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The Beauchamp Heirs #1
Galiausiai tavęs sulaukiau
Aristokratų Bečampų pasaulis – ne vien pokyliai ir pramogos. Jame gausu ir paslapčių, kurias reikia atskleisti, ir drąsos įsimylėti taip, kad kelio atgal nebebūtų. O juk tikra aristokratų meilė vainikuojama vestuvėmis.
Trijų knygų serija Aristokratų vestuvės. Pirma knyga
Jis visai netinkamas jaunikis. Jis pasileidėlis.
Ryžtingajam viengungiui lordui Hugui Alasteriui išgelbėjus ledi Oliviją Bečamp nuo pavojaus, ji slapčia širsta, kad vyras jos nė nepabandė pabučiuoti! Hugas – aukštuomenėje pagarsėjęs palaidūnas, todėl tokiai nekaltai debiutantei yra uždraustas. Vis dėlto jiedu traukia vienas kitą lyg magnetas. Ar Olivija rizikuos savo geru vardu dėl aistringo susitikimo?
Trijų knygų serija Aristokratų vestuvės. Pirma knyga
Jis visai netinkamas jaunikis. Jis pasileidėlis.
Ryžtingajam viengungiui lordui Hugui Alasteriui išgelbėjus ledi Oliviją Bečamp nuo pavojaus, ji slapčia širsta, kad vyras jos nė nepabandė pabučiuoti! Hugas – aukštuomenėje pagarsėjęs palaidūnas, todėl tokiai nekaltai debiutantei yra uždraustas. Vis dėlto jiedu traukia vienas kitą lyg magnetas. Ar Olivija rizikuos savo geru vardu dėl aistringo susitikimo?
320 pages, Hardcover
Published October 1, 2024
47 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Janice Preston
81 books152 followersI grew up in Wembley, North London, with a love of reading, writing stories and animals. After leaving school at eighteen, I moved to Devon and any thoughts of writing became lost in the hectic rush of life as a farmer’s wife, with two children and many animals to care for. When my children left home for university, I discovered a love of history and of the Regency period in particular and began to write seriously for the first time since my teens.
Real life then got in the way and I didn't write again until 2009. I joined the Romantic Novelists' Association in 2012 and my first Regency romance was accepted for publication by Harlequin Mills & Boon in late 2013.
I now live in the West Midlands with my second husband and two cats and I continue to write Regency romances for Harlequin Mills & Boon.
Real life then got in the way and I didn't write again until 2009. I joined the Romantic Novelists' Association in 2012 and my first Regency romance was accepted for publication by Harlequin Mills & Boon in late 2013.
I now live in the West Midlands with my second husband and two cats and I continue to write Regency romances for Harlequin Mills & Boon.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 20, 2025
Olivia and her brother seem to get themselves into trouble . Leaving poor Hugo to get them out of it .
October 1, 2018
I've given this a B at AAR.
Janice Preston’s Beauchamp Betrothals series delivered happy endings for the three Beauchamp siblings – the Duke of Cheriton and his brother and sister. Lady Olivia and the Infamous Rake kicks off a spin-off series that focuses on the younger generation of Beauchamps, the Beauchamp Heirs ; and while it’s not absolutely necessary to have read any of the earlier books, it probably helps to have an idea of who is who, because some of the events featured in them – most notably the marriages of Lord Vernon and Lady Cecily – are referred to in this book, even though they take place off the page.
Eighteen-year-old Lady Olivia is the only daughter of Leo, Duke of Cheriton, and his first wife. She is enjoying her first Season, and as the daughter of a wealthy and influential peer she has the world at her feet and an adoring coterie of young bucks in tow wherever she goes. To the outward observer, it seems she has everything, but Olivia is struggling to find her place within her family and to adapt to her father’s recent remarriage. She’s happy for him and likes her stepmother, but she’s been plagued by feelings of inadequacy all her life, her mother’s obvious disinterest in her children making Olivia wonder, deep down, if there’s something about her that is unlovable. Over the years, the love of her close-knit family – especially her aunt Cecily (Lady Cecily and the Mysterious Mr. Gray) who has been a mother to her – has gone a long way towards suppressing those doubts but Olivia can’t quite rid herself of them, especially given the changes going on around her.
Olivia is getting just a bit tired of all the very proper balls and parties she attends and inveigles her brother Alex into taking her to Vauxhall Gardens one evening. Masked and heavily cloaked, she is anticipating an evening of fun and excitement – and before long, she, Alex and his friend , Neville Wolfe, are invited to join a supper party, formed mostly of an older (and faster) set than the ladies and gentlemen she usually associates with. Neville points out that these people aren’t really fit company for Olivia, but Alex is intent on spending time with a lovely, seductive widow who has caught his eye, and accepts the invitation.
Among the party is the disreputable and devilishly handsome Lord Hugo Alastair, a gentleman Olivia knows by sight but to whom she has never been introduced. She knows he’s exactly the sort of man her Aunt Cecily would warn her about, but she can’t help the frisson of attraction she feels whenever he looks her way. When Alex disappears with his widow, the party starts to break up and Olivia – who is by now rather tipsy – is goaded into playing piquet with Lord Clevedon. When she loses, she panics, and offers her late mother’s ruby necklace as security for her debt, promising to meet with Clevedon at the end of the week to redeem it.
Lord Hugo’s scandalous reputation is well-deserved, but he’s become tired of that lifestyle over the past year or so and is determined to leave it behind. When Clevedon – who has recognised Olivia in spite of her being masked – confides to Hugo that he intends to find a way to compromise her into marriage, Hugo is disgusted; an emotion compounded when Clevedon also tells him that another of their set has plans to ruin Alex as a way of taking revenge on Alex’s father for something that happened years earlier. When Hugo sees Olivia being accosted by a group of young men, he intervenes and escorts her home; feeling guilty at the fact he’d encouraged her to play with Clevedon, he offers to help Olivia to redeem her mother’s necklace, and also says he will help to keep an eye on Alex. He’s a little bewildered by his willingness to involve himself in the Beauchamp’s affairs – and tells himself it’s because Alex reminds him of himself at that age, and the idea of his being used to punish his father is abhorrent. As for Lady Olivia… well, his attraction to her is inconvenient, but he knows there is no way he would ever be considered a suitable acquaintance and is determined to do the right thing and avoid coming into contact with her where possible.
The fact that Lady Olivia has other ideas is going to wreak havoc on his good intentions.
Ms. Preston does an excellent job of setting up the storylines which bring Hugo into the lives of the Beauchamp family, and she presents him as a responsible, mature young man who is ready for the next phase of his life, and who tries hard to do the right thing, no matter how difficult the circumstances. He’s a well-rounded individual who has overcome a childhood marred by a violent father, and is at last discovering the joy of having family around him whom he loves and who love him. He’s a lovely hero, but Olivia comes across as a bit of a spoiled brat for much of the story, and I couldn’t quite believe she deserved to end up with such a decent chap as Hugo. She’s cognisant of her privilege and grateful for her loving family, but her insecurities push her into doing some silly things that could have adverse effects on others besides herself, which is something I always dislike. That said, the author clearly shows why Olivia behaves as she does, and her reactions to being hurt or upset – to be dismissive, haughty or deliberately contrary – ring very true as the sorts of thing that an eighteen year-old girl would do in an attempt at self-protection.
But in spite of that, I found it hard to warm to her because she continues to make poor decisions, until a potentially disastrous event towards the end finally forces her to grow up a little; it was only in the last few chapters that I started to feel that she could make a fitting partner for Hugo. I didn’t dislike Olivia; she’s not a bad person and her concern for Alex is admirable, but her immaturity too often causes her to come across as selfish.
That’s really my only issue with the book, because the rest of it – the plot, the familial relationships, the hero and the romance – are all well written and developed. All in all, Lady Olivia and the Infamous Rake is an engaging and satisfying historical romance, and I’m recommending it in spite of my reservations.
Janice Preston’s Beauchamp Betrothals series delivered happy endings for the three Beauchamp siblings – the Duke of Cheriton and his brother and sister. Lady Olivia and the Infamous Rake kicks off a spin-off series that focuses on the younger generation of Beauchamps, the Beauchamp Heirs ; and while it’s not absolutely necessary to have read any of the earlier books, it probably helps to have an idea of who is who, because some of the events featured in them – most notably the marriages of Lord Vernon and Lady Cecily – are referred to in this book, even though they take place off the page.
Eighteen-year-old Lady Olivia is the only daughter of Leo, Duke of Cheriton, and his first wife. She is enjoying her first Season, and as the daughter of a wealthy and influential peer she has the world at her feet and an adoring coterie of young bucks in tow wherever she goes. To the outward observer, it seems she has everything, but Olivia is struggling to find her place within her family and to adapt to her father’s recent remarriage. She’s happy for him and likes her stepmother, but she’s been plagued by feelings of inadequacy all her life, her mother’s obvious disinterest in her children making Olivia wonder, deep down, if there’s something about her that is unlovable. Over the years, the love of her close-knit family – especially her aunt Cecily (Lady Cecily and the Mysterious Mr. Gray) who has been a mother to her – has gone a long way towards suppressing those doubts but Olivia can’t quite rid herself of them, especially given the changes going on around her.
Olivia is getting just a bit tired of all the very proper balls and parties she attends and inveigles her brother Alex into taking her to Vauxhall Gardens one evening. Masked and heavily cloaked, she is anticipating an evening of fun and excitement – and before long, she, Alex and his friend , Neville Wolfe, are invited to join a supper party, formed mostly of an older (and faster) set than the ladies and gentlemen she usually associates with. Neville points out that these people aren’t really fit company for Olivia, but Alex is intent on spending time with a lovely, seductive widow who has caught his eye, and accepts the invitation.
Among the party is the disreputable and devilishly handsome Lord Hugo Alastair, a gentleman Olivia knows by sight but to whom she has never been introduced. She knows he’s exactly the sort of man her Aunt Cecily would warn her about, but she can’t help the frisson of attraction she feels whenever he looks her way. When Alex disappears with his widow, the party starts to break up and Olivia – who is by now rather tipsy – is goaded into playing piquet with Lord Clevedon. When she loses, she panics, and offers her late mother’s ruby necklace as security for her debt, promising to meet with Clevedon at the end of the week to redeem it.
Lord Hugo’s scandalous reputation is well-deserved, but he’s become tired of that lifestyle over the past year or so and is determined to leave it behind. When Clevedon – who has recognised Olivia in spite of her being masked – confides to Hugo that he intends to find a way to compromise her into marriage, Hugo is disgusted; an emotion compounded when Clevedon also tells him that another of their set has plans to ruin Alex as a way of taking revenge on Alex’s father for something that happened years earlier. When Hugo sees Olivia being accosted by a group of young men, he intervenes and escorts her home; feeling guilty at the fact he’d encouraged her to play with Clevedon, he offers to help Olivia to redeem her mother’s necklace, and also says he will help to keep an eye on Alex. He’s a little bewildered by his willingness to involve himself in the Beauchamp’s affairs – and tells himself it’s because Alex reminds him of himself at that age, and the idea of his being used to punish his father is abhorrent. As for Lady Olivia… well, his attraction to her is inconvenient, but he knows there is no way he would ever be considered a suitable acquaintance and is determined to do the right thing and avoid coming into contact with her where possible.
The fact that Lady Olivia has other ideas is going to wreak havoc on his good intentions.
Ms. Preston does an excellent job of setting up the storylines which bring Hugo into the lives of the Beauchamp family, and she presents him as a responsible, mature young man who is ready for the next phase of his life, and who tries hard to do the right thing, no matter how difficult the circumstances. He’s a well-rounded individual who has overcome a childhood marred by a violent father, and is at last discovering the joy of having family around him whom he loves and who love him. He’s a lovely hero, but Olivia comes across as a bit of a spoiled brat for much of the story, and I couldn’t quite believe she deserved to end up with such a decent chap as Hugo. She’s cognisant of her privilege and grateful for her loving family, but her insecurities push her into doing some silly things that could have adverse effects on others besides herself, which is something I always dislike. That said, the author clearly shows why Olivia behaves as she does, and her reactions to being hurt or upset – to be dismissive, haughty or deliberately contrary – ring very true as the sorts of thing that an eighteen year-old girl would do in an attempt at self-protection.
But in spite of that, I found it hard to warm to her because she continues to make poor decisions, until a potentially disastrous event towards the end finally forces her to grow up a little; it was only in the last few chapters that I started to feel that she could make a fitting partner for Hugo. I didn’t dislike Olivia; she’s not a bad person and her concern for Alex is admirable, but her immaturity too often causes her to come across as selfish.
That’s really my only issue with the book, because the rest of it – the plot, the familial relationships, the hero and the romance – are all well written and developed. All in all, Lady Olivia and the Infamous Rake is an engaging and satisfying historical romance, and I’m recommending it in spite of my reservations.
August 12, 2018
This was a very entertaining read. Olivia did have a penchant for getting into trouble but mainly because her family wouldn’t tell her the family’s secrets. She felt left out but she always had her family’s best interests at heart. Hugo has decided to give up his life as a wastrel and rake but unfortunately his reputation is not forgotten or forgiven. Their first meeting and the subsequent meetings will keep you engaged throughout. There are some villains and interesting secondary characters. I hope Olivia’s brothers, Alex and Dominic get their own stories and I look forward to reading them. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 18, 2018
Review to follow at AAR.
August 14, 2018
This is far, far more than a mere five star, it has to be nearer a ten. But, alas I'm not allowed a ten star review ;-)
Well, what can I say about this? Only that it is perfection! I have been really looking forward to meeting the newest branch of the Beauchamp family, this is book one in the Beauchamp Heirs mini-series and what a doozy it is! Oh Ms Preston, what are you doing to me? First you steal my heat and enchant me with gorgeously mysterious Zach and now we have the sinful rake with a heart; Hugo!
When she win’s a bet with her brother Alex, she forces him to take her on a night out to Vauxhall Garden’s. She think’s that as long as she stays masked will be fine, after all how much danger can she be in while with her brother and anonymous? Well let me tell you, a lot of trouble. One thing leads to another and Olivia is stranded amongst the revellers as Alex is nowhere to be found, a hint of blackmail and scandal hanging over her head and being rescued by the deadliest rake of all (not to mention the swoon on the spot, sexy as hell rake ;-)).
As soon as he see’s the masked young woman in Vauxhall Garden’s Hugo knows that she isn’t like the rest of the women that usually frequent the gardens at that time of night, especially within the company she finds herself in. After whisking her away from what could be her down fall, sparks fly between the two. He is amused and rather taken with her fire and tenacity as well as her nativity and goodness, even though he does think of her as a spilt little madam. But even though he acted like the knight in shining armour doesn’t mean that he is going to go down that path, he is determined that their encounter is purely platonic. He will not be giving into the troublesome chit, he believes that she is way above him and that she is too good for just a brief affair, as what he usually goes for – plus there is his aversion to marriage. But alas fate and Olivia soon have other plans for him.
As well as the glorious ‘will they, won’t they’ romance, that Ms Preston always writes to perfection, there is also another secondary plot that concern’s Olivia’s brother; Alex. Now, Alex is a fascinating character and one that I am looking forward to learning more about.
This is a riveting, enthralling utterly romantic, love story that captures the reader’s attention from the first page, and takes you on a beautifully romantic and thrilling journey. I love how the romance blossoms between Hugo and Olivia, there is a real passion between them and I love how the author keeps the mutual lusty, hunger between the two leads present throughout, which is so engrossing. I loved this one, I am completely and utterly smitten with these two hugely lovable characters’, the story is brilliantly paced, Hugo and Olivia’s romance develops at a steady and completely believable pace.
A wonderfully and captivating love story! Thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended book roll on the next Beauchamp Heir!
Well, what can I say about this? Only that it is perfection! I have been really looking forward to meeting the newest branch of the Beauchamp family, this is book one in the Beauchamp Heirs mini-series and what a doozy it is! Oh Ms Preston, what are you doing to me? First you steal my heat and enchant me with gorgeously mysterious Zach and now we have the sinful rake with a heart; Hugo!
When she win’s a bet with her brother Alex, she forces him to take her on a night out to Vauxhall Garden’s. She think’s that as long as she stays masked will be fine, after all how much danger can she be in while with her brother and anonymous? Well let me tell you, a lot of trouble. One thing leads to another and Olivia is stranded amongst the revellers as Alex is nowhere to be found, a hint of blackmail and scandal hanging over her head and being rescued by the deadliest rake of all (not to mention the swoon on the spot, sexy as hell rake ;-)).
As soon as he see’s the masked young woman in Vauxhall Garden’s Hugo knows that she isn’t like the rest of the women that usually frequent the gardens at that time of night, especially within the company she finds herself in. After whisking her away from what could be her down fall, sparks fly between the two. He is amused and rather taken with her fire and tenacity as well as her nativity and goodness, even though he does think of her as a spilt little madam. But even though he acted like the knight in shining armour doesn’t mean that he is going to go down that path, he is determined that their encounter is purely platonic. He will not be giving into the troublesome chit, he believes that she is way above him and that she is too good for just a brief affair, as what he usually goes for – plus there is his aversion to marriage. But alas fate and Olivia soon have other plans for him.
As well as the glorious ‘will they, won’t they’ romance, that Ms Preston always writes to perfection, there is also another secondary plot that concern’s Olivia’s brother; Alex. Now, Alex is a fascinating character and one that I am looking forward to learning more about.
This is a riveting, enthralling utterly romantic, love story that captures the reader’s attention from the first page, and takes you on a beautifully romantic and thrilling journey. I love how the romance blossoms between Hugo and Olivia, there is a real passion between them and I love how the author keeps the mutual lusty, hunger between the two leads present throughout, which is so engrossing. I loved this one, I am completely and utterly smitten with these two hugely lovable characters’, the story is brilliantly paced, Hugo and Olivia’s romance develops at a steady and completely believable pace.
A wonderfully and captivating love story! Thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended book roll on the next Beauchamp Heir!
July 15, 2018
Lady Olivia And The Infamous Rake is the first book in the Beauchamp Heirs series by Janice Preston.
Lady Olivia Beauchamp is a headstrong 18-year-old. She feels constricted by society's rules and manages to break them if she can. One such occasion is when she wins a bet with her brother for him to take her to the infamous Vauxhall Gardens. She goes in disguise, promising that nothing can go wrong. But how wrong she is. What starts out as a promising night ends up with Olivia being accosted in the park and being rescued by Lord Hugo Alastair.
Hugo has a reputation, a well earned one, of being a rake. It's one that he has grown tired of and thanks to his stepfather he is learning to mend his ways and is enjoying the changes he is making. Nevertheless, when the sparks fly between him and Olivia when their instant attraction to each other is obvious he is determined to do all that he can to discourage it. He doesn't believe in marriage and Olivia deserves so much more than an offer of an affair. She, on the other hand, not understanding his motives for keeping his distance is most put out that when given the opportunity he doesn't even attempt to steal a kiss. She's the darling of the season, so why doesn't he want her?
While all this unrequited love is happening we also see Hugo being a help to Olivia and her brother Alex. Alex has to be kept out of trouble in order to prove to his father that he can be responsible. Olivia puts that all at risk by what occurs on that one night at Vauxhall Gardens, but Alex also has an enemy that is determined to ruin him. Can Hugo keep Alex on the straight and narrow and keep his distance from Olivia, I don't think so!
I loved this story, it was well paced, the characters were well developed and believable, and I loved seeing how Olivia grew up during the story. The worry for Alex and those out to ruin him had me turning the pages as quickly as I could to see what would happen. Then, of course, I also wanted to see how long it would take before Hugo finally gave in and accepted that he was worthy of Olivia and wouldn't end up like his father. It was also a real pleasure to have passion between the couple without having graphic bedroom scenes. Very nice.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Lady Olivia Beauchamp is a headstrong 18-year-old. She feels constricted by society's rules and manages to break them if she can. One such occasion is when she wins a bet with her brother for him to take her to the infamous Vauxhall Gardens. She goes in disguise, promising that nothing can go wrong. But how wrong she is. What starts out as a promising night ends up with Olivia being accosted in the park and being rescued by Lord Hugo Alastair.
Hugo has a reputation, a well earned one, of being a rake. It's one that he has grown tired of and thanks to his stepfather he is learning to mend his ways and is enjoying the changes he is making. Nevertheless, when the sparks fly between him and Olivia when their instant attraction to each other is obvious he is determined to do all that he can to discourage it. He doesn't believe in marriage and Olivia deserves so much more than an offer of an affair. She, on the other hand, not understanding his motives for keeping his distance is most put out that when given the opportunity he doesn't even attempt to steal a kiss. She's the darling of the season, so why doesn't he want her?
While all this unrequited love is happening we also see Hugo being a help to Olivia and her brother Alex. Alex has to be kept out of trouble in order to prove to his father that he can be responsible. Olivia puts that all at risk by what occurs on that one night at Vauxhall Gardens, but Alex also has an enemy that is determined to ruin him. Can Hugo keep Alex on the straight and narrow and keep his distance from Olivia, I don't think so!
I loved this story, it was well paced, the characters were well developed and believable, and I loved seeing how Olivia grew up during the story. The worry for Alex and those out to ruin him had me turning the pages as quickly as I could to see what would happen. Then, of course, I also wanted to see how long it would take before Hugo finally gave in and accepted that he was worthy of Olivia and wouldn't end up like his father. It was also a real pleasure to have passion between the couple without having graphic bedroom scenes. Very nice.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
July 13, 2018
Lady Olivia and the Infamous Rake is book one in the Beauchamp Heirs series. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Lady Olivia Beauchamp is a spoiled and manipulative brat. She spends most of her time stirring up trouble to gain her family’s attention. When she meets Lord Hugo Alastair, she is infatuated with his rakish personality. But their union is an impossibility. How could a Duke’s daughter marry a known rake of the Ton?
Preston spins a tale of wonder, heartbreak and love. Looking forward to the next Beauchamp Heirs tale.
Preston spins a tale of wonder, heartbreak and love. Looking forward to the next Beauchamp Heirs tale.
September 5, 2018
Loved it. Fell in love with the family and enjoyed the writing so much.
August 21, 2018
“He had no intention of ever marrying…If ever by some miracle he changed his mind, it wouldn’t be to saddle himself with a troublesome minx like Olivia Beauchamp, no matter how those luminous eyes of hers tempted him.”
A glorious season in Regency London and Brighton, and a tale of meeting the right man in the wrong place, meddling families, and realising that the course of true love never does run smooth.
Lady Olivia Beauchamp is enjoying her first Season in London when she cajoles her brother Alex into taking her along on a trip to Vauxhall Gardens. Wearing a disguise to hide her identity, the impetuous Olivia ends up losing her late mother’s diamond necklace in a card game with Lord Clevedon (who, it turns out, has some unsavoury motives as he aims to find a bride), and is saved from a group of opportunistic youths by the charming Lord Hugo Alastair.
Regular readers of Janice Preston’s books will know her penchant for re-visiting characters across her stories, and this first instalment of her new series is no different as we have previously met Olivia throughout the Beauchamp Betrothals series, whilst Hugo is the younger brother of Lord Rothley, hero of the author’s first book, ‘Mary and The Marquis’, and also made a brief appearance in ‘Return of Scandal’s Son.’ Whilst there is no need to have read any of the previous books as this story works perfectly well as a stand alone, if you are a fan, it is always nice to get reacquainted with familiar characters.
Similarly, readers of ‘Lady Cecily and The Mysterious Mr. Gray’ may recall Olivia failing to attend Vernon Beauchamp’s wedding and acting strangely when her family returned from the event. Here we find out why.
Olivia and Hugo are two wonderfully created characters who come to life vividly as they bend the rules of society with their covert meetings, and, despite the insistence of both that they have no desire to get married, fate has other ideas. Although they do not initially realise it, they are actually quite perfect for each other, if only Hugo can overcome his reluctance, and his belief that his past makes him an unsuitable candidate for a husband.
Yes, Olivia can come across as a bit selfish at times as she seems to resent her father, uncle and aunt all getting married and being happy, but she is also quite delightful in her attempts to find herself alone with Hugo (her contrivance to casually bump into him in Hyde Park and invite him to her father’s musical evening is a particular highlight), and, as a reader, you really do root for her to find her own happy ending.
Hugo on the other hand is, as the title says, an ‘infamous rake’, who, having seen his brother settle down, still believes he is unworthy of happiness. Whilst his past is explained here, if you are familiar with Lucas’s story, you will already know that the Alastair siblings suffered at the hands of their father, and the impact it has had on both brothers over the years. However, the re-appearance of Lucas (thank you, Janice - I have been eagerly hoping he would pop up again since I read his story), is an excellent plot device to show Hugo that what he thinks he can’t have and what he actually can get if he wants are two different things. A rake he may be, but he is also hugely loveable, and his good deeds do help Olivia with avoiding a potentially disastrous match with Lord Clevedon (an excellent villain in his own right), and also trying to turn Alex towards a better life that what he is currently living.
With excellent settings, likeable characters, and the return of some familiar faces, this first book in ‘The Beauchamp Heirs’ series is delightful, and also provides some hints about Olivia’s brother’s, Alex and Dominic, to make you wonder what will be in store for them when their stories are told. Indeed, it is the Duke of Cheriton who perhaps sums up the basis of the series when he states that “we cannot dictate where love will find us, but, when it does, we must grab it with both hands.”
Romantic and enjoyable, this is an excellent book for fans of Regency era stories, and I look forward to the next instalment in the series.
A glorious season in Regency London and Brighton, and a tale of meeting the right man in the wrong place, meddling families, and realising that the course of true love never does run smooth.
Lady Olivia Beauchamp is enjoying her first Season in London when she cajoles her brother Alex into taking her along on a trip to Vauxhall Gardens. Wearing a disguise to hide her identity, the impetuous Olivia ends up losing her late mother’s diamond necklace in a card game with Lord Clevedon (who, it turns out, has some unsavoury motives as he aims to find a bride), and is saved from a group of opportunistic youths by the charming Lord Hugo Alastair.
Regular readers of Janice Preston’s books will know her penchant for re-visiting characters across her stories, and this first instalment of her new series is no different as we have previously met Olivia throughout the Beauchamp Betrothals series, whilst Hugo is the younger brother of Lord Rothley, hero of the author’s first book, ‘Mary and The Marquis’, and also made a brief appearance in ‘Return of Scandal’s Son.’ Whilst there is no need to have read any of the previous books as this story works perfectly well as a stand alone, if you are a fan, it is always nice to get reacquainted with familiar characters.
Similarly, readers of ‘Lady Cecily and The Mysterious Mr. Gray’ may recall Olivia failing to attend Vernon Beauchamp’s wedding and acting strangely when her family returned from the event. Here we find out why.
Olivia and Hugo are two wonderfully created characters who come to life vividly as they bend the rules of society with their covert meetings, and, despite the insistence of both that they have no desire to get married, fate has other ideas. Although they do not initially realise it, they are actually quite perfect for each other, if only Hugo can overcome his reluctance, and his belief that his past makes him an unsuitable candidate for a husband.
Yes, Olivia can come across as a bit selfish at times as she seems to resent her father, uncle and aunt all getting married and being happy, but she is also quite delightful in her attempts to find herself alone with Hugo (her contrivance to casually bump into him in Hyde Park and invite him to her father’s musical evening is a particular highlight), and, as a reader, you really do root for her to find her own happy ending.
Hugo on the other hand is, as the title says, an ‘infamous rake’, who, having seen his brother settle down, still believes he is unworthy of happiness. Whilst his past is explained here, if you are familiar with Lucas’s story, you will already know that the Alastair siblings suffered at the hands of their father, and the impact it has had on both brothers over the years. However, the re-appearance of Lucas (thank you, Janice - I have been eagerly hoping he would pop up again since I read his story), is an excellent plot device to show Hugo that what he thinks he can’t have and what he actually can get if he wants are two different things. A rake he may be, but he is also hugely loveable, and his good deeds do help Olivia with avoiding a potentially disastrous match with Lord Clevedon (an excellent villain in his own right), and also trying to turn Alex towards a better life that what he is currently living.
With excellent settings, likeable characters, and the return of some familiar faces, this first book in ‘The Beauchamp Heirs’ series is delightful, and also provides some hints about Olivia’s brother’s, Alex and Dominic, to make you wonder what will be in store for them when their stories are told. Indeed, it is the Duke of Cheriton who perhaps sums up the basis of the series when he states that “we cannot dictate where love will find us, but, when it does, we must grab it with both hands.”
Romantic and enjoyable, this is an excellent book for fans of Regency era stories, and I look forward to the next instalment in the series.
August 2, 2018
Lady Olivia Beauchamp had managed to trick her brother Alex into taking her to the Vauxhall Gardens, and if her father heard about it, who knows what would happen, but thankfully the Duke of Cheriton was momentarily absent. So Olivia, masked and incognito, along with Alex and his friend Neville, is out for a little excitement. However, Alex fails her, and Olivia gets herself in a troubling pickle. Things could have been much worse were it not for the intervention of the infamous Lord Hugo Alastair. But what kind of a rake rescues “The Catch of the Season” without asking for anything in return, not even a kiss?
The most wonderful rake I have ever read about, that is! What a perfectly splendid hero Janice Preston has crafted for our pleasure in LADY OLIVIA AND THE INFAMOUS RAKE! And yes, Hugo certainly was a rake, but with a conscience, and circumstances force him to have a look at his life. Those of us who were already acquainted with the Beauchamps from Ms. Preston’s previous books knew it was only a matter of time before Olivia would get into trouble. And rest assured, newcomers, that OIivia’s persona was not modified the slightest for storyline purposes, and this book stands perfectly on its own. I love that Ms. Preston remains faithful to her characters: Alex’s behaviour is explained, and if Cheriton is as daunting as ever, we now better understand his attitude. Oh Olivia! The impetuous, reckless, haughty chit; she is a bit of a spoiled brat, and what painful and wondrous changes she goes through. It was inevitable that she would fall for a man like Hugo, because they are so very much alike. The difference is that, even if the ton barely acknowledges his existence, as a man, more is tolerated of him. Even Hugo grasps that the enticing Olivia’s impulsiveness must me reined in so she doesn’t accidentally ruin herself – yes, she is that irresponsible – however, her reasons for her behaviour are fascinating, and sadly understandable.
Olivia’s risqué outing has so many unforeseen repercussions on several people, that I think it will define the course of the entire of the series. I had not expected The Beauchamp Heirs to be so exciting: you have a real psychological drama here, and Janice Preston has crafted an enormously intricate and multilayered story simply out of Olivia’s determination to have her way. LADY OLIVIA AND THE INFAMOUS RAKE has such marvellous characters: I adored Sir Horace – Hugo’s stepfather, for instance; what a lovely man! Ms. Preston’s prose is lovely, airy, and lyrical; the dialogues are pure delight, every character speaking in its own unique voice. There is also this tension and menace that constantly threatens -and one of the most exceptionally intriguing villains ever written - always because of Olivia’s initial foolishness, which make the romance even more captivating with sparks flying all over the place. I felt that the story started dragging a tad towards the end, mostly because of Hugo’s stubbornness, but how the whole thing was redeemed and garnered additional praise from this reviewer because of said Hugo. He does not have a sudden epiphany, he doesn’t suddenly become a gentleman because the author said so: his metamorphosis comes gradually and realistically, and he is most entertaining while doing so, and at times also quite moving. The epilogue is one of the best I have ever read, because Janice Preston did not take the titillating way out, and remained true to the spirit of the story, and confirmed Hugo’s character growth. What a wonderful beginning to a new series!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The most wonderful rake I have ever read about, that is! What a perfectly splendid hero Janice Preston has crafted for our pleasure in LADY OLIVIA AND THE INFAMOUS RAKE! And yes, Hugo certainly was a rake, but with a conscience, and circumstances force him to have a look at his life. Those of us who were already acquainted with the Beauchamps from Ms. Preston’s previous books knew it was only a matter of time before Olivia would get into trouble. And rest assured, newcomers, that OIivia’s persona was not modified the slightest for storyline purposes, and this book stands perfectly on its own. I love that Ms. Preston remains faithful to her characters: Alex’s behaviour is explained, and if Cheriton is as daunting as ever, we now better understand his attitude. Oh Olivia! The impetuous, reckless, haughty chit; she is a bit of a spoiled brat, and what painful and wondrous changes she goes through. It was inevitable that she would fall for a man like Hugo, because they are so very much alike. The difference is that, even if the ton barely acknowledges his existence, as a man, more is tolerated of him. Even Hugo grasps that the enticing Olivia’s impulsiveness must me reined in so she doesn’t accidentally ruin herself – yes, she is that irresponsible – however, her reasons for her behaviour are fascinating, and sadly understandable.
Olivia’s risqué outing has so many unforeseen repercussions on several people, that I think it will define the course of the entire of the series. I had not expected The Beauchamp Heirs to be so exciting: you have a real psychological drama here, and Janice Preston has crafted an enormously intricate and multilayered story simply out of Olivia’s determination to have her way. LADY OLIVIA AND THE INFAMOUS RAKE has such marvellous characters: I adored Sir Horace – Hugo’s stepfather, for instance; what a lovely man! Ms. Preston’s prose is lovely, airy, and lyrical; the dialogues are pure delight, every character speaking in its own unique voice. There is also this tension and menace that constantly threatens -and one of the most exceptionally intriguing villains ever written - always because of Olivia’s initial foolishness, which make the romance even more captivating with sparks flying all over the place. I felt that the story started dragging a tad towards the end, mostly because of Hugo’s stubbornness, but how the whole thing was redeemed and garnered additional praise from this reviewer because of said Hugo. He does not have a sudden epiphany, he doesn’t suddenly become a gentleman because the author said so: his metamorphosis comes gradually and realistically, and he is most entertaining while doing so, and at times also quite moving. The epilogue is one of the best I have ever read, because Janice Preston did not take the titillating way out, and remained true to the spirit of the story, and confirmed Hugo’s character growth. What a wonderful beginning to a new series!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 23, 2018
As reviewed at Roses Are Blue: https://wp.me/p3QRh4-Nj
Lady Olivia Beauchamp has won a wager with her brother, Alexander, and is collecting her winnings by visiting the scandalous Vauxhall Gardens. Confident that she won't be recognized in her disguise, Olivia and Alex join the party of some unsavory characters. When Alex takes off to be alone with a woman from the party, Olivia is left to fend for herself. Anxious to appear worldly, Olivia makes some very unwise decisions and actions. She is goaded into drinking and gambling, and when she has no money to cover her losses, she rashly gives the Earl of Clevedon a priceless family heirloom to hold as collateral until she can pay him.
Lord Hugo Alastair doesn't even know why he joined this party. He's becoming very bored with the rakish lifestyle he's been living, and the same old vices. He recognizes that the masked woman does not belong in this type of company and that she is a true lady. Hugo rescues Olivia from his companions' over zealous attentions, and escorts her home when her brother can't be found. He discovers her identity and promises to get the valuable necklace back for her.
Thus begins the unlikely connection of Olivia, a duke's daughter, and Hugo, the younger brother of a marquis, whose reputation is so tarnished, that he's not accepted in polite society. Olivia almost immediately becomes infatuated with Hugh, and arranges to meet him whenever she can. Though Hugo does his best to resist her, he can't help but indulge in a few stolen kisses.
Unlike Olivia, Hugo's childhood was not happy. His father was abusive to him, his brother, and his mother. Hugo's reaction to dealing with his anger and pain was to live an outrageous life. After years of that kind of living, Hugo has grown tired of it. In Alex, Olivia's brother, Hugo sees his younger self, and decides to do whatever he can to help him.
Hugo is the epitome of the rake with a heart of gold, and I adored him. Though his own life has been messy, he is determined to rescue Olivia from an unscrupulous suitor, and to help Alex get on the right track. Hugo doubts that he'll marry, due to his reputation and circumstances, but he can't help but wonder what life would be like if he could genuinely court Olivia.
Olivia, I have to admit, I had mixed feelings about. She did make some awful and risky choices. She's also somewhat conceited, toplofty, and manipulative. Some of her actions can be attributed to her youth and inexperience - she's only eighteen and having her first season, so she needed to do some growing up. On the positive side, she loves her family and is fiercely determined to see that her brother, Alex, stays on track and out of trouble, so that he can fulfill a bargain with their father and become responsible for his own property.
I really loved how Hugo interacted with Olivia's father, the formidable Duke of Cheriton. He was respectful, but not overwhelmed. I also appreciate Cheriton's wisdom and ability to bend. LADY OLIVIA AND THE INFAMOUS RAKE is an engaging and warm read that showcases how wonderful second chances in life can be, as well as a romantic and satisfying conclusion.
Lady Olivia Beauchamp has won a wager with her brother, Alexander, and is collecting her winnings by visiting the scandalous Vauxhall Gardens. Confident that she won't be recognized in her disguise, Olivia and Alex join the party of some unsavory characters. When Alex takes off to be alone with a woman from the party, Olivia is left to fend for herself. Anxious to appear worldly, Olivia makes some very unwise decisions and actions. She is goaded into drinking and gambling, and when she has no money to cover her losses, she rashly gives the Earl of Clevedon a priceless family heirloom to hold as collateral until she can pay him.
Lord Hugo Alastair doesn't even know why he joined this party. He's becoming very bored with the rakish lifestyle he's been living, and the same old vices. He recognizes that the masked woman does not belong in this type of company and that she is a true lady. Hugo rescues Olivia from his companions' over zealous attentions, and escorts her home when her brother can't be found. He discovers her identity and promises to get the valuable necklace back for her.
Thus begins the unlikely connection of Olivia, a duke's daughter, and Hugo, the younger brother of a marquis, whose reputation is so tarnished, that he's not accepted in polite society. Olivia almost immediately becomes infatuated with Hugh, and arranges to meet him whenever she can. Though Hugo does his best to resist her, he can't help but indulge in a few stolen kisses.
Unlike Olivia, Hugo's childhood was not happy. His father was abusive to him, his brother, and his mother. Hugo's reaction to dealing with his anger and pain was to live an outrageous life. After years of that kind of living, Hugo has grown tired of it. In Alex, Olivia's brother, Hugo sees his younger self, and decides to do whatever he can to help him.
Hugo is the epitome of the rake with a heart of gold, and I adored him. Though his own life has been messy, he is determined to rescue Olivia from an unscrupulous suitor, and to help Alex get on the right track. Hugo doubts that he'll marry, due to his reputation and circumstances, but he can't help but wonder what life would be like if he could genuinely court Olivia.
Olivia, I have to admit, I had mixed feelings about. She did make some awful and risky choices. She's also somewhat conceited, toplofty, and manipulative. Some of her actions can be attributed to her youth and inexperience - she's only eighteen and having her first season, so she needed to do some growing up. On the positive side, she loves her family and is fiercely determined to see that her brother, Alex, stays on track and out of trouble, so that he can fulfill a bargain with their father and become responsible for his own property.
I really loved how Hugo interacted with Olivia's father, the formidable Duke of Cheriton. He was respectful, but not overwhelmed. I also appreciate Cheriton's wisdom and ability to bend. LADY OLIVIA AND THE INFAMOUS RAKE is an engaging and warm read that showcases how wonderful second chances in life can be, as well as a romantic and satisfying conclusion.
December 12, 2018
This may be the first book in a new series but it's a book that is connected to the previous series, which means we already know a lot of the characters and the background history. And when I first read about Olivia in that first book I was immediately curious about her. She sounded like an interesting character that is unlike any other, but I also know there was a lot I was missing about her personality even after all the three previous books. That been said, you can imagine why I was excited that she would be the first one to have a love story in this new series.
Janice Preston has the ability to create amazing plots that always have some unique aspects to it, and I was intrigued to know which journey she was going to take Olivia in. And what a fun, exciting, romantic, dramatic and overall adventurous journey it was.
From that first few pages to the very end. I loved to discover more about Olivia, see her development and mature even more, see her follow her dreams and ideas and stay true to her heart in the end, see more of her personality and the act that she may appear strong and sassy on the outside, and being sweet and vulnerable in the inside. It made me feel a connection with her.
Then there is Hugo and right from that very first interaction between them you know this going to be good because you can tell there is chemistry between them. Well, Olivia needs Hugo's help and as things keep going you can see that chemistry develop into something more and all the problems and drama that comes with a great love story, the rollercoaster of emotions and plot twists and turns make their relationship even more fun to read that you may expect.
I won't go into details about the story because I want to go read this book, but let me tell you that there are a lot of elements besides the amazing well written characters and the exciting plot. I loved all the descriptions in the books because they created the setting for the book. Then there is the flow of this story that combined with the plot, it made the book fun and intriguing. And then there is the fact that this really follows a family and I love books that are linked by family ties.
Overall, I loved it and I can't wait for the next one, because I so intrigued by this family. Janice Preston has done a wonderful job with this book and I'm no longer surprised that I love her book, although I am always surprised by the plots and the amazing characters.
Janice Preston has the ability to create amazing plots that always have some unique aspects to it, and I was intrigued to know which journey she was going to take Olivia in. And what a fun, exciting, romantic, dramatic and overall adventurous journey it was.
From that first few pages to the very end. I loved to discover more about Olivia, see her development and mature even more, see her follow her dreams and ideas and stay true to her heart in the end, see more of her personality and the act that she may appear strong and sassy on the outside, and being sweet and vulnerable in the inside. It made me feel a connection with her.
Then there is Hugo and right from that very first interaction between them you know this going to be good because you can tell there is chemistry between them. Well, Olivia needs Hugo's help and as things keep going you can see that chemistry develop into something more and all the problems and drama that comes with a great love story, the rollercoaster of emotions and plot twists and turns make their relationship even more fun to read that you may expect.
I won't go into details about the story because I want to go read this book, but let me tell you that there are a lot of elements besides the amazing well written characters and the exciting plot. I loved all the descriptions in the books because they created the setting for the book. Then there is the flow of this story that combined with the plot, it made the book fun and intriguing. And then there is the fact that this really follows a family and I love books that are linked by family ties.
Overall, I loved it and I can't wait for the next one, because I so intrigued by this family. Janice Preston has done a wonderful job with this book and I'm no longer surprised that I love her book, although I am always surprised by the plots and the amazing characters.
August 25, 2018
Review first posted on my book blog.
Lady Olivia Beauchamp has had a very fortunate life. Her family are high in British society, she has two older brothers to secure the future of the family, they're well off financially and her father is able to provide a good dowry for her so she needn't worry too much about her future husband being wealthy himself. She knows how to behave in public to appear as a proper young lady, but in private she's a little more rebellious. Her brothers have always overshadowed her, and she feels like her sex has held her back from a lot of opportunities in life. That leads her to the situation at the beginning of the book where she has disguised herself and persuaded her brother to take her to Vauxhall Gardens one night while their father is away. Unfortunately, things go wrong, and Lord Hugo steps in to rescue her.
They then meet several times through various circumstances and despite knowing he has a reputation as a rake, Lady Olivia finds herself very attracted to him. I liked Olivia for her daring, and the way she balanced the lady she needed to appear as to society against the person she was inside. There are a couple of times in the book where she makes very silly decisions, without really thinking about possible consequences, which was a bit frustrating but I think that's an accurate reflection of the fact that she's eighteen and just doesn't have a clear picture of the harsh realities of the world yet.
While you don't get to see much of what the secondary characters are up to, there are references to some adventures which I think must play out in the other books in this sequence, called 'The Beauchamp Heirs'. I'd be interested to read more, I think, but I'm not necessarily going to seek them out over other historical romance books that might be available to me when I'm next choosing something.
Lady Olivia and the Infamous Rake was a light, easy read and that was exactly what I was looking for. It's nicely written Regency romance, and I'd read other books by Janice Preston in future. I'm giving this book 6 out of 10.
[A copy of the book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.]
Lady Olivia Beauchamp has had a very fortunate life. Her family are high in British society, she has two older brothers to secure the future of the family, they're well off financially and her father is able to provide a good dowry for her so she needn't worry too much about her future husband being wealthy himself. She knows how to behave in public to appear as a proper young lady, but in private she's a little more rebellious. Her brothers have always overshadowed her, and she feels like her sex has held her back from a lot of opportunities in life. That leads her to the situation at the beginning of the book where she has disguised herself and persuaded her brother to take her to Vauxhall Gardens one night while their father is away. Unfortunately, things go wrong, and Lord Hugo steps in to rescue her.
They then meet several times through various circumstances and despite knowing he has a reputation as a rake, Lady Olivia finds herself very attracted to him. I liked Olivia for her daring, and the way she balanced the lady she needed to appear as to society against the person she was inside. There are a couple of times in the book where she makes very silly decisions, without really thinking about possible consequences, which was a bit frustrating but I think that's an accurate reflection of the fact that she's eighteen and just doesn't have a clear picture of the harsh realities of the world yet.
While you don't get to see much of what the secondary characters are up to, there are references to some adventures which I think must play out in the other books in this sequence, called 'The Beauchamp Heirs'. I'd be interested to read more, I think, but I'm not necessarily going to seek them out over other historical romance books that might be available to me when I'm next choosing something.
Lady Olivia and the Infamous Rake was a light, easy read and that was exactly what I was looking for. It's nicely written Regency romance, and I'd read other books by Janice Preston in future. I'm giving this book 6 out of 10.
[A copy of the book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.]
August 25, 2018
Lady Olivia and the Infamous Rake is a Regency romance written by Janice Preston and is part 1 of the Beauchamps Heirs series. Lady Olivia Beauchamp, an innocent debutante who is in the midst of her first season is rescued by Lord Hugo Alistair, who has a wild reputation within the ton as a rake, after losing at a game of piquet at the Vauxhall Pleasure gardens and having to use her mother' necklace as a means of promising to repay her debt to Lord Cleavdon. Despite not being interested in women Lord Cleavdon is determined to marry Olivia so he can get his hands on her huge dowry, whilst Hugo is determined to stay single. Hugo has to rescue Olivia and Alex from various scrapes and cannot keep away from her. The book culminates in a duel between the two men but will Olivia's father allow her to marry Hugo?
Olivia and Hugo are complex characters. Olivia is a presents herself as a confident, strong willed, spoilt young woman, lots of suitors and a fabulous life as a young debutante, whereas in reality she feels very insecure within her family. Her mother died when she was young, she is seen as inferior to her brothers (she often wishes she had been born a boy) and sees other family members as deserting her when they get married. Hugo has a well deserved reputation within the ton as a rake. He has been trying to lose that title but is determined to stay single. I enjoyed this book, seeing how theses characters and others interacted and grew as the story progressed.
I received this book via Netgalley and Mills and Boon in exchange for a honest review. I am a #MillsAndBoonInsider#netgalley
Olivia and Hugo are complex characters. Olivia is a presents herself as a confident, strong willed, spoilt young woman, lots of suitors and a fabulous life as a young debutante, whereas in reality she feels very insecure within her family. Her mother died when she was young, she is seen as inferior to her brothers (she often wishes she had been born a boy) and sees other family members as deserting her when they get married. Hugo has a well deserved reputation within the ton as a rake. He has been trying to lose that title but is determined to stay single. I enjoyed this book, seeing how theses characters and others interacted and grew as the story progressed.
I received this book via Netgalley and Mills and Boon in exchange for a honest review. I am a #MillsAndBoonInsider#netgalley
September 19, 2018
Lady Olivia and the Infamous Rake is first in a new series The Beauchamp Heirs by author Janice Preston. This series will focus on the Duke of Cheriton's three children by his first marriage. We've met all three siblings in the previous series The Beauchamp Betrothals which focused on their father, uncle and aunt.
I've been looking forward to Olivia's story since we first met her in the previous series. She's the youngest of the Beauchamp children and the only daughter. Olivia is young being just 18 and in some of her actions her age shows. In the previous books Olivia is know for getting into mischief. But in this book we see she also has a vulnerable, insecure side with a big heart and you honestly can't help but fall in love with her.
Lord Hugo Alastair is our hero. Hugo is a well know rake among the ton, but in the last year or so he has been changing his ways. Coming from a home with an abusive father Hugo also has his vulnerabilities and insecurities and doesn't feel he's good enough for a duke's daughter. I absolutely loved Hugo's interactions with Leo, the Duke of Cheriton and the proposal was fantastic!
This was a fabulous beginning to this new series and a wonderful addition to the entire Beauchamp family of stories. This story like all the previous stories in the two Beauchamp Series flows well and has extremely entertaining characters. I love how we get to see characters from previous books and can't wait for Alex and Dominic's stories! I would highly recommend any of Janice Preston's books and absolutely loved this one!
I've been looking forward to Olivia's story since we first met her in the previous series. She's the youngest of the Beauchamp children and the only daughter. Olivia is young being just 18 and in some of her actions her age shows. In the previous books Olivia is know for getting into mischief. But in this book we see she also has a vulnerable, insecure side with a big heart and you honestly can't help but fall in love with her.
Lord Hugo Alastair is our hero. Hugo is a well know rake among the ton, but in the last year or so he has been changing his ways. Coming from a home with an abusive father Hugo also has his vulnerabilities and insecurities and doesn't feel he's good enough for a duke's daughter. I absolutely loved Hugo's interactions with Leo, the Duke of Cheriton and the proposal was fantastic!
This was a fabulous beginning to this new series and a wonderful addition to the entire Beauchamp family of stories. This story like all the previous stories in the two Beauchamp Series flows well and has extremely entertaining characters. I love how we get to see characters from previous books and can't wait for Alex and Dominic's stories! I would highly recommend any of Janice Preston's books and absolutely loved this one!
August 15, 2018
Lady Olivia Beauchamp may be a debutante but she’s also used to manipulating her brothers & so she finds herself at Vauxhall Gardens & in a pickle, she not only loses her late mother’s ruby necklace but finds herself surrounded by a group of men. Luckily for her she’s rescued by rakish bachelor Lord Hugo Alastair, Olivia is secretly outraged that he doesn’t even try to steal a kiss! He’s a notorious rake amongst the ton and as a result, utterly forbidden to an innocent debutante like her. But their attraction is magnetic. Hugo decides to keep a close eye on Olivia & her brother Alex as both are in danger.
A well written entertaining book. The characters have depth & are likeable. Hugo is the misunderstood rake who had a horrid father but has now grown up & is forging a new & better life, he’s very likeable & his attraction to Olivia is well handled. Olivia is the spoilt Duke’s daughter who puts on a brave face but she reminded me of a swan cool, poised above the water but pedalling like mad under the water. She’s very attracted to Hugo but starts to feel he’s not interested in her. Although the story was a well used trope, it flowed well & kept my interest all the way through. The secondary characters were also well portrayed & I hope Alex has his story.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
A well written entertaining book. The characters have depth & are likeable. Hugo is the misunderstood rake who had a horrid father but has now grown up & is forging a new & better life, he’s very likeable & his attraction to Olivia is well handled. Olivia is the spoilt Duke’s daughter who puts on a brave face but she reminded me of a swan cool, poised above the water but pedalling like mad under the water. She’s very attracted to Hugo but starts to feel he’s not interested in her. Although the story was a well used trope, it flowed well & kept my interest all the way through. The secondary characters were also well portrayed & I hope Alex has his story.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
August 20, 2018
I received this book in return for an honest review via Netgalley.
To my knowledge I don't think I've read many of Janice Preston's books. I am wondering if there's a linked series with these characters, as I felt I was supposed to know who some of the characters or their relatives were in advance.
This book anyway is the start of a new series. I think it will be to the benefit of the reader to read them in order.
It took me a while to get into this book, as Hugo at the start hung around with annoying undesirables, and Olivia had some way to go to grow up. But it is good that I cared enough to get annoyed at times with several of the characters.
There were quite a few characters to keep up with and some step family members with quite tortuous relationships with the main characters, I kept up with but Olivia's father for instance was pivotal when it came to her and her brothers Alex and Dominic's futures but we did not get much of a flavour of him.
I liked the Dominic/Alistair/Avon references and the development of Hugo and his relationship with his family. Olivia's aunt and father are also loving figures.
The end was tied up rather nicely, and Olivia curiously adult at times despite her immaturity, but the end was rather sweet and satisfying. A good start to the series.
To my knowledge I don't think I've read many of Janice Preston's books. I am wondering if there's a linked series with these characters, as I felt I was supposed to know who some of the characters or their relatives were in advance.
This book anyway is the start of a new series. I think it will be to the benefit of the reader to read them in order.
It took me a while to get into this book, as Hugo at the start hung around with annoying undesirables, and Olivia had some way to go to grow up. But it is good that I cared enough to get annoyed at times with several of the characters.
There were quite a few characters to keep up with and some step family members with quite tortuous relationships with the main characters, I kept up with but Olivia's father for instance was pivotal when it came to her and her brothers Alex and Dominic's futures but we did not get much of a flavour of him.
I liked the Dominic/Alistair/Avon references and the development of Hugo and his relationship with his family. Olivia's aunt and father are also loving figures.
The end was tied up rather nicely, and Olivia curiously adult at times despite her immaturity, but the end was rather sweet and satisfying. A good start to the series.
August 25, 2018
I have been waiting patiently for Olivia's story ever since we met her in The Beauchamp Bethrothals series. Don't worry if you haven't read any of the books in that series because it is the start of a brand new one. However if you have read the previous books it is so lovely to catch up with characters you have already met.
Olivia is only eighteen but definitely knows her own mind and even though she has her flaws she has such a spirited personality that I couldn't help but like her. Just like Hugo she has an inner depth to her character and even though Olivia makes mistakes she has a heart of gold. Hugo is charming and a rake so of course Olivia should stay away, right? Well as the story progresses the layers of Hugo's personalty are revealed perfectly showing a more caring and deeper side. There is such a beautiful connection between the pair with the perfect balance of both sweet and passionate chemistry.
All of the characters are well written and add an extra something to the story whether they are looking out for Olivia or looking to cause trouble. I was completely charmed yet again by Janice Preston's writing. The way she created such wonderful and engaging characters, it really is a story to lose yourself in!
A gorgeous story!
Five stars from me!
Olivia is only eighteen but definitely knows her own mind and even though she has her flaws she has such a spirited personality that I couldn't help but like her. Just like Hugo she has an inner depth to her character and even though Olivia makes mistakes she has a heart of gold. Hugo is charming and a rake so of course Olivia should stay away, right? Well as the story progresses the layers of Hugo's personalty are revealed perfectly showing a more caring and deeper side. There is such a beautiful connection between the pair with the perfect balance of both sweet and passionate chemistry.
All of the characters are well written and add an extra something to the story whether they are looking out for Olivia or looking to cause trouble. I was completely charmed yet again by Janice Preston's writing. The way she created such wonderful and engaging characters, it really is a story to lose yourself in!
A gorgeous story!
Five stars from me!
August 24, 2018
A lovely, Regency romance with an innocent, impetuous heroine, a reformed rake and all the hustle and bustle of Regency England that makes this a must for lovers of this romantic era.
Olivia is easy to like, and as she loses her heart, you feel her exasperation and pain. Hugo is the archetypical dissolute rake, but his chance encounter with Olivia, has him questioning his lifestyle and finding out that underneath his ‘devil may care’ attitude he may have a heart.
There is romance, an engaging Regency setting, a desperate villain and simmering passion, a perfect escapist read.
I received a copy of this book from Mills& Boon via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
November 2, 2019
4.5 rounded up. This was a great story that continues the Beauchamp saga. I loved Olivia and Hugo; she with her impetuosity and he so world-weary. This is not a stand-alone but refers to other books in the series. To a certain extent, it runs con-currently with books 2 and 3 of the Beauchamp Betrothals. Excellent character development. Half point off for some heavy-duty kissing.
My favorite laugh-out-loud line is Hugo's description of his mother's nosiness "as discreet as an elephant in a herd of cows". I do recommend this book.
My favorite laugh-out-loud line is Hugo's description of his mother's nosiness "as discreet as an elephant in a herd of cows". I do recommend this book.
March 21, 2022
Lady Olivia 18 the daughter of the Duke of Cheriton is in London for the season along with her stepmother's sister. She gets into trouble constantly due to her need for adventures and is shown to be quite foolish at times. She falls in love with Hugo Alastair the rakish second son of a Marquis who is trying to change himself. I enjoyed the complicated plot with a variety of characters as both characters ran true to form and Hugo did his best to discourage Olivia before they finally came to have their HEA.
October 31, 2018
I enjoyed this book despite the heroine being TSTL. She did so many idiotic things and was a “silly little girl”. But then I don’t read romance for reality and it was still a good read.
March 23, 2019
Everything about this story kept me engrossed! I loved it to bits!
February 21, 2021
Regency Romance, not a clean read but easy to flip past.
August 23, 2018
Lady Olivia And The Infamous Rake is a regency romance. This is book one of the Beauchamp Heirs series, and has minor roles for characters from the earlier Beauchamp Betrothals books.
This is the story of eighteen-year-old Olivia. She might be the catch of the season, but Olivia feels stifled by a protective family and rigid rules of society. Lured by the wonders of London, Olivia bribes her brother Alex to escort her, one evening, to Vauxhall pleasure gardens. Here they are invited to join a dubious group of partygoers. Alex is soon distracted and leaves Olivia plied with drink, playing cards and unchaperoned. For full review see here https://wp.me/p2Eu3u-bI1
This is the story of eighteen-year-old Olivia. She might be the catch of the season, but Olivia feels stifled by a protective family and rigid rules of society. Lured by the wonders of London, Olivia bribes her brother Alex to escort her, one evening, to Vauxhall pleasure gardens. Here they are invited to join a dubious group of partygoers. Alex is soon distracted and leaves Olivia plied with drink, playing cards and unchaperoned. For full review see here https://wp.me/p2Eu3u-bI1
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July 9, 2018Miniseries: The Beauchamp Heirs
Read
August 1, 2018Miniseries: The Beauchamp Heirs
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