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Neville Family & Friends #1
Never Lie to a Lady
In her dazzling new historical trilogy, New York Times bestselling author Liz Carlyle plunges readers into the steamy underworld of nineteenth-century London. Among the swirling glitter of English high society, a scandalous rogue gets more than he bargained for in the lady of his desires.
Lord Nash is a creature of the night -- his wealth and title provide but a tenuous entrée into polite society. Notorious for his sophisticated manners and a dark, dashing elegance, rumors abound of the men he has bankrupted and the women he's left heartbroken. But when Nash leaves his lair for a rare foray into the ton, he faces a lure of temptation all his own -- an extraordinary moment of passion with a mysterious lady in the moonlight -- and an obsession that will lead him into a hellish world of smugglers, spies, and intrigue. And as for his damsel in disguise, the witty and beautiful Miss Xanthia Neville, he soon learns, is as unattainable as she is tempting. And now Nash must decide if she is also dangerous. . . .
432 pages, Paperback
First published June 19, 2007
47 people are currently reading
1527 people want to read
About the author
Liz Carlyle
46 books848 followersDear Readers,
The awful truth about novelists is that we are mostly dull, introverted homebodies who only write in order to live our fantasies vicariously. I came to writing rather late in life, and I’m still amazed I can get paid for doing something I love, and that I get to stay home while I do it.
My favorite comedian Steve Martin once said, "I believe entertainment can aspire to be art, and can become art. But if you set out to make art, you’re an idiot." I have never tried to create art, but I do try to tell one heck of a good story. Yes, I try to write with a hot iron, while the heat of the story is in me. And I try, always, to entertain my readers.
Regards,
Liz
The awful truth about novelists is that we are mostly dull, introverted homebodies who only write in order to live our fantasies vicariously. I came to writing rather late in life, and I’m still amazed I can get paid for doing something I love, and that I get to stay home while I do it.
My favorite comedian Steve Martin once said, "I believe entertainment can aspire to be art, and can become art. But if you set out to make art, you’re an idiot." I have never tried to create art, but I do try to tell one heck of a good story. Yes, I try to write with a hot iron, while the heat of the story is in me. And I try, always, to entertain my readers.
Regards,
Liz
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
March 11, 2019
I’ve enjoyed some of the books by Liz Carlyle, I find her characters different and the story engaging. But I struggled with this book.
First of all, I could not find a connection with the main characters - Zee and Nash. To me their personalities are inconsistent. It is more visible in Zee, the motives of her actions change from time to time and it is difficult to keep up. On the one hand, she is a strong business woman but on the other she has no hesitation in abandoning her life as soon as Nash proposes to her. She has no second thoughts. Nash is also not as strong hero as it may seem. His love for Zee is a bit immature, more reliable for a much younger man. I know that he's crazy about love for her, but it all looks somewhat weird.
I’m glad there is also a suspense part. But to be honest it is pretty obvious who is behind arms smuggling to Greece. I wasn’t surprised. And, frankly, this part is not really important to the whole story. The final confrontation does not even appear in the book, we only see the effects of Nash's actions after. It's a pity, because it could somehow add variety to the story. Lost opportunity.
I’m not really impressed by this book. There are some better ones from this author. But the secondary characters are likeable and I want to know their stories, so I will probably read another books in this series.
First of all, I could not find a connection with the main characters - Zee and Nash. To me their personalities are inconsistent. It is more visible in Zee, the motives of her actions change from time to time and it is difficult to keep up. On the one hand, she is a strong business woman but on the other she has no hesitation in abandoning her life as soon as Nash proposes to her. She has no second thoughts. Nash is also not as strong hero as it may seem. His love for Zee is a bit immature, more reliable for a much younger man. I know that he's crazy about love for her, but it all looks somewhat weird.
I’m glad there is also a suspense part. But to be honest it is pretty obvious who is behind arms smuggling to Greece. I wasn’t surprised. And, frankly, this part is not really important to the whole story. The final confrontation does not even appear in the book, we only see the effects of Nash's actions after. It's a pity, because it could somehow add variety to the story. Lost opportunity.
I’m not really impressed by this book. There are some better ones from this author. But the secondary characters are likeable and I want to know their stories, so I will probably read another books in this series.
April 10, 2018
Puede que no tenga nada especial, pero me ha gustado.
Una historia sencilla, con unos protagonistas inusuales que no tienen nada en común y que por circunstancias (y mucha atracción física ) de la vida empiezan a relacionarse. Una relación de respeto, de igual a igual, bien relatada y con el suficiente detalle narrativo para incluirte en la historia. Hay una trama secundaria, la "excusa", bastante bien llevada.
Terminada relectura. Si os gunstan las novelas con protagonistas femeninas fuertes, creo que es recomendable
Una historia sencilla, con unos protagonistas inusuales que no tienen nada en común y que por circunstancias (y mucha atracción física ) de la vida empiezan a relacionarse. Una relación de respeto, de igual a igual, bien relatada y con el suficiente detalle narrativo para incluirte en la historia. Hay una trama secundaria, la "excusa", bastante bien llevada.
Terminada relectura. Si os gunstan las novelas con protagonistas femeninas fuertes, creo que es recomendable
April 15, 2018
El primero de una serie de 4 del que se publicaron 3 en un año. Deduzco que no se debieron vender lo suficiente para publicar el cuarto. Y es que, a pesar de ser un buen libro, no me ha dejado con las ganas de conocer la historia del siguiente protagonista, solo la de la 3ª. y tampoco demasiadas. Quizá porque la traducción flojea y hay bastantes erratas, lo que me sorprende en un libro de esta editorial, que solía ser cuidadosa. Imagino que en el año que se publicó (2014) ya le había tocado la crisis y prescindía del buen proceso de corrección, limitándose a una sola y hecha con rapidez. Quizá porque el estilo de Liz Carlyle es un poco espeso y la lectura no fluye; hay momentos maravillosos junto a otros farragosos que además, suelen aportar poco al argumento. Quizá porque hay algunos secundarios con mucho protagonismo y el “malo” de la trama principal apenas aparece, aunque creo que se adivina pronto que es el culpable de lo que se acusa al protagonista masculino. Quizá porque esa trama principal (contrabando de armas), que podría ser muy interesante, se resuelve sin demasiada lógica y dejando cabos sueltos.
Muchos “quizá”, sí, pero creo que lo que más me ha desinflado de esta novela es la parte final. No me encaja con la personalidad de una protagonista femenina decidida, que procura no someterse a las convenciones sociales de la aristocracia londinense y que reivindica en cada página que su prioridad es la naviera que dirige. La autora construye una gran protagonista durante casi toda la novela para luego, convertirla en un cliché más, estropeando la originalidad de toda la historia. Una historia en la subyacen temas muy interesantes como las dificultades de un inmigrante para adaptarse a su nuevo lugar de residencia, a un nuevo país; la corrupción política para ocultar y silenciar hechos inadmisibles en la época; la ineficacia de la justicia y por supuesto, la hipocresía de la aristocracia inglesa.
En cuanto a la historia de amor, es bonita, pero he echado de menos que hubiera más escenas de ellos dos a solas, más momentos en los que se viera cómo surge el romance a partir de esa atracción sexual instantánea que los invade en el primer capítulo. He echado de menos un poco de calidez. Es una novela bastante fría y metódica, como la protagonista femenina. Todo avanza en torno a ella, mientras que él, que sí tiene calidez y profundidad, queda a menudo en un segundo plano. Así pues, aunque es una buena novela, creo que solo la recomendaría a las muy adictas a la romántica histórica.
Muchos “quizá”, sí, pero creo que lo que más me ha desinflado de esta novela es la parte final. No me encaja con la personalidad de una protagonista femenina decidida, que procura no someterse a las convenciones sociales de la aristocracia londinense y que reivindica en cada página que su prioridad es la naviera que dirige. La autora construye una gran protagonista durante casi toda la novela para luego, convertirla en un cliché más, estropeando la originalidad de toda la historia. Una historia en la subyacen temas muy interesantes como las dificultades de un inmigrante para adaptarse a su nuevo lugar de residencia, a un nuevo país; la corrupción política para ocultar y silenciar hechos inadmisibles en la época; la ineficacia de la justicia y por supuesto, la hipocresía de la aristocracia inglesa.
En cuanto a la historia de amor, es bonita, pero he echado de menos que hubiera más escenas de ellos dos a solas, más momentos en los que se viera cómo surge el romance a partir de esa atracción sexual instantánea que los invade en el primer capítulo. He echado de menos un poco de calidez. Es una novela bastante fría y metódica, como la protagonista femenina. Todo avanza en torno a ella, mientras que él, que sí tiene calidez y profundidad, queda a menudo en un segundo plano. Así pues, aunque es una buena novela, creo que solo la recomendaría a las muy adictas a la romántica histórica.
May 4, 2011
This book was great! Obviously not the best of the genre that I have read, but not a terrible read. I really enjoyed how the characters knew who they were. Xanthia never made any excuses for herself, and what I really enjoyed was how the story did not revolve around Xanthia and her traumatic childhood. She dealt with it and moved on. My kinda girl!!
Nash on the other hand is a strong man, who I defiantly want some alone time with , but towards the end of the story he began to become the "woman" in the relationship. Which is fine, but not when the story and the ton make him out to be this badass mutha! He is totally mister broody, but not as much as Rothwell, Zee's brother. His story should be depressing and lovable at the same time.
I really enjoyed setting up for the rest of the series. That is the good and bad things about the first books in the series. They have so much set up and getting to know characters who will soon have their own books that the main story gets lost. For the first several chapters I was having trouble keeping everyones names and relations straight. I still don't think I succeeded.
I am already to pick up the next story and have read the prologue and the first two chapters. I am already loving it because it picks up before this book even ends.
All in all, I suggest for those who love a good historical, regency romance to go ahead and give this a ago. Especially if you are a fan of Sabrina Jeffries because I found the writing similar.
Again, I must say I enjoyed the ending of this book because Xanthia did not change and niether did Nash. They grew together, and understand the term comprimise. She truly was a woman before her time. Those two just became better people together.
Nash on the other hand is a strong man, who I defiantly want some alone time with , but towards the end of the story he began to become the "woman" in the relationship. Which is fine, but not when the story and the ton make him out to be this badass mutha! He is totally mister broody, but not as much as Rothwell, Zee's brother. His story should be depressing and lovable at the same time.
I really enjoyed setting up for the rest of the series. That is the good and bad things about the first books in the series. They have so much set up and getting to know characters who will soon have their own books that the main story gets lost. For the first several chapters I was having trouble keeping everyones names and relations straight. I still don't think I succeeded.
I am already to pick up the next story and have read the prologue and the first two chapters. I am already loving it because it picks up before this book even ends.
All in all, I suggest for those who love a good historical, regency romance to go ahead and give this a ago. Especially if you are a fan of Sabrina Jeffries because I found the writing similar.
Again, I must say I enjoyed the ending of this book because Xanthia did not change and niether did Nash. They grew together, and understand the term comprimise. She truly was a woman before her time. Those two just became better people together.
January 16, 2021
Fue una historia muy entretenida. Te ambienta muy bien en el contexto de la Inglaterra del siglo XIX y no hay demasiados pasajes que tengan que ver con el trasfondo histórico, por lo que si no conoces tanto de historia tampoco es que te aburra.
Los personajes son buenos, sobre todo la protagonista que es una mujer muy adelantada a su época, manejando un negocio en lugar de que lo haga su hermano, cerca de sus treinta años y sin estar casada. Las escenas eróticas son muy dinámicas y sensuales, aunque personalmente me gusta que los personajes tengan un poco más de relación antes que todo explote entre ellos, pero estuvo bien.
Le bajé estrellas porque los capítulos suelen ser muy largos y hay cosas que no coinciden tanto con la supuesta determinación de los personajes. Si hay un personaje que huye del matrimonio, entonces se me hace extraño que trate a una dama de querida y le vaya confesando de a poco su amor eterno, por más enamorado que esté. Además, cuando se llega a determinado punto cúlmine y todo explota, siento que se resuelve todo demaaaaasiado rápido. Muy rápido. Si el conflicto explota en las últimas 50 páginas, supongamos que en las últimas 20 la autora da un giro y lo soluciona como si nada.
Tengo entendido que este libro es el primero de una serie, pero pueden leerse de forma independiente. Quizás vuelva a leer a la autora, pero tampoco me muero por hacerlo. Es una historia para pasar el rato, aunque lo conservaré en mis estanterías por ahora.
Los personajes son buenos, sobre todo la protagonista que es una mujer muy adelantada a su época, manejando un negocio en lugar de que lo haga su hermano, cerca de sus treinta años y sin estar casada. Las escenas eróticas son muy dinámicas y sensuales, aunque personalmente me gusta que los personajes tengan un poco más de relación antes que todo explote entre ellos, pero estuvo bien.
Le bajé estrellas porque los capítulos suelen ser muy largos y hay cosas que no coinciden tanto con la supuesta determinación de los personajes. Si hay un personaje que huye del matrimonio, entonces se me hace extraño que trate a una dama de querida y le vaya confesando de a poco su amor eterno, por más enamorado que esté. Además, cuando se llega a determinado punto cúlmine y todo explota, siento que se resuelve todo demaaaaasiado rápido. Muy rápido. Si el conflicto explota en las últimas 50 páginas, supongamos que en las últimas 20 la autora da un giro y lo soluciona como si nada.
Tengo entendido que este libro es el primero de una serie, pero pueden leerse de forma independiente. Quizás vuelva a leer a la autora, pero tampoco me muero por hacerlo. Es una historia para pasar el rato, aunque lo conservaré en mis estanterías por ahora.
February 6, 2018
The dark can cover a multitude of sins
January 11, 2016
this book was mediocre for me. I enjoyed a strong female lead especially given the time period and the sex scenes were very enjoyable but overall im a tad disappointed by it. The plot was very interesting with the female lead spending the entire book defending the male lead from criminal accusations falling in love with him along the way. Unfortunately some of the dialogue was disappointing, for instance the male lead going from shying away from marriage rather hardcore to using "dear" every other sentence eerily fast. i also feel that a fair amount of the pages could have easily been cut to make the book more enjoyable. By the end i still wasnt emotionally invested really and it never clicked with me but i didnt realize why until reading other reviewers. while the sex scenes were hot i agree that the love connection was sadly neglected, it almost seemed like they deluded themselves into love through good sex. Overall this book wasnt bad but i dont think its something i would read again
April 18, 2008
#1 in the Neville Family trilogy
Fabulous! Loved it, loved it, loved it!!!
Historical romance, rich details, captivating characters, very strong, intelligent female lead character.
Definitely a Top Read of 2008 for me!
I am SO itching to read #2 Never Deceive A Duke, but am reading owed books first.
#3 comes out this Summer, and I am SO there!
I read one Liz Carlyle short story in a romance anthol. recently which I thoroughly enjoyed...circled her name in red in my book journal with arrows to remind me to read more.
Of course, being overwhelmed with other reads I didn't get back to her till I saw her recommended on Book Obsessed as a romance author. Those gals know their books!
Fabulous! Loved it, loved it, loved it!!!
Historical romance, rich details, captivating characters, very strong, intelligent female lead character.
Definitely a Top Read of 2008 for me!
I am SO itching to read #2 Never Deceive A Duke, but am reading owed books first.
#3 comes out this Summer, and I am SO there!
I read one Liz Carlyle short story in a romance anthol. recently which I thoroughly enjoyed...circled her name in red in my book journal with arrows to remind me to read more.
Of course, being overwhelmed with other reads I didn't get back to her till I saw her recommended on Book Obsessed as a romance author. Those gals know their books!
August 26, 2014
The first book in the Neville Family series by Liz Carlyle. Miss Xanthia Neville is no simmering little miss but an independent woman of 30. Lord Nash is a rake and a rogue and unrepentant. My first by this author and I really loved it. I can't say exactly why, it just worked.
August 30, 2010
I loved Lord Nash and thought he and Xanthia made a great couple. I liked Zee and thought she was a strong woman with a lot of responsibilities. I have enjoyed this series and am looking forward to Garth's story. Sadly though that will be the last one I have to read in the series.
January 11, 2020
Liz Carlyle is my favorite romance author, and she absolutely nailed this story! I loved every page of it, and I wasn’t disappointed once. Xanthia and Nash are so thoroughly perfect for each other. I also enjoyed the smuggling side-plot. One of my new favorites!
February 19, 2013
First in the Neville Family historical romance series. The couple focus is on Xanthia Neville and Lord Nash.
Might want to fix that one line: "...being backward gets one nowhere, does it?" "Doesn't it" would work so much better.
My Take
It's certainly an intriguing start to the romance, and not one that I've ever encountered before. I do love how perfectly suited Xanthia and the romantic Stefan are for each other, and Carlyle takes advantage to write a great story as she plays against the mores and expectations of the time.
A woman playing against the expected role of a post-Regency lady with the gentlemen who support her. It's an unexpected twist on an historical romance, and while Carlyle includes a few other departures from normal behavior for this time period, she incorporates enough to satisfy me and make me want to buy this series so I can read it again and again.
The animosity between Gareth and Xanthia is handled weirdly. She keeps saying one thing and thinking another, more like an immature teenager than the savvy, mature businesswoman she's supposed to be.
Clever bit, using Pamela's condition to force Xanthia into the ton. Carlyle is also setting up all sorts of future possibilities. All very nicely played.
Crack me up. Wait'll you read the scene where Kemble is decorating the counting house. Then there's Xanthia's first meeting with Lady Nash and Lady Phaedra. I want to read Never Deceive a Duke if only to read more about this interaction!
The Story
The prologue sets the evil background that threatens the Nash family.
It's at Lady Sharpe's ball that Xanthia encounters Nash, giving her an idea of his character---its highs and lows. So when she and Kieran are importuned by de Vendenheim regarding gunrunning as well as the Greek versus Turk issues, well, Xanthia has her own ideas.
The Characters
Miss Xanthia Neville is a very independent lady, who runs the family business, Neville Shipping. Much more preferable than balls, parties, and picnics. At almost thirty, she is considering an affaire as she doubts ever finding a husband. Baron Rothewell, Kieran, is her brother and completely disinterested in the business. In life for that matter. Gareth Lloyd is the company's business agent and a long-time friend of both siblings. He'd like to be much more. Trammel is the Neville butler. Olivia is their extremely self-centered aunt.
Stefan Mihailo Northampton, the Marquess of Nash, who considers himself a "gamester and professional sybarite" never expected to inherit the title or Brierwood. Gibbons is his valet. Swann is his man of affairs. Miss Lisette Lyle is his increasingly disinterested mistress. When his father married Edwina, Stefan got step-siblings: Tony Hayden-Worth is a politican married to Jenny ; Lady Phaedra is in her early twenties; and, Lady Phoebe is much like her mother, something of an idiot.
Lady Sharpe, Pamela, is the Nevilles' cousin, and she is in an interesting way. Lady Louisa is her daughter, who has just come out. Mrs. Christine Ambrose is her sister-in-law and "an amoral cat" with some very erotic connections. Lady Bledsoe is the Nevilles' aunt and Pamela's mother.
Lord de Vendenheim-Sélestat, Max, is a vicomte and is with Mr. Peel in the Home Office. Mr. Kemble is...hmm...how shall I say this, an expert opportunist. In this story, he is thrust into being Xanthia's bodyguard. And interior decorator, snicker.
Lady Henslow is the dowager Marchioness of Nash's sister, making her Nash's step-aunt. Mrs. Wescot is the wife of an idiot whom Nash takes pity on.
Comtesse de Montignac is a blackmailer riddled with syphilis...ick. Pierre is her tolerant husband, an attaché to the French embassy.
The Cover
The cover is a complement of blues and peach with the long-legged Xanthia in a gorgeous navy silk off-the-shoulder gown as she reclines against a cloud of pale blue.
The title is a bit confusing and would be better titled Never Lie to a Lord.
Might want to fix that one line: "...being backward gets one nowhere, does it?" "Doesn't it" would work so much better.
My Take
It's certainly an intriguing start to the romance, and not one that I've ever encountered before. I do love how perfectly suited Xanthia and the romantic Stefan are for each other, and Carlyle takes advantage to write a great story as she plays against the mores and expectations of the time.
A woman playing against the expected role of a post-Regency lady with the gentlemen who support her. It's an unexpected twist on an historical romance, and while Carlyle includes a few other departures from normal behavior for this time period, she incorporates enough to satisfy me and make me want to buy this series so I can read it again and again.
The animosity between Gareth and Xanthia is handled weirdly. She keeps saying one thing and thinking another, more like an immature teenager than the savvy, mature businesswoman she's supposed to be.
Clever bit, using Pamela's condition to force Xanthia into the ton. Carlyle is also setting up all sorts of future possibilities. All very nicely played.
Crack me up. Wait'll you read the scene where Kemble is decorating the counting house. Then there's Xanthia's first meeting with Lady Nash and Lady Phaedra. I want to read Never Deceive a Duke if only to read more about this interaction!
The Story
The prologue sets the evil background that threatens the Nash family.
It's at Lady Sharpe's ball that Xanthia encounters Nash, giving her an idea of his character---its highs and lows. So when she and Kieran are importuned by de Vendenheim regarding gunrunning as well as the Greek versus Turk issues, well, Xanthia has her own ideas.
The Characters
Miss Xanthia Neville is a very independent lady, who runs the family business, Neville Shipping. Much more preferable than balls, parties, and picnics. At almost thirty, she is considering an affaire as she doubts ever finding a husband. Baron Rothewell, Kieran, is her brother and completely disinterested in the business. In life for that matter. Gareth Lloyd is the company's business agent and a long-time friend of both siblings. He'd like to be much more. Trammel is the Neville butler. Olivia is their extremely self-centered aunt.
Stefan Mihailo Northampton, the Marquess of Nash, who considers himself a "gamester and professional sybarite" never expected to inherit the title or Brierwood. Gibbons is his valet. Swann is his man of affairs. Miss Lisette Lyle is his increasingly disinterested mistress. When his father married Edwina, Stefan got step-siblings: Tony Hayden-Worth is a politican married to Jenny ; Lady Phaedra is in her early twenties; and, Lady Phoebe is much like her mother, something of an idiot.
Lady Sharpe, Pamela, is the Nevilles' cousin, and she is in an interesting way. Lady Louisa is her daughter, who has just come out. Mrs. Christine Ambrose is her sister-in-law and "an amoral cat" with some very erotic connections. Lady Bledsoe is the Nevilles' aunt and Pamela's mother.
Lord de Vendenheim-Sélestat, Max, is a vicomte and is with Mr. Peel in the Home Office. Mr. Kemble is...hmm...how shall I say this, an expert opportunist. In this story, he is thrust into being Xanthia's bodyguard. And interior decorator, snicker.
Lady Henslow is the dowager Marchioness of Nash's sister, making her Nash's step-aunt. Mrs. Wescot is the wife of an idiot whom Nash takes pity on.
Comtesse de Montignac is a blackmailer riddled with syphilis...ick. Pierre is her tolerant husband, an attaché to the French embassy.
The Cover
The cover is a complement of blues and peach with the long-legged Xanthia in a gorgeous navy silk off-the-shoulder gown as she reclines against a cloud of pale blue.
The title is a bit confusing and would be better titled Never Lie to a Lord.
February 22, 2008
I usually enjoy Carlyle's books and after reading the short story in the School for Heiresses anthology I thought this might be an interesting series.
The notorious Marquis of Nash is a creature of the night; his wealth and his title provide but a tenuous entrée into polite society. With his Eastern European manners and dark elegance, Nash tempts women even as he tempts the scandalmongers. Rumors abound of the men he has bankrupted and the hearts he has broken. But when Nash leaves his lair for a rare foray into the ton, and enjoys a moment of heated passion with a mysterious lady in the dark, he develops an obsession which will lead him into the hellish world of smugglers, spies, and political intrigue as the Continent edges nearer to war.
Xanthia Neville has arrived in London to expand her family’s most lucrative business holding—Neville Shipping. With her brother Rothewell all too happy to waste his life in debauchery, Xanthia opens up shop in London’s grimy Docklands, and sets about expanding the family fortune, all the while flaunting the ton’s silly strictures about how a lady ought to behave. But London, she soon learns, is not Barbados. And when the British Government approaches Rothewell to ask the family’s help in exposing a dangerous arms dealer, Xanthia must enter society after all, only to find her loyalties torn. Someone in London is fueling the conflict on the Balkan Peninsula by smuggling illicit weapons into the Aegean—and there is only one likely suspect. The Marquis of Nash has the resources, the contacts and, quite possibly, the deeply divided loyalties. But can Xanthia’s subterfuge prove him a traitor to the Crown before her heart is broken?
Now that I've finished I am unsure how to rate it. First of all, the book sounded very modern to me. I think I could believe in an independent, working and experienced heroine but Xanthia seemed too comfortable in bending all the rules, it was like she had a separate set of rules that allowed her to go everywhere and do everything.
Then there’s her relationship with Nash. I really liked Nash by the way and his dialogues with his valet! He was supposedly a rake but the day after they kiss at a party he visits her brother to ask permission to court her. And first the brother, Rothewell, and then Xanthia set him straight about her not being interested in marriage. That struck me as odd! That he, the rake, is immediately proposing after one heated encounter. Then the Neville's are involved in an investigation about rifles' smuggling and Xanthia has the perfect excuse to go near Nash and find out what he knows about it. I had very bad feelings about this, it's easy to see that Nash, who has had a difficult past and has a difficult family to deal with, is falling in love with her and she not only doesn't tell him the truth but doesn't seem to have any strong feelings towards him. It's more a sexual romance with Xanthia being in turns overtly bold or not very experienced. Weird! Then suddenly the whole mystery plot is discovered, Nash forgives Xanthia for having been spying on him and it's the end.
I think it lacked chemistry between the h/h and plot wise it wasn't really interesting. Not to mention that she keeps hinting at some mysterious bad thing that happened to them in Barbados and instead of making me curious I'm starting to feel that there's nothing concrete there. And what's the mystery with Aunt Olivia? Because I really liked her!
Grade: C
The notorious Marquis of Nash is a creature of the night; his wealth and his title provide but a tenuous entrée into polite society. With his Eastern European manners and dark elegance, Nash tempts women even as he tempts the scandalmongers. Rumors abound of the men he has bankrupted and the hearts he has broken. But when Nash leaves his lair for a rare foray into the ton, and enjoys a moment of heated passion with a mysterious lady in the dark, he develops an obsession which will lead him into the hellish world of smugglers, spies, and political intrigue as the Continent edges nearer to war.
Xanthia Neville has arrived in London to expand her family’s most lucrative business holding—Neville Shipping. With her brother Rothewell all too happy to waste his life in debauchery, Xanthia opens up shop in London’s grimy Docklands, and sets about expanding the family fortune, all the while flaunting the ton’s silly strictures about how a lady ought to behave. But London, she soon learns, is not Barbados. And when the British Government approaches Rothewell to ask the family’s help in exposing a dangerous arms dealer, Xanthia must enter society after all, only to find her loyalties torn. Someone in London is fueling the conflict on the Balkan Peninsula by smuggling illicit weapons into the Aegean—and there is only one likely suspect. The Marquis of Nash has the resources, the contacts and, quite possibly, the deeply divided loyalties. But can Xanthia’s subterfuge prove him a traitor to the Crown before her heart is broken?
Now that I've finished I am unsure how to rate it. First of all, the book sounded very modern to me. I think I could believe in an independent, working and experienced heroine but Xanthia seemed too comfortable in bending all the rules, it was like she had a separate set of rules that allowed her to go everywhere and do everything.
Then there’s her relationship with Nash. I really liked Nash by the way and his dialogues with his valet! He was supposedly a rake but the day after they kiss at a party he visits her brother to ask permission to court her. And first the brother, Rothewell, and then Xanthia set him straight about her not being interested in marriage. That struck me as odd! That he, the rake, is immediately proposing after one heated encounter. Then the Neville's are involved in an investigation about rifles' smuggling and Xanthia has the perfect excuse to go near Nash and find out what he knows about it. I had very bad feelings about this, it's easy to see that Nash, who has had a difficult past and has a difficult family to deal with, is falling in love with her and she not only doesn't tell him the truth but doesn't seem to have any strong feelings towards him. It's more a sexual romance with Xanthia being in turns overtly bold or not very experienced. Weird! Then suddenly the whole mystery plot is discovered, Nash forgives Xanthia for having been spying on him and it's the end.
I think it lacked chemistry between the h/h and plot wise it wasn't really interesting. Not to mention that she keeps hinting at some mysterious bad thing that happened to them in Barbados and instead of making me curious I'm starting to feel that there's nothing concrete there. And what's the mystery with Aunt Olivia? Because I really liked her!
Grade: C
September 23, 2010
At last I finished this. It has a decent storyline, characters are likeable, the plot was good, too. It has all the elements I want in a historical romance, but the dreaded pace was the only thing that kept me from reading this in one sitting.
I'd like to give this a much higher rating but sadly, that's the best I can do. I'm a fan of Liz Carlyle, but this is by far the slowest read of hers. The independent heroine is a plus for me, I liked Xanthia instantly, she's the epitome of a modern-day woman who's focused on her career and doesn't need anyone telling her what to do.
Like most women of her time, she longs for her own family, and got together with the most unlikely character, the notorious rake, Marquess of Nash.
I liked the reformed rake formula of the story, the gradual (sometimes excruciating) character development was there, and it was thoroughly described how Zee and Stefan's feelings for each other blossomed into something more permanent.
The love scenes were passionate and hot, there were a few but it was ok. I'll read the next, but probably a long time after this one.
I'd like to give this a much higher rating but sadly, that's the best I can do. I'm a fan of Liz Carlyle, but this is by far the slowest read of hers. The independent heroine is a plus for me, I liked Xanthia instantly, she's the epitome of a modern-day woman who's focused on her career and doesn't need anyone telling her what to do.
Like most women of her time, she longs for her own family, and got together with the most unlikely character, the notorious rake, Marquess of Nash.
I liked the reformed rake formula of the story, the gradual (sometimes excruciating) character development was there, and it was thoroughly described how Zee and Stefan's feelings for each other blossomed into something more permanent.
The love scenes were passionate and hot, there were a few but it was ok. I'll read the next, but probably a long time after this one.
March 29, 2014
there was surprise bondage. as in we'r having a good time, all proper like despite being in a scandalous affair, but let me just slide this silken scarf around your wrists and drive you crazy with pleasure.
I liked the fact that her characters aren't coated over in a romantic gloss. the male has the kind of less than flattering or just plain blunt thoughts that I would expect to go through a mans head. Including the idea of sexing away ones sorrows with the wrong person and realizing that it doesn't work. He is not with out honor but he has the rough edges that I would expect a real person to have. also they actualy get to know each other before realizing that they should get married/falling in love. its actually a process of feeling the urge to share parts of your life, thoughts, and feelings with each other until you realize that you'v made that person an important part of your life and its time to find a way to keep them there.
I liked the fact that her characters aren't coated over in a romantic gloss. the male has the kind of less than flattering or just plain blunt thoughts that I would expect to go through a mans head. Including the idea of sexing away ones sorrows with the wrong person and realizing that it doesn't work. He is not with out honor but he has the rough edges that I would expect a real person to have. also they actualy get to know each other before realizing that they should get married/falling in love. its actually a process of feeling the urge to share parts of your life, thoughts, and feelings with each other until you realize that you'v made that person an important part of your life and its time to find a way to keep them there.
February 16, 2014
Amazing!
I will admit that the first 50 pages or so had me thinking I was going to be disappointed. I have become so accustomed to the hyper-realistic regency setups of authors like Mary Balogh, that I was all prepared to decry this one as "fake", "unrealistic", "Anachronistic",etc... But, I think it works. And it works well.
Is is unlikely--even impossible--that a woman of any social standing would run a shipping company? Yes. Utter, historical nonsense, yet I am strangely willing to ignore it because it is such a perfect backdrop for the heroine. As to the mystery subplot (if you can call it a subplot), I think the twist at the end is actually quite ingenious. Usually, I can always see where these mystery backdrops are going, but in this case I was actually caught off guard and pleasantly so. =)
I will admit that the first 50 pages or so had me thinking I was going to be disappointed. I have become so accustomed to the hyper-realistic regency setups of authors like Mary Balogh, that I was all prepared to decry this one as "fake", "unrealistic", "Anachronistic",etc... But, I think it works. And it works well.
Is is unlikely--even impossible--that a woman of any social standing would run a shipping company? Yes. Utter, historical nonsense, yet I am strangely willing to ignore it because it is such a perfect backdrop for the heroine. As to the mystery subplot (if you can call it a subplot), I think the twist at the end is actually quite ingenious. Usually, I can always see where these mystery backdrops are going, but in this case I was actually caught off guard and pleasantly so. =)
August 24, 2025
I absolutely loved Xanthia and Nash, both of them, and the little bits and pieces about shipping in London at the time. All good until we got to the whole plot with Nash being investigated, and the story of Nash's brother and sister-in-law. It just did not connect to the rest of the book and made the whole thing ramble. Also the side characters were all ridiculous. It is a bummer that such good lead characters, so well developed, landed in a story that was not worthy of them.
January 14, 2025
ก่อนอื่นขอเริ่มด้วยคำเตือน: ความเห็นของแม็กซ์ที่มีต่องานของลิซ คาร์ไลล์เป็นสิ่งที่เชื่อถือไม่ได้ เพราะมีความลำเอียงเป็นพิเศษ เนื่องจากตอนนี้กำลังอยู่ในภาวะหลงจนหน้ามืดตามัวกับนักเขียนคนนี้ ดังนั้นจึงมีแนวโน้มที่อ่านเรื่องอะไรของเธอก็ต้องบอกว่าสนุกทั้งนั้น
หนังสือเล่มที่อยากอ่านที่สุดเล่มหนึ่งในปีนี้ และเป็นเล่มเกือบสุดท้ายที่ได้รับของเดือนที่ผ่านมา (จนแม็กซ์ทนไม่ไหวต้องไปซื้ออีบุ๊คมาอ่านฆ่าเวลาไปครึ่งเล่ม จนได้ตัวเล่มจากร้านหนังสือแล้วจึงมาอ่านต่ออีกครึ่งเล่มที่เหลือ) และก็ขอบอกว่าไม่ผิดหวัง
ไม่ถึงกับประทับใจจนปลื้มยิ้มไปสามวันเจ็ดวัน แต่ก็แอบอมยิ้มเล็ก ๆ ล่ะ
หนังสือที่ชื่อเรื่องไม่เข้ากับเนื้อเรื่อง เพราะในเรื่องนี้ถ้าจะมีใครที่โกหกใครสักคน ก็ต้องเป็นนางเอกที่เป็นฝ่ายโกหก ไม่ใช่พระเอก นี่เป็นหนังสือไม่กี่เล่มที่พระเอกเป็นคนอย่างที่เห็น ไม่ใช่สายลับภายใต้ฉากหน้าของคนเสเพล ไม่ได้มีแผนการอะไรอยู่เบื้องหลังการคบกับนางเอก
มาร์ควิสแห่งแนช (หรือแนชที่เรียกกันทั้งเรื่อง) พบกับแซนเทียในงานเลี้ยงอันน่าเบื่อ หญิงสาวที่ไม่เหมือนใคร เธอไม่ใช่สาวน้อยวัยละอ่อนที่หาคู่ หากแต่เป็นเจ้าของกิจการเดินเรือที่ใหญ่ที่สุดแห่งหนึ่งในอังกฤษ ท่ามกลางกฎระเบียบมากมายที่กำหนดชีวิตสุภาพสตรีในอังกฤษ แซนเทียฝ่าฝืนกฏนั้นทุกข้อ เธอทำงานในสำนักงานเดินเรือด้วยตัวเอง เธอคือคนที่อยู่เบื้องหลังความสำเร็จของกิจการของครอบครัว เธอทำเช่นนั้นในบาร์บาดอส และยังคงทำเช่นนั้นในอังกฤษ หลังจากย้ายมาอยู่ที่นี่เมื่อสี่เดือนก่อน
คงต้องบอกกันก่อนว่าแซนเทียไม่ใช่สาวบริสุทธิ์ เธอไม่ใช่สาวน้อยที่โดนหลอกจากชายเจ้าเล่ห์ เธอฉลาดกว่านั้น เธอเข้าสู่ความสัมพันธ์กับผู้ชายที่เธอรัก เพียงแต่เธอไม่ได้รักชายคนนั้นมากพอที่จะแต่งงานด้วย ไม่เมื่อการแต่งงานหมายถึงการที่เธอต้องสูญเสียอิสระภาพทั้งหมดที่ผู้หญิง พึงมีในยุคนั้น
การพบปะกันนำแนชไปสู่บ้านของหญิงสาวที่เขาไม่อาจลืมไปจากใจได้ และที่นั่นเขาก็ได้พบกับความจริงที่ว่า เธอเป็นหญิงที่ไม่เหมือนใคร เขาได้รับคำเตือนจากพี่ชายของเธอให้ไปหาผู้หญิงที่หัวอ่อนและว่าง่ายกว่านี้
ในขณะที่แนชกำลังครุ่นคิดถึงความสัมพันธ์ที่อาจมีต่อของทั้งคู่ แซนเทียก็ได้รับการขอร้องจากเจ้าหน้าที่รัฐบาลให้สืบความเป็นไปของแนช เพราะเขาถูกสงสัยในเรื่องความซื่อสัตย์ต่อประเทศอังกฤษ เนื่องจากเขามีเชื้อสายของชาวมอนเตเนโก ซึ่งฝักใฝ่รัสเซีย หญิงสาวตอบรับที่จะเข้ามาสืบความจริง เพียงเพราะรู้ว่านั่นจะเป็นข้ออ้างให้เธอพาตัวเองเข้าไปใกล้ชิดกับชายหนุ่ม ที่เธอเองก็ไม่มีวันลืม
พล็อตเรื่องไม่มีอะไรมากหรอก แค่การตกหลุมรักของคนสองคน ที่ไม่รู้เลยว่าอีกฝ่ายก็รักตนเองอย่างหมดหัวใจ เรื่องนี้ไม่ละเมียดละไมเหมือนอย่างที่ A Woman of Virtue เป็น อาจจะไม่ตื่นเต้นน่าอ่านอย่างที่ No True Gentleman ทำได้ แต่ก็ยังคงเป็นงานของลิซ คาร์ไลล์ที่ไม่ควรพลาด
นี่เป็นหนังสือหนึ่งในไม่กี่เล่มที่แม็กซ์ไม่อยากให้จบ อยากให้หน้าสุดท้ายถอยหลังไปเรื่อย ๆ
หนังสือเล่มที่อยากอ่านที่สุดเล่มหนึ่งในปีนี้ และเป็นเล่มเกือบสุดท้ายที่ได้รับของเดือนที่ผ่านมา (จนแม็กซ์ทนไม่ไหวต้องไปซื้ออีบุ๊คมาอ่านฆ่าเวลาไปครึ่งเล่ม จนได้ตัวเล่มจากร้านหนังสือแล้วจึงมาอ่านต่ออีกครึ่งเล่มที่เหลือ) และก็ขอบอกว่าไม่ผิดหวัง
ไม่ถึงกับประทับใจจนปลื้มยิ้มไปสามวันเจ็ดวัน แต่ก็แอบอมยิ้มเล็ก ๆ ล่ะ
หนังสือที่ชื่อเรื่องไม่เข้ากับเนื้อเรื่อง เพราะในเรื่องนี้ถ้าจะมีใครที่โกหกใครสักคน ก็ต้องเป็นนางเอกที่เป็นฝ่ายโกหก ไม่ใช่พระเอก นี่เป็นหนังสือไม่กี่เล่มที่พระเอกเป็นคนอย่างที่เห็น ไม่ใช่สายลับภายใต้ฉากหน้าของคนเสเพล ไม่ได้มีแผนการอะไรอยู่เบื้องหลังการคบกับนางเอก
มาร์ควิสแห่งแนช (หรือแนชที่เรียกกันทั้งเรื่อง) พบกับแซนเทียในงานเลี้ยงอันน่าเบื่อ หญิงสาวที่ไม่เหมือนใคร เธอไม่ใช่สาวน้อยวัยละอ่อนที่หาคู่ หากแต่เป็นเจ้าของกิจการเดินเรือที่ใหญ่ที่สุดแห่งหนึ่งในอังกฤษ ท่ามกลางกฎระเบียบมากมายที่กำหนดชีวิตสุภาพสตรีในอังกฤษ แซนเทียฝ่าฝืนกฏนั้นทุกข้อ เธอทำงานในสำนักงานเดินเรือด้วยตัวเอง เธอคือคนที่อยู่เบื้องหลังความสำเร็จของกิจการของครอบครัว เธอทำเช่นนั้นในบาร์บาดอส และยังคงทำเช่นนั้นในอังกฤษ หลังจากย้ายมาอยู่ที่นี่เมื่อสี่เดือนก่อน
คงต้องบอกกันก่อนว่าแซนเทียไม่ใช่สาวบริสุทธิ์ เธอไม่ใช่สาวน้อยที่โดนหลอกจากชายเจ้าเล่ห์ เธอฉลาดกว่านั้น เธอเข้าสู่ความสัมพันธ์กับผู้ชายที่เธอรัก เพียงแต่เธอไม่ได้รักชายคนนั้นมากพอที่จะแต่งงานด้วย ไม่เมื่อการแต่งงานหมายถึงการที่เธอต้องสูญเสียอิสระภาพทั้งหมดที่ผู้หญิง พึงมีในยุคนั้น
การพบปะกันนำแนชไปสู่บ้านของหญิงสาวที่เขาไม่อาจลืมไปจากใจได้ และที่นั่นเขาก็ได้พบกับความจริงที่ว่า เธอเป็นหญิงที่ไม่เหมือนใคร เขาได้รับคำเตือนจากพี่ชายของเธอให้ไปหาผู้หญิงที่หัวอ่อนและว่าง่ายกว่านี้
ในขณะที่แนชกำลังครุ่นคิดถึงความสัมพันธ์ที่อาจมีต่อของทั้งคู่ แซนเทียก็ได้รับการขอร้องจากเจ้าหน้าที่รัฐบาลให้สืบความเป็นไปของแนช เพราะเขาถูกสงสัยในเรื่องความซื่อสัตย์ต่อประเทศอังกฤษ เนื่องจากเขามีเชื้อสายของชาวมอนเตเนโก ซึ่งฝักใฝ่รัสเซีย หญิงสาวตอบรับที่จะเข้ามาสืบความจริง เพียงเพราะรู้ว่านั่นจะเป็นข้ออ้างให้เธอพาตัวเองเข้าไปใกล้ชิดกับชายหนุ่ม ที่เธอเองก็ไม่มีวันลืม
พล็อตเรื่องไม่มีอะไรมากหรอก แค่การตกหลุมรักของคนสองคน ที่ไม่รู้เลยว่าอีกฝ่ายก็รักตนเองอย่างหมดหัวใจ เรื่องนี้ไม่ละเมียดละไมเหมือนอย่างที่ A Woman of Virtue เป็น อาจจะไม่ตื่นเต้นน่าอ่านอย่างที่ No True Gentleman ทำได้ แต่ก็ยังคงเป็นงานของลิซ คาร์ไลล์ที่ไม่ควรพลาด
นี่เป็นหนังสือหนึ่งในไม่กี่เล่มที่แม็กซ์ไม่อยากให้จบ อยากให้หน้าสุดท้ายถอยหลังไปเรื่อย ๆ
June 17, 2025
3.5 stars. First in a Carlyle series I've never gotten around t0 reading before. It did take a little while to get to know the characters and to warm to them. (I think there are still a few minor characters whose relationships I'm frankly not too sure of LOL.) But as the book went on, I began to feel more involved and it became quite an enjoyable read overall.
Both MCs have unusual backgrounds. Xanthia the mfc and her brothers were orphaned and sent to live with a crusty uncle in Barbados, where she grew up. She is now in England, very capably running the family shipping firm. At 29, she likes her life as a single, independent business woman. Unusual for her times, but it was well-written and convincing enough that there were no eye-rolls about modern heroines from me.
Nash the mmc is half English half-Russian, and grew up in Montenegro. He inherited an English title somewhat unexpectedly, and now makes his home in England too, where he and Xanthia meet and are attracted.
There is a little mystery related to smuggling in the book. It was fairly straightforward, but did help to drive the plot. I was somewhat surprised when Max De Rohan (from No True Gentleman) made an appearance, along with his offsider Kemble. I had no idea they were going to appear in the book, and I had to kind of readjust my thoughts. Sadly their characterisations didn't seem as vivid to me as in some of the earlier books in which they appeared. Still, it was a nice revisit.
Inevitably, Xanthia and Nash fell in love and ended up with their HEA, and the mystery was satisfactorily solved. Their relationship felt solid, although in the early part of it, I was occasionally surprised at Xanthia's boldness with Nash. There was also a scene of light BDSM later in the book, which thank heavens didn't become a major feature of the book.
So, a decent beginning to the series. I liked but didn't love the book, but I certainly intend to read on in the series. I know Ms Carlyle can write, and I'm hoping the other books get better.
Both MCs have unusual backgrounds. Xanthia the mfc and her brothers were orphaned and sent to live with a crusty uncle in Barbados, where she grew up. She is now in England, very capably running the family shipping firm. At 29, she likes her life as a single, independent business woman. Unusual for her times, but it was well-written and convincing enough that there were no eye-rolls about modern heroines from me.
Nash the mmc is half English half-Russian, and grew up in Montenegro. He inherited an English title somewhat unexpectedly, and now makes his home in England too, where he and Xanthia meet and are attracted.
There is a little mystery related to smuggling in the book. It was fairly straightforward, but did help to drive the plot. I was somewhat surprised when Max De Rohan (from No True Gentleman) made an appearance, along with his offsider Kemble. I had no idea they were going to appear in the book, and I had to kind of readjust my thoughts. Sadly their characterisations didn't seem as vivid to me as in some of the earlier books in which they appeared. Still, it was a nice revisit.
Inevitably, Xanthia and Nash fell in love and ended up with their HEA, and the mystery was satisfactorily solved. Their relationship felt solid, although in the early part of it, I was occasionally surprised at Xanthia's boldness with Nash. There was also a scene of light BDSM later in the book, which thank heavens didn't become a major feature of the book.
So, a decent beginning to the series. I liked but didn't love the book, but I certainly intend to read on in the series. I know Ms Carlyle can write, and I'm hoping the other books get better.
January 18, 2026
Books I Own. Mad About Series HRBC Challenge 2026. Tropes: Romance/Mystery, Romcom, Love at First Sight, Mature Romance, Spinster(Working Woman), Regency Romance.
MC's h. Xanthia Neville,30, spinster and business woman, aka Zee, brothers: Luke (deceased in a fire), Kieran and good friend, former lover, Gareth Lloyd and cousin's the Sharp's.
H. Stefan, Marquess of Nash, father and mother deceased, younger stepbrother, Tony (Jenny) and stepsisters, Phaedra and Phoebe and stepmother, Edwina.
This book had me intrigued from the start with both Xanthia, aka Zee a 30 year old business woman living in London, recently having lived in Barbados most of her life running Neville shipping with Gareth Lloyd who wants to marry her but she continues to resist.
The Marquess of Nash's interests are his family and managing his estate along with being a notorious rogue and dangerous man, a fair man and one who doesn't ever wish to marry.
The two meet at Sharpe's ball, and are instantly attracted to one another. At first they fight the attraction, mostly because Xanthia is a lady and is not married. She wants to have the affair and not marry but Nash knows that marriage is likely the price to be paid. Eventually Xanthia wins him over and they begin the affair. She treasures each moment because she knows it won't last as he is never going to ask her to marry him. He can't get Xanthia out of his mind and misses her when she isn't with him. He asks her about her views on marriage. She doesn't want to give up running her shipping company. There is a little hiccup when Nash finds out Xanthia was spying on him for the Home Office. They reconcile and marry, starting a family.
I loved the romance and their thoughts and longing for each other. Their chemistry was filled with passion and love. You could feel it in the words on the page. Both Xanthia and Nash were unique characters both dominant but so good together. The mystery was part of the story but didn't overpower the family dynamics of the Nevilles and Nash's family. Mr. Kemble, a government spy was an interesting character and added a lot of humor to the story. I gave this book 4.5 stars.
MC's h. Xanthia Neville,30, spinster and business woman, aka Zee, brothers: Luke (deceased in a fire), Kieran and good friend, former lover, Gareth Lloyd and cousin's the Sharp's.
H. Stefan, Marquess of Nash, father and mother deceased, younger stepbrother, Tony (Jenny) and stepsisters, Phaedra and Phoebe and stepmother, Edwina.
This book had me intrigued from the start with both Xanthia, aka Zee a 30 year old business woman living in London, recently having lived in Barbados most of her life running Neville shipping with Gareth Lloyd who wants to marry her but she continues to resist.
The Marquess of Nash's interests are his family and managing his estate along with being a notorious rogue and dangerous man, a fair man and one who doesn't ever wish to marry.
The two meet at Sharpe's ball, and are instantly attracted to one another. At first they fight the attraction, mostly because Xanthia is a lady and is not married. She wants to have the affair and not marry but Nash knows that marriage is likely the price to be paid. Eventually Xanthia wins him over and they begin the affair. She treasures each moment because she knows it won't last as he is never going to ask her to marry him. He can't get Xanthia out of his mind and misses her when she isn't with him. He asks her about her views on marriage. She doesn't want to give up running her shipping company. There is a little hiccup when Nash finds out Xanthia was spying on him for the Home Office. They reconcile and marry, starting a family.
I loved the romance and their thoughts and longing for each other. Their chemistry was filled with passion and love. You could feel it in the words on the page. Both Xanthia and Nash were unique characters both dominant but so good together. The mystery was part of the story but didn't overpower the family dynamics of the Nevilles and Nash's family. Mr. Kemble, a government spy was an interesting character and added a lot of humor to the story. I gave this book 4.5 stars.
September 18, 2019
3,5 estrellas.
- Yo no soy la persona más idónea para aconsejarte, querida -respondió-. Pero sé que si conoces a alguien de quien te enamoras, debes aferrar ese amor con ambas manos. Lucha por él si es preciso, Zee.
Xanthia Neville dirige junto a Gareth Lloyd su socio, una exitosa compañía de transportes internacionales que fundó junto a sus hermanos. Xanthia ha llevado una vida complicada y se encuentra inmersa en llevar su negocio, cuando un familiar le pide que acompañe a su prima Louisa a bailes de la alta sociedad cómo carabina y acompañante.
En uno de estos bailes conocerá a Stefan Northampton, marqués de Nash, un mujeriego con muy mala reputación. Entre ellos nace una chispa en un balcón de una mansión de Londres, que se verá achispada cuando a Xanthia el gobierno británico la pide que espíe a Stefan para averiguar si está cometiendo delitos de contrabando de armas en Grecia.
La narración de este libro ha sido clara, me ha gustado bastante cómo narraba toda la historia, la prosa que tiene la autora y que ha hecho la traductora me ha gustado bastante. Eso si, he encontrado bastantes errores mientras leía de letras que faltaban a palabras, etc.
Los personajes están muy bien construidos. Xanthia es una mujer fuerte e independiente que no quiere casarse con nadie para no perder su empresa. Stefan o Nash, es un hombre mujeriego que ha sufrido mucho en su juventud y que tiene heridas abiertas, pero cuando conoce a Xanthia cambia bastante a cómo te lo presentaban al principio del libro, y te enamora un poquito con su carácter de querer ayudar a todos. Me ha parecido una relación entre iguales, y acorde a lo que esperaba de la historia.
Me ha decepcionado el final, porque cuando más interesante está hay un salto temporal, y justo la acción de lo que iba a ocurrir no se narra, lo cuenta Nash a través de conversaciones. No me ha molado ni un pelo, yo quería sangre y venganza, y saber que iba a pasar.
En conjunto ha sido una lectura entretenida, que empieza fuerte pero va perdiendo fuelle según avanza la narración de la historia.
- Yo no soy la persona más idónea para aconsejarte, querida -respondió-. Pero sé que si conoces a alguien de quien te enamoras, debes aferrar ese amor con ambas manos. Lucha por él si es preciso, Zee.
Xanthia Neville dirige junto a Gareth Lloyd su socio, una exitosa compañía de transportes internacionales que fundó junto a sus hermanos. Xanthia ha llevado una vida complicada y se encuentra inmersa en llevar su negocio, cuando un familiar le pide que acompañe a su prima Louisa a bailes de la alta sociedad cómo carabina y acompañante.
En uno de estos bailes conocerá a Stefan Northampton, marqués de Nash, un mujeriego con muy mala reputación. Entre ellos nace una chispa en un balcón de una mansión de Londres, que se verá achispada cuando a Xanthia el gobierno británico la pide que espíe a Stefan para averiguar si está cometiendo delitos de contrabando de armas en Grecia.
La narración de este libro ha sido clara, me ha gustado bastante cómo narraba toda la historia, la prosa que tiene la autora y que ha hecho la traductora me ha gustado bastante. Eso si, he encontrado bastantes errores mientras leía de letras que faltaban a palabras, etc.
Los personajes están muy bien construidos. Xanthia es una mujer fuerte e independiente que no quiere casarse con nadie para no perder su empresa. Stefan o Nash, es un hombre mujeriego que ha sufrido mucho en su juventud y que tiene heridas abiertas, pero cuando conoce a Xanthia cambia bastante a cómo te lo presentaban al principio del libro, y te enamora un poquito con su carácter de querer ayudar a todos. Me ha parecido una relación entre iguales, y acorde a lo que esperaba de la historia.
Me ha decepcionado el final, porque cuando más interesante está hay un salto temporal, y justo la acción de lo que iba a ocurrir no se narra, lo cuenta Nash a través de conversaciones. No me ha molado ni un pelo, yo quería sangre y venganza, y saber que iba a pasar.
En conjunto ha sido una lectura entretenida, que empieza fuerte pero va perdiendo fuelle según avanza la narración de la historia.
February 19, 2018
I am struggling to finish this book. My thoughts about this story are not organized yet, but so far the inconsistency has gotten to me.
We are told the h loves Gareth, but the way she treats him is more in line with a healthy dose of dislike and sometimes disrespect. Gareth in turn behaves very odd for someone who's supposed to love her and maybe even harbour hope to convince her to marry him one day.
Nash is supposed to be this dark and mysterious character who does not want a true relationship with a woman, but he comes off as rather weak-willed. He constantly lets himself be manipulated by the h.
The h is not likeable. She is supposed to be an ambitious merchant who values her company before anything else and will never marry. A few chapters later she is thinking she will only marry for love and that is why she refused Gareht whom she cannot put before her company. So what is it? Is she looking for love or a carreer?
A number of times the protagonists have changed their outlook and behaviour in a way that is not consistent with their character but seems to be done to further the plot. I think I will make this a DNF. I do not really care what happens to the characters.
This was my fist book by Liz Carlyle. I'll give one of her other books a try to see if I like those better.
We are told the h loves Gareth, but the way she treats him is more in line with a healthy dose of dislike and sometimes disrespect. Gareth in turn behaves very odd for someone who's supposed to love her and maybe even harbour hope to convince her to marry him one day.
Nash is supposed to be this dark and mysterious character who does not want a true relationship with a woman, but he comes off as rather weak-willed. He constantly lets himself be manipulated by the h.
The h is not likeable. She is supposed to be an ambitious merchant who values her company before anything else and will never marry. A few chapters later she is thinking she will only marry for love and that is why she refused Gareht whom she cannot put before her company. So what is it? Is she looking for love or a carreer?
A number of times the protagonists have changed their outlook and behaviour in a way that is not consistent with their character but seems to be done to further the plot. I think I will make this a DNF. I do not really care what happens to the characters.
This was my fist book by Liz Carlyle. I'll give one of her other books a try to see if I like those better.
July 8, 2017
Xanthia Neville and her brothers Luke and Kieran founded Neville Shipping in Barbados. With another partner, Gareth Lloyd, they moved their company to London. As an independent businesswoman, Xanthia never really fits in with society but this doesn’t bother her as she does what she likes without a care for society’s disapproval. At a ball, she is intrigued by a dark stranger and allows him to take liberties with her. She is stunned when Lord Nash calls on her the next morning when no names were exchanged the previous evening. She wants to have an affair but he says no although he is intrigued by her suggestion. Before they can act on this, she is visited by the Home Office who suspect Nash of smuggling rifles to Russia. Xanthia is sure he is innocent and sets out to prove it. When he learns of her part in this, he is devastated and feels he has been betrayed by the woman he has fallen in love with.
Loved the characters of Xanthia and Nash. Both were unconventional and cared little for what others thought. She believed in his innocence and told the Home Office just that. He was stunned when he was told how she had believed in him and searched to find the evidence that proved his innocence in the smuggling.
Loved the characters of Xanthia and Nash. Both were unconventional and cared little for what others thought. She believed in his innocence and told the Home Office just that. He was stunned when he was told how she had believed in him and searched to find the evidence that proved his innocence in the smuggling.
May 14, 2019
Desde el primer momento conecté con los dos protagonistas, que me parecieron muy bien perfilados y con una voz propia.
La protagonista sin ser una excéntrica anacrónica que vive fuera de la sociedad es una "mujer de negocios", con unas ideas firmes y fortaleza propia. Todo esto mientras vive de acuerdo a su propio tiempo y normas de la sociedad (aunque esto no impide que rompa algunas normas, como era de esperar).
Y él, siendo un típico mujeriego y jugador etcetc va más allá de todo eso. Y del mismo modo no se limita a querer tirarse a la protagonista. Y es sincero con él mismo, sus sentimientos y pensamientos. Lo cual es de agradecer.
No le puedo dar las cinco estrellas, porque pese a haberme hecho reir en más de una ocasión con sus diálogos (oh, Mr. Kemble ojalá fueses prota de algún libro) y que su relación me ha enamorado creo que le ha faltado a algo a esta historia. Ese punto que lo hace perfecto.
La protagonista sin ser una excéntrica anacrónica que vive fuera de la sociedad es una "mujer de negocios", con unas ideas firmes y fortaleza propia. Todo esto mientras vive de acuerdo a su propio tiempo y normas de la sociedad (aunque esto no impide que rompa algunas normas, como era de esperar).
Y él, siendo un típico mujeriego y jugador etcetc va más allá de todo eso. Y del mismo modo no se limita a querer tirarse a la protagonista. Y es sincero con él mismo, sus sentimientos y pensamientos. Lo cual es de agradecer.
No le puedo dar las cinco estrellas, porque pese a haberme hecho reir en más de una ocasión con sus diálogos (oh, Mr. Kemble ojalá fueses prota de algún libro) y que su relación me ha enamorado creo que le ha faltado a algo a esta historia. Ese punto que lo hace perfecto.
October 20, 2025
really wanted to like this one — it had all the ingredients for a great read: an intriguing premise, some fun tension, and a touch of mystery. But unfortunately, it just didn’t land for me. The pacing felt uneven, and the story dragged in places where it should’ve built intensity. I also struggled to connect with the characters; their chemistry felt forced, and the emotional moments didn’t quite hit the way I hoped they would.
The writing itself was fine, but it felt like something was missing — that spark that keeps you turning the pages. By the end, I was more frustrated than invested.
Not a terrible read, but not one I’d reach for again either. Just an okay story that never fully delivered on its potential.10/17
The writing itself was fine, but it felt like something was missing — that spark that keeps you turning the pages. By the end, I was more frustrated than invested.
Not a terrible read, but not one I’d reach for again either. Just an okay story that never fully delivered on its potential.10/17
November 9, 2019
complex very compelling characters with some needed wit by Kemble, decorator extraordinaire, and painting connoisseur who paired with Max, also a great character, working for the Home office to identify a spy. The lady Xanthia runs a shipping enterprise, the rake and Marquis Nash runs the gambling tables, the liquor bottles, and many females. an intense plot with family entanglements of both sides. part of a longer series, definitely a good read to escape from the current political vitriol. read a book and stop watching the news.
December 25, 2024
I’ve only read this author in collections with other authors I follow. The characters are of course very modern in a regency time period but that’s okay. Lots of sex scenes very sensuously written, almost too many actually. The intrigue felt a bit more serious and historically interesting. I liked that the reveal at the end resulted in understandable anger and remorse but that the characters both worked through it at a reasonable rate because they loved each other rather than have that be the cause of years long separation and bitterness.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2020
A lo largo de todo el libro he mantenido mi interés por continuar leyendo, lo cierto es que la situación me incitaba a querer saber más y la forma en que está narrado hacía muy amena su lectura.
Reseña completa: https://atrapadaenunashojasdepapel.bl...
Reseña completa: https://atrapadaenunashojasdepapel.bl...
October 5, 2020
Well written and intriguing
Finally, an author who knows how to use personal pronouns!! Poor grammar is such a turnoff for me. What a joy to be able to read without rolling my eyes. Thank you, Ms. Carlyle. The story line was interesting and I liked that the characters had unusual backgrounds. I thought this was a great read.
Finally, an author who knows how to use personal pronouns!! Poor grammar is such a turnoff for me. What a joy to be able to read without rolling my eyes. Thank you, Ms. Carlyle. The story line was interesting and I liked that the characters had unusual backgrounds. I thought this was a great read.
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