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Company of Rogues #15
Too Dangerous For a Lady
The new novel in the Rogue Series from the New York Times bestselling author—and five-time RITA Award winner…
Lady Hermione Merryhew, daughter of an impoverished marquess, already has her share of problems. The last thing she needs is an intruder in her bedroom, especially not a fugitive thief. She should scream, but the shabby rascal is a man from her past.
Six years ago, at her first ball, dashing Lieutenant Mark Thayne failed to steal a kiss, but succeeded in stealing a little of her heart. She's older and wiser now. She can't toss him to the wolves. Besides, she wants that kiss.
Now Viscount Faringay, Mark has never forgotten Lady Hermione, but he mustn't involve her in his dangerous life. He's infiltrated the Crimson Band, violent revolutionaries who plan a bloodbath in London, and if he survives the night he will be able to destroy them. Hermione is involved, however, and only he can protect her.
Lady Hermione Merryhew, daughter of an impoverished marquess, already has her share of problems. The last thing she needs is an intruder in her bedroom, especially not a fugitive thief. She should scream, but the shabby rascal is a man from her past.
Six years ago, at her first ball, dashing Lieutenant Mark Thayne failed to steal a kiss, but succeeded in stealing a little of her heart. She's older and wiser now. She can't toss him to the wolves. Besides, she wants that kiss.
Now Viscount Faringay, Mark has never forgotten Lady Hermione, but he mustn't involve her in his dangerous life. He's infiltrated the Crimson Band, violent revolutionaries who plan a bloodbath in London, and if he survives the night he will be able to destroy them. Hermione is involved, however, and only he can protect her.
432 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 7, 2015
142 people are currently reading
1443 people want to read
About the author
Jo Beverley
140 books1,127 followersMary Josephine Dunn was born 22 September 1947 in Lancashire, England, UK. At the age of eleven she went to an all-girls boarding school, Layton Hill Convent, Blackpool. At sixteen, she wrote her first romance, with a medieval setting, completed in installments in an exercise book. From 1966 to 1970, she obtained a degree in English history from Keele University in Staffordshire, where she met her future husband, Ken Beverley. After graduation, they married on June 24, 1971. She quickly attained a position as a youth employment officer until 1976, working first in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, and then in West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire.
In 1976, her scientist husband was invited to do post-doctoral research at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. When her professional qualifications proved not to be usable in the Canadian labour market, she raised their two sons and started to write her first romances.
Moved to Ottawa, in 1985 she became a founding member of the Ottawa Romance Writers’ Association, that her “nurturing community” for the next twelve years. The same year, she completed a regency romance, but it was promptly rejected by a number of publishers, and she settled more earnestly to learning the craft. In 1988, it sold to Walker, and was published as "Lord Wraybourne's Betrothed". She regularly appears on bestseller lists including the USA Today overall bestseller list, the New York Times, and and the Publishers Weekly list. She has been the recipient of numerous awards including the Golden Leaf, the Award of Excellence, the National Readers Choice, and a two Career Achievement awards from Romantic Times. She is also a five time winner of the RITA, the top award of the Romance Writers Of America, and a member of their Hall of Fame and Honor Roll.
Jo Beverley passed away on May 23, 2016 after a long battle with cancer.
In 1976, her scientist husband was invited to do post-doctoral research at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. When her professional qualifications proved not to be usable in the Canadian labour market, she raised their two sons and started to write her first romances.
Moved to Ottawa, in 1985 she became a founding member of the Ottawa Romance Writers’ Association, that her “nurturing community” for the next twelve years. The same year, she completed a regency romance, but it was promptly rejected by a number of publishers, and she settled more earnestly to learning the craft. In 1988, it sold to Walker, and was published as "Lord Wraybourne's Betrothed". She regularly appears on bestseller lists including the USA Today overall bestseller list, the New York Times, and and the Publishers Weekly list. She has been the recipient of numerous awards including the Golden Leaf, the Award of Excellence, the National Readers Choice, and a two Career Achievement awards from Romantic Times. She is also a five time winner of the RITA, the top award of the Romance Writers Of America, and a member of their Hall of Fame and Honor Roll.
Jo Beverley passed away on May 23, 2016 after a long battle with cancer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
September 13, 2016
I've given this a B- at AAR; 3.5 stars rounded up.
If Jo Beverley’s Company of Rogues series isn’t the longest running series in historical romance, then it’s certainly one of them, and it’s to Ms Beverley’s credit that she doesn’t appear to have run out of ideas yet! The central character in Too Dangerous for a Lady is – in the author’s own words – “an anti-terrorist undercover cop” – who has infiltrated a band of British would-be revolutionaries. The idea of terrorism in Regency England may at first glance seem rather far-fetched, but in fact, it was a time of much unrest and discontent among the people, who were frequently subject to harsh and unjust laws and who were suffering as a result of the severe food shortages caused by the failure of the harvests in 1816. Add to that the influx of returning soldiers unable to find employment and there were parts of the country that were balanced on a knife edge.
Former army officer Mark Thayne is the son of a British aristocrat and a French émigrée whose family was wiped out during the Reign of Terror. Her experiences and losses left Mark’s mother suffering from what we might today identify as a form of PTSD and eventually, she took her own life. During his time in the army, Mark ran the odd undercover mission, and now he has returned to England, determined to do as much as he can to prevent the eruption of the same sort of violence that was unleashed in France over a decade earlier. To that end, he has infiltrated an organisation known as the Crimson Band, which is headed by Julius Waite and his French wife, Solange, a dangerous fanatic who will stop at nothing in order to gain her objective.
The story opens as Mark, having stolen some important documents from Solange, is forced to take refuge in one of the other rooms at the inn at which the group is staying. Unfortunately for him, the room is occupied by a young woman and her two nephews, who are en route to the North of England with the boys’ parents in order to visit an elderly relative.
He assures he woman that he will not harm them – but cannot leave until he is certain he will not be pursued. She is certain the intruder must be a thief, but as they converse, a chord of recognition strikes. They realise that they met – just once – at a ball five years earlier when the newly commissioned Lieutenant Thayne had danced with – and almost kissed - Lady Hermione Merryhew. Hermione is saddened at the thought that such a fine young man could have sunk so low as to have become a common thief, and Mark, knowing it’s safest for her to remain in the dark, allows her to continue under that misconception. But it’s quickly apparent that they have never forgotten each other and that the attraction they felt for each other remains as strong as it ever was. But much as he would like to be able to pick up where they left off and court Hermione openly, Mark knows that his way of life is not conducive to romantic entanglements, and it’s with much regret that he leaves her the following day.
Hermione’s late father was widely known as the Moneyless Marquess. Her family’s financial circumstances are widely known and are a joke throughout society – and given her lack of dowry, her marriage prospects are poor. She is currently traveling to the North of England with her sister and brother-in-law, to visit a dying relative reputed to have made a fortune in the East, in the hopes that he will leave them some money. She hates the idea of being so mercenary, but being eminently practical, knows the difference to their lives that even a few hundred pounds could make.
She can’t get Thayne out of her thoughts however, and when fate takes a hand and Hermione is made an unwitting target for the revolutionaries, Mark finds his loyalties are divided. He needs to assure Hermione’s safety as she journeys father north, but also has to get to London to impart the information in his possession to his superiors. A chance meeting and offer of help from an old army friend gives Mark the breathing space he needs, but he is nonetheless determined that his feelings for Hermione can’t be allowed to distract him from his purpose.
Mark and Hermione are engaging characters who are clearly well-suited, and their path to happiness is definitely not an easy one. His family circumstances give Mark an almost compulsive need to actively prevent the sort of atrocities perpetrated in France and he’s not actually sure he will be able to settle to the life of a country gentleman of means –he’s a viscount – no matter how much he wants to make a life with Hermione. There are some moments of true heartbreak and poignancy in their story, but ultimately, the romance takes a back-seat to the counter-terrorism plot, which I actually didn’t mind because it was so richly detailed and well thought-out.
There are a few pacing issues around the middle of the story, and I did find it a little difficult to buy into the fact that, after one short meeting five years earlier, Mark and Hermione not only recognised each other but were falling for each other almost on the spot. But I was sufficiently interested in the historical background and other plot details that I was able to let that pass and go with the flow.
Several of the other Rogues make cameo appearances in this book, telling Hermione that she’s an honourary member courtesy of the fact that her late brother was one of their number, and we are also introduced to the hero of the next book, Mark’s old army buddy whose carefree, man-about-town lifestyle is about to be rudely curtailed. One of the things I most enjoyed about this story was the development of Hermione’s relationship with her great-uncle Edgar; he’s a bit of a curmudgeon who secretly admires her willingness to stand up to him, and they develop a mutual and genuine affection.
All in all, Too Dangerous for a Lady is an enjoyable tale that is exceptionally well-told. It’s perhaps a little light on the romance for some tastes, but I’m still grading it in the B range because I was fascinated by the historical background, the strength of which always shines through in Ms Beverley’s books. If you’re a fan of hers, or of historical romance that’s strong on the history, then you might want to add this to your wish list.
If Jo Beverley’s Company of Rogues series isn’t the longest running series in historical romance, then it’s certainly one of them, and it’s to Ms Beverley’s credit that she doesn’t appear to have run out of ideas yet! The central character in Too Dangerous for a Lady is – in the author’s own words – “an anti-terrorist undercover cop” – who has infiltrated a band of British would-be revolutionaries. The idea of terrorism in Regency England may at first glance seem rather far-fetched, but in fact, it was a time of much unrest and discontent among the people, who were frequently subject to harsh and unjust laws and who were suffering as a result of the severe food shortages caused by the failure of the harvests in 1816. Add to that the influx of returning soldiers unable to find employment and there were parts of the country that were balanced on a knife edge.
Former army officer Mark Thayne is the son of a British aristocrat and a French émigrée whose family was wiped out during the Reign of Terror. Her experiences and losses left Mark’s mother suffering from what we might today identify as a form of PTSD and eventually, she took her own life. During his time in the army, Mark ran the odd undercover mission, and now he has returned to England, determined to do as much as he can to prevent the eruption of the same sort of violence that was unleashed in France over a decade earlier. To that end, he has infiltrated an organisation known as the Crimson Band, which is headed by Julius Waite and his French wife, Solange, a dangerous fanatic who will stop at nothing in order to gain her objective.
The story opens as Mark, having stolen some important documents from Solange, is forced to take refuge in one of the other rooms at the inn at which the group is staying. Unfortunately for him, the room is occupied by a young woman and her two nephews, who are en route to the North of England with the boys’ parents in order to visit an elderly relative.
He assures he woman that he will not harm them – but cannot leave until he is certain he will not be pursued. She is certain the intruder must be a thief, but as they converse, a chord of recognition strikes. They realise that they met – just once – at a ball five years earlier when the newly commissioned Lieutenant Thayne had danced with – and almost kissed - Lady Hermione Merryhew. Hermione is saddened at the thought that such a fine young man could have sunk so low as to have become a common thief, and Mark, knowing it’s safest for her to remain in the dark, allows her to continue under that misconception. But it’s quickly apparent that they have never forgotten each other and that the attraction they felt for each other remains as strong as it ever was. But much as he would like to be able to pick up where they left off and court Hermione openly, Mark knows that his way of life is not conducive to romantic entanglements, and it’s with much regret that he leaves her the following day.
Hermione’s late father was widely known as the Moneyless Marquess. Her family’s financial circumstances are widely known and are a joke throughout society – and given her lack of dowry, her marriage prospects are poor. She is currently traveling to the North of England with her sister and brother-in-law, to visit a dying relative reputed to have made a fortune in the East, in the hopes that he will leave them some money. She hates the idea of being so mercenary, but being eminently practical, knows the difference to their lives that even a few hundred pounds could make.
She can’t get Thayne out of her thoughts however, and when fate takes a hand and Hermione is made an unwitting target for the revolutionaries, Mark finds his loyalties are divided. He needs to assure Hermione’s safety as she journeys father north, but also has to get to London to impart the information in his possession to his superiors. A chance meeting and offer of help from an old army friend gives Mark the breathing space he needs, but he is nonetheless determined that his feelings for Hermione can’t be allowed to distract him from his purpose.
Mark and Hermione are engaging characters who are clearly well-suited, and their path to happiness is definitely not an easy one. His family circumstances give Mark an almost compulsive need to actively prevent the sort of atrocities perpetrated in France and he’s not actually sure he will be able to settle to the life of a country gentleman of means –he’s a viscount – no matter how much he wants to make a life with Hermione. There are some moments of true heartbreak and poignancy in their story, but ultimately, the romance takes a back-seat to the counter-terrorism plot, which I actually didn’t mind because it was so richly detailed and well thought-out.
There are a few pacing issues around the middle of the story, and I did find it a little difficult to buy into the fact that, after one short meeting five years earlier, Mark and Hermione not only recognised each other but were falling for each other almost on the spot. But I was sufficiently interested in the historical background and other plot details that I was able to let that pass and go with the flow.
Several of the other Rogues make cameo appearances in this book, telling Hermione that she’s an honourary member courtesy of the fact that her late brother was one of their number, and we are also introduced to the hero of the next book, Mark’s old army buddy whose carefree, man-about-town lifestyle is about to be rudely curtailed. One of the things I most enjoyed about this story was the development of Hermione’s relationship with her great-uncle Edgar; he’s a bit of a curmudgeon who secretly admires her willingness to stand up to him, and they develop a mutual and genuine affection.
All in all, Too Dangerous for a Lady is an enjoyable tale that is exceptionally well-told. It’s perhaps a little light on the romance for some tastes, but I’m still grading it in the B range because I was fascinated by the historical background, the strength of which always shines through in Ms Beverley’s books. If you’re a fan of hers, or of historical romance that’s strong on the history, then you might want to add this to your wish list.
July 31, 2025
Lady Hermione Merryhew met a cutie named Lieutenant Mark Thayne at her first ball: they talked, exchanged tokens, and failed to kiss each other. Six years later, Mark is undercover and sneaks into a random room at an inn: SURPRISE, IT'S HERMIONE'S. They, once again, ~vibe. Then they run into each other the next day in the inn yard: he gives her a letter to post; she gets seen by the villains; he leads the villains away; she gets kidnapped; he recruits help and rescues her; etc. Hermione ends up visiting her great uncle who wants to go to London, so they go to London. Mark needs to return to his undercover work, so he goes to London. Before they go to London, they decide they are In Love.
Once in London, Mark gets a makeover and re-embraces his misplaced identity as Viscount Faringay and Hermione gets adopted by her dead brother's band of rogues. And also a makeover. There are misunderstandings, showdowns, sex, proposals, etc. etc.
1. This is two books taped together. One is a second chance romance; the other is a secret society book. They're held together by the ReVoLuTiOnArIeS aRe BaD aCtUalLy plot (I think Beverly was trying to say that violence for the sake of violence is bad, but the nuance was muted to the point of "attempting to generate attention and action for societal change is risky business best left to those who are Inherently Good (and, of course, have money and power already)", whichhhh: yikes.
2. The two books thing is just really obvious in the major plot elements and the schism that starts the moment they voyage to London. Hermione's first plot is wrapped up in her identity as a single woman in a poor family, dependent on her sister and brother-in-law. They are traveling to visit an ailing great uncle who may end up leaving them money, which will allow Hermione to avoid having to marry her gross Cousin.
And then she goes to London. And none of that matters anymore.
Yes, there are asides about the great uncle settling some money on them both while he's still alive (vs. waiting for him to pass); and Hermione does end up telling her gross cousin she's engaged—but they go from being the central drivers of Hermione's arc to tangential asides barely worth mentioning.
Her second plot is tied up in finding a cure for her uncle and finding and marrying Thayne.
3. On top of the uneven plot, it's just really jarring to think you know what kind of narrative beats you might come across only to discover that none of the first part really matters.
4. Also they have less than 24 hours worth of Actual Time Spent Together before they decide they're in love. I am just. Why.
5. Mark's plot is a little more of a consistent line but it's much less developed because his general problem is "can I stop being a man of action in order to get married to this girl I like love?" and it's boring.
6. The climax of the book was absolutely the saddest, most out of tune trombone of an ending I've read in some time. Like, there's all this angst about BLOWING UP THE REGENT or EXPLODING THE GOVERNMENT or DESTROYING WESTMINSTER and we get.... a shower of bricks.
The major villain is a woman who thinks killing babies is a good time, and she gets shot from a distance without any major actions or evil machinations.
It's all kind of ... boring.
7. Which is the theme of my review and experience: there were quite a few elements to this book that could have been entertaining or interesting but ultimately, it was boring.
Once in London, Mark gets a makeover and re-embraces his misplaced identity as Viscount Faringay and Hermione gets adopted by her dead brother's band of rogues. And also a makeover. There are misunderstandings, showdowns, sex, proposals, etc. etc.
1. This is two books taped together. One is a second chance romance; the other is a secret society book. They're held together by the ReVoLuTiOnArIeS aRe BaD aCtUalLy plot (I think Beverly was trying to say that violence for the sake of violence is bad, but the nuance was muted to the point of "attempting to generate attention and action for societal change is risky business best left to those who are Inherently Good (and, of course, have money and power already)", whichhhh: yikes.
2. The two books thing is just really obvious in the major plot elements and the schism that starts the moment they voyage to London. Hermione's first plot is wrapped up in her identity as a single woman in a poor family, dependent on her sister and brother-in-law. They are traveling to visit an ailing great uncle who may end up leaving them money, which will allow Hermione to avoid having to marry her gross Cousin.
And then she goes to London. And none of that matters anymore.
Yes, there are asides about the great uncle settling some money on them both while he's still alive (vs. waiting for him to pass); and Hermione does end up telling her gross cousin she's engaged—but they go from being the central drivers of Hermione's arc to tangential asides barely worth mentioning.
Her second plot is tied up in finding a cure for her uncle and finding and marrying Thayne.
3. On top of the uneven plot, it's just really jarring to think you know what kind of narrative beats you might come across only to discover that none of the first part really matters.
4. Also they have less than 24 hours worth of Actual Time Spent Together before they decide they're in love. I am just. Why.
5. Mark's plot is a little more of a consistent line but it's much less developed because his general problem is "can I stop being a man of action in order to get married to this girl I like love?" and it's boring.
6. The climax of the book was absolutely the saddest, most out of tune trombone of an ending I've read in some time. Like, there's all this angst about BLOWING UP THE REGENT or EXPLODING THE GOVERNMENT or DESTROYING WESTMINSTER and we get.... a shower of bricks.
The major villain is a woman who thinks killing babies is a good time, and she gets shot from a distance without any major actions or evil machinations.
It's all kind of ... boring.
7. Which is the theme of my review and experience: there were quite a few elements to this book that could have been entertaining or interesting but ultimately, it was boring.
April 2, 2015
I have followed this series for many years from the tales of the original Company of Rogues to the loosely connected honorary Rogues like this one. I had a good time with this story from the start and it just got better when I realized I was going to get a spy story- love historical spy stories, but this one came with a twist. The hero has infiltrated a dangerous bloody revolutionary group who wants to bring the guillotine and bloody Reign of Terror to England like what happened in France. Totally attention-grabbing, right? I loved the exciting plot, the engaging suspense, and the sparkling banter along with a setting and backdrop that was refreshingly unique in Historical Romance.
This one is part of a series as I mentioned above, but the author writes them so that they can be read as standalones or in a pinch, out of order. I've read them pretty much out of order and did alright though I imagine I would have gotten even more out of them if I'd read them in order. Oddly enough, the only one of this series I haven't read yet is the first one. (Insert eyeroll here)
But anyway, on to the story.
The book begins with a fun, flirty and mischievous scene of an impoverished noblewoman, Lady Hermione Merrydew, on her way with the others in her family to visit a dying great-uncle hoping he will will his money to them. As she readies for sleep in a coaching inn along the way, her room is invaded by a man she has secretly thought about since the night of her first ball and he almost gave her a kiss. He was unforgettable and now even though she suspects he is a thief, she still wants that kiss. And then, she ends up in a dangerous adventure that leaves her a target alongside her erstwhile roguish lover.
Mark Thayne recognizes the woman who was once the girl he shared a memorable night with at a ball before he left for Spain to fight Napoleon and his army. He is still attracted to her and their long awaited kiss proves it only his life isn't suited to romance. He must get the papers he stole to someone so that a dangerous revolutionary planning an explosion and a revolution can be stopped. He accidentally makes those after him notice Hermione and see her as a threat so now he must protect her even while trying to do his duty.
The author always manages to write a good adventuresome tale that balances neatly the romance and a swirl of activity around it. The pace was good though I admit to wanting it to hustle up a few times in the middle. I liked the attention to detail from the social unrest, to the scientific bits about the bombmaking, and even the medical advancements of the times. The author included a note about the research she did and that the background of the story is based on some similar historical circumstances which I thought was a nice extra.
The characters were fleshed out nicely and I enjoyed both Hermione and Mark. They took turns narrating most of the story and their personalities were evident in the different styles of thinking. Hermione is the more prominent and the author spends more time on her. She struggles with having always been a person of noble stature without any money to support it and her family being almost a joke to others of their class and she likes to think of herself as sensible even though she has a romantic flare for adventure. Mark is also a product of his upbringing. He cares deeply about his work because his French aristocratic mother was a survivor of the Reign of Terror and all her relations were killed. The experience left her messed up and Mark will do anything to keep history from repeating itself on English soil. He has never lived a normal life and worries that even though he loves Hermione that he won't be able to settle down when his last mission is complete. But if anyone can tempt him from his dangerous life, its Hermione. These two are a passionate pair and combust anytime they are near one another.
The secondary characters like Hermione's Great-Uncle, Mark's friend, Braydon, and the others were very present and welcome. I loved the side stories going on there and I look forward to Braydon's story in the next book. His need for excitement rivals that of any of the regular Rogues. Speaking of...they do appear in the story though mostly Hawk, Nicholas, Arden, and Beth. I always get ready for some action and mischief when the Rogues appear and its neat how they all stick together and help each other. It was humorous how Hermione and then Mark reacted to the Rogues brand of 'help'.
Another enjoyable installment to the Company of Rogues series that I happily recommend to historical romance fans who like a bit of action and a touch of spice to their stories.
My thanks to Penguin Group for the opportunity to read this one in exchange for an honest review.
This one is part of a series as I mentioned above, but the author writes them so that they can be read as standalones or in a pinch, out of order. I've read them pretty much out of order and did alright though I imagine I would have gotten even more out of them if I'd read them in order. Oddly enough, the only one of this series I haven't read yet is the first one. (Insert eyeroll here)
But anyway, on to the story.
The book begins with a fun, flirty and mischievous scene of an impoverished noblewoman, Lady Hermione Merrydew, on her way with the others in her family to visit a dying great-uncle hoping he will will his money to them. As she readies for sleep in a coaching inn along the way, her room is invaded by a man she has secretly thought about since the night of her first ball and he almost gave her a kiss. He was unforgettable and now even though she suspects he is a thief, she still wants that kiss. And then, she ends up in a dangerous adventure that leaves her a target alongside her erstwhile roguish lover.
Mark Thayne recognizes the woman who was once the girl he shared a memorable night with at a ball before he left for Spain to fight Napoleon and his army. He is still attracted to her and their long awaited kiss proves it only his life isn't suited to romance. He must get the papers he stole to someone so that a dangerous revolutionary planning an explosion and a revolution can be stopped. He accidentally makes those after him notice Hermione and see her as a threat so now he must protect her even while trying to do his duty.
The author always manages to write a good adventuresome tale that balances neatly the romance and a swirl of activity around it. The pace was good though I admit to wanting it to hustle up a few times in the middle. I liked the attention to detail from the social unrest, to the scientific bits about the bombmaking, and even the medical advancements of the times. The author included a note about the research she did and that the background of the story is based on some similar historical circumstances which I thought was a nice extra.
The characters were fleshed out nicely and I enjoyed both Hermione and Mark. They took turns narrating most of the story and their personalities were evident in the different styles of thinking. Hermione is the more prominent and the author spends more time on her. She struggles with having always been a person of noble stature without any money to support it and her family being almost a joke to others of their class and she likes to think of herself as sensible even though she has a romantic flare for adventure. Mark is also a product of his upbringing. He cares deeply about his work because his French aristocratic mother was a survivor of the Reign of Terror and all her relations were killed. The experience left her messed up and Mark will do anything to keep history from repeating itself on English soil. He has never lived a normal life and worries that even though he loves Hermione that he won't be able to settle down when his last mission is complete. But if anyone can tempt him from his dangerous life, its Hermione. These two are a passionate pair and combust anytime they are near one another.
The secondary characters like Hermione's Great-Uncle, Mark's friend, Braydon, and the others were very present and welcome. I loved the side stories going on there and I look forward to Braydon's story in the next book. His need for excitement rivals that of any of the regular Rogues. Speaking of...they do appear in the story though mostly Hawk, Nicholas, Arden, and Beth. I always get ready for some action and mischief when the Rogues appear and its neat how they all stick together and help each other. It was humorous how Hermione and then Mark reacted to the Rogues brand of 'help'.
Another enjoyable installment to the Company of Rogues series that I happily recommend to historical romance fans who like a bit of action and a touch of spice to their stories.
My thanks to Penguin Group for the opportunity to read this one in exchange for an honest review.
April 11, 2015
Fun to revisit the world of Beverley's Rogues, and fascinating historical plot and detail. Wished for a bit more romance.
May 23, 2015
Rated 3.5 - An unusual antiterrorism plot for a Regency historical, this book challenges the reader's thinking and gives us another captivating hero to look forward to in the next book of this series.
Lady Hermione Merryhew lives with her sister and her family, now that their parents are gone. She knows she must marry to help their financial status but a long-lost relative may give her a reprieve from marrying the cousin she despises. They all travel to visit their sick uncle who may be on his deathbed. They stop for the night on the way and a man sneaks into her room to hide from his pursuers. Hermione is even more surprised when this thief turns out to be the man she fell for six years ago at her first ball.
Lieutenant Mark Thayne joins a band of revolutionaries as Ned Granger in hope of thwarting their plans of destruction before they put them into play. But now that he has endangered Hermione by involving her in his undercover activities, he has to think of more than himself. Will he be able to save his country and get the girl he never forgot?
TOO DANGEROUS FOR A LADY is book sixteen of the COMPANY OF ROGUES series but it can be read as a standalone. This is my first book by Jo Beverly and although I sensed that this book may be related to others, I didn't feel as if I had missed anything until I read the author's note about the series at the back of the book.
At just over 400 pages, TOO DANGEROUS FOR A LADY is a complicated story that engages the reader with its unusual antiterrorism plot. I thought the scheme was rather ingenious because I couldn't figure out how something like that could possibly happen in this time period, but it was all sewn up neatly by the end. I really enjoyed Lady Hermione's interactions with her uncle. He is a grumpy old man and she isn't afraid to voice her opinion, which in the end makes him respect her and listen to her advice. I didn't feel as convinced with the relationship between Hermione and Mark. Their dialog seemed stilted then too chatty in several places, so I didn't get a real feel for their emotional connection. By the end I grew more attached to them as a couple, but for the majority of the book, I was more enamored with the other Rogues, the Curious Creatures and Mark's friend Brayden who will be the hero of the next book.
Interestingly, I connected with several male secondary characters which makes me think I will enjoy more books in this series because of Jo Beverly's talent at writing men of intrigue who are charmingly arrogant, mischievous and aloof when faced with danger. Their repartee with one another made me laugh and I can't wait to find out what trouble they get themselves into next. They're very charismatic bad boys with titles and Braydon seems like the sort to fall really hard when he finds the woman meant for him.
An uncommon Regency plot that will surely enthrall readers of the genre, TOO DANGEROUS FOR A LADY has many attributes historical lovers will appreciate.
Reviewed by Dorine, courtesy of Romance Junkies and TBR Mountain Range. Print ARC provided by the publisher.
Lady Hermione Merryhew lives with her sister and her family, now that their parents are gone. She knows she must marry to help their financial status but a long-lost relative may give her a reprieve from marrying the cousin she despises. They all travel to visit their sick uncle who may be on his deathbed. They stop for the night on the way and a man sneaks into her room to hide from his pursuers. Hermione is even more surprised when this thief turns out to be the man she fell for six years ago at her first ball.
Lieutenant Mark Thayne joins a band of revolutionaries as Ned Granger in hope of thwarting their plans of destruction before they put them into play. But now that he has endangered Hermione by involving her in his undercover activities, he has to think of more than himself. Will he be able to save his country and get the girl he never forgot?
TOO DANGEROUS FOR A LADY is book sixteen of the COMPANY OF ROGUES series but it can be read as a standalone. This is my first book by Jo Beverly and although I sensed that this book may be related to others, I didn't feel as if I had missed anything until I read the author's note about the series at the back of the book.
At just over 400 pages, TOO DANGEROUS FOR A LADY is a complicated story that engages the reader with its unusual antiterrorism plot. I thought the scheme was rather ingenious because I couldn't figure out how something like that could possibly happen in this time period, but it was all sewn up neatly by the end. I really enjoyed Lady Hermione's interactions with her uncle. He is a grumpy old man and she isn't afraid to voice her opinion, which in the end makes him respect her and listen to her advice. I didn't feel as convinced with the relationship between Hermione and Mark. Their dialog seemed stilted then too chatty in several places, so I didn't get a real feel for their emotional connection. By the end I grew more attached to them as a couple, but for the majority of the book, I was more enamored with the other Rogues, the Curious Creatures and Mark's friend Brayden who will be the hero of the next book.
Interestingly, I connected with several male secondary characters which makes me think I will enjoy more books in this series because of Jo Beverly's talent at writing men of intrigue who are charmingly arrogant, mischievous and aloof when faced with danger. Their repartee with one another made me laugh and I can't wait to find out what trouble they get themselves into next. They're very charismatic bad boys with titles and Braydon seems like the sort to fall really hard when he finds the woman meant for him.
An uncommon Regency plot that will surely enthrall readers of the genre, TOO DANGEROUS FOR A LADY has many attributes historical lovers will appreciate.
Reviewed by Dorine, courtesy of Romance Junkies and TBR Mountain Range. Print ARC provided by the publisher.
October 14, 2015
Very good book. It's been awhile since I've read a Rogues book and I'd forgotten how much I enjoy them. It starts out quickly with the heroine, Hermione, having an intruder in her room. Being of a fairly even temperament, she stays calm and realizes that the intruder is someone she knows. Years earlier, she had met him at a ball, as a seventeen year old debutante, and he was a nineteen year old Lieutenant, headed off to war. Now he appears to have taken to a life of crime, but her heart won't let her expose him, so she allows him to hide out in her room.
Mark remembers Hermione very well, but doesn't want to put her in danger. He's gone undercover to stop a group bent on starting a violent revolution. He's stolen some papers that will expose them, if he can escape and get them to the authorities. Though he didn't mean to get her involved, his actions have put her in danger, so he must find a way to protect her and continue his mission.
I loved the relationship that grew between them. Their encounter in her room brought back their memories of the event and rekindled their feelings. But Mark has to continue his deception in order to reach his goal of stopping the revolutionaries. Hermione is a very practical person, but still has a touch of the romantic in her soul and continues to carry the uniform button Mark gave her all those years ago. Mark has a more passionate nature, hence his devotion to stopping the ringleaders, and also still carries the silk rose she gave him.
Mark has inadvertently put Hermione in danger and is determined to keep her safe. This is hard to do when he can't tell her exactly why. She resists being told what to do, and their conversations as he tries to convince her show their personalities. She is practical and independent and he is passionate and protective. Those conversations also bring them closer together, and their connection can't be denied. When Hermione ends up in London, assisting an elderly relative, it puts her in more danger. Mark has to balance his need to keep her safe, and his need to stop the revolutionaries. Eventually he has to tell her the truth and engage her help. This is where they really start to mesh as a couple. I really liked the way that Hermione had of looking at things from a practical side and pointing out things that Mark hadn't considered. This, in turn, gave Mark a more logical way of looking at things.
The part where they reach London is where the action really begins to intensify. Mark attempts to sow discord among the ringleaders before abandoning his disguise. The search is on for the Frenchwoman who is behind some of the worst of the problems, and who plans some kind of explosive disaster. A mix up relating to Mark's disguise has Hermione believing he is dead, and help from an unexpected source brings them back together. The final confrontation was well done, with just enough danger to keep it interesting.
The secondary story of Hermione and her Uncle Edgar was really good. I really liked the way that she was determined to stay with him and help him recover, whether he left money to her and her sister or not. The relationship between the two of them was fun, with his grumpy old man attitude and her ability to deal with it. It was through this part of the story that the Rogues made their appearance, with her late brother having been one of their group at school. It was fun to see Hermione try to deal with Nick Delaney and his way of doing things, but also wonderful to see the way he was there to help her when she needed him. Hermione's exposure to Rogue wife Beth Arden was also an eye opener for her, and gave her some extra confidence. And of course, the Rogues themselves end up having a part in Mark's mission, in their own special ways.
Mark remembers Hermione very well, but doesn't want to put her in danger. He's gone undercover to stop a group bent on starting a violent revolution. He's stolen some papers that will expose them, if he can escape and get them to the authorities. Though he didn't mean to get her involved, his actions have put her in danger, so he must find a way to protect her and continue his mission.
I loved the relationship that grew between them. Their encounter in her room brought back their memories of the event and rekindled their feelings. But Mark has to continue his deception in order to reach his goal of stopping the revolutionaries. Hermione is a very practical person, but still has a touch of the romantic in her soul and continues to carry the uniform button Mark gave her all those years ago. Mark has a more passionate nature, hence his devotion to stopping the ringleaders, and also still carries the silk rose she gave him.
Mark has inadvertently put Hermione in danger and is determined to keep her safe. This is hard to do when he can't tell her exactly why. She resists being told what to do, and their conversations as he tries to convince her show their personalities. She is practical and independent and he is passionate and protective. Those conversations also bring them closer together, and their connection can't be denied. When Hermione ends up in London, assisting an elderly relative, it puts her in more danger. Mark has to balance his need to keep her safe, and his need to stop the revolutionaries. Eventually he has to tell her the truth and engage her help. This is where they really start to mesh as a couple. I really liked the way that Hermione had of looking at things from a practical side and pointing out things that Mark hadn't considered. This, in turn, gave Mark a more logical way of looking at things.
The part where they reach London is where the action really begins to intensify. Mark attempts to sow discord among the ringleaders before abandoning his disguise. The search is on for the Frenchwoman who is behind some of the worst of the problems, and who plans some kind of explosive disaster. A mix up relating to Mark's disguise has Hermione believing he is dead, and help from an unexpected source brings them back together. The final confrontation was well done, with just enough danger to keep it interesting.
The secondary story of Hermione and her Uncle Edgar was really good. I really liked the way that she was determined to stay with him and help him recover, whether he left money to her and her sister or not. The relationship between the two of them was fun, with his grumpy old man attitude and her ability to deal with it. It was through this part of the story that the Rogues made their appearance, with her late brother having been one of their group at school. It was fun to see Hermione try to deal with Nick Delaney and his way of doing things, but also wonderful to see the way he was there to help her when she needed him. Hermione's exposure to Rogue wife Beth Arden was also an eye opener for her, and gave her some extra confidence. And of course, the Rogues themselves end up having a part in Mark's mission, in their own special ways.
August 18, 2016
Well, at #16 in the series, you should probably already know pretty well what you're getting here. And yeah, it's probably best to read at least some before this, though you can probably do just fine without. This one has some new elements and I had trepidation a few times about it, but it turned out well in the end.
The best part is Lady Hermione. I fell for her very quickly and never looked back. Mark isn't half bad, either, though I don't think the whole undercover spy thing actually works very well—particularly as an avocation that he wants to continue after bringing the current scoundrels down. Still, his relationship with Hermione was solid enough that I didn't buy his whole "I must do this dangerous stuff to be fulfilled" schtick, so it wasn't too bad. I particularly liked his support for Hermione's growing attachment to Uncle Edgar despite the complications it makes for them.
The biggest worry I had while reading was the villain woman whose name I've forgotten. I had flashbacks to the stupid surrounding Nicholas' nemesis. And to be fair, the hallmarks were all there. She was vicious, devious, French, and once or twice reasoned to the truth with too little actual support for it. I was relieved that it didn't go to that previous extreme when all is said and done.
Anyway, I had enough worry to keep this from five-star enjoyment levels. Still, what a fun couple and a lovely story.
A note about Steamy: There were one and a half explicit sex scenes which is low for the author and series and on the low side of my tolerance as well.
The best part is Lady Hermione. I fell for her very quickly and never looked back. Mark isn't half bad, either, though I don't think the whole undercover spy thing actually works very well—particularly as an avocation that he wants to continue after bringing the current scoundrels down. Still, his relationship with Hermione was solid enough that I didn't buy his whole "I must do this dangerous stuff to be fulfilled" schtick, so it wasn't too bad. I particularly liked his support for Hermione's growing attachment to Uncle Edgar despite the complications it makes for them.
The biggest worry I had while reading was the villain woman whose name I've forgotten. I had flashbacks to the stupid surrounding Nicholas' nemesis. And to be fair, the hallmarks were all there. She was vicious, devious, French, and once or twice reasoned to the truth with too little actual support for it. I was relieved that it didn't go to that previous extreme when all is said and done.
Anyway, I had enough worry to keep this from five-star enjoyment levels. Still, what a fun couple and a lovely story.
A note about Steamy: There were one and a half explicit sex scenes which is low for the author and series and on the low side of my tolerance as well.
May 1, 2015
This is a romance with a difference as social conditions during a time of great change are drawn in to supply the motivations of the characters. The lady of the title Hermione is only a governess, since her cousin inherited her father's northerly land; this wasn't valuable land, but now her cousin has found the newly valuable coal and feels duty bound to offer to support her as his wife.
Manchester, drawing from coal and turning it into cotton clothing, is the hub of unrest as factory owners become wealthy by overworking families in miserable conditions. Anyone wanting to know about these working and living conditions could read A Weaver's Web by Chris Pearce. Unrest, jobless returned soldiers and sinister revolutionaries cause mobs to gather and plots are under way to unleash a French-style Revolution upon Britain. Naturally our hero Mark, who is a spy for the Crown, aims to prevent this from happening.
The tale follows a dangerous Manchester to London journey so we omit balls, card parties and the usual flirting. There is an interesting and intelligent dalliance ongoing however between two people clearly suited to each other, and neither one is afraid to pick up weapons and use them. I admire the way in which all sides of the argument are presented, such as working people having no votes or representatives, while terrorists in London are shown to be nothing new. Top marks for research and a lively, realistic, romantic story.
Manchester, drawing from coal and turning it into cotton clothing, is the hub of unrest as factory owners become wealthy by overworking families in miserable conditions. Anyone wanting to know about these working and living conditions could read A Weaver's Web by Chris Pearce. Unrest, jobless returned soldiers and sinister revolutionaries cause mobs to gather and plots are under way to unleash a French-style Revolution upon Britain. Naturally our hero Mark, who is a spy for the Crown, aims to prevent this from happening.
The tale follows a dangerous Manchester to London journey so we omit balls, card parties and the usual flirting. There is an interesting and intelligent dalliance ongoing however between two people clearly suited to each other, and neither one is afraid to pick up weapons and use them. I admire the way in which all sides of the argument are presented, such as working people having no votes or representatives, while terrorists in London are shown to be nothing new. Top marks for research and a lively, realistic, romantic story.
August 22, 2024
Fantastic read
August 26, 2015
Lady Hermione Merryhew knows that the abrupt rerouting of her life may prove to be too dangerous for a lady but that doesn’t mean that a lady can’t find a way around the rules. Mark Thayne and Lady Hermione Merryhew come together as in a story book romance and then are tossed to and fro by the tensions in England following the Napoleonic Wars. Each thinks they know where their life is headed and understands why it must flow in that directions but falling together after six years alters not only their destinies but how they view the world around them and how they fit into it. He believes his current mission to be the only one he can possibly persue. His mother lost her sanity to Frances “Reign of Terror” and Mark vows that no such insurgence will take England. He infiltrates the The Crimson Band, revolutionaries who want to duplicate Frances “Reign of Terror” within England. Lady Hermione may have a title but she and her family have lost the money attached. They are traveling to meet a dying great-uncle whom they hope will leave them money upon his death and save them from a life less befitting their titles. Without the money Hermione feels she must marry a distant relative and give herself over to an insufferable future. There is where the story begins. Hermione and Mark had met at a ball some six years before when they were both young and eager to take on whatever life had in store and then each went a different direction. Suddenly, as lightning crashes in a storm the two are brought back together and what began as a small flirtation years ago blazes into instant fevor.
The story is told from both Hermione’s and Mark’s points of view giving the reader glimpses into the characters internal battles and altering maps within their hearts and minds. The author brings the characters together and rushes them apart so they must find ways to follow their own destinies and still align a new path to each other. The two are a passionate pair and combust anytime they are near one another.
The story incorporates adventure, intrigue and twisting plots in a backdrop of a country in class turmoil. Great attention is given to detail from the landscapes, the characters clothing, and diction. I easily became immersed in the time period.
The secondary characters flesh out the story. The protagonists are almost as interesting as the heroine and hero. The villains are each unique and their cause is plausible. The ruthless female leader adds great flavor and puts real fear into the reader. Great-uncle Peake adds humor with his beguiling nature and helps open Hermione’s life up to new possibilities. I was especially intrigued with the rogues and wished that they had played a bigger part. I will be going back in the series just to enjoy the development of the rouge characters.
Too Dangerous For a Lady takes two characters who were clearly meant to be together and weaves a story full of obstacles meant to keep them apart. Yet, those same obstacles help both Hermione and Mark develop into more intriguing and complex people. The internal growth of the characters is what really brings the story together. Of course love, blistering passion and the constant flirtation with danger helps too. This story is worth the romp. I give this book a rating of 4.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
April 17, 2015
http://openbooksociety.com/article/to...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Una
Hermione Merryhew is on a trip with her sister and husband and their children to a distant uncle who is dying and has said that he would bequeath them money. Impoverished all feel that this is their only chance. When resting in her room where they stopped for the night, with 2 of the children, Hermione is awakened by an intruder inside her bedroom. She soon realizes that she knows him from her past. He had been a young lieutenant who although had not kissed her had stolen her heart. She still carried the button from his uniform with her. Although against her better judgment Hermione harbors him for the night .Thus she gets involved in the dangerous life he lives. When they get to the uncle’s house Hermione befriends the crotchety uncle and tries to help him find a cure for his illness. Her sister and family leave for home after a short time but Hermione decides to stay with her uncle. Hermione through her association with Mark Faringay becomes involved with the dealings of the Criminson Band. When her life is threatened she must depend on her own skill and Mark to protect her. After all she is determined to get the kiss she missed before.
Mark Faringay now a Viscount couldn’t believe his luck when he hid in the room of Lady Hermione Merryhew. He remembered their first meeting only too well and still carried the rose from that night. However his life at this point was too dangerous to involve a love interest. The Crimson Band which he has infiltrated has found him out and he knows that he must destroy them or be destroyed. His only regret is that Hermione is involved through association through him. The female leader of the Band is ruthless and he knows she will kill anyone in her pursuit of her cause.
He must protect Hermione so that he can prove his love for her.
I found this to be a perfect light read for a cold winter’s afternoon. The author has enough romance sprinkled with mystery and intrigue to keep the reader turning pages. I look forward to more stories by Jo Beverly.
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Una
Hermione Merryhew is on a trip with her sister and husband and their children to a distant uncle who is dying and has said that he would bequeath them money. Impoverished all feel that this is their only chance. When resting in her room where they stopped for the night, with 2 of the children, Hermione is awakened by an intruder inside her bedroom. She soon realizes that she knows him from her past. He had been a young lieutenant who although had not kissed her had stolen her heart. She still carried the button from his uniform with her. Although against her better judgment Hermione harbors him for the night .Thus she gets involved in the dangerous life he lives. When they get to the uncle’s house Hermione befriends the crotchety uncle and tries to help him find a cure for his illness. Her sister and family leave for home after a short time but Hermione decides to stay with her uncle. Hermione through her association with Mark Faringay becomes involved with the dealings of the Criminson Band. When her life is threatened she must depend on her own skill and Mark to protect her. After all she is determined to get the kiss she missed before.
Mark Faringay now a Viscount couldn’t believe his luck when he hid in the room of Lady Hermione Merryhew. He remembered their first meeting only too well and still carried the rose from that night. However his life at this point was too dangerous to involve a love interest. The Crimson Band which he has infiltrated has found him out and he knows that he must destroy them or be destroyed. His only regret is that Hermione is involved through association through him. The female leader of the Band is ruthless and he knows she will kill anyone in her pursuit of her cause.
He must protect Hermione so that he can prove his love for her.
I found this to be a perfect light read for a cold winter’s afternoon. The author has enough romance sprinkled with mystery and intrigue to keep the reader turning pages. I look forward to more stories by Jo Beverly.
March 27, 2015
This is book 16 in the Company of Rogues series.
Six years ago, Lady Hermione Merryhew's heart was stolen by the dashing Lieutenant Mark Thayne. They parted before Mark could steal a kiss, but she never forgot him. She never imagined that the next time she would see him, he would barge into her room at an inn trying to get away from the people he stole from. Even thinking him a fugitive thief, she can't help but hope to finally get that kiss.
Mark, now Viscount Faringay, doesn't like that Hermione thinks that he is a thief, but he can't blow his undercover persona. He has infiltrated a group of revolutionaries that plan to wreak havoc on London and he must do what he can to stop them.
As they spend time together, they quickly realize that they are each other's better half. But will the revolutionaries keep them apart?
I've been a fan of Jo Beverley for years and with each new story she delights me even more. I love her series books because you get to visit your favorites over and over again.
I really liked Hermione and Mark. Even when her family had fallen on hard times, Hermione made the best of her life. Living with her sister, wouldn't have been her first choice but you do what you have to do to survive. Mark felt like he had to help squash the revolutionaries because of what had happened to his mother. He didn't necessarily like his role, but it had to be done. They are both fighters, doing what they think right.
I liked that Hermione and Mark had both carried a talisman to remind them of the other since their departure. It showed that even though they only had that short time together, she each felt the connection that would eventually bring them back together again.
I really hope that this is not the end of the Rogues. But even if it is, I eagerly await to see what Beverley has in store for us next.
Thanks go out to Penguin Group for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
Six years ago, Lady Hermione Merryhew's heart was stolen by the dashing Lieutenant Mark Thayne. They parted before Mark could steal a kiss, but she never forgot him. She never imagined that the next time she would see him, he would barge into her room at an inn trying to get away from the people he stole from. Even thinking him a fugitive thief, she can't help but hope to finally get that kiss.
Mark, now Viscount Faringay, doesn't like that Hermione thinks that he is a thief, but he can't blow his undercover persona. He has infiltrated a group of revolutionaries that plan to wreak havoc on London and he must do what he can to stop them.
As they spend time together, they quickly realize that they are each other's better half. But will the revolutionaries keep them apart?
I've been a fan of Jo Beverley for years and with each new story she delights me even more. I love her series books because you get to visit your favorites over and over again.
I really liked Hermione and Mark. Even when her family had fallen on hard times, Hermione made the best of her life. Living with her sister, wouldn't have been her first choice but you do what you have to do to survive. Mark felt like he had to help squash the revolutionaries because of what had happened to his mother. He didn't necessarily like his role, but it had to be done. They are both fighters, doing what they think right.
I liked that Hermione and Mark had both carried a talisman to remind them of the other since their departure. It showed that even though they only had that short time together, she each felt the connection that would eventually bring them back together again.
I really hope that this is not the end of the Rogues. But even if it is, I eagerly await to see what Beverley has in store for us next.
Thanks go out to Penguin Group for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
November 26, 2017
I thought I had written this review before and the only thing that keeps me from being sad is that hopefully Jo Beverly’s daughter will read this and know that her mom’s words have created beautiful images embedded in all our minds and hearts. When reading her books, I have never wanted to put them down.
I think she is also a writer. She will put her own spin on the way she will tell a tale. Genes are like dirt, and a family environment is like the sun and water but only her daughter will decide how she will twists and turns in writing her stories.
Holidays are difficult when a loved one is lost but there must be a reason I found this and am writing this. I decided that after losing a loved one, we should celebrate their life by always doing something or eating /drinking something they enjoyed during a special day. Or writing ...?
I think she is also a writer. She will put her own spin on the way she will tell a tale. Genes are like dirt, and a family environment is like the sun and water but only her daughter will decide how she will twists and turns in writing her stories.
Holidays are difficult when a loved one is lost but there must be a reason I found this and am writing this. I decided that after losing a loved one, we should celebrate their life by always doing something or eating /drinking something they enjoyed during a special day. Or writing ...?
August 5, 2016
I enjoy the Company of Rogue books and I think at this point, I've pretty much read all of them or close to it. I like visiting Jo Beverley's Regency world and seeing how the Rogues are doing. This story is about a Rogue connection--Hermione Merryhew, impoverished noble daughter, and Mark Thayne, former soldier and now spy infiltrating a domestic revolutionary group in post-Napolenic War England. I liked Hermione. I liked the context and the goings-on of Thayne's mission and how many movements there were in England after Waterloo, which eventually led to governmental reforms.
But...this being a historical romance...while the history was satisfactory, the romance was lukewarm.
But...this being a historical romance...while the history was satisfactory, the romance was lukewarm.
May 28, 2015
Another great read by Jo Beverley! So much to love about this book. Jo Beverley captures the atmosphere and public timbre in the aftermath of the French Revolution and Waterloo not by telling us about it, but by showing it in the behavior of everyone from tavern maids to a hero who experiences in the most heartbreaking and poignant way. She introduces aspects of a burgeoning interest in some amazing scientific discoveries by way of some intriguing, frightening and sometimes amusing characters. And in all of this there is a love story of such sweetness between two very real characters. Another consummate love story by a consummate storyteller.
April 19, 2023
I am going to miss having more Jo Beverley books coming out. This one is top notch, and full of bang-up adventure. The heroine is an impoverished daughter of nobility, her father known before his death as The Moneyless Marquess. The hero is an undercover operative for the government, and a man she met once long ago when he was a Lieutenant soon heading off to war. The cover copy does a good job of describing the plot. The heroine is a realistic character, one who doesn't charge blithely into danger, and can be terrified when terrifying things happen, but doesn't panic or have hysterics when they do. It's a good read and I liked it a lot.
May 11, 2015
Interesting context and great historical detail, lukewarm romance.
June 28, 2017
Didn't really like Thayne or Hermione...
February 6, 2021
Hermione is an impoverished fainting noblewoman who indeed finds herself in a series of situations much too dangerous for her to handle. She is a simple woman, used to simple things who clings to a romantical attachment from her first ball and finds it again when she encounters the man again now living a rather unsavory life. Her strength comes from seeing the best in people and always trying to do the right thing. Thane is perpetually fighting against revolution & tyranny like the kind that destroyed his French mother's mind and is currently infiltrating a destructive group. His cover becomes blown and he is now forced to take up his true identity while seeking a mad Frenchwoman bent on destruction and mayhem. He too, has clung to the attachment of Hermione and eventually must choose between his fight and the woman he loves. The action and main conflict surround stopping the mad plans of the Frenchwoman with a sub-plot of Hermione caring for a sick great-uncle.
June 7, 2017
Absolutely enjoyed this, and will definitely be reading more from this author.
I'm giving 5 stars for the story itself, rather well written. The secret world of spies during and following the Napoleonic era is fascinating, and this one definitely did not disappoint on that front. Intrigue, suspense, romance!
As far as the romance side of the story, I'd give it 3.5 stars. Seemed to be a bit overly dramatic and not as believable at first. I did warm up to their romance and was happy for them, although I'd have loved more actual detail and connection between them, not just the steamy side of their romance.
Story portion PG
Romance portion PG-13 for a couple steamy scenes but not over the top as to be Mature.
I'm giving 5 stars for the story itself, rather well written. The secret world of spies during and following the Napoleonic era is fascinating, and this one definitely did not disappoint on that front. Intrigue, suspense, romance!
As far as the romance side of the story, I'd give it 3.5 stars. Seemed to be a bit overly dramatic and not as believable at first. I did warm up to their romance and was happy for them, although I'd have loved more actual detail and connection between them, not just the steamy side of their romance.
Story portion PG
Romance portion PG-13 for a couple steamy scenes but not over the top as to be Mature.
November 3, 2016
A solid historical romance, though not one of her standouts - I thought the heartstrings were tugged a bit too obviously in this one. I liked seeing the Rogues, though their appearances may be have been slight overkill for readers new to the series.
August 9, 2021
Absolutely charming. I wish I could remember what list it was that put this on my tbr. Normally, I'm fundamentally incapable of starting a series at book 15! This is my first Jo Beverly, and if all her work is as tasty with the historical tidbits, my tbr just grew by 40+ books in one go.
May 31, 2017
Great story! Loved the intrigue with Hermione and Mark!
June 18, 2017
Not my favorite of Jo Beverlys. I felt that the main characters didn't get to spend enough time together. Needed more witty banter.
March 2, 2018
Just fine
Good heroes, good villains, new plot, all just right. I was particularly impressed with Heromine's decision to take care great uncle. Edgar. That was pretty unselfish.
Good heroes, good villains, new plot, all just right. I was particularly impressed with Heromine's decision to take care great uncle. Edgar. That was pretty unselfish.
November 17, 2019
Are usually like this either but this one just didn’t capture my attention. I stopped after chapter 13.
November 27, 2020
After a few of her books I found not as gripping, I really liked the spy element to this one.
December 19, 2020
I liked this one very much.
The plot was fast paced and didn’t get bogged down by characters fighting over whether they could love one another or not.
The plot was fast paced and didn’t get bogged down by characters fighting over whether they could love one another or not.
April 16, 2022
Historical romance.
May 12, 2022
A fun romance.
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