Valentine

Belmont #1

by Jane Feather

A quirk of fate has made Sylvester Gilbraith the heir of his sworn enemy, the earl of Stoneridge. But there’s a catch: To claim his inheritance, he has to marry one of the earl’s four granddaughters. The magnetically handsome nobleman has no choice but to comply with the terms of the will, yet when he descends on Stoneridge Manor prepared to charm his way into a fortune, he finds that the lady who intrigues him most has no intention of becoming his bride. Maddeningly beautiful and utterly impossible, Theodora Belmont refuses to admit to the chemistry between them, even when she’s passionately locked in his embrace. But soon the day will come when the raven-haired vixen will give anything to be Sylvester’s bride—and risk everything to defend his honor…and his life.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Regency, Historical Fiction, Fiction, British Literature

448 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Jane Feather (born Jane Robotham) is a popular British–American writer of historical romance novels. In 1984 she wrote five contemporary romances under the pseudonym Claudia Bishop. She is a New York Times-bestselling, award–winning writer, and has more than ten million romance novels in print.

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read6/20
This was an ok to good read. Not the author's worst but not her best. Theo got on my nerves for half the book. She was so rude and childish to Sylvester. I did like her independence and fearlessness.

I did like Sylvester for the most part, though he was reserved and secretive. He couldn't stand for Theo to found out about his disgrace from the army. Like no one was going to let it slip. If he had told the truth it would saved them a lot of problems. The love/hate relationship started to get old. It would have been more enjoyable to have them work together.

Her family were well developed and delightful. I loved 12 yr old Rosie. How enjoyable would her own story be?

The villian has to be the most cowardly villian I've ever read. Very unique concept!

Even with the problems in this book it is still an okay read. I may not always like her characters but the author's books are always very well written. Love Charade and Rushed To The Altar are my favorites.

[Fani *loves angst* · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked this one a lot and if I could I'd rate it with 3.5 stars. This book has everything I like: a distant hero suffering from a severe head wound, a marriage of convenience and war secrets.

As in all marriage-of-convenience plots, he comes to care for her as well and she for him, although she soon learns it was her money that made him marry her. But she also can't deny the passion between them. However, when she tries to get nearer her husband, he pushes her away (or under him!), refusing to confide in her about anything: why is everyone in the ton avoiding him or why is someone trying to kill him? But she is a headstrong woman and she's not easily put off. He on the other hand, wants to find out the truth about that war incident that marked him as a coward -he has no memory of it- so he can stand proudly before his wife. This one was an alpha, domineering male and thankfully the heroine had enough spunk to stand up to him, even if she was 15 years younder than him.

I would have rated it with 4 stars, had not the heroine in the last 100 pages acting as TSTL and aggravating me beyond measure.

[Chan-Ann · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book makes me wish I didn’t know how to read.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jane Feather delivers a romance. It has the usual elements, a disadvantaged hero, a disappointed heroine, mystery from the past, and an explosive romance, all set in 1800's England.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

mind candy! The magic of escape!

Reread after many years. Jane Feather writes of a long ago England, many during the period following the defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo.

This novel involves a former officer, Major Sylvester Gilbraith, of the British Hussars that was wounded at a battle. The French army captured the unit's colors, and it was whispered that the major surrendered the colors before he was injured. An army court failed to convict the major of cowardice, however the major still suffered from memory loss of that event that led to 12 months capture at the hands of the French before being released. Before ascending to the Earl of Stoneridge, a distant cousin, the major was content to remain secluded. However, the earldom was limited to the entailed lands unless the major married one of the four granddaughters of the deceased fourth earl.

The army officer behind the truth of the taking of the colors plans for the murder of the new earl. As Gilbraith doesn't remember how the colors were lost, he has difficulty in tracking down the cause of several attempts on his life.

Three of the four granddaughters are of marriageable age and their mother, Lady Elinor, provides support and advice for the newly elevated Earl.

[Lucimar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sempre apreciei Jane Feather. Gosto da maneira que escreve. Li algumas criticas sobre o mocinho. Mas, eu particularmente gostei, é verdade que ele trama, esconde alguma verdade, mais isto não me impediu de apreciá-lo. Mocinha espetacular,decidida e forte. Sabe se impor. Aliás, a família toda é agradável. Destaque para a mãe dela, Elinor e Rose, a caçula que é simplesmente uma graça e torna o livro engraçado. Já a família de Sylvester, nem ele mesmo suporta...
Cinco estrelas pelos momentos engraçados, cenas quentes e por nenhum momento a monotonia tomar lugar neste livro.

[☘Katie☘ · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first Jane Feather read!

I had been looking forward to reading this one for a year, because the summary with a war injured hero still struggling with the effects of battle wounds intrigued me. And I really did like Sylvester's character a lot! It was heartbreaking to hear how he couldn't remember the events of the surrender before he was wounded by a French bayonet to the head. Events that had led to his court marshal and subsequent ostracization from high society.

I could definitely feel the age gap between Stoneridge and Theo, as there were many times when Theo seemed a bit immature. It even led me wishing a bit that Theo ended up with Edward- they're friendship was really beautiful and well written. They were so close, it seemed natural, even though it was said Theo felt they were better as friends than as lovers.

The whole plot was great! I loved the mystery of trying to discover what had happened on the battlefield that would cause Stoneridge to surrender the colors and be labeled a coward. I wanted to find out just as much as Stoneridge did! The villain in Gerard was well executed with believable motive. The side characters were interesting-- to me, the most interesting were Edward and Rosie, the others were a bit flat for my tastes. Rosie was just adorable!

I really enjoyed the book- but I don't think I'd include it on my favorites shelf at least at the moment and not sure yet if I'd reread it in the future. But its still definitely a copy to keep in my personal library.

[Charleigh · Rating 1 out of 5]

Awful, I stopped reading a quarter of the way in. I had reservations after reading the bit about "Take advantage of her disadvantage" and my fears weren't unfounded. Sylvester Gilbraith unrelentingly pressures Theodora "Theo" Belmont to marry him, and his kisses are just so magically compelling that she agrees. Except she doesn't, really; he publishes the engagement announcement sneakily and then it's too late to back out. He suffers some sort of migraine disorder as a result of his war trauma, which is probably meant to soften his charming asshole personality, because what woman doesn't love a vulnerable man? He's in a hurry to get married, because in a month the Belmonts find out that although he inherits the title, the land and fortunes are only his if he marries one of the girls. And I guess he can't just wait, or tell them the truth, because he has no leverage if they're not as penniless and powerless as they believe themselves. Ugh.
I like Theo, though I think her character comes across as a bit strident and one-dimensional in her (initial, I guess) intense dislike of Sylvester. I'm charmed by the whole Belmont family. The writing is well researched and evocatively descriptive. Too bad the main man wasn't a proper gentleman.

[Marina P · Rating 2 out of 5]

A historical romance set in England during the Napoleonic wars.

The male main character is an ex-soldier who left the army because he was suspected of cowardice and betrayal before the enemy. He was not convicted but he wanted to keep that a secret towards the heroine and her family. Another secret he wanted to keep badly was why he really pursued the heroine : he needed her inheritance to be able to live a respectful life - but the heroine wasn’t aware of her inheritance until after they got married.

I did not like how there really were no negative consequences for the male hero from the heroine. She seemed so weak and spineless, when it came to the hero and his overbearing and disdainful behavior towards the heroine. He treated her like a spoiled little girl. He was only interested in her as a bed partner.

I never understood how the could possibly fall in love with each other - the heroine seemed to be sexually addicted to the hero, nothing more as that. And the hero - how could he fall in love with someone who behaved so stupidly and recklessly (she managed to get in many outrageously dangerous situations).

So - no, I did not like both the main characters. The supporting characters were ok though.

[Suzy Vero · Rating 3 out of 5]

💕 Valentine 💕 by Jane Feather (1995) is a delightful marriage of convenience story. The reclusive Captain Sylvester Gilbraith, was injured during the war against Napoleon, and supposedly lost the king’s colors and can’t recall exactly what happened… a bit of amnesia. He was tried and acquitted tho a black cloud hangs over his name. He’s now heir to the just deceased earl of Stoneridge and learns he must marry one of the earl’s four granddaughters in order to inherit.

He goes to the earls’s country estate and meets the daughters and at first is hard pressed to decide which one. The beautiful spunky Theodora immediately clashes with him and tries to thwart him at every advance. The domineering hero eventually wins her over and a sizzling romance ensues. There are attempts on his life and the mystery of did he really lose the king’s colors?

An interesting story plus great writing all combine for a warm and passionate Valentine’s Day read. Enjoy!!! ❤️

[pat]

dnf after chapter 4

what the fuck was that???

🚩so far:
- 15 years age gap
- they’re cousins
- multiple times he calls her gipsy which is giving derogatory undertone
- dubious consent (kissing, touching)
- fuckass will (dude is being told he’s going to inherit both the count title and riches if he marries one of the cousins, the cousins get the money if the dude doesn’t marry one of them, but no one told them and they think they’re poor, they can find out about the money a month later after the dude)
- the dude tells the girl what to wear not to tempt a man’s urges???
- the girl’s mom is weirdly into the main dude for some reason???

[Kaitertot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this. My very first romance I ever read without trying hide it was also by Jane Feather, so this was truly a nostalgia read for me.

Overall the FMC is strong and bold and smart, and the MMC tries to control her at first but ultimately realizes he loves this little hellian just as she is.

Questionable repeated use of a word for Romani people that is a slur now (this was published in 1995, and not that it makes it BETTER but it is used as a term of endearment, not an insult). Multiple references to skin color of the FMC (tanned versus the pasty white from lack of sun exposure).

[Jacq · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well look, it's unfair to read a bodice ripper from the 90's and judge it by 2021 standards.

All I will say, leaving aside all the issues around consent and misogyny and poor communication and a heck of a lot of red flags, is that A Lot of these characters are (poorly) drawn from the Georgette Heyer supporting cast, but without the humor, and it's frankly a bit lazy.

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay this was not the best. It feels very dated. The hero kept calling the heroine first g*psy which is a term I hate. Then when they were betrothed he kept calling her cousin which I know they aren’t related related but it just felt ick to me. I didn’t like either the heroine or the hero the entire time. She was immature and he was you say no but you mean yes ick type.

[Richard Majewski · Rating 3 out of 5]

Valentine Review

Slow throughout the book and had no relevance to Valentine's Day. I 'm very disappointed in the title of this book.

[Elle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll start by saying this is a pretty good story. As with most of this series, it's a bit light on the history, which i missed. Feather has a real talent for weaving historical fact in with a subtle hand, so that you gain knowledge of the period even while you're reading a fun story, but again, this was more of a straightforward Georgian romance.

Sylvester Gilbraith has inherited an earldom from a distant relative, a member of a branch of the family that has been at odds with his (bit fuzzy here; if the reasons for the feud are ever explained, I sped-read right past it. The feud is important to the story in that it's one of the obstacles to the romance, but it seemed pretty silly to me). The terms of the previous earl's will give Sylvester the title and entailed estates, but the wealth, which is not entailed, is to go to the earl's granddaughters unless, within a month of the reading of the will, Sylvester can persuade one of the girls to marry him. One of the girls is betrothed, and the other is a child, leaving two, the shy and very sensitive Clarissa and the hoyden Theodora (Theo). You can guess who he picks. And how does he go about wooing the young, defiant, determined not to marry Theo? Well, start with the fact that before he knows who she is, thinking she's a gypsy, he pretty much tries to force his attentions on her. I won't call it seduction; he grabs her and mauls her while she's saying no. She does respond to his kiss, but that doesn't make it better. Somehow, though, Theo never thinks about the implications of that once she realizes who he is and what he wants. I'd have expected her to take exception to a man coming to woo a bride stopping along the way to ravish a local gypsy. Doesn't say a lot for what she might expect in terms of fidelity.

Anyway, once he does figure out who she is, and even after he understands that some of her intransigence is out of grief for the loss of her father and grandfather and resentment of him as a usurper, he basically runs roughshod over her and continues to force his affections on her until he wears her down. It's one of those icky romance novel things where she says no, he holds her down and has his way until her body responds, and then it's all good. I always end up at the end of these scenes really disgusted with him and not too impressed with her. Just once I'd like to see the heroine resist until he has to respect her. Instead, of course, he learns that anytime he does her wrong all he has to do is ravish her and she'll turn up sweet. Geck.

I'm not holding this against Feather, though. It's such a standard part of the genre that it's almost required. I am just disappointed that a writer as gifted as she is couldn't find a better way to play out the battle of the sexes.

So just about the time the relationship begins to head in a better direction (though he is one of those dictatorial men who is now going to start telling her how to dress and what she can and cannot do--and again Theo doesn't put up the kind of fight I thought she should), there are more complications. Seems Sylvester has an enemy from his service days and the man is quietly trying to kill him. So we have a pretty good thriller woven into the relationship story. I get bored with romances that are just about the romance, so this is another reason I like Feather.

A good addition to the series, for all the peeves it trod upon.

[C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Major Sylvester Gilbraith's regiment lost a decisive battle to the French on the shores of Portugal. Gravely injured, Sylvester survived a year in a French prison camp. On his return to England he is brought before a military tribunal, accused of cowardice for surrendering to the enemy. He cannot even defend himself because he has no memory of the fateful battle in which he was gravely wounded. The charge of cowardice clings to him and old friends, even fellow soldiers, turn their backs. He is ostracized from proper society. To add to his troubles, Sylvester learns he has just inherited the title of his family's sworn enemy, the Earl of Stoneridge. He won't inherit the money to keep up the estate, however, unless he marries one of the old earl's granddaughters. He has a month to convince one of the girls to become his bride. If he does not succeed, the girls will learn they inherit all of the wealth that goes along with the estate, and the new Earl will be left penniless. Sylvester soon learns that only one of the Earl's granddaughters, Theodora, is suitable for him. The young lady in question has no intention of marrying a Gilbraith. Theodora clings to her family's hatred of the Gilbraith clan, and ignores Sylvester's overtures, but she has a harder time ignoring the passion between them. Finally, Sylvester charms her into marrying him. But can he trust her? What will happen to the lovers' tentative truce if Theodore learns the true terms of her grandfather's will, that she would have been independently wealthy without marrying him? And how can he possibly tell this woman about his greatest shame? More than anything, he fears that the charges of cowardice may be true. Sylvester needs to search for the answers, but he can't bring himself to confide in Theodora or to ask for her help, not even when his life is threatened during his search for the truth.Rich characters and nonstop action! Ms. Feather writes with wit and humor. Her characters are delightful! This one is hard to put down!Annette Carney -- Copyright © 1994-97 Literary Times, Inc. All rights reserved -- From Literary Times --This text refers to the Mass Market Paperback edition.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first Jane Feather book and I’m very pleased with it! The beginning was very slow, but once it got going I really enjoyed Sylvester and Theo (even though they got on my nerves sometimes). The main characters are at each other’s throats for awhile at the beginning, but it doesn’t last too long and you’re able to get on with the story. There were a few places in the book that were also really funny, and that took me by surprise- in a good way of course. I will try some of her other books as well. I’ve heard that they are all hit or miss though. Hopefully I can pick out the other good ones.

Sylvester Gilbraith has just inherited from an entail (from his late family’s sworn enemy) making him the Earl of Stoneridge. However, in order to not only have the title and property he also needs the money the manor makes in order to maintain it. That is where he has a snag. The late Earl of Stoneridge made it clear in his will that Sylvester would not get the money unless he married one of his four granddaughters. The problem is that Theodora Belmont would never marry a Gilbraith. Would she? Sylvester uses seduction to get what he wants. That and the power and control she would keep if she became mistress of Stoneridge as she had learned everything about it and its people from her late grandfather.

Sylvester has a past of his own- shroud in mystery. He resigned his commission in the military after he surrendered to the French before reinforcements had arrived. The problem was that Sylvester doesn’t remember exactly what happened. He was hit hard on the head by a bayonet (of which he still has the scar and terrible headaches that leave him incapable of doing nothing but retching). He was kept in a French prison for a year before being shipped back to England. In order to clear his name in London society Sylvester must figure out what actually happened. The problem is that someone doesn’t want him to remember.

[Tamara · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was written well, some words of the period could have used a "period" dictionary--but you got the gist. It had a lot of sexual content between the two main characters--at my age I don't need a how-to sex manual. Then there is the name--Valentine. I got my copy through my local library, it even had a valantine sticker on the spine tag. There was nothing about a valentine, Valentine's Day, or the name Valentine in the whole book--maybe I missed something quickly skimming through those sultry interludes. I did like the characters, the plot, even the villain, and again it was well written. At the end all's well that ends well--but you know that's going to happen from the begginning.

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sylvester goes into the marriage without revealing the full details of the grandfather's will and multiple times says "But I never lied to you." That really doesn't help his case nor does it make this book quite likable. I skimmed through the last 2 thirds. It was rather tedious.

[Amalia Dillin]

I'm still scratching my head over the title of this book, trying to figure out what is "Valentine" about it.

I enjoyed this book enough to keep reading, even though 90% of the problems could have been solved by the hero just telling the truth to his wife, but it was a nice leisurely romance.

[Gabbe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Le doy 5 porque me gustó Theo, pero me hubiera gustado un final menos rápido, quiero decir... tanto ¡solo para eso! Pero me gustó la referencia a la guerra, también por eso tiene 5 estrellitas :3
Quisiera una historia sobre Rosie :3

[Ana · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars. Not many readers will like Sylvester but I found him attractive in a weirdly overbearing way lol. Anyways, the story lost it's charm when they moved to London for the season. The ensuing mystery and conflict became predictable. What a shame..

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved, loved this book by Jane.....great characters, sizziling sex, romance, bad guys.........witty.......a very enjoyable book!

[Karen Desmond · Rating 2 out of 5]

2

[Mary Lauer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh. The silly family feud, their unwillingness to TALK to each other led to contrived issues. Her refusal to pay any attention whatsoever to her personal safety drove me nuts.

[Rhonda · Rating 3 out of 5]

The last book was better and I'm having a problem understanding how it's a series if the characters change each time with all new plots and story lines.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read.

[Cyndi · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book sucked.

[Rema · Rating 4 out of 5]

I REALLY enjoyed reading this! I loved Theo and Sylvester together. They just fit really well together. Theo was definitely a different kind of heroine in this genre. She's my absolute favorite.