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Almost Perfect
One broken urn, one fallen earl and a kiss for a wager. Add Scotland, an ace up a noble sleeve and a runaway card sharp and let the chase begin!
Desperate for funds to protect her sister, Cassandra Marston wagers a kiss in a card game with incorrigible rake Lucien Hollier, Lord Graceton. Her plan to use him costs her far more than a kiss. When she and the handsome lord play their second game, she wins every hand and flees into the night with Luciens's money, regretting she will see him no more.
Lucien races after her, only to find her alone and injured in her family's fallen coach. When she dares to feign amnesia, it's one bluff he's delighted to call. No matter what he must do, he will prove she's a cheat.
Desperate for funds to protect her sister, Cassandra Marston wagers a kiss in a card game with incorrigible rake Lucien Hollier, Lord Graceton. Her plan to use him costs her far more than a kiss. When she and the handsome lord play their second game, she wins every hand and flees into the night with Luciens's money, regretting she will see him no more.
Lucien races after her, only to find her alone and injured in her family's fallen coach. When she dares to feign amnesia, it's one bluff he's delighted to call. No matter what he must do, he will prove she's a cheat.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2003
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308 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
June 2, 2010
I loved Denise Domning's medievals and Elizabethans so I couldn't resist trying this book that she wrote as Denise Hampton. It's a regency and the story of Cassie and Lucien. They met on her first season but her father being a gamester prevented him from declaring himself. Now Cassie is a widow and they meet again at a friend's house party.
Unbeknownst to all Cassie, her sister and her father are on the run. The father has lost everything and gambled his youngest daughter to a villain. To prevent her sister from falling into that man's hands Cassie smashed his head and they left him for dead. Since they didn't have any money they took refuge in Cassie's aunt's home planning to sail to America afterwards but, unwilling to tell her aunt that she murdered a man Cassie, and family, are forced to attend the party.
I really liked the characters. Cassie and Lucien are really likeable, despite him having left her with her hopes up a few years ago, and one can't help but wish that they find some common ground. The problem for me was the plot, I couldn't believe that Cassie's father could be that bad and then go completely good and I couldn't believe the lost memory plot as Cassie seemed too sensible to play a game like that. When the truth about why her family is on the run comes out everyone wants to lend a hand in bringing down the villain, and even Lucien has his own score to settle with him. It was a case of too villain to be true...
It's a entertaining and light read with some funny moments but you do have to suspend your disbelief in some of the scenes which made it more of an average read for me than what I'm used to from Domning. I wish she would go back to writing medievals...
Grade: 3.5/5
Unbeknownst to all Cassie, her sister and her father are on the run. The father has lost everything and gambled his youngest daughter to a villain. To prevent her sister from falling into that man's hands Cassie smashed his head and they left him for dead. Since they didn't have any money they took refuge in Cassie's aunt's home planning to sail to America afterwards but, unwilling to tell her aunt that she murdered a man Cassie, and family, are forced to attend the party.
I really liked the characters. Cassie and Lucien are really likeable, despite him having left her with her hopes up a few years ago, and one can't help but wish that they find some common ground. The problem for me was the plot, I couldn't believe that Cassie's father could be that bad and then go completely good and I couldn't believe the lost memory plot as Cassie seemed too sensible to play a game like that. When the truth about why her family is on the run comes out everyone wants to lend a hand in bringing down the villain, and even Lucien has his own score to settle with him. It was a case of too villain to be true...
It's a entertaining and light read with some funny moments but you do have to suspend your disbelief in some of the scenes which made it more of an average read for me than what I'm used to from Domning. I wish she would go back to writing medievals...
Grade: 3.5/5
October 6, 2014
Domning says the Regency time frame is too modern for her (she masters medieval romance, in fact).
I respect her opinion, but as she wrote a "simply perfect" Regency romance, we regret we won't have more of them!
I respect her opinion, but as she wrote a "simply perfect" Regency romance, we regret we won't have more of them!
November 14, 2018
Almost Perfect - R
Violence: not technically. There was some foul play.
Language: fewer than 15
Sex: Yes. Boo. 60 percent in.
Almost Perfect? Most definitely! This was very cleverly written and I enjoyed the banter and head games of out-thinking opponents. The romance was so fun and kept me entertained. Did NOT love the sex part, so I skipped over it and I'm planning to buy and redact this one.
Violence: not technically. There was some foul play.
Language: fewer than 15
Sex: Yes. Boo. 60 percent in.
Almost Perfect? Most definitely! This was very cleverly written and I enjoyed the banter and head games of out-thinking opponents. The romance was so fun and kept me entertained. Did NOT love the sex part, so I skipped over it and I'm planning to buy and redact this one.
the-kindle-black-hole
October 23, 2012Kindle edition of this is free today.
January 2, 2019
I think this book's title, Almost Perfect, really does it justice. It was in fact almost perfect. This is the first book I've read by Denise Doming, and apparently its her only Regency Era romance, so I'm very glad I picked it up. I enjoyed it immensely.
The plot was at times a little unrealistic and silly, but the author did a great job at making it believeable. The ending wasn't one of my favourite bits, it was a bit too mushy for my taste, and the characters were probably not that unique, but their story did feel so, and I loved the chemistry, the banter and the frienship between them. Denise truly is a great author. I was sorry to read that this will probably be her only Regency Era romance, as she doesn't feel that comfortable with this time period. She usually writes Medieval Romance. But that's actually probably the reason why this book wasn't perfect, just almost so. Her heart very likely wasn't 100% in it.
I don't usually read books set in Medieval times, as its very hard for me to find one that I actually enjoy -this coule be due to my lack of understanding and knowledge of the era-, but I think I'd be more than willing to try one of Domning's.
Before I finish, I'd like to point out one last thing. I think I might be suffering from a 'get to the point before I lose my mind' disorder, as all the books I've read recently have made me impatient and unwilling to read too many descriptions and/or musings. Having complained about this a lot recently I'm starting to wonder if the problem is me. I did get very bored with a lot of the descriptions in this book, like the clothes they were wearing, or the furnishings and decorations.
A little description can do a lot for me. I don't need a whole page of descriptions. Just give me a few details and my mind and imagination will do the rest. However, I do understand that the author is most likely trying to draw their readers a picture of what lies in their own mind.
Anyway, the story had me completely captured, so I didn't really mind skimming some of the text to get to the bits I wanted to read.
The plot was at times a little unrealistic and silly, but the author did a great job at making it believeable. The ending wasn't one of my favourite bits, it was a bit too mushy for my taste, and the characters were probably not that unique, but their story did feel so, and I loved the chemistry, the banter and the frienship between them. Denise truly is a great author. I was sorry to read that this will probably be her only Regency Era romance, as she doesn't feel that comfortable with this time period. She usually writes Medieval Romance. But that's actually probably the reason why this book wasn't perfect, just almost so. Her heart very likely wasn't 100% in it.
I don't usually read books set in Medieval times, as its very hard for me to find one that I actually enjoy -this coule be due to my lack of understanding and knowledge of the era-, but I think I'd be more than willing to try one of Domning's.
Before I finish, I'd like to point out one last thing. I think I might be suffering from a 'get to the point before I lose my mind' disorder, as all the books I've read recently have made me impatient and unwilling to read too many descriptions and/or musings. Having complained about this a lot recently I'm starting to wonder if the problem is me. I did get very bored with a lot of the descriptions in this book, like the clothes they were wearing, or the furnishings and decorations.
A little description can do a lot for me. I don't need a whole page of descriptions. Just give me a few details and my mind and imagination will do the rest. However, I do understand that the author is most likely trying to draw their readers a picture of what lies in their own mind.
Anyway, the story had me completely captured, so I didn't really mind skimming some of the text to get to the bits I wanted to read.
November 4, 2019
Storytelling Mastery
Domning is a master storyteller, in any era. She takes the usual elements of a Recency romance and keeps the magic going throughout. These are interesting characters and even the commonplace thinking they sometimes muddle through is written with a flair that keeps me reading.
Domning is a master storyteller, in any era. She takes the usual elements of a Recency romance and keeps the magic going throughout. These are interesting characters and even the commonplace thinking they sometimes muddle through is written with a flair that keeps me reading.
December 23, 2020
Good story, but too much emphasis on gambling.
The book was almost preachy about the ills of making wagers you don’t have a right to make, and that affect people who do not deserve to be hurt. While it was set in the past, I felt it was aimed more towards gamblers in the current era.
The book was almost preachy about the ills of making wagers you don’t have a right to make, and that affect people who do not deserve to be hurt. While it was set in the past, I felt it was aimed more towards gamblers in the current era.
November 27, 2016
Great series, great author
I rated all her books a 5 and would go higher if allowed. Have waited 70+ years to find a author as good as this. This is the best series out of 100 books I have Read this year's.
I rated all her books a 5 and would go higher if allowed. Have waited 70+ years to find a author as good as this. This is the best series out of 100 books I have Read this year's.
January 3, 2018
Almost Perfect
Good romance! Made me angry toward Roland, the father! Worried for the youngest daughter Eliza! Impressed by Cassie the oldest daughter regarding her skill and path of her romance, love and marriage
Good romance! Made me angry toward Roland, the father! Worried for the youngest daughter Eliza! Impressed by Cassie the oldest daughter regarding her skill and path of her romance, love and marriage
October 26, 2016
Very enjoyable romance
Almost perfect held my interest from the beginning. I always like s Cinderella story. The characters were noble and likeable.
Almost perfect held my interest from the beginning. I always like s Cinderella story. The characters were noble and likeable.
January 16, 2017
Good
I read this author's work and this book was well written. Enough romance and suspense with detailed descriptions of the characters and scenery.
I read this author's work and this book was well written. Enough romance and suspense with detailed descriptions of the characters and scenery.
June 30, 2020
It is almost perfect
I really enjoyed the different storyline. The ending to the conflict in the book was a surprise. I loved the sense of humor and warmth of the book.
I really enjoyed the different storyline. The ending to the conflict in the book was a surprise. I loved the sense of humor and warmth of the book.
December 28, 2020
Almost Perfect very good read
Enjoyed this story. Not my typical read but I really liked the characters in this story. I recommend this book.
Enjoyed this story. Not my typical read but I really liked the characters in this story. I recommend this book.
August 30, 2023
Decent historical romance. A bit too much desperation but decent.
July 4, 2024
Nice light read; no surprises
December 14, 2012
Okay, this book was... different. I don't know how I feel about her being a widow, and Lucien too. There are good and bad aspects of it. Good aspects would be they are both experienced, they have a little bit more freedom, and they're both equals regarding love. Bad aspects include the lack of virginity in Cassie, which I think is very sad she gave away to her first husband, not Lucien. But, it wasn't at all a bad thing. This book was very different, and I really liked that. It was time I left innocent women's stories alone.
This book was very passionate. I really liked the way both of them always loved each other, and both committing many mistakes and forgiving themselves for them. Their physical attraction was undeniable, and it was very exciting to read how her reactions were also his reactions. I really loved they both could read each other's body language to the point of almost reading their minds. It was so nice.
I was very pleased with the plot too. The way Cassie took control of the situation, how she protected her sister, how she put herself in danger without caring for her welfare but her family's, was something admirable and honorable in her.
Lucien was a little too blind at the beginning, but I guess it's part of the story. There wouldn't be any plot if both main characters loved each other without reserve, obstacles, or any other impediment. I am happy with his attitude and decision of helping Cassie. His love always prevailed over his stupid mind.
And lastly, I totally adored the last card game. I was so excited and tense about how it would unveil that I think I developed special reading powers to increase my speed. It was nice how all of the characters who were full of flaws and bad personalities changed at the end, including Roland.
I liked the book, but not so much I want to scream of joy and satisfaction for reading it. A nice reading for a sleepless night.
This book was very passionate. I really liked the way both of them always loved each other, and both committing many mistakes and forgiving themselves for them. Their physical attraction was undeniable, and it was very exciting to read how her reactions were also his reactions. I really loved they both could read each other's body language to the point of almost reading their minds. It was so nice.
I was very pleased with the plot too. The way Cassie took control of the situation, how she protected her sister, how she put herself in danger without caring for her welfare but her family's, was something admirable and honorable in her.
Lucien was a little too blind at the beginning, but I guess it's part of the story. There wouldn't be any plot if both main characters loved each other without reserve, obstacles, or any other impediment. I am happy with his attitude and decision of helping Cassie. His love always prevailed over his stupid mind.
And lastly, I totally adored the last card game. I was so excited and tense about how it would unveil that I think I developed special reading powers to increase my speed. It was nice how all of the characters who were full of flaws and bad personalities changed at the end, including Roland.
I liked the book, but not so much I want to scream of joy and satisfaction for reading it. A nice reading for a sleepless night.
February 14, 2017
Very good read
I thought this an unusual story. The characters were so alive, problematic and shows even today we still have some of the same problems. I enjoyed it and hope you do.
I thought this an unusual story. The characters were so alive, problematic and shows even today we still have some of the same problems. I enjoyed it and hope you do.
September 29, 2015
Loved this book
This is another book I couldn't put down until I finished it. I love books where you have romance and secrets and lot of suspense. Cassie the card sharp is also the woman who loves Lucien but he has such secrets and pain that he's hardened his heart towards her. Though it's a love story of the two of them there is so much more playing out in the background and therein lies the secrets and suspense. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
This is another book I couldn't put down until I finished it. I love books where you have romance and secrets and lot of suspense. Cassie the card sharp is also the woman who loves Lucien but he has such secrets and pain that he's hardened his heart towards her. Though it's a love story of the two of them there is so much more playing out in the background and therein lies the secrets and suspense. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
October 3, 2016
Don't miss the only regency by Domning!
Although this well known author is best known for writing about earlier times in history, I thoroughly enjoyed her temporary detour into the popular era of regency romance. Her fertile imagination and writing skills par excellence always provide a rich reading experience.
Although this well known author is best known for writing about earlier times in history, I thoroughly enjoyed her temporary detour into the popular era of regency romance. Her fertile imagination and writing skills par excellence always provide a rich reading experience.
October 11, 2016
Not perfect,
...but not bad. My chief complaint is that the entire story moved just too slowly for my taste. Ms. Domning is a skilled writer who usually writes novels set in the Middle Ages. As she said herself, the Regency Era is just too modern for her. It often felt as if she was feeling her way through this story, so that may account for the plodding pacing.
...but not bad. My chief complaint is that the entire story moved just too slowly for my taste. Ms. Domning is a skilled writer who usually writes novels set in the Middle Ages. As she said herself, the Regency Era is just too modern for her. It often felt as if she was feeling her way through this story, so that may account for the plodding pacing.
October 21, 2015
I really enjoyed this romance and this is coming from someone who typically is lukewarm on romance novels. Domning weaves a really great plot into this book. For those who don't typically "do" romance, this one might be for you!
October 8, 2016
I have to admit I was expecting another insipid romance but this won me over as it went on. A woman with a genius for cards was a nice twist, as was the rogue (repentant though he was) father and the dueling deceptions that bring Cassie and Lucien together.
November 5, 2016
Great Read
I thoroughly enjoyed this Regency Novel. The author is too modest when she called it a stab at this era. I loved the banter between cousins. The love between the sisters. The card room action was exciting and unexpected. Lots of romance too.
I thoroughly enjoyed this Regency Novel. The author is too modest when she called it a stab at this era. I loved the banter between cousins. The love between the sisters. The card room action was exciting and unexpected. Lots of romance too.
own-tbr-fr
May 25, 2013Kindle book name of author Denise Domning
November 12, 2012
Good plot, a twist or two, plus someone gets hit over the head with an urn. What more could you ask for? ;)
July 25, 2012
I got this as a Kindle freebie. I really liked it but there is some adult content and I prefer my books a little cleaner than this one. Otherwise I would have given 4 stars.
December 18, 2013
at first I wasn't sure about this book, because it was a free book from Amazon. But it turned out it was another book that I couldn't put down
March 6, 2014
I am a sucker for a Regency romance and this fits the bill. Well written.
November 2, 2015
Sexy read
Loved the story and the main characters. Really enjoyed how they came together. Really felt their connection very sexy pair
Loved the story and the main characters. Really enjoyed how they came together. Really felt their connection very sexy pair
October 23, 2016
Couldn't put it down
Really enjoyed this book, good storyline. Couldn't put it down. Definitely will recommend this book to friends and family soon.
Really enjoyed this book, good storyline. Couldn't put it down. Definitely will recommend this book to friends and family soon.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews