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Parvenues & Paramours #2
Mistress of Two Fortunes and a Duke
Parental neglect and new money have been the making of parvenue heiress and incorrigible do-gooder, Tilly Ravelsham. She is bent on relieving poverty and forwarding the cause of liberty by whatever means necessary. True, she dabbles in the demi-monde. True, she breaks into houses. True, she conducts scandalous enterprises and an affair that could ruin her socially, if her enemy exposes her. But is that all so very wrong?
Despite falling in love with Mr. Rutherford, a delicious man about town, Tilly is bound in a secret pact to the man about to marry her. She didn’t mean to fall for Rutherford, and breaking his heart is making her wretchedly unhappy. Then she realizes that she has crossed a line, that her actions and influence are slowly destroying him.
She knows she should set him free, so that he might be happy with another. But her heart refuses to let go, and Tilly is growing tired of making sacrifices so that others may find happiness when she is miserable.
Reluctant duke-to-be, Mr. Rutherford, has his life turned upside-down by the most fascinating, tempting and shocking woman he has ever met, leaving his heart utterly smitten. But as merely seducing her has proved ineffective, Rutherford must find some other way of convincing her to marry him before she makes it to the altar with her rich-as-a-prince fiancé.
When Rutherford’s love for the adventuress of his dreams gets him stabbed, pistol-whipped, unlawfully confined, and almost framed for a capital offence, will he conclude that there is such a thing as a young lady who is too interesting? Will he turn to the mysterious, beautiful widow his uncle has made him swear to protect?
And will a concealed pregnancy or a murder be the powder keg that blows all of Tilly and Rutherford’s plans and secrets wide open?
Despite falling in love with Mr. Rutherford, a delicious man about town, Tilly is bound in a secret pact to the man about to marry her. She didn’t mean to fall for Rutherford, and breaking his heart is making her wretchedly unhappy. Then she realizes that she has crossed a line, that her actions and influence are slowly destroying him.
She knows she should set him free, so that he might be happy with another. But her heart refuses to let go, and Tilly is growing tired of making sacrifices so that others may find happiness when she is miserable.
Reluctant duke-to-be, Mr. Rutherford, has his life turned upside-down by the most fascinating, tempting and shocking woman he has ever met, leaving his heart utterly smitten. But as merely seducing her has proved ineffective, Rutherford must find some other way of convincing her to marry him before she makes it to the altar with her rich-as-a-prince fiancé.
When Rutherford’s love for the adventuress of his dreams gets him stabbed, pistol-whipped, unlawfully confined, and almost framed for a capital offence, will he conclude that there is such a thing as a young lady who is too interesting? Will he turn to the mysterious, beautiful widow his uncle has made him swear to protect?
And will a concealed pregnancy or a murder be the powder keg that blows all of Tilly and Rutherford’s plans and secrets wide open?
362 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 6, 2018
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390 people want to read
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October 12, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/12/2019)! 🎁
October 26, 2018
Mistress of Two Fortunes and A Duke is book two in the Parvenues & Paramours series by Tessa Candle.
This is definitely not your typical romance. Candle confronts hard issues in this story such as drug addiction, sex slavery and the limitations on women of participating in “trade” during the late 1700’s to early 1800’s. Mistress of Two Fortunes is a complex tale with vulnerable and flawed characters. Book one was a hilarious romp. Book two ploughs into deeper issues while holding true to romance. There is some adventure and action in the story. But always with a happy ending. Make sure you read these books as a series. They are much richer that way.
This is definitely not your typical romance. Candle confronts hard issues in this story such as drug addiction, sex slavery and the limitations on women of participating in “trade” during the late 1700’s to early 1800’s. Mistress of Two Fortunes is a complex tale with vulnerable and flawed characters. Book one was a hilarious romp. Book two ploughs into deeper issues while holding true to romance. There is some adventure and action in the story. But always with a happy ending. Make sure you read these books as a series. They are much richer that way.
