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Lord Byron #3
Mad, Bad, and Delightful To Know: Book 3 in The Lord Byron Series
Living amongst the richest people of the highest strata of London Society and being fallen over by its glamorous women, Lord Byron, the "Idol Poet" of his time, has never quite got over the raw emotions of his unrequited love for his country cousin Mary Chaworth.Until they meet again, and Mary finds new hope for a happier life with the man she had once rejected as a teenage boy, and now deeply loves.Byron brings down the wrath of the newspapers for using his poetry to criticise the bloated Prince Regent, and speak up for the starving English poor; but the attacks on his name do not trouble him at all.Although he remains troubled by Lady Caroline Lamb, who is now stick-thin and gaunt-faced from the pain of her insane love for him; hiding in his publisher's waiting room and sneakily following him through the streets, until he complains in a letter to Lady Melbourne - "I am being haunted by a skeleton!" A story full of humour and drama and colourful events and people from the Regency era, including Beau Brummell; the courtesan Harriette Wilson, and so many others ‒ all mad and bad and delightful to know.
315 pages, Paperback
Published March 12, 2018
187 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 22, 2016
Mad, Bad, And Delightful To Know (Byron Series Book 3)
As every bit fantastic as the first two books in the series. Extensive research into the life and times of one of histories best poets. As so stated in the book: A poet must be in love or misery and for most of his life he was in both. One has to wonder what a soul has done to be the recipient of the unfairness of Lord Byron's life. But then, his great works couldn't have been born in any other situation. Ms. Browne has the incredible ability to flesh out her characters that leave you feeling as if they walked off the pages of historical nonfiction and are just around the corner. A must read.
As every bit fantastic as the first two books in the series. Extensive research into the life and times of one of histories best poets. As so stated in the book: A poet must be in love or misery and for most of his life he was in both. One has to wonder what a soul has done to be the recipient of the unfairness of Lord Byron's life. But then, his great works couldn't have been born in any other situation. Ms. Browne has the incredible ability to flesh out her characters that leave you feeling as if they walked off the pages of historical nonfiction and are just around the corner. A must read.
January 21, 2022
This author hit her stride in this third historical novel in her series on the life, sorrows, and political career of Lord Byron in the British House of Lords.
Of course, readers will enjoy the poetry written by Lord Byron. I enjoyed the little life events that shaped specific poems. And greeting treasured his love, loyalty, and care for his half-sister, Augusta.
Looking forward to reading more of Gretta Curran Browne LORD BYRON SERIES.
Of course, readers will enjoy the poetry written by Lord Byron. I enjoyed the little life events that shaped specific poems. And greeting treasured his love, loyalty, and care for his half-sister, Augusta.
Looking forward to reading more of Gretta Curran Browne LORD BYRON SERIES.
December 4, 2018
This is Book 3 in the series. I have loved all three. Just when I thought the love story part was going to end beautifully it left me hanging with a book #4. It is irritating and exploitative that each book ends as a cliff-hanger, and one is compelled (yes, compelled, because the story is so good and we care so much)…compelled to purchase the next book in the series. The series was advertised as three books. Imagine my surprise when I discovered there are actually 5 books, and that book 3 ends in another cliff-hanger. Yes – exploitative! I’m rather angry. The books are short enough to read in one or two evenings, and the three books could easily have been merged into one or two books. Surely the 5 books could have been condensed into three!
All of that said, why do I love these stories so much? Well, there are Lord Byron's eccentricities, ethics, soft heart, and magnetism to consider. As a political figure, he is not afraid to speak out against oppression of the poor, nor against the extravagant Prince Regent, even if it affects his popularity (which it doesn’t). If this book is accurate, he was a 19th century superstar! As his fame increases, he is hounded by women and men alike. All want to meet him; some want to take advantage. Sadly, Byron is naïve in that regard. He hates the attention and adulation because it inconveniences him, but easily gives money away. He is a stereotypical artist, with philanthropic tendencies but no head for business. In this book he is in danger of losing his estate which has been in his family since the 1100’s.
I truly enjoy the meat of the story: there is not a lot of plot; rather, we receive vivid insights into the everyday life of young, rich aristocrats who dine out, gamble, go to balls and masquerades, move through society, and scramble to meet important people. It’s a lark.
The author inserts verse into the story. I have never been much for poetry, but reading the verses within the context of the ongoing story is truly enlightening.
OK, on to book 4, even though I’m angry about it, LOL.
All of that said, why do I love these stories so much? Well, there are Lord Byron's eccentricities, ethics, soft heart, and magnetism to consider. As a political figure, he is not afraid to speak out against oppression of the poor, nor against the extravagant Prince Regent, even if it affects his popularity (which it doesn’t). If this book is accurate, he was a 19th century superstar! As his fame increases, he is hounded by women and men alike. All want to meet him; some want to take advantage. Sadly, Byron is naïve in that regard. He hates the attention and adulation because it inconveniences him, but easily gives money away. He is a stereotypical artist, with philanthropic tendencies but no head for business. In this book he is in danger of losing his estate which has been in his family since the 1100’s.
I truly enjoy the meat of the story: there is not a lot of plot; rather, we receive vivid insights into the everyday life of young, rich aristocrats who dine out, gamble, go to balls and masquerades, move through society, and scramble to meet important people. It’s a lark.
