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Regency Silk & Scandal #5
Matrymonialna oferta
Anglia, XIX wiek. Niewielka przesyłka jest niczym puszka Pandory. Wraz z jej otwarciem stare sprawy wracają i ponownie obciążają żyjących jeszcze uczestników dawnego skandalu, a także ich dzieci.
Imogena Hebden dowiaduje się, że nie może liczyć na spadek ani pomoc najbliższych krewnych. Znajduje gościnę u wujostwa, którzy po odpowiednim przygotowaniu wprowadzają ją do towarzystwa. Oczekują od swojej podopiecznej, że znajdzie sobie męża, a tym samym uwolni ich od siebie. Imogena nie uważa się za szczególnie atrakcyjną kobietę, poza tym pochodzi z rodziny uwikłanej w głośny przed laty skandal. Nieoczekiwanie wzbudza żywe zainteresowanie wicehrabiego Monty'ego Mildenhalla, uznawanego za doskonałego kandydata na męża, któremu wyraźnie spieszy się do ślubu. Imogena wie, że w grę nie wchodzi miłość. Co więc powoduje wicehrabią?
Imogena Hebden dowiaduje się, że nie może liczyć na spadek ani pomoc najbliższych krewnych. Znajduje gościnę u wujostwa, którzy po odpowiednim przygotowaniu wprowadzają ją do towarzystwa. Oczekują od swojej podopiecznej, że znajdzie sobie męża, a tym samym uwolni ich od siebie. Imogena nie uważa się za szczególnie atrakcyjną kobietę, poza tym pochodzi z rodziny uwikłanej w głośny przed laty skandal. Nieoczekiwanie wzbudza żywe zainteresowanie wicehrabiego Monty'ego Mildenhalla, uznawanego za doskonałego kandydata na męża, któremu wyraźnie spieszy się do ślubu. Imogena wie, że w grę nie wchodzi miłość. Co więc powoduje wicehrabią?
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
15 people are currently reading
455 people want to read
About the author
Annie Burrows
184 books311 followersI've been published by Mills & Boon since 2007..but I'd been making up stories in my head for as long as I can remember. It was a long walk home from school, and there were no ipods in those days to keep you amused! When I wasn't daydreaming, I had my nose stuck in a book. My parents used to take me to the library every Saturday, until I was old enough to get there on my own, and my house was always full of books.
During school holidays, the whole family loved to visit stately homes and castles. As soon as we got home, my older sister and I would either dress up as lords and ladies, and romp around the garden, or, if it was raining, retreat to our bedroom where we would draw intricately detailed plans of our very own imaginary stately home, complete with secret tunnels, dungeons, and usually, a maze in the extensive grounds.
When I was old enough to go to university, I studied English literature, with Philosophy. I was not sure what I wanted to do after that, but meeting a handsome student of maths, who was the owner of a very powerful motorbike helped me make up my mind. Reader, I married him.
For many years I felt it was important to stay at home to raise our two children, but one day, when the youngest had gone to senior school, I began to wonder if all those stories I made up to occupy my mind whilst attending to mundane chores, would interest anyone else.
I started to write some of them down, and eventually decided that one of them was "deep" enough to merit attention from publishers. It took me almost two years to complete, mainly because I kept tearing it up and starting all over again. And having to keep going out to work to help pay for school fees, then university tuition, slowed progress down as well.
Needless to say, this masterpiece was rejected by every single publisher I sent it to, but by this time, writing had become an addiction.
Four more stories got rejected, before Mills & Boon bought "His Cinderella Bride", a regency romance.
I do have some other interests, besides writing! I love spending time pottering in my garden. And recently I've taken up ballroom dancing as a way to try and keep fit (and keep the romance alive in my marriage!)
During school holidays, the whole family loved to visit stately homes and castles. As soon as we got home, my older sister and I would either dress up as lords and ladies, and romp around the garden, or, if it was raining, retreat to our bedroom where we would draw intricately detailed plans of our very own imaginary stately home, complete with secret tunnels, dungeons, and usually, a maze in the extensive grounds.
When I was old enough to go to university, I studied English literature, with Philosophy. I was not sure what I wanted to do after that, but meeting a handsome student of maths, who was the owner of a very powerful motorbike helped me make up my mind. Reader, I married him.
For many years I felt it was important to stay at home to raise our two children, but one day, when the youngest had gone to senior school, I began to wonder if all those stories I made up to occupy my mind whilst attending to mundane chores, would interest anyone else.
I started to write some of them down, and eventually decided that one of them was "deep" enough to merit attention from publishers. It took me almost two years to complete, mainly because I kept tearing it up and starting all over again. And having to keep going out to work to help pay for school fees, then university tuition, slowed progress down as well.
Needless to say, this masterpiece was rejected by every single publisher I sent it to, but by this time, writing had become an addiction.
Four more stories got rejected, before Mills & Boon bought "His Cinderella Bride", a regency romance.
I do have some other interests, besides writing! I love spending time pottering in my garden. And recently I've taken up ballroom dancing as a way to try and keep fit (and keep the romance alive in my marriage!)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
September 30, 2010
The cover and the blurb drew me in when I got this one with my monthly Harlequin Historical books. I knew I'd be reading it soon. It didn't disappoint.
I don't want to give away too many plot details, because that is the fun in reading this book. It was interesting how deeply Imogen and Monty's lives intertwine. When they met, they seemed to be adversaries, but a blistering attraction makes that unlikely. They don't seem to be what each other wants at first glance, but they need to look deeper to see that they are meant for each other.
Imogen/Midge and Monty both have emotional baggage that they are dealing with. Imogen is a very loveable heroine, although she's way too hard on herself. But, I could see why, never having felt loved and appreciated. She finds it hard to believe that her husband could love her and want to be faithful to her. She takes his every action as a rejection. But, Monty is dealing with this difficult father and trying to play catch-up since he was a soldier for most of his young life, and now he's the heir to an earldom that has been mismanaged by his older brother before his death. He's got a lot on his plate, and that governs his actions quite a bit.
In the first book I read by Annie Burrows, The Earl's Untouched Bride, I felt that the misunderstandings between the couple went on too long. I was worried that this would be the same, but thankfully she didn't belabor those. I liked that Monty reasoned through some of Midge's actions towards the end, and came to the correct conclusion, instead of believing the poison his woman-hating father had spouted about her. I like how protective he was of her. For once, she had someone looking out for her needs.
My one issue, and sort of a big one, was the love scenes. Ms. Burrows does such an excellent job of building tension, you think you are in for some nicely steamy love scenes, but they so quick and very non-descriptive. I was quite disappointed. I don't mind at all if the author chooses not to include love scenes; but I don't like when the story is written so steamy with great chemistry and buildup, and then there are no good love scenes to show the culmination of that tension. That was the case with this story. There were passionate kisses and caresses, and the love scene would go by with no details (practically fade to black), and I felt like I had missed something. I think Midge and Monty deserved some good love scenes. Monty is pretty hot for his bride, and Midge feels so passionate towards him that she worries that she's being improper (after being condemned for being her wild/immodest parents' daughter for so many years). They really connect on that level, and their private moments are when the walls come down between them. It just doesn't fit to have these short, non-descriptive love scenes. That's why I can't really give this book five stars. It's a shame, because I loved this book. It would have been five stars if I hadn't felt cheated of some passion.
This is part of a Harlequin Historical series called Silk and Scandal. This is book five. I haven't read the first four books, although I plan to do so. It didn't hurt me to read this book out of order, although there is a larger continuity involved that relates to Midge's parents. There was a good secondary story with Midge's half-brother Stephen who is the illegitimate offspring of her father and a Gypsy woman. He's very embittered by the way he was abandoned, and wants revenge against his family, who he believes rejected him. It added another emotional layer to this story.
I'd definitely recommend this to fans of shorter regency romances. If you like the plain jane/spinster motif and married couple romances, I think you'll enjoy this. Although Monty comes off as arrogant and rude initially (reminding me a little of Darcy from Pride and Prejudice, although more passionate), he's really a nice guy. I liked him a lot. Midge and Monty were a great couple.
Overall rating: 4.5/5.0 stars.
I don't want to give away too many plot details, because that is the fun in reading this book. It was interesting how deeply Imogen and Monty's lives intertwine. When they met, they seemed to be adversaries, but a blistering attraction makes that unlikely. They don't seem to be what each other wants at first glance, but they need to look deeper to see that they are meant for each other.
Imogen/Midge and Monty both have emotional baggage that they are dealing with. Imogen is a very loveable heroine, although she's way too hard on herself. But, I could see why, never having felt loved and appreciated. She finds it hard to believe that her husband could love her and want to be faithful to her. She takes his every action as a rejection. But, Monty is dealing with this difficult father and trying to play catch-up since he was a soldier for most of his young life, and now he's the heir to an earldom that has been mismanaged by his older brother before his death. He's got a lot on his plate, and that governs his actions quite a bit.
In the first book I read by Annie Burrows, The Earl's Untouched Bride, I felt that the misunderstandings between the couple went on too long. I was worried that this would be the same, but thankfully she didn't belabor those. I liked that Monty reasoned through some of Midge's actions towards the end, and came to the correct conclusion, instead of believing the poison his woman-hating father had spouted about her. I like how protective he was of her. For once, she had someone looking out for her needs.
My one issue, and sort of a big one, was the love scenes. Ms. Burrows does such an excellent job of building tension, you think you are in for some nicely steamy love scenes, but they so quick and very non-descriptive. I was quite disappointed. I don't mind at all if the author chooses not to include love scenes; but I don't like when the story is written so steamy with great chemistry and buildup, and then there are no good love scenes to show the culmination of that tension. That was the case with this story. There were passionate kisses and caresses, and the love scene would go by with no details (practically fade to black), and I felt like I had missed something. I think Midge and Monty deserved some good love scenes. Monty is pretty hot for his bride, and Midge feels so passionate towards him that she worries that she's being improper (after being condemned for being her wild/immodest parents' daughter for so many years). They really connect on that level, and their private moments are when the walls come down between them. It just doesn't fit to have these short, non-descriptive love scenes. That's why I can't really give this book five stars. It's a shame, because I loved this book. It would have been five stars if I hadn't felt cheated of some passion.
This is part of a Harlequin Historical series called Silk and Scandal. This is book five. I haven't read the first four books, although I plan to do so. It didn't hurt me to read this book out of order, although there is a larger continuity involved that relates to Midge's parents. There was a good secondary story with Midge's half-brother Stephen who is the illegitimate offspring of her father and a Gypsy woman. He's very embittered by the way he was abandoned, and wants revenge against his family, who he believes rejected him. It added another emotional layer to this story.
I'd definitely recommend this to fans of shorter regency romances. If you like the plain jane/spinster motif and married couple romances, I think you'll enjoy this. Although Monty comes off as arrogant and rude initially (reminding me a little of Darcy from Pride and Prejudice, although more passionate), he's really a nice guy. I liked him a lot. Midge and Monty were a great couple.
Overall rating: 4.5/5.0 stars.
January 14, 2011
This one was great. It hooked me straightaway and didn't let up. I really struggled to put it down, and only didn't finish it in one sitting since I knew I'd forget what I wanted to say in the review. It redeemed the series for me slightly after the disappointment of
.
Things I liked about this one:-
- The story is great. A lonely woman and a lonely man find each other and love. Great stuff.
- The heroine - she's loving, accident-prone, haunted by the selfish actions of her parents, the neglect of her stepfamily, but still determined to rise above it. Outwardly, she has limited self-confidence, but inwardly she knows herself, and understands her her choices, while limited, are something she can control a little. She is a wonderful heroine, ignorant of the ways of Society and too true to herself to conform, even though she does try. She is who she is.
- The hero - he is also exactly who he is. When we first meet him he has been trying to conform to both his father's demands and Society's expectations, but he is essentially a soldier, used to the deprivations of war, the command of men and confrontations with death. He despises Society and his one fault is to paint everyone in it with the same brush. I think he's a wonderful hero, and although I don't much like how he treats the heroine I can understand it perfectly - as someone with practically no female influence in his life, he has no idea how they tick or how to go about talking, courting or being with them. The external image of an incredibly attractive, wealthy, eligible habitué of Society bares no resemblance to the reality. I liked this a lot. So many HRs include attractive heroines who don't understand their own attractiveness and it makes a wonderful change to twist the hero this way. After all his looks would have meant nothing to his comrades in the army, and his wealth and title is newly acquired.
- The Misunderstanding - I'm not a huge fan of The Big Misunderstanding plot which could be resolved with a five minute chat, but this one really worked. Yes, they kept a lot from each other, but the Misunderstanding was not one which was particularly obvious, and, honestly, how long does it actually take for a couple to become completely honest with each other? Months, years? Some never do. It just worked for me.
- The steam bits are short, but quite powerful nonetheless
- I loved the way yet again the underlying series mystery is expanded on. We're given new details, from a different angle but they do nothing to resolve it, and Stephen/Stefano is made more of an enigma even as we learn more about him.
Things I didn't like so much:
- We don't really get to understand the hero's immediate attraction to the heroine. I cae understand lust etc, but it's never explained, not even as something which the hero doesn't understand in himself. Was it her lack of pretention, her physical attributes, or the way she didn't conform to Society's expectations? You never know and that bugged me. I mean, you know what she looks like, more-or-less, but not what attractive him to her
- I couldn't understand why the hero deserted the heroine in the way he did. This could have been resolved in a better way. They lived in a country pile, couldn't he have just moved to a different wing? Going off in the way he did seemed out of character to me, irresponsible when his sense of duty and responsibility are so well-defined. Now, I could understand why he didn't explain anything to her. Heaven knows, sometimes my husband seems to think that I can read his mind or communicate through telepathy, but removing himself from her so completely just didn't really work for me, not when he completely understood what the risk was.
- The cover - this is supposed to be a story about a scruffy spinster, who can't help but get mud on her shoes or tear her dress, and an ex-soldier hero, who has suffered some pretty horrible wounds and is considered The eligible bachelor of the ton. The cover is totally wrong - the cover girl is super-attractive and even her hair is brushed, and the cover-boy, whilst pretty dishy, doesn't look "Regency" at all. It's a minor thing, but annoys me.
So, despite these minor annoyances, a 5 star read for me. I honestly couldn't put it down, and loved the hero and heroine, and the story.
.Things I liked about this one:-
- The story is great. A lonely woman and a lonely man find each other and love. Great stuff.
- The heroine - she's loving, accident-prone, haunted by the selfish actions of her parents, the neglect of her stepfamily, but still determined to rise above it. Outwardly, she has limited self-confidence, but inwardly she knows herself, and understands her her choices, while limited, are something she can control a little. She is a wonderful heroine, ignorant of the ways of Society and too true to herself to conform, even though she does try. She is who she is.
- The hero - he is also exactly who he is. When we first meet him he has been trying to conform to both his father's demands and Society's expectations, but he is essentially a soldier, used to the deprivations of war, the command of men and confrontations with death. He despises Society and his one fault is to paint everyone in it with the same brush. I think he's a wonderful hero, and although I don't much like how he treats the heroine I can understand it perfectly - as someone with practically no female influence in his life, he has no idea how they tick or how to go about talking, courting or being with them. The external image of an incredibly attractive, wealthy, eligible habitué of Society bares no resemblance to the reality. I liked this a lot. So many HRs include attractive heroines who don't understand their own attractiveness and it makes a wonderful change to twist the hero this way. After all his looks would have meant nothing to his comrades in the army, and his wealth and title is newly acquired.
- The Misunderstanding - I'm not a huge fan of The Big Misunderstanding plot which could be resolved with a five minute chat, but this one really worked. Yes, they kept a lot from each other, but the Misunderstanding was not one which was particularly obvious, and, honestly, how long does it actually take for a couple to become completely honest with each other? Months, years? Some never do. It just worked for me.
- The steam bits are short, but quite powerful nonetheless
- I loved the way yet again the underlying series mystery is expanded on. We're given new details, from a different angle but they do nothing to resolve it, and Stephen/Stefano is made more of an enigma even as we learn more about him.
Things I didn't like so much:
- We don't really get to understand the hero's immediate attraction to the heroine. I cae understand lust etc, but it's never explained, not even as something which the hero doesn't understand in himself. Was it her lack of pretention, her physical attributes, or the way she didn't conform to Society's expectations? You never know and that bugged me. I mean, you know what she looks like, more-or-less, but not what attractive him to her
- I couldn't understand why the hero deserted the heroine in the way he did. This could have been resolved in a better way. They lived in a country pile, couldn't he have just moved to a different wing? Going off in the way he did seemed out of character to me, irresponsible when his sense of duty and responsibility are so well-defined. Now, I could understand why he didn't explain anything to her. Heaven knows, sometimes my husband seems to think that I can read his mind or communicate through telepathy, but removing himself from her so completely just didn't really work for me, not when he completely understood what the risk was.
- The cover - this is supposed to be a story about a scruffy spinster, who can't help but get mud on her shoes or tear her dress, and an ex-soldier hero, who has suffered some pretty horrible wounds and is considered The eligible bachelor of the ton. The cover is totally wrong - the cover girl is super-attractive and even her hair is brushed, and the cover-boy, whilst pretty dishy, doesn't look "Regency" at all. It's a minor thing, but annoys me.
So, despite these minor annoyances, a 5 star read for me. I honestly couldn't put it down, and loved the hero and heroine, and the story.
October 8, 2010
The hero and heroine meet in an inauspicious manner. She trips (because of mean girls) and falls on him, and he thinks it's a plot to snare him in marriage. He's mean to her, she hates him. But things are not always as they seem.
The hero's a big jerk through much of the first part of this story, but he doesn't maintain his jerkiness TOO long. The continuing mystery about the man hanged for treason and murder comes in only late in the story, but it does play a powerful part. I liked the heroine quite a bit, though sometimes her spur-of-the-moment behavior made me want to swat her. (The hero had his swat-worthy moments too.) Sometimes I think I enjoy those stories a bit more, when the characters act like real people who do stupid things. (I often want to swat certain of my relatives...) But it all comes out nicely in the end.
The hero's a big jerk through much of the first part of this story, but he doesn't maintain his jerkiness TOO long. The continuing mystery about the man hanged for treason and murder comes in only late in the story, but it does play a powerful part. I liked the heroine quite a bit, though sometimes her spur-of-the-moment behavior made me want to swat her. (The hero had his swat-worthy moments too.) Sometimes I think I enjoy those stories a bit more, when the characters act like real people who do stupid things. (I often want to swat certain of my relatives...) But it all comes out nicely in the end.
July 1, 2011
Being in possession of a low-level hangover I was after reading something light and undemanding, this book is nothing if not that.
A romance in which every obstacle to the main couple's happiness is purely miscommunication which gets resolved in the final pages leaving them to their happy-ever-after, this was inoffensive enough stuff, although I think it would have been a much better story had Imogen told everyone around her to sod off and gone off on her own instead....I'm probably not really the audience for romance novels in that case, am I?!
A romance in which every obstacle to the main couple's happiness is purely miscommunication which gets resolved in the final pages leaving them to their happy-ever-after, this was inoffensive enough stuff, although I think it would have been a much better story had Imogen told everyone around her to sod off and gone off on her own instead....I'm probably not really the audience for romance novels in that case, am I?!
August 18, 2018
I really got into this story. Finished reading at 3am, in one sitting. Lovely story.
5☆
5☆
February 19, 2013
Easily my least favorite of the Silk and Scandal series, which is quite good overall. The hero begins the story as a complete jerk, and doesn't make it much farther than well-meaning idiot by the end. The heroine seems like she could have been fun, but she's so easily beaten down and confused that it's hard to appreciate her wit and sense of adventure. The both of them spend so much time misunderstanding each other and doing irrational things that it's more than a bit annoying when everything is fixed by the two of them taking a couple of pages to just STATE THEIR FEELINGS, which they could have been doing all along.
The sex is incredibly boring, which is a fault of the entire series--it feels like we're reading the same snoozy love scenes again and again, only with different names and hair/eye colors. This was the book where I started skimming them. I know it's a Harlequin Historical, and I shouldn't have expected too much heat, but sheesh. Change it up a little!
Still, it was nice to see Stephen/Stephano again and get a bit more of his perspective. Definitely whetted my appetite for book 8! And it's short enough and has enough movement on the series' overarching mystery that I didn't feel I had wasted my time on it.
The sex is incredibly boring, which is a fault of the entire series--it feels like we're reading the same snoozy love scenes again and again, only with different names and hair/eye colors. This was the book where I started skimming them. I know it's a Harlequin Historical, and I shouldn't have expected too much heat, but sheesh. Change it up a little!
Still, it was nice to see Stephen/Stephano again and get a bit more of his perspective. Definitely whetted my appetite for book 8! And it's short enough and has enough movement on the series' overarching mystery that I didn't feel I had wasted my time on it.
November 9, 2010
The Viscount and the Virgin is my favorite (so far) of the Silk and Scandal series. Imogen is a plain-Jane heroine (which I adore) but she’s no pushover. She doesn’t fit in anywhere and though she tries to please everyone, it hasn’t completely overshadowed her natural exuberance for life. With her tendency to throw herself head-long into situations, she finds herself causing all sorts of havoc without lifting a finger.
As for the hero, he’s not terribly likable in the beginning but he does redeem himself. The main ‘issue’ (if you could call it that) was that I found him to be a little wishy-washy. Not every hero can be an alpha but I was annoyed with his constant second-guessing and the reiteration of his shortcomings. I just wanted to smack him on the back of the head and yell, ‘Enough!’ :)
The Viscount and the Virgin is a funny, laugh-out-loud romp with a clumsy heroine, a sexy hero, a devious set of twins and enough edge to keep you turning the pages. It is a welcome addition to the Silk and Scandals series from Harlequin. ~ Renee, www.ireadromance.com
As for the hero, he’s not terribly likable in the beginning but he does redeem himself. The main ‘issue’ (if you could call it that) was that I found him to be a little wishy-washy. Not every hero can be an alpha but I was annoyed with his constant second-guessing and the reiteration of his shortcomings. I just wanted to smack him on the back of the head and yell, ‘Enough!’ :)
The Viscount and the Virgin is a funny, laugh-out-loud romp with a clumsy heroine, a sexy hero, a devious set of twins and enough edge to keep you turning the pages. It is a welcome addition to the Silk and Scandals series from Harlequin. ~ Renee, www.ireadromance.com
March 13, 2013
Although the characters could have been developed to produce an engaging story, this book was boring, colorless and banal.
The main plot line is the miscommunication between the married couple.
The author describes at length every little detail of the heroine's fears and anxieties, adding nothing to the story apart from the sense that the girl is a nitwit. It does, however, succeeds on leaving the reader with a permanently frustrated feeling about what's happening.
The love scenes are described in short paragraphs. You would expect that a book titled "The Viscount and the Virgin" would have a better deflowering scene than this one:
"When he made them one flesh, she felt complete for the first time in her life(...)"
Also, the cover doesn't resemble the characters description in the slightest, which is a huge pet peeve of mine.
The main plot line is the miscommunication between the married couple.
The author describes at length every little detail of the heroine's fears and anxieties, adding nothing to the story apart from the sense that the girl is a nitwit. It does, however, succeeds on leaving the reader with a permanently frustrated feeling about what's happening.
The love scenes are described in short paragraphs. You would expect that a book titled "The Viscount and the Virgin" would have a better deflowering scene than this one:
"When he made them one flesh, she felt complete for the first time in her life(...)"
Also, the cover doesn't resemble the characters description in the slightest, which is a huge pet peeve of mine.
February 13, 2015
Fifth book in the series featuring Imogen Hebden and Viscount Mildenhall. Imogen is in London for a season to find a husband. Her circumstances have drastically altered and without the resources of her aunt and uncle she'd be homeless and without money. Unfortunately Imogen does not possess any of the social graces having been allowed to do her own thing in her late stepfather's home. One of her stepbrothers comes to london and promises to get his friend Monty to introduce Imogen to suitable young men, just so long as they're not at all like the despicable Viscount Mildenhall who has made it very clear what he thinks of her.
This is part of a series of books with an underlying who done it plot. But each book features a different couple, so you could read it as a stand alone IMO. This is a light romantic read with very engaging characters. I really enjoyed it.
This is part of a series of books with an underlying who done it plot. But each book features a different couple, so you could read it as a stand alone IMO. This is a light romantic read with very engaging characters. I really enjoyed it.
March 6, 2022
First read in 2011, then re-read in 2017 and bumping it up to 4 stars. This is a great example of my favorite formula. Insecure heoine, a series of misunderstandings that reinforce her insecurities, a hero who has to win her after hurting her feelings and soothe her. So much good angst! If her insecurity had been a bit more focused on her appearance (as opposed to her fear of being like her mother), this would have been a 4.5+ book in my personal rating system
January 31, 2018
Meh...
El libro prometía pero realmente fue una decepción. Una de las cosas negativas de leer una versión traducida es que realmente no sabes si el autor escribe mal o es problemas de traducción, pero voy a achacarlo a la traducción porque ha sido un desastre. De cualquier forma, la historia, aunque al principio prometía, fue igualmente un desastre. A mi parecer no se resolvió nada, los personajes fueron super desorganizados, no tenían ni pies ni cabeza. Realmente una no podía diferenciar cuando se estaba en un recuerdo y cuando en el "presente" puesto que los saltos son una locura. Ademas, la historia se desenvuelve de un brusco increíble. Yo realmente no me fije que tan avanzada estaba en el libro hasta que llegue a la ultima pagina y me quede esperando mas, porque me pareció que me dejaron a la mitad de una historia. La "resolución" fue patética y ambos protagonistas me parecieron estúpidos y carentes de emoción, o incluso, carácter. En fin, realmente no me gustó. 1.5 porque solo las primeras paginas me dieron un poco de risa en algunas partes, nada mas.
El libro prometía pero realmente fue una decepción. Una de las cosas negativas de leer una versión traducida es que realmente no sabes si el autor escribe mal o es problemas de traducción, pero voy a achacarlo a la traducción porque ha sido un desastre. De cualquier forma, la historia, aunque al principio prometía, fue igualmente un desastre. A mi parecer no se resolvió nada, los personajes fueron super desorganizados, no tenían ni pies ni cabeza. Realmente una no podía diferenciar cuando se estaba en un recuerdo y cuando en el "presente" puesto que los saltos son una locura. Ademas, la historia se desenvuelve de un brusco increíble. Yo realmente no me fije que tan avanzada estaba en el libro hasta que llegue a la ultima pagina y me quede esperando mas, porque me pareció que me dejaron a la mitad de una historia. La "resolución" fue patética y ambos protagonistas me parecieron estúpidos y carentes de emoción, o incluso, carácter. En fin, realmente no me gustó. 1.5 porque solo las primeras paginas me dieron un poco de risa en algunas partes, nada mas.
November 29, 2017
Harlequin Regency silk and scandal series. Story about the sins of the father 20 years prior gypsy curse being visited on their children. Wardal children - nell, nathan and rosalind; Hebden children Imogen, Stephen ( Nadya gypsy half sister) Carlow children Marcus, Hal, Honoria and Verity
#1 The lord and the Wayward Lady Louise Allen - Marcus and Nell’s story
#2 Paying the Virgin’s price by Christine Merrill - Nathan and Diana’s story
#3 The Smuggler and the society bride by Julia Justice -Hawk and Honoria’s story
#4 Claiming the Forbidden Bride by Gayle Wilson - Rhys and Nadya
#5 The viscount and the virgin by Annie Burrows Monty and Imogen
#6 Unlacing the Innocent miss by Margaret McPhee - wolf and Rosalind’s story
#7 The officer and the Proper Lady by Louise Allen - Hal and Julia’s story
#8 Taken by the wicked rake by Christine Merrill - Verity and Stephan
#1 The lord and the Wayward Lady Louise Allen - Marcus and Nell’s story
#2 Paying the Virgin’s price by Christine Merrill - Nathan and Diana’s story
#3 The Smuggler and the society bride by Julia Justice -Hawk and Honoria’s story
#4 Claiming the Forbidden Bride by Gayle Wilson - Rhys and Nadya
#5 The viscount and the virgin by Annie Burrows Monty and Imogen
#6 Unlacing the Innocent miss by Margaret McPhee - wolf and Rosalind’s story
#7 The officer and the Proper Lady by Louise Allen - Hal and Julia’s story
#8 Taken by the wicked rake by Christine Merrill - Verity and Stephan
April 26, 2018
An entertaining enough read for a rainy day, so why just the three stars. It was one of those plot's based on miscommunication, only to be resolved at the very end. (My least favourite kind of plot, Grrr, it only serves to be irritating). The secondary characters were more interesting. Monty's twin brothers were amusing and Imogen's gypsy brother Stephen added a little darkness to the plot. I did not feel that the sub plot of their parents demise was really fully resolved and Imogen's relationship with her brother Stephen was left hanging in mid air. This book could have been so much more. 2.5 stars.
August 13, 2020
Read November 9, 2018
There are funny moments, swooning moments and sexy moments. But I can't help but feel that there are also a lot of instances where the prose could have been written better. Sometimes it felt like an amateur wrote the sentences because they felt choppy and didn't flow smoothly. Still, it is a nice book that brought lots of laughs and I'm gladly giving it 3 stars.
There are funny moments, swooning moments and sexy moments. But I can't help but feel that there are also a lot of instances where the prose could have been written better. Sometimes it felt like an amateur wrote the sentences because they felt choppy and didn't flow smoothly. Still, it is a nice book that brought lots of laughs and I'm gladly giving it 3 stars.
November 28, 2020
DNF at 40%
I just couldn’t get past the inconsiderate, arrogant, selfish ass the H was. He forcefully kisses the h and then basically calls her a whore. Then he pretty much forces her to marry him too. And she’s okay with all of it because she’s in lust with him. Nope. No. No. No.
I just couldn’t get past the inconsiderate, arrogant, selfish ass the H was. He forcefully kisses the h and then basically calls her a whore. Then he pretty much forces her to marry him too. And she’s okay with all of it because she’s in lust with him. Nope. No. No. No.
February 28, 2019
It's A Keeper
A klutzy miss keeps running into a Viscount who arrogantly assumes she trying to trap him into marriage. Miserable with her circumstances, she longs for her Independence. A visit from a step- brother leads to another encounter with the Viscount, again not the best evening she's ever had. Over time their relationship starts to change and the man she thought was lost comes back.
A charming love story of mistaken identity and acceptance.
A klutzy miss keeps running into a Viscount who arrogantly assumes she trying to trap him into marriage. Miserable with her circumstances, she longs for her Independence. A visit from a step- brother leads to another encounter with the Viscount, again not the best evening she's ever had. Over time their relationship starts to change and the man she thought was lost comes back.
A charming love story of mistaken identity and acceptance.
Want to read
July 19, 2020elibrary
December 8, 2021
This was a terrible book with a convoluted plot which made no sense most of the time. There were a few pages when I thought it was going to improve but it didn’t. I was skipping pages by the end.
October 19, 2025
meh, 2.5*
August 3, 2016
Don't trust the summary (or the cover), it's really not very accurate. At first glance I wasn't very enthusiastic and only decided to read the book because I'm addicted to the Silk & Scandal series. And it turned out to be much more interesting, one of my favorites so far in the series.
This is Imogen Hebden's story - the daughter of the viscount who was murdered 20 years ago, if you're following the Silk & Scandal series (which I heartily recommend, but is not necessary to understand this book). She is struggling in society because of that past scandal involving her parents, and her natural clumsiness doesn't help. I found it very easy to identify with her - her hair never stays where it's supposed to, her clothes get wrinkled or stained before she even arrives at a ball, and she has ideas. And she desperately needs affection after pretty much everyone she ever cared about pushed her and her needs into the background.
Imogen - or Midge - doesn't really want a husband, she's only trying to fit into society to please her aunt and uncle who have taken it onto themselves to find her a good match. She'd rather stay on the shelf and become a governess somewhere... Especially once she meets an obnoxious viscount who could damage her reputation even more. They take an instant dislike to each other. But what they don't know is that they actually share more than they think.
I don't think it's a huge spoiler to reveal that they get married, and most of the book actually happens after the wedding. Lots of misunderstandings, insecurities and troublesome family members make it hard for them to find their happiness. Mostly because they don't talk to each other enough - which is always tricky in romances, it's easy to go over the top and make it really annoying (I'm sure I'm not the only one who speaks to characters while reading a book: "TALK to him/her - use your mouth and make sounds!") but in this case I thought is was rather well done. Probably more so because both characters are quite likable and realistic, with enough flaws that we identify with them and find it believable that they would have trouble communicating.
We also find out more about the big Scandal and its repercussions, through what Imogen found out about it from her mother. And Stephano/Stephen makes a substantial appearance which allows us to get to know him better, something I very much anticipated after the other books and particularly Paying the Virgin's Price and Claiming the Forbidden Bride. He's a great "villain" character, possibly the best I remember in romance novels, very complex, alternatively hurting people very badly in very twisted ways (the worst, I think, in The Smuggler and the Society Bride) and actually helping them to find their soulmate while still pursuing his strange sense of justice/revenge (already a bit in Paying the Virgin's Price, and definitely in Unlacing the Innocent Miss). I can't wait to get to the last book and read his story (Taken by the Wicked Rake).
This is Imogen Hebden's story - the daughter of the viscount who was murdered 20 years ago, if you're following the Silk & Scandal series (which I heartily recommend, but is not necessary to understand this book). She is struggling in society because of that past scandal involving her parents, and her natural clumsiness doesn't help. I found it very easy to identify with her - her hair never stays where it's supposed to, her clothes get wrinkled or stained before she even arrives at a ball, and she has ideas. And she desperately needs affection after pretty much everyone she ever cared about pushed her and her needs into the background.
Imogen - or Midge - doesn't really want a husband, she's only trying to fit into society to please her aunt and uncle who have taken it onto themselves to find her a good match. She'd rather stay on the shelf and become a governess somewhere... Especially once she meets an obnoxious viscount who could damage her reputation even more. They take an instant dislike to each other. But what they don't know is that they actually share more than they think.
I don't think it's a huge spoiler to reveal that they get married, and most of the book actually happens after the wedding. Lots of misunderstandings, insecurities and troublesome family members make it hard for them to find their happiness. Mostly because they don't talk to each other enough - which is always tricky in romances, it's easy to go over the top and make it really annoying (I'm sure I'm not the only one who speaks to characters while reading a book: "TALK to him/her - use your mouth and make sounds!") but in this case I thought is was rather well done. Probably more so because both characters are quite likable and realistic, with enough flaws that we identify with them and find it believable that they would have trouble communicating.
We also find out more about the big Scandal and its repercussions, through what Imogen found out about it from her mother. And Stephano/Stephen makes a substantial appearance which allows us to get to know him better, something I very much anticipated after the other books and particularly Paying the Virgin's Price and Claiming the Forbidden Bride. He's a great "villain" character, possibly the best I remember in romance novels, very complex, alternatively hurting people very badly in very twisted ways (the worst, I think, in The Smuggler and the Society Bride) and actually helping them to find their soulmate while still pursuing his strange sense of justice/revenge (already a bit in Paying the Virgin's Price, and definitely in Unlacing the Innocent Miss). I can't wait to get to the last book and read his story (Taken by the Wicked Rake).
April 15, 2018
A really good and touching story, with appealing characters
August 18, 2012
The Viscount and the Virgin, for me, reminds us readers that assuming too much leads to a lot misunderstandings.
Midge, Imogen Hebden, assumed that Monty, Viscount Mildenhall, never wanted her in the first place. That the only reason he choose her was because she was convenient, indispensable. Yes, she have no reservations that he desires her but that doesn't mean he loves her.
Monty, on the other hand, after realizing his mistake after guessing the truth about Midge's character thought he could make up for his short-comings and eventually stay true to himself. He is in love with his wife but after assuming her to be in love with someone else, Monty choose not to lay his heart at her feet.
Their story continues with a whirlpool of other assumptions which could have been solved if they explained to the other what is what. I enjoyed their story although it was bit fast but then again with Midge and Monty they do need a fast pace.
I don't often pay attention to other characters but I was drawn to Rick, Midge's step-brother, and I find myself hoping he had his own story. And of course the gypsy half-brother Stephen who in my mind is the mysterious and dark stranger. There's something more about him that meets the eye and again I wished he had a story of his own.
Midge, Imogen Hebden, assumed that Monty, Viscount Mildenhall, never wanted her in the first place. That the only reason he choose her was because she was convenient, indispensable. Yes, she have no reservations that he desires her but that doesn't mean he loves her.
Monty, on the other hand, after realizing his mistake after guessing the truth about Midge's character thought he could make up for his short-comings and eventually stay true to himself. He is in love with his wife but after assuming her to be in love with someone else, Monty choose not to lay his heart at her feet.
Their story continues with a whirlpool of other assumptions which could have been solved if they explained to the other what is what. I enjoyed their story although it was bit fast but then again with Midge and Monty they do need a fast pace.
I don't often pay attention to other characters but I was drawn to Rick, Midge's step-brother, and I find myself hoping he had his own story. And of course the gypsy half-brother Stephen who in my mind is the mysterious and dark stranger. There's something more about him that meets the eye and again I wished he had a story of his own.
January 26, 2011
Rating: 3.5 stars
To be fair - it takes A LOT for me to rate 5 stars on a book. Most of my favorite historical romance novels end up at 4 stars.
This book had so much potential. I loved Midge and Monty and I wanted more than what I got from them in this book. I was looking for that point in the novel that is gut-wrenching and you are not sure how they will get through to their own Happily Ever After. It was weak at best. Monty didn't have any misconceptions on Midge -they were all from her side. To add insult to injury, as many other reviewers have mentioned, the love scenes were almost non existent. The passion and lead up was pretty good and then Anne Burrows leaves you hanging. The book is called the Viscount and the Virgin - I expected at least 1 steamy love scene when she loses her virginity!
To be fair - it takes A LOT for me to rate 5 stars on a book. Most of my favorite historical romance novels end up at 4 stars.
This book had so much potential. I loved Midge and Monty and I wanted more than what I got from them in this book. I was looking for that point in the novel that is gut-wrenching and you are not sure how they will get through to their own Happily Ever After. It was weak at best. Monty didn't have any misconceptions on Midge -they were all from her side. To add insult to injury, as many other reviewers have mentioned, the love scenes were almost non existent. The passion and lead up was pretty good and then Anne Burrows leaves you hanging. The book is called the Viscount and the Virgin - I expected at least 1 steamy love scene when she loses her virginity!
January 24, 2015
I enjoyed this book a lot! I read it in two days because I couldn't stop reading it every spare moment I had. Only a few things made me give it four stars instead of 5....
No super steamy scenes, most were run through quickly without the details I am used to in a romance novel. It's not a horrible thing though, since the story itself was good. I hate it when it's obvious the main purpose of the story are the sex scenes so the book is fine in that department but I do like them when they are more detailed.
The the main character repeated the same rambling thoughts over and over in her head but I supose I do that in real life sometimes lol, so I can look over that.
Lastly the ending kind of snuck up
On me when I thought some things still needed to be resolved. This book is part of a series though so hopefully I will get the closure I need in the next books.
No super steamy scenes, most were run through quickly without the details I am used to in a romance novel. It's not a horrible thing though, since the story itself was good. I hate it when it's obvious the main purpose of the story are the sex scenes so the book is fine in that department but I do like them when they are more detailed.
The the main character repeated the same rambling thoughts over and over in her head but I supose I do that in real life sometimes lol, so I can look over that.
Lastly the ending kind of snuck up
On me when I thought some things still needed to be resolved. This book is part of a series though so hopefully I will get the closure I need in the next books.
August 2, 2011
Going over my "read" shelf, I was surprised to find this book.
Having loaded an indecent amount of books on my Kindle, I guess I stumbled on the Viscount and the Virgin.
I like the word "viscount" which accounts almost entirely on the reason I read this book. Had I seen the cover, I am pretty sure I would have squinted a bit and deleted in a heartbeat.
Turns out, it was a fast and enjoyable read.
Nothing really earth shattering but I do not regret giving it a chance.
It keeps up with the historical period nicely.
That's the best I can do review-wise, because frankly, it is really not my area of expertise and I would not want to discourage someone from reading it (and also because it made such a little impression on me that I barely remember anything).
Having loaded an indecent amount of books on my Kindle, I guess I stumbled on the Viscount and the Virgin.
I like the word "viscount" which accounts almost entirely on the reason I read this book. Had I seen the cover, I am pretty sure I would have squinted a bit and deleted in a heartbeat.
Turns out, it was a fast and enjoyable read.
Nothing really earth shattering but I do not regret giving it a chance.
It keeps up with the historical period nicely.
That's the best I can do review-wise, because frankly, it is really not my area of expertise and I would not want to discourage someone from reading it (and also because it made such a little impression on me that I barely remember anything).
September 9, 2016
Some misunderstanding novels are good, and others are great. This one is great.
Midge has loved her step-brother's army friend, Monty, for years. Always keeping him in mind when she wrote to Rick, Midge is eager to make his acquaintance now that she's in London. But before she knows it, it turns out to be that the man who hates her, Viscount Mildenhall. He's convinced that she's out to trap him into marriage. But when the two of them realize their connections sparks will start to fly.
Funny and endearing, this novel brings all the best and worst aspects of family. It shows how misunderstanding can not only do damage, but also bring about humorous situations.
Possibly my favorite of the Regency Silk & Scandal series.
Midge has loved her step-brother's army friend, Monty, for years. Always keeping him in mind when she wrote to Rick, Midge is eager to make his acquaintance now that she's in London. But before she knows it, it turns out to be that the man who hates her, Viscount Mildenhall. He's convinced that she's out to trap him into marriage. But when the two of them realize their connections sparks will start to fly.
Funny and endearing, this novel brings all the best and worst aspects of family. It shows how misunderstanding can not only do damage, but also bring about humorous situations.
Possibly my favorite of the Regency Silk & Scandal series.
March 14, 2016
A romance about a viscount and a virgin (or a "lady") and how its development and obstacles are due to lack of communication, excess of assumptions, arrogance, and sullied pasts. The viscount, since having become viscount, assume a lot of overtures by women based on his arrogance of wealth and title. The lady, because of her mother's sullied romantic reputation, has no disillusion of what her future will be like but cannot help for more.
I actually think that the story could have been elaborated on a bit. Random characters were introduced near the end of the book, which didn't add much to the story but were resolved so quickly.
I actually think that the story could have been elaborated on a bit. Random characters were introduced near the end of the book, which didn't add much to the story but were resolved so quickly.
November 2, 2011
The fifth book re: Silk & Scandal, here´s the story of Imogen, she´s having her chance at a Season and knows it´s her only one. When her stepfather died, her halfbrother threw her out since she wasn´t blood, now her other half brother has a plan including his friend Monty who Imogen once exchanged letters with. Their first meeting did not live up to expectations, though. =) I´m not giving up any spoilers, but it´s a fun read with lots of twists.
February 17, 2017
I liked this book, but there were a lot of interesting and non interesting parts to the story. One of the main characters is trying to deal with being normal in the society's eyes because her mother made a horrible impact to everyone when she cheated on several accounts. I feel like they explained it way too much in this book which sort of dragged the story down. Everything else was fine, there wasn't that much adultery in this book so this can be allowed for teenagers to read.
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