May 11, 2021
Typos all over. It needed editing, in the first half of the book half the time the main character was Tilly, then the other half it was Tidly or Tiddly. Also, the author tried mixing British English spelling with American English spelling, which was frustrating.
Another thing: the characters were inconsistent with the time period. While I understand that historical romance books will push and break certain rules for the plot to flow, in this case, it was overdone. It would've been more believable had it been set in America and the main character had been an American heiress or something. But being in England and breaking all the rules was pushed so much it lost believability.
So many additional characters were introduced then dropped without a hint of resolution. If the character does not push the plot and becomes also fully dimensional, then there is no need for it. It's just a flat character.
I was very bored reading this, which is sad, because I expected more from it.
Another thing: the characters were inconsistent with the time period. While I understand that historical romance books will push and break certain rules for the plot to flow, in this case, it was overdone. It would've been more believable had it been set in America and the main character had been an American heiress or something. But being in England and breaking all the rules was pushed so much it lost believability.
So many additional characters were introduced then dropped without a hint of resolution. If the character does not push the plot and becomes also fully dimensional, then there is no need for it. It's just a flat character.
I was very bored reading this, which is sad, because I expected more from it.
November 1, 2018
Must 💘Love 🐕Dogs
Recency Period circa 1820.
Tilly💃💋 is a wealthy titled young woman who has her fingers in many pies, most of them sketchy endeavors designed to make money to support her servant academy, a home and training center for street children, young fallen women, and orphans.
She has engaged herself to a Lord she likes but doesn't love, but keeps a paramour or boyfriend on the side that she sleeps with and adores💕. Her boyfriend, Rutherford🐺🍆🌋, is also a Lord and he's about to become a very wealthy Duke. He's also madly in 💘Love with Tilly💃💋. Tilly💃💋 finds herself falling for Rutherford🐺🍆🌋, too, but she thinks to deny herself happiness.
Rutherford🐺🍆🌋 loves his 🐕dogs, and takes his pointer and bloodhound every where he goes. Aaaaaahhhhhhhh.....how can you resist or not 💘love a man who loves 🐕dogs!?
Highly recommend this Adult Historical Romance!
Recency Period circa 1820.
Tilly💃💋 is a wealthy titled young woman who has her fingers in many pies, most of them sketchy endeavors designed to make money to support her servant academy, a home and training center for street children, young fallen women, and orphans.
She has engaged herself to a Lord she likes but doesn't love, but keeps a paramour or boyfriend on the side that she sleeps with and adores💕. Her boyfriend, Rutherford🐺🍆🌋, is also a Lord and he's about to become a very wealthy Duke. He's also madly in 💘Love with Tilly💃💋. Tilly💃💋 finds herself falling for Rutherford🐺🍆🌋, too, but she thinks to deny herself happiness.
Rutherford🐺🍆🌋 loves his 🐕dogs, and takes his pointer and bloodhound every where he goes. Aaaaaahhhhhhhh.....how can you resist or not 💘love a man who loves 🐕dogs!?
Highly recommend this Adult Historical Romance!
Read
May 17, 2021once again: did not expect to genuinely enjoy this. also i cannot believe the protagonist girl-bossed her way into inventing fair trade sugar. incredible all around.
December 25, 2018
More twists and turns than a Disney rollercoaster
When an author tells a good story, it makes a fair book. When the characters live and breathe in the mind they hold readers' attention and tease around the edges of other activities until the reader comes back for a other dose of storytime. However, this book is not like that. Every character is complete with an entire story and readers will come to know quickly that we are only seeing the parts of those stories that are required to tell this one tale. By the time we k ow this, we are as hooked into the weave of stories as Rutherford is to Tilly. Putting the story aside to return to our real world even temporarily felt like "NOOOOOOooooooo!"
For me, the details of sexual episodes interrupt the flow of these stories, so I rated the book 4 stars, but if a reader likes detours that go nowhere as these episodes tend to do, the book may be a five. I thank the author for not having so many of those, thereby keeping me at the edge of my seat. The twists and turns in plot assure no page has dull stuff underneath. I wish I had time to feed this addiction. This book was fun, gripping, and I know I want to read more by this author. There must be some chore that will do itself so I can read more.
When an author tells a good story, it makes a fair book. When the characters live and breathe in the mind they hold readers' attention and tease around the edges of other activities until the reader comes back for a other dose of storytime. However, this book is not like that. Every character is complete with an entire story and readers will come to know quickly that we are only seeing the parts of those stories that are required to tell this one tale. By the time we k ow this, we are as hooked into the weave of stories as Rutherford is to Tilly. Putting the story aside to return to our real world even temporarily felt like "NOOOOOOooooooo!"
For me, the details of sexual episodes interrupt the flow of these stories, so I rated the book 4 stars, but if a reader likes detours that go nowhere as these episodes tend to do, the book may be a five. I thank the author for not having so many of those, thereby keeping me at the edge of my seat. The twists and turns in plot assure no page has dull stuff underneath. I wish I had time to feed this addiction. This book was fun, gripping, and I know I want to read more by this author. There must be some chore that will do itself so I can read more.
October 21, 2019
Could she give up this beautiful stallion of a man? It was surely in his best interest for her to do so. But as much as Tilly needed to have her intrusive little fingers in the lives of others for their own good, she was growing weary of always putting everyone else's happiness before her own.
Likable characters, good plot, and refreshingly intelligent writing. The beginning was a little muddled for me; we are quickly introduced to many characters and themes that spill over from Book 1. I think it might be better to read Three Abductions and an Earl (Parvenues & Paramours, #1) before enjoying this one.
“You have a convenient interpretation of holy scripture.”
She tossed her head and snorted. “Does not every one?”
If a man could not take his proper pride in both hands and say that he did right because it was right, not because of any other benefit or obligation, what sort of man was he? A man without true honour. True honour was not transient. It was not a commodity to be bargained for with punishments or inducements.
Who among us has not enjoyed a joy or pleasure and thought, if only I could stay fixed in this moment?”
Likable characters, good plot, and refreshingly intelligent writing. The beginning was a little muddled for me; we are quickly introduced to many characters and themes that spill over from Book 1. I think it might be better to read Three Abductions and an Earl (Parvenues & Paramours, #1) before enjoying this one.
“You have a convenient interpretation of holy scripture.”
She tossed her head and snorted. “Does not every one?”
If a man could not take his proper pride in both hands and say that he did right because it was right, not because of any other benefit or obligation, what sort of man was he? A man without true honour. True honour was not transient. It was not a commodity to be bargained for with punishments or inducements.
Who among us has not enjoyed a joy or pleasure and thought, if only I could stay fixed in this moment?”
September 7, 2018
Another satirical romp.
Ms Candle has written another satirical look at the Regency aristocracy and the nouveaux riche of the time. Her plots are delightfully witty and totally fun. But at the same time we are given glimpses of the seamier side of life at that time. Tilly tries not to fall in love with Rutherford, the best friend of her best friend's husband. She has always been able to stand back and view society in a calculating manner but Rutherford is different.
Once again we meet Lydia and her Earl, Aldley. In fact we meet many old friends and enemies. Once again the characters are well developed and the twists in the plot keep you on your toes. A pity we have to wait for November for the next scintillating book in this series.
Ms Candle has written another satirical look at the Regency aristocracy and the nouveaux riche of the time. Her plots are delightfully witty and totally fun. But at the same time we are given glimpses of the seamier side of life at that time. Tilly tries not to fall in love with Rutherford, the best friend of her best friend's husband. She has always been able to stand back and view society in a calculating manner but Rutherford is different.
Once again we meet Lydia and her Earl, Aldley. In fact we meet many old friends and enemies. Once again the characters are well developed and the twists in the plot keep you on your toes. A pity we have to wait for November for the next scintillating book in this series.
August 1, 2020
Very good story and characters. Tilley and Rutherford were having an affair. Rutherford wanted Tillie to marry him, but she is engaged to a rich man whose sickly grandfather controlled the money. This man is also her brother’s special friend. Tillie has always been able to help people with their problems. She has played matchmaker for several associates,helped others start businesses, and runs a thriving opium business. When she realizes how much Rutherford is addicted, she decides to change her ways. What happens at her wedding surprises everyone. Can she break her engagement and marry the man she really loves.
October 3, 2020
Good Intentions Doesn’t Make Wrong Right.
Tilly is so smart she seems to have a large sense of self. Her backward way of (doing good) is ok to her, she justifies her wrongs by saying it’s to help someone or to fix a problem. In the first book she had her brother married to a selfish woman to(help) her and because her brother was so in love with the woman. Then in the second book the reason for the marriage of her brother and his wife he was sooo in love with was just another lie. Good thing she was smart or else she couldn’t remember who she told which lies too. Felt sorry for the man who loved her.
Tilly is so smart she seems to have a large sense of self. Her backward way of (doing good) is ok to her, she justifies her wrongs by saying it’s to help someone or to fix a problem. In the first book she had her brother married to a selfish woman to(help) her and because her brother was so in love with the woman. Then in the second book the reason for the marriage of her brother and his wife he was sooo in love with was just another lie. Good thing she was smart or else she couldn’t remember who she told which lies too. Felt sorry for the man who loved her.
December 8, 2018
What a wild, eccentric crew of characters!
Little in this novel conforms to the norms of the typical Regency Romance. Sure, there are nobles, but incredibly flawed nobles with laudanum habits and one who is a proprietress of not only an opium distribution business, but also a brothel owner. Of course, they all (with the exception of the villainous Lord Screwe) have hearts of gold and are drunk on true love. Irreverent, funny and nicely plotted and written, this book is a real gem.
Little in this novel conforms to the norms of the typical Regency Romance. Sure, there are nobles, but incredibly flawed nobles with laudanum habits and one who is a proprietress of not only an opium distribution business, but also a brothel owner. Of course, they all (with the exception of the villainous Lord Screwe) have hearts of gold and are drunk on true love. Irreverent, funny and nicely plotted and written, this book is a real gem.
December 21, 2018
Inundated with subplots, secondary characters. 2.5 Stars
Like watching a half-dozen circus acts simultaneously. Sure there was entertainment, Also frustration and questions. I wonder if reading first book would've even been helpful.
Conclusion: Too much rolled into one overwhelming menagerie.
Shame, because each subplot would've been good standalone if not mashed together in a headache-inducing fashion.
Like watching a half-dozen circus acts simultaneously. Sure there was entertainment, Also frustration and questions. I wonder if reading first book would've even been helpful.
Conclusion: Too much rolled into one overwhelming menagerie.
Shame, because each subplot would've been good standalone if not mashed together in a headache-inducing fashion.
May 19, 2019
Mistress of Two Fortunes and a Duke
This romance is not quite as good as the first offering in this
series. I really enjoyed the back story of Tilly and Rutherford,
so I couldn't wait to read this book. While I enjoyed this book, it was a little darker than I liked. Our protagonists had good hearts, but their issues were a bit too dark for me. I have to back off for a minute before the next romp.
This romance is not quite as good as the first offering in this
series. I really enjoyed the back story of Tilly and Rutherford,
so I couldn't wait to read this book. While I enjoyed this book, it was a little darker than I liked. Our protagonists had good hearts, but their issues were a bit too dark for me. I have to back off for a minute before the next romp.
October 22, 2019
Fantastic!
This is the 1st book written by Tessa Candle that I hav read. I found the characters so interesting and the story wove around all of them so well. I wanted to know more about all of the secondary characters. The characters of Tilly and Rutherford were enchanting. Their unusual lives was extremely enjoyable.
This is the 1st book written by Tessa Candle that I hav read. I found the characters so interesting and the story wove around all of them so well. I wanted to know more about all of the secondary characters. The characters of Tilly and Rutherford were enchanting. Their unusual lives was extremely enjoyable.
May 1, 2020
A very different Regency, including two women of the ton who own independent businesses. One is engaged to a man who only wants the appearance of taking on a family so he can inherit his grandfather's estate. The lady is having an affair with another, who is head over heals in love with her. An interesting read. Especially the way everything turns out.
November 3, 2018
Too Long!
The reason for this rating is that it book started off fine but became boring. It is 75 chapters long plus an epilogue, it didn't hold my attention, so after 39%, I stopped reading and read the last chapter. I would not recommend this author.
The reason for this rating is that it book started off fine but became boring. It is 75 chapters long plus an epilogue, it didn't hold my attention, so after 39%, I stopped reading and read the last chapter. I would not recommend this author.
November 29, 2018
Most Enjoyable!
Since my preteen days I’ve enjoyed Regency romances. They generally have a formula and are quite predictable. The better ones have a few surprises and entertain simply by their charm and delightful characters. This one has it all. I strongly recommend it.
Since my preteen days I’ve enjoyed Regency romances. They generally have a formula and are quite predictable. The better ones have a few surprises and entertain simply by their charm and delightful characters. This one has it all. I strongly recommend it.
May 16, 2019
Really good 👍
Tilly is really a unique woman. She has some rather mysterious businesses. She does not believe that love is necessary for marriage until she finds herself there. You will need a few tissues for this story. There are a lot of laughs too 😂.
Tilly is really a unique woman. She has some rather mysterious businesses. She does not believe that love is necessary for marriage until she finds herself there. You will need a few tissues for this story. There are a lot of laughs too 😂.
September 10, 2019
Lots of twists and turns in this one, but in a good way. Most of the nobles are anything but noble with their secret professions and plans, although it is all done in the name of love, these characters will keep you hanging on for more.
July 31, 2018
Twisted
Mischief and mayhem persists throughout this tale. The women are fierce and the men have to run to keep up.
Mischief and mayhem persists throughout this tale. The women are fierce and the men have to run to keep up.
November 5, 2018
Steamy
A fun and lock g reD. Great characters and strange plot twists. This is my first read from this author will have to try another.
A fun and lock g reD. Great characters and strange plot twists. This is my first read from this author will have to try another.
November 22, 2018
MISTRESS OF TWO FORTUNES AND A DUKE : is a romp. Intricate story lines, interesting characters and complicated in the right places.
November 24, 2018
Not As Good as I had hoped
Interesting enough story but it didn't draw me it. The characters were a little flat and the plot was a bit far fetched.
Interesting enough story but it didn't draw me it. The characters were a little flat and the plot was a bit far fetched.
December 7, 2018
Not a standalone.
I did like the characters and book. It was a bit frustrating to have the backstory of every character hinted at. I did enjoy it though.
I did like the characters and book. It was a bit frustrating to have the backstory of every character hinted at. I did enjoy it though.
December 22, 2018
I am always frustrated and very annoyed when I get to the end and it is a cliff hanger.
December 28, 2018
This is the second book of the series. I loved Tilly and Rutherford's story. I enjoyed seeing characters from the first book as well. Lots of secrets, misunderstandings, and villains. A must read!
January 9, 2019
I really enjoyed it it was amazing how the author included so much facts and knowledge and such writing and I love this book and the caracters
January 11, 2019
Happy at last
Was quite good all the way through but a killer abrupt on the ending compared to the rest of the book.
Was quite good all the way through but a killer abrupt on the ending compared to the rest of the book.
January 27, 2019
It is a great book to read
May 21, 2019
I love Tilly! She deserved her own book and I'm so happy Ms. Candle wrote it. So much is a mystery that slowly unfolds as the story unfolds. Well done!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews