The Mésalliance

Rockliffe #2

by Stella Riley, Alex Wyndham (Narrator)

Original cover edition for ASIN# B01CT7LS34

The Duke of Rockliffe is 36 years old, head of his house, and responsible for his young sister, Nell. He is, therefore, under some pressure to choose a suitable bride. Whilst accompanying Nell to what he speedily comes to regard as the house-party from hell, he meets Adeline Kendrick - acid-tongued, no more than passably good-looking yet somehow alluring. Worse still, her relatives are quite deplorable - from a spoiled, ill-natured cousin to a sadistic, manipulative uncle. As a prospective bride, therefore, Adeline is out of the question. Until, that is, a bizarre turn of events cause the Duke to throw caution to the wind and make what his world will call a mésalliance.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Georgian, Regency

10 pages, Audiobook

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

Stella Riley lives in Kent, England. She enjoys theatre, travel and playing the harpsichord.
Her award-winning 7 book Rockliffe series (recommended in The Times!) is available in audio, narrated by Alex Wyndham.
She is also the author of 6 books set in the 17th century: The Marigold Chain, A Splendid Defiance, The Black Madonna, Garland of Straw, The King's Falcon and Lords of Misrule.
All titles are available from Amazon, Kobo, Barnes & Noble and Apple.
Rockliffe Book 6 - Cadenza - is the 2019 Readers' Favourite gold medallist for Historical Romance and also the 2021 Book Excellence Awards winner in the Romance category.

Reviews

[Jaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just wanted to re-visit my favorite parts, landed up reading the whole story....backwards at that :D
Yes its still a stellar 5 starrer 😍
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Another set of 5 stars for the exceptional and addictive audio ^.^
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I am extremely thankful and glad that books such as
The Mésalliance, are still being written. There isn't a single thing I wish was different in this book. Such a heart-warming-old-school-historical-romance this turned out to be!
Loved the main, secondary and even the villaneous characters.
I partially listened to the audiobook on Audible, narrated by Alex Wyndham *swoons* but later switched over to reading a copy of the book because some of the scenes were so well written, that I would re-re-re read them. This is definitely going to my re-reads shelf :))
c'est vraiment magnifique

[Jacob Proffitt · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is second in a series. Characters from the first show up, but they aren't integral to the plot in any way that requires you to know them beyond what's introduced here. So you don't need to read the books in order. I have no idea why you'd want to read this book, though, so there's that.

I really, really wanted to like this book because having a new author I like is like striking gold. I'm not sure why I wanted it to be Stella Riley specifically, but my hopes died horrible deaths as the stupid multiplied as the story progressed. I gave up at about 85% when it just got to be too much.

The thing is, the entire conflict of this story is people not talking to each other. Worse, it's people not trusting the one they are in love with. Which undermines the whole concept of love, as far as I'm concerned. At one point, Adeline even thinks to herself "I'm making the exact same mistake I made before, only this time I know how much Rock will hate it so it's even worse". And I'm like, great! Now she'll finally talk to him and begin untangling this stupid mess. Only she didn't. She went on to commit the exact same error, only worse, that she saw coming. Like she was helpless in the author's grasp because we just really, really need people not to talk so that this book can continue long enough to . . . uh, to finish? Gads, what a mess.

Also, the bad guys only ever succeeded because of chance and that happened over and over, again. I hate when stupid and venal people succeed just because. I mean, sure chance happens. But when every single roll of the dice breaks for the bad guys, I lose any sense of connection to the story. And that's assuming I have any connection in the first place.

To be fair, This and the previous are really early in Riley's career. I may jump ahead and see if a newer work fares better. Stupid hope sproinging when it would probably be more comfortable if it'd just die already...

[Ingie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review written June 11, 2016

4 1/2 Stars - Good old fashioned HR quality performed in the most beautiful delicate way imagined

I so very much enjoyed listening to the first audiobook in this series, The Parfit Knight (4.5 stars). Visiting the author Stella Riley's home-page I actually won the just released new second audiobook. The Mésalliance, a second in a series but with a new love couple and easily read as a standalone.



Gosh, you can't but be impressed.
Once again did I enjoy a fabulous fantastic narrated historical by Mr. Alex Wyndham. Mesmerized and completely involved in this drama from the first page. A strong fact of strength. — A sincerely recommended 10 hours audiobook.

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The Mésalliance is a story set in the 1760’s about the 36 years old Tracy Wynstanton, the Duke of Rockliffe. A life enjoying man who feels it might soon be the right time, or maybe by now a needed necessity, to find his future bride and wife. Especially when he now has his youngest sister to take daily care of as well. During a house-party at the countryside he and his younger sister meet Adeline Kendric, a clever, quick-witted cousin in the house (now 24) Rockliffe remembers since earlier. Back then was Adeline just a lovely barefooted teen girl. Our hero was a bit enchanted then and even more now.

In young ladies eager work to catch the perfect well born husband happens many strange things. Young ladies tends to sometimes be crazy.... — Quickly and suddenly, our Rock hero is a married man with a honestly quite damaged (sadly unloved) young woman. Adeleine is not altogether that easy to understand, for us or our hero.

The marital start for these newlyweds are quite tangled, the misunderstandings are on a long queue and everything gets more increasingly complicated than needed. — Yes, this one has a classic "Why not start to communicate / talk at once?" storyline.

This isn't the usually nicely lighthearted, pinkish charming and steamy hot historical romance we so often read. (Just take a look at this book-cover. No bare broad breasted sweaty hunk men to discover anywhere.) Nevertheless both sweet and very romantic.

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The Mésalliance, and Stella Riley's writing style is for me delicious delicate. This story is filled with nearly broken souls, grieving questioning hearts and all in all is it pretty angsty. I felt that intense romantic "now or never" feeling and loved this grandly dramatically touch. The Mésalliance makes me start to think of old fashioned comedy theater but in book-form. Or even those lovely old classics written nearly hundred (Heyer) or even over two hundred (Austen) years ago.

I love witty dialogues with a lot of double meanings to reflect on. (Very cleverly written here mostly.) I enjoy big character casts as here. I like oddly wacky, often hilarious funny, but also endearing lovely charming second characters. (All of Riley's true gentlemen —future heroes and preferred husbands— are also so "perfect" interesting. Yum!!)

Steam and smex? ~ There is an intense steamy feeling but you are mostly tempted, teased and you must be very patient. I love to wait, only I can be sure to get that smashing sweet kiss (and more) there in the end. Big applause to the breathtaking end. I was smashed.

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Audiobook edition and the narrator?
Absloutely the highest A / 5 class, so very fantastic good. Not a tiniest complain from me. Breathtakingly touching in parts, grandly romantic...

Back on my feet (..been smashed) and already longing for next experience with the FABULOUS Riley & Wyndham combo. Give me more please.

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I LIKE - tremendously much



*****
# A buddyread / -listening with Sofia. (I know I wasn't the funniest BR friend this time. I just couldn't stop and didn't take my time to book talk much. Sorry hon!)

# 20th March: My lucky day, THANKS Stella Riley! The new 10 hours audiobook narrated by excellent Alex Wyndham was mine.

Many thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway.
The 5 winners are: Ingela ...
// https://stellariley.wordpress.com/201...

~ Happydancing Day!!

[Wollstonecrafthomegirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gosh, this was so very good. And misses five stars by half a pip.

Let’s face it, Rock is one of the most well-written and intriguing heroes in historical romance. That said, he’s not obvious romantic hero fodder. He’s aloof, effete and sarcastic, sometimes cruel in his mischievousness. Pretty much a stereotypical Georgian aristocrat, but you need a bit more than that. And, boy oh boy, does Riley deliver. She delivers layers. Rock is pulled apart as he falls in love, but remains entirely true to character. It’s a marvellous, lovely, subtle piece of characterisation. That biting cruelty he sometimes demonstrates doesn’t go away, in fact, he uses it to hurt his new bride, Adeline, as the cracks in their marriage start to appear and he finds he cannot simply control everything now he’s in love and unsure of himself. One also sees the wonderful man that he is beneath all the façade. He’s kind and patient and attentive and just dreamy [yep. I’ve used the word, because he is. All right? He just is.]. It also seemed very fitting to me that he should fall for a woman outside of the mode of life he was used to living, who he had met in strange circumstances.

On which note: Adeline. Adeline was great. A proper foil for Rock and (until the last bit of the book, more on that later) a strong woman in difficult circumstances. There’s a fantastic scene (loc 960, 17%) in which her (awful) uncle tries to convince her to become the mistress of one of the attendees at a house party. She rebuffs him a sweet but bitingly fierce and sarcastic manner. It says so much about her character, both the unhappiness of her situation but also her grit.

Their love story goes in fits and starts. Each afraid their feelings won’t be reciprocated and each keeping a Big Secret from the other (funnily enough, about exactly the same thing).

All of the brilliant elements of Riley’s writing from the first book are on display here. Lovely turns of phrase, a properly Georgian feeling to the book and lots descriptions of fashion which somehow never get boring (because, really, they serve to illuminate the characters). There’s a fantastic array of secondary characters, Nell Rock’s sister, the evil uncle, the twin cousins of Adeline - one is quiet and softly-spoken, the other is entitled, spoilt and angry (Diana was fantastic in her awfulness). We get not one, but two secondary romances and they’re both a delight.

But, it doesn’t quite make it to five stars. I’m being stingy, but I would be lying if I didn’t say that towards the end the Big Secret and the lack of communication bugged me. It also felt out of character. Rock plainly could be trusted and yet Adeline keeps the bribery of her uncle from him. Adeline isn’t stupid or timid, but at times her actions here made me irritated with her. Equally, Rock doesn’t tell her about her Mother when I really felt he should have done. That said, all these miscommunications do make for a helluva declaration scene when finally, finally, these two say what they need to say.

This is a fantastic book. I’m so pleased that I have nearly all of Riley’s back catalogue to enjoy.

[Leona · Rating 2 out of 5]

A somewhat disappointing story. Having loved The Parfit Knight, I couldn't wait for Rockliffe's story. Unfortunately, he deserved better than he got. The first half of the book was terrific, but the second half floundered with overplayed tropes and such misguided characters that it became torturous to read. I'm not a fan of blackmail plots, especially when they're not executed very well.

I also found once the heroine married Rockliffe, she became a plastic, cardboard, figure whose judgement lacked the sense of a six year old.

Disappointed.

[Emmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first half was really good, but the entire second half was driven by misunderstandings and a lack of communication between the protagonists, which is not a trope that I particularly like. So, though I loved Rockcliffe's character (with the exception of his behavior at the end in which he implied he would have sex with his wife with or without her consent *angry face*), this book was only okay for me.

[Caz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good Marriage-of-Convenience story – and this is a very good Marriage-of-Convenience story. In The Mésalliance, we are re-introduced the Duke of Rockliffe, who previously appeared in a supporting role in The Parfit Knight, along with some of the other characters in that story, including Dominic, Marquess of Amberley and his wife Rosalind, Jack Ingram and – of course - Broody, the irascible parrot.

I’ve said before that Stella Riley has a real gift for creating wonderfully attractive heroes, and she continues that winning streak here. It’s not just that her heroes are handsome and aristocratic – they are also highly intelligent, possessed of a rapier wit and a degree of charisma that could power a small city; while also being intuitive, honourable and loyal.

Tracy Wynstanton, Duke of Rockliffe is all of those things. He frequently adopts a veneer of world-weariness and affectation, but no-one could ever mistake him for a fop. When push comes to shove, he’s the man you’d want fighting your corner. He encountered Adeline Kendrick eight years before the events of the novel take place, when she was just sixteen. Since that time however, Adeline has been living with her aunt and her absolutely atrocious cousin, both of whom treat her as “the poor relation” and has, as a result, developed a thick skin and an acerbic tongue as a way of both protecting and asserting herself. Rockliffe is intrigued by her, having an idea that they could deal well together, but Adeline, realising how easy it would be to fall for him, finds her instinct for self-protection is hard to set aside.

The story is a simple one. The hero and heroine are found in a compromising situation and must marry. Both are attracted to each other, but too wary to express their feelings in case they are not returned, and there is a Big Secret in the heroine’s past which threatens to ruin her and which she tries to hide from her husband.

On the surface, that’s a fairly common plotline, but I have no problem whatsoever with common plotlines, as long as the resulting stories have something more to offer, and that is definitely the case here. One of the things I’ve most enjoyed about Stella Riley’s novels is the way she can take a romantic stereotype and add that something “extra” so that it remains fresh. I don’t mean that necessarily in terms of the plot – this one is nothing out of the ordinary – but more in the way she fashions the narrative and weaves the other characters in and out of it and of their own stories in such a satisfactory way that nothing seems contrived and everything seems to happen just as it should – even the things that make you feel as though your heart’s been ripped out and stomped on.

As with her other novels, there is a splendidly rounded-out supporting cast in the book. As well as the characters we have already met, we are introduced to Rockliffe’s headstrong younger sister Nell, and – briefly – to his disapproving elder one, Lucilla. There are Adeline’s relatives, too – her aunt, her beautiful twin cousins, one of whom is a shrinking violet, the other a total harpy, and her unscrupulous uncle, to name but a few.

The Mésalliance is well-written, the characterisation is excellent and consistent; and although there are no raunchy sex-scenes, there is romantic tension by the bucket-load. In that way, I suppose it’s very much an “old-skool” romance, although it completely outclasses most of the others of that ilk I’ve read recently. Above all, I want to read a well-developed central relationship, one that I can see progressing through various stages before arriving at a deeply felt, mutual understanding; and if that’s your preference, too, then you need look no further than this.

[Mo · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books are quite delightful. I read the first one but decided to listen to this one. Had a lot of driving on my trip to Ireland so it kept me company.

The Duke of Rockliffe is 36 years old, head of his house, and responsible for his young sister, Nell. He is, therefore, under some pressure to choose a suitable bride. Whilst accompanying Nell to what he speedily comes to regard as the house-party from hell, he meets Adeline Kendrick - acid-tongued, no more than passably good-looking yet somehow alluring.

Rockcliffe came across as a bit foppish at times ... maybe it's the dress at that time. Frills and lace, even for the gentlemen and powder in their hair. But other times, he came across as very masculine indeed.


Adeline didn't have an easy life. Her relatives were horrible, especially Diana - dear Lord, what a cow she was. Silly brat.



Loved meeting the characters from the previous book. I really like Jack and Harry. The next book sounds intriguing too. Better get to audible and use up those credits!

[Nelly S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read Jan 21, 2024: 4.75 stars
I must have been sleep deprived or cranky when I first read this, or most likely both to justify my original stingy rating. I remember having a gut feeling at the time that I was being unreasonably harsh—well I was. I absolutely love Tracy, the Duke of Rockliffe. He’s one of the best HR heroes ever and we get to enjoy his droll, acerbic wit throughout the series.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jul 2021: 3.75 stars

(Tropes: Rakes/Rogues, Wallflowers, Marriage of Convenience, Class Differences)

"It was not, he reflected critically, that he loved her. Not at all. It was merely that she never failed to surprise and intrigue him. She was cold and sharp as a razor, no beauty and utterly infuriating; and he wanted her."

The Mesalliance, features the Duke of Rockliffe, Tracy Wynstanton, and Adeline Kendrick. It's a wallflower meets a jaded, world weary rake trope type of story. Set in the Georgian era, the writing showcases beautiful word craft. It immediately sucks you into the story, with engaging characters, and a plot that moves forward at a brisk pace. The author's style reminds me of Georgette Heyer.

Tracy is incredibly handsome, suave and jaded. His world weary cynicism coupled with a razor sharp wit is legendary. He meets Adeline at a house party, eight years after he first met her at one of his estates in Northumberland. She was sixteen, shy and sprite-like at their first meeting--more comfortable surrounded by animals than people. But by the time they meet again, she has changed into a cool, composed woman who uses sarcasm and barbs as a defense mechanism.

Adeline has developed a sharp tongue and prickly demeanor to deal with her miserable situation as the poor relation in her aunt's home. Her aunt treats her like a paid companion, her cousin Diana is a spoiled brat with an uncontrollable temper, and her uncle Richard is sadistic.

Tracy and Adeline are caught in a compromising situation at the party, which leads to a hasty marriage. Dark secrets, conniving relatives and a series of misunderstandings plague their relationship at each turn. The miscommunication between them and inability to share their feelings with each other is frustrating beyond words. But the witty and funny dialogue offsets this; the story flows and the plot keeps you engaged. A jealous cousin, ambitious and calculating aunt, monstrous uncle, and a mother presumed dead for twenty-four years but still alive keep the plot interesting. There is also a secondary love story between Tracy's sister and one of his closest friends.

As is the norm with Riley's work, this is low on steam with a couple of kissing scenes and one full length love scene.

[Sam I AMNreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the beginning of this book, its characters and like the last two chapters. Its definitely worth reading.

However, I had trouble buying into the angst and conflict. It was simply irritating. I never thought the stakes that high & I don't like that the MCs were working against each other for the majority of the book.. Not in a fun way.

It's a testament to Riley's skill this is a 4, and to Wyndham's too.

[Caz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've given this an A+ for narration and an A- for content at All About Romance.

Originally published in 1990, The Mésalliance is the second book in Stella Riley’s series of Georgian romances, which began with The Parfit Knight and continues with The Player. Substantially revised since first publication, the book is a superb compromised-into-marriage story which sees the suave, sophisticated and unflappable Duke of Rockliffe meeting his match and getting his happy ending; although not without a journey through the emotional mangle – for both himself AND the listener – along the way.

As listeners of The Parfit Knight will already know, Rockliffe is the epitome of gentlemanly elegance, good breeding and excellent manners. He is also fiercely intelligent, loyal to his friends, thoroughly honourable and seemingly omniscient, somehow knowing everything worth knowing about everything and everyone. In the hands of a lesser author, such a paragon could have been priggish or irritating, but Rock isn’t either of those things. Beneath the carefully cultivated and highly polished exterior is a man of character, a man who would do anything for those he cares about and a man of rare insight and depth of feeling. And I defy anyone not to have fallen in love with him by the end of the book!

The story starts simply. Rockliffe is handsome, wealthy, and, at thirty-six years old, fully sensible of the fact that it’s time he did his duty and found himself a wife. Unfortunately for him, the one woman he has so far met who doesn’t bore him silly was already in love with his best friend by the time he met her, so seeking a suitable duchess from the remaining crop of debutantes and society ladies isn’t a particularly appealing prospect. Rock also has a younger sister who is in need of a steadying, female hand, a factor which is as important as Rock’s decision to marry as his eventual need for an heir.

Committed to attend a two-week house-party at the home of the Franklin family, Rock is resigned to a fortnight of doing the pretty among the simpering misses, and is surprised to see a familiar face among the guests. Adeline Kendrick is the Franklins’ niece, and it is soon clear to Rockliffe that while she is family, she is treated little better than a servant by them, especially by her lovely, but utterly spoiled and selfish cousin, Diana.

Although not a beauty, there is something in Adeline’s quiet strength and defiantly waspish tongue that intrigues Rockliffe and draws him to her. He is astonished to discover how much he wants her, but being a man of honour, knows there is nothing to done about it. Fate has other ideas however, because when Adeline discovers that Diana has hatched a scheme to entrap him, thwarting it places the two of them in a compromising position instead and there is nothing for it but for Rockliffe to offer marriage to Adeline – which he does with a lack of dismay about the situation that surprises him.

Things move quickly after that, but Adeline, taught by life to be cautious, isn’t willing to risk revealing the true nature of her feelings to Rockliffe and asks him for time to accustom herself to marriage before they consummate their union. Being the gentleman he is, her new husband agrees – not without difficulty - and decides to give Adeline the courtship their hasty marriage denied her. Unfortunately, however, it’s not long before Adeline’s slime-ball of an uncle, Richard Horton, insinuates himself into her life by telling her something unpleasant about her past and threatening to reveal it to Rockliffe if she doesn’t pay him to keep quiet.

From here on in, the tension in the story really ratchets up. Adeline, knowing how much Rock has done for her in marrying her can’t face the prospect of being responsible for tarnishing his good name and reputation, and the tissue of lies and misunderstandings between them spiral out of control until they eventually reach a point where it seems almost impossible that they will ever be able to work things out.

I have to say that I am not overly fond of the Big Misunderstanding in romances, but I’ve been a fan of Stella Riley’s for almost thirty years, and I knew that if anyone could pull it off she could. And she does. While it’s certainly frustrating that Rock and Adeline don’t – or can’t - talk to each other about their problems, Adeline’s reasons for not wanting to do so are perfectly understandable, as is Rockliffe’s withdrawal when he believes her to be uninterested in him; and the all the roiling emotions concealed beneath the surface are skilfully realised. It’s wonderfully angsty and beautifully written, and the characterisation of Rock is superb. In the latter part of the story especially, the author brilliantly conveys the sense of a man on a tight rein and close to coming completely undone. Adeline is perhaps a little harder to like because of what she puts Rock through, but she’s nonetheless the sort of heroine one can root for; strong and determined, she has had to grow a thick skin and learn to look after herself given the treatment she received at the hands of her uncaring relatives.

Without wishing to take anything away from the author, who has written a tremendous story, the narration by the supremely talented Alex Wyndham takes The Mésalliance to a whole new level of excellence. He has a real affinity for and understanding of the material, and his ability to get under the skin and into the heads of the characters is exceptional. His interpretation of Rockcliffe is simply stunning, so much so that the word “performance” seems an inadequate description for what I was listening to. He captures the essence of the character absolutely, adopting a soft, always precise manner that leaves the listener in no doubt as to Rock’s incredible self-possession while also hinting at a deeply buried vulnerability. I can imagine that portraying a character who prides himself on maintaining his sang-froid at all times, and then having him gradually abandon that control while at the same time keeping him completely in character must have presented a challenge – but if that was the case, one would never know it, because Mr Wyndham ‘s performance in those parts of the story is sublime.

Another thing that impressed me hugely is the way he handles the large supporting cast with such aplomb. Every single one of the numerous secondary characters is voiced distinctly so that, even in the case of those who don’t appear very often, they are immediately recognisable and there is no question of confusing them with anyone else. And those who do appear regularly, such as Amberley, Jack Ingram and Harry Caversham are easy to distinguish from one another and everyone else, while Richard Horton’s pinched, nasal drawl is the perfect match for the malevolence of his character.

I can’t do anything other than recommend the audiobook of The Mésalliance most strongly to fans of the genre and romance audiobooks in general. Ms Riley writes with intelligence and charm, and has the knack of creating the most delicious heroes and cracking sexual tension between her protagonists. If you’ve listened to Alex Wyndham before, then you’re not going to need much convincing to listen to him again. His performance here is possibly his best yet, and even though I can’t imagine how he could possibly improve on it, I have no doubt he will prove me wrong when The Player is released in a few weeks’ time.

[Merry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed the writing and the reader for the audiobook. I gave the first book in the series a 5* and was so excited that I purchased this book. Sooooo....it was a 2* story for me. It started off strong with wonderful characters that just fizzled as soon as they were married. What happened to the determined woman who has fought her aunt through sheer stubbornness and was smart and sarcastic. Married to a handsome duke, she became intimidated by her uncle....yes, that uncle. Frustrated that the book did not move me at all. So, 5* writing and performance with a 2* story that yes, I know is well loved. The misunderstanding plot could have been so easily solved if they talked to each other. Good grief!

[Carol Cork *Young at Heart Oldie* · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in Stella Riley ‘s Georgian Rockliffe series and the hero, the Duke of Rockliffe (Rock), played a significant secondary role in The Parfit Knight . He was such a fascinating character that I was intrigued to meet the woman who would capture his heart.

Handsome, elegant, sophisticated and assured, with a wry sense of humour, Rock is a hero to set any woman’s heart aflutter. He is aware of his duty to marry and provide an heir but has postponed the inevitable, hoping to find genuine love. Having reached the age of 36, he realises the truth of the situation.

…if, in all this time, you had not found what you sought, it was probably because it did not exist.

Since being orphaned, Adeline, now 24 years old, has lived a life of drudgery with her uncle and aunt, Sir Roland and Lady Franklin. Treated with indifference and resentment by her aunt, despised by her beautiful cousin, Diana, and mistreated by her aunt’s brother, Richard Horton, Adeline built a defensive wall around herself. Gradually, she discovered ways of fighting back.

…she had swiftly progressed to the discovery that it was also possible to fight back in small ways –if one was subtle. And the result was a now flawless technique for combining apparent docility with an under-current of clever, hard to combat acidity.

Rock and Adeline first met briefly eight years earlier and I like how the Prologue offers a glimpse of their younger selves. Rock was still unburdened by the responsibilities of being a duke and Adeline was a wild, sensitive 16 year old. It is obvious that the meeting left an impression on each of them. When they meet again at the Franklin’s ball, Rock now sees a cold-eyed woman with a barbed tongue but is still drawn to her like a moth to a flame. She has a rare quality he can only describe as allure. Of course, although Adeline is everything Rock is looking for in a prospective bride – attractive, intelligent, desirable and won’t bore him to distraction – she is totally unsuitable both in social standing and family connections. However, when Adeline’s cousin Diana’s scheme to compromise Rock into marriage is thwarted, there are unforeseen consequences as Rock and Adeline are caught in a compromising situation and Rock proposes marriage, something he doesn’t appear too upset about.

My difficulty has been that, among all the young ladies of birth, breeding and beauty, I cannot find one who wouldn’t bore me to death in a week – and that, as you know, is the one thing I can’t tolerate. You, on the other hand, don’t bore me at all; moreover … if you will pardon the indelicacy … I find myself experiencing an increasing desire to take you to bed.’

Adeline welcomes the marriage of convenience as a way of escaping her dreadful relatives.

I love the scene where Rock shows his protectiveness when he makes veiled threats to Lady Franklin about treating Adeline with the respect due to her as a duchess. Desperate to win his wife’s love, he is even willing to do something he has never done before – woo a woman. He also shows patience and consideration by allowing Adeline time to adjust to her new circumstances before consummating the marriage. However, I could sense his frustration as time goes on.

It was heart-breaking to see the marriage slowly deteriorate beneath the weight of Adeline’s secrets and her unwillingness to trust and confide in Rock. While I understood Adeline’s fear of losing Rock and her desire to protect him and his family from scandal, it was frustrating watching two people who obviously love each other descend into “a chilly state of impersonal courtesy”. The scenes between Rock and Adeline are so powerfully written and Ms Riley captures all the raw emotions of anger, fear, hurt and frustration.

The scene at the Queensbury Ball, where everything finally comes to a head, is a real tour-de-force and seeing the unflappable Rock finally lose control was definitely a highlight for me!!

Ms Riley always gathers a colourful cast of secondary characters who are all essential to the story. Rock’s friends, Amberley, Harry Caversham and Jack Ingram are only too ready to provide unwanted advice and some much-needed humour; the Franklin family could be described as the family from hell, particularly the malicious, scheming Diana and sly, sadistic Richard Horton.

I enjoyed the secondary romances between Harry Caversham and Rock’s sister, Nell and Jack Ingram and Althea Franklin, the only likeable member of the family. They played out in the background and never overshadowed the main romance.

Every time I listen to Alex Wyndham narrating a book, I close my eyes and it’s as if I’m listening to a radio play performed by several performers rather than just one. Each character has a distinctive and easily identifiable voice and Alex slips between the different characters so effortlessly that I am never in doubt as to who is speaking. It must be hard for a male narrator to voice female characters realistically but Alex succeeds brilliantly.

MY VERDICT: An intelligently and well-written story with unforgettable characters and a deeply emotional romance, brought vividly to life by Alex Wyndham’s superb narration. A must read/listen to!

REVIEW RATING: STELLAR 5 STARS

Rockliffe series (click on the book covers for more details):



**I received a free download of this audiobook from the author in return for an honest review**

This review is also posted on my Rakes and Rascals Blog:

https://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com...

[Joanna Loves Reading · Rating 3 out of 5]

This will get somewhat spoilery so I am just tagging the whole review to hide because of it.

After a promising beginning and enjoyable first half, this one turned on me as the secrets and lack of communication started to add up. This is the story of the Duke of Rockliffe and Adeline, who form a misalliance when the duke proposes a marriage of convenience to save Adeline’s reputation and to thwart her despicable relations scheming machinations.

The duke mostly stayed true to character and was overall a good hero. His canniness and perceptiveness did fail him some in this book, but I would mostly attribute that to his wife, sister and friends acting unexpectedly irrationally. What happened here? It felt a bit like a zoo.

Adeline was a bit of a disappointment. She started out compellingly with an interesting backstory. She grew up a wild child without much direction or care from relations, so when she is taken in by cousins, it’s a culture shock for her. It doesn’t help her relations are cruel and not understanding. Obviously, she has survived a good deal of trauma, and I could have understood some of the miscommunication and secrets. It’s just that it lasts until the end of the book with some upsetting consequences. My other problem is that she puts faith and trust in Rock’s friends before Rock and works to actively deceive Rock. What kind of friends are those anyways?

Finally it was also unconvincing how Rock and Adeline get over their differences. They didn’t have solid ground for a loving relationship so their HEA is tenuous at best. I did enjoy the setting and descriptions, and the narration by Alex Wyndham is great. It’s really just the characters that let me down toward the end.

This was a Buddy Read in the HRBC. Thanks ladies!

[Mei · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm strating to think that Ms. Riley has become my new favorit author!

Her writing style is absultely fantastic! And even if I don't like very much the trope of married because caught in compromising position, here it was done so well that I couldn't help myself but loving it!

Tracy, the hero is delicious in his beaing a perfect gentleman and Adeline is perfet as the poor relation, trated as a servant, but with a tounge of a shrew!!!

Their marriage starts as an agreement, without all the hard feelings that I was expecting, but that doesn't mean that there's no angst! No, but that angst is so expertly done that it feels just right!

And their romance is slow growing and very believable!

Also the secondary characters are good: the bad ones (Diana and her uncle) and the good ones (Nell, Jack and Harry). They're too fleshed out and believable and I loved them!

I'm looking forward to reading the next books in the series!

[Saby Reads All Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hallelujah!! There's a new man on my "Dukes I Freaking Adore" list! Hello, Rockliffe :) You're great company for Bewcastle and Blackmore.
This is one of the best HRs I've read and I don't know how I haven't discovered Stella Riley till now. Things I loved - Rock, Rock, and Rock, followed by the crazily entertaining writing, all the side characters, and a brave, damaged heroine who gets the HEA she absolutely deserves.
Things I didn't love - I loved everything tbh, but I wish she had trusted him a little earlier. However, the writing and plot were so good I forgave that too.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored The Mésalliance, the second in the Rockliffe series, even more than The Parfit Knight, if that's possible. How can Stella Riley keep improving upon perfection? Every book of hers I read, or in this case listen to, enthrals me more.

The Duke of Rockliffe, whom we met in The Parfit Knight, is doing his brotherly duty and reluctantly attending a house party with his younger sister, Nell. At this party he makes the acquaintance of Nell's friends, twins Diana and Althea Franklin. He is also surprised to see a young woman whom he had met a few times eight years previously. At that time Adeline Kendrick was a girl of sixteen, quite evidently gently born, but happily running wild. On investigation he is told that she is an orphan and lives with her paternal grandfather. The girl had made enough of an impression on him that he remembers her, but although the young woman he sees now is recognisable, she is also drastically changed. A close relative of the Franklin family, Adeline has been coerced into becoming the much despised companion of her aunt, and is treated little better than a servant. She has learnt - the hard way - to hold her tongue, but occasionally, using her intelligence and quick wit, is able to deliver a well deserved barb to her persecutors, and in the process retains her dignity and self respect. There is conniving and matchmaking in the air; Diana, who has always been encouraged by her mother to believe herself incomparable, is in reality a beautiful, vain, spoilt brat. With an eye to becoming a duchess, she attempts to compromise Rock into marriage, but these machinations go spectacularly wrong and instead results in his making an offer of marriage to Adeline.

I loved the central protagonists, especially Rockliffe, who is the epitome of the perfect hero. Tall, dark and handsome, he is urbane, poised and unerringly courteous, except when he is administering a suavely, softly-spoken set-down so perfectly delivered that often the recipients have no idea that they have been insulted. He has oodles of integrity and an innate, deep down kindness, which is shown time and time again as the story progresses. Then there is Adeline, on the face of it a completely unsuitable duchess. She is no beauty, yet she has captured Rock's attention in a way that no other woman ever has, something he is at a loss to understand. As their marriage settles down, her cool tranquility, understated elegance, intelligence and that indefinable something I can only call sex appeal, become even more captivating; and as she gains in self-assurance, Rock falls more deeply under her spell and finds it increasingly difficult to maintain his legendary self-control around her.

The conniving of Diana has set the scene for the events that follow, rather like the collapsing of a house of cards, where every action has an effect on the next. The marriage between Rockliffe and Adeline is only really the beginning as we listen in awe to Stella Riley's intensely dramatic and emotional story ratcheting up to a terrifically explosive culmination which is so skilfully achieved that I wondered where it all came from! Emotions are so raw by the time we reach the end that I defy anyone not to feel deeply moved and also not to have to wipe away a tear or two. In fact, I cannot think of another book that I have read with a more emotionally satisfying ending.

Alex Wyndham's acting talents and smooth, deliciously pleasing voice are particularly suited to this beautifully written, character driven story which adapts itself so perfectly from print to audio. So sensitively does he interpret Ms. Riley's rollercoaster ride of emotions that it is obvious that the author and her narrator are completely in-tune. I was especially moved by his portrayal of the swoon-worthy Rockliffe, which is spot-on; as are his interpretations of the group of admirable, honourable and gorgeous friends, Amberley, Jack Ingram and Harry Caversham. Male friendships are something Stella Riley writes particularly well in all of her novels and in this one I think she has surpassed even herself. Alex Wyndham not only captures and highlights the affection between these men but we are also never in any doubt as to whom we are listening to during their interactions. Mr Wyndham's portrayal of Rock's gradual unravelling as we head towards the intensely moving climax of the story is touching to say the least. By the end, I was left feeling wrung-out but well satisfied and I wait in anticipation for the release of The Player, the next in this series. Stella Riley has shown her deeply insightful understanding of human nature in The Mésalliance, and if you're looking for intelligent writing, a cleverly contrived plot, plenty of angst and a soul deep, spine-tingling romance, then look no further, because I promise you won't be disappointed.

[♥Sharon♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adored the Duke of Rockcliffe and what a fabulous story this was. Adeline was the perfect match for him too. Listening to Alex Wyndham narrate it was the icing on the cake. I could listen to this guy all day long. ❤

And what a cast of secondary characters. Nell, Harry and Jack. I enjoyed them all.

Such a fantastic series so far. :)

[herdys · Rating 2 out of 5]

I almost didn't finish this book. It wasn't very long, but if felt LONG. If the first book had misunderstandings, this one was on crack when it came to them. It started so well, but the second part of the book was so damn hard to read. I wanted to yell at the otp to JUST TALK. Even the second otp was not honest until the end. I don't think I'll be trying any more books by this author. Her type of angst is too trying for me. I have no patience for stupidly and things that could be worked out but aren't just for the sake of angst. Just No!

[Lady Wesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Stella Riley for choosing Alex Wyndham to narrate this delightful book!

Full review to follow.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 STARS
Loved it!

[Piper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second in the Rockcliffe series was just as fabulous as the first. And the ending—OMG!! Loved it!!

[Sofia · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with the first book in this series, I was taken back to the times I've read Heyer. This too had the same feel. A story I've read more than once in different version and Riley's version stands up to comparision.

Read with Ingela - great company as always

[Jultri · Rating 3 out of 5]

What she (Joanna) said: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show....

Thanks for the BR company, ladies.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Duke of Rockliffe, Ms Riley’s created a wonderful character, one reminiscent of the Duke of Avon in Heyer’s These Old Shades. He has the same sardonic veneer, a (generally) unruffled calm and a superior understanding of people and events. Put plainly, not much gets past him.

But we get to know Rock much better than that. He’s hard to shock, not prone to judge others, witty, kind, patient and understanding (exceeedingly so), attentive, and willing to go to almost any lengths to win Adeline’s heart. To see him go to France to track down Adeline’s mother threw his wife’s folly into sharp relief. And all of this made it so much harder to see how he was being treated. Adeline should have trusted him.

I could mostly understand why Adeline acted as she did, although eventually frustration outweighed sympathy when she let slip one too many chances to confide in Rock. After their early interactions, and seeing their potential as a couple, it was hard to watch the almost total disintegration of their marriage.

There were some instances where I felt the author missed the mark. The main fault with this book is too many misunderstandings. And when Adeline had a final chance of putting things right, I sensed the author manipulating events towards a dramatic conclusion. This is all very well and good, and the scene was a cracker, but ultimately I think it did the characters a disservice.

For one thing, earlier in the book Rock is given a clue from an outside party as to what might be bothering Adeline. I kept waiting for him to act on it. But for all his apparent omniscience, this didn’t happen. So I don’t see why this hint was given.

The book has some very memorable scenes, one being when Rock finally comes apart, undone by what he perceives as his failure to earn Adeline’s love. Ms Riley paints a painful picture of a man hurt beyond the limits of his endurance. This also is hard to watch and to Adeline’s credit, when she finally realises this, she thinks so too.

The whole is very well written. I like how the author sets us squarely in the Georgian era not only with fashion and vividly described settings, but with references to political and cultural figures of the day. Great supporting characters too, many from the previous book, but also many new ones. And again, must make mention of Alex Wyndham’s superb narration.

I’m sure I’ll listen to this one again some day. There’s gold here, even if occasionally you feel like you have to sift for it.

February 2021 - I enjoyed this more the second time round, so much so I’m bumping it up to 5 stars. None of the things I mentioned earlier bugged me this time - probably because I knew what was coming.

Except, I must admit, Adeline’s final, incomprehensible refusal to confide in Rock, even after Jack came and told her the blackmail threat was over. She decided, instead, to wait until after the ball. Of course the reason behind this is to set up that very dramatic ball scene. And each time, I’ve had to go back over that chapter. Why? Because it’s really worth a second listen. The tension and drama just ramp up throughout:

...the dance floor had all but emptied, and strewn in little knots along its edges the cream of London society was gradually congealing in blank astonishment...

A little further on:

Rockliffe stopped, as if turned to stone. Then very slowly, he turned round. Throughout the whole of the Duchess of Queensberry’s vast, magnificent ballroom, the silence was so acute that he could hear the whispering wind-song of the great crystal chandeliers...

And finally:

‘Dominic!’ The word cracked like a pistol shot, and Rockliffe’s eyes flew to command those of his friend. ‘For God’s sake!’

‘Yes.’ The Marquess was already on the move.

‘No.’ It was Adeline.

As I said before, this whole scene’s a cracker. The following chapter, also hugely rewarding. So, a solid 5 stars this time.

[Christa Schönmann Abbühl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-listen on January 2022:

On the one side this worked as well for me as the first and second time. I - again - told my family to go away when I had arrived at the climactic scenes close to the end.

On the other side I started to ask myself some questions. What for example is it with men falling for ladies they already knew when they were children? It is not the age gap itself that worries me, as it does sound logical in those circles, that the women had to be young and ready to breed, and the men older and past the sowing of oats phase (hm ... also a bit problematic, that). But what is it with the fondness for a women you knew as a child? My beloved Veryan used that trope, too, and why don‘t I mind??? I guess I am so influenced by romances I read at a younger age that I have imprinted on them, so they work for me even when in a more enlightened age I should be more critical of them. Alas, will I ever understand myself and why certain tropes and story lines work on me even when maybe they should not?

Review from March 2018:

I am currently re-reading the series by listening to the audio version (March 2018) and this one was agony, partly because I knew how hard the struggle for this couple would be. It is heartbreaking to watch them, both being so much in love, but not daring to communicate. The scene at the end, when he finds her after she fled that ball and its revelations, is shatteringly glorious. I listened to it with bated breath, seeing it all unfold before my inner eye.

Alex Wyndham is an artist. His voices add to the characters and the story. Sadly, his pronounciation of L‘inconnu threw me out of the book for a moment. But I forgive him for his otherwise awe inspiring performance.

My family will be glad I have finished this, as I was totally incommunicado for the last two hours, and my son asked if I was alright when he saw me bursting into tears yet again.

Original review:
To me, the epitome of good romance. Totally engrossing. I was tempted to skip work and finish the book. Coming back to reality was rather jarring.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 stars.

Oh, no. It's happened again. I adore Stella Riley's writing, but the story she told in this book was so annoying and frustrating that I can't rate this any higher. The premise was all based on a coincidence. Then heaped on top of that were so many misunderstandings and coincidences that I stopped keeping track. Indeed, it was starting to give me a headache. Plus I think I might be just a smidge tired of the whole "I'm actually really intelligent, but I act like I don't notice anything and nothing bothers me" H.

What I did enjoy was seeing the MCs from the previous book of this series. Now that they're done being ridiculously inane, it was nice to see how they're progressing in their HEA. I also did appreciate the fact that the H in this story didn't go and arrange for himself another mistress when things weren't going the way he wanted with his wife, the h.

I actually did enjoy this book up to the 50% mark. Even with the mention of the H's mistress I enjoyed the progression of the MCs' relationship, but then everything came to a screeching halt. I finished this book all in one go because I knew if I were to put it down I would never pick it back up again. Overall a well written book, but only read this if you like misunderstandings galore. Or MCs who don't communicate.

[Shabby Girl ~ aka Lady Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ONLY thing I don’t like about this book is the fact that there aren’t any more. Oh, my gosh, I think this author writes the best books around this time period (Georgian) since Georgette Heyer. Her turn of phrase and dialogue is just wonderful. How on earth could she tease us with books such as this one and The Parfit Knight and not have written any more. At least Heyer has a backlist of about 30 books to keep me satisfied. This author appears to have written some other books around the English civil war and I will be checking those out next … how could I not when these books are so good … and I can only hope they are as entertaining as this and The Parfit Knight.

This book has a theme that I adore when the writer knows how to rise to the challenge, and this one knows what she is about. The hero and heroine begin in a marriage of convenience, which turns into true and genuine love. It’s a fairly common theme for books set around this period, however, it is only satisfying in the hands of a good author. This one is very satisfying.

The heroine is one of those “handsome” women, not beautiful, except when she smiles, nor is she even pretty, but her personality is key. Shallow people wouldn’t recognise her worth and wonder at her success, but to those who get to know her and value substance, they know very quickly she is more than she seems.

I was already half in love with this hero before I began this second book as he was a secondary, but significant character, in the first book, The Parfit Knight, and by the first third of this second book I was ready to jump in and fight the heroine for him. Swoon-worthy!

The heroine is wonderful, just how I like them. She’s very smart, has a sarcastic turn of phrase brought on by her difficult past and is hiding a lot of pain. The couple had met briefly eight years earlier when the heroine was a wild 16 year old and whilst they didn’t fall in love then, I think made a lasting impression on each other. They would never have ended up together without fate bringing them together again, however they both remembered each other and were intrigued.

I really can’t rave enough about this and The Parfit Knight. These two books are what I search endlessly for, and rarely come across. I feel so lucky to have found them. I adored every single word of each. I feel like I want to cry … how long will be before I get this lucky again? For Georgette Heyer fans, maybe these will make you happy.

[Susan in Perthshire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been putting off reading Stella Riley for so long because I was worried she would not live up to the Georgette Heyer comparisons. I am so annoyed with myself because she totally lives up to expectations. I have now read all of the Rockliffe series and am going back (in no particular order) to review them.

The homage to Justin Alastair, Duke of Avon is very obvious but I didn’t mind that because the author created an entirely different story and one which I loved. Except for Adeline. A great heroine and I was with her a lot of the way. On my first read, I thought Adeline kept up her refusal to share her problems with Tracy for far too long, and thus caused him so much undeserved pain. However on subsequent reads, it all makes much more sense and I could see how this all played out so well.

A fabulous recreation of Georgian society and enhanced by marvellous prose and stimulating dialogue.

However, I think there was a weakness in the plotting. Tracy is such a strong, capable character and everyone recognises his strengths and knows that he is the man to get things done. So why do Adeline, Nell, Harry, and Jack insist on keeping things secret from him? Apart from that, I absolutely adored the book.
4.5 stars. 🌟

[Barb in Maryland · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars. What kept this from being a 5 star book was the Big Misunderstanding part of the plot (not one of my favorite tropes). However, the author handled it well and the Big Mis was well-based , considering the personalities, status, etc, etc, of the hero and heroine.
The angst was worth it as the resolution was lovely; the HEA solid.
There are two(!) secondary romances, as well. The slime ball uncle gets his just punishment, as does the spoiled, young beauty (who was dangerously spiteful).
It was fun to meet up with the lead characters from 'The Parfit Knight'.

Now I'm off to read "The Player'--book three in this oh so wonderful series.