What do you think?
Rate this book
Breconridge Brothers #3
A Reckless Desire
For fans of Julia Quinn, Eloisa James, and Sabrina the elegantly seductive third historical romance in Isabella Bradford’s Breconridge Brothers trilogy.
Lord Rivers Fitzroy is as charming and sought-after as his rakish elder brothers, though he immerses himself more in dusty books and scholarly pursuits than in bawdy houses. Yet, Hell-bent on making the most of his remaining bachelorhood now that his father insists he marry, Rivers becomes the favorite of a troupe of Italian dancers. One night, after a performance, the handsome lord is challenged with a most provocative Turn the players’ meek and mousy cousin into the first lady of the London stage.
But Lucia di Rossi is not what she seems. Scorned by the rest of her family, Lucia longs for the respect and stardom of a great actress. Rivers’s wager could be the answer to all her hopes—so long as he understands that she wants to be an actress, not his mistress. The two commence her metamorphosis in earnest—even as passion begins to take center stage. As Lucia’s dreams come true, she fears that it may be Rivers, not she, who is the master performer. Is he only making her believe he cares? Has she found the spotlight only to lose her heart—or will the final curtain reveal a love strong enough to last?
Lord Rivers Fitzroy is as charming and sought-after as his rakish elder brothers, though he immerses himself more in dusty books and scholarly pursuits than in bawdy houses. Yet, Hell-bent on making the most of his remaining bachelorhood now that his father insists he marry, Rivers becomes the favorite of a troupe of Italian dancers. One night, after a performance, the handsome lord is challenged with a most provocative Turn the players’ meek and mousy cousin into the first lady of the London stage.
But Lucia di Rossi is not what she seems. Scorned by the rest of her family, Lucia longs for the respect and stardom of a great actress. Rivers’s wager could be the answer to all her hopes—so long as he understands that she wants to be an actress, not his mistress. The two commence her metamorphosis in earnest—even as passion begins to take center stage. As Lucia’s dreams come true, she fears that it may be Rivers, not she, who is the master performer. Is he only making her believe he cares? Has she found the spotlight only to lose her heart—or will the final curtain reveal a love strong enough to last?
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2016
23 people are currently reading
685 people want to read
About the author
Isabella Bradford
9 books158 followersIsabella Bradford is a pseudonym for Susan Holloway Scott, the award-winning author of more than fifty historical novels and historical romances. Her bestselling books have been published in nineteen countries and translated into fourteen languages with more than three million copies in print. Bradford also writes as half of the Two Nerdy History Girls (twonerdyhistorygirls.com), an entertaining history blog and Twitter account (@2nerdyhistgirls) with an international following. She is a graduate of Brown University, and lives with her family outside of Philadelphia.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
March 13, 2016
Rivers meets Lucia when he is challenged to a wager that he can't make her into a successful actress. She comes from a family of successful actresses and so far doesn't appear to have been bitten by the same acting bug. Lucia takes what a drunken Rivers says seriously and seeks him out in the hopes that he can do what he wagered and their adventure begins. Lucia actually ends up moving in with Rivers. It didn't really seems all that realistic to me that it would really be acceptable for a gentleman to do that, especially the son of a duke, but I went with the flow. The story was a little slow sometimes and I fought to not have my attention stray. It seemed to me that the "I love you"s came a little fast or at least before anything emotionally connecting really happened between them that would have made it believable to me. Lucia has a certain naïveté that was sweet. Rivers has his heart in the right place but is a little slow on the uptake when it comes to figuring out what to do about Lucia. He does something that's messed up in the name of his love for Lucia and I don't really see how what he does adds value to the story. The ending was where it really left me in a state of utter blah. Lucia is seeking something from the Duke and the way she gets it was extremely anticlimactic. Overall, it's not a bad story, it just didn't really captivate me. I think I'll be giving actress historical romances if not historical romances in general a break for a bit.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
February 23, 2016
Originally posted on The Book Nympho
Rivers Fitzroy is the youngest of the Breconridge brothers, all sons of the Duke of Breconridge who is still looking for a grandson to continue the legacy he's carefully created. When Rivers enters into a wager with his friend to transform mousy theater dresser Lucia di Rossi into an actress, he never considers it would change his life so profoundly.
Unbeknownst to anyone, Lucia is already delivering a performance as she does what she needs to do to survive within a family of renowned dancers who think she's talentless. Though Rivers did recognize a certain spark during the development of the wager, it still didn't prepare him for the depths of Lucia's skills.
This was a lovely story, reminiscent of Pygmalion or a young Professor Higgins and Eliza in My Fair Lady, though Lucia doesn't have quite the same hill to climb. Rivers is sweet and Lucia passionate, both bonding almost immediately because of their shared love of reading and Shakespeare. Since he's third in succession to his father's title, there's less pressure on him, leaving him free to pursue his own interests so that makes the story more plausible. I enjoyed their relationship and the entire focus on the theater world in this era, even when Lucia's lack of trust could be irritating at times.
I've enjoyed the series and this was a fine conclusion, even if the ending was a bit of fantasy.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
Rivers Fitzroy is the youngest of the Breconridge brothers, all sons of the Duke of Breconridge who is still looking for a grandson to continue the legacy he's carefully created. When Rivers enters into a wager with his friend to transform mousy theater dresser Lucia di Rossi into an actress, he never considers it would change his life so profoundly.
Unbeknownst to anyone, Lucia is already delivering a performance as she does what she needs to do to survive within a family of renowned dancers who think she's talentless. Though Rivers did recognize a certain spark during the development of the wager, it still didn't prepare him for the depths of Lucia's skills.
This was a lovely story, reminiscent of Pygmalion or a young Professor Higgins and Eliza in My Fair Lady, though Lucia doesn't have quite the same hill to climb. Rivers is sweet and Lucia passionate, both bonding almost immediately because of their shared love of reading and Shakespeare. Since he's third in succession to his father's title, there's less pressure on him, leaving him free to pursue his own interests so that makes the story more plausible. I enjoyed their relationship and the entire focus on the theater world in this era, even when Lucia's lack of trust could be irritating at times.
I've enjoyed the series and this was a fine conclusion, even if the ending was a bit of fantasy.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
May 24, 2021
"Doubt thou the stars are fire,4.25 stars
Doubt that the sun doth move,
Doubt truth to be a liar,
But never doubt I love."
There, he'd said that he loved her, even if it came by way of Hamlet. And he did love her, loved her in a way that he'd never loved any other woman.
What an absolutely lovely read! I adored Lucia and came to love Rivers just as much. There is a great deal of character growth there—in both of them, really—and I thought it was portrayed very well.
When the book starts, the class difference between the two characters is pronounced and Rivers, as nice a guy as he is, definitely has a bit of an air of superiority and lack of awareness about him. Even after he falls in love with her, he struggles with their differences in rank and plans to set her up as his mistress, which I know can be an iffy move for the reader, but in this case I didn't mind it. He just needs that last bit of shaking up to realize the right thing and what he really, truly wants to do.
While on the one hand, I love books where the characters are of different classes and rooting for them to get together regardless, on the other hand, I am wary when authors overlook too easily the very real barriers that such differences create and make it all too fairytale-like. I was glad that wasn't the case here, and Bradford was able to balance very well the reality of the gap between them with the strength of their love for one another.
I adored that the Hamlet play became their own kind of language, and they would quote from it at different times to speak to the situation or circumstances at hand. It was quite cute and sweet.
This is truly one of those love stories where the couple brings out the best in one another, because Lucia helps him to move past his strict adherence and way of viewing things, and Rivers helps her by believing in her and her talent, when no one else really has. A very quiet and sweet romance that will definitely be a reread for me in the future.
When she was with him, she felt a kind of spark, an energy she couldn't find words to explain. It wasn't just that he was clever, and charming, and handsome as sin itself. He made her feel as if her life were richer, more vibrant, more filled with possibilities. He made her feel more alive, if such a thing were possible, as if the rest of her life had been spent in a dreary, gloomy sleep, and he alone had the power to wake her.*This review is of an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Some changes and/or edits may be made to the final published version.
——————
Books had always been his comfort, their knowledge the one sure thing in an often uncertain world. He'd always believed he could learn anything he desired from the right book, and prove whatever he wanted as well. He'd been proud of it, too.
But what if Lucia was right? What if he'd been using his library not as a sanctuary, but to keep the rest of the world at bay? Perhaps he had relied too much on the words and thoughts of others, and hadn't dared to trust his own.
——————
"How can you call me unfeeling, Lucia?" he demanded, emotion turning his voice rougher than he'd intended. "How can you say I care for nothing in life beyond what I've learned in books? That's not a fair judgment, and you of all others must be aware of it."
She stopped struggling, her eyes wide. "What are you saying, my lord?"
"I'm saying what you must know for yourself," he said. "That these last weeks here with you have been among the best and most enjoyable of my life. That I regret how swiftly the days have passed, and dread the time when the last of them will be done. That I have enjoyed your company more than I would ever have imagined. So do not tell me that I care for nothing beyond books, Lucia, because damnation, it is not true."
January 16, 2022
This is my first book by this author and it was okay. It wasn’t the best mainly because I felt they fell in love with each other too fast, before they even knew each other very well. At around chapter 10, they just decided they were in love. I would have preferred they did more bonding, more talking about themselves.
The conversations between them were mostly about Lucia’s training, which bored me, and I felt more time could be spent on developing the romance between them.
Rivers was all nice and well and super romantic & loyal, but Lucia, she grated on my nerves at times because she tended to assume things, that what she is going to do will make Rivers’ life better without her. Like pretending to not want him anymore because she believed she wouldn’t make him happy and his life would be better if they separated.
If she would just stop and talk to him, she would have saved herself and himself a heartbreak, because then she would know he would do anything to be with her.
This book could be improved, with lesser descriptions and thinking, and more actions & romance development between them but it was a nice book to pass the time.
The conversations between them were mostly about Lucia’s training, which bored me, and I felt more time could be spent on developing the romance between them.
Rivers was all nice and well and super romantic & loyal, but Lucia, she grated on my nerves at times because she tended to assume things, that what she is going to do will make Rivers’ life better without her. Like pretending to not want him anymore because she believed she wouldn’t make him happy and his life would be better if they separated.
If she would just stop and talk to him, she would have saved herself and himself a heartbreak, because then she would know he would do anything to be with her.
This book could be improved, with lesser descriptions and thinking, and more actions & romance development between them but it was a nice book to pass the time.
April 25, 2016
After what he deemed a poor acting performance at the London’s Stage, Lord Rivers Fitzroy entered into a friendly wager with his friend Lord Everett that he could train an actress’s younger cousin to render a more believable performance.
Lucia de Rossi is theater help because she is an orphan and her actor uncle decided that after several attempts to train her that Lucia was too clumsy and inept to be actress. Instead she serves as a gopher for her cousin actress Magdalena de Rossi. Fitzroy was the third son, and thus not in direct line for succession. This gave him freedom to enjoy life without the expectations so he partied as much as he could.
So when Lucia heard Fitzroy’s boast, she jumped at the chance. Lucia knew she had what it took to be actress so she actually relished the bet Fitzroy made as it gave her a teacher to tutor her in secret. Of course, as they worked together in private, they got to know each other and discovered they both shared some common interests.
I liked that the story wasn’t insta-love though there was attraction early. Lucia was definitely focused on her goal and she was hard working. It was easy to like her because she was stubborn and determined. She was well aware that any dalliance with Fitzroy wouldn’t go anywhere so she didn’t delude herself into expecting a happily ever after. This is where the story got angsty. It’s clear that Lucia and Fitzroy cared for each other but one was the son of a duke, the other was just an orphan and actress. Despite their different stations, their chemistry was intense and alluring. It felt like a train wreck about to happen but I couldn’t help hoping for a happy ending.
The author did a great job drawing the reader into the relationship and making it believable. There were times that I just felt Lucia’s pain or Fitzroy’s pain at being torn between his station and his heart’s desire. I was just so pleased when the underdog Lucia rose like phoenix and finally got the happiness she deserved. This book was well written and a pleasure to read.
Special thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine via Netgalley for the advanced reading copy.
Lucia de Rossi is theater help because she is an orphan and her actor uncle decided that after several attempts to train her that Lucia was too clumsy and inept to be actress. Instead she serves as a gopher for her cousin actress Magdalena de Rossi. Fitzroy was the third son, and thus not in direct line for succession. This gave him freedom to enjoy life without the expectations so he partied as much as he could.
So when Lucia heard Fitzroy’s boast, she jumped at the chance. Lucia knew she had what it took to be actress so she actually relished the bet Fitzroy made as it gave her a teacher to tutor her in secret. Of course, as they worked together in private, they got to know each other and discovered they both shared some common interests.
I liked that the story wasn’t insta-love though there was attraction early. Lucia was definitely focused on her goal and she was hard working. It was easy to like her because she was stubborn and determined. She was well aware that any dalliance with Fitzroy wouldn’t go anywhere so she didn’t delude herself into expecting a happily ever after. This is where the story got angsty. It’s clear that Lucia and Fitzroy cared for each other but one was the son of a duke, the other was just an orphan and actress. Despite their different stations, their chemistry was intense and alluring. It felt like a train wreck about to happen but I couldn’t help hoping for a happy ending.
The author did a great job drawing the reader into the relationship and making it believable. There were times that I just felt Lucia’s pain or Fitzroy’s pain at being torn between his station and his heart’s desire. I was just so pleased when the underdog Lucia rose like phoenix and finally got the happiness she deserved. This book was well written and a pleasure to read.
Special thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine via Netgalley for the advanced reading copy.
January 21, 2016
3.5 stars
Well, Rivers' story was a good as I thought it would be when I read the last book in this series. Isabella Bradford writes an amazing mix of romance and angst. Rivers would do the most romantic, sweet things and then botch the crap out of the execution and explanation to Lucia. I felt so sorry for him. And all through the story, you knew, JUST KNEW, things were not going to end well for them. Not because of the way he hurt Lucia and then had to apologize and she forgave him, repeatedly, but because in the back of both of their minds, they knew it couldn't last because of the differences in their stations in life (you know, old England- He's the third son of a duke, she's an aspiring actress from a foreign family of dancers - the SCANDAL). Yet, they loved each other wholly and completely and only wanted the best for the other.
I'll just say here that I didn't like Rivers' dad, the Duke. He was mean and judgmental and I get that in this time period it was important to have a male heir, but he wasn't just upset there wasn't a male heir yet in the four beautiful grandchildren he had, he was ugly to his daughter-in-law about it. Then, he was ugly about Lucia and her background and was willing to loose all contact with his son just so she wasn't part of the family. Only when his grandson was born did he give his blessing to Rivers and Lucia. That didn't sit well with me. If I'd have been Rivers, I don't know that I would have been visiting with my wife and whatever children we'd have in the future. Yeah, I'm a little fired up about the Duke LOL
All in all, a great wrap up to this series. This could easily be read as a stand alone, but it's so much more fun knowing all the other characters :)
ARC provided by the publisher
Well, Rivers' story was a good as I thought it would be when I read the last book in this series. Isabella Bradford writes an amazing mix of romance and angst. Rivers would do the most romantic, sweet things and then botch the crap out of the execution and explanation to Lucia. I felt so sorry for him. And all through the story, you knew, JUST KNEW, things were not going to end well for them. Not because of the way he hurt Lucia and then had to apologize and she forgave him, repeatedly, but because in the back of both of their minds, they knew it couldn't last because of the differences in their stations in life (you know, old England- He's the third son of a duke, she's an aspiring actress from a foreign family of dancers - the SCANDAL). Yet, they loved each other wholly and completely and only wanted the best for the other.
I'll just say here that I didn't like Rivers' dad, the Duke. He was mean and judgmental and I get that in this time period it was important to have a male heir, but he wasn't just upset there wasn't a male heir yet in the four beautiful grandchildren he had, he was ugly to his daughter-in-law about it. Then, he was ugly about Lucia and her background and was willing to loose all contact with his son just so she wasn't part of the family. Only when his grandson was born did he give his blessing to Rivers and Lucia. That didn't sit well with me. If I'd have been Rivers, I don't know that I would have been visiting with my wife and whatever children we'd have in the future. Yeah, I'm a little fired up about the Duke LOL
All in all, a great wrap up to this series. This could easily be read as a stand alone, but it's so much more fun knowing all the other characters :)
ARC provided by the publisher
February 24, 2016
A wonderful story of two vastly different people from opposite ends of the social ladder who find each other and fall in love.
Lord River FitzRoy is the son of a duke, but not the heir. He has the freedom to see and do as he likes. He is carefree, kind and handsome.
Lucia di Rossi is a servant in the theater where her relatives perform. She is treated like a slave and is practically invisible to the Gentleman who visit her cousin the prima ballerina. Unitl one night two Gentleman made a wager that River couldn't turn her into an actress that could fool an audience.
Rivers sees only a small girl who blends into the crowd but takes the bet anyway.
He takes her to his country home to prepare her to win the bet, but in the process they become friends and then lovers. Lucia knows that she can only have Rivers for a lover and when they return to London their affair will be over. Rivers is falling in love with Lucia and doesn't know how he will lether go, but he knows that his father wants him marry a society lady and have a son. Both his older brothers have only daughters and his father is worried about the future of the Dukedom.
I really liked these characters, they held nothing back, no secrets and they became truly good friends before they were lovers. A very well written story that was refreshing in that there was no real danger, nobody trying to kill anyone, just a wonderful love story.
I have read the other books in the series and enjoyed them all.
Received an ARC from the publisher for a honest review.
Lord River FitzRoy is the son of a duke, but not the heir. He has the freedom to see and do as he likes. He is carefree, kind and handsome.
Lucia di Rossi is a servant in the theater where her relatives perform. She is treated like a slave and is practically invisible to the Gentleman who visit her cousin the prima ballerina. Unitl one night two Gentleman made a wager that River couldn't turn her into an actress that could fool an audience.
Rivers sees only a small girl who blends into the crowd but takes the bet anyway.
He takes her to his country home to prepare her to win the bet, but in the process they become friends and then lovers. Lucia knows that she can only have Rivers for a lover and when they return to London their affair will be over. Rivers is falling in love with Lucia and doesn't know how he will lether go, but he knows that his father wants him marry a society lady and have a son. Both his older brothers have only daughters and his father is worried about the future of the Dukedom.
I really liked these characters, they held nothing back, no secrets and they became truly good friends before they were lovers. A very well written story that was refreshing in that there was no real danger, nobody trying to kill anyone, just a wonderful love story.
I have read the other books in the series and enjoyed them all.
Received an ARC from the publisher for a honest review.
Read
March 18, 2016This is the third in the Breconridge Brothers series and features the youngest brother, Rivers. I adored this one with its nod to My Fair Lady, as Rivers transforms a woman into a great actress that rivals all others of the time.
Lord Rivers Fitzroy is the third son of the Duke of Breconridge. He enjoys his life of less responsibility as most third sons do and loves visiting the theatre and he is a favorite amongst the talented dancers in London. When watching a play, he mentions that the current actress is appalling and he could find and make over anyone to play the part better, his friend Everett jumps at the chance and a bet is made. Everett chooses a young woman who works at the theatre, a relative of the great Di Rossi dancers.
Lucia di Rossi is working with her uncle and cousin, they are the famous Di Rossi dancers and although many in her family inherited the grace and talent for dancing, Lucia did not and they all look down on her for what they feel is a fault and other than to order her around, they usually do not acknowledge her existence. When she hears two men talking about an actress and then mentions her in a bet, she jumps at the chance to leave this life for something new.
Rivers and Lucia embark on a life changing quest to convert her from a course talking theatre worker into London’s greatest new find. A mission that brings more than either realizes, as love enters into the mix.
One of my favorite movies is My Fair Lady; I enjoy how someone changes and grows despite their upbringing and current lifestyle. The author takes us on Lucia’s amazing journey and I enjoyed the ups and downs she goes through.
Rivers is all anyone could ever imagine in a hero, he enjoys his life of no responsibility and the fun he is having before he must choose a wife. He is also very peculiar about certain things in life, he wants to watch an accomplished actress that performs well, he wants people to be on time and he likes when words are perfectly pronounced. This of course leads him to his newest project and the hilarious scenes that follow. He calls her Mrs. Willow, a secret, who will become an amazing actress and debut as a star.
Lucia is not quite a backward as Eliza in My Fair Lady, she speaks several languages and has the manners of most ladies, she just has a few things she needs to correct in order to pass as an accomplished actress with the correct social standing. I love her sassiness and how she speaks freely in front of him and when she renames his dog, I laughed out loud at Rivers’ response. During the course of her changes I felt at times that she loss some of her sass, she becomes more cultured and I missed her spontaneity.
The pace is quiet and works well with the story, we watch as two very different people begin to fall in love before she becomes famous and the world tries to tear them apart. There are problems that rise up to get in their way, his father does not approve of her and she does not want to come between them, she becomes the wonder of London and he is not sure she needs him anymore and then there are people that want to break the trust they have found, they have many struggles before they are happy. This is the third book in the series but it can easily be read as a standalone and I was pleased to see the two Breconridge brothers in several scenes along with their lovely wives. A wonderful book to end the series, I truly enjoyed these three brothers and the women who they find love with.
Review at:Ramblings from a Chaotic Mind
Copy from the publisher for an honest review
Lord Rivers Fitzroy is the third son of the Duke of Breconridge. He enjoys his life of less responsibility as most third sons do and loves visiting the theatre and he is a favorite amongst the talented dancers in London. When watching a play, he mentions that the current actress is appalling and he could find and make over anyone to play the part better, his friend Everett jumps at the chance and a bet is made. Everett chooses a young woman who works at the theatre, a relative of the great Di Rossi dancers.
Lucia di Rossi is working with her uncle and cousin, they are the famous Di Rossi dancers and although many in her family inherited the grace and talent for dancing, Lucia did not and they all look down on her for what they feel is a fault and other than to order her around, they usually do not acknowledge her existence. When she hears two men talking about an actress and then mentions her in a bet, she jumps at the chance to leave this life for something new.
Rivers and Lucia embark on a life changing quest to convert her from a course talking theatre worker into London’s greatest new find. A mission that brings more than either realizes, as love enters into the mix.
One of my favorite movies is My Fair Lady; I enjoy how someone changes and grows despite their upbringing and current lifestyle. The author takes us on Lucia’s amazing journey and I enjoyed the ups and downs she goes through.
Rivers is all anyone could ever imagine in a hero, he enjoys his life of no responsibility and the fun he is having before he must choose a wife. He is also very peculiar about certain things in life, he wants to watch an accomplished actress that performs well, he wants people to be on time and he likes when words are perfectly pronounced. This of course leads him to his newest project and the hilarious scenes that follow. He calls her Mrs. Willow, a secret, who will become an amazing actress and debut as a star.
Lucia is not quite a backward as Eliza in My Fair Lady, she speaks several languages and has the manners of most ladies, she just has a few things she needs to correct in order to pass as an accomplished actress with the correct social standing. I love her sassiness and how she speaks freely in front of him and when she renames his dog, I laughed out loud at Rivers’ response. During the course of her changes I felt at times that she loss some of her sass, she becomes more cultured and I missed her spontaneity.
The pace is quiet and works well with the story, we watch as two very different people begin to fall in love before she becomes famous and the world tries to tear them apart. There are problems that rise up to get in their way, his father does not approve of her and she does not want to come between them, she becomes the wonder of London and he is not sure she needs him anymore and then there are people that want to break the trust they have found, they have many struggles before they are happy. This is the third book in the series but it can easily be read as a standalone and I was pleased to see the two Breconridge brothers in several scenes along with their lovely wives. A wonderful book to end the series, I truly enjoyed these three brothers and the women who they find love with.
Review at:Ramblings from a Chaotic Mind
Copy from the publisher for an honest review
March 1, 2016
Pygmalion story reenacted on the regency stage!____3.5 stars
Boldly Lord Rivers Fitzroy declares that he could take the merest person and turn them into an actress. His friend Sir Edward Everett takes him up on the wager.
Lucia do Rossi comes from a family of dancers, yet she cannot dance. As a serving woman with her uncle's ballet company, she knows that she will never achieve anything more.
Having been the object of Rivers declaration, she determines to have him take up the proposition.
Rivers, slightly the worse for wear when she presents herself at the font door the next morning, nevertheless decides to embark on the wager.
What neither of them see is that the student and master will form a closer relationship. There's anguish a plenty and unrequited desires of the heart.
When the big day comes or rather night falls, Lucia, now Mrs Willow has her moment on stage.
I became quite entranced by Lucia. The challenge is that from time to time the interaction between the two lead characters is rather wooden. Now Rivers of course is portrayed as a man who thinks logically, rather than leading with his emotions. However there was sometimes a note that evoked a B grade movie dialogue rather than a free flowing romantic novel.
A NetGalley ARC
Boldly Lord Rivers Fitzroy declares that he could take the merest person and turn them into an actress. His friend Sir Edward Everett takes him up on the wager.
Lucia do Rossi comes from a family of dancers, yet she cannot dance. As a serving woman with her uncle's ballet company, she knows that she will never achieve anything more.
Having been the object of Rivers declaration, she determines to have him take up the proposition.
Rivers, slightly the worse for wear when she presents herself at the font door the next morning, nevertheless decides to embark on the wager.
What neither of them see is that the student and master will form a closer relationship. There's anguish a plenty and unrequited desires of the heart.
When the big day comes or rather night falls, Lucia, now Mrs Willow has her moment on stage.
I became quite entranced by Lucia. The challenge is that from time to time the interaction between the two lead characters is rather wooden. Now Rivers of course is portrayed as a man who thinks logically, rather than leading with his emotions. However there was sometimes a note that evoked a B grade movie dialogue rather than a free flowing romantic novel.
A NetGalley ARC
January 31, 2016
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. This is the second book by Isabella Bradford that I have read and I am hooked. She does an amazing job with historical romance. These characters are wonderful. The setting is perfect and the romance is fantastic. I hope to see many for books from this author.
March 4, 2016
Cute romance with engaging characters that make for a nice afternoon read. There didn't seem to be anything special about the book to really hold my interest though. I guess for me, it felt like something was missing from the story or maybe I just didn't feel the attraction between Lucia and Rivers. I still enjoyed the book and will read this author again.
February 22, 2016
A Reckless Desire by Isabella Bradford is the third book in her Breconridge Brothers Series. I haven't had the opportunity to read the first two books, but this book can easily be read and enjoyed as a stand alone one.
The story is very reminiscent of the film My Fair Lady, although in this story the woman who must be made into a lady, also wants to enter the serious world of acting. Her name is Lucia Di Rossi, her parents are dead and she has been brought up by her uncle. The extended family are a family of singers and dancers, and as Lucia can do neither, she is treated as a dog's body and made to feel worthless. She dreams of leaving her family, but can't see anyway to make that happen.
Fortunately for her, Lord Rivers Fitzroy attends one of the shows put on by her family, and a bet ensues between him and one of his friends. He makes a wager with his friend that he can take Lucia, the too thin, plain Jane and turn her into the first lady of London's Stage. He approaches her with his offer, and manages to convince her that he can do what he has wagered. In just 6 weeks he must achieve his goal.
Here starts the guts of the story, showing just how he attempts to achieve his goal. Of course the more time he and Lucia spend time together, the more they realise that they have feelings towards each other. Lucia doesn't believe that anything can come of it because she is a nobody, and he is a Lord, expected to marry well. Rivers thinks all will be well if after the 6 weeks she will become his mistress, which is something he doesn't realise she won't do.
All in all this story is wonderful, as we watch Lucia blossom we also watch the lovely romance unfold, one that even if it isn't destined to go anywhere, makes you sigh with the perfectness of it. They make a wonderful couple despite class, but with his father dead set against the match, can everything work out in the end? Will the stress of the relationship put Lucia under too much strain and will that stop her being able to perform to her best ability on the night she is to try to win River's wager?
I really loved this story. Lucia is my favourite character because although being downtrodden by her family, and having lost her parents, she still manages to be a sweet, caring person rather than a bitter one. Rivers sees something in her that nobody else does, and as we watch her blossom we can't help but like her even more.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The story is very reminiscent of the film My Fair Lady, although in this story the woman who must be made into a lady, also wants to enter the serious world of acting. Her name is Lucia Di Rossi, her parents are dead and she has been brought up by her uncle. The extended family are a family of singers and dancers, and as Lucia can do neither, she is treated as a dog's body and made to feel worthless. She dreams of leaving her family, but can't see anyway to make that happen.
Fortunately for her, Lord Rivers Fitzroy attends one of the shows put on by her family, and a bet ensues between him and one of his friends. He makes a wager with his friend that he can take Lucia, the too thin, plain Jane and turn her into the first lady of London's Stage. He approaches her with his offer, and manages to convince her that he can do what he has wagered. In just 6 weeks he must achieve his goal.
Here starts the guts of the story, showing just how he attempts to achieve his goal. Of course the more time he and Lucia spend time together, the more they realise that they have feelings towards each other. Lucia doesn't believe that anything can come of it because she is a nobody, and he is a Lord, expected to marry well. Rivers thinks all will be well if after the 6 weeks she will become his mistress, which is something he doesn't realise she won't do.
All in all this story is wonderful, as we watch Lucia blossom we also watch the lovely romance unfold, one that even if it isn't destined to go anywhere, makes you sigh with the perfectness of it. They make a wonderful couple despite class, but with his father dead set against the match, can everything work out in the end? Will the stress of the relationship put Lucia under too much strain and will that stop her being able to perform to her best ability on the night she is to try to win River's wager?
I really loved this story. Lucia is my favourite character because although being downtrodden by her family, and having lost her parents, she still manages to be a sweet, caring person rather than a bitter one. Rivers sees something in her that nobody else does, and as we watch her blossom we can't help but like her even more.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
March 2, 2016
A wonderful story of two vastly different people from opposite ends of the social ladder who find each other and fall in love.
Lord River FitzRoy is the son of a duke, but not the heir. He has the freedom to see and do as he likes. He is carefree, kind and handsome.
Lucia di Rossi is a servant in the theater where her relatives perform. She is treated like a slave and is practically invisible to the Gentleman who visit her cousin the prima ballerina. Until one night two Gentleman made a wager that River couldn't turn her into an actress that could fool an audience.
Rivers sees only a small girl who blends into the crowd but takes the bet anyway.
He takes her to his country home to prepare her to win the bet, but in the process they become friends and then lovers. Lucia knows that she can only have Rivers for a lover and when they return to London their affair will be over. Rivers is falling in love with Lucia and doesn't know how he will let her go, but he knows that his father wants him marry a society lady and have a son. Both his older brothers have only daughters and his father is worried about the future of the Dukedom.
I really liked these characters, they held nothing back, no secrets and they became truly good friends before they were lovers. A very well written story that was refreshing in that there was no real danger, nobody trying to kill anyone, just a wonderful love story.
I have read the other books in the series and enjoyed them all.
Received an ARC from the publisher for a honest review.
Lord River FitzRoy is the son of a duke, but not the heir. He has the freedom to see and do as he likes. He is carefree, kind and handsome.
Lucia di Rossi is a servant in the theater where her relatives perform. She is treated like a slave and is practically invisible to the Gentleman who visit her cousin the prima ballerina. Until one night two Gentleman made a wager that River couldn't turn her into an actress that could fool an audience.
Rivers sees only a small girl who blends into the crowd but takes the bet anyway.
He takes her to his country home to prepare her to win the bet, but in the process they become friends and then lovers. Lucia knows that she can only have Rivers for a lover and when they return to London their affair will be over. Rivers is falling in love with Lucia and doesn't know how he will let her go, but he knows that his father wants him marry a society lady and have a son. Both his older brothers have only daughters and his father is worried about the future of the Dukedom.
I really liked these characters, they held nothing back, no secrets and they became truly good friends before they were lovers. A very well written story that was refreshing in that there was no real danger, nobody trying to kill anyone, just a wonderful love story.
I have read the other books in the series and enjoyed them all.
Received an ARC from the publisher for a honest review.
March 11, 2016
***ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley***
This book, for me, took a bit of time to get going. I was concerned that too much time was spent on focusing on their differences for me to ever believe, as a reader, that there was anything romantic between them.
I was not sure I was going to like the hero, as he was a little self-absorbed and seemed to see Lucia as a plaything for his amusement, or as someone he could unthinkingly insult by seeing her as less than a lady in one moment and being surprised she ate with the servants the next. However, Rivers finally saw her as more than a bet, a gamble, or a wager and that was where the story really became interesting to me. He started to see Lucia as so much more than the quiet girl he made a scholarly bet about making her into an actress.
I liked the part at the end where he was willing to go against the wishes of his father in order to marry the woman he loved, although after watching her perform, and knowing how much Rivers loved her, I am still not sure I believed the Duke would be so against the marriage.
Cinderella and Pygmalion are obvious themes here and it worked. The author does a good job of not only showing their differences but of also showing why they are perfect for one another. By the end, you want her to agree to marry him as much as he does and you find yourself cheering for their well-deserved happily ever after.
This book, for me, took a bit of time to get going. I was concerned that too much time was spent on focusing on their differences for me to ever believe, as a reader, that there was anything romantic between them.
I was not sure I was going to like the hero, as he was a little self-absorbed and seemed to see Lucia as a plaything for his amusement, or as someone he could unthinkingly insult by seeing her as less than a lady in one moment and being surprised she ate with the servants the next. However, Rivers finally saw her as more than a bet, a gamble, or a wager and that was where the story really became interesting to me. He started to see Lucia as so much more than the quiet girl he made a scholarly bet about making her into an actress.
I liked the part at the end where he was willing to go against the wishes of his father in order to marry the woman he loved, although after watching her perform, and knowing how much Rivers loved her, I am still not sure I believed the Duke would be so against the marriage.
Cinderella and Pygmalion are obvious themes here and it worked. The author does a good job of not only showing their differences but of also showing why they are perfect for one another. By the end, you want her to agree to marry him as much as he does and you find yourself cheering for their well-deserved happily ever after.
March 2, 2016
This is a Regency Story . Heroine is Lucia Di Rossi . Hero is Rivers Fitzroy .
After a night of Dancing on a Theater Rivers is dragged to the back of the Theater by Elliot his best friend . While there Lord Elliot makes a bet with Lord River (he is a third son to a Duke ) that they cannot make an actress of a girl who tries to hide herself because she thinks she is worthless
Lucia has always had dreams of being an actress. Both her mother and father have passed . So she is staying with her Uncles company. Everyone there can dance but not Lucia . Lucia is made to feel inferior. . Even though she is the niece of the dance owner she plays slave . Lucia does chores without payment .
That is when Lord Elliot and Lord Rivers pick her for the bet . The bet ??? Can Lord River make her into an actress in six weeks ?? Grab it and find out the ups and downs for both of them. Does Rivers do the Impossible and change her in 6 weeks
After a night of Dancing on a Theater Rivers is dragged to the back of the Theater by Elliot his best friend . While there Lord Elliot makes a bet with Lord River (he is a third son to a Duke ) that they cannot make an actress of a girl who tries to hide herself because she thinks she is worthless
Lucia has always had dreams of being an actress. Both her mother and father have passed . So she is staying with her Uncles company. Everyone there can dance but not Lucia . Lucia is made to feel inferior. . Even though she is the niece of the dance owner she plays slave . Lucia does chores without payment .
That is when Lord Elliot and Lord Rivers pick her for the bet . The bet ??? Can Lord River make her into an actress in six weeks ?? Grab it and find out the ups and downs for both of them. Does Rivers do the Impossible and change her in 6 weeks
December 21, 2015
Elements of Pygmalion and Cinderella meet in “A Reckless Desire”’s escapist plot. Bradford’s witty descriptions and phrasing maintain a light tone without making the story too frothy. The novel is given suitable weight by Bradford’s inclusion of historical detail, making the heroine’s theatrical world come to life. The multilingual, impoverished heroine is appealingly tenacious - just as an unmarried, poor woman would need to be to survive the England of 1775. An enjoyable novel, and one to recommend to library patrons, book clubs, and fiction readers seeking historical romance with a good balance of historical context and relationship development.
August 26, 2017
I ended up abandoning this in a hotel room after trying and failing to finish reading it for nearly a week. It's a "My Fair Lady" plot - noble hero decides to transform heroine, from an opera-singing family, into a famous actress. Two things killed this for me: the secondary characterizations and the practicality of the hero and heroine's relationship. Firstly, the heroine is the only good woman in the book; everyone else is a bitch. Secondly, the hero is a duke's son and the heroine is an actress whose cousin (a bitch) was literally the hero's mistress - it's only because the heroine is so amazing and so special that the hero must marry her, and of course the heroine is so pure-minded that she will only sleep with him as equals and be his lover; she will not be his venal, grasping mistress. Gag.
June 10, 2017
Too long
This last book was way too long and not enough interaction with the other family. It seem to down play the last brother. Didn't enjoy it as much skipped over a lot of pages.
This last book was way too long and not enough interaction with the other family. It seem to down play the last brother. Didn't enjoy it as much skipped over a lot of pages.
July 20, 2019
This book is set in 1775 in England and is the story of Lord Rivers Fitzroy and Lucia di Rossi. Rivers is the youngest of the Breconridge brothers. Lucia is a tiring girl with her family's dance group. She wants to be an actress and Rivers is going to help her. The book was an easy read.
September 7, 2017
I enjoyed rivers and lucia's story! Romance and intrigue...
August 7, 2023
⛔️(in notes)
Read
May 7, 2025DNF on page 25, my brain just isn't jiving with the writing for some reason.
March 3, 2016
Book Review: Lucia di Rossi gives My Fair Lady’s Eliza Doolittle a run for her money in this charming tale.
A Reckless Desire
The third historical romance in the Breconridge Brothers trilogy
By Isabella Bradford
In a twist of the classic Pygmalion, A Reckless Desire pleases in its elegance and charming characters. In classic playboy style Lord Rivers Fitzroy rebels against his father’s insistence of marrying a woman of status. His brother’s have sired only females and their father, the Duke, demands a male heir.
Rivers sequesters himself in academic pursuits and finds comfort within the books occupying his libraries. When he does come up for a fresh breath of air, he finds entertainment in his favorite troupe of Italian dancers. He and his friend set a wager that Rivers could teach one of the dancer’s cousins to be a better actress than the troupe’s favored prima donna. To complicate the wager she must pass for a lady of the London stage.
Lord Rivers gets more than he bargained for and finds himself treading waters he’s never been in before. Lucia di Rossi is an outcast among her family of dancers. Her inability to dance as all the others in her family sets her apart. Her most secret desire is to be respected as a great actress, to show her family she is much more than the disappointment they think she is. This wager could be her lucky shot at proving that very desire.
Rivers spirits Lucia away to his country estate where the transformation begins. Elocution lessons, manners and behavior befitting a lady of status are added to the acting lessons in order for Lucia to pass as a true lady of London. Lucia throws herself into her new role learning everything she can and taking full advantage of the opportunity to better her situation. She has made it abundantly clear she is not like her dancer cousins and will not be seduced into becoming Lord River’s mistress.
However the more time they spend together and the greater the actress Lucia becomes Rivers doubts his ability to keep her at arms length away. He has to acknowledge how much this woman has touched his heart. Lucia forever grateful for all that Lord Rivers has done, has to ask herself to which side of her heart does she stay true, the side that desires the stage or the side that desires Rivers?
A Reckless Desire is so endearing and wonderfully crafted, it is enchanting. While the society and world in general seem to be at odds to tear these two apart, can they admit their feelings for each other before it is too late? While the basis is similar to a rich gent teaching a lower class woman, this tale is refreshingly new and thoroughly entertaining!
Isabella Bradford has crafted a wonderful novel full of love, heartache, familial drama and spirited devotion to make George Bernard Shaw very proud.
Be sure to visit her website to see the previous books A Wicked Pursuit and A Sinful Deception in this trilogy at http://www.isabellabradford.com
FTC Disclaimer: I was given an ARC of this title by Net a Galley and BantamDell Books for review purposes only; no other compensation was awarded.
A Reckless Desire
The third historical romance in the Breconridge Brothers trilogy
By Isabella Bradford
In a twist of the classic Pygmalion, A Reckless Desire pleases in its elegance and charming characters. In classic playboy style Lord Rivers Fitzroy rebels against his father’s insistence of marrying a woman of status. His brother’s have sired only females and their father, the Duke, demands a male heir.
Rivers sequesters himself in academic pursuits and finds comfort within the books occupying his libraries. When he does come up for a fresh breath of air, he finds entertainment in his favorite troupe of Italian dancers. He and his friend set a wager that Rivers could teach one of the dancer’s cousins to be a better actress than the troupe’s favored prima donna. To complicate the wager she must pass for a lady of the London stage.
Lord Rivers gets more than he bargained for and finds himself treading waters he’s never been in before. Lucia di Rossi is an outcast among her family of dancers. Her inability to dance as all the others in her family sets her apart. Her most secret desire is to be respected as a great actress, to show her family she is much more than the disappointment they think she is. This wager could be her lucky shot at proving that very desire.
Rivers spirits Lucia away to his country estate where the transformation begins. Elocution lessons, manners and behavior befitting a lady of status are added to the acting lessons in order for Lucia to pass as a true lady of London. Lucia throws herself into her new role learning everything she can and taking full advantage of the opportunity to better her situation. She has made it abundantly clear she is not like her dancer cousins and will not be seduced into becoming Lord River’s mistress.
However the more time they spend together and the greater the actress Lucia becomes Rivers doubts his ability to keep her at arms length away. He has to acknowledge how much this woman has touched his heart. Lucia forever grateful for all that Lord Rivers has done, has to ask herself to which side of her heart does she stay true, the side that desires the stage or the side that desires Rivers?
A Reckless Desire is so endearing and wonderfully crafted, it is enchanting. While the society and world in general seem to be at odds to tear these two apart, can they admit their feelings for each other before it is too late? While the basis is similar to a rich gent teaching a lower class woman, this tale is refreshingly new and thoroughly entertaining!
Isabella Bradford has crafted a wonderful novel full of love, heartache, familial drama and spirited devotion to make George Bernard Shaw very proud.
Be sure to visit her website to see the previous books A Wicked Pursuit and A Sinful Deception in this trilogy at http://www.isabellabradford.com
FTC Disclaimer: I was given an ARC of this title by Net a Galley and BantamDell Books for review purposes only; no other compensation was awarded.
June 12, 2016
http://openbooksociety.com/article/a-...
A Reckless Desire
Breconridge Brothers Series, #3
By Isabella Bradford
IBSN: 9780345548160
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Una
Description:
Lord Rivers Fitzroy is as charming and sought-after as his rakish elder brothers, though he immerses himself more in dusty books and scholarly pursuits than in bawdy houses. Yet, Hell-bent on making the most of his remaining bachelorhood now that his father insists he marry, Rivers becomes the favorite of a troupe of Italian dancers. One night, after a performance, the handsome lord is challenged with a most provocative wager: Turn the players’ meek and mousy cousin into the first lady of the London stage.
But Lucia di Rossi is not what she seems. Scorned by the rest of her family, Lucia longs for the respect and stardom of a great actress. Rivers’s wager could be the answer to all her hopes—so long as he understands that she wants to be an actress, not his mistress. The two commence her metamorphosis in earnest—even as passion begins to take center stage. As Lucia’s dreams come true, she fears that it may be Rivers, not she, who is the master performer. Is he only making her believe he cares? Has she found the spotlight only to lose her heart—or will the final curtain reveal a love strong enough to last?
Review:
This story is a delight to read. Isabella Bradford has created a Pygmalion like story line that adapts beautifully into an English setting. The characters come alive with skillful writing and good flow and I for one was not putting the book down once started.
Lucia di Rossi cannot dance and because of that has been relegated to doing odd demeaning jobs for the Italian dance troupe that her family belongs to. She can see no way out of the life she leads so when she becomes a wager to become a great actress she jumps at the chance. Maybe finally she will have glory of her own. Romance is inevitable and passion rules. Lucia knows she will never fit into River’s world and is determined not to become his mistress and not to give up her dream.
Rivers is being hounded by his father to marry and although being a bookworm most of his life he decides to go out and live it up in the short time he has as a single man. A wager is made during an evening out with his friend that he could turn the mouse of the Italian dance troupe into a sought after English lady and actress in one month. When he meets Lucia for the first time he begins to doubt his abilities. Lucia he soon finds out is a quick study and an amazing actress. Proper dress, roles and speech she picks up easily and Rivers finds he is more and more attracted to her as they get to know each other. Rivers knows the chemistry and passion is there but how can he make his family accept an actress for his wife. He also knows that Lucia can never be his mistress.
A well written and great read! Kudos to Isabella Bradford! I will certainly be on the lookout for more books by this author.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
A Reckless Desire
Breconridge Brothers Series, #3
By Isabella Bradford
IBSN: 9780345548160
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Una
Description:
Lord Rivers Fitzroy is as charming and sought-after as his rakish elder brothers, though he immerses himself more in dusty books and scholarly pursuits than in bawdy houses. Yet, Hell-bent on making the most of his remaining bachelorhood now that his father insists he marry, Rivers becomes the favorite of a troupe of Italian dancers. One night, after a performance, the handsome lord is challenged with a most provocative wager: Turn the players’ meek and mousy cousin into the first lady of the London stage.
But Lucia di Rossi is not what she seems. Scorned by the rest of her family, Lucia longs for the respect and stardom of a great actress. Rivers’s wager could be the answer to all her hopes—so long as he understands that she wants to be an actress, not his mistress. The two commence her metamorphosis in earnest—even as passion begins to take center stage. As Lucia’s dreams come true, she fears that it may be Rivers, not she, who is the master performer. Is he only making her believe he cares? Has she found the spotlight only to lose her heart—or will the final curtain reveal a love strong enough to last?
Review:
This story is a delight to read. Isabella Bradford has created a Pygmalion like story line that adapts beautifully into an English setting. The characters come alive with skillful writing and good flow and I for one was not putting the book down once started.
Lucia di Rossi cannot dance and because of that has been relegated to doing odd demeaning jobs for the Italian dance troupe that her family belongs to. She can see no way out of the life she leads so when she becomes a wager to become a great actress she jumps at the chance. Maybe finally she will have glory of her own. Romance is inevitable and passion rules. Lucia knows she will never fit into River’s world and is determined not to become his mistress and not to give up her dream.
Rivers is being hounded by his father to marry and although being a bookworm most of his life he decides to go out and live it up in the short time he has as a single man. A wager is made during an evening out with his friend that he could turn the mouse of the Italian dance troupe into a sought after English lady and actress in one month. When he meets Lucia for the first time he begins to doubt his abilities. Lucia he soon finds out is a quick study and an amazing actress. Proper dress, roles and speech she picks up easily and Rivers finds he is more and more attracted to her as they get to know each other. Rivers knows the chemistry and passion is there but how can he make his family accept an actress for his wife. He also knows that Lucia can never be his mistress.
A well written and great read! Kudos to Isabella Bradford! I will certainly be on the lookout for more books by this author.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
April 13, 2016
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
A Reckless Desire. I couldn't resist the cover! It's absolutely gorgeous! I'm always up for trying a new author so I dove right in and...totally interesting. Bradford brought a different dynamic to the scene and I was fascinated from page one as Lucia and Rivers set about turning her from an errand girl for her family's dance troupe into a successful actress that will sweep the stage and leave London...stunned!
So. 5 things about A Reckless Desire.
>>> The bet. Everything came about because of a bet between Rivers and his cousin. He was to turn her into a successful actress in a matter of weeks or he'd lose. Bets can be dicey business but this time around Lucia was in on the bet as well. I really enjoyed it. Seeing the two of them escape London and hide away at his country home to work on her skills.
>>> The dynamic between Lucia and Rivers was so different. You read about heroes and heroines of opposite classes often but this one you could really feel that divide. From speech to behaviors to daily expectations. It was fascinating watching the two of them work together and struggling with being partners in the bet but then falling into class behaviors. The teacher/pupil dynamic likely played a part in that as well since he was instructing her in regards to acting. It made their attraction and interactions difficult on a number of occasions and could be really hard to read as well with how they struggled and dealt with frustrations with each other.
>>> There's a nice little bit of heat. Now they try to avoid starting anything up because of their teacher-student relationship but, alas (and yay!), they totally failed at this. And, whew, the passion!
She remained a virgin not so much by choice, but because she'd never known a man worthy of her surrender. <---I loved that for some reason
>>> I really liked both Lucia and Rivers. They could be a little frustrating now and again but I couldn't help but like them in the end. Lucia had incredible strength, passion and determination. And Rivers was a spot geeky which was fun.
>>> My only complaint was that I wished there had been a show down with her family. They're retched people who really hurt her every chance they got. Talked down to her and treated her terribly and I would have loved to see them actually get put in their place in the end.
All in all, a fabulous introduction to a new author. Bradford has a unique voice and I loved that! Now on to checking out the others in the series.
April 19, 2016
Originally posted on Adria's Romance Reviews
* A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for the purpose of an honest review.
Basically the charming Lord Rivers Fitzroy, youngest of the Breconridge brothers is challenged to take Lucia di Rossi, the mousy cousin of a group of Italian dancers, and turn her into the finest actress in London. While Rivers sees it as an easy challenge, Lucia sees it as her only hope to escape her scornful family and achieve her own goals but with all the time the two spend together it isn’t long before more than just business begins to develop.
Okay so I had a hard time with this book. I started it as soon as I got it but I kept having to put it down because it moved too slow for my tastes in terms of character development and the romance between the hero and heroine.
What I did enjoy was Rivers and Lucia as separate characters, not as a couple. They’re almost complete opposites with Rivers being daring and outgoing and Lucia being more quiet and observant. Rivers was irresponsible and basically having one last “huzzah” before really having to settle down into blessed matrimony yet he wasn’t an unlikable guy. There was something charming about him even when he was being a bit dense when it came to his responsibilities. Lucia was a more like a flower just waiting to bloom and while Rivers’ was challenged to turn her into the best actress in London, I wouldn’t give him all the credit for her transformation because the more daring and bold side of her was already there, she just needed a reason to bring them out to play.
The biggest issue I had with A Reckless Desire was that I didn’t feel a real connection between Rivers and Lucia. Their interactions came off a little stale and a lot slow. I didn’t feel like there were any real ‘Wow’ moments between them and that kind of messed up the romance aspect for me which could be a death knell for a book that depends on romance to be a success. In this case the lack of a really great connection between the two lead characters made a huge impact on the rating but because of other details didn’t completely kill my experience.
I can say that the imagery was done well and that it was clear how much research went into creating a somewhat historically accurate and interesting setting for the story itself. That was the more delightful part of this story.
Final Verdict: A Reckless Desire didn’t feel so reckless or desirous to me when it came to Rivers and Lucia’s relationship with each other but separately there were likeable and the way Isabella Bradford constructed the plot was enough to make me want to give another book by this author a try sometime in the future.
* A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for the purpose of an honest review.
Basically the charming Lord Rivers Fitzroy, youngest of the Breconridge brothers is challenged to take Lucia di Rossi, the mousy cousin of a group of Italian dancers, and turn her into the finest actress in London. While Rivers sees it as an easy challenge, Lucia sees it as her only hope to escape her scornful family and achieve her own goals but with all the time the two spend together it isn’t long before more than just business begins to develop.
Okay so I had a hard time with this book. I started it as soon as I got it but I kept having to put it down because it moved too slow for my tastes in terms of character development and the romance between the hero and heroine.
What I did enjoy was Rivers and Lucia as separate characters, not as a couple. They’re almost complete opposites with Rivers being daring and outgoing and Lucia being more quiet and observant. Rivers was irresponsible and basically having one last “huzzah” before really having to settle down into blessed matrimony yet he wasn’t an unlikable guy. There was something charming about him even when he was being a bit dense when it came to his responsibilities. Lucia was a more like a flower just waiting to bloom and while Rivers’ was challenged to turn her into the best actress in London, I wouldn’t give him all the credit for her transformation because the more daring and bold side of her was already there, she just needed a reason to bring them out to play.
The biggest issue I had with A Reckless Desire was that I didn’t feel a real connection between Rivers and Lucia. Their interactions came off a little stale and a lot slow. I didn’t feel like there were any real ‘Wow’ moments between them and that kind of messed up the romance aspect for me which could be a death knell for a book that depends on romance to be a success. In this case the lack of a really great connection between the two lead characters made a huge impact on the rating but because of other details didn’t completely kill my experience.
I can say that the imagery was done well and that it was clear how much research went into creating a somewhat historically accurate and interesting setting for the story itself. That was the more delightful part of this story.
Final Verdict: A Reckless Desire didn’t feel so reckless or desirous to me when it came to Rivers and Lucia’s relationship with each other but separately there were likeable and the way Isabella Bradford constructed the plot was enough to make me want to give another book by this author a try sometime in the future.
September 30, 2018
For fans of Julia Quinn, Eloisa James, and Sabrina Jeffries: the elegantly seductive third historical romance in Isabella Bradford’s Breconridge Brothers trilogy.
Lord Rivers Fitzroy is as charming and sought-after as his rakish elder brothers, though he immerses himself more in dusty books and scholarly pursuits than in bawdy houses. Yet, Hell-bent on making the most of his remaining bachelorhood now that his father insists he marry, Rivers becomes the favorite of a troupe of Italian dancers. One night, after a performance, the handsome lord is challenged with a most provocative wager: Turn the players’ meek and mousy cousin into the first lady of the London stage.
But Lucia di Rossi is not what she seems. Scorned by the rest of her family, Lucia longs for the respect and stardom of a great actress. Rivers’s wager could be the answer to all her hopes—so long as he understands that she wants to be an actress, not his mistress. The two commence her metamorphosis in earnest—even as passion begins to take center stage. As Lucia’s dreams come true, she fears that it may be Rivers, not she, who is the master performer. Is he only making her believe he cares? Has she found the spotlight only to lose her heart—or will the final curtain reveal a love strong enough to last?
Praise for A Reckless Desire
“Isabella Bradford’s remake of the My Fair Lady trope is exquisite. What I love the most is how Bradford’s canvas of words treats the reader to a literary work of art. . . . A Reckless Desire* is the kind of love story that makes me melt.”—Heroes and Heartbreakers
“For those who adore Cinderella and Pygmalion plots, Bradford’s third installment of the Breconridge Brothers series is perfection. With its wit and heart-tugging emotions, this winning tale steals readers’ hearts.”—RT Book Reviews
“A steamy romance with a unique storyline . . . The twists and turns within the story will keep readers turning pages. . . . The secondary characters add some wit and humor to A Reckless Desire,* and the dialogue is fresh and excellently written.”—*Fresh Fiction
“A wonderful story of two vastly different people from opposite ends of the social ladder who find each other and fall in love.”*—The Reading Wench
**
November 9, 2015
*I received a free eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
4.5 stars
Rivers and Lucia are both interesting and likable characters. Their relationship starts as partners in a wager and develops into friendship and then to lovers. It was a slow, steady, believable development, there was no love/lust at first sight. The story shows them getting to know and understand each other - they have lead completely different lives and while they have much in common, the gap between their social ranks is seemingly impossible to bridge.
The wager the Rivers made with his friend was that he could turn Lucia into an exceptional actress in 6 weeks. Lucia has been acting as a servant in the theater in which her family works since her father died. She wants nothing more than to help Rivers win the wager and become an actress.
Rivers helps Lucia learn to act the part of a lady and soon discovers that Lucia has a natural talent for acting. The romance part of the story is slow to develop - but once it does, it takes off like a rocket. These two fall in love and declare that love pretty early in the story. The love scenes are very well done and perfectly placed.
As the end of the wager appears, both of them make plans for the future. Rivers doesn't want his time with Lucia to end - but doesn't' consider marriage. And Lucia having overheard a conversation between Rivers and his father, decides that she must end the relationship once they return to London.
This is where the story dropped from a 5 star to a 4.5 star book for me. The things keeping our lovers apart seemed contrived and out of character - these two had such an open and honest relationship up to this point, that I found it hard to believe that they wouldn't talk about their individual assumptions and misunderstandings.
The end of the story is very sweet and closed the series up nicely.
I would be happy to recommend this book and the entire series.
4.5 stars
Rivers and Lucia are both interesting and likable characters. Their relationship starts as partners in a wager and develops into friendship and then to lovers. It was a slow, steady, believable development, there was no love/lust at first sight. The story shows them getting to know and understand each other - they have lead completely different lives and while they have much in common, the gap between their social ranks is seemingly impossible to bridge.
The wager the Rivers made with his friend was that he could turn Lucia into an exceptional actress in 6 weeks. Lucia has been acting as a servant in the theater in which her family works since her father died. She wants nothing more than to help Rivers win the wager and become an actress.
Rivers helps Lucia learn to act the part of a lady and soon discovers that Lucia has a natural talent for acting. The romance part of the story is slow to develop - but once it does, it takes off like a rocket. These two fall in love and declare that love pretty early in the story. The love scenes are very well done and perfectly placed.
As the end of the wager appears, both of them make plans for the future. Rivers doesn't want his time with Lucia to end - but doesn't' consider marriage. And Lucia having overheard a conversation between Rivers and his father, decides that she must end the relationship once they return to London.
This is where the story dropped from a 5 star to a 4.5 star book for me. The things keeping our lovers apart seemed contrived and out of character - these two had such an open and honest relationship up to this point, that I found it hard to believe that they wouldn't talk about their individual assumptions and misunderstandings.
The end of the story is very sweet and closed the series up nicely.
I would be happy to recommend this book and the entire series.
February 27, 2016
Originally Reviewed For: Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy
Have you been missing those oh so decadent Brecondridge Boys? Well I have! And I was thrilled to see Susan Holloway writing as Isabella Bradford back with the third book in this series. Once again she totally delights.
This time we are spending time with the scholarly brother, the one who is just as happy with a book as with well anything else..
Lucia di Rossi is something of a changeling, at least in her family. I mean a di Rossi who can't dance.. How can she ever survive in her family? Really, she can't forced into servitude to her more glamorous cousin, Lucia jumps at the chance to better herself. Even if it's just because of a bet. When Lord Rivers Fitzroy bets he can make a silk's purse out of a sow's ear and chooses Lucia as his project. Drunk or not, Lucia is NOT going to let him wiggle out of it. What she doesn't expect is to find the warm and charming man beneath the society darling. Will she escape with her heart intact?
Lord Rivers Fitzroy, is charming and beloved in society. He really has nothing to prove and when he jokingly claims he can make a lady out of anyone his friend's take him up on it. Only they were drunk and hardly serious but when Lucia shows up on his doorstep demanding he make good on his promise, Rivers is intrigued. And attracted to the true woman beneath.
This was a fun sexy book. It didn't really matter when this happened (for those of you who aren't really regency fans) it has a timeless appeal. Rivers and Lucia defied the rules and came out stronger because of it. Isabella Bradford manages to write about interesting characters with hidden depths. Yep, it's a winner..
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Take Me, provided by netgalley and is
scheduled to be released on March 1, 2016
Have you been missing those oh so decadent Brecondridge Boys? Well I have! And I was thrilled to see Susan Holloway writing as Isabella Bradford back with the third book in this series. Once again she totally delights.
This time we are spending time with the scholarly brother, the one who is just as happy with a book as with well anything else..
Lucia di Rossi is something of a changeling, at least in her family. I mean a di Rossi who can't dance.. How can she ever survive in her family? Really, she can't forced into servitude to her more glamorous cousin, Lucia jumps at the chance to better herself. Even if it's just because of a bet. When Lord Rivers Fitzroy bets he can make a silk's purse out of a sow's ear and chooses Lucia as his project. Drunk or not, Lucia is NOT going to let him wiggle out of it. What she doesn't expect is to find the warm and charming man beneath the society darling. Will she escape with her heart intact?
Lord Rivers Fitzroy, is charming and beloved in society. He really has nothing to prove and when he jokingly claims he can make a lady out of anyone his friend's take him up on it. Only they were drunk and hardly serious but when Lucia shows up on his doorstep demanding he make good on his promise, Rivers is intrigued. And attracted to the true woman beneath.
This was a fun sexy book. It didn't really matter when this happened (for those of you who aren't really regency fans) it has a timeless appeal. Rivers and Lucia defied the rules and came out stronger because of it. Isabella Bradford manages to write about interesting characters with hidden depths. Yep, it's a winner..
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Take Me, provided by netgalley and is
scheduled to be released on March 1, 2016
March 4, 2016
I received this ARC ebook from NetGalley for an honest review.
This third book in the Breconridge Brothers series is a Pygmalion story, set in the Georgian Era. Lord Rivers Fitzroy and his friend, Sir Edward Everett visit backstage of the King' s Theatre. While discussing the poor performance of one of the lead actresses, Edward makes a wager with Rivers that he (Rivers) could not turn a common tiring girl into a decent stage actress. They promptly forget the wager, but Lucia di Rossi did not. As a part of the di Rossi family, it was expected she would be a dancer, however she has two left feet and basically tone deaf making dancing or singing beyond her. As an orphan she was taken in by the di Rossi family but because of her lack of musical talent she was relegated to being a second class person in the troupe. Her fondest dream was to be an actress and knew she possessed some talent. She goes to Rivers to beg him to take the wager and tutor her to be a stage actress. He agrees and so their adventure begins. He takes her to his country hunting lodge to conduct her lessons without distraction. There he finds she is a quick study and begins to be transformed.. Lucia possesses natural talent that just needs some honing. Along the way they fall in love. What future is there for a common actress and the third son of a Duke? Will her talent be appreciated? Will his family especially his father accept her? Will they ever be able to be together as more than teacher and pupil? The answers are revealed within the story. This was not a " quick I got to get to the next page to see what happens" type of storyline, but it was an enjoyable read. This is the first book I have read by Ms Bradford, but I would be willing to read the preceding books in the series.
This third book in the Breconridge Brothers series is a Pygmalion story, set in the Georgian Era. Lord Rivers Fitzroy and his friend, Sir Edward Everett visit backstage of the King' s Theatre. While discussing the poor performance of one of the lead actresses, Edward makes a wager with Rivers that he (Rivers) could not turn a common tiring girl into a decent stage actress. They promptly forget the wager, but Lucia di Rossi did not. As a part of the di Rossi family, it was expected she would be a dancer, however she has two left feet and basically tone deaf making dancing or singing beyond her. As an orphan she was taken in by the di Rossi family but because of her lack of musical talent she was relegated to being a second class person in the troupe. Her fondest dream was to be an actress and knew she possessed some talent. She goes to Rivers to beg him to take the wager and tutor her to be a stage actress. He agrees and so their adventure begins. He takes her to his country hunting lodge to conduct her lessons without distraction. There he finds she is a quick study and begins to be transformed.. Lucia possesses natural talent that just needs some honing. Along the way they fall in love. What future is there for a common actress and the third son of a Duke? Will her talent be appreciated? Will his family especially his father accept her? Will they ever be able to be together as more than teacher and pupil? The answers are revealed within the story. This was not a " quick I got to get to the next page to see what happens" type of storyline, but it was an enjoyable read. This is the first book I have read by Ms Bradford, but I would be willing to read the preceding books in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews