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The Blue Raven #1
Revealed
From the acclaimed author of Compromised comes a tale of love and war among the ton.
Phillippa Benning is the unrivaled beauty of the Season. But when another lady challenges her for a marquis's attentions, Phillippa entices him to a secret rendezvous-only to stumble upon The Blue Raven, England's most famous spy, lurking at the site of her planned tryst.
The Blue Raven has uncovered an enemy plot directed at upcoming society functions, but he's unable to infiltrate London society. Phillippa makes an offer: in exchange for entrée among the ton, he agrees to have his true identity revealed at the Benning Ball-guaranteeing her unrivaled notoriety. As the danger draws closer, the mysterious spy and Phillippa give in to mutual desire. But when the game turns deadly, betrayal waits around the corner, and Phillippa must decide once and for all-is it the myth that captured her heart, or the man?
Phillippa Benning is the unrivaled beauty of the Season. But when another lady challenges her for a marquis's attentions, Phillippa entices him to a secret rendezvous-only to stumble upon The Blue Raven, England's most famous spy, lurking at the site of her planned tryst.
The Blue Raven has uncovered an enemy plot directed at upcoming society functions, but he's unable to infiltrate London society. Phillippa makes an offer: in exchange for entrée among the ton, he agrees to have his true identity revealed at the Benning Ball-guaranteeing her unrivaled notoriety. As the danger draws closer, the mysterious spy and Phillippa give in to mutual desire. But when the game turns deadly, betrayal waits around the corner, and Phillippa must decide once and for all-is it the myth that captured her heart, or the man?
400 pages, Paperback
First published March 2, 2005
50 people are currently reading
2121 people want to read
About the author
Kate Noble
17 books499 followersaka
Kate Rorick
Kate Noble is the national bestselling, RITA-nominated author of historical romances, including the acclaimed Blue Raven series and the Winner Takes All series. Her books have earned her numerous accolades, including comparisons to Jane Austen, which just makes her giddy.
In her other life as Kate Rorick, she is an Emmy-award winning writer of television and web series, having written for NBC, FOX, and TNT, as well as the international hit YouTube series The Lizzie Bennet Diaries. Kate lives in Los Angeles with her family, and is hard at work on her next book.
Kate Rorick
Kate Noble is the national bestselling, RITA-nominated author of historical romances, including the acclaimed Blue Raven series and the Winner Takes All series. Her books have earned her numerous accolades, including comparisons to Jane Austen, which just makes her giddy.
In her other life as Kate Rorick, she is an Emmy-award winning writer of television and web series, having written for NBC, FOX, and TNT, as well as the international hit YouTube series The Lizzie Bennet Diaries. Kate lives in Los Angeles with her family, and is hard at work on her next book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
May 20, 2011
Nothing exhausts me faster than a Regency spy plot but after so many glowing reviews of this book, I decided to just hold my nose and hope for the best. And I’m so glad I did, because there’s life in that threadbare trope yet. I won’t go into those plot details but the story hold up well enough to frame a truly wonderful romance.
Revealed also happens to be a sex reversal of one of my favorite tropes -- the alpha hero who falls in love against his will, especially with a rather ordinary heroine. As the undisputed queen of London society, widowed Phillipa Benning is carrying out a perfectly reasonable campaign to ensnare the Marquis of Broughton -- rich, titled, gorgeous and wanted by her arch rival Lady Jane Cummings, he’s obviously the perfect man for her. But she keeps being distracted by Marcus Worth, an overly tall, lanky, glasses-wearing ordinary Mister, whose large, warm hands seem to be a perfect fit with hers: “It was as if her hand, without consulting her own thoughts, was especially attuned to being held in the hand of Mr. Marcus Worth. And as such, whenever he released her hand, it felt the lack of his.”
Phillipa is definitely the alpha here: powerful, the leader of her sphere and (although naturally she keeps these facts hidden) extremely intelligent and competent. Like most romance alphas, she has a painful secret, although she’s far too practical to spend a lot of time brooding on it. And like most alphas, she is essentially very lonely -- perhaps even more than most, since societal expectations demand that she keep most of her true nature hidden.
As Phillipa and Marcus get to know each other, a recurring expression, “It’s just me,” because the theme of their relationship. Their unspoken, unacknowledged message is they can be easy together, be themselves. Phillipa feels free to rearrange his hopeless hair: "Marcus, wary of her intention, jerked his head back, slightly out of her reach. 'Oh for heaven's sake,' she said exasperatedly. 'It's just me.'" Marcus dares to tease her, gently deflating her pretensions. And they can actually talk to each other:
"... every syllable of conversation was so loaded with double and triple meaning that Phillipa herself didn’t know what was being said half the time. Such discourse was the Ton’s stock and trade. So she had to admit: Speaking frankly to Marcus Worth was so refreshing, it smacked closely of being entertaining."
When they finally make love, the phrase becomes especially meaningful and tender: “She knew everything would be all right. It was just him. And just her. There was no judge or jury here... For once, she could be herself... Whatever she happened to be, he would match her.”
Revealed is probably chock full of anachronistic language and honestly, I didn’t care a whit. It’s so beautifully structured, so original, so funny and delightful. I loved it.
(A note of warning for ebook readers: the prologue of the story does not have a chapter link and could be easily missed.)
Revealed also happens to be a sex reversal of one of my favorite tropes -- the alpha hero who falls in love against his will, especially with a rather ordinary heroine. As the undisputed queen of London society, widowed Phillipa Benning is carrying out a perfectly reasonable campaign to ensnare the Marquis of Broughton -- rich, titled, gorgeous and wanted by her arch rival Lady Jane Cummings, he’s obviously the perfect man for her. But she keeps being distracted by Marcus Worth, an overly tall, lanky, glasses-wearing ordinary Mister, whose large, warm hands seem to be a perfect fit with hers: “It was as if her hand, without consulting her own thoughts, was especially attuned to being held in the hand of Mr. Marcus Worth. And as such, whenever he released her hand, it felt the lack of his.”
Phillipa is definitely the alpha here: powerful, the leader of her sphere and (although naturally she keeps these facts hidden) extremely intelligent and competent. Like most romance alphas, she has a painful secret, although she’s far too practical to spend a lot of time brooding on it. And like most alphas, she is essentially very lonely -- perhaps even more than most, since societal expectations demand that she keep most of her true nature hidden.
As Phillipa and Marcus get to know each other, a recurring expression, “It’s just me,” because the theme of their relationship. Their unspoken, unacknowledged message is they can be easy together, be themselves. Phillipa feels free to rearrange his hopeless hair: "Marcus, wary of her intention, jerked his head back, slightly out of her reach. 'Oh for heaven's sake,' she said exasperatedly. 'It's just me.'" Marcus dares to tease her, gently deflating her pretensions. And they can actually talk to each other:
"... every syllable of conversation was so loaded with double and triple meaning that Phillipa herself didn’t know what was being said half the time. Such discourse was the Ton’s stock and trade. So she had to admit: Speaking frankly to Marcus Worth was so refreshing, it smacked closely of being entertaining."
When they finally make love, the phrase becomes especially meaningful and tender: “She knew everything would be all right. It was just him. And just her. There was no judge or jury here... For once, she could be herself... Whatever she happened to be, he would match her.”
Revealed is probably chock full of anachronistic language and honestly, I didn’t care a whit. It’s so beautifully structured, so original, so funny and delightful. I loved it.
(A note of warning for ebook readers: the prologue of the story does not have a chapter link and could be easily missed.)
August 14, 2021
I read this for my romance across the ages Regency read. The war against France has just ended but there may still be spies. Widowed Phillippa is a snob and a leader of the Ton. Marcus works for the pared down War Dept. Together they are trying to track down a spy. Philli has a photographic memory and the hero has a brother that help move the story along. The romance and mystery build throughout the story that made it an enjoyable listen. I rate the book 3.5* and round up.
March 15, 2025
First 75% 5 stars
Last 25% 2 stars = 3.5 stars
For the first three quarters of this book, I was totally baffled about its mediocre rating average. True, the narrative is slow, but the characters, particularly Phillippa, are so exquisitely defined and her cattiness and cunning so beautifully portrayed in interactions large and small, that I savored each paragraph as she showed other facets of her personality. Marcus is less interesting as a personality, but the dangerous elements of the story revolve around him, and his intelligence, determination, and confidence are nicely nuanced. The plot about a vicious French anarchist believed to be dead but instead planning mayhem in England drove the story and provided a reason for Phillippa and Marcus to interact and their blossoming attraction a chance to grow, which it did in a slow, believable way, in spite of Marcus’s initial skepticism about Phillippa.
Phillippa Benning looked, from afar and within the constraints of Society, like one of the meaner, slyer women with lucky advantages of birth and fortune to propel them to their current status and allow them to be provocative. Women who wouldn’t normally give him the time of day, and he wouldn’t normally give a second thought to.
But he is forced to give her a second thought, and she finds herself seeking him out and enjoying his touch. Yes, please, to more authors taking the time to develop a relationship in a meaningful way.
***spoilers***
But mere minutes after they finally give in to passion, Phillippa finds out Marcus is not the person she assumed him to be and that he allowed her to believe he was.
But Marcus Worth? Every day of their acquaintance, she had believed him to be something he wasn’t. And he let her. He let her think him more than a third son, more than a clerk in the War Department. More than a nobody.
Supercilious little snot. She reverts to bitch mode immediately, leveling Marcus and spewing bitter disappointment and spitefulness over anyone whom she’d treated kindly while under Marcus’s spell. It smacked of overreaction and I hated to see her abandon all the warmth and personal growth she had found previously. Then, with very little justification, she forgives Marcus all his perceived injustices, dives straight into danger, and the author treats us to a culmination of the espionage plot that includes a rescue during a house fire that was laughably ludicrous and totally unbelievable. Phillippa breathes in so much smoke that she collapses to her knees coughing and is too hoarse to talk for days afterwards, but Marcus breathes the same amount of smoke and drags her from the house, gives orders outside, returns to the house with stairs collapsing behind him, watches a fight to the dead (because apparently the fire that just collapsed the stairs outside the room hasn’t touched the floor in this room), has a conversation with his brother (what happened to the smoke?) then he and his brother jump from a second floor window without serious injury DESPITE the fact his brother has a one-year-old leg wound that never fully healed and because of which he can’t walk without a cane.
If an author can’t write a credible action sequence, he/she should avoid them.
And then Phillippa has to chase Marcus down because he thinks dumping her will save her from his dangerous life.
So yeah, this isn’t the first time a very promising book has tanked at the end and probably won’t be the last, but it’s always a crushing disappointment.
Last 25% 2 stars = 3.5 stars
For the first three quarters of this book, I was totally baffled about its mediocre rating average. True, the narrative is slow, but the characters, particularly Phillippa, are so exquisitely defined and her cattiness and cunning so beautifully portrayed in interactions large and small, that I savored each paragraph as she showed other facets of her personality. Marcus is less interesting as a personality, but the dangerous elements of the story revolve around him, and his intelligence, determination, and confidence are nicely nuanced. The plot about a vicious French anarchist believed to be dead but instead planning mayhem in England drove the story and provided a reason for Phillippa and Marcus to interact and their blossoming attraction a chance to grow, which it did in a slow, believable way, in spite of Marcus’s initial skepticism about Phillippa.
Phillippa Benning looked, from afar and within the constraints of Society, like one of the meaner, slyer women with lucky advantages of birth and fortune to propel them to their current status and allow them to be provocative. Women who wouldn’t normally give him the time of day, and he wouldn’t normally give a second thought to.
But he is forced to give her a second thought, and she finds herself seeking him out and enjoying his touch. Yes, please, to more authors taking the time to develop a relationship in a meaningful way.
***spoilers***
But mere minutes after they finally give in to passion, Phillippa finds out Marcus is not the person she assumed him to be and that he allowed her to believe he was.
But Marcus Worth? Every day of their acquaintance, she had believed him to be something he wasn’t. And he let her. He let her think him more than a third son, more than a clerk in the War Department. More than a nobody.
Supercilious little snot. She reverts to bitch mode immediately, leveling Marcus and spewing bitter disappointment and spitefulness over anyone whom she’d treated kindly while under Marcus’s spell. It smacked of overreaction and I hated to see her abandon all the warmth and personal growth she had found previously. Then, with very little justification, she forgives Marcus all his perceived injustices, dives straight into danger, and the author treats us to a culmination of the espionage plot that includes a rescue during a house fire that was laughably ludicrous and totally unbelievable. Phillippa breathes in so much smoke that she collapses to her knees coughing and is too hoarse to talk for days afterwards, but Marcus breathes the same amount of smoke and drags her from the house, gives orders outside, returns to the house with stairs collapsing behind him, watches a fight to the dead (because apparently the fire that just collapsed the stairs outside the room hasn’t touched the floor in this room), has a conversation with his brother (what happened to the smoke?) then he and his brother jump from a second floor window without serious injury DESPITE the fact his brother has a one-year-old leg wound that never fully healed and because of which he can’t walk without a cane.
If an author can’t write a credible action sequence, he/she should avoid them.
And then Phillippa has to chase Marcus down because he thinks dumping her will save her from his dangerous life.
So yeah, this isn’t the first time a very promising book has tanked at the end and probably won’t be the last, but it’s always a crushing disappointment.
January 3, 2016
No, the stereotype doesn't get any better when it's the woman rather than the man. I'm tired of rakes, even if they are female, as is the case here. I was so quickly so fed up with this attempt at another allegedly "strong female character", that it was touch and go that I didn't throw my kindle at the wall.
Pairing a female rake with a male beta-hero, as perceived by Romancelandia, is disgusting in itself. Could someone please start writing people instead of sexist tropes?
Pairing a female rake with a male beta-hero, as perceived by Romancelandia, is disgusting in itself. Could someone please start writing people instead of sexist tropes?
April 30, 2009
I have to hand it to Kate Noble for really turning my opinion around with her latest release Revealed. For the first five chapters I couldn’t stand the heroine, Phillippa Benning. Phillippa annoyed me right from the start. She is a widow and the darling of the ton. Her beauty and fortune is unmatched and she can ruin someone with the bat of an eyelash. In other words, I found her to be a stuck up bitch. She grated on my nerves because she came across as a snobbish, spoiled, and a bit mean. Phillippa is so un-heroine like. But then when she is introduced to Marcus Wroth, my opinion changed. Marcus sees Phillippa the same way I first saw her. But ever so slowly as his opinion changes about her, mine did also. By the end of Revealed I really liked Phillippa.
Revealed is a lovely historical romance. Even though this may seem to be yet another spy drama where the spunky heroine tries to help the hero, Kate makes sure to throw all those clichés out the window. Phillippa and Marcus make a great team. What you see is not what you get. They have two sides to their nature. One side is their performance, an act they put on for the benefits of those around them. The other side is what they hide inside; their true face that they eventually show to one another. These are two people who are intelligent and caring but also very sly. Phillippa may think she has Marcus wrapped around her finger, but Marcus knows what Phillippa is up to and handles her quite well.
When we are introduced to Phillippa she is flirting with the Marquis of Broughton who would be perfect as her next husband. If they married, they would be the king and queen of the ton. Phillippa almost has the Marquis in the palm of her hand, but her enemy Lady Jane Cummings also wants the Marquis. Phillippa and Jane have a long standing rivalry that goes back to their school days. Both give each other cutting remarks and want to win the ultimate prize in catching Broughton. Phillippa decides that some alone time with Broughton is needed and plans for him to meet her in the library during a ball. As she and Broughton are about to get to know each other much better, their host, Lord Fieldstone almost comes upon them. The room is full of priceless, ancient artifacts and Phillippa hides in a mummy’s sarcophagus so she is not caught with Broughton. If this wasn’t bad, she finds herself sharing the space with another man. That is where she makes the acquaintance of Mr. Marcus Wroth.
Marcus helps Phillippa after both Fieldstone and Broughton leave even though she is not at all grateful towards him. Before Phillippa can go back to the party, she must hide again because Fieldstone has returned. She also hears a very interesting conversation between Wroth and Fieldstone. Fieldstone is the director of the War Department and apparently Marcus works for him. Even though the war with the French is over, Marcus believes Laurent, a French agent and an old enemy, is on his way to London. Fieldstone wants Marcus to retire and that means the infamous Blue Raven will retire also.
Because Marcus has some difficulty in attending the most exclusive of Ton events, Phillippa agrees to help him gain access to these parties if she can unveil his identity at her own ball. Marcus is not amused because Phillippa is playing with fire and could get hurt, but Phillippa will not listen to reason and thinks of herself as his partner. As both Phillippa and Marcus go to various Ton events, some unfortunate accidents happen. Marcus will flush out this villain and try to keep Phillippa out of harm’s way. But Phillippa has gotten under Marcus’s skin and he doesn’t want to let her out of his sight.
Revealed is witty and engaging and Kate Noble’s storytelling is wonderful. There is also some great suspense, wonderful laughs and nice passionate love scenes. Again, you really have to hand it to Kate with the way she writes Phillippa. As we follow Phillippa’s thoughts and actions, she grows on you, especially when she and Marcus begin to interact with one another. As Marcus’s opinion about Phillippa changes, mine did also. Phillippa seems to be an empty headed beauty with a life of privilege; but she is very intelligent and cares for those around her. Her ability to remember things and keep a level head in the face of danger is admirable. Too bad she couldn’t be a spy, because she would be quite good at the job.
I had no complaints with Marcus. He puts himself in danger even though he may not receive any reward for it. And when he becomes close to Phillippa and they essentially become friends, he has no choice but to fall for her charms. Even though Marcus cares deeply for Phillippa, he won’t allow her to walk all over him. These two try to deny their feelings for one another, but when they can no longer push these feelings to the side, they come together in a passionate way.
Lady Jane also caught my interest because she keeps Phillippa on her toes as she tries to steal Broughton away from her. But she is also like Phillippa in the sense she is not whom she seems. Even Broughton has a unique personality and is not just along for the ride. He is there to add some tension between Phillippa and Marcus. I wouldn’t mind seeing Broughton get his own story in the future.
Revealed is one historical romance that came as a pleasant surprise. I will definitely keep my eye on future releases from Kate Noble.
Revealed is a lovely historical romance. Even though this may seem to be yet another spy drama where the spunky heroine tries to help the hero, Kate makes sure to throw all those clichés out the window. Phillippa and Marcus make a great team. What you see is not what you get. They have two sides to their nature. One side is their performance, an act they put on for the benefits of those around them. The other side is what they hide inside; their true face that they eventually show to one another. These are two people who are intelligent and caring but also very sly. Phillippa may think she has Marcus wrapped around her finger, but Marcus knows what Phillippa is up to and handles her quite well.
When we are introduced to Phillippa she is flirting with the Marquis of Broughton who would be perfect as her next husband. If they married, they would be the king and queen of the ton. Phillippa almost has the Marquis in the palm of her hand, but her enemy Lady Jane Cummings also wants the Marquis. Phillippa and Jane have a long standing rivalry that goes back to their school days. Both give each other cutting remarks and want to win the ultimate prize in catching Broughton. Phillippa decides that some alone time with Broughton is needed and plans for him to meet her in the library during a ball. As she and Broughton are about to get to know each other much better, their host, Lord Fieldstone almost comes upon them. The room is full of priceless, ancient artifacts and Phillippa hides in a mummy’s sarcophagus so she is not caught with Broughton. If this wasn’t bad, she finds herself sharing the space with another man. That is where she makes the acquaintance of Mr. Marcus Wroth.
Marcus helps Phillippa after both Fieldstone and Broughton leave even though she is not at all grateful towards him. Before Phillippa can go back to the party, she must hide again because Fieldstone has returned. She also hears a very interesting conversation between Wroth and Fieldstone. Fieldstone is the director of the War Department and apparently Marcus works for him. Even though the war with the French is over, Marcus believes Laurent, a French agent and an old enemy, is on his way to London. Fieldstone wants Marcus to retire and that means the infamous Blue Raven will retire also.
Because Marcus has some difficulty in attending the most exclusive of Ton events, Phillippa agrees to help him gain access to these parties if she can unveil his identity at her own ball. Marcus is not amused because Phillippa is playing with fire and could get hurt, but Phillippa will not listen to reason and thinks of herself as his partner. As both Phillippa and Marcus go to various Ton events, some unfortunate accidents happen. Marcus will flush out this villain and try to keep Phillippa out of harm’s way. But Phillippa has gotten under Marcus’s skin and he doesn’t want to let her out of his sight.
Revealed is witty and engaging and Kate Noble’s storytelling is wonderful. There is also some great suspense, wonderful laughs and nice passionate love scenes. Again, you really have to hand it to Kate with the way she writes Phillippa. As we follow Phillippa’s thoughts and actions, she grows on you, especially when she and Marcus begin to interact with one another. As Marcus’s opinion about Phillippa changes, mine did also. Phillippa seems to be an empty headed beauty with a life of privilege; but she is very intelligent and cares for those around her. Her ability to remember things and keep a level head in the face of danger is admirable. Too bad she couldn’t be a spy, because she would be quite good at the job.
I had no complaints with Marcus. He puts himself in danger even though he may not receive any reward for it. And when he becomes close to Phillippa and they essentially become friends, he has no choice but to fall for her charms. Even though Marcus cares deeply for Phillippa, he won’t allow her to walk all over him. These two try to deny their feelings for one another, but when they can no longer push these feelings to the side, they come together in a passionate way.
Lady Jane also caught my interest because she keeps Phillippa on her toes as she tries to steal Broughton away from her. But she is also like Phillippa in the sense she is not whom she seems. Even Broughton has a unique personality and is not just along for the ride. He is there to add some tension between Phillippa and Marcus. I wouldn’t mind seeing Broughton get his own story in the future.
Revealed is one historical romance that came as a pleasant surprise. I will definitely keep my eye on future releases from Kate Noble.
December 13, 2025
I enjoyed this way more than expected
Despite spy books not being much my thing, I've been wanting to read this book for a while because of the popular, 'mean girl' stereotype heroine. I was curious to see if such a heroine could be made likable. In my subjective opinion, she can be.
───〃⟡ ⋅ The heroine
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━━━━━��━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
Despite spy books not being much my thing, I've been wanting to read this book for a while because of the popular, 'mean girl' stereotype heroine. I was curious to see if such a heroine could be made likable. In my subjective opinion, she can be.
───〃⟡ ⋅ The heroine
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━━━━━��━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
January 2, 2018
I am thoroughly enjoying this author's books. They are a bit different from the usual HR, with a strong mystery/adventure plot-line and challenging MCs.
In this one, the heroine starts out as particularly unlikeable- very much a "mean girl" type. In other words, she can be a nasty, catty bitch. (In some ways, she was like a nasty version of the heroine in Clueless) And she reverts to that type later in the book, just when we think she is going to let her true, nice self shine through.
Her period of self-examination is thrust aside and she goes the full social/party girl.
It is a bold move by the author, but I say, why the hell not? Always with the nasty, man-whore rakes and loving, forgiving heroines in HR. I adore the role-swap here! In many ways, SHE is the one in need of redemption, and the adorable hero is just the one to provide it.
She is also fiercely intelligent and has a photographic memory (and beautiful, of course)- go, girl! Maybe she is just the girl I always wanted to be :)
It won't appeal to everyone, but I thought it was terrific fun!
In this one, the heroine starts out as particularly unlikeable- very much a "mean girl" type. In other words, she can be a nasty, catty bitch. (In some ways, she was like a nasty version of the heroine in Clueless) And she reverts to that type later in the book, just when we think she is going to let her true, nice self shine through.
Her period of self-examination is thrust aside and she goes the full social/party girl.
It is a bold move by the author, but I say, why the hell not? Always with the nasty, man-whore rakes and loving, forgiving heroines in HR. I adore the role-swap here! In many ways, SHE is the one in need of redemption, and the adorable hero is just the one to provide it.
She is also fiercely intelligent and has a photographic memory (and beautiful, of course)- go, girl! Maybe she is just the girl I always wanted to be :)
It won't appeal to everyone, but I thought it was terrific fun!
October 19, 2014
I suppose this is romance, but there was no emotional draw for me. Audiobook narrator was a bad fit.
I was bored, I wanted to quit, but I hoped it would get better. It did not. But some readers loved this. I wonder if reading the book would have made it better for me than listening to it?
Most of the book felt like meaningless chit chat, as if the author is describing a party. Phillippa attends parties, plans parties, gossips, flirts with Philip, then gets upset when someone else flirts with Philip. I wanted more character development. Friend Nora was a bore but she could have been made interesting. A romance develops but I didn’t feel anything. I was not drawn in emotionally.
Part of the plot was not supported with logic. Marcus was a British spy. Laurent was a French spy. The war is over. Marcus finds a paper which lists some society functions coming up. He believes Laurent will attend those and do bad things. His boss does not believe him. So Marcus alone attends those events to investigate. At the first event there are gun shots. At the second event Laurent does something bad, Marcus chases him, more gun shots, Marcus is shot. Three problems: 1. Marcus should carry a gun at these events. He has no weapon and has to flee from the shooter. What kind of spy goes after another spy without a weapon? 2. When Marcus is shot, he wants to keep it a secret which I did not understand. Everyone already knows about the big bad thing that happened. But Marcus won’t let anyone call a Doctor because he doesn’t want the guests to know he was shot? I did not understand. 3. Why didn’t Marcus take some gun carrying associates to help him?
AUDIOBOOK NARRATOR:
Alison Larkin would be ok for another type of book, but she did not fit 21-year-old-party-girl Phillippa. The narrator sounds like an elderly lady.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Unabridged audiobook length: 14 hrs and 5 mins. Swearing language: mild. Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: 1. Setting: around 1815 England. Book copyright: 2009. Genre: regency romance.
I was bored, I wanted to quit, but I hoped it would get better. It did not. But some readers loved this. I wonder if reading the book would have made it better for me than listening to it?
Most of the book felt like meaningless chit chat, as if the author is describing a party. Phillippa attends parties, plans parties, gossips, flirts with Philip, then gets upset when someone else flirts with Philip. I wanted more character development. Friend Nora was a bore but she could have been made interesting. A romance develops but I didn’t feel anything. I was not drawn in emotionally.
Part of the plot was not supported with logic. Marcus was a British spy. Laurent was a French spy. The war is over. Marcus finds a paper which lists some society functions coming up. He believes Laurent will attend those and do bad things. His boss does not believe him. So Marcus alone attends those events to investigate. At the first event there are gun shots. At the second event Laurent does something bad, Marcus chases him, more gun shots, Marcus is shot. Three problems: 1. Marcus should carry a gun at these events. He has no weapon and has to flee from the shooter. What kind of spy goes after another spy without a weapon? 2. When Marcus is shot, he wants to keep it a secret which I did not understand. Everyone already knows about the big bad thing that happened. But Marcus won’t let anyone call a Doctor because he doesn’t want the guests to know he was shot? I did not understand. 3. Why didn’t Marcus take some gun carrying associates to help him?
AUDIOBOOK NARRATOR:
Alison Larkin would be ok for another type of book, but she did not fit 21-year-old-party-girl Phillippa. The narrator sounds like an elderly lady.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Unabridged audiobook length: 14 hrs and 5 mins. Swearing language: mild. Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: 1. Setting: around 1815 England. Book copyright: 2009. Genre: regency romance.
March 17, 2011
This book pissed me off so badly that I have no idea how I did not throw it through the window or something like that. Revealed started getting on my nerves from page 10 and the annoying feeling did not stop until the end, which is after about 342 agonizing pages.
Truth to be told, I started reading this book mainly because I expected a second Compromised. Was I ever more wrong about a book ?
Let's summarize the things I did not like :
-> The writing style: This book is so different from Compromised. I constantly found myself thinking : " Kate Noble used to write wonderfully. What, for the love of God, happened? " There were some moments that were supposed to make me laugh, but in the end they just brought a strange look on my face.
-> The plot: I admit I am no big fan of mystery/romance type of books, but if the read is really good I am capable of making exceptions. Sadly, that is not the case with Ms.Noble book. The mystery was not that interesting and honestly it did not stir any emotion in my bored soul.
-> The heroine: O.M.G. the heroine! Never in my whole life was I more pissed by character. Phillipa is the most annoying, self-centered, dumb chit I have ever read about. Not to mention that my thirteen years ago sister has more realistic vision about the world then her (and she still watches Winx, for Christ sake!). I read all the reviews, I know you guys seem to warm up to her after the first 150 pages or so, but come on! The fact that her first husband died leaving her with his debts does not excuse her for being a self- absorbed bitch! Period.
-> The hero: I do not feel anything about the guy. In fact I don't even remember his name. He was not an alpha male (sadly), still he did show some strength of character. So, congratulation Mr. X for being one of the few things that did not made me want to bang my head against the wall for hours.
Truth to be told, I started reading this book mainly because I expected a second Compromised. Was I ever more wrong about a book ?
Let's summarize the things I did not like :
-> The writing style: This book is so different from Compromised. I constantly found myself thinking : " Kate Noble used to write wonderfully. What, for the love of God, happened? " There were some moments that were supposed to make me laugh, but in the end they just brought a strange look on my face.
-> The plot: I admit I am no big fan of mystery/romance type of books, but if the read is really good I am capable of making exceptions. Sadly, that is not the case with Ms.Noble book. The mystery was not that interesting and honestly it did not stir any emotion in my bored soul.
-> The heroine: O.M.G. the heroine! Never in my whole life was I more pissed by character. Phillipa is the most annoying, self-centered, dumb chit I have ever read about. Not to mention that my thirteen years ago sister has more realistic vision about the world then her (and she still watches Winx, for Christ sake!). I read all the reviews, I know you guys seem to warm up to her after the first 150 pages or so, but come on! The fact that her first husband died leaving her with his debts does not excuse her for being a self- absorbed bitch! Period.
-> The hero: I do not feel anything about the guy. In fact I don't even remember his name. He was not an alpha male (sadly), still he did show some strength of character. So, congratulation Mr. X for being one of the few things that did not made me want to bang my head against the wall for hours.
January 2, 2014
4.5 Stars. Kate Noble's contribution to A Grosvenor Square Christmas was one of the highlights of that anthology, and having enjoyed "The Last First Kiss" so much I resolved to try her full-length fiction immediately. The widowed Phillippa Benning is a -- if not the -- leading light of the ton. Having quickly married -- and then just as quickly widowed -- and now in control of her fortune Phillippa is determined to revel in the freedom afforded her as a widow of means. She's sure she'll eventually remarry...but not before she enjoys the latest Season (and all the opportunities it affords for romantic liasons) to the hilt. She's determined to add the recently arrived, very handsome and eligible, Marquis of Broughton as a romantic conquest, but her calculated plans to win Broughton are interrupted when she accidentally overhears talk of a deliciously different sort -- the identity of the infamous Blue Raven, the British spy whose work in the recently concluded fight against Napoleon and the French captivated English imaginations. If she could reveal the Blue Raven's identity at her annual ball, her status as queen of the ton would be undisputed, her social triumphs legendary. But the Raven has one more mission to fulfill, and when danger crosses Phillippa's path she finds that it's not only her life that's in peril -- but her heart, and to the last man she ever expected to win it.
Mr. Marcus Worth, third son of a minor baron, has found his work in the War Department extraordinarily unfulfilling since the cessation of hostilities with France. But when he uncovers fantastic rumors of a leak in the department and the resurrection of the Blue Raven's most infamous opponent, a maniacal killer long thought dead, it may just be time to resurrect a legend. He didn't count on Phillippa Benning overhearing his plans, much less needing her cooperation to facilitate his entrée to the Season's most exclusive (and targeted) social events. Beneath Phillippa's sparkling social reputation, Marcus discovers a whip-smart, funny woman whose assistance proves more of an asset than he'd ever dreamed. But as they come ever closer to uncovering a traitorous plot, will he have the courage to reveal the truth about his identity before his deception loses him any chance at a future with Phillippa forever?
People...I LOVED THIS BOOK! While Noble's second novel, this is the first in her Blue Raven sequence, and I took the chance on starting here and I'm SO glad I did. This book is everything I love about historicals -- witty banter, pulse-pounding romance, and SPIES! Revealed is a heady blend of Austen-esque relationships and the intrigue, flair, and romance of Barness Orczy's The Scarlet Pimpernel. I was rather afraid I'd be in for a stereotypical romance -- heavy on the love scenes and light on the character development -- but after falling in love with Noble's short fiction I'm happy to see Revealed prove my instincts right. This is an author who takes her tagline of "deeply romantic historicals" seriously, and in the best possible fashion!
I was a bit concerned upon starting this novel that I'd never come to really like its leading lady. Phillippa Benning is strongly reminiscent of another slightly officious heroine -- Jane Austen's Emma. And while I love me some Emma, at first blush Phillippa lacked that character's biggest redeeming quality -- while Emma is generally well-meaning and desirous of helping others, Phillippa is most concerned with advancing her social standing and doesn't care who she cuts or hurts on the way to achieving that aim. But as the story progresses, I quickly warmed to Noble's characterization, as it is revealed that Phillippa's society persona is a deliberate mask. Yes, she loves the trappings of wealth and revels in social intrigue (her unabashed material side becomes rather endearing), but her ice queen persona masks a woman deeply afraid of revealing her true self, afraid of the commitment and risk of rejection that such honesty invites.
And that is precisely why an unassuming third son of a minor baron is this social butterfly's perfect match! When telling a friend about this book, I described Marcus as a sort of geeky, Regency-era James Bond -- and does it get any better than that? I think not. *wink* I loved the slow-burning development of their relationship, how the two become first unlikely allies, then friends, and how he actually sees her as more than just the queen of the ton. His good humor softens her acerbic reputation, and her faith in a legend makes him more than a bureaucratic paper-pusher, but a man capable of changing the fate of an empire. They are SO PERFECT (and I will never, ever cease to swoon when I read the words "it's just me" -- never has such a simple phrase meant so much! SO MUCH BOOK-LOVE HERE, PEOPLE!!).
I adore a good spy story as much as a romance, and Revealed was an unexpectedly welcome, fantastic blend of the two. Noble has a wonderful grasp of the period's manners and mores, and with a healthy dash of derring-do thanks to the Black Raven legend, I was quickly lost -- completely and utterly captivated by Marcus and Phillippa's story. I adored Noble's fully-realized characters, carefully-crafted romance (and appreciated the fact that she actually develops a relationship between her leads, as they don't consummate the relationship until nearly three-quarters of the way through the book), and the warmth and humor with which she brings her story to life. She deftly balancing the suspense and political intrigue of the time with two people learning a potent lesson about the oft-times deceptive nature of appearances, and the reward of looking to the heart beneath the mask of social artifice. Peopled with a host of entertaining supporting players, particularly Totty and Lady Jane, Phillippa's avowed nemesis-turned-frenemy, and Marcus's deliciously angst-ridden brother, Byrne, I cannot wait to dive into the second volume of this series -- The Summer of You. I've rarely been so happy to discover an author's backlist. Revealed is entertaining escapism at its finest, with a swoon-worthy hero and a romance I adored -- the perfect read to start the new year!
Mr. Marcus Worth, third son of a minor baron, has found his work in the War Department extraordinarily unfulfilling since the cessation of hostilities with France. But when he uncovers fantastic rumors of a leak in the department and the resurrection of the Blue Raven's most infamous opponent, a maniacal killer long thought dead, it may just be time to resurrect a legend. He didn't count on Phillippa Benning overhearing his plans, much less needing her cooperation to facilitate his entrée to the Season's most exclusive (and targeted) social events. Beneath Phillippa's sparkling social reputation, Marcus discovers a whip-smart, funny woman whose assistance proves more of an asset than he'd ever dreamed. But as they come ever closer to uncovering a traitorous plot, will he have the courage to reveal the truth about his identity before his deception loses him any chance at a future with Phillippa forever?
People...I LOVED THIS BOOK! While Noble's second novel, this is the first in her Blue Raven sequence, and I took the chance on starting here and I'm SO glad I did. This book is everything I love about historicals -- witty banter, pulse-pounding romance, and SPIES! Revealed is a heady blend of Austen-esque relationships and the intrigue, flair, and romance of Barness Orczy's The Scarlet Pimpernel. I was rather afraid I'd be in for a stereotypical romance -- heavy on the love scenes and light on the character development -- but after falling in love with Noble's short fiction I'm happy to see Revealed prove my instincts right. This is an author who takes her tagline of "deeply romantic historicals" seriously, and in the best possible fashion!
I was a bit concerned upon starting this novel that I'd never come to really like its leading lady. Phillippa Benning is strongly reminiscent of another slightly officious heroine -- Jane Austen's Emma. And while I love me some Emma, at first blush Phillippa lacked that character's biggest redeeming quality -- while Emma is generally well-meaning and desirous of helping others, Phillippa is most concerned with advancing her social standing and doesn't care who she cuts or hurts on the way to achieving that aim. But as the story progresses, I quickly warmed to Noble's characterization, as it is revealed that Phillippa's society persona is a deliberate mask. Yes, she loves the trappings of wealth and revels in social intrigue (her unabashed material side becomes rather endearing), but her ice queen persona masks a woman deeply afraid of revealing her true self, afraid of the commitment and risk of rejection that such honesty invites.
And that is precisely why an unassuming third son of a minor baron is this social butterfly's perfect match! When telling a friend about this book, I described Marcus as a sort of geeky, Regency-era James Bond -- and does it get any better than that? I think not. *wink* I loved the slow-burning development of their relationship, how the two become first unlikely allies, then friends, and how he actually sees her as more than just the queen of the ton. His good humor softens her acerbic reputation, and her faith in a legend makes him more than a bureaucratic paper-pusher, but a man capable of changing the fate of an empire. They are SO PERFECT (and I will never, ever cease to swoon when I read the words "it's just me" -- never has such a simple phrase meant so much! SO MUCH BOOK-LOVE HERE, PEOPLE!!).
I adore a good spy story as much as a romance, and Revealed was an unexpectedly welcome, fantastic blend of the two. Noble has a wonderful grasp of the period's manners and mores, and with a healthy dash of derring-do thanks to the Black Raven legend, I was quickly lost -- completely and utterly captivated by Marcus and Phillippa's story. I adored Noble's fully-realized characters, carefully-crafted romance (and appreciated the fact that she actually develops a relationship between her leads, as they don't consummate the relationship until nearly three-quarters of the way through the book), and the warmth and humor with which she brings her story to life. She deftly balancing the suspense and political intrigue of the time with two people learning a potent lesson about the oft-times deceptive nature of appearances, and the reward of looking to the heart beneath the mask of social artifice. Peopled with a host of entertaining supporting players, particularly Totty and Lady Jane, Phillippa's avowed nemesis-turned-frenemy, and Marcus's deliciously angst-ridden brother, Byrne, I cannot wait to dive into the second volume of this series -- The Summer of You. I've rarely been so happy to discover an author's backlist. Revealed is entertaining escapism at its finest, with a swoon-worthy hero and a romance I adored -- the perfect read to start the new year!
March 10, 2020
Fantastic on audio! This is a new author to me, and I found her writing delightful. Delicate, thoughtful, multi-dimensional, interesting. Just the right balance of plot and romance. Definitely will be reading more.
July 6, 2017
Loved all the characters except Byrne. WTF was his problem with Phillipa? He acted like a douchebag even after he got to know her real character and insulted her at every turn. It was unwarranted and I hate how there was no apology on his part for calling her a bitch. She has never personally said or done anything to him, and if Marcus and Mariah don't have a problem with her, why should he? He had to call her names, it only made him look cheap and vulgar. And he's the hero of the next book? Ugh.
August 20, 2017
After my reading slump I seem to have an embarrassment of riches in excellent books!
I have especially been impressed by the good romances.
This was so exciting and funny! And the couple was so genuine and so perfect for each other. It was a really good build up. Lots of wackiness ensues!
I love heroines who are strong and completely comfortable with themselves. And she was definitely a sassy one! Which made her a perfect foil for Marcus. At first unassuming, he has a marvelous snarky and sweet sense of humor.
The supporting cast was also excellent so I will be continuing this series!
I have especially been impressed by the good romances.
This was so exciting and funny! And the couple was so genuine and so perfect for each other. It was a really good build up. Lots of wackiness ensues!
I love heroines who are strong and completely comfortable with themselves. And she was definitely a sassy one! Which made her a perfect foil for Marcus. At first unassuming, he has a marvelous snarky and sweet sense of humor.
The supporting cast was also excellent so I will be continuing this series!
May 8, 2010
When the fine ladies at Smart Bitches Trashy Books recently gave high marks to Kate Noble's The Summer of You, I went out to research this lady--and leapt with great abandon upon Revealed, her second book, which you should definitely read if you wish to read The Summer of You, since the two are linked by common characters and events.
I wasn't all that moved by her first book, Compromised. But this one? Now we're TALKING. Our heroine du jour is Philippa Benning, who's cutting through the ton of London with singleminded determination, and who is delightfully snarky in all the ways that any longstanding fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer will remember from the character Cordelia. And, like Cordelia, Philippa at first seems to be focused upon fashion and social gatherings and men, yet eventually comes to prove that she's got quite a bit more depth than that.
And what brings it about? Spies! In particular, Marcus Worth, who's certain he's uncovered a plot by a French nobleman to carry out strikes on London society functions--and who's inadvertantly discovered by Philippa, who becomes convinced that she's found the infamous Blue Raven. She boldly offers Marcus a deal: she'll get him the cred he needs to attend the threatened gatherings, if he'll let her finish off her own season by unveiling the Blue Raven and sealing her position as notorious queen of the ton.
Folks, I cheerily ate this one up. Marcus was a fantastic hero, the perfect sort of fellow for a spy: physically forgettable at first glance, lean and brown-haired and even wearing spectacles to read. Yet give him the right fashionable haircut, and SURPRISE! He's actually handsome! Plus, we have bonus action scenes where Marcus gets shot, and OHNOEZ! Philippa has to be the one to take the bullet out! Okay, yeah, sure, it's cheesy, but this book hit all the flavors of cheese I happen to particularly adore. ;)
There's great mileage with Philippa snarking at her chief rival (who of course winds up being the protagonist of the next book) Jane, and some fine mileage as well with the masculine version of same going on with Marcus and his brother Byrne (who of course winds up being Jane's love interest in the next book). One star off for resorting to the standard romance trope of Big Revelation to Make the Heroine Back Off Must Come Immediately After Smexxing--but other than that, this was a delightful read all around. Four stars.
I wasn't all that moved by her first book, Compromised. But this one? Now we're TALKING. Our heroine du jour is Philippa Benning, who's cutting through the ton of London with singleminded determination, and who is delightfully snarky in all the ways that any longstanding fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer will remember from the character Cordelia. And, like Cordelia, Philippa at first seems to be focused upon fashion and social gatherings and men, yet eventually comes to prove that she's got quite a bit more depth than that.
And what brings it about? Spies! In particular, Marcus Worth, who's certain he's uncovered a plot by a French nobleman to carry out strikes on London society functions--and who's inadvertantly discovered by Philippa, who becomes convinced that she's found the infamous Blue Raven. She boldly offers Marcus a deal: she'll get him the cred he needs to attend the threatened gatherings, if he'll let her finish off her own season by unveiling the Blue Raven and sealing her position as notorious queen of the ton.
Folks, I cheerily ate this one up. Marcus was a fantastic hero, the perfect sort of fellow for a spy: physically forgettable at first glance, lean and brown-haired and even wearing spectacles to read. Yet give him the right fashionable haircut, and SURPRISE! He's actually handsome! Plus, we have bonus action scenes where Marcus gets shot, and OHNOEZ! Philippa has to be the one to take the bullet out! Okay, yeah, sure, it's cheesy, but this book hit all the flavors of cheese I happen to particularly adore. ;)
There's great mileage with Philippa snarking at her chief rival (who of course winds up being the protagonist of the next book) Jane, and some fine mileage as well with the masculine version of same going on with Marcus and his brother Byrne (who of course winds up being Jane's love interest in the next book). One star off for resorting to the standard romance trope of Big Revelation to Make the Heroine Back Off Must Come Immediately After Smexxing--but other than that, this was a delightful read all around. Four stars.
October 28, 2015
4.25 Stars
Read for the 2015 TBR Challenge--February--Recommended Reads. The challenge is hosted by Wendy the Super Librarian.
Revealed is a book that was recommended to me early in the my blogging days though I do not remember who mentioned it to me. I got it back in 2012 and then it just sat on my shelf ever since. I think the main reason that I was so hesitant was that it involved Regency-era spies which is not my favorite theme. But, I am glad that I finally gave it a chance and am looking forward to reading more in this series.
The main thing that stood out to me in this book was the reversal of the usual dynamic found in historical romance with an alpha heroine and a beta hero. At first, I was not a huge fan of Phillippa. She is beautiful, charming, and completely obsessed with her status in English society. Basically, she seems to be the Regency-era version of one of the Plastics from Mean Girls. Then she accidentally meets up with Mr. Marcus Worth, an ordinary-looking man, and her entire outlook changes. But, just because I say he is a beta hero does not mean that he is weak. His work for the war effort is legendary and I really liked his character.
My favorite scenes involved Marcus and Phillippa interacting in order to figure out who is threatening major events in the Season. These two are an example of characters that are enhanced by their growing relationship with one another. Marcus becomes more confident at societal events and Phillippa begins to revisit some personality traits from before her marriage. They just work so well as a couple that I was always disappointed when they were apart.
The big mystery of Revealed involves a French spy who was thought to have been killed by the mysterious Blue Raven yet seems to have resurrected and is threatening to destroy the English from inside London. As I mentioned, I have gotten bored with the spy theme, but I actually liked the balance of this subplot and the romance. Things are not completely resolved by the end and it makes me want to read the rest of the series sooner rather than later.
All in all, I am glad that finally gave this book a chance. So I am now 2 for 2 on pulling books that have been on my TBR shelf for years and that makes me even more excited to find more gems with the 2015 TBR Challenge.
Read for the 2015 TBR Challenge--February--Recommended Reads. The challenge is hosted by Wendy the Super Librarian.
Revealed is a book that was recommended to me early in the my blogging days though I do not remember who mentioned it to me. I got it back in 2012 and then it just sat on my shelf ever since. I think the main reason that I was so hesitant was that it involved Regency-era spies which is not my favorite theme. But, I am glad that I finally gave it a chance and am looking forward to reading more in this series.
The main thing that stood out to me in this book was the reversal of the usual dynamic found in historical romance with an alpha heroine and a beta hero. At first, I was not a huge fan of Phillippa. She is beautiful, charming, and completely obsessed with her status in English society. Basically, she seems to be the Regency-era version of one of the Plastics from Mean Girls. Then she accidentally meets up with Mr. Marcus Worth, an ordinary-looking man, and her entire outlook changes. But, just because I say he is a beta hero does not mean that he is weak. His work for the war effort is legendary and I really liked his character.
My favorite scenes involved Marcus and Phillippa interacting in order to figure out who is threatening major events in the Season. These two are an example of characters that are enhanced by their growing relationship with one another. Marcus becomes more confident at societal events and Phillippa begins to revisit some personality traits from before her marriage. They just work so well as a couple that I was always disappointed when they were apart.
The big mystery of Revealed involves a French spy who was thought to have been killed by the mysterious Blue Raven yet seems to have resurrected and is threatening to destroy the English from inside London. As I mentioned, I have gotten bored with the spy theme, but I actually liked the balance of this subplot and the romance. Things are not completely resolved by the end and it makes me want to read the rest of the series sooner rather than later.
All in all, I am glad that finally gave this book a chance. So I am now 2 for 2 on pulling books that have been on my TBR shelf for years and that makes me even more excited to find more gems with the 2015 TBR Challenge.
June 5, 2010
I have a policy to stop reading a book if it doesn't hook me by page 50. On exactly page 50, it got interesting. Previous to that, there was no real conflict. Sure there was the frivilous competition between Phillipa and Lady Jane, but I so don't care about all that society crap. I could care less about gowns and jewelry and the colors of cloth.
So, p 50 was interesting. I kept reading. For the whole first half of REVEALED, I figured I'd give the book two or three stars. There were a lot of sections I skimmed over because it was describing things I didn't care about. Plus, the author had a tendency to do a whole lot of telling. Something would happen, then we'd change point of views and the author would say "This is how it happened" (or something along those lines) and then proceed to tell stuff that wasn't happening here and now. Also, there were a couple of jarring transitions at the beginning.
But whenever Phillipa and Marcus were together, I loved the story. Marcus is unassuming but capable, and he doesn't put up with Phillipa's crap. Phillipa, around Marcus, is a changed and interesting person. Once I reached the halfway point, I didn't want to put the book down. I liked the way it ended. I kind of wanted Broughton to be one of the bad guys, but I was worried it would end up being Byrne. I so hope Byrne gets help, the poor guy. I'd like to see him and Marcus together, being brothers. There were a few glimpses of their past closeness, and I thoroughly enjoyed them.
Don't know if I want to read another one of Noble's books. The publisher included the first chapter of Noble's THE SUMMER OF YOU. It picks up at the wedding and is from Lady Jane's POV. I don't know if I can handle reading more about the frivolties of the Ton. Plus, there are so many other books and authors to try out.
ETA: Finished the book a few hours ago and can't seem to keep it out of my mind. Maybe I will try another one of Noble's books; I'm just not sure if I'll like any other bachelors as much as I liked Marcus. Guess the only way to find out is to read on.
So, p 50 was interesting. I kept reading. For the whole first half of REVEALED, I figured I'd give the book two or three stars. There were a lot of sections I skimmed over because it was describing things I didn't care about. Plus, the author had a tendency to do a whole lot of telling. Something would happen, then we'd change point of views and the author would say "This is how it happened" (or something along those lines) and then proceed to tell stuff that wasn't happening here and now. Also, there were a couple of jarring transitions at the beginning.
But whenever Phillipa and Marcus were together, I loved the story. Marcus is unassuming but capable, and he doesn't put up with Phillipa's crap. Phillipa, around Marcus, is a changed and interesting person. Once I reached the halfway point, I didn't want to put the book down. I liked the way it ended. I kind of wanted Broughton to be one of the bad guys, but I was worried it would end up being Byrne. I so hope Byrne gets help, the poor guy. I'd like to see him and Marcus together, being brothers. There were a few glimpses of their past closeness, and I thoroughly enjoyed them.
Don't know if I want to read another one of Noble's books. The publisher included the first chapter of Noble's THE SUMMER OF YOU. It picks up at the wedding and is from Lady Jane's POV. I don't know if I can handle reading more about the frivolties of the Ton. Plus, there are so many other books and authors to try out.
ETA: Finished the book a few hours ago and can't seem to keep it out of my mind. Maybe I will try another one of Noble's books; I'm just not sure if I'll like any other bachelors as much as I liked Marcus. Guess the only way to find out is to read on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2011
Yes this is what historical romance should be like. Sweet, fun and just adorable in every way.
Phillippa is the leading lady of the ton. She can sure be a bit snobbish, but that is not her true self. So I have to like her at once. She is funny, nice, she can be careless, she wants too much, she does not see what is in front of her, but everything just makes me like her more.
The hero, Marcus Worth soon becomes entangled with her, and he regrets the day it happened. He is calm, analytic, nerdish, and yes I have to like him too. And is he the elusive Blue Raven? Together they banter, and fall for each other, but of course both do not acknowledge that. He is a bore, she is a snob. The perfect couple.
You will never be bored when reading this book. The plot will keep you busy, the hunt for a French spy, and of course how Phillippa goes from party to party. She does not sit still. There is always something that kept me turning the page to find out what happens, I smiled, and I knew I want more.
So yes of course I recommend this book. Now I just need book 2.
Phillippa is the leading lady of the ton. She can sure be a bit snobbish, but that is not her true self. So I have to like her at once. She is funny, nice, she can be careless, she wants too much, she does not see what is in front of her, but everything just makes me like her more.
The hero, Marcus Worth soon becomes entangled with her, and he regrets the day it happened. He is calm, analytic, nerdish, and yes I have to like him too. And is he the elusive Blue Raven? Together they banter, and fall for each other, but of course both do not acknowledge that. He is a bore, she is a snob. The perfect couple.
You will never be bored when reading this book. The plot will keep you busy, the hunt for a French spy, and of course how Phillippa goes from party to party. She does not sit still. There is always something that kept me turning the page to find out what happens, I smiled, and I knew I want more.
So yes of course I recommend this book. Now I just need book 2.
August 23, 2013
Did not finish.
Other reviewers have indicated that the book improves immensely further along. And to be fair, by the time I made it to Ch. 10, it did seem that Phillipa was becoming marginally more interesting.
But here's the thing: if you're going to write such a horribly unlikeable and arrogant character, you better turn her around quickly, and I mean by chapter three at the most, not by chapter 10. And you better give her a fall that's nasty enough to make her re-evaluate her priorities and give her a personality change, stat.
Really glad this was a library copy. A big let-down after the high of reading Compromised.
Other reviewers have indicated that the book improves immensely further along. And to be fair, by the time I made it to Ch. 10, it did seem that Phillipa was becoming marginally more interesting.
But here's the thing: if you're going to write such a horribly unlikeable and arrogant character, you better turn her around quickly, and I mean by chapter three at the most, not by chapter 10. And you better give her a fall that's nasty enough to make her re-evaluate her priorities and give her a personality change, stat.
Really glad this was a library copy. A big let-down after the high of reading Compromised.
September 9, 2015
I loved this espionage themed regency of well to do widow, Phillippa Benning, leader of the ton, who accidentally gets herself tangled up into a French plot with "presumably" the notorious English agent, The Blue Raven. Of course, she is taken aback to find that the notorious war hero is none other than the bespectacled, gangly and bookish Marcus Worth! Little does she know! What an entertaining romance, filled with dry wit and plenty of red herrings! Looking forward to continuing with this Blue Raven series! A keeper!
4.5/5
4.5/5
December 7, 2013
Mean spirited, vindictice, selfish, self absorbed, cruel,
oh-so full of herself, bitchy, shallow , shrewish , malicious...... All these and many many more adjectives for the heroine of this ,waste of my time, book.
I rarely give such a low rating. Imagine how much I detest Phillipa Benning to be driven to this...
Blech!
oh-so full of herself, bitchy, shallow , shrewish , malicious...... All these and many many more adjectives for the heroine of this ,waste of my time, book.
I rarely give such a low rating. Imagine how much I detest Phillipa Benning to be driven to this...
Blech!
May 1, 2012
Despite a recurring grammatical error (someone tell the editor that the contraction is it's), and the mistaken spelling of orangeat (probably for orgeat), this was an extremely enjoyable Regency romp. Full of humor and excitement, with characters that felt surprisingly real.
April 26, 2021
An previous coworker of mine doesn't like romance but found this one agreeable many years ago (high praise from her). I was recently cleaning out my Goodreads to read list and came across this again, and thought I would give it a shot. It was okay. The heroine was a little irritating, in the regards that she's supposed to be the most amazing person living in London at the time and everyone loves her, but she's only TWENTY-ONE, so yeah, I had a hard time with that. She seemed really young to me. As long as I forgot her age, she was tolerable. Like I said, it was fine, but I don't think I have the motivation or interest to read the rest of the series.
December 3, 2017
Lady Phillipa Benning is a young, beautiful, fantastically wealthy widow and the undisputed queen (and Mean Girl) of London society. She has set her eyes on the Marquis of Broughton, who is equally eligible, wealthy and popular, but her arch rival from school, Lady Jane Cummings also seems to have him in her sights and the vexing man is not beyond playing the two ladies against each other. Things start getting complicated after Philippa, having arranged a tryst with Broughton in a library, ends up hidden in a sarcophagus overhearing what appears to be famed English spy The Blue Raven discussing an enemy plot with one of his superiors.
First of all, Philippa is shocked that unassuming and plain Marcus Worth (he doesn't even have a title!) could be the exciting and infamous Blue Raven who helped England defeat France. He's so tall and gawky and wears glasses and always seems too clumsy for his own good. He's nothing like what she would have expected a dashing spy to be (which when she thinks about it is probably why he was so good at it). Philippa's reputation in society is flawless and she gets invited everywhere. She makes a deal with Marcus that at the end of the season, she will be allowed to reveal the identity of the Blue Raven at her big ball in return for securing him entry to all the society events where he suspects the sinister French agent might strike.
Of course, as they continue working with each other, Philippa keeps getting distracted from her pursuit of Broughton (although she skilfully uses Marcus to try to make the other man jealous), finding herself fascinated by this quiet, intelligent and unassuming man and his dangerous mission. Marcus discovers that Philippa isn't just beautiful and cruel, but that she hides a lot from the wider world to maintain her position. She's fiercely intelligent and an excellent organiser and there is pain in her past that she's clearly not willing to talk about. Over the course of their quest to uncover the French spy, he also learns that she seems to have a near-photographic memory, which is very helpful when navigating large crowds.
Revealed pretty much takes the fairly common story of the charming and experienced society rake who falls in love with the plain and intellectual nobody and gender-reverses it. Not that Philippa is really the female equivalent of a rake. While she was previously married, it was not of very long duration and she plays at being a lot more experienced and sophisticated than she is in reality. She's certainly an alpha female, however, and her views and opinions are closely followed by the majority of the ton. Marcus Worth is very much not an alpha male, and while he's initially ready to brush off Philippa as a malicious and self-centred manipulator, he's also very observant and keeps seeing the things she keeps hidden from others. He's fascinated by the woman she could be, if she wasn't so busy dazzling her surrounding and claiming to be indifferent to everything.
I read The Scarlet Pimpernel at an impressionable age, so Regency spies have always held a fascination for me. There is more to the character of the Blue Raven that Philippa first suspects and she comes to discover over the course of her work with Marcus that spying isn't actually very glamorous and adventurous, but involves very real danger to everyone involved. Philippa starts out as really rather horrible and I can see why her personality could put some people off to begin with. To go with the previously mentioned gender reversal, it's nice to see that the heroine can be complex and a bit of a dick, only to be gradually changed and redeemed by falling for someone unexpected. Marcus is tall, bookish, gangly, bespectacled and has unruly hair - that's pretty much my ideal man. He struggles to convince his superiors that there really is a plot to watch out for. They believe him to be overly paranoid and just bored with his post-War desk duty (hence him having to ally with Philippa). Together, they make a very effective team, and they obviously fall in love along the way.
I've only read a few other Kate Noble romances (including book 4 in The Blue Raven series). Neither of them very very memorable and I was glad to discover that this was so much more entertaining and fun.
Judging a book by its cover: The cover is fairly generic for a Regency novel, but I will give the cover designer kudos for using a period appropriate dress (which is sadly so often not the case). As there is quite a bit of running around in gardens, the lady running either from or towards something is a suitable image, I guess, and the dress is fashionable enough to be something Lady Phillipa would wear.
First of all, Philippa is shocked that unassuming and plain Marcus Worth (he doesn't even have a title!) could be the exciting and infamous Blue Raven who helped England defeat France. He's so tall and gawky and wears glasses and always seems too clumsy for his own good. He's nothing like what she would have expected a dashing spy to be (which when she thinks about it is probably why he was so good at it). Philippa's reputation in society is flawless and she gets invited everywhere. She makes a deal with Marcus that at the end of the season, she will be allowed to reveal the identity of the Blue Raven at her big ball in return for securing him entry to all the society events where he suspects the sinister French agent might strike.
Of course, as they continue working with each other, Philippa keeps getting distracted from her pursuit of Broughton (although she skilfully uses Marcus to try to make the other man jealous), finding herself fascinated by this quiet, intelligent and unassuming man and his dangerous mission. Marcus discovers that Philippa isn't just beautiful and cruel, but that she hides a lot from the wider world to maintain her position. She's fiercely intelligent and an excellent organiser and there is pain in her past that she's clearly not willing to talk about. Over the course of their quest to uncover the French spy, he also learns that she seems to have a near-photographic memory, which is very helpful when navigating large crowds.
Revealed pretty much takes the fairly common story of the charming and experienced society rake who falls in love with the plain and intellectual nobody and gender-reverses it. Not that Philippa is really the female equivalent of a rake. While she was previously married, it was not of very long duration and she plays at being a lot more experienced and sophisticated than she is in reality. She's certainly an alpha female, however, and her views and opinions are closely followed by the majority of the ton. Marcus Worth is very much not an alpha male, and while he's initially ready to brush off Philippa as a malicious and self-centred manipulator, he's also very observant and keeps seeing the things she keeps hidden from others. He's fascinated by the woman she could be, if she wasn't so busy dazzling her surrounding and claiming to be indifferent to everything.
I read The Scarlet Pimpernel at an impressionable age, so Regency spies have always held a fascination for me. There is more to the character of the Blue Raven that Philippa first suspects and she comes to discover over the course of her work with Marcus that spying isn't actually very glamorous and adventurous, but involves very real danger to everyone involved. Philippa starts out as really rather horrible and I can see why her personality could put some people off to begin with. To go with the previously mentioned gender reversal, it's nice to see that the heroine can be complex and a bit of a dick, only to be gradually changed and redeemed by falling for someone unexpected. Marcus is tall, bookish, gangly, bespectacled and has unruly hair - that's pretty much my ideal man. He struggles to convince his superiors that there really is a plot to watch out for. They believe him to be overly paranoid and just bored with his post-War desk duty (hence him having to ally with Philippa). Together, they make a very effective team, and they obviously fall in love along the way.
I've only read a few other Kate Noble romances (including book 4 in The Blue Raven series). Neither of them very very memorable and I was glad to discover that this was so much more entertaining and fun.
Judging a book by its cover: The cover is fairly generic for a Regency novel, but I will give the cover designer kudos for using a period appropriate dress (which is sadly so often not the case). As there is quite a bit of running around in gardens, the lady running either from or towards something is a suitable image, I guess, and the dress is fashionable enough to be something Lady Phillipa would wear.
April 27, 2012
Phillippa and Marcus
Full review at Fiction Vixen Book Reviews
She held up her hand in a nervous sort of wave and lowered it awkwardly. “It’s just me,” Phillippa said, her gaze never leaving his. The room held still, as if any movement would shatter the space.
The Fieldstone cleared his throat and started forward with a smart bow. “Mrs. Benning, I’m please to see you looking so well. May I ask, er, how you got past the guards?”
Phillippa gave that effortless, elegant shrug of hers. “I’m Phillippa Benning,” she said plainly, without conceit.
Revealed by Kate Noble is the first book in her Blue Raven series. Catherine did an excellent review on the third book in the series, Follow My Lead, and I have heard so much about Ms. Noble’s books that I decided to start at the beginning of this series. This book is actually from 2009 so I am definitely behind here but I have an inability to start in the middle of a series like this.
Phillippa Benning is the talk of the Ton. She is the trend-setter, the one to make or break debutantes or bucks, the one everyone follows. And she is also a snob, spoiled, rotten, stuck up and a very unlikable character. For the majority of Revealed, she displays not a single redeeming character trait. The only time I felt like she was worth reading was when she was around Marcus Worth.
Marcus Worth, our hero, has supposedly been found out by Phillippa to be “The Blue Raven”. The Blue Raven was a war hero but since the war has ended he has gone into a form of retirement. Marcus has a hard time being retired though. He still sees intrigue and plots in every corner he looks. Unable to settle his suspicious mind he is close to becoming the man who cried wolf. So when a real plot comes up there is nobody around to believe him. Except Phillippa. Major social events are being targeted and Phillippa is the only one who can get Marcus access to these events so he can investigate and stop the plot. For her part, Phillippa wants in on the excitement and wants to be the one to reveal who The Blue Raven actually is, at the biggest ball of the year, The Benning Ball.
I consider it a masterful piece of writing that Ms. Noble managed to pull off in Revealed. Phillippa is seriously a brat bordering on what I would call bitch. There were times were I had to clench my teeth and make funny noises at some of the jerkish moves she pulled. In any normal situation I would have hated her. But Ms. Noble, somehow, someway, created a character that you couldn’t hate. Her interactions with Marcus turn her into a completely different person. The whole time she is “working” with Marcus she is also supposed to be pursuing another gentleman. The man is her equivalent in looks and status but as time goes on he starts to lose his shine and falls short of what Marcus is to her.
Marcus was never the debonair, handsome guy that would catch the eye. And that is what makes him so likable. He is solid and steady without being boring. He is the perfect match for someone like Phillippa. In a bit of a plot twist, Marcus’ brother is introduced and turns out to be the other half of The Blue Raven. Phillippa feels betrayed by the knowledge and turns back to her old ways of snobbery. Eventually Marcus and Phillippa work out their differences and the book ends with a very cute epilogue.
If I had one complaint with the book it would be the lack of sexual situations. There is plenty of sexual tension but for about 50% of the book, I was just on the edge of my seat. Their first kiss is almost blistering and I wanted more sooner than I got more. Overall, this was a very good book and I look forward to reading book 2 of the series. I am very happy I started my Kate Noble journey. Final grade- B+
Favorite quote:
“It’s just me.”
Full review at Fiction Vixen Book Reviews
She held up her hand in a nervous sort of wave and lowered it awkwardly. “It’s just me,” Phillippa said, her gaze never leaving his. The room held still, as if any movement would shatter the space.
The Fieldstone cleared his throat and started forward with a smart bow. “Mrs. Benning, I’m please to see you looking so well. May I ask, er, how you got past the guards?”
Phillippa gave that effortless, elegant shrug of hers. “I’m Phillippa Benning,” she said plainly, without conceit.
Revealed by Kate Noble is the first book in her Blue Raven series. Catherine did an excellent review on the third book in the series, Follow My Lead, and I have heard so much about Ms. Noble’s books that I decided to start at the beginning of this series. This book is actually from 2009 so I am definitely behind here but I have an inability to start in the middle of a series like this.
Phillippa Benning is the talk of the Ton. She is the trend-setter, the one to make or break debutantes or bucks, the one everyone follows. And she is also a snob, spoiled, rotten, stuck up and a very unlikable character. For the majority of Revealed, she displays not a single redeeming character trait. The only time I felt like she was worth reading was when she was around Marcus Worth.
Marcus Worth, our hero, has supposedly been found out by Phillippa to be “The Blue Raven”. The Blue Raven was a war hero but since the war has ended he has gone into a form of retirement. Marcus has a hard time being retired though. He still sees intrigue and plots in every corner he looks. Unable to settle his suspicious mind he is close to becoming the man who cried wolf. So when a real plot comes up there is nobody around to believe him. Except Phillippa. Major social events are being targeted and Phillippa is the only one who can get Marcus access to these events so he can investigate and stop the plot. For her part, Phillippa wants in on the excitement and wants to be the one to reveal who The Blue Raven actually is, at the biggest ball of the year, The Benning Ball.
I consider it a masterful piece of writing that Ms. Noble managed to pull off in Revealed. Phillippa is seriously a brat bordering on what I would call bitch. There were times were I had to clench my teeth and make funny noises at some of the jerkish moves she pulled. In any normal situation I would have hated her. But Ms. Noble, somehow, someway, created a character that you couldn’t hate. Her interactions with Marcus turn her into a completely different person. The whole time she is “working” with Marcus she is also supposed to be pursuing another gentleman. The man is her equivalent in looks and status but as time goes on he starts to lose his shine and falls short of what Marcus is to her.
Marcus was never the debonair, handsome guy that would catch the eye. And that is what makes him so likable. He is solid and steady without being boring. He is the perfect match for someone like Phillippa. In a bit of a plot twist, Marcus’ brother is introduced and turns out to be the other half of The Blue Raven. Phillippa feels betrayed by the knowledge and turns back to her old ways of snobbery. Eventually Marcus and Phillippa work out their differences and the book ends with a very cute epilogue.
If I had one complaint with the book it would be the lack of sexual situations. There is plenty of sexual tension but for about 50% of the book, I was just on the edge of my seat. Their first kiss is almost blistering and I wanted more sooner than I got more. Overall, this was a very good book and I look forward to reading book 2 of the series. I am very happy I started my Kate Noble journey. Final grade- B+
Favorite quote:
“It’s just me.”
February 14, 2017
Interesting premise to have the main character be potentially extremely dislikable. It’s almost as if someone suggested making Regina George the heroine of an action movie. Can you turn an mean, empty-headed, rich, queen bee into something more?
Yes, argues Noble, suggesting that a lot of her meanness stems from the boredom of being so rich and successful without any real intellectual challenges that when a genuine piece of espionage lands in her lap, she can’t resist diving into danger.
Meanwhile, the hero of the story is a war horse whose been told the war is over, now go frolic in a meadow. He honestly isn’t sure if he’s the only one who senses danger, or if he’s just become so used to plots he just can’t handle peacetime, and is now both running around trying to save king and country, even if no one else will, but also questioning his own sanity.
The entire plot might have built around a James Bond joke that Noble was clearly dying to make, but plot and joke both work extremely well, with some fun twists and two main characters who turn out to be surprisingly likable.
As usual, while I love me a good historical romance, I’m always left wishing there was more of an even balance between historical and romance, since romance always takes precedence in this genre over history. But other than that general gripe, this was a fun read.
Also – the main antagonist is an insane Frenchman, and good for Noble for bringing the “psychotic Gaul” trope back into fashion. :-D
December 31, 2015
The war is over, the Frogs are intermingling with London society, and Phillipa Benning is the star of every dazzling show in the ton.
Marcus is working in the somewhat secret war office shuffling papers where he is decidedly bored. When a long dead enemy threatens to resurface, Marcus immediately embarks on a critical mission to find him.
Marcus and Phillipa happen to bump into each other along the way and the sparks, well…erm, dust flies.
My first waltz with Kate Noble was satisfying. I rarely know what to expect from a new-to-me author and this case was no different. (However, I admit to having trepidation over an espionage plot as I’m still feeling the effects of my bad experience earlier in the year *shudders*). With that said, I felt that the intrigue portion of this book was both well done and appropriately dramatic, adding a little more substance to the typical historical romance. There were some twists and revelations that I did not see coming and a dastardly villain worth booing.
The really good stuff for me included Phillipa – she was a fantastic character, witty and spectacularly catty classy (talk about an oxymoron!). I can’t even explain to you what "catty classy" is; you’ll just have to see for yourself. I adored her to pieces. (She reminded me a bit of Julie Ann Long's Cynthia in Like No Other Lover in tone...)
Aside from her wit, as her relationship with Marcus grows, then deepens, Phillipa's emotional growth is so touching that I *might* have held my breath in places. But you know? Emotional growth isn’t really the right way to explain it; it was more about the slow revelation of a person that was really beautiful.
“It’s just me.” guh
I think Kate Noble’s website titles her work as ‘deeply romantic’. I couldn’t agree more. Revealed hit all my sweet spots – it was witty, had great dialogue, interesting characters and pleasing, steamy scenes.
Marcus is working in the somewhat secret war office shuffling papers where he is decidedly bored. When a long dead enemy threatens to resurface, Marcus immediately embarks on a critical mission to find him.
Marcus and Phillipa happen to bump into each other along the way and the sparks, well…erm, dust flies.
My first waltz with Kate Noble was satisfying. I rarely know what to expect from a new-to-me author and this case was no different. (However, I admit to having trepidation over an espionage plot as I’m still feeling the effects of my bad experience earlier in the year *shudders*). With that said, I felt that the intrigue portion of this book was both well done and appropriately dramatic, adding a little more substance to the typical historical romance. There were some twists and revelations that I did not see coming and a dastardly villain worth booing.
The really good stuff for me included Phillipa – she was a fantastic character, witty and spectacularly catty classy (talk about an oxymoron!). I can’t even explain to you what "catty classy" is; you’ll just have to see for yourself. I adored her to pieces. (She reminded me a bit of Julie Ann Long's Cynthia in Like No Other Lover in tone...)
Aside from her wit, as her relationship with Marcus grows, then deepens, Phillipa's emotional growth is so touching that I *might* have held my breath in places. But you know? Emotional growth isn’t really the right way to explain it; it was more about the slow revelation of a person that was really beautiful.
“It’s just me.” guh
I think Kate Noble’s website titles her work as ‘deeply romantic’. I couldn’t agree more. Revealed hit all my sweet spots – it was witty, had great dialogue, interesting characters and pleasing, steamy scenes.
September 3, 2012
Re-read this during Isaac (and in fact all of this series... there wasn't a lot to do with the power off for 5 days). I usually hate regency spy books because the spy plots are dumb, but for some reason I like this one. I think because Philippa is a character type we don't see often enough, done really well. She's the bitchy gorgeous queen of society, which doesn't usually work for me. But in this, it does. I particularly like how future books in this series reveal that falling in love and getting married does not change who Philippa is. She's a bit less of a bitch, but you get to see that she likes knowing everything about everyone, planning parties, setting fashion trends, and generally being in charge of stuff. And you see that she's able to be the person she is because she has a photographic memory and is actually very smart. Plus I like beta heroes, which Marcus is. And opposites-attract romances, which this is. Upon re-read, I've decided Revealed and Follow My Lead are my favorite Kate Nobles.
June 15, 2013
This was an unexpected delight. One of the weird things about reading on the Kobo is the lack of back cover - I put books on my to-read list, and eventually get them from the library, often without remembering anything about them by that time. So I was actually tricked into thinking that the man the heroine started out flirting with was the man she was going to end up with, something that was helped by the fact the first 4 chapters were from her POV. And I was bored! They were both too perfect, too Ton ideal, I was determined this wasn't a book I was going to enjoy. So it took me quite a while before I realized that I was actually really entertained by the book, once the interaction between the heroine and the actual hero started. Like I said, unexpected, simply because for once I didn't actually know the ending of a romance novel before starting!
Anyway, enjoyable book, nice character arc for the heroine, a very good read.
Anyway, enjoyable book, nice character arc for the heroine, a very good read.
April 28, 2011
This book had a seriously unpromising start, with one of the most insufferable heroines I've ever read. I initially only kept reading in the hopes of something really bad happening to her. However, that being said, it turned out to be a very entertaining read. The hero is a lovely beta hero, definitely not run-of-the-mill, and while the heroine has a slight TSTL moment toward the end, it wasn't unforgivable. The narrative has a periodically sarcastic tone directed at the heroine - she wasn't taken totally seriously by the book itself - and on the whole (even though it was a spy story, which I admit I am not partial to), it was engaging and entertaining. I would definitely read more in this series.
November 1, 2015
I enjoyed this book for the most part. The heroine was refreshing - rich, beautiful, uninhibited and bitchy. She was the rake while the hero was the wallflower, and as much as I like rakish heroes, I think I like rakish heroines better. A few things did bother me: Phillipa does something really horrible and undeserving to Mariah and I wanted to see more of remorse and redemption than a simple apology; the action takes over the second half of the book because of which the romance and character development suffers. I really enjoyed Ms Noble's voice, though, and I'll probably be reading more of her books.
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