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Westham-Brentwood #1
The Butler Did It
Like every noble in the London peerage, Morgan Drummond, Marquis of Westham, expects his butler to be awaiting his return home--even when that return follows a five-year absence. But he didn't expect the horde of strangers who've taken up residence in his house, courtesy of that enterprising butler and a discreet classified ad. Morgan's plan to toss his unwelcome tenants into the street is thwarted by a beautiful but indomitable debutante, Miss Emma Clifford--who's not averse to a bit of blackmail for a good cause.
Now Morgan finds himself squiring the lovely Emma to the ton's most fashionable events--and what's more surprising, he's beginning to enjoy it. Surely he's not falling for such an infuriating woman, even if she does have a way of making him forget his own name? That butler has a lot to answer for--but then again, it's so hard to find good help....
Now Morgan finds himself squiring the lovely Emma to the ton's most fashionable events--and what's more surprising, he's beginning to enjoy it. Surely he's not falling for such an infuriating woman, even if she does have a way of making him forget his own name? That butler has a lot to answer for--but then again, it's so hard to find good help....
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 25, 2004
19 people are currently reading
268 people want to read
About the author
Kasey Michaels
307 books541 followersKasey Michaels is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 100 books (she doesn't count them). Kasey has received three coveted Starred Reviews from Publishers Weekly, two for the historical romances, THE SECRETS OF THE HEART and THE BUTLER DID IT, and a third for contemporary romance LOVE TO LOVE YOU BABY (that shows diversity, you see). She is a recipient of the RITA, a Waldenbooks and Bookrak Bestseller award, and many awards from Romantic Times magazine, including a Career Achievement award for her Regency era historical romances. She is an Honor Roll author in Romance Writers of America, Inc. (RWA)
Kasey has appeared on the TODAY show, and was the subject of a Lifetime Cable TV show "A Better Way," in conjunction with Good Housekeeping magazine, a program devoted to women and how they have achieved career success in the midst of motherhood (short version: "with great difficulty").
A highly praised nonfiction book, written as Kathryn Seidick, "...OR YOU CAN LET HIM GO," details the story of Kasey and her family during the time of her eldest son's first kidney transplant.
Kasey has written Regency romances, Regency historicals, category books including novellas and continuities and a few series "launch" books, and single title contemporaries. She has coped with time travel, ghosts, trilogies, the dark side, the very light side, and just about everything in between. Hers is also the twisted mind behind her ongoing Maggie Kelly mystery series starring a former romance writer turned historical mystery writer whose gorgeous hunk of a fictional hero shows up, live and in color, in her Manhattan living room – to melt her knees, to help her solve murders, and to leave the top off her toothpaste. And, says Kasey, she's just getting started!
Series:
* His Chariot Awaits
* Lion On the Prowl
* Crown Family
* London Friends
* Chandlers Request
* The Trehan Brothers
* Maggie Kelly Mystery
* Romney Marsh
* Sunshine Girls
Kasey has appeared on the TODAY show, and was the subject of a Lifetime Cable TV show "A Better Way," in conjunction with Good Housekeeping magazine, a program devoted to women and how they have achieved career success in the midst of motherhood (short version: "with great difficulty").
A highly praised nonfiction book, written as Kathryn Seidick, "...OR YOU CAN LET HIM GO," details the story of Kasey and her family during the time of her eldest son's first kidney transplant.
Kasey has written Regency romances, Regency historicals, category books including novellas and continuities and a few series "launch" books, and single title contemporaries. She has coped with time travel, ghosts, trilogies, the dark side, the very light side, and just about everything in between. Hers is also the twisted mind behind her ongoing Maggie Kelly mystery series starring a former romance writer turned historical mystery writer whose gorgeous hunk of a fictional hero shows up, live and in color, in her Manhattan living room – to melt her knees, to help her solve murders, and to leave the top off her toothpaste. And, says Kasey, she's just getting started!
Series:
* His Chariot Awaits
* Lion On the Prowl
* Crown Family
* London Friends
* Chandlers Request
* The Trehan Brothers
* Maggie Kelly Mystery
* Romney Marsh
* Sunshine Girls
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
September 20, 2018
Comedy and romance galore !
A scheming butler.
Geriatric con artists.
A splendid romantic enemies to lovers tale.
A hero who's determined to overcome his anger issues.
A heroine who's on the brink of genteel poverty but is all set to find a rich husband during her debut season.
A couple of oversexed servants.
An uncouth seamstress who yearns to live like an aristocrat during her short vacation and is using her unexpected inheritance to make it happen.
A silly young dandy who thinks that he can become rich and independent by going into the cock fighting business after he spends his mother's pin money to buy a rooster called Harry.
A widowed genteel lady who's fallen in love with the butler.
A tarty grandmother who is a scene stealer !
A villain determined to seek vengeance on the hero by capturing the affection of the heroine, even if he has to kidnap her to do so.
And much more...
The title of this novel might allow one to think that it's a mystery story when it's actually another one of Kasey Michaels' swanky romantic regency comedies. It all happens because of the enterprising Thornley, the butler at the Marquis of Westham's palatial London townhouse. Thornley had been bored because his boss has gone off to live at the Westham's country estate and showed no inclination to ever return for each London season. What's a smart, bored butler to do, after 2 yrs have passed and Morgan Drummond ( the Marquis and the hero ) refuses to return to the mansion on Grosvenor Square ? Well, he rents out rooms in the marquis' townhouse to visiting gentry folk who have no homes of their own in London but are keen to enjoy the season. Thornley and the other servants are all sharing the profits from their efforts to play the landlord in a home that doesn't belong to them. Thornley even uses paper that's embossed with the H's marquessate seal in his attempts to convince prospective tenants that the H has given full approval to the scheme. At the start of the story, it's been 5 yrs since Morgan has visited his townhouse and 3 yrs during which Thornley has managed to make a tidy sum of money from his little landlord scheme. What Thornley fails to remember, however, is that the H is only 30 yrs old and can possibly turn up at any time; it is, after all, his mansion. That's exactly what happens in this novel and the consequences of the fallout are hilarious ! This is Thornley:
And this is the sexy hero, Morgan - The Marquis of Westham:
Morgan is a funny type of H yet he still manages to maintain his studly alpha male sex appeal. Morgan had been 25 yrs old when he allowed his temper and anger issues to explode into a situation that led to a duel with his best friend Perry, the Earl of Brentwood. After the silly duel ( during which nobody died since this is a comedy after all ), Morgan shut himself away at his country estate and decided that he won't ever return for another London season until he's certain that he is able to control his temper and be a good boy. At the beginning of the story, Morgan is proud of himself because he has been testing himself to see if his anger issues are under control. He's even hired the most infuriating valet called Wycliff; Morgan figures that if he can ignore the desire to cuss and fire Wycliff then that's proof of his success. So, Morgan is filled with pride and contentment as he embarks on his journey to Grosvenor Square.
Unbeknownst to Morgan, the Grosvenor Square townhouse is already filled with unwanted, paying guests. And, it's a group of mismatched characters who have signed rental contracts with Thornley. Firstly, there's the heroine Emma Clifford who's there for her first London season and she's accompanied by her zany relatives. Emma's a feisty, fun loving, 19 yr old young beauty who's smart and has to take charge of her relatives because they're either absentminded or just unable to do anything for themselves. Emma's late father had squandered all the family's money, so she's left to use her beauty as her only currency to catch herself a rich husband. This is Emma:
Emma's mother is Daphne and she's an absentminded, kind hearted airhead with little or no common sense. Daphne has also developed an infatuation with the butler Thornley and he keeps having fantasies about kissing and wooing the cute, plump widow. This is Daphne:
Then there's Emma's adorable, wicked and cunning grandmother Fanny. This lady had led a very exciting life in her youth and has decided to blackmail her rich and powerful former lovers; Fanny knows that Emma has no dowry and will therefore have a difficult time attracting suitors. After all, beauty alone is not the important factor when one is participating in the famed London Marriage Mart. Fanny tells these former lovers of hers that she's going to write her detailed sexual memoirs unless they agree to introduce her granddaughter to their eligible male relatives. Fanny might seem to be somewhat Machiavellian but the author portrayed her in a humorous manner and it was fabulous to see how she had these old men quaking with fear. This is Fanny:
Then there's the dullard of the Clifford family and he's Emma's brother. His name is Clifford Clifford and yes, you read that correctly ! I didn't make a typing error there. Lol. The not so smart Daphne had decided that it was the most splendid thing ever to name her son Clifford Clifford. This young man is kinda stupid and allows the footman Riley to lead him into all sorts of jackass adventures in London; the worst of these is a venture into the cock fighting entrepreneurial sector. Clifford Clifford stole his mother's pin money to buy a rooster named Harry and kept moving the rooster from one hidden location to another ( in the H's townhouse ! ). This is Clifford Clifford:
Clifford Clifford's partner in crime is the lazy footman Riley. This guy spends his time either getting into trouble or trying to seduce the maid Claramae. This is Riley:
Then there's the geriatric con artist tenant, called Sir Edgar. This confidence trickster has painted a trunk full of bricks with gold paint and is fleecing money from dumb rich assholes who actually believe that there's an alchemist formula that can convert any base metal into solid gold. Sir Edgar has already taken 1000 pounds from a merchant called Mr. Hatcher and is plotting to find new victims during his stay in London. This is Sir Edgar:
The final lodger is a seamstress named Mrs. Olive Norbert. She's just inherited some money and wants to see what it's like to live in a mansion that's owned by a marquis. She is a coarse and common woman with appalling table manners, who spends all her time eating or wandering around the townhouse imagining that she's actually the lady of the house. She ends up falling in love with Sir Edgar after he decides to pursue her and fleece some of her money. It was actually old Fanny's idea; Fanny Clifford had snooped in Sir Edgar's room and discovered all his plans and his fake gold bricks. This is Mrs. Norbert:
The shit hits the fan when Morgan finds these people living in his mansion but Fanny is able to blackmail him into allowing them all to stay. Morgan also punishes Thornley and the staff by telling them that they will not be paid for the following year, since they've already made so much money by renting rooms in his house to lodgers. Morgan and Emma start out as enemies but their sexual chemistry make it impossible for them to stay out of each other's arms. Kasey Michaels does a fantastic job at developing their relationship because she does so in the most humorous way ever ! One minute they're insulting each other; the next minute, they're ripping each other's clothes off. Morgan even decides to hold a ball in Emma's honour. The MC's soon become lovers but they have to hide it from the others. Fanny Clifford is the only one who notices what's happening but she's not judgemental and it's so funny that she keeps winking at Morgan every time she sees him with her granddaughter. Fanny also becomes Sir Edgar's partner in the fake gold scheme and they manage to con about 7000 pounds from a group of Fanny's former lovers. There was always so much activity and scheming going on in the townhouse. The romance between the butler Thornley and Daphne was just another minor storyline. The highlights of the last part of the action filled novel included:
1. Mrs. Norbert tries to kill Fanny because she thinks that Fanny is trying to steal Sir Edgar's affections.
2. Riley and Clifford Clifford end up buying about 24 roosters and for some weird reason none of the other characters can explain why these 2 men are always smelling like a poultry farm ! The roosters are also housed in the basement and stables. Clifford Clifford decides that the rooster Harry is better off as his personal pet and at the end of the story he's gone to join the regiment in Dover and has taken Harry with him. He keeps Harry hidden in his room...
3. Mrs. Norbert gets her payback on Sir Edgar and the Clifford family. Firstly, she tells Mr. Hatcher that Sir Edgar fleeced him, then she arranges for Morgan's old enemy Mr. Rolins to attend the ball. Mr. Rolins kidnaps the heroine just before Morgan is about to announce their engagement to all the attendees at the ball.
4. Riley and the maid Claramae decide to have sex in a closet while Clifford Clifford is hosting a rooster fight in the basement. They're discovered and Claramae runs off with her huge boobs bobbing and all the male guests running after her to catch a glimpse.
5. Morgan beats up Mr. Rolins and pins the blame on the entire disaster on that villain's head.
6. Mr. Hatcher discovers that the bricks of gold are in fact painted !
7. Sir Edgar runs off after being hit on the head by the housekeeper, Mrs. Timon. He'd tried to fleece her savings as well but she used her trusty old rolling pin to give him a huge bump on his forehead.
8. Mrs. Norbert tries to kill old Fanny again but the grandma hits her with a cane. Mrs. Norbert is arrested but manages to escape and is last seen chasing after Sir Edgar.
7. Fanny ends up marrying one of her old boyfriends, who is now an Earl, so the old lady can walk around gleefully as a countess.
8. Daphne marries the butler Thornley and he leaves London to go live with her at the old Clifford country manor.
9. Riley and Claramae get married and open a small shop.
10. The hero and heroine get married and decide to spend most of their time at his country estate:
The Interesting Family had also taken off in differing directions: Daphne now living with her Aloysius in the country house. Fanny had eloped to Gretna Green with Archie and was now a countess, Cliff was marching with his regiment in Dover (and hiding Harry in his rooms), and Emma, of course, snuggled delightfully at Westham, with her extremely happy and quite besotted new husband. The two were picking out names for their firstborn, and hoping not too many of the ton had learned to count to nine on their fingers.
Kasey Michaels. The Butler Did It (Kindle Locations 4048-4051). HQN Books. Kindle Edition.
This is a novel that's guaranteed to make you laugh from the beginning to the end !
A scheming butler.
Geriatric con artists.
A splendid romantic enemies to lovers tale.
A hero who's determined to overcome his anger issues.
A heroine who's on the brink of genteel poverty but is all set to find a rich husband during her debut season.
A couple of oversexed servants.
An uncouth seamstress who yearns to live like an aristocrat during her short vacation and is using her unexpected inheritance to make it happen.
A silly young dandy who thinks that he can become rich and independent by going into the cock fighting business after he spends his mother's pin money to buy a rooster called Harry.
A widowed genteel lady who's fallen in love with the butler.
A tarty grandmother who is a scene stealer !
A villain determined to seek vengeance on the hero by capturing the affection of the heroine, even if he has to kidnap her to do so.
And much more...
The title of this novel might allow one to think that it's a mystery story when it's actually another one of Kasey Michaels' swanky romantic regency comedies. It all happens because of the enterprising Thornley, the butler at the Marquis of Westham's palatial London townhouse. Thornley had been bored because his boss has gone off to live at the Westham's country estate and showed no inclination to ever return for each London season. What's a smart, bored butler to do, after 2 yrs have passed and Morgan Drummond ( the Marquis and the hero ) refuses to return to the mansion on Grosvenor Square ? Well, he rents out rooms in the marquis' townhouse to visiting gentry folk who have no homes of their own in London but are keen to enjoy the season. Thornley and the other servants are all sharing the profits from their efforts to play the landlord in a home that doesn't belong to them. Thornley even uses paper that's embossed with the H's marquessate seal in his attempts to convince prospective tenants that the H has given full approval to the scheme. At the start of the story, it's been 5 yrs since Morgan has visited his townhouse and 3 yrs during which Thornley has managed to make a tidy sum of money from his little landlord scheme. What Thornley fails to remember, however, is that the H is only 30 yrs old and can possibly turn up at any time; it is, after all, his mansion. That's exactly what happens in this novel and the consequences of the fallout are hilarious ! This is Thornley:
And this is the sexy hero, Morgan - The Marquis of Westham:
Morgan is a funny type of H yet he still manages to maintain his studly alpha male sex appeal. Morgan had been 25 yrs old when he allowed his temper and anger issues to explode into a situation that led to a duel with his best friend Perry, the Earl of Brentwood. After the silly duel ( during which nobody died since this is a comedy after all ), Morgan shut himself away at his country estate and decided that he won't ever return for another London season until he's certain that he is able to control his temper and be a good boy. At the beginning of the story, Morgan is proud of himself because he has been testing himself to see if his anger issues are under control. He's even hired the most infuriating valet called Wycliff; Morgan figures that if he can ignore the desire to cuss and fire Wycliff then that's proof of his success. So, Morgan is filled with pride and contentment as he embarks on his journey to Grosvenor Square.
Unbeknownst to Morgan, the Grosvenor Square townhouse is already filled with unwanted, paying guests. And, it's a group of mismatched characters who have signed rental contracts with Thornley. Firstly, there's the heroine Emma Clifford who's there for her first London season and she's accompanied by her zany relatives. Emma's a feisty, fun loving, 19 yr old young beauty who's smart and has to take charge of her relatives because they're either absentminded or just unable to do anything for themselves. Emma's late father had squandered all the family's money, so she's left to use her beauty as her only currency to catch herself a rich husband. This is Emma:
Emma's mother is Daphne and she's an absentminded, kind hearted airhead with little or no common sense. Daphne has also developed an infatuation with the butler Thornley and he keeps having fantasies about kissing and wooing the cute, plump widow. This is Daphne:
Then there's Emma's adorable, wicked and cunning grandmother Fanny. This lady had led a very exciting life in her youth and has decided to blackmail her rich and powerful former lovers; Fanny knows that Emma has no dowry and will therefore have a difficult time attracting suitors. After all, beauty alone is not the important factor when one is participating in the famed London Marriage Mart. Fanny tells these former lovers of hers that she's going to write her detailed sexual memoirs unless they agree to introduce her granddaughter to their eligible male relatives. Fanny might seem to be somewhat Machiavellian but the author portrayed her in a humorous manner and it was fabulous to see how she had these old men quaking with fear. This is Fanny:
Then there's the dullard of the Clifford family and he's Emma's brother. His name is Clifford Clifford and yes, you read that correctly ! I didn't make a typing error there. Lol. The not so smart Daphne had decided that it was the most splendid thing ever to name her son Clifford Clifford. This young man is kinda stupid and allows the footman Riley to lead him into all sorts of jackass adventures in London; the worst of these is a venture into the cock fighting entrepreneurial sector. Clifford Clifford stole his mother's pin money to buy a rooster named Harry and kept moving the rooster from one hidden location to another ( in the H's townhouse ! ). This is Clifford Clifford:
Clifford Clifford's partner in crime is the lazy footman Riley. This guy spends his time either getting into trouble or trying to seduce the maid Claramae. This is Riley:
Then there's the geriatric con artist tenant, called Sir Edgar. This confidence trickster has painted a trunk full of bricks with gold paint and is fleecing money from dumb rich assholes who actually believe that there's an alchemist formula that can convert any base metal into solid gold. Sir Edgar has already taken 1000 pounds from a merchant called Mr. Hatcher and is plotting to find new victims during his stay in London. This is Sir Edgar:
The final lodger is a seamstress named Mrs. Olive Norbert. She's just inherited some money and wants to see what it's like to live in a mansion that's owned by a marquis. She is a coarse and common woman with appalling table manners, who spends all her time eating or wandering around the townhouse imagining that she's actually the lady of the house. She ends up falling in love with Sir Edgar after he decides to pursue her and fleece some of her money. It was actually old Fanny's idea; Fanny Clifford had snooped in Sir Edgar's room and discovered all his plans and his fake gold bricks. This is Mrs. Norbert:
The shit hits the fan when Morgan finds these people living in his mansion but Fanny is able to blackmail him into allowing them all to stay. Morgan also punishes Thornley and the staff by telling them that they will not be paid for the following year, since they've already made so much money by renting rooms in his house to lodgers. Morgan and Emma start out as enemies but their sexual chemistry make it impossible for them to stay out of each other's arms. Kasey Michaels does a fantastic job at developing their relationship because she does so in the most humorous way ever ! One minute they're insulting each other; the next minute, they're ripping each other's clothes off. Morgan even decides to hold a ball in Emma's honour. The MC's soon become lovers but they have to hide it from the others. Fanny Clifford is the only one who notices what's happening but she's not judgemental and it's so funny that she keeps winking at Morgan every time she sees him with her granddaughter. Fanny also becomes Sir Edgar's partner in the fake gold scheme and they manage to con about 7000 pounds from a group of Fanny's former lovers. There was always so much activity and scheming going on in the townhouse. The romance between the butler Thornley and Daphne was just another minor storyline. The highlights of the last part of the action filled novel included:
1. Mrs. Norbert tries to kill Fanny because she thinks that Fanny is trying to steal Sir Edgar's affections.
2. Riley and Clifford Clifford end up buying about 24 roosters and for some weird reason none of the other characters can explain why these 2 men are always smelling like a poultry farm ! The roosters are also housed in the basement and stables. Clifford Clifford decides that the rooster Harry is better off as his personal pet and at the end of the story he's gone to join the regiment in Dover and has taken Harry with him. He keeps Harry hidden in his room...
3. Mrs. Norbert gets her payback on Sir Edgar and the Clifford family. Firstly, she tells Mr. Hatcher that Sir Edgar fleeced him, then she arranges for Morgan's old enemy Mr. Rolins to attend the ball. Mr. Rolins kidnaps the heroine just before Morgan is about to announce their engagement to all the attendees at the ball.
4. Riley and the maid Claramae decide to have sex in a closet while Clifford Clifford is hosting a rooster fight in the basement. They're discovered and Claramae runs off with her huge boobs bobbing and all the male guests running after her to catch a glimpse.
5. Morgan beats up Mr. Rolins and pins the blame on the entire disaster on that villain's head.
6. Mr. Hatcher discovers that the bricks of gold are in fact painted !
7. Sir Edgar runs off after being hit on the head by the housekeeper, Mrs. Timon. He'd tried to fleece her savings as well but she used her trusty old rolling pin to give him a huge bump on his forehead.
8. Mrs. Norbert tries to kill old Fanny again but the grandma hits her with a cane. Mrs. Norbert is arrested but manages to escape and is last seen chasing after Sir Edgar.
7. Fanny ends up marrying one of her old boyfriends, who is now an Earl, so the old lady can walk around gleefully as a countess.
8. Daphne marries the butler Thornley and he leaves London to go live with her at the old Clifford country manor.
9. Riley and Claramae get married and open a small shop.
10. The hero and heroine get married and decide to spend most of their time at his country estate:
The Interesting Family had also taken off in differing directions: Daphne now living with her Aloysius in the country house. Fanny had eloped to Gretna Green with Archie and was now a countess, Cliff was marching with his regiment in Dover (and hiding Harry in his rooms), and Emma, of course, snuggled delightfully at Westham, with her extremely happy and quite besotted new husband. The two were picking out names for their firstborn, and hoping not too many of the ton had learned to count to nine on their fingers.
Kasey Michaels. The Butler Did It (Kindle Locations 4048-4051). HQN Books. Kindle Edition.
This is a novel that's guaranteed to make you laugh from the beginning to the end !
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2009
LOOOOOVVVVEEEDDDD This book! I can't stress that enough. It's so rare that you find a historical romance that has you laughing out loud. Kasey Michaels paints such wonderful pictures of her characters, and all of their quirks, that you instantly fall in love with them.
From the simpering mother who has a crush on the butler, the butler who decided to 'rent out' the absent Marquis' house for the season, the once 'courtesan' grandmother who keeps threatening to write her memoirs, the idiot brother who is going to make his fortune cockfighting, the wily old con-man, the fat seamstress the eats everything in sight, the horny footman who keeps trying to get under the crying maids skirts, Emma the beautiful daughter that needs to get married, and finally Morgan, Marquis of Westham, who some how has this whole menagerie of people under his roof and seems to be stuck with them.
The list goes on and on, full of bright, colorful, and hysterical characters. It's a MUST read if you enjoy humor. And apparently the first in a series, so the laughs must continue.
From the simpering mother who has a crush on the butler, the butler who decided to 'rent out' the absent Marquis' house for the season, the once 'courtesan' grandmother who keeps threatening to write her memoirs, the idiot brother who is going to make his fortune cockfighting, the wily old con-man, the fat seamstress the eats everything in sight, the horny footman who keeps trying to get under the crying maids skirts, Emma the beautiful daughter that needs to get married, and finally Morgan, Marquis of Westham, who some how has this whole menagerie of people under his roof and seems to be stuck with them.
The list goes on and on, full of bright, colorful, and hysterical characters. It's a MUST read if you enjoy humor. And apparently the first in a series, so the laughs must continue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2010
When the marquis is away, the butler decides to play entrepreneur! Especially since the marquis was away for 5 years - it was just too boring to take care of a house with no one in residence, so Thornley decided to keep the staff on their toes by renting the Westham mansion during the Season to carefully selected people. It was working out well - financially - for all staff members, but then the marquis arrived to find his home invaded by strangers, and the fun begins.
This was a delightful read! Ms. Michaels not only blurred the lines and rules of society - she pretty much eliminated some of them, while poking fun at a very restrictive society. There's a sequel about the marquis' best friend - hope Shall We Dance? is an entertaining as this was.
This was a delightful read! Ms. Michaels not only blurred the lines and rules of society - she pretty much eliminated some of them, while poking fun at a very restrictive society. There's a sequel about the marquis' best friend - hope Shall We Dance? is an entertaining as this was.
January 4, 2017
I knew I had read this book when it first came out but I didn't remember it at all. I vaguely thought I didn't understand it, but had chalked it up to being a relatively new historical romance reader at the time. So when this was $2.49 at Amazon, I picked it up and gave it another shot.
Turns out, I was probably right that I didn't understand it the first time I read it, but it wasn't because of me, it was because this is poorly written. There are any number of sentences that I have to reread and reread again to try and figure out what the hell Michaels is trying to say. It's like she decided to write a book with no commas. It's unfortunate because I think this is one of the last books Michaels wrote that wasn't full of angst, so I don't even bother to read her any more, yet she used to be an autobuy for me. Neither the nostalgia nor the $2.49 price tag are enough to make me keep reading this, and I actually wondered this morning whether I was still within Amazon's return window, because I'd like my credits back.
Turns out, I was probably right that I didn't understand it the first time I read it, but it wasn't because of me, it was because this is poorly written. There are any number of sentences that I have to reread and reread again to try and figure out what the hell Michaels is trying to say. It's like she decided to write a book with no commas. It's unfortunate because I think this is one of the last books Michaels wrote that wasn't full of angst, so I don't even bother to read her any more, yet she used to be an autobuy for me. Neither the nostalgia nor the $2.49 price tag are enough to make me keep reading this, and I actually wondered this morning whether I was still within Amazon's return window, because I'd like my credits back.
September 9, 2008
The story of a nobleman who stays away from his London house for five years to learn to control his temper. In the meantime, his butler starts to take in house guests for the season. He arrives unexpectedly to find his house filled with strangers.
I enjoyed this book even though it was somewhat predictable. I partly enjoyed the comic relief and absurdity of some of the situations. I also liked the inclusion of romances for some of the minor characters.
Totally unrealistic, but well enough written to keep me entertained.
I enjoyed this book even though it was somewhat predictable. I partly enjoyed the comic relief and absurdity of some of the situations. I also liked the inclusion of romances for some of the minor characters.
Totally unrealistic, but well enough written to keep me entertained.
December 29, 2014
The basis of the story was sound but I found it hard to get into it and stay in it. I think there were just too many characters to follow. However the comedic moments were truly funny. The events of the ball had me laughing almost hysterically. Also missing were chapters. I'm the type to like a definitive stopping point, like the end of a chapter.(Ok so I may be slightly OCD in that) This book had only soft breaks and very large sections. I did like the main characters and the supporting cast was very entertaining.
May 30, 2016
Read many years ago. Funny. Tons of characters.
2.5
2.5
June 14, 2017
I gave up at 43%. This book attempts to be silly and witty, but it gets confusing and fell flat for me. The basic plot is that there is a marquis who has sworn off going to London ever again, but he owns a beautiful and fully staffed townhouse. The butler and staff decide to make some extra income and rent it out during the Season. Problem is, the Marquis himself shows up one day. I think my main issue is that there were just TOO MANY people staying at the house. We have a con artist, a seamstress, a mother/daughter/grandmother and their associated young man... and they all run together. Also, the king gets invited over just to hang out one day. I don't get it. I found myself skimming and still uninterested, so I'm moving on.
April 25, 2020
Why such a high rating for what is essentially just a frothy Regency Romp? Because Kasey Michaels is the best at it since Marion Chesney moved exclusively to mystery. Very funny, in wit and comic situations, it has all the Usual Suspects: handsome nobleman with a questionable past, young woman who is not the softie she appears, lazy, crazy and money grabbing servants, ditzy relatives, bad guy, and a murderous parvenu. Oh yes, there is a cockerel too. Kasey Michaels had me laughing from page one. This was exactly what I needed during this morose time, thus 5 stars!
April 9, 2014
A fun romp through merry old England. As the Ton begins the season there are many people with differing agendas. Some are looking toward finding a spouse (either for love, an heir, or just money), some are looking for a little fun from societies elite, some are just looking to see if they can relieve others of their money.
A regency era romantic comedy that culminates in a ball that turns into a laugh a minute and involves all the characters including Harry the rooster.
A regency era romantic comedy that culminates in a ball that turns into a laugh a minute and involves all the characters including Harry the rooster.
July 28, 2014
interesting twist to an historical romance. I felt as though I was watching a slapstick movie and at the end it all came together in a cacophony of humour and nonsense. There were many characters and as many sub-story lines. The author tied them all together at the end in a funny and interesting way. The main characters could have used a bit more development but overall it was a good read. I actually laughed out loud!
July 28, 2014
This is a funny book with a new twist on historical romance. I found myself laughing out loud at a few places. The book reminded me of the movie "Clue" where every character (and there are an assorted number) has an interesting part and each contribute to the culminating funny ending. There was so much going on that the author had a bit of trouble fully developing the main characters but overall it was a FUNNY GOOD READ!
April 27, 2020
A funny romp loaded with wacky characters and some gentle blackmailing. This had me repeatedly chuckling.
Morgan's friend Perry is just too delicious with his dry humor. Somehow Miss Clifford must have been exchanged at birth because she's the only normal person in her family, although she is so determined to make a good match that she develops a bit of what she thinks is deviousness.
Pure entertainment.
Morgan's friend Perry is just too delicious with his dry humor. Somehow Miss Clifford must have been exchanged at birth because she's the only normal person in her family, although she is so determined to make a good match that she develops a bit of what she thinks is deviousness.
Pure entertainment.
May 11, 2020
The Butler Did It, by Kasey Michaels, was originally published in October of 2019. Thanks to an invitation from the author, I spent an enjoyable weekend with this crazy tale. If you like screwball comedies from the 1930's then this book is for you. It starts with laughter and ends with a hoot. It's fast paced and seems like all the characters are moving at once, sometimes they are. Loved it 5 stars worth, that's rare for me.
#KaseyMichaels #TheButlerDidIt #HistoricalRomance #Comedy
#KaseyMichaels #TheButlerDidIt #HistoricalRomance #Comedy
May 21, 2015
A fun romp with elements of farce. Vivid characters and comical situations make it a laugh a minute as well as romantic. There are a lot of characters, but the length of the book, at around 370 pages gives them all plenty of room to move and be properly developed. If you like some comedy with your historical romance you should love this.
October 21, 2012
This book was a waste of time and I really didn't like it at all. It had a lot of interesting characters in it but it just didn't work for me. It was about what happens when a butler decides to use his bosses home as a rental property while he;s away. Set in regency times with balls and escapades .I was glad when I finished this rubbish.
September 17, 2016
4.5 Stars! Absolutely delightful and hilarious! This is like a Shakespearean comedy of errors with a very nice romance thrown in (plus a couple of other little romances). The reader can easily see all of the events moving toward a riotous conclusion, but it is such a fun journey getting there! What great characters and super funny dialogue. Don't miss this marvelous romp.
August 8, 2018
Whoa! A regency Blazing Saddles!
What a fun read! However, I think it should come with a warning! It is definitely a romantic comedy not a typical regency romance! Strong, likable characters and a maze of intertwined subplots!
What a fun read! However, I think it should come with a warning! It is definitely a romantic comedy not a typical regency romance! Strong, likable characters and a maze of intertwined subplots!
October 28, 2012
DNF. Terrible.
June 23, 2017
Enjoyed this more than I should have. Good summer read.
May 20, 2018
A very unusual romantic comedy. It reminds me of some of the classical Shakespeare plays. It's rather silly, but also great fun!
June 16, 2020
A madhouse, witty and full comedy regency story.
A comical chock-full of crazy, hilarious charachters. Never a dull moment.
A comical chock-full of crazy, hilarious charachters. Never a dull moment.
January 19, 2023
Like every noble in the London peerage, Morgan Drummond, Marquis of Westham, expects his butler to be awaiting his return home--even when that return follows a five-year absence. But he didn't expect the horde of strangers who've taken up residence in his house, courtesy of that enterprising butler and a discreet classified ad. Morgan's plan to toss his unwelcome tenants into the street is thwarted by a beautiful but indomitable debutante, Miss Emma Clifford--who's not averse to a bit of blackmail for a good cause.
Now Morgan finds himself squiring the lovely Emma to the ton's most fashionable events--and what's more surprising, he's beginning to enjoy it. Surely he's not falling for such an infuriating woman, even if she does have a way of making him forget his own name? That butler has a lot to answer for--but then again, it's so hard to find good help....
Now Morgan finds himself squiring the lovely Emma to the ton's most fashionable events--and what's more surprising, he's beginning to enjoy it. Surely he's not falling for such an infuriating woman, even if she does have a way of making him forget his own name? That butler has a lot to answer for--but then again, it's so hard to find good help....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2024
I love thrifting books & I happened to pick this up for $1 USD & I’m glad I did instead of its normal price. It lacked so much for me. So many characters that could have had so much potential. The storyline felt so flat & what was to be expected happened. Nothing kept me on my toes, I barely had any true emotion during this read. I read it simply because I purchased it. I also had an extremely hard time reading it (I am dyslexic though.) The way the novel is written in old English was difficult. Little or excessive punctuation made it hard to follow! Oh! There were also weird skips without being acknowledged like most! I swore I missed paragraphs but instead, that’s how it was intended. I swear, sometimes I’d have to reread sentences to make sense of it.
July 5, 2020
An interesting convoluting tale with a romance hidden inside. There are so many subplots going on that it takes a while to really get into the story. The characters are also all so complex and a few downright awful that you really don’t know who to cheer for. As well that ends well, but what a ride to the end!
March 2, 2024
Quite the coop to have brought all of the story lines together. That's not a spoiler because you know that will be a HEA. Very imaginative plot. Characters development of the main and secondary characters is in depth and fun. Laugh out loud situations. Bedroom door is open a crack no blazing love scenes.
I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a good farce.
I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a good farce.
July 21, 2024
This book was a delightful romp with a full cast of characters that you are introduced to in the first chapter or maybe it’s a prologue. It ends in utter chaos and hysteria and with the requisite HEAs. I would have given it 5 starts but the timeline bothered me a bit. The primary couple got together too quickly for me. Regardless, I would recommend reading it.
May 25, 2020
The occasional hysterical comedy of this book doesn't begin to make up for the uninspired predictability of the romance between the main characters.
Just another slapped together story that could've been much better.
Just another slapped together story that could've been much better.
Read
August 26, 2021So funny
FARCE in all its glory. Cute that Fanny in the end, and at her age eloped with an old beau. Loved the butler and Daphne's love story. Riley got what he wanted but at her price. Hopefully Cliff learned some wisdom in all this.
FARCE in all its glory. Cute that Fanny in the end, and at her age eloped with an old beau. Loved the butler and Daphne's love story. Riley got what he wanted but at her price. Hopefully Cliff learned some wisdom in all this.
Read
August 13, 2019DNF
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