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The Devil's Waltz
Christian Montcalm was a practical man, if a destitute scoundrel, but his plan to bed and wed the delectable Miss Hetty Chipple would take care of that sticky wicket. However, there was a most intriguing obstacle to his success.
Annelise Kempton desired nothing more than to come between this despicable rogue and the fortune (and virtue) of her young charge. Certainly, Annelise understood the desperation that comes from hard times, but Montcalm would fail - she would personally see to it. All that stands in her way is a man whose rakish charm could tempt a saint to sin, or consign a confirmed spinster to sleepless nights of longing to give the devil his due.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2004
42 people are currently reading
1176 people want to read
About the author
Anne Stuart
203 books2,062 followersAnne Stuart is a grandmaster of the genre, winner of Romance Writers of America's prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, survivor of more than thirty-five years in the romance business, and still just keeps getting better.
Her first novel was Barrett's Hill, a gothic romance published by Ballantine in 1974 when Anne had just turned 25. Since then she's written more gothics, regencies, romantic suspense, romantic adventure, series romance, suspense, historical romance, paranormal and mainstream contemporary romance for publishers such as Doubleday, Harlequin, Silhouette, Avon, Zebra, St. Martins Press, Berkley, Dell, Pocket Books and Fawcett.
She’s won numerous awards, appeared on most bestseller lists, and speaks all over the country. Her general outrageousness has gotten her on Entertainment Tonight, as well as in Vogue, People, USA Today, Women’s Day and countless other national newspapers and magazines.
When she’s not traveling, she’s at home in Northern Vermont with her luscious husband of thirty-six years, an empty nest, three cats, four sewing machines, and one Springer Spaniel, and when she’s not working she’s watching movies, listening to rock and roll (preferably Japanese) and spending far too much time quilting.
Anne Stuart also writes as Kristina Douglas.
Her first novel was Barrett's Hill, a gothic romance published by Ballantine in 1974 when Anne had just turned 25. Since then she's written more gothics, regencies, romantic suspense, romantic adventure, series romance, suspense, historical romance, paranormal and mainstream contemporary romance for publishers such as Doubleday, Harlequin, Silhouette, Avon, Zebra, St. Martins Press, Berkley, Dell, Pocket Books and Fawcett.
She’s won numerous awards, appeared on most bestseller lists, and speaks all over the country. Her general outrageousness has gotten her on Entertainment Tonight, as well as in Vogue, People, USA Today, Women’s Day and countless other national newspapers and magazines.
When she’s not traveling, she’s at home in Northern Vermont with her luscious husband of thirty-six years, an empty nest, three cats, four sewing machines, and one Springer Spaniel, and when she’s not working she’s watching movies, listening to rock and roll (preferably Japanese) and spending far too much time quilting.
Anne Stuart also writes as Kristina Douglas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
January 2, 2012
One of my favourite things in romance novels is when the hero has some kind of special nickname for the heroine. Not some sappy thing like "bees knees", but something witty. Some inside joke between the two of them, something sexy that he would say to her in a particular tone of voice reserved just for her. This book has it.
The Honourable Miss Annalise Kempton has fallen upon hard times. She is unmarried, almost 30 and virtually penniless. Her pedigree does not allow her to work for a living and so she spends her life "visiting" one family after another. Her latest visit is to the Chipples where she will guide young Hetty through her first season and help her to find a suitable husband. Hetty, of course, is headstrong and spoiled and has caught the eye of Christian Montcalm, a scoundrel of the first water.
On her first day Miss Annalise intercepts Hetty on her way to a secret assignation in the park with Christian Montcalm. She comes face to face with Christian and tells him in no uncertain terms what her duties are: "I'm someone who is going to make your designs on Miss Chipple impossible to carry out. So cast your lures elsewhere." Christian considers it a challenge and is intrigued by the woman his friend describes as "a dragon. And a bit long in the tooth. Not your type at all."
"You may be sure we'll meet again, dragon." he said, and for some reason the term sounded more affectionate than insulting. "
Ah, there it is. The nickname.
And away we go.
The story hooked me from the beginning. Christian calls her "dragon" through the entire book - who knew that word could be so romantic? He is fascinated by her in spite of himself , she is wildly attracted to him (again, in spite of HERself).
Their verbal sparring is engaging - you cheer for Miss Annalise from beginning to end. The sexual tension between the two is palpable and when they finally get together it is beautifully done. Christian is a completely unscrupulous rake but you love him anyway. He redeems himself by the end as most heroes do and the epilogue is a perfect finale to the HEA.
There are also the requisite villians, nefarious plots and a minor misunderstanding. Oh, and a fairly comic resolution to Hetty Chipple's search for a husband.
A very entertaining story from start to end. I loved it!
Original review written June 24/10.
4.5 stars
The Honourable Miss Annalise Kempton has fallen upon hard times. She is unmarried, almost 30 and virtually penniless. Her pedigree does not allow her to work for a living and so she spends her life "visiting" one family after another. Her latest visit is to the Chipples where she will guide young Hetty through her first season and help her to find a suitable husband. Hetty, of course, is headstrong and spoiled and has caught the eye of Christian Montcalm, a scoundrel of the first water.
On her first day Miss Annalise intercepts Hetty on her way to a secret assignation in the park with Christian Montcalm. She comes face to face with Christian and tells him in no uncertain terms what her duties are: "I'm someone who is going to make your designs on Miss Chipple impossible to carry out. So cast your lures elsewhere." Christian considers it a challenge and is intrigued by the woman his friend describes as "a dragon. And a bit long in the tooth. Not your type at all."
"You may be sure we'll meet again, dragon." he said, and for some reason the term sounded more affectionate than insulting. "
Ah, there it is. The nickname.
And away we go.
The story hooked me from the beginning. Christian calls her "dragon" through the entire book - who knew that word could be so romantic? He is fascinated by her in spite of himself , she is wildly attracted to him (again, in spite of HERself).
Their verbal sparring is engaging - you cheer for Miss Annalise from beginning to end. The sexual tension between the two is palpable and when they finally get together it is beautifully done. Christian is a completely unscrupulous rake but you love him anyway. He redeems himself by the end as most heroes do and the epilogue is a perfect finale to the HEA.
There are also the requisite villians, nefarious plots and a minor misunderstanding. Oh, and a fairly comic resolution to Hetty Chipple's search for a husband.
A very entertaining story from start to end. I loved it!
Original review written June 24/10.
4.5 stars
June 30, 2018
Segundo libro del #RetoRita2 #RitaStuart
Estoy entre un 3,5 y un 4. Me ha gustado mucho la relación entre los dos protagonistas: una aristócrata solterona de ¡29 años! y un lord que busca casarse por dinero y que más que un sinvergüenza se comporta como un hijo de p*** el 90% del tiempo. No sé si es algo común en la obra de la autora, pero en los dos libros suyos que he leído, sus protagonistas son bastante cabrones. Me han encantado las interacciones, los maravillosos diálogos y la innegable química entre Christian y su dragona, pero he echado en falta que la trama de suspense fuera más redonda y un final menos precipitado.
Y que alguien me explique cómo se pasa la protagonista días descalza o con un solo zapato y nadie le dice nada. Ehhhh?
Estoy entre un 3,5 y un 4. Me ha gustado mucho la relación entre los dos protagonistas: una aristócrata solterona de ¡29 años! y un lord que busca casarse por dinero y que más que un sinvergüenza se comporta como un hijo de p*** el 90% del tiempo. No sé si es algo común en la obra de la autora, pero en los dos libros suyos que he leído, sus protagonistas son bastante cabrones. Me han encantado las interacciones, los maravillosos diálogos y la innegable química entre Christian y su dragona, pero he echado en falta que la trama de suspense fuera más redonda y un final menos precipitado.
Y que alguien me explique cómo se pasa la protagonista días descalza o con un solo zapato y nadie le dice nada. Ehhhh?
March 25, 2015
I love Anne Stuart. I need to do a marathon of her books real soon!!!!!
Anyway, as the dudes I've read in her other books, this one is gamma too, a lying, scheming, money-grabbing jerk scoundrel!!!!! I loved him like crazy *.*
He is so perfectly wicked and a complex character, no one-dimensional goody-two-shoes here, and I recommend it to all who like reading their heroes who are not on the saint side but a little bit wicked and bad :D
June 22, 2018
3.5
Reseña completa: http://masromance.blogspot.com/2018/0...
Me ha gustado mucho, en serio. Pero al final se ha cargado la novela con unas escenas que no me llegado a creerme. Eso sí, me he divertido mucho con esta relación, estas protagonistas son de las que me gustan, aunque sorprenda y él, aunque con varias frases se gana más que un buen guantazo, lo dice todo con tanta gracia que lo pasas por alto y no lo analizas mucho
Una novela muy previsible pero que recomiendo para echarse unas risas
Reseña completa: http://masromance.blogspot.com/2018/0...
Me ha gustado mucho, en serio. Pero al final se ha cargado la novela con unas escenas que no me llegado a creerme. Eso sí, me he divertido mucho con esta relación, estas protagonistas son de las que me gustan, aunque sorprenda y él, aunque con varias frases se gana más que un buen guantazo, lo dice todo con tanta gracia que lo pasas por alto y no lo analizas mucho
Una novela muy previsible pero que recomiendo para echarse unas risas
May 29, 2014
4.5 stars. Just because :)
I’ve had a bit of a run of “C” grade books recently, so I wanted my next read to be a bit of a pick-me-up. I haven’t read a huge number of Anne Stuart’s books, but I’ve enjoyed the ones I have read and I admit to having a rather large weakness for that whole starchy-spinster-meets-delicious-bad-boy thing she writes so well.
The Honourable Miss Annelise Kempton is nearing thirty, overly tall, bespectacled and penniless. Her sisters are married with families of their own, and their father’s profligacy left Annelise without home or resources when he died in a riding accident. The daughter of a viscount can’t possibly work for a living, so instead, with the help of her godmother, Annelise has spent the last few years providing companionship or chaperonage to a variety of “friends” in return for bed and board.
Her latest home is to be with Mr Josiah Chipple, a very wealthy merchant who wants to gain his daughter an entrée into society so that she can marry a titled gentleman. Hetty Chipple is seventeen, beautiful, stubborn, rude and dismissive of her new companion, and Annelise recognises quickly that she has quite the task on her hands if she is to ensure that Hetty behaves appropriately at all times. For Hetty has her eye on the most scandalous rake in society, Mr Christian Montcalm, a man who is in dire need of Hetty’s fortune, but will one day be a viscount.
Knowing of Christian’s reputation, Annelise immediately warns Hetty off, but the girl is determined to have him, so instead Annelise decides to try to keep them from seeing very much of each other. It comes as no surprise when Christian finds himself fascinated by the stern Miss Kempton and promptly nicknames her “dragon”. It’s hardly the most flattering of endearments, yet coming from Christian it’s devoid of malice, gently mocking and ridiculously disarming.
The two continue to cross swords at every opportunity; Christian deliberately provoking her, knowing perfectly well that their verbal sparring is a form of foreplay, and Annelise being incapable of resisting his barbs, no matter how infuriating she tells herself she finds him.
Unlike many stories in which the hero has a terrible reputation, we actually get to see Christian live up to his. He can be cold and ruthless, and is certainly not above lies and deceit if it will get him what he wants; access to Hetty’s youthful attractions and her money, and to continue to explore his fascination with Miss Kempton on the side. It seems, however, that Christian has come up against an equally ruthless opponent in the form of Hetty’s father, who proves to be a villain in more ways than one.
The main thrust of the story, though, is the relationship between Christian and his “dragon”, which is really well done. Ms Stuart writes Christian in such a way as to keep him on the right side of the line which has “hero” on one side and “arsehole” on the other. He’s an alpha-male, for sure, and he wants his own way; he’s unscrupulous and manipulative – but there’s something about him that makes him loveable at the same time, a sense of an underlying vulnerability that is breathtaking when glimpsed, such as the moment he tells Annelise:
Christian is simply delicious, a man trying desperately to prove he doesn’t need love because he doesn’t feel he deserves it, and who does have a strong sense of honour in spite of his attempts to prove otherwise.
Annelise is a terrific heroine, a woman who has been betrayed by those who should have protected her, and who has to tread a very uncertain path, dependent upon others for her very existence. Her loneliness and the true pathos of her situation is brought home in a scene late on in the book in which she discovers that her favourite mare, sold off after her father’s death, is part of Christian’s stable. Rather a large co-incidence, it’s true, but it’s one of those moments that made me feel as though my heart had been ripped out and stomped on:
In the face of insult, she retains her dignity, resigned to her spinsterhood and wanting nothing more than a cottage of her own and a few cats. Or so she tells herself. But sometimes the thought of a solitary life is too much to bear, and she can’t help but be just a bit smitten by the handsome scoundrel who sends her snapdragons and makes her want things she knows can’t be hers.
Their exchanges are sharp, witty and laden with the kind of sexual tension that is guaranteed to be explosive should it ever be allowed full rein. And when it is… phew! The book may be almost ten years old and devoid of many of the words and terms found frequently in HR these days (no barnfowl, unfolding petals or f-bombs) but the seduction scene is so hot I thought I’d have to go and stand by the open fridge for a few minutes to cool off! And what makes it even better is that they still snipe at each other even as they’re ripping their clothes off ;-)
Seriously – what’s not to love?
The Devil’s Waltz is a great read. The characterisation is excellent, it’s funny, incredibly sexy and the while the storyline may be formulaic, it’s a formula I enjoy. And nobody writes those redeemable-by-the-right-woman-bad-boys like Anne Stuart.
I’ve had a bit of a run of “C” grade books recently, so I wanted my next read to be a bit of a pick-me-up. I haven’t read a huge number of Anne Stuart’s books, but I’ve enjoyed the ones I have read and I admit to having a rather large weakness for that whole starchy-spinster-meets-delicious-bad-boy thing she writes so well.
The Honourable Miss Annelise Kempton is nearing thirty, overly tall, bespectacled and penniless. Her sisters are married with families of their own, and their father’s profligacy left Annelise without home or resources when he died in a riding accident. The daughter of a viscount can’t possibly work for a living, so instead, with the help of her godmother, Annelise has spent the last few years providing companionship or chaperonage to a variety of “friends” in return for bed and board.
Her latest home is to be with Mr Josiah Chipple, a very wealthy merchant who wants to gain his daughter an entrée into society so that she can marry a titled gentleman. Hetty Chipple is seventeen, beautiful, stubborn, rude and dismissive of her new companion, and Annelise recognises quickly that she has quite the task on her hands if she is to ensure that Hetty behaves appropriately at all times. For Hetty has her eye on the most scandalous rake in society, Mr Christian Montcalm, a man who is in dire need of Hetty’s fortune, but will one day be a viscount.
Knowing of Christian’s reputation, Annelise immediately warns Hetty off, but the girl is determined to have him, so instead Annelise decides to try to keep them from seeing very much of each other. It comes as no surprise when Christian finds himself fascinated by the stern Miss Kempton and promptly nicknames her “dragon”. It’s hardly the most flattering of endearments, yet coming from Christian it’s devoid of malice, gently mocking and ridiculously disarming.
The two continue to cross swords at every opportunity; Christian deliberately provoking her, knowing perfectly well that their verbal sparring is a form of foreplay, and Annelise being incapable of resisting his barbs, no matter how infuriating she tells herself she finds him.
Unlike many stories in which the hero has a terrible reputation, we actually get to see Christian live up to his. He can be cold and ruthless, and is certainly not above lies and deceit if it will get him what he wants; access to Hetty’s youthful attractions and her money, and to continue to explore his fascination with Miss Kempton on the side. It seems, however, that Christian has come up against an equally ruthless opponent in the form of Hetty’s father, who proves to be a villain in more ways than one.
The main thrust of the story, though, is the relationship between Christian and his “dragon”, which is really well done. Ms Stuart writes Christian in such a way as to keep him on the right side of the line which has “hero” on one side and “arsehole” on the other. He’s an alpha-male, for sure, and he wants his own way; he’s unscrupulous and manipulative – but there’s something about him that makes him loveable at the same time, a sense of an underlying vulnerability that is breathtaking when glimpsed, such as the moment he tells Annelise:
”Anyone who loved me died twenty years ago."
Christian is simply delicious, a man trying desperately to prove he doesn’t need love because he doesn’t feel he deserves it, and who does have a strong sense of honour in spite of his attempts to prove otherwise.
Annelise is a terrific heroine, a woman who has been betrayed by those who should have protected her, and who has to tread a very uncertain path, dependent upon others for her very existence. Her loneliness and the true pathos of her situation is brought home in a scene late on in the book in which she discovers that her favourite mare, sold off after her father’s death, is part of Christian’s stable. Rather a large co-incidence, it’s true, but it’s one of those moments that made me feel as though my heart had been ripped out and stomped on:
Nothing mattered but that the one creature left on this earth who loved her unconditionally was suddenly there once more.
In the face of insult, she retains her dignity, resigned to her spinsterhood and wanting nothing more than a cottage of her own and a few cats. Or so she tells herself. But sometimes the thought of a solitary life is too much to bear, and she can’t help but be just a bit smitten by the handsome scoundrel who sends her snapdragons and makes her want things she knows can’t be hers.
Their exchanges are sharp, witty and laden with the kind of sexual tension that is guaranteed to be explosive should it ever be allowed full rein. And when it is… phew! The book may be almost ten years old and devoid of many of the words and terms found frequently in HR these days (no barnfowl, unfolding petals or f-bombs) but the seduction scene is so hot I thought I’d have to go and stand by the open fridge for a few minutes to cool off! And what makes it even better is that they still snipe at each other even as they’re ripping their clothes off ;-)
He tugged at his loosely tied cravat, sending it sailing. He ripped at his own buttons, opening his shirt and reaching for his breeches, when he stopped. “One last warning, love. This is no fairy-tale business, no pretty dream. It’s real. It’s dark and messy and for you, painful. In the beginning, at least. You’ll end up hating me.”
“Don’t worry about it, Christian,” she said. “I already hate you.”
Seriously – what’s not to love?
The Devil’s Waltz is a great read. The characterisation is excellent, it’s funny, incredibly sexy and the while the storyline may be formulaic, it’s a formula I enjoy. And nobody writes those redeemable-by-the-right-woman-bad-boys like Anne Stuart.
June 4, 2018
5/5
Le tengo que dar un 5 porque no he podido dejar de leerlo desde que lo empecé, ayer, hasta que lo he terminado, hoy. Me ha encantado de principio a fin.
Christian es el típico canalla, vividor, egoísta que sólo busca casarse por dinero y esa es su meta, pero da la casualidad que se cruza en su camino Annalise, una solterona seria y rígida, y desde ese momento nada volverá a ser lo mismo...
Christian me ha enamorado totalmente. Me han encantado los tira y afloja entre los dos.
Os recomiendo que lo leáis en este #RitaStuart
Le tengo que dar un 5 porque no he podido dejar de leerlo desde que lo empecé, ayer, hasta que lo he terminado, hoy. Me ha encantado de principio a fin.
Christian es el típico canalla, vividor, egoísta que sólo busca casarse por dinero y esa es su meta, pero da la casualidad que se cruza en su camino Annalise, una solterona seria y rígida, y desde ese momento nada volverá a ser lo mismo...
Christian me ha enamorado totalmente. Me han encantado los tira y afloja entre los dos.
Os recomiendo que lo leáis en este #RitaStuart
June 10, 2018
#RitaStuart
Mi segundo libro #RitaStuart y qué deliciosa historia. Sus dos protagonistas me han parecido maravillosos y toda la historia me ha hecho disfrutar mucho.
Christian un canalla con todas las letras, su aspiración es casarse por dinero y quitarse sus deudas de encima, egoísta y acostumbrado y decidido a hacer su vida sin encariñarse de nadie.
Annelise, deliciosa. Una mujer firme, que sabe que no es una belleza y ya hace años que asumió que su vida será siempre la de una solterona.
Ninguno de los dos pierde su esencia en ningún momento, de principio a fin y eso me ha encantado.
Una historia que me ha mantenido enganchada desde el principio. Sus tira y afloja inteligentes y con momentos divertidos. Ha habido momentos en los que pensaba "ay pobre Annelise" pero la veía tan firme y decidida aun estando en circunstancias complicadas que me he divertido muchísimo.
Os lo recomiendo. Me ha encantado, he disfrutado muchísimo.
Mi segundo libro #RitaStuart y qué deliciosa historia. Sus dos protagonistas me han parecido maravillosos y toda la historia me ha hecho disfrutar mucho.
Christian un canalla con todas las letras, su aspiración es casarse por dinero y quitarse sus deudas de encima, egoísta y acostumbrado y decidido a hacer su vida sin encariñarse de nadie.
Annelise, deliciosa. Una mujer firme, que sabe que no es una belleza y ya hace años que asumió que su vida será siempre la de una solterona.
Ninguno de los dos pierde su esencia en ningún momento, de principio a fin y eso me ha encantado.
Una historia que me ha mantenido enganchada desde el principio. Sus tira y afloja inteligentes y con momentos divertidos. Ha habido momentos en los que pensaba "ay pobre Annelise" pero la veía tan firme y decidida aun estando en circunstancias complicadas que me he divertido muchísimo.
Os lo recomiendo. Me ha encantado, he disfrutado muchísimo.
June 14, 2018
Entre 3-3'5 estrellitas anda la cosa.
La verdad es que, aunque la nota haga parecer lo contrario, he disfrutado bastante leyendo este libro. Lo que pasa es que las partes que me han gustado mucho no han tenido tanto peso como para compensar las que no me han tenido croqueteando precisamente.
Definitivamente los protagonistas y su modo de relacionarse son los mejor del libro. Soy fan total de la protagonista, una solterona (¡con 29 años, válgame Dior!) que tiene una lengua que ni un mozo de cuadras y que tiene los ovarios cuadrados. Adoro ese tipo de heroínas que no son damiselas en apuros y que aguantan un combate verbal mejor que cualquier deslenguado sinvergüenza (puede que no se acerque ni de coña a la realidad de las mujeres en la época pero cuando leo una novela romántica me paso la exactitud histórica por el forro del **** si con ello disfruto mucho más de la lectura). Obviamente, siendo el protagonista un sinvergüenza (pero muy sinvergüenza) melofó me tenía que gustar irremediablemente. Así, los momentos entre ellos son espectaculares, unos combates dialécticos de lo más estupendos. Y no hablemos de la secuencia (sí, hablo en singular) amorosa... ¡Calores supremos! ¿Cuál ha sido el problema? Pues que fuera de esos momentos y de la relación entre los protagonistas el resto de lo que cuenta el libro no me interesaba nada, ni la petarda de Hetty, ni las malvadas intenciones de su padre, na-da. Y claro, esto va adquiriendo más peso en la trama hasta culminar en una parte final loquísima y muy mal ejecutada para mi gusto. Me queda la misma sensación que con Tras la máscara, que Anne Stuart es fantástica a la hora de plantear situaciones y crearnos expectativas para luego no saber desarrollarlas y culminarlas bien.
De todos modos ha sido una lectura entretenida y he pasado un buen rato leyéndola.
La verdad es que, aunque la nota haga parecer lo contrario, he disfrutado bastante leyendo este libro. Lo que pasa es que las partes que me han gustado mucho no han tenido tanto peso como para compensar las que no me han tenido croqueteando precisamente.
Definitivamente los protagonistas y su modo de relacionarse son los mejor del libro. Soy fan total de la protagonista, una solterona (¡con 29 años, válgame Dior!) que tiene una lengua que ni un mozo de cuadras y que tiene los ovarios cuadrados. Adoro ese tipo de heroínas que no son damiselas en apuros y que aguantan un combate verbal mejor que cualquier deslenguado sinvergüenza (puede que no se acerque ni de coña a la realidad de las mujeres en la época pero cuando leo una novela romántica me paso la exactitud histórica por el forro del **** si con ello disfruto mucho más de la lectura). Obviamente, siendo el protagonista un sinvergüenza (pero muy sinvergüenza) melofó me tenía que gustar irremediablemente. Así, los momentos entre ellos son espectaculares, unos combates dialécticos de lo más estupendos. Y no hablemos de la secuencia (sí, hablo en singular) amorosa... ¡Calores supremos! ¿Cuál ha sido el problema? Pues que fuera de esos momentos y de la relación entre los protagonistas el resto de lo que cuenta el libro no me interesaba nada, ni la petarda de Hetty, ni las malvadas intenciones de su padre, na-da. Y claro, esto va adquiriendo más peso en la trama hasta culminar en una parte final loquísima y muy mal ejecutada para mi gusto. Me queda la misma sensación que con Tras la máscara, que Anne Stuart es fantástica a la hora de plantear situaciones y crearnos expectativas para luego no saber desarrollarlas y culminarlas bien.
De todos modos ha sido una lectura entretenida y he pasado un buen rato leyéndola.
September 10, 2010
3.5 Stars to be specific.
It seems like this author has quite a talent for writing dark, shady, unrepentant men. Christian definitely fits the bill. He is an actual fortune hunter. I don't think I've ever read about a fortune hunter hero who doesn't have a problem with that status. Christian would have preferred having money himself, obviously, but he had no problem marrying to get it. He was a master manipulator. He was able to look at someone and know how best to portray himself. He also has no problem with any number of other villainous deeds. You want blackmail? He's all over it. How about kidnapping? Well, he doesn't have a problem with that if it proves necessary either. He's unrepentant and makes no bones about the fact that he only cares about what's best for him. He has numerous enemies and very few friends.
Annelise has fallen on hard times. She's wellborn, so she can't work, but her family can't afford to support her either. She lives by becoming a guest at someone's house that needs her help. She's not a servant, and she doesn't get paid for her work, but there's an unspoken obligation involved. The most recent house she's "visiting" has her instilling manners and good breeding (or at least trying to) in shipping heiress, Hetty. Right away she runs into Christian as he tries to lure Hetty down the bridal path. She's knows his true nature and refuses to let him have Hetty.
While I have a weakness for Christian's character type, I have to like the heroine too, and I have to believe in their romance. I found myself wavering on that here. I really feel that there wasn't enough quality time spent on their relationship. It seemed like so much focus was cast on Christian and his shady deeds that there wasn't enough time to develop a believable romance. Also, the I-love-you came awfully fast from Annelise. I just didn't feel that it was believable with so little to work with. On the other hand, I didn't like the fact that Christian didn't admit to falling for her until the very last minute. I'd prefer a little middle ground for both of them.
I was extremely irritated by Annelise's refusal to believe anything bad that was said about Josiah. When multiple different people imply the man is a lunatic, perhaps you should stop trying to tell them they're exaggerating. It made Annelise look extremely stupid. Also, I really didn't see a reason why Annelise wouldn't just leave. Honestly, she had no real attachment to the family, and she didn't even like them. I know it wouldn't have served the plot if she had left, but it really made no sense.
I would have liked this story a lot more if a believable romance had been constructed. As it is, it just average.
It seems like this author has quite a talent for writing dark, shady, unrepentant men. Christian definitely fits the bill. He is an actual fortune hunter. I don't think I've ever read about a fortune hunter hero who doesn't have a problem with that status. Christian would have preferred having money himself, obviously, but he had no problem marrying to get it. He was a master manipulator. He was able to look at someone and know how best to portray himself. He also has no problem with any number of other villainous deeds. You want blackmail? He's all over it. How about kidnapping? Well, he doesn't have a problem with that if it proves necessary either. He's unrepentant and makes no bones about the fact that he only cares about what's best for him. He has numerous enemies and very few friends.
Annelise has fallen on hard times. She's wellborn, so she can't work, but her family can't afford to support her either. She lives by becoming a guest at someone's house that needs her help. She's not a servant, and she doesn't get paid for her work, but there's an unspoken obligation involved. The most recent house she's "visiting" has her instilling manners and good breeding (or at least trying to) in shipping heiress, Hetty. Right away she runs into Christian as he tries to lure Hetty down the bridal path. She's knows his true nature and refuses to let him have Hetty.
While I have a weakness for Christian's character type, I have to like the heroine too, and I have to believe in their romance. I found myself wavering on that here. I really feel that there wasn't enough quality time spent on their relationship. It seemed like so much focus was cast on Christian and his shady deeds that there wasn't enough time to develop a believable romance. Also, the I-love-you came awfully fast from Annelise. I just didn't feel that it was believable with so little to work with. On the other hand, I didn't like the fact that Christian didn't admit to falling for her until the very last minute. I'd prefer a little middle ground for both of them.
I was extremely irritated by Annelise's refusal to believe anything bad that was said about Josiah. When multiple different people imply the man is a lunatic, perhaps you should stop trying to tell them they're exaggerating. It made Annelise look extremely stupid. Also, I really didn't see a reason why Annelise wouldn't just leave. Honestly, she had no real attachment to the family, and she didn't even like them. I know it wouldn't have served the plot if she had left, but it really made no sense.
I would have liked this story a lot more if a believable romance had been constructed. As it is, it just average.
June 27, 2018
#retorita2 #retostuart
Gracias al reto descubro otra nueva autora.
Un libro entretenido, bien escrito y que me ha gustado bastante.
los protagonistas no han estado nada mal pero la que me ha ganado a sido Anne, la verdad que ha sido toda una buscavidas y no he soportado a Hetty me sacaba de quicio Jajajaja
Aunque tengo que reconocer el prota a veces también.
No ha estado nada mal
Gracias al reto descubro otra nueva autora.
Un libro entretenido, bien escrito y que me ha gustado bastante.
los protagonistas no han estado nada mal pero la que me ha ganado a sido Anne, la verdad que ha sido toda una buscavidas y no he soportado a Hetty me sacaba de quicio Jajajaja
Aunque tengo que reconocer el prota a veces también.
No ha estado nada mal
October 7, 2018
4 Estrellas. Estaba tardando en leer este libro, y es de esos que probablemente lleva años entre mi lista de pendientes. Por fin le he dado la oportunidad, y ha sido un acierto de lectura.
De Anne Stuart puedo decir que tiene libros y libros, algunos son un truñaco, pero cuando sabe hacerlos buenos, son buenos; y ése ha sido el caso de “El vals del Diablo”. No puede decirse que sea una joya, pues si hay que profundizar diría que la historia es bastante normalita, y en cierto modo harlequinera, no en vano vemos qué editorial la ha publicado, pero a eso iré más adelante.
“El vals del Diablo” es una historia algo tópica de la regencia inglesa. La protagonista Annelise Kempton es una dama de buena familia venida a menos, tiene su clase social, su educación, pero nada de dinero; y por si fuera poco, su aspecto físico no ayuda a la hora de elegir marido, así que con casi la treintena está abocada a ser la tía solterona que vive de la generosidad de sus parientes. Pero gracias a su madrina, puede conseguir algo de dinero que la permita independizarse de una manera discreta: hacer de dama de compañía o cicerone, de una jovencita venida del campo, cuyo padre es un rico comerciante, decidido a que su niña se case con un título.
Así es como Annelise acepta el encargo de introducir en sociedad a la mimada y caprichosa Hetty Chipple, cosa que no será nada fácil. Hetty es vanidosa, egocéntrica y no duda en hacérselas pasar mal a su actual chaperona, y por si fuera poco, Hetty tiene las miras puestas en quien menos debería haberse fijado, el canalla Christian Montcalm, un crápula desalmado y sin un céntimo, a pesar de ser heredero de un vizcondado, pero famoso por su libertinaje.
Sí, así es Christian Montcalm, un protagonista masculino que realmente es lo que aparenta su personaje. A mí personalmente los libertinos no me gustan, ni me llaman la atención, pero hay veces que si el personaje está bien creado o estructurado, me los creo o me gustan, y éste ha sido el caso de Christian. Es un libertino y un canalla, lo sabe y alardea de ello, y su fama de peligro atrae a las mujeres como polillas a su cama. Hasta que su tío fallezca, Christian no puede optar a su título, y en éste tiempo no tiene dinero, y lo necesita desesperadamente para seguir llevando a cabo su vida disoluta y sus apuestas. Así es como Christian pone sus miras en la bella y caprichosa Hetty, por supuesto no la quiere ni por su belleza, ni por sus encantos, si no por su dinero.
Annelise sabe que Christian quiere casarse con Hetty por su dinero, y con la fama que éste tiene, pone todo su empeño para desbarajustar los planes del libertino hacia su protegida. Ahora es cuando me llego a lo que más me ha gustado: la guerra dialéctica que se crea entre los personajes. Ha sido una delicia leer los reproches, pullas, e insultos que se lanzan el uno al otro, y a pesar de ello, ver la química que nace donde no debería haberla, pues si te paras a pensarlo, ambos protagonistas no pegan nada, hasta que estalla el debido romance entre ellos, y ves que realmente es juntos como deben estar.
En el fondo el romance no me ha parecido como para tirar cohetes, pues tarda bastante en desarrollarse, y la verdad es que la actitud de Christian no ayuda demasiado; pero repito, lo mejor han sido los diálogos de ellos dos.
Dividiría el libro en dos partes, una primera donde se va desarrollando la relación de tira y afloja de los protagonistas, y una segunda donde se complica la trama y empieza a surgir el romance. Pese a que la segunda parte ha estado muy bien llevada, me ha gustado más la primera, cuando empiezan los insultos entre el canalla y la dragona. Admito que me lo he pasado muy bien leyéndolos.
Así que ha sido una lectura muy atractiva y entretenida, que creo gustará bastante a las fans del romance histórico de Regencia. Como he dicho más arriba, éste sí es uno de esos libros de Anne Stuart que merecen la pena.
De Anne Stuart puedo decir que tiene libros y libros, algunos son un truñaco, pero cuando sabe hacerlos buenos, son buenos; y ése ha sido el caso de “El vals del Diablo”. No puede decirse que sea una joya, pues si hay que profundizar diría que la historia es bastante normalita, y en cierto modo harlequinera, no en vano vemos qué editorial la ha publicado, pero a eso iré más adelante.
“El vals del Diablo” es una historia algo tópica de la regencia inglesa. La protagonista Annelise Kempton es una dama de buena familia venida a menos, tiene su clase social, su educación, pero nada de dinero; y por si fuera poco, su aspecto físico no ayuda a la hora de elegir marido, así que con casi la treintena está abocada a ser la tía solterona que vive de la generosidad de sus parientes. Pero gracias a su madrina, puede conseguir algo de dinero que la permita independizarse de una manera discreta: hacer de dama de compañía o cicerone, de una jovencita venida del campo, cuyo padre es un rico comerciante, decidido a que su niña se case con un título.
Así es como Annelise acepta el encargo de introducir en sociedad a la mimada y caprichosa Hetty Chipple, cosa que no será nada fácil. Hetty es vanidosa, egocéntrica y no duda en hacérselas pasar mal a su actual chaperona, y por si fuera poco, Hetty tiene las miras puestas en quien menos debería haberse fijado, el canalla Christian Montcalm, un crápula desalmado y sin un céntimo, a pesar de ser heredero de un vizcondado, pero famoso por su libertinaje.
Sí, así es Christian Montcalm, un protagonista masculino que realmente es lo que aparenta su personaje. A mí personalmente los libertinos no me gustan, ni me llaman la atención, pero hay veces que si el personaje está bien creado o estructurado, me los creo o me gustan, y éste ha sido el caso de Christian. Es un libertino y un canalla, lo sabe y alardea de ello, y su fama de peligro atrae a las mujeres como polillas a su cama. Hasta que su tío fallezca, Christian no puede optar a su título, y en éste tiempo no tiene dinero, y lo necesita desesperadamente para seguir llevando a cabo su vida disoluta y sus apuestas. Así es como Christian pone sus miras en la bella y caprichosa Hetty, por supuesto no la quiere ni por su belleza, ni por sus encantos, si no por su dinero.
Annelise sabe que Christian quiere casarse con Hetty por su dinero, y con la fama que éste tiene, pone todo su empeño para desbarajustar los planes del libertino hacia su protegida. Ahora es cuando me llego a lo que más me ha gustado: la guerra dialéctica que se crea entre los personajes. Ha sido una delicia leer los reproches, pullas, e insultos que se lanzan el uno al otro, y a pesar de ello, ver la química que nace donde no debería haberla, pues si te paras a pensarlo, ambos protagonistas no pegan nada, hasta que estalla el debido romance entre ellos, y ves que realmente es juntos como deben estar.
En el fondo el romance no me ha parecido como para tirar cohetes, pues tarda bastante en desarrollarse, y la verdad es que la actitud de Christian no ayuda demasiado; pero repito, lo mejor han sido los diálogos de ellos dos.
Dividiría el libro en dos partes, una primera donde se va desarrollando la relación de tira y afloja de los protagonistas, y una segunda donde se complica la trama y empieza a surgir el romance. Pese a que la segunda parte ha estado muy bien llevada, me ha gustado más la primera, cuando empiezan los insultos entre el canalla y la dragona. Admito que me lo he pasado muy bien leyéndolos.
Así que ha sido una lectura muy atractiva y entretenida, que creo gustará bastante a las fans del romance histórico de Regencia. Como he dicho más arriba, éste sí es uno de esos libros de Anne Stuart que merecen la pena.
June 6, 2018
Menudo descubrimiento este del #RitaStuart! Me ha encantado! Este libro tiene de todo lo que me gusta.
Annelise es, aparentemente, una solterona seria y seca. Pero nada más lejos de la realidad. En el fondo, es una mujer decidida y muy apasionada.
Christian Montcalm es un sinvergüenza encantador y un bribón al que solo le interesa casarse con una señorita muy rica y así poder salvar su situación financiera.
Pero, ay madre mía cuando estos dos se conocen! La tensión sexual entre ellos es magnífica y, aunque ella se haga la remilgada, no pueden quitarse las manos de encima (yo también soy Annelise 😂).
He disfrutado como loca con sus peleas, con sus lenguas afiladas y con todos y cada uno de sus momentazos juntos. Maravilloso. 😍😍😍
Annelise es, aparentemente, una solterona seria y seca. Pero nada más lejos de la realidad. En el fondo, es una mujer decidida y muy apasionada.
Christian Montcalm es un sinvergüenza encantador y un bribón al que solo le interesa casarse con una señorita muy rica y así poder salvar su situación financiera.
Pero, ay madre mía cuando estos dos se conocen! La tensión sexual entre ellos es magnífica y, aunque ella se haga la remilgada, no pueden quitarse las manos de encima (yo también soy Annelise 😂).
He disfrutado como loca con sus peleas, con sus lenguas afiladas y con todos y cada uno de sus momentazos juntos. Maravilloso. 😍😍😍
January 25, 2015
*Buddy read with Blacky <3<3<3*
January 9, 2017
It was my first book of Anne Stuart. I heard a lot of warnings about her heros so I chose the mild one for my first reading.
It was very entertaining and some kind of realistic story. I liked both hero and heroine. I like to read almost impossible relationships become true. I think, it was one of them. Quite charming, handsome hero who was broke and in dire straits. Heroine was also broke and plain, spinster. She was usually someone's companion and kept a roof for herself that way so she was not an option for hero. Tough, author hadn't thought that way and wrote an enjoyable story for HR lovers.
In conclusion, it was a light with a plain looking, spinster heroine who won the heart of a scoundrel, handsome hero.
It was very entertaining and some kind of realistic story. I liked both hero and heroine. I like to read almost impossible relationships become true. I think, it was one of them. Quite charming, handsome hero who was broke and in dire straits. Heroine was also broke and plain, spinster. She was usually someone's companion and kept a roof for herself that way so she was not an option for hero. Tough, author hadn't thought that way and wrote an enjoyable story for HR lovers.
In conclusion, it was a light with a plain looking, spinster heroine who won the heart of a scoundrel, handsome hero.
June 20, 2018
Por mucho que me haya gustado el final....si un libro te aburre hasta el 70% ...dice mucho...En fin un 2.5 por esa parte.... el resto nada de nada
February 9, 2010
Annelise Kempton is 29, on the shelf and happy to remain that way. Though high born, she's pretty much destitute and accepts a post at the Chipple residence where she will guide young Hetty Chipple, an extraordinary beauty who is clueless when it comes to matters of respectability, so that she will find a reputable husband. Annelise has her work cut out for her. Hetty may be the most beautiful creature alive but she's also young and naive and too tempting a morsel for a destitute rake named Christian Montcalm. Annelise is bound and determined to keep Hetty away from those tempting lips of Christian and is annoyed when she finds herself attracted to him (guess she thought she was immune). Christian is just as attracted to Annelise but then Christian seems to be attracted to anything female . . .
This book has wit and sparkle and a nice battle of wills that I find lacking in so many books I attempt to read. The hero continued to be an unapologetic jerk throughout the story but I think that's what made the story so attractive to me. I couldn't wait to turn the pages to see what awful thing he was going to say and/or do next. If the end wraps everything up a little too unbelievably for me, that's okay because it entertained me and that's why I continue to read.
The ladies in my reading group who read this book, our group is more of a social hour, all agreed that the hero was a real jerk but despite his personality flaws we still liked him. Not many author's could have pulled that off so I'll be looking up more of Anne Stuart's work in the future.
This book has wit and sparkle and a nice battle of wills that I find lacking in so many books I attempt to read. The hero continued to be an unapologetic jerk throughout the story but I think that's what made the story so attractive to me. I couldn't wait to turn the pages to see what awful thing he was going to say and/or do next. If the end wraps everything up a little too unbelievably for me, that's okay because it entertained me and that's why I continue to read.
The ladies in my reading group who read this book, our group is more of a social hour, all agreed that the hero was a real jerk but despite his personality flaws we still liked him. Not many author's could have pulled that off so I'll be looking up more of Anne Stuart's work in the future.
May 17, 2020
Emanuela - per RFS
.
Leggo sempre con immenso piacere i romance storici di Anne Stuart per l’inconfondibile tocco di selvaggia aggressività di cui fornisce i suoi personaggi, sia donne che uomini.
Le sue dame hanno sempre molto poco di Vittoriano così come i libertini scavezzacollo che crea con abilità, però conservando sempre i modi e la dialettica tipici del periodo. Un pizzico di avventura e una grande tensione erotica fanno il resto creando un mix sempre entusiasmante.
Ma veniamo al libro. Miss Annelise Kempton, una compassata zitella di nobili origini ma senza il becco di un quattrino, vive insegnando le buone maniere a giovani virgulti a caccia di un conveniente matrimonio. Per questo motivo si trova nella sontuosa e pacchiana dimora di tale Mister Josiah Chipple, un ricco mercante che ha fatto soldi con le navi da carico e che mira a trovare un buon marito per la figliola Hetty, un maleducata e saccente diciannovenne invaghita di un nobile e decaduto libertino di origini francesi, Christian Montcalm.
Per distrarre la sua protetta ed evitare che cada tra le braccia di siffatta carogna, Annelise è costretta a intervenire, non considerando però il mare di debiti che affligge l’uomo e che solo un matrimonio ricco potrà colmare. A complicare il tutto ci si mette il primo amore della ricchissima fanciulla, un giovanotto di campagna perdutamente innamorato di Hetty e ricambiato.
La compassata e rigida zitella (che proprio fredda non è nel tentativo di separare la ragazzina dal terribile Christian), resta suo malgrado catturata dal fascino violento e spregiudicato dell’uomo e nonostante egli si nasconda dietro intenzioni poco onorevoli l’attrazione sarà reciproca.
A poco a poco vengono scoperte le implicazioni psicologiche che il passato di entrambi ha segnato nelle vite di ciascuno, indirizzando i comportamenti di entrambi sul rigido controllo dei sentimenti e delle azioni. Come se portassero una maschera della quale non potessero e non volessero privarsi.
Un personaggio inizialmente innocuo rivelerà una doppia e pericolosa personalità che minaccerà seriamente la vita di entrambi e porterà l’azione verso un rapido epilogo. Annelise avrà la possibilità di dimostrare il suo coraggio e tenterà l’impossibile per tenere Christian accanto a sé.
Ancora una volta rimango conquistata dalla penna abile e multi sfaccettata di Anne Stuart che si conferma scrittrice d’eccezione a suo agio sia nel Contemporary Romance che nel Romance storico con l’unica certezza di un fine erotismo e sfrenate passioni.
Da leggere assolutamente.
.
Leggo sempre con immenso piacere i romance storici di Anne Stuart per l’inconfondibile tocco di selvaggia aggressività di cui fornisce i suoi personaggi, sia donne che uomini.
Le sue dame hanno sempre molto poco di Vittoriano così come i libertini scavezzacollo che crea con abilità, però conservando sempre i modi e la dialettica tipici del periodo. Un pizzico di avventura e una grande tensione erotica fanno il resto creando un mix sempre entusiasmante.
Ma veniamo al libro. Miss Annelise Kempton, una compassata zitella di nobili origini ma senza il becco di un quattrino, vive insegnando le buone maniere a giovani virgulti a caccia di un conveniente matrimonio. Per questo motivo si trova nella sontuosa e pacchiana dimora di tale Mister Josiah Chipple, un ricco mercante che ha fatto soldi con le navi da carico e che mira a trovare un buon marito per la figliola Hetty, un maleducata e saccente diciannovenne invaghita di un nobile e decaduto libertino di origini francesi, Christian Montcalm.
Per distrarre la sua protetta ed evitare che cada tra le braccia di siffatta carogna, Annelise è costretta a intervenire, non considerando però il mare di debiti che affligge l’uomo e che solo un matrimonio ricco potrà colmare. A complicare il tutto ci si mette il primo amore della ricchissima fanciulla, un giovanotto di campagna perdutamente innamorato di Hetty e ricambiato.
La compassata e rigida zitella (che proprio fredda non è nel tentativo di separare la ragazzina dal terribile Christian), resta suo malgrado catturata dal fascino violento e spregiudicato dell’uomo e nonostante egli si nasconda dietro intenzioni poco onorevoli l’attrazione sarà reciproca.
A poco a poco vengono scoperte le implicazioni psicologiche che il passato di entrambi ha segnato nelle vite di ciascuno, indirizzando i comportamenti di entrambi sul rigido controllo dei sentimenti e delle azioni. Come se portassero una maschera della quale non potessero e non volessero privarsi.
Un personaggio inizialmente innocuo rivelerà una doppia e pericolosa personalità che minaccerà seriamente la vita di entrambi e porterà l’azione verso un rapido epilogo. Annelise avrà la possibilità di dimostrare il suo coraggio e tenterà l’impossibile per tenere Christian accanto a sé.
Ancora una volta rimango conquistata dalla penna abile e multi sfaccettata di Anne Stuart che si conferma scrittrice d’eccezione a suo agio sia nel Contemporary Romance che nel Romance storico con l’unica certezza di un fine erotismo e sfrenate passioni.
Da leggere assolutamente.
June 20, 2018
Ha sido un si pero no... después de ver buenas puntuaciones de otras lectoras del #RetoRita2 #RitaStuart , me he decidido por esta historia, pensando que iría mejor que en los meses previos, pero no me ha parecido ninguna maravilla.
He disfrutado mucho, incluso he sonreido, en algunos momentos, sobre todo en varios dialogos entre Christian y su dragona, per la historia me ha sabido a poco; me han faltado cosas. Justo al final, cuando empiezan a pasar cosas, se arregla todo muy rápido. De repente, ambos están enamorados. Me han faltado conversaciones entre los protagonistas, donde se sinceraran, no sé, algo más de sentimiento...
Y no he visto el vals por ninguna parte 😂😂😂
He disfrutado mucho, incluso he sonreido, en algunos momentos, sobre todo en varios dialogos entre Christian y su dragona, per la historia me ha sabido a poco; me han faltado cosas. Justo al final, cuando empiezan a pasar cosas, se arregla todo muy rápido. De repente, ambos están enamorados. Me han faltado conversaciones entre los protagonistas, donde se sinceraran, no sé, algo más de sentimiento...
Y no he visto el vals por ninguna parte 😂😂😂
January 5, 2011
Classic understatements, put-downs that sound like compliments, witty repartee, grammatically correctly spoken English; things I look forward to when reading historical romances. A heroine who isn’t classically beautiful, has a spine, and knows her weaknesses? That’s different. A dark hero who admits he’s bad and probably won’t ever be any different from the rogue he is? Well, that’s the same. Except for the parts where his actions belie his words. He does act with honor, he does attempt to do the right thing; even at a great cost to himself. Hum, methinks the gentleman doth protest too greatly.Colorful characters:
• Delicious chemistry between Christian and Annelise
• Great villain in the form of doting Daddy
• A clever debutant hidden behind the beautiful face and figure of a spoiled yet dutiful daughter
January 26, 2017
Reseñada en el blog
http://www.lacomunidaddellibro.com/re...
http://www.lacomunidaddellibro.com/re...
June 20, 2018
Después de leer uno contemporáneo y de género más “negro”, uno de época de la autora. Lo he disfrutado mucho, especialmente las batallas dialécticas entre los dos protagonistas. Los personajes principales me han gustado (aunque Christian me haya parecido un pelín demasiado hijo de p*), no puedo decir lo mismo de los secundarios que, aunque sean necesarios en la trama, me han aburrido. Historia clásica de solterona recta que conoce caballero de mala reputación, de la que hay que destacar sus meritorios diálogos.
March 15, 2011
This one was a tough one for me.
I have pledged my undying loyalty to Anne Stuart. In my opinion, she is one of the most talented authors writing in the romance genre yesterday, today, and probably tomorrow. I look forward to every one of her books, and ration them for when I need something special to lift me out of reading droughts.
I was generous when giving this 4 stars.
The upside are the characters and the dialogue. Stuart's trademark wit is showcased in this one and I loved the characters and how they interact with one another. Unfortunately, I didn't care for the story. I'm not one for bribery and evil parent plots and this one contains both. The secondary romance failed to captivate which is rare. No one does the secondary romance as well as Ms. Stuart, so my expectations are undoubtedly high. Although there were parts of this book that lived up to "trademark Stuart standards", overall the story line was a tad boring and left me wanting.
Although this one was not a keeper for me, there are moments of brilliance and therefore worth the read.
I have pledged my undying loyalty to Anne Stuart. In my opinion, she is one of the most talented authors writing in the romance genre yesterday, today, and probably tomorrow. I look forward to every one of her books, and ration them for when I need something special to lift me out of reading droughts.
I was generous when giving this 4 stars.
The upside are the characters and the dialogue. Stuart's trademark wit is showcased in this one and I loved the characters and how they interact with one another. Unfortunately, I didn't care for the story. I'm not one for bribery and evil parent plots and this one contains both. The secondary romance failed to captivate which is rare. No one does the secondary romance as well as Ms. Stuart, so my expectations are undoubtedly high. Although there were parts of this book that lived up to "trademark Stuart standards", overall the story line was a tad boring and left me wanting.
Although this one was not a keeper for me, there are moments of brilliance and therefore worth the read.
November 27, 2015
The second star was a generous gesture on my part. This is probably the most frustrating book I've read for months. It was just...painful reading the inevitable disaster. The epilogue was unnecessary and forced; I was not convinced by Christian's evolution of his feelings towards Annelise. I was also not convinced how Annelise's attraction/lust turned to love. It was not convincing at all and reading about how stupid the plot unfolded was just torture. I don't get how this trainwreck made it to my Goodreads suggestions.
December 2, 2015
Nice but it could have been much better. I liked their pickering and the banter but the second half was ... let's say not so enjoyable and for me so far out of everything of what I expected that it seems a bit strange.
I had also some troubles with the changing of their relationship ... especially his change or awareness of his feelings was rushed and left me with a hollow feeling
I had also some troubles with the changing of their relationship ... especially his change or awareness of his feelings was rushed and left me with a hollow feeling
December 14, 2010
This one goes into my all-time favorite pile. It's the consummate Anne Stuart and a perfect example of her style and her genius. Dark, unlikable heros written so well you fall in love with them in spite of their sins. Plain, ordinary heroines whose courage and moxy knock those heros for a loop!
December 27, 2021
La reseña en el blog http://alacamaconunlibro.blogspot.com...
May 23, 2025
Thanks to Emily from the Discord server for recommending I read this!!
It is a rare day that I get to add to my banter and forgets to pull out shelf.
This book has one of my favorite scenarios - the heroine is tasked with helping a spoiled, beautiful young lady enter society and find a husband. This was kind of like Perdita by Joan Smith.
I really enjoyed. The hero is like most Anne Stuart heroes.
It is a rare day that I get to add to my banter and forgets to pull out shelf.
This book has one of my favorite scenarios - the heroine is tasked with helping a spoiled, beautiful young lady enter society and find a husband. This was kind of like Perdita by Joan Smith.
I really enjoyed. The hero is like most Anne Stuart heroes.
November 5, 2011
This was a reread. I had previously given it away but because I had really enjoyed some other Stuart books, felt I should give it another chance.
In any event I didn't like it much better the second time round and generally would give it 2.5 stars
The story focuses upon Annalise Kempton, a well born lady down on her luck and acting as an unpaid chaperone/ guide to society for Hetty Chipple, heiress to a large fortune but with a distinct smell of trade.
Hetty initially presents as a total spoilt brat who runs off at importune times to illicitly meet with Christian Montcalm, heir to a viscount. Montcalm has a reputation as a rogue and is after Hetty for her money. The heroine is determined to see him off.
At the outset the heroine is presented as an annoying prig who looks down on everyone and is always providing unwanted lectures to people she hardly knows.
Hetty is presented as an immoral spoilt brat who is unlikeable.
Montcalm is a rogue who must marry for money but is attracted to the H and decides he will have both women along the way.
Of course the h is actually overwhelmingly attracted to Montcalm and we have her indulging in interludes with the hero where sparks fly and kisses exchanged.
When Hetty's beau from the country arrives, Annalise has no hesitation in allowing them to have secret meetings and in encouraging them, despite Hetty's father's vehement opposition. This is of course because the heroine obviously knows best.
She reports Montcalm's unsuitability to Mr Chipple, who it turns out is a pretty nasty fellow. He tries to have Montcalm killed but the h survives and then blackmails Chipple that he will alert everyone to the fact that Chipple is involved in the slave trade and that for £50,000 he will stay away from Hetty.
Chipple pays but means to have his revenge.
Montcalm of course means none of it and then runs off with Hetty. On the way to his home they realise that they can't stand each other. Annalise and the country Beau run after them. Hetty and her man have sex and take off again to hide as everyone is now terrified of Chipple, who has gone from doting father to beyond evil within 100 pages.
Montcalm keeps Annalise with him after lying to her that there was no transportation available. He seduces her, she falls in love with him and then he rejects her out of hand.
He leaves without a word on a mission to find his lost brother ( a set up). Chipple and his gang arrive and Chipple is now presented as an OTT villain who had his wife disposed of by putting her on a slaving ship and allowing the crew to gang rape her etc until she died and is contemplating the same fate for Hetty and Annalise.
Annalise escapes and goes to save Christain. Enter gothic scene at cliff top, murder, Capture, smugglers and eventual rescue and marriage proposal.
Overall this was a bit of a chore and the storyline has been done better both before and since.
I didn't really like any of the characters and I did not really believe in the main romance.
I remembered why it was not a keeper and the second copy is on it's way to charity shop as well.
In any event I didn't like it much better the second time round and generally would give it 2.5 stars
The story focuses upon Annalise Kempton, a well born lady down on her luck and acting as an unpaid chaperone/ guide to society for Hetty Chipple, heiress to a large fortune but with a distinct smell of trade.
Hetty initially presents as a total spoilt brat who runs off at importune times to illicitly meet with Christian Montcalm, heir to a viscount. Montcalm has a reputation as a rogue and is after Hetty for her money. The heroine is determined to see him off.
At the outset the heroine is presented as an annoying prig who looks down on everyone and is always providing unwanted lectures to people she hardly knows.
Hetty is presented as an immoral spoilt brat who is unlikeable.
Montcalm is a rogue who must marry for money but is attracted to the H and decides he will have both women along the way.
Of course the h is actually overwhelmingly attracted to Montcalm and we have her indulging in interludes with the hero where sparks fly and kisses exchanged.
When Hetty's beau from the country arrives, Annalise has no hesitation in allowing them to have secret meetings and in encouraging them, despite Hetty's father's vehement opposition. This is of course because the heroine obviously knows best.
She reports Montcalm's unsuitability to Mr Chipple, who it turns out is a pretty nasty fellow. He tries to have Montcalm killed but the h survives and then blackmails Chipple that he will alert everyone to the fact that Chipple is involved in the slave trade and that for £50,000 he will stay away from Hetty.
Chipple pays but means to have his revenge.
Montcalm of course means none of it and then runs off with Hetty. On the way to his home they realise that they can't stand each other. Annalise and the country Beau run after them. Hetty and her man have sex and take off again to hide as everyone is now terrified of Chipple, who has gone from doting father to beyond evil within 100 pages.
Montcalm keeps Annalise with him after lying to her that there was no transportation available. He seduces her, she falls in love with him and then he rejects her out of hand.
He leaves without a word on a mission to find his lost brother ( a set up). Chipple and his gang arrive and Chipple is now presented as an OTT villain who had his wife disposed of by putting her on a slaving ship and allowing the crew to gang rape her etc until she died and is contemplating the same fate for Hetty and Annalise.
Annalise escapes and goes to save Christain. Enter gothic scene at cliff top, murder, Capture, smugglers and eventual rescue and marriage proposal.
Overall this was a bit of a chore and the storyline has been done better both before and since.
I didn't really like any of the characters and I did not really believe in the main romance.
I remembered why it was not a keeper and the second copy is on it's way to charity shop as well.
July 28, 2019
I loved this one. I want someone to call me a dragon.
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