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Lords and Ladies #2
The Mad Lord's Daughter
Locked away by her reclusive and intensely protective father, the recently deceased “Mad Lord of Northumberland,” Melissa is beautiful and educated but painfully naïve about the real world—and the dark secrets of her birth. Now in the care of her uncle, the Earl of Braddock, she must prepare to enter London society and find a proper husband, a task that grows complicated when she falls for the one man she can never have. Just as a promising new life begins to eclipse her tragic past, she’ll find herself consumed by a forbidden love that could destroy it all…
353 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 7, 2012
88 people are currently reading
436 people want to read
About the author
Jane Goodger
24 books286 followersI grew up in western Massachusetts and have lived most my adult life in New England. Thanks to my adventurous husband, I've also done brief stints in Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Naples, Italy. Although I've written four contemporary romances under the name Jane Blackwood, my first love is historical romances set in Victorian times. I've written 17 of those with more on the way.
I have three kids, one a college grad, one in college, and one still in high school (who's a fantastic writer). I love the Red Sox and the New England Patriots. I work full time, have an editing business, and in my free time write like a fanatic.
Above the desk in my office is this sign: "And They All Lived Happily Ever After." It may not be reality, but it's real nice to think about...
I have three kids, one a college grad, one in college, and one still in high school (who's a fantastic writer). I love the Red Sox and the New England Patriots. I work full time, have an editing business, and in my free time write like a fanatic.
Above the desk in my office is this sign: "And They All Lived Happily Ever After." It may not be reality, but it's real nice to think about...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
June 5, 2021
Damn, here I was desperately looking for my next 5-star read and I finally found it! It was just so cute and touching I'm still smiling about it.
Both main characters were really likable, even though the hero said this: “Love between a man and a woman does not exist." Yeah. I would have taken that as a challenge tbh.
It was an interesting premise as the heroine, Melissa (I used to dislike that name because of someone I know but I liked it here), had been practically locked up in her house for the past 18 years. After her mother died, her father was terrified of her dying too because of germs and so he had no one ever touch her, only with gloves on. Kinda crazy. I imagined that Melissa must have been quite touched starved. Her father finally dies, and Melissa is sent to live with her uncle and cousin she's never met and be introduced into Society so she can marry and basically get off their hands. But in those days, women were supposed to marry young and upper-class women didn't really do much with their lives. Their main purpose was to marry and bear heirs.
Melissa was 23, the hero 26.
I was shipping Melissa's chaperone, the spinster, 32-year old, Diane Stanhope, with her uncle because Diane had a crush on the older man (he was in his 50s but still handsome and lean) and hoping there would be a secondary romance, and sure enough, there was!
The angst was delicious, both in love with each other but unwilling to tell each other and thinking that the other didn't feel the same. I had tears in my eyes at one point, not from sadness but from the angst, I'm not sure. I wanted to cry more though, lol.
The first kiss scene between the hero and heroine was hot and it was the merest kiss. I was like damn, okay. That sexual tension
They have another steamy scene in the pouring rain, but it took them till the end of the book to consummate the relationship.
I would have also liked an epilogue, to learn if Lord Braddock, Melissa's uncle, had more kids w Diane Stanhope, check in with the main couple, etc. I read the other books in this series long ago, but don't recall any mention of them. I know I haven't discussed the hero too much, I've kind of left him shrouded in mystery, but that's because I don't want to spoil it.
Another thing I didn't like was the formatting. A few times when the book shifted to the next scene or the next day, there was no break to indicate we were skipping to another scene. Most books mark it by *** or another time of symbol. I only remember the book doing this once.
I may be rating this a little high for 5 stars, compared to other books I've rated 5 stars, but I did like this one more than books I've rated 4 stars, so... Also I was so desperate for a 5 star read LOL, maybe I was more generous. I'm also particularly fond of Jane Goodger's books
Both main characters were really likable, even though the hero said this: “Love between a man and a woman does not exist." Yeah. I would have taken that as a challenge tbh.
It was an interesting premise as the heroine, Melissa (I used to dislike that name because of someone I know but I liked it here), had been practically locked up in her house for the past 18 years. After her mother died, her father was terrified of her dying too because of germs and so he had no one ever touch her, only with gloves on. Kinda crazy. I imagined that Melissa must have been quite touched starved. Her father finally dies, and Melissa is sent to live with her uncle and cousin she's never met and be introduced into Society so she can marry and basically get off their hands. But in those days, women were supposed to marry young and upper-class women didn't really do much with their lives. Their main purpose was to marry and bear heirs.
Melissa was 23, the hero 26.
I was shipping Melissa's chaperone, the spinster, 32-year old, Diane Stanhope, with her uncle because Diane had a crush on the older man (he was in his 50s but still handsome and lean) and hoping there would be a secondary romance, and sure enough, there was!
The angst was delicious, both in love with each other but unwilling to tell each other and thinking that the other didn't feel the same. I had tears in my eyes at one point, not from sadness but from the angst, I'm not sure. I wanted to cry more though, lol.
The first kiss scene between the hero and heroine was hot and it was the merest kiss. I was like damn, okay. That sexual tension
They have another steamy scene in the pouring rain, but it took them till the end of the book to consummate the relationship.
I would have also liked an epilogue, to learn if Lord Braddock, Melissa's uncle, had more kids w Diane Stanhope, check in with the main couple, etc. I read the other books in this series long ago, but don't recall any mention of them. I know I haven't discussed the hero too much, I've kind of left him shrouded in mystery, but that's because I don't want to spoil it.
Another thing I didn't like was the formatting. A few times when the book shifted to the next scene or the next day, there was no break to indicate we were skipping to another scene. Most books mark it by *** or another time of symbol. I only remember the book doing this once.
I may be rating this a little high for 5 stars, compared to other books I've rated 5 stars, but I did like this one more than books I've rated 4 stars, so... Also I was so desperate for a 5 star read LOL, maybe I was more generous. I'm also particularly fond of Jane Goodger's books
July 19, 2012
Melissa Atwell spent the last eighteen years of her life never leaving her suite of rooms due to her fathers belief that she would contract a disease and die, leaving him all alone in the world. When her beloved father suddenly passes, she is left in the care of her uncle and brought to London to begin her first foray into society. No one, including her uncles son, John, and her chaperone, Lady Diane, expected the deep fear that Melissa would have to step out into the real world. She has never touched anyone or been touched without the barrier of gloves, never seen a baby, felt a snowfall....everything that most people take for granted. They alter their plans and retire to the country estate to gradually build up Melissa's tolerance and fine tune her wonderful education but with the threat about the true nature of her birth just waiting to be exposed, it becomes imperative that Melissa get settled with a husband to protect her.
John knows his duty is to protect Melissa and help her in any way he can but as they spend more and more time together, he can't help but be drawn to this unique beauty. As he knows the truth about her birth, he strives to protect her while his heart quickly becomes lost to her. However, as society believes them to be first cousins, he knows his feelings can not be acted upon so he sets about to find her the perfect suitor amongst his friends. As his close friend quickly falls for Melissa as well, this makes John see red at every opportunity and just when he finally decides to stand up for what he wants, it looks like he might be too late. It will take a bold act of courage for John and Melissa to stand up for what they truly want and hope to find happiness in their love.
This book was like reading a breath of fresh air and I enjoyed it! I loved the circumstances surrounding Melissa's upbringing as you never really think how much people take for granted in life. Can you imagine watching it snow from your window but never feeling it against your cheeks? And all the times a gentleman helps a woman by offering his arm...all the touching that she was so scared to do had to be overcome gradually. Melissa was warm, bright, affectionate and fun and a wonderful character to read. When she was around John, she just shined and I adored how John was always there to help her though all of society's rules and demands. I was a bit hesitant at first about the first cousins situation but it is quickly sorted out and I could breathe a bit easier! I loved the secondary characters that were introduced in this book and I hope they all receive their own stories because what we glimpsed here was great. There is also a secondary romance between Melissa's uncle and chaperone that added a bit of fun and sass. So while the storyline basis of illegitimacy is nothing new in historical romance land, the way this one was told and all the circumstances made this a unique read for me. If you enjoy delightful romances filled with wonderful characters that you grow to care for mixed with just a dash of intrigue and a bit of heat, Jane Goodger has a book for you and I know I can't wait for more! 4 stars
Review copy provided by Kensington Books, thanks!
John knows his duty is to protect Melissa and help her in any way he can but as they spend more and more time together, he can't help but be drawn to this unique beauty. As he knows the truth about her birth, he strives to protect her while his heart quickly becomes lost to her. However, as society believes them to be first cousins, he knows his feelings can not be acted upon so he sets about to find her the perfect suitor amongst his friends. As his close friend quickly falls for Melissa as well, this makes John see red at every opportunity and just when he finally decides to stand up for what he wants, it looks like he might be too late. It will take a bold act of courage for John and Melissa to stand up for what they truly want and hope to find happiness in their love.
This book was like reading a breath of fresh air and I enjoyed it! I loved the circumstances surrounding Melissa's upbringing as you never really think how much people take for granted in life. Can you imagine watching it snow from your window but never feeling it against your cheeks? And all the times a gentleman helps a woman by offering his arm...all the touching that she was so scared to do had to be overcome gradually. Melissa was warm, bright, affectionate and fun and a wonderful character to read. When she was around John, she just shined and I adored how John was always there to help her though all of society's rules and demands. I was a bit hesitant at first about the first cousins situation but it is quickly sorted out and I could breathe a bit easier! I loved the secondary characters that were introduced in this book and I hope they all receive their own stories because what we glimpsed here was great. There is also a secondary romance between Melissa's uncle and chaperone that added a bit of fun and sass. So while the storyline basis of illegitimacy is nothing new in historical romance land, the way this one was told and all the circumstances made this a unique read for me. If you enjoy delightful romances filled with wonderful characters that you grow to care for mixed with just a dash of intrigue and a bit of heat, Jane Goodger has a book for you and I know I can't wait for more! 4 stars
Review copy provided by Kensington Books, thanks!
January 26, 2016
What a delightful read!
A well written engaging story with lovely characters.
I really like Melissa. She was brave and witty, with a great sense of humour. John was a wonderful man. They made a lovely couple.
The side romance, Lord Braddock and Miss Stanhope, was also fun to read.
Although the solution to the evil Duke problem was a bit convenient, but I guess it's okay because he got what he deserved only not in the hands of the main character.
Looking forward to read another book by this author.
A well written engaging story with lovely characters.
I really like Melissa. She was brave and witty, with a great sense of humour. John was a wonderful man. They made a lovely couple.
The side romance, Lord Braddock and Miss Stanhope, was also fun to read.
Although the solution to the evil Duke problem was a bit convenient, but I guess it's okay because he got what he deserved only not in the hands of the main character.
Looking forward to read another book by this author.
December 16, 2021
very comfortable middle of the road read.
Read
September 25, 2012"I have to tell you something - but NO ONE MUST EVER KNOW!" - sez the blabbermouth Lord to not one, but two different people. Why don't you just keep it to yourself?
I thought this would be a fun gothic kind of tale, but it's not heading in that direction and I am already annoyed with all the characters. Moving on.
I thought this would be a fun gothic kind of tale, but it's not heading in that direction and I am already annoyed with all the characters. Moving on.
September 17, 2012
Historical Romance fans, The Mad Lord's Daughter is an engaging, sentimental read that I suggest giving a try.
Melissa is a young woman who had been utterly sheltered for her entire life. Her father went a bit mad and was terrified of anything happening to his daughter, so he kept her away from any and all harm. Melissa was sequestered in her rooms with only the servants and her father for company, until her father passed away and her life opened to an entire world of possibilities. As her Uncle, the Earl of Braddock takes Melissa in and hires a companion, Lady Diane Stanhope, to help Melissa adjust to life and the world. The Earl's son, John, also steps in to help Melissa, and in the process he develops feelings for her. With hidden secrets, conflicting agendas, and unexpected romances, there are even more complications and conflicts surrounding Melissa than anyone would have expected.
I love Melissa's character in this book. I really felt for her and can only imagine how lonely the girl must have been. Plus, the poor girl did not even understand what she was deprived of until after she began experiencing new and different things. She looked at the world with fresh eyes and an innocent heart. She handles difficult situations very well, she is strong when she needs to be to move forward with her life. John proved to be a good man for her. He was patient and indulgent of her, considerate of Melissa's needs.
There is a conflict in regards to the appropriateness of a relationship between John and Melissa. Melissa is considered the Earl's niece, making her a first cousin to John. However, this is where the phrase "secrets secrets are no fun" really comes into play. Both the Earl and John are fully aware that Melissa is not a blood relation, her father was not her biological father. In order to protect Melissa, they keep the truth hidden, which places a huge roadblock in front of a relationship between Melissa and John. I did not have a hard time with the "cousin-relashionship" at all. It is clear from the early on that Melissa and John are not related, so the frustration came with all the secrets. As happens with secrets, the truth eventually comes out, but it's up to the individual characters to accept it.
I really enjoyed seeing how Melissa adjusted to the world and how her relationship with John developed, but there is even more to The Mad Lord's Daughter. All of the characters, even the secondary characters, are engaging and interesting. There is a side romance involving the Earl that was a delight to read, and Melissa makes some new friends who brought humor and depth to the story. I hope that Jane Goodger writes more books from these characters in the future, I am interested to see what happens next for them.
I very much enjoyed reading The Mad Lord's Daughter, it is a book that is fun to read but is also well-written and engaging. Historical romance readers, if you are looking for a new book or author, I suggest trying Jane Goodger and The Mad Lord's Daughter.
*I received this book for review*
Melissa is a young woman who had been utterly sheltered for her entire life. Her father went a bit mad and was terrified of anything happening to his daughter, so he kept her away from any and all harm. Melissa was sequestered in her rooms with only the servants and her father for company, until her father passed away and her life opened to an entire world of possibilities. As her Uncle, the Earl of Braddock takes Melissa in and hires a companion, Lady Diane Stanhope, to help Melissa adjust to life and the world. The Earl's son, John, also steps in to help Melissa, and in the process he develops feelings for her. With hidden secrets, conflicting agendas, and unexpected romances, there are even more complications and conflicts surrounding Melissa than anyone would have expected.
I love Melissa's character in this book. I really felt for her and can only imagine how lonely the girl must have been. Plus, the poor girl did not even understand what she was deprived of until after she began experiencing new and different things. She looked at the world with fresh eyes and an innocent heart. She handles difficult situations very well, she is strong when she needs to be to move forward with her life. John proved to be a good man for her. He was patient and indulgent of her, considerate of Melissa's needs.
There is a conflict in regards to the appropriateness of a relationship between John and Melissa. Melissa is considered the Earl's niece, making her a first cousin to John. However, this is where the phrase "secrets secrets are no fun" really comes into play. Both the Earl and John are fully aware that Melissa is not a blood relation, her father was not her biological father. In order to protect Melissa, they keep the truth hidden, which places a huge roadblock in front of a relationship between Melissa and John. I did not have a hard time with the "cousin-relashionship" at all. It is clear from the early on that Melissa and John are not related, so the frustration came with all the secrets. As happens with secrets, the truth eventually comes out, but it's up to the individual characters to accept it.
I really enjoyed seeing how Melissa adjusted to the world and how her relationship with John developed, but there is even more to The Mad Lord's Daughter. All of the characters, even the secondary characters, are engaging and interesting. There is a side romance involving the Earl that was a delight to read, and Melissa makes some new friends who brought humor and depth to the story. I hope that Jane Goodger writes more books from these characters in the future, I am interested to see what happens next for them.
I very much enjoyed reading The Mad Lord's Daughter, it is a book that is fun to read but is also well-written and engaging. Historical romance readers, if you are looking for a new book or author, I suggest trying Jane Goodger and The Mad Lord's Daughter.
*I received this book for review*
May 23, 2025
The h has been hidden all her life from her evil father. The jaded H continues the family view of arranged marriages when they need an heir. Course he falls for the h and fun begins. Some of the plot was silly, in reality I expect the h would not have lived for long. But this is romance, so I liked it quite a lot.
July 31, 2019
Not worth the time.
February 10, 2013
What a fun historical! The Mad Lord’s Daughter is not a deep story, but I still found it very entertaining with an interesting story line and enchanting characters.
A young woman has lost everything; her mother, her father and her home. The worst is yet to come. For years, her father has protected her. He loved her fiercely, but he did her an injustice because of his fear of losing her. He kept her safe from the world, but he also kept her from life. He kept her a virtual prisoner in her own home. Only she didn't know it.
Melissa Atwell must hold her head up high and face her fears of the new world around her. Even the simple pleasures in life are new to her, like babies, puppy kisses and even snow. She will not fail her father or herself. She will face her new life with dignity and grace. Every day is new to her. With the help of her companion, Diana Stanhope, Uncle Lord Braddock and his son John Atwell, she will take London by storm.
From the beginning John Atwell knows of Melissa’s circumstances. While initially he doesn't know what to think of her, she quickly wins him over. It really is too bad they are first cousins though, because for a man that doesn't believe in love, he sure is seeing things in a new refreshing light and it is all because of Miss Atwell.
What can I say that won’t give the story away? Yes, the plot is very straightforward and the Ms. Goodger tells you upfront what is going on, but to put it into a review just seems wrong. She has some nice surprises. What I will say is:
• The title, The Mad Lord’s Daughter, is perfect. It encompasses the mystery and truth of the story in so many ways.
• Love is in the air and it is spread everywhere.
• The women in the story are all strong in their own right and are fun to read about. They sure know how to keep the men on their toes.
• The men…what can I say. Dashing, clever and gentlemanly, oh and don’t forget clueless. You got to love a romantically dimwitted hero every once in a while.
The Mad Lord’s Daughter is basically a standalone book. Unfortunately, you discover at the end of the story that it is actually the second book in an unnamed series. WooHoo! But wait, it turns out I already read it, huh? I state this because I did not need the first book, When a Duke Says I Do, to enjoy this story. In fact, I didn't even catch the hints that there was another book from the couple’s names, or their mentioned plot. I was totally clueless and it’s OK. It just shows that you can enjoy each novel alone without taking away from the other. I will say though, that I did enjoy the first book more, so be sure to check out the review if you want to know why.
The Mad Lord’s Daughter is a sweet read. It was smoothly written and didn't fail to put a smile on my face. It was a nice change of pace and if Ms. Goodger decides to write more in this series, I can see myself checking them out. I have not been disappointed yet. Great storytelling all the way.
A young woman has lost everything; her mother, her father and her home. The worst is yet to come. For years, her father has protected her. He loved her fiercely, but he did her an injustice because of his fear of losing her. He kept her safe from the world, but he also kept her from life. He kept her a virtual prisoner in her own home. Only she didn't know it.
Melissa Atwell must hold her head up high and face her fears of the new world around her. Even the simple pleasures in life are new to her, like babies, puppy kisses and even snow. She will not fail her father or herself. She will face her new life with dignity and grace. Every day is new to her. With the help of her companion, Diana Stanhope, Uncle Lord Braddock and his son John Atwell, she will take London by storm.
From the beginning John Atwell knows of Melissa’s circumstances. While initially he doesn't know what to think of her, she quickly wins him over. It really is too bad they are first cousins though, because for a man that doesn't believe in love, he sure is seeing things in a new refreshing light and it is all because of Miss Atwell.
What can I say that won’t give the story away? Yes, the plot is very straightforward and the Ms. Goodger tells you upfront what is going on, but to put it into a review just seems wrong. She has some nice surprises. What I will say is:
• The title, The Mad Lord’s Daughter, is perfect. It encompasses the mystery and truth of the story in so many ways.
• Love is in the air and it is spread everywhere.
• The women in the story are all strong in their own right and are fun to read about. They sure know how to keep the men on their toes.
• The men…what can I say. Dashing, clever and gentlemanly, oh and don’t forget clueless. You got to love a romantically dimwitted hero every once in a while.
The Mad Lord’s Daughter is basically a standalone book. Unfortunately, you discover at the end of the story that it is actually the second book in an unnamed series. WooHoo! But wait, it turns out I already read it, huh? I state this because I did not need the first book, When a Duke Says I Do, to enjoy this story. In fact, I didn't even catch the hints that there was another book from the couple’s names, or their mentioned plot. I was totally clueless and it’s OK. It just shows that you can enjoy each novel alone without taking away from the other. I will say though, that I did enjoy the first book more, so be sure to check out the review if you want to know why.
The Mad Lord’s Daughter is a sweet read. It was smoothly written and didn't fail to put a smile on my face. It was a nice change of pace and if Ms. Goodger decides to write more in this series, I can see myself checking them out. I have not been disappointed yet. Great storytelling all the way.
September 10, 2012
The premise for this historical romance was an interesting one that sadly failed to live up to my expectations.
((If anyone know of another HR with a heroine who has been locked up since childhood,I would be happy to know about it :))
The 23-year old heroine has been kept under lock and key by her paranoid father since she was a child.Now her father has died and the house where she grew up is up for sale,there is nowhere else for her to go but to live with her uncle until she can be launched into society aka enter the marriage mart and hopefully make a good marriage.(altought I question the wisdom of exposing someone who has been locked up for 18 years,only meeting a few person,to the whole of society.Wouldnt it have been more merciful to ease her into it?)
I felt the issue of the heroine being illegitimate was treated in a bit too easy manner.Remember this is supposed to take place in the victorian era.Yet her uncle goes about telling people about it like its not such a big deal.
Its a bit too much tell and not show to be honest. The hero is told that his cousin (the heroine) isnt related by blood to him
Its like the author wanted to create the drama of forbidden love but she didnt want to shock her readers,so she she made the couple cousins-but-not-cousins.Also she made the hero come off as lecherous.And not in a good way.
Not to mention that the heroine is a bit of a Mary-Sue,being fluent in many subjects and and a musical virtuoso etc etc. But she is so-so innocent.
((If anyone know of another HR with a heroine who has been locked up since childhood,I would be happy to know about it :))
The 23-year old heroine has been kept under lock and key by her paranoid father since she was a child.Now her father has died and the house where she grew up is up for sale,there is nowhere else for her to go but to live with her uncle until she can be launched into society aka enter the marriage mart and hopefully make a good marriage.(altought I question the wisdom of exposing someone who has been locked up for 18 years,only meeting a few person,to the whole of society.Wouldnt it have been more merciful to ease her into it?)
I felt the issue of the heroine being illegitimate was treated in a bit too easy manner.Remember this is supposed to take place in the victorian era.Yet her uncle goes about telling people about it like its not such a big deal.
Its a bit too much tell and not show to be honest. The hero is told that his cousin (the heroine) isnt related by blood to him
Its like the author wanted to create the drama of forbidden love but she didnt want to shock her readers,so she she made the couple cousins-but-not-cousins.Also she made the hero come off as lecherous.And not in a good way.
Not to mention that the heroine is a bit of a Mary-Sue,being fluent in many subjects and and a musical virtuoso etc etc. But she is so-so innocent.
January 2, 2013
I got this from the library because I thought this was an interesting premise, and while I did enjoy the read, there were a few things that bothered me:
One was the random shift in perspective/point of view during the same chapter. Without a break or anything marking a new section we suddenly go from being in Melissa's headspace to John's, or Lord Braddock's, or Miss Stanhope's. While I appreciate having more than one character's perspective in a story, the abruptness of the changes made it confusing (or at least irritating) and threw me off as I read.
Another issue I had was the way the major conflict of the story was resolved.
Honestly, more than Melissa and John, I enjoyed the relationship between
All that said, it was a good read and I'm curious to see if there is a next book in this series and if it will focus on Laura or Avonleigh (btw, I see what you did there, author. :D)
One was the random shift in perspective/point of view during the same chapter. Without a break or anything marking a new section we suddenly go from being in Melissa's headspace to John's, or Lord Braddock's, or Miss Stanhope's. While I appreciate having more than one character's perspective in a story, the abruptness of the changes made it confusing (or at least irritating) and threw me off as I read.
Another issue I had was the way the major conflict of the story was resolved.
Honestly, more than Melissa and John, I enjoyed the relationship between
All that said, it was a good read and I'm curious to see if there is a next book in this series and if it will focus on Laura or Avonleigh (btw, I see what you did there, author. :D)
August 8, 2012
Loved the Book.. John is a sweet hero without any demons, nor does he have any sordid past, nor is he a rake.. only thing that was missing in his life was that his mother did not love him, that does affect him as he believes that he love does not exist and he cannot fall in love but that changes when he meets Melissa and what a adorable heroine she is, she has been a prisoner in her own room for 18 years by a father who is mentally ill, who thinks that if she goes out into the outside world she will catch some illness and die or her biological father will take her way from him.. She becomes free once her father dies and goes to live with her step uncle and step cousin.. she initially has problems of adjusting to people but later John helps her through her insecurities and she becomes comfortable with him and falls in love with him, same happens with John.. Then there is a twist in plot where the family does not want the Ton to know that Melissa is an illegitimate child and so the lovers are torn apart,Melissa has to marry someone else other than John who happens to be his friend Charles.. Both John and Melissa hide their feelings for each other and try to be happy that Melissa is marrying charles.. at the end John realizes he cant live without Melissa and confesses his love for her and asks her to break her engagement and finally they get the approval from Johns dad and all is well.. There is no Epilogue in this book, which was necessary as the ending is a bit abrupt that is the only negative in this book.. Otherwise the book is amazing and a clean romance...
February 10, 2025
2.75
I like this author’s writing style and voice so I’ll be looking for more of her books. This one, however didn’t work for me. Although I loved the side romance, which is what makes me think I’ll like more of her books. I just didn’t care for Melissa which makes me feel like a jerk since it’s not her fault. She’s incredibly naive and young and I don’t feel she matured. And she’s constantly put into situations she’s not ready for which really sucks for her. But I don’t think the people surrounding her really helped with that whole issue. Like, yes let’s marry off the woman who has never left her room before in her entire life and let’s do it asap. There’s definitely nothing traumatic about that.
Anyway. I think I’ll read the next book in the series since I’m already invested in the characters now, and I do like the author’s style.
***review copy provided by the publisher
I like this author’s writing style and voice so I’ll be looking for more of her books. This one, however didn’t work for me. Although I loved the side romance, which is what makes me think I’ll like more of her books. I just didn’t care for Melissa which makes me feel like a jerk since it’s not her fault. She’s incredibly naive and young and I don’t feel she matured. And she’s constantly put into situations she’s not ready for which really sucks for her. But I don’t think the people surrounding her really helped with that whole issue. Like, yes let’s marry off the woman who has never left her room before in her entire life and let’s do it asap. There’s definitely nothing traumatic about that.
Anyway. I think I’ll read the next book in the series since I’m already invested in the characters now, and I do like the author’s style.
***review copy provided by the publisher
November 16, 2015
Melissa is a germaphobe with no experience with people because her father kept her locked up in the house. Her upbringing was sad and twisted. Her parents wern't mea or abusive, just scared and they kept her hidden. She is very childlike, everything is new to her. John is her cousin by marriage, not blood. He is sweet but typical, didn't believe in love hero. After Malissa's father dies, John and his father "inherit" her and decide to bring her out into society, with hopes of marriage. Slowely, feeling develop between Malissa and John as they spend time togethr. I knew they were headed in this direction but it still felt likea shock when they kissed. Things drag, as John keeps denying the existance of love, then his cowardice gratted on my nerves. He blamed others for his lack of bravery. He was so passive about his feelings. I felt the plot line about Malissa's real, but deranged, father went nowhere. He was introduced in the prologue and I kept waiting for him to show up, then forgot all about him until finally he appeares toward the end, only to die soon after. Anticlimactic. Interesting idea but not done well.
August 13, 2012
There’s nothing worse for a reviewer then the fear that one’s review of a beloved book will be weighed, measured and found wanting.
Ms. Jane Goodger is very new to me and after only two books, her writing leaves me breathless. She weaves her stories with out most care and I find her characters, even the ones on the periphery of the story, were given an element of humanity, which brought them to life for me.
Her broken heroes or heroines always ... http://bookworm2bookworm.wordpress.co...
Thanks for finishing this review at bookworm2bookworm
Melanie
Ms. Jane Goodger is very new to me and after only two books, her writing leaves me breathless. She weaves her stories with out most care and I find her characters, even the ones on the periphery of the story, were given an element of humanity, which brought them to life for me.
Her broken heroes or heroines always ... http://bookworm2bookworm.wordpress.co...
Thanks for finishing this review at bookworm2bookworm
Melanie
Read
March 25, 2013I just can't bring myself to finish this book at the moment. While the plot seems promising, the heroine is such a Mary Sue and it's driving me batty. Her only flaw, as far as I can see, is that she's overly innocent from being locked up in her room for 18 years. The quasi cousin romance thing isn't doing it for me either. It's weirding me out. Honestly don't think I'll finish this one unless I have ABSOLUTELY NOTHING ELSE to read.
August 13, 2020
Father and Son learn about Love
George an John learn about love with Diane and Melissa . Loved Diane and George together. Wished more inter action with them though. There was with John and Melissa. Story was cut short here and there about George and Diane. Like it was left out or discarded.
George an John learn about love with Diane and Melissa . Loved Diane and George together. Wished more inter action with them though. There was with John and Melissa. Story was cut short here and there about George and Diane. Like it was left out or discarded.
August 7, 2018
I think I was most fascinated by trying to imagine what it would be like to rejoin life after having been locked in my suite for 18 years--and I'm always fascinated by tales of the ton, with their extensive wardrobes and their rigid roles and their social fluttering. The love stories were sweet, if a bit gropey for what I'd expect of at least the female characters involved. I'm not sure I really needed the creepy duke hanging out in the back of my mind for the whole story. Teally, I'm not sure his presence added anything to the story; simply the notion of his existence and character would have been enough to achieve the point, I think.
May 21, 2019
A strange story but one that works out in the end. This novel provides good escape and introduces characters in other books in the series. There were some incidents that seemed to be unnecessarily contrived, but I won't spoil the plot for others. It also seems to follow a formula seen in other novels in this series.
May 3, 2019
Wonderful
What a lovely story. Beautifully done. The reader cannot help but cheer on the main characters of this story.. to admit to love. Twists and turns abound, but I found I could not put this book down.
What a lovely story. Beautifully done. The reader cannot help but cheer on the main characters of this story.. to admit to love. Twists and turns abound, but I found I could not put this book down.
June 28, 2017
Loved this book. Love this author!
August 6, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed it! I loved the characters and that there were two budding romances taking place.
July 22, 2019
I was intrigued by a book I read and decided that I would read this one. Although it was quite different from the books I usually read. I did enjoy reading it.
September 1, 2019
Enjoyable enough but a bit longer than it needs to be.
October 17, 2019
Very long
This book was long and boring, very hard to get through, I skipped alot of it just to get to the end.
This book was long and boring, very hard to get through, I skipped alot of it just to get to the end.
March 21, 2017
3.5 stars.
December 10, 2019
3.5
Book source ~ Purchased
Miss Melissa Atwell has been confined to her suite of rooms ever since her mother died of a fever when she was 3. Her step-father, Rupert Atwell, only wanted to protect her, but for 18 years she’s been isolated from the world. With her father’s death and the sale of the manor and lands, her uncle George, the Earl of Braddock, has come to collect her, take her under his wing, and find her a husband. He’s hired a companion for her, Diane Stanhope, to help with this task and act as chaperone. His son, John, the Viscount of Willington has agreed to help by providing a list of his friends who would be suitable. Problem is, he’s beginning to think he wants her for himself and Melissa feels the same. But society thinks they are first cousins and therefore unsuitable to marry. There’s no one alive who knows who her real father is, so there’s the added stigma of being a bastard when they figure out she is not a true Atwell. What a mess.
I loved two other books in this series so I thought I would love this one, too. But I just can’t. I feel bad for Melissa, having been tucked away from everything and thinking her whole life that if she goes outside or touches anyone without gloves that she’ll die. Her father did her no favors keeping her locked away even if his intentions were good, that he wanted to keep her away from her true father. But other than feeling sorry for Melissa, I just don’t like her. Or John. They just feel off to me. Oh, well. The story isn’t horrible, it’s just my own personal feelings that bring my rating down. Secondary characters are pretty good and the villain is shudder-worthy. Ugh. So give it a try and see what you think. Maybe you’ll like it a whole lot more than I do and that will make me feel better.
Book source ~ Purchased
Miss Melissa Atwell has been confined to her suite of rooms ever since her mother died of a fever when she was 3. Her step-father, Rupert Atwell, only wanted to protect her, but for 18 years she’s been isolated from the world. With her father’s death and the sale of the manor and lands, her uncle George, the Earl of Braddock, has come to collect her, take her under his wing, and find her a husband. He’s hired a companion for her, Diane Stanhope, to help with this task and act as chaperone. His son, John, the Viscount of Willington has agreed to help by providing a list of his friends who would be suitable. Problem is, he’s beginning to think he wants her for himself and Melissa feels the same. But society thinks they are first cousins and therefore unsuitable to marry. There’s no one alive who knows who her real father is, so there’s the added stigma of being a bastard when they figure out she is not a true Atwell. What a mess.
I loved two other books in this series so I thought I would love this one, too. But I just can’t. I feel bad for Melissa, having been tucked away from everything and thinking her whole life that if she goes outside or touches anyone without gloves that she’ll die. Her father did her no favors keeping her locked away even if his intentions were good, that he wanted to keep her away from her true father. But other than feeling sorry for Melissa, I just don’t like her. Or John. They just feel off to me. Oh, well. The story isn’t horrible, it’s just my own personal feelings that bring my rating down. Secondary characters are pretty good and the villain is shudder-worthy. Ugh. So give it a try and see what you think. Maybe you’ll like it a whole lot more than I do and that will make me feel better.
May 21, 2019
Melissa is the daughter of the "Mad Lord of Northumberland" and has been a virtual prisoner in a suite of rooms because her father was afraid that Melissa would get a fatal disease. She was never touched without gloves and she never stepped outside in her life. Now, at her father's death, Melissa is collected by the deceased lord's brother and moved to his home. Her father requested that his brother find a suitable match for his daughter and see her married.
The story is how Melissa learns to live in society and get ready for her Season in London. Lord Braddock, Melissa's uncle, and his son do not believe in love.
Lord Braddock is aware that Melissa needs a chaperone and engages Diane Stanhope to take care of Melissa's coming out activities.
This is an engaging story that flows smoothly and has lots of interesting characters to move the plot along.
The story is how Melissa learns to live in society and get ready for her Season in London. Lord Braddock, Melissa's uncle, and his son do not believe in love.
Lord Braddock is aware that Melissa needs a chaperone and engages Diane Stanhope to take care of Melissa's coming out activities.
This is an engaging story that flows smoothly and has lots of interesting characters to move the plot along.
December 31, 2023
A light but engaging story, firmly in the romance genre, including an ending you could expect. It’s always the journey and how do the people who need to find true love navigate their way to this ideal.
Fun and enjoyable.
Fun and enjoyable.
February 22, 2014
Reviewed by Shannon
Book provided by the publisher for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
This is the second Jane Goodger book that has proven to be so much more than I thought it was going to be. Jane has a way of writing a story that completely immerses the reader into the lives of the charming, witty characters she’s created. The Mad Lord’s Daughter draws readers into Melissa Atwell’s life as she makes the transition from recluse to the center of attention in her small circle of friends and family.
Melissa spent the first eighteen years of her life locked away in her room by her father under the guise of protecting her. When he dies, she’s forced from her family home to live with her uncle and his family during a season in London. The family’s hopes are to find a suitable spouse for Melissa while maintaining her dark, family secret.
I really enjoyed Melissa’s character. Given the way she had been raised, she really was a very well-adjusted woman. She was sweet, witty and wasn’t as socially awkward as you would think someone who’s been locked away for eighteen years would be. She had an inner strength that made it possible for her to view each introduction to something new as an adventure.
John had a very strong sense of family and duty, which was very evident in the way he initially dealt with Melissa and the search for her husband. He was very analytical and tended to look at things in a very black and white manner. Melissa she unwittingly forced him to re-evaluate everything he thought about love and relationships and realize you can’t apply a scientific theory to either of those to get them right.
I loved the relationship that built between John and Melissa. While they both may have felt a spark of attraction to each other from the very beginning, their romance was slow building and allowed for them to get to know each other and become close friends. John may have fought what was happening between the two of them, but it made him appreciate what they had when he realized he might lose her altogether.
Truly a fun read and one I would suggest to anyone historical romance reader out there.
Book provided by the publisher for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
This is the second Jane Goodger book that has proven to be so much more than I thought it was going to be. Jane has a way of writing a story that completely immerses the reader into the lives of the charming, witty characters she’s created. The Mad Lord’s Daughter draws readers into Melissa Atwell’s life as she makes the transition from recluse to the center of attention in her small circle of friends and family.
Melissa spent the first eighteen years of her life locked away in her room by her father under the guise of protecting her. When he dies, she’s forced from her family home to live with her uncle and his family during a season in London. The family’s hopes are to find a suitable spouse for Melissa while maintaining her dark, family secret.
I really enjoyed Melissa’s character. Given the way she had been raised, she really was a very well-adjusted woman. She was sweet, witty and wasn’t as socially awkward as you would think someone who’s been locked away for eighteen years would be. She had an inner strength that made it possible for her to view each introduction to something new as an adventure.
John had a very strong sense of family and duty, which was very evident in the way he initially dealt with Melissa and the search for her husband. He was very analytical and tended to look at things in a very black and white manner. Melissa she unwittingly forced him to re-evaluate everything he thought about love and relationships and realize you can’t apply a scientific theory to either of those to get them right.
I loved the relationship that built between John and Melissa. While they both may have felt a spark of attraction to each other from the very beginning, their romance was slow building and allowed for them to get to know each other and become close friends. John may have fought what was happening between the two of them, but it made him appreciate what they had when he realized he might lose her altogether.
Truly a fun read and one I would suggest to anyone historical romance reader out there.
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