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The Powder and Patch Collection #3
An Improper Lady
Lady Isabella Cavendish is the most beautiful, and the most scandalous, woman in England. The powdered, scented fops who frequent London’s ballrooms are definitely not Bella’s style … but there is something different about Sir Peregrine Pomeroy. There is a sizzling attraction between them, but Perry seems oddly reluctant to consummate their mutual passion.
He finally confesses that he is in love with Bella, and that nothing less than marriage will do for him. But there are dark secrets in Bella’s past and she is not prepared to bring dishonour to Perry’s proud name. She tells him she is happy to be his mistress, but she will not marry him. The impasse continues until they are snowbound at a Christmas house party. Perry challenges Bella to a game of billiards. He insists on a forfeit. If he wins Bella will become his mistress. If Bella wins, she must agree to marry him.
He finally confesses that he is in love with Bella, and that nothing less than marriage will do for him. But there are dark secrets in Bella’s past and she is not prepared to bring dishonour to Perry’s proud name. She tells him she is happy to be his mistress, but she will not marry him. The impasse continues until they are snowbound at a Christmas house party. Perry challenges Bella to a game of billiards. He insists on a forfeit. If he wins Bella will become his mistress. If Bella wins, she must agree to marry him.
76 pages, ebook
First published December 4, 2013
1 person is currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Jane Godman
84 books316 followersJANE GODMAN is a 2019 Romantic Novelists’ Award and National Readers’ Choice Award winner and double Daphne du Maurier Award finalist. She writes thrillers for Harlequin Romantic Suspense/Mills and Boon Heroes and also writes paranormal romance. She self publishes her historical and gothic stories.
Jane was born in Scotland and, throughout her childhood, lived in Germany, Wales, Malta, South Africa, and England. Although she still gets the urge to travel, these days she tends to head for a Spanish beach, or a European city that is steeped in history.
When she isn’t reading or writing romance, Jane enjoys cooking, spending time with her family, and enjoying the antics of her dogs, Gravy and Vera.
Social Media Links
Website: http://janegodmanauthor.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JaneGodman?lang=e...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JaneGodmanAu...
Jane was born in Scotland and, throughout her childhood, lived in Germany, Wales, Malta, South Africa, and England. Although she still gets the urge to travel, these days she tends to head for a Spanish beach, or a European city that is steeped in history.
When she isn’t reading or writing romance, Jane enjoys cooking, spending time with her family, and enjoying the antics of her dogs, Gravy and Vera.
Social Media Links
Website: http://janegodmanauthor.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JaneGodman?lang=e...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JaneGodmanAu...
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 2, 2014
I have enjoyed all of Jane Godman's historical romances. The Georgian era is my favourite because the characters can misbehave in a way they can't during the Regency (which was, after all, a rehearsal for the formality of the Victorian age). But, I must confess that Bella and Perry were my favourite characters throughout the other books. So I was delighted when they got their own story.
An Improper Lady is shorter than the other books in the series and I wondered if Ms Godman would be able to do justice to this seemingly lighthearted couple in a novella. She didn't disappoint.
Even though the story is essentially a romp - in the best tradition of the genre - we get a fascinating glimpse into the motivations of the most scandalous woman of the day and the man who is dismissed by many as a simpering fop. The emotional connection between these two is as well drawn as their sizzling attraction. Bella's story is heartbreaking and Perry's understanding and acceptance of it is exactly what we have come to expect of this complex character.
Do I have a complaint about An Improper Lady? Only one...I wish it had been longer because, as always, I hate to say 'goodbye' to these delightful times and characters who feel like old friends.
Ms Godman's Shivers books are a different genre and are equally enjoyable and well written. I do hope she returns at some point to historical romances at which she is so skilled.
An Improper Lady is shorter than the other books in the series and I wondered if Ms Godman would be able to do justice to this seemingly lighthearted couple in a novella. She didn't disappoint.
Even though the story is essentially a romp - in the best tradition of the genre - we get a fascinating glimpse into the motivations of the most scandalous woman of the day and the man who is dismissed by many as a simpering fop. The emotional connection between these two is as well drawn as their sizzling attraction. Bella's story is heartbreaking and Perry's understanding and acceptance of it is exactly what we have come to expect of this complex character.
Do I have a complaint about An Improper Lady? Only one...I wish it had been longer because, as always, I hate to say 'goodbye' to these delightful times and characters who feel like old friends.
Ms Godman's Shivers books are a different genre and are equally enjoyable and well written. I do hope she returns at some point to historical romances at which she is so skilled.
April 13, 2014
Lady Isabella Cavendish is a widow who is enjoying her freedom. Sir Peregrine Pomeroy were known to each other through 2 mutual friends. They are drawn to each other, however Peregrine is wanting marriage and Isabella is wanting to be his mistress. Due to a secret in her past, she feels unquailified to be married to him. As he works his seduction to Isabella, she stays strong against marriage. Can Peregrine change Isabella’s mind? Or will Peregrine loose out ini the end. The writing of Ms. Godman was complete, telling the story even though it is a shorter story.
April 19, 2014
Really loved this one! Wanted more when it was over and I'm thrilled this author has two more historicals. I wonder if this is a series, seems to sense that from reading An Improper Lady. I was just totally taken away. I sat and read and read and just didn't come up for air until this book was over. Such beautiful voice of her writing (author) and the characters too, just felt real on the pages. This was just fab, I'm still in a cloud nine! Get this one! It's free as of today on Amazon and All About Romance.
August 13, 2016
A quickly engaging read, An Improper Lady was light and fun, the perfect undemanding read for a break in a hectic day.
Isabella is the improper one, daughter of a merchant, exceptionally beautiful but mistress and lover to a highwayman, former actress and accepted into the ton solely on the basis of her widowed status and money, she was slow to develop. In fact, while I could describe her every outfit, her look, and even her secrets; as a person, her motivations never felt solid or real to me.
Peregrine was presented in much the same way: a fop, prone to fancy dress and although he is much sought after for his impeccable manners, he dances on the line of overly effeminate with his skills at billiards, boxing and cards. He has a fascination with Isabella, as she has for him: despite the differences.
The two are close to letting their sensual connection take over more than once: but while Bella feels she is being honorable in insisting she will only become his mistress, the conviction behind her decisions just never resonated for me.
Writing is smooth and flows from one scene to another, although part of my difficulties with this novella was the seemingly disjointed switch from scene to scene, presented in a way that felt much like picking up a diary entry one week at a glance. Historical details and settings are beautifully laid out for easy visualization, but at the expense of providing some emotional depth to the characters to make me care about their HEA. What emerged was an easy and fluffy read that didn’t challenge or create any emotional response.
I received an eBook copy from the publisher for purpose of honest review for The Jeep Diva. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Isabella is the improper one, daughter of a merchant, exceptionally beautiful but mistress and lover to a highwayman, former actress and accepted into the ton solely on the basis of her widowed status and money, she was slow to develop. In fact, while I could describe her every outfit, her look, and even her secrets; as a person, her motivations never felt solid or real to me.
Peregrine was presented in much the same way: a fop, prone to fancy dress and although he is much sought after for his impeccable manners, he dances on the line of overly effeminate with his skills at billiards, boxing and cards. He has a fascination with Isabella, as she has for him: despite the differences.
The two are close to letting their sensual connection take over more than once: but while Bella feels she is being honorable in insisting she will only become his mistress, the conviction behind her decisions just never resonated for me.
Writing is smooth and flows from one scene to another, although part of my difficulties with this novella was the seemingly disjointed switch from scene to scene, presented in a way that felt much like picking up a diary entry one week at a glance. Historical details and settings are beautifully laid out for easy visualization, but at the expense of providing some emotional depth to the characters to make me care about their HEA. What emerged was an easy and fluffy read that didn’t challenge or create any emotional response.
I received an eBook copy from the publisher for purpose of honest review for The Jeep Diva. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
July 28, 2014
This review is from: An Improper Lady (The Powder and Patch Collection) (Kindle Edition)
A short but very good historical romance. I was impressed that the writer left the stereotype maiden and gentry format and used a lady with a past as the main character. The descriptive scenes of the times easily immersed me into the story. A great read!
A short but very good historical romance. I was impressed that the writer left the stereotype maiden and gentry format and used a lady with a past as the main character. The descriptive scenes of the times easily immersed me into the story. A great read!
March 14, 2023
He got what he wanted -
He loved her, he told her he didnt care about her past, he was determined to make her his wife. And he did because he loved her.
He loved her, he told her he didnt care about her past, he was determined to make her his wife. And he did because he loved her.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews