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Regency #1
Maldición de amor
Philip Whitmore, vizconde de Greybourne, ha sobrevivido a tormentas de arena, ha desenterrado tesoros ocultos de antiguas civilizaciones y ha vencido a múltiples y peligrosos ladrones de tumbas. Pero una extraña maldición pesa sobre é no es capaz de encontrar a una mujer que quiera casarse con él. Es como si todo su encanto, su título y su fortuna desaparecieran ante el altar. Tras el último fiasco, Philip recurre a la hermosa Meredith Chilton-Grizedale para encargarle la difícil tarea de encontrar la esposa perfecta. Pero desde el momento en que conoce al misterioso vizconde, Meredith se enamora perdidamente de él y, a pesar de la maldición y a riesgo de su vida, decidirá dar rienda suelta a una pasión que podría conducirla a la locura... Jacquie D'Alessandro creció en Long Island, Nueva York. Está casada y es madre de un niño. Maldición de amor no ha tardado en incorporarse a las listas de best sellers. ¿Será el amor capaz de vencer a una extraña maldición?
480 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2003
35 people are currently reading
631 people want to read
About the author
Jacquie D'Alessandro
121 books419 followersJacquie D'Alessandro grew up on Long Island and fell in love with romance at an early age. She dreamed of being swept away by a dashing rogue riding a spirited stallion. When Joe, her hero finally showed up, he was dressed in jeans and driving a Volkswagen, but she recognized him anyway. They married after they both graduated from Hofstra University, and are now living their happily-ever-after in Atlanta, Georgia, along with their very bright and active son, Christopher, alias "Junior", who is a dashing rogue in the making.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
March 10, 2017
Well, drat. I LOVE D'Alessandro's work, but this novel was a real disappointment for me. D'Alessandro has a lovely writing style and she usually creates fun (but not annoying) heroines and heroes with strong exteriors (but super gooey insides). In this novel, there were plenty of excellent secondary characters, but the main couple, was, well, BORING. I could not connect with Philip or Meredith at all. They had tons of inner-angsting, secret yet unwelcome attraction, and no spark whatsoever. I found myself skimming from the very beginning and just couldn't ever connect with the two leads.
Meredith is a wedding planner who has clawed her way out of poverty and will do whatever it takes to never go back. Philip is her latest client and when he backs out of a marriage, Meredith's career is ruined and she stays in close proximity to Philip to try and solve the "curse" he brought back from Egypt so that he can be married and her reputation as a matchmaker is restored. It's a silly premise and one that could have worked if there was a little more humor and more of a critique of the fickleness of the ton. However, D'Alessandro never fleshes that out. After Philip and Meredith meet due to their respective roles in the matchmaking scheme, the issue of Meredith's future matchmaking, the ton's reaction to the viscount's initial jilting, and then the couple's eventual marriage are never discussed. It drove me nuts that there were so many loose ends.
After a slow beginning bogged down by repetitive inner dialogue, particularly regarding how good the other smelled, the middle and end became focused on finding out who is trying to hurt those closest to Philip and how to break the curse that will cause the death of any bride he marries. The curse had a little bit of a paranormal bent, but I would still classify this as a Regency novel. However, it is truly a curse so if you don't like that, consider yourself warned.
The ending came quickly and I figured out the villain early on, but I did like the history that was woven into how the curse could be dealt with. The other element of this story that I enjoyed were the secondary characters. The two individuals living with Meredith had a small romance going on and it was so sweet. In addition, it was clear that Philip's friend Andrew Stanton was in love with Philip's unhappily married sister (I think their book is the second in this series). Both romance threads were enjoyable and way more interesting than the main couple. I found myself skimming when Meredith and Philip were on the page and then re-reading and smiling with the other couples.
Overall, this was a slow read and the book could have been at least 100 pages shorter. I will be continuing with the series because I liked the other characters and I trust in D'Alessandro's writing, but I don't recommend this story.
Thanks to Lacey for the buddy read! <3
Meredith is a wedding planner who has clawed her way out of poverty and will do whatever it takes to never go back. Philip is her latest client and when he backs out of a marriage, Meredith's career is ruined and she stays in close proximity to Philip to try and solve the "curse" he brought back from Egypt so that he can be married and her reputation as a matchmaker is restored. It's a silly premise and one that could have worked if there was a little more humor and more of a critique of the fickleness of the ton. However, D'Alessandro never fleshes that out. After Philip and Meredith meet due to their respective roles in the matchmaking scheme, the issue of Meredith's future matchmaking, the ton's reaction to the viscount's initial jilting, and then the couple's eventual marriage are never discussed. It drove me nuts that there were so many loose ends.
After a slow beginning bogged down by repetitive inner dialogue, particularly regarding how good the other smelled, the middle and end became focused on finding out who is trying to hurt those closest to Philip and how to break the curse that will cause the death of any bride he marries. The curse had a little bit of a paranormal bent, but I would still classify this as a Regency novel. However, it is truly a curse so if you don't like that, consider yourself warned.
The ending came quickly and I figured out the villain early on, but I did like the history that was woven into how the curse could be dealt with. The other element of this story that I enjoyed were the secondary characters. The two individuals living with Meredith had a small romance going on and it was so sweet. In addition, it was clear that Philip's friend Andrew Stanton was in love with Philip's unhappily married sister (I think their book is the second in this series). Both romance threads were enjoyable and way more interesting than the main couple. I found myself skimming when Meredith and Philip were on the page and then re-reading and smiling with the other couples.
Overall, this was a slow read and the book could have been at least 100 pages shorter. I will be continuing with the series because I liked the other characters and I trust in D'Alessandro's writing, but I don't recommend this story.
Thanks to Lacey for the buddy read! <3
March 5, 2017
This book was okay... It was very slow at the beginning, but it picked up in the last chapters.
I'm sad to say that I didn't really care about the main characters and their love story. I was very bored with them! I was more interested with the secondary characters and their stories.
I really liked the paranormal element (the curse) and I enjoyed the mystery and solving it.
All in all, I will be reading more of this author because I like the writing style and many people seem to like her books. This one didn't really work for me, but I'm positive I'll like her other books :)
Oh, and this was a buddy read with my friend Becca :) which made it way more enjoyable!
I'm sad to say that I didn't really care about the main characters and their love story. I was very bored with them! I was more interested with the secondary characters and their stories.
I really liked the paranormal element (the curse) and I enjoyed the mystery and solving it.
All in all, I will be reading more of this author because I like the writing style and many people seem to like her books. This one didn't really work for me, but I'm positive I'll like her other books :)
Oh, and this was a buddy read with my friend Becca :) which made it way more enjoyable!
September 9, 2020
Who Will Take This Man?, or alternatively, Who Will Take This Cursed Man? is a fun and light Regency romance with a supernatural twist. Philip is a bespectacled antiquarian who spent a decade abroad looking for ancient artifacts. Back in England, Philip's father has hired a matchmaker to find a bride for Philip. The wedding is set and Philip is on his way back to England to get married. But on the ship returning home, Philip reads and translates an ancient relic and he ends up getting cursed! I know 😂
The problem now is that Philip can't marry anyone because the curse will end up killing his bride. When Philip's bride finds out that her declining health is a result of the curse, she leaves him at the altar and marries someone else. Scandalous! Now society thinks that the real reason Philip won't marry is because he's impotent 😂 I can't make this shit up 😂 Meredith, the matchmaker, is also pissed at Philip's foolishness because her reputation as a professional matchmaker is at risk. So of course, Meredith ends up helping Philip to find a way to break the curse. In the meantime, Meredith is looking for another bride for him.
I had a lot fun reading this book. Jacquie D'Alessandro knows how to write a light and funny historical romance. The whole curse and antiquarian aspect of the story reminds me of Amanda Quick's quirky books. I really enjoyed the romance even though Meredith was a bit frustrating. I mean, Philip was ready to propose and everything because he loves her so much. It took a while for her to come clean about her past and to finally see that Philip doesn't care about the class difference between them.
There's also a super SWEET and HEARTFELT secondary romance between Albert and Charlotte, two of Meredith's friends. Albert is 5 years younger than Charlotte and he's been in love with her for the longest time. She has only just started seeing him as a man. And ugh they are SOOOOO SWEET. They gave me so many feelings. I wish the author had given us an extra scene with them after their wedding 😭❤
I'm actually interested in continuing this series! Maybe not now, but sometime in the future for sure.
P.S. I really liked the origin of the curse! So clever and creative!! Also worth noting: Philip considers working with the British Museum and establishing his own museum. And because of the time period, there is no notion of repatriation, which is something I had to keep reminding myself of.
The problem now is that Philip can't marry anyone because the curse will end up killing his bride. When Philip's bride finds out that her declining health is a result of the curse, she leaves him at the altar and marries someone else. Scandalous! Now society thinks that the real reason Philip won't marry is because he's impotent 😂 I can't make this shit up 😂 Meredith, the matchmaker, is also pissed at Philip's foolishness because her reputation as a professional matchmaker is at risk. So of course, Meredith ends up helping Philip to find a way to break the curse. In the meantime, Meredith is looking for another bride for him.
I had a lot fun reading this book. Jacquie D'Alessandro knows how to write a light and funny historical romance. The whole curse and antiquarian aspect of the story reminds me of Amanda Quick's quirky books. I really enjoyed the romance even though Meredith was a bit frustrating. I mean, Philip was ready to propose and everything because he loves her so much. It took a while for her to come clean about her past and to finally see that Philip doesn't care about the class difference between them.
There's also a super SWEET and HEARTFELT secondary romance between Albert and Charlotte, two of Meredith's friends. Albert is 5 years younger than Charlotte and he's been in love with her for the longest time. She has only just started seeing him as a man. And ugh they are SOOOOO SWEET. They gave me so many feelings. I wish the author had given us an extra scene with them after their wedding 😭❤
I'm actually interested in continuing this series! Maybe not now, but sometime in the future for sure.
P.S. I really liked the origin of the curse! So clever and creative!! Also worth noting: Philip considers working with the British Museum and establishing his own museum. And because of the time period, there is no notion of repatriation, which is something I had to keep reminding myself of.
March 7, 2013
Our hero is Philip, who as a boy was pale, pudgy, clumsy, and bespectacled. He escapes to a life as an archeologist, and returns home twelve years later as a tanned, trim, self-assured (yet bespectacled) man of reknown. Unfortunately, he's returning because of a promise to wed before his father died... and Dad the Earl is on death's doorstep. Worse, on the trip home he finds a tablet that, when translated, is a curse. Whosoever readeth the curse shall never marry - his intended will take a tumble, get a 'hellish' headache, and two days later die.
Meredith is our heroine. She was born of a harlot, raised in a brothel, trained as a pickpocket, and stole enough to make her way to London, where she started a matchmaker business, so that she might become a woman of respect (in other words, NOTHING like her mother). Finding Philip a bride should NOT have been a problem. But once the newspaper got wind of the curse, she found herself in serious trouble, her business on shaky ground.
Take matchmaker and archeologist, throw in a curse and an unknown killer bent on harming Philip's loved ones, and a few (true!) historical accounts from ancient sources, and you have a very fun, intriguing read. It was almost a five star... except that the unknown killer bit was very badly done.
Meredith is our heroine. She was born of a harlot, raised in a brothel, trained as a pickpocket, and stole enough to make her way to London, where she started a matchmaker business, so that she might become a woman of respect (in other words, NOTHING like her mother). Finding Philip a bride should NOT have been a problem. But once the newspaper got wind of the curse, she found herself in serious trouble, her business on shaky ground.
Take matchmaker and archeologist, throw in a curse and an unknown killer bent on harming Philip's loved ones, and a few (true!) historical accounts from ancient sources, and you have a very fun, intriguing read. It was almost a five star... except that the unknown killer bit was very badly done.
June 20, 2015
This book started out great. I was thinking ahhh this could be another 4 stars book.
Then in the middle I thought: hmm.....maybe 3 stars......
The last 30% had me going: man I wish this was over.
So here I am, handing out 2 stars for the book.
In the beginning the lead characters seem to have enough chemistry. I thought it refreshing that the hero Philip is for once, not a brooding alpha male (not that I mind), but a bespectacled scholar. I had a rather pretty picture of him and thought the heroine Meredith respectable and graceful. The chemistry however, did not hold up well after 50%. I don't know why they would fall in love with each other. It seems like all there was physical attraction. Once the "mystery" started unraveling, I began asking myself, why would anyone want Philip to be miserable? Even the "villain" seemed rather amicable.
The biggest problem for me is that Philip and Meredith seemed so out of character in the second half of the book. I had pictures for them drawn up in my head, based on the first half. Then they went on doing dn saying things that were just.....weird.
The writer uses the same phrases frequently and that quickly became rather disturbing. The first half was really funny and witty. But the book went downhill in the second half. I wanted the book to be over.
Then in the middle I thought: hmm.....maybe 3 stars......
The last 30% had me going: man I wish this was over.
So here I am, handing out 2 stars for the book.
In the beginning the lead characters seem to have enough chemistry. I thought it refreshing that the hero Philip is for once, not a brooding alpha male (not that I mind), but a bespectacled scholar. I had a rather pretty picture of him and thought the heroine Meredith respectable and graceful. The chemistry however, did not hold up well after 50%. I don't know why they would fall in love with each other. It seems like all there was physical attraction. Once the "mystery" started unraveling, I began asking myself, why would anyone want Philip to be miserable? Even the "villain" seemed rather amicable.
The biggest problem for me is that Philip and Meredith seemed so out of character in the second half of the book. I had pictures for them drawn up in my head, based on the first half. Then they went on doing dn saying things that were just.....weird.
The writer uses the same phrases frequently and that quickly became rather disturbing. The first half was really funny and witty. But the book went downhill in the second half. I wanted the book to be over.
May 21, 2008
This book was very cute... she had the little mystery going on, and the conflict between the h/h was very clever. You really hoped that they would solve the curse so that they could be together. As with all the JD books I have read the sexual tension was great... loved the food feeding scene... YUMMMMMMMMY!
May 17, 2021
Wow okay... I knew this was going to be up my alley since I had previously read the 3rd book in this series and loved it but I didn't imagine finding another all time favourite historical romance. Jacquie D'Alessandro really knows how to capture the reader's heart (at least mine) and take it on a journey. Firstly, there were so many developed characters in this book with unique back stories and each brought a different piece to the puzzle that was the story. I feel like books that try to accomplish this either end up with undeveloped characters or developed characters but the book is now way too long. The main characters were very likable and I was instantly in love with their chemistry. The different class/backgrounds and polar opposite fields of work was such an amazing dynamic and it really created a more unique story.
Secondly, the plot was not the most innovative thing I've ever read but it is what happens in between that makes this book special. The more mundane parts of this storyline where characters just interacted together. D'Alessandro is perfect at writing beautiful slow burns that have you aching to see the characters get together. Even more shocking is the fact that in under 400 pages she made the readers feel for 2 couples, not just the main one. The romantic scenes weren't in your face, they built up in the perfect incline. The steam building up alongside. If you've read this you will know what I am on about but the dinner scene was perfection in sexual tension and romance.
Lastly, this is a smaller point but I have noticed the care that D'Alessandro takes with her plots. The whole plot with the antiques the hero works with and the stories that were brought up were explained in such detail but with a light air that didn't make it like reading a textbook.
I have only but praise when talking about this book and I am sure the rest of this series. I can't wait to continue loving D'Alessandro's works.
Secondly, the plot was not the most innovative thing I've ever read but it is what happens in between that makes this book special. The more mundane parts of this storyline where characters just interacted together. D'Alessandro is perfect at writing beautiful slow burns that have you aching to see the characters get together. Even more shocking is the fact that in under 400 pages she made the readers feel for 2 couples, not just the main one. The romantic scenes weren't in your face, they built up in the perfect incline. The steam building up alongside. If you've read this you will know what I am on about but the dinner scene was perfection in sexual tension and romance.
Lastly, this is a smaller point but I have noticed the care that D'Alessandro takes with her plots. The whole plot with the antiques the hero works with and the stories that were brought up were explained in such detail but with a light air that didn't make it like reading a textbook.
I have only but praise when talking about this book and I am sure the rest of this series. I can't wait to continue loving D'Alessandro's works.
January 2, 2018
leído en Agosto 2012
March 12, 2013
❤❤❤ ½
This was my first full length historical by Jacquie D'Alessandro. I've read four of her short stories; half were contemporary and the other half historical. I liked or in some cases loved all of them so I'm already a huge fan of her work before I even read this novel.
Philip Whitmore, Viscount Greybourne, 30 is an antiquarian and for the past 10 years he has lived and explored aboard (mostly Egypt). He doesn't want to return to England for several reasons but an agreement he made with his father, ten years prior, has come due. If Philip is anything he's a man of his word and he agreed that if his father didn't object to his travels then one day he would return to England and do his duty - marry and begat an heir to Ravensly. His father tried to strong arm him three years ago by arranging a marriage and demanding he return to fulfill his end of the bargain. Philip refused. But now his father is ill and has less than a year to live. He has arranged a marriage through a local matchmaker and his father and his honor demand he show this time. When he transcribes an ancient relic on the ship ride to England, Philip believes he's uncovered a curse and now can't take a wife or else she'll die. That's his biggest concern until threatening letters and attacks on his loved ones begin occurring.
Mathchmaker Meredith Chilton-Grizedale, 28 knows Lord Greybourne is nearly unmarriageable after the debacle three years ago but she's negotiated a lovely union for him in the amenable Lady Sarah. It's a perfect match that will establish Meredith as England's most sought after matchmaker. A reputation she's worked hard for since she left home at an early age, running from a life no young woman should be forced into. She also supports a household consisting of Albert, who she found as a boy battered and left for dead, and Charlotte and 5 year old Hope, mother and daughter, who Meredith found abused in an alley while Charlotte, a former whore, was pregnant. With Greybourne's match Meredith will secure a happy and safe future for all of them. But when the wedding is canceled because Lord Greybourne believes he's been cursed Meredith's reputation is in shambles and unless she can turn the most unmarriageable man into the catch of the year she'll lose her livelihood and family, maybe even her heart.
Within this story you also get a host of great secondary characters with interesting storylines as well. There is the disgruntled father, Lord Ravensly and the unhappily married sister Catherine Ashfield, Lady Bickey. Philip's best friend Andrew Stanton who is good for laughs and some great tension and Bakari the Egyptian butler/friend/doctor/jack of all who Philip relays on greatly. A puppy named Prince as well as Edward Binsmore, a friend who unfortunately has recently lost his wife after reading Philip's cursed stone's translation. Then there is Albert Goddard, the nearly 21 year old man who Meredith rescued as a boy. He's madly in love with Charlotte, 26ish who has vowed to never let another touch her. And finally, 5 year old Hope who is Chalotte's daughter and calls Meredith 'Aunt Merrie'. Every one of these characters has a significant role in some way. And some go on to be featured in the second book from this series.
My overall opinion of this book is that there is a great deal to enjoy. It's witty, charming, suspenseful and romantic. I laughed a bunch and grinned like a fool often. I'm not saying this is the best regency I've ever read but it's one of the most well written, notably witty, terrifically seductive and at times truly engrossing. I always appreciate an author who can make my laugh, smile or grin and I did this by the bucketful during this book. Philip and Andrew were not only great characters but they were great fun too.
I didn't speed though or devour this book but I can recall no major (or even minor) complaints about the content. Could it have been better? I'm not sure about 'better' but something else could have made me love it, instead of just like it. Maybe my expectations were too high since I was so excited to read it. I have no suggestions for how it might have been improved. I was often impressed with the writing, I enjoyed the love story and even the mystery. I learned a few new things as well and I look forward to reading all 4 books in this series.
This was my first full length historical by Jacquie D'Alessandro. I've read four of her short stories; half were contemporary and the other half historical. I liked or in some cases loved all of them so I'm already a huge fan of her work before I even read this novel.
Philip Whitmore, Viscount Greybourne, 30 is an antiquarian and for the past 10 years he has lived and explored aboard (mostly Egypt). He doesn't want to return to England for several reasons but an agreement he made with his father, ten years prior, has come due. If Philip is anything he's a man of his word and he agreed that if his father didn't object to his travels then one day he would return to England and do his duty - marry and begat an heir to Ravensly. His father tried to strong arm him three years ago by arranging a marriage and demanding he return to fulfill his end of the bargain. Philip refused. But now his father is ill and has less than a year to live. He has arranged a marriage through a local matchmaker and his father and his honor demand he show this time. When he transcribes an ancient relic on the ship ride to England, Philip believes he's uncovered a curse and now can't take a wife or else she'll die. That's his biggest concern until threatening letters and attacks on his loved ones begin occurring.
Mathchmaker Meredith Chilton-Grizedale, 28 knows Lord Greybourne is nearly unmarriageable after the debacle three years ago but she's negotiated a lovely union for him in the amenable Lady Sarah. It's a perfect match that will establish Meredith as England's most sought after matchmaker. A reputation she's worked hard for since she left home at an early age, running from a life no young woman should be forced into. She also supports a household consisting of Albert, who she found as a boy battered and left for dead, and Charlotte and 5 year old Hope, mother and daughter, who Meredith found abused in an alley while Charlotte, a former whore, was pregnant. With Greybourne's match Meredith will secure a happy and safe future for all of them. But when the wedding is canceled because Lord Greybourne believes he's been cursed Meredith's reputation is in shambles and unless she can turn the most unmarriageable man into the catch of the year she'll lose her livelihood and family, maybe even her heart.
Within this story you also get a host of great secondary characters with interesting storylines as well. There is the disgruntled father, Lord Ravensly and the unhappily married sister Catherine Ashfield, Lady Bickey. Philip's best friend Andrew Stanton who is good for laughs and some great tension and Bakari the Egyptian butler/friend/doctor/jack of all who Philip relays on greatly. A puppy named Prince as well as Edward Binsmore, a friend who unfortunately has recently lost his wife after reading Philip's cursed stone's translation. Then there is Albert Goddard, the nearly 21 year old man who Meredith rescued as a boy. He's madly in love with Charlotte, 26ish who has vowed to never let another touch her. And finally, 5 year old Hope who is Chalotte's daughter and calls Meredith 'Aunt Merrie'. Every one of these characters has a significant role in some way. And some go on to be featured in the second book from this series.
My overall opinion of this book is that there is a great deal to enjoy. It's witty, charming, suspenseful and romantic. I laughed a bunch and grinned like a fool often. I'm not saying this is the best regency I've ever read but it's one of the most well written, notably witty, terrifically seductive and at times truly engrossing. I always appreciate an author who can make my laugh, smile or grin and I did this by the bucketful during this book. Philip and Andrew were not only great characters but they were great fun too.
I didn't speed though or devour this book but I can recall no major (or even minor) complaints about the content. Could it have been better? I'm not sure about 'better' but something else could have made me love it, instead of just like it. Maybe my expectations were too high since I was so excited to read it. I have no suggestions for how it might have been improved. I was often impressed with the writing, I enjoyed the love story and even the mystery. I learned a few new things as well and I look forward to reading all 4 books in this series.
June 2, 2014
I’ve had this book sitting on my shelf for YEARS! It falls under the category of books that would simply be waiting for me to pick it up and start reading it and I’ve always pushed it back in favor of other books I buy. I finally was able to pick it up on a weekend where I had nothing else to do…
This book was simply ….. Amazing!
I absolutely adored this book; everything about it just ticked all the right boxes in a great book. It had great and memorable characters, it had romance (sizzling hot tension) and it had an air of mystery to it. I did also appreciate that the author took the time to conduct her research for this book; her hard work is very evident in both the plot and in creating these characters.
Philip Whitmore, the Viscount Greybourne has spent a year traveling the world to study antiquities; which shows that this character is unique in even his hobbies and interests. It shows that he is intelligent and we see that throughout the book. He is a gentle and warm soul who knows what are his priorities are; even if they aren’t exactly what he wants or likes. He loves his friends and family and it shows that he put them before anyone else and it was really heart-warming to see his interactions with every other character in the book.
Meredith is a match maker who has worked to gain a reputation as the best match-maker in London and she has been assigned to create a match between Philip and the perfect woman. But when a curse comes into the picture and causes the bride to leave Philip at the altar; her reputation is threatened so she takes action. Meredith is an equally warm and loving soul who shares many qualities with Philip. She is self-sacrificing and goes beyond her ways for her loved ones. She is also independent and has an air of mystery surrounding her.
Their relationship is just utter candy; you see their attraction towards each other, you see the sexual tension that builds up and you also see the respect that the other has for one another. That dinner scene was simply out of this world! I absolutely adored it!
The story has many different layers to it, not just with having multiple plots that play well together but it also offered two love stories, while Philip and Meredith’s was the main one; I did enjoy seeing the love story between Albert and Charlotte. Andrew is also a story I am interested in looking into so this is defiantly not the last book I would read from this author.
5/5 stars
This book was simply ….. Amazing!
I absolutely adored this book; everything about it just ticked all the right boxes in a great book. It had great and memorable characters, it had romance (sizzling hot tension) and it had an air of mystery to it. I did also appreciate that the author took the time to conduct her research for this book; her hard work is very evident in both the plot and in creating these characters.
Philip Whitmore, the Viscount Greybourne has spent a year traveling the world to study antiquities; which shows that this character is unique in even his hobbies and interests. It shows that he is intelligent and we see that throughout the book. He is a gentle and warm soul who knows what are his priorities are; even if they aren’t exactly what he wants or likes. He loves his friends and family and it shows that he put them before anyone else and it was really heart-warming to see his interactions with every other character in the book.
Meredith is a match maker who has worked to gain a reputation as the best match-maker in London and she has been assigned to create a match between Philip and the perfect woman. But when a curse comes into the picture and causes the bride to leave Philip at the altar; her reputation is threatened so she takes action. Meredith is an equally warm and loving soul who shares many qualities with Philip. She is self-sacrificing and goes beyond her ways for her loved ones. She is also independent and has an air of mystery surrounding her.
Their relationship is just utter candy; you see their attraction towards each other, you see the sexual tension that builds up and you also see the respect that the other has for one another. That dinner scene was simply out of this world! I absolutely adored it!
The story has many different layers to it, not just with having multiple plots that play well together but it also offered two love stories, while Philip and Meredith’s was the main one; I did enjoy seeing the love story between Albert and Charlotte. Andrew is also a story I am interested in looking into so this is defiantly not the last book I would read from this author.
5/5 stars
March 23, 2010
PART ONE IN A FOUR BOOK SERIES.
Meredith Chilton-Grizedale is known as "the Matchmaker of Mayfair". She has just been hired by Philip Whitmore's (a.k.a. Viscount Greybourne)father to make a match between Philip and a dukes daughter Lady Sarah.
For the past Ten years Philip has traveled the world to study antiquities. His father contacts him to tell him he has arranged a marraige for him because he is ill and wants to see him wed before he dies. Just before he sails Philip locates part of the "Stone of Tears", it is cursed and anyone who reads it will lose the one they married within two days. He hopes the missing piece of the stone is among the crates of antiquities he has brought home with him. Philip tells lady Sarah about the curse and when she jilts him. The newspapers tear him to pieces about the curse and also saying the real reason he was stood up was because he is impotent. With the wedding cancelled Meredith's business is ruined. Meredith, Philip, and their close friends desperately search for the missing stone piece but there is someone out to hurt Philip and everyone he cares about. Meredith and Philip start falling in love but Meredith has a secret past.
OK not my Favourite JD book but it is quite good. I love the characters especially Andrew and it is a witty read, I have to say its not a LOL book but more of a giggle book. I will read Philips sister's and Andrew book next "LOVE AND THE SINGLE HEIRESS."
Meredith Chilton-Grizedale is known as "the Matchmaker of Mayfair". She has just been hired by Philip Whitmore's (a.k.a. Viscount Greybourne)father to make a match between Philip and a dukes daughter Lady Sarah.
For the past Ten years Philip has traveled the world to study antiquities. His father contacts him to tell him he has arranged a marraige for him because he is ill and wants to see him wed before he dies. Just before he sails Philip locates part of the "Stone of Tears", it is cursed and anyone who reads it will lose the one they married within two days. He hopes the missing piece of the stone is among the crates of antiquities he has brought home with him. Philip tells lady Sarah about the curse and when she jilts him. The newspapers tear him to pieces about the curse and also saying the real reason he was stood up was because he is impotent. With the wedding cancelled Meredith's business is ruined. Meredith, Philip, and their close friends desperately search for the missing stone piece but there is someone out to hurt Philip and everyone he cares about. Meredith and Philip start falling in love but Meredith has a secret past.
OK not my Favourite JD book but it is quite good. I love the characters especially Andrew and it is a witty read, I have to say its not a LOL book but more of a giggle book. I will read Philips sister's and Andrew book next "LOVE AND THE SINGLE HEIRESS."
June 29, 2021
(4.5 stars) Very enjoyable; has a mystery subplot that actually *is* a mystery - I was convinced it was one person and ended up being another. The hero was wonderful and a nice change from your typical historical romance leading man - once Phillip realizes he's in love with Meredith, he has no problem saying so (she's actually the one who balks at admitting her feelings and at any type of permanent relationship); he's not a scandalous rake who spends his time sleeping with Society's wives, widows, and daughters (has spent the last 10 years abroad and is an antiquarian); wears glasses - totally adorable (though if I had to read one more time about them fogging up ... well nothing, because the book was good so I wouldn't have thrown it down, but still - got to be annoying).
ALSO: This is the first in D'Alessandro's regency-era series (there are four books in all and they somewhat loosely tie together, hence the series isn't an official titled one). The second book features Phillip's sister as the heroine.
ALSO: This is the first in D'Alessandro's regency-era series (there are four books in all and they somewhat loosely tie together, hence the series isn't an official titled one). The second book features Phillip's sister as the heroine.
March 27, 2016
Though I didn't like this one quite as much as Andrew and Catherine's story, I still enjoyed it quite a bit. I just found the curse to be rather silly. However, I totally loved the banter between Philip and Meredith. The little side story of Albert and Charlotte was a sweet addition.
November 6, 2014
The book has an unbelievable plot, but is quite a bit of fun (ancient artifacts, a revenge plot, and great secondary characters) and is saved by wonderfully written romantic tension between the main characters. A fun read if you don't think too critically.
Read
February 24, 2016DNF at 20%. Just couldn't get into it.
March 30, 2020
Philip and Meredith- . sweet romantic story with lots of greek and egyptian history really enjoyed it!
An enjoyable read with a lovely HEA
An enjoyable read with a lovely HEA
February 19, 2016
Dumb premise
April 24, 2024
Was a nice read. I felt like it started kind of slow but eventually, the ball got rolling and the chemistry really started. I like the plot twist near the end and I especially love the passion between the heroine and hero as the curse draws closer. The curse in and of itself is interesting for a regency romance and adds a tinge of fantasy into it all and brings a somewhat geeky but handsome nobleman and a no-nonsense matchmaker into a rollercoaster ride that ends in love.
April 26, 2021
Took a bit for me to fully get into the story at first but once the mystery was in full swing and the hunt was on to solve the curse, the pace picked up. I’m quite a fan of mysteries and to have one intertwined in a regency romance novel? Chef’s kiss!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2023
Lento al principio, entretenido luego, escritura bastante normal. Sin más. Mi principal problema es que los protagonistas no me importaban demasiado, aunque hubo escenas emocionantes y lo he leído sin caer en bloqueo lector.
Lo mejor han sido los secundarios en mi opinión.
Lo mejor han sido los secundarios en mi opinión.
January 1, 2026
Felt like a cheap dupe for the Mummy. The ML believes he received a curse from ancient Egyptian artifacts, and the marriage planner FL needs to break the curse to keep the wedding on track. I was just bored and found the whole curse thing kind of corny.
February 3, 2020
Buen argumento y punto de partida pero luego le falta algo
May 1, 2020
Entetaining read, though I guessed the villain early in the first chapters...
May 25, 2020
The characters are pretty good, but the plot really didn't work for me at all.
September 3, 2021
Not one of my favorites by her but I was constantly trying to guess who did it, so it did keep me on my toes. The father also surprised me with his revelation as well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2019
3.8
Es la historia que comienza con la carta del padre escribiéndole a su hijo en Egipto para que vuelva y se case de una vez por todas, dado que su matrimonio anterior había sido fallido porque él no se presentó.
El padre contrata una casamentera que le concierta un matrimonio con una chica regia al gusto de lo que él quisiera. Pero la chica se tropieza y le da un fuerte dolor de cabeza, dándole a él la certeza de que estaba siendo víctima de una maldición sobre él.
Estando en Egipto descubrió un una tabla con una inscripción que al descifrarla era un maleficio para el que la leyera. escondió la tabla, Pero no muy bien porque un compañero la tío y descifro y su mujer sufrió tropezón sin importancia, un fuerte dolor de cabeza y a los dos días falleció.
Se lo hace saber a su prometida se presenta el matrimonio aliviando el pasado Felipe.
De alguna manera se filtra toda la información que habían dicho en confianza entre amigos queridos amigos con ángel y Eduardo la casa entera y padre a la prensa. Felipe se empieza dar cuenta que se siente demasiado atraído por la casa me entera Meredith. No puede dejar el bar físico a pesar de que continuamente lo está corrigiendo.
Meredith ofrece su ayuda para encontrar la pieza faltante a la tabla donde podría figurar la forma de revertir el maleficio. Pero alguien intenta sabotearlo queriendo vengarse de Filipo la familia de Felipe comienza a recibir amenazas y su germana debe ausentara a alguien de su habitación pegándole con un atizador en el brazo.
su amigo Eduardo tiene una molestia en el brazo. Muy predecible. Y.
Cuando Philip le pregunto a meter a ti como se hizo en casa me entera y ella le relata una historia que suena de memoria.
Se enamora también de Philip y se da cuenta que es galante caballero que rescató a un perro de un abusador. Cada vez se van enamorando más y más pero él sabe que no es adecuada para él.
le confiesa que era una ladrona y él le dice que al averiguar sobre el malvado que había utilizado amigo aquí en protegió el chico Meredith, había averiguado sobre su pasado como delincuente. pero Meredith le confiesa que además era hija bastarda de una prostituta, sin embargo el insiste en casarse con ella. hacen el amor y pronto se dan cuenta que la maldición cae sobre ella porque una de las palabras faltantes en la tabla decía que hay al ser amada y también sería maldita. Solo tienen dos días para encontrar el resto de la tabla y deshacer el maleficio.
Alguien sabotear el barco donde están los últimos fragmentos que deben inspeccionar. Philip sea cuenta que todo coincide para que quien haya sido el saboteador fuera Eduardo, el amigo quien su esposa murió. Lo siento en un accidente lo mata pero recupera la pizza restante de la tabla y una perla. Esa perla en la historia de Cleopatra vio el banquete más grande Haciendo que sus invitados comerán polvo de perlas y les da la pauta de que para la pieza restante comer la perla en polvo.
Finalmente ellos se casan y su padre confiesa que no estaba enfermo y que le había engañado para que vuelva para que por fin le de engendre Un heredero.
Es la historia que comienza con la carta del padre escribiéndole a su hijo en Egipto para que vuelva y se case de una vez por todas, dado que su matrimonio anterior había sido fallido porque él no se presentó.
El padre contrata una casamentera que le concierta un matrimonio con una chica regia al gusto de lo que él quisiera. Pero la chica se tropieza y le da un fuerte dolor de cabeza, dándole a él la certeza de que estaba siendo víctima de una maldición sobre él.
Estando en Egipto descubrió un una tabla con una inscripción que al descifrarla era un maleficio para el que la leyera. escondió la tabla, Pero no muy bien porque un compañero la tío y descifro y su mujer sufrió tropezón sin importancia, un fuerte dolor de cabeza y a los dos días falleció.
Se lo hace saber a su prometida se presenta el matrimonio aliviando el pasado Felipe.
De alguna manera se filtra toda la información que habían dicho en confianza entre amigos queridos amigos con ángel y Eduardo la casa entera y padre a la prensa. Felipe se empieza dar cuenta que se siente demasiado atraído por la casa me entera Meredith. No puede dejar el bar físico a pesar de que continuamente lo está corrigiendo.
Meredith ofrece su ayuda para encontrar la pieza faltante a la tabla donde podría figurar la forma de revertir el maleficio. Pero alguien intenta sabotearlo queriendo vengarse de Filipo la familia de Felipe comienza a recibir amenazas y su germana debe ausentara a alguien de su habitación pegándole con un atizador en el brazo.
su amigo Eduardo tiene una molestia en el brazo. Muy predecible. Y.
Cuando Philip le pregunto a meter a ti como se hizo en casa me entera y ella le relata una historia que suena de memoria.
Se enamora también de Philip y se da cuenta que es galante caballero que rescató a un perro de un abusador. Cada vez se van enamorando más y más pero él sabe que no es adecuada para él.
le confiesa que era una ladrona y él le dice que al averiguar sobre el malvado que había utilizado amigo aquí en protegió el chico Meredith, había averiguado sobre su pasado como delincuente. pero Meredith le confiesa que además era hija bastarda de una prostituta, sin embargo el insiste en casarse con ella. hacen el amor y pronto se dan cuenta que la maldición cae sobre ella porque una de las palabras faltantes en la tabla decía que hay al ser amada y también sería maldita. Solo tienen dos días para encontrar el resto de la tabla y deshacer el maleficio.
Alguien sabotear el barco donde están los últimos fragmentos que deben inspeccionar. Philip sea cuenta que todo coincide para que quien haya sido el saboteador fuera Eduardo, el amigo quien su esposa murió. Lo siento en un accidente lo mata pero recupera la pizza restante de la tabla y una perla. Esa perla en la historia de Cleopatra vio el banquete más grande Haciendo que sus invitados comerán polvo de perlas y les da la pauta de que para la pieza restante comer la perla en polvo.
Finalmente ellos se casan y su padre confiesa que no estaba enfermo y que le había engañado para que vuelva para que por fin le de engendre Un heredero.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
never-finished
December 29, 2016Just couldn´t get into it
January 12, 2014
J'avais découvert l'auteur dans le livre Nuits blanches à Langston Manor et j'avais adoré son style à l'époque. C'est avec plaisir que l'on retrouve la plume intelligente de l'auteur dans ce premier tome de sa saga Regency.
Meredith Chilton-Grizedale est en passe de devenir la marieuse la plus populaire du moment. Tout ce qu'elle a à faire est de marier le vicomte de Greybourne avec la jeune Sarah Markham. Seulement, tout ne se passe pas comme prévu et la mariée décide finalement de s'enfuir avec un autre homme. Mais pas pour les raisons habituelles. En effet, quelques jours avant le mariage, le futur marié, Philip, a rencontré la jeune Sarah et l'a mise en garde : si elle l'épousait, la malédiction dont il était victime causerait sa mort. Meredith sent que sa carrière court au désastre et est prête à tout pour se sauver de la ruine, même à aider Lord Philip à retrouver le morceau manquant de la tablette sur laquelle est notée la malédiction, mais aussi à découvrir le moyen de neutraliser le sort. Ces recherches risquent néanmoins d'être plus difficiles que prévues, surtout qu'ils sont très attirés l'un par l'autre.
Jacquie d'Alessandro a une façon d'écrire très brillante et en même temps, elle n'hésite pas à ajouter des touches d'humour et des répliques cocasses dans son récit. Le côté "antiquité égyptienne" ajoute un peu de dépaysement tout en restant dans la société londonienne qu'on affectionne. Les personnages sont passionnants et complexes et à aucun moment on ne s'ennuie. Une romance historique à ne pas manquer et une auteur à (re)découvrir sans tarder !
Meredith Chilton-Grizedale est en passe de devenir la marieuse la plus populaire du moment. Tout ce qu'elle a à faire est de marier le vicomte de Greybourne avec la jeune Sarah Markham. Seulement, tout ne se passe pas comme prévu et la mariée décide finalement de s'enfuir avec un autre homme. Mais pas pour les raisons habituelles. En effet, quelques jours avant le mariage, le futur marié, Philip, a rencontré la jeune Sarah et l'a mise en garde : si elle l'épousait, la malédiction dont il était victime causerait sa mort. Meredith sent que sa carrière court au désastre et est prête à tout pour se sauver de la ruine, même à aider Lord Philip à retrouver le morceau manquant de la tablette sur laquelle est notée la malédiction, mais aussi à découvrir le moyen de neutraliser le sort. Ces recherches risquent néanmoins d'être plus difficiles que prévues, surtout qu'ils sont très attirés l'un par l'autre.
Jacquie d'Alessandro a une façon d'écrire très brillante et en même temps, elle n'hésite pas à ajouter des touches d'humour et des répliques cocasses dans son récit. Le côté "antiquité égyptienne" ajoute un peu de dépaysement tout en restant dans la société londonienne qu'on affectionne. Les personnages sont passionnants et complexes et à aucun moment on ne s'ennuie. Une romance historique à ne pas manquer et une auteur à (re)découvrir sans tarder !
June 18, 2016
I enjoyed this book very much. The main plot was Philip, Lord Greybourne's Father wanting him to get married before he died. He engaged a matchmaker, Meredith Chilton-Grizedale. There was a wedding planned, but the intended bride, Lady Sarah, left Philip at the altar because of a curse he had incurred during his archeological travels. The wife of one of his friends had already died as a result of it--2 days after marriage the woman would die.
This book had mystery and humor and two very likeable protagonists. The author painted Lord Greybourne as not the handsomest, but tall with lovely dark hair and a very pleasing personality. The mystery had to do with how to undo the curse--which would leave Philip unmarried unless he solved the riddle of how to rescind it. Meredith had taken in and made her family a man and woman when they were younger and had no place to go.
The author is adept at language that engages the reader in foreplay and the love scenes
This is the first D'Alessandro book I have read. She is a talented romance writer and I look forward to reading more of her work.
This book had mystery and humor and two very likeable protagonists. The author painted Lord Greybourne as not the handsomest, but tall with lovely dark hair and a very pleasing personality. The mystery had to do with how to undo the curse--which would leave Philip unmarried unless he solved the riddle of how to rescind it. Meredith had taken in and made her family a man and woman when they were younger and had no place to go.
The author is adept at language that engages the reader in foreplay and the love scenes
This is the first D'Alessandro book I have read. She is a talented romance writer and I look forward to reading more of her work.
October 23, 2008
Historical Romance Stand Alone
I thoroughly enjoyed my first JA read! Unique storyline, in that the hero is not a scandalous rake. I liked the light-hearted tone of the book, and the mystery & intrigue surrounding the "curse" and the stone tablet.
Our hero, Viscount Greybourne, is a well educated archaelogist who has travelled the world searching for ancient treasures.
Meredith Chilton-Grizedale, "the Matchmaker of Mayfair", is thrilled when the Viscount's father engages her services in finding a wife for the Viscount, who is wealthy, titled, and good looking.
The Viscount did not show up for his wedding three years prior, so "The Marriage of the Season" is a much publicized society event.
The problem this time? The Viscount claims he's been cursed after discovering an ancient stone tablet that dooms any woman foolish enough to marry him!
This 2003 book was just a delight to read, and more Jacquie D'Alessandro books are already en route!
I thoroughly enjoyed my first JA read! Unique storyline, in that the hero is not a scandalous rake. I liked the light-hearted tone of the book, and the mystery & intrigue surrounding the "curse" and the stone tablet.
Our hero, Viscount Greybourne, is a well educated archaelogist who has travelled the world searching for ancient treasures.
Meredith Chilton-Grizedale, "the Matchmaker of Mayfair", is thrilled when the Viscount's father engages her services in finding a wife for the Viscount, who is wealthy, titled, and good looking.
The Viscount did not show up for his wedding three years prior, so "The Marriage of the Season" is a much publicized society event.
The problem this time? The Viscount claims he's been cursed after discovering an ancient stone tablet that dooms any woman foolish enough to marry him!
This 2003 book was just a delight to read, and more Jacquie D'Alessandro books are already en route!
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