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Lavinia Lake and Tobias March #1
Slightly Shady
Amanda Quick's trademark is a bestselling combination of suspense, passion, and sparkling wit in historical tales alight with intrigue. Now she serves up the most tantalizing novel of her career as an enterprising woman allies herself with a mysterious spy, only to be caught up in a torrid brew of treachery-and temptation....
SLIGHTLY SHADY
From the moment the stranger burst into her antiquities shop in Rome, Lavinia Lake knew he was nothing but trouble. He said he was in pursuit of a killer. He swore he was only trying to save her. Yet Lavinia was convinced that Mr. Tobias March was bent instead on destroying her. When the self-described spy hustled her all the way back to England, Lavinia vowed she would find a way to repay him in full. She never dreamed that Mr. March had in fact been telling the truth, that he had been hired to track down a powerful villain. And just as his investigation was heating up, he found it complicated by the most ungovernable, exasperating-and slightly shady-woman he had ever met. Lavinia most certainly never dreamed they would meet again, forced into partnership under shocking circumstances-or that their fiery disputes would spark a sizzling desire as overwhelming as the danger they faced....
SLIGHTLY SHADY
From the moment the stranger burst into her antiquities shop in Rome, Lavinia Lake knew he was nothing but trouble. He said he was in pursuit of a killer. He swore he was only trying to save her. Yet Lavinia was convinced that Mr. Tobias March was bent instead on destroying her. When the self-described spy hustled her all the way back to England, Lavinia vowed she would find a way to repay him in full. She never dreamed that Mr. March had in fact been telling the truth, that he had been hired to track down a powerful villain. And just as his investigation was heating up, he found it complicated by the most ungovernable, exasperating-and slightly shady-woman he had ever met. Lavinia most certainly never dreamed they would meet again, forced into partnership under shocking circumstances-or that their fiery disputes would spark a sizzling desire as overwhelming as the danger they faced....
321 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
389 people are currently reading
1876 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Quick
93 books5,493 followersPseudonym of Jayne Ann Krentz
The author of over 40 consecutive New York Times bestsellers, JAYNE ANN KRENTZ writes romantic-suspense, often with a psychic and paranormal twist, in three different worlds: Contemporary (as Jayne Ann Krentz), historical (as Amanda Quick) and futuristic (as Jayne Castle). There are over 30 million copies of her books in print.
She earned a B.A. in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and went on to obtain a Masters degree in Library Science from San Jose State University in California. Before she began writing full time she worked as a librarian in both academic and corporate libraries.
Ms. Krentz is married and lives with her husband, Frank, in Seattle, Washington.
Pseudonym(s):
Jayne Ann Krentz
Jayne Castle
Stephanie James
Jayne Bentley
Jayne Taylor
Amanda Glass
The author of over 40 consecutive New York Times bestsellers, JAYNE ANN KRENTZ writes romantic-suspense, often with a psychic and paranormal twist, in three different worlds: Contemporary (as Jayne Ann Krentz), historical (as Amanda Quick) and futuristic (as Jayne Castle). There are over 30 million copies of her books in print.
She earned a B.A. in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and went on to obtain a Masters degree in Library Science from San Jose State University in California. Before she began writing full time she worked as a librarian in both academic and corporate libraries.
Ms. Krentz is married and lives with her husband, Frank, in Seattle, Washington.
Pseudonym(s):
Jayne Ann Krentz
Jayne Castle
Stephanie James
Jayne Bentley
Jayne Taylor
Amanda Glass
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 328 reviews
November 29, 2019
Slightly Shady, book 1 in the Lake & March trilogy, is classic Amanda Quick’s formula at top form.
Quirky heroine, steadfast hero, great banter and writing. The moody interactions between the leads, the sleuthing and snooping around, a well fleshed-out cast of secondary characters and the smoothly blended in mystery thread kept me engaged from start to finish.
Will surely be picking the next books in the series to see what Lavinia and Tobias are up to next in Regency London.
May 28, 2018
Miro la pantalla del ordenador y la misma pereza que me dio leer el libro, me la da escribir la review. No sé bien qué decir, he sido lectora de romántica más de veinte años y si una cosa tengo clara es que este tipo de lectura histórica no es ya lo que me gusta, quizás vuelva a ello, pero no es ahora el momento.
Slightly Shady es una novela histórica con una trama de suspenses y toques de humor. La primera de una triología protagonizada por Lavinia y Tobias. Mi primer gran problema es que no me he creído nada, lo sé, lo sé, es romántica, mucho de lo que leemos es poco probable que sea real, es parte de su gracia, pero cuando leo a mi personalmente me gusta sentir que hay alguna posibilidad de que eso podría pasar, no sé si me estoy explicando bien. Como es habitual en las grandes clásicas de la novela romántica no os esperéis un análisis de la época, o cualquier viso de realidad. Bien, lo normal, no pasa nada. Pero, pasamos a la parte de romance y... pluff, meh, rolling eyes. No hay ningún tipo de química entre la pareja, todo es muy superficial, nulo análisis de los personajes, no me han despertado ningún tipo de emoción. Ahora el suspense, bueno..., no es totalmente ridículo pero mi interés era cero, igual que la tensión, cero. Y para finalizar, los toques de humor, sí son simpáticos, alguna sonrisa me han sacado, hay diálogos que son bastante buenos, pero para mi no consigue salvar una historia que me ha aburrido a tramos y me ha costado acabar.
Un libro más, no me ha dejado mucha huella ni ganas de seguir con la autora. He leído varios de Amanda Quick y está claro que por mucho que sea una grande, no es para mi.
Slightly Shady es una novela histórica con una trama de suspenses y toques de humor. La primera de una triología protagonizada por Lavinia y Tobias. Mi primer gran problema es que no me he creído nada, lo sé, lo sé, es romántica, mucho de lo que leemos es poco probable que sea real, es parte de su gracia, pero cuando leo a mi personalmente me gusta sentir que hay alguna posibilidad de que eso podría pasar, no sé si me estoy explicando bien. Como es habitual en las grandes clásicas de la novela romántica no os esperéis un análisis de la época, o cualquier viso de realidad. Bien, lo normal, no pasa nada. Pero, pasamos a la parte de romance y... pluff, meh, rolling eyes. No hay ningún tipo de química entre la pareja, todo es muy superficial, nulo análisis de los personajes, no me han despertado ningún tipo de emoción. Ahora el suspense, bueno..., no es totalmente ridículo pero mi interés era cero, igual que la tensión, cero. Y para finalizar, los toques de humor, sí son simpáticos, alguna sonrisa me han sacado, hay diálogos que son bastante buenos, pero para mi no consigue salvar una historia que me ha aburrido a tramos y me ha costado acabar.
Un libro más, no me ha dejado mucha huella ni ganas de seguir con la autora. He leído varios de Amanda Quick y está claro que por mucho que sea una grande, no es para mi.
August 28, 2023
Well, I accidently erased my rating.
June 10, 2018
Con bastante retraso, he terminado de leer esta novela que había elegido para el reto #Rita2.0 #RitaJAK.
Debo decir que he leído un montón de novelas de Jak-Quick, que me gustan mucho aunque reconozco que suelen ser bastante repetitivas.
No sabía qué elegir, que no hubiera leído, y me decidí por esta que corresponde a una serie en la que, por lo que veo, el romance no se concreta en este primer libro (quiero decir, se "concretan" algunas cosas pero aún no tenemos el happy end).
Es que, justamente, siempre la descarté porque creí que se trataba de una serie en la que los protagonistas están casados y realizan investigaciones detectivescas. Digamos que en este volumen todavía no llegan a una relación seria.
Luego de toda esta introducción debo decir que me gustó, sobre todo me divertí y la parte de suspense, es de las típicas de la Quick (o sea, está bien pero no analices demasiado).
En cuanto al romance, tenemos el tópico de enemigos-amantes (aunque diría mejor, de perro-gato), porque discuten bastante hasta que la pasión surge (lo que no signifique que vayan a dejar de discutir). Dos y media escenas hot.
Tenemos a un Tobías que no es el hombre más romántico que digamos, y a Lavinia, una viuda de carácter, ambos luchando contra traidores, chantajistas, amantes y sociedades secretas.
Muy divertido el "asunto de la mancha en la capa".
Así que, en fin, pasé un rato agradable y divertido. Aunque con final abrupto que me obliga a leer el siguiente de la serie.
Debo decir que he leído un montón de novelas de Jak-Quick, que me gustan mucho aunque reconozco que suelen ser bastante repetitivas.
No sabía qué elegir, que no hubiera leído, y me decidí por esta que corresponde a una serie en la que, por lo que veo, el romance no se concreta en este primer libro (quiero decir, se "concretan" algunas cosas pero aún no tenemos el happy end).
Es que, justamente, siempre la descarté porque creí que se trataba de una serie en la que los protagonistas están casados y realizan investigaciones detectivescas. Digamos que en este volumen todavía no llegan a una relación seria.
Luego de toda esta introducción debo decir que me gustó, sobre todo me divertí y la parte de suspense, es de las típicas de la Quick (o sea, está bien pero no analices demasiado).
En cuanto al romance, tenemos el tópico de enemigos-amantes (aunque diría mejor, de perro-gato), porque discuten bastante hasta que la pasión surge (lo que no signifique que vayan a dejar de discutir). Dos y media escenas hot.
Tenemos a un Tobías que no es el hombre más romántico que digamos, y a Lavinia, una viuda de carácter, ambos luchando contra traidores, chantajistas, amantes y sociedades secretas.
Muy divertido el "asunto de la mancha en la capa".
Así que, en fin, pasé un rato agradable y divertido. Aunque con final abrupto que me obliga a leer el siguiente de la serie.
April 4, 2013
I almost didn't read this one. I read the second one then the third one and loved them both. I read some of the bad comments and skipped this one then I decided to read it. Why were some people so mean to this one, it was great. Even a bad Amanda book is a four star. Lavinia and Lake are the original Dallas and Roarke. Do not skip this one, read it first with no fear.
November 28, 2025
Review from 8/7/24:
Book 1 in a Regency, romantic-suspense trilogy from 2001
Lavinia Lake was married at age 18 to a dreamy poet. Their marriage had only lasted for 18 months when he died from a fever almost 10 years ago. Lavinia's parents were experts in mesmerism (currently known as hypnosis). They taught Lavinia how to do that technique from the time she was a child, and she is extremely proficient as a mesmerist. Her parents died in a shipwreck not long after Lavinia's husband died, and Lavinia lived alone, making her living with mesmerism, until six years ago. At that time she was wrongly blamed for the supposed suicide of one of her clients by the woman's husband, whom Lavinia fears actually murdered the poor woman. Around that same time, Lavinia's 12-year-old niece, Emeline, was orphaned and came to live with her. Her niece is currently 18 years old, and Lavinia is determined to launch Emeline in the ton and find her a prosperous husband. Lavinia has not been strongly attracted to any man since she was widowed until she encounters Tobias March, and they start out initially, as far as Lavinia is concerned, as enemies.
Tobias's parents were scientists who died in a lab explosion when he was around 19 years old. When he was in his mid-20s, he rescued from their abusive relatives an orphaned, destitute, 18-year-old woman and her 8-year-old brother, Anthony. The young woman fell madly in love with Tobias, and he married her and became more of a father figure than a brother-in-law to Anthony. Tobias was married for only five years before his wife died in childbirth, and the baby perished as well. Tobias and Anthony, who is currently 21, are very close. Tobias has not been strongly attracted to any other woman since his wife died, until meeting Lavinia.
The blurb for this novel contains an accurate description of the first meet of Lavinia and Tobias. It is quite dramatic, and at the same time we are exposed to the interesting contrast between Lavinia's fiery temperament and Emeline's more placid, thoughtful disposition.
Lavinia and Tobias are equally take-charge in their personalities. Each has been answerable to no one for so many years, they are constantly butting heads when they agree to form a partnership to solve a murder, and each continually, instinctively orders around the other. In addition to having similar personalities, they both lost their parents around the same age, and they both, lovingly and responsibly, raised a child that is not their own. I really enjoyed their relationship. I was fully convinced they are made for each other, and I was rooting for them as a couple.
I also greatly enjoyed that there is a cute, secondary romance between Emeline and Anthony. These two are absolutely adorable, and are also a great match for each other.
There are several villains in this novel and multiple scenes of action-adventure, but in spite of all that, this is not a dark novel. There are many moments in this story when I laughed out loud, not because of slapstick, but because of the frequently witty back and forth between Lavinia and Tobias. That is my favorite type of humor.
Krentz does something with this trilogy that is extremely rare over the course of her long writing career. She has created a series that involves the same two lead characters all the way through. Typically, when she does a series, each book involves a different set of lovers.
The audiobook version of this novel is narrated by the fabulous Barbara Rosenblat. Her performance elevates what was already an enjoyable book to a peak experience.
Relisten to audiobook 7/30/25: I was in the mood for a sure thing, and this audiobook is definitely that for me.
Book 1 in a Regency, romantic-suspense trilogy from 2001
Lavinia Lake was married at age 18 to a dreamy poet. Their marriage had only lasted for 18 months when he died from a fever almost 10 years ago. Lavinia's parents were experts in mesmerism (currently known as hypnosis). They taught Lavinia how to do that technique from the time she was a child, and she is extremely proficient as a mesmerist. Her parents died in a shipwreck not long after Lavinia's husband died, and Lavinia lived alone, making her living with mesmerism, until six years ago. At that time she was wrongly blamed for the supposed suicide of one of her clients by the woman's husband, whom Lavinia fears actually murdered the poor woman. Around that same time, Lavinia's 12-year-old niece, Emeline, was orphaned and came to live with her. Her niece is currently 18 years old, and Lavinia is determined to launch Emeline in the ton and find her a prosperous husband. Lavinia has not been strongly attracted to any man since she was widowed until she encounters Tobias March, and they start out initially, as far as Lavinia is concerned, as enemies.
Tobias's parents were scientists who died in a lab explosion when he was around 19 years old. When he was in his mid-20s, he rescued from their abusive relatives an orphaned, destitute, 18-year-old woman and her 8-year-old brother, Anthony. The young woman fell madly in love with Tobias, and he married her and became more of a father figure than a brother-in-law to Anthony. Tobias was married for only five years before his wife died in childbirth, and the baby perished as well. Tobias and Anthony, who is currently 21, are very close. Tobias has not been strongly attracted to any other woman since his wife died, until meeting Lavinia.
The blurb for this novel contains an accurate description of the first meet of Lavinia and Tobias. It is quite dramatic, and at the same time we are exposed to the interesting contrast between Lavinia's fiery temperament and Emeline's more placid, thoughtful disposition.
Lavinia and Tobias are equally take-charge in their personalities. Each has been answerable to no one for so many years, they are constantly butting heads when they agree to form a partnership to solve a murder, and each continually, instinctively orders around the other. In addition to having similar personalities, they both lost their parents around the same age, and they both, lovingly and responsibly, raised a child that is not their own. I really enjoyed their relationship. I was fully convinced they are made for each other, and I was rooting for them as a couple.
I also greatly enjoyed that there is a cute, secondary romance between Emeline and Anthony. These two are absolutely adorable, and are also a great match for each other.
There are several villains in this novel and multiple scenes of action-adventure, but in spite of all that, this is not a dark novel. There are many moments in this story when I laughed out loud, not because of slapstick, but because of the frequently witty back and forth between Lavinia and Tobias. That is my favorite type of humor.
Krentz does something with this trilogy that is extremely rare over the course of her long writing career. She has created a series that involves the same two lead characters all the way through. Typically, when she does a series, each book involves a different set of lovers.
The audiobook version of this novel is narrated by the fabulous Barbara Rosenblat. Her performance elevates what was already an enjoyable book to a peak experience.
Relisten to audiobook 7/30/25: I was in the mood for a sure thing, and this audiobook is definitely that for me.
September 1, 2018
4 Estrellitas. "Un pasado sombrío" es el primer libro de la trilogía de Lavinia y Tobias. Hace muchísimo tiempo que quería leer esta serie, y por fin he encontrado el momento. El argumento y desarrollo de la trama me recordó a otro de los primeros libros que leí de Amanda Quick, "Hipnosis", que me encantó, y éste no podía ser menos.
De una manera muy directa, y divertida, con unos personajes con una gran personalidad y voluntad, Amanda Quick nos mete en una historia de suspense e investigación detectivesca que te engancha desde la primera página y no puedes soltarlo.
El libro empieza de un modo muy fuerte cuando Tobias March entra en la tienda de antigüedades que Lavinia regenta en Roma. Un grupo de criminales ha utilizado su negocio para sus tejemanejes y Tobias ha estado durante semanas investigando los sospechosos movimientos de esta banda. En seguida, Tobias se da cuenta de que Lavinia no tiene nada que ver con ello, así que irrumpe en su tienda y saca a Lavinia y su joven sobrina Emeline, y las obliga a volver a Inglaterra para alejarlas del peligro.
No sólo el peligro estaba en Roma, si no que este mismo se traslada a Londres cuando meses más tarde, su cliente le encarga a Tobias que siga investigando a dicha banda criminal, que durante las guerras napoleónicas se lucró de la venta de información y la traición. Así es como Tobias descubrirá que Lavinia llegó sana y salva a Londres, y que también, probablemente inspirada por la profesión de Tobias, esta misma decide dedicarse a la investigación privada.
Lo que parecía ser un trabajo más, empieza a complicarse cuando Tobias y Lavinia descubren que están inmersos en la misma investigación, pero con clientes distintos ¿Qué será lo que oculta el diario desaparecido que los clientes de ambos quieren? ¿Qué secretos querrían callar?
La atracción entre Lavinia y Tobias es magistral, en seguida los ves juntos y sabes que están hechos el uno para el otro, tienen complicidad, química, en el fondo son iguales. Aunque no tuvieron un comienzo muy propicio, y Lavinia está muy enfadada con él por lo ocurrido en Roma, en seguida entienden que deberían formar una sociedad. Ambos se dedican a lo mismo, pese a que Lavinia al ser mujer es más extraño de creer en la época de la Regencia, su objetivo para desentrañar la investigación es el mismo, así que, aunque no quisieran, por temor a perder su cordura ¿No sería lo mejor que trabajaran juntos?
Pues sí, ha sido un libro muy atractivo, con una historia y unos personajes muy entrañables que se hacen querer desde el principio, donde no sólo destaco la relación de Lavinia y Tobias, si no también la de los jóvenes Anthony, el cuñado de Tobias y Emeline, la sobrina de Lavinia, que mucho me temo, acabarán juntos aunque Lavinia tenga mejores planes para Emeline.
En general, un libro que ha merecido la pena, si te gustan las novelas de suspense de la Regencia. No tardaré en leer el segundo de la serie para ver cómo avanza la relación física y profesional de Lavinia y Tobias.
De una manera muy directa, y divertida, con unos personajes con una gran personalidad y voluntad, Amanda Quick nos mete en una historia de suspense e investigación detectivesca que te engancha desde la primera página y no puedes soltarlo.
El libro empieza de un modo muy fuerte cuando Tobias March entra en la tienda de antigüedades que Lavinia regenta en Roma. Un grupo de criminales ha utilizado su negocio para sus tejemanejes y Tobias ha estado durante semanas investigando los sospechosos movimientos de esta banda. En seguida, Tobias se da cuenta de que Lavinia no tiene nada que ver con ello, así que irrumpe en su tienda y saca a Lavinia y su joven sobrina Emeline, y las obliga a volver a Inglaterra para alejarlas del peligro.
No sólo el peligro estaba en Roma, si no que este mismo se traslada a Londres cuando meses más tarde, su cliente le encarga a Tobias que siga investigando a dicha banda criminal, que durante las guerras napoleónicas se lucró de la venta de información y la traición. Así es como Tobias descubrirá que Lavinia llegó sana y salva a Londres, y que también, probablemente inspirada por la profesión de Tobias, esta misma decide dedicarse a la investigación privada.
Lo que parecía ser un trabajo más, empieza a complicarse cuando Tobias y Lavinia descubren que están inmersos en la misma investigación, pero con clientes distintos ¿Qué será lo que oculta el diario desaparecido que los clientes de ambos quieren? ¿Qué secretos querrían callar?
La atracción entre Lavinia y Tobias es magistral, en seguida los ves juntos y sabes que están hechos el uno para el otro, tienen complicidad, química, en el fondo son iguales. Aunque no tuvieron un comienzo muy propicio, y Lavinia está muy enfadada con él por lo ocurrido en Roma, en seguida entienden que deberían formar una sociedad. Ambos se dedican a lo mismo, pese a que Lavinia al ser mujer es más extraño de creer en la época de la Regencia, su objetivo para desentrañar la investigación es el mismo, así que, aunque no quisieran, por temor a perder su cordura ¿No sería lo mejor que trabajaran juntos?
Pues sí, ha sido un libro muy atractivo, con una historia y unos personajes muy entrañables que se hacen querer desde el principio, donde no sólo destaco la relación de Lavinia y Tobias, si no también la de los jóvenes Anthony, el cuñado de Tobias y Emeline, la sobrina de Lavinia, que mucho me temo, acabarán juntos aunque Lavinia tenga mejores planes para Emeline.
En general, un libro que ha merecido la pena, si te gustan las novelas de suspense de la Regencia. No tardaré en leer el segundo de la serie para ver cómo avanza la relación física y profesional de Lavinia y Tobias.
November 27, 2025
I seem to have lost my review for some reason. Anyway, here we go again. This by far surpassed my expectations. I picked this at a second hand bookstore on a while. I thought I might like it, but I did not think I would like it this much.
I suspect this took place shortly after the Napoleonic wars since they are mentioned and people are being investigated in regards to what happened there. No worries, I won't tell you what it is. So by my guess this is happening somewhere between 1816-1821. Maybe in the next book in the series I'll finally find an exact date.
Anyway, you can see that Amanda Quick is an experienced author. The mystery and romance are both well written and given equal attention. Tobias and Lavinia are both very engaging characters. They are part of the growing middle class of the period. It is so refreshing to see people like this portraited. As interesting as some of these stories involving nobility have been there are only so many dukes and earls available after all.
As to Anthony and Emmeline. I liked them as well
Here is to hoping I find the next one in the series soon.
I suspect this took place shortly after the Napoleonic wars since they are mentioned and people are being investigated in regards to what happened there. No worries, I won't tell you what it is. So by my guess this is happening somewhere between 1816-1821. Maybe in the next book in the series I'll finally find an exact date.
Anyway, you can see that Amanda Quick is an experienced author. The mystery and romance are both well written and given equal attention. Tobias and Lavinia are both very engaging characters. They are part of the growing middle class of the period. It is so refreshing to see people like this portraited. As interesting as some of these stories involving nobility have been there are only so many dukes and earls available after all.
As to Anthony and Emmeline. I liked them as well
Here is to hoping I find the next one in the series soon.
July 9, 2015
"Extremely disappointed" does not even begin to describe how I feel about this book.
I've always been reluctant to read a romance trilogy, or a series with the same leads because they tend to be really slow in terms of the development in the characters' relationship. But Slightly Shady's glowing reviews and Amanda Quick's spot as one of my favourite writers compelled me to try this out.
Boy, was that a mistake.
I was right in avoiding this all along. The pacing was so excruciatingly slow, and sadly, the suspense elements were not enough to keep my attention. I was just 150 pages in and I was already praying for the patience and strength of will I needed to finish this goddamn novel.
That was definitely not a good sign.
But you know what? I could have been more forgiving if it weren't for Lavinia and her very unlikable personality. God, that woman was just so damn annoying. As in "I-will-bash-your-head-against-the-wall-if-you-dont-shut-up" type of annoying. Like Emma in I Thee Wed, she was prone to outbursts of irrational anger and had a nasty habit of jumping into conclusions. I especially hated the fact that she always assumed the worst of Tobias at the start, even when the facts clearly stated otherwise. Dear Lord, even Emeline, who was supposed to be younger than her, was more sensible. Poor Tobias. It boggled my mind how he could have put up with all her bitching and complaining. Gah.
Moreover, Lavinia and Tobias' attraction to each other was not convincing at all. Their first kiss just came out of the blue; there was no proper buildup. Sigh.
In the end, I didn't care if they solved the mystery or not. I didn't care if Lavinia and Tobias get together or whatever.
I just didn't give a damn. And needless to say, I am currently not very tempted to read the rest of the series. Ha.
I've always been reluctant to read a romance trilogy, or a series with the same leads because they tend to be really slow in terms of the development in the characters' relationship. But Slightly Shady's glowing reviews and Amanda Quick's spot as one of my favourite writers compelled me to try this out.
Boy, was that a mistake.
I was right in avoiding this all along. The pacing was so excruciatingly slow, and sadly, the suspense elements were not enough to keep my attention. I was just 150 pages in and I was already praying for the patience and strength of will I needed to finish this goddamn novel.
That was definitely not a good sign.
But you know what? I could have been more forgiving if it weren't for Lavinia and her very unlikable personality. God, that woman was just so damn annoying. As in "I-will-bash-your-head-against-the-wall-if-you-dont-shut-up" type of annoying. Like Emma in I Thee Wed, she was prone to outbursts of irrational anger and had a nasty habit of jumping into conclusions. I especially hated the fact that she always assumed the worst of Tobias at the start, even when the facts clearly stated otherwise. Dear Lord, even Emeline, who was supposed to be younger than her, was more sensible. Poor Tobias. It boggled my mind how he could have put up with all her bitching and complaining. Gah.
Moreover, Lavinia and Tobias' attraction to each other was not convincing at all. Their first kiss just came out of the blue; there was no proper buildup. Sigh.
In the end, I didn't care if they solved the mystery or not. I didn't care if Lavinia and Tobias get together or whatever.
I just didn't give a damn. And needless to say, I am currently not very tempted to read the rest of the series. Ha.
October 13, 2023
Well well well. Wonder of wonders. We have a book by Amanda Quick that focus on the romance and not on the mystery. A moment of silence to appreciate this marvelous achievement.
Hehehe In all seriousness, I was very happy to read a book that the romance was the actual focus. And not only that, this is a series. Shocking, I know.
It was fun, entertaining and unusual as usual when it comes to this author. Of course we had a mystery to solve, but that was okay. I am excited to continue it.
Hehehe In all seriousness, I was very happy to read a book that the romance was the actual focus. And not only that, this is a series. Shocking, I know.
It was fun, entertaining and unusual as usual when it comes to this author. Of course we had a mystery to solve, but that was okay. I am excited to continue it.
May 25, 2018
3/5
Me está gustando bastante esta autora.
Este par de investigadores te hacen pasar un buen rato y tienen momentos realmente divertidos.
Con respecto a el misterio que se tiene que resolver creo que está bastante bien llevado y la verdad es que al final me sorprendió.
Sin embargo, el romance no termino de verlo.
Pero de todas formas es una agradable lectura.
Me leeré la serie completa a ver si van evolucionando los personajes.
Me está gustando bastante esta autora.
Este par de investigadores te hacen pasar un buen rato y tienen momentos realmente divertidos.
Con respecto a el misterio que se tiene que resolver creo que está bastante bien llevado y la verdad es que al final me sorprendió.
Sin embargo, el romance no termino de verlo.
Pero de todas formas es una agradable lectura.
Me leeré la serie completa a ver si van evolucionando los personajes.
February 28, 2018
da www.sognipensieriparole.com
Amo la Quick; amo le indagini negli historical romance; amo le coppie di investigatori, dove lei è tremenda e intraprendente.
Tutto questo per dire che ho trovato questo primo volume della serie Lake & March assolutamente delizioso. Se Lavinia è l'antesignana delle investigatrici che non hanno timore di camuffarsi, lavorare e sfidare il pericolo, in barba al fatto di rappresentare "il sesso debole", Tobias è invece il classico uomo rude all'apparenza, che in realtà è generoso e protettivo.
La Quick è sempre la Quick, con le sue spumeggianti trame romantico-avventurose, i battibecchi, e un'aggiunta di delitti particolari, tra statue di cera, balli e pedinamenti vari.
Altro punto bonus: entrambi sono "maturi", con alle spalle un precedente matrimonio, per cui la loro visione del mondo e dell'amore è più consapevole e smaliziata.
Per questo ho trovato azzeccata l'idea di affiancare alla coppia due ulteriori personaggi più giovani (la saggia nipote Emaline e il cognato di Tobias, Anthony), per offrire un altro punto di vista e trasformare la neonata società di investigazioni in una specie di famiglia allargata.
Sono convinta che anche questa seconda coppia ci darà delle soddisfazioni.
In ogni caso non vedo l'ora di proseguire con la serie.
Amo la Quick; amo le indagini negli historical romance; amo le coppie di investigatori, dove lei è tremenda e intraprendente.
Tutto questo per dire che ho trovato questo primo volume della serie Lake & March assolutamente delizioso. Se Lavinia è l'antesignana delle investigatrici che non hanno timore di camuffarsi, lavorare e sfidare il pericolo, in barba al fatto di rappresentare "il sesso debole", Tobias è invece il classico uomo rude all'apparenza, che in realtà è generoso e protettivo.
La Quick è sempre la Quick, con le sue spumeggianti trame romantico-avventurose, i battibecchi, e un'aggiunta di delitti particolari, tra statue di cera, balli e pedinamenti vari.
Altro punto bonus: entrambi sono "maturi", con alle spalle un precedente matrimonio, per cui la loro visione del mondo e dell'amore è più consapevole e smaliziata.
Per questo ho trovato azzeccata l'idea di affiancare alla coppia due ulteriori personaggi più giovani (la saggia nipote Emaline e il cognato di Tobias, Anthony), per offrire un altro punto di vista e trasformare la neonata società di investigazioni in una specie di famiglia allargata.
Sono convinta che anche questa seconda coppia ci darà delle soddisfazioni.
In ogni caso non vedo l'ora di proseguire con la serie.
February 4, 2020
Lavinia Lake is a widow and guardian of her now 18 year old niece, Emeline. She first meets Tobias March, a former spy and man of business turned private inquiry agent, as he is destroying her antiquities shop in Italy claiming it's for her own good. Lavinia doesn't buy it and thinks to never see him again, but the two collide on a investigation back in England. This is the first of a trilogy featuring this pair. Each book is a separate mystery as Lake and March partner to solve a murder which is only part of a larger crime. Their slow burn romance which includes some fun, biting dialog is the arc which ties all 3 books together. Rich secondary characters add nice layers to the plot, especially March's brother-in-law, Anthony (the brother of his late wife whom he's taken care of since age 13). I enjoyed this first book, but think books 2 and 3 of the trilogy are better.
December 5, 2021
I’m all for sharp-tongued heroines and stoic heroes. But if acerbity and stubbornness are your only character traits, it’s hard to get invested. And if by stoic, you mean dispassionate and wooden, again… hard to swallow.
Anyhow, this is the third Amanda Quick DNF for me, i think we just don’t click
Anyhow, this is the third Amanda Quick DNF for me, i think we just don’t click
February 19, 2009
This is the first in the Lavinia Lake/Tobias March Series. It is the book that has turned me on to historical romance and now im hooked!!!! Amanda Quick is my favorite author because she writes the perfect mix of suspense, mystery and of coarse the romance!!
February 18, 2015
Il était trop bien ce livre ♥
J'adore et le côté enquête, et le côté romance avec nos deux héros qui n'arrêtent pas de se chamailler.... Et Lavinia est parfaite.
Résultat je l'ai lu en une nuit ou presque (heureusement que je suis en vacances ^^)et j'enchaine sur le tome 2 XD
J'adore et le côté enquête, et le côté romance avec nos deux héros qui n'arrêtent pas de se chamailler.... Et Lavinia est parfaite.
Résultat je l'ai lu en une nuit ou presque (heureusement que je suis en vacances ^^)et j'enchaine sur le tome 2 XD
August 2, 2018
Well, with this one AQ really broke the mold.
I kid; she did not. This one is much like all the others. But it is also one of the ones where the couple have fairly good chemistry, SO.
Tobias is a bit heavy-handed/dictatorial, Lavinia's a bit all over the place sometimes, and the niece and brother-in-law are sort of irritatingly good (probably to act as foils to the more hot-headed leads, but still), still I enjoyed it well enough.
I kid; she did not. This one is much like all the others. But it is also one of the ones where the couple have fairly good chemistry, SO.
Tobias is a bit heavy-handed/dictatorial, Lavinia's a bit all over the place sometimes, and the niece and brother-in-law are sort of irritatingly good (probably to act as foils to the more hot-headed leads, but still), still I enjoyed it well enough.
September 5, 2020
More of a mystery than a romance. Didn’t feel the chemistry between Lavinia and Tobias. I liked that their happy ending doesn’t end in marriage.
May 19, 2014
I read romances when they come up on one of my many lists, but it will never be my preferred genre. Slightly Shady was a fast read, light, fluffy, and vaguely irritating to anyone who knows anything about history. Again, one that won't stick with me.
Lavinia has set herself up as a female detective, while simultaneously trying to get her niece married off to someone highranking. And ends up teaming up with a man she loathes (I'm guess you can guess where this is going!) on a particular case.
Will they end up together? I'm sure I don't know!
Wait. There's no suspense in this.
I didn't hate it enough to say I'll never read any more Amanda Quick (or Jayne Ann Krentz - apparently the same person) but it would only take one more of this caliber to put her on my "don't bother" list. Don't worry, though, Amanda Quick. I actually stopped reading one of Johanna Lindsey's books after the first 10 pages, and promptly put her on my mental "NEVER AGAIN!" list. She was having trouble with sentences.
Lavinia has set herself up as a female detective, while simultaneously trying to get her niece married off to someone highranking. And ends up teaming up with a man she loathes (I'm guess you can guess where this is going!) on a particular case.
Will they end up together? I'm sure I don't know!
Wait. There's no suspense in this.
I didn't hate it enough to say I'll never read any more Amanda Quick (or Jayne Ann Krentz - apparently the same person) but it would only take one more of this caliber to put her on my "don't bother" list. Don't worry, though, Amanda Quick. I actually stopped reading one of Johanna Lindsey's books after the first 10 pages, and promptly put her on my mental "NEVER AGAIN!" list. She was having trouble with sentences.
September 2, 2020
While I am much more of a JAK fan, I do still love a good AQ mystery! My thought process throughout:
What is going on?
This makes no sense.
A partnership makes perfect sense.
Ohhh I know who it is!
No wait, now I really know who it is.
....I was wrong.
No I was right the second time!
NO I WAS RIGHT THE FIRST TIME I KNEW IT!
Overall, an enjoyable book!
What is going on?
This makes no sense.
A partnership makes perfect sense.
Ohhh I know who it is!
No wait, now I really know who it is.
....I was wrong.
No I was right the second time!
NO I WAS RIGHT THE FIRST TIME I KNEW IT!
Overall, an enjoyable book!
April 7, 2023
Formulaic but fun, like most of this author's books, this historical romance was not as much historical as it was a romance. The heroine was feisty. The hero was brooding and autocratic. When they met, sparks flew, and the bad guys rued the day they ever thought to cross our protagonists. Every ingredients of an escapist novel was there. So ... I escaped into the author's vaguely historical England, sat back, and enjoyed the show. It was a re-read, of course, but I read it the first time so long ago, I didn't remember any details. The book read fresh and gave me a few days of pleasurable diversion.
Read
November 3, 2017Wasn't sure how I'd feel about following the same hero & heroine through three books, but this trilogy worked. I liked each book better than the last! :)
Book 1 - Slightly Shady
Book 2 - Don't Look Back
*be sure to read in order*
Book 1 - Slightly Shady
Book 2 - Don't Look Back
*be sure to read in order*
August 7, 2025
Amandą Quick neabejotinai galima laikyti detektyvinio prieskonio turinčių istorinių meilės romanų karaliene, kuri šį žanrą pakylėja į kitą lygį.
„Saldūs skandalai“ – trijų knygų serija, kurioje tie patys pagrindiniai veikėjai – Lavinija ir Tobijas – neišsisuks nuo aukštuomenės skandalų, bandys atskleisti paslaptis, narpliodami nužudymo ar dingusių brangenybių bylas. Taip, tie patys veikėjai per visas tris knygas – tai jau daro seriją išskirtinę.
Pirmoji dalis „Abejotina reputacija“ davė stiprią pradžią, kuri, viliuosi, bus atspirtis tolesnėms serijos knygoms tik gerėti. Čia sutinkame stiprią, nepriklausomą moterį, žavų, moterų žvilgsnius prikaustantį vyrą ir, žinoma, detektyvinį tyrimą, kuris, oi, kaip nuveda klystkeliais, prikausto dėmesį ir, neslėpkim, pavedžioja už nosies, nes kaskart, kai jau manaisi radęs žudiką, autorė pamėtėja kokių naujų detalių ar veikėjų, ir visos spėlionės nueina šuniui ant uodegos – bet būtent todėl ir įdomu skaityti!
Žinot tą posakį „Atitiko kirvis kotą“? Tai Lavinija ir Tobijas jį puikiai iliustruoja. Abu drąsūs, stiprūs, sumanūs, kovojantys už savo nuomonę ir vienas kitam niekuo nenusileidžiantys, sakyčiau, net vienas kitą papildantys. Tai vienu metu ir žavi, ir prajuokina, ir kelia smalsumą, kur šis jų duetas nuves, nes keliai tik du – į pražūtį arba link vestuvių altoriaus.
Viena vertus, džiugu, kad autorė sugeba išlipti iš žanro rėmų ir tris šimtus puslapių nepilsto iš tuščio į kiaurą vien tik apie pokylius, šokius ir kuklias, vyrams paklustančias moteris (kitaip tariant, nuobodybių nuobodybę). Kita vertus, aistros ir vartymosi tarp paklodžių kiek pasigedau, bet viliuosi, kad tai galima pateisinti pirmąja knyga, kai veikėjai dar tik pažindinasi ir šlifuojasi kampus, o toliau aistra suliepsnos daug stipriau.
Rekomenduoju netradicinių istorinių meilės romanų gerbėjams, nes besitikintys vien tik pūstų suknelių, daug šokių ir naivių mergelių, bijau, gali kiek nusivilti. To yra, bet esmė čia kita – skandalai, intrigos ir paslaptys, lendančios į dienos šviesą.
„Saldūs skandalai“ – trijų knygų serija, kurioje tie patys pagrindiniai veikėjai – Lavinija ir Tobijas – neišsisuks nuo aukštuomenės skandalų, bandys atskleisti paslaptis, narpliodami nužudymo ar dingusių brangenybių bylas. Taip, tie patys veikėjai per visas tris knygas – tai jau daro seriją išskirtinę.
Pirmoji dalis „Abejotina reputacija“ davė stiprią pradžią, kuri, viliuosi, bus atspirtis tolesnėms serijos knygoms tik gerėti. Čia sutinkame stiprią, nepriklausomą moterį, žavų, moterų žvilgsnius prikaustantį vyrą ir, žinoma, detektyvinį tyrimą, kuris, oi, kaip nuveda klystkeliais, prikausto dėmesį ir, neslėpkim, pavedžioja už nosies, nes kaskart, kai jau manaisi radęs žudiką, autorė pamėtėja kokių naujų detalių ar veikėjų, ir visos spėlionės nueina šuniui ant uodegos – bet būtent todėl ir įdomu skaityti!
Žinot tą posakį „Atitiko kirvis kotą“? Tai Lavinija ir Tobijas jį puikiai iliustruoja. Abu drąsūs, stiprūs, sumanūs, kovojantys už savo nuomonę ir vienas kitam niekuo nenusileidžiantys, sakyčiau, net vienas kitą papildantys. Tai vienu metu ir žavi, ir prajuokina, ir kelia smalsumą, kur šis jų duetas nuves, nes keliai tik du – į pražūtį arba link vestuvių altoriaus.
Viena vertus, džiugu, kad autorė sugeba išlipti iš žanro rėmų ir tris šimtus puslapių nepilsto iš tuščio į kiaurą vien tik apie pokylius, šokius ir kuklias, vyrams paklustančias moteris (kitaip tariant, nuobodybių nuobodybę). Kita vertus, aistros ir vartymosi tarp paklodžių kiek pasigedau, bet viliuosi, kad tai galima pateisinti pirmąja knyga, kai veikėjai dar tik pažindinasi ir šlifuojasi kampus, o toliau aistra suliepsnos daug stipriau.
Rekomenduoju netradicinių istorinių meilės romanų gerbėjams, nes besitikintys vien tik pūstų suknelių, daug šokių ir naivių mergelių, bijau, gali kiek nusivilti. To yra, bet esmė čia kita – skandalai, intrigos ir paslaptys, lendančios į dienos šviesą.
March 18, 2022
This was a reread of Slightly Shady by Amanda Quick. I love the main characters AQ creates. The women are independent thinking, flexible, persistent, intelligent women regardless of their social standing or financial means; they believe in possibilities. The men may have rough edges, be of high social standing or not, they are hard working men of integrity who respect independent thinking women, even when they are challenged and frustrated by them. :D
Slightly Shady’s main characters are no exceptions. I love the opening scene - it’s wonderful. Amanda Quick novels generally involve an adventure with a touch of mystery, where the FMC and the MMC must work together to resolve it, oftentimes putting themselves at risk.
Slightly Shady is book #1 in a trilogy involving Lavinia Lake and Tobias March. Don’t Look Back is #2, and Late For the Wedding is #3. I highly recommend this series to readers of historical fiction who enjoy strong, independent characters, a bit of adventure, a touch of humor between the main characters, low angst, and a cooperative effort toward a mutual goal. Each book in this series could be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend all 3 novels.
Slightly Shady does contain on-scene sexual situations between the 2 main characters which is closer to steamy than sweet (3 or 3.5 on 0 to 5, sweet to steamy scale) which results from their growing attraction (and mutual respect). Slightly Shady contains some profanity, and although several individuals are murdered in Slightly Shady, I did not find it graphic in nature. Do to the aforementioned, I do not recommend Slightly Shady to young readers or to those who would be offended by the content.
Slightly Shady’s main characters are no exceptions. I love the opening scene - it’s wonderful. Amanda Quick novels generally involve an adventure with a touch of mystery, where the FMC and the MMC must work together to resolve it, oftentimes putting themselves at risk.
Slightly Shady is book #1 in a trilogy involving Lavinia Lake and Tobias March. Don’t Look Back is #2, and Late For the Wedding is #3. I highly recommend this series to readers of historical fiction who enjoy strong, independent characters, a bit of adventure, a touch of humor between the main characters, low angst, and a cooperative effort toward a mutual goal. Each book in this series could be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend all 3 novels.
Slightly Shady does contain on-scene sexual situations between the 2 main characters which is closer to steamy than sweet (3 or 3.5 on 0 to 5, sweet to steamy scale) which results from their growing attraction (and mutual respect). Slightly Shady contains some profanity, and although several individuals are murdered in Slightly Shady, I did not find it graphic in nature. Do to the aforementioned, I do not recommend Slightly Shady to young readers or to those who would be offended by the content.
April 17, 2021
Slightly Shady
3.5 Stars
This is the first in a trilogy focusing on the same sleuthing pair, Tobias March and Lavinia Lake. While this is a bit different to Quick's other works, Slighty Shady still bears all of the hallmarks of her writing namely a quirky and independent heroine together with a brooding and enigmatic hero.
In this installment, Lavinia and Tobias meet and do not hit it off at all. In fact, their bickering and banter throughout the book are very entertaining. The duo investigates the murder of a blackmailer and find themselves confronted with a disturbing and malevolent villain who enjoys playing games with their victims.
The mystery is quite straightforward and it is possible to guess the culprit. Nevertheless, the case and romance are enjoyable.
Looking forward to Lavinia and Tobias's next adventure.
3.5 Stars
This is the first in a trilogy focusing on the same sleuthing pair, Tobias March and Lavinia Lake. While this is a bit different to Quick's other works, Slighty Shady still bears all of the hallmarks of her writing namely a quirky and independent heroine together with a brooding and enigmatic hero.
In this installment, Lavinia and Tobias meet and do not hit it off at all. In fact, their bickering and banter throughout the book are very entertaining. The duo investigates the murder of a blackmailer and find themselves confronted with a disturbing and malevolent villain who enjoys playing games with their victims.
The mystery is quite straightforward and it is possible to guess the culprit. Nevertheless, the case and romance are enjoyable.
Looking forward to Lavinia and Tobias's next adventure.
February 9, 2013
Normally, I really enjoy Quick's books, but this one just felt phoned in - the relationships and emotions felt contrived. I had been reading everything she published for awhile and about when this came out, I stopped. I got back into Quick through the Arcane Society novels which I have been really enjoying - this actually felt like a bit of a test run for those. I can't decide if I should continue with the Lake/March novels or not - I may try one more. This makes two disappointing romances in a row from authors I've previously enjoyed (Nora Roberts was the other). I hope whatever I read next is better!
August 16, 2011
I did not like this one at all. I don't know why I even finished it. The main character was completely unlikeable. I kept waiting and waiting for there to be something under the snootiness, etc. Nothing. I can't imagine what Tobias saw in her. Although I did wonder if I would have had a different reaction had I read it and not listened to it. Probably not--there would be times when she was all indignant and would get mad and it was so unwarranted! It was too bad, too. I usually like Amanda Quick and the storyline was neat. I won't be reading any others in this series, that's for sure!
November 9, 2015
J'ai vraiment beaucoup apprécié ce livre, premier tome de la trilogie Lake & March, et je l'ai dévoré, comme les autres d'ailleurs.
C'est un livre vraiment divertissant, à l'écriture légère et enlevée et à l'intrigue bien menée. Les personnages, aussi bien principaux que secondaires, sont agréables à suivre et attachants, et c'est vraiment un plaisir de suivre les prises de becs entre Tobias March et Lavinia Lake durant leur enquête.
C'est un livre vraiment divertissant, à l'écriture légère et enlevée et à l'intrigue bien menée. Les personnages, aussi bien principaux que secondaires, sont agréables à suivre et attachants, et c'est vraiment un plaisir de suivre les prises de becs entre Tobias March et Lavinia Lake durant leur enquête.
April 3, 2018
I took such large breaks from reading this book that I don't really know what to say about it. But I think I'll read the next one because it had a humorous tone that I often find in Deanna Raybourn's books and I kind of liked the characters as well.
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