The Genuine Article

Regency Nobles #0.5

by Patricia Rice

Clever and determined, Lady Marian Lawrence arrived in London to snare a rich husband in hopes of saving her family from ruin—not an easy task given her biting wit and lack of beauty. Hiding her true self, she almost wins the hand of the wealthy, amiable Lord Darley—until Darley’s best friend blocks their path to the altar.

A man who has vowed never to marry, Reginald Montague is as determined to prevent a fortune hunter from snaring Darley as Marian is to have a wealthy husband. Far from rich but well aware of his aristocratic lineage, Montague is prepared to do anything to stop Marian, including seduce her. With dazzling skill and subtle stratagem, he sets out to change Marian’s dislike for him into desire—as Marian struggles to keep the lie she’s living from being revealed by a truly disastrous love...

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Regency, Historical, Audiobook, Regency Romance, Fiction

268 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 1994

About the author

With several million books in print and New York Times and USA Today's bestseller lists under her belt, former CPA Patricia Rice writes emotionally-charged contemporary and historical romances which have won numerous awards, including the RT Book Reviews Reviewers Choice and Career Achievement Awards.

Her books have also been honored as Romance Writers of America RITA® finalists in the historical, regency and contemporary categories.

A firm believer in happily-ever-after for good reason, Patricia Rice is married to her high school sweetheart and has two children. A native of Kentucky and New York, a past resident of North Carolina and Missouri, she currently resides in Southern California, and now does accounting only for herself.

She also writes under the pen name Jamie Quaid

Reviews

[Preeti ♥︎ Her Bookshelves · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very generous 3*.
The book shifts focus too often and the overwhelming presence of (two) secondary characters (who I presume were to be introduced for the next books but somehow ended up inhabiting this book) is teeth-gnashingly annoying! I wanted to throw the book at someone, preferably at the pesky valet/whatever!

The headstrong h wants to land a rich husband (because) and she finds an amiable beta viscount who would do just fine for the purpose. But his overprotective and overbearing bff/the H sees right through her fake-sweet and demure act and tries to show the om her real side.
And sparks fly.

The h has a sweet and innocent younger sister and so it becomes clear early on who's going to end up with whom. The alpha H is gratifyingly hot and well, alpha. The h is annoying at times with her laser beam focus on the husband-hunt. Still the book cruises along pretty smoothly.

Till the entry of the 'valet', O'Toole. He's probably the most annoying character I've ever known. (So not reading his book.) The author overshoots with his freakish antics and acts. The change of location to a gothic mansion, the ancestral home of the h, and the following ott buffoonery almost kills the book and romance.
Stupefying stuff!

Anyhoo, the latter third is better but I found the suddenly amenable and clinging h a little bewildering. It's a kisses only book (courtesy many interruptions) but the sexual tension is well done. I totally buy the h/H as a couple.

[Merry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am rating this 3.5 stars. It was almost like to 2 books that at the mid point, another plots joins the main book to combine to become one. I don't know how to describe the writing style other than I was enjoying the story of a woman who needs to marry for money to save her family with a beautiful younger sister. She is pretending to be someone she is not. Then the plot shifts to a gothic castle and a whole new cast of characters is added with a valet who I would not trust as far as I could toss him.
If it sounds jumbled that is the feeling I am left with. I would not mind reading the next book in the series.

[Desi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, this certainly ramped up into a frenzy by the end. Upped a star for the artsy fartsy factors, amusing romps and (eventual) stellar dialogue, despite its very awkward start. Once past the clumsy opening chapters the dialogue and everything else improves immensely.

[Jultri · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75/5. Lady Marian is the nearly impoverished daughter of a marquess, who arrives in London with her mother and young half-sister for their one and only season. One of them has to snatch a wealthy husband in order to save their home from circling creditors. Since her sister is painfully shy, Marian takes it upon herself to save the family's plight by ensnaring the affable well-to-do young viscount, Lord Darley, who is looking for a sweet, gentle wife. Marian is anything but! Highly intelligent and with a forceful personality to match, she is well aware that these traits are not deemed attractive in a young lady, and hence she is forced to suppress these almost irrepressible qualities of hers. Lord Darley is easily fooled, but unfortunately his close friend, Mr. Reginald Montague, is more cynical and sharp in his observations, and he sees through her facade immediately and labels her a fortune hunter. He is determined to block her matrimonial efforts at every turn, consequently inviting her true persona to shine through. They match wits and trade insults, and of course, in the course of doing so, learn that the other is more substantial and not so easily dismissed from one another's lives and thoughts. I do like, how he, subconsciously in his thought process, moves from being suspicious and antagonistic towards Marian to slowly be more protective, respectful and generous.

I find Patricia Rice's writing style quite pleasing to read. The book is not entirely clean, but certainly far tamer than most. The secondary characters are quite enjoyable, especially the mysterious, newly returned phantom Marquess and Marian's cousin of sort (who will feature in his own book) and his sneaky, borderline criminal brother, Michael, who dabbles in everything from valeting, to pick-pocketing, to magic tricking, and finally to match-making, all without breaking a sweat or dirty his immaculate attire.

[QNPoohBear · Rating 1 out of 5]

Lady Marian and her sister Jessica are headed to London for the Season to find rich husbands or else they and their mother will lose their home. Determined to be the one to sacrifice herself on the matrimonial alter so that young Jessica will have more time to chose, Marian intends to hide her sharp tongue and independent mind under a mask of simpering femininity. Her resolve is tested during a top at an inn when a rude gentleman mistakes her for a servant and she rebounds with some harsh words of her own. In London, Marian makes a conquest of the young Lord Darley who is tired of his mother and sisters controlling him and is in search of a biddable wife. Marian likes him well enough but then Darley's misogynistic best friend comes to Town and Marian discovers that he is none other than the rude man from the inn. She must convince Richard Monatgue that she's the right woman for his best friend. He is determined to prove that she's the wrong woman and willing to use any means necessary to prove his point. Richard becomes involved in Marian's personal family problems which become his own when his roguish valet steals something of value that belongs to Marian and the quest to help Marian's family leads to a trip to a crumbling old estate, a phantom Marquess and lots of passion. This book is steamier than the other and the make out scenes can not be ignored because what follows is part of the plot. There is not relation to any of the characters or events in Mad Maria's Daughter so I am unsure as to why the publisher chose to include them both in one volume. None of the characters in The Genuine Article are likable. I agree with Marian's initial assessment of Richard and they really don't get to know each other except for making out a lot. Marian is not a very likable heroine either. I understand why she had to find a rich husband and why she felt the need to act like an idiot to do it but I don't agree with her methods. Jessica and Darley are too meek and mild to even be remotely interesting. I didn't care for this story and I'll recommend it to those who prefer the emphasis on making out than actual interesting characters and plot.

[Karen Darling · Rating 1 out of 5]

I only made it to chapter 7. I couldn't finish it. The heroine worried about money to take care of her family. The hero is poor as well, but he keeps harassing her, trying to get her to lose her cool, so that his titled friend will see her for who she is and not want to marry her. The hero needed to mind his damn business. He got on my last nerves.

[A · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Genuine Article was a slog. Not much happens for the first third of the book and then the author seems to remember that she ought set the plot in motion at some point before the end. It made the characters feel inconsistent. We're told that Marian Lawrence has little patience and a quick temper and then that she's struggling to adhere to the ton's expectations, but we don't see much evidence that her struggle is real. Perhaps I could accept that she is enough of an actress to hold her tongue for short intervals, but even after she's engaged to Mr Montague, she isn't much more aggressive than she was with Mr Darley. Granted, Marian and Montague are in the honeymoon phase and quite obnoxiously so.

I was less than thrilled that Montague compromised Marian. It seemed like a cop-out and it made the narrative up to that point feel like a waste of time. I disliked Michael O'Toole--and to a lesser extent, Gavin Lawrence's intervention, however. I don't like stories with omniscient "puppetmasters" behind every relationship and I get the sense that The Marquess will be even worse than The Genuine Article was. That aside, the characters are quite pleasant and the story becomes a reasonably fun caper about halfway through. It wasn't what I expected or as it turns out, what I wanted, but I imagine it would appeal to someone else.

[Melissa Bowen · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Patricia Rice is one of my favorite authors, I was eager to get started on another series from her. She has a way of making you anticipate the next story in each story and entwining the characters throughout so that you feel like you are reading about old friends. I am hoping this series will be the same. With that said, this prequel was charming. Always love the "I am never going to marry" man, and the "I have to marry money" woman who find themselves and decide that love is more important than creature comforts. Especially in a Regency setting when daughters were sold off by their families to keep from having to support them forever, and younger sons are left to fend for themselves so as not to drain estate coffers. Reginald and Marion are fun to watch and throw in their families and this book had me laughing out loud on occasion. Then throw in a mysterious (American) Marquis and a thieving valet and you can't help but be charmed by the whole situation. Can't wait to read the rest of the series.

[Sharyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A perfect audio book for walking, a Regency that has many interesting tropes, impoverished woman searching for a rich husband, rude and arrogant best friend, Earl's son making his own way in the world by owning an antiquities shop, an American who discovers he is a Marquess, stole jewelry, shy sister and more. Sharp dialogue, mysteries abound, and a sharp tongue woman meets her match.
There are some very funny bits, especially when our heroine Marion wears a low cut gown to a ball, and her reluctant betrothed becomes quite upset at other men looking at her.
First in a series, and I am already listening to the next book, but alas, a different narrator, so a little jarring.

[Denise Stout · Rating 5 out of 5]

The witty repartee between Marian and Darley was expertly written, and just plain fun to read! I absolutely loved the story, a favorite trope of enemies to lovers and set in Regency England! What's not to love?

Lady Marian is titled, has no dowry, but is set to sacrifice to have her sister marry well. Finding a catch in a wealthy man she doesn't love, she finds herself battling wits against his best friend, a rogue with questionable means. Both carry secrets, and as all is uncovered, they discover they love each other.

[Maria · Rating 2 out of 5]

The way the characters are portrayed and their actions did not smack of Regency times. I was disappointed, even though I enjoyed the book. It was a good story, which I would have enjoyed more if it had been set in the Roaring Twenties, just not what I expected of a Regency. Too much drama and too many hi-jinks, particularly from Michael and Gavin. Marion, Reginald, Jessica, and Darley were better, but only Jessica and Darley met my expectations of Regency characters when it comes right down to it, and they were neither of them the star attraction.

[Agnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story. Looking forward to reading the rest of this series

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Start here Book One.

Should be read before The Marquess. The tribulations of the Aristocracy without funds. Marion is the granddaughter of a Marquess and cousin to the current Marquess, but only has her Mother 's ruby and diamond necklace as a asset. She's attempting to marry a Viscount. Opposing her is the Viscount 's best friend who believes her to be controlling. It's war as the two face off.

I enjoyed it but having unfortunately read this book last in the series instead of first, I was dismayed by the behavior of Michael and Gavin the Marquess. In the rest of the series they come off quite differently and honorable. I couldn't condone their actions with both family and the necklace in this book. Perhaps read in order their development would be appreciated. But reading this last, it came as a shock. Advice: Start here first and you will enjoy a excellent series.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Marian, the smart and sharp tongued older sister, and Jessica, the soft spoken younger sister, come to London for one season to snare wealthy husbands. Marian decides she should marry first and quickly so that Jessica has more time and can hopefully marry for love. Marian finds a pliable Lord Darley who she attracts with her avid attention and docile manner. His best friend, Reginald, having met Marian by accident without Darley and knows of her sharp tongue and strong personality, desires to save his friend from a controlling future wife. But in trying to come between them, he falls for Marian.

An entertaining story with a mystery that, to me, went a bit over the top. The storylines with Marian's cousin and Reginald's valet were bizarre and not believable. But the romance of Marian and Reginald was believable thus the four stars.

The next book is about the cousin and the valet and holds no appeal so the series will stop here for me.

[Kat Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I’m inside I read the book version, but when I’m outside relaxing on my porch, I often listen to my audiobook version so I can pick up where I left off and still enjoy all that is going on around me. I accidentally read a later book first, but the story was still enjoyable. If you happen to get the audio version as well, Mia Chiaromonte does a notable job with her narration. She brings the characters to life thus often times making them more memorable. I will say that if you are lucky enough to get the audiobook as fell as the ebook, or instead of getting the ebook, you will probably come across a hysterical error at one spot in the reading. I break out into giggles every time I think about it! I appreciate her accidental humor there. It was great! 😂

[Regency Reader2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cynical anti-marriage younger son meets plain sharp-tongued intelligent lady

Opposites clash, then attract. Lady Marian has focused on mild, good natured, wealthy Lord Darley, but his best friend, cynical and suspicious Reginald Montague, has seen her managing ways and sharp wit, and does not approve. Clashes ensue. Main characters are well drawn and compelling, secondary characters join in the melee and plot twists and turns, like hidden passageways, missing jewels and a scapegrace valet, unfold under Patricia Rice's expert voice. A good beginning to another series I look forward to rereading.

[Catsalive · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had a lot of trouble sticking with this book &, although there were some good moments, the annoying outweighed the enjoyable. Montague was irritating & O'Toole practically unbearable, & the Lady Marian, supposedly a woman of intelligence & wit, was absent for most of the book, leaving her doppelganger the simpering idiot. I couldn't connect with most of the characters because I didn't like them. A bit of a slog, overall.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining story

The characters in this story are well rounded and irresistible. They each have distinct personalities and depth that make for delightful storytelling. The settings are richly detailed and bring the story vividly to life. I can't wait to read the next book in this delightful series.

[Kbee · Rating 1 out of 5]

Audible Catalogue

AUDIOBOOK: Tried for at least one hour but didn't like the narrator
7hrs 30min

Narrator: Mia Chiaromonte not a good choice her voices are all the same one man really had a female voice.

[Danette Schiavone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very entertaining!

This book kept me guessing until the very end. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes romance novels.

[Pam Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read!

I highly recommend this hilariously sweet book, and the series in which it is, to readers who love well written historical romance. Thoroughly entertaining. Enjoy!

[Jaclyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet and entertaining.

[Fernanda Abreu · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Well written, even though scattered at times. Good characters and not 2 dimensional.

[Elizabeth Bennet · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm sorry I couldn't share in so many other great reviews as I had trouble finishing the book. I kept putting it down in an attempt to try to stay within the story. The author just didn't manage to catch my undivided attention. I felt the angst for me lead to a lot of my boredom with the story. Some of the sentences ran on to the point I had to go back and reread them to follow along. I did like the couple when they were finally able to reach an understanding but this book just wasn't what I was hoping for.

[Cecily · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had forgotten the book was a prequel but it makes sense in retrospect because the only real fun in the book is the succession of different characters that are introduced. It was a (slight) comedy of manners and misunderstandings. I don't think it is as witty and well-written in terms of characterisation as the blurb would have you believe but it was harmless enough. But it didn't leave me feeling that I want to read any of the other books in the series.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Marian Lawrence is in London to find a rich husband to save her family from ruin, she thinks she has found it with Lord Darley, but his best friend Reginald Montague will not let that happen as he believes he a fortune hunter. What happens along the way is sometimes funny with hidden passages, jewellery, and other happenings to give the story a good mix. I was given a copy for an honest review barwatts@telus.net

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heroine needs a rich man to marry to give her mother a place to live, so she's in London hunting, while biting her tongue to keep her temper and intelligence hidden. Except with Him. The hero is her target's best friend and he is determined to show his friend the heroine's true nature. She's not bad, just not the placid quiet woman the friend thinks she is. There's a visit to the impoverished estate of a long-lost cousin and a lot of fun banter. I really enjoyed the story. Good read.

[Fayley · Rating 2 out of 5]

These are just like the romances I read 25 years ago. People not communicating and jumping to conclusions, but it all works out in the end. Do people really find it so hard to communicate or is it just easier for a writer to put tension into a story this way? It frustrates me. The actual writing was good, but the story was annoying.

[Anne Patkau · Rating 4 out of 5]

ReRd. 1800s London. What or who is real? Jewels? Marian 22 and Reg 32 are sarcastic and like medieval books. To divert shy suitor Lord Darley 29, Reg provokes her from quietness. Related red O`Toole, Marquess Gav seem from later in series.
Typos: 6 dark comers ^ .. corners 17 .mind mind 20 bum burn

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful characters

Read the two books that followed this one and was so glad to find them in their early form. Reggie and Marion are delightful and they clearly demonstrate the prejudices of this ton. Earn a living, horror!