What do you think?
Rate this book
Mallorens & Friends #5
Devilish
In this continuation of the Malloren saga, Jo Beverley concocts a spicy recipe with two characters who have sworn never to marry. Diana Westmount, Countess of Arradale, refuses to take a meddling husband and lose control of her fortune, her lands, and her life. Bey Malloren, the Marquess of Rothgar, carries a terrible family secret, one that prevents him from ever producing an heir.
381 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2000
128 people are currently reading
961 people want to read
About the author
Jo Beverley
140 books1,129 followersMary Josephine Dunn was born 22 September 1947 in Lancashire, England, UK. At the age of eleven she went to an all-girls boarding school, Layton Hill Convent, Blackpool. At sixteen, she wrote her first romance, with a medieval setting, completed in installments in an exercise book. From 1966 to 1970, she obtained a degree in English history from Keele University in Staffordshire, where she met her future husband, Ken Beverley. After graduation, they married on June 24, 1971. She quickly attained a position as a youth employment officer until 1976, working first in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, and then in West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire.
In 1976, her scientist husband was invited to do post-doctoral research at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. When her professional qualifications proved not to be usable in the Canadian labour market, she raised their two sons and started to write her first romances.
Moved to Ottawa, in 1985 she became a founding member of the Ottawa Romance Writers’ Association, that her “nurturing community” for the next twelve years. The same year, she completed a regency romance, but it was promptly rejected by a number of publishers, and she settled more earnestly to learning the craft. In 1988, it sold to Walker, and was published as "Lord Wraybourne's Betrothed". She regularly appears on bestseller lists including the USA Today overall bestseller list, the New York Times, and and the Publishers Weekly list. She has been the recipient of numerous awards including the Golden Leaf, the Award of Excellence, the National Readers Choice, and a two Career Achievement awards from Romantic Times. She is also a five time winner of the RITA, the top award of the Romance Writers Of America, and a member of their Hall of Fame and Honor Roll.
Jo Beverley passed away on May 23, 2016 after a long battle with cancer.
In 1976, her scientist husband was invited to do post-doctoral research at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. When her professional qualifications proved not to be usable in the Canadian labour market, she raised their two sons and started to write her first romances.
Moved to Ottawa, in 1985 she became a founding member of the Ottawa Romance Writers’ Association, that her “nurturing community” for the next twelve years. The same year, she completed a regency romance, but it was promptly rejected by a number of publishers, and she settled more earnestly to learning the craft. In 1988, it sold to Walker, and was published as "Lord Wraybourne's Betrothed". She regularly appears on bestseller lists including the USA Today overall bestseller list, the New York Times, and and the Publishers Weekly list. She has been the recipient of numerous awards including the Golden Leaf, the Award of Excellence, the National Readers Choice, and a two Career Achievement awards from Romantic Times. She is also a five time winner of the RITA, the top award of the Romance Writers Of America, and a member of their Hall of Fame and Honor Roll.
Jo Beverley passed away on May 23, 2016 after a long battle with cancer.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
June 9, 2016
I was prepared for this story to be problematic. I wish I could remember where I heard that, but it being the only one of the series I can't get at the library (because they don't have a copy) was further confirmation. And it's a crying shame, but not nearly as bad as I had braced for.
Thanks to (recent) regular reading of Jennifer Crusie's blog, I actually diagnosed the problem pretty early—something I wouldn't have known to recognize even a year ago. While her advice is to writers (with an emphasis on romance), it's solid story/reading analysis as well (which is why I indulge). And the key problem with this novel is that not one, but both main characters have negative motivation. In other words, they're both motivated to not do something (indeed, the same thing—not get married). So the best path to get what they are motivated for is to simply not do anything. I saw the effect of this when, at about a third of the way in, I put the book down for three days and felt no compulsion to pick it up immediately.
Which would have been bad enough, but Bey's motivation was simply irrational and for a character who is based on how smart he is, that gets harder to swallow the longer it goes on. I mean, it'd be one thing if there were even the figment of a rational basis to believe that his mother's madness might be heritable, but there is literally none. No other family history. Bey doesn't fight madness in himself. There's really no credible reason to believe that his family is afflicted with madness. And yet, he's letting his superstitious fear overrule not only his own happiness but that of the woman he (in time) comes to love as well. It's frustrating, is what I'm saying.
To counter that, however, I found myself quickly and completely attached to Diana and Bey as romantic leads. Some of that is competence porn, but even more is that Beverley managed to craft the perfect match for the strong-willed and hyper-competent Bey. We knew that was headed to good places when in the last book she bested Bey in not one, but two, confrontations. In this book, rather than repeating that trick, we have Diana saving his life not once, but twice. All that on top of their extremely engaging wit and conversation. I loved literally everything about this couple (well, except for the above).
Which gives me the quandary of how to rate this book. I've waffled between three and four stars for twenty-four hours now, and I'm still no closer to deciding. I'll probably go with four, just because I love Bey and Diana so much and because the eventual resolution was outstanding. Maybe I'll claim the kicker is how integrated the explicit scenes were. I dunno. Heck, I may drop back to this review from time to time and flip from one rating to the other. Just to keep it real...
A note about content: Bey and Diana are up against some truly despicable people and that includes some graphic sexual threat/violence. In addition, Diana's reaction and method to overcome the results are idiosyncratic, though I don't believe in a bad or unbelievable way. I can see why some fans may find it off-putting, though, so that may explain some of the negative reactions.
A note about Steamy: Standard for this series. A couple explicit sex scenes (in addition to the above, which I don't count) and the middle of my steam tolerance. They do play very well into the character/relationship arc, and weren't at all out of place. Further, they served character exposition, as well, and that was excellent.
Thanks to (recent) regular reading of Jennifer Crusie's blog, I actually diagnosed the problem pretty early—something I wouldn't have known to recognize even a year ago. While her advice is to writers (with an emphasis on romance), it's solid story/reading analysis as well (which is why I indulge). And the key problem with this novel is that not one, but both main characters have negative motivation. In other words, they're both motivated to not do something (indeed, the same thing—not get married). So the best path to get what they are motivated for is to simply not do anything. I saw the effect of this when, at about a third of the way in, I put the book down for three days and felt no compulsion to pick it up immediately.
Which would have been bad enough, but Bey's motivation was simply irrational and for a character who is based on how smart he is, that gets harder to swallow the longer it goes on. I mean, it'd be one thing if there were even the figment of a rational basis to believe that his mother's madness might be heritable, but there is literally none. No other family history. Bey doesn't fight madness in himself. There's really no credible reason to believe that his family is afflicted with madness. And yet, he's letting his superstitious fear overrule not only his own happiness but that of the woman he (in time) comes to love as well. It's frustrating, is what I'm saying.
To counter that, however, I found myself quickly and completely attached to Diana and Bey as romantic leads. Some of that is competence porn, but even more is that Beverley managed to craft the perfect match for the strong-willed and hyper-competent Bey. We knew that was headed to good places when in the last book she bested Bey in not one, but two, confrontations. In this book, rather than repeating that trick, we have Diana saving his life not once, but twice. All that on top of their extremely engaging wit and conversation. I loved literally everything about this couple (well, except for the above).
