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Half Moon House #1
The Love List
The Harris List of Covent Garden Ladies, that wickedly witty annual register of the city's lightskirts, was once a grand London tradition. Now, as all of Europe is celebrating the end of the long wars, the scheming Lord Marstoke has revived it--and transformed it into a weapon to be used against his runaway fiancé and the old enemy who helped her escape.
A List no respectable lady wishes to be on . . .
Miss Brynne Wilmott escaped the monstrous Marstoke once, with the inadvertent aide of Nathan Russell, the Duke of Aldmere, and the incredible generosity of Hestia Wright, the former courtesan pledged to help any woman in trouble. But now Marstoke's Love List is threatening her new future--and making her into a weapon forged to destroy her friend.
The request a certain Duke has no wish to hear . . .
The Duke of Aldmere doesn't believe in meddling. Fate has proven that interfering in personal matters only leads to bigger troubles and personal relationships come at a high price--too often paid by someone he cares for. He has no wish to involve himself in Brynne Wilmott's affairs, despite her spirited beauty and damned tempting mouth. But she's discovered that his brother is mixed up in this business as well, and reluctantly, they agree to work together. Their search leads them through some of London's most dangerous haunts and it quickly becomes clear that Marstoke's plans are more twisted and treasonous than anyone has suspected. Yet the danger and intrigue are as nothing compared to the effect that Nathan and Brynne have on each other . . .
A List no respectable lady wishes to be on . . .
Miss Brynne Wilmott escaped the monstrous Marstoke once, with the inadvertent aide of Nathan Russell, the Duke of Aldmere, and the incredible generosity of Hestia Wright, the former courtesan pledged to help any woman in trouble. But now Marstoke's Love List is threatening her new future--and making her into a weapon forged to destroy her friend.
The request a certain Duke has no wish to hear . . .
The Duke of Aldmere doesn't believe in meddling. Fate has proven that interfering in personal matters only leads to bigger troubles and personal relationships come at a high price--too often paid by someone he cares for. He has no wish to involve himself in Brynne Wilmott's affairs, despite her spirited beauty and damned tempting mouth. But she's discovered that his brother is mixed up in this business as well, and reluctantly, they agree to work together. Their search leads them through some of London's most dangerous haunts and it quickly becomes clear that Marstoke's plans are more twisted and treasonous than anyone has suspected. Yet the danger and intrigue are as nothing compared to the effect that Nathan and Brynne have on each other . . .
337 pages, Paperback
First published March 27, 2013
424 people are currently reading
697 people want to read
About the author
Deb Marlowe
87 books433 followersUSA Today Bestseller Deb Marlowe loves History, England and Men in Boots. Clearly she was destined to write Historical Romance and Mystery.
A Golden Heart winner and Rita Finalist, Deb grew up in Pennsylvania with her nose in a book. Luckily, she'd read enough romances to recognize the true modern hero she met at a college Halloween party—even though he wore a tuxedo T-shirt instead of breeches and tall boots.
A proud geek, history buff and story addict, she loves to talk with readers and to create historical recipes in her modern kitchen. Check it out at Deb Marlowe's Historical Kitchen on her website.
A Golden Heart winner and Rita Finalist, Deb grew up in Pennsylvania with her nose in a book. Luckily, she'd read enough romances to recognize the true modern hero she met at a college Halloween party—even though he wore a tuxedo T-shirt instead of breeches and tall boots.
A proud geek, history buff and story addict, she loves to talk with readers and to create historical recipes in her modern kitchen. Check it out at Deb Marlowe's Historical Kitchen on her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
December 20, 2017
This was a very enjoyable 3.5 stars.
Our heroine, Brynne, is a lovely, feisty woman who has been betrayed by her father and then by her fiancé, so that she does not have a lot of time for men. Determined to make it on her own, she abandons her engagement to an evil, perverted older man, an engagement forced upon her by her father, and moves into a house which provides refuge to women, run by a former courtesan. It means she is ruined and will never marry, but she actually doesn't care.
The hero is a duke so frozen into his sense of duty that he does not smile or spend any time in society if he can help it. He is carrying some serious baggage (of course!)
And so we follow their tale: how Brynne gradually drags the duke down from his icy mountain top and into the political intrigues and disasters that surround her, through no fault of her own and how their love grows as they get to know each other better.
It is an interesting and fun story. Our heroine is strong and intelligent, our hero brave and eventually passionate. The political drama is fascinating and even had me looking up more information on the Royal characters who featured during the Regency period.
I am definitely keen to read more in this series.
Our heroine, Brynne, is a lovely, feisty woman who has been betrayed by her father and then by her fiancé, so that she does not have a lot of time for men. Determined to make it on her own, she abandons her engagement to an evil, perverted older man, an engagement forced upon her by her father, and moves into a house which provides refuge to women, run by a former courtesan. It means she is ruined and will never marry, but she actually doesn't care.
The hero is a duke so frozen into his sense of duty that he does not smile or spend any time in society if he can help it. He is carrying some serious baggage (of course!)
And so we follow their tale: how Brynne gradually drags the duke down from his icy mountain top and into the political intrigues and disasters that surround her, through no fault of her own and how their love grows as they get to know each other better.
It is an interesting and fun story. Our heroine is strong and intelligent, our hero brave and eventually passionate. The political drama is fascinating and even had me looking up more information on the Royal characters who featured during the Regency period.
I am definitely keen to read more in this series.
October 2, 2013
It was the first historical romance I read written by Deb Marlowe and I admit to not being swept off my feet.
Despite some really good reviews submitted by other readers on Goodreads, I completely missed out on the story that I found very long.
Certainly, there has many twists and the intrigue is good but I've waited the romance too long. She arrived very late and too timidly for my taste. And when Brynne and Nathan finally manage to give into their attraction, I found a lack of emotions. A bit like the romantic scenes were not the heart of the story...
But I admit that the investigation and research of the love list is interesting and makes you turn the pages by taking you through disreputable neighborhoods of London. Also interesting to see the conditions of the poor women at that time.
As for the characters, I have mixed feelings.
Brynne has charmed me with her strength and determination, her ability to adapt to problems without bursting into tears like a weak female. Her loyalty and big heart are also worth noting.
On the other hand, the Duke of Aldmere has not fulfilled its male role. If it is a perfect gentleman, open minded enough for the era, but he don't behave like a passionate man at all!!! He asks himself too many questions and I was annoyed by his negativity.
Definitively not the kind of male hero that makes me vibrate.
Even if there is some very good things in this story, the magic did not operate on me. I hope it will work for you!
Lucie
http://newbooksonmyselves.blogspot.fr...
Despite some really good reviews submitted by other readers on Goodreads, I completely missed out on the story that I found very long.
Certainly, there has many twists and the intrigue is good but I've waited the romance too long. She arrived very late and too timidly for my taste. And when Brynne and Nathan finally manage to give into their attraction, I found a lack of emotions. A bit like the romantic scenes were not the heart of the story...
But I admit that the investigation and research of the love list is interesting and makes you turn the pages by taking you through disreputable neighborhoods of London. Also interesting to see the conditions of the poor women at that time.
As for the characters, I have mixed feelings.
Brynne has charmed me with her strength and determination, her ability to adapt to problems without bursting into tears like a weak female. Her loyalty and big heart are also worth noting.
On the other hand, the Duke of Aldmere has not fulfilled its male role. If it is a perfect gentleman, open minded enough for the era, but he don't behave like a passionate man at all!!! He asks himself too many questions and I was annoyed by his negativity.
Definitively not the kind of male hero that makes me vibrate.
Even if there is some very good things in this story, the magic did not operate on me. I hope it will work for you!
Lucie
http://newbooksonmyselves.blogspot.fr...
July 20, 2018
Pretty decent.
September 12, 2013
There is a reason I stopped reading historicals. After a while, they all start to blend into the same story. Sure, there are a few variations on the general themes and a handful of authors who can truly write something special with the time period, but on the whole each story is the same. Which was the case for me with The Love List.
I never really cared for Aldmere, our hero, because he was the same brooding, duty-bound Duke with a tortured past that I've read a dozen times. Brynne was slightly better since she was trying to throw off convention and live life on her own terms (and actually takes some dramatic steps to do so), but for some reason I never really liked her. Not that I disliked her. I was just apathetic.
And the "adventures" those two were having in trying to track down Aldmere's brother... They just seemed to go on... And on... And on. At times, I would forget why they were heading somewhere or doing something because five tangents would have begun before their destination was reached.
SIDE RANT:
Also, for the love of all, you HRom men... If you think that you are heading into a situation where having a gently breed lady (meaning she's never be involved in anything more violent than loosing a tooth) tagging along isn't sure a great idea, and might in fact be a liability to everyone involved... PLEASE feel free to NOT LET HER GO. I reallllly dislike that trope. Going into a dangerous situation with a vulnerable fluff-ball is just going to get someone hurt. Which means that when someone doesn't get hurt, and everything seems much less dangerous than it was built up to be, I begin to feel like nothing bad will happen ever to these people and get bored. Now this is not saying that all female characters should stay on the sidelines while the men do the heavy lifting. Not at freaking all. But some heroines (you know the ones I'm talking about) just need to stay out of the line of fire because they are going to get someone killed. Possibly themselves.
I became so bored, I didn't even skim to see the ending because I can pretty much guess it. Not that I disliked this book... I just didn't like it. And when you find yourself apathetic about every character and plot line in a book at 65% though, it's time to throw in the towel and move on.
So here's me... Moving on.
Copy courtesy of Aspendawn Books, via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I never really cared for Aldmere, our hero, because he was the same brooding, duty-bound Duke with a tortured past that I've read a dozen times. Brynne was slightly better since she was trying to throw off convention and live life on her own terms (and actually takes some dramatic steps to do so), but for some reason I never really liked her. Not that I disliked her. I was just apathetic.
And the "adventures" those two were having in trying to track down Aldmere's brother... They just seemed to go on... And on... And on. At times, I would forget why they were heading somewhere or doing something because five tangents would have begun before their destination was reached.
SIDE RANT:
Also, for the love of all, you HRom men... If you think that you are heading into a situation where having a gently breed lady (meaning she's never be involved in anything more violent than loosing a tooth) tagging along isn't sure a great idea, and might in fact be a liability to everyone involved... PLEASE feel free to NOT LET HER GO. I reallllly dislike that trope. Going into a dangerous situation with a vulnerable fluff-ball is just going to get someone hurt. Which means that when someone doesn't get hurt, and everything seems much less dangerous than it was built up to be, I begin to feel like nothing bad will happen ever to these people and get bored. Now this is not saying that all female characters should stay on the sidelines while the men do the heavy lifting. Not at freaking all. But some heroines (you know the ones I'm talking about) just need to stay out of the line of fire because they are going to get someone killed. Possibly themselves.
I became so bored, I didn't even skim to see the ending because I can pretty much guess it. Not that I disliked this book... I just didn't like it. And when you find yourself apathetic about every character and plot line in a book at 65% though, it's time to throw in the towel and move on.
So here's me... Moving on.
Copy courtesy of Aspendawn Books, via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 11, 2013
Interesting_____________31/2 stars
Despite my initial inclinations that this might be mediocre I was drawn into the drama of The List.
The secretive, withdrawn Duke of Aldmere and the forthright beautiful lady Brynne Wilmot are drawn into the dastardly intrigue perpetuated by the corrupt Marquis of Marstoke.
Wickedness, political intrigue and one young woman's courage to carve out a different fate for herself despite being shunned by the ton are all bundled together in this deceptivey simple story.
Distraught when she realizes that her father is determined to marry her to an evil man to further his political aims Brynne flees to Hestia Wright, a notorious courtesan to kings and powerful men who now offered solace and sanctuary to other women, mostly prostitutes and desperate women struggling to find an alternative life. No woman was turned away.
Underneath are several key ideas. Being true to yourself despite the odds, having the courage to love, marriage as a contract of power between families and the plight and the rights of women in the society of the time.
The Duke of Aldmere is powerful, terse and emotionally locked off. As Aldmere reflects to himself, 'he'd got so used to repressing every emotion that he barely felt them anymore.'
His history is revealed as Brynne makes inroads upon his inner self. [ok, I really didn't like the use of 'got']
This is all played out against the background of the Prince Regent's apalling marriage with the Princess Caroline.
Hestia Wright's story, the courtesan to whom Brynne fled, is revealed at the beginning of each chapter presenting a tale to come I'm sure of evil being undone.
A love story, a story of women across the class divide this was an intriguing read.
I look forward to more in this series.
A NetGalley ARC
Despite my initial inclinations that this might be mediocre I was drawn into the drama of The List.
The secretive, withdrawn Duke of Aldmere and the forthright beautiful lady Brynne Wilmot are drawn into the dastardly intrigue perpetuated by the corrupt Marquis of Marstoke.
Wickedness, political intrigue and one young woman's courage to carve out a different fate for herself despite being shunned by the ton are all bundled together in this deceptivey simple story.
Distraught when she realizes that her father is determined to marry her to an evil man to further his political aims Brynne flees to Hestia Wright, a notorious courtesan to kings and powerful men who now offered solace and sanctuary to other women, mostly prostitutes and desperate women struggling to find an alternative life. No woman was turned away.
Underneath are several key ideas. Being true to yourself despite the odds, having the courage to love, marriage as a contract of power between families and the plight and the rights of women in the society of the time.
The Duke of Aldmere is powerful, terse and emotionally locked off. As Aldmere reflects to himself, 'he'd got so used to repressing every emotion that he barely felt them anymore.'
His history is revealed as Brynne makes inroads upon his inner self. [ok, I really didn't like the use of 'got']
This is all played out against the background of the Prince Regent's apalling marriage with the Princess Caroline.
Hestia Wright's story, the courtesan to whom Brynne fled, is revealed at the beginning of each chapter presenting a tale to come I'm sure of evil being undone.
A love story, a story of women across the class divide this was an intriguing read.
I look forward to more in this series.
A NetGalley ARC
April 29, 2013
THE LOVE LIST by Deb Marlowe is an exciting Regency Historical romance set in 1814 London. #1 in the "Half Moon House series" and what a beginning. I adore Ms. Marlowe's writing and "The Love List" was no exception. What an exciting beginning to a new series. Follow Miss Brynne Wilmott and The Duke of Aldmere,Nathan Russel, on a journey of secrets,passion,gossips,schemes,treason,revenge,danger,intrigue,betrayal and love.
"The Harris List of Covent Garden Ladies, that wickedly witty annual register of the city's lightskirts,was once a grand London tradition".
Oh,yes,but the monstrous,evil Lord Marstoke,is using the "Love List" as a weapon for blackmail and to get others to do his bidding. Nathan and Brynne, find they have more in common than at first thought, for neither is what they appear. Fast paced and filled with a twisted plot. You do not want to miss "The Love List",Ms. Marlowe has done it again with her intriguing plot and interesting,engaging,and baffling characters. For baffled they are at times with the why and what not of Marstoke's evil plan to not only reek havoc on London's notorious lightskirts,their benefactors, but get a bit of revenge along the way on one Hestia Wright for one. And many others,including possible treason. A must read for anyone who enjoys historical,Regency,romance with passion and an intriguing plot. I can hardly wait for the next installment of the "Half Moon House" series. Ms. Marlowe is a wonderful storyteller who pulls her readers into her stories and holds them there from beginning to end. What an enjoyable read!Received for an honest review from the author.
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: MILD
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction Reviews
"The Harris List of Covent Garden Ladies, that wickedly witty annual register of the city's lightskirts,was once a grand London tradition".
Oh,yes,but the monstrous,evil Lord Marstoke,is using the "Love List" as a weapon for blackmail and to get others to do his bidding. Nathan and Brynne, find they have more in common than at first thought, for neither is what they appear. Fast paced and filled with a twisted plot. You do not want to miss "The Love List",Ms. Marlowe has done it again with her intriguing plot and interesting,engaging,and baffling characters. For baffled they are at times with the why and what not of Marstoke's evil plan to not only reek havoc on London's notorious lightskirts,their benefactors, but get a bit of revenge along the way on one Hestia Wright for one. And many others,including possible treason. A must read for anyone who enjoys historical,Regency,romance with passion and an intriguing plot. I can hardly wait for the next installment of the "Half Moon House" series. Ms. Marlowe is a wonderful storyteller who pulls her readers into her stories and holds them there from beginning to end. What an enjoyable read!Received for an honest review from the author.
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: MILD
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction Reviews
November 4, 2020
Story took awhile to get moving. The MC Bryne and the Duke were interesting characters who are thrust together into The Game of an evil Marques who has this web of pawns and manipulation and lies to make a power play as high up as the royals themselves. It isn't the easiest of stories to follow as the reader is only getting the outskirts of who the players are in the game and their role in The Game. Enjoyable but needed more in-depth with other characters in the story. Hestia should have had a much larger role. Hatch's role wasn't very well defined. The Marques was evil but he was a distant and undeveloped character with so much more to contribute.
October 21, 2024
"The Love List" by Deb Marlowe is book one in the "Half Moon House" series. It was a very enjoyable read. I'm not big on historical books, but this Regency Historical book kept my attention. My favorite character was Brynne. I will read the next one in the series to see what happens next.
June 9, 2017
I loved Deb Marlow's novel, The Love List, because it is a clever combination of all the types of stories I enjoy. The Love List is Women's Fiction, Historical Fiction, Adventures, Mystery, and Romance all at the same time. Further, it is a study of the stifling restrictions historically placed upon women and the determination of many women to be independent and successful.
Brynne Wilmott has been suppressed, abused, and betrayed by the men in her life. As she strives for independence in a society that frowns upon the liberation of women, an enemy works toward destroying Brynne and many of her female friends. When she fights back, she is joined by a surprising comrade: a man, The Duke of Aldmore, whose own history has left him bruised and cautious.
Can they work together to save themselves and their country?
The Love List by Deb Marlowe will have fans of fiction about strong women and the troubles they face eagerly turning pages.
Brynne Wilmott has been suppressed, abused, and betrayed by the men in her life. As she strives for independence in a society that frowns upon the liberation of women, an enemy works toward destroying Brynne and many of her female friends. When she fights back, she is joined by a surprising comrade: a man, The Duke of Aldmore, whose own history has left him bruised and cautious.
Can they work together to save themselves and their country?
The Love List by Deb Marlowe will have fans of fiction about strong women and the troubles they face eagerly turning pages.
March 30, 2019
I've read many books by Deb Marlowe including some of the Half Moon House series but for some reason, I had never gotten around to the book that started it all. This book really tells 2 stories. First, each chapter includes an excerpt from Hestia Wright's Journal - they explain the circumstances of her ruin that led to her rise to Queen of the Courtesans and then founder of the Half Moon House for women.
The main story is part mystery/ thriller and part romance. The book begins with Brynne Wilmott betrothed to Lord Marstoke, a mean and evil man. Her father had traded her to Marstoke in return for his favor. While attending a ball, Marstoke drags Brynne into an empty room and assualts her. In the middle of his abuse, the Duke of Aldmere breaks into the room looking for Marstoke. It seems that Marstoke has had a hand in the disappearance of the Duke's brother.
Brynne is a stong, independent woman and she stands up for herself, even if it means leaving her life in the ton behind. She uns away to Hestia's Half Moon House and begins to make a new life for herself.
It seems that whatever Marstoke is involved in the plan will drag both Brynne and Aldmere into trying to present it. The Duke, is the strong silent type who has learned to never let anyone in to his life and so when Brynne begins to crack his carefully cultivated shell he finds her hard to resist. The more she pushes the more he wants to take care ofher which is exactly what she doesn't want.
The two work together to uncover a plot to ruin the British aristocracy and work through danger from all sides to prevent national chaos.
Deb Marlowe does an amazing job of creating characters who you can't help but cheer for and waht to see succeed. Plus, this book sets up the books that follow in the series. It is a well written story with an amazingly happy ending.
The main story is part mystery/ thriller and part romance. The book begins with Brynne Wilmott betrothed to Lord Marstoke, a mean and evil man. Her father had traded her to Marstoke in return for his favor. While attending a ball, Marstoke drags Brynne into an empty room and assualts her. In the middle of his abuse, the Duke of Aldmere breaks into the room looking for Marstoke. It seems that Marstoke has had a hand in the disappearance of the Duke's brother.
Brynne is a stong, independent woman and she stands up for herself, even if it means leaving her life in the ton behind. She uns away to Hestia's Half Moon House and begins to make a new life for herself.
It seems that whatever Marstoke is involved in the plan will drag both Brynne and Aldmere into trying to present it. The Duke, is the strong silent type who has learned to never let anyone in to his life and so when Brynne begins to crack his carefully cultivated shell he finds her hard to resist. The more she pushes the more he wants to take care ofher which is exactly what she doesn't want.
The two work together to uncover a plot to ruin the British aristocracy and work through danger from all sides to prevent national chaos.
Deb Marlowe does an amazing job of creating characters who you can't help but cheer for and waht to see succeed. Plus, this book sets up the books that follow in the series. It is a well written story with an amazingly happy ending.
September 24, 2014
The love list. LOVED IT!!!
H:The Duke of Aldmere, Nathan Russel
h: Miss Brynne Wilmott
I have already read alot lot of Deb Marlowe work and i loved or liked all very much this was no different. I enjoyed this book as much as the rest. I can't wait to read more from this series!
The Duke was at the right place at the wrong time and saved Miss Wilmott from her awful finance Lord Marstoke,. Then when she tells of the nasty thing he said and tried to do her but father tells her that she still must marry the horrible man. So she takes he life in her own hands and runs to the one person who can help her Hestia. After a while she learns of the length that her ex finace will go to back at her for making him look the fool, and with that the "The Harris List of Covent Garden Ladies" is born and bring the handsome Duke and Miss Wilmott together again. The Dukes own brother is the one who can stop the list and shed some light but where is he? This is where the plot thickens and the story get good I don't wanta give to much away but i really love the Duke i felt him a strong likable hero. If you are like me and are Historic romance lover this one is a good read!
H:The Duke of Aldmere, Nathan Russel
h: Miss Brynne Wilmott
I have already read alot lot of Deb Marlowe work and i loved or liked all very much this was no different. I enjoyed this book as much as the rest. I can't wait to read more from this series!
The Duke was at the right place at the wrong time and saved Miss Wilmott from her awful finance Lord Marstoke,. Then when she tells of the nasty thing he said and tried to do her but father tells her that she still must marry the horrible man. So she takes he life in her own hands and runs to the one person who can help her Hestia. After a while she learns of the length that her ex finace will go to back at her for making him look the fool, and with that the "The Harris List of Covent Garden Ladies" is born and bring the handsome Duke and Miss Wilmott together again. The Dukes own brother is the one who can stop the list and shed some light but where is he? This is where the plot thickens and the story get good I don't wanta give to much away but i really love the Duke i felt him a strong likable hero. If you are like me and are Historic romance lover this one is a good read!
January 9, 2021
OK, at 52% I'm gonna put this one down and walk away. DNF because...
It's not that it's badly written, in terms of grammar or usage or proofreading/typos.
What it is, is that the MC have far too many inner monologues/soliloquies, at the drop of a hat. Every time the H or h does this I picture Groucho in Animal Crackers saying to the audience "Pardon me while I have a strange interlude."
(If you don't understand this reference, read the Wikipedia entry about the 1928 Eugene O'Neill play Strange Interlude)
Anyway, having to stop for yet another inner monologue every two pages destroys the momentum of the story, making it almost impossible to remember what the MC are supposed to be doing and why.
I have reached the point where I don't care what the MC are doing or why.
Might pick this one up again someday, but for now I just don't want to.
It's not that it's badly written, in terms of grammar or usage or proofreading/typos.
What it is, is that the MC have far too many inner monologues/soliloquies, at the drop of a hat. Every time the H or h does this I picture Groucho in Animal Crackers saying to the audience "Pardon me while I have a strange interlude."
(If you don't understand this reference, read the Wikipedia entry about the 1928 Eugene O'Neill play Strange Interlude)
Anyway, having to stop for yet another inner monologue every two pages destroys the momentum of the story, making it almost impossible to remember what the MC are supposed to be doing and why.
I have reached the point where I don't care what the MC are doing or why.
Might pick this one up again someday, but for now I just don't want to.
December 30, 2017
3.5 stars
I liked the first 75% but the rest was too boring, some of the scenes at the end were way too long. The conversation between Aldmere and the villain... *snore* I know both were praised for the way the use words to win "fights" but that overdid it a little bit. It was like they wanted to talk the other person to death.
"The Love List" had one of the better crime sub-stories in historicals but it lacked depth. The potential was there but wasn't used in the end. The romance was nice, I loved Aldmere, he is the Mr. Darcy type of hero that I love. But Brynne was a nice heroine as well although I never felt a real connection to her.
Overall I would call this a solid historical. Can be read but doesn't need to be read.
I liked the first 75% but the rest was too boring, some of the scenes at the end were way too long. The conversation between Aldmere and the villain... *snore* I know both were praised for the way the use words to win "fights" but that overdid it a little bit. It was like they wanted to talk the other person to death.
"The Love List" had one of the better crime sub-stories in historicals but it lacked depth. The potential was there but wasn't used in the end. The romance was nice, I loved Aldmere, he is the Mr. Darcy type of hero that I love. But Brynne was a nice heroine as well although I never felt a real connection to her.
Overall I would call this a solid historical. Can be read but doesn't need to be read.
November 29, 2014
I enjoyed this book. There was more to this than a typical historical romance. I loved the added depth.
June 29, 2018
Brynne is a young woman who is engaged to a man chosen by her father. It turns out that her father has promised her to a psychopath.
Nathan, the Duke of Aldmere is drawn into the drama when he prevents the psycho from beating Brynne.
Nathan's brother is working to prevent a plot against the Prince Regent.
The psychopath has a list that can do damage to Brynne, Nathan's brother, and a houseful of women who have given Brynne sanctuary.
With all this going on, this should be a rip roaring book. For me, much of it was boring. There were too many descriptions of inner thoughts and too little action. I wanted conversations filled with wit. That is not what I found. I do enjoy finding out how the lead characters feel about life and one another. But, not to the exclusion of activity.
I love historical romance. But, I want them to have a heroine and hero who make me want to spend time with them. I want the atmosphere be one of a slow realization that the attraction is wonderful. I want obstacles which can be overcome – together.
I am not against mystery and villains and adventure. But, I want it to be done in a way that is an exciting and fun read.
I know that there are many people who enjoyed this book very much. For me it was just not that enjoyable.
Nathan, the Duke of Aldmere is drawn into the drama when he prevents the psycho from beating Brynne.
Nathan's brother is working to prevent a plot against the Prince Regent.
The psychopath has a list that can do damage to Brynne, Nathan's brother, and a houseful of women who have given Brynne sanctuary.
With all this going on, this should be a rip roaring book. For me, much of it was boring. There were too many descriptions of inner thoughts and too little action. I wanted conversations filled with wit. That is not what I found. I do enjoy finding out how the lead characters feel about life and one another. But, not to the exclusion of activity.
I love historical romance. But, I want them to have a heroine and hero who make me want to spend time with them. I want the atmosphere be one of a slow realization that the attraction is wonderful. I want obstacles which can be overcome – together.
I am not against mystery and villains and adventure. But, I want it to be done in a way that is an exciting and fun read.
I know that there are many people who enjoyed this book very much. For me it was just not that enjoyable.
April 22, 2019
This is the first novel in the Half Moon House series, which gives excerpts from Hestia Wright's journal explaining what drove her to establish her abode as a sanctuary for women who find themselves in need of assistance in the Regency society that is male dominated, with little consideration of a woman's wishes.
The main story takes place in 1814, when Brynne Wilmott discovers at a ball that the man she is engaged to is a depraved maniac with political plans designed to bring down the Prince Regent and cause upheaval in British society. Brynne leaves home and escapes to Half Moon House after her father refuses to break the engagement. She is thrown into an intrigue with the Duke of Aldmere, whose younger brother is set up to take the blame for these dastardly deeds. The story takes the leading characters into the bowels of London, exposing the worst of society and providing plenty of danger. Action scenes are well-written, descriptive and filled with excitement.
I have read several Half Moon House novellas and find that these stories can stand on their own. With the exception of Hestia, very few characters have continuing appearances. For fans of Regency romance, this series is one to enjoy.
The main story takes place in 1814, when Brynne Wilmott discovers at a ball that the man she is engaged to is a depraved maniac with political plans designed to bring down the Prince Regent and cause upheaval in British society. Brynne leaves home and escapes to Half Moon House after her father refuses to break the engagement. She is thrown into an intrigue with the Duke of Aldmere, whose younger brother is set up to take the blame for these dastardly deeds. The story takes the leading characters into the bowels of London, exposing the worst of society and providing plenty of danger. Action scenes are well-written, descriptive and filled with excitement.
I have read several Half Moon House novellas and find that these stories can stand on their own. With the exception of Hestia, very few characters have continuing appearances. For fans of Regency romance, this series is one to enjoy.
September 6, 2020
The Love List, the first book in Deb Marlowe’s Half Moon House series is an expected tale that is both lovely and insidious in its complex plot. A true work of art! It is the tale of Miss Brynne Wilmott and Nathan, Duke of Aldmere, two strong characters with a wish for independence and to stand on their own. It also introduces you to Hestia Wright, owner of the home for troubled women on Craven Street, where Brynne escapes when her father tries to sell her in marriage to settle his debts.
I love the way that the author has written Brynne and Nathan, two independent souls who want to stand on their own. Strong and yet vulnerable, each in their own way, what will happen when danger and intrigue force them together to face trouble? You’ll have to read the book to see, but it kept me turning the page to see just how it would resolve! Well done Deb Marlowe! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series to find out more from Hestia’s journal...
I love the way that the author has written Brynne and Nathan, two independent souls who want to stand on their own. Strong and yet vulnerable, each in their own way, what will happen when danger and intrigue force them together to face trouble? You’ll have to read the book to see, but it kept me turning the page to see just how it would resolve! Well done Deb Marlowe! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series to find out more from Hestia’s journal...
December 1, 2024
I feel like I should start my review by saying that I’m not a big historical fan, so this was outside of my reading comfort zone, which impacted my overall review.
I thought this was an okay read. The characters were okay, though I really loved Brynne. She’s feisty, will only accept a marriage and romance on her terms, and fights for what she believes in, all traits I admire. Nathan was okay, didn’t really stand out, an average hero.
I enjoyed their investigation of the love list and figuring out the bad guy’s true plan, but I was a little let down by the romance. I know Regency’s tend to be more slow burns, but I just didn’t feel a lot of chemistry leading up to their romance, which I was disappointed by. Though I liked the historical details, and I definitely got the sense that the author did her research, which I always enjoy in a story.
Overall, this is a solid read for me, and I would recommend to any historical fans.
I thought this was an okay read. The characters were okay, though I really loved Brynne. She’s feisty, will only accept a marriage and romance on her terms, and fights for what she believes in, all traits I admire. Nathan was okay, didn’t really stand out, an average hero.
I enjoyed their investigation of the love list and figuring out the bad guy’s true plan, but I was a little let down by the romance. I know Regency’s tend to be more slow burns, but I just didn’t feel a lot of chemistry leading up to their romance, which I was disappointed by. Though I liked the historical details, and I definitely got the sense that the author did her research, which I always enjoy in a story.
Overall, this is a solid read for me, and I would recommend to any historical fans.
September 14, 2019
The Love List is a menu of prominent prostitutes to match the sexual preferences of anyone who can afford their services. It is also an instrument of libel as was the intent of the one who masterminded its printing but with a more sinister and dastardly end other than the more obvious because the List was written by a respected member (more like blackmailed into writing it) of the peerage albeit the inserted libelous articles were written by the prime mover. One question though, why does Marstoke hate Hestia Wright when he had already used her for revenge after she rejected him, destroyed her future and then having finished with her, kicked her to the ditch? Unless she used her connections to those powerful clients to thwart him? If she had thrown a monkey wrench on some of his schemes then I suppose he had every reason to do so.
April 6, 2024
First in a series….
I find it extremely difficult to not give this author a 5 rating. I love everything she writes. I thought this book a bit slow all the way through. There was way too mushy “thinking” in here and the descriptive copy about the bad areas was too much and a lot of the same description for areas. I liked the female lead as she is ahead of her time and willing to shake things up. But I thought there was a lot missing from the male lead that the author’s main characters in other books seem to have. I was very excited to find these books by this author, and hope they improve as we go along. All in all, the plot of the book was good.
I find it extremely difficult to not give this author a 5 rating. I love everything she writes. I thought this book a bit slow all the way through. There was way too mushy “thinking” in here and the descriptive copy about the bad areas was too much and a lot of the same description for areas. I liked the female lead as she is ahead of her time and willing to shake things up. But I thought there was a lot missing from the male lead that the author’s main characters in other books seem to have. I was very excited to find these books by this author, and hope they improve as we go along. All in all, the plot of the book was good.
December 12, 2017
This was a surprise.. Did not expect it to BE SUCH A GREAT READ
The Story line was Good... I was Happy that the Heroine was not wish washy or meek..... I liked All the Characters........ even the bad guy, only because he was real, Loved the way the mystery and story line kept you wanting to READ MORE and you cheer, laugh and agree that most everyone’s story comes out...... a few ends would be nice BUT TRU AND OTHERS MAY COME IN ANOTHER GOOD STORY... THINK THEY LEFT THAT OPEN TO HAPPEN.. ENJOY..
The Story line was Good... I was Happy that the Heroine was not wish washy or meek..... I liked All the Characters........ even the bad guy, only because he was real, Loved the way the mystery and story line kept you wanting to READ MORE and you cheer, laugh and agree that most everyone’s story comes out...... a few ends would be nice BUT TRU AND OTHERS MAY COME IN ANOTHER GOOD STORY... THINK THEY LEFT THAT OPEN TO HAPPEN.. ENJOY..
February 20, 2019
Excellent start to a new series
Not often you get such a truly evil villain like the Marquess nor a wickedly complicated bit brilliant plot that slowly reveals itself. All the characters are deep and uniquely troubled. Slowly but surely they are working through their limitations which, of course, lead to a romance. Both the Duke and the Lady are strong and very worthy. And while wrapping up this story fairly satisfactory, there's sufficient loose ends for several sequels. A must buy.
Not often you get such a truly evil villain like the Marquess nor a wickedly complicated bit brilliant plot that slowly reveals itself. All the characters are deep and uniquely troubled. Slowly but surely they are working through their limitations which, of course, lead to a romance. Both the Duke and the Lady are strong and very worthy. And while wrapping up this story fairly satisfactory, there's sufficient loose ends for several sequels. A must buy.
September 16, 2019
Better than expected
I initially thought I wasn't going to enjoy this book because of the way it starts out. But I'm glad I kept reading as it ended up pretty good. There was a lot of effort by the heroine and hero to uncover a plot of treason that I found a bit hard to follow. There were several villains sort of cooperating with each other and it was tough to figure out their motivations. This book finishes the love angle but lets the biggest baddie escape, setting up a sequel, no doubt.
I initially thought I wasn't going to enjoy this book because of the way it starts out. But I'm glad I kept reading as it ended up pretty good. There was a lot of effort by the heroine and hero to uncover a plot of treason that I found a bit hard to follow. There were several villains sort of cooperating with each other and it was tough to figure out their motivations. This book finishes the love angle but lets the biggest baddie escape, setting up a sequel, no doubt.
September 17, 2019
The best bits are the small bits
I thought the book replacement would be from the one in the chapter headings. The book was well researched and actually sounded plausible. But it's only halfway done the rest of the series will slowly reveal Hestia's arch and Lord M's dastardly deeds. The character are multi-dimensional with everyone having flaws and a backstory. But I thought the story was too complicated.
I thought the book replacement would be from the one in the chapter headings. The book was well researched and actually sounded plausible. But it's only halfway done the rest of the series will slowly reveal Hestia's arch and Lord M's dastardly deeds. The character are multi-dimensional with everyone having flaws and a backstory. But I thought the story was too complicated.
September 19, 2019
A woman takes her life into her own hands and determines her own future against the men who are supposed to have her best interests at heart. I love that she is feisty, honest, and determined. Her counterpart in the adventure has locked himself away in his own emotional tower. They have great verbal banter and lock heads often.
The story was good and the characters were fun. I was just sad that explicit sex was part of the story. That is what dropped the rating.
The story was good and the characters were fun. I was just sad that explicit sex was part of the story. That is what dropped the rating.
December 17, 2017
An intriguing historical
Ms. Marlowe draws you in from the start of this book and doesn't let up even at the very end. Loose ends of this story compels you to want to read the next in the series. The characters are all vivid and the romance rings true. I enjoyed this story so much I read it twice!
Ms. Marlowe draws you in from the start of this book and doesn't let up even at the very end. Loose ends of this story compels you to want to read the next in the series. The characters are all vivid and the romance rings true. I enjoyed this story so much I read it twice!
September 13, 2019
As someone who isn't crazy about romance novels (I read what's free), this was refreshingly more intrigue than romance. The characters weren't terribly compelling but I didn't stumble on wonky spelling, punctuation, or wrong homonym choices every other page and sadly, that counts for a lot these days.
September 14, 2019
Interesting
This book is quite interesting and entertaining. At first I was not so sure about reading it. The pace was slow and it felt long. Once the pace picked up it was hard to put it down. I would have preferred a more definite ending, but understandable since it is a series. I will be adding book 2 to my wish list since it is not KU. I do want to read
This book is quite interesting and entertaining. At first I was not so sure about reading it. The pace was slow and it felt long. Once the pace picked up it was hard to put it down. I would have preferred a more definite ending, but understandable since it is a series. I will be adding book 2 to my wish list since it is not KU. I do want to read
September 16, 2019
Great read!!!
Great read! Story is engaging from beginning. Leading characters are strong and interesting, and storyline moves quickly motivating reader to discover the next installment of the story. I'm interested in getting next book to continue the saga and hopefully see villain get his just reward!
Great read! Story is engaging from beginning. Leading characters are strong and interesting, and storyline moves quickly motivating reader to discover the next installment of the story. I'm interested in getting next book to continue the saga and hopefully see villain get his just reward!
October 1, 2019
The story seemed researched to be set among real events from English history. I enjoyed having the two main characters attracted to each other throughout rather than the usual hating and ending up loving. These two each acknowledged the pull towards the other and the tantalizing moments they indulged themselves add to the story.
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