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Richard and Rose #2
Devonshire
He has everything to gain by letting her in. And everything to lose.
Richard and Rose, Book 2
Now that she’s engaged to Richard, one of the most admired—and passionate—men in society, shy, awkward Rose Golightly can finally hold her head high. She never anticipated that her elevated position would make her the target of a dangerous gang of smugglers.
Behind Richard’s aloof, sophisticated facade lies a man of shrewd intelligence, fierce loyalty, and deep devotion to those he loves. He’s willing to fight fair when necessary, dirty when cornered. Rose is one of only two people he trusts. All she’s ever asked of him is that there be no secrets between them, but there are a few lingering dark corners he’s reluctant to reveal.
Now, Rose’s childhood friend has made a stand against the smugglers that rule the coast, unwittingly putting Rose in danger. With her life at stake, there’s only one way Richard can save her—even if it means his bride has to trade her wedding gown for widow’s weeds.
Richard and Rose, Book 2
Now that she’s engaged to Richard, one of the most admired—and passionate—men in society, shy, awkward Rose Golightly can finally hold her head high. She never anticipated that her elevated position would make her the target of a dangerous gang of smugglers.
Behind Richard’s aloof, sophisticated facade lies a man of shrewd intelligence, fierce loyalty, and deep devotion to those he loves. He’s willing to fight fair when necessary, dirty when cornered. Rose is one of only two people he trusts. All she’s ever asked of him is that there be no secrets between them, but there are a few lingering dark corners he’s reluctant to reveal.
Now, Rose’s childhood friend has made a stand against the smugglers that rule the coast, unwittingly putting Rose in danger. With her life at stake, there’s only one way Richard can save her—even if it means his bride has to trade her wedding gown for widow’s weeds.
211 pages, Paperback
Published February 18, 2009
7 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
About the author
Lynne Connolly
130 books312 followersI was born in Leicester, England, and lived in our cobbler’s shop with my parents and sister. It was an old house and most definitely haunted, but I didn’t find out until I left that my great uncle had hung himself in the living room! But I think our ghost might have been older than that. It was built on the site of the old Roman cemetery, and the land had been constantly inhabited, being in the centre of town. Then, when the council bought the house from us to build a road, my grandfather retired and my father went and worked for the Post Office. My mother was a sample machinist; that is, she worked with designers on the prototypes (models or samples) of garments. So I was very well dressed! We bought a relatively modern house in the country, and my mother was blissfully happy. It’s all very well living in a large old house, but it’s a dreadful task to keep it clean and warm!
My mother's side of the family are Romany gypsies, although sadly we haven't any of the old trailers that are so astonishingly beautiful. I was taught to read the Tarot cards, and I usually use two packs; the Rider pack for simple readings and the Crowley Thoth pack for the complex stuff.
I've always had an interest in the paranormal and it's been a delight to be able to put some of this into my novels.
My mother's side of the family are Romany gypsies, although sadly we haven't any of the old trailers that are so astonishingly beautiful. I was taught to read the Tarot cards, and I usually use two packs; the Rider pack for simple readings and the Crowley Thoth pack for the complex stuff.
I've always had an interest in the paranormal and it's been a delight to be able to put some of this into my novels.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 8, 2010
Richard and Rose are back, a few months after the events of Yorkshire and shortly before their upcoming wedding.
Devonshire takes place at Rose's childhood home, which she shares with her brother James, a newly inherited earl, their other half-siblings, his wife and their children. It's a full house, but Connolly manages to weave them into the story enough to show a large, close family dynamic but not overwhelm with a confusing cast of characters. The major players in this drama remain Richard and his twin Gervase and Rose and her sister Lizzie.
Like the previous novel, Richard and Rose become involved in solving a mystery of sorts. Unlike that book, however, this time the suspense plot is a bit undeveloped and poorly tied in with their relationship growth. I felt the suspense arc and relationship arc were isolated from each other, with their own contained patterns of tension and release, making the book rather disjointed. Sometimes the focus was on the romance, sometimes it was on the smuggling drama, and there was rarely any sort of connection between the switches.
There was also a lack of suspense, really. We were not given a cast of characters from which to guess at being the guilty party. We are instead just dragged along the sub-plot as non-participatory observers. It all just sort of unfolds, with the climactic ending feeling just sort of cold-blooded on Richard's part.
I did still enjoy Connolly's voice and attention to setting and period. It's narrated in the first person from Rose's point of view and she's a wonderful character. She's sensible, fair, self-effacing without being whiny, and observant. Through her eyes and ears I felt I was walking through Georgian Devonshire personally. Despite the first person narration, Richard is a fully-fleshed characters and is easily understood through his words and deeds.
Though I found the plots poorly integrated, the romance is a joy to read. Richard and Rose are clearly devoted to and in love with each other. I'll continue with the series, even if it's just for more of those two lovebirds.
Devonshire takes place at Rose's childhood home, which she shares with her brother James, a newly inherited earl, their other half-siblings, his wife and their children. It's a full house, but Connolly manages to weave them into the story enough to show a large, close family dynamic but not overwhelm with a confusing cast of characters. The major players in this drama remain Richard and his twin Gervase and Rose and her sister Lizzie.
Like the previous novel, Richard and Rose become involved in solving a mystery of sorts. Unlike that book, however, this time the suspense plot is a bit undeveloped and poorly tied in with their relationship growth. I felt the suspense arc and relationship arc were isolated from each other, with their own contained patterns of tension and release, making the book rather disjointed. Sometimes the focus was on the romance, sometimes it was on the smuggling drama, and there was rarely any sort of connection between the switches.
There was also a lack of suspense, really. We were not given a cast of characters from which to guess at being the guilty party. We are instead just dragged along the sub-plot as non-participatory observers. It all just sort of unfolds, with the climactic ending feeling just sort of cold-blooded on Richard's part.
I did still enjoy Connolly's voice and attention to setting and period. It's narrated in the first person from Rose's point of view and she's a wonderful character. She's sensible, fair, self-effacing without being whiny, and observant. Through her eyes and ears I felt I was walking through Georgian Devonshire personally. Despite the first person narration, Richard is a fully-fleshed characters and is easily understood through his words and deeds.
Though I found the plots poorly integrated, the romance is a joy to read. Richard and Rose are clearly devoted to and in love with each other. I'll continue with the series, even if it's just for more of those two lovebirds.
September 29, 2009
In the aftermath of events from the first book of the series Yorkshire, Richard and Rose are eagerly anticipating their wedding day. They are deeply in love and Rose has returned to Devonshire with her family to plan the day.
Unable to be away from Rose for too long, Richard and Gervase descend on Devonshire in all of their town sophisticated fabulousness much to delight of the people of the Town.
But all is not sweetness and light. Since they are so close to the coast Devonshire has sees it's share of the smuggling trade. And the smugglers aren't criminals with a heart of gold, they are just plain criminals who use intimidation and terror tactics to keep their smuggling enterprise thriving. Most people know to look the other way on the nights a shipment is due, but the boldness and cruelty of the smugglers are beginning to be leech more and more into the open and affect everyday life. Richard intervenes on a beating and is thus drawn into what quickly becomes a power struggle.
I am in love with Richard and Rose. I really enjoy a book and in this case, a series, where the protagonists are in love and face adversity together. Romance novels don't always have to be about the couple meeting and falling in love. As Connolly aptly shows in her series they can also be about a couple already in love who are navigating how to make a life together and who are learning about each other.
Richard, as in the previous book, continues to be a revelation. We have a man who is very much a fashionable sophisticate of his time but who is underneath it all much more than that. During the course of the story, Rose is exposed to a dangerous villain who kidnaps her and tortures her. She isn't raped, but he certainly assaults her sexually. When she and Richard reunite (through clever machinations of Richard's where he outwits the villain) she is upfront and frank about what happened and wonders if Richard is ok with it (at that time, of course, a woman was blamed and her virtue suspect even if she was a victim and only in the company of a man for a short time). Richard, naturally, not only doesn't blame her but is all about vengeance.
Rose is a worthy mate for Richard. Instead of being overcome by her assault, she is righteously angry. She doesn't want Richard to go riding off to avenge her kidnapping. She wants to be there and she wants to get her own vengeance.
When they do confront the kidnapper, what happens is shocking (for a romance novel) and worthy of a re-read. I was highly gratified at what Connolly chose as the kidnappers fate.
I think one of the reasons I am so immensely enjoying the series is because Connolly is actually doing something a bit different. She isn't writing cliche romance. She's actually subverting the genre in small but noticeable ways. I am glad the story and characters are not predictable romance novel fare. I gave up reading historicals because frankly you could almost predict the characters and plot from book to book. But not so these and I am enjoying myself reading historicals more than I have in a really long time. Richard and Rose talk to each other, they don't keep secrets, there are no manufactured misunderstandings. How refreshing!
Highly recommended!
Unable to be away from Rose for too long, Richard and Gervase descend on Devonshire in all of their town sophisticated fabulousness much to delight of the people of the Town.
But all is not sweetness and light. Since they are so close to the coast Devonshire has sees it's share of the smuggling trade. And the smugglers aren't criminals with a heart of gold, they are just plain criminals who use intimidation and terror tactics to keep their smuggling enterprise thriving. Most people know to look the other way on the nights a shipment is due, but the boldness and cruelty of the smugglers are beginning to be leech more and more into the open and affect everyday life. Richard intervenes on a beating and is thus drawn into what quickly becomes a power struggle.
I am in love with Richard and Rose. I really enjoy a book and in this case, a series, where the protagonists are in love and face adversity together. Romance novels don't always have to be about the couple meeting and falling in love. As Connolly aptly shows in her series they can also be about a couple already in love who are navigating how to make a life together and who are learning about each other.
Richard, as in the previous book, continues to be a revelation. We have a man who is very much a fashionable sophisticate of his time but who is underneath it all much more than that. During the course of the story, Rose is exposed to a dangerous villain who kidnaps her and tortures her. She isn't raped, but he certainly assaults her sexually. When she and Richard reunite (through clever machinations of Richard's where he outwits the villain) she is upfront and frank about what happened and wonders if Richard is ok with it (at that time, of course, a woman was blamed and her virtue suspect even if she was a victim and only in the company of a man for a short time). Richard, naturally, not only doesn't blame her but is all about vengeance.
Rose is a worthy mate for Richard. Instead of being overcome by her assault, she is righteously angry. She doesn't want Richard to go riding off to avenge her kidnapping. She wants to be there and she wants to get her own vengeance.
When they do confront the kidnapper, what happens is shocking (for a romance novel) and worthy of a re-read. I was highly gratified at what Connolly chose as the kidnappers fate.
I think one of the reasons I am so immensely enjoying the series is because Connolly is actually doing something a bit different. She isn't writing cliche romance. She's actually subverting the genre in small but noticeable ways. I am glad the story and characters are not predictable romance novel fare. I gave up reading historicals because frankly you could almost predict the characters and plot from book to book. But not so these and I am enjoying myself reading historicals more than I have in a really long time. Richard and Rose talk to each other, they don't keep secrets, there are no manufactured misunderstandings. How refreshing!
Highly recommended!
Read
May 10, 2020I read the first of this series years ago. At the time I was fairly active in European Romance Trading Group (I think that was the title) on the internet. I was new to the genre and really appreciated the discussions and suggestions from the others in the group who were generally highly knowledgeable about the historical eras, mores and fashions. Somewhat scathing denunciations of anachronisms and unacceptable comments or actions were also highly educational for me.
Lynne Connolly was also an active member of the group, and I am sorry not to have read more of her books at the time. Unfortunately my book acquisition is defined by my budget and most often her books are just that much pricier than so many others.
I did read the first and on the whole I greatly enjoyed it. I set this one aside to read in more dire times (and hopefully when I would have more of the series on my TBR pile). A worldwide pandemic is fairly dire as things go, so I decided to pick this up now, despite not having added to the series. Once in, I greatly regretted not having the first on hand, because this was very much a follow-on of the first. Aside from remembering that I enjoyed it, I really didn't remember the plot. (This is no reflection on the book... my memory just ain't what it once was and I do read a great many books every year...).
I tried to find a summary somewhere but ideally would have just reread it before reading this. That book is stored elsewhere and inaccessible while we remain more or less in lock-down.
One thing that did come back to me was some confusion about the characters. Here, when the twins arrive in Devonshire, I had to re-read the passage several times to figure out who was saying what, which one was Lord Strang and which the brother...I have a vague recollection of the same type of confusion while reading the first.
With this said, I appreciate Connolly's writing and enjoy her characters and the integrity of her heroine. I am sad not to have the next (yet) but think I'll re-read the first two when I do eventually pick it up.
Lynne Connolly was also an active member of the group, and I am sorry not to have read more of her books at the time. Unfortunately my book acquisition is defined by my budget and most often her books are just that much pricier than so many others.
I did read the first and on the whole I greatly enjoyed it. I set this one aside to read in more dire times (and hopefully when I would have more of the series on my TBR pile). A worldwide pandemic is fairly dire as things go, so I decided to pick this up now, despite not having added to the series. Once in, I greatly regretted not having the first on hand, because this was very much a follow-on of the first. Aside from remembering that I enjoyed it, I really didn't remember the plot. (This is no reflection on the book... my memory just ain't what it once was and I do read a great many books every year...).
I tried to find a summary somewhere but ideally would have just reread it before reading this. That book is stored elsewhere and inaccessible while we remain more or less in lock-down.
One thing that did come back to me was some confusion about the characters. Here, when the twins arrive in Devonshire, I had to re-read the passage several times to figure out who was saying what, which one was Lord Strang and which the brother...I have a vague recollection of the same type of confusion while reading the first.
With this said, I appreciate Connolly's writing and enjoy her characters and the integrity of her heroine. I am sad not to have the next (yet) but think I'll re-read the first two when I do eventually pick it up.
September 18, 2023
Shocking Historical Mystery!
Prepare to be swept away by an extraordinary and one-of-a-kind story that will leave you breathless. The male protagonist, Richard, is a man of the Georgian Era, whose striking appearance is only the tip of the iceberg. With his luxurious silk coats in vivid colors, unpowdered hair, and no wig, Richard's looks belie his true persona. He is a man of exceptional abilities, deadly with his sword, gun, and intelligence, making him the perfect alpha male. Richard can be cold and autocratic, but his unwavering love for those he cherishes is profound. He is fiercely protective, and anyone who harms those he loves will face swift retribution. Rose, the female protagonist, is a woman who never dreamed she would marry into the aristocracy, let alone to a man as handsome and exalted as Richard. Her good fortune is hard to believe, and she feels grateful for his attention, even if it's for a short time. But when Rose is kidnapped by smugglers, her insecurities come to the fore, and she questions Richard's devotion to her. However, Richard's love for her is unwavering, and he will stop at nothing to protect her from harm. The story is full of twists and turns, and justice is served in a brutal but just manner. The author's writing style is impeccable, and if you are a fan of historical romance novels, this book is a must-read. Don't miss out on this
captivating tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.
I highly recommend it.
carolintallahassee
Prepare to be swept away by an extraordinary and one-of-a-kind story that will leave you breathless. The male protagonist, Richard, is a man of the Georgian Era, whose striking appearance is only the tip of the iceberg. With his luxurious silk coats in vivid colors, unpowdered hair, and no wig, Richard's looks belie his true persona. He is a man of exceptional abilities, deadly with his sword, gun, and intelligence, making him the perfect alpha male. Richard can be cold and autocratic, but his unwavering love for those he cherishes is profound. He is fiercely protective, and anyone who harms those he loves will face swift retribution. Rose, the female protagonist, is a woman who never dreamed she would marry into the aristocracy, let alone to a man as handsome and exalted as Richard. Her good fortune is hard to believe, and she feels grateful for his attention, even if it's for a short time. But when Rose is kidnapped by smugglers, her insecurities come to the fore, and she questions Richard's devotion to her. However, Richard's love for her is unwavering, and he will stop at nothing to protect her from harm. The story is full of twists and turns, and justice is served in a brutal but just manner. The author's writing style is impeccable, and if you are a fan of historical romance novels, this book is a must-read. Don't miss out on this
captivating tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.
I highly recommend it.
carolintallahassee
December 18, 2025
A reread for me. I must have read this when it now came out. As have older covers.
June 7, 2008
A wedding... or a funeral? Rose Golighty and Lord Richard Strang anticipate their long-awaited wedding. But dark whispers reach Richard's ears of smugglers threatening the county's peace. Events escalate until Rose's life is threatened. Richard knows he must act to save her and her friends from disaster. Even if his bride has to trade her wedding gown for widow's weeds.
Devonshire is the second book of the Richard and Rose series. We meet them again as they prepare for their wedding. However not all is well as in the village near where Rose lives some people are being attacked and there's rumour of a smugglers gang around. At the same time Rose has to face the competition of one other young lady for Richard's attention.
I did like the fact that we get to know Richard and Rose better. We get to know how deeply they feel for each other, how Richard is prepared to take revenge on people who hurt Rose in the past and how he has a sort of secret life organising a group of clever spies. That will come handy when he and Rose's friend Tom interferes with the smugglers operation which ends with Tom and Rose being kidnapped and held for guarantee of everyone's good behaviour while the smugglers wait for their last cargo.
The true villain of the story was a bit of a surprise and unlike other stories where the heroine always comes out safe Rose does have a hard time and is tortured by the villain. She feels dirty and ill used but she doesn't hesitate to tell the truth to Richard once they are safe. There's also not a clean ending, Richard is capable of violence when needed be and in fact when compared with the first book this one has a lot more of that.
I really enjoyed it and the small village atmosphere we have here, where all the neighbours know and gossip about each other. It was really fun to see Richard setting Miss Terry up for the fall while Rose felt so secure of his feelings.
Grade: B+
Devonshire is the second book of the Richard and Rose series. We meet them again as they prepare for their wedding. However not all is well as in the village near where Rose lives some people are being attacked and there's rumour of a smugglers gang around. At the same time Rose has to face the competition of one other young lady for Richard's attention.
I did like the fact that we get to know Richard and Rose better. We get to know how deeply they feel for each other, how Richard is prepared to take revenge on people who hurt Rose in the past and how he has a sort of secret life organising a group of clever spies. That will come handy when he and Rose's friend Tom interferes with the smugglers operation which ends with Tom and Rose being kidnapped and held for guarantee of everyone's good behaviour while the smugglers wait for their last cargo.
The true villain of the story was a bit of a surprise and unlike other stories where the heroine always comes out safe Rose does have a hard time and is tortured by the villain. She feels dirty and ill used but she doesn't hesitate to tell the truth to Richard once they are safe. There's also not a clean ending, Richard is capable of violence when needed be and in fact when compared with the first book this one has a lot more of that.
I really enjoyed it and the small village atmosphere we have here, where all the neighbours know and gossip about each other. It was really fun to see Richard setting Miss Terry up for the fall while Rose felt so secure of his feelings.
Grade: B+
May 17, 2011
Lynne Connolly has penned yet another fantastic tale in the Richard and Rose series. Devonshire is a dream of a read where I was lost in the past from the first word. There is also tension—absolutely brilliant tension—that had me on the edge of my seat and biting my nails.
Rose and Richard’s relationship blossoms further in book 2, where we get to see them learning more about one another. Their love in book 1 is very apparent, and book 2 highlights their growing passion. They have a love that, I’m sure, will only grow deeper as the series progresses. I love these two—they are my all-time favourite hero and heroine to date.
There are characters you’ll love to hate, and once again I guessed the completely wrong person as the real baddie until that person was revealed. And then, of course, I saw the red herring in a “look” that was mentioned, which steered me into thinking it was the other person. Also, the real baddie is respectable—I just didn’t suspect at all.
I can’t praise this series enough. I read it quickly, scoffing up the words, and as with book 1, when Devonshire ended, I actually felt distraught. I didn’t know what to do with myself, felt lost and empty without the characters in my head—although they do stay there for some time once you’ve finished. I’m glad to say book 3, Venice, arrived shortly after my mourning period, and I opened it right away. About ten minutes after finishing Devonshire. The product warning Samhain has is so true. These books are addictive.
An awesome read. Just writing this review and looking at my notes has brought it all back, and now I have a Rose and Richard craving again. I’ve already read Venice (#3), so now I need book 4. NEED!
If you love historical works, please buy this series (It's also in print!). You will not be disappointed.
Rose and Richard’s relationship blossoms further in book 2, where we get to see them learning more about one another. Their love in book 1 is very apparent, and book 2 highlights their growing passion. They have a love that, I’m sure, will only grow deeper as the series progresses. I love these two—they are my all-time favourite hero and heroine to date.
There are characters you’ll love to hate, and once again I guessed the completely wrong person as the real baddie until that person was revealed. And then, of course, I saw the red herring in a “look” that was mentioned, which steered me into thinking it was the other person. Also, the real baddie is respectable—I just didn’t suspect at all.
I can’t praise this series enough. I read it quickly, scoffing up the words, and as with book 1, when Devonshire ended, I actually felt distraught. I didn’t know what to do with myself, felt lost and empty without the characters in my head—although they do stay there for some time once you’ve finished. I’m glad to say book 3, Venice, arrived shortly after my mourning period, and I opened it right away. About ten minutes after finishing Devonshire. The product warning Samhain has is so true. These books are addictive.
An awesome read. Just writing this review and looking at my notes has brought it all back, and now I have a Rose and Richard craving again. I’ve already read Venice (#3), so now I need book 4. NEED!
If you love historical works, please buy this series (It's also in print!). You will not be disappointed.
January 14, 2018
the main plot of the book didn't really interest me at all and the climax was just a let down. But i really loved seeing Rose and Richard growing closer together and how their relationship developed over the course of the book.
November 8, 2010
I liked this book better than the first one. I hope the author goes easy on Rose in the next book though!
June 19, 2012
I LOVE these books. I cannot wait to read the next one. Great writing, awesome characters, and an epic love.
July 28, 2012
I liked this 2nd book. Although still there are parts that are dragging. Still I am hooked on this series. I hope it will be better and better.
August 15, 2012
Two-haiku review:
Prepping for wedding
Richard and Rose are in love
Threatened by smugglers
Dangers of the times
Must take law into own hands
Suspense and romance
Prepping for wedding
Richard and Rose are in love
Threatened by smugglers
Dangers of the times
Must take law into own hands
Suspense and romance
June 24, 2019
3 stars
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January 9, 2010Fictionwise multiformat ebook
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews