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Matches Made in Scandal #3
His Rags-to-Riches Contessa
From the streets of London……to Venetian high society!
A Matches Made in Scandal To catch his father’s murderer, broodingly arrogant Conte Luca del Pietro requires help from a most unlikely source—Becky Wickes, London’s finest card-sharp. Against the decadence of Carnival, Becky’s innocence and warmth captivates Luca, but as their chemistry burns hotter the stakes in their perilous game are getting higher. For Luca is no longer playing only for justice—but also to win Becky’s heart…
A Matches Made in Scandal To catch his father’s murderer, broodingly arrogant Conte Luca del Pietro requires help from a most unlikely source—Becky Wickes, London’s finest card-sharp. Against the decadence of Carnival, Becky’s innocence and warmth captivates Luca, but as their chemistry burns hotter the stakes in their perilous game are getting higher. For Luca is no longer playing only for justice—but also to win Becky’s heart…
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 18, 2018
8 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Marguerite Kaye
248 books343 followersMarguerite Kaye is a prolific historical romance author hailing from Argyll’s West Coast. She is a voracious consumer of books, Scotland’s world-class larder, and the occasional cocktail.
Find out more on her website at www.margueritekaye.com
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Find out more on her website at www.margueritekaye.com
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 18, 2018
I've given this a B at AAR, so that's 4 stars.
His Rags to Riches Contessa is the third book in Marguerite Kaye’s Matches Made in Scandal series, and tells the story of an actress and card sharp who is hired to help a Venetian nobleman obtain revenge against the man who killed his father. The four novels in the set are linked by a mysterious woman known only as The Procurer; a woman whose clients come to her “with complex and unusual problems requiring unique solutions”, solutions she provides while at the same time helping young women to whom life has dealt a poor hand make themselves a better future. Becky Wickes is one such; abandoned by the man she loved – and whom she believed loved her – to face a future as a fugitive from the law and a possible death sentence should she be apprehended – Becky has gone to ground and holed up in a dingy room in the rookery of St. Giles. It’s here that the Procurer finds her and offers her the chance to change her life.
Becky travels to Venice, to the luxurious Palazzo Pietro, where she will meet the Procurer’s client – the Conte del Pietro – and receive all the details of her assignment. She is surprised to discover that the Conte – Luca - is half-English on his mother’s side and that he spent many years in the Royal Navy before his father’s death necessitated his return home, and even more so when she finally learns the reason for her journey. Luca explains that his father and his father’s best friend, Don Massimo Sarti, had together been respected government officials who had acted to preserve as many of the city’s treasures as they could before Venice surrendered to Napoléon some twenty years earlier. The plan was to hide as many items of value as possible – especially those pertaining to the city’s heritage – and to return them once the Republic of Venice was restored, but things didn’t quite work out that way. Venice was used as a pawn over the years and only now, after Napoléon’s defeat, is the situation stable enough to consider restoring all the artefacts that the men had spirited away. In his final communication to his son, Luca’s father explained that he had visited the hiding place in order to make an inventory only to discover the place was empty. It seems Don Massimo has stolen everything he and Luca’s father had vowed to preserve in order to fund his gambling habit – and when threatened with exposure had his former friend killed.
Luca wants revenge against Don Massimo, and believes he can obtain it with Becky’s help. Gambling is illegal in Venice at all times other than during Carnevale, which lasts from February to Lent, when the rules are relaxed and a number of ridotti (private gaming hells) open up for deep play. Becky is to play the part of Regina di Denari, the Queen of Coins, a mysterious, masked woman who is a force to be reckoned with at the card table, and Luca plans for her to win back everything Don Massimo stole from his father and the city, which will ruin him completely.
Against the backdrop of the hedonistic Carnevale – where everyone is masked and no-one is what they seem – Luca and Becky find themselves fighting the attraction that’s been growing between them since the day they met. They both know the other is a distraction they can’t afford – and besides, a girl from the London slums who grew up making her living as a street performer is a completely ineligible match for a wealthy man of Luca’s status, who is expected to make the sort of practical society marriage made by every Venetian nobleman. Even so, somehow these two are perfect for each other as Becky’s down-to-earth manner and attitude complement Luca’s similarly pragmatic outlook; yet it emerges that there may be more separating them than a question of class. When Becky holds up a mirror to Luca’s driving need for vengeance, he is forced to consider the nature of obsession… and faced with some impossible choices.
Marguerite Kaye’s descriptions of the sights and sounds of Venice, and its customs and traditions are extremely well done; so much so in fact, that I was surprised to learn from her author’s notes that she has never been there! She expertly conjures up mental images of the changing colours of the wintry sky and the waters of the Grand Canal, giving the reader an armchair tour of the palazzos and bustling marketplaces of the city in just such a way as to whet the appetite without interrupting the flow of the story.
The relationship between Becky and Luca builds over several weeks, although their attraction is instantaneous; they share an almost-kiss on something like Becky’s second day at the palazzo, which felt way too soon, especially after Becky’s determination that she’d had enough of men after the way her lying bastard ex (my words, not the authors!) treated her. After this, though, things slow down, and the author instead makes the most of their growing attraction and allows it to simmer through lingering looks, touches and forbidden kisses until neither Luca nor Becky can deny or resist its compulsion.
His Rags to Riches Contessa is a romantic and entertaining story featuring two strongly drawn and appealing principal characters. The revenge plot, while perfectly in keeping with the setting, was ultimately a little weak, though, as there was no real doubt about the outcome; far more interesting was the dilemma Luca faced when forced to confront the harsh reality of the consequences of his actions. Still, this is a strong addition to the Matches Made in Scandal series, and is an historical romance I’m happy to recommend.
His Rags to Riches Contessa is the third book in Marguerite Kaye’s Matches Made in Scandal series, and tells the story of an actress and card sharp who is hired to help a Venetian nobleman obtain revenge against the man who killed his father. The four novels in the set are linked by a mysterious woman known only as The Procurer; a woman whose clients come to her “with complex and unusual problems requiring unique solutions”, solutions she provides while at the same time helping young women to whom life has dealt a poor hand make themselves a better future. Becky Wickes is one such; abandoned by the man she loved – and whom she believed loved her – to face a future as a fugitive from the law and a possible death sentence should she be apprehended – Becky has gone to ground and holed up in a dingy room in the rookery of St. Giles. It’s here that the Procurer finds her and offers her the chance to change her life.
Becky travels to Venice, to the luxurious Palazzo Pietro, where she will meet the Procurer’s client – the Conte del Pietro – and receive all the details of her assignment. She is surprised to discover that the Conte – Luca - is half-English on his mother’s side and that he spent many years in the Royal Navy before his father’s death necessitated his return home, and even more so when she finally learns the reason for her journey. Luca explains that his father and his father’s best friend, Don Massimo Sarti, had together been respected government officials who had acted to preserve as many of the city’s treasures as they could before Venice surrendered to Napoléon some twenty years earlier. The plan was to hide as many items of value as possible – especially those pertaining to the city’s heritage – and to return them once the Republic of Venice was restored, but things didn’t quite work out that way. Venice was used as a pawn over the years and only now, after Napoléon’s defeat, is the situation stable enough to consider restoring all the artefacts that the men had spirited away. In his final communication to his son, Luca’s father explained that he had visited the hiding place in order to make an inventory only to discover the place was empty. It seems Don Massimo has stolen everything he and Luca’s father had vowed to preserve in order to fund his gambling habit – and when threatened with exposure had his former friend killed.
Luca wants revenge against Don Massimo, and believes he can obtain it with Becky’s help. Gambling is illegal in Venice at all times other than during Carnevale, which lasts from February to Lent, when the rules are relaxed and a number of ridotti (private gaming hells) open up for deep play. Becky is to play the part of Regina di Denari, the Queen of Coins, a mysterious, masked woman who is a force to be reckoned with at the card table, and Luca plans for her to win back everything Don Massimo stole from his father and the city, which will ruin him completely.
Against the backdrop of the hedonistic Carnevale – where everyone is masked and no-one is what they seem – Luca and Becky find themselves fighting the attraction that’s been growing between them since the day they met. They both know the other is a distraction they can’t afford – and besides, a girl from the London slums who grew up making her living as a street performer is a completely ineligible match for a wealthy man of Luca’s status, who is expected to make the sort of practical society marriage made by every Venetian nobleman. Even so, somehow these two are perfect for each other as Becky’s down-to-earth manner and attitude complement Luca’s similarly pragmatic outlook; yet it emerges that there may be more separating them than a question of class. When Becky holds up a mirror to Luca’s driving need for vengeance, he is forced to consider the nature of obsession… and faced with some impossible choices.
Marguerite Kaye’s descriptions of the sights and sounds of Venice, and its customs and traditions are extremely well done; so much so in fact, that I was surprised to learn from her author’s notes that she has never been there! She expertly conjures up mental images of the changing colours of the wintry sky and the waters of the Grand Canal, giving the reader an armchair tour of the palazzos and bustling marketplaces of the city in just such a way as to whet the appetite without interrupting the flow of the story.
The relationship between Becky and Luca builds over several weeks, although their attraction is instantaneous; they share an almost-kiss on something like Becky’s second day at the palazzo, which felt way too soon, especially after Becky’s determination that she’d had enough of men after the way her lying bastard ex (my words, not the authors!) treated her. After this, though, things slow down, and the author instead makes the most of their growing attraction and allows it to simmer through lingering looks, touches and forbidden kisses until neither Luca nor Becky can deny or resist its compulsion.
His Rags to Riches Contessa is a romantic and entertaining story featuring two strongly drawn and appealing principal characters. The revenge plot, while perfectly in keeping with the setting, was ultimately a little weak, though, as there was no real doubt about the outcome; far more interesting was the dilemma Luca faced when forced to confront the harsh reality of the consequences of his actions. Still, this is a strong addition to the Matches Made in Scandal series, and is an historical romance I’m happy to recommend.
November 23, 2018
Disappointing. :/
The blurb makes this sound like a dark, decadent Regency Noir with a mysterious, gothicky, badass hero & a dangerous scheme of revenge. I was excited to read it!
...Except it's nothing like the blurb. The hero is a tame, blabbering, avocado mask Neo-HR Hero of the modern school & the dangerous scheme is neither dangerous nor important enough for actual pagetime; the dark decadence of Carnival is (kinda) there, but it's mostly foisted to the side in favor of daylight sightseeing tours & endless -- ENDLESS -- conversations between the MCs. It got to the point where I was hoping they'd get it on just to STFU about their feels.
This is my second Kaye hqn, & I'm sorry to say it was even MOAR talky & slowly plotted than the first (The Widow & the Sheik). At least in TW&TS we actually saw the hero doing stuff, albeit unexciting & boring government things with very little obstacle. Alas, this little tome is a fine example of Telling, Not Showing. 98% of the 'revenge scenes' -- a great opportunity to show character of villain & heroes alike, not to mention build actual suspense -- were glossed over, summarized, or skipped entirely. Because we'd sure hate to miss yet another bout of the H/h ogling each other's hair & combing through feels as they stroll sedately around Venice, pining & wishing things were different so they could declare their Twu Wuv. There's nothing more exciting than two fairy-tale perfect beautiful people ogling & pining, right?? But I suppose a lack of activity leaves no room for building character via action & dialogue *during* said action, so instead everything must be spelled out in long, boring conversations to assure readers of their highly principled love & attitudes toward sex, money, & family. And don't get me started on Becky's repeatedly lecturing Luca about the villain's gambling addiction, which her highly principled card-sharp self refuses to feed, even for the sake of her own future nest egg. 🙄
Puh-lease. This kind of uber-perfect, uber-relaxing, uber-safe psychobabble is what continues to ruin HR as a genre.
The blurb makes this sound like a dark, decadent Regency Noir with a mysterious, gothicky, badass hero & a dangerous scheme of revenge. I was excited to read it!
...Except it's nothing like the blurb. The hero is a tame, blabbering, avocado mask Neo-HR Hero of the modern school & the dangerous scheme is neither dangerous nor important enough for actual pagetime; the dark decadence of Carnival is (kinda) there, but it's mostly foisted to the side in favor of daylight sightseeing tours & endless -- ENDLESS -- conversations between the MCs. It got to the point where I was hoping they'd get it on just to STFU about their feels.
This is my second Kaye hqn, & I'm sorry to say it was even MOAR talky & slowly plotted than the first (The Widow & the Sheik). At least in TW&TS we actually saw the hero doing stuff, albeit unexciting & boring government things with very little obstacle. Alas, this little tome is a fine example of Telling, Not Showing. 98% of the 'revenge scenes' -- a great opportunity to show character of villain & heroes alike, not to mention build actual suspense -- were glossed over, summarized, or skipped entirely. Because we'd sure hate to miss yet another bout of the H/h ogling each other's hair & combing through feels as they stroll sedately around Venice, pining & wishing things were different so they could declare their Twu Wuv. There's nothing more exciting than two fairy-tale perfect beautiful people ogling & pining, right?? But I suppose a lack of activity leaves no room for building character via action & dialogue *during* said action, so instead everything must be spelled out in long, boring conversations to assure readers of their highly principled love & attitudes toward sex, money, & family. And don't get me started on Becky's repeatedly lecturing Luca about the villain's gambling addiction, which her highly principled card-sharp self refuses to feed, even for the sake of her own future nest egg. 🙄
Puh-lease. This kind of uber-perfect, uber-relaxing, uber-safe psychobabble is what continues to ruin HR as a genre.
October 9, 2022
Venice
Becky is a actress and card shark, who is recruited by the Procurer from book 1 and 2.
Conte de Pierrot Luc, wants her to help him get revenge on his father’s killer. Becky is a good person, from the slums of London. Who helps Luc look at life different to what he knows
Becky is a actress and card shark, who is recruited by the Procurer from book 1 and 2.
Conte de Pierrot Luc, wants her to help him get revenge on his father’s killer. Becky is a good person, from the slums of London. Who helps Luc look at life different to what he knows
September 29, 2018
Targeting the wrong mark means card sharp Becky has to leave London for good. Offered a chance to make enough money to retire on, she takes one last job - in Venice, helping Conte Luca del Pietro get justice for his murdered father.
Becky isn’t like any other woman Luca has ever met. A woman from London’s worst rookeries, Becky has pulled herself up by the literal bootstraps until she can fit into any level of society she pleases - even the very highest. Posing as his cousin, half Venice’s elite are quickly convinced she’s his intended bride. Instead, she’s honing her skills to take down his worst enemy, the man who stole a fortune which didn’t belong to him and then murdered Luca’s father.
The thing I liked best about Becky was that she had a very steady moral compass. Clear and unwavering, once she’d made up her mind what was right and wrong she didn’t deviate. And Luca, for one of the most aristocratic, wealthiest members of Venice’s elite, was a lot more respectful of Becky’s morals and her abilities than I expected - probably lot more than any real member of Venetian high society of that era would have been. But then, reality is often cruel, and we turn to fiction to escape.
I’m not sure I’ve ever read another Regency romance set in Venice, and it was genuinely fascinating to immerse myself in the glittering world the author drew for us on the page. Impeccably researched and intricately detailed, this is a jewel of a historical romance, with characters to fall in love with and some really intriguing, unique storylines. I loved every bit of it from beginning to end. Five stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review from the author.
Becky isn’t like any other woman Luca has ever met. A woman from London’s worst rookeries, Becky has pulled herself up by the literal bootstraps until she can fit into any level of society she pleases - even the very highest. Posing as his cousin, half Venice’s elite are quickly convinced she’s his intended bride. Instead, she’s honing her skills to take down his worst enemy, the man who stole a fortune which didn’t belong to him and then murdered Luca’s father.
The thing I liked best about Becky was that she had a very steady moral compass. Clear and unwavering, once she’d made up her mind what was right and wrong she didn’t deviate. And Luca, for one of the most aristocratic, wealthiest members of Venice’s elite, was a lot more respectful of Becky’s morals and her abilities than I expected - probably lot more than any real member of Venetian high society of that era would have been. But then, reality is often cruel, and we turn to fiction to escape.
I’m not sure I’ve ever read another Regency romance set in Venice, and it was genuinely fascinating to immerse myself in the glittering world the author drew for us on the page. Impeccably researched and intricately detailed, this is a jewel of a historical romance, with characters to fall in love with and some really intriguing, unique storylines. I loved every bit of it from beginning to end. Five stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review from the author.
September 24, 2018
His Rags-To-Riches Contessa is the third book in the Matches Made in Scandal Series by Marguerite Kaye and is a Mills & Boon Historical book.
If you have read the previous books in the series you will know about the Procurer. She is a woman of mystery who has made it her job to give second chances to women down on their luck or scandalised etc through no fault of their own. In this case, the woman she is helping is Becky Wickes. Becky is a card sharp, something and thanks to being let down by a man she thought loved her, all of London know what she is. She was caught not only cheating but cheating a member of the royal family and now she is a wanted woman. If they catch her she will be hung. It was a huge surprise to her when the Procurer came knocking at her door in the slums where she was hiding. A happy surprise though when she was offered the chance to go abroad to Venice where her card abilities were much needed by the Procurer's client. A chance that she jumped at taking.
Conte Luca del Pietro wants revenge on the man that he knows was behind his father's murder. That man not only killed his father, but he also stole money and treasures belonging to Venice that he and Luca's father had kept safe in the war and were to restore to Venice when it was safe. To get his vengeance he wants Becky to use her skills to win at cards every time against his enemy and to take him for every penny that he has. He wants to return the money to Venice but also to ruin the man.
Becky agrees to help Luca and so the games begin. In the light of day, she must act as prim, proper Rebecca from England, cousin of Luca's. In the night she must practice the new card games she must excel at cheating at in order to take on her role as the Queen of Coins. She will be a masked enigma during Carnivale which is the only time gambling is legally allowed in Venice. Playing that part will lead to Luca's enemy's downfall.
At times away from Luca's home, she gets to be herself and spend time with Luca. It's during those times that they both realise that they are attracted to each other. They also both know that there is no future for them because Luca must marry a woman of means, and after having an heir it is custom to let the wife move on, and for the man to take a mistress. It's a custom Luca has grown up knowing he will take part in, but one that Becky would never be able to accept. Should they even think of a relationship, even a physical one when Becky needs to be concentrating on the reason she is being paid to be there? Will she be able to go through with ruining a man, one that she can understand far better than Luca. A man with a family? You will have to read and find out the answers yourself!
As always Marguerite Kaye's ability to describe the settings in her book is superb. From the slums of London to the grandeur of Luca's house in Venice, to the streets and canals of Venice and it's beauty during Carnivale...I could picture it all. I could easily imagine myself there. So the scenery is set and then the story takes hold. I was gripped from the very first page. Becky and Luca are fabulous strong characters, and I absolutely adored Luca's mother. Towards the end I didn't even dislike the villain of the story, I just felt extreme pity towards him. It takes a good author and storyline to make me not hate the villain! All in all this book was a wonderful read and as always I can't fault it.
If you have read the previous books in the series you will know about the Procurer. She is a woman of mystery who has made it her job to give second chances to women down on their luck or scandalised etc through no fault of their own. In this case, the woman she is helping is Becky Wickes. Becky is a card sharp, something and thanks to being let down by a man she thought loved her, all of London know what she is. She was caught not only cheating but cheating a member of the royal family and now she is a wanted woman. If they catch her she will be hung. It was a huge surprise to her when the Procurer came knocking at her door in the slums where she was hiding. A happy surprise though when she was offered the chance to go abroad to Venice where her card abilities were much needed by the Procurer's client. A chance that she jumped at taking.
Conte Luca del Pietro wants revenge on the man that he knows was behind his father's murder. That man not only killed his father, but he also stole money and treasures belonging to Venice that he and Luca's father had kept safe in the war and were to restore to Venice when it was safe. To get his vengeance he wants Becky to use her skills to win at cards every time against his enemy and to take him for every penny that he has. He wants to return the money to Venice but also to ruin the man.
Becky agrees to help Luca and so the games begin. In the light of day, she must act as prim, proper Rebecca from England, cousin of Luca's. In the night she must practice the new card games she must excel at cheating at in order to take on her role as the Queen of Coins. She will be a masked enigma during Carnivale which is the only time gambling is legally allowed in Venice. Playing that part will lead to Luca's enemy's downfall.
At times away from Luca's home, she gets to be herself and spend time with Luca. It's during those times that they both realise that they are attracted to each other. They also both know that there is no future for them because Luca must marry a woman of means, and after having an heir it is custom to let the wife move on, and for the man to take a mistress. It's a custom Luca has grown up knowing he will take part in, but one that Becky would never be able to accept. Should they even think of a relationship, even a physical one when Becky needs to be concentrating on the reason she is being paid to be there? Will she be able to go through with ruining a man, one that she can understand far better than Luca. A man with a family? You will have to read and find out the answers yourself!
As always Marguerite Kaye's ability to describe the settings in her book is superb. From the slums of London to the grandeur of Luca's house in Venice, to the streets and canals of Venice and it's beauty during Carnivale...I could picture it all. I could easily imagine myself there. So the scenery is set and then the story takes hold. I was gripped from the very first page. Becky and Luca are fabulous strong characters, and I absolutely adored Luca's mother. Towards the end I didn't even dislike the villain of the story, I just felt extreme pity towards him. It takes a good author and storyline to make me not hate the villain! All in all this book was a wonderful read and as always I can't fault it.
September 16, 2018
My, oh, my!! What a thoroughly enchanting book, I have been following this series from day one and every time Ms Kaye blinds me with her romantic and skilful writing. Just when I think that this series cannot get any better, then boom! This beauty comes along swirling romance around the reader, and takes you on a magical journey through a Venice carnival. In my view this one could be the best yet. I am in absolute love with this book, it is utterly romantic.
This is book three in the unbelievably good Matches Made in Scandal series, which as we know follows The Procurer as she orchestrates second chances for people who genuinely are down on their luck and need a little push in the right direction. This time we meet scared and innocent card-sharp Becky who after trusting the wrong person which led to one of the worst scandals she is forced into hiding in the dreaded slums of London. When the famous, yet mysterious Procurer knocks on her door with a proposition she cannot say no to, she finds this is the beginning of a trip to Venice that chances her life.
Once Becky reaches Venice she is greeted by her new employer; Conte Luca del Pietro who needs her unique set of skills with the cards. The job he has asked of her is one that will fore her to return to her past role as a card sharp, a role she never intended to ever play again. But as ever in these cases it is never as simple as playing a game of cards as Becky has to don not one, but two mask’s – quite literally in on sense – as two roles: t of Luca not only needs her card skills to be able to play the part of “The Queen of Coins” in the carnevale’s gaming halls at night, but to keep all whisper of scandal at bay she must also play the part of his innocent and demeanour “cousin Rebecca” by day.
Charming yet arrogant Luca has his reason’s for why he needs Becky’s help, he has got revenge in his mind and his heart. When we first meet him he appears dark and dangerous and yet oh, so sexy! I love that description of how Becky sees him, that he reminds her of a pirate, which is bang on the mark. He is a seduction, secretive and deadly charmer, and doesn’t he know it!
This is simply splendid, for me the true star of the whole book has to be the setting; Venice! Marguerite Kaye is a wonder at transporting the reader to another place, the descriptions of everything from the Carnivale, the Gondala ride to the city itself, the sights, smells and what our character’s are hearing is perfectly precise and wonderfully atmospheric. So much so that I am in complete awe of the fact that Ms Kaye has openly said that she has never been to Venice, that all details are purely from research, and there is a lot of research you can feel the authors passion and knowledge leap of the page.
The story flows with absolute ease from the slums of London to the grandeur of Venice, I was completely immersed in this wonderfully vivid world. It is no merely a romance His Rags to Riches Contessa is full of intrigue and suspense, and that is just the sizzling chemistry between Luca and Becky. This really is marvellous and I cannot wait for the next one!
This is book three in the unbelievably good Matches Made in Scandal series, which as we know follows The Procurer as she orchestrates second chances for people who genuinely are down on their luck and need a little push in the right direction. This time we meet scared and innocent card-sharp Becky who after trusting the wrong person which led to one of the worst scandals she is forced into hiding in the dreaded slums of London. When the famous, yet mysterious Procurer knocks on her door with a proposition she cannot say no to, she finds this is the beginning of a trip to Venice that chances her life.
Once Becky reaches Venice she is greeted by her new employer; Conte Luca del Pietro who needs her unique set of skills with the cards. The job he has asked of her is one that will fore her to return to her past role as a card sharp, a role she never intended to ever play again. But as ever in these cases it is never as simple as playing a game of cards as Becky has to don not one, but two mask’s – quite literally in on sense – as two roles: t of Luca not only needs her card skills to be able to play the part of “The Queen of Coins” in the carnevale’s gaming halls at night, but to keep all whisper of scandal at bay she must also play the part of his innocent and demeanour “cousin Rebecca” by day.
Charming yet arrogant Luca has his reason’s for why he needs Becky’s help, he has got revenge in his mind and his heart. When we first meet him he appears dark and dangerous and yet oh, so sexy! I love that description of how Becky sees him, that he reminds her of a pirate, which is bang on the mark. He is a seduction, secretive and deadly charmer, and doesn’t he know it!
This is simply splendid, for me the true star of the whole book has to be the setting; Venice! Marguerite Kaye is a wonder at transporting the reader to another place, the descriptions of everything from the Carnivale, the Gondala ride to the city itself, the sights, smells and what our character’s are hearing is perfectly precise and wonderfully atmospheric. So much so that I am in complete awe of the fact that Ms Kaye has openly said that she has never been to Venice, that all details are purely from research, and there is a lot of research you can feel the authors passion and knowledge leap of the page.
The story flows with absolute ease from the slums of London to the grandeur of Venice, I was completely immersed in this wonderfully vivid world. It is no merely a romance His Rags to Riches Contessa is full of intrigue and suspense, and that is just the sizzling chemistry between Luca and Becky. This really is marvellous and I cannot wait for the next one!
June 20, 2021
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review. A shame the title rather spoils the storyline as like the earlier Russian volume it has a rather unusual conclusion for the relationship for the time. Love the cover for this one too.
Becky is a lower class girl from London who has a gift for cards. Used by a previous lover she is sent to Venice by the mysterious Procurer to Luca who plots revenge for the death of his father.
Luca is half English, a sailor for the Royal Navy and a hot blooded and interesting Venetian. I loved the Venetian setting where the winter weather mirrors the emotions of the hero and heroine. I loved their passionate relationship and Luca’s mother’s warmth. The revenge was of less interest as Becky was more than capable of helping and it was a bit of a foregone conclusion.
What was not obvious was how these two could work as a couple. This was emotionally done and I found the end very satisfying as their love grows and Becky finds the home she deserves.
I enjoyed this volume in the series almost as much as the first but then I do love Marguerite Kaye’s unusual historical locations! You can also learn interesting historical tidbits as you read the hero and heroine’s story.
Looking forward to the fourth and final book.
Becky is a lower class girl from London who has a gift for cards. Used by a previous lover she is sent to Venice by the mysterious Procurer to Luca who plots revenge for the death of his father.
Luca is half English, a sailor for the Royal Navy and a hot blooded and interesting Venetian. I loved the Venetian setting where the winter weather mirrors the emotions of the hero and heroine. I loved their passionate relationship and Luca’s mother’s warmth. The revenge was of less interest as Becky was more than capable of helping and it was a bit of a foregone conclusion.
What was not obvious was how these two could work as a couple. This was emotionally done and I found the end very satisfying as their love grows and Becky finds the home she deserves.
I enjoyed this volume in the series almost as much as the first but then I do love Marguerite Kaye’s unusual historical locations! You can also learn interesting historical tidbits as you read the hero and heroine’s story.
Looking forward to the fourth and final book.
October 9, 2018
I truly enjoyed His Rags to Riches Contessa by Marguerite Kaye. It is a very unique story. I am a big Regency Era romance fan, so most of the stories I read are set in England. But this story is so pleasantly different. It is set during the Regency Era; however, it takes place in Venice, Italy during Carnival. Carnival is a celebration that started back in the 15th century. I have never read a romance set in Venice before and I really loved it. Kaye creates a wonderful story of intrigue and mystique by using Carnival as her back drop. Luca del Pietro is desperate to avenge the murder of his father so he hires Becky Wickes a performer to assist him with his dark plan. The story is filled with romance and emotional upheaval as Becky tries to reconcile growing feelings for Pietro and the job she must perform. The story has some unexpected twists and turns that will keep you turning the pages late into the night. I was gifted a copy of this book.
October 1, 2018
This Rags-To-Riches Contessa is a Regency era romance set in Venice.
It opens in the infamous streets of The Rookery of St. Giles’, London; a dangerous place. A woman known as The Procurer has been asked to employ a woman with both acting and card-sharp skills.
Becky Wickes is hiding from the authorities after a public scandal where she was accused of fleecing a minor member of the Royal family. If she’s caught, she’ll be hanged. So when The Procurer offers her the chance of escape, she gladly takes the job. See herefor full review https://wp.me/p2Eu3u-bMn
It opens in the infamous streets of The Rookery of St. Giles’, London; a dangerous place. A woman known as The Procurer has been asked to employ a woman with both acting and card-sharp skills.
Becky Wickes is hiding from the authorities after a public scandal where she was accused of fleecing a minor member of the Royal family. If she’s caught, she’ll be hanged. So when The Procurer offers her the chance of escape, she gladly takes the job. See herefor full review https://wp.me/p2Eu3u-bMn
October 1, 2018
London - 1818
Rebecca (Becky) Wickes, age 22, has performed for crowds in St. Giles using her sleight of hand moves. The lovely young woman has been watched by The Procurer. Now, at Becky’s door she introduces herself. Becky has definitely heard of the woman and wonders why she has come to see her. Times have been hard for Becky and now she fears the authorities will come for her. However, The Procurer has offered her a second chance, but she must keep it a secret. Becky will be paid well but she must promise her loyalty to the client needing Becky’s help.
Venice, Kingdom of Lombardy - Venetia - 1818
Here in the land of canals and water, Becky is taken with the age and beauty of the buildings. Exhausted from her long journey. she is both relieved and somewhat nervous to have finally arrived at the Palazzo Pietro, home of Conte Luca del Pietro. The opulence of the Palace leaves her dazzled. The Count’s father was Italian and his mother, Isobel, is English. Using Becky’s skills will cards, Luca wants her to play against the man who killed his father and see that he loses everything. When she plays against Don Sarti, the man responsible for Luca’s father’s death, Becky will be masked, in costume. and known as Regina di Denari, The Queen of Coins.
Becky is introduced to society as Luca’s Cousin Rebecca, Isobel’s niece. As Becky settles in, she and Luca have some wonderful talks and good times together. But Becky knows Luca is meant for someone much higher in society than she. Therefore, she tries hard to concentrate on doing the job for which she has been hired. Oh, but the heart is not always able to stay neutral for if that was the case, no one would ever fall in love. How strong is Becky to avoid the charms of Luca?
Another well-written story by Marguerite Kaye. The research she did certainly shows her meticulous work as well as the great plot and beautiful descriptions of Venice.
Copy provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Rebecca (Becky) Wickes, age 22, has performed for crowds in St. Giles using her sleight of hand moves. The lovely young woman has been watched by The Procurer. Now, at Becky’s door she introduces herself. Becky has definitely heard of the woman and wonders why she has come to see her. Times have been hard for Becky and now she fears the authorities will come for her. However, The Procurer has offered her a second chance, but she must keep it a secret. Becky will be paid well but she must promise her loyalty to the client needing Becky’s help.
Venice, Kingdom of Lombardy - Venetia - 1818
Here in the land of canals and water, Becky is taken with the age and beauty of the buildings. Exhausted from her long journey. she is both relieved and somewhat nervous to have finally arrived at the Palazzo Pietro, home of Conte Luca del Pietro. The opulence of the Palace leaves her dazzled. The Count’s father was Italian and his mother, Isobel, is English. Using Becky’s skills will cards, Luca wants her to play against the man who killed his father and see that he loses everything. When she plays against Don Sarti, the man responsible for Luca’s father’s death, Becky will be masked, in costume. and known as Regina di Denari, The Queen of Coins.
Becky is introduced to society as Luca’s Cousin Rebecca, Isobel’s niece. As Becky settles in, she and Luca have some wonderful talks and good times together. But Becky knows Luca is meant for someone much higher in society than she. Therefore, she tries hard to concentrate on doing the job for which she has been hired. Oh, but the heart is not always able to stay neutral for if that was the case, no one would ever fall in love. How strong is Becky to avoid the charms of Luca?
Another well-written story by Marguerite Kaye. The research she did certainly shows her meticulous work as well as the great plot and beautiful descriptions of Venice.
Copy provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
August 17, 2018
I read this story in one sitting…we were at a Festival and it rained so whilst my husband bravely tackled the weather and went to listen to the music I was able to devote all that time to reading Becky and Luca’s story. Luca is a lovely hero and Becky an interesting and compelling heroine.
The Author was able to transport me to Venice with her evocative descriptions, so much so that I’ve added it to my holiday wish list. Currently I think this story is my favourite in the Matches to Scandal series, though you don’t need to have read the others to understand what’s going on in this one. I can really empathise with both characters; they both have dilemmas to work through. It was good to see how Becky didn’t give up but continued to illustrate another way to Luca and he thought on it. I really wondered how Marguerite was going to give them a Happy Ever After. I heartily recommend this book and hope you read this book and enjoyed the story as much as I did. I’m off to read it again!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review
The Author was able to transport me to Venice with her evocative descriptions, so much so that I’ve added it to my holiday wish list. Currently I think this story is my favourite in the Matches to Scandal series, though you don’t need to have read the others to understand what’s going on in this one. I can really empathise with both characters; they both have dilemmas to work through. It was good to see how Becky didn’t give up but continued to illustrate another way to Luca and he thought on it. I really wondered how Marguerite was going to give them a Happy Ever After. I heartily recommend this book and hope you read this book and enjoyed the story as much as I did. I’m off to read it again!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review
October 8, 2018
Brilliant book, as always Ms Kaye does not disappoint, have been loving this series to date and can honestly say each one I finish becomes my favourite, though I love the all, each can be read as a stand alone which I think is beautiful but to be honest I'd still collect them all as I'm a greedy reader. I admit seeing the name Kaye on any historical I can honestly say I don't even need the synopsis I know il enjoy it and hugely recommend it to any who love romance and historicals,
I will not give spoilers but will say there is a beautiful balance between, Characters, story, history aswell as setting, knowing I can easily imagine what I reading because of how very well written the book is aswell as how balanced from the plight of our hero and heroine down to the city and even clothing of the time and how people acted, it blows me away in the best possible sense.
Thank you dear author for writing this beautiful book xxx
I will not give spoilers but will say there is a beautiful balance between, Characters, story, history aswell as setting, knowing I can easily imagine what I reading because of how very well written the book is aswell as how balanced from the plight of our hero and heroine down to the city and even clothing of the time and how people acted, it blows me away in the best possible sense.
Thank you dear author for writing this beautiful book xxx
October 5, 2018
Read my review on RomanceJunkies.com by clicking on the link below:
http://romancejunkies.com/reviews/his...
I rated the book 4.5 but rounded to 5 on Goodreads.
http://romancejunkies.com/reviews/his...
I rated the book 4.5 but rounded to 5 on Goodreads.
September 5, 2018
“I do not want you to make me rich, Becky. I want you to make another man destitute.”
A wonderful tale of intrigue, revenge, and romance with a glorious Venetian setting.
Conte Luca del Pietro has one goal - to avenge his father’s death. Needing assistance with his plan to bring down Don Sarti, he hires a mysterious woman known only as ‘The Procurer’, to locate London’s finest card sharp, Becky Wickes in order to fulfil his quest.
In hiding after being caught cheating at a high stakes card game, Becky is glad to leave London, and is soon transported to Venice where Luca needs her to play two roles: his “cousin Rebecca” by day, and “The Queen of Coins” in the carnevale’s gaming halls by night. The decadence of carnevale provides an excellent plot device and backdrop to the action as everyone is in disguise, and no one is necessarily who they seem, allowing Becky to take on opponents and build a fearsome reputation as she begins to implement Luca’s revenge plan. Of course, fate also has other plans for Luca and Becky as their growing attraction threatens to distract them from their goal.
In Luca and Becky, Marguerite Kaye has created two excellent and believable leading characters who are likeable, complex and somehow perfect for each other despite being from completely different worlds in terms of society. Indeed, whilst Luca was born with privilege, Becky has essentially grown up on the back streets of London, been an actress, a street performer, and a card sharp in her bid to survive. Perfect for each other they may be, but Venetian society would never accept Becky, and Luca is soon facing a choice between duty and happiness with the one woman who truly understands him, and watching this internal struggle as the revenge plan is put into action is hugely enjoyable.
The descriptions of Venice are wonderfully vivid as we see the city through Becky’s eyes, and the author manages to give the reader a guided tour and a potted history of the area as Luca takes Becky on a gondola ride along the Grand Canal. Clearly, a lot of research has gone into creating the stunning Venetian backdrop of the story as Marguerite Kaye somewhat surprisingly admits she has never actually been to Venice, but through the excellent scenes as the characters travel around the palazzo’s, campo’s and ridotti’s at the height of the carnevale festivities, the reader is transported to Regency Venice as the plot progresses. It would spoil the story to discuss why Luca finds himself wandering around the docks at night, but the imagery created by the descriptions of ship building and the industrial arsenalotti is one of the highlights of the book.
Similarly, carnevale is described vividly through masks and costumes, and we are also introduced to some genuine characters from Venetian society as “cousin Rebecca” is introduced into Luca’s world, and the plot thrives as the action moves from day to night and people transform into masquerade characters, free to be whoever they choose against the backdrop of the carnevale.
Naturally, at the heart of all this, there is a love story to be told, and the joy of following Luca and Becky as they fall in love against the odds is well told and a natural progression for two lost souls finding their place in the world. Unlikely it may seem at times, but love really does conquer all, and you really do root for a happy ending for the two.
A detailed, well written and well researched book, the story is heartwarming, and enjoyable, and the revenge plot provides some excitement along the way. The Venetian backdrop may perhaps be the star of the show, but Luca and Becky are characters that leave an impression on the reader, and I thoroughly enjoyed their story.
Finally, as a quick aside from the story, credit should be given to the designer of the cover for this book as the picture manages to depict Luca and Becky near enough exactly as they are described by the author, and, whilst I always conjure up my own version of what a character looks like, the cover image is essentially how you would envisage the couple.
Thanks to Marguerite Kaye for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A wonderful tale of intrigue, revenge, and romance with a glorious Venetian setting.
Conte Luca del Pietro has one goal - to avenge his father’s death. Needing assistance with his plan to bring down Don Sarti, he hires a mysterious woman known only as ‘The Procurer’, to locate London’s finest card sharp, Becky Wickes in order to fulfil his quest.
In hiding after being caught cheating at a high stakes card game, Becky is glad to leave London, and is soon transported to Venice where Luca needs her to play two roles: his “cousin Rebecca” by day, and “The Queen of Coins” in the carnevale’s gaming halls by night. The decadence of carnevale provides an excellent plot device and backdrop to the action as everyone is in disguise, and no one is necessarily who they seem, allowing Becky to take on opponents and build a fearsome reputation as she begins to implement Luca’s revenge plan. Of course, fate also has other plans for Luca and Becky as their growing attraction threatens to distract them from their goal.
In Luca and Becky, Marguerite Kaye has created two excellent and believable leading characters who are likeable, complex and somehow perfect for each other despite being from completely different worlds in terms of society. Indeed, whilst Luca was born with privilege, Becky has essentially grown up on the back streets of London, been an actress, a street performer, and a card sharp in her bid to survive. Perfect for each other they may be, but Venetian society would never accept Becky, and Luca is soon facing a choice between duty and happiness with the one woman who truly understands him, and watching this internal struggle as the revenge plan is put into action is hugely enjoyable.
The descriptions of Venice are wonderfully vivid as we see the city through Becky’s eyes, and the author manages to give the reader a guided tour and a potted history of the area as Luca takes Becky on a gondola ride along the Grand Canal. Clearly, a lot of research has gone into creating the stunning Venetian backdrop of the story as Marguerite Kaye somewhat surprisingly admits she has never actually been to Venice, but through the excellent scenes as the characters travel around the palazzo’s, campo’s and ridotti’s at the height of the carnevale festivities, the reader is transported to Regency Venice as the plot progresses. It would spoil the story to discuss why Luca finds himself wandering around the docks at night, but the imagery created by the descriptions of ship building and the industrial arsenalotti is one of the highlights of the book.
Similarly, carnevale is described vividly through masks and costumes, and we are also introduced to some genuine characters from Venetian society as “cousin Rebecca” is introduced into Luca’s world, and the plot thrives as the action moves from day to night and people transform into masquerade characters, free to be whoever they choose against the backdrop of the carnevale.
Naturally, at the heart of all this, there is a love story to be told, and the joy of following Luca and Becky as they fall in love against the odds is well told and a natural progression for two lost souls finding their place in the world. Unlikely it may seem at times, but love really does conquer all, and you really do root for a happy ending for the two.
A detailed, well written and well researched book, the story is heartwarming, and enjoyable, and the revenge plot provides some excitement along the way. The Venetian backdrop may perhaps be the star of the show, but Luca and Becky are characters that leave an impression on the reader, and I thoroughly enjoyed their story.
Finally, as a quick aside from the story, credit should be given to the designer of the cover for this book as the picture manages to depict Luca and Becky near enough exactly as they are described by the author, and, whilst I always conjure up my own version of what a character looks like, the cover image is essentially how you would envisage the couple.
Thanks to Marguerite Kaye for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 30, 2018
The third book in the author's Matches Made in Scandal series, in this story we find Becky Wickes hiding out in the rookeries in London because her ability as a card sharp fleeced the wrong person. Enter The Procurer, a mysterious woman who can make wrongs right for the right price. After knocking on the door to Becky's room, she was finally able to convince her to travel to Venice to help Comte Luca del Pietro right a wrong done to his late father. After meeting the allusive comte, Becky agrees to embark on his plan to fleece and destroy the man who killed his father. Set against the famed Carnivale season in Venice, the two of them put the comte's plan in motion. There was only one problem; they are very attracted to each other and wholly unsuited according to the rules of Society at that time. As Becky and Luca work on reaching his goal, their passion for each other becomes harder to deny. When Luca's enemy is nearly destitute, will they continue on with his vengeance or will their love for each other save the day?
I particularly enjoyed the descriptions of Venice; I was there as a teenager and I could picture the places in my mind. The concept of a woman card sharp in that time was quite unusual so Becky's disguise as Queen of Coins was intriguing. I have also read many accounts of Carnivale in Venice throughout time and it was as described.
I received this book from the author for an honest review and I have tried to give one. I've read many of her books and am looking forward to the conclusion of this series.
I particularly enjoyed the descriptions of Venice; I was there as a teenager and I could picture the places in my mind. The concept of a woman card sharp in that time was quite unusual so Becky's disguise as Queen of Coins was intriguing. I have also read many accounts of Carnivale in Venice throughout time and it was as described.
I received this book from the author for an honest review and I have tried to give one. I've read many of her books and am looking forward to the conclusion of this series.
October 3, 2018
This is the 3rd book in the series matches made in scandal.
The procurer has a proposition for Becky wicked, one that can change her life.In exchange for a large sum of money Becky will have to travel to Venice and help Conte Luca Del Pietro avenage his father's murder.
But will Becky be able to help him seek justice for his father?
Becky wickes, heart broken and hiding from the authorities for doing sleight of hand card tricks is in desperate need of a second chance. So when the procurer offers her a chance to get away from her past she isn't going to turn her down. You find out quite alot about Becky in the beginning of the book and I found myself immediately liking her.I like the way marguerite kaye has made Becky so outspoken and can stand her own ground.
What can we say about the amazing chemistry between Becky and luca, from the start these two hit it off and the chemistry is instant which is one of the reasons why I was hooked from the start.
Marguerite kaye amazing descriptions make you fell like you could picture the place and the people in your mind. Love the series and book would totally recommend.
The procurer has a proposition for Becky wicked, one that can change her life.In exchange for a large sum of money Becky will have to travel to Venice and help Conte Luca Del Pietro avenage his father's murder.
But will Becky be able to help him seek justice for his father?
Becky wickes, heart broken and hiding from the authorities for doing sleight of hand card tricks is in desperate need of a second chance. So when the procurer offers her a chance to get away from her past she isn't going to turn her down. You find out quite alot about Becky in the beginning of the book and I found myself immediately liking her.I like the way marguerite kaye has made Becky so outspoken and can stand her own ground.
What can we say about the amazing chemistry between Becky and luca, from the start these two hit it off and the chemistry is instant which is one of the reasons why I was hooked from the start.
Marguerite kaye amazing descriptions make you fell like you could picture the place and the people in your mind. Love the series and book would totally recommend.
October 12, 2018
Another great story by this author - and the third in this series. I always love the interaction between the hero and heroine in the books by Ms. Kaye. The Venice location was also interesting. I also love "The Procurer" character and how she finds "fallen women" with great intellect and matches them with needs of her clients, thereby given those women second chances to make a success of their lives. Keep your wonderful books coming, Ms. Kaye!!!
March 23, 2020
Ho ricevuto questo libro, assieme ad altri tre, direttamente dall'autrice che ringrazio. Sono tradotti in italiano e sono autografati. Tutti e quattro sono degli storici, collocati in un periodo che va dal 1810 al 1818. Io non sono una fan appassionata di romanzi storici, ma devo dire che, avendo già letto altri suoi libri, mi sono piaciuti. Un paio hanno come protagonisti aitanti scozzesi, in un altro troviamo un commerciante di vini francese, mentre in questo il personaggio principale è un giovane conte italiano, o per meglio dire veneziano. Sì perché la storia è ambientata nella Venezia del 1818 durante il periodo del carnevale. Il carnevale all'epoca era sinonimo di dissolutezza, trasgressione. Persino il gioco d'azzardo veniva tollerato in quel periodo dell'anno.
“Con una maschera sul viso si finge di essere qualcun altro e ci si lascia andare”.
Questo principio valeva sia per gli uomini che per le donne. In poche parole i veneziani in quel periodo facevano tutto quello che era loro proibito durante l'anno. Bisogna tenere conto che nel 1818 Venezia non era più una Rebubblica Marinara, ma apparteneva al Regno Lombardo Veneto che dipendeva dal governo Austriaco.
Il Conte Luca del Piero è deciso a vendicare l'uccisione del padre da parte dell'amico nonché socio in affari Don Sarti. La sua vendetta consiste nel recuperare, al tavolo da gioco, il denaro che il nobiluomo ha maltolto al padre. Per fare ciò, ha bisogno di una giocatrice infallibile, in pratica di un “baro”. Si rivolge così a una Procacciatrice, ovvero una signora inglese dall'identità sconosciuta, che aiuta le donne in difficoltà, procurando loro un lavoro. Si tratta in ogni caso di lavori “onesti”. In questo caso la ragazza, Becky Wickes, deve fingersi una cugina del Conte di giorno, ma di notte al tavolo da gioco si trasforma in una giocatrice invincibile. Nessuno conoscerà l'identità della “Regina di Denari” in quanto, come tutti gli altri giocatori d'azzardo, porterà una maschera.
Ben presto l'accordo tra l'aitante conte e la ragazza si tramuta in una passione sfrenata, che entrambi non riescono a contenere, anche se sanno che non potranno mai esternare i propri sentimenti, visto che per tutti sono cugini. Dovranno rinunciare all'amore e pensare solo alla vendetta, oppure ci sarà una possibilità per loro di essere felici? Al riguardo, saranno molto determinanti due personaggi: la madre e lo zio di Luca.
Queste due persone mi sono piaciute molto, in particolare la contessa madre che, pur sapendo del piano di vendetta del figlio e pur non essendo d'accordo, lo appoggia e prende sotto la sua ala protettrice la “nipote” Becky.
Anche i due giovani sono dei personaggi molto ben caratterizzati. Hanno entrambi una forte personalità, non mi è risultato difficile entrare in empatia con loro.
Molto bella e dettagliata risulta la descrizione della Venezia dei primi dell'ottocento. Le sue calle, le gondole, piazza San Marco, i palazzi affacciati sui canali, alcuni ancora magnifici, come quello dei conti del Piero, altri invece sembravano abbandonati, dopo che i nobili proprietari avevano perso tutto durante il conflitto con Napoleone prima e con gli austriaci poi. Quello però che ho apprezzato è la descrizione del carnevale, con le sue maschere, i costumi, le feste, gli artisti di strada...
In conclusione, mi sento di consigliare questo libro agli amanti degli storici, in quanto il modo di scrivere che ha Marguerite Kaye è lineare, pulito, scorrevole, con dialoghi veloci, frizzanti. Inoltre si nota che l'autrice, prima di scriverlo, ha fatto un notevole lavoro di documentazione sulla storia dell'epoca, anche se per sua ammissione non è mai stata a Venezia, ma si è avvalsa delle descrizioni fatte da Lord Byron e altri scrittori. La trama è ben delineata e risulta piacevole da leggere e mai noiosa.
“Con una maschera sul viso si finge di essere qualcun altro e ci si lascia andare”.
Questo principio valeva sia per gli uomini che per le donne. In poche parole i veneziani in quel periodo facevano tutto quello che era loro proibito durante l'anno. Bisogna tenere conto che nel 1818 Venezia non era più una Rebubblica Marinara, ma apparteneva al Regno Lombardo Veneto che dipendeva dal governo Austriaco.
Il Conte Luca del Piero è deciso a vendicare l'uccisione del padre da parte dell'amico nonché socio in affari Don Sarti. La sua vendetta consiste nel recuperare, al tavolo da gioco, il denaro che il nobiluomo ha maltolto al padre. Per fare ciò, ha bisogno di una giocatrice infallibile, in pratica di un “baro”. Si rivolge così a una Procacciatrice, ovvero una signora inglese dall'identità sconosciuta, che aiuta le donne in difficoltà, procurando loro un lavoro. Si tratta in ogni caso di lavori “onesti”. In questo caso la ragazza, Becky Wickes, deve fingersi una cugina del Conte di giorno, ma di notte al tavolo da gioco si trasforma in una giocatrice invincibile. Nessuno conoscerà l'identità della “Regina di Denari” in quanto, come tutti gli altri giocatori d'azzardo, porterà una maschera.
Ben presto l'accordo tra l'aitante conte e la ragazza si tramuta in una passione sfrenata, che entrambi non riescono a contenere, anche se sanno che non potranno mai esternare i propri sentimenti, visto che per tutti sono cugini. Dovranno rinunciare all'amore e pensare solo alla vendetta, oppure ci sarà una possibilità per loro di essere felici? Al riguardo, saranno molto determinanti due personaggi: la madre e lo zio di Luca.
Queste due persone mi sono piaciute molto, in particolare la contessa madre che, pur sapendo del piano di vendetta del figlio e pur non essendo d'accordo, lo appoggia e prende sotto la sua ala protettrice la “nipote” Becky.
Anche i due giovani sono dei personaggi molto ben caratterizzati. Hanno entrambi una forte personalità, non mi è risultato difficile entrare in empatia con loro.
Molto bella e dettagliata risulta la descrizione della Venezia dei primi dell'ottocento. Le sue calle, le gondole, piazza San Marco, i palazzi affacciati sui canali, alcuni ancora magnifici, come quello dei conti del Piero, altri invece sembravano abbandonati, dopo che i nobili proprietari avevano perso tutto durante il conflitto con Napoleone prima e con gli austriaci poi. Quello però che ho apprezzato è la descrizione del carnevale, con le sue maschere, i costumi, le feste, gli artisti di strada...
In conclusione, mi sento di consigliare questo libro agli amanti degli storici, in quanto il modo di scrivere che ha Marguerite Kaye è lineare, pulito, scorrevole, con dialoghi veloci, frizzanti. Inoltre si nota che l'autrice, prima di scriverlo, ha fatto un notevole lavoro di documentazione sulla storia dell'epoca, anche se per sua ammissione non è mai stata a Venezia, ma si è avvalsa delle descrizioni fatte da Lord Byron e altri scrittori. La trama è ben delineata e risulta piacevole da leggere e mai noiosa.
May 24, 2022
The clues in the title, a rags to riches Cinderella/Prettt Womanesque story. Was a fun atmospheric read.
I liked how the hero and heroine had an instantly acknowledged atttaction and had quite a grown up discussion about it. Lol. Loved the heroine Becky who is a card sharp that had a hard life of poverty, hardship and heartbreak and who is now a wanted criminal in England. She is strong and principled and still seeks the good in others despite what she has been through. She agrees to help the Conte Luca to bring down the man responsible for his father's death. Amidst there growing feelings for each other Becky has to decide if she can commit to Luca's mission of revenge. Lucas has to decide if his obsession will cost him something much more precious.
Set againt the backdrop of Venice at a time when gambling was illegal except at the time of Carnival when a blind eye was turned. The author evokes the atmosphere of the glitz and glamour with the seedy underbelly. Enjoyable read and a sweet romance.
I liked how the hero and heroine had an instantly acknowledged atttaction and had quite a grown up discussion about it. Lol. Loved the heroine Becky who is a card sharp that had a hard life of poverty, hardship and heartbreak and who is now a wanted criminal in England. She is strong and principled and still seeks the good in others despite what she has been through. She agrees to help the Conte Luca to bring down the man responsible for his father's death. Amidst there growing feelings for each other Becky has to decide if she can commit to Luca's mission of revenge. Lucas has to decide if his obsession will cost him something much more precious.
Set againt the backdrop of Venice at a time when gambling was illegal except at the time of Carnival when a blind eye was turned. The author evokes the atmosphere of the glitz and glamour with the seedy underbelly. Enjoyable read and a sweet romance.
October 23, 2018
This is the 3rd book in a series in which the Procurer hires a desperate woman for her specialty skill on behalf of a rich, single, handsome client. I enjoyed the first two books; this one not so much. Becky is hiding from the law because she is a card sharp and cheated the wrong people. She was born poor, illegitimate and with no formal education. She’s also beautiful and clever. Luca is handsome, rich, from a predominant Venetian family who was an officer in the English navy. He needs a card sharp for revenge against a man he believes killed his father. The similarities between Becky’s ex-lover who charmed and persuaded her to cheat at cards and Luca who is also using her skills illegally and immorally were too great and it was frustrating that Becky didn't see this. Although Becky questioned Luca’s plan, it was on his behalf. There was also the wide social gap between them and Luca’s sudden attitude change on marriage that made a HEA unbelievable.
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August 20, 2018Miniseries: Matches Made in Scandal
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