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Regency Blooms #1
Compromising Miss Tisdale
Ambrosia Tisdale is the very picture of propriety and the epitome of what a respectable young lady should be. Haunted by a memory and compelled by her family, she pursues perfection to a fault.
The Earl of Bristol, Duncan Maddox, has returned to London after years of familial-imposed exile. As the second son, he has led a life filled with frivolity, leisure, and a healthy dose of debauchery. Now his older brother has died, leaving the family’s flailing legacy in Duncan’s unwilling arms.
At the behest of his uncle, Duncan is advised to do the one thing that could provide instant fortune and respectability—he must marry. But there is only one prospect who meets the unique requirements to solve all the Earl’s problems—the lovely Miss Ambrosia Tisdale. But securing the prudent daughter of a Viscount’s hand proves to be more challenging than this scandal-ridden second son of an Earl has bargained for.
With scandal, extortion, treachery, and even love itself threatening to keep him from his goal, will Duncan succeed or find himself compromised by Miss Tisdale?
The Earl of Bristol, Duncan Maddox, has returned to London after years of familial-imposed exile. As the second son, he has led a life filled with frivolity, leisure, and a healthy dose of debauchery. Now his older brother has died, leaving the family’s flailing legacy in Duncan’s unwilling arms.
At the behest of his uncle, Duncan is advised to do the one thing that could provide instant fortune and respectability—he must marry. But there is only one prospect who meets the unique requirements to solve all the Earl’s problems—the lovely Miss Ambrosia Tisdale. But securing the prudent daughter of a Viscount’s hand proves to be more challenging than this scandal-ridden second son of an Earl has bargained for.
With scandal, extortion, treachery, and even love itself threatening to keep him from his goal, will Duncan succeed or find himself compromised by Miss Tisdale?
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2013
121 people are currently reading
497 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Jefferson
5 books356 followersJessica Jefferson makes her home in Almost-Chicago with her husband, nine and three year old girls, guinea pigs, and English bulldog Pete. When she's not busy trying to find middle-ground between being a modern career woman and Suzy-Homemaker, she loves to watch "Real Housewives of [insert city here]" and performing unnecessary improvements to her home and property.
Jessica writes Regency-era historical romance with a modern twist, infused with humor. She tries to create endearingly flawed heroes and one of a kind heroines that you'll want to continue knowing long after you read the last page.
Be sure and sign up to receive updates about new releases at jessicajefferson.com
Jessica writes Regency-era historical romance with a modern twist, infused with humor. She tries to create endearingly flawed heroes and one of a kind heroines that you'll want to continue knowing long after you read the last page.
Be sure and sign up to receive updates about new releases at jessicajefferson.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
December 12, 2025
Alcoholic std-ridden (probably) hero zero
Stupidhero zero sees his parents sleep around creating scandal after scandal so becomes a drunk, gambling libertine... you know, to punish his dead parents. When his correct, hard-working brother dies and zero inherits the crumbling earldom, the zero decides it's easier to compromise a virtuous, rich debutante to recover his reputation and his coffers than to do as his brother was trying to do before him.
Luckily for our survivor guilt ridden heroine, he's an idiot and can't even do that right. You know why?
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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Stupid
Luckily for our survivor guilt ridden heroine, he's an idiot and can't even do that right. You know why?
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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December 30, 2013
This book was a surprise treat for me, not unlike a cup of hot chocolate to enjoy on a cold night. An attraction-of-opposites story with complex, multifaceted and dynamic characters and an engaging plot, this tale hits all the right notes for a great historical romance.
Ambrosia Tisdale, now in fourth season, has already gleamed enough ton wisdom to know how to navigate it with relative ease...that is, until her encounter at a party with a mysterious man piques her curiosity and leaves her, for the first time, unsettled. Suffice it to say, Ambrosia's stone-like exterior and haughty airs did not so much unsettle her new adversary, Duncan Maddox, as inspired his determination, for she seemed to be just the woman - and challenge - he wants to have. What followed after that is a nice mix of Taming of the Shrew, character transformations, and a hearty amount of mutual attraction to spark Ambrosia and Duncan's romance to enthrall the readers into their conflicts and desires.
What I enjoy the most about this novel is the depth of character transformation that it features. Upon Ambrosia and Duncan's initial meeting, the author provides a good glimpse of Ambrosia's pre-transformation self, that is, her cold exterior, strict adherence to societal rules, and her blatant egotism. It is not until later that her facade crumbles, the perfection with which she prided herself came to be a transient, unnecessary thing, and she struggles internally to comes to terms with herself. Her vulnerability was a key point in this novel internally, and it was a major factor of winning me to her person, as I did not initially like her outward rudeness.
Duncan had lived a life of frivolity as was expected of him as a second son. His importance was ever so small until he inherited an earldom, and he relished it by being wild and uncaring. His trials in this book was like a rite of passage, a trial through which he matures and becomes a better man. And he does that splendidly, coming to understand and love Ambrosia for who she is.
Ambrosia and Duncan are the winning points of this novel, though the intrigue-filled plot is quite good as well. Without delving much into it (as it is much better experienced than summarized in this case) I can only say that I was impressed by this book and highly recommend it for its poignancy, humor, and a multitude of layers within the plot and the characters as well that drive this splendid novel.
Ambrosia Tisdale, now in fourth season, has already gleamed enough ton wisdom to know how to navigate it with relative ease...that is, until her encounter at a party with a mysterious man piques her curiosity and leaves her, for the first time, unsettled. Suffice it to say, Ambrosia's stone-like exterior and haughty airs did not so much unsettle her new adversary, Duncan Maddox, as inspired his determination, for she seemed to be just the woman - and challenge - he wants to have. What followed after that is a nice mix of Taming of the Shrew, character transformations, and a hearty amount of mutual attraction to spark Ambrosia and Duncan's romance to enthrall the readers into their conflicts and desires.
What I enjoy the most about this novel is the depth of character transformation that it features. Upon Ambrosia and Duncan's initial meeting, the author provides a good glimpse of Ambrosia's pre-transformation self, that is, her cold exterior, strict adherence to societal rules, and her blatant egotism. It is not until later that her facade crumbles, the perfection with which she prided herself came to be a transient, unnecessary thing, and she struggles internally to comes to terms with herself. Her vulnerability was a key point in this novel internally, and it was a major factor of winning me to her person, as I did not initially like her outward rudeness.
Duncan had lived a life of frivolity as was expected of him as a second son. His importance was ever so small until he inherited an earldom, and he relished it by being wild and uncaring. His trials in this book was like a rite of passage, a trial through which he matures and becomes a better man. And he does that splendidly, coming to understand and love Ambrosia for who she is.
Ambrosia and Duncan are the winning points of this novel, though the intrigue-filled plot is quite good as well. Without delving much into it (as it is much better experienced than summarized in this case) I can only say that I was impressed by this book and highly recommend it for its poignancy, humor, and a multitude of layers within the plot and the characters as well that drive this splendid novel.
nope
May 4, 2016I'm not rating this book, as I haven't read it. Based upon reviews by some GR friends, I was at the Amazon site ready to try it when I happened upon a review by Old Latin Teacher. She titled her review "Sometimes the Thesaurus is not Your Friend," and her list of grammatical and spelling errors is both amusing and discouraging. Hers is not the only review with this criticism; it's just the most entertaining. http://amzn.to/1his4Wz
I have a very low tolerance for poor grammar and spelling; egregious errors jolt me out of the story. Perhaps I am overly sensitive, but there you have it. I'm writing this note on the chance that the author reads her reviews and wants to get an editor next time. (Or, if there was an editor, I would suggest get a better editor.)
I have a very low tolerance for poor grammar and spelling; egregious errors jolt me out of the story. Perhaps I am overly sensitive, but there you have it. I'm writing this note on the chance that the author reads her reviews and wants to get an editor next time. (Or, if there was an editor, I would suggest get a better editor.)
dnf
September 12, 2025DNF @5% thanks to this dumb quote
“This girl was no English rose. She was too tall, too brunette” HUH??
Somehow other stupid stuff happened before this quote as well.
I won’t the since I only read 20 pages.
“This girl was no English rose. She was too tall, too brunette” HUH??
Somehow other stupid stuff happened before this quote as well.
I won’t the since I only read 20 pages.
January 30, 2024
nice low commitment read. H is a doofus h is super smart. enjoyed the
dynamic.
dynamic.
November 17, 2024
Blah. Not sure it is worth the read. Not memorable at all.
May 14, 2014
Compromising Miss Tisdale by Jessica Jefferson is a 2013 Soul Mate Publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This Regency period historical romance was a delightful read. The dialogue is sharp, witty, and funny. It's hard to believe this is Jessica Jefferson's debut novel.
Duncan was never supposed to inherit a title but after his brother dies quite suddenly and Duncan's uncle Richard's health is failing rapidly, it looks like the fun and games are over for Duncan. He enjoyed his undisiplined lifestyle and saw no reason to marry or produce an heir. Now, his uncle is beseeching him to restore the family name and honor.
Ambrosia Tisdale is suffering from a little survivors guilt. She and her brother Thomas were both sick with a fever at the same time. Ambrosia lived but Thomas didn't pull through. Now, as the oldest daughter of four, she feels like she must chose the absolute best match so that her sisters will also marry well. This attitude has resulted in Ambrosia's fourth season. Fourth! She swears there will not be a fifth no matter which way things go.
When Duncan confides in a friend that he needs a bride, Ambrosia 's name comes up. Duncan knows she would never agree to marry him with his rakish reputation, so his friend suggest he put Miss Tisdale in a compromising position so she will have no choice but to marry him. This idea appeals to Duncan since he is rapidly running out of time to find a bride. But, when he puts his plan into motion he realizes Miss Tisdale deserves better . Now, he finds he can't pursue things with her under false pretenses.
Duncan and Ambrosia will face their flaws and frailties and learn to put the past where it belongs and allow themselves to find peace and happiness. Now if only Ambrosia's sister could be as lucky! Stay tuned! For fans of Eloisa James or Julia Quinn I think you will find this book most charming. Highly recommend!
This Regency period historical romance was a delightful read. The dialogue is sharp, witty, and funny. It's hard to believe this is Jessica Jefferson's debut novel.
Duncan was never supposed to inherit a title but after his brother dies quite suddenly and Duncan's uncle Richard's health is failing rapidly, it looks like the fun and games are over for Duncan. He enjoyed his undisiplined lifestyle and saw no reason to marry or produce an heir. Now, his uncle is beseeching him to restore the family name and honor.
Ambrosia Tisdale is suffering from a little survivors guilt. She and her brother Thomas were both sick with a fever at the same time. Ambrosia lived but Thomas didn't pull through. Now, as the oldest daughter of four, she feels like she must chose the absolute best match so that her sisters will also marry well. This attitude has resulted in Ambrosia's fourth season. Fourth! She swears there will not be a fifth no matter which way things go.
When Duncan confides in a friend that he needs a bride, Ambrosia 's name comes up. Duncan knows she would never agree to marry him with his rakish reputation, so his friend suggest he put Miss Tisdale in a compromising position so she will have no choice but to marry him. This idea appeals to Duncan since he is rapidly running out of time to find a bride. But, when he puts his plan into motion he realizes Miss Tisdale deserves better . Now, he finds he can't pursue things with her under false pretenses.
Duncan and Ambrosia will face their flaws and frailties and learn to put the past where it belongs and allow themselves to find peace and happiness. Now if only Ambrosia's sister could be as lucky! Stay tuned! For fans of Eloisa James or Julia Quinn I think you will find this book most charming. Highly recommend!
January 15, 2020
A quick and enjoyable read, despite the fact that I didn't much like the heroine. Yes, I noticed the grammatical errors, but they were easy to overlook. Can't complain about that in a freebie.
May 16, 2016
Compromising Miss Tisdale is a story with some fun and somewhat tainted characters. Duncan has become the Earl of Bristol. It is not a position he ever expected and not a position he felt ready to settle down and thrive with. He is quite the rake around London and had been sent away due to his misdeeds several years before.
Now he was back and his Uncle was expecting him to indeed settle down. He found himself drawn to a woman of utter structure and propriety. He fought hard against what he might feel. His friend ensured that she was the woman he should compromise in order to get her dowery.
The Tisdale family is fun loving and close knit. Ambrosia is the eldest daughter and has never accepted any proposal that has come her way. She does not know what she is waiting for, but she knows that she will recognize it when it comes along.
When she finds a shirtless man in the library, then she begins to wonder if she has found what she had been missing.
It is a nice book by Jessica Jefferson. I am ready to read the other books in the series, just to get more from the Tisdale family. Tamsin and Lillian's stories are available.
Now he was back and his Uncle was expecting him to indeed settle down. He found himself drawn to a woman of utter structure and propriety. He fought hard against what he might feel. His friend ensured that she was the woman he should compromise in order to get her dowery.
The Tisdale family is fun loving and close knit. Ambrosia is the eldest daughter and has never accepted any proposal that has come her way. She does not know what she is waiting for, but she knows that she will recognize it when it comes along.
When she finds a shirtless man in the library, then she begins to wonder if she has found what she had been missing.
It is a nice book by Jessica Jefferson. I am ready to read the other books in the series, just to get more from the Tisdale family. Tamsin and Lillian's stories are available.
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January 4, 2014
My review contains spoilers and they're mostly my thoughts as I went with the book...
Jessica Jefferson’s debut novel, Compromising Miss Tisdale, book 1 in the Regency Blooms series, was a solid book with very good writing. Storywise it was enjoyable, thought-provoking and I must say, the author can write her heroines! Ambrosia was a girl after my own heart. Loved her!!! However, can’t say the same about the hero, Duncan. It took him a long time to get to me but when he did, I thought he changed for good. I was interested in this story largely due to a tour I recently hosted for the author and the excerpt instantly got me hooked. I had to read it and I don’t regret picking this up.
Miss Ambrosia, the daughter of an esteemed viscount with old, noble bloodline and the eldest among 4 sisters, is just passing her 4th season. It’s not that she’s not beautiful. Ambrosia is tall with a statuesque figure and has dark hair, blue eyes. But she’s also somewhat... strict and a little on the prim side. When you look at her, you see beauty, grace, poise and a lot of control, be it her behavior or her appearance. It was said more than once that you wouldn’t find even a hair on her head displaced from their tight knot. Ambrosia is also good at pianoforte, dancing, a little singing, sewing, painting... you name it, she knows it. Moreover, she’s very talented in mathematics; a skill not many know about but comes handy to her father when he needs a second pair of eyes to check on his accounts. What no one knows is why Ambrosia maintains so much control over everything she does.
Ambrosia used to be free spirited much as her other siblings once upon a time. But then, she had an elder brother, Thomas. When they both contracted a fever which took Thomas but not her, Ambrosia’s POV on life changed. She was saddened for herself because she lost a brother she looked up to, someone perfect in every way. Also because Thomas was the heir and his death a big blow to her parents. Though, I thought that the Tisdale family is very close knit, Ambrosia still felt the need to fill in the void Thomas’s death left. Hence her try in becoming a ‘perfect’ daughter in every way possible, painstakingly learning things so that she can make her parents happy. Not that they ever pressured her but Ambrosia needed to do this to honor her brother’s memory in her own way.
So Ambrosia has had suitors, quite a few of them but none won her heart. Because of her huge dowry (her family is very rich), Ambrosia is certainly sought after and she has no interest in those fortune hunters. What Ambrosia truly wants is to find love and marry for love. Yet sadly, time is running out before she’s ‘on shelf’ for good. She needs to marry soon if she ever hopes to have a family of her own.
One day, when she’s very sure that she’ll probably never marry, her strictly organized life shakes up completely on the sight of a man’s bare chest... oh yes, the scene that totally got snared me in, when at a ball, she meets Duncan Maddox, the newly minted Earl of Bristol. She only wanted a little air from all the hullaballoo and escaped to the library where Duncan was sitting and drying the rain off his body. This was also a ball given by Duncan’s relatives. Ambrosia knew that Bristol is finally supposed make an appearance. What she didn’t know she has already met him at the library and kissed him too. A kiss initiated by him that rocked her world.
Then we gradually begin to learn of Duncan. He’s a rake, quite dissolute if you ask me. A ‘rake’ is something Ducan... just has been all his life. I think he never really thought beyond this until he met Ambrosia. Duncan’s somewhat dysfunctional family has been a broken thing for long; a family that has never been close and affectionate to begin with. His French-born mother took off with another guy when Duncan and his elder brother were still young. When Duncan began showing quite a penchant for the self-indulgent, rakish life, his father exiled him to a country estate where he continued to live that way, until his father, then his elder brother dies suddenly. Duncan becomes the Earl, only to find that he has debts. Moreover, he now has to live by his exemplary brother’s virtuous lifestyle before his unfortunate demise.
Unfortunately, Duncan doesn’t like this Earl business, more so because there are loads of responsibilities; biggest is the financial situation. Duncan needs to think on a way to improve his situation ASAP. In the meantime, his loving uncle Robert tells him that he’s dying and wants to see heirs before he passes. He urges Duncan to change his ways, marry a good girl and settle down. Duncan decides to appease his uncle, thus beginning his search for a suitable candidate...
Meeting Ambrosia shakes Duncan up too, and rather bad. And a dissolute rake like him doesn’t know how to handle this torrent of emotions. So he decides to ignore this as much as possible... When Lord Kenning, a friend of his (and his brother’s before that) gives him sage ‘advises’ to compromise Miss Tisdale, aka Ambrosia, Duncan sees nothing wrong in it. Well, he’s certainly attracted to her, so marrying her wouldn’t be a big deal. After he solves his financial problems, he can return to his ‘old’ life, can’t he?
Would that things went that smooth!
Incidentally, Lord Kenning is also Amelia, one of Ambrosia’s vapid brained friend’s elder brother and quite the lecher. He’s a spendthrift to boots. Too bad, he’s a beautiful man with golden locks and clear blue eyes. He has been obsessed with Ambrosia for a long time but before he could ask for her hands, he was forced in a MOC with an heiress. Kenning hates this marriage and this life, and so he’s blatantly cheating away left and right. I really wanted to know his wife’s side of the story, poor girl. :( Ambrosia is in his radars again. He expresses his wish to her in so many ways and with those unwelcome touches, that he’d like to take their ‘relationship’ to the next level. I thought this guy and his unsolicited advances on Ambrosia when he could find her alone were creepy, sometimes quite forceful. I don’t know why she never complained to her parents. Then again, the way her mother tried to push her towards Duncan knowing what kinda rake he is and the fact that he’d never be faithful to her told me plenty. They probably wouldn’t bother. Now Kenning’s plan is to see Ambrosia married off. Once she’s married, they can carry on with an affair without any added social problem. But to Kenning’s utter annoyance, Ambrosia has no intentions of taking on his offer. Kenning is not backing off so easily, and so, he traps Duncan in this game of his.
Duncan, on the other hand, had no idea of course. He begins planning with Kenning’s help because he thought him a friend. I couldn’t really endorse this friendship, seeing how Kenning would invite Duncan to brothels and gaming hells. This didn’t endear Duncan to me at all because I already hated Kenning. Then Duncan stages some stuff, including outings to see Ambrosia, as if those were coincidences. One that particularly annoyed me was on Ambrosia’s regular morning walk. Duncan, who has no interest in either mornings or reading, plans one outing in a way so that Ambrosia finds him sitting in the morning sun, reading a book. Staged to show off his allure... Good God! It works and the poor girl is utterly smitten with Duncan’s manly beauty, even knowing this is not a good idea.
Ambrosia certainly had heard of Duncan’s conquests, though she didn’t believe in most of it, thinking those were merely broadsheet gossips. But a big chunk of those stories were indeed truths as Duncan certainly hadn’t been waiting for her celibate over this supposed ‘courtship’. Ambrosia had no idea of what Kenning and Duncan have planned. So, even though she keeps thwarting Duncan’s more public advances, in private she can’t help but fall for him more and more. She also knew that ‘heartbreak’ is written all over it. Well, she certainly won’t be the first to experience that with a man of Duncan’s reputation.
There were more instances in the story where Duncan and Ambrosia met in private, they kissed and caressed. Duncan, who has previously heard of Ambrosia being aloof, now had the burning proof that she’s anything but. Together with her beauty, grace and innocence, she proves too much for him. He, at one point, forgets to compromise her as planned because he had no heart for it anymore. Duncan felt guilty of deceiving her and agitated because he was feeling things for her he wasn’t supposed to feel. He wasn’t even sure he deserved someone like Ambrosia in his life.
At times, I saw people pushing Ambrosia towards Duncan, as I mentioned a few paragraphs earlier because ‘he’s a rake, handsome and oh-so-exciting!’. But to me, oh-so-unoriginal. It would kill this book for me for sure if Ambrosia gave in just as easily. For a long time, I wasn’t fond of Duncan, doubted if he’d be someone I can trust, respect or adore. I dislike immature, happy-go-lucky rakes who are afraid of responsibilities. Duncan surely was one. Though it was emphasized that he was the product of a childhood lacking any affection or familial bond, I wasn’t entirely convinced. He was man pushing 30 and so, his repeated words/musings on how much he doesn’t want to take on these responsibilities and his wish to return to his old lifestyle was unacceptable. It felt like he was forcing himself to do things he didn’t want to just for Richard’s sake.
Ambrosia was total opposite of him in many ways, yet they were also attracted to each-other like magnets. Opposites attract and all that. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying Duncan didn’t want to change. He did. At times, he’d have that longing of having a family, picture Ambrosia as his wife, then kids and he’d again shake it off. After his repeated failed attempts of compromising Ambrosia (to Kenning’s utter disgust), Duncan decides to leave this off. He returns to his rakish pursuits, cozying up with a soprano in a matter of days. Needless to say, I was very disappointed when he did it. It felt like cheating to me because he has already been somewhat intimate with Ambrosia, and his feelings were already beginning to get involved where she was concerned. This was also the point where my attentions were wavering, when Tamsin puts her foot down about the whole matter.
I never introduced Ambrosia’s other sisters. The second eldest, Lilly, the voluptuous one, has gotten married a few months ago with her childhood friend, William. They fell in love and couldn’t wait. Tamsin is younger to Lilly. I absolutely adored this feisty red-head with a fiery temper. The youngest, Rose, is bookish, delicate looking and the most impressionable of them all.
It seemed like Tamsin is the one who saw through Duncan’s charms and was appalled by the tales of his conquests. She made inquiries and knew that not everything written in the broadsheets were gossips. When he stops paying attention to Ambrosia, leaving her somewhat listless (a state Ambrosia has never been before), Tamsin decides to pay a visit to Duncan. The smart girl already surmised that her sister is hopelessly in love, though she denies it vehemently. Whereas nothing can be done to change that, Tamsin wants to make sure that Duncan stops being a jerk and treats her sister right. Her mother has already, very enthusiastically, invited Duncan to their upcoming house party. Tamsin can’t change that either (she’d cancel the invitation if she could) so, instead, she threats Duncan quite seriously that he better behave, or else...........
I could only scream ‘bravo!’ to this girl; so young, yet so wise. I enjoyed this scene so much and thought someone should’ve done that a long time ago! Good news was, Duncan was not as happy a rake anymore because he was missing Ambrosia. Yet, he feels unsure if he should actually attend the house party. This time Robert takes steps so that Duncan doesn’t change his mind. Admittedly, Duncan never had the heart to break the news to his uncle that he has already given up his mad scheme of marrying Miss Tisdale, something Robert wholeheartedly approved of.
In that house party given by the Tisdales, Ambrosia and Duncan come closer than before. Ambrosia tries her best to ignore Duncan, yet it was not that easy when the only thing you want is to throw yourself at him. I thought there were some sweet moments in this part of the story. But then the news arrives that Robert is very ill and possibly dying. Duncan leaves that instant. Ambrosia is worried sick, thinking how sad it is for Duncan, how lonely to lose the only loving relative he’s left in the world. If I had any doubt of Ambrosia’s love for Duncan (and I had none), this proved to me that no matter, she cared about him way too much. While Duncan was away, Ambrosia decides to look into Duncan’s financial matters, the papers he brought back with him to work on but never had the chance... and there she finds some damnable evidence of Kenning’s treachery. A man Duncan truly thought his friend. I still wonder why, though.
Ambrosia is determined to inform Duncan and with Lilly’s help, she leaves for London. At first, she stops at Kenning’s house and confronts him. Of course, the guy is a shameless jerk, admits everything, making it sound like he’s the injured party here with debts and all that, so he thought it perfectly ok to help himself with some of Duncan’s money, before that his brother’s! He, again, talks about the liaison he wants with Ambrosia. This time Ambrosia makes sure he knows that she’s not at all interested in him, never was. You almost feel sorry for Kenning when he says he really wanted Ambrosia but never had a chance to live a life of his choice, making me actually consider if he has any redeeming qualities for a while. But then I remembered everything he has done so far... that was enough to kill any sympathy I might’ve felt for him.
When Ambrosia next stops by at Duncan’s place, he is nothing less than relieved to see her, and exceptionally happy. In these past days, sitting beside a dying Robert, Duncan’s POV of life has shifted dramatically. The more he mused on his past, the more this pointless rakish life that he has led so far lost its charm. And more and more, a life with Ambrosia seemed to shine in his mind. So, on seeing Ambrosia, Duncan promptly proposes her. Ambrosia accepts, confessing that she’s in love with him. This mere fact impacts Duncan so deeply (he never dared to think that Ambrosia was that deep into him) that he can’t wait to make her his own. And he doesn’t care for Kenning’s obsession over her anymore. Yep, Duncan knew about it and at first, didn’t care all that much. But now, things have changed.
I wish Ambrosia didn’t take long to tell Duncan of Kenning’s treachery. They make love soon thereafter, and though she keeps telling Duncan that she has something very important to tell him, the first thing next morning, what she does is leave to start packing for moving into Duncan’s house. While I was contemplating why she’d do it, Kenning drops by, very unsurprisingly, to say stuff about Ambrosia to Duncan. He’s momentarily taken aback by Duncan’s announcement of an impending marriage and his protectiveness towards Ambrosia. After all, Kenning always thought Duncan an idiot who looks up to him, as he has always taken his so-called advises to heart. That Duncan can be manipulated just as easily as his gentle and trusting brother. But none of Kenning’s advises were selfless. He also thought Duncan would lead a life like him, seeing how Duncan has more often than not been a partner to him on such misadventures... But, afterwards, when he then starts disparaging Ambrosia vehemently, their ridiculous scheme comes out in the open, and Ambrosia, who has just returned, accidentally eavesdrops.
This is the first time we actually see how hurt Ambrosia is by this revelation... She lets Duncan know it too; not being rude or insulting, just calmly breaking off the engagement and leaving him, telling him not to communicate with her again. She doesn’t give him any chance to explain, but come to think of it, Duncan had nothing substantial in his defense. Not yet IMO. His behavior was pretty damning right from the start. Those don’t portray a man a girl like Ambrosia can trust and rely on... can love. My heart was breaking for them both, because at least I knew that on the inside, Duncan wanted this as much as Ambrosia.
Must say, I loved that he does his best to prove to Ambrosia that he’s a deserving man and would like to have her back in his life. His gesture in front of a church full of people was soo sweet and heart-warming that it made me all teary-eyed. I was willing to give him a chance by then, as was Ambrosia. Finally, he was a changed man; a man in love who wasn’t scared of saying it out loud to the world.
Right now, I’m eagerly waiting for Tamsin’s story, which is supposed to be the next book as per the author’s website. Can’t wait! Meanwhile, for Compromising Miss Tisdale, 4 stars. I absolutely recommend it.
Jessica Jefferson’s debut novel, Compromising Miss Tisdale, book 1 in the Regency Blooms series, was a solid book with very good writing. Storywise it was enjoyable, thought-provoking and I must say, the author can write her heroines! Ambrosia was a girl after my own heart. Loved her!!! However, can’t say the same about the hero, Duncan. It took him a long time to get to me but when he did, I thought he changed for good. I was interested in this story largely due to a tour I recently hosted for the author and the excerpt instantly got me hooked. I had to read it and I don’t regret picking this up.
Miss Ambrosia, the daughter of an esteemed viscount with old, noble bloodline and the eldest among 4 sisters, is just passing her 4th season. It’s not that she’s not beautiful. Ambrosia is tall with a statuesque figure and has dark hair, blue eyes. But she’s also somewhat... strict and a little on the prim side. When you look at her, you see beauty, grace, poise and a lot of control, be it her behavior or her appearance. It was said more than once that you wouldn’t find even a hair on her head displaced from their tight knot. Ambrosia is also good at pianoforte, dancing, a little singing, sewing, painting... you name it, she knows it. Moreover, she’s very talented in mathematics; a skill not many know about but comes handy to her father when he needs a second pair of eyes to check on his accounts. What no one knows is why Ambrosia maintains so much control over everything she does.
Ambrosia used to be free spirited much as her other siblings once upon a time. But then, she had an elder brother, Thomas. When they both contracted a fever which took Thomas but not her, Ambrosia’s POV on life changed. She was saddened for herself because she lost a brother she looked up to, someone perfect in every way. Also because Thomas was the heir and his death a big blow to her parents. Though, I thought that the Tisdale family is very close knit, Ambrosia still felt the need to fill in the void Thomas’s death left. Hence her try in becoming a ‘perfect’ daughter in every way possible, painstakingly learning things so that she can make her parents happy. Not that they ever pressured her but Ambrosia needed to do this to honor her brother’s memory in her own way.
So Ambrosia has had suitors, quite a few of them but none won her heart. Because of her huge dowry (her family is very rich), Ambrosia is certainly sought after and she has no interest in those fortune hunters. What Ambrosia truly wants is to find love and marry for love. Yet sadly, time is running out before she’s ‘on shelf’ for good. She needs to marry soon if she ever hopes to have a family of her own.
One day, when she’s very sure that she’ll probably never marry, her strictly organized life shakes up completely on the sight of a man’s bare chest... oh yes, the scene that totally got snared me in, when at a ball, she meets Duncan Maddox, the newly minted Earl of Bristol. She only wanted a little air from all the hullaballoo and escaped to the library where Duncan was sitting and drying the rain off his body. This was also a ball given by Duncan’s relatives. Ambrosia knew that Bristol is finally supposed make an appearance. What she didn’t know she has already met him at the library and kissed him too. A kiss initiated by him that rocked her world.
Then we gradually begin to learn of Duncan. He’s a rake, quite dissolute if you ask me. A ‘rake’ is something Ducan... just has been all his life. I think he never really thought beyond this until he met Ambrosia. Duncan’s somewhat dysfunctional family has been a broken thing for long; a family that has never been close and affectionate to begin with. His French-born mother took off with another guy when Duncan and his elder brother were still young. When Duncan began showing quite a penchant for the self-indulgent, rakish life, his father exiled him to a country estate where he continued to live that way, until his father, then his elder brother dies suddenly. Duncan becomes the Earl, only to find that he has debts. Moreover, he now has to live by his exemplary brother’s virtuous lifestyle before his unfortunate demise.
Unfortunately, Duncan doesn’t like this Earl business, more so because there are loads of responsibilities; biggest is the financial situation. Duncan needs to think on a way to improve his situation ASAP. In the meantime, his loving uncle Robert tells him that he’s dying and wants to see heirs before he passes. He urges Duncan to change his ways, marry a good girl and settle down. Duncan decides to appease his uncle, thus beginning his search for a suitable candidate...
Meeting Ambrosia shakes Duncan up too, and rather bad. And a dissolute rake like him doesn’t know how to handle this torrent of emotions. So he decides to ignore this as much as possible... When Lord Kenning, a friend of his (and his brother’s before that) gives him sage ‘advises’ to compromise Miss Tisdale, aka Ambrosia, Duncan sees nothing wrong in it. Well, he’s certainly attracted to her, so marrying her wouldn’t be a big deal. After he solves his financial problems, he can return to his ‘old’ life, can’t he?
Would that things went that smooth!
Incidentally, Lord Kenning is also Amelia, one of Ambrosia’s vapid brained friend’s elder brother and quite the lecher. He’s a spendthrift to boots. Too bad, he’s a beautiful man with golden locks and clear blue eyes. He has been obsessed with Ambrosia for a long time but before he could ask for her hands, he was forced in a MOC with an heiress. Kenning hates this marriage and this life, and so he’s blatantly cheating away left and right. I really wanted to know his wife’s side of the story, poor girl. :( Ambrosia is in his radars again. He expresses his wish to her in so many ways and with those unwelcome touches, that he’d like to take their ‘relationship’ to the next level. I thought this guy and his unsolicited advances on Ambrosia when he could find her alone were creepy, sometimes quite forceful. I don’t know why she never complained to her parents. Then again, the way her mother tried to push her towards Duncan knowing what kinda rake he is and the fact that he’d never be faithful to her told me plenty. They probably wouldn’t bother. Now Kenning’s plan is to see Ambrosia married off. Once she’s married, they can carry on with an affair without any added social problem. But to Kenning’s utter annoyance, Ambrosia has no intentions of taking on his offer. Kenning is not backing off so easily, and so, he traps Duncan in this game of his.
Duncan, on the other hand, had no idea of course. He begins planning with Kenning’s help because he thought him a friend. I couldn’t really endorse this friendship, seeing how Kenning would invite Duncan to brothels and gaming hells. This didn’t endear Duncan to me at all because I already hated Kenning. Then Duncan stages some stuff, including outings to see Ambrosia, as if those were coincidences. One that particularly annoyed me was on Ambrosia’s regular morning walk. Duncan, who has no interest in either mornings or reading, plans one outing in a way so that Ambrosia finds him sitting in the morning sun, reading a book. Staged to show off his allure... Good God! It works and the poor girl is utterly smitten with Duncan’s manly beauty, even knowing this is not a good idea.
Ambrosia certainly had heard of Duncan’s conquests, though she didn’t believe in most of it, thinking those were merely broadsheet gossips. But a big chunk of those stories were indeed truths as Duncan certainly hadn’t been waiting for her celibate over this supposed ‘courtship’. Ambrosia had no idea of what Kenning and Duncan have planned. So, even though she keeps thwarting Duncan’s more public advances, in private she can’t help but fall for him more and more. She also knew that ‘heartbreak’ is written all over it. Well, she certainly won’t be the first to experience that with a man of Duncan’s reputation.
There were more instances in the story where Duncan and Ambrosia met in private, they kissed and caressed. Duncan, who has previously heard of Ambrosia being aloof, now had the burning proof that she’s anything but. Together with her beauty, grace and innocence, she proves too much for him. He, at one point, forgets to compromise her as planned because he had no heart for it anymore. Duncan felt guilty of deceiving her and agitated because he was feeling things for her he wasn’t supposed to feel. He wasn’t even sure he deserved someone like Ambrosia in his life.
At times, I saw people pushing Ambrosia towards Duncan, as I mentioned a few paragraphs earlier because ‘he’s a rake, handsome and oh-so-exciting!’. But to me, oh-so-unoriginal. It would kill this book for me for sure if Ambrosia gave in just as easily. For a long time, I wasn’t fond of Duncan, doubted if he’d be someone I can trust, respect or adore. I dislike immature, happy-go-lucky rakes who are afraid of responsibilities. Duncan surely was one. Though it was emphasized that he was the product of a childhood lacking any affection or familial bond, I wasn’t entirely convinced. He was man pushing 30 and so, his repeated words/musings on how much he doesn’t want to take on these responsibilities and his wish to return to his old lifestyle was unacceptable. It felt like he was forcing himself to do things he didn’t want to just for Richard’s sake.
Ambrosia was total opposite of him in many ways, yet they were also attracted to each-other like magnets. Opposites attract and all that. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying Duncan didn’t want to change. He did. At times, he’d have that longing of having a family, picture Ambrosia as his wife, then kids and he’d again shake it off. After his repeated failed attempts of compromising Ambrosia (to Kenning’s utter disgust), Duncan decides to leave this off. He returns to his rakish pursuits, cozying up with a soprano in a matter of days. Needless to say, I was very disappointed when he did it. It felt like cheating to me because he has already been somewhat intimate with Ambrosia, and his feelings were already beginning to get involved where she was concerned. This was also the point where my attentions were wavering, when Tamsin puts her foot down about the whole matter.
I never introduced Ambrosia’s other sisters. The second eldest, Lilly, the voluptuous one, has gotten married a few months ago with her childhood friend, William. They fell in love and couldn’t wait. Tamsin is younger to Lilly. I absolutely adored this feisty red-head with a fiery temper. The youngest, Rose, is bookish, delicate looking and the most impressionable of them all.
It seemed like Tamsin is the one who saw through Duncan’s charms and was appalled by the tales of his conquests. She made inquiries and knew that not everything written in the broadsheets were gossips. When he stops paying attention to Ambrosia, leaving her somewhat listless (a state Ambrosia has never been before), Tamsin decides to pay a visit to Duncan. The smart girl already surmised that her sister is hopelessly in love, though she denies it vehemently. Whereas nothing can be done to change that, Tamsin wants to make sure that Duncan stops being a jerk and treats her sister right. Her mother has already, very enthusiastically, invited Duncan to their upcoming house party. Tamsin can’t change that either (she’d cancel the invitation if she could) so, instead, she threats Duncan quite seriously that he better behave, or else...........
I could only scream ‘bravo!’ to this girl; so young, yet so wise. I enjoyed this scene so much and thought someone should’ve done that a long time ago! Good news was, Duncan was not as happy a rake anymore because he was missing Ambrosia. Yet, he feels unsure if he should actually attend the house party. This time Robert takes steps so that Duncan doesn’t change his mind. Admittedly, Duncan never had the heart to break the news to his uncle that he has already given up his mad scheme of marrying Miss Tisdale, something Robert wholeheartedly approved of.
In that house party given by the Tisdales, Ambrosia and Duncan come closer than before. Ambrosia tries her best to ignore Duncan, yet it was not that easy when the only thing you want is to throw yourself at him. I thought there were some sweet moments in this part of the story. But then the news arrives that Robert is very ill and possibly dying. Duncan leaves that instant. Ambrosia is worried sick, thinking how sad it is for Duncan, how lonely to lose the only loving relative he’s left in the world. If I had any doubt of Ambrosia’s love for Duncan (and I had none), this proved to me that no matter, she cared about him way too much. While Duncan was away, Ambrosia decides to look into Duncan’s financial matters, the papers he brought back with him to work on but never had the chance... and there she finds some damnable evidence of Kenning’s treachery. A man Duncan truly thought his friend. I still wonder why, though.
Ambrosia is determined to inform Duncan and with Lilly’s help, she leaves for London. At first, she stops at Kenning’s house and confronts him. Of course, the guy is a shameless jerk, admits everything, making it sound like he’s the injured party here with debts and all that, so he thought it perfectly ok to help himself with some of Duncan’s money, before that his brother’s! He, again, talks about the liaison he wants with Ambrosia. This time Ambrosia makes sure he knows that she’s not at all interested in him, never was. You almost feel sorry for Kenning when he says he really wanted Ambrosia but never had a chance to live a life of his choice, making me actually consider if he has any redeeming qualities for a while. But then I remembered everything he has done so far... that was enough to kill any sympathy I might’ve felt for him.
When Ambrosia next stops by at Duncan’s place, he is nothing less than relieved to see her, and exceptionally happy. In these past days, sitting beside a dying Robert, Duncan’s POV of life has shifted dramatically. The more he mused on his past, the more this pointless rakish life that he has led so far lost its charm. And more and more, a life with Ambrosia seemed to shine in his mind. So, on seeing Ambrosia, Duncan promptly proposes her. Ambrosia accepts, confessing that she’s in love with him. This mere fact impacts Duncan so deeply (he never dared to think that Ambrosia was that deep into him) that he can’t wait to make her his own. And he doesn’t care for Kenning’s obsession over her anymore. Yep, Duncan knew about it and at first, didn’t care all that much. But now, things have changed.
I wish Ambrosia didn’t take long to tell Duncan of Kenning’s treachery. They make love soon thereafter, and though she keeps telling Duncan that she has something very important to tell him, the first thing next morning, what she does is leave to start packing for moving into Duncan’s house. While I was contemplating why she’d do it, Kenning drops by, very unsurprisingly, to say stuff about Ambrosia to Duncan. He’s momentarily taken aback by Duncan’s announcement of an impending marriage and his protectiveness towards Ambrosia. After all, Kenning always thought Duncan an idiot who looks up to him, as he has always taken his so-called advises to heart. That Duncan can be manipulated just as easily as his gentle and trusting brother. But none of Kenning’s advises were selfless. He also thought Duncan would lead a life like him, seeing how Duncan has more often than not been a partner to him on such misadventures... But, afterwards, when he then starts disparaging Ambrosia vehemently, their ridiculous scheme comes out in the open, and Ambrosia, who has just returned, accidentally eavesdrops.
This is the first time we actually see how hurt Ambrosia is by this revelation... She lets Duncan know it too; not being rude or insulting, just calmly breaking off the engagement and leaving him, telling him not to communicate with her again. She doesn’t give him any chance to explain, but come to think of it, Duncan had nothing substantial in his defense. Not yet IMO. His behavior was pretty damning right from the start. Those don’t portray a man a girl like Ambrosia can trust and rely on... can love. My heart was breaking for them both, because at least I knew that on the inside, Duncan wanted this as much as Ambrosia.
Must say, I loved that he does his best to prove to Ambrosia that he’s a deserving man and would like to have her back in his life. His gesture in front of a church full of people was soo sweet and heart-warming that it made me all teary-eyed. I was willing to give him a chance by then, as was Ambrosia. Finally, he was a changed man; a man in love who wasn’t scared of saying it out loud to the world.
Right now, I’m eagerly waiting for Tamsin’s story, which is supposed to be the next book as per the author’s website. Can’t wait! Meanwhile, for Compromising Miss Tisdale, 4 stars. I absolutely recommend it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2017
Good story and great narration by Beverly Crick (audible review)
I enjoyed most of this story. There was a bit of repetitiveness going on which became a bit annoying, but it wasn't as bad as some books.
I liked Ambrosia for the most part. She was very proper for sure. I really really liked Duncan Maddox the Duke of Bristol. He was a great lead male character.
The story line and plot was good even with the repetitiveness. There was a bit of a twist that I didn't see coming which made it better.
As for the narration. I really enjoy Beverly Crick. She does great narrations these days. The men sound like men. She reads with emotion and has a nice reading voice.
I enjoyed most of this story. There was a bit of repetitiveness going on which became a bit annoying, but it wasn't as bad as some books.
I liked Ambrosia for the most part. She was very proper for sure. I really really liked Duncan Maddox the Duke of Bristol. He was a great lead male character.
The story line and plot was good even with the repetitiveness. There was a bit of a twist that I didn't see coming which made it better.
As for the narration. I really enjoy Beverly Crick. She does great narrations these days. The men sound like men. She reads with emotion and has a nice reading voice.
November 21, 2014
I have so many mixed feelings about this novel. To begin with, I often found myself annoyed with the heroine, which is never a good thing. While I admire her "desire to remain proper at all times", I felt that her actions were inconsistent with who the author wanted her to be. Straightaway, we find her kissing Duncan in the library.. without evening knowing his name! Later on in the story, he finds her alone out in her own garden (during a party no less), and not only bares her breasts, but kisses them; once again leaving me shaking my head and wondering who this girl was and why, if she considered herself the epitome of "propriety", would she allow this to happen.
The majority of this story is fairly slow going (and somewhat repetitive). Miss Tisdale gives Duncan the cold shoulder. Duncan gets a rise out of her, they find some sort of common ground, Duncan oversteps her "boundaries" (when they show up), and they find themselves at odds, only to repeat the process again. Being that this was a historical romance novel, I knew they would end up together in the end, I just wish there had been more detail about them actually falling in love, and less of them being at odds and suddenly discovering their love for each other.
I found that although the last few chapters held some surprises, overall, it felt a bit rushed and thrown together. I wish there had been more depth to the events that took place, and more leading up to the "big reveal" (for lack of a better word).
The majority of this story is fairly slow going (and somewhat repetitive). Miss Tisdale gives Duncan the cold shoulder. Duncan gets a rise out of her, they find some sort of common ground, Duncan oversteps her "boundaries" (when they show up), and they find themselves at odds, only to repeat the process again. Being that this was a historical romance novel, I knew they would end up together in the end, I just wish there had been more detail about them actually falling in love, and less of them being at odds and suddenly discovering their love for each other.
I found that although the last few chapters held some surprises, overall, it felt a bit rushed and thrown together. I wish there had been more depth to the events that took place, and more leading up to the "big reveal" (for lack of a better word).
February 10, 2022
(hoopla) weirdest most random sex scene ever!! It literally just came out of nowhere. No passion,no lead up! Just all of a sudden she becomes a very daring and knowledgeable wanton virgin who cares nothing for anything except for having sex with this man she barely tolerated 5minutes before.
March 9, 2025
I only made it to chapter 10. Not a fan of the so-called hero. He is a weak reprobate without a mind of his own. I know he got better throughout the book, but he left a bad taste in my mouth.
May 30, 2014
From the first page of this historical romance, I knew this was "my kind" of book. If you are a fan of Regency Romance novels, this will probably appeal to you. While there are few surprises along the way, the language and style fit the time period and setting to a tee. Ambrosia (love that name) is the very epitome of the well-mannered lady. Enter the rake, Duncan, and the chemistry is boiling over. I found that I could identify with Ambrosia (no, I have never loved a rake, but I speak of personality), and that made this read even sweeter.
By in large, readers will not encounter profanity (so glad), but the bedroom scene is somewhat detailed. I would have preferred less detail at times (especially since they were not married), but at least it fell short of erotica. There is a bit of a twist that the author inserts in the story towards the end. This is a well-written novel that will allow historical romance fans to escape from this brutal world for awhile. On a side note, the humor is stellar--I always appreciate rich humor, especially when it is between the two prospective lovers. I certainly recommend this book to lovers of this genre.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
By in large, readers will not encounter profanity (so glad), but the bedroom scene is somewhat detailed. I would have preferred less detail at times (especially since they were not married), but at least it fell short of erotica. There is a bit of a twist that the author inserts in the story towards the end. This is a well-written novel that will allow historical romance fans to escape from this brutal world for awhile. On a side note, the humor is stellar--I always appreciate rich humor, especially when it is between the two prospective lovers. I certainly recommend this book to lovers of this genre.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
January 5, 2014
I love a good regency and Compromising Miss Tisdale really fit the bill for me. I grew up on Candlelight Regency novels. I devoured them like candy.
Ambrosia is in her fourth season. Poor girl.
She and Duncan are polar opposites. She's the more straight laced prim and proper type and Duncan, well, he's a rake. It wouldn't be a regency if he weren't a rake! Let's face it, we all like bad boys and regency bad boys are really the best.
Their first meeting is hot..without crossing the line.
I loved how their relationship developed and how each of the characters changed, the rake is reformed and Miss Tisdale loosens up quite a bit.
Probably the star of the show outside of our two main characters is Tasmin Tisdale. I absolutely loved the scene where she gives Duncan quite an earful. (I'm looking forward to her story, which is coming next)
I only wish there could have been a bigger comedown for James, who was a nasty S.O.B.
Jessica really has a flair for this period. This book reminded me why I love regency romance.
Ambrosia is in her fourth season. Poor girl.
She and Duncan are polar opposites. She's the more straight laced prim and proper type and Duncan, well, he's a rake. It wouldn't be a regency if he weren't a rake! Let's face it, we all like bad boys and regency bad boys are really the best.
Their first meeting is hot..without crossing the line.
I loved how their relationship developed and how each of the characters changed, the rake is reformed and Miss Tisdale loosens up quite a bit.
Probably the star of the show outside of our two main characters is Tasmin Tisdale. I absolutely loved the scene where she gives Duncan quite an earful. (I'm looking forward to her story, which is coming next)
I only wish there could have been a bigger comedown for James, who was a nasty S.O.B.
Jessica really has a flair for this period. This book reminded me why I love regency romance.
February 24, 2014
Having read some positive reviews on Goodreads and given its fairly high rating, I decided to try this debut novel. Though the premise wasn't particularly original, this could have potentially been an interesting read. Unfortunately the apallingly incorrent grammar usage and spellings destroyed any possibility of my enjoying the story and occasionally I had to stop myself from throwing my Kindle agaist the wall in frustration. In fact my 1-star rating is based solely on the grammar and spelling as I honestly could get beyond these issues for long enough to even consider the story's worth.
I rarely DNF a book and I did manage to finish this one but I found it incredibly difficult to do so. Since reading the novel I've noticed a number of reviews picking up on the grammar and spelling issues. I only wish I had seen these reviews before buying this book.
I rarely DNF a book and I did manage to finish this one but I found it incredibly difficult to do so. Since reading the novel I've noticed a number of reviews picking up on the grammar and spelling issues. I only wish I had seen these reviews before buying this book.
April 10, 2022
Regency era.
Ambrosia sought to be nearly perfect. She felt anger
b/c her parents tried to make a match for her with
men between the ages of 16 to 90 and her sisters &
BFF gave her unsolicited advice on how to look and
act. Duncan (an earl) fell back on his familiar ways
IE drinking, gambling, wenching. Both at times
revealed behavior which contradicted their images.
These MCs found each other, then got their priorities
straight. Ambrosia displayed special mathematics skills.
Used in a special context.
Ambrosia sought to be nearly perfect. She felt anger
b/c her parents tried to make a match for her with
men between the ages of 16 to 90 and her sisters &
BFF gave her unsolicited advice on how to look and
act. Duncan (an earl) fell back on his familiar ways
IE drinking, gambling, wenching. Both at times
revealed behavior which contradicted their images.
These MCs found each other, then got their priorities
straight. Ambrosia displayed special mathematics skills.
Used in a special context.
April 9, 2018
Enjoyed the plotting and the characters
Author uses complex sentence structure--which makes the reader slow down.
location 1871 I was struck by description of anticipation/attraction
"The tension-filled space between them made her entire body feel like an archer's bow being drawn taut with anticipation and the feelings she had yet to put actual words to." (After typing this-- I realize my editor may have been in control -- "don't end a sentence with a preposition.")
Author uses complex sentence structure--which makes the reader slow down.
location 1871 I was struck by description of anticipation/attraction
"The tension-filled space between them made her entire body feel like an archer's bow being drawn taut with anticipation and the feelings she had yet to put actual words to." (After typing this-- I realize my editor may have been in control -- "don't end a sentence with a preposition.")
February 8, 2017
Great characters, the author stayed in the right period, no boring parts.
February 20, 2014
I should have quit the first time someone used "whom" as a subject.
October 31, 2020
Fabulous Regency Romance
Another one that has been sat on my kindle forever, but I've been in a Regency mood this week and this one jumped out at me.
I don't think I have read anything by this author before but I found the story to be engaging and entertaining. It has kept me up till 2.30am to finish it.
This is a standalone but is also the start of the Regency Blooms series. It is a classic tale of a rake who has unexpectedly inherited an earldom but all the money has gone and the family name is trash. So he sets out to trap a rich and respectable bride. But he didn't bank on falling for her,.
Great characters, main and supporting, and a lovely story throughout.
Another one that has been sat on my kindle forever, but I've been in a Regency mood this week and this one jumped out at me.
I don't think I have read anything by this author before but I found the story to be engaging and entertaining. It has kept me up till 2.30am to finish it.
This is a standalone but is also the start of the Regency Blooms series. It is a classic tale of a rake who has unexpectedly inherited an earldom but all the money has gone and the family name is trash. So he sets out to trap a rich and respectable bride. But he didn't bank on falling for her,.
Great characters, main and supporting, and a lovely story throughout.
September 11, 2017
Excellent
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. When it didn't become the marriage of convenience story that I like reading the most, I was a little disappointed but the intensity of the characters brought it to life for me. The only reason it received 4 stars instead of 5 was that I wished the characters had admitted their love instead of waiting until the last couple of chapters. I'm looking forward to reading the next two volumes in this series.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. When it didn't become the marriage of convenience story that I like reading the most, I was a little disappointed but the intensity of the characters brought it to life for me. The only reason it received 4 stars instead of 5 was that I wished the characters had admitted their love instead of waiting until the last couple of chapters. I'm looking forward to reading the next two volumes in this series.
August 8, 2018
Compromising Miss Tisdale (The Regency Blooms Book 1)
The love story of Ambrosia and Duncan. Ambrosia Tisdale is all a lady can be. She is in her fourth seasons and there will be no fifth she must find a husband.
Duncan is a earl who must find a heiress to marry or lost everything. His friend suggested he compromise Ambrosia Tisdale. Can he do it without falling in love with her? Great story.
The love story of Ambrosia and Duncan. Ambrosia Tisdale is all a lady can be. She is in her fourth seasons and there will be no fifth she must find a husband.
Duncan is a earl who must find a heiress to marry or lost everything. His friend suggested he compromise Ambrosia Tisdale. Can he do it without falling in love with her? Great story.
July 17, 2021
Ambrosia is in her forth season to find a husband. She has refused many offers. Her mother said this is the last season. She is fleeing a ball where a married man asked her to be his mistress. In the library she finds a wet man with his shirt off. When he sees her he goes to her and starts kissing her. She doesn’t object at first. But this just isn’t right. That starts their fight. Turns out he’s an Earl and a rake. She is very proper.
February 10, 2018
A good love story.
I really enjoyed it. I thought the story line could have been expanded on with more suspense and drama if the financial part of the story had been expanded on in more detail. None the less, I will look forward to reading more of her stories. Some sexual content but not so much that I skipped over any parts.
I really enjoyed it. I thought the story line could have been expanded on with more suspense and drama if the financial part of the story had been expanded on in more detail. None the less, I will look forward to reading more of her stories. Some sexual content but not so much that I skipped over any parts.
June 20, 2017
Great book
I loved this book. If you like romances this one is for you. Miss Tisdale doesn't like any suitors enough to marry. Then she meets the newest rake in London. Will she follow her heart?
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I loved this book. If you like romances this one is for you. Miss Tisdale doesn't like any suitors enough to marry. Then she meets the newest rake in London. Will she follow her heart?
?
March 2, 2020
Duncan has almost nothing to recommend him. Also the hero sleeping around even after a amorous physical relationship has started to develop between the main characters is something of a deal breaker for me.
July 29, 2018
Loved this book, now starting on second in series
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