Which gives me the quandary of how to rate this book. I've waffled between three and four stars for twenty-four hours now, and I'm still no closer to deciding. I'll probably go with four, just because I love Bey and Diana so much and because the eventual resolution was outstanding. Maybe I'll claim the kicker is how integrated the explicit scenes were. I dunno. Heck, I may drop back to this review from time to time and flip from one rating to the other. Just to keep it real...
A note about content: Bey and Diana are up against some truly despicable people and that includes some graphic sexual threat/violence. In addition, Diana's reaction and method to overcome the results are idiosyncratic, though I don't believe in a bad or unbelievable way. I can see why some fans may find it off-putting, though, so that may explain some of the negative reactions.
A note about Steamy: Standard for this series. A couple explicit sex scenes (in addition to the above, which I don't count) and the middle of my steam tolerance. They do play very well into the character/relationship arc, and weren't at all out of place. Further, they served character exposition, as well, and that was excellent.
September 30, 2012
Next up among the Malloren clan is the super-controlling and usually patronizing Beowolf, Earl of Rothgar (I just love JoBev's names). We're told he's handsome in a devilish sort of way (hence the title).
OK, this is probably more what the author had in mind…
Someone has been trying to kill Rothgar, setting him up to fight in duels, etc., and he thinks it has to do with his work for the king. George isn't all that clear on the best strategic decisions with regard to the French, and Bey has been the one advisor who seems to get through to him. Add to this he has sources of intel that give him access to dispatches sent and received by D'Eon, an ambitious diplomat for King Louis and also covert operative.
So it's a bit inconvenient when Bey has to hie himself up to Wenscote for his brother Brand's wedding. The family is staying with Diana, Countess of Arradale (Rosa's friend) in the last book, and frankly, his attraction for her is also a bit inconvenient. You see, Bey's mummy went a little
…and killed his baby sister. He was there and tried to stop it, but he was only four. So now he has this obsessive need to A) protect everybody he ever meets, B) control everybody he ever meets, and C) never reproduce, lest his mama's crazy genes are inherited.
Meanwhile, Diana has her own reasons for never wanting to marry. You see, she's a countess in her own right—a rare thing in those days, and she likes having the power to control her own estate and her own destiny. If she marries, her husband will take over. So she spends her days learning to fence and shoot, and generally do all the things a man is good for (that she knows of).
Unfortunately, Diana's reputation as
…finds its way to King George. Like most men with little minds, he worries that an INDEPENDENT WOMAN might have bigger balls than his, so he makes up his cute little mind to see her married. So he orders Rothgar to bring her back to London to "attend the queen".
On the way back to London, the attraction between them becomes more difficult to resist. Diana goes all
But Rothgar, being a control freak, is determined to keep his distance. He's kind of an
…for most of the trip.
To liven things up while he's being a b-hole, the baddies somehow know where they'll be, and there are more attempts on Rothgar's life. Or virtue. Or something.
Maybe it's all the excitement, but the two of them finally
But when the dawn comes, Rothgar has his defenses up again. He tells her that if it comes to the worst, he'll marry her, but it will have to be a "white" marriage (where they don't do the nasty—like that's gonna happen).
When they get to court, the king and queen make it clear that if Diana won't pick a hubby by the time the queen goes into confinement (about two weeks), they plan to pick one for her. Turns out they plan to pick Rothgar. So Diana has two ways to get married to the guy she wants, but she'd rather not marry him if he's going to be frigid. So she has two weeks to convince him to love her.
Through it all, the Frenchie devils are hard at work trying to mess with Rothgar, and once they figure out that Diana's important to him, her, too. Abductions, creepy rapey guys with goldfish for brains, and other intrigues keep the story moving along pretty well. I was a little impatient with all the angst and navel gazing over the romance—the obstacles were pretty silly after awhile. Even so, the characters are engaging and the drama is pretty good, so while I don't think this is as good as the first two in the series, I'll give it a 4.
OK, this is probably more what the author had in mind…
Someone has been trying to kill Rothgar, setting him up to fight in duels, etc., and he thinks it has to do with his work for the king. George isn't all that clear on the best strategic decisions with regard to the French, and Bey has been the one advisor who seems to get through to him. Add to this he has sources of intel that give him access to dispatches sent and received by D'Eon, an ambitious diplomat for King Louis and also covert operative.
So it's a bit inconvenient when Bey has to hie himself up to Wenscote for his brother Brand's wedding. The family is staying with Diana, Countess of Arradale (Rosa's friend) in the last book, and frankly, his attraction for her is also a bit inconvenient. You see, Bey's mummy went a little
…and killed his baby sister. He was there and tried to stop it, but he was only four. So now he has this obsessive need to A) protect everybody he ever meets, B) control everybody he ever meets, and C) never reproduce, lest his mama's crazy genes are inherited.
Meanwhile, Diana has her own reasons for never wanting to marry. You see, she's a countess in her own right—a rare thing in those days, and she likes having the power to control her own estate and her own destiny. If she marries, her husband will take over. So she spends her days learning to fence and shoot, and generally do all the things a man is good for (that she knows of).
Unfortunately, Diana's reputation as
…finds its way to King George. Like most men with little minds, he worries that an INDEPENDENT WOMAN might have bigger balls than his, so he makes up his cute little mind to see her married. So he orders Rothgar to bring her back to London to "attend the queen".
On the way back to London, the attraction between them becomes more difficult to resist. Diana goes all
But Rothgar, being a control freak, is determined to keep his distance. He's kind of an
…for most of the trip.
To liven things up while he's being a b-hole, the baddies somehow know where they'll be, and there are more attempts on Rothgar's life. Or virtue. Or something.
Maybe it's all the excitement, but the two of them finally
But when the dawn comes, Rothgar has his defenses up again. He tells her that if it comes to the worst, he'll marry her, but it will have to be a "white" marriage (where they don't do the nasty—like that's gonna happen).
When they get to court, the king and queen make it clear that if Diana won't pick a hubby by the time the queen goes into confinement (about two weeks), they plan to pick one for her. Turns out they plan to pick Rothgar. So Diana has two ways to get married to the guy she wants, but she'd rather not marry him if he's going to be frigid. So she has two weeks to convince him to love her.
Through it all, the Frenchie devils are hard at work trying to mess with Rothgar, and once they figure out that Diana's important to him, her, too. Abductions, creepy rapey guys with goldfish for brains, and other intrigues keep the story moving along pretty well. I was a little impatient with all the angst and navel gazing over the romance—the obstacles were pretty silly after awhile. Even so, the characters are engaging and the drama is pretty good, so while I don't think this is as good as the first two in the series, I'll give it a 4.
November 24, 2020
Esta novela es la número cinco de la serie pero me atreví a leerla por separado del resto porque la sinopsis me llamaba y porque vi muchas reseñas con cinco estrellas pero… volvemos a lo de siempre, lo que a algunos le parece increíble a mí me deja fría y es lo que me ha pasado.
No le echo la culpa a no seguir el orden de los libros porque creo que no es un impedimento grande, son cosillas nimias las que suelen darnos por regla general antes de la historia con los protagonistas. Mi decepción es por las grandes expectativas y porque al final la historia no es lo que buscaba.
Bey Malloren, marqués de Rothgar es el mayor de los hermanos de esta familia, tras un hecho doloroso del pasado tiene una especie de “trauma” que le hace creer que es imposible formar una familia, la idea del matrimonio no se le pasa por la cabeza. Bey como cabeza de familia es el que lleva la responsabilidad, se ha encargado de que cada uno de sus hermanos consiguiese su felicidad, ahora todos tienen su propia familia y él cree haber cumplido con su deber.
Es en este punto en el que se cuestiona muchas cosas pero siempre firme en su decisión de no traer ninguna descendencia pero conoce a Diana Westmount, condesa de Arradale por la que se siente atraído.
Diana es un personaje moderno para la época, tiene un título a pesar de no ser mujer, ha sido educada como un hombre, sin duda se basta ella sola, pero el Rey no quiere que le cause problemas y quiere que se case.
Las características de Diana me gustan pero creo que no se ha desarrollado bien su personaje, se ha quedado a medias y su pasado poco desarrollado. Me pasa algo parecido con Bey, su pasado pero sobre todo su carácter, esa frialdad e indiferencia, es que pasan ciertos hechos y no despliega sentimientos. Tanto es así que... https://oceanodelibros.blogspot.com/2...
No le echo la culpa a no seguir el orden de los libros porque creo que no es un impedimento grande, son cosillas nimias las que suelen darnos por regla general antes de la historia con los protagonistas. Mi decepción es por las grandes expectativas y porque al final la historia no es lo que buscaba.
Bey Malloren, marqués de Rothgar es el mayor de los hermanos de esta familia, tras un hecho doloroso del pasado tiene una especie de “trauma” que le hace creer que es imposible formar una familia, la idea del matrimonio no se le pasa por la cabeza. Bey como cabeza de familia es el que lleva la responsabilidad, se ha encargado de que cada uno de sus hermanos consiguiese su felicidad, ahora todos tienen su propia familia y él cree haber cumplido con su deber.
Es en este punto en el que se cuestiona muchas cosas pero siempre firme en su decisión de no traer ninguna descendencia pero conoce a Diana Westmount, condesa de Arradale por la que se siente atraído.
Diana es un personaje moderno para la época, tiene un título a pesar de no ser mujer, ha sido educada como un hombre, sin duda se basta ella sola, pero el Rey no quiere que le cause problemas y quiere que se case.
Las características de Diana me gustan pero creo que no se ha desarrollado bien su personaje, se ha quedado a medias y su pasado poco desarrollado. Me pasa algo parecido con Bey, su pasado pero sobre todo su carácter, esa frialdad e indiferencia, es que pasan ciertos hechos y no despliega sentimientos. Tanto es así que... https://oceanodelibros.blogspot.com/2...
December 14, 2021
England 1763. The late author was awarded a RITA for this
book. Too much diversion from love story. 3.5 stars,
rounded up.
"Bey" Malloren, Marquess of Rothgar, & Diana, Countess
of Arradale met one year before, when she bested the H.
His fam & friends called him Rothgar, but Bey for brevity.
Di, Countess "in her own right" petitioned King George
to sit in House of Lords. Bey gathered intel for King Geo.
but didn't consider himself a secret agent. As a child Bey
observed his 'mad' mom strangle her infant. He feared
he had tainted blood & planned to never wed or sire a
child.
King George commanded Bey to escort Di from Yorkshire
to London, to become "a lady in waiting." Bey cautioned
Di to be a 'more conventional lady' in her views/ actions
while at court. What a good love story! But the murder
attempts & spy stuff did not 'float my boat.'
book. Too much diversion from love story. 3.5 stars,
rounded up.
"Bey" Malloren, Marquess of Rothgar, & Diana, Countess
of Arradale met one year before, when she bested the H.
His fam & friends called him Rothgar, but Bey for brevity.
Di, Countess "in her own right" petitioned King George
to sit in House of Lords. Bey gathered intel for King Geo.
but didn't consider himself a secret agent. As a child Bey
observed his 'mad' mom strangle her infant. He feared
he had tainted blood & planned to never wed or sire a
child.
King George commanded Bey to escort Di from Yorkshire
to London, to become "a lady in waiting." Bey cautioned
Di to be a 'more conventional lady' in her views/ actions
while at court. What a good love story! But the murder
attempts & spy stuff did not 'float my boat.'
April 13, 2019
El no haber leído los dos libros anteriores a este, me jugó en contra ya que me ha costado adentrarme en la historia, igual debo decir que es un libro que está muy bien escrito, el Marqués Rothgar y la Condesa Diana, son dos personajes de carácter fuerte y llenos de responsabilidades, ambos renuentes a enamorarse, pero a pesar de sus fallidos intentos, el amor los vuelve vulnerables, mostrando en todo momento los temores y conflictos que siempre tuvo el Marqués, sobre todo por la historia de su madre, eso si no veremos mucho romance, la historia se centra más en los intentos de asesinato, intriga política y las costumbres de esa época, triste ver el poco valor que se le daba a la mujer, pero agradable ver una protagonista fuerte e inteligente. Le doy 3.5
May 18, 2025
Devilish by Jo Beverley (2000)…, Aaugh!!! So wickedly splendid with electrifying sexual tension, and until the very end I was glued to the book to see how Diana and Rothgar would get their HEA. All the previous books in the Malloren series are really good but this one and the previous are the best, and both can be read together as the stories are related … much more so than with the first three books. Or this one can easily be read as a standalone.
Diana, the Countess of Arradale who lives in Yorkshire, is a countess in her own right … very rare and King George III doesn’t like it. The Marquess of Rothgar, the eldest of the Mallorens … called Bey by his family, has been commanded to bring her to London. He’s known as the Dark Marquess, feared by men, desired by women, an adviser to the king, but he’s tortured by a tragic secret and will never marry. Two of the strongest willed people in England clash.
This is a thrilling, suspenseful story, with French spies, harrowing moments, and one of the most erotically sensuous scenes I’ve read in ages. Some may quibble with the fact that neither Diana or Bey want to marry, and their reasons may be weak which could make the story far fetched. It didn’t seem that way for me. Beverley has written a gem. Historical romance fiction at its finest! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Diana, the Countess of Arradale who lives in Yorkshire, is a countess in her own right … very rare and King George III doesn’t like it. The Marquess of Rothgar, the eldest of the Mallorens … called Bey by his family, has been commanded to bring her to London. He’s known as the Dark Marquess, feared by men, desired by women, an adviser to the king, but he’s tortured by a tragic secret and will never marry. Two of the strongest willed people in England clash.
This is a thrilling, suspenseful story, with French spies, harrowing moments, and one of the most erotically sensuous scenes I’ve read in ages. Some may quibble with the fact that neither Diana or Bey want to marry, and their reasons may be weak which could make the story far fetched. It didn’t seem that way for me. Beverley has written a gem. Historical romance fiction at its finest! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 22, 2022
I had forgotten the magic that is Jo Beverley. Her lush depictions of the Georgian era, the way her characters are so exquisitely rendered.
Bey, the Marquess of Rothgar, has devoted his entire life to ensuring his siblings find their happily ever afters. He is the ultimate guardian and protector, and cherishes nothing more than the bonds of family. He is loyal to king and country, revered and feared for his influence and power. He cannot afford to let his walls down.
Diana is caught in a web of her own making. If she wants to preserve her heritage, and maintain control of her estate, she has to trust the enigmatic man who seems to inhabit his own stratosphere.
Forced proximity in a long carriage ride leads to an acknowledgement of their mutual desire. And they recognize something in each other they know they will never find in anyone else.
Royal plots, royal matchmaking and attempted murder conspire to keep them apart.
Although this is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone.
Bey, the Marquess of Rothgar, has devoted his entire life to ensuring his siblings find their happily ever afters. He is the ultimate guardian and protector, and cherishes nothing more than the bonds of family. He is loyal to king and country, revered and feared for his influence and power. He cannot afford to let his walls down.
Diana is caught in a web of her own making. If she wants to preserve her heritage, and maintain control of her estate, she has to trust the enigmatic man who seems to inhabit his own stratosphere.
Forced proximity in a long carriage ride leads to an acknowledgement of their mutual desire. And they recognize something in each other they know they will never find in anyone else.
Royal plots, royal matchmaking and attempted murder conspire to keep them apart.
Although this is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone.
May 27, 2021
"Eh, sì" mormorò il marchese, "Altri inebetiti dall'amore. Vi avverto, pare essere contagioso. Questa malattia ha imperversato nella mia famiglia in poco tempo. Io ne sono immune, naturalmente, ma voi dovete stare attenta."
"Anch'io sono immune, milord, ve lo posso assicurare."
"Non potete immaginare il mio sollievo, dal momento che io sono l'unico uomo libero presente."
Esattamente vent'anni fa "Devilish" vinceva il premio Rita come miglior romanzo storico ed era letteralmente un decennio che aspettavo di mettere le mani sulla nuova edizione di questo volume, il quinto della nota serie dedicata alla famiglia Malloren.
Infatti questa è forse la serie più celebre della compianta Jo Beverley e una delle più conosciute nel genere #historical #romance.
Si aggiunga poi che il marchese di Rothgar (per gli intimi anche Bey) è un personaggio maschile che rivaleggia per sguardo glaciale, aplomb e spietatezza con altri eroi romantici molto amati, come il duca di Bewcastle della Balogh.
Insomma, un capofamiglia con i controfiocchi che sinora, nei volumi precedenti, si è sempre ben occupato di proteggere e sistemare i cinque fratellastri, senza mai offuscare la lucidità del suo smalto esteriore, elegante e seducente, anche se il suo cuore ospita "più demoni che angeli" (sto liberamente citando dal libro...).
Naturalmente il marchese, in tanta perfezione, ha un punto nevralgico: sua madre è morta malata ed egli teme di tramandare a eventuali figli il seme della pazzia; perciò ha deciso da tempo di rinunciare a nozze e amori stabili, designando come erede suo fratello, nato dalla seconda moglie del padre.
Per fargli cambiare idea la Beverley ha dovuto escogitare una figura di donna tutta d'un pezzo, Diana, l'unica figlia di un conte, allevata dal padre come se fosse un maschio, per consentirle di governare terre e patrimonio.
Si tratta di un'eccezione che stride con le leggi e convenzioni dell'epoca, infatti il re e il resto dei pari sono infastiditi da questa figura non-conforme, per non dire spaventati: quindi l'alternativa che impongono è una, o un marito-tutore che sollevi da occupazioni che potrebbero danneggiare la delicata costituzione femminile, o la condanna a finire in qualche manicomio per palese instabilità mentale.
Ma questo è solo lo spunto. In questo romanzo troverete di tutto: confronti, azione, rapimenti e duelli, nonché sfide e balli, in un vortice in cui per la prima volta Bey dovrà pensare a se stesso e non solo al bene dei parenti.
A mio parere molto bello, ho rivalutato il marchese e ho riapprezzato tutta la famiglia.
"Anch'io sono immune, milord, ve lo posso assicurare."
"Non potete immaginare il mio sollievo, dal momento che io sono l'unico uomo libero presente."
Esattamente vent'anni fa "Devilish" vinceva il premio Rita come miglior romanzo storico ed era letteralmente un decennio che aspettavo di mettere le mani sulla nuova edizione di questo volume, il quinto della nota serie dedicata alla famiglia Malloren.
Infatti questa è forse la serie più celebre della compianta Jo Beverley e una delle più conosciute nel genere #historical #romance.
Si aggiunga poi che il marchese di Rothgar (per gli intimi anche Bey) è un personaggio maschile che rivaleggia per sguardo glaciale, aplomb e spietatezza con altri eroi romantici molto amati, come il duca di Bewcastle della Balogh.
Insomma, un capofamiglia con i controfiocchi che sinora, nei volumi precedenti, si è sempre ben occupato di proteggere e sistemare i cinque fratellastri, senza mai offuscare la lucidità del suo smalto esteriore, elegante e seducente, anche se il suo cuore ospita "più demoni che angeli" (sto liberamente citando dal libro...).
Naturalmente il marchese, in tanta perfezione, ha un punto nevralgico: sua madre è morta malata ed egli teme di tramandare a eventuali figli il seme della pazzia; perciò ha deciso da tempo di rinunciare a nozze e amori stabili, designando come erede suo fratello, nato dalla seconda moglie del padre.
Per fargli cambiare idea la Beverley ha dovuto escogitare una figura di donna tutta d'un pezzo, Diana, l'unica figlia di un conte, allevata dal padre come se fosse un maschio, per consentirle di governare terre e patrimonio.
Si tratta di un'eccezione che stride con le leggi e convenzioni dell'epoca, infatti il re e il resto dei pari sono infastiditi da questa figura non-conforme, per non dire spaventati: quindi l'alternativa che impongono è una, o un marito-tutore che sollevi da occupazioni che potrebbero danneggiare la delicata costituzione femminile, o la condanna a finire in qualche manicomio per palese instabilità mentale.
Ma questo è solo lo spunto. In questo romanzo troverete di tutto: confronti, azione, rapimenti e duelli, nonché sfide e balli, in un vortice in cui per la prima volta Bey dovrà pensare a se stesso e non solo al bene dei parenti.
A mio parere molto bello, ho rivalutato il marchese e ho riapprezzato tutta la famiglia.
April 23, 2019
No pensaba que me fuera a gustar, la verdad.
Tengo a la autora un poco encasillada en estos viejunismos raros con Danielle Steel o similares, y aunque tenía el libro en casa nunca le había dado una oportunidad.
Si bien es cierto que es más tradicional y viejuno que si lees a Maclean o a Quinn, me ha sorprendido gratamente. Además los personajes son dos personas fuertes marcadas por una infancia complicada, que ahora tienen que asumir muchas responsabilidades. Su historia me ha gustado mucho, porque el amor es algo que viene como de lejos y aunque quieren disfrazarlo de pasión al final se rinden a la evidencia y se dan una oportunidad.
La parte histórica no se me ha hecho pesada, sino que me ha parecido interesante y bien llevada con la trama. Había momentos como un poco "peliculeros" pero tampoco me ha molestado.
En reglas generales sería un 7 más o menos, pero le he puesto esas 4 estrellas porque creo que conseguir que un libro de este estilo me sorprenda gratamente y me plantee quedármelo en mi biblioteca particular merecía ese medio punto más.
Tengo a la autora un poco encasillada en estos viejunismos raros con Danielle Steel o similares, y aunque tenía el libro en casa nunca le había dado una oportunidad.
Si bien es cierto que es más tradicional y viejuno que si lees a Maclean o a Quinn, me ha sorprendido gratamente. Además los personajes son dos personas fuertes marcadas por una infancia complicada, que ahora tienen que asumir muchas responsabilidades. Su historia me ha gustado mucho, porque el amor es algo que viene como de lejos y aunque quieren disfrazarlo de pasión al final se rinden a la evidencia y se dan una oportunidad.
La parte histórica no se me ha hecho pesada, sino que me ha parecido interesante y bien llevada con la trama. Había momentos como un poco "peliculeros" pero tampoco me ha molestado.
En reglas generales sería un 7 más o menos, pero le he puesto esas 4 estrellas porque creo que conseguir que un libro de este estilo me sorprenda gratamente y me plantee quedármelo en mi biblioteca particular merecía ese medio punto más.
March 25, 2016
I first read this in 2010, but I didn't remember a single thing about it. So I was looking forward to finally getting (again, technically I suppose) Rothgar's story. He's my favorite of the series (as if I haven't mentioned that enough already, but he is!), and one of my favorite HR heroes of all of any that I've read. He's just that good, which is definitely all due to the author's skills. I also liked Diana pretty well in her appearances in Secrets of the Night, she was intriguing, with her being titled in her own right, and the mentions of the mischief she and Rosa used to get up to, and the feisty-ness she showed in trying to help Rosa. Especially her interactions with Rothgar, how she out-maneuvered him, and proved herself to be a worthy opponent to him. So, I was really hoping that this book wouldn't disappoint, that I'd enjoy seeing them fall for each other, though they were so determined not to.
I can firmly say that I was not at all disappointed with the way their story turned out. It was, to me, amazingly well done. I could totally believe the way they came to see each other as their other half, how they came to fall in love despite their iron wills not to ever do so, each for their own very good reasons. Sure, they clashed against each other sometimes, with Rothgar always wanting to be firmly in control at all times, and Diana wanting to be her own woman and do as she pleased. I liked the sparks that flew, and how they both couldn't help but be attracted, and thoroughly distracted by the other. Cold, steely Rothgar, becoming twitterpated. It was a delightful sight to see, and I loved how Diana handled him. She was the perfect foil for him, and the writing showed it very well. More than once, I found myself getting all like emotional at certain scenes, their inner thoughts of how they wanted each other, but how they both knew it couldn't work. They knew it would be perfect, and amazing, but they also knew that if they let themselves burn, they'd be consumed. When they did finally come together, I thought it was supremely done. The emotions ran high, but there was nothing sappy about it. It was very sensual, and I could feel it. The steaminess of the scene was just right, not too little, not overdone. Just perfect. Le sigh...
The court scenes were interesting, and while it wasn't the usual sort of trouble and danger that was seen in previous books, I could still feel the sense of something bad looming if all parts weren't played just right. Diana was not a woman to simper and swoon and act like a porcelain doll, and it was interesting to see how she had to handle acting like one in order to prove to the king and queen that she was a perfectly sane lady, and not some crazy person. I wanted to berate the king and queen for their opinions, and rail against the realistic historical injustice of being a woman in the past. Diana's wishes to be in control of her own life, and to hold onto the power she had, were perfectly understandable to me, and it galls me that people considered that ridiculous and insane back in the day. In that, I loved how Rothgar accepted her as the strong person that she was, and that he could understand.
When the HEA came, it made me smile. Seeing Rothgar finally happy and complete was great, and I was super happy that his heroine was perfect for him. Of course, it was also great to see the other Malloren siblings again, and see them continuing on with their lives. I look forward to seeing them all again in later books, and hope that I do. I've never read any farther in the series than this one, so from here on, it'll all be new to me. Looking forward to it :)
I had my cast in mind by about 2/3 through, so here they are.
I can firmly say that I was not at all disappointed with the way their story turned out. It was, to me, amazingly well done. I could totally believe the way they came to see each other as their other half, how they came to fall in love despite their iron wills not to ever do so, each for their own very good reasons. Sure, they clashed against each other sometimes, with Rothgar always wanting to be firmly in control at all times, and Diana wanting to be her own woman and do as she pleased. I liked the sparks that flew, and how they both couldn't help but be attracted, and thoroughly distracted by the other. Cold, steely Rothgar, becoming twitterpated. It was a delightful sight to see, and I loved how Diana handled him. She was the perfect foil for him, and the writing showed it very well. More than once, I found myself getting all like emotional at certain scenes, their inner thoughts of how they wanted each other, but how they both knew it couldn't work. They knew it would be perfect, and amazing, but they also knew that if they let themselves burn, they'd be consumed. When they did finally come together, I thought it was supremely done. The emotions ran high, but there was nothing sappy about it. It was very sensual, and I could feel it. The steaminess of the scene was just right, not too little, not overdone. Just perfect. Le sigh...
The court scenes were interesting, and while it wasn't the usual sort of trouble and danger that was seen in previous books, I could still feel the sense of something bad looming if all parts weren't played just right. Diana was not a woman to simper and swoon and act like a porcelain doll, and it was interesting to see how she had to handle acting like one in order to prove to the king and queen that she was a perfectly sane lady, and not some crazy person. I wanted to berate the king and queen for their opinions, and rail against the realistic historical injustice of being a woman in the past. Diana's wishes to be in control of her own life, and to hold onto the power she had, were perfectly understandable to me, and it galls me that people considered that ridiculous and insane back in the day. In that, I loved how Rothgar accepted her as the strong person that she was, and that he could understand.
When the HEA came, it made me smile. Seeing Rothgar finally happy and complete was great, and I was super happy that his heroine was perfect for him. Of course, it was also great to see the other Malloren siblings again, and see them continuing on with their lives. I look forward to seeing them all again in later books, and hope that I do. I've never read any farther in the series than this one, so from here on, it'll all be new to me. Looking forward to it :)
I had my cast in mind by about 2/3 through, so here they are.
March 27, 2020
This was an enjoyable read but I wasn't quite as engrossed in it as I was in earlier books about the Mallorans. That could just be my state of mind this week. It could also be because I remember the plot of this one better than some of my other recent rereads. Either way, this is still an excellently written historical romance and has the added advantage of bringing the reader up to date on what the heroes and heroines of previous entries in the series are up to.
August 4, 2017
2 stars. To be fair, I have to mention I hate starting in the middle of a series. It was a complete accident when I bought this book and didn't realize it was the 5th book about the Mallorens. That being said, it was very hard for me to get into it. It can be read alone, but I really wish I knew the stories of the previous characters. Another problem probably affecting my rating is that I went on vacation in the middle of reading it and lost interest. However, I might have only raised it one star because the book itself wasn't doing it for me.
Diana.. I like strong female leads, but I found her to be too modern for an HR. I don't really want to read about a woman with male qualities. She wasn't terrible, I liked her enough, but I thought the series was about the Mallorens? I felt like the majority of the time I was reading her POV and had no idea what was going on in Bey's head. It really took away from his story. I felt like Diana was the focus and I didn't want her to be. I wanted to get to know them both. Now maybe I would've understood Bey more from previous books, but alas, I haven't read them.
I actually enjoyed the first half of the book much more, but the second half went downhill. It seemed to focus less on the romance and more on the silly De Couriac plot. I also found the reasoning between Diana and Bey not marrying to be pretty weak. Ok, so he's afraid to have kids and pass on his genes, find a wife not interested in having kids lol. And Diana wanted to rule her earldom and not get married. Snooze. It just kept dragging, no plot twists. I skimmed the last third of the book.
I did enjoy Jo B's writing, but I will probably pass on the rest of the Mallorens. I am open to reading another book by this author. So if you have any recommendations, pass them along!
Diana.. I like strong female leads, but I found her to be too modern for an HR. I don't really want to read about a woman with male qualities. She wasn't terrible, I liked her enough, but I thought the series was about the Mallorens? I felt like the majority of the time I was reading her POV and had no idea what was going on in Bey's head. It really took away from his story. I felt like Diana was the focus and I didn't want her to be. I wanted to get to know them both. Now maybe I would've understood Bey more from previous books, but alas, I haven't read them.
I actually enjoyed the first half of the book much more, but the second half went downhill. It seemed to focus less on the romance and more on the silly De Couriac plot. I also found the reasoning between Diana and Bey not marrying to be pretty weak. Ok, so he's afraid to have kids and pass on his genes, find a wife not interested in having kids lol. And Diana wanted to rule her earldom and not get married. Snooze. It just kept dragging, no plot twists. I skimmed the last third of the book.
I did enjoy Jo B's writing, but I will probably pass on the rest of the Mallorens. I am open to reading another book by this author. So if you have any recommendations, pass them along!
May 5, 2021
4 e 1/2 Una storia articolata, diversa dal solito, ambientata negli strati più alti dell’aristocrazia. Veramente un bel libro.
August 12, 2024
Que j'ai lutté pour finir ce livre ! Je n'ai pas réussi à aimer les personnages, ni à les comprendre. Pas assez de passion.
Et l'époque Géorgienne n'aide pas
Et l'époque Géorgienne n'aide pas
February 9, 2017
Devilish marks the end of my current Malloren re-read and it was such a treat. The original five Malloren books have held up well and this is such a satisfying wrap-up for the core family members.
Bey, oh, Bey. Rothgar is such a fantastic character. I love how his presence and influence was a red thread throughout the books and how he finally got his own happy ending. Jo Beverly did such a fantastic job at maintaining the presence of the éminence noire while revealing his more human side. Rothgar not become anything less impressive but simply.. more. More human, more layered, more everything.
And then there is Diana. His perfect, perfect match.
It is actually pretty fitting that Bey and Diana already met in the previous story, Secrets Of The Night - both the Marquess of Rothgar and the Countess of Arradale are larger-than life figures and hugely influential in their domain. Their early clashes were delicious and I love how their meeting was the catalyst for some of the developments that came to fruition during their own story. I love the fact that even characters as rich as the ones that Jo Beverley creates still always grow in their stories. For me, this is why I can always come back to these first five Malloren books - the characters are so strong and their feelings are so vibrant and written with such clarity and richness, they just draw me back in again and again.
The story was excellent and I enjoyed the fact that both Rothgar and Diana were presented as the people they were - powerful aristocrats and significant players in their realms of power. We did not have that much of this in the previous instalments, only displays of the privilege but seldom actual displays of power as expertly wielded as by these two and it was exciting to witness. I love the fact that the biggest battles both of them had to face were against themselves and the resolution was much more satisfying for it. This story also briefly features some of the lesser-mentioned other Mallorens, Lord Steen and Hilda, who are in town for Brand and Rosa's wedding, which I found was a nice touch. It is also mentioned that Cyn's illness (which is the setup for his travelling alone at the beginning of My Lady Notorious) is a sort of emotional catalyst or turning point for Bey and thus, the story of the Rothgar siblings comes full circle and closes.
"Sometimes the gods are exceedingly kind."
Bey, oh, Bey. Rothgar is such a fantastic character. I love how his presence and influence was a red thread throughout the books and how he finally got his own happy ending. Jo Beverly did such a fantastic job at maintaining the presence of the éminence noire while revealing his more human side. Rothgar not become anything less impressive but simply.. more. More human, more layered, more everything.
And then there is Diana. His perfect, perfect match.
It is actually pretty fitting that Bey and Diana already met in the previous story, Secrets Of The Night - both the Marquess of Rothgar and the Countess of Arradale are larger-than life figures and hugely influential in their domain. Their early clashes were delicious and I love how their meeting was the catalyst for some of the developments that came to fruition during their own story. I love the fact that even characters as rich as the ones that Jo Beverley creates still always grow in their stories. For me, this is why I can always come back to these first five Malloren books - the characters are so strong and their feelings are so vibrant and written with such clarity and richness, they just draw me back in again and again.
The story was excellent and I enjoyed the fact that both Rothgar and Diana were presented as the people they were - powerful aristocrats and significant players in their realms of power. We did not have that much of this in the previous instalments, only displays of the privilege but seldom actual displays of power as expertly wielded as by these two and it was exciting to witness. I love the fact that the biggest battles both of them had to face were against themselves and the resolution was much more satisfying for it. This story also briefly features some of the lesser-mentioned other Mallorens, Lord Steen and Hilda, who are in town for Brand and Rosa's wedding, which I found was a nice touch. It is also mentioned that Cyn's illness (which is the setup for his travelling alone at the beginning of My Lady Notorious) is a sort of emotional catalyst or turning point for Bey and thus, the story of the Rothgar siblings comes full circle and closes.
"Sometimes the gods are exceedingly kind."
June 29, 2015
God, this was so boring I honestly stopped giving a hoot after 100 pages. This was my first Jo Beverley book, and I honestly didn't like her writing. It just seemed too rough and disjointed that it grated on my nerves every time I had to read something like:
One of the other ladies, Mrs. Knowlsworth, broke off what she was saying to pay attention to a young girl who had run up with a complaint of some sort.
A dancing child—her cousin Sukey’s second, she thought—tumbled and was picked up and soothed...
Another world.
The world of mothers and children.
Not for her.
Never for her, for she had rank and privileges granted to few women.
Reminds me of goddamn Twilight (cringe).
Will I try her other books? Uh, maybe... but not in the near future. Will I try to read this again? Uh, maybe not. Not my idea of a good novel, really. No, thank you.
October 7, 2010
I didn't like this story as much as the previous books in the series. This story, Rothgar and Diana's story, had a lot to live up to because Rothgar's amazing character was developed over the previous four books allowing readers to really know him well. It was easy to see how Diana could love Rothgar, but the reasons for his attraction to her were not so clearly portrayed. Still it is a wonderful story with amazing characters and lots of action. Definitely worth reading.
September 3, 2013
I was exasperate because the characters are not behaving in a way corresponding to the time IMO and because for two intelligent people with heavy responsibilities they spend way too much time behaving like lovestruck and angsty teenagers and making silly decisions. I went to 40% of the book before deciding to stop.
March 1, 2022
When Rothgar walked onto the page in My Lady Notorious (the first book in the series) he stole the entire show. I skipped straight to his story because I couldn't wait to see what kind of woman would ring his bell. I was not disappointed in Diana. She was a powerful countess and landowner in her own right and his equal in many ways. Rothgar has vowed not to marry or have children for Romance Reasons and he knows Diana threatens his cool cat equilibrium so he tries to keep her at a distance. Diana has vowed not to marry because that would mean her fortune and properties would automatically become her husband's. But unfortunately for them, both Diana has been summoned to London by the king who is determined to see her married because he thinks it unnatural for a woman to have that much power 🙄 Diana is all for being deflowered by the sexy stern brunch daddy but he's no fool and knows sleeping together is a slippery slope. But the forced proximity of a long carriage ride to London plus being chased by assassins makes the loins tingly and the breeches tight.
Rothgar was one of those seemingly heartless, arrogant, cold heroes who secretly love with all their chests. He inherited his title and four younger siblings at a young age. He raised them and dedicated his life to them and meddled in their lives until they were all happily married. I am trash for this kind of hero. He reminded me a lot of one of my faves the Duke of Bewcastle from Mary Balogh's Slightly Dangerous 🥹 Unlike that book which was completely character-driven, this one is more plot-driven. As much as I enjoyed Diana shooting bad guys and saving Rothgar's life I wished for more of them just being together. They spent way too much time apart after they arrived in London and the external plot was front and center. The ending was satisfying but it needed an epilogue. TL;DR this was a feminist road trip romp with two strong characters and lots of derring-do.
Tropes:
Forced Proximity
Friends to Lovers
Road Trip
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🔥/5
Rothgar was one of those seemingly heartless, arrogant, cold heroes who secretly love with all their chests. He inherited his title and four younger siblings at a young age. He raised them and dedicated his life to them and meddled in their lives until they were all happily married. I am trash for this kind of hero. He reminded me a lot of one of my faves the Duke of Bewcastle from Mary Balogh's Slightly Dangerous 🥹 Unlike that book which was completely character-driven, this one is more plot-driven. As much as I enjoyed Diana shooting bad guys and saving Rothgar's life I wished for more of them just being together. They spent way too much time apart after they arrived in London and the external plot was front and center. The ending was satisfying but it needed an epilogue. TL;DR this was a feminist road trip romp with two strong characters and lots of derring-do.
Tropes:
Forced Proximity
Friends to Lovers
Road Trip
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🔥/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2020
I’m not certain how to rate this exactly. In an ideal rating system I could give this three and a half stars, as it is three stars will have to do.
It seemed pretty obvious to me that Rothgar is modeled after the Duke of Avon in Georgette Heyer’s unforgettable book: These Old Shades. I have seen traces of Heyer’s most beloved and charismatic characters or their traits, in a number of other characters in books. The Earl of Hargate in Loretta Chase’s Carsington series springs to mind for example, his uncanny omniscience is underlined several times, or repeated versions of the Marquis of Alverstoke from another favourite Heyer book of mine, Frederica, in countless contemporary or historical romance books. In this book Rothgar (who is, I reiterate, a version of the Duke of Avon), is the best Part of the whole book, or series for that matter. The thing is when one depicts a character as a ruthless, unscrupulous and shrewd person, one can’t turn around and pretty them up. G. H. Never apologised or tried to make up or explain her characters, for all intents and purposes Avon was supposed to be a sinister character, during the timeline of the book, we don’t see any of his villainy, his unscrupulousness yes, but villainy no, but she never tries to explain his former behaviour either.
Also the heroine of this book was such a boring mixture of sighs and defiance. The book wasn’t bad per se. But it wasn’t unforgettable either. So I think even three stars should be more than enough for it.
It seemed pretty obvious to me that Rothgar is modeled after the Duke of Avon in Georgette Heyer’s unforgettable book: These Old Shades. I have seen traces of Heyer’s most beloved and charismatic characters or their traits, in a number of other characters in books. The Earl of Hargate in Loretta Chase’s Carsington series springs to mind for example, his uncanny omniscience is underlined several times, or repeated versions of the Marquis of Alverstoke from another favourite Heyer book of mine, Frederica, in countless contemporary or historical romance books. In this book Rothgar (who is, I reiterate, a version of the Duke of Avon), is the best Part of the whole book, or series for that matter. The thing is when one depicts a character as a ruthless, unscrupulous and shrewd person, one can’t turn around and pretty them up. G. H. Never apologised or tried to make up or explain her characters, for all intents and purposes Avon was supposed to be a sinister character, during the timeline of the book, we don’t see any of his villainy, his unscrupulousness yes, but villainy no, but she never tries to explain his former behaviour either.
Also the heroine of this book was such a boring mixture of sighs and defiance. The book wasn’t bad per se. But it wasn’t unforgettable either. So I think even three stars should be more than enough for it.
May 3, 2024
Too much going on to hold my interest.
June 24, 2016
Ah, Bey and Diana's story! I've really enjoyed Rothgar throughout the series - highly intelligent, protective of his family, diabolical sense of humor. You just knew there was more beneath the surface, and in this one, we get to see it at last.
Diana is a countess, a title she inherited from the father, the Earl of Arradale, which was extremely rare for a female. She is also an excellent shot and a passable fencer, as well as being an avid reader. Ergo, she is the perfect foil for Rothgar.
The only - and I do mean ONLY - obstacle is that both Bey and Diana decided long ago to never marry. Bey's decision makes less sense than Diana's, IMO.
In the earlier books, we learned about Rothgar's biological mother; after the birth of her second child, she was stricken with what we now call postpartum depression and strangled her newborn. Bey was 4 at the time and remembers it. He has a horror of passing the madness on to his offspring. Of course mental illness was not understood in those days - it still isn't fully understood even now - so his position is understandable, I suppose.
Diana naturally doesn't want her authority and power usurped by a husband. But when she petitions to take the Earl's seat in the House of Lords, George III is affronted. He and Queen Charlotte decide to get her married quickly.
I actually liked how Ms. Beverley resolved the marriage bit. She allowed both Diana and Rothgar to have some time to think about marriage and become resigned to the idea, then took away the pressure from the monarchs and then allowed them to make their decisions more or less at leisure.
The historical bits were interesting, especially about Monsieur D'Eon. I enjoyed this book a lot, but Rosa and Brand's is still my favorite.
Perhaps some day I'll come back and finish the series, but I think I'll step out of the Georgian era for a bit.
4 solid stars.
Diana is a countess, a title she inherited from the father, the Earl of Arradale, which was extremely rare for a female. She is also an excellent shot and a passable fencer, as well as being an avid reader. Ergo, she is the perfect foil for Rothgar.
The only - and I do mean ONLY - obstacle is that both Bey and Diana decided long ago to never marry. Bey's decision makes less sense than Diana's, IMO.
In the earlier books, we learned about Rothgar's biological mother; after the birth of her second child, she was stricken with what we now call postpartum depression and strangled her newborn. Bey was 4 at the time and remembers it. He has a horror of passing the madness on to his offspring. Of course mental illness was not understood in those days - it still isn't fully understood even now - so his position is understandable, I suppose.
Diana naturally doesn't want her authority and power usurped by a husband. But when she petitions to take the Earl's seat in the House of Lords, George III is affronted. He and Queen Charlotte decide to get her married quickly.
I actually liked how Ms. Beverley resolved the marriage bit. She allowed both Diana and Rothgar to have some time to think about marriage and become resigned to the idea, then took away the pressure from the monarchs and then allowed them to make their decisions more or less at leisure.
The historical bits were interesting, especially about Monsieur D'Eon. I enjoyed this book a lot, but Rosa and Brand's is still my favorite.
Perhaps some day I'll come back and finish the series, but I think I'll step out of the Georgian era for a bit.
4 solid stars.
May 18, 2009
A bit of a letdown, given Rothgar's fascinating appearances in earlier books in this series; would have benefited from more time in his POV. I liked the central conflict--it felt fairly meaningful, especially from Diana's side--but wished the resolution had relied less on the heroine being reduced to a damsel in distress.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2017
I have waffled over to rate this a 3 or a 4. I care for Rothgar and Diana and think they are a great match, but this book just didn't pull me into the story the way all of JoBevs others did. I'll end it with a 3.5 and say disappointed .
January 6, 2022
Love her books. This one is on my keeper shelf.
July 24, 2025
This is tricky because she’s set up a double negative with two people swearing they will never marry. How to get them both to change their minds short of a royal decree is quite the conundrum. But she managed it very well. There is danger, spies, assassins, and a very scary near rape scene. Not for the faint of heart. There is also amazing chemistry and a wonderful meeting of the minds of two people who are each the competent ruler of their own domain. I found it fascinating to watch these two powerful people realize that they are better together than apart, then find the strength to loose the reins and accept that some things are just meant to be. It falls short for me because the angst goes on and on right down to the last chapter. I wish Bey would have given in to her on the road to London and then the two of them together could have worked out how to manipulate the king to allow them to marry while simultaneously rooting out the French plot to kill the king. I would have enjoyed that line more, rather than having her change her mind and then spend the rest of the book working her wiles on Bey. But back to the book as it’s written. He is Beowulf and she is Diana, goddess of the hunt, so I can see why she wrote it the way she did. Sometimes the theme restricts the story too much. There are a bunch more books but as far as I can tell none of them have Mallorens in them. I want to read how Rothgar and the Countess managed all their properties with success, had 12 children, loved each other forever, and outlived King George!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2020
The book in the series that finally tells the story of Rothgar, the patriarch of the family. Well done, as with Beverley's other books, especially in this 18th-century series, but this one is not quite as well done as the others. The pace is slower, the plot is less suspenseful, and the chemistry between the protagonists isn't very scintillating because the hero is so strong and self-controlled that he can't allow himself to express or even feel much interest in the heroine. Consequently, she comes off as a little weak and needy. It's a difficult balance to achieve: a self-denying hero, and the heroine who knows what she wants.
August 18, 2021
So excited to finally read Rothgar’s book, and it was AMAZING! Packed full of twists and turns, suspense, desire and romance. The Malloren family is one of my favorites, and I highly recommend Jo Beverley’s work.
February 13, 2021
Probably like a 1.5 — just wasn’t for me.
February 20, 2011
4 solid stars
This was what I kept hoping the other books in this series would turn into! 5th time's the charm. ;-) This book is not for those that have yet to read any of the other books, though; I skipped the 4th and the 5th, and was a little out of place.
Rothgar was the story I found myself impatient for after reading the first two in the series; he was complex, a bit alpha, but closed off from the romantic sensibilities of his siblings... until now. We get to peel away the layers of his onion and find the imperfections that he hides so well. Diana is the perfect foil for him, and I was worried that would be too boring, since it was remarked on so early, but it instead made the conflict much more enticing. She's also an incredibly well-rounded female character, strong-willed before her time but the issues of that is dealt with within the story, instead of despite it.
My previous complaints about this series included the author's inability to write a sex scene without making it overly risque or kinky (not something I have a problem with, but when it's APPROPRIATE, not just to be more "exciting"). Rothgar and Diana's intimacy is striking and simple in this, and adds to the story and sympathy.
It also still contains the overusage of certain catchphrases ("folly" was my favorite in this one, though I think "perdition" wins for word count), but she balanced it with neat historical and cultural references, such as a regular comparison to Greek tales that gave the story color. The author also tends to overemphasize the "but we CAHN'T!"s in the narration, but this was greatly improved from previous books.
There was not an overusage of London society or "OMG SCANDAL", and the side characters were quite intriguing (and, according to the author's notes, based on true historical figures; one of the French characters has a fascinating real-life history that I'm not sure I would have encountered outside of this text!)
The writing focused on the story, the characters, and their fall into conflict and love, and I loved every minute. An excellent example of the genre, though you'll need to read a few books early in the series to get drawn into the stories and references.
This was what I kept hoping the other books in this series would turn into! 5th time's the charm. ;-) This book is not for those that have yet to read any of the other books, though; I skipped the 4th and the 5th, and was a little out of place.
Rothgar was the story I found myself impatient for after reading the first two in the series; he was complex, a bit alpha, but closed off from the romantic sensibilities of his siblings... until now. We get to peel away the layers of his onion and find the imperfections that he hides so well. Diana is the perfect foil for him, and I was worried that would be too boring, since it was remarked on so early, but it instead made the conflict much more enticing. She's also an incredibly well-rounded female character, strong-willed before her time but the issues of that is dealt with within the story, instead of despite it.
My previous complaints about this series included the author's inability to write a sex scene without making it overly risque or kinky (not something I have a problem with, but when it's APPROPRIATE, not just to be more "exciting"). Rothgar and Diana's intimacy is striking and simple in this, and adds to the story and sympathy.
It also still contains the overusage of certain catchphrases ("folly" was my favorite in this one, though I think "perdition" wins for word count), but she balanced it with neat historical and cultural references, such as a regular comparison to Greek tales that gave the story color. The author also tends to overemphasize the "but we CAHN'T!"s in the narration, but this was greatly improved from previous books.
There was not an overusage of London society or "OMG SCANDAL", and the side characters were quite intriguing (and, according to the author's notes, based on true historical figures; one of the French characters has a fascinating real-life history that I'm not sure I would have encountered outside of this text!)
The writing focused on the story, the characters, and their fall into conflict and love, and I loved every minute. An excellent example of the genre, though you'll need to read a few books early in the series to get drawn into the stories and references.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews