his wife), because OF COURSE a man can never go without and men are inherently more sexual than women.
A quote from the book (chapter 10) (our two main idiots are Nick and Prudence): "Nick studied his mother’s painting, in which pearly white limbs were entwined and discreet folds of deep red drapery hid very little of what the lovers did. The face of Venus was rapturous with release. Nick wondered if he would ever see such a look on his wife’s face. Would he ever know such unbridled sexuality in his own home? Or would he be forced to seek it elsewhere? He had not yet done so. He had wanted to give this marriage, and Pru, a chance. But how long was a man expected to wait?"
...What an asshole!
Girl...
October 6, 2008
I enjoyed this book, but it isn't one of the better historicals I have read lately. The hero and heroine didn't communicate very well, and this hampered my enjoyment of the story. The hero was very proud and wouldn't take badly needed financial help from the heroine, his wife. The heroine was so shy that she wouldn't voice her thoughts and needs to the hero. These things added duress to their already strained "shotgun" marriage. This book was quick to read but I didn't think it lived up to its possible potential.
Prudence Armitage is acting editor of The Ladies' Fashionable Cabinet magazine while the permanent editor is on her honeymoon. The magazine is operated out of the residence of Nicholas Parrish, since his sister, Edwina, is the editor. Prudence works too late one night and accidently falls asleep at her desk. Nicholas spends his evening carousing, and when he returns home in the wee hours, he has no idea of Prudence's presence in his home. Early in the morning, Prudence's enraged father and four of her brothers descend upon Nicholas demanding satisfaction for ruining her. Prudence hears the commotion and awakes, walking in to quite a scene. When Nicholas realizes what has happened, he agrees to marry Prudence, even though she is not someone he would ever select for his bride. Prudence feels terrible over the situation, but isn't given any choice in the matter. Prudence is a small, plain, shy spinster who has secretly loved Nicholas for four years. She hates the idea of trapping him in an unwanted marriage. The two are married later the same day, and Nicholas decides to give Prudence time before consummating the relationship. This is not what Prudence wants but she is too shy to tell Nicholas that she wants to truly be his wife. Nicholas and Prudence spend much time misunderstanding one another, but he still manages to grow to care for her. Nicholas' pride and political ideals cause him to deeply wound Prudence. Nicholas and Prudence must decide how much of themselves they are willing to give for their marriage and what it means to each of them.
I thought that this story of a forced marriage sounded good, but the hero and heroine didn't deal with one another very well. This book had continuous misunderstandings between the main characters, which is not something I particularly enjoy in a storyline. The misunderstandings were due to lack of communication between the hero and heroine. I did like the way that the hero became very protective of his new wife, and he realized almost immediately that she was underestimated by everyone. He felt badly that he had never really truly seen her before. I don't regret reading this book, but it had plot devices that I do not care for, so it was not a great book for me.
Prudence Armitage is acting editor of The Ladies' Fashionable Cabinet magazine while the permanent editor is on her honeymoon. The magazine is operated out of the residence of Nicholas Parrish, since his sister, Edwina, is the editor. Prudence works too late one night and accidently falls asleep at her desk. Nicholas spends his evening carousing, and when he returns home in the wee hours, he has no idea of Prudence's presence in his home. Early in the morning, Prudence's enraged father and four of her brothers descend upon Nicholas demanding satisfaction for ruining her. Prudence hears the commotion and awakes, walking in to quite a scene. When Nicholas realizes what has happened, he agrees to marry Prudence, even though she is not someone he would ever select for his bride. Prudence feels terrible over the situation, but isn't given any choice in the matter. Prudence is a small, plain, shy spinster who has secretly loved Nicholas for four years. She hates the idea of trapping him in an unwanted marriage. The two are married later the same day, and Nicholas decides to give Prudence time before consummating the relationship. This is not what Prudence wants but she is too shy to tell Nicholas that she wants to truly be his wife. Nicholas and Prudence spend much time misunderstanding one another, but he still manages to grow to care for her. Nicholas' pride and political ideals cause him to deeply wound Prudence. Nicholas and Prudence must decide how much of themselves they are willing to give for their marriage and what it means to each of them.
