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Love Takes Root #2
The Other Harlow Girl
A woman in the British Horticultural Society! The very idea horrifies everyone, including ardent horticulturalist Lavinia Harlow, whose own name has been put forth for membership by the provoking Marquess of Huntly. He does it as a joke, of course, to get back at her for an imagined slight—well, to be fair, she had insulted his writing—and Vinnie, older sister to the infamous Harlow Hoyden, is far too sensible to rise to his ridiculous challenge.Determined to head off further scandal (her name has already been recorded in the betting book at Brooks's!), Vinnie dashes off a polite note refusing the honor—which she has every intention of sending. Really. Only she can't help but chafe at the way everyone keeps demanding that she decline at once, even the marquess. Oh, especially the marquess, whose perfection she finds intolerable. Who ever heard of a gentleman being so handsome and so intelligent and so well informed about foreign flora?Clearly, the man needs to be taken down a peg, and somehow, despite all twenty-four years of faultless propriety, Vinnie is just the hoyden to do it.————————————————————
Readers find Love Takes Root Series wonderfully This book was absolutely delightful! - Noorammk, Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐OMG! I love this series. - PLP, Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Excellent plot and filled with intrigue! I adored the heroine and her hoydish, devil may care attitude! - Lisa, Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐It is a delight, and my favorite of the series. It is full of impertinence & delightfully devious thinking. - Barbie, Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Oh, what a grand adventure! The whole story was wrapped in layers of intrigue and distrust. What fun I had peeling those layers away page after page. - Charlotte, Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Readers find Love Takes Root Series wonderfully This book was absolutely delightful! - Noorammk, Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐OMG! I love this series. - PLP, Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Excellent plot and filled with intrigue! I adored the heroine and her hoydish, devil may care attitude! - Lisa, Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐It is a delight, and my favorite of the series. It is full of impertinence & delightfully devious thinking. - Barbie, Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Oh, what a grand adventure! The whole story was wrapped in layers of intrigue and distrust. What fun I had peeling those layers away page after page. - Charlotte, Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
239 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2014
730 people are currently reading
594 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Messina
64 books657 followersLynn Messina is author of more than a dozen novels, including the best-selling Fashionistas, which has been translated into sixteen languages, and a series of Regency romance novels. Her essays have appeared in Self, American Baby and the New York Times Modern Love column. She lives in New York City with her sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
September 5, 2014
I enthusiastically recommend this book both as a follow up to The Harlow Hoyden and even as a stand alone. You do not need to read the first to appreciate the second but you'll want to. Definitely a Keeper.
But first, I must confess.... The first five chapters of this book drove me to despair. I needed to be revived with burnt feathers and extra strength coffee - the kind that melts plastic spoons and requires a hazmat warning to be issued. My beloved Lavinia Harlow [who I was sure deserved the hero in the former book The Harlow Hoyden] had become one of those heroines I despise.
She was a self-absorbed, scatter-wit liar, full of self-righteousness masked as indignation over slights that had not actually occurred; unable to think straight because a man *looks* so beautiful and worst of all, petty. Oh woe, woe to my romantic heart that is frequently troubled by sequels. I closed the book, disheartened, swooning from the injustices in a reader's life. [yeah, I had the blues over a character in a book - that says more about me than the book I fear]
I told myself to just *forget* the former book. I do enjoy Miss Messina's writing style and with that for comfort, I would soldier on. I re-opened the book and started over at the beginning, pretending I had no knowledge of Lavinia prior to this experience. I can't say she won my admiration in the first five chapters as she had in the first book but as an unknown character she was more sympathetic. I still sighed over the foolishness of brain sucking love at first sight.
This book has a lovely cover, by the way, and a Chapter Six that stole my breath, restored my confidence in both Ms. Messina and Lavinia and even made me like Huntly - the impeccably perfect hero that made Alexander Trent, hero of former book, seem like weak coffee that cooled off while you scrubbed the kitchen. Okay, maybe not that extreme, but I found Felix Dryden, [what a wonderful name] Marquess Huntly nifty as espresso even when I wanted to warn him what was surely to come!
Ms. Messina toyed with me and how I enjoyed the adventure. As with the first book, things did not go as romance readers would expect, maybe even dread [yeah, that's me admitting guilt]. The trope, scenario ... What-ehver was firmly in keeping with the genre but using the twists and turns and communication -omigod, characters that communicate, how utterly wonderful - she made everything seem fresh as 1975. [and that was me admitting how long I've been reading romance books and if you are mathematically inclined you can probably figure out I'm not just mature, I'm practically old]
Trent and The Hoyden were as much apart of this story as Vinnie had been of the former and gave this book a solid, traditional feel. I adore books with characters that don't exist in a vacuum of lurv with walk on caricatures coming and going. We live involved with family, friends, acquaintances and bad days that can turn to good ones in an instant, if we allow that. Ms. Messina's characters are granted this privilege as well and it is why I enjoy her books.
Not only has Ms. Messina avoided the traps of the same ole thing, she stood same ole thing on its end and gave it a spin with a giggle of glee. I swallowed the rest of the book in one gulp, thoroughly captivated by the prose and tale, while battling my own mortification over rashly judging and petty dependency on what *I want* versus what the author chooses to share with me. [Yes, that is my bumbling apology for doubting and dawdling].
Huntly was a hero worthy of the title, Lavinia a heroine worth adoring and the cast of family and fiends completely fleshed out. The writing lively and amusing, the topics handled deftly without ever preaching or demeaning the society or people that existed at that time. Her attention to details was well-handled without overwhelming while filling in enough of the back story you could keep up. Characters new and old were believable and three dimensional. Tension of a sexual nature deftly handled and perfectly understated for these two characters and the one love scene tastefully done.
Lavinia Harlow is a character that has and will stick with me. I found her admirable, believable for the time she lived in and frankly, endearing. She deserved her hero. He certainly deserved Lavinia. I am most grateful to Ms. Messina for not making him "earn" her, only walk with her, faithfully, like a man that has both a heart and mind that works as satisfactorily as his libido.
Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Read the complete review and others at Page Traveler
But first, I must confess.... The first five chapters of this book drove me to despair. I needed to be revived with burnt feathers and extra strength coffee - the kind that melts plastic spoons and requires a hazmat warning to be issued. My beloved Lavinia Harlow [who I was sure deserved the hero in the former book The Harlow Hoyden] had become one of those heroines I despise.
She was a self-absorbed, scatter-wit liar, full of self-righteousness masked as indignation over slights that had not actually occurred; unable to think straight because a man *looks* so beautiful and worst of all, petty. Oh woe, woe to my romantic heart that is frequently troubled by sequels. I closed the book, disheartened, swooning from the injustices in a reader's life. [yeah, I had the blues over a character in a book - that says more about me than the book I fear]
I told myself to just *forget* the former book. I do enjoy Miss Messina's writing style and with that for comfort, I would soldier on. I re-opened the book and started over at the beginning, pretending I had no knowledge of Lavinia prior to this experience. I can't say she won my admiration in the first five chapters as she had in the first book but as an unknown character she was more sympathetic. I still sighed over the foolishness of brain sucking love at first sight.
This book has a lovely cover, by the way, and a Chapter Six that stole my breath, restored my confidence in both Ms. Messina and Lavinia and even made me like Huntly - the impeccably perfect hero that made Alexander Trent, hero of former book, seem like weak coffee that cooled off while you scrubbed the kitchen. Okay, maybe not that extreme, but I found Felix Dryden, [what a wonderful name] Marquess Huntly nifty as espresso even when I wanted to warn him what was surely to come!
Ms. Messina toyed with me and how I enjoyed the adventure. As with the first book, things did not go as romance readers would expect, maybe even dread [yeah, that's me admitting guilt]. The trope, scenario ... What-ehver was firmly in keeping with the genre but using the twists and turns and communication -omigod, characters that communicate, how utterly wonderful - she made everything seem fresh as 1975. [and that was me admitting how long I've been reading romance books and if you are mathematically inclined you can probably figure out I'm not just mature, I'm practically old]
Trent and The Hoyden were as much apart of this story as Vinnie had been of the former and gave this book a solid, traditional feel. I adore books with characters that don't exist in a vacuum of lurv with walk on caricatures coming and going. We live involved with family, friends, acquaintances and bad days that can turn to good ones in an instant, if we allow that. Ms. Messina's characters are granted this privilege as well and it is why I enjoy her books.
Not only has Ms. Messina avoided the traps of the same ole thing, she stood same ole thing on its end and gave it a spin with a giggle of glee. I swallowed the rest of the book in one gulp, thoroughly captivated by the prose and tale, while battling my own mortification over rashly judging and petty dependency on what *I want* versus what the author chooses to share with me. [Yes, that is my bumbling apology for doubting and dawdling].
Huntly was a hero worthy of the title, Lavinia a heroine worth adoring and the cast of family and fiends completely fleshed out. The writing lively and amusing, the topics handled deftly without ever preaching or demeaning the society or people that existed at that time. Her attention to details was well-handled without overwhelming while filling in enough of the back story you could keep up. Characters new and old were believable and three dimensional. Tension of a sexual nature deftly handled and perfectly understated for these two characters and the one love scene tastefully done.
Lavinia Harlow is a character that has and will stick with me. I found her admirable, believable for the time she lived in and frankly, endearing. She deserved her hero. He certainly deserved Lavinia. I am most grateful to Ms. Messina for not making him "earn" her, only walk with her, faithfully, like a man that has both a heart and mind that works as satisfactorily as his libido.
Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Read the complete review and others at Page Traveler
April 27, 2019
2.25 stars.
I didn’t like this as much as the other stories I’d read by this author. First, I was expecting a clean read and was I unpleasantly surprised by an intimate scene. It was tastefully done, but it was unexpected.
That aside, the chemistry between the MCs wasn’t that great. I didn’t feel like there was much build up to the conclusion and the lack of epilogue didn’t help either.
However, I do have to say that I enjoyed the dual povs, which was lacking in the Hyde-Clare series. I did like hearing from the hero and it also seemed like he’s been celibate for the last two years. I appreciated that fact, so even though he had mistresses and paramours, he didn’t become involved with someone the moment he returned to England. So points for that.
I probably would’ve enjoyed this more if I cared about the couple from the first books of the series. I chose to skip it based on the premise, but that’s on me. Had I read it, this probably would’ve received three stars.
I didn’t like this as much as the other stories I’d read by this author. First, I was expecting a clean read and was I unpleasantly surprised by an intimate scene. It was tastefully done, but it was unexpected.
That aside, the chemistry between the MCs wasn’t that great. I didn’t feel like there was much build up to the conclusion and the lack of epilogue didn’t help either.
However, I do have to say that I enjoyed the dual povs, which was lacking in the Hyde-Clare series. I did like hearing from the hero and it also seemed like he’s been celibate for the last two years. I appreciated that fact, so even though he had mistresses and paramours, he didn’t become involved with someone the moment he returned to England. So points for that.
I probably would’ve enjoyed this more if I cared about the couple from the first books of the series. I chose to skip it based on the premise, but that’s on me. Had I read it, this probably would’ve received three stars.
November 8, 2019
This is the second book in Lynn Messina's Love Takes Root series. Whereas the first book followed Miss Emma Harlow, The Fellingham Minx follows her twin sister, Miss Lavinia Harlow. While Emma is confident and daring, Lavinia- or Vinnie- is quiet and bookish. She almost never acts in a way that goes against the grain, but once her name is put forth for membership in the British Horticultural Society by the Marquess of Huntley. And as an avid horticulturist, why shouldn't she pursue it, simply because she is a woman?
She does indeed intend to decline the offer in order to avoid further scandal, but once others start calling for her to decline she finds that she cannot.
I was impressed with Lavinia character while reading The Harlow Hoyden and although I still liked her in this book, I found her to be less likeable here. This might not be all on her character though. I found Emma to be very amsuing in and I adored Lavinia as well. They played off each other really well and I felt that Lavinia's personality really got to shine more in that book, even as a secondary character. In this book, Lavinia's personality seemed more repressed and she didn't seem like the same young woman we got to know over the course of the last book. But I did really love her awkward interactions and indignation with Huntley in the beginning of the book.
I didn't really see the connection between Lavinia and Huntley and the realization of their feelings for one another felt a bit abrupt for me. There was less adventure and mystery in this book and so that made it drag a bit for me. I found Emma and Keswick to be my favorite characters from the book because they are just so amusing and endearing.
This book is enjoyable. But if you are going into this book expecting to go along for a mystery with our characters, as in The Harlow Hoyden then this may not be the ideal book for you as there is not much. As it is the touch of drama and intrigue at the end of the book is quite unexpected and a bit out of place. Plus it is very rapidly resolved...almost like it didn't need to be in there to begin with. This is not my favorite of Lynn Messina's books, but still enjoyable.
_____
I read this book with my Kindle Unlimited membership.
She does indeed intend to decline the offer in order to avoid further scandal, but once others start calling for her to decline she finds that she cannot.
I was impressed with Lavinia character while reading The Harlow Hoyden and although I still liked her in this book, I found her to be less likeable here. This might not be all on her character though. I found Emma to be very amsuing in and I adored Lavinia as well. They played off each other really well and I felt that Lavinia's personality really got to shine more in that book, even as a secondary character. In this book, Lavinia's personality seemed more repressed and she didn't seem like the same young woman we got to know over the course of the last book. But I did really love her awkward interactions and indignation with Huntley in the beginning of the book.
I didn't really see the connection between Lavinia and Huntley and the realization of their feelings for one another felt a bit abrupt for me. There was less adventure and mystery in this book and so that made it drag a bit for me. I found Emma and Keswick to be my favorite characters from the book because they are just so amusing and endearing.
This book is enjoyable. But if you are going into this book expecting to go along for a mystery with our characters, as in The Harlow Hoyden then this may not be the ideal book for you as there is not much. As it is the touch of drama and intrigue at the end of the book is quite unexpected and a bit out of place. Plus it is very rapidly resolved...almost like it didn't need to be in there to begin with. This is not my favorite of Lynn Messina's books, but still enjoyable.
_____
I read this book with my Kindle Unlimited membership.
September 2, 2022
Another fun romp from Lynn Messina, this time with the Harlow twin who is supposed to be reserved and proper...but she's dealing with her actions at the end of the first book and is finding it harder to be reserved these days.
Vinnie's love of horticulture continues to drive the series. This time, she's developing the first flexible water hose. She meets one of her brother-in-law's friends, Felix Huntley, a naturalist who has just returned from two years abroad collecting specimens, and is compelled to tease him because he is even more proper than she ever was. She thinks he's a pompous jerk.
The teasing goes back and forth until he puts her up for membership in a horticultural society, which makes her the subject of jokes in society, as a women would never want to join such an organization...except this one does. Vinnie prepares for the nomination process, which includes making a big presentation. Felix becomes conflicted as he realizes he actually likes Vinnie and doesn't want her to be embarrassed by being rejected by the society (whose men say they'll vote against her).
All during this, Vinnie is still dealing with what she did at the end of the last book and has resigned herself to being a spinster because of her actions. Well, it's clear where this will go.
As always, Messina's writing is funny, the heroines are outrageous, and a lot of silliness happens. It was a lot of fun.
Vinnie's love of horticulture continues to drive the series. This time, she's developing the first flexible water hose. She meets one of her brother-in-law's friends, Felix Huntley, a naturalist who has just returned from two years abroad collecting specimens, and is compelled to tease him because he is even more proper than she ever was. She thinks he's a pompous jerk.
The teasing goes back and forth until he puts her up for membership in a horticultural society, which makes her the subject of jokes in society, as a women would never want to join such an organization...except this one does. Vinnie prepares for the nomination process, which includes making a big presentation. Felix becomes conflicted as he realizes he actually likes Vinnie and doesn't want her to be embarrassed by being rejected by the society (whose men say they'll vote against her).
All during this, Vinnie is still dealing with what she did at the end of the last book and has resigned herself to being a spinster because of her actions. Well, it's clear where this will go.
As always, Messina's writing is funny, the heroines are outrageous, and a lot of silliness happens. It was a lot of fun.
January 5, 2015
Bah, the sensible heroine is make unsensible by love. Well, I was afraid of that. I did think this did a very good job of dealing with the idea of a woman joining a male society in a believable way for the time. But the love story didn't really work for me.
Oh, and points for still including lots of the previous heroine. I've read lots of romance series that are about supposedly close-knit women, only each woman disappears once she has her happily ever after.
Oh, and points for still including lots of the previous heroine. I've read lots of romance series that are about supposedly close-knit women, only each woman disappears once she has her happily ever after.
November 14, 2015
3.5 stars. I enjoyed this book. It has a great romance with our h and H so attracted to each other that they fight like cats and dogs. I loved how clueless Huntley was and how he could push Vinnie's buttons. I loved watching the Harlow twins scheme to get their way. They had a great relationship. In fact I loved all the relationships in this book, siblings, spouses, friends, parents. They were all well done and one of the things I liked most in this book. Loved the ending.
I got this book free on Amazon.
I got this book free on Amazon.
November 4, 2023
Livvy is the twin of the Harlow Hoyden. She has always been the more sedate one, but she can be as fiesty as her sister. When the Marquess of Huntly comes upon her in his friend the Duke of Trent's conservatory, she accidently drenched him with a water hose. The story, part mystery, part romance goes on from there.
When Livvy and the Marquess claim to dislike each other, Emma and Trent know something is going on.
As an enemy tries to humiliate Livvy, how far will the Marquess go to help her??
When Livvy and the Marquess claim to dislike each other, Emma and Trent know something is going on.
As an enemy tries to humiliate Livvy, how far will the Marquess go to help her??
May 10, 2019
Disappointed, especially since I enjoyed the previous book so much. Vinnie's story had less wit and humor. Not too surprising, since Vinnie is nothing like her twin Emma. Also, Vinnie was not really a trailblazer because she only continued to apply for the ...Hort. Membership to get back at Huntly. Nothing was said about how her acceptance would lead to other women being accepted into the society. Having worked with botanists at the UCB Herbarium, I am familiar with the many women who have contributed to the research of the plants of the world.
Also, I Would have expected Huntley to soon see Vinnie as an equal partner in their horticultural persuits. How lucky can you get to find an attractive single woman of your own social status who has as much knowledge and interest as you in your chosen field. Huntly dismissed Vinnie too easily.
Also, it didn't seem like they shared that much time together, so I don't see how they fell in love so quickly.
Also, I Would have expected Huntley to soon see Vinnie as an equal partner in their horticultural persuits. How lucky can you get to find an attractive single woman of your own social status who has as much knowledge and interest as you in your chosen field. Huntly dismissed Vinnie too easily.
Also, it didn't seem like they shared that much time together, so I don't see how they fell in love so quickly.
November 15, 2015
This book started out as such a fun, Victorian romance with all the hilarious social faux pas of Heyer's books. The character were very well developed/three dimensional. The research of the time period seemed pretty authentic, etc. I also loved the idea of a female character fighting against the system and becoming the first female accepted into an all male group. But then the author ruined the sweet love story by throwing in a scene that ruined the story for me. I thought I had found a fun book I could share with my friends and daughters. But the author ruined a perfectly good story with too much information. This all happened around 85% of the way through and I stopped. Too bad, because the writing was phenomenal.
November 24, 2021
A hose leads to marriage?
Vinnie was working on perfecting her gardening water hose when it burst and rained water on one gorgeous Felix Marquess of Huntley. Vinnie babbles out some made up servants name and it is hilarious mayhem from then on. Also involve her twin Emma and there are laugh of loud moments because no one messes with her her sister! Shenanigans continue when Felix nominates Vinnie to the all male Horticulture Society. Get ready for a ride as these ride the bumpy road of HEA! Get ready to laugh out loud!
Vinnie was working on perfecting her gardening water hose when it burst and rained water on one gorgeous Felix Marquess of Huntley. Vinnie babbles out some made up servants name and it is hilarious mayhem from then on. Also involve her twin Emma and there are laugh of loud moments because no one messes with her her sister! Shenanigans continue when Felix nominates Vinnie to the all male Horticulture Society. Get ready for a ride as these ride the bumpy road of HEA! Get ready to laugh out loud!
January 30, 2023
SPOILERS
What the heck has happened to Lavinia Harlow, the calm and sensible miss, the paragon of decorum, who never stepped out of line, nor even wanted to? She has taken a dislike to Felix Dryden, Marquess of Huntly, and best friend of her twin sister's husband, just because he happened to walk into Trent's conservatory as Lavinia's experimental hose exploded, drenching his elegant clothes from head to foot. Being the gentleman that he is, he did not complain, and even listened politely as she babbled on about turpentine, screw pumps, ancient Egyptians and Archimedes. Imagine Lavinia's horror when she later found out for whom she had put on such a wretched display.
It's Lavinia's turn to find love, after her engagement to the horrible traitor, Sir Windbag, which ended in her shooting him to death. She has always been the staid twin, the opposite of her sister, Emma, the Harlow Hoyden. She has always known her place, shown the proper manners in every situation, and looked for the good in everyone. Her passion is horticulture, and she is quite knowledgeable on the subject. She even submitted a pamphlet on drainage systems for conservatories to the British Horticultural Society, which does not, of course, admit women to its membership.
She accidentally meets Huntly at Hatchard's, where she was looking for his article in the horticultural journal. He has just returned from two years of traveling the world in search of new species of plants, and had mentioned the article while visiting Trent. He asks Lavinia for her opinion on his writings, and she proceeds to insult him on his work, while couching it in polite words. He later calls them "sugarcoated insults". Secretly, she's impressed, but in her present state of mind, she would never let him know that.
Huntly gets revenge by nominating her for membership in the British Horticultural Society. To the horror of the Dowager Countess of Trent, this puts her name in the betting books of White's, something that didn't even happen to the Harlow Hoyden. From then on, it's a question of does she or doesn't she get chosen as a member of the British Horticultural Society. Does she want to or not? What devious ways does her sister devise to help her get admitted? All the while, Felix Huntly tries to dissuade her, while simultaneously resisting his attraction to her.
This book is non-stop entertaining, as all of Lynn Messina's books have been. Her writing style and sense of humor are wonderful. A minor complaint is that she misspelled "horticulturist" throughout the book, but it's still 5++ stars.
What the heck has happened to Lavinia Harlow, the calm and sensible miss, the paragon of decorum, who never stepped out of line, nor even wanted to? She has taken a dislike to Felix Dryden, Marquess of Huntly, and best friend of her twin sister's husband, just because he happened to walk into Trent's conservatory as Lavinia's experimental hose exploded, drenching his elegant clothes from head to foot. Being the gentleman that he is, he did not complain, and even listened politely as she babbled on about turpentine, screw pumps, ancient Egyptians and Archimedes. Imagine Lavinia's horror when she later found out for whom she had put on such a wretched display.
It's Lavinia's turn to find love, after her engagement to the horrible traitor, Sir Windbag, which ended in her shooting him to death. She has always been the staid twin, the opposite of her sister, Emma, the Harlow Hoyden. She has always known her place, shown the proper manners in every situation, and looked for the good in everyone. Her passion is horticulture, and she is quite knowledgeable on the subject. She even submitted a pamphlet on drainage systems for conservatories to the British Horticultural Society, which does not, of course, admit women to its membership.
She accidentally meets Huntly at Hatchard's, where she was looking for his article in the horticultural journal. He has just returned from two years of traveling the world in search of new species of plants, and had mentioned the article while visiting Trent. He asks Lavinia for her opinion on his writings, and she proceeds to insult him on his work, while couching it in polite words. He later calls them "sugarcoated insults". Secretly, she's impressed, but in her present state of mind, she would never let him know that.
Huntly gets revenge by nominating her for membership in the British Horticultural Society. To the horror of the Dowager Countess of Trent, this puts her name in the betting books of White's, something that didn't even happen to the Harlow Hoyden. From then on, it's a question of does she or doesn't she get chosen as a member of the British Horticultural Society. Does she want to or not? What devious ways does her sister devise to help her get admitted? All the while, Felix Huntly tries to dissuade her, while simultaneously resisting his attraction to her.
This book is non-stop entertaining, as all of Lynn Messina's books have been. Her writing style and sense of humor are wonderful. A minor complaint is that she misspelled "horticulturist" throughout the book, but it's still 5++ stars.
January 23, 2020
It's well written Regency romance with lively characters, a great deal of humour and romantic shenanigans and it barely makes a 3 star for me. Ms Messina writes in a very entertaining style, but it seems occasionally too out of place for a Regency England conversation. This is not the reason for my lower rating.
The author clearly loves the heroine of the first book so much, that quite a large portion of the book is dedicated to Emma and her husband. instead of Emma being a support character, Emma competes with her sister for the honours of being the heroine yet again. This is supposed to be Lavinia's book, not Emma and Lavinia's character suffers for it.
The love premise between Lavinia and the marquess is tepid at best. I don't find their romance very believable. Later, when the two start talking the attraction starts showing. The first meeting on the other hand is nothing more to showcase author's first beloved heroine.
Throughout the book, whilst the romance gets slightly warmer, since Lavinia strikes me as a well-developed character, the hero is a bland imitation of her sister's husband. There is very little substance to the Marquess and that substance grows very little by the conclusion of the book.
Conclusion, amusing, but very bland with overuse of the characters from the first book. Get it on a special or free during a Book Bub promotion or suchlike.
The author clearly loves the heroine of the first book so much, that quite a large portion of the book is dedicated to Emma and her husband. instead of Emma being a support character, Emma competes with her sister for the honours of being the heroine yet again. This is supposed to be Lavinia's book, not Emma and Lavinia's character suffers for it.
The love premise between Lavinia and the marquess is tepid at best. I don't find their romance very believable. Later, when the two start talking the attraction starts showing. The first meeting on the other hand is nothing more to showcase author's first beloved heroine.
Throughout the book, whilst the romance gets slightly warmer, since Lavinia strikes me as a well-developed character, the hero is a bland imitation of her sister's husband. There is very little substance to the Marquess and that substance grows very little by the conclusion of the book.
Conclusion, amusing, but very bland with overuse of the characters from the first book. Get it on a special or free during a Book Bub promotion or suchlike.
May 24, 2020
I found this story to be as delightful and charming as the first book in this series. This story centers on Lavinia “Vinnie” Harlow, the sister of the Harlow Hoyden, who has been in mourning since the demise of her despicable fiancé in the first book. Her adventures with the exceedingly attractive Marquess of Huntly, exploding hoses, drainage systems and whether or not she should accept the nomination of membership into the British Horticultural Society (she really wants to, though everyone is telling her to decline) will give the reader several hours of entertainment.
Though it had been several years since I last visited with the Harlow sisters and the Duke of Trent, I was able to fall right back in to their lives as if it were only yesterday. The author does a brilliant job of drawing the reader into the story and the lives of the characters so seamlessly that it felt like I was sitting in the drawing room with them.
I loved Vinnie and the Marquess. Their chemistry is amazing and though society demands certain protocols for the women of the ton to observe when in mourning, I personally couldn’t wait until Vinnie could shed the black and be herself once more. The scene at the dowager’s ball when Vinnie and the Marquess dance was wonderful and though Vinnie’s anxiety about the other attendees and their judgments gave her pause, I was happy to see that she took a page out of her sister’s book and did it anyway.
My Final Verdict: The story flowed very smoothly and I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend this book. I look forward to what the Harlow sisters get into next. London society will never be the same now that the Harlow sisters are there, and London is all the better for it.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of The Other Harlow Girl from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Though it had been several years since I last visited with the Harlow sisters and the Duke of Trent, I was able to fall right back in to their lives as if it were only yesterday. The author does a brilliant job of drawing the reader into the story and the lives of the characters so seamlessly that it felt like I was sitting in the drawing room with them.
I loved Vinnie and the Marquess. Their chemistry is amazing and though society demands certain protocols for the women of the ton to observe when in mourning, I personally couldn’t wait until Vinnie could shed the black and be herself once more. The scene at the dowager’s ball when Vinnie and the Marquess dance was wonderful and though Vinnie’s anxiety about the other attendees and their judgments gave her pause, I was happy to see that she took a page out of her sister’s book and did it anyway.
My Final Verdict: The story flowed very smoothly and I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend this book. I look forward to what the Harlow sisters get into next. London society will never be the same now that the Harlow sisters are there, and London is all the better for it.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of The Other Harlow Girl from the author in exchange for an honest review.
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March 6, 2024What I found absolutely adorable was how the Marquess of Huntly kept doing things in spite of himself.... At times, he was like a possessed individual whose actions had the sole purpose of intensifying and prolonging his interactions with Lavinia. Delightfully, he is completely oblivious ...
Similarly, in the beginning, Lavinia behaves so out of character when compared to her personality that we got to know well in the first book. He is prickly and contrary - just because Huntly irks her, but does not realize why ... Others might be exasperated by this version of Lavinia, but it provided for quite a bit of fun in the guise of Huntly’s confused inner monologue.
Again, as in the previous installment, the majority of the charm stems from the hilarity of the goings on. And - again - much of the chaos is propelled by Emma - now a duchess, but still a hoyden at heart. Her network of collaborators is priceless!
Similarly, in the beginning, Lavinia behaves so out of character when compared to her personality that we got to know well in the first book. He is prickly and contrary - just because Huntly irks her, but does not realize why ... Others might be exasperated by this version of Lavinia, but it provided for quite a bit of fun in the guise of Huntly’s confused inner monologue.
Again, as in the previous installment, the majority of the charm stems from the hilarity of the goings on. And - again - much of the chaos is propelled by Emma - now a duchess, but still a hoyden at heart. Her network of collaborators is priceless!
August 27, 2023
Read: April 2023
Reviewed: August 2023
Been a while since I read this book, so remembering all the details is tricky. What I always remember is the feeling the book gives and this is lovely. The romance was sweet and ridiculous (as it should be for regency romance, otherwise what's the point?) and the sister-hood solidarity was fantastic. There were just a kit of people that we had met before in previous books and I love that! Just because your sister got married, doesn't mean she's no longer in your life.
Great book about women being courageous and the following books were even better! I really enjoy how Messina allows women to fit into this world of hers in unconventional ways, but with enough facts that you feel like sh is changing the rules just to allow them to fit (did that make sense?)
Anyway, have fun and read away!
Reviewed: August 2023
Been a while since I read this book, so remembering all the details is tricky. What I always remember is the feeling the book gives and this is lovely. The romance was sweet and ridiculous (as it should be for regency romance, otherwise what's the point?) and the sister-hood solidarity was fantastic. There were just a kit of people that we had met before in previous books and I love that! Just because your sister got married, doesn't mean she's no longer in your life.
Great book about women being courageous and the following books were even better! I really enjoy how Messina allows women to fit into this world of hers in unconventional ways, but with enough facts that you feel like sh is changing the rules just to allow them to fit (did that make sense?)
Anyway, have fun and read away!
June 26, 2021
5 STARS, REGENCY ROMANCE ERA DRAMA
Book 2 of the funny, fast paced, & shows intelligent, yet, very spunky women for the urgency times. This one is about Vinnie, Emma's older by 9 minutes identical twin. I upped the STARS TO 5 because I feel even the Duke, Emma, & Lynn Messina all 3 appeared to show they had brilliantly learned those few mistakes that got them that 3 STARS from Book 1.
It is well written and sincerely a joy to read from the time the Marquis gets water dripping from his nose when he first meets Vinnie to all the way when the two are lying on the rug in front of his fireplace in his study, a day after the vote. (The readers will find out what vote. Will not spoil!!)
Recommend
Book 2 of the funny, fast paced, & shows intelligent, yet, very spunky women for the urgency times. This one is about Vinnie, Emma's older by 9 minutes identical twin. I upped the STARS TO 5 because I feel even the Duke, Emma, & Lynn Messina all 3 appeared to show they had brilliantly learned those few mistakes that got them that 3 STARS from Book 1.
It is well written and sincerely a joy to read from the time the Marquis gets water dripping from his nose when he first meets Vinnie to all the way when the two are lying on the rug in front of his fireplace in his study, a day after the vote. (The readers will find out what vote. Will not spoil!!)
Recommend
May 28, 2018
The Other Harlow Girl: A Recency Romance (Love Takes Foot Book 2)
The love story of Lavinia and Feliex. Lavinia best know by all as Vinnie, is force to mourn the death of Windboume, the man she had to kill to save her sister, Emma. Now she want to join the British Horticultural Society. With the help of her brother in law , The Duke of Trent, and Emma will she do it.
Felix Dryten, the Marquee of Huntly, return to London and the first think he does is go to see Trent but he run into to Vinnie.
Emma has decided the Huntly and Vinnie are perfect for each other. Will love win out? Okay story a little slow.
The love story of Lavinia and Feliex. Lavinia best know by all as Vinnie, is force to mourn the death of Windboume, the man she had to kill to save her sister, Emma. Now she want to join the British Horticultural Society. With the help of her brother in law , The Duke of Trent, and Emma will she do it.
Felix Dryten, the Marquee of Huntly, return to London and the first think he does is go to see Trent but he run into to Vinnie.
Emma has decided the Huntly and Vinnie are perfect for each other. Will love win out? Okay story a little slow.
August 24, 2023
Lynn Messina writes fun, funny charming stories. They are excellent palate cleansers between heavier books. They are also excellent for cheering me up if I’m in a bad mood. My only complaint is the narrator. She is excellent in many ways, but her female voices can be very loud and high-pitched, while her male voices can be very quiet and low pitched. So, if you turn the volume up to hear the male voices, you get very loud shrill, female voices. If you turn the volume down to spare your ears, you can’t hear what the male voices are saying. For all of the other aspects of her narration, she’s excellent. I highly recommend these books for their fun light pleasure.
November 5, 2018
Almost as Good the Second Time Around!
Can scarcely as wait to read Ms. Messina's rd next excursion among the Harlow connections. I'm almost as good of The regency romances as I am of cozy mysteries. At 80 years of age, I shy away from the more graphic murder mysteries. Too much blood and gore is bad for the digestion while a nicely judged twiitter or a playful fan slap upon a year gentleman's wrist can be quietly about musing.
Diane Lynn O'Neal (We share a second "given" name, as you see.)
817-437-0183
6100: E. Loop 820 South #513
Ft Worth RD 76119
Can scarcely as wait to read Ms. Messina's rd next excursion among the Harlow connections. I'm almost as good of The regency romances as I am of cozy mysteries. At 80 years of age, I shy away from the more graphic murder mysteries. Too much blood and gore is bad for the digestion while a nicely judged twiitter or a playful fan slap upon a year gentleman's wrist can be quietly about musing.
Diane Lynn O'Neal (We share a second "given" name, as you see.)
817-437-0183
6100: E. Loop 820 South #513
Ft Worth RD 76119
October 12, 2020
My husband thinks I'm quite insane for laughing out loud for no apparent reason while sitting reading a book. Yes, I enjoy this author that much. She makes her characters witty and relatable.
Vinnie is clam, reserved a bluestocking and a murderess! She loves horticulture and is passionate about irrigation and hoses? yep, she is trying to develop a hose for the conservatory with rubber and turpentine when the Duke of Trent's friend walks in and the hose fails. Wetting the Marquess from head to toe! Way to make a first impression.
Vinnie is clam, reserved a bluestocking and a murderess! She loves horticulture and is passionate about irrigation and hoses? yep, she is trying to develop a hose for the conservatory with rubber and turpentine when the Duke of Trent's friend walks in and the hose fails. Wetting the Marquess from head to toe! Way to make a first impression.
August 14, 2024
Lavinia Harlow appears to be the opposite of her twin, Emma, who is relentless, determined, and indefatigable. Vinnie would rather avoid confrontation, believes in rules, and just wants to pursue her study of horticulture. But when faced with an opportunity to become the only woman in the men’s Horticultural Society, she begins to question the dictates of society and makes her case for admittance-including a little subterfuge with her twin.
The characters are fun, the story moves along, and it’s an enjoyable read.
The characters are fun, the story moves along, and it’s an enjoyable read.
December 17, 2018
È il secondo libro di una serie imperniata su una società botanica di epoca regency, segnata da amori e crimini. Ho fatto l'errore di aver creduto troppo nell'autrice, per essermi divertita a dismisura nel terzo volume, 'The Bolingbroke chit', nel quale l'impronta 'wodehousiana' era molto evidente. In questo caso, la prosa mi è apparsa contorta più che umoristica, e la storia, alla fin dei conti, noiosa
February 24, 2019
Lynn can do no wrong. she has finally become the author would want on the desert island, along with the encyclopedia Britannica of 1911. Her mastery of language, dialogue and situation is truly unmatched. with with a touch of razor sarcasm, wonderful characters and fabulous females with as near fabulous mates. anyone who finds her books unrewarding would find me at a loss to wonder what was wrong with them
April 29, 2020
This is a romp of women's right, only this women doesn't want this right. It would probably wonderful to be the first woman admitted to the horticultural society, but she and her sister have enough infamy. It's ashame she is attracted the Marquess of Huntley, because he is the instigator of this nomination. This story is very funny and the chemistry between the Marquess and Vinnie goes from anger to passion.
December 2, 2021
Yet Another Magisterial Romance
Lynn Massina has given us, yet again, another work against which other Regency tales must be compared for complexity, wit and sheer enjoyment.
Whether she is tossing off the odd reference to cookbook authors of the 1700s, the means of waterproofing an irrigation hose, or the ironic perfidy of Regency mores, she spins an endearing story of humiliation, redemption and passionate love into a master work.
Thank you!
Lynn Massina has given us, yet again, another work against which other Regency tales must be compared for complexity, wit and sheer enjoyment.
Whether she is tossing off the odd reference to cookbook authors of the 1700s, the means of waterproofing an irrigation hose, or the ironic perfidy of Regency mores, she spins an endearing story of humiliation, redemption and passionate love into a master work.
Thank you!
November 29, 2022
fun romance
Vinnie is experimenting with a rubber garden hose prototype when she accidentally drenches Huntly. It takes awhile for the two of them to understand each other and the journey is full of laugh out loud moments. The description of a female being considered for membership in a all male horticulture club was well done. The warmth between family and friends also made the story enjoyable.
Vinnie is experimenting with a rubber garden hose prototype when she accidentally drenches Huntly. It takes awhile for the two of them to understand each other and the journey is full of laugh out loud moments. The description of a female being considered for membership in a all male horticulture club was well done. The warmth between family and friends also made the story enjoyable.
January 22, 2023
These ratings are relative.
I give this book 4 stars as far as regency mystery (in this case really bucking propriety - women being smart and using their intelligence) slightly romance books go. This is not a 4 stars comparison to The Brothers Karamosov. Which is 5 stars. But this book isn’t even in the same ballpark of beauty. I prefer the Beatrice Hyde-Claire books, because they are proper mysteries, but these characters amuse me as well.
I give this book 4 stars as far as regency mystery (in this case really bucking propriety - women being smart and using their intelligence) slightly romance books go. This is not a 4 stars comparison to The Brothers Karamosov. Which is 5 stars. But this book isn’t even in the same ballpark of beauty. I prefer the Beatrice Hyde-Claire books, because they are proper mysteries, but these characters amuse me as well.
November 18, 2023
Lives up to its promise of being delightful and charming
This is the second book in the series. I read book one and was entirely taken with the authors creativity and ribald sense of humor. At first, in book two, I thought it would be too repetitious of book one but it took off and created its own marvelous plot and was populated with thoroughly delightful characters. Even the bad guy was detailed so that you really could see him as you hated him.
This is the second book in the series. I read book one and was entirely taken with the authors creativity and ribald sense of humor. At first, in book two, I thought it would be too repetitious of book one but it took off and created its own marvelous plot and was populated with thoroughly delightful characters. Even the bad guy was detailed so that you really could see him as you hated him.
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March 25, 2022Review also available at The Smut Report.
Heat Factor: There’s a little space heater in there
Character Chemistry: I don’t think so
Plot: Does it need to happen this way?
Overall: eh
Following The Harlow Hoyden by some months, this story tells of Emma’s sister Lavinia’s romance. After the debacle of her engagement (and it’s a doozy), Lavinia Harlow has realized that marriage only for the sake of family and children is probably not the best choice for her, so she throws herself into her beloved hobby: horticulture. She’s already written a pamphlet on drainage systems, she’s a skilled cultivator of orchids, and now she’s designing a non-exploding hose.
In fact, she’s working on the hose as the book begins, and we are introduced to the hero when he arrives in the conservatory just as her current iteration explodes, soaking him. Lavinia, who has been everything that is proper for the first book, loses all of her composure and embarrasses herself in front of the Marquess, who takes everything in stride and is everything that is polite, so naturally Vinnie instantly dislikes him. I confess, I found this to be irrational, which really doesn’t start us on the right foot, but that’s where the author is taking us so let’s go.
Felix, the Marquess of Huntley, has been the Duke of Trent’s best friend forever, which is how he ends up in the Duke’s conservatory at the wrong moment. He’s just returned from nearly two years of botanical study abroad and is, quite frankly, full of himself.
As I have mentioned, Vinnie and Felix do not get off on the right foot, and they initially antagonize each other to the point that Felix tries to embarrass Vinnie by nominating her (a woman) for membership in the British Horticultural Society (an all male institution). He doesn’t think through the repercussions to Vinnie’s reputation, the notoriety that will now be attached to Vinnie in society. A year ago Vinnie would have done exactly as Felix expects and demurred, but she’s the Harlow Hoyden’s sister, and her relationship with the Duke has taught her to better value herself, her knowledge, and her abilities. So she decides to stick it to Felix and everybody else and go all in for membership. Good for her. Felix is being a cocky jerk.
Felix is horrified by the repercussions of his actions, but manages to continue to make himself seem just horrible. First, as he is apologizing for damaging her reputation in the first place, he starts mansplaining:
Bleh. This guy. Vinnie puts him in his place by refusing to withdraw her candidacy. Then Felix seems to redeem himself by taking Vinnie to the shoe factory that owns the patent for the method for waterproofing boots, from which Vinnie is attempting to draw to make her flexible hose. They have an absolutely marvelous afternoon, Felix is so engaging and charming and genuine, they have a moment and then:
Wow. How on earth do we go from this total lack of respect on Felix’s part to love? More to the point, how on earth does Vinnie ever get past the fact that this man thinks she’s less than the dirt beneath his feet?
Then a caricature is put in the newspaper of Vinnie henpecking the members of the British Horticultural Society, and for some reason, even after everything, Vinnie is horrified that Felix is represented in a horribly emasculating way, so she runs over to his house and declares that she’ll withdraw. At which point Felix declares that she most certainly will not. I am so confused. Is Vinnie sticking it to society with her newly developed backbone or not? Does Felix believe Vinnie doesn’t belong in the Society or what? Apparently this is their moment. I don’t buy it.
We keep getting yanked back and forth with this story. And for some reason there is a moment of high drama at the end that is anticlimactically resolved. I liked knowing what happened after The Harlow Hoyden, but beyond that I’m not sure I’d be enthusiastic about this one.
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Heat Factor: There’s a little space heater in there
Character Chemistry: I don’t think so
Plot: Does it need to happen this way?
Overall: eh
Following The Harlow Hoyden by some months, this story tells of Emma’s sister Lavinia’s romance. After the debacle of her engagement (and it’s a doozy), Lavinia Harlow has realized that marriage only for the sake of family and children is probably not the best choice for her, so she throws herself into her beloved hobby: horticulture. She’s already written a pamphlet on drainage systems, she’s a skilled cultivator of orchids, and now she’s designing a non-exploding hose.
In fact, she’s working on the hose as the book begins, and we are introduced to the hero when he arrives in the conservatory just as her current iteration explodes, soaking him. Lavinia, who has been everything that is proper for the first book, loses all of her composure and embarrasses herself in front of the Marquess, who takes everything in stride and is everything that is polite, so naturally Vinnie instantly dislikes him. I confess, I found this to be irrational, which really doesn’t start us on the right foot, but that’s where the author is taking us so let’s go.
Felix, the Marquess of Huntley, has been the Duke of Trent’s best friend forever, which is how he ends up in the Duke’s conservatory at the wrong moment. He’s just returned from nearly two years of botanical study abroad and is, quite frankly, full of himself.
As I have mentioned, Vinnie and Felix do not get off on the right foot, and they initially antagonize each other to the point that Felix tries to embarrass Vinnie by nominating her (a woman) for membership in the British Horticultural Society (an all male institution). He doesn’t think through the repercussions to Vinnie’s reputation, the notoriety that will now be attached to Vinnie in society. A year ago Vinnie would have done exactly as Felix expects and demurred, but she’s the Harlow Hoyden’s sister, and her relationship with the Duke has taught her to better value herself, her knowledge, and her abilities. So she decides to stick it to Felix and everybody else and go all in for membership. Good for her. Felix is being a cocky jerk.
Felix is horrified by the repercussions of his actions, but manages to continue to make himself seem just horrible. First, as he is apologizing for damaging her reputation in the first place, he starts mansplaining:
“Hastings was not displaying faith in you but rather tweaking Mr. Irby, who, as a member of the British Horticultural Society, naturally finds the idea of a woman among our ranks repellent. Hastings belongs to the Society for the Advancement of Horticultural Knowledge, a rival organization, and would love to see our esteemed institution brought low by the inclusion of a female.” Sensing her rising anger at his frank speech, he hastened to add, “I seek only to clarify your understanding of the matter, Miss Harlow.”
Bleh. This guy. Vinnie puts him in his place by refusing to withdraw her candidacy. Then Felix seems to redeem himself by taking Vinnie to the shoe factory that owns the patent for the method for waterproofing boots, from which Vinnie is attempting to draw to make her flexible hose. They have an absolutely marvelous afternoon, Felix is so engaging and charming and genuine, they have a moment and then:
“Although I cannot fathom your interest in joining an organization that is ill-suited to your person, I respect the fact that the choice is yours to make.”
“Thank you, my lord,” she said wryly.
He was too intent on his purpose to observe the sarcasm. “Knowing you have a multitude of interests, I proposed today’s expedition in the hopes that it would provide you with an occupation sufficiently engrossing as to override your interest in the society,” he explained.
Wow. How on earth do we go from this total lack of respect on Felix’s part to love? More to the point, how on earth does Vinnie ever get past the fact that this man thinks she’s less than the dirt beneath his feet?
Then a caricature is put in the newspaper of Vinnie henpecking the members of the British Horticultural Society, and for some reason, even after everything, Vinnie is horrified that Felix is represented in a horribly emasculating way, so she runs over to his house and declares that she’ll withdraw. At which point Felix declares that she most certainly will not. I am so confused. Is Vinnie sticking it to society with her newly developed backbone or not? Does Felix believe Vinnie doesn’t belong in the Society or what? Apparently this is their moment. I don’t buy it.
We keep getting yanked back and forth with this story. And for some reason there is a moment of high drama at the end that is anticlimactically resolved. I liked knowing what happened after The Harlow Hoyden, but beyond that I’m not sure I’d be enthusiastic about this one.
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August 11, 2021
Redundant
Rinse and Repeat. This next installment in the series followed the exact same trajectory as the previous one. Independent high spirited young woman meets a handsome Duke under inauspicious circumstances. They form an intense dislike for each other...yada yada yada. You know the rest just a retelling of Book 1 with some different characters.
Rinse and Repeat. This next installment in the series followed the exact same trajectory as the previous one. Independent high spirited young woman meets a handsome Duke under inauspicious circumstances. They form an intense dislike for each other...yada yada yada. You know the rest just a retelling of Book 1 with some different characters.
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