What do you think?
Rate this book
Brethren of the Coast #7
Love With An Improper Stranger
Book 7 in the Brethren of the Coast series.
After her father is killed on the battlefield, Lenore Teversham, along with her younger sister Lucilla, is stranded on the Continent and must rely on the generosity of a stranger for safe passage to London. While the journey brings with it the usual discomforts, as she detests sailing, the oh-so-rude captain inflicts pain of a different sort, as they clash in a test of wills at every turn. When a devious guardian auctions Lenore in marriage to the highest bidder, she wishes she had wed her shipboard nemesis, the arrogant captain who awakened something within her she can neither define nor understand, when she had the chance. Can Lenore find her way back to the man who claimed her heart?
When notoriously hotheaded Nautionnier Knight Blake Elliott, fifth Duke of Rylan, volunteers for a mission, his magnanimous gesture does not include acting as nanny to a couple of blushing sisters. At first, the cantankerous nobleman finds the young women quite amusing, yet he is drawn to the elder sister, as their verbal fencing becomes a hard habit to break. After Lenore suffers a wicked bout of seasickness, Blake nurses her back to health but loses his heart in the process. What happens when Blake alters his course and sets sail for an altogether delectable, more permanent destination?
After her father is killed on the battlefield, Lenore Teversham, along with her younger sister Lucilla, is stranded on the Continent and must rely on the generosity of a stranger for safe passage to London. While the journey brings with it the usual discomforts, as she detests sailing, the oh-so-rude captain inflicts pain of a different sort, as they clash in a test of wills at every turn. When a devious guardian auctions Lenore in marriage to the highest bidder, she wishes she had wed her shipboard nemesis, the arrogant captain who awakened something within her she can neither define nor understand, when she had the chance. Can Lenore find her way back to the man who claimed her heart?
When notoriously hotheaded Nautionnier Knight Blake Elliott, fifth Duke of Rylan, volunteers for a mission, his magnanimous gesture does not include acting as nanny to a couple of blushing sisters. At first, the cantankerous nobleman finds the young women quite amusing, yet he is drawn to the elder sister, as their verbal fencing becomes a hard habit to break. After Lenore suffers a wicked bout of seasickness, Blake nurses her back to health but loses his heart in the process. What happens when Blake alters his course and sets sail for an altogether delectable, more permanent destination?
285 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 16, 2015
48 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Devlin
53 books516 followersBarbara Devlin was born a storyteller. A Texan, through and through, Barbara hasn’t been without a book in her possession since she was in kindergarten. She wrote her first short story, a really cheesy murder-mystery, in high school, but it was a Christmas gift, a lovely little diary with a bronze lock, given to her in the fifth grade that truly inspired her love for writing.
After completing part of her undergraduate studies at the University of London, Barbara returned home and began a career in banking. But the late 80’s weren’t too promising for the financial industry, and every bank that hired Barbara soon folded. So she searched for a stable occupation, and the local police department offered the answer to her prayers.
Initially, Barbara wasn’t too sure about her new chosen career in law enforcement, but she soon came to love being a police officer. However, on an uncharacteristically cold and icy day in December 1998, Barbara was struck by a car and pinned against a guardrail while working an accident on a major highway. Permanently disabled, she retired from the police department and devoted her time and energy to physical therapy.
Once Barbara got back on her feet, she focused on a new career in academia. She earned an MA in English, continued on a course of study for a Doctorate in Literature and Rhetoric, started writing historical fiction in her spare time, and completed five full-length novels featuring her fictional knighthood, the Brethren of the Coast. Book six is currently in the works.
After completing part of her undergraduate studies at the University of London, Barbara returned home and began a career in banking. But the late 80’s weren’t too promising for the financial industry, and every bank that hired Barbara soon folded. So she searched for a stable occupation, and the local police department offered the answer to her prayers.
Initially, Barbara wasn’t too sure about her new chosen career in law enforcement, but she soon came to love being a police officer. However, on an uncharacteristically cold and icy day in December 1998, Barbara was struck by a car and pinned against a guardrail while working an accident on a major highway. Permanently disabled, she retired from the police department and devoted her time and energy to physical therapy.
Once Barbara got back on her feet, she focused on a new career in academia. She earned an MA in English, continued on a course of study for a Doctorate in Literature and Rhetoric, started writing historical fiction in her spare time, and completed five full-length novels featuring her fictional knighthood, the Brethren of the Coast. Book six is currently in the works.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 3, 2020
Lenore and Blake. Got to love a story when the hero falls in love with a belching, vomiting, snoring, heroine who swoons a lot. Side characters are a hoot. Loved this one.
Book 4 in the boxed set A Duke's Desire: Nine full length novels.
Book 4 in the boxed set A Duke's Desire: Nine full length novels.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2015
It is no longer a man's world. Thanks to Devlin it is now the world of the Brethren Brides. An avid reader of this series, I have been dying for our resident Brethren rake to meet his match and I couldn't be happier with Lenore.
Never has the death of a loved one brought good fortune. Except apparently in the case of the Treversham sisters. Lenore, as the oldest, has secured passage for herself and Lucy back to London aboard a ship. Therein lays the start of quite an interesting courtship. Our lovely Lenore captivates Blake from the start. Of course the course of true love never runs smooth. Considering how often Blake and Damien harassed their married Brethren brothers, it was with great pleasure that I watched as Lenore ran Blake ragged. Armed with Lenore's sister, the precocious Lucy, as a partner in crime, Blake is determined to convince Lenore to walk down the aisle with him.
However, if you believe that her acquiescence means the end of their story then you obviously don't know Barbara Devlin very well. With plot twists that took even me by surprise, Devlin takes your average historical romance and makes it so much more. And more is exactly what I've come to expect from someone who in the short year since I first discovered her books, has become one of my favorite authors ever.
Never has the death of a loved one brought good fortune. Except apparently in the case of the Treversham sisters. Lenore, as the oldest, has secured passage for herself and Lucy back to London aboard a ship. Therein lays the start of quite an interesting courtship. Our lovely Lenore captivates Blake from the start. Of course the course of true love never runs smooth. Considering how often Blake and Damien harassed their married Brethren brothers, it was with great pleasure that I watched as Lenore ran Blake ragged. Armed with Lenore's sister, the precocious Lucy, as a partner in crime, Blake is determined to convince Lenore to walk down the aisle with him.
However, if you believe that her acquiescence means the end of their story then you obviously don't know Barbara Devlin very well. With plot twists that took even me by surprise, Devlin takes your average historical romance and makes it so much more. And more is exactly what I've come to expect from someone who in the short year since I first discovered her books, has become one of my favorite authors ever.
October 9, 2016
Best of the series (IMO)
I LOVED this book - it reminded me of one of my all time favorite books "Devil's Bride". Don't misunderstand, this book is not a knock off of that book - but, there are some similarities.
Blake Elliott, Duke of Rylan has finally met his match. And when this cocky captain falls, he falls hard and fast.
Lenore and Lucilla Terversham are trying to get back to England, after their father was killed at Waterloo. Things are not going well for these ladies. They're practically penniless and Lenore was almost trampled by a horse and lost her favorite bonnet. She shows up at her father's friends house muddy and missing a shoe only to come face to face with the blackguard who nearly ran her down! Imagine her surprise when she finds out he is the person transporting them home.
Blake is thrilled to see his feisty little miss again, but it's not until they begin the journey home and Lenore falls deathly ill that he truly falls in love with her.
Blake convinces Lenore to let him court her however he's not told her who he really is she just thinks he's a Navy captain.
When she finds out the truth she is horrified and contends that she couldn't possibly marry so far above herself, as she is scared of shaming him.
Blake refuses to take No for answer and vows to win her. Sigh....
Lenore begins to believe that she could actually have a future with Blake and is already in love with him. But when her uncle shows up and takes her away from him, all seems lost.
Blake and Lenore have to fight hard to get back to each other and when they finally do - it is bittersweet and they are soon parted again.
These two have a long road to their HEA, but was a fantastic story it is. The writing is wonderful, story flows very quickly, there are a lot of steamy moments, a lot of laugh out loud funny moments, a lot of heartbreak, and of course the rest of the brethren are on hand to offer their "advice".
I highly recommend this book - it is truly my favorite of the series.
I LOVED this book - it reminded me of one of my all time favorite books "Devil's Bride". Don't misunderstand, this book is not a knock off of that book - but, there are some similarities.
Blake Elliott, Duke of Rylan has finally met his match. And when this cocky captain falls, he falls hard and fast.
Lenore and Lucilla Terversham are trying to get back to England, after their father was killed at Waterloo. Things are not going well for these ladies. They're practically penniless and Lenore was almost trampled by a horse and lost her favorite bonnet. She shows up at her father's friends house muddy and missing a shoe only to come face to face with the blackguard who nearly ran her down! Imagine her surprise when she finds out he is the person transporting them home.
Blake is thrilled to see his feisty little miss again, but it's not until they begin the journey home and Lenore falls deathly ill that he truly falls in love with her.
Blake convinces Lenore to let him court her however he's not told her who he really is she just thinks he's a Navy captain.
When she finds out the truth she is horrified and contends that she couldn't possibly marry so far above herself, as she is scared of shaming him.
Blake refuses to take No for answer and vows to win her. Sigh....
Lenore begins to believe that she could actually have a future with Blake and is already in love with him. But when her uncle shows up and takes her away from him, all seems lost.
Blake and Lenore have to fight hard to get back to each other and when they finally do - it is bittersweet and they are soon parted again.
These two have a long road to their HEA, but was a fantastic story it is. The writing is wonderful, story flows very quickly, there are a lot of steamy moments, a lot of laugh out loud funny moments, a lot of heartbreak, and of course the rest of the brethren are on hand to offer their "advice".
I highly recommend this book - it is truly my favorite of the series.
November 17, 2015
WOW another amazing tale in the Brethren of the coast series. Each book Ms Devlin tells a Historical masterpiece that sweeps you back in time. When Society was a mans world but she gives these spunky ladies a voice and shows the true power a woman and love can have over any man. In this case even a Duke. I can never say how much I recommend this series to those that love true romance.
“How she worked on him, and how she touched him. As the finest brandy, she warmed him from the inside, and he fought to maintain control of his desires, which ran rampant, much to his chagrin. ”
Blake Elliott, fifth Duke of Rylan will neve know what hit him will how much almost hitting some one else would change his life. When he meets the fiery spirited Miss Teversham he gets taken on a adventure in Love and in following his mighty brothers of the brethren he mess up capturing his loves heart as well. When evil takes the love Lenore from him how can he stand the wait of finding her and making her his.
Miss Lenore Teversham is angry beyond thought and the Improper stranger she is came across in the street after he pummels her prize hat. Mud spatted and missing her shoe when she meets him again he is her way home. The Captain captures her heart but when she finds out who he truly is how she go from generals daughter to a Duke intended. She has nothing but doubts to this life when her uncle shows to settle her father estate she see how much she needs her Knight.
You will be my wife, my lover, my friend, my partner, and my duchess.” He tightened his grasp and chuckled. “So I will not pressure you, as the decision is yours to make, but neither will I cede the fight. I will win you, Lenore. I dare you to try and leave me, because when I am done, you will never let me go.”
“How she worked on him, and how she touched him. As the finest brandy, she warmed him from the inside, and he fought to maintain control of his desires, which ran rampant, much to his chagrin. ”
Blake Elliott, fifth Duke of Rylan will neve know what hit him will how much almost hitting some one else would change his life. When he meets the fiery spirited Miss Teversham he gets taken on a adventure in Love and in following his mighty brothers of the brethren he mess up capturing his loves heart as well. When evil takes the love Lenore from him how can he stand the wait of finding her and making her his.
Miss Lenore Teversham is angry beyond thought and the Improper stranger she is came across in the street after he pummels her prize hat. Mud spatted and missing her shoe when she meets him again he is her way home. The Captain captures her heart but when she finds out who he truly is how she go from generals daughter to a Duke intended. She has nothing but doubts to this life when her uncle shows to settle her father estate she see how much she needs her Knight.
You will be my wife, my lover, my friend, my partner, and my duchess.” He tightened his grasp and chuckled. “So I will not pressure you, as the decision is yours to make, but neither will I cede the fight. I will win you, Lenore. I dare you to try and leave me, because when I am done, you will never let me go.”
November 18, 2015
Love With An Improper Stranger
I loved it........5 Stars
Each one is wonderful and the series just gets better and better. It brings in all of the characters from the previous books so we can keep enjoying there adventures. Just start with book one and read the night away.....ladies.....recency romance does not get any better than this.
I loved it........5 Stars
Each one is wonderful and the series just gets better and better. It brings in all of the characters from the previous books so we can keep enjoying there adventures. Just start with book one and read the night away.....ladies.....recency romance does not get any better than this.
November 22, 2015
Book 7 as good as book one
Normally when I read a series the first two books are really good, but then the next seems to drop off. Not so with this series each book is fresh and exciting, while still connecting the characters from other books seamlessly. Great job Ms. Devlin!! I also felt that the first book of the original brethren was great as well.
Normally when I read a series the first two books are really good, but then the next seems to drop off. Not so with this series each book is fresh and exciting, while still connecting the characters from other books seamlessly. Great job Ms. Devlin!! I also felt that the first book of the original brethren was great as well.
January 13, 2016
Another amazing addition to the series. It was nice to see the overconfident Duke of Rylan brought down by Lenore. Once again, the characters were very well written. I love that the series brings together all of characters from the previous books in the series. I am attached to this series. I will be anxiously awaiting the next books in the series.
November 23, 2015
Great read
I could not put this book down. Staying up until three in the morning. I thought the characters were believable and the plot was strong. Good job. I will check out the other books.
I could not put this book down. Staying up until three in the morning. I thought the characters were believable and the plot was strong. Good job. I will check out the other books.
September 19, 2018
A beautiful love story
I liked this story so much. It drew my interest right from the first. I liked the hero, Blake from first, but fell in love with him as story progressed. The heroine, Lenore, had my sympathy from first, but I liked her developing personality and admired her so much by the end. The story has intrigue, adventure, some tasteful sensuality toward last of book. It kept me in suspense till end. Blake was such a caring, protective loving man, that most women would like for yourself. There are reoccurring people that are made up of loving members, that become an extended family, that I would love to be a part of. There is a terrible villain that causes such fear, that I wanted to see him brought to justice. It was hard to put book down, as I wanted to see what happened next. This is a wonderful series that I would suggest be read in order. This author never disappoints me. I highly recommend this book, as I do all of her books.
I liked this story so much. It drew my interest right from the first. I liked the hero, Blake from first, but fell in love with him as story progressed. The heroine, Lenore, had my sympathy from first, but I liked her developing personality and admired her so much by the end. The story has intrigue, adventure, some tasteful sensuality toward last of book. It kept me in suspense till end. Blake was such a caring, protective loving man, that most women would like for yourself. There are reoccurring people that are made up of loving members, that become an extended family, that I would love to be a part of. There is a terrible villain that causes such fear, that I wanted to see him brought to justice. It was hard to put book down, as I wanted to see what happened next. This is a wonderful series that I would suggest be read in order. This author never disappoints me. I highly recommend this book, as I do all of her books.
February 16, 2023
Loving this series
This is Barbara Devlin's 7th book in the Brethren of the Coast Descendants series. The series is fantastic. I'm glad I own them on kindle. I can read them whenever I want. The preceeding series about the ancestors is also an excellent series. I do have a complaint about the ancestor series. It was not finished at the time of this review. The final story was not written, or if it was, it was not published and made available for Kindle. The only other complaint I have, because I actually have two, is that those books were too short.
I recommend both series to anyone who loves historical romances. They made me laugh and cry. Despite the happy ending I still wanted more.
This is Barbara Devlin's 7th book in the Brethren of the Coast Descendants series. The series is fantastic. I'm glad I own them on kindle. I can read them whenever I want. The preceeding series about the ancestors is also an excellent series. I do have a complaint about the ancestor series. It was not finished at the time of this review. The final story was not written, or if it was, it was not published and made available for Kindle. The only other complaint I have, because I actually have two, is that those books were too short.
I recommend both series to anyone who loves historical romances. They made me laugh and cry. Despite the happy ending I still wanted more.
August 9, 2020
I found quite a bit in this novel to delight me, such as the humour between the brotherhood and their wives. I picked this novel up after a reading break and I am glad that it hit most of the targets I thoroughly enjoy in a historical romance book- fiery personalities, humour, emotional suspense and a daring calamity that must fall on the Heroine! There were some aspects I was a bit iffy on, though. The amount of rum Lenore drinks raised my eyebrows. And sometimes it felt a bit too long...?
Normally, the 7th book in a series becomes tired and the events become ridiculously implausible (even for a historical romance); but this one skirted the fine line and did a good, solid job.
Normally, the 7th book in a series becomes tired and the events become ridiculously implausible (even for a historical romance); but this one skirted the fine line and did a good, solid job.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2017
This book is a wonderful addition to the Brethren of the Coast series. Blake may be hotheaded, but he is capable of caring deeply. This book has something for everyone, it's full of adventure, with lots of humor thrown in the mix. If you love regency romance, seafaring captains, strong courageous ladies, I encourage you to read this and all the Brethren of the Coast books. One of my favorite book series!
August 19, 2017
Much the same
Unfortunately, this book of the series is much the same as the others. Nothing new other than a few plot twists. I was hoping for more.
I still wish to complete the series as it started off very well.
I am not as enthusiastic as I have previously been, but I would recommend the books be read in order by readers of historical romance novels.
Unfortunately, this book of the series is much the same as the others. Nothing new other than a few plot twists. I was hoping for more.
I still wish to complete the series as it started off very well.
I am not as enthusiastic as I have previously been, but I would recommend the books be read in order by readers of historical romance novels.
September 5, 2018
Amazing!
The newest Brethren of the Coast is another astounding, and down to earth, tale. The stories of the Nautoneer Knights are breathtaking, and their brides are fearless! ❤❤❤
The newest Brethren of the Coast is another astounding, and down to earth, tale. The stories of the Nautoneer Knights are breathtaking, and their brides are fearless! ❤❤❤
April 2, 2016
Blake falls in love
Blake, Duke of Rylan and leader of the Brethren of the Coast, has watched the other Brethren knights marry and has an idea what to expect. His romance is less contentious but still challenging.
This is a good mix of romance and adventure. I am really enjoying this series. Now I have to wait.
Blake, Duke of Rylan and leader of the Brethren of the Coast, has watched the other Brethren knights marry and has an idea what to expect. His romance is less contentious but still challenging.
This is a good mix of romance and adventure. I am really enjoying this series. Now I have to wait.
April 8, 2016
A voyage of love and adventure. A family death, travel on the high seas, and a sexy knight. Exactly who is being rescued is to be determined. This is Lenore and Blake's story and just like all the others, you won't want to miss this grand adventure.
Another must read.
Another must read.
July 7, 2016
Excellent read
The family dynamics were well developed. I especially enjoyed the interaction between the brothers and the wives sharing sage advice and support. I plan on reading this series again not only for the story, but also for the beautiful use of the English language.
The family dynamics were well developed. I especially enjoyed the interaction between the brothers and the wives sharing sage advice and support. I plan on reading this series again not only for the story, but also for the beautiful use of the English language.
February 14, 2016
Book 7 brethren
As always a awesome book romance, kidnapping ,and murder,and another bother gets married ...it's a great series and Barbara Devlin never disappoints on her books
As always a awesome book romance, kidnapping ,and murder,and another bother gets married ...it's a great series and Barbara Devlin never disappoints on her books
August 3, 2016
What a fantastic read, I enjoyed reading Bout the mighty Blake and his fall into love
March 13, 2016
Very nice
Lovers author's stories. They keep me totally entertained. I laughed so hard at times because of the things she leads th he couples through
Lovers author's stories. They keep me totally entertained. I laughed so hard at times because of the things she leads th he couples through
April 1, 2016
FANTASTIC
Each book was better than the last . I can't wait for number eight. Also I have now discovered the series of the five Templars. Hope they are as well written as these.
Each book was better than the last . I can't wait for number eight. Also I have now discovered the series of the five Templars. Hope they are as well written as these.
April 21, 2017
I love the whole Brethren of the Coast series. Most of the characters are in each book so the stories all come together.
Read
April 23, 2018DNF
I WAS LOOKING FORWARD TO BLAKE'S STORY AND WHILE IT WASN'T BAD....THERE WAS NO SET PLOT THAT HOOKED ME TO READ THE REST.
AFTER THE CHARACTERS MET...IT JUST WENT ON SMOOTHLY AND THEY WERE SWEET....AND I'M ALWAYS HOPING FOR MORE....
I WAS LOOKING FORWARD TO BLAKE'S STORY AND WHILE IT WASN'T BAD....THERE WAS NO SET PLOT THAT HOOKED ME TO READ THE REST.
AFTER THE CHARACTERS MET...IT JUST WENT ON SMOOTHLY AND THEY WERE SWEET....AND I'M ALWAYS HOPING FOR MORE....
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews