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Roxton Family Saga #3
Dair Devil
Opposites attract. Appearances can deceive.
A dashing and rugged facade hides the vulnerable man within. He will gamble with his life, but never his heart.
Always the observer, never the observed, her fragility hides conviction. She will risk everything for love.
One fateful night they collide.
The attraction is immediate, the consequences profound...
London and Hampshire, 1777: The story of Alisdair 'Dair' Fitzstuart; nobleman, ex-soldier, and rogue, and Aurora 'Rory' Talbot; spinster, pineapple fancier, and granddaughter of England's Spymaster General, and how they fall in love.
Awards for this Book
2014 Readers’ Favorite International Book Award Medalist: Romance-Historical
2014 Readers’ Favorite International Book Award Finalist: Fiction-Historical
Book Details
Series: Stand-alone fourth book in the highly acclaimed ROXTON family saga
Classification: Parental Guidance Recommended (mild sensuality)
Style: Classic romance with a modern voice
A dashing and rugged facade hides the vulnerable man within. He will gamble with his life, but never his heart.
Always the observer, never the observed, her fragility hides conviction. She will risk everything for love.
One fateful night they collide.
The attraction is immediate, the consequences profound...
London and Hampshire, 1777: The story of Alisdair 'Dair' Fitzstuart; nobleman, ex-soldier, and rogue, and Aurora 'Rory' Talbot; spinster, pineapple fancier, and granddaughter of England's Spymaster General, and how they fall in love.
Awards for this Book
2014 Readers’ Favorite International Book Award Medalist: Romance-Historical
2014 Readers’ Favorite International Book Award Finalist: Fiction-Historical
Book Details
Series: Stand-alone fourth book in the highly acclaimed ROXTON family saga
Classification: Parental Guidance Recommended (mild sensuality)
Style: Classic romance with a modern voice
454 pages, Paperback
First published April 23, 2014
694 people are currently reading
850 people want to read
About the author
Lucinda Brant
40 books498 followersHello! I'm a history geek who loves the 18th Century!
I write about families, creating worlds that are full of history, heart, and Happily Ever Afters. When I'm not in my writing cave in the 1700s I live in the middle of a koala reserve, so the neighbors are cute and cuddly and sleep all day!
I write because I must, and I write from the heart, and only what I love to read.
My books have been on the New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, and Audible bestseller lists, and have won numerous awards. All are available as audiobooks narrated by British actors Alex Wyndham, Mary Jane Wells and Matthew Lloyd Davies, and voice talent Marian Hussey. My books are also available in translation— French, German, Italian, and Japanese languages. I love to hear from my readers.
I write about families, creating worlds that are full of history, heart, and Happily Ever Afters. When I'm not in my writing cave in the 1700s I live in the middle of a koala reserve, so the neighbors are cute and cuddly and sleep all day!
I write because I must, and I write from the heart, and only what I love to read.
My books have been on the New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, and Audible bestseller lists, and have won numerous awards. All are available as audiobooks narrated by British actors Alex Wyndham, Mary Jane Wells and Matthew Lloyd Davies, and voice talent Marian Hussey. My books are also available in translation— French, German, Italian, and Japanese languages. I love to hear from my readers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
November 26, 2015
This fourth book in Lucinda Brant’s
Roxton Family Saga
, is a lovely, beautifully romantic story about a man who hides his true self behind a wild, brash exterior, whose life is transformed by a young woman who had thought only to observe life from the sidelines.
Big, strong and handsome, Major Lord Alisdair (Dair) Fitzstuart more than lives up to his nickname. He is a military hero, having displayed enormous courage in battle and emerged unscathed; but has the reputation of being a complete rapscallion, renowned for his wild, often outrageous behaviour, and for the fact he never turns down a bet, no matter how ridiculous or dangerous the challenge. His antics keep society well entertained, but what most people fail to realise is that he’s bored. Returned six months previously from the war in the Colonies, where, unbeknownst to many, he worked as a spy as well as an army officer, he is at a loose end. Heir to the Earl of Strathsay, he has been left in limbo by his father, who left England twenty years ago without leaving his son any authority over his English estates. Until he marries, Dair has no independent means and can have no hand in the management of the estates that will one day be his.
The book opens with Dair and two of his best friends about to invade the studio of artist, George Romney in order to play an audacious prank. With Dair and Lord Grasby stripped down to loincloths and daubed with ashes and paint in order to look like American Indians, the plan is to cause mayhem by frightening the bevy of lovely opera dancers currently serving as models for Romney’s next painting. Cedric Pleasant is infatuated with the beautiful Consulata Baccelli, so Dair’s plan is that his friend will intervene at an opportune moment, scare off the two savages, save the day and thus win the lady’s admiration and, hopefully, gratitude (*wink*). Unfortunately, however, their “invasion” coincides with the unplanned visit to the studio of Lady Grasby and her party, which also includes Grasby’s sister, Lady Aurora (Rory) Talbot. In the ensuing fracas, Dair and Rory end up – literally – tangled together; and even though they have met before at social events (he is cousin to Antonia, dowager Duchess of Roxton who is Rory’s godmother) he hasn’t really taken much notice of her and doesn’t realise who she is to start with. All he knows is that he is in possession of a very pretty, funny, quick witted, perceptive and warm armful of woman and he wants her.
It’s not until the next day that Dair discovers the identity of that warm armful, but before he can speak to Rory about the events of the previous evening, her grandfather, the Earl of Shrewsbury, has made him swear to act as though he remembers nothing about it so as to spare Rory’s delicate sensibilities.
Shrewsbury is England’s spymaster and a very powerful man, but he dotes on Rory, who because of a birth defect (a club foot), walks with a cane. At twenty-two, she doesn’t expect ever to marry, much as she would like to, because of her disability and also because her grandfather is so over-protective that he doesn’t afford her many chances to meet eligible gentlemen.
The bulk of the story deals with the progression of Dair and Rory’s relationship, which is deliciously romantic and extremely well-developed. We are also treated to further – and unexpected – developments in the lives of Antonia and her new husband, and the continuation of the sub-plot that began in Autumn Duchess, concerning the involvement of Dair’s brother with the American revolutionaries. All these elements are woven together skilfully and seamlessly; and while at one point early on, it seemed as though there was the potential for the introduction of an angsty Big Misunderstanding, I was relieved that Ms Brant opted not to go there. Thankfully, she’s a good enough writer that she doesn’t need to employ such devices to create conflict or tension, which instead arise naturally from the characters or from the way she has designed her story.
Both principals are likeable and strongly drawn. Dair is a rogue, but he’s an honourable one, a man with a huge capacity for love and understanding, as is shown in his interactions with his ten-year-old son, the product of his first, youthful liaison with a serving maid. I know that some listeners might be put off by the fact of the hero’s having a child, but the fact that he acknowledges the boy and continues to be a part of his life says a lot about him, and I liked him all the more for it. Rory is witty and intelligent, determined to live her life to the full in spite of her disability, and it’s easy to understand why Dair is so immediately smitten with her. He doesn’t care about her club foot or that she walks with a cane – he sees a lovely, loveable young woman and is determined to make her his.
I have listened to a number of Alex Wyndham’s narrations now and he is, quite simply, one of the best narrators around. Every time I come to write a review of one of his performances, I find myself opening up the thesaurus to find more superlatives, because he is so incredibly good that I have run out of them! Every single character is clearly delineated so that there is never any question as to who is speaking in any given scene, and his female voices are the best I have ever heard from any male narrator in the genre. I continue to adore his interpretation of Antonia, (now the Duchess of Kinross), and his portrayal of Dair is utterly perfect; determined, playful, authoritative and sexy by turns, Mr Wyndham gives so much more than a mere “performance". It probably helps that he has a gorgeous voice to lend to the delectable heroes Ms Brant has created for us, but add to that his perfect pacing, his incredible range of timbre and accent and his ability to get to the emotional heart of both story and characters and you have the perfect performance.
I can’t recommend the audiobook of Dair Devil highly enough. The love story is compelling, the historical setting is used to great effect and the narration is flawless. It really doesn’t get any better than this.
Big, strong and handsome, Major Lord Alisdair (Dair) Fitzstuart more than lives up to his nickname. He is a military hero, having displayed enormous courage in battle and emerged unscathed; but has the reputation of being a complete rapscallion, renowned for his wild, often outrageous behaviour, and for the fact he never turns down a bet, no matter how ridiculous or dangerous the challenge. His antics keep society well entertained, but what most people fail to realise is that he’s bored. Returned six months previously from the war in the Colonies, where, unbeknownst to many, he worked as a spy as well as an army officer, he is at a loose end. Heir to the Earl of Strathsay, he has been left in limbo by his father, who left England twenty years ago without leaving his son any authority over his English estates. Until he marries, Dair has no independent means and can have no hand in the management of the estates that will one day be his.
The book opens with Dair and two of his best friends about to invade the studio of artist, George Romney in order to play an audacious prank. With Dair and Lord Grasby stripped down to loincloths and daubed with ashes and paint in order to look like American Indians, the plan is to cause mayhem by frightening the bevy of lovely opera dancers currently serving as models for Romney’s next painting. Cedric Pleasant is infatuated with the beautiful Consulata Baccelli, so Dair’s plan is that his friend will intervene at an opportune moment, scare off the two savages, save the day and thus win the lady’s admiration and, hopefully, gratitude (*wink*). Unfortunately, however, their “invasion” coincides with the unplanned visit to the studio of Lady Grasby and her party, which also includes Grasby’s sister, Lady Aurora (Rory) Talbot. In the ensuing fracas, Dair and Rory end up – literally – tangled together; and even though they have met before at social events (he is cousin to Antonia, dowager Duchess of Roxton who is Rory’s godmother) he hasn’t really taken much notice of her and doesn’t realise who she is to start with. All he knows is that he is in possession of a very pretty, funny, quick witted, perceptive and warm armful of woman and he wants her.
It’s not until the next day that Dair discovers the identity of that warm armful, but before he can speak to Rory about the events of the previous evening, her grandfather, the Earl of Shrewsbury, has made him swear to act as though he remembers nothing about it so as to spare Rory’s delicate sensibilities.
Shrewsbury is England’s spymaster and a very powerful man, but he dotes on Rory, who because of a birth defect (a club foot), walks with a cane. At twenty-two, she doesn’t expect ever to marry, much as she would like to, because of her disability and also because her grandfather is so over-protective that he doesn’t afford her many chances to meet eligible gentlemen.
The bulk of the story deals with the progression of Dair and Rory’s relationship, which is deliciously romantic and extremely well-developed. We are also treated to further – and unexpected – developments in the lives of Antonia and her new husband, and the continuation of the sub-plot that began in Autumn Duchess, concerning the involvement of Dair’s brother with the American revolutionaries. All these elements are woven together skilfully and seamlessly; and while at one point early on, it seemed as though there was the potential for the introduction of an angsty Big Misunderstanding, I was relieved that Ms Brant opted not to go there. Thankfully, she’s a good enough writer that she doesn’t need to employ such devices to create conflict or tension, which instead arise naturally from the characters or from the way she has designed her story.
Both principals are likeable and strongly drawn. Dair is a rogue, but he’s an honourable one, a man with a huge capacity for love and understanding, as is shown in his interactions with his ten-year-old son, the product of his first, youthful liaison with a serving maid. I know that some listeners might be put off by the fact of the hero’s having a child, but the fact that he acknowledges the boy and continues to be a part of his life says a lot about him, and I liked him all the more for it. Rory is witty and intelligent, determined to live her life to the full in spite of her disability, and it’s easy to understand why Dair is so immediately smitten with her. He doesn’t care about her club foot or that she walks with a cane – he sees a lovely, loveable young woman and is determined to make her his.
I have listened to a number of Alex Wyndham’s narrations now and he is, quite simply, one of the best narrators around. Every time I come to write a review of one of his performances, I find myself opening up the thesaurus to find more superlatives, because he is so incredibly good that I have run out of them! Every single character is clearly delineated so that there is never any question as to who is speaking in any given scene, and his female voices are the best I have ever heard from any male narrator in the genre. I continue to adore his interpretation of Antonia, (now the Duchess of Kinross), and his portrayal of Dair is utterly perfect; determined, playful, authoritative and sexy by turns, Mr Wyndham gives so much more than a mere “performance". It probably helps that he has a gorgeous voice to lend to the delectable heroes Ms Brant has created for us, but add to that his perfect pacing, his incredible range of timbre and accent and his ability to get to the emotional heart of both story and characters and you have the perfect performance.
I can’t recommend the audiobook of Dair Devil highly enough. The love story is compelling, the historical setting is used to great effect and the narration is flawless. It really doesn’t get any better than this.
May 2, 2017
**I received a free download of this audiobook from the author in return for an honest review**
A beautifully crafted, deliciously romantic love story from Lucinda Brant, superbly performed by the hugely talented Alex Wyndham – what more could I ask for?
Dair Devil is the fourth book in the Roxton series and I cannot recommend the other books in the series highly enough.
Lord Alisdair (Dair) Fitzstuart, cousin to Antonia, Dowager Duchess of Roxton, is a former major in the British army who fought bravely during the American Revolutionary War and survived despite having a reckless disregard for his own safety. Since returning from the war, he has garnered a reputation for drinking to excess, womanising, never refusing a bet and involving his friends, Cedric Pleasant and Lord Grasby, in all sorts of outlandish pranks. Not commonly known is the fact that he works for Lord Shrewsbury, England’s Spymaster General, as a spy for the Crown. Although Dair is heir to the Earl of Strathsay, his father, who has lived on his sugar plantation with his mistress for years, has given the Duke of Roxton control over Dair’s inheritance and all decisions regarding the estate. In the meantime, the estate is falling into disrepair, his father refusing to allow any money to be spent on it, and Dair is left playing a waiting game…
Waiting for his father to die. Waiting to inherit. Waiting to do something other than wait.
Aurora Christina Talbot is Lord Shrewsbury’s granddaughter and Lord Grasby’s sister. Born with what we now know as a club foot, Rory walks with a pronounced limp. At the age of 22, she has no expectations of every marrying , instead…
With no fortune and not enough beauty to overcome a meager dowry, Rory was resigned to living her days as she had begun them, as her grandfather’s dependent.
Both her grandfather and brother love her very much but are often overprotective. So she lives a safe, boring, conventional existence, only alleviated by her interest in the cultivation and caring of her precious pineapple plants.
I love the scene at the beginning where Rory and Dair get all tangled up (literally), Rory having become innocently involved in one of Dair’s escapades which goes dramatically wrong. I won’t spoil it for you because this scene is hilarious and reminded me of one of the old slapstick comedies. Of course, although they have met on occasion socially, Dair has never taken much notice of Rory and fails to recognise her. He is totally captivated by the lovely, witty, honest young woman in his arms and they share a passionate kiss… a kiss that that will turn both their worlds upside down.
I totally fell in love with Dair and Rory and watching their romance gradually unfold was a delight… unashamedly romantic but with just enough hurdles confronting the couple to maintain an element of tension. Rory sees through Dair’s devil-may-care façade to the vulnerable man beneath, whose childhood experiences, especially the reason for his fear of rowing Rory across the lake, are truly heart-breaking. Dair sees past Rory’s disability to the wonderful woman she is and realises how much she has changed his view on life.
Here was a young woman who, through no fault of hers, lived with an impediment every day. It was a circumstance out of her control, and yet she had not allowed it to rule how she viewed the world. She was not bitter. She did not blame others. She was joyful and full of optimism. He needed that in his life. He needed her in his life.
I love the scene on Swan Island where Dair and Rory finally consummate their love because Ms Brant weaves a lovely romantic, playful and sensual atmosphere without being explicit. I also love the story of the tapestry which has special significance having read Noble Satyr.
Dair and Rory have a champion in Antonia, now Duchess of Kinross, and when Lord Shrewsbury refuses to allow the marriage, she is more than a match for the England’s Spymaster General. As she tells Dair – “All men have secrets, Alisdair. Even spymasters.” – and when she confronts Shrewsbury with his secrets, she is just magnificent.
I thought that Dair’s interactions with the Banks’ family and his acknowledgement of his illegitimate son showed what an honourable man he is. At the same time, I was very relieved that the storyline didn’t veer in the direction of a Big Misunderstanding.
Ms Brant has drawn together an excellent cast of secondary characters, all adding colour and depth to the story. There is also an element of mystery and intrigue as Dair works to uncover the identity of a traitor within Lord Shrewsbury’s spy network, and someone thought long dead is very much alive.
As other reviewers have commented, it is impossible to think of superlatives to describe Alex Wyndham’s performance that have not already been said. He does an amazing job of giving each character their own distinctive voice and literally breathes life into Ms Brant’s characters making listening to her books such a wonderful experience.
MY VERDICT: Another winner from the magical team of Lucinda Brant and Alex Wyndham. Highly recommended!
Roxton Series so far (click on the book covers for more details):
This review is also posted on my Rakes and Rascals Blog:
https://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com...
A beautifully crafted, deliciously romantic love story from Lucinda Brant, superbly performed by the hugely talented Alex Wyndham – what more could I ask for?
Dair Devil is the fourth book in the Roxton series and I cannot recommend the other books in the series highly enough.
Lord Alisdair (Dair) Fitzstuart, cousin to Antonia, Dowager Duchess of Roxton, is a former major in the British army who fought bravely during the American Revolutionary War and survived despite having a reckless disregard for his own safety. Since returning from the war, he has garnered a reputation for drinking to excess, womanising, never refusing a bet and involving his friends, Cedric Pleasant and Lord Grasby, in all sorts of outlandish pranks. Not commonly known is the fact that he works for Lord Shrewsbury, England’s Spymaster General, as a spy for the Crown. Although Dair is heir to the Earl of Strathsay, his father, who has lived on his sugar plantation with his mistress for years, has given the Duke of Roxton control over Dair’s inheritance and all decisions regarding the estate. In the meantime, the estate is falling into disrepair, his father refusing to allow any money to be spent on it, and Dair is left playing a waiting game…
Waiting for his father to die. Waiting to inherit. Waiting to do something other than wait.
Aurora Christina Talbot is Lord Shrewsbury’s granddaughter and Lord Grasby’s sister. Born with what we now know as a club foot, Rory walks with a pronounced limp. At the age of 22, she has no expectations of every marrying , instead…
With no fortune and not enough beauty to overcome a meager dowry, Rory was resigned to living her days as she had begun them, as her grandfather’s dependent.
Both her grandfather and brother love her very much but are often overprotective. So she lives a safe, boring, conventional existence, only alleviated by her interest in the cultivation and caring of her precious pineapple plants.
I love the scene at the beginning where Rory and Dair get all tangled up (literally), Rory having become innocently involved in one of Dair’s escapades which goes dramatically wrong. I won’t spoil it for you because this scene is hilarious and reminded me of one of the old slapstick comedies. Of course, although they have met on occasion socially, Dair has never taken much notice of Rory and fails to recognise her. He is totally captivated by the lovely, witty, honest young woman in his arms and they share a passionate kiss… a kiss that that will turn both their worlds upside down.
I totally fell in love with Dair and Rory and watching their romance gradually unfold was a delight… unashamedly romantic but with just enough hurdles confronting the couple to maintain an element of tension. Rory sees through Dair’s devil-may-care façade to the vulnerable man beneath, whose childhood experiences, especially the reason for his fear of rowing Rory across the lake, are truly heart-breaking. Dair sees past Rory’s disability to the wonderful woman she is and realises how much she has changed his view on life.
Here was a young woman who, through no fault of hers, lived with an impediment every day. It was a circumstance out of her control, and yet she had not allowed it to rule how she viewed the world. She was not bitter. She did not blame others. She was joyful and full of optimism. He needed that in his life. He needed her in his life.
I love the scene on Swan Island where Dair and Rory finally consummate their love because Ms Brant weaves a lovely romantic, playful and sensual atmosphere without being explicit. I also love the story of the tapestry which has special significance having read Noble Satyr.
Dair and Rory have a champion in Antonia, now Duchess of Kinross, and when Lord Shrewsbury refuses to allow the marriage, she is more than a match for the England’s Spymaster General. As she tells Dair – “All men have secrets, Alisdair. Even spymasters.” – and when she confronts Shrewsbury with his secrets, she is just magnificent.
I thought that Dair’s interactions with the Banks’ family and his acknowledgement of his illegitimate son showed what an honourable man he is. At the same time, I was very relieved that the storyline didn’t veer in the direction of a Big Misunderstanding.
Ms Brant has drawn together an excellent cast of secondary characters, all adding colour and depth to the story. There is also an element of mystery and intrigue as Dair works to uncover the identity of a traitor within Lord Shrewsbury’s spy network, and someone thought long dead is very much alive.
As other reviewers have commented, it is impossible to think of superlatives to describe Alex Wyndham’s performance that have not already been said. He does an amazing job of giving each character their own distinctive voice and literally breathes life into Ms Brant’s characters making listening to her books such a wonderful experience.
MY VERDICT: Another winner from the magical team of Lucinda Brant and Alex Wyndham. Highly recommended!
Roxton Series so far (click on the book covers for more details):
This review is also posted on my Rakes and Rascals Blog:
https://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com...
October 6, 2018
Another great book in the Roxton Series!
In Dair Devil, Charles Fitztuart's handsome and vain brother shows his true colors and they are bright and beautiful. A war hero, a spy, and an extremely honorable man (in spite of all appearances). To tempt him, comes the lovely pineapple enthusiast, Ms. Aurora Talbot.
Rory is adorable! She is so very loyal and smart and beautiful. She has a disability and needs a walking stick to move around. I love how Mrs. Brant depicts her ordeals in such a believable manner and, above all, I love that she refuses to ever be the victim. She has an inner strength that is contagious.
There is some opposition to their HEA, wonderfully romantic scenes and the presence of the wonderful Antonia that saves the day!
A wonderful story made even better by the performance of Alex Wyndham.
In Dair Devil, Charles Fitztuart's handsome and vain brother shows his true colors and they are bright and beautiful. A war hero, a spy, and an extremely honorable man (in spite of all appearances). To tempt him, comes the lovely pineapple enthusiast, Ms. Aurora Talbot.
Rory is adorable! She is so very loyal and smart and beautiful. She has a disability and needs a walking stick to move around. I love how Mrs. Brant depicts her ordeals in such a believable manner and, above all, I love that she refuses to ever be the victim. She has an inner strength that is contagious.
There is some opposition to their HEA, wonderfully romantic scenes and the presence of the wonderful Antonia that saves the day!
A wonderful story made even better by the performance of Alex Wyndham.
January 5, 2020
Can this series just go on forever and forever?
March 2, 2023
The beginning, the first scene (the whole) was marvelously funny and romantically swoony. One of the best scenes I have ever read in a romance.
What Lucinda Brant did with Dair (who I met here and there in previous parts of the series) was surprising (in a good way). In the first chapters, he looked like an exquisite (again, one of the best of the genre) hero. Also, Rory was an interesting heroine for the love story. Yet, in later chapters, the character of Dair went in a way I wouldn't have chosen for him. I think the author spoilt the potential a bit.
Sadly, I found here also less believable scenes, those with intimacy between Rory and Dair in public places. Yes, Lucinda Brant took care to explain the lack of servants, etc., but it was not enough believable to me.
I love Antonia and the whole Roxton clan. I know the book was part of the series, yet I would have gladly seen less of Duchess of Kinross. And the thread about Swan Island, Geoffrey the Hermit, and annual visits was rather boring to me. It should be (I presume) romantic and sentimental, but as I have written, I was bored.
Weaker points aside, it was an enjoyable novel. Mrs Brant creates living descriptions, reading them I see those places, people, and how they move.
[5-6 stars at the beginning, 3-3.5 at the worse points, so let's say 4-4.5 stars for the whole]
What Lucinda Brant did with Dair (who I met here and there in previous parts of the series) was surprising (in a good way). In the first chapters, he looked like an exquisite (again, one of the best of the genre) hero. Also, Rory was an interesting heroine for the love story. Yet, in later chapters, the character of Dair went in a way I wouldn't have chosen for him. I think the author spoilt the potential a bit.
Sadly, I found here also less believable scenes, those with intimacy between Rory and Dair in public places. Yes, Lucinda Brant took care to explain the lack of servants, etc., but it was not enough believable to me.
I love Antonia and the whole Roxton clan. I know the book was part of the series, yet I would have gladly seen less of Duchess of Kinross. And the thread about Swan Island, Geoffrey the Hermit, and annual visits was rather boring to me. It should be (I presume) romantic and sentimental, but as I have written, I was bored.
Weaker points aside, it was an enjoyable novel. Mrs Brant creates living descriptions, reading them I see those places, people, and how they move.
[5-6 stars at the beginning, 3-3.5 at the worse points, so let's say 4-4.5 stars for the whole]
April 30, 2016
How is it that these books just keep getting better??
Full review to follow.
Full review to follow.
June 15, 2022
Pleasantly surprised by Dair’s character here, as he didn’t appear to advantage in ‘Autumn Duchess.’ I liked his moments of vulnerability, and seeing what was behind the facade. He and Rory made a sweet couple.
Plenty to like, actually, all helped along by Alex Wyndham’s faultless narration: the relationship Dair had with his illegitimate son and the boy’s mother; the role Antonia had in overcoming an obstacle which threatened to keep the couple apart. I was relieved at the direction the author took with this development, I would have been annoyed if it had been drawn out.
Enjoying this series, will continue.
Plenty to like, actually, all helped along by Alex Wyndham’s faultless narration: the relationship Dair had with his illegitimate son and the boy’s mother; the role Antonia had in overcoming an obstacle which threatened to keep the couple apart. I was relieved at the direction the author took with this development, I would have been annoyed if it had been drawn out.
Enjoying this series, will continue.
January 13, 2018
I forgot how awesome this book was. Dair and Rory are so sweet togeter and oh so perfect. Antonia's righteous indignation at a crucial moment is one of the best thing I've ever read (listened to).
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Another 5 star read. You must try this author!!!
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Another 5 star read. You must try this author!!!
May 12, 2016
Audiobook Review:
When a novel is not just a story, but an experience, it is such a delight. We move with the characters, sharing their emotions, feelings and experiences, not told a story but living one.
The story begins with a scene truly hilarious, a scene with tongue in cheek frolicking of the nobility’s pranks. Alisdair is known for his outlandish behavior and his willingness to take on a bet. He involves his friends in this prank. One such friend, is Rory’s brother, Lord Gasby, a bundle of energy and a brother with deep love for his sister. This prank doesn’t exactly end the way Alistair thought it would. He holds a woman in his arms tightly wrapped in drapery. Simply ludicrious and had me laughing. There was no putting this listen down!
When the flame of interest is sparked for none other than the Spymaster General’s granddaughter (the gal he held while wrapped in drapery), he knows his chances of gaining her hand will fall on deaf ears. Under the façade he uses to hide his inner self, is a person with a heart he knew not beat.
Alistair has a champion, his cousin, Her Grace the Duchess, a woman of great feeling, high spirits and enduring love. Secrets long hidden and best forgotten must be unearthed to give well deserving youth a chance of happiness.
I enjoy the saga Ms. Brant unfolds. Characters we’ve come to love from earlier in the saga take secondary positions in this story. Frankly, this wonderful saga with a narrator of such talent will remain with me for many years.
I highly recommend this series by Lucinda Brant. A saga of depth, passion, and loves of such fervor, your heart swells.
Note: I found I enjoyed the speed of the complete saga at speed 0.75x. It allows the words and divine voice of Mr. Wyndham time to appreciate.
When a novel is not just a story, but an experience, it is such a delight. We move with the characters, sharing their emotions, feelings and experiences, not told a story but living one.
The story begins with a scene truly hilarious, a scene with tongue in cheek frolicking of the nobility’s pranks. Alisdair is known for his outlandish behavior and his willingness to take on a bet. He involves his friends in this prank. One such friend, is Rory’s brother, Lord Gasby, a bundle of energy and a brother with deep love for his sister. This prank doesn’t exactly end the way Alistair thought it would. He holds a woman in his arms tightly wrapped in drapery. Simply ludicrious and had me laughing. There was no putting this listen down!
When the flame of interest is sparked for none other than the Spymaster General’s granddaughter (the gal he held while wrapped in drapery), he knows his chances of gaining her hand will fall on deaf ears. Under the façade he uses to hide his inner self, is a person with a heart he knew not beat.
Alistair has a champion, his cousin, Her Grace the Duchess, a woman of great feeling, high spirits and enduring love. Secrets long hidden and best forgotten must be unearthed to give well deserving youth a chance of happiness.
I enjoy the saga Ms. Brant unfolds. Characters we’ve come to love from earlier in the saga take secondary positions in this story. Frankly, this wonderful saga with a narrator of such talent will remain with me for many years.
I highly recommend this series by Lucinda Brant. A saga of depth, passion, and loves of such fervor, your heart swells.
Note: I found I enjoyed the speed of the complete saga at speed 0.75x. It allows the words and divine voice of Mr. Wyndham time to appreciate.
June 26, 2024
I really liked this book for the most part. I don’t like insta love and most of these books are written that way, this one included. The thing that saves it a tiny bit is that at least Rory has a cute personality and I can actually see why Dair would fall for her. But what’s the rush? Especially given their circumstances. It was perfect for a slow burn romance but the author didn’t take advantage. Since he’s a playboy, when he’s all over Rory the first and second time they meet it makes it seem like he’s just after another conquest. It doesn’t feel different from how he’d interact with any other girl he wants to hook up with so that makes it less special and doesn’t feel like he actually loves her. The only reason we know is that he only tells us that he does and tells us she’s different. He just doesn’t show us that she is different and special when he treats her like a conquest and is all over her so instantly.
I love to see men who just can’t help but fall in love after getting to know the girl. But that just rarely happens in books like this.
I do like that at least Rory contributes to the story and is very likable. So is Dair. It was really wordy though. Some parts really dragged on and were unnecessarily long winded. I would have much preferred more time spent between Dair and Rory than the long winded descriptions of randomness. But overall I did really like this book. It was enjoyable!
I love to see men who just can’t help but fall in love after getting to know the girl. But that just rarely happens in books like this.
I do like that at least Rory contributes to the story and is very likable. So is Dair. It was really wordy though. Some parts really dragged on and were unnecessarily long winded. I would have much preferred more time spent between Dair and Rory than the long winded descriptions of randomness. But overall I did really like this book. It was enjoyable!
November 1, 2020
I had to rush through the last four hours or so, listening with 1.7 speed, to finish before the end of Audible Escape. Which did somewhat hinder my enjoyment of the story and the narration. Still, that way I now know how the HEA was achieved.
The heroines‘s grandfather is a very complex figure. I hate him, but he isn‘t quite the villain of the story, as he is also the person who saved and raised Rory, so...
I was happy to see that Dair had more to him than what we saw in the previous book.
Rory was an excellent heroine, and while her limp did have huge repercussions for her life, she does not seem solely defined by it. I love her spirit and her honesty.
The romance is the easy part in this story, quite straightforward. I like that.
The heroines‘s grandfather is a very complex figure. I hate him, but he isn‘t quite the villain of the story, as he is also the person who saved and raised Rory, so...
I was happy to see that Dair had more to him than what we saw in the previous book.
Rory was an excellent heroine, and while her limp did have huge repercussions for her life, she does not seem solely defined by it. I love her spirit and her honesty.
The romance is the easy part in this story, quite straightforward. I like that.
July 13, 2020
Can’t take anymore
Good plot. Well written. But way too much description, I.e., wordy. And too many characters.
I could only make it through 64%. I really did want to know what happened to our H/h but couldn’t go any more.
The book had all the elements I love; chemistry between H/h; close family; drama; secrets; spies; a villain (although I gave up before I knew who it was), etc.
This is my second book by this author. I couldn’t get through that one either but I had wanted to give this author another chance.
Good plot. Well written. But way too much description, I.e., wordy. And too many characters.
I could only make it through 64%. I really did want to know what happened to our H/h but couldn’t go any more.
The book had all the elements I love; chemistry between H/h; close family; drama; secrets; spies; a villain (although I gave up before I knew who it was), etc.
This is my second book by this author. I couldn’t get through that one either but I had wanted to give this author another chance.
May 17, 2014
I can't begin to tell you how much I love this series. Superior writing, storylines, character development, mystery, intrigue and romance. I was never interested in the Georgian period, but Lucinda Brant has brought it to life for me in a most delightful way. "Dair Devil" was a great addition to the Roxton Series and I'm so happy there will be more books to come. I can't wait! ;)
January 3, 2016
reviewed for AudioGals.
Narrated by Alex Wyndham. He is SUBLIME.
http://www.audiogals.net/2015/11/dair...
Narrated by Alex Wyndham. He is SUBLIME.
http://www.audiogals.net/2015/11/dair...
March 28, 2022
This is a beautifully romantic story about two “very” different people who manage to “literally” get tangled up together and fall in love.
Major Lord Alisdair Fitzstuart, AKA Dair, is a strong and handsome man, with a wild, courageous, and daring exterior. Everyone sees him as the military hero who “emerged from battle unscathed” and “the rebel who never turns down a bet” but, little do they know there’s another deeper side to him that he keeps tucked away. Lady Aurora Talbot, AKA Rory, was born with a club foot and walks with a cane – but despite her disability, she’s determined to live a full life.
Dair is immediately taken by Rory’s intelligence and wittiness; and is not at all put off by her disability - which gives him a big plus in my eyes. I also respect that he’s still there for his 10 year old, who is the product of his liaison with a serving maid many years back.
The thing I really love about Lucinda Brants books, is that we keep in contact with some of the characters from her previous books. I enjoyed seeing where our previous protagonists are at. As always, Alex Wyndham gives a supreme performance with his diverse range of voices and enthusiasm.
I highly recommend giving Dair Devil a listen.
Major Lord Alisdair Fitzstuart, AKA Dair, is a strong and handsome man, with a wild, courageous, and daring exterior. Everyone sees him as the military hero who “emerged from battle unscathed” and “the rebel who never turns down a bet” but, little do they know there’s another deeper side to him that he keeps tucked away. Lady Aurora Talbot, AKA Rory, was born with a club foot and walks with a cane – but despite her disability, she’s determined to live a full life.
Dair is immediately taken by Rory’s intelligence and wittiness; and is not at all put off by her disability - which gives him a big plus in my eyes. I also respect that he’s still there for his 10 year old, who is the product of his liaison with a serving maid many years back.
The thing I really love about Lucinda Brants books, is that we keep in contact with some of the characters from her previous books. I enjoyed seeing where our previous protagonists are at. As always, Alex Wyndham gives a supreme performance with his diverse range of voices and enthusiasm.
I highly recommend giving Dair Devil a listen.
October 22, 2020
4.5 stars for story
5 stars for narration by Alex Wyndham.
This is probably my favorite Roxton novel, or maybe it ties with Noble Satyr. At any rate, this is a wonderful, often funny, sometimes poignant love story and such a pleasure to listen to.
I like that this book is about Alasdair and Rory. Although we get to see Antonia and Julian and others, in this book the author focuses on the interactions of these two characters and we see them in different situations getting to know each other. From the meet-cute in the artist's studio to their time on the little island,these two don't just have sexy chemistry, they have really good RELATIONSHIP chemistry.
As always, the period details are richly described and accurate, and the complex relationships that go through the series are still being explored and expanded. And Alex Wyndham continues to give a stellar narration for the series. I do think this series is best read in order, and I'd start with Noble Satyr, which sets the tone for the rest of the books. Highly recommended.
5 stars for narration by Alex Wyndham.
This is probably my favorite Roxton novel, or maybe it ties with Noble Satyr. At any rate, this is a wonderful, often funny, sometimes poignant love story and such a pleasure to listen to.
I like that this book is about Alasdair and Rory. Although we get to see Antonia and Julian and others, in this book the author focuses on the interactions of these two characters and we see them in different situations getting to know each other. From the meet-cute in the artist's studio to their time on the little island,these two don't just have sexy chemistry, they have really good RELATIONSHIP chemistry.
As always, the period details are richly described and accurate, and the complex relationships that go through the series are still being explored and expanded. And Alex Wyndham continues to give a stellar narration for the series. I do think this series is best read in order, and I'd start with Noble Satyr, which sets the tone for the rest of the books. Highly recommended.
October 6, 2018
Another great book in the Roxton Series!
In Dair Devil, Charles Fitztuart's handsome and vain brother shows his true colors and they are bright and beautiful. A war hero, a spy, and an extremely honorable man (in spite of all appearances). To tempt him, comes the lovely pineapple enthusiast, Ms. Aurora Talbot.
Rory is adorable! She is so very loyal and smart and beautiful. She has a disability and needs a walking stick to move around. I love how Mrs. Brant depicts her ordeals in such a believable manner and, above all, I love that she refuses to ever be the victim. She has an inner strength that is contagious.
There is some opposition to their HEA, wonderfully romantic scenes and the presence of the wonderful Antonia that saves the day
In Dair Devil, Charles Fitztuart's handsome and vain brother shows his true colors and they are bright and beautiful. A war hero, a spy, and an extremely honorable man (in spite of all appearances). To tempt him, comes the lovely pineapple enthusiast, Ms. Aurora Talbot.
Rory is adorable! She is so very loyal and smart and beautiful. She has a disability and needs a walking stick to move around. I love how Mrs. Brant depicts her ordeals in such a believable manner and, above all, I love that she refuses to ever be the victim. She has an inner strength that is contagious.
There is some opposition to their HEA, wonderfully romantic scenes and the presence of the wonderful Antonia that saves the day
August 30, 2024
tawdry
I couldn’t bring myself to finish this story, its ending was all too obvious as it is with most stories of this genre.
The story being made up of oppositions to the romantic ending.
With the story being told in a Immorally corrupt way with blasphemy and profanity, I was disgusted .
I couldn’t bring myself to finish this story, its ending was all too obvious as it is with most stories of this genre.
The story being made up of oppositions to the romantic ending.
With the story being told in a Immorally corrupt way with blasphemy and profanity, I was disgusted .
August 6, 2015
Once again, Dair Fitzstuart is a hero I’m not inclined to like. He starts the book as a buffoon, more than anything else, thoughtless, indiscreet. But oh, so very handsome while he does it. My primary problem with Dair is that he too quickly throws off that bad boy image, and shows himself all that is decent and honorable. He lacks the darkness that imbued both Dukes of Roxton, and to a lesser extent, the Duke of Kinross, and that change in tone is a noticeable departure for the series. Dair is an unquestionable good guy. (And I admit, I like my heroes with a dash of villain.)
Rory, while his match in goodness, continues Brant’s tradition of heroines I can adore. She lives with a disability, but the limitations it presents are, in the main, self-imposed, and certainly not a barrier to her happy ending (if the hero has anything to say about it, and he does). She is a gentler, quieter personality than Brant’s other heroines, and is more a bluestocking, but no less opinionated or forceful or engaging.
Both hero and heroine, though, come to the first meeting with baggage, One thing I love about the Roxtons is that Brant never stints on the trials and tribulations, in this case, spying and political intrigue. She is very good at tying her books together by overarching story arcs and by intertwining characters in each other’s stories, so it is highly recommended her series be read in order, but it is by no means required.
Rory, while his match in goodness, continues Brant’s tradition of heroines I can adore. She lives with a disability, but the limitations it presents are, in the main, self-imposed, and certainly not a barrier to her happy ending (if the hero has anything to say about it, and he does). She is a gentler, quieter personality than Brant’s other heroines, and is more a bluestocking, but no less opinionated or forceful or engaging.
Both hero and heroine, though, come to the first meeting with baggage, One thing I love about the Roxtons is that Brant never stints on the trials and tribulations, in this case, spying and political intrigue. She is very good at tying her books together by overarching story arcs and by intertwining characters in each other’s stories, so it is highly recommended her series be read in order, but it is by no means required.
January 18, 2016
And so the series continues. I admit, I had my doubts about Dair from the previous books in the series, but as this story developed I grew to like him and his love for the heroine. Funny, how I was reading two books back to back with heroines that have some sort of impairment, here she has a club foot, whereas the other was blind. Good story though I did feel a bit skeevy knowing about her real parentage - yicck! Hopefully, she'll never find out! Not my favorite in the series, but I'm learning I love everything by this author, especially on audi narrated by Alex Wyndham - swoon!
February 25, 2016
Loved this continuation of the Roxton saga. It was fast paced and as always the characters are well drawn and deep. A sweet romance between an older scarred war hero and a young, crippled but independent woman. The unraveling of years of hurt slowly begins the healing and sets up a strong believable relationship. The setting is beautiful and I love that it is not based on misunderstanding as much of hist fiction can be. There is real communication between Rory and Alisdair. Read the whole series in order and enjoy
June 23, 2024
currently re-listening. "And Edward, if you undress me with your eyes again, I will have my husband put your eyes out."- Antonia Dowager Duchess of Roxton and Duchess of Kinross.
"I can telll you, if he wasn't my plaguey brother-inlaw, and you hadn't already broken his nose, I would be the one socking him in the face." Harvil, Lord Grasby.
"I can telll you, if he wasn't my plaguey brother-inlaw, and you hadn't already broken his nose, I would be the one socking him in the face." Harvil, Lord Grasby.
July 28, 2023
Humor, Deception & Romance
Dair & Rory's Story Journey is Absolutely Wonderful & Invigorating.
Hilarious scenes with Dair & his friends. To stumble into Rory & blushing from her words. She is outspoken & regardless that she is disabled, & felt that she would never marry. I struggled to put the Book down. Trying to fight sleeping to read the next chapter.
Dair & Rory's Story Journey is Absolutely Wonderful & Invigorating.
Hilarious scenes with Dair & his friends. To stumble into Rory & blushing from her words. She is outspoken & regardless that she is disabled, & felt that she would never marry. I struggled to put the Book down. Trying to fight sleeping to read the next chapter.
March 5, 2023
too much
This book had a decent plot and storyline but I will agree with others that it had way too many people interacting and coming and going. Perhaps that’s one reason why I felt it was far too wordy. She just kept going on and could have gotten the point across with fewer words. Also it did have a hea but left questions unanswered along with a cliffhanger
This book had a decent plot and storyline but I will agree with others that it had way too many people interacting and coming and going. Perhaps that’s one reason why I felt it was far too wordy. She just kept going on and could have gotten the point across with fewer words. Also it did have a hea but left questions unanswered along with a cliffhanger
March 26, 2016
Rarely is a series gifted with such pure, unadulterated writing beauty than Lucinda Brant’s Roxtons.
Read full review in the 2014 June/July Double Issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2014 June/July Double Issue of InD’tale Magazine.
September 30, 2017
Enjoyable
I bought Dair Devil, book 4 in the Roxton Family Saga after having read Autumn Duchess which proceeded it. While I enjoyed both Dair and Rory, the main characters in this book, their story lacked a bit of the charm and romance of Antonia's and Jonathan's story.
Believability is an important element for me as a reader. Unfortunately there was one element of Rory's behavior that I found fairly unbelievable given the period in history. I found it difficult to accept Rory's aggressiveness in giving herself to Dair. Yes, she loved him and yes, he seemed to love her prior to his asking him to marry him, but she initiated a fair amount of their intimate interaction. Their big sexual encounter just didn't feel believable given the strictures of Georgian Era mores.
As far as character development is concerned, Lucinda Brant does not disappoint. I appreciate her willingness to cast a female character with a physical disability. It's not uncommon to have a physically or mentally scarred male protagonist, but unusual to have a woman with a disability. I also like how that disability shaped Rory's character.
Bottom line: Even with the criticism noted above, I did enjoy this story and was pleased to see a bit of Antonia's story woven into this one. While not completely necessary, I would recommend that you read Autumn Duchess prior to reading Dair Devil.
I bought Dair Devil, book 4 in the Roxton Family Saga after having read Autumn Duchess which proceeded it. While I enjoyed both Dair and Rory, the main characters in this book, their story lacked a bit of the charm and romance of Antonia's and Jonathan's story.
Believability is an important element for me as a reader. Unfortunately there was one element of Rory's behavior that I found fairly unbelievable given the period in history. I found it difficult to accept Rory's aggressiveness in giving herself to Dair. Yes, she loved him and yes, he seemed to love her prior to his asking him to marry him, but she initiated a fair amount of their intimate interaction. Their big sexual encounter just didn't feel believable given the strictures of Georgian Era mores.
As far as character development is concerned, Lucinda Brant does not disappoint. I appreciate her willingness to cast a female character with a physical disability. It's not uncommon to have a physically or mentally scarred male protagonist, but unusual to have a woman with a disability. I also like how that disability shaped Rory's character.
Bottom line: Even with the criticism noted above, I did enjoy this story and was pleased to see a bit of Antonia's story woven into this one. While not completely necessary, I would recommend that you read Autumn Duchess prior to reading Dair Devil.
January 8, 2022
This book just became one of my favorite historical romances of all time. I've been enjoying the Roxton Family series a lot; they're very well-written with lots of excellent historical details and characters. The Roxton family has a lot of complex characters, and I've loved reading through their romances. But Dair and Rory - my favorite kind of hero and heroine.
Alisdair FitzStuart is the heir to an Earldom, a war hero, and a spy, but is totally misunderstood, partly because he plays his part in all of those roles so well. Rory is retiring, partly because she has a club foot and also because her grandfather is over-protective. But she's not afraid to have an adventure, so when she's tossed into one of Dair's madcap scenes, she goes with it, much to Dair's delight.
This is the start of a sweet and lovely romance beset with a lot of obstacles. Dair has an illegitimate son which he's acknowledged. Rory's grandfather is England's spymaster and not necessarily a nice man. He expects that Rory will be his comfort in his dotage and doesn't take kindly to Dair's interest in his granddaughter.
Simply Love by Mary Balogh is a book I love and often point to as the best historical romance in my opinion, but I have to add Dair Devil now in a tie as they're both so wonderful. This is a book to reread over and over again.
Alisdair FitzStuart is the heir to an Earldom, a war hero, and a spy, but is totally misunderstood, partly because he plays his part in all of those roles so well. Rory is retiring, partly because she has a club foot and also because her grandfather is over-protective. But she's not afraid to have an adventure, so when she's tossed into one of Dair's madcap scenes, she goes with it, much to Dair's delight.
This is the start of a sweet and lovely romance beset with a lot of obstacles. Dair has an illegitimate son which he's acknowledged. Rory's grandfather is England's spymaster and not necessarily a nice man. He expects that Rory will be his comfort in his dotage and doesn't take kindly to Dair's interest in his granddaughter.
Simply Love by Mary Balogh is a book I love and often point to as the best historical romance in my opinion, but I have to add Dair Devil now in a tie as they're both so wonderful. This is a book to reread over and over again.
February 25, 2023
Do you trust the one who knows your worst secret?
Be careful who knows your worst secret. Who do they trust to know their secrets? The Spymaster General should never have shared his deep, dark secret. His best friend shared it with his beloved just before he died. And she used it as leverage to get what she wanted. That's the way secrets go.
Rory is so trusting of those around her. She has led a strange life. Sheltered in some respects. No suitors. She was born with a club foot, unable to walk unaided. She can not dance or run. She's uncomfortable riding. But she's quite lovely and intelligent. She's also been raised by the Spymaster General himself. He's her grandfather, and she seems well informed about things going on in the government and around the continent politically.
Dair is the #1 spy currently in the SG's stable. How is it he's never met Rory when he's her brother's best friend and in and out of her grandfather's home a lot on business? They are in the same social circles, but he's never noticed her. After the "little incident" at the artist's studio, he can't understand how he could have overlooked her.
A crippled wallflower and the primary bachelor in London. Anyone have any objections? Recommended.
Be careful who knows your worst secret. Who do they trust to know their secrets? The Spymaster General should never have shared his deep, dark secret. His best friend shared it with his beloved just before he died. And she used it as leverage to get what she wanted. That's the way secrets go.
Rory is so trusting of those around her. She has led a strange life. Sheltered in some respects. No suitors. She was born with a club foot, unable to walk unaided. She can not dance or run. She's uncomfortable riding. But she's quite lovely and intelligent. She's also been raised by the Spymaster General himself. He's her grandfather, and she seems well informed about things going on in the government and around the continent politically.
Dair is the #1 spy currently in the SG's stable. How is it he's never met Rory when he's her brother's best friend and in and out of her grandfather's home a lot on business? They are in the same social circles, but he's never noticed her. After the "little incident" at the artist's studio, he can't understand how he could have overlooked her.
A crippled wallflower and the primary bachelor in London. Anyone have any objections? Recommended.
January 6, 2022
A wonderful hero
I started reading this story before realising it was the third in a family saga. I usually like reading a series in order, but I was so enjoying it I decided to continue. I loved the characters and even the secondary characters played their part well in the enhancement of the plot.
The story enlightens the reader into a world dominated by men both in their thinking and actions. Little was thought of a female except to exist to breed successfully, keep order in the house and refrain from any type of scandal of faux pas which would embarrass the male.
Into this setting, the heroine of the story is born with a deformity of the foot, needs a walking stick to move around, cannot dance and so is quickly thought of in terms of embarrassment and pity by the ton; and of course unmarriagable material. After all who would want a cripple as a wife?
As an added benefit to reading this book on kindle, there was a link to videos showing how the front covers of the books were created using love models, creating costumes etc. I had not realised how much work went into the creation of a front cover!
I started reading this story before realising it was the third in a family saga. I usually like reading a series in order, but I was so enjoying it I decided to continue. I loved the characters and even the secondary characters played their part well in the enhancement of the plot.
The story enlightens the reader into a world dominated by men both in their thinking and actions. Little was thought of a female except to exist to breed successfully, keep order in the house and refrain from any type of scandal of faux pas which would embarrass the male.
Into this setting, the heroine of the story is born with a deformity of the foot, needs a walking stick to move around, cannot dance and so is quickly thought of in terms of embarrassment and pity by the ton; and of course unmarriagable material. After all who would want a cripple as a wife?
As an added benefit to reading this book on kindle, there was a link to videos showing how the front covers of the books were created using love models, creating costumes etc. I had not realised how much work went into the creation of a front cover!
July 1, 2024
Love--with challenges
Lucinda Brant did a super job on this story. I have no idea where she found all the 18th c slang, but Google and I were able to keep up, mostly. I was pleased that the things I believe about love, marriage, raising children, and dealing with birth defects have their roots so far back. It's only a shame that two and a half centuries later, such attitudes are still not fully accepted.
In this plot, the hero is a noble spy whose cover is that of a "hail fellow well met," a daredevil who will do anything for a wager. When he finally SEES his best friend's sister, he falls with a thud, rolling into more trouble to ensure the path to love is appropriately rocky. She, of course, has a club foot and has been half in love for years. They finally get on the same page only to have to deal with old family business and leftovers from their parents' time.
A most enjoyable read and I recommend it to romance readers who like their love stories spiced with social opposition and adult level reality.
Lucinda Brant did a super job on this story. I have no idea where she found all the 18th c slang, but Google and I were able to keep up, mostly. I was pleased that the things I believe about love, marriage, raising children, and dealing with birth defects have their roots so far back. It's only a shame that two and a half centuries later, such attitudes are still not fully accepted.
In this plot, the hero is a noble spy whose cover is that of a "hail fellow well met," a daredevil who will do anything for a wager. When he finally SEES his best friend's sister, he falls with a thud, rolling into more trouble to ensure the path to love is appropriately rocky. She, of course, has a club foot and has been half in love for years. They finally get on the same page only to have to deal with old family business and leftovers from their parents' time.
A most enjoyable read and I recommend it to romance readers who like their love stories spiced with social opposition and adult level reality.
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