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His Majesty, the Prince of Toads
Sometimes it takes more than a kiss to change a toad into a handsome prince.
When Captain Lucas Deverall returns from the Peninsular War to succeed to his deceased brother's title, he grudgingly decides to take back his wife. But even before he learns the circumstances of his inheritance, he encounters her at a New Year's gala. Shock sets in as he realizes the most beautiful woman in England is the same gangly, calf-eyed chit who tricked him into marriage six years before.
That's not how Sophie remembers it. She wishes fervently she'd had the sense not to scream when the drunken scapegrace crawled into her bed at her Uncle Harry's house party. True, she'd had a secret tendre for the handsome wastrel, until his scathing denunciation of her after their forced wedding. Then he went off to war without even consummating their union, and for six years she heard nothing from him.
Now the toad offers her forgiveness in exchange for his presence in her bed? Revenge comes more to mind.
And so the battle of wits begins. And the harder they fight it, the more they fall in love.
When Captain Lucas Deverall returns from the Peninsular War to succeed to his deceased brother's title, he grudgingly decides to take back his wife. But even before he learns the circumstances of his inheritance, he encounters her at a New Year's gala. Shock sets in as he realizes the most beautiful woman in England is the same gangly, calf-eyed chit who tricked him into marriage six years before.
That's not how Sophie remembers it. She wishes fervently she'd had the sense not to scream when the drunken scapegrace crawled into her bed at her Uncle Harry's house party. True, she'd had a secret tendre for the handsome wastrel, until his scathing denunciation of her after their forced wedding. Then he went off to war without even consummating their union, and for six years she heard nothing from him.
Now the toad offers her forgiveness in exchange for his presence in her bed? Revenge comes more to mind.
And so the battle of wits begins. And the harder they fight it, the more they fall in love.
280 pages, Paperback
First published October 20, 2006
59 people are currently reading
375 people want to read
About the author
Delle Jacobs
22 books49 followersI write write write. Sometimes I travel. Then I write some more. And I have a great family who understand that I write write write.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
September 2, 2019
3.65*
Enjoyable, fresh voice!
The H is a petty and obtuse d-b and so his complete (and sudden) about turn into a sensitive, patient guy is bit of a eye-roller. But, otherwise I was glued and invested in their journey from young, estranged and angry/hurt people into a believably happy and hea-fied couple.
I, like Apollo with his sacred laurel bough,
Knew not what treasure I had lost, till now.
The h doesn't give an inch though - not easily at least and not for a long time. So, his prolonged and patient wooing seems grovelly enough. Although the money bit did make things murky, and his intentions and good behavior questionable.
The last quarter became a drag with nothing new or engaging happening. The last bit with overload of legalese and strategizing is deadening to the senses and the abrupt ending is well, abrupt.
Secondary couple with its highly developed backgrounds and stories deserved a book of their own.
Enjoyable, fresh voice!
The H is a petty and obtuse d-b and so his complete (and sudden) about turn into a sensitive, patient guy is bit of a eye-roller. But, otherwise I was glued and invested in their journey from young, estranged and angry/hurt people into a believably happy and hea-fied couple.
I, like Apollo with his sacred laurel bough,
Knew not what treasure I had lost, till now.
The h doesn't give an inch though - not easily at least and not for a long time. So, his prolonged and patient wooing seems grovelly enough. Although the money bit did make things murky, and his intentions and good behavior questionable.
The last quarter became a drag with nothing new or engaging happening. The last bit with overload of legalese and strategizing is deadening to the senses and the abrupt ending is well, abrupt.
Secondary couple with its highly developed backgrounds and stories deserved a book of their own.
November 2, 2015
This was enjoyable. Probably not for period purists. There were a few phrases/some wording that didn't feel quite right for the Regency era ,but what do I know?.
I liked the first half best. I was hoping for something a little different at the end. Can't quite put my finger on it other than it didn't quite satisfy me. I didn't hate it, but IMHO it fizzled a bit about 1/2 way and went from 4 to 3 stars. YMMV.
The hero was the wild youngest son of a Viscount who spent all his time drinking and womanizing with his group of like-minded friends. He accidentally compromises the young heroine (who I'm thinking must have been a teen at the time, no mention of her actual age). He blames the heroine for his own drunken stupidity in going into the wrong room and stripping, which resulted in the heroine waking up and screaming like anyone would. Her guardian took exception and forced the marriage.
The hero - being immature, arrogant, and likely a borderline alcoholic - blames all of this on the heroine. Obviously, she slipped into the room of the woman he was supposed to be with and trapped him. His entire theory was paper thin. If he'd asked even one question, he'd have realized that it was HE who'd made the mistake and not the h. It's not a plot point that can be held up to much scrutiny, but it put the H/h where the author wanted them to be.
The H refuses to consummate the marriage and accuses the h of all sorts of plotting before storming off in a drunken huff and going off to the Napoleonic wars. 6 years later, the war is over and the hero has been thrust into the position of Viscount now that his older brother has died, leaving no heirs and a mound of unpaid debt.
The hero has grown up quite a bit in the intervening years and no longer drinks heavily. However, he still has quite a bit of growth to go. The story centers around his return from the war to find his unwanted bride has grown out of her gawky phase and into a beautiful woman he desires AND she's rich, having inherited her dead parents and her now-deceased uncle's estates with a legal clause making it her property and not her husband's.
Obviously, it's in the H's best interest to make his marriage a real one while the h is very resentful of the sudden interest. I did find it odd that no one mentioned the fact that he'd almost certainly been less than faithful in those 6 years. I guess it was just a given, but I'd have liked an acknowledgement of that fact, especially given that the h was still a virgin.
Overall, it's an enjoyable rainy day read if you're looking for something light.
I liked the first half best. I was hoping for something a little different at the end. Can't quite put my finger on it other than it didn't quite satisfy me. I didn't hate it, but IMHO it fizzled a bit about 1/2 way and went from 4 to 3 stars. YMMV.
The hero was the wild youngest son of a Viscount who spent all his time drinking and womanizing with his group of like-minded friends. He accidentally compromises the young heroine (who I'm thinking must have been a teen at the time, no mention of her actual age). He blames the heroine for his own drunken stupidity in going into the wrong room and stripping, which resulted in the heroine waking up and screaming like anyone would. Her guardian took exception and forced the marriage.
The hero - being immature, arrogant, and likely a borderline alcoholic - blames all of this on the heroine. Obviously, she slipped into the room of the woman he was supposed to be with and trapped him. His entire theory was paper thin. If he'd asked even one question, he'd have realized that it was HE who'd made the mistake and not the h. It's not a plot point that can be held up to much scrutiny, but it put the H/h where the author wanted them to be.
The H refuses to consummate the marriage and accuses the h of all sorts of plotting before storming off in a drunken huff and going off to the Napoleonic wars. 6 years later, the war is over and the hero has been thrust into the position of Viscount now that his older brother has died, leaving no heirs and a mound of unpaid debt.
The hero has grown up quite a bit in the intervening years and no longer drinks heavily. However, he still has quite a bit of growth to go. The story centers around his return from the war to find his unwanted bride has grown out of her gawky phase and into a beautiful woman he desires AND she's rich, having inherited her dead parents and her now-deceased uncle's estates with a legal clause making it her property and not her husband's.
Obviously, it's in the H's best interest to make his marriage a real one while the h is very resentful of the sudden interest. I did find it odd that no one mentioned the fact that he'd almost certainly been less than faithful in those 6 years. I guess it was just a given, but I'd have liked an acknowledgement of that fact, especially given that the h was still a virgin.
Overall, it's an enjoyable rainy day read if you're looking for something light.
January 15, 2013
Loved how this started. The gorgeous Captain wanting to meet the beautiful lady at the ball. His surprise, and anger, over the fact that she is his WIFE, who he has not seen in six years, was fun to watch.
There was quite a bit of miscommunication, which I would have wished edited out. I wasn't fond of how many times we read about their issues. I got it the first two times, didn't need to read it over and over again.
But, I do like to see a couple learn to give in and forgive. And Lucas and Sophie do so. They are both much better people than they were when they married. It was enjoyable seeing them come to a meeting of hearts.
Side characters, George and Minerva, were a lot of fun. And his mother? Yes, she needs a book of her own!
Yes, I would have edited it down, just a bit, but still lots of fun to read. Maybe you'll like it, too.
There was quite a bit of miscommunication, which I would have wished edited out. I wasn't fond of how many times we read about their issues. I got it the first two times, didn't need to read it over and over again.
But, I do like to see a couple learn to give in and forgive. And Lucas and Sophie do so. They are both much better people than they were when they married. It was enjoyable seeing them come to a meeting of hearts.
Side characters, George and Minerva, were a lot of fun. And his mother? Yes, she needs a book of her own!
Yes, I would have edited it down, just a bit, but still lots of fun to read. Maybe you'll like it, too.
March 31, 2014
I so enjoyed reading Delle Jacobs' "His Majesty, The Prince of Toads". It was a moving, passionate and fun story of Sophie, a war orphan and the abandoned bride of wounded war captain and viscount, Lord Lucas Deverall. Both suffered before and since they last saw each other six years previously, on their unconsummated wedding night - and each has matured after that disastrous incident. Both Lucas and Sophie hold painful personal secrets they fear to reveal to another living soul. However, each needs the power of healing and forgiveness only found through accepting the love that Sophie has always held dear for Lucas, a love which he only discovers once he realizes he needs and wants her in his life.
Ms. Jacobs' weaves a touching story of the effects of war on not just a soldier but also a young girl and shows us that two very lonely people can find happiness if they are brave enough to let at least one other person see their vulnerability.
Ms. Jacobs' weaves a touching story of the effects of war on not just a soldier but also a young girl and shows us that two very lonely people can find happiness if they are brave enough to let at least one other person see their vulnerability.
May 3, 2020
3.5 stars
March 5, 2014
The last 25% was okay, but the first 75% is an arduous road to travel to get there. On balance, it's not worth trudging through the first 3/4 of the book for the last quarter.
For so much of the book the heroine is expected to sacrifice everything for the hero. Not just by him, but by the heroine's best friend, his best friend, and ultimately by the heroine herself. While that attitude prevailed in that time period, this is a romance allegedly written for a modern audience. This was not presented as a historically accurate depiction of a Regency- era husband and wife, but of true love and romance. But it's not the type of romance that I enjoy.
The problem is that for the first 3/4 of the book, the hero's perspective fails to give any indication that he is beginning to fall in love with the heroine. Instead, even in his internal musings, he seems completely focused with using her - and her money - for his own benefit without regard for what she wants. By the time he begins to demonstrate that he may actually care about the heroine - beyond his lust for her body and money - it's too late. The book is 3/4 over, and I was already turned off and didn't believe it. The hero truly is a toad, and he can't transform into a believable prince.
They first met when he gets completely drunk and ends up in her bed. She's still very young (17?). They are forced to marry, and he blames her: He thinks that she snuck into OW's bed and trapped him into marriage. He is young and stupid. He then deserts her for 6 years with no word.
He returns and needs money because his half-brother bankrupted their estate before dying. He wants to save his estate. She has a huge inheritance that is protected from her husband. He tries to seduce her into giving it to him to save his estate.
She refuses, even though she had a tendre for him from when they first met, because he just wants to use her. Despite this, everyone from her best friend to his best friend tells her to "convince him" of her innocence. Why is the burden on her? He was he one who got drunk and ruined her. Yet no one really tries to convince him that he's been a jerk. Up until the 75% mark, he never shows - even to the reader - that he feels more for her than just wanting her money. Oh yeah, except she's now attractive, so he lusts after her, so that's a bonus.
It was really offensive. She is the injured party, and she is expected to bend her pride and give him her money. And trust that he'll treat her right. When he never bothers to care about her.
Finally 3/4 of the way into the book, he suddenly changes his position, both externally and internally. Finally it begins to feel more like a romance. Even here, however, there is an annoying subtext that it is HER fault that he didn't change his feelings sooner. If she had just explained that he had been a drunken fool and it was completely HIS fault they were married, he would have begun to appreciate her sooner. Ugh. If he had truly matured and become a better person, I would expect to have seen some evidence of that.
And instead of having the hero demonstrate his new-found feelings for the heroine, the last 25% is used to present a ridiculous backstory for the heroine. This excessive backstory is used to explain why she didn't trust the hero and refused to bend to him for so long. In other words, the book is still condemning her for not forgiving him sooner while explaining why she didn't. Well, I personally didn't think that she needed a justification other than he was a jerk.
If it had been a semi-serious study in the plight of married women in Regency England, then I could have understood the emphasis on the need for the heroine to forgive and stand by "her man." But it wasn't. As a romance to appeal to a modern woman? I'd rather kiss a frog.
For so much of the book the heroine is expected to sacrifice everything for the hero. Not just by him, but by the heroine's best friend, his best friend, and ultimately by the heroine herself. While that attitude prevailed in that time period, this is a romance allegedly written for a modern audience. This was not presented as a historically accurate depiction of a Regency- era husband and wife, but of true love and romance. But it's not the type of romance that I enjoy.
The problem is that for the first 3/4 of the book, the hero's perspective fails to give any indication that he is beginning to fall in love with the heroine. Instead, even in his internal musings, he seems completely focused with using her - and her money - for his own benefit without regard for what she wants. By the time he begins to demonstrate that he may actually care about the heroine - beyond his lust for her body and money - it's too late. The book is 3/4 over, and I was already turned off and didn't believe it. The hero truly is a toad, and he can't transform into a believable prince.
They first met when he gets completely drunk and ends up in her bed. She's still very young (17?). They are forced to marry, and he blames her: He thinks that she snuck into OW's bed and trapped him into marriage. He is young and stupid. He then deserts her for 6 years with no word.
He returns and needs money because his half-brother bankrupted their estate before dying. He wants to save his estate. She has a huge inheritance that is protected from her husband. He tries to seduce her into giving it to him to save his estate.
She refuses, even though she had a tendre for him from when they first met, because he just wants to use her. Despite this, everyone from her best friend to his best friend tells her to "convince him" of her innocence. Why is the burden on her? He was he one who got drunk and ruined her. Yet no one really tries to convince him that he's been a jerk. Up until the 75% mark, he never shows - even to the reader - that he feels more for her than just wanting her money. Oh yeah, except she's now attractive, so he lusts after her, so that's a bonus.
It was really offensive. She is the injured party, and she is expected to bend her pride and give him her money. And trust that he'll treat her right. When he never bothers to care about her.
Finally 3/4 of the way into the book, he suddenly changes his position, both externally and internally. Finally it begins to feel more like a romance. Even here, however, there is an annoying subtext that it is HER fault that he didn't change his feelings sooner. If she had just explained that he had been a drunken fool and it was completely HIS fault they were married, he would have begun to appreciate her sooner. Ugh. If he had truly matured and become a better person, I would expect to have seen some evidence of that.
And instead of having the hero demonstrate his new-found feelings for the heroine, the last 25% is used to present a ridiculous backstory for the heroine. This excessive backstory is used to explain why she didn't trust the hero and refused to bend to him for so long. In other words, the book is still condemning her for not forgiving him sooner while explaining why she didn't. Well, I personally didn't think that she needed a justification other than he was a jerk.
If it had been a semi-serious study in the plight of married women in Regency England, then I could have understood the emphasis on the need for the heroine to forgive and stand by "her man." But it wasn't. As a romance to appeal to a modern woman? I'd rather kiss a frog.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2017
Angry at what he believes was a trick to get him to marry Sophie von Schamburg, Lucas Deverall leaves for six years in the army only to come back to a mountain of debt incurred by his brother. To save the family's finances he decides to get the money he needs from the woman he's been ignoring for years. Prince of Toads, indeed. Sophie sees his campaign to woo her money away from her as a way to wreak revenge on him for abandoning her. It's a fun ride following the two of them as they work out their relationship and get to a happily-ever-after.
February 17, 2012
After several duds from the freebies selection, I got hooked in this one. Yep, the hero was most definitely a stubborn ass, but the moment of his realizing his fault and her innocence was sweet.
Sophie did have a very bad time as a child. At 13 she sees her parents murdered and thinks it's her fault. Then she was nearly murdered herself. To me a lot of her behavior was logical considering her trauma.
Sophie did have a very bad time as a child. At 13 she sees her parents murdered and thinks it's her fault. Then she was nearly murdered herself. To me a lot of her behavior was logical considering her trauma.
April 1, 2013
Interesting story; good characters. I enjoyed it, but didn't love it.
January 21, 2021
This one has been sitting unread on my Kindle for years. The title is way too intriguing to pass up! Overall, it had a fairly engaging and unique plot. And while it definitely has some old school romance flavor to it, the characters’ barriers to their HEA are many. This one’s definitely a slow burn as it takes Sophie and Lucas a long time to work past their miscommunication and trust issues. Technically an open door romance but not until the very end.
December 27, 2023
i used to really like this one, and i still like the setup a lot. but the issue is that its basically not possible to like the hero and he simply does not redeem himself by the end. any behavior change is motivated by his need for sophie's money, and maybe lust but little else. jacobs tries to give him some trauma to explain his behavior but it is nothing compared to sophie's and she doesnt behave that way!
May 13, 2021
His majesty the prince of toads
I throughly enjoyed this book it kept me interested all the way through,i loved the two main characters Sophie & Marcus it was funny and sad and romantic but I did think it ended a bit to quickly and I felt it deserved an epilogue to round up how they got on once every thing was settled.
I throughly enjoyed this book it kept me interested all the way through,i loved the two main characters Sophie & Marcus it was funny and sad and romantic but I did think it ended a bit to quickly and I felt it deserved an epilogue to round up how they got on once every thing was settled.
July 3, 2019
I really love her writing style, she is one of my go to authors, so far I have never been disappointed in her work.
September 26, 2011
What is up with book descriptions not being completely true to what the book is actually about? Not cool, dude.
So, because the back cover seems to be written before the book was actually finished (or by someone who didn’t bother to read it at all… or both): Lord Deverall is now in serious trouble because his older brother ran up some humongous debts. This is mentioned in like the first chapter – I really don’t see why this key plot point was left out.
The book started off pretty promising, Lord Deverall trying to enchant Sophie because 1-he thinks she’s smokin’ and 2-he needs money and she’s got it. And because we wouldn’t have a story if Sophie actually gave into him, most of the book is about Lord Deverall’s uh, courtship of her?
I get kind of hung up over names, and this book was no exception. Our hero is named Lucas Deverall, and I keep calling him Lord Deverall because I really don’t care for the name Lucas. Why? I don’t know. Maybe because it makes him sound like the boy next door, not the heart-breakingly dashing hero. His BFF is George Carstairs, a meh name as well (the George, not the Carstairs. Makes me think of Henry VIII). Sophie’s best friend is named Minerva something, I can’t remember her last name because I’m too busy thinking of Minerva McGonagall o_O The only well-denominated character is Sophie, so this book kind of drove me nuts with everyone else running around with their less-than-stellar handles. Yes – I know this makes zero sense *tear*
This book was a fun, fluffy read which I definitely recommend if you like that sort of thing. Not going to be an epic classic by any means but very enjoyable.
If you were wondering, I didn’t post the cover because the guy on it really gives me the heebie-jeebies. He looks more like a villain than a dashing hero… Not gonna lie, it almost turned me off buying it in the first place.
At the very end, because we have to keep our hero and heroine rich and titled and all, suddenly Lord Deverall is Mr. Darcy-like and successfully maneuvers his creditors into accepting a fraction of what they’re actually owed. Wait, what? The vibe I’d gotten from him previously was that he was of the handsome devil-may-care-type, and now he has to be all cool and calculating? I know it was all part of the plan, but still – dislike. It was all good until this last part, really. Not an epic classic, but still a fun, fluffy read.
As a general recap, this was a like – a pretty unusual plot, which was nice; it was cute but not overly so; there was a happy ending; and I really enjoyed that the book occasionally switched to Lord Deverall’s perspective. (Also -I have to point this out- I really do like the name Deverall.) So cough up the 99 cents, totally worth it if you like Regency romance novels.
More reviews? Find me at Dannabella.com! :)
So, because the back cover seems to be written before the book was actually finished (or by someone who didn’t bother to read it at all… or both): Lord Deverall is now in serious trouble because his older brother ran up some humongous debts. This is mentioned in like the first chapter – I really don’t see why this key plot point was left out.
The book started off pretty promising, Lord Deverall trying to enchant Sophie because 1-he thinks she’s smokin’ and 2-he needs money and she’s got it. And because we wouldn’t have a story if Sophie actually gave into him, most of the book is about Lord Deverall’s uh, courtship of her?
I get kind of hung up over names, and this book was no exception. Our hero is named Lucas Deverall, and I keep calling him Lord Deverall because I really don’t care for the name Lucas. Why? I don’t know. Maybe because it makes him sound like the boy next door, not the heart-breakingly dashing hero. His BFF is George Carstairs, a meh name as well (the George, not the Carstairs. Makes me think of Henry VIII). Sophie’s best friend is named Minerva something, I can’t remember her last name because I’m too busy thinking of Minerva McGonagall o_O The only well-denominated character is Sophie, so this book kind of drove me nuts with everyone else running around with their less-than-stellar handles. Yes – I know this makes zero sense *tear*
This book was a fun, fluffy read which I definitely recommend if you like that sort of thing. Not going to be an epic classic by any means but very enjoyable.
If you were wondering, I didn’t post the cover because the guy on it really gives me the heebie-jeebies. He looks more like a villain than a dashing hero… Not gonna lie, it almost turned me off buying it in the first place.
At the very end, because we have to keep our hero and heroine rich and titled and all, suddenly Lord Deverall is Mr. Darcy-like and successfully maneuvers his creditors into accepting a fraction of what they’re actually owed. Wait, what? The vibe I’d gotten from him previously was that he was of the handsome devil-may-care-type, and now he has to be all cool and calculating? I know it was all part of the plan, but still – dislike. It was all good until this last part, really. Not an epic classic, but still a fun, fluffy read.
As a general recap, this was a like – a pretty unusual plot, which was nice; it was cute but not overly so; there was a happy ending; and I really enjoyed that the book occasionally switched to Lord Deverall’s perspective. (Also -I have to point this out- I really do like the name Deverall.) So cough up the 99 cents, totally worth it if you like Regency romance novels.
More reviews? Find me at Dannabella.com! :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2011
Note: This review, and all my reviews, comes from my blog - Romantic Rose's Bookshelf (http://romantic-rosesblog.blogspot.com)
I love those stories where the husband must pursue his wife - but I generally prefer that he do so well. Although it was a fun courtship, it was very hard to feel the love blossoming on either side. I admit myself to being confused as to when our hero, Lucas Deverall’s, affections turned from being money-motivated to being love-motivated. I found it rather difficult to understand Sophie Deverall, our heroine, for most of the book because her back story wasn’t explained until the end - and by then I was more annoyed, less interested. Also, as a side note, the back story was not the best I’ve seen written – especially because Sophie believes her actions could have changed the outcome of an entire war, which is really just silly. Delusional? It seems so.
There were, however, some adorable scenes where the love was very clear and exceptionally beautiful – like when they went ice skating, or when Lucas promises to take her home – that redeemed this book some. Lucas was an ass throughout most of the book, which I detested, and Sophie was too scared or too love-torn to fight for herself, it seemed. After reading so many strong heroines, I found it difficult to understand her. If she wanted to escape so badly, I should think she would be able to manage it. Lucas’s misconceptions are entirely selfish and I found myself hating him for half the book while he stubbornly tried to tell himself that his wife was an evil, manipulative bitch, as he tried to manipulate her for her money. Yes, really.
The plot was focused solely on the couple which I rather liked, seeing as they needed all the face-time they could get to repair their relationship. Some people who like hunky heroes might be a bit put out by Lucas’s injury, but it’s really not a major part of the story and it doesn’t detract from his handsomeness. It also serves an important role in evoking Sophie’s pity and then love for Lucas (which I wasn’t sure was a good thing – love through pity?). While Sophie and Lucas argued a lot, their banter could’ve and should've been more humorous, and that’s why this book is just barely above average for me. I love fire between my lovers, but I like to laugh at it. All in all, what is there to say other than this book was pretty average. Yeah.
“Sexy”ness rating: Sweet and spicy!!!
Overall Rating: C
Bottom Line: It was a good book with a lovable (though sometimes sour) hero and a cute heroine.
I love those stories where the husband must pursue his wife - but I generally prefer that he do so well. Although it was a fun courtship, it was very hard to feel the love blossoming on either side. I admit myself to being confused as to when our hero, Lucas Deverall’s, affections turned from being money-motivated to being love-motivated. I found it rather difficult to understand Sophie Deverall, our heroine, for most of the book because her back story wasn’t explained until the end - and by then I was more annoyed, less interested. Also, as a side note, the back story was not the best I’ve seen written – especially because Sophie believes her actions could have changed the outcome of an entire war, which is really just silly. Delusional? It seems so.
There were, however, some adorable scenes where the love was very clear and exceptionally beautiful – like when they went ice skating, or when Lucas promises to take her home – that redeemed this book some. Lucas was an ass throughout most of the book, which I detested, and Sophie was too scared or too love-torn to fight for herself, it seemed. After reading so many strong heroines, I found it difficult to understand her. If she wanted to escape so badly, I should think she would be able to manage it. Lucas’s misconceptions are entirely selfish and I found myself hating him for half the book while he stubbornly tried to tell himself that his wife was an evil, manipulative bitch, as he tried to manipulate her for her money. Yes, really.
The plot was focused solely on the couple which I rather liked, seeing as they needed all the face-time they could get to repair their relationship. Some people who like hunky heroes might be a bit put out by Lucas’s injury, but it’s really not a major part of the story and it doesn’t detract from his handsomeness. It also serves an important role in evoking Sophie’s pity and then love for Lucas (which I wasn’t sure was a good thing – love through pity?). While Sophie and Lucas argued a lot, their banter could’ve and should've been more humorous, and that’s why this book is just barely above average for me. I love fire between my lovers, but I like to laugh at it. All in all, what is there to say other than this book was pretty average. Yeah.
“Sexy”ness rating: Sweet and spicy!!!
Overall Rating: C
Bottom Line: It was a good book with a lovable (though sometimes sour) hero and a cute heroine.
October 4, 2017
I bought this book almost six years ago, and since then have read it...six times maybe? More? It's always downloaded on my phone, and sometimes when I'm waiting for something, I'll just read a chapter here and there. I don't know what it is about this book that makes me love it so much, but I adore it!
Sophie and Lucas have A LOT of baggage. A six year marriage in which they have spent only hours (minutes?) together. Lucas felt teenage Sophie tricked him into marriage and fled to the battlefield. Sophie believes Lucas is a drunken rake (and a toad!), because even though she had a crush on him back then, she was completely innocent.
But Lucas comes back, determined to make a go of the marriage, and Sophie is equally determined to escape. So the push and pull begins. Sophie and Lucas have great chemistry, but are both stubborn and wary (especially Sophie).
The supporting cast is great, especially George and Minerva, as is Wilkes, the "lank-sleeve" former soldier who would do anything for Lucas. My favorite is Lady Carstairs, George's mother, who is great at giving her son and his friend the set-down they deserve.
Sophie and Lucas have A LOT of baggage. A six year marriage in which they have spent only hours (minutes?) together. Lucas felt teenage Sophie tricked him into marriage and fled to the battlefield. Sophie believes Lucas is a drunken rake (and a toad!), because even though she had a crush on him back then, she was completely innocent.
But Lucas comes back, determined to make a go of the marriage, and Sophie is equally determined to escape. So the push and pull begins. Sophie and Lucas have great chemistry, but are both stubborn and wary (especially Sophie).
The supporting cast is great, especially George and Minerva, as is Wilkes, the "lank-sleeve" former soldier who would do anything for Lucas. My favorite is Lady Carstairs, George's mother, who is great at giving her son and his friend the set-down they deserve.
April 4, 2012
This book was quite entertaining. I bought it on a whim without really caring what it was.
His Majesty, the Prince of Toads was the story about Lord Deverill and his hated wife, Sophie, who apparently forced him into this marriage he hadn't wanted. Sadly, on his return from the war, Lord Deverill is informed about his financial issues... and discovers his wife's fortune, that only she can touch.
Now, the infamous playboy of a viscount has to fight for the attention of his angry wife, who sees their marriage just a bit differently than he does.
The book is quite enjoyable and I was going to give it 4 stars until I wsa about half-way through, when it turned a bit... strange, I'd say. I liked the beginning very much and the characters were interesting, especially the side characters Minerva and Carstairs, but then the author started to block everything but the developping love between the two main characters out and I grew a bit bored of it.
His Majesty, the Prince of Toads was the story about Lord Deverill and his hated wife, Sophie, who apparently forced him into this marriage he hadn't wanted. Sadly, on his return from the war, Lord Deverill is informed about his financial issues... and discovers his wife's fortune, that only she can touch.
Now, the infamous playboy of a viscount has to fight for the attention of his angry wife, who sees their marriage just a bit differently than he does.
The book is quite enjoyable and I was going to give it 4 stars until I wsa about half-way through, when it turned a bit... strange, I'd say. I liked the beginning very much and the characters were interesting, especially the side characters Minerva and Carstairs, but then the author started to block everything but the developping love between the two main characters out and I grew a bit bored of it.
November 13, 2012
Delle Jacobs did a good job with this light Regency romance. Plenty of excellent historical detail and a wounded, charismatic hero, although the heroine seemed mean at times. We learn why later as the well thought out plot unfolds, but for some of the book I wasn't entirely there for her. I liked the way the relationship was worked through as they developed feelings for one another, I just wish everyone wasn't inclined to snicker. I found much to like in this and would read another of her books.
December 2, 2012
I enjoyed this love story, again the author really focused on the characters with a lot of interaction between them and I like that. I didn't like it as well as The Mudlark but it was still a good read and as excellent way to pass the evening. I liked both characters but I do wish that Sophia had given over just a little bit more here and there. It was not a disappointing romance in the least, it just took both of them a little bit longer to get there then I would have initially thought. The supporting characters were equally as likeable.
November 12, 2010
A marriage-in-trouble Regency, but so well done. Both hero and heroine feel they have been trapped into an unwanted marriage; after years apart, they attempt a reconciliation that cannot be successful until they both face the horrors of their war-scarred pasts. I really liked this book, it had just the right mix of tormented characters, a tear-jerking emotional workout, and happy ending despite everything.
January 19, 2016
I am so glad I finally took the time to read this book. Delle Jacobs endowed her characters with surprising depth. I was hooked on the story right from the start. Forced into marriage at a young age, both the heroine and hero spend six years apart. In that time, they change, but it is not until they clear away their misunderstanding that they can begin to forgive and learn to trust each other. Truly a wonderful tale!
September 6, 2016
I am so glad I finally took the time to read this book. Delle Jacobs endowed her characters with surprising depth. I was hooked on the story right from the start. Forced into marriage at a young age, both the heroine and hero spend six years apart. In that time, they change, but it is not until they clear away their misunderstanding that they can begin to forgive and learn to trust each other. Truly a wonderful tale!
May 12, 2012
I purchased this while on the free list, and found a new favorite author. This book was lovely and fun! There was a great deal of mystery and romance and heartache, but also parts that made me laugh out loud. I couldn't put it down. The characters were believable and engaging and the writing was smooth and well edited. I would definitely recommend it to a friend.
June 17, 2013
First thing this was a free read on Amazon. It has a really great plot line, but somewhere in the translation it lost it spark. I would be reading along and I would feel all these emotions, then BAM I was like really where is this going. But with that said it's not unreadable. and It killed an afternoon.
August 31, 2013
It was a good story but it kept going on and on with all the misunderstandings and negative assumptions. It got annoying. Then finally the happy came and the book just ended abruptly. I would like to read more of the happy! The same thing happen in the last book I read by this author so I'm not sure if I'll read more from her. Happy reading anyway!!
May 14, 2016
Got to love when this happens...he is wasted and thinks he knows what happens and she is innocent and knows what happens. Regency times there is a forced marriage. Now what happens after is the story. Like an onion layer upon layers are removed to get to the truth. I liked this story by Jacobs. Will be reading more.
October 3, 2016
Really liked the plot, and how it all played out, but feel it could have been more played out into an extension of the ending. The love scene more soothing to the complexities of the feelings of Sophie. The resolution of the ending to short.
Maybe there could of been one year later chapter. Overall, I enjoyed the characters and their part in the story.
Maybe there could of been one year later chapter. Overall, I enjoyed the characters and their part in the story.
March 13, 2011
Although the book hit home a few times including a husband away at war, there were a few discrepancies throughout the book that I couldn't get past. Overall, I enjoyed the book. The characters were well formed and the ending clever.
January 7, 2013
This Regency romance was a very enjoyable read. The historical references of this time period were very well written with all of the characters believable. I would definitely recommend this book to my friends.
January 5, 2013
Read it, read it, read it. This is a great read with wonderfully real, flawed characters - a hero blindsided by reality and a heroine who makes her Prince Charming really work for his happy ever after.
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