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Mallorens & Friends #11
Una condesa poco común
Cuando una serie de adversidades lanza a Prudence Youlgrave a los abismos de la pobreza, ella hará todo lo posible por recuperarse, y en 1765 en Yorkshire tal vez la única salida posible sea casarse con un miembro de la nobleza. Los planes de Prudence se ven frustrados cuando un grupo de matones intenta secuestrarla y el hombre que la rescata es Cate, un ex soldado cuyas peleas con su familia lo han dejado sin dinero. Cate y Prudence se enamoran y deciden contraer matrimonio y vivir con sus propios medios. De pronto, el hermano mayor de Cate muere y él se convierte en el conde de Malzard. Ahora Prudence parece haber logrado lo que siempre quiso, pero la familia de su marido la considera una advenediza y ella deberá luchar para preservar su nueva posición y la felicidad de su matrimonio.
448 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 4, 2011
121 people are currently reading
1295 people want to read
About the author
Jo Beverley
142 books1,129 followersMary Josephine Dunn was born 22 September 1947 in Lancashire, England, UK. At the age of eleven she went to an all-girls boarding school, Layton Hill Convent, Blackpool. At sixteen, she wrote her first romance, with a medieval setting, completed in installments in an exercise book. From 1966 to 1970, she obtained a degree in English history from Keele University in Staffordshire, where she met her future husband, Ken Beverley. After graduation, they married on June 24, 1971. She quickly attained a position as a youth employment officer until 1976, working first in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, and then in West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire.
In 1976, her scientist husband was invited to do post-doctoral research at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. When her professional qualifications proved not to be usable in the Canadian labour market, she raised their two sons and started to write her first romances.
Moved to Ottawa, in 1985 she became a founding member of the Ottawa Romance Writers’ Association, that her “nurturing community” for the next twelve years. The same year, she completed a regency romance, but it was promptly rejected by a number of publishers, and she settled more earnestly to learning the craft. In 1988, it sold to Walker, and was published as "Lord Wraybourne's Betrothed". She regularly appears on bestseller lists including the USA Today overall bestseller list, the New York Times, and and the Publishers Weekly list. She has been the recipient of numerous awards including the Golden Leaf, the Award of Excellence, the National Readers Choice, and a two Career Achievement awards from Romantic Times. She is also a five time winner of the RITA, the top award of the Romance Writers Of America, and a member of their Hall of Fame and Honor Roll.
Jo Beverley passed away on May 23, 2016 after a long battle with cancer.
In 1976, her scientist husband was invited to do post-doctoral research at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. When her professional qualifications proved not to be usable in the Canadian labour market, she raised their two sons and started to write her first romances.
Moved to Ottawa, in 1985 she became a founding member of the Ottawa Romance Writers’ Association, that her “nurturing community” for the next twelve years. The same year, she completed a regency romance, but it was promptly rejected by a number of publishers, and she settled more earnestly to learning the craft. In 1988, it sold to Walker, and was published as "Lord Wraybourne's Betrothed". She regularly appears on bestseller lists including the USA Today overall bestseller list, the New York Times, and and the Publishers Weekly list. She has been the recipient of numerous awards including the Golden Leaf, the Award of Excellence, the National Readers Choice, and a two Career Achievement awards from Romantic Times. She is also a five time winner of the RITA, the top award of the Romance Writers Of America, and a member of their Hall of Fame and Honor Roll.
Jo Beverley passed away on May 23, 2016 after a long battle with cancer.
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February 17, 2022
3'5 Estrellitas. No es lo mejor que he leído de Jo Beverley, pero se deja leer. Hacía tiempo que leí el anterior de la serie e iba algo perdida, pero lo cierto es que se puede leer de manera independiente porque no sale nada, o casi nada de los Malloren salvo una aparición de lady Arradale.
"Una condesa poco común" es el onceavo libro de la serie, y en él tenemos a unos protagonistas desconocidos. Prudence Youlgrave es una joven de Yorkshire que viene de familia acomodada, aunque desde la muerte de su padre, fueron cayendo en un abismo de pobreza. Todo lo que ahorraban era para pagarle los estudios de derecho a su hermano, con tal de que él, una vez consiguiera un puesto, pudiera cuidar de su madre y su hermana. Pero la madre de Prudence muere de manera repentina, y su hermano parece haberse olvidado de ella, sobre todo desde que desposa a una adinerada joven, y ni siquiera es invitada a la boda. Prudence considera que es una humillación el trato recibido, y se presenta en casa de su hermano, obligándole a que cuide de ella si no quiere que la familia de su esposa vea que está emparentada con una pordiosera.
Catesby Burgoyne es el hermano menor de un conde, como corresponde a un segundo hijo, ingresó en el ejército, pero su incapacidad para recibir órdenes le lleva a su expulsión, y a tener una disputa atroz con su hermano. Cate es la oveja negra de la familia, no le aprueban ni su madre ni su hermano. Sólo y con apenas una bolsa de dinero, ronda borracho por un pueblo de Yorkshire donde ve a una joven que es acosada por un grupo de matones. Una joven a la que salva, y a la que no pudo olvidar, una vez se despidió de ella.
Han pasado unos meses, y Prudence se va a casar con un caballero adinerado con el que le han concertado el matrimonio. Prudence está de acuerdo, pues lo que siempre ha querido es tener una casa propia, y ser una buena esposa y madre, además de una posición acomodada. Pero el mismo día, Prucende empieza a tener sus dudas, y su prometido cada vez le desagrada más.
Por otro lado, Cate recibe la noticia de que su hermano mayor ha muerto repentinamente sin hijos varones, y él es el nuevo conde de Malzard. Parte inmediatamente a Yorkshire, donde será despreciado y sermoneado por su madre y su cuñada. Después, averigua que la joven a la que salvó meses atrás, y a la que no pudo olvidar, se va a desposar con un canalla, y en un arrebato, Cate irrumpe en medio de la iglesia e impide la boda.
Ambos vuelven a encontrarse, y debido al escándalo ocasionado, Cate decide casarse con Prudence. El problema es que Prudence no es lo que debería ser una condesa, pese a ser una joven instruida, no es de su misma clase social, y no será bien recibida por la familia de Cate.
Mas o menos, esto es lo que tenemos en éste libro. Aunque me ha gustado, es un libro bastante pausado y sin grandes giros. Se lee bien, pero no ocurre gran cosa, tampoco es aburrido, pero le ha faltado algo para ser más interesante. El punto de inflexión serán una serie de "accidentes" perpetrados por el ex prometido despechado de Prudence.
El romance entre los protagonistas está bien, sin ser muy resultón. Cuando se conocen se gustan, y no han podido olvidarse. Más adelante, Cate resulta ser un amor con ella, es un protagonista masculino que gusta por su honestidad y su bondad.
Aún así, me ha dejado con ganas de seguir la serie, e ir terminando a los Malloren, sobre todo, me ha dejado con ganas de la historia de Perry.
"Una condesa poco común" es el onceavo libro de la serie, y en él tenemos a unos protagonistas desconocidos. Prudence Youlgrave es una joven de Yorkshire que viene de familia acomodada, aunque desde la muerte de su padre, fueron cayendo en un abismo de pobreza. Todo lo que ahorraban era para pagarle los estudios de derecho a su hermano, con tal de que él, una vez consiguiera un puesto, pudiera cuidar de su madre y su hermana. Pero la madre de Prudence muere de manera repentina, y su hermano parece haberse olvidado de ella, sobre todo desde que desposa a una adinerada joven, y ni siquiera es invitada a la boda. Prudence considera que es una humillación el trato recibido, y se presenta en casa de su hermano, obligándole a que cuide de ella si no quiere que la familia de su esposa vea que está emparentada con una pordiosera.
Catesby Burgoyne es el hermano menor de un conde, como corresponde a un segundo hijo, ingresó en el ejército, pero su incapacidad para recibir órdenes le lleva a su expulsión, y a tener una disputa atroz con su hermano. Cate es la oveja negra de la familia, no le aprueban ni su madre ni su hermano. Sólo y con apenas una bolsa de dinero, ronda borracho por un pueblo de Yorkshire donde ve a una joven que es acosada por un grupo de matones. Una joven a la que salva, y a la que no pudo olvidar, una vez se despidió de ella.
Han pasado unos meses, y Prudence se va a casar con un caballero adinerado con el que le han concertado el matrimonio. Prudence está de acuerdo, pues lo que siempre ha querido es tener una casa propia, y ser una buena esposa y madre, además de una posición acomodada. Pero el mismo día, Prucende empieza a tener sus dudas, y su prometido cada vez le desagrada más.
Por otro lado, Cate recibe la noticia de que su hermano mayor ha muerto repentinamente sin hijos varones, y él es el nuevo conde de Malzard. Parte inmediatamente a Yorkshire, donde será despreciado y sermoneado por su madre y su cuñada. Después, averigua que la joven a la que salvó meses atrás, y a la que no pudo olvidar, se va a desposar con un canalla, y en un arrebato, Cate irrumpe en medio de la iglesia e impide la boda.
Ambos vuelven a encontrarse, y debido al escándalo ocasionado, Cate decide casarse con Prudence. El problema es que Prudence no es lo que debería ser una condesa, pese a ser una joven instruida, no es de su misma clase social, y no será bien recibida por la familia de Cate.
Mas o menos, esto es lo que tenemos en éste libro. Aunque me ha gustado, es un libro bastante pausado y sin grandes giros. Se lee bien, pero no ocurre gran cosa, tampoco es aburrido, pero le ha faltado algo para ser más interesante. El punto de inflexión serán una serie de "accidentes" perpetrados por el ex prometido despechado de Prudence.
El romance entre los protagonistas está bien, sin ser muy resultón. Cuando se conocen se gustan, y no han podido olvidarse. Más adelante, Cate resulta ser un amor con ella, es un protagonista masculino que gusta por su honestidad y su bondad.
Aún así, me ha dejado con ganas de seguir la serie, e ir terminando a los Malloren, sobre todo, me ha dejado con ganas de la historia de Perry.
March 5, 2019
While this is 11th in the Malloren series, it's the first in a long while that can be read without having read the others. Lady Diana shows up near the end, but her role is ancillary and you don't need to know any more about her than is presented in the text, here. I want to make that clear because it shares a weakness with the next previous, The Secret Duke, though they are otherwise unrelated. Like that one, this book meanders in the first quarter before getting to events alluded to in the cover copy and as before, this is frustrating. Unlike that one, however, this one is less satisfying in the romance.
Both main characters are outstanding, mind. Cate is the strong, caring man of action and ability with the added spice of being somewhat uncertain of himself. He had never planned to succeed his brother and having been the family scapegrace all his life finds himself doing his best in trying circumstances. He loves his home, however, and the people there, and you can see that his troubles in the past mostly came from an impatience with incompetence and an unwillingness to put up with stupid. Which, suits very well now that he's in charge of his destiny (more or less, given that he has no choice about being the new earl).
Prudence is even more engaging as the woman who went through poverty-hell with the neglect of her brother who should have provided for her. She's resourceful and determined and strong, but starts from literally nothing. Marrying Cate puts her in a very precarious position, rising from abject poverty to such riches being only the most obvious; less obvious social obstacles and a mother- and sister-in-law looking for the worst further complicate matters.
Which would be a great story, but Beverley spends much of the middle of the novel with Cate and Pru being unable to communicate very well. It's not unreasonable, but having them both show their worst weakness in their relationship to each other was annoying at times. Particularly when you could see how much they loved one another and how worthy of trust each was. I don't want to over-emphasize this because it really is reasonable for the characters and their circumstances and people are human and make just such errors in their relationships all the time. Which is to say that Beverley didn't manipulate to draw out the plot or anything so clumsy. If they had been my friends, I'd have been exasperated with each, but I'd also have had confidence that they'd work it out with no harm done given some time (which they certainly had).
The book ends extremely strongly, though, particularly with the non-MC relationships. Prudence's caring forgiveness and determination to be the best person she knows how despite obstacles and obstreperous relations and neighbors came to fruition in really powerful ways and left me in tears at multiple parts in the latter quarter of the book. Now, invoking tears in me is not exactly difficult, but I always appreciate the emotional catharsis of such moving moments and that shows in my final rating.
So while a slow start, the book improves steadily to reach a very satisfying conclusion and a solid four-star overall rating. It's average through most of the novel, though, so know that you'll have to persist a bit to get the reward at the end.
A note about Steamy: This is very low steam for the genre and author. There's a single explicit not-quite-sex scene .
Both main characters are outstanding, mind. Cate is the strong, caring man of action and ability with the added spice of being somewhat uncertain of himself. He had never planned to succeed his brother and having been the family scapegrace all his life finds himself doing his best in trying circumstances. He loves his home, however, and the people there, and you can see that his troubles in the past mostly came from an impatience with incompetence and an unwillingness to put up with stupid. Which, suits very well now that he's in charge of his destiny (more or less, given that he has no choice about being the new earl).
Prudence is even more engaging as the woman who went through poverty-hell with the neglect of her brother who should have provided for her. She's resourceful and determined and strong, but starts from literally nothing. Marrying Cate puts her in a very precarious position, rising from abject poverty to such riches being only the most obvious; less obvious social obstacles and a mother- and sister-in-law looking for the worst further complicate matters.
Which would be a great story, but Beverley spends much of the middle of the novel with Cate and Pru being unable to communicate very well. It's not unreasonable, but having them both show their worst weakness in their relationship to each other was annoying at times. Particularly when you could see how much they loved one another and how worthy of trust each was. I don't want to over-emphasize this because it really is reasonable for the characters and their circumstances and people are human and make just such errors in their relationships all the time. Which is to say that Beverley didn't manipulate to draw out the plot or anything so clumsy. If they had been my friends, I'd have been exasperated with each, but I'd also have had confidence that they'd work it out with no harm done given some time (which they certainly had).
The book ends extremely strongly, though, particularly with the non-MC relationships. Prudence's caring forgiveness and determination to be the best person she knows how despite obstacles and obstreperous relations and neighbors came to fruition in really powerful ways and left me in tears at multiple parts in the latter quarter of the book. Now, invoking tears in me is not exactly difficult, but I always appreciate the emotional catharsis of such moving moments and that shows in my final rating.
So while a slow start, the book improves steadily to reach a very satisfying conclusion and a solid four-star overall rating. It's average through most of the novel, though, so know that you'll have to persist a bit to get the reward at the end.
A note about Steamy: This is very low steam for the genre and author. There's a single explicit not-quite-sex scene .
June 14, 2012
It was ok, it just didn't really do anything for me. I know there are a lot of high praise reviews, and I realize this may seem mean, but everyone has different tastes. This wasn't really mine.
The first half (+) of the book I mainly spent annoyed by all the characters.
Prudence (the heroine): was snappy and acted above her station. Lady, it's not like you were a duchess and then fell from society and ended up living in a hovel. You were the daughter of a librarian, yes raised in a manor house until your teens, but COME ON, stop being so snotty. Make the best of the bad situation. Your brother was/is pretty atrocious, so I will give you that he screwed you (and your--now dead--mother) and I accept your anger toward him. Fair enough, but don't take it out on the nice neighbor lady who just baked you bread when you are starving. Literally.
Catesby ("Cate", the hero): Spends way too much time drinking at first. Also has a whole class thing going on...other things I can't remember. He was more redeemable, very strong since of right and wrong and a natural protector.
Cate's mother and sister-in-law: horrible. Both are completely atrocious to Prudence.
Later in the book I finally got around to liking Prudence, all of a sudden she's nice. Ok. I understand the whole class clashing is something that was REAL, people just didn't marry out of their station. I GET that. But does that mean that everyone has to be so MEAN? Maybe it does. There is more acceptance eventually, but not until the very end of the book. And Pru and Cate do finally make a cute(r) couple, but the whole book was more aggravating to me then anything.
Meh.
The first half (+) of the book I mainly spent annoyed by all the characters.
Prudence (the heroine): was snappy and acted above her station. Lady, it's not like you were a duchess and then fell from society and ended up living in a hovel. You were the daughter of a librarian, yes raised in a manor house until your teens, but COME ON, stop being so snotty. Make the best of the bad situation. Your brother was/is pretty atrocious, so I will give you that he screwed you (and your--now dead--mother) and I accept your anger toward him. Fair enough, but don't take it out on the nice neighbor lady who just baked you bread when you are starving. Literally.
Catesby ("Cate", the hero): Spends way too much time drinking at first. Also has a whole class thing going on...other things I can't remember. He was more redeemable, very strong since of right and wrong and a natural protector.
Cate's mother and sister-in-law: horrible. Both are completely atrocious to Prudence.
Later in the book I finally got around to liking Prudence, all of a sudden she's nice. Ok. I understand the whole class clashing is something that was REAL, people just didn't marry out of their station. I GET that. But does that mean that everyone has to be so MEAN? Maybe it does. There is more acceptance eventually, but not until the very end of the book. And Pru and Cate do finally make a cute(r) couple, but the whole book was more aggravating to me then anything.
Meh.
July 9, 2011
After hearing Jo Beverley speak at the RWA conference (about what romance writers, particularly American ones, get wrong when they write about the English past), it was fun to get hold of her latest and give it a read. Beverley writes intelligently about intelligent characters, something that is all too rare in the field, and her research and historical grounding shine through in this addition to her oeuvre.
But this isn't one of her best books. It begins slowly, with the h/h meeting in the first chapter but then not seeing each other again until almost a third of the book is over. Once they do get together, there is little, emotionally, keeping them apart, which was an interesting change from most historical romances. Here, the h/h like each other from the start, and there is little of the typical romance fighting/antagonism between them. A friendly, enjoyable relationship, although the lack of sexual tension between the two (and lack of sexual consummation throughout the book!) made the relationship less compelling that it might have been, as did the too-sudden turnaround at the novel's end by the hero's sister-in-law. An interesting exploration of class differences, but not the most engaging narrative.
But this isn't one of her best books. It begins slowly, with the h/h meeting in the first chapter but then not seeing each other again until almost a third of the book is over. Once they do get together, there is little, emotionally, keeping them apart, which was an interesting change from most historical romances. Here, the h/h like each other from the start, and there is little of the typical romance fighting/antagonism between them. A friendly, enjoyable relationship, although the lack of sexual tension between the two (and lack of sexual consummation throughout the book!) made the relationship less compelling that it might have been, as did the too-sudden turnaround at the novel's end by the hero's sister-in-law. An interesting exploration of class differences, but not the most engaging narrative.
August 19, 2011
It’s really hard for me to review this, because what mostly comes to my mind is what I didn’t like about it, and the positives I think of are mostly backhanded critiques. (More enjoyable than her last few... I actually finished it...) and all that makes it seem like I didn’t enjoy it. Honestly, it does not hold up to her earlier books -- unless it’s just me and my tastes have changed. But it did keep my interest.
Let me try to find some positives:
Well done “fish out of water” story. Beverley has the historical knowledge to show how truly difficult it would be for someone to marry out of their class, especially into the world of the aristocracy, which was heavily structured so as to make misalliances pretty obvious.
Sweet hero, whose knowledge of what he should and shouldn’t do is overwhelmed by his chivalrous impulsivity. He’s the inherently good guy whom society makes appear bad, because he can’t follow all of its unjust rules. But he's still a believable product of his times.
A relationship that develops slowly, after a pretty instant attraction, and light but sultry sexual tension.
I think most of my complaints have been addressed by other reviewers, so I’ll just add that it didn’t have much of a Georgian flavor, despite the apparently obligatory appearance of one of the Mallorens.
Let me try to find some positives:
Well done “fish out of water” story. Beverley has the historical knowledge to show how truly difficult it would be for someone to marry out of their class, especially into the world of the aristocracy, which was heavily structured so as to make misalliances pretty obvious.
Sweet hero, whose knowledge of what he should and shouldn’t do is overwhelmed by his chivalrous impulsivity. He’s the inherently good guy whom society makes appear bad, because he can’t follow all of its unjust rules. But he's still a believable product of his times.
A relationship that develops slowly, after a pretty instant attraction, and light but sultry sexual tension.
I think most of my complaints have been addressed by other reviewers, so I’ll just add that it didn’t have much of a Georgian flavor, despite the apparently obligatory appearance of one of the Mallorens.
February 5, 2014
This is an extremely blah book about a nice guy (who's an Earl!) and a twit.
I just couldn't find it in myself to care about the heroine, Little Miss Snootypants Prudence. I'm not sure what Ms Beverley's goal was, I imagine she was trying to highlight the effects of class differences in a very authentic way, but reading about how Prudence couldn't bear to admit to her poverty - couldn't bear to even allow her perfectly nice & friendly but poor neighbor to even address her by her first name - was very unappealing for me. As a result, I found the heroine to be completely UNsympathetic. The hero, Cate, newly minted Earl Malzard (I think I'm getting that wrong), seems perfectly nice, but I never really understood what he saw in snooty Prudence.
I think my real problem with this book is that there is no real conflict or suspense. The only conflict is based on classism, which I, as a 21st century woman, find ridiculous anyway, so it's not particularly interesting for me.
*
Thankful to be finally done with this book!
I'd been wondering why it even counted as a "Malloren" book, until page 390 when the Lady Rothgar finally shows up.
Then in the author's note, Ms Beverley tells us she took her ideas for this book from Behind Closed Doors: At Home in Georgian England, which is "full of details about the lives of men and women within the home..." Aha! that would explain the endless and mind-numbing details about clothing, which clothes Prudence is wearing, which clothe she hoped to wear, which embroidery thread she used, good lord ENOUGH.
I just couldn't find it in myself to care about the heroine, Little Miss Snootypants Prudence. I'm not sure what Ms Beverley's goal was, I imagine she was trying to highlight the effects of class differences in a very authentic way, but reading about how Prudence couldn't bear to admit to her poverty - couldn't bear to even allow her perfectly nice & friendly but poor neighbor to even address her by her first name - was very unappealing for me. As a result, I found the heroine to be completely UNsympathetic. The hero, Cate, newly minted Earl Malzard (I think I'm getting that wrong), seems perfectly nice, but I never really understood what he saw in snooty Prudence.
I think my real problem with this book is that there is no real conflict or suspense. The only conflict is based on classism, which I, as a 21st century woman, find ridiculous anyway, so it's not particularly interesting for me.
*
Thankful to be finally done with this book!
I'd been wondering why it even counted as a "Malloren" book, until page 390 when the Lady Rothgar finally shows up.
Then in the author's note, Ms Beverley tells us she took her ideas for this book from Behind Closed Doors: At Home in Georgian England, which is "full of details about the lives of men and women within the home..." Aha! that would explain the endless and mind-numbing details about clothing, which clothes Prudence is wearing, which clothe she hoped to wear, which embroidery thread she used, good lord ENOUGH.
March 22, 2011
There are books that are good enough to continue reading, but not interesting enough to rave about. This was one such book.
Set in the Malloren universe, it featured Prudence and Catesby - a newly wed couple who lived near the Countess of Arradale. Actually, it starts with the improvised heroine struggling with her brother's abandonment and falls into trouble with some local troublemakers. A drunk, penniless hero saves her and somehow delivers her safely to her home. While they never make it past a kiss, there is a sort of comfort they share with each other's presence. But neither can do much about their poor state in life. Prudence's mother recently died, while her brother, Aaron, is callous upon the care of his sister. Cate is the disgraced 2nd son of an Earl, mostly disliked by his 'perfect' family. After their initial meeting, time passes in which Prudence demands her brother's aid, eventually forcing her to accept a marriage proposal with a brutish man, while Cate's older brother dies, leaving him the Lord Malzard, due to his brother's failure to produce an heir. Cate rescues Prudence from her fate on impulse, by marrying her. But oddly, while the two are strangers, they slowly grow to love each other, without ever sleeping with each other. Actually, the couple did not even consummate their marriage, even to the last page. He did give her an orgasm, and they did have adequate sexual attraction, but no intercourse. Anyway, Prudence has to weather her 2 bitchy sister-in-laws, one her brother's wife, the other her co-sister, and a spiteful mother-in-law eventually becoming the perfect countess for Catesby.
I did not originally like Prudence. For one, she was not exactly heroine material - she was too real, too flawed. Catesby was also not to my standards, as he did not possess a sexy name - that's my theory, at least. But then I realized that Ms. Beverley gave us a shocking dose true love. Instead of the mind-warping, soul-consuming lusty kinds we usually read about, here was a love story that grew slowly, without using the obvious ploy of sex. The tension between the H/h simmered on low, but it was there, and we saw the difficulties a women from the middle class would have as she rises in station to become Lady Malzard. I came to understand Prudence and like Cate (I'm reading the Fever series, with Barrons, so its hard to love anyone else).
Overall, it was a good book. But it has its flaws, and mainly, it was slow. I still wanted to finish it, surprisingly, but it was lackluster (or lacking lust, actually). It would be more accurate to say this is a 3 1/2 star book.
Set in the Malloren universe, it featured Prudence and Catesby - a newly wed couple who lived near the Countess of Arradale. Actually, it starts with the improvised heroine struggling with her brother's abandonment and falls into trouble with some local troublemakers. A drunk, penniless hero saves her and somehow delivers her safely to her home. While they never make it past a kiss, there is a sort of comfort they share with each other's presence. But neither can do much about their poor state in life. Prudence's mother recently died, while her brother, Aaron, is callous upon the care of his sister. Cate is the disgraced 2nd son of an Earl, mostly disliked by his 'perfect' family. After their initial meeting, time passes in which Prudence demands her brother's aid, eventually forcing her to accept a marriage proposal with a brutish man, while Cate's older brother dies, leaving him the Lord Malzard, due to his brother's failure to produce an heir. Cate rescues Prudence from her fate on impulse, by marrying her. But oddly, while the two are strangers, they slowly grow to love each other, without ever sleeping with each other. Actually, the couple did not even consummate their marriage, even to the last page. He did give her an orgasm, and they did have adequate sexual attraction, but no intercourse. Anyway, Prudence has to weather her 2 bitchy sister-in-laws, one her brother's wife, the other her co-sister, and a spiteful mother-in-law eventually becoming the perfect countess for Catesby.
I did not originally like Prudence. For one, she was not exactly heroine material - she was too real, too flawed. Catesby was also not to my standards, as he did not possess a sexy name - that's my theory, at least. But then I realized that Ms. Beverley gave us a shocking dose true love. Instead of the mind-warping, soul-consuming lusty kinds we usually read about, here was a love story that grew slowly, without using the obvious ploy of sex. The tension between the H/h simmered on low, but it was there, and we saw the difficulties a women from the middle class would have as she rises in station to become Lady Malzard. I came to understand Prudence and like Cate (I'm reading the Fever series, with Barrons, so its hard to love anyone else).
Overall, it was a good book. But it has its flaws, and mainly, it was slow. I still wanted to finish it, surprisingly, but it was lackluster (or lacking lust, actually). It would be more accurate to say this is a 3 1/2 star book.
April 15, 2016
It’s somewhere in between 2.5 stars and 3 stars, but I am feeling generous. The book is not bad. It just isn’t good. It’s an average romance, set in the second part of the 18th century, England.
What irked me most was the protagonists’ perennial concern about money, clothing, and general lifestyle. The heroine Prudence’s driving force is to get away from her poverty. She is ashamed of being poor. She is ashamed of her shabby clothing and her uneducated neighbors. She wants funds, a house of her own, but she isn’t ready to fight and bite and disregard conventions, like Scarlett O’Hara was. Instead, Prudence is mostly whining and cringing. I didn’t like her.
I did like the hero Cate, but even his rough charm couldn’t save this book. Like Prudence, Cate is concerned about his new wife’s clothing and hairdo, as if they were the most important facets of her. Both also concentrate on social class distinctions, and how everyone should stay inside his or her own social circle. The message seems to be: don’t aspire to climb the social ladder, to mix with your betters, or else... Yikes. No.
What irked me most was the protagonists’ perennial concern about money, clothing, and general lifestyle. The heroine Prudence’s driving force is to get away from her poverty. She is ashamed of being poor. She is ashamed of her shabby clothing and her uneducated neighbors. She wants funds, a house of her own, but she isn’t ready to fight and bite and disregard conventions, like Scarlett O’Hara was. Instead, Prudence is mostly whining and cringing. I didn’t like her.
I did like the hero Cate, but even his rough charm couldn’t save this book. Like Prudence, Cate is concerned about his new wife’s clothing and hairdo, as if they were the most important facets of her. Both also concentrate on social class distinctions, and how everyone should stay inside his or her own social circle. The message seems to be: don’t aspire to climb the social ladder, to mix with your betters, or else... Yikes. No.
March 12, 2011
This book started a great historical romance spree, and I'm still on a high thanks to the great book week I'm having.
This is only my second Jo Beverley, the first one being Emily and the Dark Angel, which I had read after a review on Dear Author. I really liked that one, so when there was a positive review on Dear Author for this one combined with themes that spoke to me I went for it, even though it wasn't really in my budget.
I'm so happy I did!
When a drunken Catesby saves Prudence from some nightly attackers, he has no idea his whole world is about to change. Catesby, Cate to is friends, is a second son. His father always wanted him away from his home estate and make a living for himself. Unfortunately Cate has a problem with following orders, and was forced to sell his army Commission. This disgrace led to a rift with his brother and family, who find him useless and fickle.
Prudence has problems with her family as well. When her father died, she and her mother skimped to make sure her brother could finish his studies of the law, to later provide for them. Her mother died however, and her brother has seemed to have forgotten about her. Now Prudence is living in poverty, and has no hopes for a brighter future, with a home, husband and family, the things she finds she has a right to.
The nightly encounter creates a strange connection between the two, as they both find they can be honest in the dark with the help of a zip of brandy. Prudence is astonished with her bold and unproper behavior, but later she remembers Cates courage in defending her, and lends courage from her memories of that short encounter for her own actions.
When her brother keeps ignoring her she bolts for Darlington to confront him and her sister in law. They agree to find her a husband, but unfortunately for Prudence only one man offers for her. In the mean time Cate's circumstances change unexpectedly (against his will), and he's having trouble managing his new responsibilities and the low expectations of his family. When he takes a break from all that he more or less accidentally ends up at Prudence marriage, where he can't bare to see Prudence married to the man, so he impulsively objects... Which results in Cate marrying Prudence himself.
This makes the whole situation with his family and new responsibilities even harder, since Prudence is not of a fit upbringing to be a Countess. Here I should probably stop telling the plot (it's really the great book high causing all this, I swear, normally I'm more brief) and get on to what made this book so good.
Both Cate and Prudence were admirable characters. Cate seems a bit of a loose canon when we first meet him, but once his circumstances change, he really tries to do the best he can. Even though he makes a couple of mistakes (he's a little blind when it comes to his sister in law), and acts a little impulsive at times, he's a genuinely good guy. He has the bad luck that he was never understood by his family, and his efforts to show that he's better than the low expectations everybody has of him are endearing.
Prudence struggles with what is expected of her as well. She's a little out of her depth when she becomes the countess, but she both grows into her roll and grows into a person who makes her own decisions without caring too much what are the expected decisions to make.
I loved how for both of them the evolution starts not only by their changing circumstances, but with their first encounter, and the influence they have on each other. Prudence finds her own courage by remembering Cate's, and Cate recognizes his own good qualities because he sees them in Prudence.
They learn to stick together as well, and I really liked how they became friends and comrades before they fall in love. On the surface they might seem like an unlikely couple, but right from the start they make each other better people. Which is what every good relationship should do in my opinion.
Besides the great love story this book also had some very strong themes. Life wasn't easy as a female in the Georgian Period, especially when you are dependent on your brother to look after you. There's only so much you could do as a young woman, and brothers aren't the ideal guardian. Prudence's struggles, especially at the start of the book were quite gut wrenching. (Her brother is an ass, seriously).
For widows life isn't all that easier, they are sure to be taken care of, but they can be thrown out of their house, and are in truth at the mercy of the new man in the family.
But for the males there were duties and responsibilities as well, and it's very obvious in this novel that no one is really free in this era. Cate has a lot of people who count on him, and he can't afford to screw up. The insights on the inner workings of nobility estates were quite interesting.
This is becoming quite the epic (and I fear sligthly incoherent review), so I'll try to come up with a conclusion. If not for the slightly too long vicious enemy plotline (where I would have liked more of the responsibilities/expectations/managing the estate and family plotline), and the fact that I like my romances slightly steamier this would have been a 5 star book. But thanks to the great themes of dependecy, conformity and juggling responsibilties, combined with great characters with some formidable inner strengths, who have a great slowly evolving romance; An Unlikely Countess is one of the better historical romances I've read!
This is only my second Jo Beverley, the first one being Emily and the Dark Angel, which I had read after a review on Dear Author. I really liked that one, so when there was a positive review on Dear Author for this one combined with themes that spoke to me I went for it, even though it wasn't really in my budget.
I'm so happy I did!
When a drunken Catesby saves Prudence from some nightly attackers, he has no idea his whole world is about to change. Catesby, Cate to is friends, is a second son. His father always wanted him away from his home estate and make a living for himself. Unfortunately Cate has a problem with following orders, and was forced to sell his army Commission. This disgrace led to a rift with his brother and family, who find him useless and fickle.
Prudence has problems with her family as well. When her father died, she and her mother skimped to make sure her brother could finish his studies of the law, to later provide for them. Her mother died however, and her brother has seemed to have forgotten about her. Now Prudence is living in poverty, and has no hopes for a brighter future, with a home, husband and family, the things she finds she has a right to.
The nightly encounter creates a strange connection between the two, as they both find they can be honest in the dark with the help of a zip of brandy. Prudence is astonished with her bold and unproper behavior, but later she remembers Cates courage in defending her, and lends courage from her memories of that short encounter for her own actions.
When her brother keeps ignoring her she bolts for Darlington to confront him and her sister in law. They agree to find her a husband, but unfortunately for Prudence only one man offers for her. In the mean time Cate's circumstances change unexpectedly (against his will), and he's having trouble managing his new responsibilities and the low expectations of his family. When he takes a break from all that he more or less accidentally ends up at Prudence marriage, where he can't bare to see Prudence married to the man, so he impulsively objects... Which results in Cate marrying Prudence himself.
This makes the whole situation with his family and new responsibilities even harder, since Prudence is not of a fit upbringing to be a Countess. Here I should probably stop telling the plot (it's really the great book high causing all this, I swear, normally I'm more brief) and get on to what made this book so good.
Both Cate and Prudence were admirable characters. Cate seems a bit of a loose canon when we first meet him, but once his circumstances change, he really tries to do the best he can. Even though he makes a couple of mistakes (he's a little blind when it comes to his sister in law), and acts a little impulsive at times, he's a genuinely good guy. He has the bad luck that he was never understood by his family, and his efforts to show that he's better than the low expectations everybody has of him are endearing.
Prudence struggles with what is expected of her as well. She's a little out of her depth when she becomes the countess, but she both grows into her roll and grows into a person who makes her own decisions without caring too much what are the expected decisions to make.
I loved how for both of them the evolution starts not only by their changing circumstances, but with their first encounter, and the influence they have on each other. Prudence finds her own courage by remembering Cate's, and Cate recognizes his own good qualities because he sees them in Prudence.
They learn to stick together as well, and I really liked how they became friends and comrades before they fall in love. On the surface they might seem like an unlikely couple, but right from the start they make each other better people. Which is what every good relationship should do in my opinion.
Besides the great love story this book also had some very strong themes. Life wasn't easy as a female in the Georgian Period, especially when you are dependent on your brother to look after you. There's only so much you could do as a young woman, and brothers aren't the ideal guardian. Prudence's struggles, especially at the start of the book were quite gut wrenching. (Her brother is an ass, seriously).
For widows life isn't all that easier, they are sure to be taken care of, but they can be thrown out of their house, and are in truth at the mercy of the new man in the family.
But for the males there were duties and responsibilities as well, and it's very obvious in this novel that no one is really free in this era. Cate has a lot of people who count on him, and he can't afford to screw up. The insights on the inner workings of nobility estates were quite interesting.
This is becoming quite the epic (and I fear sligthly incoherent review), so I'll try to come up with a conclusion. If not for the slightly too long vicious enemy plotline (where I would have liked more of the responsibilities/expectations/managing the estate and family plotline), and the fact that I like my romances slightly steamier this would have been a 5 star book. But thanks to the great themes of dependecy, conformity and juggling responsibilties, combined with great characters with some formidable inner strengths, who have a great slowly evolving romance; An Unlikely Countess is one of the better historical romances I've read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2017
Continuing my read through of the Malloren series! :D
The more of Jo Bev's books I read, the more I just love her writing. I will definitely be going into the Company of Rogues series once I'm out of Mallorens.
This story drew me right in. He was drunk... always an interesting open, no? Ha! Right away, I liked Cate. He was funny, and dashing, and kind, while still being tough, and strong, and a good man. He rescues Prudence (ugh, the name!) straight off, and there begins a relationship that I really enjoyed. Their first interactions together were sweet. Prudence is definitely in need of help, but I really liked how she was determined to get out of where she was, left impoverished, and on her own after the death of her mother, and the uncaring of her brother. I liked how she was not too afraid to go to his house and confront him and his wife after her letters for help went unanswered. She was not going to take no for an answer. However, when it seems she's going to get what she wants, a well-to-do husband and a place in a community, it turns out that all is not so well after all. Her intended is not a man to be trusted. By some miracle, Cate (now an Earl and not just a ne'er-do-well second son) shows up just in time to save her once again... Leading to unintended consequences where they must be married. However, it's ok, because time spent with both of the characters on their own showed that they both were intrigued by their first meeting before.
Aside from some small dramas on behalf of Cate's mother and his brother's widow, there was really no angst. I liked that! The h/H got along great together, their bond grew at a believable pace, it was nice. There was some danger, thanks to Pru's wicked, 'jilted' ex, and that lent a few scenes of excitement to the story.
All around, it was a very pleasant read. There was enough humor and romance, balanced with just the right amount of danger and exciting events. I was very happy with this entry in the series, and look very much forward to continuing on to the last two in the series!
Plus... Prudence, and Cate, and the brandy! That was a special thing I enjoyed between them. The flask he finds just for her was super cute. I also liked her penchant for carrying a weapon ;)
Oh, and I liked Cate's friend Perry, too! Glad his book is one of the two left.
The more of Jo Bev's books I read, the more I just love her writing. I will definitely be going into the Company of Rogues series once I'm out of Mallorens.
This story drew me right in. He was drunk... always an interesting open, no? Ha! Right away, I liked Cate. He was funny, and dashing, and kind, while still being tough, and strong, and a good man. He rescues Prudence (ugh, the name!) straight off, and there begins a relationship that I really enjoyed. Their first interactions together were sweet. Prudence is definitely in need of help, but I really liked how she was determined to get out of where she was, left impoverished, and on her own after the death of her mother, and the uncaring of her brother. I liked how she was not too afraid to go to his house and confront him and his wife after her letters for help went unanswered. She was not going to take no for an answer. However, when it seems she's going to get what she wants, a well-to-do husband and a place in a community, it turns out that all is not so well after all. Her intended is not a man to be trusted. By some miracle, Cate (now an Earl and not just a ne'er-do-well second son) shows up just in time to save her once again... Leading to unintended consequences where they must be married. However, it's ok, because time spent with both of the characters on their own showed that they both were intrigued by their first meeting before.
Aside from some small dramas on behalf of Cate's mother and his brother's widow, there was really no angst. I liked that! The h/H got along great together, their bond grew at a believable pace, it was nice. There was some danger, thanks to Pru's wicked, 'jilted' ex, and that lent a few scenes of excitement to the story.
All around, it was a very pleasant read. There was enough humor and romance, balanced with just the right amount of danger and exciting events. I was very happy with this entry in the series, and look very much forward to continuing on to the last two in the series!
Plus... Prudence, and Cate, and the brandy! That was a special thing I enjoyed between them. The flask he finds just for her was super cute. I also liked her penchant for carrying a weapon ;)
Oh, and I liked Cate's friend Perry, too! Glad his book is one of the two left.
March 7, 2011
Perhaps more like 3 1/2* but a very good book that kept me turning the pages until I finished it. The Return of the Rogue is a Beverley that has never been one of faves and this plot was very similar but somehow more believable. Delightful, well-matched couple: he unexpectedly inherits an earldom and she's been gently raised altho has fallen on hard times. They marry (and I literally turned ahead 50+ pages to make sure they would find each other again!) and then set about the business of learning about each other. It was a very adult book: Cate and Prudence have constraints and fears -- lives to live -- and they make mistakes and bumble around a little.
Catesby's friend Perry is a fascinating character -- he reminded me so much of Cyn and also of Dare: I hope he'll have a book of his own.
Catesby's friend Perry is a fascinating character -- he reminded me so much of Cyn and also of Dare: I hope he'll have a book of his own.
March 16, 2011
I feel like this was two separate books. I felt like the first part of the book was boring and I didn't like the heroine. I found her snappy and unattractive. I was bored. Then, the book picks up again in the middle of the story when Prudence has discarded her fiance and taken up with Cates. She felt like a completely different person to me then -- more interesting and more sympathetic. I enjoyed reading about her problems figuring herself out as a countess and figuring out Cate. I like how they relied on each other to get through the experience. So only 3 stars.
Oh, and I know this makes me unusual in the Beverley fan club, but I never did like Diana, so I was annoyed when she turned up in the story. The ending felt silly and anticlimactic.
Oh, and I know this makes me unusual in the Beverley fan club, but I never did like Diana, so I was annoyed when she turned up in the story. The ending felt silly and anticlimactic.
April 4, 2011
Originally posted at http://www.smexybooks.com/2011/04/rev...
Favorite Quote: “Are you a gamester? she asked. “Will you lose it all and leave me and the perhaps the children, in a place like White Rose Yard?”
“On my honor, no. Nor am I a drunkard, though I do as you know, enjoy drink.”
“So do I, “ she replied wistfully.
When Catesby Burgoyne rescues a woman from ruffians, he never imagines the ways this woman will change his life.
Prudence Youlgrave is more then a victim of ruffians. Her own brother has left her dissolute her upon marrying into money. When she is almost forced into a terrible marriage, Catesby rescues her again, with a proposal of his own.
But Catesby has a secret. A secret that could destroy his and Prudence’s marriage before it even starts.
Jo Beverly once again takes us on a delightfully romantic journey through Regency England and into the lives of the upper class that rule it. Filled with witty dialogue, strong personable characters, and hints of intrigue and scandal, An Unlikely Countess is a wonderful historical romance that captured me from page one.
Catesby (Cate) Burgoyne is the second son of the Earl of Malzard. Made to feel an outsider by his family, Cate purchases a commission in the army and leaves England. But Cate’s aversion to rules and regulations has him decommissioning out of the military and heading home for good. A chance meeting with Prudence Youlgrave leaves him feeling like he’s missing something in life. When his brother dies, leaving Cates the new Earl, he feels his life has been turned up side down. Besieged by his mother and sister in law to “marry well and not embarrass the family name” he begins his search for a bride. A second chance or perhaps fate intervenes and places him at the church where Pru is being forced to marry a brutish man. Cates impulsiveness and honor forces him to object to the marriage and offer up a story of a previous commitment with Pru.
Once the shock wears off, Pru and Cates are married off hastily (Pru’s previous fiancée hints at affections being exchanged) and Cates takes her to his ancestral home.
Our protagonists, Catesby (Cate) and Prudence (Pru) captivated me from my first meeting with them. Both strong and intelligent, the chemistry is apparent from their first meeting. Witty humorous banter keeps the storyline and their relationship flowing smoothly.
“Your a man. I’m still not well accustomed to men. Especially men like you.”
“Men like me?”
“Men like you...but I do see the advantages. If you want to come closer, I could become more accustomed.”
While you don’t see any actual scenes, Ms. Beverly adeptly shows us the passion and love that is awakening between them. The sexual tension is apparent.
I really liked that any misunderstandings were dealt with swiftly and in a realistic manner. Neither Cates nor Pru are ones to hide behind coy illusions and they work very hard at becoming friends before lovers.
Once Pru finds out Cates is an Earl, the second half of the book deals mainly with Pru trying to accustom herself to being a Countess and do everything in the correct way. Cates mother and sister in law aren’t kind, but Pru sticks to her guns and uses her humor and intelligence to smooth her path.
Our main conflict is a soft secondary story. In fact, while we see some of their villainous doings, we don’t see much of them physically beyond the first meeting. The resolution of this sub plot was anti climatic. Villain basically received a smack on the hand and told to behave.
All in all I found this a wonderfully light romantic filled with humor, romance, and just enough scandal to leave you cheering at the end for our adorable couple.
Rating: C+
Favorite Quote: “Are you a gamester? she asked. “Will you lose it all and leave me and the perhaps the children, in a place like White Rose Yard?”
“On my honor, no. Nor am I a drunkard, though I do as you know, enjoy drink.”
“So do I, “ she replied wistfully.
When Catesby Burgoyne rescues a woman from ruffians, he never imagines the ways this woman will change his life.
Prudence Youlgrave is more then a victim of ruffians. Her own brother has left her dissolute her upon marrying into money. When she is almost forced into a terrible marriage, Catesby rescues her again, with a proposal of his own.
But Catesby has a secret. A secret that could destroy his and Prudence’s marriage before it even starts.
Jo Beverly once again takes us on a delightfully romantic journey through Regency England and into the lives of the upper class that rule it. Filled with witty dialogue, strong personable characters, and hints of intrigue and scandal, An Unlikely Countess is a wonderful historical romance that captured me from page one.
Catesby (Cate) Burgoyne is the second son of the Earl of Malzard. Made to feel an outsider by his family, Cate purchases a commission in the army and leaves England. But Cate’s aversion to rules and regulations has him decommissioning out of the military and heading home for good. A chance meeting with Prudence Youlgrave leaves him feeling like he’s missing something in life. When his brother dies, leaving Cates the new Earl, he feels his life has been turned up side down. Besieged by his mother and sister in law to “marry well and not embarrass the family name” he begins his search for a bride. A second chance or perhaps fate intervenes and places him at the church where Pru is being forced to marry a brutish man. Cates impulsiveness and honor forces him to object to the marriage and offer up a story of a previous commitment with Pru.
Once the shock wears off, Pru and Cates are married off hastily (Pru’s previous fiancée hints at affections being exchanged) and Cates takes her to his ancestral home.
Our protagonists, Catesby (Cate) and Prudence (Pru) captivated me from my first meeting with them. Both strong and intelligent, the chemistry is apparent from their first meeting. Witty humorous banter keeps the storyline and their relationship flowing smoothly.
“Your a man. I’m still not well accustomed to men. Especially men like you.”
“Men like me?”
“Men like you...but I do see the advantages. If you want to come closer, I could become more accustomed.”
While you don’t see any actual scenes, Ms. Beverly adeptly shows us the passion and love that is awakening between them. The sexual tension is apparent.
I really liked that any misunderstandings were dealt with swiftly and in a realistic manner. Neither Cates nor Pru are ones to hide behind coy illusions and they work very hard at becoming friends before lovers.
Once Pru finds out Cates is an Earl, the second half of the book deals mainly with Pru trying to accustom herself to being a Countess and do everything in the correct way. Cates mother and sister in law aren’t kind, but Pru sticks to her guns and uses her humor and intelligence to smooth her path.
Our main conflict is a soft secondary story. In fact, while we see some of their villainous doings, we don’t see much of them physically beyond the first meeting. The resolution of this sub plot was anti climatic. Villain basically received a smack on the hand and told to behave.
All in all I found this a wonderfully light romantic filled with humor, romance, and just enough scandal to leave you cheering at the end for our adorable couple.
Rating: C+
April 30, 2011
I'm of two distinct minds about this book.
I love Jo Beverley, but generally I like the Company of Rogues better than the Mallorens. And while JB's writing was just as good as always, I was not a fan of the heroine. Yes, I understand that 99% of the things ladies do in historical romances would never happen, and really, most ladies in this circumstance would be exactly like Prudence, whingeing about their proper "station" in life which has been so rudely ripped away from them but not actually wanting to do much about it... but I still didn't like her. I think part of the reason she struck me so wrong is that hints of a proper character were under there - her aptitude for teaching, her spurts of bravery that were quickly covered up again. These could have been developed so well. You come to expect certain things from Jo Beverley heroines, and this version of Prudence didn't provide -- but I can see so clearly how she could have. (Example: she thinks, "Oh, it's sad that the little children I was teaching don't get schooling anymore; maybe I should send them some lessons", but then she immediately forgets about it and orders some servants about instead, and then cries because she's not a proper countess.) It's frustrating.
I also think part of the problem was that we saw all the wrong parts of the story. I didn't want a bunch of snippets of Prudence being hardheaded and then crying about it, and then ordering some servants about, while the hero is either giving her expensive gifts or being generally not present. I wanted to see her doing useful things, and I wanted a lot more of the hero. The story was there, it was just happening outside the frame of the book.
And while I am highly impressed that JB can create a viable romance in which there's never actually any, y'know... doin' it, there are plenty of ways two characters can... y'know... without actually consummating their marriage. And I guarantee you that Catesby could think of more than I can, so why he remained so placid and blah is beyond me.
Verdict: Jo Beverley, kudos for trying to make a character who actually may have existed, but you picked all the wrong moments. For any other writer this book would have been fine, but it didn't live up to Jo Beverley standards.
In totally opposite news, if someday I can write 75% as well as Jo Beverley, I will be a happy happy camper.
I love Jo Beverley, but generally I like the Company of Rogues better than the Mallorens. And while JB's writing was just as good as always, I was not a fan of the heroine. Yes, I understand that 99% of the things ladies do in historical romances would never happen, and really, most ladies in this circumstance would be exactly like Prudence, whingeing about their proper "station" in life which has been so rudely ripped away from them but not actually wanting to do much about it... but I still didn't like her. I think part of the reason she struck me so wrong is that hints of a proper character were under there - her aptitude for teaching, her spurts of bravery that were quickly covered up again. These could have been developed so well. You come to expect certain things from Jo Beverley heroines, and this version of Prudence didn't provide -- but I can see so clearly how she could have. (Example: she thinks, "Oh, it's sad that the little children I was teaching don't get schooling anymore; maybe I should send them some lessons", but then she immediately forgets about it and orders some servants about instead, and then cries because she's not a proper countess.) It's frustrating.
I also think part of the problem was that we saw all the wrong parts of the story. I didn't want a bunch of snippets of Prudence being hardheaded and then crying about it, and then ordering some servants about, while the hero is either giving her expensive gifts or being generally not present. I wanted to see her doing useful things, and I wanted a lot more of the hero. The story was there, it was just happening outside the frame of the book.
And while I am highly impressed that JB can create a viable romance in which there's never actually any, y'know... doin' it, there are plenty of ways two characters can... y'know... without actually consummating their marriage. And I guarantee you that Catesby could think of more than I can, so why he remained so placid and blah is beyond me.
Verdict: Jo Beverley, kudos for trying to make a character who actually may have existed, but you picked all the wrong moments. For any other writer this book would have been fine, but it didn't live up to Jo Beverley standards.
In totally opposite news, if someday I can write 75% as well as Jo Beverley, I will be a happy happy camper.
October 14, 2012
Ever noticed that the characters in most of these historical novels consume a prodigious amount of alcohol? Oh, you'll see someone sip a cup of tea or glass of milk now and then, but more often, it's wine, brandy, sherry, ale or beer. If it's a Medieval, also mead or (for the kilt-lovers) whisky. The only reason I'm bringing this up now is that the heroine here is exceedingly fond of brandy. For its medicinal effects, of course. We even see a teething baby get a little tipple.
Anyway, back to the book report… After reading a couple books where the protags had serial aliases, it was a relief to see them stick to one name. Even if the hero's name is Cate. The heroine's name is equally unfortunate—Prudence.
I'm not going to detail the story this time. Let's just say Cate never expected to be an Earl, and Prudence is hardly countess material, but there they are, trying to make the best of it, amidst an assortment of people determined to sabotage them, including:
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His mother, who has all the maternal instinct of an African Black Eagle
His sister-in-law, who's got it in her head that he telepathically murdered her husband and infant son—well, at least that he wanted them dead.
Prudence's almost-bridegroom, who was humiliated at the altar when Cate rescued her from a marriage worse than death.
The Malloren connection here is even more tenuous than in the last few books. I guess it's a Malloren book if one of the family puts in an appearance, but if the connection gets any more distant it'll be like watching for the cameo in a Hitchcock film.
Three
November 21, 2012
And again I have spent my day wrapped in a blanket with hot tea and a historical romance fiction. Sometimes being sick is not all that bad when you have nothing else to do but lay in bed and read. I was happy to read An Unlikely Countess because the story was interesting. I was not sold on the entire book but I did like the fact that it touched upon the hardships a woman had in that time period. The heroine in the story Prudence (Pru) Youlgrave is a smart young woman. Already in her mid 20's she would be considered past her prime in the single market and to make matters worse she has lost both her parents, leaving her dependent on a selfish and uncaring brother who neglects her situation. The situation towards the beginning of the story is that Pru is living in complete poverty and needs help. She finally travels to her brother to demand the help she needs. She is determined to marry a respectable man, have children and live a content life. The hero, Catesby (Cate) Burgoyne is a former Army Captain that feels jilted by not just the Army but his family as well. He seems to be more of an 'act now think later' type of character most times. He had a chance meeting with Pru while she lived in poverty and both of them remember the encounter with fond memory. When Cate's brother dies he is instantly elevated in society and as fate would have it only encounters Pru again. This time their encounter entangles their lives together forever.
The characters are charming enough and I did find exceptional qualities to the heroine in the story but the love between them at times feels a little vague or maybe rushed is a better word for my thoughts on it. I enjoyed the dilemmas they seem to find themselves in quite often but the major dilemma along with the ending seemed to come to a rather quick halt leaving me wanting to know what happened.
However, all in all the book did it's job and that was that it entertained me. Most books entertain me to a certain extent and this one did a little more than others because the main female character was very different from quite a few historical romance novels that I have read before. She isn't a woman of society, she is compassionate and seems to have a brain and backbone. Those are all great qualities in a heroine.
The characters are charming enough and I did find exceptional qualities to the heroine in the story but the love between them at times feels a little vague or maybe rushed is a better word for my thoughts on it. I enjoyed the dilemmas they seem to find themselves in quite often but the major dilemma along with the ending seemed to come to a rather quick halt leaving me wanting to know what happened.
However, all in all the book did it's job and that was that it entertained me. Most books entertain me to a certain extent and this one did a little more than others because the main female character was very different from quite a few historical romance novels that I have read before. She isn't a woman of society, she is compassionate and seems to have a brain and backbone. Those are all great qualities in a heroine.
March 8, 2018
The following review I've done for Romance Reader At Heart website
RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:
Jo Beverley knows her craft, and she never disappoints. Her books are not just fun and exciting to read, but they make you feel like you're right in the thick of things! What a wonderful and unique love story she brings us this time.
I found the plot original and unique; the story fresh and engaging. In giving us Cate (Catesby Burgoyne), she has created a character that just melts our hearts. He's a gentleman and a dutiful son and a hero to our heroine. In rescuing Prudence, he rescues himself, as well. We watch him struggle before and after he becomes an heir to earldom, and we can't help but root for him.
Life for Prudence Youlgrave has not been easy. She's impoverished through neglect of her brother, and by the time Cate rescues her from a bunch of bad guys, she's had enough and is planning to take her destiny into her own hands. We cheer her on as she confronts her brother and especially his wife.
Our hero and heroine are strong on their own, but together, they're a force to be reckoned with. Their love story was sweet and tender, and I liked that the author took the time and care in developing a true and genuine relationship between Prudence and Cate. Ms. Beverley took no shortcuts with this story. This romance felt real and not rushed. Also, it was much, much fun catching up with Diana, the Countess of Arradale, as she puts in a cameo appearance.
If you're looking for a love story that will warm your heart and give you the "fuzzies", look no further than AN UNLIKELY COUNTESS.
Melanie
RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:
Jo Beverley knows her craft, and she never disappoints. Her books are not just fun and exciting to read, but they make you feel like you're right in the thick of things! What a wonderful and unique love story she brings us this time.
I found the plot original and unique; the story fresh and engaging. In giving us Cate (Catesby Burgoyne), she has created a character that just melts our hearts. He's a gentleman and a dutiful son and a hero to our heroine. In rescuing Prudence, he rescues himself, as well. We watch him struggle before and after he becomes an heir to earldom, and we can't help but root for him.
Life for Prudence Youlgrave has not been easy. She's impoverished through neglect of her brother, and by the time Cate rescues her from a bunch of bad guys, she's had enough and is planning to take her destiny into her own hands. We cheer her on as she confronts her brother and especially his wife.
Our hero and heroine are strong on their own, but together, they're a force to be reckoned with. Their love story was sweet and tender, and I liked that the author took the time and care in developing a true and genuine relationship between Prudence and Cate. Ms. Beverley took no shortcuts with this story. This romance felt real and not rushed. Also, it was much, much fun catching up with Diana, the Countess of Arradale, as she puts in a cameo appearance.
If you're looking for a love story that will warm your heart and give you the "fuzzies", look no further than AN UNLIKELY COUNTESS.
Melanie
February 6, 2017
I normally adore Jo Beverley and her Malloren universe, but this book was just a bit too....bland for me. And slow. Purely personal preference though, the writing was decent and the very real issues of marrying above/below your station is quite interesting. But there were some issues I just found it difficult to get past and did not motivate me to finish.
Firstly, the characters themselves were quite bland. Prudence didn't have a lot of redeeming features that made me love her. Yes, her plight was sad and I did feel bad for her...but that was it. I pitied her, but didn't feel any connection. Catesby I also felt really badly for, but again, he didn't seem to have any remarkable features that endeared himself to me. Neither of the characters were incredibly kind, or charming, or humorous. They weren't even exceedingly petty or snarky. They just...were.
There were some moments that were quite funny or emotional, but sadly most of it was quite predictable. The class issue was very interesting, but did not make for an interesting romance novel. Basically, if the novel had been purely a story about a woman trying to rise above her station and fit in as a countess, I would have been more interested. As it stood, there was either too much romance cobbled into a class fiction novel, or there was not enough romance in a romance novel.
If you like easy-going romances, where the slow burn is what you live for, then this book is for you. Sadly, I didn't have the interest to finish it.
Firstly, the characters themselves were quite bland. Prudence didn't have a lot of redeeming features that made me love her. Yes, her plight was sad and I did feel bad for her...but that was it. I pitied her, but didn't feel any connection. Catesby I also felt really badly for, but again, he didn't seem to have any remarkable features that endeared himself to me. Neither of the characters were incredibly kind, or charming, or humorous. They weren't even exceedingly petty or snarky. They just...were.
There were some moments that were quite funny or emotional, but sadly most of it was quite predictable. The class issue was very interesting, but did not make for an interesting romance novel. Basically, if the novel had been purely a story about a woman trying to rise above her station and fit in as a countess, I would have been more interested. As it stood, there was either too much romance cobbled into a class fiction novel, or there was not enough romance in a romance novel.
If you like easy-going romances, where the slow burn is what you live for, then this book is for you. Sadly, I didn't have the interest to finish it.
April 21, 2023
The hero and heroine first meet when they're both impoverished--she's been abandoned by her brother who she's scrimped to make a lawyer. Now he is, he's not supporting her. Hero is a younger brother who's been essentially banished by his brother the earl. He helps the heroine, and goes on his way back to London. Months later, his brother has died suddenly (illness, I think), and now he's the earl. He's been an outcast most of his life--a big, blustery, active type--but now he has to come home and take over. Mom has plans to marry him off, and he's agreeable, but he's also uncomfortable in the new role. So he goes off to see how the heroine is doing, just out of curiosity. Just to get away a while. And winds up interrupting her wedding and marrying her himself. None of these people--heroine, her brother, the guy she jilted at the altar, etc.--know the hero's the earl, and they have "adventures" on the way home that delay him telling her. And once he tells her, and they get home, there are adjustment issues.
I liked the story quite a bit, but it felt rushed to me. So much happening that the relationship couldn't really develop--or wasn't shown developing. I'd have liked to see more there. Still, it was a fun read, and I liked it.
I liked the story quite a bit, but it felt rushed to me. So much happening that the relationship couldn't really develop--or wasn't shown developing. I'd have liked to see more there. Still, it was a fun read, and I liked it.
March 18, 2017
BACK OF BOOK SAYS:
AFTER LEAVING THE ARMY AND FALLING OUT WITH HIS FAMILY, catesby burgoyne is drowning in his own sorrows when he comes across a woman being attacked by thugs.... prudence youlgrave is not just the victim of ruffians. her life has been made a shambles by her selfish brother and her brutish fiance.
While I absolutely LOVE MALLOREN BOOKS, ROTHGAR etc. this felt like a stroll through the park, a very casual stroll... i was never brought into the story... it was tedious.... all this artemis and his mother but they are never on stage to speak of.
I couldn't find much of a plot, the whole thing was tedious. it only got alittle interesting with lady rothgar on page 400 and even that fell a little flat.
i wanted cates to have a little more PRESENCE, like the mallorens, a little more authority, and i didn't feel like the characters cared for each other and the marriage was not consummated.
this book just did not measure up to her previous books in so many ways....
AFTER LEAVING THE ARMY AND FALLING OUT WITH HIS FAMILY, catesby burgoyne is drowning in his own sorrows when he comes across a woman being attacked by thugs.... prudence youlgrave is not just the victim of ruffians. her life has been made a shambles by her selfish brother and her brutish fiance.
While I absolutely LOVE MALLOREN BOOKS, ROTHGAR etc. this felt like a stroll through the park, a very casual stroll... i was never brought into the story... it was tedious.... all this artemis and his mother but they are never on stage to speak of.
I couldn't find much of a plot, the whole thing was tedious. it only got alittle interesting with lady rothgar on page 400 and even that fell a little flat.
i wanted cates to have a little more PRESENCE, like the mallorens, a little more authority, and i didn't feel like the characters cared for each other and the marriage was not consummated.
this book just did not measure up to her previous books in so many ways....
March 23, 2011
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Lovers of steamy romances may wish to pass this one by. While I wouldn’t qualify it as YA by any means, as there is some third-base action that is rather skimmed over, there is no actual consummation.
Overall, this was a rather average, albeit enjoyable, read. Once I warmed up to Prudence a bit, it turned out to be a decent read. Despite Cate’s unfortunate name, he was a good, honest man who managed to be endearing without being a total Mary Sue. While at first it looked as though there wasn’t going to be much to base their relationship on past their first stolen kiss, they both gradually began to warm to each other and find a sweet love together.
3.5/5 Stars
Lovers of steamy romances may wish to pass this one by. While I wouldn’t qualify it as YA by any means, as there is some third-base action that is rather skimmed over, there is no actual consummation.
Overall, this was a rather average, albeit enjoyable, read. Once I warmed up to Prudence a bit, it turned out to be a decent read. Despite Cate’s unfortunate name, he was a good, honest man who managed to be endearing without being a total Mary Sue. While at first it looked as though there wasn’t going to be much to base their relationship on past their first stolen kiss, they both gradually began to warm to each other and find a sweet love together.
3.5/5 Stars
October 17, 2014
Got about 80 pages from the end and I just couldn't finish. I didn't care about ANY of the characters and the characters themselves were getting more and more ridiculous as the story went on. *sigh*
November 6, 2016
This was light and cutesy and not my style. The afterword was so much more interesting - if a billion times more depressing.
February 8, 2025
Anya - per RFS
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Catesby Burgoyne e Prudence Youlgrave sono i protagonisti di questo romance. Lei è una donna altruista proveniente da una famiglia benestante caduta in disgrazia dopo la morte del capofamiglia. Si è dedicata anima e corpo alle cure della madre ammalata, ha sacrificato tutto per la sua famiglia e soffre per la situazione che si è creata con il fratello che l’ha relegata in uno sperduto paesino con una rendita ridicola in modo da non doverla vedere più e non far sapere alla nuova moglie benestante di essere imparentato con una mendicante.
Il nostro protagonista è il secondogenito di un conte. Inizia la sua carriera nell’esercito ma viene espulso e le sue giornate sono dedicate all’ubriacarsi nelle varie taverne. Non va d’accordo con la sua famiglia e fino a una svolta imprevista nel libro non ha contatti con loro. Ho trovato il romanzo scritto bene ma un pochino lento, non ci sono grandi eventi o colpi di scena, vorrei potervi dire maggiormente su quello che succede all’interno del libro ma non voglio rovinare con degli spoiler il momento e il contesto in cui si ritrovano i due giovani, vi basti sapere che c’è di mezzo un matrimonio.
Non è facile la relazione fra i due soprattutto per le intromissioni esterne e le pressioni sociali in cui si ritrovano. Nonostante questo il loro amore è forte e ben descritto. Il romanticismo e le scene da principe azzurro non mancano, la parte erotica non è presente come mi aspettavo ma l’ho comunque apprezzata.
Non ho letto molti dei libri di questa serie ma sicuramente li recupererò perché, nonostante si possa leggere a sé, ci sono degli elementi che si legano alle altre storie.
Nella parte finale del libro mi sono commossa più volte, e mi sono anche arrabbiata perché diverse erano le incomprensioni fra i due protagonisti: mi innervosiva vedere il loro amore in crisi per colpa di ostacoli che assieme avrebbero potuto superare, alle volte la paura è il nostro più grande nemico e questo libro me ne ha dato conferma.
.
Catesby Burgoyne e Prudence Youlgrave sono i protagonisti di questo romance. Lei è una donna altruista proveniente da una famiglia benestante caduta in disgrazia dopo la morte del capofamiglia. Si è dedicata anima e corpo alle cure della madre ammalata, ha sacrificato tutto per la sua famiglia e soffre per la situazione che si è creata con il fratello che l’ha relegata in uno sperduto paesino con una rendita ridicola in modo da non doverla vedere più e non far sapere alla nuova moglie benestante di essere imparentato con una mendicante.
Il nostro protagonista è il secondogenito di un conte. Inizia la sua carriera nell’esercito ma viene espulso e le sue giornate sono dedicate all’ubriacarsi nelle varie taverne. Non va d’accordo con la sua famiglia e fino a una svolta imprevista nel libro non ha contatti con loro. Ho trovato il romanzo scritto bene ma un pochino lento, non ci sono grandi eventi o colpi di scena, vorrei potervi dire maggiormente su quello che succede all’interno del libro ma non voglio rovinare con degli spoiler il momento e il contesto in cui si ritrovano i due giovani, vi basti sapere che c’è di mezzo un matrimonio.
Non è facile la relazione fra i due soprattutto per le intromissioni esterne e le pressioni sociali in cui si ritrovano. Nonostante questo il loro amore è forte e ben descritto. Il romanticismo e le scene da principe azzurro non mancano, la parte erotica non è presente come mi aspettavo ma l’ho comunque apprezzata.
Non ho letto molti dei libri di questa serie ma sicuramente li recupererò perché, nonostante si possa leggere a sé, ci sono degli elementi che si legano alle altre storie.
Nella parte finale del libro mi sono commossa più volte, e mi sono anche arrabbiata perché diverse erano le incomprensioni fra i due protagonisti: mi innervosiva vedere il loro amore in crisi per colpa di ostacoli che assieme avrebbero potuto superare, alle volte la paura è il nostro più grande nemico e questo libro me ne ha dato conferma.
September 26, 2021
Jo Beverley concludes her Author Note at the end of An Unlikely Countess with a lovely blessing: “May every book you read leave you smiling”. In the case of this addition to her Malloran world, the blessing worked for me.
Beverley found the inspiration for An Unlikely Countess in real life and based it on a story she discovered when furthering her already extensive research of the Georgian world. Her heroine, Prudence, is however much luckier than the unfortunate woman on whom she is modelled, because Beverley creates a hero, Cate, who rushes to Prudence’s rescue - time and time again. (That is not to say that Prudence is a pitiful, cowardly shrinking violet. She is a woman of great strength and courage - but in need of a saviour because she is hampered by her own limited expectations, as well as the restrictions and beliefs of the time.)
I’ve given this book a four star rating and I think this is fair. It’s not just because of Beverley’s lucid prose and my faith in her accurate portrayal of Georgian England, it’s because I enjoyed this gentle romance. There are no raving mistress, no betrayals or abandonment, no massive misunderstandings. Instead, this is a story of two honest adults, capable of recognising their own flaws, who admire, support and grow to love one another, meeting challenges together and, above all, being kind to one another and those around them.
Of course, there is a side plot with a villain and some gung-ho action. And there is an appearance by Diana, the Malloran lady of the North, with a teething daughter in tow, who rides to Prudence’s defence, illustrating well that not all heroes are men.
I note that some other reviewers were disappointed by this story. I agree that it is not Beverley’s best (nothing equals the Diana/Rothgar tale) but I found it to be the right book for me, at the moment. How sad that Beverley died so soon after its publication. She is a loss to HR land.
Beverley found the inspiration for An Unlikely Countess in real life and based it on a story she discovered when furthering her already extensive research of the Georgian world. Her heroine, Prudence, is however much luckier than the unfortunate woman on whom she is modelled, because Beverley creates a hero, Cate, who rushes to Prudence’s rescue - time and time again. (That is not to say that Prudence is a pitiful, cowardly shrinking violet. She is a woman of great strength and courage - but in need of a saviour because she is hampered by her own limited expectations, as well as the restrictions and beliefs of the time.)
I’ve given this book a four star rating and I think this is fair. It’s not just because of Beverley’s lucid prose and my faith in her accurate portrayal of Georgian England, it’s because I enjoyed this gentle romance. There are no raving mistress, no betrayals or abandonment, no massive misunderstandings. Instead, this is a story of two honest adults, capable of recognising their own flaws, who admire, support and grow to love one another, meeting challenges together and, above all, being kind to one another and those around them.
Of course, there is a side plot with a villain and some gung-ho action. And there is an appearance by Diana, the Malloran lady of the North, with a teething daughter in tow, who rides to Prudence’s defence, illustrating well that not all heroes are men.
I note that some other reviewers were disappointed by this story. I agree that it is not Beverley’s best (nothing equals the Diana/Rothgar tale) but I found it to be the right book for me, at the moment. How sad that Beverley died so soon after its publication. She is a loss to HR land.
August 12, 2017
A book with great potential
Other readers might like this story but for me it just wasn't up to my standards. It's a pity because I believe that this book has great characters to fall in love with. It's got the potential to be better but it just fell short.
The antagonists doesn't provide enough threat for the characters actions. Maybe I wrong, but if the threat was that risky then I didn't feel the fear and consequences of the threat to the characters at all. I felt like everything was a narration of how the two fell in love, which is what a romance novel is all about. However, the lack of conflict that actually makes me feel to root for the characters and pray that they would be able to overcome them made the entire experience bland.
Another thing that I think would need improvement in this novel would be the supporting characters. They are a lot for me to manage. I felt like every supporting character was important but was not given what they deserve. For me, the author told the readers what the other characters are like through dialogue but was not able to show these characteristics of the supporting characters effectively. Maybe it's because its the first book I've ever read in this series. Perry might be interesting but not too interesting to make me salivate to read the next book. I don't know how this series even survived.
Should I bother reading the first one?
Other readers might like this story but for me it just wasn't up to my standards. It's a pity because I believe that this book has great characters to fall in love with. It's got the potential to be better but it just fell short.
The antagonists doesn't provide enough threat for the characters actions. Maybe I wrong, but if the threat was that risky then I didn't feel the fear and consequences of the threat to the characters at all. I felt like everything was a narration of how the two fell in love, which is what a romance novel is all about. However, the lack of conflict that actually makes me feel to root for the characters and pray that they would be able to overcome them made the entire experience bland.
Another thing that I think would need improvement in this novel would be the supporting characters. They are a lot for me to manage. I felt like every supporting character was important but was not given what they deserve. For me, the author told the readers what the other characters are like through dialogue but was not able to show these characteristics of the supporting characters effectively. Maybe it's because its the first book I've ever read in this series. Perry might be interesting but not too interesting to make me salivate to read the next book. I don't know how this series even survived.
Should I bother reading the first one?
December 21, 2022
i think i read something else entirely then everyone because everyone was raving about how wonderful the characters are but they were so bad. like it pissed me off just reading about them, so annoying.
the girl, Prudence, ANNOYING. she continuously keeps saying that i will never be a governess or work or do something to make myself independent and is disgusted with the conditions and people belonging to the poorer quarter of the society. yes, she does help someone in the end but for fucks sake she always had this haughty and prideful attitude that made me pissed and irritated.
the guy, Cate, confusing. he is portrayed as this nice guy but i wasn't really feeling him. like why are we supposed to feel sorry for him. he does whatever he wants, whenever he wants. i felt more sympathy for the widowed sister-in-law than either of the main characters.
i think the author was trying to portray realistic people but they were bad people, period, idc what they did or how. they had bad bad personalities.
the girl, Prudence, ANNOYING. she continuously keeps saying that i will never be a governess or work or do something to make myself independent and is disgusted with the conditions and people belonging to the poorer quarter of the society. yes, she does help someone in the end but for fucks sake she always had this haughty and prideful attitude that made me pissed and irritated.
the guy, Cate, confusing. he is portrayed as this nice guy but i wasn't really feeling him. like why are we supposed to feel sorry for him. he does whatever he wants, whenever he wants. i felt more sympathy for the widowed sister-in-law than either of the main characters.
i think the author was trying to portray realistic people but they were bad people, period, idc what they did or how. they had bad bad personalities.
August 18, 2025
Very enjoyable, a very different story than the usual tropes. The romance is slow burn but very satisfying, though not at all sexy, sadly. I love stories where people are able to rise above expectations and tell the world to stick it in the eye. This couple does that wonderfully, with the help
Of some familiar friends, Peregrine Perriam and the Countess of Arradale. It explores what life was like for the lower orders, especially women without the protection of men. I really don’t enjoy seeing modern feminism in historical novels. I get really tired of FMCs in the 18th and 19th century claiming how independent they are while living in their father’s house with the protection of footmen and grooms on a fortune made generations before. None of that nonsense here. Prudence is very aware of how difficult life is for a woman on her own and very appreciative of Cate and the security he offers her. I loved it. Horrible book cover on the audiobook notwithstanding. The one GR is using is much better.
Of some familiar friends, Peregrine Perriam and the Countess of Arradale. It explores what life was like for the lower orders, especially women without the protection of men. I really don’t enjoy seeing modern feminism in historical novels. I get really tired of FMCs in the 18th and 19th century claiming how independent they are while living in their father’s house with the protection of footmen and grooms on a fortune made generations before. None of that nonsense here. Prudence is very aware of how difficult life is for a woman on her own and very appreciative of Cate and the security he offers her. I loved it. Horrible book cover on the audiobook notwithstanding. The one GR is using is much better.
May 28, 2024
4,5 - Quando ero ormai convinta che, giunta al volume numero undici, una serie non potesse più stupire, mi sono invece ritrovata piacevolmente sorpresa.
Sarà che amo le Cenerentole impavide che si salvano (quasi) da sole e i cavalieri per nulla perfetti che riescono comunque a riscattarsi, ma Cate e Prudence sono davvero una bella coppia.
Cate è in realtà il protagonista maschile, visto che è il diminutivo di Catesby, già soldato valoroso e attualmente figlio cadetto senza più occupazioni e prospettive: dopo aver venduto il titolo, sopravvive tra taverne, piccoli risparmi e amici che gli vogliono ancora bene. In ogni caso, ben lontano dalla famiglia che lo ignora.
Anche Prudence è ignorata dalla famiglia. Dopo essersi sacrificata per aiutare il fratello a crearsi una carriera, è stata relegata in una cittadina sperduta, con una rendita ridicola e senza la possibilità di fare nulla per migliorare la propria esistenza.
Destino vuole che lui, pur intontito dai fumi dell'alcol, abbia ancora ben saldo il senso dell'onore e accorra in suo aiuto, innescando una girandola di eventi che li porterà alle nozze, ovvero a un'unione improbabile però duratura.
Rispetto allo stile dell'autrice, qui c'è molto meno erotismo rispetto ai primi volumi, e più romanticismo, meno frivolezze e più pragmatismo.
Tanto che il numero undici va a collocarsi tra i miei preferiti dei Malloren e sono curiosa di affrontare gli ultimi due. E se vi chiedete se anche qui c'è un cameo che richiama Rothgar & family, ebbene sì; in fondo, ma c'è.
Sarà che amo le Cenerentole impavide che si salvano (quasi) da sole e i cavalieri per nulla perfetti che riescono comunque a riscattarsi, ma Cate e Prudence sono davvero una bella coppia.
Cate è in realtà il protagonista maschile, visto che è il diminutivo di Catesby, già soldato valoroso e attualmente figlio cadetto senza più occupazioni e prospettive: dopo aver venduto il titolo, sopravvive tra taverne, piccoli risparmi e amici che gli vogliono ancora bene. In ogni caso, ben lontano dalla famiglia che lo ignora.
Anche Prudence è ignorata dalla famiglia. Dopo essersi sacrificata per aiutare il fratello a crearsi una carriera, è stata relegata in una cittadina sperduta, con una rendita ridicola e senza la possibilità di fare nulla per migliorare la propria esistenza.
Destino vuole che lui, pur intontito dai fumi dell'alcol, abbia ancora ben saldo il senso dell'onore e accorra in suo aiuto, innescando una girandola di eventi che li porterà alle nozze, ovvero a un'unione improbabile però duratura.
Rispetto allo stile dell'autrice, qui c'è molto meno erotismo rispetto ai primi volumi, e più romanticismo, meno frivolezze e più pragmatismo.
Tanto che il numero undici va a collocarsi tra i miei preferiti dei Malloren e sono curiosa di affrontare gli ultimi due. E se vi chiedete se anche qui c'è un cameo che richiama Rothgar & family, ebbene sì; in fondo, ma c'è.
March 7, 2018
Intensely readable, although the villains are rather unimpressive and the external drama feels tacked-on and unrealistic. It makes the book a less stressful read because it allows Beverley to make the emotional interpersonal family drama less important - we can still have soothing conclusions to those issues because there are Real Villains to be pursued - but it's kind of silly. The introduction of Diana Arradale towards the end also felt tacked-on and unnecessary. Overall, a pleasant book but not much to set it apart from Beverly's other works.
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