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Spymasters #0.5
Her Ladyship's Companion
LOVE AND PERIL ON THE CLIFFS OF CORNWALL — Beautiful Melissa Rivenwood was leaving Mrs. Brody's Seminary for the Daughters of Gentlemen for a new life. But when she accepted the position as companion to the formidable Lady Dorothy, spirited Melissa could not have known that she would soon be caught up in a web of passion and intrigue at beautiful and remote Vinton Manor.Giles Tarsin, her haughty employer, is maddeningly aloof--and irresistibly attractive. Darkly handsome Sir Adrian Hawkhurst admires her undisguisedly with, Melissa suspects, the most impure intentions. Harold Bosworth, a family connection, appears to be ever the gentleman. But why is seven-year-old Robbie, an orphan like Melissa and the future Earl of Keptford, so terrified? Before long, Melissa is struggling to unravel dark family secrets that will lead her suspicions to center on just one man...the one man she loves!
224 pages, Paperback
First published March 28, 1983
31 people are currently reading
663 people want to read
About the author
Joanna Bourne
29 books913 followersJoanna lives in the foothills of the Blue Ridge with her family, a medium-sized mutt and a faux Himalayan cat.
She writes Historical Romances set in England and France during the Napoleonic Wars. She's fascinated by that time and place - such passionate conviction and burning idealism ... and really sexy clothes.
She writes Historical Romances set in England and France during the Napoleonic Wars. She's fascinated by that time and place - such passionate conviction and burning idealism ... and really sexy clothes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
July 26, 2016
Nuestra reseña en A la cama con... un libro
Menudo viejunismo me he echado p'al cuerpo!
Menudo viejunismo me he echado p'al cuerpo!
March 26, 2018
3.75
This one was so very different from the others. It was very intriguing though. Loved old Aunt Dorothy! What a fabulous character she was. Her quotes were priceless.
The story was set up a bit more like a murder mystery though than a romance. It was a romance, but just barely. I really enjoy JB's writing, and I hope she has some more books on the way soon.
"Trust a Methodist to send a surprise package like you to a household full of randy bachelors."
This one was so very different from the others. It was very intriguing though. Loved old Aunt Dorothy! What a fabulous character she was. Her quotes were priceless.
The story was set up a bit more like a murder mystery though than a romance. It was a romance, but just barely. I really enjoy JB's writing, and I hope she has some more books on the way soon.
"Impoliteness is all very well, Anna, but you must restrain yourself until you learn to do it with style."
July 7, 2012
Fascinating to see what has changed (and what remained the same!) since this book was published in 1983. It has all of the clear, striking prose of Joanna Bourne's most recent work. The male characters, in their boldness, wit, and penchant for getting things done, also shine through. It is in the development of the female lead where the contrast between then and now is most striking. Certainly part of this is genre convention, but even old gothics like Nine Coaches Waiting permitted the female lead to be both very mistaken but also very brave, competent, even heroic. Sad to say I found Melissa to be not quite bright, not in control of her sexuality, and far too prone to talking herself into and out of accurate first impressions. She is definitely a 180 from Bourne's current crop of heroines. While The Black Hawk saddened me a bit because I hated to see Justine lose, and lose again, at the hands of the British (men), I did read her as easily the equal or even the superior of Adrian in terms of strength of character: http://jobourne.blogspot.com/2011/12/... and http://dearauthor.com/features/letter... are both fascinating reads along these lines.
July 7, 2016
I've been looking for this book for a while because I enjoy Bourne's Spymaster books, to which this is putatively an ancestor. (It was published in 1983, and is a bit hard to find, now.) The Spymaster books are enjoyable, decent romance novels with heroines who take an active role in solving mysteries and defeating conspiracies. This book belongs in that series only in the sense that some characters from that series show up, but it will not particularly answer any questions you may have about their backstories. Also, it is a completely different genre, which was rather a surprise.
Gothics are not my genre, so I turn to skygiants as my guide. They define a gothic as a story where 'a girl meets a house' and this definitely fits. I believe it also requires one dude who seems sketch as hell, and as actually the hero, and one dude who seems friendly and benevolent and is actually the murderer. Um, no spoilers, but this is definitely a Gothic, and once you know that, I'm sorry, the mystery is pretty much laid open to you.
I had a bit of problem with Melissa, the heroine, who is initially presented as spunky and independent, and then becomes intermittently weepy and clingy as the plot requires. (At several points she is dramatically Soaked To The Bone!!!) She does not so much take action as appear in the vicinity of action and form conclusions, with one exception. I think this is a requirement of the genre, though?
The hero, to my taste, falls prey to the 'bag of dicks' pitfall in the "so commanding!" archetype, although only mildly. I mean, I can think of plenty worse.
This doesn't have the polish of her later novels. It leaves some threads dropped, and drags in some places. It also features the world's most precocious nine-year-old, although he is at least not irritating about it; he just comes across as a teeny Spock.
I would recommend this for those who enjoy seeing an author change over time, or who have a fondness for Gothics.
Gothics are not my genre, so I turn to skygiants as my guide. They define a gothic as a story where 'a girl meets a house' and this definitely fits. I believe it also requires one dude who seems sketch as hell, and as actually the hero, and one dude who seems friendly and benevolent and is actually the murderer. Um, no spoilers, but this is definitely a Gothic, and once you know that, I'm sorry, the mystery is pretty much laid open to you.
I had a bit of problem with Melissa, the heroine, who is initially presented as spunky and independent, and then becomes intermittently weepy and clingy as the plot requires. (At several points she is dramatically Soaked To The Bone!!!) She does not so much take action as appear in the vicinity of action and form conclusions, with one exception. I think this is a requirement of the genre, though?
The hero, to my taste, falls prey to the 'bag of dicks' pitfall in the "so commanding!" archetype, although only mildly. I mean, I can think of plenty worse.
This doesn't have the polish of her later novels. It leaves some threads dropped, and drags in some places. It also features the world's most precocious nine-year-old, although he is at least not irritating about it; he just comes across as a teeny Spock.
I would recommend this for those who enjoy seeing an author change over time, or who have a fondness for Gothics.
July 16, 2015
Grumpage alert.
I have a serious problem with this book. Serious.
The heroine, Melissa, is a down on her luck poor relation who leaves a bad position as a French teacher at a girls' school in order to become a companion in the nether reaches of Cornwall. Her love interest, Giles, is guardian and heir to the seven-year old earl of this piece, a terrified kid who tries to convince her that someone is trying to kill him. Giles, meanwhile, pish-toshes her growing suspicions. There are a number of disagreeable and possibly nefarious characters, in fact, which makes the mystery part of this story fun . On the whole I really liked it. Except one thing.
I wanted this to be longer. There was plenty of stuff to work with that could have justified a full-length novel. I'd have given this 5.5 stars, but I'm docking it just because I hate to be left feeling like I only ate half a great meal.
January 13, 2017
3.5 stars.
I quite enjoyed this. Reminds me of Georgette Heyer with a touch of gothic.
It's the old-fashioned type of Regency romance with a familiar plot of a lady's companion and a returned Napoleonic soldier, who is also the uncle and heir of a 7-y-o Earl. The boy thinks someone is trying to kill him....
I quite enjoyed this. Reminds me of Georgette Heyer with a touch of gothic.
It's the old-fashioned type of Regency romance with a familiar plot of a lady's companion and a returned Napoleonic soldier, who is also the uncle and heir of a 7-y-o Earl. The boy thinks someone is trying to kill him....
February 17, 2018
3.25 stars
October 9, 2014
*** ORIGINAL REVIEW -- 5/2012 ***
A very pleasant, forgettable read from a talented wordsmith. This book only snags my memory because it's the first of an excellent romance series. I will reread it to remind myself of the cameos various series favorites make in this debut.
*** UPDATE -- 10/2014 ***
upping my review to 4 stars upon reread because (1) i'm in a good mood, (2) bourne has maintained an admirable consistency with the presentation of her chief characters over the entire series, somehow without becoming boring or repetitive, and (3) this book's pace was good and the characterizations charming and varied.
a delightful, mostly strong read that is less cloak-and-dagger, slightly more drawing-room-gossipy, than most of bourne's books (which are generally infused with Napoleonic Spy Intrigue 3000). one element i would have loved to see developed more fully was the heroes' attachment; she was certainly charming, and he was clearly smitten -- which in and of itself made for an adequately believable coupling. but additional lovingly worked scenes illustrating their growing mutual regard -- and illuminating their rightness for each other -- would have made the novel richer.
still, a delightful, quick read.
A very pleasant, forgettable read from a talented wordsmith. This book only snags my memory because it's the first of an excellent romance series. I will reread it to remind myself of the cameos various series favorites make in this debut.
*** UPDATE -- 10/2014 ***
upping my review to 4 stars upon reread because (1) i'm in a good mood, (2) bourne has maintained an admirable consistency with the presentation of her chief characters over the entire series, somehow without becoming boring or repetitive, and (3) this book's pace was good and the characterizations charming and varied.
a delightful, mostly strong read that is less cloak-and-dagger, slightly more drawing-room-gossipy, than most of bourne's books (which are generally infused with Napoleonic Spy Intrigue 3000). one element i would have loved to see developed more fully was the heroes' attachment; she was certainly charming, and he was clearly smitten -- which in and of itself made for an adequately believable coupling. but additional lovingly worked scenes illustrating their growing mutual regard -- and illuminating their rightness for each other -- would have made the novel richer.
still, a delightful, quick read.
December 2, 2014
I love Joanna Bourne’s stories and thought I read all of her novels. Not sure how I missed this one - the author’s earlier work. Melissa Rivenwood, adapted daughter of deceased country rector, thought herself the luckiest girl when she was hired as a companion to a lady in Cornwell. Even remoteness of the place did not deter her. It could not be worse than her current position of a teacher assistant to awful Mrs. Brody of Mrs. Brody’s Highly Select Seminary for the Daughters of Gentlemen. Little did she know that her new employment would bring twists and turns of gothic variety. I would recommend the book only to the fans of Joanna Bourne. If you have not read her books, don’t start with one. It lacks sophistication, brilliance and complexity of her later work. Although well written, it has the most formulating plot imaginable- relying on villains to advance the story line. I am glad I read the book as it gave me new appreciation for the growth that author achieved with her latest books.
August 6, 2012
Melissa Rivenwood's an impoverished French teacher, about to be tossed out on her ear from the girls' school by the horrid headmistress, lands on her feet as a lady's companion to Lady Dorothy at Vinton Manor. Lady Dorothy's a sharp-tongued, sharp-witted older woman who seems to pride herself on making life not easy for her companion.
And there's a host of interesting characters abiding at Vinton Manor--including Giles Tarsin, who hired Melissa; Robbie, the seven-year-old earl who is convinced there's a plot against his life; Sir Adrian Hawkhurst, Giles's friend; and quite a few others who make for a thickening plot.
I have to agree with some of the other reviewers who comment that while the prose is clear and delightful, Melissa herself is not as strong and interesting a heroine as Ms. Bourne now seems to create. I don't know whether it's more a sign of the times in which she was written or Ms. Bourne's developing voice and talent.
Still a pleasant read!
And there's a host of interesting characters abiding at Vinton Manor--including Giles Tarsin, who hired Melissa; Robbie, the seven-year-old earl who is convinced there's a plot against his life; Sir Adrian Hawkhurst, Giles's friend; and quite a few others who make for a thickening plot.
I have to agree with some of the other reviewers who comment that while the prose is clear and delightful, Melissa herself is not as strong and interesting a heroine as Ms. Bourne now seems to create. I don't know whether it's more a sign of the times in which she was written or Ms. Bourne's developing voice and talent.
Still a pleasant read!
October 30, 2014
Melissa is a foundling French teacher who accepts a positions as a companion to a cranky old lady! Giles is the cranky old lady's nephew? Grandson? Something? Also someone might be attempting to kill the 7-year-old Earl?
1. OH MAN. This book. Here's the thing about this book: some of it is GREAT. It's well written; the characters are (for the most part) compellingly real; the mystery is full of red herrings; it all cresendoes fantastically. ALSO FUCKING ADRIAN.
2. That said, some of it is HORRIBLE. The romance is...bad. Like, forceful shut-her-up kisses and a startling realization of love out of NOWHERE and lots of awkwardness all around. The villain might be mad but is also portrayed as "simple" and the entire handling of that character was a sour note.
3. So it balances out to about a 3, I guess?
1. OH MAN. This book. Here's the thing about this book: some of it is GREAT. It's well written; the characters are (for the most part) compellingly real; the mystery is full of red herrings; it all cresendoes fantastically. ALSO FUCKING ADRIAN.
2. That said, some of it is HORRIBLE. The romance is...bad. Like, forceful shut-her-up kisses and a startling realization of love out of NOWHERE and lots of awkwardness all around. The villain might be mad but is also portrayed as "simple" and the entire handling of that character was a sour note.
3. So it balances out to about a 3, I guess?
December 12, 2016
I have a clear preference for the modern concept of hero, but for an old school romance, Giles is only "a little bit rapey".
May 30, 2012
A nice little Regency with Gothic overtones. Heroine leaves impossible schoolteaching job to travel to the wilds of ... Cornwall, I think, to be a companion to an older lady who is something of a tyrant. Also, there have been strange deaths and strange accidents involving the young earl. It's a nice read.
December 31, 2015
Fabulous as always!
Her Ladyship's Companion is, in fact, a classic gothic with a child in danger, a strong and resourceful heroine, terrific supporting characters (including Hawk) and a thoroughly delicious hero. Completely delightful!
Her Ladyship's Companion is, in fact, a classic gothic with a child in danger, a strong and resourceful heroine, terrific supporting characters (including Hawk) and a thoroughly delicious hero. Completely delightful!
October 11, 2019
Letto in italiano "Il Castello Di Vinton"
February 12, 2018
(Probably deserves 3 stars but I'm giving it 4 for the fun factor.) I have read every recent novel in Joanna Bourne's Spymasters Series, starting with THE SPYMASTER'S LADY from 2008. Better French Revolution/Regency England//French spies/English spies stories cannot be found in recently-written HR novels.
This particular story was Bourne's first published work and it's from 1983. It's not really part of the Spymasters Series but is rather a gothic Regency set in 1818. What's very cool about it is that 1) even though it's from so many years ago, it's a pretty good read, and 2) Sir Adrian Hawkhurst is in the cast of characters. You know, Hawker from THE BLACK HAWK, sigh! And when you consider that a used paperback of this would cost you anywhere from $47 to $188, how can you pass up the e-book? If you're a die-hard Bourne fan, this is a must read.
As said, it's a gothic. Heroine Melissa Rivenwood, parentless and unsatisfied with her current position as a schoolteacher of French, accepts a position as companion to Lady Dorothy, Countess of Harforth. The whole household is run by the Countess' nephew Giles Tarsin, formerly a soldier on Wellington's staff, until the day his nephew, 7-year-old Robbie, the Earl of Keptford, can take control. Many other characters are staying at the estate, among them Sir Adrian Hawkhurst, whom Giles has asked to come to help him with some mysterious doings at the estate. (Adrian is, as in the newer series, a spy involved in French Revolution intrigues, but this does not figure into the story.)
Mysterious goings on, possible murder attempts, not knowing who to trust, falling in love and not trusting your heart, etc. It's all here in this gothic treat and it's better written than many other gothic HRs I've read.
This particular story was Bourne's first published work and it's from 1983. It's not really part of the Spymasters Series but is rather a gothic Regency set in 1818. What's very cool about it is that 1) even though it's from so many years ago, it's a pretty good read, and 2) Sir Adrian Hawkhurst is in the cast of characters. You know, Hawker from THE BLACK HAWK, sigh! And when you consider that a used paperback of this would cost you anywhere from $47 to $188, how can you pass up the e-book? If you're a die-hard Bourne fan, this is a must read.
As said, it's a gothic. Heroine Melissa Rivenwood, parentless and unsatisfied with her current position as a schoolteacher of French, accepts a position as companion to Lady Dorothy, Countess of Harforth. The whole household is run by the Countess' nephew Giles Tarsin, formerly a soldier on Wellington's staff, until the day his nephew, 7-year-old Robbie, the Earl of Keptford, can take control. Many other characters are staying at the estate, among them Sir Adrian Hawkhurst, whom Giles has asked to come to help him with some mysterious doings at the estate. (Adrian is, as in the newer series, a spy involved in French Revolution intrigues, but this does not figure into the story.)
Mysterious goings on, possible murder attempts, not knowing who to trust, falling in love and not trusting your heart, etc. It's all here in this gothic treat and it's better written than many other gothic HRs I've read.
June 29, 2018
I had a really hard time choosing how many stars to give this book.
I'm going to be honest: I didn't like Her Ladyship's Companion; I REALLY didn't like it. I skipped thru the last two chapters only because I don't like to leave books "unfinished". The story was somewhat interesting (I'm being generous here...), but there was hardly any romance between the main couple. Zero chemistry, zero development, nothing. It is a clean romance, but even without erotic scenes there should be SOMETHING between the couple...
Moreover, most of the characters were annoying and one dimensional. There was smidgen of personality in Adrian, but he was only in few scenes, so... The book felt empty. It's a shame, because Joanna Bourne prose is very good; the language she uses is wonderful. That's why I really can't give this book a one star, because it is very well written... It's just so empty.
Maybe it's because I'm more familiar with - say - modern historical romances? And this book was written in the 80s of the last century? Maybe it's closer in tone to regency classics? I really don't know.
One thing that annoyed me so much thorough the book, tho, was how the children were written. It might be the case of "it's not you it's me", but I couldn't believe that a 7 year old child would speak like Robbie did. He was more articulate than half of adults in this book.
I picked Her Ladyship's Companion, because it's sort of a prequel to the Spymasters series I've read many good things about (especially the first book The Spymaster's Lady) and wanted to start reading. I think I should have skipped this prequel.
1,5-ish/5 stars
I'm going to be honest: I didn't like Her Ladyship's Companion; I REALLY didn't like it. I skipped thru the last two chapters only because I don't like to leave books "unfinished". The story was somewhat interesting (I'm being generous here...), but there was hardly any romance between the main couple. Zero chemistry, zero development, nothing. It is a clean romance, but even without erotic scenes there should be SOMETHING between the couple...
Moreover, most of the characters were annoying and one dimensional. There was smidgen of personality in Adrian, but he was only in few scenes, so... The book felt empty. It's a shame, because Joanna Bourne prose is very good; the language she uses is wonderful. That's why I really can't give this book a one star, because it is very well written... It's just so empty.
Maybe it's because I'm more familiar with - say - modern historical romances? And this book was written in the 80s of the last century? Maybe it's closer in tone to regency classics? I really don't know.
One thing that annoyed me so much thorough the book, tho, was how the children were written. It might be the case of "it's not you it's me", but I couldn't believe that a 7 year old child would speak like Robbie did. He was more articulate than half of adults in this book.
I picked Her Ladyship's Companion, because it's sort of a prequel to the Spymasters series I've read many good things about (especially the first book The Spymaster's Lady) and wanted to start reading. I think I should have skipped this prequel.
1,5-ish/5 stars
November 9, 2023
La vida literaria de Joanna Bourne es algo peculiar. En el año 1983 publicó esta novela, luego guardó silencio durante más de dos décadas, hasta que sacó Desarmado por un baile. Pero esta novela no tiene que ver con las posteriores de la serie. Esta es más bien gótica, con escasa sensualidad y toques de ingenio tipo Georgette Heyer. Tenemos a la joven virginal (Melissa Rivenwood) que acude a un casoplón (en Cornualles) y a un caballero por el que se siente atraída que es al mismo tiempo, un peligro, pues puede que haya hecho algo malo (Giles Tarsin). Otra curiosidad: el orden de publicación de las novelas no coincide con la cronología interna de la historia. Así, este libro, el primero publicado, en realidad sería la 5.ª.
De esta historia, tengo publicado en mi blog tanto review en inglés para un TBR Challenge, como crítica en español.
De esta historia, tengo publicado en mi blog tanto review en inglés para un TBR Challenge, como crítica en español.
August 17, 2021
Il Castello di Vinton è il romanzo rosa storico d'esordio di Joanna Bourne. Si tratta di una pubblicazione un po' vecchiotta (1983) per cui il livello di sensualità è quasi inesistente. Inoltre l'autrice ha deciso di dare più spazio alla parte mistery della storia quindi il rapporto sentimentale tra Giles e Melissa rimane molto marginale (anche i loro incontri non sono tanti). Confesso che alla fine non si capisce come all'improvviso si siano innamorati. Avrebbero avuto bisogno di una maggiore caratterizzazione soprattutto Giles di cui si sa poco o nulla.
La storia vede protagonista Melissa, una donna di origini sconosciute che dopo aver passato anni in una scuola per signorine di buona famiglia, prima come ospite poi come insegnante, decide di accettare un posto di lavoro come dama di compagnia in Cornovaglia. Arrivata nella dimora Vinton, scopre che stanno succedendo cose alquanto strane.
Niente da eccepire sui dialoghi e le descrizioni delle ambientazioni.
Ha uno stile scorrevole e la trama è interessante anche se "già vista".
La storia vede protagonista Melissa, una donna di origini sconosciute che dopo aver passato anni in una scuola per signorine di buona famiglia, prima come ospite poi come insegnante, decide di accettare un posto di lavoro come dama di compagnia in Cornovaglia. Arrivata nella dimora Vinton, scopre che stanno succedendo cose alquanto strane.
Niente da eccepire sui dialoghi e le descrizioni delle ambientazioni.
Ha uno stile scorrevole e la trama è interessante anche se "già vista".
May 15, 2023
My least favorite JB novel
There were good and not so good aspects. This is definitely more mystery than romance. The mystery elements slowly built throughout until the final critical scene where it all comes together. I did figure out what was happening before the final reveal.
As for the romance between Giles and Melissa, I just didn't feel it building, so the love aspects felt off.
There were a few entertaining quotes and I liked the realistic way she handled Melissa's background.
There were good and not so good aspects. This is definitely more mystery than romance. The mystery elements slowly built throughout until the final critical scene where it all comes together. I did figure out what was happening before the final reveal.
As for the romance between Giles and Melissa, I just didn't feel it building, so the love aspects felt off.
There were a few entertaining quotes and I liked the realistic way she handled Melissa's background.
September 20, 2017
Maybe 3.5 star. While I enjoyed this story, and found it hard to put down, I also felt that the author "borrowed" various parts of the plots from other Regency romances, especially those of Georgette Heyer. It also seemed that it was filled with "stock characters" rather than well-drawn, differing personalities. However, I believe this was the author's first book, so it will not deter me from reading her later works.
February 3, 2023
I LOVE Joanna Bourne's Spymaster series and was so excited to find this novella with related characters...but it wasn't quite up to the same standards as her other books. I eventually loved the HEA ending, but the initial unwanted advances by the powerful, wealthy employer toward the young, poor, attractive companion (employee) for his aunt was a little gross. Of course, he ended up being noble, kind, and madly in love with her, which is why I could give it 3*.
July 28, 2018
A love interest, intrigue, a red herring, and a hostile rival. This book had all the elements of a great story, but fell short in the developmental stage. One of the significant questions: "How did Melissa go from "like" to "love"? As predictable as it was, it still could have been a very interesting story rather than just mildly entertaining.
December 27, 2017
Ms. Bourne was limited by the conventions of the Regency romance genre, but her later richness in characterization, motivation, and women's strength (in whatever form it might take) are in evidence in this early work. Overall, enjoyable.
July 28, 2018
Not her best
This book does not have the depth and complexity of the rest of the series. This is more like a gothic mystery. It seems like she needed another book in the series and three in Hawk and Giles.
This book does not have the depth and complexity of the rest of the series. This is more like a gothic mystery. It seems like she needed another book in the series and three in Hawk and Giles.
August 4, 2017
Hmmmm. It's not that the book is bad. Just that it is run of the mill. A little too gothic for my taste. And having read Bourne's far superior later works, it gives me great hope for my own writing!
October 1, 2018
Her Ladyship’s Companion was enjoyable and had a whiff of gothicism.
historical-romance
November 13, 202139
April 8, 2022
The rest of the series is sooooo much better.
May 14, 2025
Loved it. There are some less favourable reviews but I thought it was a cracking yarn- reminded me of Rebecca/Jane Eyre and lots of Gothic classics.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews