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Chase Family #3
A Duke’s Guide to Seducing His Bride
Librarian's Note: An alternate title/cover for this ASIN can be found here.
A Top 10 Kindle Bestseller from a New York Times Bestselling Author!
England & Scotland, 1668: Kendra Chase's brothers are telling her it's high time she get married. But although they've presented her with many wealthy, titled suitors, no man has caught her fancy—until her coach is held up by a dashing, mysterious highwayman. When she and the dangerous man are caught in a compromising embrace and her overprotective brothers insist they wed, Kendra cannot believe it. Are they really desperate enough to match her with an outlaw?
Scottish-born Patrick "Trick" Caldwell is the Duke of Amberley—and also the notorious Black Highwayman, an identity he has assumed in order to right past wrongs and serve his king. But his already complicated life becomes positively convoluted when he finds himself compelled to marry a red-headed temptress he's only just met. Caught in a web of half-truths and forced into a perilous mission, can Trick extricate himself and find love with the woman destined to steal his heart?
PLEASE NOTE: This book was formerly titled “Amber.”
Book Details
A complete, standalone story—no cliffhangers!
Series: Chase Family Series, Book 4
Style: Humorous historical romance
Length: 118,000 words (about 475 standard pages)
Bonus Material: Author’s Note, preview of next book, link to giveaway
R-rated Content: ,/b>Steamy love scenes!*
* If you’d prefer to read a Sweet & Clean (kisses only) version of this story, look for “The Duke’s Reluctant Bride” by Lauren Royal & Devon Royal.
A Top 10 Kindle Bestseller from a New York Times Bestselling Author!
England & Scotland, 1668: Kendra Chase's brothers are telling her it's high time she get married. But although they've presented her with many wealthy, titled suitors, no man has caught her fancy—until her coach is held up by a dashing, mysterious highwayman. When she and the dangerous man are caught in a compromising embrace and her overprotective brothers insist they wed, Kendra cannot believe it. Are they really desperate enough to match her with an outlaw?
Scottish-born Patrick "Trick" Caldwell is the Duke of Amberley—and also the notorious Black Highwayman, an identity he has assumed in order to right past wrongs and serve his king. But his already complicated life becomes positively convoluted when he finds himself compelled to marry a red-headed temptress he's only just met. Caught in a web of half-truths and forced into a perilous mission, can Trick extricate himself and find love with the woman destined to steal his heart?
PLEASE NOTE: This book was formerly titled “Amber.”
Book Details
A complete, standalone story—no cliffhangers!
Series: Chase Family Series, Book 4
Style: Humorous historical romance
Length: 118,000 words (about 475 standard pages)
Bonus Material: Author’s Note, preview of next book, link to giveaway
R-rated Content: ,/b>Steamy love scenes!*
* If you’d prefer to read a Sweet & Clean (kisses only) version of this story, look for “The Duke’s Reluctant Bride” by Lauren Royal & Devon Royal.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 19, 2001
1634 people are currently reading
864 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Royal
73 books520 followersFALL IN LOVE WITH A HISTORICAL ROMANCE BY LAUREN ROYAL!
LAUREN ROYAL is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of humorous historical romance. Her “truly enchanting” novels have won many awards including Booklist's “Top 10 Romance of the Year,” and they’ve earned raves from reviewers including Publishers Weekly, who calls her “an impressive talent.”
All of Lauren's books are complete, stand-alone stories, and yet they are also all connected—because they all feature her beloved “outrageously funny, loyal, compassionate, and unconventional” Chase family!
Lauren writes steamy historical romance on her own and sweet/clean historical romance with her daughter, Devon Royal. Lauren lives in Southern California with her family, two constantly shedding cats, and a stupendous collection of fuzzy socks. When she's not busy writing, she enjoys singing along (off-key) to Hamilton, dancing (badly), and (wasting time) watching HGTV.
Want great free and 99¢ books sent to your inbox on select Fridays? Sign up for Lauren's Book Club newsletter at http://royall.ink/Newsletter
Become an honorary Chase cousin (and get a FREE historical cookbook)! Join Lauren's Chase Family Readers Group on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/ChaseFamilyReaders
Visit Lauren’s website at LaurenRoyal.com, where you can learn about the real people and real places in her books, enter a contest to win jewelry, and see the ever-growing branches of the Chase Family Tree.
Join Lauren on Facebook...
Readers Group: facebook.com/groups/ChaseFamilyReaders
Facebook Page: facebook.com/LaurenRoyal
LAUREN ROYAL is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of humorous historical romance. Her “truly enchanting” novels have won many awards including Booklist's “Top 10 Romance of the Year,” and they’ve earned raves from reviewers including Publishers Weekly, who calls her “an impressive talent.”
All of Lauren's books are complete, stand-alone stories, and yet they are also all connected—because they all feature her beloved “outrageously funny, loyal, compassionate, and unconventional” Chase family!
Lauren writes steamy historical romance on her own and sweet/clean historical romance with her daughter, Devon Royal. Lauren lives in Southern California with her family, two constantly shedding cats, and a stupendous collection of fuzzy socks. When she's not busy writing, she enjoys singing along (off-key) to Hamilton, dancing (badly), and (wasting time) watching HGTV.
Want great free and 99¢ books sent to your inbox on select Fridays? Sign up for Lauren's Book Club newsletter at http://royall.ink/Newsletter
Become an honorary Chase cousin (and get a FREE historical cookbook)! Join Lauren's Chase Family Readers Group on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/ChaseFamilyReaders
Visit Lauren’s website at LaurenRoyal.com, where you can learn about the real people and real places in her books, enter a contest to win jewelry, and see the ever-growing branches of the Chase Family Tree.
Join Lauren on Facebook...
Readers Group: facebook.com/groups/ChaseFamilyReaders
Facebook Page: facebook.com/LaurenRoyal
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 118 reviews
May 2, 2016
I'm not a happy camper currently. Generally this level of disappointment would compel me to write a ridiculously snarky review, but given I've enjoyed the other works by this author, I'll try to keep this in check. Amethyst was the first book I've read by the author, and it set the bar pretty high for me, Emerald was great as well. I thought I'd really enjoy this from the glimpses of Kendra I got previously, and the compelling blurb. Alas, it was not meant to be.
This book checked off so many items on my 'Annoying Plot Devices No One Should Use' list. I started off really enjoying the book, but it all went downhill. First we have the 'headstrong heroine that ignores reason'. Should she run off on her horse unaccompanied because she's frustrated? Nope. What about then playing with a highway man's props? Nope. Help man move his items to a cabin? Sounds like a great idea! No. It doesn't. Put herself and others in danger because she's curious/worried? Nope. Do the same thing alt 4 more times? Sounds reasoning.
Speaking of sound reasoning, let's jump to the 'he's cheating on me' band wagon at their first conflict, then bring it up again later with surety. Temper tantrums like a 3 year old. 'I'm mad, and you're a male so I hate you'.
Let's not forget the trite naive virgin troupe. 'I'm not naive! I've seen sheep do it'. This went hand and hand with the 'almost getting intimate but then something stops it' situation. Which I might add, is repeated more times than I can count.
I'm done ranting. I'm just severely disappointed, and definitely will reconsider spending $5 on the next book.
This book checked off so many items on my 'Annoying Plot Devices No One Should Use' list. I started off really enjoying the book, but it all went downhill. First we have the 'headstrong heroine that ignores reason'. Should she run off on her horse unaccompanied because she's frustrated? Nope. What about then playing with a highway man's props? Nope. Help man move his items to a cabin? Sounds like a great idea! No. It doesn't. Put herself and others in danger because she's curious/worried? Nope. Do the same thing alt 4 more times? Sounds reasoning.
Speaking of sound reasoning, let's jump to the 'he's cheating on me' band wagon at their first conflict, then bring it up again later with surety. Temper tantrums like a 3 year old. 'I'm mad, and you're a male so I hate you'.
Let's not forget the trite naive virgin troupe. 'I'm not naive! I've seen sheep do it'. This went hand and hand with the 'almost getting intimate but then something stops it' situation. Which I might add, is repeated more times than I can count.
I'm done ranting. I'm just severely disappointed, and definitely will reconsider spending $5 on the next book.
Want to read
May 3, 2024🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/21/2020)! 🎁
October 28, 2019
Queen - per RFS
.
C’è una frase ricorrente che compare in tutti i libri di questa saga e che è il motto di famiglia: “I Chase non promettono mai alla leggera” e così anche la bella Kendra, su cui è incentrato questo volume, non ha deluso le mie aspettative, rendendo la storia accattivante come mi aspettavo.
Come sospettavo, la giovane Chase dai capelli rossi riesce ad accalappiarsi un giovane duca senza neanche volerlo e la beffa è che lei è convinta di avere a che fare con tutt’altra persona.
Trick Caldwell è il duca di Amberley ma è anche il brigante nero ed è proprio ciò che Kendra crederà, per quasi tutto il racconto. È ammirevole la tranquillità con cui affronterà le vicessitudini che la porteranno dapprima al matrimonio forzato e, successivamente a essere complice involontaria delle gesta dell’uomo, che lei considera compiute a fin di bene.
Kendra è la mia preferita fra i componenti della famiglia Chase: il carattere gioviale e spericolato non delude mai; nonostante la sua appartenenza a una elevata classe sociale, rimane sempre molto umile e si adegua a ogni tipo di situazione. Non si prende mai sul serio, affronta tutto ciò che gli capita senza allarmismi e, ha sempre una soluzione pronta.
Trick invece è circondato dal mistero, l’aria da tenebroso è la sua carta vincente.
Come poteva un uomo così bello e potente non far innamorare la bella Kendra?
La seduzione è lenta, nonostante il frettoloso epilogo matrimoniale che avviene nelle prime battute del libro. Il fatto che la giovane non abbia un’altra presenza femminile nella sua famiglia, la porta alla soglia del matrimonio senza la dovuta preparazione. Ciò le causerà un lieve trauma che la indurrà a rimandare la vera e propria consumazione del matrimonio.
Questo tira e molla è il filo conduttore del loro rapporto amoroso che è descritto sempre in maniera elegante, senza mai trascendere nella volgarità.L’epoca storica e il luogo in cui si svolge il romanzo, l’Inghilterra e la Scozia del 1668, sono descritti dettagliatamente, con riferimenti storici precisi e molto interessanti, che mai appesantiscono il racconto.
La scorrevolezza e il linguaggio usati dall’autrice sono sempre una garanzia di garbatezza e stile. Lo consiglio, pertanto, agli amanti del genere.
.
C’è una frase ricorrente che compare in tutti i libri di questa saga e che è il motto di famiglia: “I Chase non promettono mai alla leggera” e così anche la bella Kendra, su cui è incentrato questo volume, non ha deluso le mie aspettative, rendendo la storia accattivante come mi aspettavo.
Come sospettavo, la giovane Chase dai capelli rossi riesce ad accalappiarsi un giovane duca senza neanche volerlo e la beffa è che lei è convinta di avere a che fare con tutt’altra persona.
Trick Caldwell è il duca di Amberley ma è anche il brigante nero ed è proprio ciò che Kendra crederà, per quasi tutto il racconto. È ammirevole la tranquillità con cui affronterà le vicessitudini che la porteranno dapprima al matrimonio forzato e, successivamente a essere complice involontaria delle gesta dell’uomo, che lei considera compiute a fin di bene.
Kendra è la mia preferita fra i componenti della famiglia Chase: il carattere gioviale e spericolato non delude mai; nonostante la sua appartenenza a una elevata classe sociale, rimane sempre molto umile e si adegua a ogni tipo di situazione. Non si prende mai sul serio, affronta tutto ciò che gli capita senza allarmismi e, ha sempre una soluzione pronta.
Trick invece è circondato dal mistero, l’aria da tenebroso è la sua carta vincente.
Come poteva un uomo così bello e potente non far innamorare la bella Kendra?
La seduzione è lenta, nonostante il frettoloso epilogo matrimoniale che avviene nelle prime battute del libro. Il fatto che la giovane non abbia un’altra presenza femminile nella sua famiglia, la porta alla soglia del matrimonio senza la dovuta preparazione. Ciò le causerà un lieve trauma che la indurrà a rimandare la vera e propria consumazione del matrimonio.
Questo tira e molla è il filo conduttore del loro rapporto amoroso che è descritto sempre in maniera elegante, senza mai trascendere nella volgarità.L’epoca storica e il luogo in cui si svolge il romanzo, l’Inghilterra e la Scozia del 1668, sono descritti dettagliatamente, con riferimenti storici precisi e molto interessanti, che mai appesantiscono il racconto.
La scorrevolezza e il linguaggio usati dall’autrice sono sempre una garanzia di garbatezza e stile. Lo consiglio, pertanto, agli amanti del genere.
April 1, 2021
I jumped in midseries. Don't know how, I hate it, but by the time I figured it out I knew too much and don't plan on going back.
But it's a decent book, especially for KU. Moves rather slowly, and the plot has major ups and downs instead of one continuous hill. I did like the book though.
But it's a decent book, especially for KU. Moves rather slowly, and the plot has major ups and downs instead of one continuous hill. I did like the book though.
May 20, 2023
I'm giving this 3.5 as I felt it was super dragged between the 40-80% mark but then the final 15% was the most rushed ever
November 2, 2014
I love a good historical romance, and this one definitely didn't disappoint!
Kendra has 3 brothers and the oldest is anxious to marry her off to a duke, while she finds dukes to be the worst of the peers. She's refused every single duke her brother has attempted to match her with and he's at his wit's end with her. While returning to their family estate, their carriage is held up by a highwayman. Kendra was instantly drawn to the dashing man and cannot get him out of her mind.
Trick is a duke, but he never wanted the title. His father was a real ass, to say the least. His father took him from his mother's ancestral home in Scotland when Trick was 10 and succeeded in making Trick's life miserable. After catching his betrothed in bed with another man, he's vowed not to marry anytime soon. He's been posing as a highwayman, under the king's orders, in an attempt to unravel a conspiracy against the monarchy. All that changes when Kendra stumbles into his life.
One thing leads to another (as they tend to do...) and Kendra's brothers catch Kendra and Trick in a compromising position. Her brothers force them to marry immediately, nevermind that they were completely innocent of any wrongdoing. Kendra doesn't know Trick is a duke until after they are married and when she finds out the truth, she is far from happy about it, especially given the fact that she actually liked the highwayman.
It doesn't take long at all for them to realize they have true feelings for each other. As is typical in any romance novel, they have multiple obstacles in the way of their love and trust. And there is A LOT of action in this book, which I LOVED!!! I love when a story not only captures my heart because of the romance aspect, but also because of the action surrounding the couple. There are secret plots, hidden treasure, and undercover missions for the king. And woven throughout is their journey of discovery, not only with each other but within themselves.
This story captivated me right outta the gate and it never ceased to hold my attention. There were no dull moments. Both Kendra and Trick were beyond lovable and the supporting characters were great as well, which I find to be a rare occurrence in a lot of books. The story was well-written and just absolutely wonderful! I could have done with a bit less descriptions on some things, like all the details of a room here and there, but I still didn't think those descriptions were overly boring.
I would recommend this story to anyone who is a fan of historical romances and it will definitely go on my list of books to re-read.
Kendra has 3 brothers and the oldest is anxious to marry her off to a duke, while she finds dukes to be the worst of the peers. She's refused every single duke her brother has attempted to match her with and he's at his wit's end with her. While returning to their family estate, their carriage is held up by a highwayman. Kendra was instantly drawn to the dashing man and cannot get him out of her mind.
Trick is a duke, but he never wanted the title. His father was a real ass, to say the least. His father took him from his mother's ancestral home in Scotland when Trick was 10 and succeeded in making Trick's life miserable. After catching his betrothed in bed with another man, he's vowed not to marry anytime soon. He's been posing as a highwayman, under the king's orders, in an attempt to unravel a conspiracy against the monarchy. All that changes when Kendra stumbles into his life.
One thing leads to another (as they tend to do...) and Kendra's brothers catch Kendra and Trick in a compromising position. Her brothers force them to marry immediately, nevermind that they were completely innocent of any wrongdoing. Kendra doesn't know Trick is a duke until after they are married and when she finds out the truth, she is far from happy about it, especially given the fact that she actually liked the highwayman.
It doesn't take long at all for them to realize they have true feelings for each other. As is typical in any romance novel, they have multiple obstacles in the way of their love and trust. And there is A LOT of action in this book, which I LOVED!!! I love when a story not only captures my heart because of the romance aspect, but also because of the action surrounding the couple. There are secret plots, hidden treasure, and undercover missions for the king. And woven throughout is their journey of discovery, not only with each other but within themselves.
This story captivated me right outta the gate and it never ceased to hold my attention. There were no dull moments. Both Kendra and Trick were beyond lovable and the supporting characters were great as well, which I find to be a rare occurrence in a lot of books. The story was well-written and just absolutely wonderful! I could have done with a bit less descriptions on some things, like all the details of a room here and there, but I still didn't think those descriptions were overly boring.
I would recommend this story to anyone who is a fan of historical romances and it will definitely go on my list of books to re-read.
April 24, 2023
This book took me a while to get through because it dragged though I enjoyed the overarching story. The pacing was too slow to keep me interested in the middle.
November 5, 2012
I loveeeeee the Jewel trilogy. Seriously. The Chase family is just so damn interesting. Each of the Chase siblings is so unique in their individual interests and characteristics. It's been fabulous following the lives of 2 of Kendra's 3 brothers in the first two books. The first two books offered us glimpses of the firecracker that is Kendra. She's such a fun character, one that I wished would get her own story! When I finished Emerald and looked for the next book I was pumped that it was about Kendra.
As much as I love Kendra I think I love Trick more. He is such a mysterious and surprising character. He was definitely multi-layered, multi-dimensional and you never knew what to expect from him next. He's the perfect match for Kendra, as they both buck with the social expectations of their ranks.
Trick has this whole secret life as a highway man, doing services for the crown, and completely supporting an orphanage. Kendra on the other hand refuses to be one of those Duchesses only good for throwing parties. She wants to better the lives of her new tenants and be Trick's equal in all ways.
Their journey is memorable and one excellently written!
As much as I love Kendra I think I love Trick more. He is such a mysterious and surprising character. He was definitely multi-layered, multi-dimensional and you never knew what to expect from him next. He's the perfect match for Kendra, as they both buck with the social expectations of their ranks.
Trick has this whole secret life as a highway man, doing services for the crown, and completely supporting an orphanage. Kendra on the other hand refuses to be one of those Duchesses only good for throwing parties. She wants to better the lives of her new tenants and be Trick's equal in all ways.
Their journey is memorable and one excellently written!
March 8, 2023
I needed more groveling. And a slower ending
May 3, 2021
Historical romance full of history
MY RATING SYSTEM
5 stars--WOW
4 stars--would read again
3 stars--was good, won't read again
2 stars--read it, but didn't enjoy it
1 star--didn't finish, it was so awful
Do I need to read books before this one: no
Cliffhanger: no
SUMMARY
Kendra, with her brothers, is on her way to meet a possible suitor when the carriage is stopped by a highwayman. She's immediately attracted to him. He robs only the Puritan. Kendra starts to feel pity, then remembers that the Puritans and their political allies are responsible for her parents's deaths. Kendra, not liking most men with titles, deliberately ruins her chances with the suitor by telling him she wants to open orphanages.
The next day she goes riding, ends up helping the robber get his equipment into a cottage. He introduces himself as Trick Caldwell. Her brothers catch them almost kissing. “That will have to stop, you know.” “What the hell are you talking about?” “The highway robbery. You don’t need the money, and Kendra doesn’t need to see her husband strung up at Tyburn.” “Her husband?” They insist he marry her. Trick can't reveal he's on a secret mission for King Charles II.
Kendra keeps expecting the ceremony to be revealed as one of her brothers's pranks. Trick likes knowing she's marrying him, not his money or his title.
After a disastrous wedding night at the cottage, Trick takes Kendra to a mansion. Do you work here? Why, yes, I do. He introduces her to the servants as the Duchess of Amberley.
EVALUATION
A historical novel teaching us a little history! I learned more about Britain's Civil War, with Royalist views as opposed to Parliament views, and how English Royalists suffered. I also saw where some of our Bill of Rights came from.
The romance starts with instant attraction and builds toward love. Well done, though I'm not attached to the characters. I appreciate the theme that trust in marriage is essential, both in giving it and being worthy of it.
RECOMMENDATION
This is a good read for adults, definitely for those who like some history!
FAVORITE QUOTES
She stared at a portrait of some stern, long-dead ancestor. Another controlling man, no doubt.
POSSIBLE TRIGGERS (SPOILERS)
Sex: multiple scenes, one handcuff scene
Language: 0 F words, 38 Lord's name in vain, 0 S words
Violence: armed robbery, lying, poisoning, fist fight, assault, drowning, theft, adultery
CRITIQUE (SPOILERS)
Was counterfeiting resolved?
MY RATING SYSTEM
5 stars--WOW
4 stars--would read again
3 stars--was good, won't read again
2 stars--read it, but didn't enjoy it
1 star--didn't finish, it was so awful
Do I need to read books before this one: no
Cliffhanger: no
SUMMARY
Kendra, with her brothers, is on her way to meet a possible suitor when the carriage is stopped by a highwayman. She's immediately attracted to him. He robs only the Puritan. Kendra starts to feel pity, then remembers that the Puritans and their political allies are responsible for her parents's deaths. Kendra, not liking most men with titles, deliberately ruins her chances with the suitor by telling him she wants to open orphanages.
The next day she goes riding, ends up helping the robber get his equipment into a cottage. He introduces himself as Trick Caldwell. Her brothers catch them almost kissing. “That will have to stop, you know.” “What the hell are you talking about?” “The highway robbery. You don’t need the money, and Kendra doesn’t need to see her husband strung up at Tyburn.” “Her husband?” They insist he marry her. Trick can't reveal he's on a secret mission for King Charles II.
Kendra keeps expecting the ceremony to be revealed as one of her brothers's pranks. Trick likes knowing she's marrying him, not his money or his title.
After a disastrous wedding night at the cottage, Trick takes Kendra to a mansion. Do you work here? Why, yes, I do. He introduces her to the servants as the Duchess of Amberley.
EVALUATION
A historical novel teaching us a little history! I learned more about Britain's Civil War, with Royalist views as opposed to Parliament views, and how English Royalists suffered. I also saw where some of our Bill of Rights came from.
The romance starts with instant attraction and builds toward love. Well done, though I'm not attached to the characters. I appreciate the theme that trust in marriage is essential, both in giving it and being worthy of it.
RECOMMENDATION
This is a good read for adults, definitely for those who like some history!
FAVORITE QUOTES
She stared at a portrait of some stern, long-dead ancestor. Another controlling man, no doubt.
POSSIBLE TRIGGERS (SPOILERS)
Sex: multiple scenes, one handcuff scene
Language: 0 F words, 38 Lord's name in vain, 0 S words
Violence: armed robbery, lying, poisoning, fist fight, assault, drowning, theft, adultery
CRITIQUE (SPOILERS)
Was counterfeiting resolved?
March 10, 2020
Kendra Chase is happy with her life, she lives with her brothers and manages the home she lives in, but her brother's have other ideas, they want her to marry a Duke and live happily with the right man. But, Kendra doesn't want a Duke, as every one she has met, is stuffy and revolting, but when riding in a coach with two of her brothers, they are stopped by a dashingly, handsome highwayman.
Scottish born Patrick Caldwell "Trick", to his friends, is the Duke of Amberley, but due to a secret mission given to him by King Charles II, he is also the notorious Black Highwayman.
A chance meeting, a compromising position and three pushy brothers later, the beautiful, sweet-toothed Kendra finds herself married to the handsome, but emotionally closed Trick Caldwell.
And so this romantically wonderful and passionate adventure of a lifetime begins.
Witty conversations, emotional and poignant situations, wonderful characters and twisting plots - this book has it all and it is beautifully crafted by the extremely talented Lauren Royal.
Lauren's writing is vividly descriptive, catching the era perfectly and the readers attention from the very first page, to the very last.
I absolutely loved it!!
Scottish born Patrick Caldwell "Trick", to his friends, is the Duke of Amberley, but due to a secret mission given to him by King Charles II, he is also the notorious Black Highwayman.
A chance meeting, a compromising position and three pushy brothers later, the beautiful, sweet-toothed Kendra finds herself married to the handsome, but emotionally closed Trick Caldwell.
And so this romantically wonderful and passionate adventure of a lifetime begins.
Witty conversations, emotional and poignant situations, wonderful characters and twisting plots - this book has it all and it is beautifully crafted by the extremely talented Lauren Royal.
Lauren's writing is vividly descriptive, catching the era perfectly and the readers attention from the very first page, to the very last.
I absolutely loved it!!
July 17, 2022
I Adore These Books !
I adore these books! This one is such a lovely story in such a lovely series! It has wonderful characters in an excellent plot.
I am confused by the three brothers each having a title of their own. One a Marquess, one an Earl, and one a Viscount. I read Violet, Lily, and Rose ages ago, and also Amethyst. I loved them all and didn't have that concern at that time. Since then I have come to understand that only the eldest son gets any titles, and he gets all of them. Maybe there was something special going on during the reign of Charles II that all castles and manors had a royalist lord in charge. I don't know. I couldn't find any information on that. I think it would have been a good idea, but I find no evidence of that happening. I have come to prefer my historical romances to be historical, so I certainly question this apparent divergence from the norm.
As are all of Lauren Royal's books, this one is well and intelligently written. There was one typo, but not any word errors such as extra, missing, or wrong words, as is so popular in this genre today.
Well plotted and turned storyline and charming romance is a special treat. Highly recommend!
I adore these books! This one is such a lovely story in such a lovely series! It has wonderful characters in an excellent plot.
I am confused by the three brothers each having a title of their own. One a Marquess, one an Earl, and one a Viscount. I read Violet, Lily, and Rose ages ago, and also Amethyst. I loved them all and didn't have that concern at that time. Since then I have come to understand that only the eldest son gets any titles, and he gets all of them. Maybe there was something special going on during the reign of Charles II that all castles and manors had a royalist lord in charge. I don't know. I couldn't find any information on that. I think it would have been a good idea, but I find no evidence of that happening. I have come to prefer my historical romances to be historical, so I certainly question this apparent divergence from the norm.
As are all of Lauren Royal's books, this one is well and intelligently written. There was one typo, but not any word errors such as extra, missing, or wrong words, as is so popular in this genre today.
Well plotted and turned storyline and charming romance is a special treat. Highly recommend!
July 4, 2017
An enjoyable romance - and despite being no. 4 in the series, it's fine as a standalone (I haven't read any others yet). I particularly liked Trick's character, the love story between Kendra and Trick was sexy and romantic (perfect for this genre) and I found both the beginning and latter half of the story quite exciting - but I nearly stopped almost as soon as I had begun reading after learning the heroine was named "Kendra". I know this sounds overly pedantic, and I apologise for this, but "Kendra" is an American name from the twentieth century - not a name used during the seventeenth century (to my knowledge)! I'm glad I didn't stop reading it because it was a fun read (even though it could have been placed at any other time in history, frankly). Also, the lines from the puritan irked me somewhat, "Are thee going to let him get away with?" (probably should be "Art thou...", and "Surely thee has no need of gold, should be "Surely thou hast no need..." - but, again, that's probably just me because I'm always reading primary sources from the seventeenth century. Despite these little things, I look forward to reading more by this author!
March 8, 2021
I wasn't impressed with this story. There were too many things going on in the plot. I read this as a stand-alone book but didn't feel overwhelmed by Kenda's family or the dynamics which was nice. Trick is just in too many plot lines which dragged the story on. He's a highway robber, poet, duke with suddenly revealed bastard status, who is working for the king already but then is planning to return some random lost treasure, but then has to steal it back and then has to finish his work for the king with several deceptions on the way. Kendra meanwhile is mad at her brothers and suddenly obsessed with her unknown husband and righting his estate which is fine but he hasn't revealed his financial status to her.
Because of the multiple storylines, this dragged for me a bit. I wasn't overly attached to the characters. Also, the story was presented very matter-of-factly without a lot of lead-in or built emotions... Just random plotlines requiring action to move forward.
I wouldn't read the others in the series.
Because of the multiple storylines, this dragged for me a bit. I wasn't overly attached to the characters. Also, the story was presented very matter-of-factly without a lot of lead-in or built emotions... Just random plotlines requiring action to move forward.
I wouldn't read the others in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2013
Kendra Chase, sister to Colin (Amethyst), Jason (Emerald) and Ford (next series), is being pestered by her brothers to marry. Worse, they keep insisting that she marry a titled man—and after seeing the way dukes treated people while she and her family were in exile with Charles II, she wants no part of the peerage, especially dukes. After parading a series of “eligible” men past her and seeing her reject each one, Jason has told her she needs to pick a husband or he’ll do it for her. They all married for love, but apparently they are not at all concerned that she have a happy marriage.
On the way to the family estate, their carriage is held up by a highwayman and his crew—he isn’t interested in the Chases' money, but he fleeces the one roundhead in the carriage for all he’s got. Kendra thinks he’s kind of hot (the highwayman, not the roundhead).
Out for a ride later on, she returns to the scene of the crime and discovers that the “crew” who supposedly surrounded the carriage was really just a bunch of dummies (and not the human kind). And just as she makes this discovery the highwayman returns to collect the evidence. It’s raining, so he invites her to his cottage—and she goes.
Cuz that’s a smart thing to do.
Long story short, she conveniently gets wine on her skirt, and he conveniently is helping her rinse it out—in his bedroom—with her skirt hiked up around her thighs, when her brothers charge in.
They insist that she marry the highwayman. This is a family that is fond of practical jokes, so given how absurd the situation is, Kendra naturally thinks it’s all a prank—right up until the wedding night. Then she realizes she’s well and truly screwed, in more ways than one. And her brothers (did I mention they’re idiots when I wrote the previous reviews?) never told her anything about “the deed.” It hurts. She bleeds, and she's convinced that this is a bad fit in all the ways that count.
And that's before the next day, when she learns that she’s just married the Duke of Amberley. Her brothers and groom conspired to keep this secret from her because of the way she feels about peers. Some loving family.
Now, what if your supposedly loving brothers manipulated you into marrying a criminal, and later it was even worse, because he was someone who was exactly what THEY KNEW you didn’t want? And what if they didn’t care that you barely knew the guy and didn’t love him, or that he couldn't possibly love you either? How would you feel? What would you do?
Me? If someone screwed with my life to that extent, leaving me stuck for life in a situation that wasn’t happy… well, I’d carry a grudge. At the very least they would not be welcome anywhere near me for a good, long time. And if, by chance, I encountered one of those brothers and mentioned that I hated him, and he just chuckled and said, “I’m sure you do,” let’s just say that would pretty much end any hope of reconciliation in the foreseeable future. Oh, I might get past it once the marriage sorted itself out, but even then I’d never feel sure that my brothers ever actually cared about me. In other words, they would have totally screwed any trust I'd ever had in them—forever. Those relationships would have been forever changed.
And then there’s the highwayman/duke/husband, “Trick.” Seems he’s got a reason for being a criminal, and—well, let me ask you, does any hero in these books ever actually trust the heroine with his secrets, even when it’s becoming clear that she really needs to know? Neither does this guy. He lets her think he’s financially strapped and robbing Roundheads to pay for the orphanage on his estate.
Even so, this was a good story—good couple stories, actually. One had to do with the reason Trick was a highwayman, and the other was a bit of a murder mystery, wrapped around the true story of Charles I’s lost treasure.
Four stars.
On the way to the family estate, their carriage is held up by a highwayman and his crew—he isn’t interested in the Chases' money, but he fleeces the one roundhead in the carriage for all he’s got. Kendra thinks he’s kind of hot (the highwayman, not the roundhead).
Out for a ride later on, she returns to the scene of the crime and discovers that the “crew” who supposedly surrounded the carriage was really just a bunch of dummies (and not the human kind). And just as she makes this discovery the highwayman returns to collect the evidence. It’s raining, so he invites her to his cottage—and she goes.
Cuz that’s a smart thing to do.
Long story short, she conveniently gets wine on her skirt, and he conveniently is helping her rinse it out—in his bedroom—with her skirt hiked up around her thighs, when her brothers charge in.
They insist that she marry the highwayman. This is a family that is fond of practical jokes, so given how absurd the situation is, Kendra naturally thinks it’s all a prank—right up until the wedding night. Then she realizes she’s well and truly screwed, in more ways than one. And her brothers (did I mention they’re idiots when I wrote the previous reviews?) never told her anything about “the deed.” It hurts. She bleeds, and she's convinced that this is a bad fit in all the ways that count.
And that's before the next day, when she learns that she’s just married the Duke of Amberley. Her brothers and groom conspired to keep this secret from her because of the way she feels about peers. Some loving family.
Now, what if your supposedly loving brothers manipulated you into marrying a criminal, and later it was even worse, because he was someone who was exactly what THEY KNEW you didn’t want? And what if they didn’t care that you barely knew the guy and didn’t love him, or that he couldn't possibly love you either? How would you feel? What would you do?
Me? If someone screwed with my life to that extent, leaving me stuck for life in a situation that wasn’t happy… well, I’d carry a grudge. At the very least they would not be welcome anywhere near me for a good, long time. And if, by chance, I encountered one of those brothers and mentioned that I hated him, and he just chuckled and said, “I’m sure you do,” let’s just say that would pretty much end any hope of reconciliation in the foreseeable future. Oh, I might get past it once the marriage sorted itself out, but even then I’d never feel sure that my brothers ever actually cared about me. In other words, they would have totally screwed any trust I'd ever had in them—forever. Those relationships would have been forever changed.
And then there’s the highwayman/duke/husband, “Trick.” Seems he’s got a reason for being a criminal, and—well, let me ask you, does any hero in these books ever actually trust the heroine with his secrets, even when it’s becoming clear that she really needs to know? Neither does this guy. He lets her think he’s financially strapped and robbing Roundheads to pay for the orphanage on his estate.
Even so, this was a good story—good couple stories, actually. One had to do with the reason Trick was a highwayman, and the other was a bit of a murder mystery, wrapped around the true story of Charles I’s lost treasure.
Four stars.
October 3, 2017
I read this book as part of 3-part trilogy from BN.com I could not find a copy at my library so i bought it some time ago. Note: It is now book 4 in the Chase Family series.
To me, this was a marvelous story. I loved that Kendra Chase had a mind of her and was strong in character which was against the times in 1600s Scotland and England. Ms. Royal has a solid grip on the lives and times of those 1600s. Her writing is fluid and she does not resort to adding extra descriptions to the setting or characters as I have found in books by other authors.
Her heart is set on marrying for love and not for the title of a Duchess by marrying one of the Dukes her brothers have set forth.
When her heart leads her to a man who comes from a mysterious background but who is strong, caring, but dangerous. This man, Patrick Caldwell, often referred to as "Trick" is not what Kendra thinks.
There is much more but "Hey", read the book., you will love it.
To me, this was a marvelous story. I loved that Kendra Chase had a mind of her and was strong in character which was against the times in 1600s Scotland and England. Ms. Royal has a solid grip on the lives and times of those 1600s. Her writing is fluid and she does not resort to adding extra descriptions to the setting or characters as I have found in books by other authors.
Her heart is set on marrying for love and not for the title of a Duchess by marrying one of the Dukes her brothers have set forth.
When her heart leads her to a man who comes from a mysterious background but who is strong, caring, but dangerous. This man, Patrick Caldwell, often referred to as "Trick" is not what Kendra thinks.
There is much more but "Hey", read the book., you will love it.
February 23, 2019
Devo dire che anche questa versione “pulita” del romanzo è piacevole. Lei è Lady Kendra Chase, ha compiuto 18 anni e i suoi tre fratelli si sono impuntati che è ora di prendere marito. Ma lei scarta ogni pretendente, trovando in ciascuno uno o più difetti. Inoltre ha una vera e profonda repulsione per i duchi. Una mattina la carrozza sulla quale sta viaggiando assieme alla famiglia viene rapinata da un brigante, Kendra prova un’attrazione immediata.
Lui è Patrick Ian Caldwell duca di AMBERLEY, sta compiendo una missione molto importante è segretissima come Brigante Nero. Quando i due giovani vengono sorpresi in un atteggiamento compromettente, i fratelli di Kendra li obbligano a sposarsi. Lei non riesce a credere di essere obbligata a sposare un Brigante. Tra segreti, mezze verità, viaggi inaspettati i due ragazzi imparano a conoscersi. Libro ben scritto e scorrevole
Lui è Patrick Ian Caldwell duca di AMBERLEY, sta compiendo una missione molto importante è segretissima come Brigante Nero. Quando i due giovani vengono sorpresi in un atteggiamento compromettente, i fratelli di Kendra li obbligano a sposarsi. Lei non riesce a credere di essere obbligata a sposare un Brigante. Tra segreti, mezze verità, viaggi inaspettati i due ragazzi imparano a conoscersi. Libro ben scritto e scorrevole
March 18, 2018
I was all set to not like this and be bored as I have to say I was a bit disappointed in Emerald - I mean how thick can a guy get? But, I was pleasantly surprised by Kendra and Trick. there were actually layers to both of their characters that I was not expecting. Kendra, the highly efficient and managing younger sister, highly protected by her thick-headed brothers knows nothing of intimacy and is frightened and surprised by Trick and all his maleness. Trick proclaims he has no need of love, but what he really wants is family. He just doesn't know it. Anyway, they peel layers off each other throughout the book and the plot really moves along. I slept very well after finishing in the wee hours.
May 16, 2019
Good read!
I enjoyed this story of Kendra and Trick in their journey to true happiness. Trick is a highwayman (of sorts) and Kendra is a young woman being pushed into marriage by her brothers. Kendra has turned down many offers & her brothers are threatening to make her marry the next available suitor. Then, because of Kendra's tendency to get herself into trouble, just the right set of circumstances occur and she winds up married to the highwayman! This is a really interesting book and makes for a good read!
I enjoyed this story of Kendra and Trick in their journey to true happiness. Trick is a highwayman (of sorts) and Kendra is a young woman being pushed into marriage by her brothers. Kendra has turned down many offers & her brothers are threatening to make her marry the next available suitor. Then, because of Kendra's tendency to get herself into trouble, just the right set of circumstances occur and she winds up married to the highwayman! This is a really interesting book and makes for a good read!
March 10, 2021
The title sucks
The title is very misleading. I thought Regency but no it's more than a hundred years before that. It takes place when my ancestors were arriving at Virginia, during the time of the Restoration. It's another Chase book, gods save you, and it's just as awful as the one with Amethyst. Kendra is bloody awful. Trick is okay, but doesn't make up for her level of sheer stupid. The sex saves it from being a one star. Pearls and manacles oh my, nice and hot. But I'd say give it a pass.
The title is very misleading. I thought Regency but no it's more than a hundred years before that. It takes place when my ancestors were arriving at Virginia, during the time of the Restoration. It's another Chase book, gods save you, and it's just as awful as the one with Amethyst. Kendra is bloody awful. Trick is okay, but doesn't make up for her level of sheer stupid. The sex saves it from being a one star. Pearls and manacles oh my, nice and hot. But I'd say give it a pass.
July 18, 2022
I really enjoyed this story. It is part of a series, but can be read as a standalone. This is Trick and Kendra’s story.
Trick is a Duke, working for the King, posing as a highwayman.
Kendra is in need of a husband and much to her brother’s dismay, she doesn’t want a titled man.
These two meet in an unconventional way and are of course drawn to each other. They find themselves in a compromising situation and now they must marry. This story takes us on their journey beautifully. It is also full of family drama, love and romance and some mystery mixed in too. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trick is a Duke, working for the King, posing as a highwayman.
Kendra is in need of a husband and much to her brother’s dismay, she doesn’t want a titled man.
These two meet in an unconventional way and are of course drawn to each other. They find themselves in a compromising situation and now they must marry. This story takes us on their journey beautifully. It is also full of family drama, love and romance and some mystery mixed in too. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 11, 2024
Wanted more
The story had potential and the author should have stuck to the story. Kendra was difficult to take. She came across as an impetuous, spoiled, head strong child rather than the alternate personality of intelligent, insightful, loving woman. I skipped a lot because of redundancy. Yes, even the sex was redundant and became boring. Too much back and forth internal dialog. I slogged through it but wouldn't recommend anyone else do same. Again, the story had potential. Too bad the author developed the "romantic" parts over the actual tension of the plot.
The story had potential and the author should have stuck to the story. Kendra was difficult to take. She came across as an impetuous, spoiled, head strong child rather than the alternate personality of intelligent, insightful, loving woman. I skipped a lot because of redundancy. Yes, even the sex was redundant and became boring. Too much back and forth internal dialog. I slogged through it but wouldn't recommend anyone else do same. Again, the story had potential. Too bad the author developed the "romantic" parts over the actual tension of the plot.
December 22, 2016
Lauren Royal does it again. I love Kendra as a character and really enjoyed getting to experience her story and her thoughts through this book. She is a sassy individual who will pursue her goals no matter the consequences or disapproval of others. However there were certain aspects of this book that felt stagnant and some choices made by the pair was annoying to say the least. Sometime you just want to shout at them, "TALK! SAY WHAT YOU FEEL!" Overall an exciting story and a fun time.
March 19, 2021
Hilariously funny "highwayman" and reluctant bride story! I loved the feisty heroine, and have to admit being forced into marriage by her brothers felt like one of the only ways she might actually get married at all, so I'm not surprised this book went in that direction. When she finally started letting him in it just built layer upon layer of intrigue even as more of his secrets started looming. I couldn't put this down.
March 23, 2021
An interesting romance that continues the Chase family tradition. Kendra Chase is found in a compromising position by her brothers and is force to marry Patrick Caldwell, Duke of Amberley. However when Kendra first met Patrick, he was a highwayman robbing their coach so she was not happy to find that he allowed her to believe that until after they were married and he took her to his estate. There are many twists and turns before the two are able to trust and declare their love.
June 23, 2022
Well written romance that is close to 300 pages. I love a book with some substance.
Kendra Chase has never met anyone she would even consider marrying until her brothers introduce her to Patrick “Trick” Caldwell. He is a highwayman stopping their carriage to rob it. She is quite taken with him and her brothers decide to take advantage of them being alone to force them into marriage, right away. The story is quite good with intrigue surrounding the groom.
Kendra Chase has never met anyone she would even consider marrying until her brothers introduce her to Patrick “Trick” Caldwell. He is a highwayman stopping their carriage to rob it. She is quite taken with him and her brothers decide to take advantage of them being alone to force them into marriage, right away. The story is quite good with intrigue surrounding the groom.
June 9, 2023
Very enjoyable. Nice story about Kendra and Patrick. He's the Duke of Amberly and she's Jason Chase's baby sister. He's posing as a highway man to collect information for the king. Caught in what looks like a compromising position, they are forced to marry. When she discovers he's a duke she's very angry. She never, ever wanted to marry a duke.
Through a series of adventures, these two come to love one another, but the real story is what happens along the way.
Through a series of adventures, these two come to love one another, but the real story is what happens along the way.
April 1, 2020
If you enjoy brilliant writing and enjoyable reading
Your series is the first of more than a three book series that I will complete. You are brilliant writer and I thoroughly have enjoyed the first four so far,now starting number five. I know I will complete the entire series. Thank you for this series
Your series is the first of more than a three book series that I will complete. You are brilliant writer and I thoroughly have enjoyed the first four so far,now starting number five. I know I will complete the entire series. Thank you for this series
November 10, 2020
A thrilling forth in series
This is a thrilling forth book in a brilliant series. The plot is full of emotional twists and turns, as well as plenty of suspense. The characters are crafted wonderfully with lots of strength and determination, to overcome their obstacles. This is a great book that would suit all those who love steamy historical romances that have lots of intrigue.
This is a thrilling forth book in a brilliant series. The plot is full of emotional twists and turns, as well as plenty of suspense. The characters are crafted wonderfully with lots of strength and determination, to overcome their obstacles. This is a great book that would suit all those who love steamy historical romances that have lots of intrigue.
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