I thought that this story of a forced marriage sounded good, but the hero and heroine didn't deal with one another very well. This book had continuous misunderstandings between the main characters, which is not something I particularly enjoy in a storyline. The misunderstandings were due to lack of communication between the hero and heroine. I did like the way that the hero became very protective of his new wife, and he realized almost immediately that she was underestimated by everyone. He felt badly that he had never really truly seen her before. I don't regret reading this book, but it had plot devices that I do not care for, so it was not a great book for me.
March 4, 2017
A decent story that sounded like it had a lot more promise than it ended up actually having. I was entertained and I couldn't put it down, but in retrospect I realize several things.
First of all, the characters were rather frustrating. Both the heroine and the hero were completely blind to one another's feelings. Half the time the hero would start speaking and the misunderstanding would begin and I felt like screaming at the heroine, "Speak up damn you! Say what you think!" But no, she'd stay quiet and then the misunderstandings would continue.
Then there was the hero and his damnable honor/pride. And I didn't particularly care for how insulting he was about the heroine at first...although he did redeem himself in that respect. I also think there should have been an epilogue or another chapter or a longer resolution or something. There were several things that I think could have been wrapped up a bit (like the fact that she had been in love with him for 4 years and
First of all, the characters were rather frustrating. Both the heroine and the hero were completely blind to one another's feelings. Half the time the hero would start speaking and the misunderstanding would begin and I felt like screaming at the heroine, "Speak up damn you! Say what you think!" But no, she'd stay quiet and then the misunderstandings would continue.
Then there was the hero and his damnable honor/pride. And I didn't particularly care for how insulting he was about the heroine at first...although he did redeem himself in that respect. I also think there should have been an epilogue or another chapter or a longer resolution or something. There were several things that I think could have been wrapped up a bit (like the fact that she had been in love with him for 4 years and
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2013
Finalmente pude leer este libro! (en ebook obviamente, porque con esa portada no me gasto 17€ ni loca xDD). El anterior ya me pareció muy ameno, y este me ha gustado bastante más, tal vez porque la prota femenina es tan súmamente tímida que crea situaciones muy graciosas aunque no lo pretenda.
No tiene una gran trama, ni es de esos inolvidables, pero sin duda engancha, se lee rápido y es simpático. Justo lo que necesitaba ahora mismo xD.
No tiene una gran trama, ni es de esos inolvidables, pero sin duda engancha, se lee rápido y es simpático. Justo lo que necesitaba ahora mismo xD.
June 2, 2020
Nicholas Parrish does not want to but has too when Prudence Armitage has accidentally fallen asleep at his house.
They marry and have to come to terms on how their relationship will work.
Nicholas wants to earn his own money his way.
Prudence wants to help with her inheritance.
They slowly work on their marriage and become friends.
Prudence learns slowly how to change her looks and get Nicholas to look at her.
Then they run into trouble. Prudence will no longer be treated as just a wife. She love Nicholas but he is so set in his ways the she gives up on their relationship.
Nicholas has to come to terms with his feelings for Prudence.
They eventually find that love that has been there along. They find that love that was meant for them.
I will read more of Candice's books.
They marry and have to come to terms on how their relationship will work.
Nicholas wants to earn his own money his way.
Prudence wants to help with her inheritance.
They slowly work on their marriage and become friends.
Prudence learns slowly how to change her looks and get Nicholas to look at her.
Then they run into trouble. Prudence will no longer be treated as just a wife. She love Nicholas but he is so set in his ways the she gives up on their relationship.
Nicholas has to come to terms with his feelings for Prudence.
They eventually find that love that has been there along. They find that love that was meant for them.
I will read more of Candice's books.
September 21, 2019
This had all the elements I love: plain spinster secretly in love with the hero, forced into a marriage he doesn’t want, and uncertain if he will ever love her. While I did enjoy those elements, there just wasn’t enough true angst for my tastes - it was more just mild insecurities and awkwardness and uncertainty. I still enjoyed it, although I did roll my eyes at the notion that reform and improved working conditions in factories came from benevolent masters and not decades of union struggle.
October 13, 2020
This was a very sweet book with a few laugh out loud scenes. Maybe there was a bit of depth missing in the characterization, but overall very solid. I also loved the setting. Not enough regencies take advantage of the radical, intellectual currents extant in the period. I wish that was a bit more fleshed out, but it still made a more interesting backdrop than the usual.
January 31, 2020
A strong 3.5 stars rounded up. I think I read this years ago, but I didn't remember it, so it was fun to reread it. Candice Hern does a good job of keeping the characters strong, but within the realistic behavior patterns of the Regency period. I really enjoy this author!
February 25, 2025
It was a very slow burner but I loved it. Loved Prudence and her shyness, the hero was great. I enjoyed it even though It took at the end of the book for them to have a physical relationship. There was no kissing until about the last few chapters. I enjoyed it.
December 18, 2025
en tres días me lo devoré. siendo que amo este género y ver el proceso de cómo una persona se va enamorando, me dan años de vida.
me dio amor, tensión, llanto y lectura erotica DE LAS MEJORES LECTURAS DE ESTE AÑO 💘
me dio amor, tensión, llanto y lectura erotica DE LAS MEJORES LECTURAS DE ESTE AÑO 💘
July 11, 2017
It read like a lecture... and at times I was wondering if I was reading a Christian romance.
November 5, 2018
Relectura me encanto
November 7, 2011
2.5 stars - almost, but not quite 3 stars
Interesting concept - a slight spin on the "man trap"... This is not the first book in a series about a periodical called "The Ladies' Fashionable Cabinet". The magazine's offices are out of the home of Nicholas Parrish and his sister Edwina. But Edwina has recently married and is away on her wedding trip. In her place, a loyal employee Prudence is managing editor. Except that diligent Prudence stays late one evening, working on the magazine, and falls asleep. Nicholas, unaware that Prudence accidentally spent the night sleeping on her desk in the drawing room downstairs, is rudely awakened by Prudence's Viking hordes -- 5 brothers and her titled father, who demand that Nicholas immediately marry Prudence.
Nicholas and Prudence have been friends for the past few years -- mainly because Prudence works on the magazine. But Prudence is shy (a bit mousy, even) and not the usual dark beauty that Nicholas goes for. So until Nicholas realizes that Prudence's family is titled, influential, and large (Prudence is part of the ton? Nicholas had no idea!), he realizes that for Prudence's honor's sake, they must marry.
Nicholas' own father is merely a baronet, the lowest title of the gentry, and usually bestowed in more "recent" years for some honor done to the Crown. Nicholas' own views are quite republican; he's against most of what the ton stand for and seeks a more egalitarian society -- especially where industry is concerned. Nicholas' big dream is to open his own factories that don't employ under age children, but provide a healthy, peaceful environment where families are welcomed and the children are educated. Except that he needs money to realize his dream, and as hard as he tried, Nicholas' investments just don't seem to succeed.
As Nicholas is rushed from his hurried marriage with Prudence to one of her family's events, he discovers that she's quite unlike her family: tall, loud, opinionated, and arrogant. Nicholas feels as if Prudence were his own sister, and he hates to see her treated so poorly by her own family, that he pretends theirs is a love match to thwart the gossip. But little does he realize that Pru has been secretly in love with him for a long time... Nor does he realize that Pru might just be exactly what he needs in his life -- that she could be his true love.
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OK, now for my review: I liked the premise -- that both Nicholas and Prudence were forced into marriage to honor the ideals of propriety in their time. As much as Pru secretly loves Nicholas, she'd only dreamed of him loving her; she doesn't want to force herself on him, afraid he'll resent her. And Nicholas, who has resigned himself fully to the marriage, has decided that while he wants to consummate the marriage and have children, he doesn't want to force his affections on her in any way.
And that's one of the sticking points for me -- the thing that makes me want to tear my hair out. For all that Nicholas tries to know more about who Prudence is and for all he learns, he simply can't see past her shyness to read her moods. He forces HER to tell him when he can and can't be intimate with her. That's so... unlikely, especially for a well-bred spinster lady and for someone as shy as Pru is. So when he starts to become fascinated by her and wants to become physically intimate, he practically forces himself upon her with kisses and gropes... and then all he can do is apologize to her later. Yes, I'm frustrated with Prudence for not being able to say YES, I like this... I want more. But I'm more frustrated with Nicholas' overbearing sense of "honor" and for still not truly seeing HER and knowing HER.
The other sticking point is the money thing. Prudence does have some money of her own. Nicholas won't hear of her using it for anything to do with him or their life. It's only to be hers. That's because he's already been taunted by some (mostly her large family that includes 52 first cousins) that he's a fortune hunter and only married the spinster Pru for her money. But still... the man obviously can't invest to save his life. So, of course, the other Big Misunderstanding between them is that Pru tries to help Nicholas and does so in secret to save his pride.
I was disappointed that what could have been sparkling and enchanting (especially with the Crimson Ladies and the Fashion Plate Advisor - forgot her name just now) turned out to be only just OK. It didn't tempt me enough yet to read any of the other books in the series... but I'll keep Ms. Hearn in mind when I'm on the hunt for books to read... but not just yet.
Interesting concept - a slight spin on the "man trap"... This is not the first book in a series about a periodical called "The Ladies' Fashionable Cabinet". The magazine's offices are out of the home of Nicholas Parrish and his sister Edwina. But Edwina has recently married and is away on her wedding trip. In her place, a loyal employee Prudence is managing editor. Except that diligent Prudence stays late one evening, working on the magazine, and falls asleep. Nicholas, unaware that Prudence accidentally spent the night sleeping on her desk in the drawing room downstairs, is rudely awakened by Prudence's Viking hordes -- 5 brothers and her titled father, who demand that Nicholas immediately marry Prudence.
Nicholas and Prudence have been friends for the past few years -- mainly because Prudence works on the magazine. But Prudence is shy (a bit mousy, even) and not the usual dark beauty that Nicholas goes for. So until Nicholas realizes that Prudence's family is titled, influential, and large (Prudence is part of the ton? Nicholas had no idea!), he realizes that for Prudence's honor's sake, they must marry.
Nicholas' own father is merely a baronet, the lowest title of the gentry, and usually bestowed in more "recent" years for some honor done to the Crown. Nicholas' own views are quite republican; he's against most of what the ton stand for and seeks a more egalitarian society -- especially where industry is concerned. Nicholas' big dream is to open his own factories that don't employ under age children, but provide a healthy, peaceful environment where families are welcomed and the children are educated. Except that he needs money to realize his dream, and as hard as he tried, Nicholas' investments just don't seem to succeed.
As Nicholas is rushed from his hurried marriage with Prudence to one of her family's events, he discovers that she's quite unlike her family: tall, loud, opinionated, and arrogant. Nicholas feels as if Prudence were his own sister, and he hates to see her treated so poorly by her own family, that he pretends theirs is a love match to thwart the gossip. But little does he realize that Pru has been secretly in love with him for a long time... Nor does he realize that Pru might just be exactly what he needs in his life -- that she could be his true love.
--------------------
OK, now for my review: I liked the premise -- that both Nicholas and Prudence were forced into marriage to honor the ideals of propriety in their time. As much as Pru secretly loves Nicholas, she'd only dreamed of him loving her; she doesn't want to force herself on him, afraid he'll resent her. And Nicholas, who has resigned himself fully to the marriage, has decided that while he wants to consummate the marriage and have children, he doesn't want to force his affections on her in any way.
And that's one of the sticking points for me -- the thing that makes me want to tear my hair out. For all that Nicholas tries to know more about who Prudence is and for all he learns, he simply can't see past her shyness to read her moods. He forces HER to tell him when he can and can't be intimate with her. That's so... unlikely, especially for a well-bred spinster lady and for someone as shy as Pru is. So when he starts to become fascinated by her and wants to become physically intimate, he practically forces himself upon her with kisses and gropes... and then all he can do is apologize to her later. Yes, I'm frustrated with Prudence for not being able to say YES, I like this... I want more. But I'm more frustrated with Nicholas' overbearing sense of "honor" and for still not truly seeing HER and knowing HER.
The other sticking point is the money thing. Prudence does have some money of her own. Nicholas won't hear of her using it for anything to do with him or their life. It's only to be hers. That's because he's already been taunted by some (mostly her large family that includes 52 first cousins) that he's a fortune hunter and only married the spinster Pru for her money. But still... the man obviously can't invest to save his life. So, of course, the other Big Misunderstanding between them is that Pru tries to help Nicholas and does so in secret to save his pride.
I was disappointed that what could have been sparkling and enchanting (especially with the Crimson Ladies and the Fashion Plate Advisor - forgot her name just now) turned out to be only just OK. It didn't tempt me enough yet to read any of the other books in the series... but I'll keep Ms. Hearn in mind when I'm on the hunt for books to read... but not just yet.
September 29, 2014
Historical English romance with a plain-Jane shy introverted spinster who is forced into a marriage with her long time unrequited love.
There is a problem from the start with this new couple's relationship, the total lack of communication! So I can't even say there was lots of miscommunication because Mr. Nicholas Parrish talks more to his father and bestie Simon then to his actual wife, Prudence Armitage. Prudence is just as guilty because she is chatting with Flora and her small group of friends and every time there is a possibility of progression, she stutters, shuts up and/or runs away.
Ack! Luckily they have everyone working together to get this cut couple from friends to more. Nicholas from the very first moment of married life is loyal and protecting of Prudence which is his saving grace with her boisterous loud Viking well born family.
This is a case of smiling until you become actually happy. The new couple pretends to be madly in love until they actually are which may be a good example for folks today who have nasty fights in the middle of the Pizza restaurant while you just want to order your pizza and go home, but NO! They make it super uncomfortable for all the hapless (hungry for pizza!) witnesses while they drag out and show everyone their dirty laundry. Keep it at discreet people! Don't ruin the pizza!
So I wasn't all the frustrated with this story because it was well plotted and made sense for our clueless hero and heroine who had to stumble around and make lots of mistakes because this is their first serious relationship, even if they are in their late twenties.
I doubt that I would re-read it, but I would pass it on so let me know and I'll mail it to anyone.
373 pages and bought used for $2.99 +taxes
3 stars
There is a problem from the start with this new couple's relationship, the total lack of communication! So I can't even say there was lots of miscommunication because Mr. Nicholas Parrish talks more to his father and bestie Simon then to his actual wife, Prudence Armitage. Prudence is just as guilty because she is chatting with Flora and her small group of friends and every time there is a possibility of progression, she stutters, shuts up and/or runs away.
Ack! Luckily they have everyone working together to get this cut couple from friends to more. Nicholas from the very first moment of married life is loyal and protecting of Prudence which is his saving grace with her boisterous loud Viking well born family.
This is a case of smiling until you become actually happy. The new couple pretends to be madly in love until they actually are which may be a good example for folks today who have nasty fights in the middle of the Pizza restaurant while you just want to order your pizza and go home, but NO! They make it super uncomfortable for all the hapless (hungry for pizza!) witnesses while they drag out and show everyone their dirty laundry. Keep it at discreet people! Don't ruin the pizza!
So I wasn't all the frustrated with this story because it was well plotted and made sense for our clueless hero and heroine who had to stumble around and make lots of mistakes because this is their first serious relationship, even if they are in their late twenties.
I doubt that I would re-read it, but I would pass it on so let me know and I'll mail it to anyone.
373 pages and bought used for $2.99 +taxes
3 stars
April 9, 2015
Didn't read the 2 books before this series, both sound like a promising stories but after finishing "once a gentleman" not feel that much confidence into reading them. Don't misunderstand me please I did like the story it just that I found Prudence so mousie and Nicholas too arrogant.
"Pru had been a part of the aristocratic world he disdained. He had never guessed, but wondered if he might have done, if he had not ignored her as thoroughly as did her own family"
"She was tired of making excuses, tired of ignoring every fault and weakness. She was tired of his temper and his impatience and his stubbornness. As much as she loved him, she really did not know if she wanted to live with all that anymore"
“I have lived with your stubborn male pride for some time now,” she said in a soft voice, enunciating each word slowly and deliberately. “And I have never complained. I allowed my deep affection for you—my love for you—to blind me to your weaknesses. I had always thought you so wonderful, so perfect, and I wanted so much for you to feel something of that for me, too. But I am tired of trying to make you care. I am tired of doing everything your way. I am tired of having my own feelings ignored. I am just…tired.”
"Pru had been a part of the aristocratic world he disdained. He had never guessed, but wondered if he might have done, if he had not ignored her as thoroughly as did her own family"
"She was tired of making excuses, tired of ignoring every fault and weakness. She was tired of his temper and his impatience and his stubbornness. As much as she loved him, she really did not know if she wanted to live with all that anymore"
“I have lived with your stubborn male pride for some time now,” she said in a soft voice, enunciating each word slowly and deliberately. “And I have never complained. I allowed my deep affection for you—my love for you—to blind me to your weaknesses. I had always thought you so wonderful, so perfect, and I wanted so much for you to feel something of that for me, too. But I am tired of trying to make you care. I am tired of doing everything your way. I am tired of having my own feelings ignored. I am just…tired.”
October 25, 2016
Nicholas and Prudence marriage didn't start out like most. She had been pulling late hours at work from a office in his home. Had a habit of workimg late hours, but this time fell asleep. When Nicholas come home from a long night now, went on to bed. No idea Prudence still downstairs.
Woke up with someone pounding on his door, and thought he the only one home. He answers door only partway dressed and man demanding he do right by his daughter that he has compromised?? He has no idea what he is talking about. But the pounding on door has woken up Prudence also. She comes out not a very pretty site.
Her Dad listens to nobody and demands marriage, and they are married the same day.
Can a marriage like this make it? Very enjoyable book. Both has lots to learn about each other. It's an older book. Just not read before (library copy).
Woke up with someone pounding on his door, and thought he the only one home. He answers door only partway dressed and man demanding he do right by his daughter that he has compromised?? He has no idea what he is talking about. But the pounding on door has woken up Prudence also. She comes out not a very pretty site.
Her Dad listens to nobody and demands marriage, and they are married the same day.
Can a marriage like this make it? Very enjoyable book. Both has lots to learn about each other. It's an older book. Just not read before (library copy).
July 8, 2010
I'm a sucker for the geeky/dorky girl and the gorgeous hunk. In this case the heroine is a spinster who edits a magazine (which actually contains political propaganda against the ranking system). Caught out by her father and brothers after falling asleep at work one night, she is forced to marry one of her co-workers when he discovers that she is the granddaughter of a duke.
It's got all the predictable ugly duckling to beautiful swan who manages to get the main story lines but it's a good easy read, which really at the end of a week is all you want. I got the impression it was the end of a series, so I may look up Ms Hern to catch some of the other characters.
It's got all the predictable ugly duckling to beautiful swan who manages to get the main story lines but it's a good easy read, which really at the end of a week is all you want. I got the impression it was the end of a series, so I may look up Ms Hern to catch some of the other characters.
August 26, 2016
Candice Hern is a hit and miss author for me. I liked her “Change of Heart” and “Miss Lacey’s Last Fling” but was not impressed with “Lady Be Bad” and “An Affair of Honor”. The story had a basic plot of marriage of convenience with a plain heroine secretly in love with the hero. Everybody knows how the story is going to end and it’s up to the storyteller to make it an interesting one with memorable characters. Unfortunately it did not happen here. The story lacked quality dialogue/conversations. The heroine was annoyingly shy (I couldn't take anymore blushing or stammering) and the story became too long and boring.
November 18, 2021
Sin duda este es uno de mis libros favoritos, fue uno de los primeros que me compre y he perdido la cuenta de las veces que lo he releído, es uno de mis géneros favoritos y a demás es una lectura amena sin demasiados sobresaltos y se puede leer en una tarde, sirve para cuando se tiene un bloqueo lector.
September 20, 2012
Well, I have just finished the first of the 'Ladies Fashionable Cabinet' Series...ho hum! I am hoping the other two are more interesting. I didn't find much to endear me to the H/H. I didn't dislike them; I just couldn't get interested in their story. I'll keep you posted.
June 15, 2008
I loved it. I could not put it down. It was a tender love story.
June 17, 2009
She really twisted herself into knots preventing the two of them from having sex even though they were married in the first chapter.
March 2, 2010
I liked this one the best of the trio!
September 29, 2011
I loved the book, it was too romantic.
April 14, 2012
it was a nice story but I felt the characters were a bit over the top
April 11, 2016
ponovno 11.4.'16.
April 9, 2016
Depues de leer el primer libro de la trilogia esperaba mas de este libro... un poco soso, el personaje masculino te deja a medias y esperas mas de el... libro sin mas pretensiones
September 22, 2016
Muy lindo.
December 30, 2021
love it when she plays the piano and he’s mad for some reason ❤️
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