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The Southwark Saga #2
Virtue's Lady
Lady Jane Ramsey is young, beautiful, and ruined.
After being rescued from her kidnapping by a handsome highwayman, she returns home only to find her marriage prospects drastically reduced. Her father expects her to marry the repulsive Lord Lewes, but Jane has other plans. All she can think about is her highwayman, and she is determined to find him again.
Mark Virtue is trying to go straight. After years of robbing coaches and surviving on his wits, he knows it's time to hang up his pistol and become the carpenter he was trained to be. He busies himself with finding work for his neighbors and improving his corner of Southwark as he tries to forget the girl who haunts his dreams. As a carpenter struggling to stay in work in the aftermath of The Fire, he knows Jane is unfathomably far beyond his reach, and there's no use wishing for the impossible.
When Jane turns up in Southwark, Mark is furious. She has no way of understanding just how much danger she has put them in by running away. In spite of his growing feelings for her, he knows that Southwark is no place for a lady. Jane must set aside her lessons to learn a new set of rules if she is to make a life for herself in the crime-ridden slum. She will fight for her freedom and her life if that's what it takes to prove to Mark--and to herself--that there's more to her than meets the eye.
After being rescued from her kidnapping by a handsome highwayman, she returns home only to find her marriage prospects drastically reduced. Her father expects her to marry the repulsive Lord Lewes, but Jane has other plans. All she can think about is her highwayman, and she is determined to find him again.
Mark Virtue is trying to go straight. After years of robbing coaches and surviving on his wits, he knows it's time to hang up his pistol and become the carpenter he was trained to be. He busies himself with finding work for his neighbors and improving his corner of Southwark as he tries to forget the girl who haunts his dreams. As a carpenter struggling to stay in work in the aftermath of The Fire, he knows Jane is unfathomably far beyond his reach, and there's no use wishing for the impossible.
When Jane turns up in Southwark, Mark is furious. She has no way of understanding just how much danger she has put them in by running away. In spite of his growing feelings for her, he knows that Southwark is no place for a lady. Jane must set aside her lessons to learn a new set of rules if she is to make a life for herself in the crime-ridden slum. She will fight for her freedom and her life if that's what it takes to prove to Mark--and to herself--that there's more to her than meets the eye.
330 pages, ebook
First published April 13, 2015
4 people are currently reading
510 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Cale
21 books180 followersJessica Cale is an award-winning author, public historian, and journalist. Originally from Minnesota, she earned her BA in History and MFA in Creative and Media Writing at Swansea University in Wales, while working as a freelance contributor to BBC History Magazine. She has volunteered as a sex-education teacher for Planned Parenthood, and she brings the history of sex to a broader audience as the host of the Dirty Sexy History podcast and editor of the Dirty Sexy History blog. She has appeared as an on-camera historian on Netflix’s hit docudrama, The Lost Pirate Kingdom. Jessica is passionate about women’s social and medical history, focusing on the history of sex, contraception, drugs, and cosmetics
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 23, 2015
Minutes after closing Jessica Cale's Virtue's Lady, I am still alternately sighing and wishing I could live in her world a little longer. Thanks to this book, book 2 in her wonderful Southwark Saga, and Tyburn (book 1), Ms. Cale has become my favorite new author. Her attention to detail is meticulous and yet she never gets bogged down in useless information. The story never suffers from too much information. And, oh, what a story! Lady Jane Ramsey is an earl's daughter in post-Fire London. She has fallen, quite inconveniently, in love with Mark Virtue, the sexiest hero I've met in a long time. However, Mark is a carpenter who lives south of river amongst whores and laborers. He's even spent time in Newgate Prison. That doesn't stop this plucky pair from becoming absolutely besotted with one another. While Mark attempts to nobly put Jane aside, so she may live her life of privilege, Jane will have nothing to do with it. This woman fights for her man. Literally. Several times. She is a wonderful heroine. Filled with snippets set in the prison, the terrifying Bedlam, and cast with so many delightful characters, Virtue's Lady will remain a beloved read of mine. I know any romance fan will adore it, too.
January 31, 2016
Virtue’s Lady is a nice addition to Southwark saga series. Another incredible book by author Jessica Cale! She brought a shimmering and sensational story filled with enough chemistry and tension to satisfy a reader and make her escape in Restoration London.
Virtue’s Lady is a story of second chances, an uplifting look about not settling for less than you deserve. I found it to be delightfully endearing. Moved me and had me charmed. By the end of the book, I was definitely craving more of these characters. This plot has it all, adventure, love, revenge, twists in the action that leave you wondering what may happen next. All done in such a thoroughly interesting narrative. I loved it!
Interesting characters and engaging plot. Having read Tyburn, I was glad I could read the second book in the series Southwark saga, Virtue’s Lady. I met again Nick and Sally from Tyburn. They were my favorite characters. Now Jane and Mark take the leading roles.
Jane, Lady Jane, is determined to win the heart of the man she loves. Her sacrifice and will power won my admiration. She is my favorite character in Virtue’s Lady.
Mark, Lord Somerton's half brother, on the other hand, believe me, there were moments when I’d have jumped into the story to kick him for being a stubborn man. He rejects Jane but leaves himself led by conniving Meg.
I can’t tell you more without revealing the plot, and I never do it. If you love historical romance, adventure, and page-turning intrigue you must pick up this series! You won't be disappointed, I promise! Wonderful. Looking forward to her next work.
August 19, 2015
Cale has delivered the historical steam in full force again in Virtue's Lady! Continuing the Southwark Saga with Lord Somerton's half brother, Mark and his late chapter liaison with Lady Jane.
Creating a steel spined female character of noble blood, Cale once again takes the reader into 1600's London to the "other side of the bridge." Though Mark denies her believing that he's not good enough for her, Jane is determined to stay. Offered a helping hand by Lady Somerton, she demands to be allowed to stay on in Southwark and live a life of freedom even though it means hard work and hardship.
Cale does a wonderful job of detailing the hard work required and the feeling of accomplishment at the end of the day. Jane quickly climbs the ladder of the reader's esteem by remaining steadfast in her love for Mark and her desire NOT to return home to a controlling father.
A fantastic follow up to Tyburn- Book One in the Southwark Saga. This series is highly recommended for readers who love a little rough romance and accurate historical information. An easy 5 star read.
Creating a steel spined female character of noble blood, Cale once again takes the reader into 1600's London to the "other side of the bridge." Though Mark denies her believing that he's not good enough for her, Jane is determined to stay. Offered a helping hand by Lady Somerton, she demands to be allowed to stay on in Southwark and live a life of freedom even though it means hard work and hardship.
Cale does a wonderful job of detailing the hard work required and the feeling of accomplishment at the end of the day. Jane quickly climbs the ladder of the reader's esteem by remaining steadfast in her love for Mark and her desire NOT to return home to a controlling father.
A fantastic follow up to Tyburn- Book One in the Southwark Saga. This series is highly recommended for readers who love a little rough romance and accurate historical information. An easy 5 star read.
February 8, 2016
Captivating. Unique and badass historical novel.
Jessica Cale has come to play ladies and gents!
There comes a time where you read a novel and the writing is so engaging, the story so vivid, the imagery so convincing and the characters so seductive that reading it becomes more than a pastime and evolves into a totally amazing experience. I stand before you today, barely able to communicate coherently through my blissed-out, post reading euphoric haze. I keep trying to hold on to rationale, of course you can not transport yourself back to restoration London and be apart of this world.- No Sheena, it does not work that way, it’s a novel, honey…gah. Virtue’s Lady has catapulted me to defcon 1 levels of OHMIGODTHISBOOKISGOOD! Book one, Tyburn, snared my attention and I was so engrossed in Virtue’s Lady that around 67% through, I became feverishly obsessed with the fear that it would all end far too soon! (Spoiler alert- it did!)
Loved! Full review via smexybooks.com
Jessica Cale has come to play ladies and gents!
There comes a time where you read a novel and the writing is so engaging, the story so vivid, the imagery so convincing and the characters so seductive that reading it becomes more than a pastime and evolves into a totally amazing experience. I stand before you today, barely able to communicate coherently through my blissed-out, post reading euphoric haze. I keep trying to hold on to rationale, of course you can not transport yourself back to restoration London and be apart of this world.- No Sheena, it does not work that way, it’s a novel, honey…gah. Virtue’s Lady has catapulted me to defcon 1 levels of OHMIGODTHISBOOKISGOOD! Book one, Tyburn, snared my attention and I was so engrossed in Virtue’s Lady that around 67% through, I became feverishly obsessed with the fear that it would all end far too soon! (Spoiler alert- it did!)
Loved! Full review via smexybooks.com
May 11, 2015
Once again, Jessica Cale has delighted me with a love story set during the Restoration period. I liked this "sequel" even better than the first book. Jane, a society girl in love with a carpenter, leaves her sheltered life for adventure and love, she hopes, among the commoners in Southwark. Jane's fierce independence and a wonderful supporting cast - Carys in particular - made this a very fun book to read. I'm looking forward to the third installment.
September 30, 2019
Historical romance with generous helpings of bith
The second installment in Jessica Cale's Southwark Saga proves once again that this is an author to watch. Fleeing a life of privilege, Lady Jane re-creates herself in the slums of Southwark, finding richness, and love, amidst the squalor. Mark Virtue is a carpenter, good with his hands and better with his heart, albeit thicknesses when it comes to love. With a vibrant supporting cast, this is a must read for those who prefer historical romances with generous helpings of both.
The second installment in Jessica Cale's Southwark Saga proves once again that this is an author to watch. Fleeing a life of privilege, Lady Jane re-creates herself in the slums of Southwark, finding richness, and love, amidst the squalor. Mark Virtue is a carpenter, good with his hands and better with his heart, albeit thicknesses when it comes to love. With a vibrant supporting cast, this is a must read for those who prefer historical romances with generous helpings of both.
May 25, 2017
Rascals, footpads & a Lady. So surprised at how Jane turned out in this book. Loved it
June 24, 2016
CALE HAS DONE IT AGAIN!
This is my second novel of Jessica Cale's and I was blown away, once again! I'm most certainly becoming a fan of her work!
In "Virtue's Lady" we return to 15th century England where "Tyburn" left off. Lady Jane Ramsey's reputation is in shambles after she was kidnapped. Almost all of her "respectable suitors" have ceased associations with her family. After all no one wants a ruined wife... and if they knew she willingly gave herself to a footpad like a common whore, oh the scandal! The day she met dashing highway man/ carpenter, Mark Virtue (enter swoons here), her life was forever changed. How could poor Jane possibly hope to find happiness with any of the wealthy, and rapidly aging men that her father has selected for her?
Determined to find her lover, Jane sets out on her own with a few possessions of value to help her on the journey to the slums of Southwark. She is not met with the warm greetings of affection that she was expecting, instead she receives a rude awakening... She soon makes the acquaintance of a boisterous, belligerent, buxom bar-wench, (need I add another adjective that starts with a B?) Meg Henshawe, making the claim to be none other than the future Mrs. Mark Virtue!
This is when Jane discovers exactly what she's made of. Instead of returning to her pampered life in her father's house, she decides to stick it out and form a life for herself in Southwark. Along the way, she crosses paths with Celeste Virtue (Sally Green) who helps her get a job as a seamstress in a shop.
Jessica Cale has done it again! She's brought her readers back to the very real, gritty world of England that was. She's given us major character development of Jane Ramsey, who was a bit pampered and annoying in book one! "Virtue's Lady" is every bit as good as "Tyburn"! Multidimensional, a compelling storyline, and VERY well researched.
This is my second novel of Jessica Cale's and I was blown away, once again! I'm most certainly becoming a fan of her work!
In "Virtue's Lady" we return to 15th century England where "Tyburn" left off. Lady Jane Ramsey's reputation is in shambles after she was kidnapped. Almost all of her "respectable suitors" have ceased associations with her family. After all no one wants a ruined wife... and if they knew she willingly gave herself to a footpad like a common whore, oh the scandal! The day she met dashing highway man/ carpenter, Mark Virtue (enter swoons here), her life was forever changed. How could poor Jane possibly hope to find happiness with any of the wealthy, and rapidly aging men that her father has selected for her?
Determined to find her lover, Jane sets out on her own with a few possessions of value to help her on the journey to the slums of Southwark. She is not met with the warm greetings of affection that she was expecting, instead she receives a rude awakening... She soon makes the acquaintance of a boisterous, belligerent, buxom bar-wench, (need I add another adjective that starts with a B?) Meg Henshawe, making the claim to be none other than the future Mrs. Mark Virtue!
This is when Jane discovers exactly what she's made of. Instead of returning to her pampered life in her father's house, she decides to stick it out and form a life for herself in Southwark. Along the way, she crosses paths with Celeste Virtue (Sally Green) who helps her get a job as a seamstress in a shop.
Jessica Cale has done it again! She's brought her readers back to the very real, gritty world of England that was. She's given us major character development of Jane Ramsey, who was a bit pampered and annoying in book one! "Virtue's Lady" is every bit as good as "Tyburn"! Multidimensional, a compelling storyline, and VERY well researched.
March 20, 2019
Original review here: https://courtneyreadsromancesite.word...
Review upon reread originally posted here: https://courtneyreadsromancesite.word...
4.5 stars. After rereading Tyburn, I was eager to revisit the rest of the series. And while if there’s a weakest book in the series, this one might be it for me, it’s still a superb book, and it’s only a few notches below the others.
Once again, as I did with my reread of the prior book, I did find myself feeling a bit more sympathetic to Jane’s plight than I was the first time around, and I began to really take note of her transformation from spoiled brat who disrespects her servants to learning what it’s like to do honest work like them. And while her development still seems a little unrealistic at times, I did feel I was more or less convinced she was in her element in Southwark.
I still don’t find Mark as much to my taste as some of the other heroes in the series, but I do love his relationship with Jane, first respecting the fact that things are impossible between them, then being right by her side as she embraces life in Southwark.
I also really liked seeing the little hints of Meg’s vulnerability a little more in this one. While she definitely had her moments of not being the best person, and I still found it ridiculous that she laid claim to Mark despite not really being “with” him officially for years, I can stil understand her desire for stability when everyone else around her isn’t providing that.
This is a great second book by Jessica Cale, and, like its predecessor, it is just as good upon reread. I enthusiastically recommend this series to anyone looking for something new in historical romance.
Review upon reread originally posted here: https://courtneyreadsromancesite.word...
4.5 stars. After rereading Tyburn, I was eager to revisit the rest of the series. And while if there’s a weakest book in the series, this one might be it for me, it’s still a superb book, and it’s only a few notches below the others.
Once again, as I did with my reread of the prior book, I did find myself feeling a bit more sympathetic to Jane’s plight than I was the first time around, and I began to really take note of her transformation from spoiled brat who disrespects her servants to learning what it’s like to do honest work like them. And while her development still seems a little unrealistic at times, I did feel I was more or less convinced she was in her element in Southwark.
I still don’t find Mark as much to my taste as some of the other heroes in the series, but I do love his relationship with Jane, first respecting the fact that things are impossible between them, then being right by her side as she embraces life in Southwark.
I also really liked seeing the little hints of Meg’s vulnerability a little more in this one. While she definitely had her moments of not being the best person, and I still found it ridiculous that she laid claim to Mark despite not really being “with” him officially for years, I can stil understand her desire for stability when everyone else around her isn’t providing that.
This is a great second book by Jessica Cale, and, like its predecessor, it is just as good upon reread. I enthusiastically recommend this series to anyone looking for something new in historical romance.
July 12, 2017
I guess that's what I get for reading these books out of order. I first met Mark and Jane in "Broken Things" where I didn't quite understand Meg's relationship to them and her utter disdain, aside from her skewed perception, that is. Now I get it!
I loved this book. Jessica Cale writes "Jane" with such pluck and determination. I perceived Jane as ornamental in "Broken Things" and my perception of her was much the same in Book 1. In "Virtue's Lady" the tables were turned, flipped and shattered.
Mark "bloody" Virtue was awesome. He proves that all is not always what it seems. I loved the way that his internal thoughts and feelings were laid bare for the reader. Appearances can be deceiving. You can't judge a book by its cover. No truer words could be spoken with respect to our hero.
Once again, the narrative was tight. The secondary characters were truly engaging. The relationship felt real and organic. I feared for Jane and Mark at various times in the book. My smile was so wide by the end.
I'm so happy that this is a saga because I look forward to reading everyone's story in Southwark.
I recommend this book to all who'd like a glimpse into the grittier side of 17th century London. This series is truly a gem!
I loved this book. Jessica Cale writes "Jane" with such pluck and determination. I perceived Jane as ornamental in "Broken Things" and my perception of her was much the same in Book 1. In "Virtue's Lady" the tables were turned, flipped and shattered.
Mark "bloody" Virtue was awesome. He proves that all is not always what it seems. I loved the way that his internal thoughts and feelings were laid bare for the reader. Appearances can be deceiving. You can't judge a book by its cover. No truer words could be spoken with respect to our hero.
Once again, the narrative was tight. The secondary characters were truly engaging. The relationship felt real and organic. I feared for Jane and Mark at various times in the book. My smile was so wide by the end.
I'm so happy that this is a saga because I look forward to reading everyone's story in Southwark.
I recommend this book to all who'd like a glimpse into the grittier side of 17th century London. This series is truly a gem!
December 25, 2015
Damn, I didn't think Jessica Cale could improve on her first novel and then she went and did it. We return to Southwark where Jane, a rebel runaway is learning to live on her own terms, becoming a seamstress, drinking booze, befriending bisexuals and of course, trying to convince the beautiful Mark Virtue that just because he took hers (virtue, I mean read the book and you'll get what I'm saying) doesn't mean they shouldn't be together. This book had so many layers of deliciousness. Carys, the delightful Saphhic roommate was excellent, so were Mark's gaggle of bantering boys. Sally makes some entirely appropriate cameos and Jane, despite being A Sheltered Rich Girl avoids all the usual steryotpyes by being insightful, brave and at times funny.
I rarely read a book where there is a female rival for the leads attention, in this case Meg, who is written with so much class and depth. While Meg is beautiful and manipulative she's also three dimensional. She's a feminist in her own way, just wanting to raise her kids and have her fun the same as any man can. I kind of loved her. Bravo Jessica Cale you talented writer you. I'm pumped to read your next Southwark offering.
I rarely read a book where there is a female rival for the leads attention, in this case Meg, who is written with so much class and depth. While Meg is beautiful and manipulative she's also three dimensional. She's a feminist in her own way, just wanting to raise her kids and have her fun the same as any man can. I kind of loved her. Bravo Jessica Cale you talented writer you. I'm pumped to read your next Southwark offering.
January 27, 2016
In Cale's return to Restoration London, a fistfighting fallen angel overcomes paternalism, jealous exes, conpersons, dirty linen, and being committed, not just to win the cheeky fella of her dreams but also to prove to herself and the doubters that she can. Gritty, funny, fraught with perils, ultimately satisfying. What more do you want?
February 6, 2016
Excellent second book by Jessica Cale. Keep writing and I will keep reading. Hope to meet you one day. So glad my daughter Brandi told me about you. Looking forward to book three in the Southwark Saga
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February 6, 2016Great 2nd book by Jessica Cale.
I really enjoyed the second book by Jessica Cale. Looking forward to book three of the Southwark Saga. So glad my daughter Brandi told me about you. Highly recommend!!
I really enjoyed the second book by Jessica Cale. Looking forward to book three of the Southwark Saga. So glad my daughter Brandi told me about you. Highly recommend!!
February 19, 2020
Such a wonderful book, full of proper and realistic history, about the poorer area of Restoration London, Southwark. So refreshing to read about a different mileu in an HR.
What a fantastic heroine Jane is, Lady Jane Ramsay, has already given away her heart to Mark Virtue, half brother to the Earl of Sommerton, and common Carpenter. Mark, former highwayman and inmate of the frankly terrible Newgate, can’t stop dreaming of Lady Jane, while being convinced she is not for the likes of him. As far as he is concerned, she would be far happier marrying an aristocrat and living in comfort for the rest of her life.
Lady Jane has other ideas, she loses her virginity to Mark, in order to make herself unmarriageable, but her heartless and disinterested father betroths her to Lord Lewes, an elderly peer.
Jane runs away to Southwark, is rejected outright by Mark, and manages to be robbed blind and sleep in the streets before finding herself a job, some accommodation and some friends. Despite Marks repeated rejection ( he believes she won’t cope with common life for long, that she is playing at real life, and suspecting that she is a little like the spoilt and selfish aristocratic girls he has come across before), she keeps trying. When she realises his childhood friend Meg, proprietor of the Rose and Crown, has staked her claim on Mark, she gets on with her life in Southwark.
I loved her, fearless in going after the life she wants, yet kind and generous and determined. She isn’t a Mary Sue at all, she is just indomitable- she also truly loves Mark, and fights for him repeatedly, she thrives in very difficult circumstances , despite the best efforts of lots of rich men, such as her father Lord Hereford, villain of the first book, and Lord Norbury, who is determined to trick her into marrying him, so he can abandon her, once he has secured her dowry. She survives imprisonment, robbing, coercion, saves children from being killed in a fire, and a forced betrothal and being locked up in Bedlam before she gets her very well deserved HEA. What a woman. She never forgets Mark, and is prepared to do what it takes to look after his wellbeing and make him happy, she risks herself to comfort him in Newgate, and manages to gift him something even as she agrees to marry someone else to protect him.
Mark is a swoon worthy hero, although it took him a long time to get over his doubts and issues, but the star of the show here was Lady Jane, which made me realise how rarely we get such a well realised heroine.
Loved this.
KU
What a fantastic heroine Jane is, Lady Jane Ramsay, has already given away her heart to Mark Virtue, half brother to the Earl of Sommerton, and common Carpenter. Mark, former highwayman and inmate of the frankly terrible Newgate, can’t stop dreaming of Lady Jane, while being convinced she is not for the likes of him. As far as he is concerned, she would be far happier marrying an aristocrat and living in comfort for the rest of her life.
Lady Jane has other ideas, she loses her virginity to Mark, in order to make herself unmarriageable, but her heartless and disinterested father betroths her to Lord Lewes, an elderly peer.
Jane runs away to Southwark, is rejected outright by Mark, and manages to be robbed blind and sleep in the streets before finding herself a job, some accommodation and some friends. Despite Marks repeated rejection ( he believes she won’t cope with common life for long, that she is playing at real life, and suspecting that she is a little like the spoilt and selfish aristocratic girls he has come across before), she keeps trying. When she realises his childhood friend Meg, proprietor of the Rose and Crown, has staked her claim on Mark, she gets on with her life in Southwark.
I loved her, fearless in going after the life she wants, yet kind and generous and determined. She isn’t a Mary Sue at all, she is just indomitable- she also truly loves Mark, and fights for him repeatedly, she thrives in very difficult circumstances , despite the best efforts of lots of rich men, such as her father Lord Hereford, villain of the first book, and Lord Norbury, who is determined to trick her into marrying him, so he can abandon her, once he has secured her dowry. She survives imprisonment, robbing, coercion, saves children from being killed in a fire, and a forced betrothal and being locked up in Bedlam before she gets her very well deserved HEA. What a woman. She never forgets Mark, and is prepared to do what it takes to look after his wellbeing and make him happy, she risks herself to comfort him in Newgate, and manages to gift him something even as she agrees to marry someone else to protect him.
Mark is a swoon worthy hero, although it took him a long time to get over his doubts and issues, but the star of the show here was Lady Jane, which made me realise how rarely we get such a well realised heroine.
Loved this.
KU
July 28, 2022
SPOILERS
A lot of logical fallacies happening here.. Mark is not handsome at the beginning and then all the sudden super handsome. In the rest of the book.
When she rescues the kids, he breaks thru the wall and she hands kids to him, but then at the end she still has to crawl thru the small hole with Mark pulling her out from the other side because it was too small for him....how did he get out with the kids?
WHY would Jane go to all the trouble of dressing up like a prostitute to get into Newgate only to turn around and tell the truth? Couldn't she have just said she was his wife to get in?
ALSO it's ridiculously unbelievable that Lord H wouldn't recognize Sally. If he can recognize that she has the same nose as the king when she is a prostitute and then again when she's a countess....how could he possibly not recognize her as the same person??
A lot of logical fallacies happening here.. Mark is not handsome at the beginning and then all the sudden super handsome. In the rest of the book.
When she rescues the kids, he breaks thru the wall and she hands kids to him, but then at the end she still has to crawl thru the small hole with Mark pulling her out from the other side because it was too small for him....how did he get out with the kids?
WHY would Jane go to all the trouble of dressing up like a prostitute to get into Newgate only to turn around and tell the truth? Couldn't she have just said she was his wife to get in?
ALSO it's ridiculously unbelievable that Lord H wouldn't recognize Sally. If he can recognize that she has the same nose as the king when she is a prostitute and then again when she's a countess....how could he possibly not recognize her as the same person??
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2023
Another wonderful entry, this one following Jane and Mark’s developing romance that was setup in the last book. Reading that book isn’t necessary for this one, but the first book does provide a bit of fun backstory. The stakes in this book didn’t feel as high or immediate as in Book 1, though they did build to an exciting enough climax. The feeling of lowered stakes might have to do with the female main character, Jane, being incredibly privileged even if it is the source of her societal constraints, and from the main male character, Mark, having an educated and highly respected physician half-brother to call on. Nevertheless, there were real dangers to Mark’s life and Jane’s freedom. Enough to keep me interested.
September 29, 2018
I loved this book. It got me even more interested in Southwark and the residents. I loved that this one was mostly fun and we got to see more of Jane. I grew to like her by the end of the first book which I'm guessing was the point. I'm definitely going to keep reading this series. Thanks twitter!
May 19, 2022
I went into this book with an unfavorable opinion of Jane and a neutral opinion of Mark and by the end of it That said, I appreciated the rest of the book and the writing was good.
October 27, 2018
DNF. Well written and I enjoyed the first one in the series. I just wasn't in the mood for something with the grittier elements this has. I may come back to it. I give all my DNF's 1 star.
March 8, 2021
I didn't like this as much as the first one, but it was still good.
December 7, 2022
it’s a rather poor chick lit , in it’s construction , flow and content. some sections make little sense others full of details. it was rather muddled in areas
March 5, 2016
This review is of “Virtue’s Lady” by Jessica Cale, the second book I am reading and reviewing for the Carolyn Awards.
The Story: The first person we meet is the heroine of the book, Lady Jane Ramsey. Lady Jane has recently been the victim of a kidnapping, but is now back with her family. She is not, however, the same person she was before her kidnapping; Lady Jane is no longer chaste. The man who Jane had sexual relations with is the hero of the book, Mark Virtue, a carpenter she had sex with to force her father, Richard Ramsey, Earl of Hereford, to declare her unmarriageable and get Jane out of having to deal with an arranged marriage. This attempt didn’t work and eventually, Jane leaves home to live on her own.
Jane gets a job as a seamstress in Mark’s hometown, Southwark, a town that can be charitably described as a slum. Also there is Mark’s friend and sometimes lover, Meg Henshawe, who claims she and Mark are a couple; they have been lovers, but Mark doesn’t love her the way he does Jane. Meanwhile, Jane is being pursued by a man, Charles Norbury, who has a title but no money, and wants to marry Jane for her dowry.
Jane and Mark fall in love, but she believes that he betrayed her and leaves Southwark. She is then forced into an engagement with Norbury by her father. Jane and Norbury never marry, but eventually, Jane does marry Mark and they have their Happily Ever After.
Upside: The book is a regency romance. The end of the book is good and emotional.
Downside: Pretty much everything else. The book is basically flat, the characters are uninteresting, and even when Ms. Cale tries to establish something-Jane’s running from her wealth to the slum of Southwark and her eventually emotional growth-it still doesn’t resonate.
Sex: Two barely lukewarm sex scenes.
Violence: There is a lot of violence, but most of it consists of slaps to the face. There are two notable scenes of violence. One involves Jane and Meg, who engage in a brutal fistfight in a boxing ring, which Jane eventually wins. The other scene also involves Jane, but it’s too germane to the plot so I can’t reveal it.
Bottom Line: “Virtue’s Lady” had some potential, but Ms. Cale never fulfills it.
The Story: The first person we meet is the heroine of the book, Lady Jane Ramsey. Lady Jane has recently been the victim of a kidnapping, but is now back with her family. She is not, however, the same person she was before her kidnapping; Lady Jane is no longer chaste. The man who Jane had sexual relations with is the hero of the book, Mark Virtue, a carpenter she had sex with to force her father, Richard Ramsey, Earl of Hereford, to declare her unmarriageable and get Jane out of having to deal with an arranged marriage. This attempt didn’t work and eventually, Jane leaves home to live on her own.
Jane gets a job as a seamstress in Mark’s hometown, Southwark, a town that can be charitably described as a slum. Also there is Mark’s friend and sometimes lover, Meg Henshawe, who claims she and Mark are a couple; they have been lovers, but Mark doesn’t love her the way he does Jane. Meanwhile, Jane is being pursued by a man, Charles Norbury, who has a title but no money, and wants to marry Jane for her dowry.
Jane and Mark fall in love, but she believes that he betrayed her and leaves Southwark. She is then forced into an engagement with Norbury by her father. Jane and Norbury never marry, but eventually, Jane does marry Mark and they have their Happily Ever After.
Upside: The book is a regency romance. The end of the book is good and emotional.
Downside: Pretty much everything else. The book is basically flat, the characters are uninteresting, and even when Ms. Cale tries to establish something-Jane’s running from her wealth to the slum of Southwark and her eventually emotional growth-it still doesn’t resonate.
Sex: Two barely lukewarm sex scenes.
Violence: There is a lot of violence, but most of it consists of slaps to the face. There are two notable scenes of violence. One involves Jane and Meg, who engage in a brutal fistfight in a boxing ring, which Jane eventually wins. The other scene also involves Jane, but it’s too germane to the plot so I can’t reveal it.
Bottom Line: “Virtue’s Lady” had some potential, but Ms. Cale never fulfills it.
February 11, 2016
DNF chapter 21.
Skip and skim throughout the book, there is nothing wrong with it, it is actually quite well written. It's just that Historical romance isn't really my cup of tea.
Sorry!
Skip and skim throughout the book, there is nothing wrong with it, it is actually quite well written. It's just that Historical romance isn't really my cup of tea.
Sorry!
Read
April 25, 2018I will not pretend I liked this novel
Life in slums has always been brutal and disease ridden .Trying to insert a romantic interest is ridiculous.The whole set up is a theatrical hygenic travesty , fake dirt , painted backdrops and modern people in fancy dress.
Life in slums has always been brutal and disease ridden .Trying to insert a romantic interest is ridiculous.The whole set up is a theatrical hygenic travesty , fake dirt , painted backdrops and modern people in fancy dress.
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