What do you think?
Rate this book
Ursilla and the Baron's Revenge
A new addition to the bestselling The Fentons Series ...
Ursilla Duvall was once the daughter, then sister of a viscount, but her life is very different now. Since her cousin inherited after her brother's death at Waterloo, she has been left with the Cole family, as something worse than a poor relation.
Baron Edmond Grant, the friend of Ursilla's deceased brother, returns home some months after the battle. prompted by the late viscount to check on the lady.
He does so, after some time, but what he finds makes him suspicious of the Coles. Before he can take action, his mother, Baroness Grant does. Ursilla is invited to call at the Grant's house, but what the baroness, her son Edmond and daughter Dulce, Countess of Drakemire find out there, means that the broken and cowed Ursilla Duvall henceforth resides with them. She is assigned a cheerful maid, fresh from the country, Sadie, who has not yet learned the rules of servitude, and who leads her artistocratic employers by a string, it seems.
Grant remains an illusive figure, who does not introduce himself to the young lady his mother has adopted into his home, but he glimpses her at night, when she sleeps, wracked by nightmares of her life with the Coles.
With the help of an uncle and nephew, the supremely suave Mr Wilbert Fenton and the handsome Benedict, plus Viscount Titus Gascoigne, an old friend, Grant investigates the crimes of Hubert Cole, the villain of Ursilla's young life.
But it is Lady Aurora Fenton and Mrs Genevieve Fenton who, along with the Grant ladies and Sadie the maid help Ursilla recover her lost confidence and reignite her smile.
Though working for justice for the young lady, Grant wants to keep his distance, but his night time visits become known to the family, and when at last he sees Ursilla, Grant's attempts at distancing himself begin to crumble. He did not want to be the knight who rescues a lady in danger, but that is precisely what he becomes, for it is not just Ursilla's sufferings that move him, but her newly joyous smile and her naughty spirit..
Lords and ladies, poor relations, villains, drama, and delicious romantic comedy. The romance of beloved characters leaves one with deep satisfaction.
Past praise for Alicia
Welcome to the Cameronverse! Each Regency comedy stands alone, but beloved characters walk from one book to another -- those humorous, delightful characters that only Alicia Cameron can supply, visit us again.
Better than Prozac for depression!
Miss Cameron writes re-readable works of literature.
Well-researched, warm, witty and romantic, Miss Cameron does it all!
I read her work again and again as a pick me up!
Read or listen to an Alicia Cameron novel to brighten your day. Humorous and entertaining
Touches of Jane Austen, Georgette Heyer and even Oscar Wilde ... discover the wit of Alicia Cameron!
Like an old, old, movie by Preston Sturges. Screwball comedy romance.
If you like Lisa Kleypas, Lucinda Brant, MC Beaton, DG Rampton, or Mary Balogh, you'll love Alicia Cameron.
Regency Authors with nice things to say about Alicia Cameron
Mary Balogh, Jenny Hambly, Audrey Harrison and &l
Ursilla Duvall was once the daughter, then sister of a viscount, but her life is very different now. Since her cousin inherited after her brother's death at Waterloo, she has been left with the Cole family, as something worse than a poor relation.
Baron Edmond Grant, the friend of Ursilla's deceased brother, returns home some months after the battle. prompted by the late viscount to check on the lady.
He does so, after some time, but what he finds makes him suspicious of the Coles. Before he can take action, his mother, Baroness Grant does. Ursilla is invited to call at the Grant's house, but what the baroness, her son Edmond and daughter Dulce, Countess of Drakemire find out there, means that the broken and cowed Ursilla Duvall henceforth resides with them. She is assigned a cheerful maid, fresh from the country, Sadie, who has not yet learned the rules of servitude, and who leads her artistocratic employers by a string, it seems.
Grant remains an illusive figure, who does not introduce himself to the young lady his mother has adopted into his home, but he glimpses her at night, when she sleeps, wracked by nightmares of her life with the Coles.
With the help of an uncle and nephew, the supremely suave Mr Wilbert Fenton and the handsome Benedict, plus Viscount Titus Gascoigne, an old friend, Grant investigates the crimes of Hubert Cole, the villain of Ursilla's young life.
But it is Lady Aurora Fenton and Mrs Genevieve Fenton who, along with the Grant ladies and Sadie the maid help Ursilla recover her lost confidence and reignite her smile.
Though working for justice for the young lady, Grant wants to keep his distance, but his night time visits become known to the family, and when at last he sees Ursilla, Grant's attempts at distancing himself begin to crumble. He did not want to be the knight who rescues a lady in danger, but that is precisely what he becomes, for it is not just Ursilla's sufferings that move him, but her newly joyous smile and her naughty spirit..
Lords and ladies, poor relations, villains, drama, and delicious romantic comedy. The romance of beloved characters leaves one with deep satisfaction.
Past praise for Alicia
Welcome to the Cameronverse! Each Regency comedy stands alone, but beloved characters walk from one book to another -- those humorous, delightful characters that only Alicia Cameron can supply, visit us again.
Better than Prozac for depression!
Miss Cameron writes re-readable works of literature.
Well-researched, warm, witty and romantic, Miss Cameron does it all!
I read her work again and again as a pick me up!
Read or listen to an Alicia Cameron novel to brighten your day. Humorous and entertaining
Touches of Jane Austen, Georgette Heyer and even Oscar Wilde ... discover the wit of Alicia Cameron!
Like an old, old, movie by Preston Sturges. Screwball comedy romance.
If you like Lisa Kleypas, Lucinda Brant, MC Beaton, DG Rampton, or Mary Balogh, you'll love Alicia Cameron.
Regency Authors with nice things to say about Alicia Cameron
Mary Balogh, Jenny Hambly, Audrey Harrison and &l
- GenresHistoricalRomanceRegency
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 12, 2024
290 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Alicia Cameron
42 books118 followersAlicia Cameron is a crime writer with another indulgence - I have always enjoyed the work of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer, loving the Regency period and the romance, but especially the wit of the authors.
My interest in crime probably started with the awful kleptomania of my family, stealing these books from each others shelves.
I'm not to be confused with the other Alicia Cameron. My Regency romances have very little raunch and a great deal of silliness.
My interest in crime probably started with the awful kleptomania of my family, stealing these books from each others shelves.
I'm not to be confused with the other Alicia Cameron. My Regency romances have very little raunch and a great deal of silliness.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 13, 2024
A swan turned ugly duckling returned to swan story
Ursilla's background story is a bit grim, but the focus of the story is on her rescue & healing with her new "found family". It's very uplifting & enjoyable as she finds herself again - with the help of those who care about her - - and the one who is working on his own healing as well, helping each other, till they find themselves in the same place together - united! 💕
*Romance level: a clean romance & not graphic, though there is a background of abuse (beating) by a sexually obsessed & frustrated man, so definitely screen first before deciding to let your teen read it
Ursilla's background story is a bit grim, but the focus of the story is on her rescue & healing with her new "found family". It's very uplifting & enjoyable as she finds herself again - with the help of those who care about her - - and the one who is working on his own healing as well, helping each other, till they find themselves in the same place together - united! 💕
*Romance level: a clean romance & not graphic, though there is a background of abuse (beating) by a sexually obsessed & frustrated man, so definitely screen first before deciding to let your teen read it
April 3, 2024
I’m not really sure how I feel
The premise of the book is hard, especially where the main character is tortured by a sociopath (this all happens at the beginning) and is healing. I did not feel like the way things resolved made a whole lot of sense, nor do I feel like the love story was really developed at all. I also cringed every time someone talked because of the author’s incorrect use of quotation marks. That said, I did finish it - or at least mostly because I wanted the resolution that the premise needed. I skimmed through the ending because it was rather fluffy. It’s a clean read, though there is mention of the hero having a mistress at the beginning which is another point against him to me.
The premise of the book is hard, especially where the main character is tortured by a sociopath (this all happens at the beginning) and is healing. I did not feel like the way things resolved made a whole lot of sense, nor do I feel like the love story was really developed at all. I also cringed every time someone talked because of the author’s incorrect use of quotation marks. That said, I did finish it - or at least mostly because I wanted the resolution that the premise needed. I skimmed through the ending because it was rather fluffy. It’s a clean read, though there is mention of the hero having a mistress at the beginning which is another point against him to me.
June 8, 2024
Alicia Cameron's books are hit or miss with me, and I've read all her Regency offerings. I found this one disappointing. The premise is interesting but the execution is lacking. Rather than using actual quotation marks, the author employs the inverted comma method. For whatever reason, other writers sometimes use them as well, and they look so odd. There are some surprising grammatical errors, such as missing words.
However, it's not the grammar behind my dissatisfaction. Cameron imbues her characters with wit and charm, and her tales are lighthearted in tone. This one is much darker and serious, which is fine. Problems arise when the subject matter does not read as "sinister" and "dangerous". The climax was, well, anticlimactic. That being said, I will continue to read Cameron's works.
However, it's not the grammar behind my dissatisfaction. Cameron imbues her characters with wit and charm, and her tales are lighthearted in tone. This one is much darker and serious, which is fine. Problems arise when the subject matter does not read as "sinister" and "dangerous". The climax was, well, anticlimactic. That being said, I will continue to read Cameron's works.
April 30, 2025
A delightful blend of period authenticity and sweet romance, blossoming beautifully once our heroine escapes the cruel mistreatment inflicted by her dreadful relatives. The hero’s pursuit of justice felt entirely earned — the villain was truly evil and dastardly.
I continue to adore Alicia Cameron’s Regencies; to me, they’re top tier - memorable, emotionally satisfying, and just the right amount of swoon-worthy. So authentic and I never feel yanked out of the time period -- instead ensconced quite comfortably in that delicious bygone era where I could just stay for hours and hours. My only wish would be - you can never get enough of H/h time together and I wished for a teeny bit more - but once they did realize their feelings for one another together -- that dance practice sesh! it was marvy. Anyway, if you haven't read Alicia's regency treasure trove - you are in for a treat with these sweet, clean reads.
I continue to adore Alicia Cameron’s Regencies; to me, they’re top tier - memorable, emotionally satisfying, and just the right amount of swoon-worthy. So authentic and I never feel yanked out of the time period -- instead ensconced quite comfortably in that delicious bygone era where I could just stay for hours and hours. My only wish would be - you can never get enough of H/h time together and I wished for a teeny bit more - but once they did realize their feelings for one another together -- that dance practice sesh! it was marvy. Anyway, if you haven't read Alicia's regency treasure trove - you are in for a treat with these sweet, clean reads.
May 12, 2025
This was another sweet read from Cameron and she has quickly become a favourite of mine.
Poor Ursilla has suffered a mountain of mistreatment from the Cole family who she was left with after her father died and her brother went to war. After her brother's death she is further diminished until the mother of her brother's friend, Baron Grant, intercedes and takes her into her care. Grant, who promised Ursilla's brother at his death to look after her feels guilty that she had gone through so much and is determined to correct matters and put her abuser away.
It was so heart breaking to read about Ursilla's abuse at the hands of the Cole family and it did bring more than a few tears to my eyes. But it was so enjoyable reading her receiving love from the Grant matriarch and sister, and her wilful maid Sadie. It was even sweeter watching Grant begrudgingly lower his guard and then incline his heart towards her. As is the standard case with Cameron, it's a slow burn until everything very quickly comes together, but I was very happy with this read.
Poor Ursilla has suffered a mountain of mistreatment from the Cole family who she was left with after her father died and her brother went to war. After her brother's death she is further diminished until the mother of her brother's friend, Baron Grant, intercedes and takes her into her care. Grant, who promised Ursilla's brother at his death to look after her feels guilty that she had gone through so much and is determined to correct matters and put her abuser away.
It was so heart breaking to read about Ursilla's abuse at the hands of the Cole family and it did bring more than a few tears to my eyes. But it was so enjoyable reading her receiving love from the Grant matriarch and sister, and her wilful maid Sadie. It was even sweeter watching Grant begrudgingly lower his guard and then incline his heart towards her. As is the standard case with Cameron, it's a slow burn until everything very quickly comes together, but I was very happy with this read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2025
Such an expertly written story about recovery from depravity, abuse and evil.
I love Alicia Cameron’s writing and this one really had me staying up at night reading because I was just so touched by the story especially because I had just heard of such an abuse in real life recently and it had me thinking about the injustices in the world and what many women have to recover from and the need for good people to help with recovery.
And I love how much the romance took a backseat to the recovery. I like that the author allowed them be seperate people with no attraction, just awareness before anything else.
I rarely ever see abuse explored in historical romance but this was done well and also showed how that time and even now sometimes exposing it may not be an option. But I love how the revenge was done and everything.
Bravo again on another excellent story!
I love Alicia Cameron’s writing and this one really had me staying up at night reading because I was just so touched by the story especially because I had just heard of such an abuse in real life recently and it had me thinking about the injustices in the world and what many women have to recover from and the need for good people to help with recovery.
And I love how much the romance took a backseat to the recovery. I like that the author allowed them be seperate people with no attraction, just awareness before anything else.
I rarely ever see abuse explored in historical romance but this was done well and also showed how that time and even now sometimes exposing it may not be an option. But I love how the revenge was done and everything.
Bravo again on another excellent story!
May 26, 2024
A clean story BUT there is mention of the physical abuse suffered by Ursilla . I am conflicted with this story. I found the way it was written made it difficult for me, and I am not referring to the contents, but the style of writing. I found the Baron and his manner a bit unlikeable. Yes, he did help and do a lot for Ursilla but I could not understand his standoffishness and being unwilling to meet her. I was also surprised they took as long as they did to deal Cole, and given a lot of the story was about him we do not hear of his fate. I am also surprised knowing that servants gossip that Cole’s abuse of Ursilla had not been heard about or at least rumours. Sadly this book seemed a little odd to me.
March 13, 2024
I do love it when a much deserved comeuppance is subtly delivered using the ton's rules, as the Lady Grant manages versus Lady Cole. The gentlemen have their turn with warning (and shaming) words in the clubs.
The uninhibited maid, Sadie, with her seemingly irreverent manners, is a star, adding humor not only during Ursilla's dark days of convalescence. She also is a bit conniving, always with the best of intentions.
Edmond, Baron Grant, although elusive during Ursilla's waking hours, cannot avoid stopping by her room at night to check on her recovery.
The end is very satisfying. The epilogue is a delightful extra.
The uninhibited maid, Sadie, with her seemingly irreverent manners, is a star, adding humor not only during Ursilla's dark days of convalescence. She also is a bit conniving, always with the best of intentions.
Edmond, Baron Grant, although elusive during Ursilla's waking hours, cannot avoid stopping by her room at night to check on her recovery.
The end is very satisfying. The epilogue is a delightful extra.
March 22, 2024
This was an ok read, but it wasn't my favourite by Alicia Cameron. The slow burn between the MCs was underwhelming and I could've done without the not infrequent mentions of the H, his and his masculine effect on the female population.
That being said I liked the appearance of the couples from the previous books, and the H's lovely mother and sister. How they, along with the maid, helped the h heal was so gentle and beautiful. The resolution of the story line with the villain was also satisfying if not a little anticlimactic. Overall, this was a fine way to pass the time, but I don't think I'll revisit it.
That being said I liked the appearance of the couples from the previous books, and the H's lovely mother and sister. How they, along with the maid, helped the h heal was so gentle and beautiful. The resolution of the story line with the villain was also satisfying if not a little anticlimactic. Overall, this was a fine way to pass the time, but I don't think I'll revisit it.
March 17, 2024
Much Darker Than Her Others
I have read all or nearly all of the Author’s books and enjoyed all of them. I do not remember any of them being as “dark” as this book. The “good characters” are very good. But the “bad characters” are VERY bad. The doctor’s assessment of the villain’s actions are very disturbing. But there are some small “good” points that emerge from the “wicked” family. In the end there are more HEAs.
I have read all or nearly all of the Author’s books and enjoyed all of them. I do not remember any of them being as “dark” as this book. The “good characters” are very good. But the “bad characters” are VERY bad. The doctor’s assessment of the villain’s actions are very disturbing. But there are some small “good” points that emerge from the “wicked” family. In the end there are more HEAs.
March 21, 2024
A Little Disappointing
The story begins well and moves at a good pace, however there are too many typos, spelling mistakes and grammatical errors that distract from the reading of the story. An editor or a good proofreader should have picked up on these because the production of the book looks unprofessional. The last chapters felt as though they had been padded out to achieve the required length.
The story begins well and moves at a good pace, however there are too many typos, spelling mistakes and grammatical errors that distract from the reading of the story. An editor or a good proofreader should have picked up on these because the production of the book looks unprofessional. The last chapters felt as though they had been padded out to achieve the required length.
April 26, 2024
Another excellent addition to the Fentons series. I was gripped from the very start. Although the beginning was a bit grim all turned out well in the end. It was good to see the heroine overcoming her fears and the evil baddie getting his just deserts! Can be read as a stand alone but it was nice to meet up with characters from previous books in the series. The audible version was very well narrated but Eden Gabay. Clean romance, kisses only.
December 1, 2025
4 star. This is the one where the h is horribly injured by a nasty bully (cousin?) who has been lusting aftwr her and frequently beats her to vent his luatful rage. This is after her war hero brother dies, leaving her impoverished. The brothers dying wish to his friend was to look after his little sister. The friend is slow to do this and then he discovers that she is in v bad shape. He takes her to his family home to recuperate, where slowly his feelings grow. It was an enjoyable read.
March 21, 2024
I loved it
Alicia Cameron is a gifted story teller. This is a bit darker than typical of her books but handled so deftly. She doesn’t resort to writing “tropes” just to sell books: she has a unique and different story to tell each time. It’s amazing. This one was excellently done. How she portrays complex characters is my favorite part.
Can’t wait for the next.
Alicia Cameron is a gifted story teller. This is a bit darker than typical of her books but handled so deftly. She doesn’t resort to writing “tropes” just to sell books: she has a unique and different story to tell each time. It’s amazing. This one was excellently done. How she portrays complex characters is my favorite part.
Can’t wait for the next.
March 26, 2024
Drama and tears
a conditional 5 stars.
For a REGENCY I stipulate, it's very good.
I don't care for a poor abused girl, it gets up my nose a lot to have the heroine a victim, but ignoring that, I enjoyed it.
The era appropriate interactions indicate more familiarity with the time than many other delusion based period books.
a conditional 5 stars.
For a REGENCY I stipulate, it's very good.
I don't care for a poor abused girl, it gets up my nose a lot to have the heroine a victim, but ignoring that, I enjoyed it.
The era appropriate interactions indicate more familiarity with the time than many other delusion based period books.
June 3, 2024
Grant promises a friend he loses in battle to be sure his sister, Ianthe, is looked after. He takes some time getting to it only to discover she has been horribly mistreated by the family paid to care for her. When he finally deals with all the trauma and faces his true feelings he ends with he and Ianthe having a hea
September 22, 2024
It is clear that there are many things that -from what I understood before- not correctly presented here in that era of English history. However, it was an entertaining read for those who’s looking for shutting down their minds and just have fun.
I have one tiny comment on the love confession scene. It was one of the cringiest moments in all of the romance novels I read 🤣🤣
I have one tiny comment on the love confession scene. It was one of the cringiest moments in all of the romance novels I read 🤣🤣
March 13, 2024
Ursilla
Gah! Another wonderful episode in the Fenton series, and they keep getting better were it possible! This story is the most gripping and I will definitely be reading this whole series again, because the books are that good. Great writing!!!!
Gah! Another wonderful episode in the Fenton series, and they keep getting better were it possible! This story is the most gripping and I will definitely be reading this whole series again, because the books are that good. Great writing!!!!
March 14, 2024
wonderful
Another great book by Alicia Cameron. I read it so quickly that I feel bad it’s over. I plan to read all the Fenton books again and I know I will feel better. All AC novels are so good that I read them again and again. I’m looking forward to get her next one.
Another great book by Alicia Cameron. I read it so quickly that I feel bad it’s over. I plan to read all the Fenton books again and I know I will feel better. All AC novels are so good that I read them again and again. I’m looking forward to get her next one.
Read
March 15, 2024This is a 'heavier' story than we are used to with Alicia. In fact horrific for a bit but luckily everything ends well. Read it in a oner as it was so gripping. In it we meet some familiar faces.
Thank goodness.
Thank goodness.
July 4, 2024
A stoic savior
I always enjoy a story where the lady is rescued by a strong silent stranger. I enjoyed the maid, Sadie. Her position was a pleasant deviation from the norm. I am so glad that Ursula was vindicated.
I always enjoy a story where the lady is rescued by a strong silent stranger. I enjoyed the maid, Sadie. Her position was a pleasant deviation from the norm. I am so glad that Ursula was vindicated.
March 19, 2024
Usually like this writer for their lighter reads. I didn't really enjoy this one.
March 26, 2024
Decent story but so terribly written. Needs a good editor and several revisions.
August 19, 2024
Engaging
March 20, 2024
Alicia Cameron is such a great writer that I automatically pre-order her books and then await them with baited breath. With their compelling storylines, vibrant characters and sparkling dialogue, I can always be sure of a great read and Ursilla and the Baron's Revenge is no exception.
This story is rather darker than some of her other novels, with a truly menacing villain and a heroine so deeply downtrodden at the start that it's hard to imagine how she can possibly come through to the happy ever after she so clearly deserves.
This is a real page-turner of a story with beautifully drawn characters and a very satisfying ending. Highly recommended. This is a part of the Fentons series but can definitely be read as a standalone.
This story is rather darker than some of her other novels, with a truly menacing villain and a heroine so deeply downtrodden at the start that it's hard to imagine how she can possibly come through to the happy ever after she so clearly deserves.
This is a real page-turner of a story with beautifully drawn characters and a very satisfying ending. Highly recommended. This is a part of the Fentons series but can definitely be read as a standalone.
April 16, 2024
This is a well crafted book with excellent characters. The abuse that poor Ursilla has endured is hard to take but it makes her character stronger along with the whole book.
October 23, 2024
As John. Duvall was dying in the arms of his friend, his final words were "my sister." A vow was made to look into the care of John's sister. Due to his death, she would lose her comfortable living as his title was entailed to his cousin. He had made arrangements but it might not be enough. She would need someone to check on her until she married.
Baron Edmond Grant waited to check on John's sister until he returned to polite London society. It was several months after his return to England. He sought out her solicitor first and was shocked and dismayed by the tale he was told. Not certain of the truth. He went to see her himself while remaining unseen. It was unbelievable. He told his mother and sister who spotted her at a ball holding her families coats. She looked worse than the most abused servant. The next day Baroness Grant went to visit!
Baron Edmond Grant waited to check on John's sister until he returned to polite London society. It was several months after his return to England. He sought out her solicitor first and was shocked and dismayed by the tale he was told. Not certain of the truth. He went to see her himself while remaining unseen. It was unbelievable. He told his mother and sister who spotted her at a ball holding her families coats. She looked worse than the most abused servant. The next day Baroness Grant went to visit!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews