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Vendetta d'amore (La collezione eterna di Barbara Cartland Vol. 56)
"C'era qualcosa di affascinante nell'incontrarlo clandestinamente dopo che le era stato proibito di farlo, e sebbene a Romara sir Harvey non fosse mai piaciuto, riusciva a capire come quell'uomo di mondo, più anziano e sofisticato, potesse sembrare irresistibile alla sorella" ...Inghilterra, 1803. La bella Romara Shaldon si reca in visita dalla sorella Caryl per salvarla da un matrimonio disastroso, fatto di rancore e maltrattamenti. Solo il misterioso vicino di casa del cognato, Lord Ravenscar, sembra capace di proteggere la protagonista dalle insidie di quella dimora. Ma, come del resto ogni cosa, nel patinato mondo dell'alta società, tutto ha un prezzo...-
149 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 5, 2023
About the author
Barbara Cartland
1,075 books862 followersBorn in 1901, Barbara Cartland started her writing career in journalism and completed her first book, Jigsaw, when she was just 24. An immediate success, it was the start of her journey to becoming the world’s most famous and most read romantic novelist of all time. Inspiring a whole generation of readers around the globe with her exciting tales of adventure, love and intrigue, she became synonymous with the Romance genre. And she still is to this day, having written over 644 romantic fiction books.
As well as romantic novels, she wrote historical biographies, 6 autobiographies, plays, music, poetry and several advice books on life, love, health and cookery – totalling an incredible 723 books in all, with over 1 billion in sales.
Awarded the DBE by Queen Elizabeth II in 1991 in honour of her literary, political and social contributions, she was President of the Hertfordshire branch of the Royal College of Midwives as well as a Dame of Grace of the Order of St John of Jerusalem and Deputy President of the St John Ambulance Brigade.
Always a passionate advocate of woman’s health and beauty, she was dubbed ‘the true Queen of Romance’ by Vogue magazine in her lifetime. Her legend continues today through her wonderfully vivid romantic tales, stories that help you escape from the day to day into the dramatic adventures of strong, beautiful women who battle, often against the odds, eventually to find that love conquers all.
Find out more about the incredible life and works of Dame Barbara Cartland at www.barbaracartland.com
As well as romantic novels, she wrote historical biographies, 6 autobiographies, plays, music, poetry and several advice books on life, love, health and cookery – totalling an incredible 723 books in all, with over 1 billion in sales.
Awarded the DBE by Queen Elizabeth II in 1991 in honour of her literary, political and social contributions, she was President of the Hertfordshire branch of the Royal College of Midwives as well as a Dame of Grace of the Order of St John of Jerusalem and Deputy President of the St John Ambulance Brigade.
Always a passionate advocate of woman’s health and beauty, she was dubbed ‘the true Queen of Romance’ by Vogue magazine in her lifetime. Her legend continues today through her wonderfully vivid romantic tales, stories that help you escape from the day to day into the dramatic adventures of strong, beautiful women who battle, often against the odds, eventually to find that love conquers all.
Find out more about the incredible life and works of Dame Barbara Cartland at www.barbaracartland.com
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 8, 2015
This is one of my favorite novels of Barbara Cartland and I keep rereading it once in a while. I actually like novels when heroes fall in love after some kind of accidental marriage. Here hero acts irresponsible but all is well that ends well :)
August 14, 2016
Light and pleasant reading
I like the simple ideals portrayed in Barbara Cortland books the present youngsters are exposed to rude values in sitcoms. MAybe Little light reading will help.
I like the simple ideals portrayed in Barbara Cortland books the present youngsters are exposed to rude values in sitcoms. MAybe Little light reading will help.
June 28, 2026
After Romara is beaten and thrown out of the house by her sister's abusive lover, the last thing she expects is to wake up married to Lord Ravenscar, who wed her while extremely drunk. But when he steps in to help her solve Caryl's problems, she starts to wonder if they will be able to make a real marriage work.
I read a lot of historical romance, so of course I am familiar with the insanely prolific Barbara Cartland, though I haven't read any of her work. So when I saw this new audiobook recording of one of her more popular books, it seemed a good way to dip my toe in. And it was definitely a good introduction to her canon.
Once you get past the convoluted premise, you get pretty invested in the story. Romara is a pretty spirited yet proper heroine, and though Trent has until now been somewhat roguish and irresponsible, he finds himself wanting to step up and help her sort out her many problems. Despite it being a short book, the characters are well-sketched and there's plenty of drama and romance to keep you invested.
It's definitely an interesting choice for Romara to be the heroine of this book and not Caryl - I'm sure most other authors would have done it the other way round, but it works well this way and we do have a secondary romance with Caryl, so I wasn't too bothered. While I did wish we saw a bit more of Romara and Trent spending time together on page, those are just the limitations of the length of the book.
I listened to the audiobook, which is narrated by Susie Riddell. I think she did a good job with all the accents and capturing emotions running high in the many dramatic points of the story. I didn't really love the AI voice of Barbara Cartland reading (AI-written? It's not made clear) opening and closing notes of the audiobook, though I understand her estate approved the use of it.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
I read a lot of historical romance, so of course I am familiar with the insanely prolific Barbara Cartland, though I haven't read any of her work. So when I saw this new audiobook recording of one of her more popular books, it seemed a good way to dip my toe in. And it was definitely a good introduction to her canon.
Once you get past the convoluted premise, you get pretty invested in the story. Romara is a pretty spirited yet proper heroine, and though Trent has until now been somewhat roguish and irresponsible, he finds himself wanting to step up and help her sort out her many problems. Despite it being a short book, the characters are well-sketched and there's plenty of drama and romance to keep you invested.
It's definitely an interesting choice for Romara to be the heroine of this book and not Caryl - I'm sure most other authors would have done it the other way round, but it works well this way and we do have a secondary romance with Caryl, so I wasn't too bothered. While I did wish we saw a bit more of Romara and Trent spending time together on page, those are just the limitations of the length of the book.
I listened to the audiobook, which is narrated by Susie Riddell. I think she did a good job with all the accents and capturing emotions running high in the many dramatic points of the story. I didn't really love the AI voice of Barbara Cartland reading (AI-written? It's not made clear) opening and closing notes of the audiobook, though I understand her estate approved the use of it.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
August 30, 2023
This is different in that the heroine’s sister is actually a “fallen woman” as they would have said.
The heroine rushes to her sister when she receives an urgent letter from her. She has assumed all along that the sister married the man who she ran away with. As it turns out, the man is a true scoundrel and has been keeping the sister as his mistress and she is a virtual prisoner in his house. She is also pregnant and fears that the man will do something to dispose of her child since he doesn’t want children.
The heroine runs to her rescue, but the evil man catches them together, slaps the sister and violently punches the heroine in her face and throws her down the steps of his house! 😱
Meanwhile in the house next door, the hero and his friends are in a drunken orgy since the Hero has been thwarted in love by a pretty debutant. She chose a man with a higher title than his. The Hero decides, that to humiliate her, he will get married immediately to the next and ugliest woman he can find and publish it before the debutant announces her engagement. That way, it will seem like he was the one who jilted her!
The heroine, bloodied, her face swollen and unconscious on the sidewalk is found by the friends of the Hero. They immediately see that she fits all their requirements and bring her into the house and marry her to the drunken Hero.
The heroine has concussion and is unconscious for 3 days! When she comes to, by this time, the Hero is contrite and of course totally regrets his actions. Especially now he sees the horrendous face of his wife! 😬
He knows it is totally his fault and he does not blame the heroine at all. In fact he has had the doctor called and his staff have been taking the best care of her. It is actually his caring attitude which gives her the courage to confide in him her sister’s situation.
The Hero and his friends then combine their efforts and trick the evil man into marrying the sister, so her baby would have a name. They dont intend for her to live with him since they know he is a brute, so the Hero brings both his wife and her sister to his country estate. When they arrive, the sister is almost in labor, so the Hero leaves them in the country and returns to London.
It takes him several weeks to go back to the country as he is reluctant to face his “ugly” wife.
But surprise surprise 😉 when he arrives, he sees her holding her baby nephew and she is very lovely to look at! Moreover, everybody loves her, she is quite nice to his tenants and is actually the perfect wife for him.
The only fly in the ointment is that now the evil man wants his son. And sends a threatening letter from his solicitors. So the heroine is very concerned for her sister and nephew. While out on a picnic, some man tries to kidnap the baby. The heroine shoots him, but now she is worried that she has killed someone. Instead if confiding in the Hero, she and her sister run away! 🤦🏻♀️
They are given shelter by a very nice gentleman in the next town. However, the evil man finds them, threatens the sister and is eventually killed by the nice gentleman.
The Hero then comes galloping in, he has been following the evil man in his attempts to find them. As it turns out he is friends with the nice gentleman, who, coincidentally is in love with the sister. Ahh yes BC always ties the loose ends nicely. 😉
The Hero is now really in love with the heroine, and cannot believe how lucky he has actually been in marrying her. He never really loved the debutant, he tells her, now that he knows what real love is.
❤️❤️❤️
I know why many people like this one. It’s because the Hero is unfailingly nice and caring towards the heroine. Admittedly at the start its because of guilt.
The heroine rushes to her sister when she receives an urgent letter from her. She has assumed all along that the sister married the man who she ran away with. As it turns out, the man is a true scoundrel and has been keeping the sister as his mistress and she is a virtual prisoner in his house. She is also pregnant and fears that the man will do something to dispose of her child since he doesn’t want children.
The heroine runs to her rescue, but the evil man catches them together, slaps the sister and violently punches the heroine in her face and throws her down the steps of his house! 😱
Meanwhile in the house next door, the hero and his friends are in a drunken orgy since the Hero has been thwarted in love by a pretty debutant. She chose a man with a higher title than his. The Hero decides, that to humiliate her, he will get married immediately to the next and ugliest woman he can find and publish it before the debutant announces her engagement. That way, it will seem like he was the one who jilted her!
The heroine, bloodied, her face swollen and unconscious on the sidewalk is found by the friends of the Hero. They immediately see that she fits all their requirements and bring her into the house and marry her to the drunken Hero.
The heroine has concussion and is unconscious for 3 days! When she comes to, by this time, the Hero is contrite and of course totally regrets his actions. Especially now he sees the horrendous face of his wife! 😬
He knows it is totally his fault and he does not blame the heroine at all. In fact he has had the doctor called and his staff have been taking the best care of her. It is actually his caring attitude which gives her the courage to confide in him her sister’s situation.
The Hero and his friends then combine their efforts and trick the evil man into marrying the sister, so her baby would have a name. They dont intend for her to live with him since they know he is a brute, so the Hero brings both his wife and her sister to his country estate. When they arrive, the sister is almost in labor, so the Hero leaves them in the country and returns to London.
It takes him several weeks to go back to the country as he is reluctant to face his “ugly” wife.
But surprise surprise 😉 when he arrives, he sees her holding her baby nephew and she is very lovely to look at! Moreover, everybody loves her, she is quite nice to his tenants and is actually the perfect wife for him.
The only fly in the ointment is that now the evil man wants his son. And sends a threatening letter from his solicitors. So the heroine is very concerned for her sister and nephew. While out on a picnic, some man tries to kidnap the baby. The heroine shoots him, but now she is worried that she has killed someone. Instead if confiding in the Hero, she and her sister run away! 🤦🏻♀️
They are given shelter by a very nice gentleman in the next town. However, the evil man finds them, threatens the sister and is eventually killed by the nice gentleman.
The Hero then comes galloping in, he has been following the evil man in his attempts to find them. As it turns out he is friends with the nice gentleman, who, coincidentally is in love with the sister. Ahh yes BC always ties the loose ends nicely. 😉
The Hero is now really in love with the heroine, and cannot believe how lucky he has actually been in marrying her. He never really loved the debutant, he tells her, now that he knows what real love is.
❤️❤️❤️
I know why many people like this one. It’s because the Hero is unfailingly nice and caring towards the heroine. Admittedly at the start its because of guilt.
June 6, 2026
Lord Ravenscar's Revenge
by Barbara Cartland
Narrated by Susie Riddell
I recently listened to the audiobook Lord Ravenscar's Revenge, and I found it to be a brief yet impactful experience. The story revolves around Romara Shaldon and her sister, Caryl, two strong female characters navigating the challenges of their time. While I appreciated their depth and resilience, I was struck by the troubling depiction of violence towards women throughout the story.
Before immersing myself in Lord Ravenscar's Revenge, I had little knowledge of Barbara Cartland's extensive body of work, nor was I familiar with the narration style of Susie Riddell. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how Riddell brought the story to life with her expressive performance, capturing the many different characters and the emotional weight of the plot. Her narration enhanced the listening experience, making the historical context and the character's struggles all the more vivid. Overall, while the audiobook touched on difficult themes, it also offered a captivating glimpse into a bygone era through engaging storytelling and skilled narration.
by Barbara Cartland
Narrated by Susie Riddell
I recently listened to the audiobook Lord Ravenscar's Revenge, and I found it to be a brief yet impactful experience. The story revolves around Romara Shaldon and her sister, Caryl, two strong female characters navigating the challenges of their time. While I appreciated their depth and resilience, I was struck by the troubling depiction of violence towards women throughout the story.
Before immersing myself in Lord Ravenscar's Revenge, I had little knowledge of Barbara Cartland's extensive body of work, nor was I familiar with the narration style of Susie Riddell. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how Riddell brought the story to life with her expressive performance, capturing the many different characters and the emotional weight of the plot. Her narration enhanced the listening experience, making the historical context and the character's struggles all the more vivid. Overall, while the audiobook touched on difficult themes, it also offered a captivating glimpse into a bygone era through engaging storytelling and skilled narration.
March 1, 2021
Before reading Lord Ravenscars Revenge, I was familiar with Mrs. Cartland through her step granddaughter Princess Diana. I had wanted to read her books for a while but didn’t get around to it until now.
This book while short was good and surprisingly clean. I had assumed this was a bodice ripper but I was wrong. Romara Shaldon, after receiving a distraught letter from her sister Caryl, rushed to her aid. In a turn of events she ends up finding herself married to the Lord Ravenscar. This turns out to be a blessing as he helps protect her sister and her. I enjoyed this story. It is short. The ebook version is 123 pages which that and the fact that I had to know what was going to happen is how I managed to finish it so quickly. While this was clean I’m not entirely sure if all of her books are. I know that some have a preference so when I read more of her books I will make sure to say if it was. In all I did enjoy this and look forward to reading more by her.
A good, short Historical Romance that I recommend.
This book while short was good and surprisingly clean. I had assumed this was a bodice ripper but I was wrong. Romara Shaldon, after receiving a distraught letter from her sister Caryl, rushed to her aid. In a turn of events she ends up finding herself married to the Lord Ravenscar. This turns out to be a blessing as he helps protect her sister and her. I enjoyed this story. It is short. The ebook version is 123 pages which that and the fact that I had to know what was going to happen is how I managed to finish it so quickly. While this was clean I’m not entirely sure if all of her books are. I know that some have a preference so when I read more of her books I will make sure to say if it was. In all I did enjoy this and look forward to reading more by her.
A good, short Historical Romance that I recommend.
June 16, 2026
Lord Ravenscar’s Revenge is a lovely book listen to. The narrator captures Barbara Cartland’s signature drama, romance, and tension with an engaging performance. The story itself is classic Cartland: a determined heroine, a brooding hero, and a plot filled with misunderstandings, secrets, and slow-building attraction. Hearing it performed adds an extra layer of charm.
I particularly liked how the audiobook showcases the chemistry between the main characters. I absolutely loved the setup of how it came about that they got married, and I found it hilarious. Their exchanges shine, and the tension builds naturally as the story progresses. It’s the kind of audiobook that’s easy to get lost in and perfect for a cozy evening or a long walk. Overall, this is a highly entertaining listen. Fans of historical romance, especially those who enjoy Cartland’s unique style, will find this audiobook delightful. It’s dramatic, romantic, and thoroughly enjoyable from beginning to end.
I particularly liked how the audiobook showcases the chemistry between the main characters. I absolutely loved the setup of how it came about that they got married, and I found it hilarious. Their exchanges shine, and the tension builds naturally as the story progresses. It’s the kind of audiobook that’s easy to get lost in and perfect for a cozy evening or a long walk. Overall, this is a highly entertaining listen. Fans of historical romance, especially those who enjoy Cartland’s unique style, will find this audiobook delightful. It’s dramatic, romantic, and thoroughly enjoyable from beginning to end.
January 3, 2024
I always enjoy a good soap opera-esque drama, and yeah, this was pretty wild. However, the heroine and hero really have no time in this thing, which is heavily helmed by the heroine's train wreck sister's shitty love life and predicament. It's a shame bc 'drunk guy legally marries beaten, unconscious woman his friends find near his property' is one banger of a plot that was never really explored.
Regardless, it was a fun read, though my biggest complaint was Cartland's overuse of ellipsis in the heroine's dialogue. It got to the point where all her dialogue read like William Shattner speaking.
Regardless, it was a fun read, though my biggest complaint was Cartland's overuse of ellipsis in the heroine's dialogue. It got to the point where all her dialogue read like William Shattner speaking.
July 31, 2025
È la terza volta che ci ricasco. Penso "Via, una scrittrice tanto acclamata e seguita non può essere così male. Sicuramente sono incappata nei libri sbagliati...".
Invece, per la terza volta mi trovo a confermare il mio giudizio negativo: una storia assurda, raccontata senza quella scintillante ironia che fa mandar giù i plot più stravaganti di altre autrici 'regency/Victorian' (e non parlo solo di Georgette Heyer, ma anche di Clare Darcy, Loretta Chase, Joan Smith e poche altre...), in uno stile banale e melenso.
Avrò, finalmente, imparato la lezione?
Invece, per la terza volta mi trovo a confermare il mio giudizio negativo: una storia assurda, raccontata senza quella scintillante ironia che fa mandar giù i plot più stravaganti di altre autrici 'regency/Victorian' (e non parlo solo di Georgette Heyer, ma anche di Clare Darcy, Loretta Chase, Joan Smith e poche altre...), in uno stile banale e melenso.
Avrò, finalmente, imparato la lezione?
June 9, 2026
This is one of my favorite Barbara Cartland books. Stylistically, they are very out of date. There’s definitely some racism and sexism. But my mom had a huge box of these books from her mom, who had died when she was 18. Reading these books made me feel close to my mom and a grandma I never knew. The core of these books are about love and the pure happiness it brings. So for me, I was so happy to revisit this author on audio. I can definitely understand why it wouldn’t work for a lot of people. But for me, it was a great nostalgic read.
February 27, 2023
I revised my rating.
Yes. I rarely go back from my opinions (the consequences of being born under Taurus), but this time I thought better of this novel.
It's dramatic and a little crazy, but all in all, good.
Monica Beltrami. Montevideo, Uruguay.
Yes. I rarely go back from my opinions (the consequences of being born under Taurus), but this time I thought better of this novel.
It's dramatic and a little crazy, but all in all, good.
Monica Beltrami. Montevideo, Uruguay.
July 17, 2020
Heerlijke jeugdherinneringen! Als jong meisje verslond ik de romannetjes van Barbara Cartland. Wat een onschuldig taalgebruik in vergelijking met de romannetjes 45 jaar later. 🙈
July 13, 2021
Couldn't make it past the first chapter. Thanks, I hate it.
May 4, 2023
This was a fun read. I liked Rowana and her sister. There was a lot of violence towards women in this book,
June 26, 2026
Lovely, short and just the type of clean, heartwarming, yet perilous love story to make a summer afternoon fly by.
January 20, 2025
"« È tutto così incantevole » disse. « Più di come pensavo potesse essere qualsiasi casa. »
« Sono lieto che vi piaccia, poiché d’ora in poi sarà la vostra casa. »
Si rendeva conto di non avere pronunciato una frase banale: voleva che Romara fosse davvero sua moglie.
Non avrebbe mai più parlato di sfuggire a quel matrimonio, o di vivere separati."
Ogni tanto mi piace tornare agli storici classici, e chi meglio della Cartland, con la sua sobria eleganza? Qui ammetto che c'è un'alta dose di violenza e situazioni scabrose, a riprova del fatto che anche un'autrice così "delicata", possa sempre sorprenderti. Abbiamo quindi una donna perduta e imprigionata, un eroina che corre in aiuto beccando botte da orbi e un eroe ubriaco che la salva solo CASUALMENTE XD Inutile dire che cercando di riportare la situazione entro i confini della rispettabilità si finisce spesso per far più danni che altro, ma alla fine il lieto fine per tutti i personaggi coinvolti (e un karma micidiale per il cattivo di turno) è d'obbligo e sono rimasta davvero soddisfatta!
« Sono lieto che vi piaccia, poiché d’ora in poi sarà la vostra casa. »
Si rendeva conto di non avere pronunciato una frase banale: voleva che Romara fosse davvero sua moglie.
Non avrebbe mai più parlato di sfuggire a quel matrimonio, o di vivere separati."
Ogni tanto mi piace tornare agli storici classici, e chi meglio della Cartland, con la sua sobria eleganza? Qui ammetto che c'è un'alta dose di violenza e situazioni scabrose, a riprova del fatto che anche un'autrice così "delicata", possa sempre sorprenderti. Abbiamo quindi una donna perduta e imprigionata, un eroina che corre in aiuto beccando botte da orbi e un eroe ubriaco che la salva solo CASUALMENTE XD Inutile dire che cercando di riportare la situazione entro i confini della rispettabilità si finisce spesso per far più danni che altro, ma alla fine il lieto fine per tutti i personaggi coinvolti (e un karma micidiale per il cattivo di turno) è d'obbligo e sono rimasta davvero soddisfatta!
May 4, 2023
On receipt of a desperate letter, demure young beauty Romara Shaldon rushes to the aid of her distressed sister Caryl, who has run away with the disreputable and cruel Sir Harvey Wychbold, who not only mistreats her, but also refuses to marry her when he finds she is with child.
After a violent confrontation that leaves her bloodied and bruised, Romara is ‘rescued’ and taken to the next door home of Lord Ravenscar where, in her concussed, semi-conscious state, she finds herself married to his Lordship as part of his crazy drunken ‘revenge’ on a Society beauty who has spurned him.
Appalling as his behaviour has been, Trent Ravenscar’s dashing looks and Nobility steal Romara’s heart as he rescues her stricken sister – but just as Romara realises that she loves the stranger who is her husband, a terrible shooting incident forces her to flee and leave all hope of love behind –
Every day since she had fled to the farm, Romara had yearned for Lord Ravenscar, and had cried many bitter tears over him at night into her pillow.
How, she asked herself, could she have been so foolish, so stupid, as to fall in love with a man who could only feel for her rage and disgust?
Yet when she closed her eyes she could see his strong, noble face; his beautiful eyes looking searchingly into hers.
"It was...inevitable that I should...love him," Romara whispered to herself.
After a violent confrontation that leaves her bloodied and bruised, Romara is ‘rescued’ and taken to the next door home of Lord Ravenscar where, in her concussed, semi-conscious state, she finds herself married to his Lordship as part of his crazy drunken ‘revenge’ on a Society beauty who has spurned him.
Appalling as his behaviour has been, Trent Ravenscar’s dashing looks and Nobility steal Romara’s heart as he rescues her stricken sister – but just as Romara realises that she loves the stranger who is her husband, a terrible shooting incident forces her to flee and leave all hope of love behind –
Every day since she had fled to the farm, Romara had yearned for Lord Ravenscar, and had cried many bitter tears over him at night into her pillow.
How, she asked herself, could she have been so foolish, so stupid, as to fall in love with a man who could only feel for her rage and disgust?
Yet when she closed her eyes she could see his strong, noble face; his beautiful eyes looking searchingly into hers.
"It was...inevitable that I should...love him," Romara whispered to herself.
May 22, 2020
Enjoyable historical romance by the queen of romance.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews