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The Regency Romp Trilogy #2
Virtuous Scoundrel
Sebastian Sherbrook, a self-proclaimed scoundrel and the newly minted Marquess of Manwaring, returns to London after his estranged uncle dies, intent on reforming his rakish image once and for all. Yet through no fault of his own, he’s soon embroiled in the biggest scandal of the Season, and his secret plans to court the only woman he’s ever wanted are in shambles.
Lady Katherine Manwaring knows her poor opinion of her late husband’s nephew isn’t about to change, even if the Times has dubbed him “The Singlemost Beautiful Man In London.” When fate casts Sebastian upon her mercy, however, she learns two shocking truths: he may not be the scoundrel his reputation suggests, and he’s hopelessly in love…with her.
But an irate squire, an even more irate dog, several dawn appointments, meddling friends, and a touch of blackmail aren’t the only things that stand in the way of their happy ending. Can Katherine accept Sebastian’s love—and will he still want her if he learns her own dark secret?
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 6, 2015
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November 6, 2017
My second book by this author and I loved it.
If you like wit and charm in your HR, if you enjoy hilarious, quirky characters and snappy dialogue, as well as some depth with excellent characterisation, this is the book for you.
Our hero, Sebastian, is generally acknowledged as The Most Beautiful Man in London. He dresses like a designer's dream and has cheekbones to die for. His reputation is that of an unrepentant rake. He has also been hopelessly in love with his aunt-by-marriage (she is younger than him) from the moment he heard her play Beethoven's Waldstein piano concerto, because he, too, is a music lover and had planned to be a concert pianist before a life-changing event put an end to that dream. He also has a Desperate, Sad Secret that has had a massive impact on his life, particularly in the area of sexual relations. I will say no more.
The aunt is the lovely, reserved Katherine, who also has a Desperate, Sad Secret. Attracted to Sebastian from the start, she thinks he loathes and despises her, so takes refuge in a cold, disapproving demeanour. After her husband dies, she realises she is free to actually have a life and embarks upon her own dreams, dreams that do not include another man and cannot include children.
What follows is a delightful, funny and ultimately moving story of two people meant for each other but not really knowing how to actually go about making it happen.
Maggie Fenton has a deft, light touch without becoming superficial or trite. Her chapter headings are wonderful (Chapter One: In Which Sebastian Sherbrook Would Sooner Marry His Pianoforte or Chapter Seven: In Which Fate Takes An Unexpectedly Unpleasant Turn in the Dodgy Part of Soho), her secondary characters are eccentric or screamingly funny, often both, while the actual plot was engaging and full of surprises (including the Big One- not even doing a spoiler thing. You will have to read it!).
I adored Sebastian. He was so fabulous, and after a surfeit of alpha, arse-hole "heroes" who had so little sensitivity or self-awareness that I wanted to punch them in the face (need to be more discriminating in my choices, I know) he was a breath of fresh air. This man nows how to love, and if I could find me one of him......... *sighs*
(My version of Sebastian)
If you like wit and charm in your HR, if you enjoy hilarious, quirky characters and snappy dialogue, as well as some depth with excellent characterisation, this is the book for you.
Our hero, Sebastian, is generally acknowledged as The Most Beautiful Man in London. He dresses like a designer's dream and has cheekbones to die for. His reputation is that of an unrepentant rake. He has also been hopelessly in love with his aunt-by-marriage (she is younger than him) from the moment he heard her play Beethoven's Waldstein piano concerto, because he, too, is a music lover and had planned to be a concert pianist before a life-changing event put an end to that dream. He also has a Desperate, Sad Secret that has had a massive impact on his life, particularly in the area of sexual relations. I will say no more.
The aunt is the lovely, reserved Katherine, who also has a Desperate, Sad Secret. Attracted to Sebastian from the start, she thinks he loathes and despises her, so takes refuge in a cold, disapproving demeanour. After her husband dies, she realises she is free to actually have a life and embarks upon her own dreams, dreams that do not include another man and cannot include children.
What follows is a delightful, funny and ultimately moving story of two people meant for each other but not really knowing how to actually go about making it happen.
Maggie Fenton has a deft, light touch without becoming superficial or trite. Her chapter headings are wonderful (Chapter One: In Which Sebastian Sherbrook Would Sooner Marry His Pianoforte or Chapter Seven: In Which Fate Takes An Unexpectedly Unpleasant Turn in the Dodgy Part of Soho), her secondary characters are eccentric or screamingly funny, often both, while the actual plot was engaging and full of surprises (including the Big One- not even doing a spoiler thing. You will have to read it!).
I adored Sebastian. He was so fabulous, and after a surfeit of alpha, arse-hole "heroes" who had so little sensitivity or self-awareness that I wanted to punch them in the face (need to be more discriminating in my choices, I know) he was a breath of fresh air. This man nows how to love, and if I could find me one of him......... *sighs*
(My version of Sebastian)
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April 4, 2019DNF at 57%
It's me, not the book. The author's writing just isn't my kind of funny.
I didn't like how until the 50% mark, both hero and heroine adamantly stuck to their stupid misconceptions of each other and refused to do the grown-up thing and talk about things. I didn't like how the French melodrama that was intended to be funny. I didn't think any of the secondary characters were charming (I kind of wanted to slap most of them most of the time). The heroine was intentionally cruel shortly after the 50% mark when the hero finally mans up and tells her the truth, which I didn't care for. And speaking of, I rolled my eyes so hard when the hero's deep dark bad secret was exposed that I was seriously afraid my eyes were stuck for a second. I know absolutely everyone else loved him for his secret, but I didn't. Massive spoiler:
So clearly, I am not the intended audience for this book. Therefore, no rating.
It's me, not the book. The author's writing just isn't my kind of funny.
I didn't like how until the 50% mark, both hero and heroine adamantly stuck to their stupid misconceptions of each other and refused to do the grown-up thing and talk about things. I didn't like how the French melodrama that was intended to be funny. I didn't think any of the secondary characters were charming (I kind of wanted to slap most of them most of the time). The heroine was intentionally cruel shortly after the 50% mark when the hero finally mans up and tells her the truth, which I didn't care for. And speaking of, I rolled my eyes so hard when the hero's deep dark bad secret was exposed that I was seriously afraid my eyes were stuck for a second. I know absolutely everyone else loved him for his secret, but I didn't. Massive spoiler:
So clearly, I am not the intended audience for this book. Therefore, no rating.
October 12, 2015
Sebastian Sherbrook is a scoundrel and a rake so it doesn't surprise anyone that on returning to England he is almost immediately called out by the father of a young woman who has found herself pregnant and without a husband.
Nobody believes his protestations of innocence and least of all the only woman he has ever loved. The woman he returned to England with the hope of courting. But with his reputation in tatters his slim hopes of wedding Lady Katherine disappear.
For her part, Lady Katherine has always loved Sherbrook but she is a fallen woman after being seduced by her music teacher at the age of 15. Her frosty demeanour is more about protecting her heart than anything else.
It is left to her closest friend the Duchess to use her wiles in the hopes of getting the two together, but with dognappers after Katherine's dogs, a Squire wanting to force Sherbrook down the aisle, a blackmailer, an elderly French toff, and their friends all meddling nothing is going to come easy.
Virtuous Scoundrel is a complete romp. It has the perfect blend of drama and farce and honestly it's a hoot from start to finish. Great fun and well worth the effort. Lovers of Regency Romance will love this book and I'm reasonably confident that anyone who picks it up will enjoy it. Don't need to be a woman, don't need to be a fan of historical fiction. It's that good.
Buddy Read with Christina.
Nobody believes his protestations of innocence and least of all the only woman he has ever loved. The woman he returned to England with the hope of courting. But with his reputation in tatters his slim hopes of wedding Lady Katherine disappear.
For her part, Lady Katherine has always loved Sherbrook but she is a fallen woman after being seduced by her music teacher at the age of 15. Her frosty demeanour is more about protecting her heart than anything else.
It is left to her closest friend the Duchess to use her wiles in the hopes of getting the two together, but with dognappers after Katherine's dogs, a Squire wanting to force Sherbrook down the aisle, a blackmailer, an elderly French toff, and their friends all meddling nothing is going to come easy.
Virtuous Scoundrel is a complete romp. It has the perfect blend of drama and farce and honestly it's a hoot from start to finish. Great fun and well worth the effort. Lovers of Regency Romance will love this book and I'm reasonably confident that anyone who picks it up will enjoy it. Don't need to be a woman, don't need to be a fan of historical fiction. It's that good.
Buddy Read with Christina.
December 30, 2016
4,5 Stars
Sparkling, over-the-top humorous, well written and engaging Regency comedy.
Buddy-read with Ian :)
January 14, 2022
Virtuous Scoundrel is the second installment of this series. In it, you will meet Sebastian and Katherine. She is his aunt, and he is in love with her. Which, yes, did gross me out but if you think about it, he was in love with her before the arranged marriage happened. Still gross though.
Sebastian definitely had his charms because he was pretty likable. I really enjoyed the scenes with the baby and dog nappers. I just think any scene thrown at Sebastian would be hilarious. I also really enjoyed seeing the previous couple in this one. I figured we would, but it still made me happy to read about it.
In the end, it ended up being a cute book. Which definitely surprised me. I'll have to continue my quest through this trilogy and dive into the Viscount's book next!
Sebastian definitely had his charms because he was pretty likable. I really enjoyed the scenes with the baby and dog nappers. I just think any scene thrown at Sebastian would be hilarious. I also really enjoyed seeing the previous couple in this one. I figured we would, but it still made me happy to read about it.
In the end, it ended up being a cute book. Which definitely surprised me. I'll have to continue my quest through this trilogy and dive into the Viscount's book next!
wish-list
October 2, 2016Note: At first glance, the cover of this book reminded me of the movie A Clockwork Orange...
That's NOT my idea of romance, but I've seen stranger covers.
ETA: The cover has been changed. Phew!
That's NOT my idea of romance, but I've seen stranger covers.
ETA: The cover has been changed. Phew!
November 19, 2017
Enjoyed this one even more than Book 1. The writer seems to have hit her stride with this book.
Sebastian Sherbrook has always been a little in love with Lady Katherine, but she was married to his nasty uncle (I know, right?) and so Sebastian pushed Katherine out of his thoughts. He even went away, travelling overseas to try to sort out his life.
But now Sebastian's uncle has died, and he dares to hope a little bit that perhaps one day, he and Katherine may have some sort of future together. It might sound a bit icky as she was his aunt by marriage, but there is no blood relationship between them, in fact they rarely had anything to do with each other, and the writer clearly explains the situation so I didn't feel any discomfort.
It seems that both Katherine and Sebastian have some difficult circumstances in their pasts, and these are revealed as the story proceeds. But as time passes and they draw closer together, they are both able to accept the other's (and their own) pasts, and support each other in moving forward together.
Both H and h love music and play the piano - this is part of what originally draws them together. I liked this aspect of the book. I also liked the stray animals they rescue, the love they give them, and the humorous aspects of the story that lead from this. And this is part of the enjoyment of this book - yes, it IS a 'romp'. The first two thirds or so are perhaps more serious, as their relationship develops and they start to deal with their pasts. Although there is one very funny set piece at a ball, involving a large cake with lots of creamy icing on it.......... and there's a fist fight.........
The last section of the book, where some of the earlier plot threads come together, involves some very funny characters and scenes. OK, there's some slapstick, but it's lots of fun. The book moves very quickly to its satisfying finale. Overall I really enjoyed this read, and I intend to start book three of this trilogy straight away. Looking forward to Viscount Marlowe's story.
Sebastian Sherbrook has always been a little in love with Lady Katherine, but she was married to his nasty uncle (I know, right?) and so Sebastian pushed Katherine out of his thoughts. He even went away, travelling overseas to try to sort out his life.
But now Sebastian's uncle has died, and he dares to hope a little bit that perhaps one day, he and Katherine may have some sort of future together. It might sound a bit icky as she was his aunt by marriage, but there is no blood relationship between them, in fact they rarely had anything to do with each other, and the writer clearly explains the situation so I didn't feel any discomfort.
It seems that both Katherine and Sebastian have some difficult circumstances in their pasts, and these are revealed as the story proceeds. But as time passes and they draw closer together, they are both able to accept the other's (and their own) pasts, and support each other in moving forward together.
Both H and h love music and play the piano - this is part of what originally draws them together. I liked this aspect of the book. I also liked the stray animals they rescue, the love they give them, and the humorous aspects of the story that lead from this. And this is part of the enjoyment of this book - yes, it IS a 'romp'. The first two thirds or so are perhaps more serious, as their relationship develops and they start to deal with their pasts. Although there is one very funny set piece at a ball, involving a large cake with lots of creamy icing on it.......... and there's a fist fight.........
The last section of the book, where some of the earlier plot threads come together, involves some very funny characters and scenes. OK, there's some slapstick, but it's lots of fun. The book moves very quickly to its satisfying finale. Overall I really enjoyed this read, and I intend to start book three of this trilogy straight away. Looking forward to Viscount Marlowe's story.
June 15, 2019
It could be that the first book in the series raised the bar too high and that I read this one so soon after the first. Whatever the reason, I just didn't feel this one. After the hilarity of book one, I was surprised at the serious tone of this one. Gone are the witty insults, the spot-on characterisations, the insightful befuddled revelations of the male mind. Even the heroine of the first novel has lost her sparkle and pragmatic country charms and turned into your typical shallow, busy-body London matron. The heroine (ice-matron widow) and hero (the rake who wasn't one) were both somewhat bland, far blander than their introductions in the previous book promised. I don't object to the idea of a virtuous hero , but this was a decidedly low steam affair. It was just low in thrills most of the way through. And just when I had settled myself in for a dramatic ride, the book turned 180 and became a OTT comedic romp. My issue is that it never built up to any emotionally intense climax, before it decided to go off on a frolicking tangent. It was almost like the author couldn't make up her mind, which direction to take the book. There were some funny moments and quirky characters, like the French duc and some amorous canines. I still believe the author has the capability to reach great heights again, but I might just skip the last book on the trilogy, because I just can't imagine Marlowe redeeming himself from his tardy, pudgy, banyan-wearing introduction in the first 2 books.
April 13, 2017
Review written: September 28, 2015
Star Rating: ★½☆☆☆
Heat Rating: ☀☀☼☼☼
An Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book was received free via Netgalley for an honest review.
I'm trying to decide if I should let this book sink in to craft a well-written review or just hurry up with the review in the hopes I can scrub my mind clean again with another book and pretend I never read this one. I'm a fan of dramas, so the book blurb made me curious. I'm sorry it did, sorry in a big, big way.
This is not a drama; this is not a melodrama. This is so far outside of all that it is absurd. In fact, it's so absurd that for a bit I considered that it might have been meant as a farce. It isn't. No, it definitely isn't intended to be farcical either. In fact, our intrepid rakehell hero is not at all a rakehell. That, in and of itself, is not farcical at all. The reason for it, on the other hand, is. As I was reading this, I mentioned it to my husband. His response? "I'm going to go throw up now."
Sebastian is poor and being dunned by every creditor in the city, including his butcher. He's in love with his uncle's widow (who married his uncle about a year before Sebastian met her). He's an orphan. He's got two best friends, one of whom was obviously the hero in the first book of this series. Judging by the characters in this book, that book was equally as hideous. He's known as a libertine; but he's really not. He could have been a virtuoso pianoforte player.
Katherine, well, she let herself be seduced by her music teacher at 15. She lost the baby and then years later married Sebastian's uncle to get away from her father. She's not much of a character really. Even some of the secondary characters are better drawn than she is. But they love each other!
As if the farce of Sebastian and Katherine weren't enough, Montford and his wife (Book 1) are ridiculous, Marlowe is a non-entity but the best friend, Aunt Anabel and her Frenchman somehow get involved. There's a crazy squire and his pregnant daughter. And they seem to be running off to the colonies a lot. Duels seem to be commonplace and it's all so topsy turvy, it's enough to make your head spin.
This book, its plotlines, its characters, its complete lack of well, anything except utterly absurd language, is simply horrid. Included at the back of the book is a short author's note which proudly proclaims no real interest in historical accuracy, except in the marriage laws (specifically for this book since the HEA hinged on them).
This review is ©September 2015 by Monique N. and has been posted to Netgalley.
Star Rating: ★½☆☆☆
Heat Rating: ☀☀☼☼☼
An Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book was received free via Netgalley for an honest review.
I'm trying to decide if I should let this book sink in to craft a well-written review or just hurry up with the review in the hopes I can scrub my mind clean again with another book and pretend I never read this one. I'm a fan of dramas, so the book blurb made me curious. I'm sorry it did, sorry in a big, big way.
This is not a drama; this is not a melodrama. This is so far outside of all that it is absurd. In fact, it's so absurd that for a bit I considered that it might have been meant as a farce. It isn't. No, it definitely isn't intended to be farcical either. In fact, our intrepid rakehell hero is not at all a rakehell. That, in and of itself, is not farcical at all. The reason for it, on the other hand, is. As I was reading this, I mentioned it to my husband. His response? "I'm going to go throw up now."
Sebastian is poor and being dunned by every creditor in the city, including his butcher. He's in love with his uncle's widow (who married his uncle about a year before Sebastian met her). He's an orphan. He's got two best friends, one of whom was obviously the hero in the first book of this series. Judging by the characters in this book, that book was equally as hideous. He's known as a libertine; but he's really not. He could have been a virtuoso pianoforte player.
Katherine, well, she let herself be seduced by her music teacher at 15. She lost the baby and then years later married Sebastian's uncle to get away from her father. She's not much of a character really. Even some of the secondary characters are better drawn than she is. But they love each other!
As if the farce of Sebastian and Katherine weren't enough, Montford and his wife (Book 1) are ridiculous, Marlowe is a non-entity but the best friend, Aunt Anabel and her Frenchman somehow get involved. There's a crazy squire and his pregnant daughter. And they seem to be running off to the colonies a lot. Duels seem to be commonplace and it's all so topsy turvy, it's enough to make your head spin.
This book, its plotlines, its characters, its complete lack of well, anything except utterly absurd language, is simply horrid. Included at the back of the book is a short author's note which proudly proclaims no real interest in historical accuracy, except in the marriage laws (specifically for this book since the HEA hinged on them).
This review is ©September 2015 by Monique N. and has been posted to Netgalley.
April 14, 2018
¡Ay, qué me hiciste Maggie!
Estaba disfrutando una comedia romántica tan tierna y dulce, con la divertida participación de los metomentodo duques de Montford, una delicia. Pero, de pronto, hacia la mitad, todos los secretos y sentimientos de los protagonistas se revelan y aclaran. Unos secretos del pasado originales, unos sentimientos que hubiera sido maravilloso que se expresaran más lentamente, con risas, confusiones y equívocos, si era necesario. Pero no, todo fue rápido.
Y entonces?
Y que Maggie quería, evidentemente, hacer una novela divertida pero disparatada, y como ya se había aclarado el romance, no tuvo mejor idea que crear una historia de perros, secuestros, nobles franceses y chantajes que no me convenció, ni me hizo reir ni nada.
Así que les dejo dos estrellas y media (promedio entre las dos partes (5 y 1) y lo bajo a dos por la decepción.
La historia de Katie y Sebastián, hermosa.
Estaba disfrutando una comedia romántica tan tierna y dulce, con la divertida participación de los metomentodo duques de Montford, una delicia. Pero, de pronto, hacia la mitad, todos los secretos y sentimientos de los protagonistas se revelan y aclaran. Unos secretos del pasado originales, unos sentimientos que hubiera sido maravilloso que se expresaran más lentamente, con risas, confusiones y equívocos, si era necesario. Pero no, todo fue rápido.
Y entonces?
Y que Maggie quería, evidentemente, hacer una novela divertida pero disparatada, y como ya se había aclarado el romance, no tuvo mejor idea que crear una historia de perros, secuestros, nobles franceses y chantajes que no me convenció, ni me hizo reir ni nada.
Así que les dejo dos estrellas y media (promedio entre las dos partes (5 y 1) y lo bajo a dos por la decepción.
La historia de Katie y Sebastián, hermosa.
October 10, 2015
3 stars because I loved her first book of the series and was hoping this was as good....but alas expectations always breed disappointment. The book had its moments but didn't work as well as the first one....Fenton is a good writer with a great sense of humor....but story came across as something she put extreme effort to make it sound quirky and sarcastic.....it didn't flow...felt forced...and some of the stuff in the story line the like dognapping and the duc was just unnecessary. I like Sebastian and Katherines story I wish Fenton told their tale instead of adding all that nonsense to move along the plot.
June 4, 2017
This is book two in the " The Regency Romp Trilogy" by Maggie Fenton. I have read the first book " The Duke's Holiday" and fell in love with Maggie Fenton writing. I so loved that book and was so happy to have the chance to read this book. I will say that I thought this was a stand alone book. Yes, it did have the two previous characters and some others but it was a catch up with their life that I enjoyed but it did not have impact to this story. So don't feel you have to read them in order but I was glad that I did just for the catch up of the other characters. The heroine, Lady Katherine Manwaring has had a bit of a hard time of it. She thought she fell in love when she was fifteen years old and was devsated to learn she was just a money number to the man. Her father quickly married her off to an older gentleman who happens to be the hero hated Uncle. Our hero is Sebastian Sherbrook, who also has had a hard and upsetting past. Sebastian sees Katherine for the first time and feels that he has fallen in love with her or at the very least she attracts him like no other women has. They quick find that they are both acting like they hate each other to keep down their feelings for the other so the other won't know. Sebastian ends up leaving and not coming back for two years after Katherine has become a widow and he has inherited his uncles title and money. This starts their new chapter into finding themselves once again unable to resist the other and how their love comes to be. I was so in love with the first book and have not be disappointed with this one. I loved it and I am thankful for the chance to read and review it. “I received a free, advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review”
March 2, 2016
Mr. Bling and the Lady- I can't wait for this one!
September 20, 2024
I tried to like this book. It started so well!
But the relationship betw the MCs just didn’t work. You never knew WHY they fell in love, just that they did.
DNF 75%. I can’t be bothered, even tho I’ve already wasted so much time reading it.
But the relationship betw the MCs just didn’t work. You never knew WHY they fell in love, just that they did.
DNF 75%. I can’t be bothered, even tho I’ve already wasted so much time reading it.
September 26, 2015
This is hands down one of the best regency romances that I have read this year! And although this is the second book in the series, I did not feel as though I missed anything, nor was I overly confused about events that had already taken place in the first story.
I have to admit though, that while all of the characters were well thought out, and even (mostly) endearing to a point, my favorite character would hands down have to be Penny - the irate dog with a "vicious soul".
There are sexual scenes that occur outside of marriage, however I felt that these were tastefully done, and add to the story rather than take anything away from it. However, they are short and can be easily skipped if that isn't your cup of tea.
Full of comedy, idiot dog-nappers, stubborn main characters and detailed story-lines, I would not only definitely recommend this story (and author) to those who enjoy a good regency romance, but I will certainly be reading more from her as well!
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
I have to admit though, that while all of the characters were well thought out, and even (mostly) endearing to a point, my favorite character would hands down have to be Penny - the irate dog with a "vicious soul".
There are sexual scenes that occur outside of marriage, however I felt that these were tastefully done, and add to the story rather than take anything away from it. However, they are short and can be easily skipped if that isn't your cup of tea.
Full of comedy, idiot dog-nappers, stubborn main characters and detailed story-lines, I would not only definitely recommend this story (and author) to those who enjoy a good regency romance, but I will certainly be reading more from her as well!
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
September 22, 2015
4 stars
I will admit that this book was slow to start. The first 40% was entertaining and pertinent to the book but it was slow moving. After that stretch, it developed into a nice and sweet read. Katherine and Sebastian are fun to read together and you're rooting for them, even when they're both acting like fools. I can honestly say I was pleasantly surprised with this one.
*** An advance reading copy was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
I will admit that this book was slow to start. The first 40% was entertaining and pertinent to the book but it was slow moving. After that stretch, it developed into a nice and sweet read. Katherine and Sebastian are fun to read together and you're rooting for them, even when they're both acting like fools. I can honestly say I was pleasantly surprised with this one.
*** An advance reading copy was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
Want to read
November 14, 2020Thank you for the gift, Santa's Baby Mama!
October 20, 2017
Maggie Fenton's Regency Romp Trilogy has a style that is romantic, funny, and just this side of farce. I did not enjoy the first book, I think because it had too much slapstick, but this book was fun. There is a lot going on here besides the romance, but it's all entertaining.
I listened to the audio version of this book, which I suspect was better than reading it. The narrator sounded like she was having fun herself, and even her slight lisp added to the silliness. I mean, the hero was named Sebastian.
The Kindle and Audible versions of free to Kindle Unlimited members.
I listened to the audio version of this book, which I suspect was better than reading it. The narrator sounded like she was having fun herself, and even her slight lisp added to the silliness. I mean, the hero was named Sebastian.
The Kindle and Audible versions of free to Kindle Unlimited members.
November 16, 2018
rounding up from 3.5, dragged a bit in the middle, but the drama behind the hero was some of the most well deserved drama ever. And the bits with the dogs won me over.
August 17, 2018
4.5 Stars
Book 2 of the Regency Romp Trilogy. Returning to England, Sebastian Sherbrook is not surprised that he is called out by the father of a young woman who has found herself pregnant and without a husband. Considered England’s most desirable man for his handsome looks, he is also considered a scoundrel and a rake, thus no one believes him when he states that he is innocent of the charges.
Lady Katherine Manwaring, the only women for whom he has affections for and his reason for returning still has a grudge and dislike for him. She finds it hard to believe him of wrong doing after he snubbed her at a recital and his pension for being a rake. However, he hopes upon his return that perhaps her feelings have changed although she was once married to his hateful uncle and this thought runs through his mind over and over.
Both have a passion for the piano forte and gradually through the story, their relationship develops as they deal with the incidents of their past. The story is funny, witty and have its very laughable moments. The pace is on target and as with the first book in the trilogy, this one did not fail. Overall, I truly enjoyed the listen and will move on to the third book.
Book 2 of the Regency Romp Trilogy. Returning to England, Sebastian Sherbrook is not surprised that he is called out by the father of a young woman who has found herself pregnant and without a husband. Considered England’s most desirable man for his handsome looks, he is also considered a scoundrel and a rake, thus no one believes him when he states that he is innocent of the charges.
Lady Katherine Manwaring, the only women for whom he has affections for and his reason for returning still has a grudge and dislike for him. She finds it hard to believe him of wrong doing after he snubbed her at a recital and his pension for being a rake. However, he hopes upon his return that perhaps her feelings have changed although she was once married to his hateful uncle and this thought runs through his mind over and over.
Both have a passion for the piano forte and gradually through the story, their relationship develops as they deal with the incidents of their past. The story is funny, witty and have its very laughable moments. The pace is on target and as with the first book in the trilogy, this one did not fail. Overall, I truly enjoyed the listen and will move on to the third book.
March 25, 2016
I must admit, I loved the first in this series, but this one just didn't live up to my expectations, despite the delicious cover of a scruffy Sebastian. I never really warmed up to Katherine, whom Sebastian has loved from afar for years while he was living abroad, earning his rakish reputation. As soon as Sebastian returns to London he is hit with a paternity suit, but he can't possibly be the father, although it takes Katherine a long time to believe that he's not as bad as his reputation makes him out to be. There was some humor in the book, but mostly I just didn't really care about Katherine and I didn't see what Sebastian saw in her. I was actually more interested in the other story line than theirs. Funny how the Duke is now such the doting father, I did like the scene with Sebastian and the baby and the pug, of course! Who couldn't like a pug? Next up, I am eager to read Marlow's story and how he handles his children, should be good!
3.5/5
3.5/5
October 12, 2015
This book has a bit of an Oscar Wilde tone to it (The Importance of Being Earnest or An Ideal Husband), and as Wilde says, “It is absurd to divide people into good and bad. People are either charming or tedious.” Sadly, tedious won in this effort.
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May 13, 2022Még év elején olvastam Maggie Fenton Pajkos régensség sorozatának első kötetét, A herceg liezonját, ami könnyed romantikus történetnek bizonyult. Biztos vagyok benne, hogy azért hozta ki ilyen gyorsan a folytatást a Könyvmolyképző Kiadó, mert most éppen szezonja van a történelmi romantikus regényeknek, hála annak a bizonyos Bridgerton családnak. Szóval nekem, aki kedveli az ilyen sztorikat igazán kedveznek a kiadók ilyen tettei.
Maggie Fenton az utószóban elismeri, hogy nem igazán volt szempont számára a történelmi hitelesség, bár pont az egyik fontos kérdésnek, hogy özvegy nagynéni és mostoha unokaöccse között lehet-e házasság éppen utána nézett, de ennél többet ne keressünk a könyvben, mert a szerző egyetlen célja a szórakoztatás. Sőt igazából még maga a románc is rengetegszer háttérbe szorul a humor javára. Szinte egymást követik a bohózatba hajló jelenetek, a mellékszereplők valódi karikatúrák, s a párbeszédek is teli vannak csattanókkal. De ez már abból is nyilvánvaló, hogy a fejezetek címei igazából az eseményeket vetítik előre, csak éppen kifigurázva:
„Amiben az özvegy márkiné egyáltalán, határozottan és kategorikusan nem epekedik egy gazember után”
„Amiben a sors váratlanul kellemetlen fordulatot vesz Soho rázós részén”
„Amiben a rossz francia melodráma szélsebesen zajlik a Bruton Streeten”
„Amiben a rossz francia melodráma újra felüti a fejét, amiért a szerző előre bocsánatot kér”
A regény nagy meglepetése, hogy a látszat mindig csal, mert Sebastianról kiderül, hogy igazi fahéjas csiga, azaz béta hős, Katherine pedig sokkal határozottabb és kezdeményezőbb is, mint szerepe szerint várható lett volna. Amivel azonban nem voltam kibékülve, az az előző könyv hőseinek szerepeltetése: főleg az zavart, hogy Astrid mintha teljesen megváltozott volna és hiányzott belőle az a szikra, ami annyira kedvelhetővé tette az előző részben.
Mindezen fenntartások mellett azért kellemes pár délutánt okozott a regény olvasása, de megértem, ha valakinek ez már túl sok lenne a komédiából 😊
Részletesen: http://olvasonaplo.net/olvasonaplo/20...
Maggie Fenton az utószóban elismeri, hogy nem igazán volt szempont számára a történelmi hitelesség, bár pont az egyik fontos kérdésnek, hogy özvegy nagynéni és mostoha unokaöccse között lehet-e házasság éppen utána nézett, de ennél többet ne keressünk a könyvben, mert a szerző egyetlen célja a szórakoztatás. Sőt igazából még maga a románc is rengetegszer háttérbe szorul a humor javára. Szinte egymást követik a bohózatba hajló jelenetek, a mellékszereplők valódi karikatúrák, s a párbeszédek is teli vannak csattanókkal. De ez már abból is nyilvánvaló, hogy a fejezetek címei igazából az eseményeket vetítik előre, csak éppen kifigurázva:
„Amiben az özvegy márkiné egyáltalán, határozottan és kategorikusan nem epekedik egy gazember után”
„Amiben a sors váratlanul kellemetlen fordulatot vesz Soho rázós részén”
„Amiben a rossz francia melodráma szélsebesen zajlik a Bruton Streeten”
„Amiben a rossz francia melodráma újra felüti a fejét, amiért a szerző előre bocsánatot kér”
A regény nagy meglepetése, hogy a látszat mindig csal, mert Sebastianról kiderül, hogy igazi fahéjas csiga, azaz béta hős, Katherine pedig sokkal határozottabb és kezdeményezőbb is, mint szerepe szerint várható lett volna. Amivel azonban nem voltam kibékülve, az az előző könyv hőseinek szerepeltetése: főleg az zavart, hogy Astrid mintha teljesen megváltozott volna és hiányzott belőle az a szikra, ami annyira kedvelhetővé tette az előző részben.
Mindezen fenntartások mellett azért kellemes pár délutánt okozott a regény olvasása, de megértem, ha valakinek ez már túl sok lenne a komédiából 😊
Részletesen: http://olvasonaplo.net/olvasonaplo/20...
October 6, 2015
Virtuous Scoundrel is full of fun and hilarious banter, crazy dogs, dognappers, meetings at dawn, meddling friends, and past paramours. So much sexual tension sits in the air along with scandal, lies, secrets, deceptions and the best, part a love so deep once capture, would last a lifetime. Sebastien Sherbrook, newly minted Marquess Manwaring, is a reknown rake and scoubdrel in the eyes of the ton. He has just returned to England after being away for several years. He left London because of Scandal and had hoped coming back after all these years would be a fresh start, boy was he wrong. As soon as he stepped off the boat, he was called out for impregnanting a squire's daughter with whom he adamantly insists he never touched, therefore said child could not be his. A meeting on the field of honor was the last thing he wanted but it was to be because he refuses to marry the girl and claim a child that is not his. The refusal to do the "right" thing has once again ruined his reputation therefore making him a villain among the ton and quite possibly ruined any chances he may have had to woo the only woman he's ever loved. Katherine, Lady Manwaring, the widow of the former Lord Manwaring and Sebastien's aunt by marriage is now free to be who she wants to be and do what she wants to, now that she is out from under her husband and father's thumb. With her marriage settlement and an inheritance left to her from her grandmother, she sets out with her best friend the Duchess of Montford to start a hospital for the poor. The last person she expected to see in the Duchess ' drawing room was her nephew Sebastien. Every since their first meeting she had been drawn to him but he gave her the cut direct. She never knew why, only assuming it was because of her husband, his uncle and the rift between the two. Sebastien is not the man everyone thinks he is and Katherine's marriage was a well played act but on for the ton. After Katherine finds Sebastien beaten almost beyond recognition with a mangy dog, she takes him home to care for him. During that time their relationship shifts from dislike to some thing a bit more though Katherine fights it at ever turn. Sebastien is ready to do anything to win his lady love, even breaking the nose of his best friend Viscount Marlowe and running his other friend The Duke of Montford's ball. Between the witty banter that goes back and forth between the two, the dognapping and ransoming of one of Katherine's precious dogs, the meddling of their friends and the law that an nephew shall not marry his Uncle's widow, there is an abundance of laughter and craziness in this story. With all of that, shameful secrets of the past come to light. Will Sebastien and Katherine survive the exposure of their secrets and all the mayhem that has happened around them or will it be too much and keep them apart? I truly enjoyed this story. It was fun and serious. It made my heartbreak and brought laughter and joy at the same time. If you enjoy humor in your Romance then this is a book for you. It is one you'll want to read from beginning to end and leave you want more. I truly enjoy a story that leaves me wanting to know more about the secondary characters as well. This is book 2 in the series and can be read either as a stand alone or as a series.
I received this book as an arc f4om the publisher through Netgalley for an honest review
I received this book as an arc f4om the publisher through Netgalley for an honest review
November 5, 2015
Romp indeed!
What I love most about Ms. Fenton's work is how she incorporates real life and the absurd in her beguiling tales. What I refer to is her obvious love of the ridiculous side of that era's culture and timeless memes (off-kilter wigs, outspoken randy older women, pets mindless of their innocent moxie). Ms. Fenton obviously loves to spin a good tale & I truly hope we are graced with more of her excellent wit! Finished in two sittings, primarily because I was inconvenienced by minor surgery.
What I love most about Ms. Fenton's work is how she incorporates real life and the absurd in her beguiling tales. What I refer to is her obvious love of the ridiculous side of that era's culture and timeless memes (off-kilter wigs, outspoken randy older women, pets mindless of their innocent moxie). Ms. Fenton obviously loves to spin a good tale & I truly hope we are graced with more of her excellent wit! Finished in two sittings, primarily because I was inconvenienced by minor surgery.
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December 31, 2014When's the book due to be published??
October 11, 2015
A fun read and worth the wait!
July 15, 2016
A fun read. Like all historical romances, it has all the added drama, dances and fun. A light read which won't tax your brain much. Exactly what I wanted.
April 11, 2022
**2.5/5 estrellas
No estuvo mal pero tampoco fue de los mejores, aunque si hubo momentos que me aburrió.
Además de que los protagonistas no son para nada destacables, en mi opinión.
Y Nunca comprendí en que momento se enamoraron estos dos...
No estuvo mal pero tampoco fue de los mejores, aunque si hubo momentos que me aburrió.
Además de que los protagonistas no son para nada destacables, en mi opinión.
Y Nunca comprendí en que momento se enamoraron estos dos...
January 7, 2024
Such sharp, clever writing. Such a sad, disappointing non-story. Sherbrook is a lovely character, but his virginity and a dognapping can’t completely carry the novel. Would have been three stars if not for my least favorite plot device of all time: one character silently deciding what is best for another and hurting them for their own good. That has become an automatic star deduction in my rule book BECAUSE IT’S LAME AND PREPOSTEROUS.
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