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Cotswold Confidential #3
Redeeming Lord Ryder
After two months of treatment at Puddling-on-the-Wold, Mary Nicola Mayfield has shown no improvement, and her condition seems impervious to rehab. But Nicola is not the typical guest of Gloucestershire’s destination village for the wealthy and wayward. The trauma of surviving a horrific train wreck has rendered her mute; her injuries have healed, but try as she might, she cannot utter a sound. With her family and fiancé at their wits’ end, Nicola knows Puddling is the resort—the last resort—that holds any hope for her recovery.
Lord Jack Ryder—baron, businessman and, some say, mad genius—has gone from the heights of success to hit rock bottom, after a faulty girder from his iron foundry caused a dreadful bridge collapse. Nothing has assuaged his guilt over the passenger train that crashed or the lives that were destroyed. The stringent regimen at Puddling is not doing much for his deep depression—until he meets his mysteriously silent neighbor. Their fiery affair breaks all the rules, but will the unspoken truth be too hot to handle?
Lord Jack Ryder—baron, businessman and, some say, mad genius—has gone from the heights of success to hit rock bottom, after a faulty girder from his iron foundry caused a dreadful bridge collapse. Nothing has assuaged his guilt over the passenger train that crashed or the lives that were destroyed. The stringent regimen at Puddling is not doing much for his deep depression—until he meets his mysteriously silent neighbor. Their fiery affair breaks all the rules, but will the unspoken truth be too hot to handle?
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 21, 2017
About the author
Maggie Robinson
40 books366 followersMaggie Robinson is a former teacher, library clerk and mother of four who woke up in the middle of the night, absolutely compelled to create the perfect man and use as many adverbs as possible doing so. A transplanted New Yorker, she lives with her not-quite perfect husband in Maine, where the cold winters are ideal for staying inside and writing hot historical romances and her latest venture, the Lady Adelaide Mysteries. Her books have been translated into nine languages.
She also wrote two erotic historical romances as Margaret Rowe.
She also wrote two erotic historical romances as Margaret Rowe.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 30, 2017
I have to say that Redeeming Lord Ryder is one of the most unusual historical romances I've ever read - and believe me, I've read a lot of them. Part of the Cotswold Confidential series set around a small Victorian-era resort town in Gloucestershire specializing in restorative cures, both hero and heroine are undergoing treatment at the resort throughout the book.
Nicola was in a train accident so traumatic she lost the ability to speak. Her PTSD and repressed memories are beautifully dealt with in the book, as is her focussing her attentions inwards to discover what she truly wants from life, in the end discovering that even something so terrible can bring its own kind of blessings in the lessons we learn.
Jack is the brilliant, wealthy inventor whose company built the bridge which collapsed to cause the railway accident. While neither Jack nor Nicola are aware at first of this connection between them, it's a major plot point and cause of dramatic tension in the story.
It can't have been easy to write a romance where only one of the characters is able to properly converse, though Maggie Robinson worked around it by having Nicola pen messages in a notebook. The village of Puddling-on-the-Wold and the eccentric cast of characters there was brilliantly built, and although this is the third book in the series you certainly don't have to have read the previous books to thoroughly enjoy this one... previous characters made no more than the briefest of appearances.
This was charming, different and thought-provoking, not to mention offering an intriguing glimpse into Victorian-era medical thought! Five stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
Nicola was in a train accident so traumatic she lost the ability to speak. Her PTSD and repressed memories are beautifully dealt with in the book, as is her focussing her attentions inwards to discover what she truly wants from life, in the end discovering that even something so terrible can bring its own kind of blessings in the lessons we learn.
Jack is the brilliant, wealthy inventor whose company built the bridge which collapsed to cause the railway accident. While neither Jack nor Nicola are aware at first of this connection between them, it's a major plot point and cause of dramatic tension in the story.
It can't have been easy to write a romance where only one of the characters is able to properly converse, though Maggie Robinson worked around it by having Nicola pen messages in a notebook. The village of Puddling-on-the-Wold and the eccentric cast of characters there was brilliantly built, and although this is the third book in the series you certainly don't have to have read the previous books to thoroughly enjoy this one... previous characters made no more than the briefest of appearances.
This was charming, different and thought-provoking, not to mention offering an intriguing glimpse into Victorian-era medical thought! Five stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
November 20, 2017
Redeeming Lord Ryder by Maggie Robinson is Book Three in the "Cotswold Confidential" series. This is the story of Mary Nicola Mayfield and Lord Jack Ryder. I have read the other books in this series (and loved them) but feel this can be a standalone book.
Nicola has been in Puddling-on-the-Wold to try to overcome the tragic train wreck that she was in..but two months into staying at this 'resort' hasn't helped her to speak again. Then she meets Jack who has come there to get over his depression that he has now after a part failed to work which caused a train accident..which is not known by everyone. But these two coming together seem to bring out the best and more positive feelings. When Nicola learns why Jack is depressed she is afraid that he will change his feelings towards her that have been growing.
Loved this series and their story!
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Nicola has been in Puddling-on-the-Wold to try to overcome the tragic train wreck that she was in..but two months into staying at this 'resort' hasn't helped her to speak again. Then she meets Jack who has come there to get over his depression that he has now after a part failed to work which caused a train accident..which is not known by everyone. But these two coming together seem to bring out the best and more positive feelings. When Nicola learns why Jack is depressed she is afraid that he will change his feelings towards her that have been growing.
Loved this series and their story!
https://twitter.com/soapsrus68
https://www.facebook.com/RomanceBookR...
http://booklikes.com/blog
https://romancebookreviewforyou.wordp...
https://www.tumblr.com/blog/romancebo...
November 17, 2017
Another excellent installment of the Cotswold Confidential Series!
Mary Nicola Mayfield, known as Nicola to her friends and family has been in the Puddling-on-the-Wold "secret spa" for 2 months, sent there by her family after all other medical avenues had failed. Nicola was a passenger on a train that derailed and hasn't spoken since. She has been pricked, prodded and examined, but there is no medical reason that she can't speak. She doesn't exactly recall the accident and doesn't want to be a burden to her family, she tries, but the words will not come.
Lord Jonathan Ryder aka Jack is in Puddling because of the same accident, but for different reasons. Jack owned the company that manufactured the part that failed and caused the accident. Jack suffers from depression and is ridden with guilt. He came to Puddling, hoping to find a way to overcome the depression, but he hasn't been entirely honest with anyone about his reasons for coming.
He meets Nicola on his second day in the village, he is immediately taken with her and plots and plans ways to see her again. The two grow close and Nicola wants Jack to be her lover - but Jack is trying to be honorable and keeps pushing her away - sort of - kisses don't count, right? When Jack is with Nicola, he feels happy for the first time since the accident and when he kisses her, Nicola makes sounds, something that hasn't happened in ten long months! When Nicola learns who Jack really is, she is shocked and doesn't want him to know who she is, fearing it would change the way he treats her.
This is a well written story with a lot of deep emotion, but it never feels dark or angsty, Jack's antics (especially concerning food) are hilarious and Nicola is the perfect soothing balm for his soul. The book is filled with lighthearted banter, steamy moments, guests sneaking around, secrets, betrayal, a little heartache, a lot of joy and a hero with a passion for peaches.
This is the third book in the series, but it could easily be read as a stand alone title. I think this might actually be my favorite in the series so far, but I don't want to commit to that, since they have all been great and I am sure there are more to come! I would recommend reading the series in order, it is not necessary to enjoy this book, but it will give you more insight on the "secret spa".
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC provided to me by NetGalley and the Publisher*
Mary Nicola Mayfield, known as Nicola to her friends and family has been in the Puddling-on-the-Wold "secret spa" for 2 months, sent there by her family after all other medical avenues had failed. Nicola was a passenger on a train that derailed and hasn't spoken since. She has been pricked, prodded and examined, but there is no medical reason that she can't speak. She doesn't exactly recall the accident and doesn't want to be a burden to her family, she tries, but the words will not come.
Lord Jonathan Ryder aka Jack is in Puddling because of the same accident, but for different reasons. Jack owned the company that manufactured the part that failed and caused the accident. Jack suffers from depression and is ridden with guilt. He came to Puddling, hoping to find a way to overcome the depression, but he hasn't been entirely honest with anyone about his reasons for coming.
He meets Nicola on his second day in the village, he is immediately taken with her and plots and plans ways to see her again. The two grow close and Nicola wants Jack to be her lover - but Jack is trying to be honorable and keeps pushing her away - sort of - kisses don't count, right? When Jack is with Nicola, he feels happy for the first time since the accident and when he kisses her, Nicola makes sounds, something that hasn't happened in ten long months! When Nicola learns who Jack really is, she is shocked and doesn't want him to know who she is, fearing it would change the way he treats her.
This is a well written story with a lot of deep emotion, but it never feels dark or angsty, Jack's antics (especially concerning food) are hilarious and Nicola is the perfect soothing balm for his soul. The book is filled with lighthearted banter, steamy moments, guests sneaking around, secrets, betrayal, a little heartache, a lot of joy and a hero with a passion for peaches.
This is the third book in the series, but it could easily be read as a stand alone title. I think this might actually be my favorite in the series so far, but I don't want to commit to that, since they have all been great and I am sure there are more to come! I would recommend reading the series in order, it is not necessary to enjoy this book, but it will give you more insight on the "secret spa".
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC provided to me by NetGalley and the Publisher*
August 14, 2022
Recensione a cura di Alessia.
- Voto 3,5 -
https://www.opinionilibrose.it/2022/0...
- Voto 3,5 -
https://www.opinionilibrose.it/2022/0...
January 19, 2018
Coincidence...fancy meeting you here
In Redeeming Lord Ryder by Maggie Robinson, we are asked to believe that a woman, Nicola, who lost her voice in a train wreck, and a man, Jack, who is responsible for the train wreck, end up in the same place at the same time for rehabilitation, and fall in love. Kismet, destiny, karma, or coincidence? Could be all of those, but it’s also the plot, all boiled down to one sentence - but of course that isn't all there is to it. We, after all, have a ton of pages to fill.
Actually, this book started out promising. Nicola lost her voice because of the trauma of being in a train wreck in which a couple of people were killed. She has journeyed to Pudding-on-the-Wold for rehabilitation, but it's not working. She has not regained her voice back; however, she has grown quite comfortable in her little cottage. Unlike some of the previous books in this series, her "keepers" have been kind to her. She eats what she wants, she goes where she wants, she is able to communicate with her family, and she seems to be independently wealthy. She’s even been kicking around the idea of staying in her cottage forever, though she hasn't figured out how she will manage that. Her fiancé broke off the engagement when she lost her voice, but she has accepted that - after all, he has dreams of being a politician and everyone knows a wife of a politician needs to have the ability to talk. So, she understands - in fact, Nicola understands almost everything.
Then we have Jack, Lord Ryder, and he has come to Pudding-on-the-Wold because he feels a tremendous amount of guilt over the train wreck Nicola was in. It’s a crippling amount of guilt. You see, it was his foundry which produced the faulty girder, which then caused a bridge to collapse, which then caused the train to plunge, which then caused two deaths and Nicola's injuries. Jack has overcompensated for the disaster. He has dumped every business he owns which may injure anyone - even if the injuries are in the most infinitesimal of ways. He has helped the two families who suffered the losses of their loved ones, but he just can't get over the horrible guilt. He is one big angst lump.
Jack and Nicola encounter each other by accident on one of their walks one day and the sparks fly. They are instantly in lust with each other but they also become friends. Of course, they have their keepers to contend with. Their keepers do not allow any kind of hanky-panky at Pudding-on-the-Wold, and if any of you are familiar with the previous books in this series you will know that is a big joke - no hanky-panky my eye. Anyway, neither Jack nor Nicola know who each other is, nor do they have any idea of how much they have in common. This will of course lead to a big misunderstanding, followed by an even bigger conniption fit by our hero. I will be honest with you here; by the time the conniption fit rolls around I had become somewhat bored with this couple and the hero's big snit seemed to be way out of proportion to what actually happened.
Much to my sorrow, I struggled with this book. I started to lose interest in Nicola and Jack about half-way through. All I wanted to do was finish this story, so there was some skip-reading toward the ending. I couldn't find anything to connect with either Nicola or Jack. I grew tired of Jack's continual guilt fest and tired of Nicola's trying to seduce Jack. I know I'm in trouble when a book allows my mind to wander.
Ponder moment. Why do a lot of authors use the grand old oral hanky-panky-ooh-la-la moments as the first sexual encounter of heroes and heroines? I've thought about this a lot lately, because it's not just Ms. Robinson who fills her books with “insert tongue here” first time occasions. I'm often startled when these first-time episodes happen and here's why. Usually these encounters are the woman's first time at any kind of sexual intimacy - ever. She is in all likelihood a total innocent, in more ways than one. She doesn't know anything about the organ or the act. On top of that, she probably doesn't even know the guy all that much. Remember I’m talking about historical romance novels, not Fifty Shades of Whatever stuff.
It seems to me that this kind of first time moment implies a whole different type of intimacy. And, it should be more than just a method of birth control. When someone is rooting around underneath a skirt, there is more involved than just a moment of relief. Allowing someone to do this is highly personal; it involves all kinds of trust issues. You are opening yourself up to all kinds of up-close and personal stuff. For a long time I've thought that this act is more intimate than the actual big bang moment. So, to have someone you barely know, or a couple who have just met, or for this to be an innocent's first time is bothersome to me. I have finally arrived at the conclusion that this type of intimacy is an expression of trust for a couple and I wish authors would write these encounters after the big bang and not as a precursor to it. Or, even worse, as a writer-delay-build-the-tension-scintillate tool. I asked my husband his opinion, and he, like all good husbands, agreed with me. And, that is my rant. Writing of the act itself does not bother me; the placement of it in a book does. It's been on my mind lately while reading romance books and it just so happened that this is the book that triggered my ponder moment.
Bottom-line. I had trouble with this book. While the premise of the book had possibilities, the luv-couple didn't connect. They didn't connect with each other and they didn't connect with me. I was disappointed.
In Redeeming Lord Ryder by Maggie Robinson, we are asked to believe that a woman, Nicola, who lost her voice in a train wreck, and a man, Jack, who is responsible for the train wreck, end up in the same place at the same time for rehabilitation, and fall in love. Kismet, destiny, karma, or coincidence? Could be all of those, but it’s also the plot, all boiled down to one sentence - but of course that isn't all there is to it. We, after all, have a ton of pages to fill.
Actually, this book started out promising. Nicola lost her voice because of the trauma of being in a train wreck in which a couple of people were killed. She has journeyed to Pudding-on-the-Wold for rehabilitation, but it's not working. She has not regained her voice back; however, she has grown quite comfortable in her little cottage. Unlike some of the previous books in this series, her "keepers" have been kind to her. She eats what she wants, she goes where she wants, she is able to communicate with her family, and she seems to be independently wealthy. She’s even been kicking around the idea of staying in her cottage forever, though she hasn't figured out how she will manage that. Her fiancé broke off the engagement when she lost her voice, but she has accepted that - after all, he has dreams of being a politician and everyone knows a wife of a politician needs to have the ability to talk. So, she understands - in fact, Nicola understands almost everything.
Then we have Jack, Lord Ryder, and he has come to Pudding-on-the-Wold because he feels a tremendous amount of guilt over the train wreck Nicola was in. It’s a crippling amount of guilt. You see, it was his foundry which produced the faulty girder, which then caused a bridge to collapse, which then caused the train to plunge, which then caused two deaths and Nicola's injuries. Jack has overcompensated for the disaster. He has dumped every business he owns which may injure anyone - even if the injuries are in the most infinitesimal of ways. He has helped the two families who suffered the losses of their loved ones, but he just can't get over the horrible guilt. He is one big angst lump.
Jack and Nicola encounter each other by accident on one of their walks one day and the sparks fly. They are instantly in lust with each other but they also become friends. Of course, they have their keepers to contend with. Their keepers do not allow any kind of hanky-panky at Pudding-on-the-Wold, and if any of you are familiar with the previous books in this series you will know that is a big joke - no hanky-panky my eye. Anyway, neither Jack nor Nicola know who each other is, nor do they have any idea of how much they have in common. This will of course lead to a big misunderstanding, followed by an even bigger conniption fit by our hero. I will be honest with you here; by the time the conniption fit rolls around I had become somewhat bored with this couple and the hero's big snit seemed to be way out of proportion to what actually happened.
Much to my sorrow, I struggled with this book. I started to lose interest in Nicola and Jack about half-way through. All I wanted to do was finish this story, so there was some skip-reading toward the ending. I couldn't find anything to connect with either Nicola or Jack. I grew tired of Jack's continual guilt fest and tired of Nicola's trying to seduce Jack. I know I'm in trouble when a book allows my mind to wander.
Ponder moment. Why do a lot of authors use the grand old oral hanky-panky-ooh-la-la moments as the first sexual encounter of heroes and heroines? I've thought about this a lot lately, because it's not just Ms. Robinson who fills her books with “insert tongue here” first time occasions. I'm often startled when these first-time episodes happen and here's why. Usually these encounters are the woman's first time at any kind of sexual intimacy - ever. She is in all likelihood a total innocent, in more ways than one. She doesn't know anything about the organ or the act. On top of that, she probably doesn't even know the guy all that much. Remember I’m talking about historical romance novels, not Fifty Shades of Whatever stuff.
It seems to me that this kind of first time moment implies a whole different type of intimacy. And, it should be more than just a method of birth control. When someone is rooting around underneath a skirt, there is more involved than just a moment of relief. Allowing someone to do this is highly personal; it involves all kinds of trust issues. You are opening yourself up to all kinds of up-close and personal stuff. For a long time I've thought that this act is more intimate than the actual big bang moment. So, to have someone you barely know, or a couple who have just met, or for this to be an innocent's first time is bothersome to me. I have finally arrived at the conclusion that this type of intimacy is an expression of trust for a couple and I wish authors would write these encounters after the big bang and not as a precursor to it. Or, even worse, as a writer-delay-build-the-tension-scintillate tool. I asked my husband his opinion, and he, like all good husbands, agreed with me. And, that is my rant. Writing of the act itself does not bother me; the placement of it in a book does. It's been on my mind lately while reading romance books and it just so happened that this is the book that triggered my ponder moment.
Bottom-line. I had trouble with this book. While the premise of the book had possibilities, the luv-couple didn't connect. They didn't connect with each other and they didn't connect with me. I was disappointed.
November 19, 2017
Redeeming Lord Ryder is the third book in the Cotswold Confidential series by Maggie Robinson. It can easily be read as a stand-alone story.
I have had the pleasure of reading all the books in this series and each new one is as wonderful as the one before it. Puddling-on-the-Wold is a secluded village where wealthy people go, either voluntarily, or via a push from family, to help recover from trauma, or for things like overcoming alcohol abuse, womanising etc. It's all confidential and in its long history, the people of Puddling have never had a failure.
Lord Ryder, known as Jack in Puddling voluntarily sought out treatment. He blames himself for two people dead and many more people being injured in a train crash caused by faulty work carried out by one of his companies. He's paid huge amounts of money to the families concerned, he's apologised wholeheartedly, but despite nobody being angry at him, he cannot get over his guilt. He can't sleep, he has nightmares, and he hopes being in Puddling will help him overcome his terrible melancholy.
Nicola Mayfield, known only as Nicola in Puddling, has been sent there by her parents who are at their wits end with her. She was one of the people on the train that crashed, and although not badly physically hurt at the time, she doesn't remember much about the accident at all, and she has lost the ability to speak. It's not a physical problem, it's a mental one which nobody understands, least of all Nicola. She has spent more time than most in Puddling and as yet has seen no improvement in her vocal abilities.
When Nicola and Jack meet they immediately feel a rapport with each other. They sneak around in order to see each other and before long they are sharing passionate kisses. The happiness that Nicola brings Jack makes him feel happier than he has in a very long time. The passion that Jack brings to Nicola has her making small noises at least for the first time in just as long. They seem to be the perfect remedy for each other.
They are breaking all the rules, but are having a wonderful time doing so. The only problem is that Jack doesn't feel like he is worthy of Nicola, and she, in turn, has realised that she was a victim of the train crash he blames himself for. She knows if he finds out who she is that they will have no future together, and yet it's something she so desperately wants. Is there a way that they can be together despite the obstacles in front of them?
This was such an emotional story, so beautifully written. At times I was close to tears, especially when Nicola realises what actually happened on the train. There are plenty of light-hearted moments to keep the book from being depressing, and there are some lovely hot passionate moments between Jack and Nicola. They are so obviously right for each other, I couldn't read the book quickly enough to find out how it ended for them. I wasn't disappointed. My only negative thought about the story is that there was a very big build up to Jack and Nicola finally giving in to their carnal desires, but when it happened, I didn't get the 'FINALLY' thrill for them both. I can't put my finger on what exactly was missing from the moment, but something was definitely lacking. Despite that, I fully enjoyed their stories and watching them heal because of the love they found with each other.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers' copy of this book.
I have had the pleasure of reading all the books in this series and each new one is as wonderful as the one before it. Puddling-on-the-Wold is a secluded village where wealthy people go, either voluntarily, or via a push from family, to help recover from trauma, or for things like overcoming alcohol abuse, womanising etc. It's all confidential and in its long history, the people of Puddling have never had a failure.
Lord Ryder, known as Jack in Puddling voluntarily sought out treatment. He blames himself for two people dead and many more people being injured in a train crash caused by faulty work carried out by one of his companies. He's paid huge amounts of money to the families concerned, he's apologised wholeheartedly, but despite nobody being angry at him, he cannot get over his guilt. He can't sleep, he has nightmares, and he hopes being in Puddling will help him overcome his terrible melancholy.
Nicola Mayfield, known only as Nicola in Puddling, has been sent there by her parents who are at their wits end with her. She was one of the people on the train that crashed, and although not badly physically hurt at the time, she doesn't remember much about the accident at all, and she has lost the ability to speak. It's not a physical problem, it's a mental one which nobody understands, least of all Nicola. She has spent more time than most in Puddling and as yet has seen no improvement in her vocal abilities.
When Nicola and Jack meet they immediately feel a rapport with each other. They sneak around in order to see each other and before long they are sharing passionate kisses. The happiness that Nicola brings Jack makes him feel happier than he has in a very long time. The passion that Jack brings to Nicola has her making small noises at least for the first time in just as long. They seem to be the perfect remedy for each other.
They are breaking all the rules, but are having a wonderful time doing so. The only problem is that Jack doesn't feel like he is worthy of Nicola, and she, in turn, has realised that she was a victim of the train crash he blames himself for. She knows if he finds out who she is that they will have no future together, and yet it's something she so desperately wants. Is there a way that they can be together despite the obstacles in front of them?
This was such an emotional story, so beautifully written. At times I was close to tears, especially when Nicola realises what actually happened on the train. There are plenty of light-hearted moments to keep the book from being depressing, and there are some lovely hot passionate moments between Jack and Nicola. They are so obviously right for each other, I couldn't read the book quickly enough to find out how it ended for them. I wasn't disappointed. My only negative thought about the story is that there was a very big build up to Jack and Nicola finally giving in to their carnal desires, but when it happened, I didn't get the 'FINALLY' thrill for them both. I can't put my finger on what exactly was missing from the moment, but something was definitely lacking. Despite that, I fully enjoyed their stories and watching them heal because of the love they found with each other.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers' copy of this book.
November 16, 2017
Publisher's Description:
After two months of treatment at Puddling-on-the-Wold, Mary Nicola Mayfield has shown no improvement, and her condition seems impervious to rehab. But Nicola is not the typical guest of Gloucestershire’s destination village for the wealthy and wayward. The trauma of surviving a horrific train wreck has rendered her mute; her injuries have healed, but try as she might, she cannot utter a sound. With her family and fiancé at their wits’ end, Nicola knows Puddling is the resort—the last resort—that holds any hope for her recovery.
Lord Jack Ryder—baron, businessman and, some say, mad genius—has gone from the heights of success to hit rock bottom, after a faulty girder from his iron foundry caused a dreadful bridge collapse. Nothing has assuaged his guilt over the passenger train that crashed or the lives that were destroyed. The stringent regimen at Puddling is not doing much for his deep depression—until he meets his mysteriously silent neighbor. Their fiery affair breaks all the rules, but will the unspoken truth be too hot to handle?
My Thoughts:
Maggie Robinson has done it again! With so much laughter and joy you just can't put this book or the series down.
This is the latest installment of the series taking place at Puddling-on-the-Wold, a treatment facility that is renowned for it's cures.
If you read one of this well written series it will have you coming back for more!
Nicola's treatment has not helped. She still can not speak a word although her outward injuries appear to have been healed.
Lord Jack Ryder feels responsible for Nicola's plight. His factory is after all where the faulty girder that caused the collapse of the bridge where she sustained her injuries and what landed her at the Puddling treatment facility. Odd that he also landed there due to his feelings of guilt.
When they meet sparks fly.
Will their immediate attraction be the cure that both of them needs?
This at times comical, well written story like the others in this series is a winner and one for the keeper shelf.
I gave this book 4.5 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 4 of 5 flames. Although they're attraction eventually leads to something much deeper they aren't immediately thrown into each others arms. The intimacy is hot and sparks fly between this unusual couple.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
After two months of treatment at Puddling-on-the-Wold, Mary Nicola Mayfield has shown no improvement, and her condition seems impervious to rehab. But Nicola is not the typical guest of Gloucestershire’s destination village for the wealthy and wayward. The trauma of surviving a horrific train wreck has rendered her mute; her injuries have healed, but try as she might, she cannot utter a sound. With her family and fiancé at their wits’ end, Nicola knows Puddling is the resort—the last resort—that holds any hope for her recovery.
Lord Jack Ryder—baron, businessman and, some say, mad genius—has gone from the heights of success to hit rock bottom, after a faulty girder from his iron foundry caused a dreadful bridge collapse. Nothing has assuaged his guilt over the passenger train that crashed or the lives that were destroyed. The stringent regimen at Puddling is not doing much for his deep depression—until he meets his mysteriously silent neighbor. Their fiery affair breaks all the rules, but will the unspoken truth be too hot to handle?
My Thoughts:
Maggie Robinson has done it again! With so much laughter and joy you just can't put this book or the series down.
This is the latest installment of the series taking place at Puddling-on-the-Wold, a treatment facility that is renowned for it's cures.
If you read one of this well written series it will have you coming back for more!
Nicola's treatment has not helped. She still can not speak a word although her outward injuries appear to have been healed.
Lord Jack Ryder feels responsible for Nicola's plight. His factory is after all where the faulty girder that caused the collapse of the bridge where she sustained her injuries and what landed her at the Puddling treatment facility. Odd that he also landed there due to his feelings of guilt.
When they meet sparks fly.
Will their immediate attraction be the cure that both of them needs?
This at times comical, well written story like the others in this series is a winner and one for the keeper shelf.
I gave this book 4.5 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 4 of 5 flames. Although they're attraction eventually leads to something much deeper they aren't immediately thrown into each others arms. The intimacy is hot and sparks fly between this unusual couple.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
November 21, 2017
Let me begin this review as I so often begin reviews of stories that are part of a series. You do not have to have read the prior stories in order to understand and enjoy this one.
This story had such a beautiful potential, that it was really a let down to see Nicola end up behaving the way that she did. Originally, I loved both of these characters. They were witty, unconventional, and independent. I enjoyed the thoughtful way that Jack brought Nicola a notebook and colored pencils so that they would easily be able to communicate. They had some laugh-out-loud moments together, and it was easy to fall for Jack's charming ways. So I can understand why Nicola fell for him, and why she initially offered to take him to bed.
However.
Overall, I do believe this story may still appeal to those who enjoy slightly unconventional romance novels. I would read more from this author!
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
This story had such a beautiful potential, that it was really a let down to see Nicola end up behaving the way that she did. Originally, I loved both of these characters. They were witty, unconventional, and independent. I enjoyed the thoughtful way that Jack brought Nicola a notebook and colored pencils so that they would easily be able to communicate. They had some laugh-out-loud moments together, and it was easy to fall for Jack's charming ways. So I can understand why Nicola fell for him, and why she initially offered to take him to bed.
However.
Overall, I do believe this story may still appeal to those who enjoy slightly unconventional romance novels. I would read more from this author!
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
November 10, 2017
Traumatized after surviving a train accident which left 2 people dead, Nicola has lost her ability to speak. When no physician has been able to heal her, her desperate parents send her to the reputable Puddling, a rehabilitation like resort with a sterling track record, even though their normal patients are those with mental, alcoholic or behavioral problems. After months staying there with no improvement, Nicola is quite resigned to her condition & is rather satisfied to contemplate living life out independently as a spinster with the financial settlements from the accident, after her politically ambitions fiance breaks off their engagement; a mute wife would be nothing other than a liability to an aspiring Prime Minister.
While out on her daily walk on a rather icy, cold day she slips and a handsome gentleman comes to her rescue which is how she first comes to meet Jack; the latest resident and her neighbour a few houses (226 steps to be exact!) down the road.
A light, quick paced and amusing story with 2 very likeable characters in Nicola and Jack. A lot of humour is on poor Jack’s unfortunate treatment at Puddling compared to Nicola. She’s treated very well, cosseted in fact by her housekeeper (all the patients are assigned a housekeeper who comes in daily to cook, clean & what have you). While Nicola’s feeds her lavishly with all sorts of delicious meals and treats, poor Jack’s housekeeper is the total opposite. Disapproving, barely feeding him (he is perpetually hungry poor man) and the most unappetizing, bland food one could imagine (cabbage soup! Hardly any meat. Definitely no sweets of desserts) & that makes for one of the humour points in the story (Nicola seducing Jack with food, & Jack somehow always managing to snaffle some food when he’s visiting her).
Jack makes for a very interesting and amusing at times, character, with his brilliant and active mind and gregariousness. Honourable too, as he feels that he can/should not offer for Nicola until he is over his depression and a “complete” man. Their chemistry is wonderful.
I'd not read the previous books in the series; this one reads fine as a standalone.
A great read to relax with after a tough day at work!
While out on her daily walk on a rather icy, cold day she slips and a handsome gentleman comes to her rescue which is how she first comes to meet Jack; the latest resident and her neighbour a few houses (226 steps to be exact!) down the road.
A light, quick paced and amusing story with 2 very likeable characters in Nicola and Jack. A lot of humour is on poor Jack’s unfortunate treatment at Puddling compared to Nicola. She’s treated very well, cosseted in fact by her housekeeper (all the patients are assigned a housekeeper who comes in daily to cook, clean & what have you). While Nicola’s feeds her lavishly with all sorts of delicious meals and treats, poor Jack’s housekeeper is the total opposite. Disapproving, barely feeding him (he is perpetually hungry poor man) and the most unappetizing, bland food one could imagine (cabbage soup! Hardly any meat. Definitely no sweets of desserts) & that makes for one of the humour points in the story (Nicola seducing Jack with food, & Jack somehow always managing to snaffle some food when he’s visiting her).
Jack makes for a very interesting and amusing at times, character, with his brilliant and active mind and gregariousness. Honourable too, as he feels that he can/should not offer for Nicola until he is over his depression and a “complete” man. Their chemistry is wonderful.
I'd not read the previous books in the series; this one reads fine as a standalone.
A great read to relax with after a tough day at work!
January 1, 2018
This is the third book in Maggie Robinson’s Cotswold Confidential series, after Schooling the Viscount and Seducing Mr. Sykes, and I am delighted to say that the series started strong and has gotten better with each book. Jack and Nicola are appealing characters who easily win the reader’s affection. They also sustain the reader’s interest, perhaps a more difficult feat. They have real problems, but they are more than their problems. Nicola’s muteness renders her vulnerable, but it does not diminish her quiet intelligence or subtle strength. Jack’s charm is more obvious and his intellect more extraordinary, but his appeal rests on less showy qualities as well, such as his sense of humor and his honor.
One of the strengths of this late-Victorian-set series has been the skill with which Robinson captures the way industrialization affected all areas of life and the growing sense that progress was not delivering all it had promised. That she manages to do this in books bright with laughter makes the series truly remarkable. Much of the laughter is attributable to the community and its residents who, for the most part, are devoted to preserving their livelihood and benevolently disposed toward their guests. I am particularly fond of Dr. Oakley, Ham Ross, and Moll the dog.
If you like historical romance that moves beyond the conventional settings of Regency ballroom or country house party, if you appreciate stories that make you laugh and provide food for thought, I highly recommend Redeeming Lord Ryder. I loved it, and I am hoping for more Puddling-on-the-Wold stories.
See full review at The Romance Dish:
http://www.theromancedish.com/2017/12...
One of the strengths of this late-Victorian-set series has been the skill with which Robinson captures the way industrialization affected all areas of life and the growing sense that progress was not delivering all it had promised. That she manages to do this in books bright with laughter makes the series truly remarkable. Much of the laughter is attributable to the community and its residents who, for the most part, are devoted to preserving their livelihood and benevolently disposed toward their guests. I am particularly fond of Dr. Oakley, Ham Ross, and Moll the dog.
If you like historical romance that moves beyond the conventional settings of Regency ballroom or country house party, if you appreciate stories that make you laugh and provide food for thought, I highly recommend Redeeming Lord Ryder. I loved it, and I am hoping for more Puddling-on-the-Wold stories.
See full review at The Romance Dish:
http://www.theromancedish.com/2017/12...
October 24, 2017
I received a copy of this book from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Redeeming Lord Ryder is the third in Maggie Robinson’s Cotswold Confidential series. I have not read the others in this series but it can be read as a standalone.
Mary Nicola Mayfield is recovering from the trauma of surviving a horrific train wreck which has rendered her mute. After two months of treatment at Puddling-on-the-Wold, she has shown no improvement.
Lord Jack Ryder has checked himself into Puddling-on-the-Wold. He is battling guilt and depression following a faulty girder from his iron foundry causing a bridge collapse, leading to several people losing their lives. He is unable to adjust to the strict conditions imposed on him and finds himself drawn to his quiet neighbour.
This was an interesting read focusing on mental health in a historical setting. Anyone familiar with the history of mental health treatment is aware that this story is unrealistic for its time period. In fact, the treatments undertaken here are only now becoming the focus of mental health. Leaving all that aside, it is a great read about overcoming obstacles and learning to move on.
Both central characters are likeable people who are easy to relate to. The story develops at a nice pace and it’s easy to become engrossed in the lives of this quirky village’s inhabitants.
Redeeming Lord Ryder is the third in Maggie Robinson’s Cotswold Confidential series. I have not read the others in this series but it can be read as a standalone.
Mary Nicola Mayfield is recovering from the trauma of surviving a horrific train wreck which has rendered her mute. After two months of treatment at Puddling-on-the-Wold, she has shown no improvement.
Lord Jack Ryder has checked himself into Puddling-on-the-Wold. He is battling guilt and depression following a faulty girder from his iron foundry causing a bridge collapse, leading to several people losing their lives. He is unable to adjust to the strict conditions imposed on him and finds himself drawn to his quiet neighbour.
This was an interesting read focusing on mental health in a historical setting. Anyone familiar with the history of mental health treatment is aware that this story is unrealistic for its time period. In fact, the treatments undertaken here are only now becoming the focus of mental health. Leaving all that aside, it is a great read about overcoming obstacles and learning to move on.
Both central characters are likeable people who are easy to relate to. The story develops at a nice pace and it’s easy to become engrossed in the lives of this quirky village’s inhabitants.
November 25, 2017
Nicola Mayfield was in a bad train accident and was rendered mute. After trying many cures, she's ended up in Puddling where the wealthy go for rehabilitation. So far, nothing is working until she meets Lord Jack Ryder, a fellow inmate there because of his depression. Neither realizes at first that Jack owns the factory which made the weak girders that collapsed and caused the train accident.
This was a very entertaining addition to the Cotswold Confidential series. Nicola and Jack are a witty pair even with the handicap of Nicola's mutism. It's interesting how much they learn about each other even with the constraints inherent in their story.
I'd recently read another romance with a mute hero which was not nearly as successful in describing the challenges of such an encumbrance. I especially liked that Ms. Robinson didn't fall into the easy trope of having them learn a sign language for communication (though they tried). Many of the residents of Puddling show up though you don't need to read the earlier books to understand this one. A thoroughly enjoyable visit to the Cotswolds in winter during the holidays, I really liked Redeeming Lord Ryder and can't wait for the next book.
This was a very entertaining addition to the Cotswold Confidential series. Nicola and Jack are a witty pair even with the handicap of Nicola's mutism. It's interesting how much they learn about each other even with the constraints inherent in their story.
I'd recently read another romance with a mute hero which was not nearly as successful in describing the challenges of such an encumbrance. I especially liked that Ms. Robinson didn't fall into the easy trope of having them learn a sign language for communication (though they tried). Many of the residents of Puddling show up though you don't need to read the earlier books to understand this one. A thoroughly enjoyable visit to the Cotswolds in winter during the holidays, I really liked Redeeming Lord Ryder and can't wait for the next book.
January 5, 2024
3,5
Anche il terzo volume di questa serie parte bene e si perde per strada.
Stavolta entrambi i protagonisti si ritrovano Ospiti del villaggio di Puddling-on-the-Wold, trasformato in un grande centro di cura e riabilitazione per ricchi.
Nicola è sopravvissuta a un incidente ferroviario ed è rimasta muta, venendo lasciata dal fidanzato e divenendo motivo di tribolazione per la famiglia.
Il barone Jack è invece un industriale ricco e intelligente che sta attraversando un forte periodo di stress a seguito di proprie vicissitudini (si ritiene responsabile di un certo incidente...)
I due iniziano una relazione amorosa, per quanto vietata dal rigido regolamento del villaggio.
Idea interessante, ma il Pov di lei raccontato attraverso i suoi pensieri/gesti è un po' prolisso e stancante.
Anche il terzo volume di questa serie parte bene e si perde per strada.
Stavolta entrambi i protagonisti si ritrovano Ospiti del villaggio di Puddling-on-the-Wold, trasformato in un grande centro di cura e riabilitazione per ricchi.
Nicola è sopravvissuta a un incidente ferroviario ed è rimasta muta, venendo lasciata dal fidanzato e divenendo motivo di tribolazione per la famiglia.
Il barone Jack è invece un industriale ricco e intelligente che sta attraversando un forte periodo di stress a seguito di proprie vicissitudini (si ritiene responsabile di un certo incidente...)
I due iniziano una relazione amorosa, per quanto vietata dal rigido regolamento del villaggio.
Idea interessante, ma il Pov di lei raccontato attraverso i suoi pensieri/gesti è un po' prolisso e stancante.
December 10, 2017
Mary and Lord Jack Ryder should have never met. They are on opposite sides of everything. He knows she can’t speak and doesn’t know why. He is there to get over his guilt from an accident that many people were hurt in. The two of them create a tight friendship that is frowned on. When secrets come out it will bend and possibly break them. The story is set in a time where Mary would be a spinster, but their love for each other can pull them through.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
October 23, 2017
I’ve read this Series and enjoyed it greatly. This one was especially touching, dealing with depression and other emotional issues , while others have been more related to behavioral issues. The couple is quite sweet, though I found the girl to be rather forward for the time. I liked how they resolved their issues and came to terms with their situation. I received a free arc in exchange for an honest review.
April 28, 2019
This author is wonderful and it's a pity she doesn't have a great deal of ratings; I've loved all the books I've read by her. This one is beautifully written and I've taken my time with it, as so much is packed into each page. It's set in 1880's England and Ms Robinson has done a good job of capturing the era very well. Great banter between the H/h and I found myself smiling throughout at their antics and their romance. Very well done steam build-up and some sizzling, tasteful romance scenes. 😍
March 20, 2018
Cute enough but I get bored with the actual falling in love part of romances these days, so once the plot part of the story was mainly resolved and all that was left was for them to figure out they were in love, I lost interest.
February 10, 2018
I enjoyed reading.
December 29, 2019
A difficult plot that forced the writer into more telling than I like. The H was well drawn, likely a savant, felt guilty about a terrible accident. The h was less well drawn, not very interesting to me. I liked the setting, and the somewhat unexpected steamy scenes were fun, but I didn't much like the h. It was just OK, not my favourite in this series.
August 17, 2021
Original story line. Charming hero and heroine.
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