The author inserts verse into the story. I have never been much for poetry, but reading the verses within the context of the ongoing story is truly enlightening.
OK, on to book 4, even though I’m angry about it, LOL.
June 6, 2018
She walks in beauty, like the night....
I have never enjoyed nor understood poetry as I have now! This particular poem by Lord Byron has always been a favorite of mine, and this book has given me a full understanding of its genesis.
Talk about tragic love affairs!!! I was reduced to tears reading this story. How earth-shattering and sad! Author Gretta Curran Browne really brings you into Lord Byron's world with his friends, acquaintances, family and lovers. As his fame rises so does the absurdity of the public response to his poetic offering. Talk about super star!.... His star was meteoric!!! And who could be jealous of such a warm-hearted, loving, generous, albeit physically beautiful man in spite of his deformed foot?!! He defied social convention of the era as he continued to speak out for the common man.
I absolutely recommend to readers of historical fiction and romance readers. This is a wonderful series!
I have never enjoyed nor understood poetry as I have now! This particular poem by Lord Byron has always been a favorite of mine, and this book has given me a full understanding of its genesis.
Talk about tragic love affairs!!! I was reduced to tears reading this story. How earth-shattering and sad! Author Gretta Curran Browne really brings you into Lord Byron's world with his friends, acquaintances, family and lovers. As his fame rises so does the absurdity of the public response to his poetic offering. Talk about super star!.... His star was meteoric!!! And who could be jealous of such a warm-hearted, loving, generous, albeit physically beautiful man in spite of his deformed foot?!! He defied social convention of the era as he continued to speak out for the common man.
I absolutely recommend to readers of historical fiction and romance readers. This is a wonderful series!
April 6, 2021
Book three of this series continues to be very readable & enjoyable but with heavier sledding.
It is easy to continue reading and enjoying this series but this book was much slower and caught up in the minutiae of life. It takes Byron to a sad and troubled time in his life. He is facing the loss of the love of his life with no access to her. While the worst woman in his life plans his demise. It is going to be the test of his life and he must deal with it right or lose his name and reputation. Read on all ye Byron lovers.
It is easy to continue reading and enjoying this series but this book was much slower and caught up in the minutiae of life. It takes Byron to a sad and troubled time in his life. He is facing the loss of the love of his life with no access to her. While the worst woman in his life plans his demise. It is going to be the test of his life and he must deal with it right or lose his name and reputation. Read on all ye Byron lovers.
June 3, 2016
Just when I thought the love story part was going to end beautifully it left me hanging with a book #4. I thought there were only 3 books but no the author writes on. The fourth book will be published in August of this year and is called, "A Runaway Star". Fun to read and learn about Lord Byron. If true he was quite the stand-up kind of guy.
January 5, 2020
I will read on!
This series is wonderful! This third book did not disappoint. I am excited to read the fourth book. These books should be a TV series.
This series is wonderful! This third book did not disappoint. I am excited to read the fourth book. These books should be a TV series.
August 22, 2020
The lack of punctuation and grammatical errors made this book much better than the first two in the series. A brilliant weaving of history, poetry and fiction.
May 7, 2020
How to spin a yarn
All three books are well written, interesting and informative
But 7 books 7 - I'm giving up. I'm going to search for a bio of Byron that gets me there in one.
It just feels like it's being spun out for no real reason.
All three books are well written, interesting and informative
But 7 books 7 - I'm giving up. I'm going to search for a bio of Byron that gets me there in one.
It just feels like it's being spun out for no real reason.
June 18, 2017
Living the life of Byron
This book has been a delight. What an intense story! I'm enjoying the reliving of a most amazing poet. Thank you!
This book has been a delight. What an intense story! I'm enjoying the reliving of a most amazing poet. Thank you!
April 15, 2018
Now that is one wicked wife Bryon had! Can't wait to read about his life after separation.
March 5, 2020
Just a wonderful read. Am now going to educate myself on reading more poetry particularly with an emphasis on byron. Browne has truly hooked me with her writing. Will look for more of her work.
February 5, 2021
Exceptional and brilliantly written.
February 23, 2021
Really enjoying this series. Can’t wait to download the next.
November 12, 2016
Mad, Bad, And Delightful to Know was just interesting as the other books in this series. Lord Byron's life was so interesting. In his day, a physical deformity in the foot usually caused one to spend a life as an invalid but he wanted no part of that. He willed himself to walk, then when older had a special boot designed to help him walk more comfortably. He built his upper body strength and kept his weight low so he would not cause his foot undue strength. His personal life had lots of sorrow but he was always a joy to his friends.
August 20, 2016
...and a lovely book to read!
The reader just can't help themselves when they read dear Lord Byron's romantic and personal lives collide at times only to be holding the cards at the end of the game.
Ms. Browne's characters are rich and deep and hang in Lord Byron's life like decorations at Christmas...
The reader just can't help themselves when they read dear Lord Byron's romantic and personal lives collide at times only to be holding the cards at the end of the game.
Ms. Browne's characters are rich and deep and hang in Lord Byron's life like decorations at Christmas...
June 25, 2020
These are fun - some better than the rest.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews