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The Carsington Brothers #5
Last Night's Scandal
After surviving the perils of Egypt, Peregrine Dalmay, Earl of Lisle, is back in London, facing the most dire threat of all: his irrational family . . . and Miss Olivia Wingate-Carsington. A descendant of notorious—but very aristocratic—swindlers, the delectable redhead has the ability to completely unhinge him and a long history of dragging him into her scandalous schemes.
Olivia may be Society's darling, but she's aware a respectable future looms menacingly. And so when Lisle is forced to go on a family mission, she sees this as the perfect chance for one last adventure—even if it is with the one man in the world she can't wrap around her finger. But really, she only wants to help . . .
Which is why Lisle and Olivia find themselves in a gloomy Scottish castle inhabited by spiteful ghosts and craven murderers . . . and a shocking secret: the greatest peril of all may be burning within their own stubborn hearts.
Olivia may be Society's darling, but she's aware a respectable future looms menacingly. And so when Lisle is forced to go on a family mission, she sees this as the perfect chance for one last adventure—even if it is with the one man in the world she can't wrap around her finger. But really, she only wants to help . . .
Which is why Lisle and Olivia find themselves in a gloomy Scottish castle inhabited by spiteful ghosts and craven murderers . . . and a shocking secret: the greatest peril of all may be burning within their own stubborn hearts.
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First published July 27, 2010
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About the author
Loretta Chase
52 books3,660 followersLoretta Lynda Chekani was born in 1949, of Albanian ancestry. For her, the trouble started when she learned to write in first grade. Before then, she had been making up her own stories but now she knew how to write them down to share. In her teenage years, she continue to write letters, keep a journal, write poetry and even attempt the Great American Novel (still unfinished). She attended New England public schools, before she went off to college and earned an English degree from Clark University.
After graduation, she worked a variety of jobs at Clark including a part-time teaching post. She was also moonlighting as a video scriptwriter. It was there that she met a video producer who inspired her to write novels and marry him. Under her married name, Loretta Chase, has been publishing historical romance novels since 1987. Her books have won many awards, including the Romance Writers of America RITA.
After graduation, she worked a variety of jobs at Clark including a part-time teaching post. She was also moonlighting as a video scriptwriter. It was there that she met a video producer who inspired her to write novels and marry him. Under her married name, Loretta Chase, has been publishing historical romance novels since 1987. Her books have won many awards, including the Romance Writers of America RITA.
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August 27, 2010
I have no real strong feelings either way on this book. It started off super funny then sort of fizzled when the sexual tension was cut short and replaced by a non-committal self-imposed internal conflict. I'm not sure I have it in me to write a full-bodied review.
The book opens strongly with a few letters back and forth between the younger Olivia Carsington in England and Peregrine Dalmay, Earl of Lisle, who is in Egypt. Olivia's letter are true to the personality of the child we met back in Lord Perfect, full of exaggerations, Ideas and words underlined for GREATER emphasis. Lisle's more sedate letters also suit the deliberate voice of reason that had managed the wilder Olivia on their Noble Quest for pirate treasure in Bristol. I was chuckling at their interplay at the Dowager Countess of Hargate's birthday ball where Lisle was trapped between a sudden desire for the adult Olivia and his comfortable rapport with his old friend.
When Lisle's dramatic and overemotional parents demand he go to a family estate in Scotland to restore it, withholding his entire allowance unless he acquiesces, he's in a bind. He wants to return to Egypt to work alongside his scholar aunt, not freeze his rump off in Scotland. Luckily, and unluckily, for him, Olivia has an Idea. Before he knows what hit him, he's on his way to Scotland, and so is Olivia and two elderly and inappropriate chaperones.
And here's where the book started to lose me. I thought their desire was openly acknowledged far too early, deflating the sexual tension. They share passionate kisses before they even reach the castle and shag early and often. This left a rather flimsy reason as the impediment to their HEA so the ghost story could conclude first. Olivia couldn't accept Lisle's proposal because he's happiest in Egypt and she would only tie him to England. 1. That's sort of a false dilemma. Surely she could have gone to Egypt with him. 2. If that's the case, STOP HAVING SEX ALL THE TIME. Talk about being a tease. The conflict is basically self-inflicted until Olivia basically says, "Ghost story's resolved, I changed my mind, let's get married." Weak.
The rest of the book is comical in spots. The ribald old ladies were good for a chuckle or two and the recurring bagpipe gag did make me laugh a few times against my better judgement. I couldn't say I disliked the book in the least. It was a fun adventure with a cast of entertaining characters. I just felt that it could have been so much more of a book had she paced the sexual tension and romantic conflict differently.
The book opens strongly with a few letters back and forth between the younger Olivia Carsington in England and Peregrine Dalmay, Earl of Lisle, who is in Egypt. Olivia's letter are true to the personality of the child we met back in Lord Perfect, full of exaggerations, Ideas and words underlined for GREATER emphasis. Lisle's more sedate letters also suit the deliberate voice of reason that had managed the wilder Olivia on their Noble Quest for pirate treasure in Bristol. I was chuckling at their interplay at the Dowager Countess of Hargate's birthday ball where Lisle was trapped between a sudden desire for the adult Olivia and his comfortable rapport with his old friend.
When Lisle's dramatic and overemotional parents demand he go to a family estate in Scotland to restore it, withholding his entire allowance unless he acquiesces, he's in a bind. He wants to return to Egypt to work alongside his scholar aunt, not freeze his rump off in Scotland. Luckily, and unluckily, for him, Olivia has an Idea. Before he knows what hit him, he's on his way to Scotland, and so is Olivia and two elderly and inappropriate chaperones.
And here's where the book started to lose me. I thought their desire was openly acknowledged far too early, deflating the sexual tension. They share passionate kisses before they even reach the castle and shag early and often. This left a rather flimsy reason as the impediment to their HEA so the ghost story could conclude first. Olivia couldn't accept Lisle's proposal because he's happiest in Egypt and she would only tie him to England. 1. That's sort of a false dilemma. Surely she could have gone to Egypt with him. 2. If that's the case, STOP HAVING SEX ALL THE TIME. Talk about being a tease. The conflict is basically self-inflicted until Olivia basically says, "Ghost story's resolved, I changed my mind, let's get married." Weak.
The rest of the book is comical in spots. The ribald old ladies were good for a chuckle or two and the recurring bagpipe gag did make me laugh a few times against my better judgement. I couldn't say I disliked the book in the least. It was a fun adventure with a cast of entertaining characters. I just felt that it could have been so much more of a book had she paced the sexual tension and romantic conflict differently.
December 30, 2021
When I read Lord Perfect, the two adventurous youngsters, Peregrine Dalmay (Earl of Lisle) and Olivia Wingate, really captured my heart. I thought they deserved their own story and I am delighted that Loretta Chase agreed with me because her latest book, LAST NIGHT'S SCANDAL is their story. Wonderfully romantic, deliciously sexy and extremely funny, it is a joy to read.
At the end of Lord Perfect, Lisle goes off to Egypt with his aunt and uncle to pursue his studies. Olivia, meanwhile, is learning to conduct herself as befits the stepdaughter of Benedict Carsington, Viscount Rathbourne. LAST NIGHT'S SCANDAL opens ten years later.
Egypt is Lisle's passion and he has no desire to return to the inhospitable shores of England. Only something really close to his heart will entice him back, albeit for as short a time as possible. He has always regarded the Carsingtons as his family and the 95th birthday celebration ball being held for the Dowager Countess of Hargate, matriarch of the Carsington family, is one event he does not intend to miss. It also gives him the opportunity to see his best friend, Olivia, whom he hasn't seen for five years. He is literally dumbstruck! He can only remember her as a plain, skinny girl and not the beautiful woman he now sees in front of him.
He stared, his gaze going up then down, again and again. The room's heat was suddenly beyond oppressive and his heart was beating strangely and his mind was a thick haze of memories where he was searching to make sense of what his eyes told him.
Lisle isn't the lanky youth Olivia remembers anymore! Her best friend is now ‘a man exuding virility to a dizzying degree' who stirs up all sorts of strange sensations in her:
She felt the spark of contact under her glove, under her skin. Her heart sparked, too, and its beating grew hurried.
Lisle's parents are the main reason he has no wish to return to England:
They were ridiculous. They had children, but it wasn't a family. They were entirely wrapped up in each other and their endless dramas.
Luckily his uncle, Benedict Carsington, was on hand to take the young Lisle under his wing and shield him, for the most part, from his parents' histrionics.
Unfortunately, his plans to return to Egypt are thwarted by his father who insists that his son take charge of Gorewood Castle, a run-down and supposedly haunted family property in Scotland. Lisle's answer is a resounding NO! Unfortunately, Lisle is involved in a public brawl protecting Olivia, and his father now threatens to cut off his allowance completely until 'he sees a glimmer of filial duty, a semblance of gentlemanly behaviour.' Checkmate!
However, all is not lost because Olivia is about to ride to her friend's rescue on a white charger (those who have read Lord Perfect will understand the reference). She has it all worked out; they will go to Scotland together:-
'. . . And it won't hurt to let your parents think they've won one battle. If we play this game properly, you'll be back in Egypt in -- oh, by Spring, very likely.'
Lisle thinks it's a ridiculous idea and Olivia seems to accept his decision meekly. Too meekly, as Lisle discovers when he arrives at his parents' house the next morning. Olivia is already there and, somehow, she has successfully persuaded them to let Lisle and herself go to Scotland together! (I was certainly intrigued to discover just how Olivia had persuaded them). Lisle is furious and refuses to go. Undaunted, Olivia, two chaperones and assorted servants set off for Scotland without Lisle, who is forced to follow – 'Now I must turn my life upside down, drop everything, and race after her – in the middle of the night, no less.'
After a somewhat eventful journey to Scotland, Olivia and Lisle finally arrive safely at Gorewood Castle but find that, in addition to making the castle habitable, they must also contend with ‘ghosts', a missing butler, a temperamental French chef and, above all, their growing feelings for each other. Will they ever be able to admit what is truly in their hearts? What exactly is in Olivia's box of treasures?
First and foremost, I have to say that I absolutely love this book. What makes it so special for me is the wonderful chemistry Ms Chase creates between Lisle and Olivia. From the moment they first see each other at the ball, the atmosphere positively sizzles with the awakened sexual awareness between them. They are uncomfortable with these strange new feelings because they still regard each other as ‘best friends'. I chuckled to myself at the way in which Lisle keeps trying to distract his thoughts from her 'creamy bosom more than amply on display.'
They are as different from each other as night and day. Olivia is volatile, impulsive and stubborn while Lisle is practical, honourable and principled, but they just seem so right for each other - even Olivia says at one point – "We balance."
I really like Olivia probably because I have a soft spot for unconventional heroines. She is such a vivid and memorable character and I think it's her oddball qualities that make her so. After all, she does have the blood of those dreadful Deluceys flowing in her veins!
I see her reason for wanting to go to Scotland as partly selfish because she feels pressured into settling down and wants one more taste of freedom before that happens. She sums up her feelings eloquently:
'Women lead narrow lives. We're somebody's daughters, then somebody's wives and somebody's mothers. We never do anything, not as men do.'
I also see her determination to help Lisle because she understands him better than anyone else and knows that Egypt is his first love and she is willing to try anything to help him get back there. This is the main reason why she knows that she and Lisle would never suit. She wants to be first in a man's heart but she knows that Lisle's heart is already given to Egypt. Underneath, Olivia is really a romantic!
Lisle has a difficult time resisting Olivia's allure but he is wary of anything that upsets his orderly life and Olivia certainly does that. At one point, he describes her as a ‘simoon' – a sudden, immense whirlwind racing across the desert – which I think is a very apt description. Despite his rational exterior, Lisle does have a temper, which explodes when he sees Lord Belder, one of Olivia's admirers, manhandling her. When Olivia sprains her ankle at York Cathedral, his concern transforms into anger because she could have been badly injured or even killed. As with any argument, this one gets out of hand and they say hurtful things to each other. Lisle's remorse afterwards is really heartfelt:
'She was his friend. A demented and dangerous friend, true, but he was far from perfect.
His temper, for one thing. Too quick, he knew – but when before had he unleashed it so cruelly on a woman?
And this woman who'd loyally and faithfully written to him, week after week. This was the woman who'd always understood what Egypt meant to him.'
It is these very human traits that make Olivia and Lisle come alive for me.
The eventful journey to Scotland and the assorted goings on at the castle are like watching a zany slap-stick comedy and, while I accept that it may not be to everyone's taste, I love it. Then again, I am British and was brought up on this type of comedy and so that may account for it! The two elderly chaperones, Lady Cooper and Lady Withcote, certainly add spice to the proceedings. I knew I was in for a treat when Lisle makes the following observation about them:
'Like all the dowager's friends, they lived to gossip, drink, gamble and ogle young men. There couldn't exist more unsuitable chaperons outside of a brothel.'
Their bawdy conversations certainly brought a smile to my face.
I enjoyed seeing Olivia and Lisle trying hard not to succumb to their obvious attraction to each other but failing miserably. Ms Chase evokes their initial passionate encounters so well:
'It was hot and lewd, a kiss of tangled tongues and thrust and withdraw, like the coupling every instinct screamed for.'
It is refreshing to have a heroine who, although a virgin, is neither shy nor naïve and Olivia embraces Lisle's lovemaking in a totally unrestrained way when they make love for the first time. Ms Chase is one of the few authors who can combine sensuality and pure romance all in one scene.
When reading the book, I found myself conjuring up vivid images of scenes in my mind, thanks to Ms Chase's superb writing such as when Lisle studies Olivia as she is gazing at Gorewood Castle for the first time:
'Over the mass of red curls she wore the usual milliner's insanity: a thing with a brim the size of a flagship's foredeck, with feathers and ribbons sprouting out of the top.'
I could just imagine that enormous hat with all the feathers and ribbons waving about. I don't think even the outrageous creations at Royal Ascot could ever compete!
I also love the way she combines rib-tickling humour, social commentary and glorious romantic prose with such ease. I am sure I have filled a notebook with worthy quotations. Here are just a few of my favourites:
'He was a man. Men always had lewd thoughts. It was perfectly natural and normal.'
'Just because I squeezed my gigantic bottom into men's trousers, you needn't assume my brains have shrunk to masculine size.'
'All he could see was her. All he could think was her. All the world was Olivia.'
'Why must women stay quietly? Why must we be little moons, each of us stuck in our little orbit, revolving around a planet that is some man? Why can't we be other planets? Why must we be moons?'
This is a marvellous book for anyone who loves fine historical romance laced with bags of humour. I can highly recommend LAST NIGHT'S SCANDAL and it's certainly finding a place on my keeper shelf.
http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
This review was originally written for The Romance Reviews
At the end of Lord Perfect, Lisle goes off to Egypt with his aunt and uncle to pursue his studies. Olivia, meanwhile, is learning to conduct herself as befits the stepdaughter of Benedict Carsington, Viscount Rathbourne. LAST NIGHT'S SCANDAL opens ten years later.
Egypt is Lisle's passion and he has no desire to return to the inhospitable shores of England. Only something really close to his heart will entice him back, albeit for as short a time as possible. He has always regarded the Carsingtons as his family and the 95th birthday celebration ball being held for the Dowager Countess of Hargate, matriarch of the Carsington family, is one event he does not intend to miss. It also gives him the opportunity to see his best friend, Olivia, whom he hasn't seen for five years. He is literally dumbstruck! He can only remember her as a plain, skinny girl and not the beautiful woman he now sees in front of him.
He stared, his gaze going up then down, again and again. The room's heat was suddenly beyond oppressive and his heart was beating strangely and his mind was a thick haze of memories where he was searching to make sense of what his eyes told him.
Lisle isn't the lanky youth Olivia remembers anymore! Her best friend is now ‘a man exuding virility to a dizzying degree' who stirs up all sorts of strange sensations in her:
She felt the spark of contact under her glove, under her skin. Her heart sparked, too, and its beating grew hurried.
Lisle's parents are the main reason he has no wish to return to England:
They were ridiculous. They had children, but it wasn't a family. They were entirely wrapped up in each other and their endless dramas.
Luckily his uncle, Benedict Carsington, was on hand to take the young Lisle under his wing and shield him, for the most part, from his parents' histrionics.
Unfortunately, his plans to return to Egypt are thwarted by his father who insists that his son take charge of Gorewood Castle, a run-down and supposedly haunted family property in Scotland. Lisle's answer is a resounding NO! Unfortunately, Lisle is involved in a public brawl protecting Olivia, and his father now threatens to cut off his allowance completely until 'he sees a glimmer of filial duty, a semblance of gentlemanly behaviour.' Checkmate!
However, all is not lost because Olivia is about to ride to her friend's rescue on a white charger (those who have read Lord Perfect will understand the reference). She has it all worked out; they will go to Scotland together:-
'. . . And it won't hurt to let your parents think they've won one battle. If we play this game properly, you'll be back in Egypt in -- oh, by Spring, very likely.'
Lisle thinks it's a ridiculous idea and Olivia seems to accept his decision meekly. Too meekly, as Lisle discovers when he arrives at his parents' house the next morning. Olivia is already there and, somehow, she has successfully persuaded them to let Lisle and herself go to Scotland together! (I was certainly intrigued to discover just how Olivia had persuaded them). Lisle is furious and refuses to go. Undaunted, Olivia, two chaperones and assorted servants set off for Scotland without Lisle, who is forced to follow – 'Now I must turn my life upside down, drop everything, and race after her – in the middle of the night, no less.'
After a somewhat eventful journey to Scotland, Olivia and Lisle finally arrive safely at Gorewood Castle but find that, in addition to making the castle habitable, they must also contend with ‘ghosts', a missing butler, a temperamental French chef and, above all, their growing feelings for each other. Will they ever be able to admit what is truly in their hearts? What exactly is in Olivia's box of treasures?
First and foremost, I have to say that I absolutely love this book. What makes it so special for me is the wonderful chemistry Ms Chase creates between Lisle and Olivia. From the moment they first see each other at the ball, the atmosphere positively sizzles with the awakened sexual awareness between them. They are uncomfortable with these strange new feelings because they still regard each other as ‘best friends'. I chuckled to myself at the way in which Lisle keeps trying to distract his thoughts from her 'creamy bosom more than amply on display.'
They are as different from each other as night and day. Olivia is volatile, impulsive and stubborn while Lisle is practical, honourable and principled, but they just seem so right for each other - even Olivia says at one point – "We balance."
I really like Olivia probably because I have a soft spot for unconventional heroines. She is such a vivid and memorable character and I think it's her oddball qualities that make her so. After all, she does have the blood of those dreadful Deluceys flowing in her veins!
I see her reason for wanting to go to Scotland as partly selfish because she feels pressured into settling down and wants one more taste of freedom before that happens. She sums up her feelings eloquently:
'Women lead narrow lives. We're somebody's daughters, then somebody's wives and somebody's mothers. We never do anything, not as men do.'
I also see her determination to help Lisle because she understands him better than anyone else and knows that Egypt is his first love and she is willing to try anything to help him get back there. This is the main reason why she knows that she and Lisle would never suit. She wants to be first in a man's heart but she knows that Lisle's heart is already given to Egypt. Underneath, Olivia is really a romantic!
Lisle has a difficult time resisting Olivia's allure but he is wary of anything that upsets his orderly life and Olivia certainly does that. At one point, he describes her as a ‘simoon' – a sudden, immense whirlwind racing across the desert – which I think is a very apt description. Despite his rational exterior, Lisle does have a temper, which explodes when he sees Lord Belder, one of Olivia's admirers, manhandling her. When Olivia sprains her ankle at York Cathedral, his concern transforms into anger because she could have been badly injured or even killed. As with any argument, this one gets out of hand and they say hurtful things to each other. Lisle's remorse afterwards is really heartfelt:
'She was his friend. A demented and dangerous friend, true, but he was far from perfect.
His temper, for one thing. Too quick, he knew – but when before had he unleashed it so cruelly on a woman?
And this woman who'd loyally and faithfully written to him, week after week. This was the woman who'd always understood what Egypt meant to him.'
It is these very human traits that make Olivia and Lisle come alive for me.
The eventful journey to Scotland and the assorted goings on at the castle are like watching a zany slap-stick comedy and, while I accept that it may not be to everyone's taste, I love it. Then again, I am British and was brought up on this type of comedy and so that may account for it! The two elderly chaperones, Lady Cooper and Lady Withcote, certainly add spice to the proceedings. I knew I was in for a treat when Lisle makes the following observation about them:
'Like all the dowager's friends, they lived to gossip, drink, gamble and ogle young men. There couldn't exist more unsuitable chaperons outside of a brothel.'
Their bawdy conversations certainly brought a smile to my face.
I enjoyed seeing Olivia and Lisle trying hard not to succumb to their obvious attraction to each other but failing miserably. Ms Chase evokes their initial passionate encounters so well:
'It was hot and lewd, a kiss of tangled tongues and thrust and withdraw, like the coupling every instinct screamed for.'
It is refreshing to have a heroine who, although a virgin, is neither shy nor naïve and Olivia embraces Lisle's lovemaking in a totally unrestrained way when they make love for the first time. Ms Chase is one of the few authors who can combine sensuality and pure romance all in one scene.
When reading the book, I found myself conjuring up vivid images of scenes in my mind, thanks to Ms Chase's superb writing such as when Lisle studies Olivia as she is gazing at Gorewood Castle for the first time:
'Over the mass of red curls she wore the usual milliner's insanity: a thing with a brim the size of a flagship's foredeck, with feathers and ribbons sprouting out of the top.'
I could just imagine that enormous hat with all the feathers and ribbons waving about. I don't think even the outrageous creations at Royal Ascot could ever compete!
I also love the way she combines rib-tickling humour, social commentary and glorious romantic prose with such ease. I am sure I have filled a notebook with worthy quotations. Here are just a few of my favourites:
'He was a man. Men always had lewd thoughts. It was perfectly natural and normal.'
'Just because I squeezed my gigantic bottom into men's trousers, you needn't assume my brains have shrunk to masculine size.'
'All he could see was her. All he could think was her. All the world was Olivia.'
'Why must women stay quietly? Why must we be little moons, each of us stuck in our little orbit, revolving around a planet that is some man? Why can't we be other planets? Why must we be moons?'
This is a marvellous book for anyone who loves fine historical romance laced with bags of humour. I can highly recommend LAST NIGHT'S SCANDAL and it's certainly finding a place on my keeper shelf.
http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
This review was originally written for The Romance Reviews
May 26, 2024
if you want childhood friends who argue like a married couple (but in fact aren’t) while continuing to deny their feelings as they fix up an old scottish castle this is for you. (bonus points for treasure hunts)
olivia the woman that you are
“I love you madly,” she said. “I shall make you happy if I have to kill somebody to do it. But that ought not to be necessary.”
Read my review here
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olivia the woman that you are
“I love you madly,” she said. “I shall make you happy if I have to kill somebody to do it. But that ought not to be necessary.”
Read my review here
Follow me on Instagram
October 10, 2025
This is a book I had actually done some detailed notes on goodreads when I first read it - according to the notes in August 2010 so it has been a while, long enough I did not remember it that well and it was fascinating to me to read my own words again (thank you goodreads) and see if I agreed with myself. This time I did!
This is a clear cut sequel - I think modern romance series are much more important publishing wise than they used to be, lots more bait and spoilers and much bigger series. It did not used to be like that, but I think this was at a kind of turning point at romance writing and it's already more pro-client service than older romance series books. Maybe also a publisher thing, the totally generic title (for this and book 4 of this series which might as well have been the title for this one) when the first 3 books have titles which mean something and are good ways to describe the characters.
So you totally need to read Lord Perfect before reading this (though only that one) since the two main characters first met there, aged 12 and 13 and went on an escapade which was the lever for the romance plot of their guardians (mother and uncle). This story feels like fanservice which I guess is what it is. Olivia and Peregrine grown up, and paired together. And they were fantastic as kids, but, I am sorry to say it, the romance part did not quite work (but I am a rebellious romance reader who sometimes just thinks, noooo, they will be miserable in 10 years…). So Peregrine/Lisle is clearly coded as on the autistic spectrum, Olivia is coded, as I dunno, manic pixie dream girl totally competent at everything unscrupulous, full of feminist and social oppression of women sensibilities and Olivia is all so inconsistent. I am again sorry to say I do not quite believe in this Olivia, so hypercompetent and so stupid sometimes (to move plot so Peregrine as to act on his lust!), on one case illogically wanting to be more important than Egypt for Peregrine (which is IMO a red flag) but then comes the epilogue and nevermind that she is happy enough to go spend her honey moon in Egypt (where she likely will spend most of her future life anyway…).
Also Loretta Chase books can be a bit formulaic in that the tension is about sexual attraction as a relationship motivation, characters falling into instalust over each other (and the woman and man making generic statements about, ahahah, males being stupid and always moved by lust. It’s funnier what it sounds like, really) and this falls into it again. Needlessly IMO. They were friends before, they had a history of intimate letters (level of intimacy according to what the writer was capable of), but, oh wait, Olivia is now a fantastic beauty and driving men, including to Peregrine, to very stupid behaviour. It’s too forced…
But that is my problem with this book, the central relationship which should be the focus does not really work. But the rest, the setting, and particularly the side characters, and ALL the dialogue oh that is so priceless. The dialogue is priceless Loretta Chase, the proper ladies maid replying to her mistress, the servants, the very bawdy chaperone. Loretta Chase really does get humor, the comedic timing, the understatedness, and there is this feeling of deep historical research which is not oppressive but so very cool.
So in all, my feelings are about the same as 15 years ago, 3 stars, because while I loved a lot of this I just did not like, believe (ok, approve of) the central romantic relationship.
The 2010 notes:
The story of the kids, from Lord Perfect, and this plot would have made a better novella than a novel. I enjoyed this very much, but Loretta Chase is probably incapable of writing anything I would not enjoy - I loved the dialogue, the small snippets of interaction between characters ( oh the valet and the maid, I so wanted more....). And the old ladies are indescribable. BUT and this is a very big but, the relationships are not nearly as complex and interesting as in her other books ( though the one previous was also a bit skimpy). I had to reread the "prequel" so to speak, and this does not compare well, it is much shorter and just less rich. There were far more nuances to these characters when they were 12-13, just compare the two versions of Olivia´s letter to Lisle, the one at the end of LP and the one at the beginning of this book. I wanted more of these characters, I would have loved to see how Lisle had grown up, more on his relationship with his uncle which was so interesting, and more of Olivia as a person and not just the brat. This book was still lots of fun. But it not quite as rich as her other novels.
This is a clear cut sequel - I think modern romance series are much more important publishing wise than they used to be, lots more bait and spoilers and much bigger series. It did not used to be like that, but I think this was at a kind of turning point at romance writing and it's already more pro-client service than older romance series books. Maybe also a publisher thing, the totally generic title (for this and book 4 of this series which might as well have been the title for this one) when the first 3 books have titles which mean something and are good ways to describe the characters.
So you totally need to read Lord Perfect before reading this (though only that one) since the two main characters first met there, aged 12 and 13 and went on an escapade which was the lever for the romance plot of their guardians (mother and uncle). This story feels like fanservice which I guess is what it is. Olivia and Peregrine grown up, and paired together. And they were fantastic as kids, but, I am sorry to say it, the romance part did not quite work (but I am a rebellious romance reader who sometimes just thinks, noooo, they will be miserable in 10 years…). So Peregrine/Lisle is clearly coded as on the autistic spectrum, Olivia is coded, as I dunno, manic pixie dream girl totally competent at everything unscrupulous, full of feminist and social oppression of women sensibilities and Olivia is all so inconsistent. I am again sorry to say I do not quite believe in this Olivia, so hypercompetent and so stupid sometimes (to move plot so Peregrine as to act on his lust!), on one case illogically wanting to be more important than Egypt for Peregrine (which is IMO a red flag) but then comes the epilogue and nevermind that she is happy enough to go spend her honey moon in Egypt (where she likely will spend most of her future life anyway…).
Also Loretta Chase books can be a bit formulaic in that the tension is about sexual attraction as a relationship motivation, characters falling into instalust over each other (and the woman and man making generic statements about, ahahah, males being stupid and always moved by lust. It’s funnier what it sounds like, really) and this falls into it again. Needlessly IMO. They were friends before, they had a history of intimate letters (level of intimacy according to what the writer was capable of), but, oh wait, Olivia is now a fantastic beauty and driving men, including to Peregrine, to very stupid behaviour. It’s too forced…
But that is my problem with this book, the central relationship which should be the focus does not really work. But the rest, the setting, and particularly the side characters, and ALL the dialogue oh that is so priceless. The dialogue is priceless Loretta Chase, the proper ladies maid replying to her mistress, the servants, the very bawdy chaperone. Loretta Chase really does get humor, the comedic timing, the understatedness, and there is this feeling of deep historical research which is not oppressive but so very cool.
So in all, my feelings are about the same as 15 years ago, 3 stars, because while I loved a lot of this I just did not like, believe (ok, approve of) the central romantic relationship.
The 2010 notes:
The story of the kids, from Lord Perfect, and this plot would have made a better novella than a novel. I enjoyed this very much, but Loretta Chase is probably incapable of writing anything I would not enjoy - I loved the dialogue, the small snippets of interaction between characters ( oh the valet and the maid, I so wanted more....). And the old ladies are indescribable. BUT and this is a very big but, the relationships are not nearly as complex and interesting as in her other books ( though the one previous was also a bit skimpy). I had to reread the "prequel" so to speak, and this does not compare well, it is much shorter and just less rich. There were far more nuances to these characters when they were 12-13, just compare the two versions of Olivia´s letter to Lisle, the one at the end of LP and the one at the beginning of this book. I wanted more of these characters, I would have loved to see how Lisle had grown up, more on his relationship with his uncle which was so interesting, and more of Olivia as a person and not just the brat. This book was still lots of fun. But it not quite as rich as her other novels.
September 8, 2021
Not my favorite of the series but I liked how this transitioned from friends to lovers. The friends aspect was done mostly through sparring letters so the physical attraction comes on strong early when they’re reunited all grown up. I did think the hero was a bit of a dunce for not understanding how important he was was to the heroine earlier. And the heroine, for all her tenacity, was afraid to truly voice her wishes for the future. Mostly I liked the characters, which of course received a boost from the excellent narrator.
August 2, 2016
Probably more like 3.5 stars but I'm rounding up because of Loretta Chase Bonus Fun Points. Give the woman her due, even when the book isn't that good, it's still damned entertaining.
I was rooting for a Lisle and Olivia book (see my ridiculously gushing Lord Perfect review) and here it is. In some respects very satisfying. I love that Olivia is still OTT and clever and adventurous. Lisle is still a balancing influence to her and it worked nicely (although perhaps it didn't quite live up to my expectations? Perhaps it never could). The sexual tension was off the charts good. Lisle's reaction to seeing a fully grown (she has boobs!) Olivia for the first time is beautifully written, his socks had been knocked off and, boy, could you tell. The sex, as ever: is great. Although the word 'globes' really does need to Die In A Fire. Their banter and interactions were great.
The story was weak. I didn't care for the adventure to Scotland and the ghosts etc. I also thought that Chase put huge obstacles in the way of Olivia and Lisle being together, even cruel ones - Lisle's characterisation of her as a sandstorm, killing no one but destroying everything was brutal - and then those obstacles were rather too easily and quickly resolved.
But for all that, I read this with great enthusiasm. I wish it had been more, but that's because Chase is so brilliant and has set herself up some serious expectations.
I was rooting for a Lisle and Olivia book (see my ridiculously gushing Lord Perfect review) and here it is. In some respects very satisfying. I love that Olivia is still OTT and clever and adventurous. Lisle is still a balancing influence to her and it worked nicely (although perhaps it didn't quite live up to my expectations? Perhaps it never could). The sexual tension was off the charts good. Lisle's reaction to seeing a fully grown (she has boobs!) Olivia for the first time is beautifully written, his socks had been knocked off and, boy, could you tell. The sex, as ever: is great. Although the word 'globes' really does need to Die In A Fire. Their banter and interactions were great.
The story was weak. I didn't care for the adventure to Scotland and the ghosts etc. I also thought that Chase put huge obstacles in the way of Olivia and Lisle being together, even cruel ones - Lisle's characterisation of her as a sandstorm, killing no one but destroying everything was brutal - and then those obstacles were rather too easily and quickly resolved.
But for all that, I read this with great enthusiasm. I wish it had been more, but that's because Chase is so brilliant and has set herself up some serious expectations.
July 7, 2024
Review from 2016
A for narration; B for content - 4.5 stars rounded up.
When offered the choice of reviewing this or Not Quite a Lady, I immediately made grabby hands in the direction of Last Night’s Scandal because I’m a fan of the childhood-friends-who-meet-again-after-a-long-separation-and-think – “wow, you’re really hot now you’re all grown up!” – trope. That is, in essence, the plot of the book, but this IS Loretta Chase, so it’s expertly done, with plenty of her trademark deadpan humour and quick-fire banter, as well as a subtle exploration of the inner lives and motivations of her protagonists.
We first met Olivia Wingate and Peregrine Dalmay, Earl of Lisle, in Lord Perfect, when Olivia’s hare-brained scheme to go on a treasure hunt – with Lisle in tow because he was too much of a gentleman to let her go on her own – was the impetus for the road-trip romance between her mother, Bathsheba Wingate, and Benedict Carsington, who is Lisle’s uncle. Olivia was vivacious, clever and impulsive at the age of nine, and Lisle, at thirteen, was already showing signs of becoming the level-headed, steadfast young man he is at twenty-four.
Lisle’s parents are so wrapped up in themselves and their frequent bouts of histrionics that it’s easy to see why he is someone who prefers facts and reason over the life of the imagination. Even though he is his father’s heir, they have never really taken all that much notice of him, and he actually regards the Carsingtons as being more family to him than his own ever was. For a number of years now, he has lived mostly in Egypt with Rupert and Daphne Carsington (Mr Impossible), working alongside them on various archaeological expeditions and endeavours. He returns to England after an absence of five years, fully intending his visit to be a short one, but is blindsided by his parents, who want him to go to Scotland in order to restore one of their many properties – Gorewood Castle – which is in danger of falling into ruin. At first, he refuses, intent on returning to Egypt as soon as possible, but when his father threatens to cut him off financially if he doesn’t do as he is told, Lisle has no choice but to go.
Olivia hasn’t changed all that much – in essence – over the last decade. She is still full of life and full of mischief, but is chafing at the restrictions imposed upon a marriageable young woman and lives very close to the edge of respectability, having been engaged a number of times and jilted all her fiancés. One thing that has changed, though – and which hits Lisle like the proverbial ton of bricks – is that she’s grown into a stunningly lovely young woman, and he finds it incredibly difficult to deal with the sudden and unwanted stirrings of physical attraction for the girl who has been and still is his best friend.
Lisle’s effect on Olivia is similar. Tall, handsome and sun-kissed, he takes her breath away, but she knows nothing can come of it. Over the years they’ve known each other, she is the only person who has ever truly understood him, and even though she loves him dearly, she wants him to be happy and believes his love for Egypt will always trump anything he can find at home.
Seizing a chance to have what might well turn out to be a last adventure before she has to get married and settle down, Olivia concocts a plan which sees her and two elderly chaperones setting off for Scotland in spite of Lisle’s insistence on going alone. The journey is long and not without complications, not least of which is the trouble Lisle and Olivia have keeping their hands off each other. Arrived at the castle, Lisle decides to distract himself by drawing up plans of the place while Olivia handles the domestic issues, but in spite of his efforts to limit the amount of contact between them, they are drawn to each other like moths to flame.
As I said at the outset, I always enjoy this sort of story, and this is a good example of the trope. The dialogue is superb, the sexual tension is explosive and Ms Chase has very skilfully ‘aged’ her protagonists so that they are completely recognisable as the Olivia and Lisle we met in the earlier book; but there are a couple of things about the story which didn’t quite work for me. Firstly, even though the couple try to ignore their mutual attraction, things get physical between them quite early, considering that Lisle wants to get back to Egypt as soon as he can and Olivia wants him to be happy and doesn’t want to tie him down. And secondly, that, really, is the only area of conflict in the book; he doesn’t want to stay in England, she doesn’t want him to stay and be miserable – and I couldn’t help wondering “why don’t you just get married and go to Egypt together?” – that would solve the problem! And when the conflict is resolved, it happens “poof!” – just like that, and I’m afraid I couldn’t quite buy it.
Kate Reading narrates once again and delivers another impressive performance, clearly differentiating between the various characters, and performing narrative and dialogue at a good pace. She captures Olivia’s vibrancy and impulsiveness very well, and I especially enjoyed the way she portrays Lisle, his pragmatism and steadiness evident in her voice, but underlaid with sarcasm, wit, and – sometimes – an “I’m-gritting-my-teeth-or-I’ll-explode” sort of temper. The two dowagers who accompany the couple to Scotland are a hoot, and Ms Reading does a great job with them, a couple of old busybodies who thoroughly relish a bit of salacious and ribald gossip. The only negative thing I can find to say about her performance is that her Scottish accents are a little wobbly, but as none of the Scottish characters appears for very long or has extended speeches, it’s not a problem. Even with the reservations I’ve expressed about the story, I’m recommending Last Night’s Scandal because it’s still a great listen. Kate Reading has an incredible affinity for Loretta Chase’s words, her comic timing is exceptional and she delivers every line with absolute perfection, bringing out the humour and, most importantly, the depth of the affection between the central characters.
A for narration; B for content - 4.5 stars rounded up.
When offered the choice of reviewing this or Not Quite a Lady, I immediately made grabby hands in the direction of Last Night’s Scandal because I’m a fan of the childhood-friends-who-meet-again-after-a-long-separation-and-think – “wow, you’re really hot now you’re all grown up!” – trope. That is, in essence, the plot of the book, but this IS Loretta Chase, so it’s expertly done, with plenty of her trademark deadpan humour and quick-fire banter, as well as a subtle exploration of the inner lives and motivations of her protagonists.
We first met Olivia Wingate and Peregrine Dalmay, Earl of Lisle, in Lord Perfect, when Olivia’s hare-brained scheme to go on a treasure hunt – with Lisle in tow because he was too much of a gentleman to let her go on her own – was the impetus for the road-trip romance between her mother, Bathsheba Wingate, and Benedict Carsington, who is Lisle’s uncle. Olivia was vivacious, clever and impulsive at the age of nine, and Lisle, at thirteen, was already showing signs of becoming the level-headed, steadfast young man he is at twenty-four.
Lisle’s parents are so wrapped up in themselves and their frequent bouts of histrionics that it’s easy to see why he is someone who prefers facts and reason over the life of the imagination. Even though he is his father’s heir, they have never really taken all that much notice of him, and he actually regards the Carsingtons as being more family to him than his own ever was. For a number of years now, he has lived mostly in Egypt with Rupert and Daphne Carsington (Mr Impossible), working alongside them on various archaeological expeditions and endeavours. He returns to England after an absence of five years, fully intending his visit to be a short one, but is blindsided by his parents, who want him to go to Scotland in order to restore one of their many properties – Gorewood Castle – which is in danger of falling into ruin. At first, he refuses, intent on returning to Egypt as soon as possible, but when his father threatens to cut him off financially if he doesn’t do as he is told, Lisle has no choice but to go.
Olivia hasn’t changed all that much – in essence – over the last decade. She is still full of life and full of mischief, but is chafing at the restrictions imposed upon a marriageable young woman and lives very close to the edge of respectability, having been engaged a number of times and jilted all her fiancés. One thing that has changed, though – and which hits Lisle like the proverbial ton of bricks – is that she’s grown into a stunningly lovely young woman, and he finds it incredibly difficult to deal with the sudden and unwanted stirrings of physical attraction for the girl who has been and still is his best friend.
Lisle’s effect on Olivia is similar. Tall, handsome and sun-kissed, he takes her breath away, but she knows nothing can come of it. Over the years they’ve known each other, she is the only person who has ever truly understood him, and even though she loves him dearly, she wants him to be happy and believes his love for Egypt will always trump anything he can find at home.
Seizing a chance to have what might well turn out to be a last adventure before she has to get married and settle down, Olivia concocts a plan which sees her and two elderly chaperones setting off for Scotland in spite of Lisle’s insistence on going alone. The journey is long and not without complications, not least of which is the trouble Lisle and Olivia have keeping their hands off each other. Arrived at the castle, Lisle decides to distract himself by drawing up plans of the place while Olivia handles the domestic issues, but in spite of his efforts to limit the amount of contact between them, they are drawn to each other like moths to flame.
As I said at the outset, I always enjoy this sort of story, and this is a good example of the trope. The dialogue is superb, the sexual tension is explosive and Ms Chase has very skilfully ‘aged’ her protagonists so that they are completely recognisable as the Olivia and Lisle we met in the earlier book; but there are a couple of things about the story which didn’t quite work for me. Firstly, even though the couple try to ignore their mutual attraction, things get physical between them quite early, considering that Lisle wants to get back to Egypt as soon as he can and Olivia wants him to be happy and doesn’t want to tie him down. And secondly, that, really, is the only area of conflict in the book; he doesn’t want to stay in England, she doesn’t want him to stay and be miserable – and I couldn’t help wondering “why don’t you just get married and go to Egypt together?” – that would solve the problem! And when the conflict is resolved, it happens “poof!” – just like that, and I’m afraid I couldn’t quite buy it.
Kate Reading narrates once again and delivers another impressive performance, clearly differentiating between the various characters, and performing narrative and dialogue at a good pace. She captures Olivia’s vibrancy and impulsiveness very well, and I especially enjoyed the way she portrays Lisle, his pragmatism and steadiness evident in her voice, but underlaid with sarcasm, wit, and – sometimes – an “I’m-gritting-my-teeth-or-I’ll-explode” sort of temper. The two dowagers who accompany the couple to Scotland are a hoot, and Ms Reading does a great job with them, a couple of old busybodies who thoroughly relish a bit of salacious and ribald gossip. The only negative thing I can find to say about her performance is that her Scottish accents are a little wobbly, but as none of the Scottish characters appears for very long or has extended speeches, it’s not a problem. Even with the reservations I’ve expressed about the story, I’m recommending Last Night’s Scandal because it’s still a great listen. Kate Reading has an incredible affinity for Loretta Chase’s words, her comic timing is exceptional and she delivers every line with absolute perfection, bringing out the humour and, most importantly, the depth of the affection between the central characters.
May 12, 2021
Peregrine Dalmay, Earl of Lisle and Miss Olivia Wingate-Carsington. They were children when we met them. Even then their relationship was one of stubbornness and warmth. I knew they were going to be a handful when they grew up. Lisle’s returned from Egypt to London and is itching to depart ASAP. Olivia has been engaged more times than one can count.
Lisle’s dreadful parents have ordered him to deal with a mouldering Scottish castle and it’s surrounding lands, or lose their financial support for his work in Egypt.
Olivia decides to join him. So with gritted teeth and steely determination Lisle ventures forth to a place dogged by ghosts and unwilling workers—oh, and a couple of madcap old ladies as chaperones.
In dealing with Olivia, Lisle needs a will of iron and steely determination. Hmm! Good luck with that!
A fun read as I knew the antics of these two would be. Oh, and heavy breathing in unexpected locations goes without saying.
Lisle’s dreadful parents have ordered him to deal with a mouldering Scottish castle and it’s surrounding lands, or lose their financial support for his work in Egypt.
Olivia decides to join him. So with gritted teeth and steely determination Lisle ventures forth to a place dogged by ghosts and unwilling workers—oh, and a couple of madcap old ladies as chaperones.
In dealing with Olivia, Lisle needs a will of iron and steely determination. Hmm! Good luck with that!
A fun read as I knew the antics of these two would be. Oh, and heavy breathing in unexpected locations goes without saying.
June 5, 2020
Fun, even if I didn't like Olivia all that much! She was too naive and too stuborn to listen. Her excuse was always her DeLucey's heritage. She thought she's entitle to do anything and evrtyhing because of that!
Lisle is as stupid in his ttraction to Olivia as he is smart in other ways.
But still they're just perfect for each other.
Not perfect book, but enjoyable and fun to read - 3,5 starts rounded to 4
Lisle is as stupid in his ttraction to Olivia as he is smart in other ways.
But still they're just perfect for each other.
Not perfect book, but enjoyable and fun to read - 3,5 starts rounded to 4
April 20, 2016
This book is a crying shame of a wasted opportunity. I was looking forward to seeing the old friends reconnect. Instead, I got a bunch of fighting and stupidity with a side of moron. Lisle is the stupidest "smart" guy ever to grace the printed page. I got so sick of his idiot rages that by the time I was half-way through the book and he blew right through the twentieth opportunity to apologize like the great dipwad he is I was just done. I'm sorry, but he's so busy slamming around in self-righteous indulgence, hurting Olivia again and again, that I just don't care if he ever does come around. I wish he had stayed in Egypt and that she found herself some worthwhile guy who could join in her life on her terms and not be all Yelly McFrownyface all the freaking time.
Also, that there is lust my friends and nothing whatsoever to do with love. Particularly nothing whatsoever to do with the kind of love they should have having been friends for over a decade!
Also, that there is lust my friends and nothing whatsoever to do with love. Particularly nothing whatsoever to do with the kind of love they should have having been friends for over a decade!
June 27, 2023
2nd read, audio - still looked forward to every chance I got to listen to this. I just adore Olivia and Lisle.
audio - 4.5/5. Since I read the Carsingtons out of order and started with Lord Perfect, I’ve been waiting for Lisle and Olivia’s story The Entire Series and it did not disappoint. I loved seeing the adults these two have grown into, how their connection withstood continents and simooms and broken engagements, the way they still bickered and balanced. This was fun and funny - the Harpies are great - and Kate Reading’s narration was fantastic.
audio - 4.5/5. Since I read the Carsingtons out of order and started with Lord Perfect, I’ve been waiting for Lisle and Olivia’s story The Entire Series and it did not disappoint. I loved seeing the adults these two have grown into, how their connection withstood continents and simooms and broken engagements, the way they still bickered and balanced. This was fun and funny - the Harpies are great - and Kate Reading’s narration was fantastic.
August 11, 2010
Peregrine, Earl of Lisle, and Olivia Carsington have finally gotten their own story. We first met them in Lord Perfect when they went on a Noble Quest to help Olivia's mother. Lisle was less enthusiastic about the adventure, but when he realized that Olivia was doing it with or without him he went along too. As a child Olivia was a dramatic, manipulative creature who wanted to experience grand adventures and become a knight and go on Noble Quests.
Not much has changed since she was a child. She considers herself Lisle's knight in shining armor. She's always protecting him so he can live his dream. She misses him while he's in Egypt, but his happiness is important enough that she'll do anything she can to make sure that he can go back.
Lisle and Olivia had an excellent friendship in this story. They were always the best of friends, but even that didn't save them from having huge fights. Their tempers would get the best of them and they would both say things they'd later regret before storming off. The next thing you know, they'd slide back into laughing with each other and having fun.
This book has such a "romp" feel to it. There are shenanigans and plots and Ideas every time you turn around. Most of them revolved around Olivia. She's the same girl she was when we first met her in Lord Perfect. She doesn't back down from anyone, and she can make anybody believe. Lisle is frequently pulled into these situations to try and rescue her. He has a grand time while he's doing it, but he can't help but lecture her when it's over. Lisle is very fond of his lectures.
As funny as this book is, there's still a very strong undercurrent of depth of character. Olivia and Peregrine and their friendship are not as easy to define as you would first believe. There are reasons that Lisle runs to Egypt and reasons that Olivia writes to Lisle that you wouldn't first expect. I loved the depth and the bitterness that Olivia occasionally sunk into. I also loved that she didn't let herself wallow in it for long. Her friendship with Peregrine was too important for her to let those hard words and hard feelings come between them.
I'm making a mess of explaining this... All I can say is go out and buy it. Read it and then come chat with me about it!
Not much has changed since she was a child. She considers herself Lisle's knight in shining armor. She's always protecting him so he can live his dream. She misses him while he's in Egypt, but his happiness is important enough that she'll do anything she can to make sure that he can go back.
Lisle and Olivia had an excellent friendship in this story. They were always the best of friends, but even that didn't save them from having huge fights. Their tempers would get the best of them and they would both say things they'd later regret before storming off. The next thing you know, they'd slide back into laughing with each other and having fun.
This book has such a "romp" feel to it. There are shenanigans and plots and Ideas every time you turn around. Most of them revolved around Olivia. She's the same girl she was when we first met her in Lord Perfect. She doesn't back down from anyone, and she can make anybody believe. Lisle is frequently pulled into these situations to try and rescue her. He has a grand time while he's doing it, but he can't help but lecture her when it's over. Lisle is very fond of his lectures.
As funny as this book is, there's still a very strong undercurrent of depth of character. Olivia and Peregrine and their friendship are not as easy to define as you would first believe. There are reasons that Lisle runs to Egypt and reasons that Olivia writes to Lisle that you wouldn't first expect. I loved the depth and the bitterness that Olivia occasionally sunk into. I also loved that she didn't let herself wallow in it for long. Her friendship with Peregrine was too important for her to let those hard words and hard feelings come between them.
I'm making a mess of explaining this... All I can say is go out and buy it. Read it and then come chat with me about it!
April 22, 2022
2.5 to 3 stars. Somehow for me this book just wasn't as good as the others in the series. I liked the MCs and they were nice together - they did balance each 0ther out, as both of them came to realise eventually. But for me the plot wasn't that interesting. It felt a little too much like Enid Blyton's Secret Seven. I admit I did some skimming, especially in the second half of the book.
December 31, 2011
Okay, here's the thing: I love seeing long-time friends/acquaintances suddenly realize their feelings for one another are more than friendly. I just rarely see it done well, and this book is no exception.
Here's why: There's a formula in romance....that which brings them together vs. that which keeps them apart. In most long-time friend scenarios, once they start seeing one another as attractive members of the opposite sex, the "that which keeps them apart" element of the formula is weakened. In other words, you need to have a darn good reason why the two are resisting one another, or it's like...so do it and get married already.
Let's get specific about Olivia and Lyle, who met in an earlier book in this series as children (12 and 14) and are now all grown up (24 and 22). The reason they haven't gotten together by the beginning is sound...he's been in Egypt for 5 years and in the meantime, she's grown breasts. Now, why are you two resisting one another's decidedly grown up charms? Let's see...someone knocks on the door, you started making out in the middle of a public corridor and came to your senses, more knocks and interruptions...
Argh! If I haven't said so before, then let me say so now: The external interruption to sex in romance novels drives me nuts. I mean, maybe the first time. Sure. It's when it keeps on happening that I get really, really, really annoyed. (Was that enough really's?) Do it. Don't do it. It's not that hard to find a room!
And ultimately, why can't these two long-time best friends who know one another so well and are now incredibly sexually attracted to one another have their HEA? Well, because Olivia doesn't want to be second place in his heart. What is first place? His love of....Egypt? You mean his job? Um...it's not like he's some mad scientist who gets so absorbed in his work that he doesn't acknowledge the presence of mere mortals. Can't the guy have a purpose in life that isn't between your legs? Or even a hobby? Sheesh!
Hmmm...when I started this review, I rated the book 2 stars, but now that I've ranted a bit, I've reduced it to 1. This really isn't one I recommend.
Here's why: There's a formula in romance....that which brings them together vs. that which keeps them apart. In most long-time friend scenarios, once they start seeing one another as attractive members of the opposite sex, the "that which keeps them apart" element of the formula is weakened. In other words, you need to have a darn good reason why the two are resisting one another, or it's like...so do it and get married already.
Let's get specific about Olivia and Lyle, who met in an earlier book in this series as children (12 and 14) and are now all grown up (24 and 22). The reason they haven't gotten together by the beginning is sound...he's been in Egypt for 5 years and in the meantime, she's grown breasts. Now, why are you two resisting one another's decidedly grown up charms? Let's see...someone knocks on the door, you started making out in the middle of a public corridor and came to your senses, more knocks and interruptions...
Argh! If I haven't said so before, then let me say so now: The external interruption to sex in romance novels drives me nuts. I mean, maybe the first time. Sure. It's when it keeps on happening that I get really, really, really annoyed. (Was that enough really's?) Do it. Don't do it. It's not that hard to find a room!
And ultimately, why can't these two long-time best friends who know one another so well and are now incredibly sexually attracted to one another have their HEA? Well, because Olivia doesn't want to be second place in his heart. What is first place? His love of....Egypt? You mean his job? Um...it's not like he's some mad scientist who gets so absorbed in his work that he doesn't acknowledge the presence of mere mortals. Can't the guy have a purpose in life that isn't between your legs? Or even a hobby? Sheesh!
Hmmm...when I started this review, I rated the book 2 stars, but now that I've ranted a bit, I've reduced it to 1. This really isn't one I recommend.
May 6, 2016
In this book we have Lisle (seriously who is Peregrine Dalmay???) and Olivia Wingate-Carsington, the hellions who stole hearts, back with puberty-enhanced genitalia to steal each other's. Hearts. And genitalia.
1. This...was not quite what I wanted. The reasons for not being together were foolish, especially in light of how easily they just...dissolved. Olivia's fear of disappearing into marriage was poorly founded in light of her familial and ancestral situations and Lisle's passion for Egypt felt incredibly under developed. All in all, I wanted more emotional depth from these two blockheads, and MILES MORE ADVENTURE.
The glimpse we got of them hoodwinking Lisle's parents was too little, too late: I WILL NEVER BE SATISFIED.
2. Apparently sex is compulsive between beautiful people? (I KNOW THIS IS AN IRRATIONAL COMPLAINT, BUT AS A MEMBER OF THE NON-BEAUTIFUL, IT REALLY BOTHERED ME!! DO BETTER!!)
3. The adventure in Scotland could have been used to startling affect to show how Olivia and Lisle could work together adventuring in their not-too-distant-future but instead it was sloppy and ill-handled. Give me those moments of quiet when they work around one another without thinking; the calculating impatience that gives Olivia a sideways advantage; the plodding patience that gives Lisle the marathon advantage. Show me how they compliment one another and balance one another instead of telling me.
4. LISLE TOTES CAN REDRESS YOU BECAUSE YOUR DAMNED GARMENTS ARE A PUZZLE!! I found this endearing and distressingly attractive?? Confusing??
5. I don't know. It just felt a little too scattered and unfocused for me to engage with it the way I usually would for Chase.
1. This...was not quite what I wanted. The reasons for not being together were foolish, especially in light of how easily they just...dissolved. Olivia's fear of disappearing into marriage was poorly founded in light of her familial and ancestral situations and Lisle's passion for Egypt felt incredibly under developed. All in all, I wanted more emotional depth from these two blockheads, and MILES MORE ADVENTURE.
The glimpse we got of them hoodwinking Lisle's parents was too little, too late: I WILL NEVER BE SATISFIED.
2. Apparently sex is compulsive between beautiful people? (I KNOW THIS IS AN IRRATIONAL COMPLAINT, BUT AS A MEMBER OF THE NON-BEAUTIFUL, IT REALLY BOTHERED ME!! DO BETTER!!)
3. The adventure in Scotland could have been used to startling affect to show how Olivia and Lisle could work together adventuring in their not-too-distant-future but instead it was sloppy and ill-handled. Give me those moments of quiet when they work around one another without thinking; the calculating impatience that gives Olivia a sideways advantage; the plodding patience that gives Lisle the marathon advantage. Show me how they compliment one another and balance one another instead of telling me.
4. LISLE TOTES CAN REDRESS YOU BECAUSE YOUR DAMNED GARMENTS ARE A PUZZLE!! I found this endearing and distressingly attractive?? Confusing??
5. I don't know. It just felt a little too scattered and unfocused for me to engage with it the way I usually would for Chase.
September 9, 2021
Full review at Book Binge
Although I love a good hero as much - sometimes more - than the next girl, it's really the heroines who make or break stories for me. The most delicious hero in the world doesn't mean crap if he's with a TSTL heroine. Not only do I hate the heroine, but I start to question the hero..what's wrong with him that he's with this awful girl? What does he see in her?
This book started out well enough. The letters exchanged between Olivia and Lilse were hilarious. Olivia’s capitals and underlines had me laughing out loud. While hilarious, I should have read the warning signs and quit while I was ahead. But I trusted Chase to deliver an amazing, strong heroine and continued on. I’m pretty sorry for it now.
Olivia is the type who acts first, thinks later. Or, more accurately: acts first, thinks never.
As always Chase's writing is fabulous. She really excels at dialogue and creating beautiful imagery with her words. I kept reading right up until the end, hoping Olivia would be redeemed, or show some type of growth. Unfortunately that didn't happen. Even Chase's beautiful writing isn't enough for me to recommend this book.
Although I love a good hero as much - sometimes more - than the next girl, it's really the heroines who make or break stories for me. The most delicious hero in the world doesn't mean crap if he's with a TSTL heroine. Not only do I hate the heroine, but I start to question the hero..what's wrong with him that he's with this awful girl? What does he see in her?
This book started out well enough. The letters exchanged between Olivia and Lilse were hilarious. Olivia’s capitals and underlines had me laughing out loud. While hilarious, I should have read the warning signs and quit while I was ahead. But I trusted Chase to deliver an amazing, strong heroine and continued on. I’m pretty sorry for it now.
Olivia is the type who acts first, thinks later. Or, more accurately: acts first, thinks never.
As always Chase's writing is fabulous. She really excels at dialogue and creating beautiful imagery with her words. I kept reading right up until the end, hoping Olivia would be redeemed, or show some type of growth. Unfortunately that didn't happen. Even Chase's beautiful writing isn't enough for me to recommend this book.
February 11, 2018
This story had some great moments but the heroine was just a bit too silly and annoying at times, the hero said some really mean things and did not apologise, and the heroine was too besotted to push him for that apology. Kind of frustrating tale, although the final chapters were fun and action-packed.
Great narration as always, with some fun Scottish accents.
Not anywhere near as much fun as Rupert Carsington and Dahpne's story, that's for sure. But still fun.
Great narration as always, with some fun Scottish accents.
Not anywhere near as much fun as Rupert Carsington and Dahpne's story, that's for sure. But still fun.
April 21, 2017
It's fun to see the children from Lord Perfect all grown up but still recognizable. As usual, Kate Reading's narration is pitch-perfect, causing me to bump this up from the 3.5 for the Kindle version to a legit 4 stars for the audio.
October 26, 2025
"Take me to Egypt, dear friend."
Sigh.
Peregrine Dalmay, Earl of Lisle, has returned from Egypt at his parents' behest to renovate the gloomy Scottish castle his family owns. Olivia Wingate-Carsington, his erstwhile partner in crime (see: Lord Perfect) and longtime friend, has convinced everyone its in all their best interests for her to accompany him to bring the castle, and its ghost, to heel. Olivia is not just tired of being last night's scandal, throwing off engagements and proposals, but also longs for adventure, and a dreary Scottish castle with Lisle is the perfect adventure.
I love and adore this book and pick it up frequently as a comfort reread. Olivia is capable and adventurous, and is the perfect evolution of her younger character from Lord Perfect. Lisle is a little clueless about his emotions and anything not related to his archeological work in Egypt. He's not quite as starchy as his godfather Benedict Carsington, but he has a strong sense of right and wrong. Wrong is crossing a line with Olivia if things don't work out... but right is how Olivia makes him feel now that they have a chance to develop a relationship as adults.
Sigh.
Peregrine Dalmay, Earl of Lisle, has returned from Egypt at his parents' behest to renovate the gloomy Scottish castle his family owns. Olivia Wingate-Carsington, his erstwhile partner in crime (see: Lord Perfect) and longtime friend, has convinced everyone its in all their best interests for her to accompany him to bring the castle, and its ghost, to heel. Olivia is not just tired of being last night's scandal, throwing off engagements and proposals, but also longs for adventure, and a dreary Scottish castle with Lisle is the perfect adventure.
I love and adore this book and pick it up frequently as a comfort reread. Olivia is capable and adventurous, and is the perfect evolution of her younger character from Lord Perfect. Lisle is a little clueless about his emotions and anything not related to his archeological work in Egypt. He's not quite as starchy as his godfather Benedict Carsington, but he has a strong sense of right and wrong. Wrong is crossing a line with Olivia if things don't work out... but right is how Olivia makes him feel now that they have a chance to develop a relationship as adults.
November 17, 2020
Is this the most perfect childhood-friends-to-lovers historical romance we've ever read? Signs point to "yes."
We loved almost every page of the book, from their first meeting after five years in a crowded ballroom to their road trip to Scotland in the company with the two most inappropriate Doyennes of the Ton, to the ultimate HEA. Chase also knows how to write continuing books in a series, with references to the previous (wonderful) entries that still work for a reader coming in cold.
In short, we loved it!
Meg's 41-word summary: We all knew that Lisle and Olivia would get together. But with him in Egypt and her in England, when will it happen? Oh, when his awful parents make Lisle restore a castle in Scotland and Olivia inserts herself, that’s when.
Laine's 41-word summary: Lisle and Olivia are finally in the same place as adults; sparks fly. She strikes up a scheme to prevent his parents from cutting him off: restoring a castle. Scottish shenanigans and illicit affairs can't take the place of Egypt, though.
www.linktr.ee/plottrysts
We loved almost every page of the book, from their first meeting after five years in a crowded ballroom to their road trip to Scotland in the company with the two most inappropriate Doyennes of the Ton, to the ultimate HEA. Chase also knows how to write continuing books in a series, with references to the previous (wonderful) entries that still work for a reader coming in cold.
In short, we loved it!
Meg's 41-word summary: We all knew that Lisle and Olivia would get together. But with him in Egypt and her in England, when will it happen? Oh, when his awful parents make Lisle restore a castle in Scotland and Olivia inserts herself, that’s when.
Laine's 41-word summary: Lisle and Olivia are finally in the same place as adults; sparks fly. She strikes up a scheme to prevent his parents from cutting him off: restoring a castle. Scottish shenanigans and illicit affairs can't take the place of Egypt, though.
www.linktr.ee/plottrysts
July 18, 2010
Peregrine Dalmay, the Earl of Lisle has returned to England on and off over the past ten years while studying in Egypt. It's been five years since he has been back in England. He finds his parents to be ridiculous and emotional. They have become fed up with his heartless nature toward them and his siblings. And when Lisle's father threatens to cut him off unless he travels to Scotland and supervises the renovations of the alleged haunted Gorewood Castle that his family owns, Lisle is backed into a corner.
Olivia Wingate-Carsington has known Lisle since they were children. They once went on a grand adventure together unchaperoned in search of buried treasure while her mother Bathsheba Wingate and Lisle's uncle, Lord Rathbourne tried to find them. Bathsheba and Rathbourne then ended up getting married and Lisle went off to Egypt without Olivia. He and Olivia have exchanged many letters and she is thrilled that Lisle is back, if only for a short time. She hasn't seen him since she was eighteen and wants to show him how much of a lady she is. But after fours years of being out in society and still not married, she is feeling unfulfilled.
When Lisle attends the ninety-fifth birthday of a Dowager Countess, he's in for a deep shock when he sees Olivia. His dearest friend has turned into a very beautiful and striking woman. He's not sure how to act around her, although Olivia doesn't act any different around him. Lisle's feelings for Olivia have changed where he begins to desire her greatly. The only possible reason he can think why he's lusting for Olivia is because of how well her low cut dresses show off those "satanic breasts" of hers.
When Olivia finds out that Lisle must go to Scotland, she will go with him. Lisle refuses her request, well more like an order. Olivia is not used to be denying anything and will use her wiles to get what she wants even if that means going off by herself to the castle. Lisle is close to going crazy from Olivia's over the top ways, including this mind numbing lust for Olivia he can't control. Soon these two are searching for annoying ghosts and another trunk of priceless buried treasure. The smoldering attraction both Lisle and Olivia have for one another is ready to explode in ways both would have never expected.
Last Night's Scandal is a delightful regency romp where the heroine drives the hero batty. I've been waiting four long years for Lisle and Olivia's story ever since they first made their appearances in the 2006 book Lord Perfect. These two gave the adults in that book a run for their money and now Olivia does the same thing to Lisle who longs for tranquility. The only place where he feels he belongs is in Egypt and with Olivia at the most inopportune times. It's been awhile since I've read a romance where the two main characters are very young (or so it seems to me at my advanced age). Lisle and Olivia are not even twenty-five years old. Lisle acts much older, probably because of his travels, while Olivia acts the complete opposite. At times I wondered about her actions and words. One moment she would act like a harpy, then a spoiled twit and finally a woman who could handle anything that came her way. She was very excitable to the point where I expected her to fall to the ground and have a temper tantrum. I also wanted to give her a tranquilizer because she was so flighty. But as annoying as I found Olivia, she helps give Lisle balance. And since Olivia has always been allowed to do whatever she has wanted, it fits that she comes across spoiled and refuses to do what she's told.
The adventures in Scotland were slapstick and I kept thinking of a few 1930's screwball comedies as I read such as It Happened One Night and Bringing Up Baby. I really did enjoy Olivia and Lisle together, especially how these two went from friends to lovers. The last paragraph of the book made me smile.
Even with all of Olivia faults, that some readers may take exception to, I had a grand old time reading Last Night's Scandal. I laughed the entire time. Don't be surprised if you find yourself doing the same.
Olivia Wingate-Carsington has known Lisle since they were children. They once went on a grand adventure together unchaperoned in search of buried treasure while her mother Bathsheba Wingate and Lisle's uncle, Lord Rathbourne tried to find them. Bathsheba and Rathbourne then ended up getting married and Lisle went off to Egypt without Olivia. He and Olivia have exchanged many letters and she is thrilled that Lisle is back, if only for a short time. She hasn't seen him since she was eighteen and wants to show him how much of a lady she is. But after fours years of being out in society and still not married, she is feeling unfulfilled.
When Lisle attends the ninety-fifth birthday of a Dowager Countess, he's in for a deep shock when he sees Olivia. His dearest friend has turned into a very beautiful and striking woman. He's not sure how to act around her, although Olivia doesn't act any different around him. Lisle's feelings for Olivia have changed where he begins to desire her greatly. The only possible reason he can think why he's lusting for Olivia is because of how well her low cut dresses show off those "satanic breasts" of hers.
When Olivia finds out that Lisle must go to Scotland, she will go with him. Lisle refuses her request, well more like an order. Olivia is not used to be denying anything and will use her wiles to get what she wants even if that means going off by herself to the castle. Lisle is close to going crazy from Olivia's over the top ways, including this mind numbing lust for Olivia he can't control. Soon these two are searching for annoying ghosts and another trunk of priceless buried treasure. The smoldering attraction both Lisle and Olivia have for one another is ready to explode in ways both would have never expected.
Last Night's Scandal is a delightful regency romp where the heroine drives the hero batty. I've been waiting four long years for Lisle and Olivia's story ever since they first made their appearances in the 2006 book Lord Perfect. These two gave the adults in that book a run for their money and now Olivia does the same thing to Lisle who longs for tranquility. The only place where he feels he belongs is in Egypt and with Olivia at the most inopportune times. It's been awhile since I've read a romance where the two main characters are very young (or so it seems to me at my advanced age). Lisle and Olivia are not even twenty-five years old. Lisle acts much older, probably because of his travels, while Olivia acts the complete opposite. At times I wondered about her actions and words. One moment she would act like a harpy, then a spoiled twit and finally a woman who could handle anything that came her way. She was very excitable to the point where I expected her to fall to the ground and have a temper tantrum. I also wanted to give her a tranquilizer because she was so flighty. But as annoying as I found Olivia, she helps give Lisle balance. And since Olivia has always been allowed to do whatever she has wanted, it fits that she comes across spoiled and refuses to do what she's told.
The adventures in Scotland were slapstick and I kept thinking of a few 1930's screwball comedies as I read such as It Happened One Night and Bringing Up Baby. I really did enjoy Olivia and Lisle together, especially how these two went from friends to lovers. The last paragraph of the book made me smile.
Even with all of Olivia faults, that some readers may take exception to, I had a grand old time reading Last Night's Scandal. I laughed the entire time. Don't be surprised if you find yourself doing the same.
October 25, 2013
Loretta Chase is my favorite romance author in the world and this book reminded me of why. Olivia and Lisle were both so appealing and wonderful and perfect for each other (Olivia was that rare and beautiful thing, a strong-willed impulsive heroine with occasionally poor judgement who still gets to be taken seriously as a smart, capable human being, and Lisle was the kind of geek who shares random factoids and makes them interesting by his interest in them), and the conflict was so brilliant I was almost afraid there was really no way for them. And then they overcame it by re-evaluating their ideas of themselves and each other, which is my very favorite romance trope in the world--a love that teaches you what you really want, that makes you the best YOU you can be by forcing you to re-examine yourself and your preconceptions! And Olivia almost made me like late 1820s fashion.
I bought this in the airport and read it during my flight, and it actually made me forget that I was uncomfortable and nauseous.
I bought this in the airport and read it during my flight, and it actually made me forget that I was uncomfortable and nauseous.
January 31, 2015
Well, I didn't like this series and this book in particular as much as I wished. I liked this much better than the last book, but had similar problems with it. The characters' objections didn't make a lot of sense to me and they seemed to be taken care of too easily.
Olivia's objections especially didn't seem to fit the series this was a part of. Marriage is dreary for women? But her family is full of happy marriages! Women don't get adventures? But she has an aunt in Egypt having adventures! One who Lisle has lived with for years. (I wish we'd seen of those broken engagements of hers, too. Seen her thought process there.)
I could've also done with more reestablishing friendship and less lust. And I'm not sure when Lisle decided he really did love her. Or Olivia decided she wouldn't be second best to Egypt.
(Plus, I was so looking forward to seeing glimpses of the rest of the family all these years later and that didn't really happen.)
Oh well. I'm starting to get a better idea of what I want in historicals, anyway. Sort of.
Olivia's objections especially didn't seem to fit the series this was a part of. Marriage is dreary for women? But her family is full of happy marriages! Women don't get adventures? But she has an aunt in Egypt having adventures! One who Lisle has lived with for years. (I wish we'd seen of those broken engagements of hers, too. Seen her thought process there.)
I could've also done with more reestablishing friendship and less lust. And I'm not sure when Lisle decided he really did love her. Or Olivia decided she wouldn't be second best to Egypt.
(Plus, I was so looking forward to seeing glimpses of the rest of the family all these years later and that didn't really happen.)
Oh well. I'm starting to get a better idea of what I want in historicals, anyway. Sort of.
September 1, 2024
H cared for her, but didn't love her. He was judgemental and selfish and lived his dream. Then they had to solve another issue for his father, and needed her. She's a wonderful person, lived life to the fullest, and she loved him. Finally he puts her first, and becomes a better man.
July 5, 2021
Olivia and Peregrine (Lisle). This has elements of everything I love in a romance. Vibrant side characters, letter writing, friends that love and fall in love, and passion that was off the charts. I loved this.
June 6, 2011
4 1/2 stars (rounded up to 5 stars because I just love Olivia's letters)
December 20, 2019
I put off buying/reading this book for a long time. Partly because I figured Olivia would be the hoyden she was in Lord Perfect and Lisle just seemed pompous and pedantic as a child, and here again we seemed to have a road-trip plot, which isn't my favorite. To me, the best part of Lord Perfect was the adults, not the madcap kids they were chasing after. I didn't really care what happened to them when they grew up, I thought.
But anyway, my love of Chase knows no bounds, so I forked over the $7, and bought the book.. and my conclusion is it's pretty good! Chase being Chase, she found a way for me to like these two crazy kids, 10 years later. Now 24 and 22 respectively, Lisle has returned from a decade in Egypt to attend a Carsington family event, where he sees Olivia, now a gorgeous heartbreaker. Lisle's nutty parents want to keep him home, so they force him to take over managing one of their Scottish castles, else he will be stripped of his allowance. Lisle attempts to resist them, but Olivia insists that fixing the castle is his way out of depending on them. Chaos and hijinks ensue.
I thought the plot moved smoothly and their evolving relationship made a lot of sense to me. Lisle believes that what he wants to do is run back to Egypt, so he can escape his crazy family. He also thinks Olivia will tire of him, because she strikes him as a mercurial sort (in truth, Olivia is perfectly capable of order and stability if sufficiently motivated). Olivia believes that although she loves Lisle, she won't be second to anyone/anything, including Lisle's love of Egyptian archeology. It takes another shared adventure (also involving treasure!), and a couple of near-death experiences for them to overcome whatever insecurities they have about each other and realize the most important thing: if you can't imagine your life without someone, then don't imagine it-- find a way to make it work. Credit to Chase for her skillfully managing the "I can't marry you" section of the book. Too many authors mess this up (ahem Grace Burrowes) to the point where you're just waiting for the characters to get over their stupidity and marry already. Here the progression makes a lot of sense to me.
On a side note, nicely done set of older characters including the Dowager Countess Hargate, and her two friends, jokingly referred to as the Harpies. Their ribald dialogue cracked me up!
If I were to ding this book on anything, it would be the utter missed opportunity in revealing more about the other Carsingtons! We know that Benedict and Bathsheba have children, but who and how many, we don't see. Where's Alistair and Mirabel? What about Darius and Charlotte? We hear a bit about Rupert and Daphne because Lisle is in Egypt with them, but not much more. Even the scenes featuring Benedict and Bathsheba are so muted, when there was such a great opportunity to give them a killer scene or two with some droll dialogue for Benedict, a witty comeback from Bathsheba. The possibilities were endless.
Carsington deficit aside, I'd rate this as four stars.
But anyway, my love of Chase knows no bounds, so I forked over the $7, and bought the book.. and my conclusion is it's pretty good! Chase being Chase, she found a way for me to like these two crazy kids, 10 years later. Now 24 and 22 respectively, Lisle has returned from a decade in Egypt to attend a Carsington family event, where he sees Olivia, now a gorgeous heartbreaker. Lisle's nutty parents want to keep him home, so they force him to take over managing one of their Scottish castles, else he will be stripped of his allowance. Lisle attempts to resist them, but Olivia insists that fixing the castle is his way out of depending on them. Chaos and hijinks ensue.
I thought the plot moved smoothly and their evolving relationship made a lot of sense to me. Lisle believes that what he wants to do is run back to Egypt, so he can escape his crazy family. He also thinks Olivia will tire of him, because she strikes him as a mercurial sort (in truth, Olivia is perfectly capable of order and stability if sufficiently motivated). Olivia believes that although she loves Lisle, she won't be second to anyone/anything, including Lisle's love of Egyptian archeology. It takes another shared adventure (also involving treasure!), and a couple of near-death experiences for them to overcome whatever insecurities they have about each other and realize the most important thing: if you can't imagine your life without someone, then don't imagine it-- find a way to make it work. Credit to Chase for her skillfully managing the "I can't marry you" section of the book. Too many authors mess this up (ahem Grace Burrowes) to the point where you're just waiting for the characters to get over their stupidity and marry already. Here the progression makes a lot of sense to me.
On a side note, nicely done set of older characters including the Dowager Countess Hargate, and her two friends, jokingly referred to as the Harpies. Their ribald dialogue cracked me up!
If I were to ding this book on anything, it would be the utter missed opportunity in revealing more about the other Carsingtons! We know that Benedict and Bathsheba have children, but who and how many, we don't see. Where's Alistair and Mirabel? What about Darius and Charlotte? We hear a bit about Rupert and Daphne because Lisle is in Egypt with them, but not much more. Even the scenes featuring Benedict and Bathsheba are so muted, when there was such a great opportunity to give them a killer scene or two with some droll dialogue for Benedict, a witty comeback from Bathsheba. The possibilities were endless.
Carsington deficit aside, I'd rate this as four stars.
December 14, 2021
I think Lisle totally destroyed this one for me. He is such a stick in the mud. Olivia deserved better. I guess what bugs me the most would be the fact that Lisle is attracted to Olivia but he couldn't accept her for who she is. He kept berating her and it was annoying. Olivia is more pragmatic when it comes to their relationship compared to Lisle. She knew both of them were like oil and water even though she loved him. I foresee a very difficult road ahead unless Lisle could be more accepting. I read this one after Lord Perfect so, I was pretty excited to read about their romance. I was sorely disappointed. I guess you win some, you lose some.
My favourite from this series would be Not Quite a Lady, followed by Lord Perfect, Mr. Impossible, Miss Wonderful and lastly this one. Overall, a worthwhile series to indulge in.
My favourite from this series would be Not Quite a Lady, followed by Lord Perfect, Mr. Impossible, Miss Wonderful and lastly this one. Overall, a worthwhile series to indulge in.
April 24, 2017
3.5 estrellas
Creo que mis expectativas con este libro eran muy altas... porque es el que menos me ha gustado de esta maravillosa serie.... la protagonistas. Olivia, a veces era muy insoportable, y además me parecio un poco aburrido, esperaba más :/.... aunque me gustó como terminó todo al final para estos dos!!
Creo que mis expectativas con este libro eran muy altas... porque es el que menos me ha gustado de esta maravillosa serie.... la protagonistas. Olivia, a veces era muy insoportable, y además me parecio un poco aburrido, esperaba más :/.... aunque me gustó como terminó todo al final para estos dos!!
July 30, 2010
*Happy sigh* When I first heard Chase was writing Peregrine and Olivia's story I was thrilled, but I did wonder if it would live up to the hype. I shouldn't have worried. I was wearing a big goofy grin the whole time I was reading. She aged Olivia and Lisle skillfully, keeping the traits they'd had in childhood, but allowing them to grow into them, change, adapt. Their pairing was inevitable, but it was so delicious to see them negotiate and bicker and realize just how much they needed each other. Olivia to temper Lisle's stuffiness and Lisle to temper Olivia's mad starts. And the chemistry! The attraction zinged off the page--in fact this book was sexier than Chase has been in a while. Just so many wonderful details and moments. I'm not going to forget this one any time soon. *Happy sigh*
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