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The Duchess of Gracechurch Trilogy #2
Illusioni & percezioni
Inghilterra, 1814: allevata dal padre dopo la morte di sua madre, Lallie Grey non sa di essere un’ereditiera. Quando suo padre si rende conto che presto perderà il controllo del patrimonio di sua figlia, cospira per farla sposare con il suo amico, Frederick Malvin, in cambio di una quota del suo capitale. Ma Lallie non è disposta a sposare un uomo che detesta solo perché costretta dal padre. Nel frattempo incontra Hugo Tamrisk, erede di uno dei titoli più antichi d’Inghilterra. Quando Hugo viene in suo aiuto mentre fugge dal matrimonio combinato, la vita di Lallie sembra finalmente assumere la direzione corretta. Ma il passato getta le sue lunghe ombre sul presente, rischiando di compromettere per sempre il futuro e la felicità. Equivoci, gelosie, incomprensioni e rimpianti porteranno a una tempesta perfetta che travolgerà i protagonisti, mettendo in dubbio il lieto fine.
532 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2018
160 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Kullmann
14 books102 followersI was born and educated in Dublin. Following a three-year courtship conducted mostly by letter, I moved to Germany where I lived for twenty-five years before returning to Ireland. I have worked in the Irish and New Zealand public services and in the private sector.
I have a keen sense of history and of connection with the past which so often determines the present. I am fascinated by people. I love a good story, especially when characters come to life in a book.
I have always enjoyed writing, I love the fall of words, the shaping of an expressive phrase, the satisfaction when a sentence conveys my meaning exactly. I enjoy plotting and revel in the challenge of evoking a historic era for characters who behave authentically in their period while making their actions and decisions plausible and sympathetic to a modern reader. In addition, I am fanatical about language, especially using the right language as it would have been used during the period about which I am writing. But rewarding as all this craft is, there is nothing to match the moment when a book takes flight, when your characters suddenly determine the route of their journey.
I have a keen sense of history and of connection with the past which so often determines the present. I am fascinated by people. I love a good story, especially when characters come to life in a book.
I have always enjoyed writing, I love the fall of words, the shaping of an expressive phrase, the satisfaction when a sentence conveys my meaning exactly. I enjoy plotting and revel in the challenge of evoking a historic era for characters who behave authentically in their period while making their actions and decisions plausible and sympathetic to a modern reader. In addition, I am fanatical about language, especially using the right language as it would have been used during the period about which I am writing. But rewarding as all this craft is, there is nothing to match the moment when a book takes flight, when your characters suddenly determine the route of their journey.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
February 10, 2019
Kullmann is a relatively new Regency romance author and I randomly chose this particular book of hers to try out. Her writing is good and not full of annoying anachronisms and the story began well, even though the plot itself is nothing out of the ordinary. I settled in for a cozy romance read, becoming acquainted with all the characters, liking the appropriate ones and resenting the ones I was supposed to dislike.
But...but...by about the 40% mark my particular bugbear in romances began creeping in and kept going until almost the very end. What's that, you say? Well, that would be the dreaded Failure to Communicate and the Willful Misunderstanding tropes. Those tropes were in full swing in this story and truly made me begin to hate the hero I had started out liking very much.
He became a self-absorbed, self-centered, self-pitying man who willfully misinterpreted the heroine's behavior and resented her not showing him enough attention and affection, without realizing that he was the one who should have been putting in more effort in the relationship. What an annoying pity party he hosted for himself, blaming everyone but himself for his actions. (Well, he wised up a little at the end, but it took so very long and I have very little patience.)
I suppose this is a good story to read to learn what not to do in a relationship, but it was certainly not what I look for in a romance. When 60% of a story makes me want to throw things at one of the characters, I know I shouldn't be reading it. And that's unfortunate. The author has writing talent, has a good feel for historical background, and knows her way around the Regency world. But that oblivious and self-centered pity-party hero annoyed the you-know-what out of me.
But...but...by about the 40% mark my particular bugbear in romances began creeping in and kept going until almost the very end. What's that, you say? Well, that would be the dreaded Failure to Communicate and the Willful Misunderstanding tropes. Those tropes were in full swing in this story and truly made me begin to hate the hero I had started out liking very much.
He became a self-absorbed, self-centered, self-pitying man who willfully misinterpreted the heroine's behavior and resented her not showing him enough attention and affection, without realizing that he was the one who should have been putting in more effort in the relationship. What an annoying pity party he hosted for himself, blaming everyone but himself for his actions. (Well, he wised up a little at the end, but it took so very long and I have very little patience.)
I suppose this is a good story to read to learn what not to do in a relationship, but it was certainly not what I look for in a romance. When 60% of a story makes me want to throw things at one of the characters, I know I shouldn't be reading it. And that's unfortunate. The author has writing talent, has a good feel for historical background, and knows her way around the Regency world. But that oblivious and self-centered pity-party hero annoyed the you-know-what out of me.
March 31, 2021
These are so well written. They really give you a look into the time period. They help you see how and why the regency era was like it was. These are so interesting to me. This is an arranged marriage story which I love. They do like each other when they marry but things quickly go downhill as each makes assumptions about the other and his world view and her small view are so different that it causes to many misunderstandings. Everything works out beautifully in the end. Communication in any relationship is really key.
Sex: There is several sex scenes (after marriage) that has light to medium detail. It is more matter of fact than erotic. This is more sensual then the other of hers I read. Sex is a huge part of their misunderstanding so plays a bigger role.
Drinking: Lots by everyone. Several people get drunk.
Violence: There is an attempted rape scene that does not go far. There is a duel and men punching each other.
Sex: There is several sex scenes (after marriage) that has light to medium detail. It is more matter of fact than erotic. This is more sensual then the other of hers I read. Sex is a huge part of their misunderstanding so plays a bigger role.
Drinking: Lots by everyone. Several people get drunk.
Violence: There is an attempted rape scene that does not go far. There is a duel and men punching each other.
March 16, 2018
Austen and Heyer Reborn
It's been a while since I've read a Regency novel that drew me in as this one did. What a find, is what I kept saying to myself while reading this gem of a novel. There are so many modern Regency novels on the market these days, but so few that meet the standards set by the legendary Jane Austen or, more recently, Georgette Heyer, whose accurate depiction of Regency society is widely known.
Perception & Illusion definitely does! It has all the key ingredients a lover of historical fiction looks for—characters that are a true reflection of the era, a plot that adheres strictly to what one might expect of social constraints of the time, and beautiful historical language that should go hand in glove with any Regency novel but seldom does. I was enthralled by all these aspects, and would have been well satisfied with that alone. But even in plot it has much to offer, because the story has enough twists and turns to keep readers on their toes from start to finish. Kudos to the author, Catherine Kullmann, who renewed my faith in modern Regency authors. Not only does she stay faithful to historical facts, language and social norms, but she writes beautifully as well.
The chapter headings, taken from the Matrimonial Map—which charts the delights and perils of marriage—give a concise summary of what to expect in each chapter. I loved these little gems. They add that literary flavour to Kullmann's elegant style while themselves reflecting little anecdotes of the period. Matrimonial maps emerged in the 18th century, but were most prominent during the 19th century. They depicted states of emotion, milestones, and stages of intimacy as geographical features. With these fanciful maps for reference, a young lady could chart a course from the Land of Spinsters to the Region of Rejoicing, bypassing Lonely Isle along the way. Likewise, unmarried gentlemen could set off on a voyage from the Country of Single Men, navigating the choppy waters of the Sea of Introduction, and arriving in Valentine Bay, the gateway to the City of Dames. What a clever idea!
Of these verses, this has to be my favourite: "The grand source of the Rivers Envy and Spleen is thought to issue from the Mountains of Malice." (Chapter 15) There's a wealth of meaning in that one-liner. It's a teaser that makes the reader want to dive in at once. My advice is: don't read the next teaser unless you want to stay up all night!
The characters are well-rounded and they drive the story. The protagonists—Miss Lalage (a.k.a. Lallie) Grey weds the Honourable Hugo Tamrisk M.P., who is heir to the Tamm Barony. They are both likeable characters and easy to identify with. Theirs is a gentle love story with a touch of realism, because it doesn't end with the HEA leading to marriage. Rather, their marriage takes place a third through the novel. The story then takes a turn to the conflicts they encounter as a couple new to the state of wedlock, the external conflicts created by family members by accident or design, and, not least, to the villains who throw a rub in the way. All told, quite an interesting mix of conflict.
I liked the way the author handled the love scenes. They are clean without being austere. I've read 'clean' novels that infer intimacy without delving into any specifics at all. Such inhibitions on the authors' part do fall short of that strong emotional punch readers want in their pleasure reads, in my view, and leave the reader wondering as to level of intimacy. Kullmann sidesteps all that brilliantly. She has a knack of investing meaningful emotion into her love scenes without the unnecessary embellishments, which in many ways is also very much in keeping with the era. I loved that above all.
My overall impression of this novel is that it has character. A thoroughly enjoyable read indeed. I'll definitely be looking out for more of this author's work in the future.
It's been a while since I've read a Regency novel that drew me in as this one did. What a find, is what I kept saying to myself while reading this gem of a novel. There are so many modern Regency novels on the market these days, but so few that meet the standards set by the legendary Jane Austen or, more recently, Georgette Heyer, whose accurate depiction of Regency society is widely known.
Perception & Illusion definitely does! It has all the key ingredients a lover of historical fiction looks for—characters that are a true reflection of the era, a plot that adheres strictly to what one might expect of social constraints of the time, and beautiful historical language that should go hand in glove with any Regency novel but seldom does. I was enthralled by all these aspects, and would have been well satisfied with that alone. But even in plot it has much to offer, because the story has enough twists and turns to keep readers on their toes from start to finish. Kudos to the author, Catherine Kullmann, who renewed my faith in modern Regency authors. Not only does she stay faithful to historical facts, language and social norms, but she writes beautifully as well.
The chapter headings, taken from the Matrimonial Map—which charts the delights and perils of marriage—give a concise summary of what to expect in each chapter. I loved these little gems. They add that literary flavour to Kullmann's elegant style while themselves reflecting little anecdotes of the period. Matrimonial maps emerged in the 18th century, but were most prominent during the 19th century. They depicted states of emotion, milestones, and stages of intimacy as geographical features. With these fanciful maps for reference, a young lady could chart a course from the Land of Spinsters to the Region of Rejoicing, bypassing Lonely Isle along the way. Likewise, unmarried gentlemen could set off on a voyage from the Country of Single Men, navigating the choppy waters of the Sea of Introduction, and arriving in Valentine Bay, the gateway to the City of Dames. What a clever idea!
Of these verses, this has to be my favourite: "The grand source of the Rivers Envy and Spleen is thought to issue from the Mountains of Malice." (Chapter 15) There's a wealth of meaning in that one-liner. It's a teaser that makes the reader want to dive in at once. My advice is: don't read the next teaser unless you want to stay up all night!
The characters are well-rounded and they drive the story. The protagonists—Miss Lalage (a.k.a. Lallie) Grey weds the Honourable Hugo Tamrisk M.P., who is heir to the Tamm Barony. They are both likeable characters and easy to identify with. Theirs is a gentle love story with a touch of realism, because it doesn't end with the HEA leading to marriage. Rather, their marriage takes place a third through the novel. The story then takes a turn to the conflicts they encounter as a couple new to the state of wedlock, the external conflicts created by family members by accident or design, and, not least, to the villains who throw a rub in the way. All told, quite an interesting mix of conflict.
I liked the way the author handled the love scenes. They are clean without being austere. I've read 'clean' novels that infer intimacy without delving into any specifics at all. Such inhibitions on the authors' part do fall short of that strong emotional punch readers want in their pleasure reads, in my view, and leave the reader wondering as to level of intimacy. Kullmann sidesteps all that brilliantly. She has a knack of investing meaningful emotion into her love scenes without the unnecessary embellishments, which in many ways is also very much in keeping with the era. I loved that above all.
My overall impression of this novel is that it has character. A thoroughly enjoyable read indeed. I'll definitely be looking out for more of this author's work in the future.
October 22, 2019
Good, well-researched Regency era historical romance, with characters I could sympathize with and some interesting family relationships and romantic outcomes. It relates well how dependent women were at the time on the men who handled their affairs. For instance a young heiress isn't even informed that she is an heiress, while the man who should have looked after her tries to rob her blind. It is only chance, in the form of love, and her personal strength that prevent her from being completely cheated and winding up miserable. The relationships in the family she marries into are interesting as well, and I find the psychology of the story quite believable. This novel has well-drawn characters, a believable plot, and a fascinating romance. Though this is not a completely chaste romance, the love scenes are tasteful and well written.
October 24, 2020
Marry in haste
Lallie Grey is little more a servant in the home of her father and stepmother. Money, inheritances, are being held for her until she reaches her majority, but she knows nothing of this. Her father has been lining his pockets with the dividends while telling Lallie that she is both penniless and worthless.
In order to retain some of her wealth, he arranges for one of his cronies to marry Lallie and they will split the money. When she refuses, he has her locked in her room without food or drink until she consents. However, she runs away and runs into Hugo Tamrisk, with whom she has a slight acquaintance, and he insists on helping her.
Although the storyline was good, there were a few things I disliked about the story, the major one being Lallie's name, another one being Hugo's personality or attitude.
9
Lallie Grey is little more a servant in the home of her father and stepmother. Money, inheritances, are being held for her until she reaches her majority, but she knows nothing of this. Her father has been lining his pockets with the dividends while telling Lallie that she is both penniless and worthless.
In order to retain some of her wealth, he arranges for one of his cronies to marry Lallie and they will split the money. When she refuses, he has her locked in her room without food or drink until she consents. However, she runs away and runs into Hugo Tamrisk, with whom she has a slight acquaintance, and he insists on helping her.
Although the storyline was good, there were a few things I disliked about the story, the major one being Lallie's name, another one being Hugo's personality or attitude.
9
September 26, 2021
Recensione completa su On Rainy Days
Lallie ha condotto una vita tranquilla, strappata ai luoghi che ha conosciuto alla morte di sua nonna […] +Ma ciò che Lallie non sa è che sua nonna materna le ha lasciato una cospicua eredità che, al compimento dei venticinque anni, spetterà a lei amministrare e non al genitore, anche se ora lui fa di tutto per sfruttare la sua fortuna. Ed è anche intenzionato a tenersela, dando in sposa la figlia a sua insaputa a uno dei suoi compari […] Ed è per incontrare quell’uomo che si reca nella tenuta di campagna di Lord Melville, dove, però, è presente anche il cognato di quest’ultimo. Hugo Tamrisk è l’erede di Tamm, primo baronato d’Inghilterra, ed è giunto a un momento della sua vita dove prendere moglie è una scelta che gli sembra sensata, soprattutto quando incontra Lallie, una giovane che attira sin da subito la sua attenzione. […] Quando poi la ritrova in fuga e senza aiuti, Hugo è ben disposto a soccorrerla e ad assisterla […] per portare alla luce le proprie intenzioni. […]
Ma un matrimonio nato tra i migliori auspici viene messo in pericolo ancor prima di essere celebrato, perché vecchi pettegolezzi, antiche usanze e, peggio ancora, le consuetudini dell’alta società minano il rapporto sincero che Lallie e Hugo avevano iniziato a costruire tra loro, relegandoli alle fredde cortesie cui tutti hanno sempre detto loro di doversi attenere.
Negli eventi che caratterizzano Illusioni & Percezioni Lallie e Hugo restano incastrati in ciò che le apparenze dicono di loro, spingendo entrambi a credere alle voci e alle cattiverie che, purtroppo, altri hanno interesse a diffondere. Chi ne paga davvero le conseguenze sono […][loro.]
Mi è piaciuta davvero tanto la storia di Lallie e Hugo […] Ed è stata una sofferenza vederli allontanarsi sempre di più, soprattutto perché leggere attraverso gli occhi di tutti e due da un’idea diversa di ciò che invece (non) esprimono a parole.
Lo stile dell’autrice, Catherine Kullmann, è stato una piacevole scoperta, perché mi ha emozionata e sì, anche fatta arrabbiare parecchio, quando i suoi protagonisti si sono comportati al contrario delle loro emozioni e dei loro pensieri. […] amo i romance storici e sono proprio felice di aver scoperto quest’autrice e la sua penna, oltre che alla storia di Lallie e Hugo, i loro caratteri testardi e, forse, all’inizio troppo arrendevoli, ma anche capaci di sentimenti profondi e di una forza che, magari con un guizzo di buonsenso in più, li avrebbe portati molto prima al loro lieto fine. Ma così non ci sarebbe stato bisogno della loro crescita come individui e come coppia, che è uno degli aspetti che più ho adorato di Illusioni & Percezioni!
Insomma, con buona pace del mio cuore da lettrice, è un romanzo perfetto!
Lallie ha condotto una vita tranquilla, strappata ai luoghi che ha conosciuto alla morte di sua nonna […] +Ma ciò che Lallie non sa è che sua nonna materna le ha lasciato una cospicua eredità che, al compimento dei venticinque anni, spetterà a lei amministrare e non al genitore, anche se ora lui fa di tutto per sfruttare la sua fortuna. Ed è anche intenzionato a tenersela, dando in sposa la figlia a sua insaputa a uno dei suoi compari […] Ed è per incontrare quell’uomo che si reca nella tenuta di campagna di Lord Melville, dove, però, è presente anche il cognato di quest’ultimo. Hugo Tamrisk è l’erede di Tamm, primo baronato d’Inghilterra, ed è giunto a un momento della sua vita dove prendere moglie è una scelta che gli sembra sensata, soprattutto quando incontra Lallie, una giovane che attira sin da subito la sua attenzione. […] Quando poi la ritrova in fuga e senza aiuti, Hugo è ben disposto a soccorrerla e ad assisterla […] per portare alla luce le proprie intenzioni. […]
Ma un matrimonio nato tra i migliori auspici viene messo in pericolo ancor prima di essere celebrato, perché vecchi pettegolezzi, antiche usanze e, peggio ancora, le consuetudini dell’alta società minano il rapporto sincero che Lallie e Hugo avevano iniziato a costruire tra loro, relegandoli alle fredde cortesie cui tutti hanno sempre detto loro di doversi attenere.
Negli eventi che caratterizzano Illusioni & Percezioni Lallie e Hugo restano incastrati in ciò che le apparenze dicono di loro, spingendo entrambi a credere alle voci e alle cattiverie che, purtroppo, altri hanno interesse a diffondere. Chi ne paga davvero le conseguenze sono […][loro.]
Mi è piaciuta davvero tanto la storia di Lallie e Hugo […] Ed è stata una sofferenza vederli allontanarsi sempre di più, soprattutto perché leggere attraverso gli occhi di tutti e due da un’idea diversa di ciò che invece (non) esprimono a parole.
Lo stile dell’autrice, Catherine Kullmann, è stato una piacevole scoperta, perché mi ha emozionata e sì, anche fatta arrabbiare parecchio, quando i suoi protagonisti si sono comportati al contrario delle loro emozioni e dei loro pensieri. […] amo i romance storici e sono proprio felice di aver scoperto quest’autrice e la sua penna, oltre che alla storia di Lallie e Hugo, i loro caratteri testardi e, forse, all’inizio troppo arrendevoli, ma anche capaci di sentimenti profondi e di una forza che, magari con un guizzo di buonsenso in più, li avrebbe portati molto prima al loro lieto fine. Ma così non ci sarebbe stato bisogno della loro crescita come individui e come coppia, che è uno degli aspetti che più ho adorato di Illusioni & Percezioni!
Insomma, con buona pace del mio cuore da lettrice, è un romanzo perfetto!
March 22, 2018
I was given an ARC of this book by TBC on Facebook and by kind permission of the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts are my own.
All good Regency novels must have a heroine, a hero and a couple of protagonists to really work well. In Perception and Illusion, we are immediately introduced to the heroine of the piece Lallie Grey…………in 1814 a young woman living with her father’s second family, to all intents and purposes playing the role of governess to her young half siblings and at twenty-four having never experienced her own season or the chance to find a husband in society. Her own mother died when she was an infant and she lived with her maternal grandparents until their deaths. Unaware that she is in fact an heiress, Lallie refuses to marry the man who her father schemes for her to wed, in order that he might keep control of her fortune. But Lallie escapes with her maid and runs into a gentleman whom she has met once before, Mr Hugo Tamarisk. Heir to huge wealth himself, he initially becomes her ally and protector, but I give nothing away by telling you that the hero and heroine fall in love and so the romance, confusion and intrigue begins.
Both Lallie and Hugo are dogged by their family past – Lallie by circumstances that she is not privy to, and Hugo by relationships with his sisters, father and an ex-mistress. The fairy tale ending comes part way through this book, with the socially naïve Lallie finding herself thrown into a whirlwind of high society and her fairy tale disintegrating as other people invade her space and mind. Not all the characters are intentionally trying to cause trouble or pain to Lallie and Hugo, but a mixture of miscommunication, half heard conversations and meddling lead to a difficult start to married life. I am not giving you any spoilers with more plot!
The words Regency novel jumped off the page and I couldn’t have requested it quicker. I am a huge Jane Austen fan and had to remind myself that I must not make comparisons, but it is difficult not to initially. The funny thing is my teen is studying Mansfield Park and whilst I was reading Perception and Illusion, she was reading out loud sections of Miss Austen to me in order to stay awake. She hates it with a vengeance! I must admit that I had forgotten just how dry some of Austen’s writing can be, but fear not as Ms Kullman writes this period drama with a modern style. It is easy to read romantic Regency fiction, but not without some grit and very determined characters. There are also some cheeky references to a couple of Austen’s characters too.
An area where this novel does share similarities with Austen is the role of the female lead. She is strong, self-aware and knows her own mind – in many ways Lallie is a very modern, feminist woman living in a man’s world dictated to by male rules. She reminds me of Lizzie Bennett and Emma Woodhouse, both women struggling to have their voices heard in a time when fathers, husbands and brothers had the final word. The poor communication between the main characters drove me mad at times, and I wanted to shout at them to just talk to each other. But the circumstances were of the time, and the fact that I was so irritated must show how well Ms Kullman wove this into the overall plot.
I could quite easily write a full period type analysis…but I won’t!! The characters all grow with the storyline, whether to become admired or diminished by the reader. The descriptions of the locations, the fashions and the coach rides were painted as vivid and elegant pictures, depicting the era perfectly. But the most important thing for me is that the novel was really enjoyable and I read it in a matter of days. A lovely, witty romantic period piece – 4 stars.
All good Regency novels must have a heroine, a hero and a couple of protagonists to really work well. In Perception and Illusion, we are immediately introduced to the heroine of the piece Lallie Grey…………in 1814 a young woman living with her father’s second family, to all intents and purposes playing the role of governess to her young half siblings and at twenty-four having never experienced her own season or the chance to find a husband in society. Her own mother died when she was an infant and she lived with her maternal grandparents until their deaths. Unaware that she is in fact an heiress, Lallie refuses to marry the man who her father schemes for her to wed, in order that he might keep control of her fortune. But Lallie escapes with her maid and runs into a gentleman whom she has met once before, Mr Hugo Tamarisk. Heir to huge wealth himself, he initially becomes her ally and protector, but I give nothing away by telling you that the hero and heroine fall in love and so the romance, confusion and intrigue begins.
Both Lallie and Hugo are dogged by their family past – Lallie by circumstances that she is not privy to, and Hugo by relationships with his sisters, father and an ex-mistress. The fairy tale ending comes part way through this book, with the socially naïve Lallie finding herself thrown into a whirlwind of high society and her fairy tale disintegrating as other people invade her space and mind. Not all the characters are intentionally trying to cause trouble or pain to Lallie and Hugo, but a mixture of miscommunication, half heard conversations and meddling lead to a difficult start to married life. I am not giving you any spoilers with more plot!
The words Regency novel jumped off the page and I couldn’t have requested it quicker. I am a huge Jane Austen fan and had to remind myself that I must not make comparisons, but it is difficult not to initially. The funny thing is my teen is studying Mansfield Park and whilst I was reading Perception and Illusion, she was reading out loud sections of Miss Austen to me in order to stay awake. She hates it with a vengeance! I must admit that I had forgotten just how dry some of Austen’s writing can be, but fear not as Ms Kullman writes this period drama with a modern style. It is easy to read romantic Regency fiction, but not without some grit and very determined characters. There are also some cheeky references to a couple of Austen’s characters too.
An area where this novel does share similarities with Austen is the role of the female lead. She is strong, self-aware and knows her own mind – in many ways Lallie is a very modern, feminist woman living in a man’s world dictated to by male rules. She reminds me of Lizzie Bennett and Emma Woodhouse, both women struggling to have their voices heard in a time when fathers, husbands and brothers had the final word. The poor communication between the main characters drove me mad at times, and I wanted to shout at them to just talk to each other. But the circumstances were of the time, and the fact that I was so irritated must show how well Ms Kullman wove this into the overall plot.
I could quite easily write a full period type analysis…but I won’t!! The characters all grow with the storyline, whether to become admired or diminished by the reader. The descriptions of the locations, the fashions and the coach rides were painted as vivid and elegant pictures, depicting the era perfectly. But the most important thing for me is that the novel was really enjoyable and I read it in a matter of days. A lovely, witty romantic period piece – 4 stars.
July 6, 2021
hard for me to say if this is a 2.5* or a 3*.
I read A Comfortable Alliance and loved it so much I immediately read the first book in this trilogy (The Murmur of Masks: Love and Heartbreak in Regency England) which, while not as strong, I also liked. I was about a third of the way through this book when I realised I had read it before. I was not truly enjoying it but I had to keep going because I could also not recall how it wound up. I am not sure if I was finding it hard going because I had read it or because it essentially a story about miscommunication.
I suggest reading this review by Pauline Ross. She really says it perfectly.
My only other comments were that it barely had the Gracechurch's in it! And some characters spoke exactly the same as different characters in the first book. Not at all annoying except I had literaly just finished that book.
I read A Comfortable Alliance and loved it so much I immediately read the first book in this trilogy (The Murmur of Masks: Love and Heartbreak in Regency England) which, while not as strong, I also liked. I was about a third of the way through this book when I realised I had read it before. I was not truly enjoying it but I had to keep going because I could also not recall how it wound up. I am not sure if I was finding it hard going because I had read it or because it essentially a story about miscommunication.
I suggest reading this review by Pauline Ross. She really says it perfectly.
My only other comments were that it barely had the Gracechurch's in it! And some characters spoke exactly the same as different characters in the first book. Not at all annoying except I had literaly just finished that book.
September 25, 2018
It's been a while since I read a regency romance and this one was simply delightful!
Along with the lovely estates, titles, curtsies, the proprieties followed during the 19th century, the two central characters Lallie and Hugo are refreshingly different!
Lallie is the heiress to a fortune but she is kept in the dark about this by her father who tries to get his hands on her money by forcing her into an unsavoury marriage. While she is as proper and graceful as she is expected to be, Lallie is no pushover and she staunchly refuses and escapes her home.
Hugo Tamrisk is very taken with the intelligence and poise of Lallie the first time they meet. Even as he intends to further their acquaintance he comes across her on the run with her maid.
A marriage is proposed and accepted and it's a new beginning... but circumstances and misunderstandings about each other drive a wedge between the couple. Whether they will resolve them and find happiness again is the question.
What I loved most was the beautiful conversations between each of the characters. The way the story is moved forward and presented from the points of view of Lallie and Hugo was a treat.
Both of them are very positive, strong characters who stand out from a crowd and never fail to express what they think.
The words stir the imagination and paint a picture for the reader.
I really enjoyed this one.
Along with the lovely estates, titles, curtsies, the proprieties followed during the 19th century, the two central characters Lallie and Hugo are refreshingly different!
Lallie is the heiress to a fortune but she is kept in the dark about this by her father who tries to get his hands on her money by forcing her into an unsavoury marriage. While she is as proper and graceful as she is expected to be, Lallie is no pushover and she staunchly refuses and escapes her home.
Hugo Tamrisk is very taken with the intelligence and poise of Lallie the first time they meet. Even as he intends to further their acquaintance he comes across her on the run with her maid.
A marriage is proposed and accepted and it's a new beginning... but circumstances and misunderstandings about each other drive a wedge between the couple. Whether they will resolve them and find happiness again is the question.
What I loved most was the beautiful conversations between each of the characters. The way the story is moved forward and presented from the points of view of Lallie and Hugo was a treat.
Both of them are very positive, strong characters who stand out from a crowd and never fail to express what they think.
The words stir the imagination and paint a picture for the reader.
I really enjoyed this one.
March 29, 2017
Gripping story, read it through in one night. Fairly early into the book there's a happy ending which leaves you wondering what the rest of the book will be about. But this is only when the main story starts! The protagonists manage to misunderstand each others so thoroughly that you think there is no hope for them. But then they face their own painful history...
October 4, 2020
A difficult year has caused me to return to a favourite genre from the past: Regency romance. This story of a marriage of convenience with the potential to turn into a love match, before everything starts going wrong, was up to Catherine Kullmann’s usual high standards. Recommended.
October 3, 2022
I just adore Kullmann's books. This was absolutely a delight.
March 25, 2018
A period novel set in the early 1800's where society had different rules. Lallie is governess to her step-siblings, a role her father gave her to earn her keep. Unknown to Lallie, at the age of 25 she would inherit a considerable amount of money.
In an age where men had all the rights over women, her dad tried to force her into a love less marriage.
Lallie and her trusted maid Nancy escape and they stumble across an acquaintance Hugo.
Can a life with Hugo be easy? A man with a title? A man with a past?
This is not my usual genre but I really enjoyed the book, the writing style and reading the historical lifestyle during the regency period.
In an age where men had all the rights over women, her dad tried to force her into a love less marriage.
Lallie and her trusted maid Nancy escape and they stumble across an acquaintance Hugo.
Can a life with Hugo be easy? A man with a title? A man with a past?
This is not my usual genre but I really enjoyed the book, the writing style and reading the historical lifestyle during the regency period.
April 27, 2017
An alluring story of a young girl, Lallie, who lost her mother at birth and is kept closeted by her father and stepmother. However, when her father hatches a plan to wed her to a man she dislikes to keep control of her fortune, Lallie plans her escape and finds herself ultimately in a more agreeable match, but can she navigate the world of the gentry and the complexities of her spouse?
I absolutely loved this historical romance as the characters really came to life and unlike many stories the plot went beyond the happy ever after ending as the author showed, not only her connection with history, but her understanding of people and their actions.
I found this difficult to put down and impossible to fault. A thoroughly satisfying read.
I absolutely loved this historical romance as the characters really came to life and unlike many stories the plot went beyond the happy ever after ending as the author showed, not only her connection with history, but her understanding of people and their actions.
I found this difficult to put down and impossible to fault. A thoroughly satisfying read.
October 13, 2020
A Master Class in marriage, and a delightful story
I really enjoyed this one. I don’t really think it deserves to be part of a trilogy. It’s a story on its own with an homage to Masks. What it really is, is a lesson on how to get through your first year of marriage. Young women should read and learn from Lallie and Hugo. I’ve been married for 40 years. I wish I’d known the lessons Lallie learned here, (not all of it, she got some really bad advice from the older generation), when I was first married. It’s a lovely story about how the mistakes of the fathers pass down to the children, but can be overcome in the end with love and understanding. Our Beloved Author hit a home run here.
I really enjoyed this one. I don’t really think it deserves to be part of a trilogy. It’s a story on its own with an homage to Masks. What it really is, is a lesson on how to get through your first year of marriage. Young women should read and learn from Lallie and Hugo. I’ve been married for 40 years. I wish I’d known the lessons Lallie learned here, (not all of it, she got some really bad advice from the older generation), when I was first married. It’s a lovely story about how the mistakes of the fathers pass down to the children, but can be overcome in the end with love and understanding. Our Beloved Author hit a home run here.
May 15, 2018
This is a very enjoyable Regency romance, with echoes of Georgette Heyer, about how misunderstandings can cause so much trouble and open up a whole can of worms.
It’s extremely well written and plotted with great attention to historical detail. I loved the chapter headings giving an inkling to their content! I also found the author’s notes at the back of the book very interesting. There are some wonderfully vivid and realistic characters, most of them likeable and, of course, the odd one or two unlikeable ones! It’s a fun, nicely paced and lively read. What’s more, it kept me entertained.
I look forward to reading more by Catherine Kullman!
It’s extremely well written and plotted with great attention to historical detail. I loved the chapter headings giving an inkling to their content! I also found the author’s notes at the back of the book very interesting. There are some wonderfully vivid and realistic characters, most of them likeable and, of course, the odd one or two unlikeable ones! It’s a fun, nicely paced and lively read. What’s more, it kept me entertained.
I look forward to reading more by Catherine Kullman!
April 17, 2021
Considero Catherine Kullmann uno dei più preparati scrittori moderni del 'romance' storico, con il versatile Jude Morgan e (per il tardo vittoriano) Cate Charleston: i loro libri sono, si capisce, frutto di numerose e meditate letture. Certo, come si suol dire, "non tutte le ciambelle riescono col buco", ma ho trovato questo romanzo 'quasi' al livello di "The Duke's Regret", che considero un piccolo gioiello. I personaggi sono reali, la storia, anche se priva di colpi di scena, è avvincente, e la ricostruzione del contesto è minuziosa. Guardo fiduciosa a nuove letture...
April 14, 2020
It started out well. A twist or two on the usual Regency story. But it quickly circled down into just another "lack of communication" slog. I finished it but only because I liked the characters. Did want to slap them for being stupid, but nonetheless...
Spoiler - What the heck? The hero let that creep go with only a tiny tussle of a fight? He should have ripped the rapist's head off and spit down his throat. Not a good ending at all.
Spoiler - What the heck? The hero let that creep go with only a tiny tussle of a fight? He should have ripped the rapist's head off and spit down his throat. Not a good ending at all.
March 26, 2019
Terrific
I really enjoyed this second novel in the Gracechurch series and am eagerly waiting for the next book. Contrary to what other reviewers have said, I can easily imagine the miscommunication and lack of communication which dogged the various characters and leads to several significant events. I also enjoyed the sex scenes which were well written.
I really enjoyed this second novel in the Gracechurch series and am eagerly waiting for the next book. Contrary to what other reviewers have said, I can easily imagine the miscommunication and lack of communication which dogged the various characters and leads to several significant events. I also enjoyed the sex scenes which were well written.
September 7, 2017
Lovely echoes of Georgette Heyer: Having read Murmur of Masks I knew this would be an equally good read. It doesn’t disappoint. The ‘consequences’ of a hurried marriage make for an interesting story which is steeped in historical detail. If you love Regency, you will really enjoy this book.
May 22, 2018
This book made me uncomfortable. One of the tropes I dislike intensely in any kind of book, although it’s particularly prevalent in Regencies, is the misunderstanding between hero and heroine. If the entire plot could be resolved if they just sat down and discussed it over a cup of tea, then it’s usually an epic fail for me. This book has two qualities that make it compelling despite this, however. One is that it’s beautifully written, every word pulling its weight. The other is that the mix-ups are actually believable. And the final clincher is that, given the title, this is exactly what the story is about, so it’s a bit unfair to quibble.
The premise is that our hero, Hugo, and heroine, Lallie, meet at a house party and are instantly attracted in a restrained, Regency way. But circumstances, and a villainous father, conspire to force them to rush into marriage perhaps rather sooner than they otherwise would. Things begin well, but when they go up to town, she’s drawn away by his older sisters, he feels left out, and there’s an abandoned mistress thrown into the mix as well. And gradually, despite the best intentions of both, they drift apart and everything goes wrong.
In some ways, this reminded me of Georgette Heyer’s April Lady, where husband and wife are in love with each other, but never actually say so (until the end of the book, at least). But in that book, the hero was somewhat older than his wife, so his stupidity was less excusable. Here, the two are much of an age, although both are old enough to be sensible. To be fair, they both grew up in oddball households without an easy relationship with siblings of a similar age, so perhaps their awkward dealings are understandable.
This is a very wordy book, so there’s a lot of angst worked out in lengthy dialogues, and over-long analysis sometimes of who thought what and when. There are also an enormous number of characters that, frankly, I couldn’t keep track of. That’s a realistic representation of the intertwined Regency aristocracy, but it does make for a confusing read. The research here is spot on, although I could have done with a touch less of it on the page. There seemed to be a lot of situations that the author felt the need to explain at length, which could easily have been glossed over. It slowed the book down a great deal in the middle parts.
I liked both Hugo and Lallie a great deal. Hugo is very much my kind of hero, a thoroughly nice man with good manners and no terrible habits, and although he’s had a mistress for a while, he gave her up before courting Lallie. Besides, it was the intimacy of life with his mistress that propelled him towards matrimony, which is a nice comment on Regency men - the mistress as an immature stage in his life. I was disappointed though, that he lost his temper so spectacularly at crucial moments. Regency men were all about public restraint, whatever they did in private, so I’m not sure he would ever have spoken so rudely to anyone, especially not to his wife. And I’m still not quite sure why the two of them couldn’t simply have said what they wanted, instead of seething in silent resentment or assuming they knew what the other person wanted. But that was the story, so whatever.
Of the other characters, most were well-meaning, if not quite angelic. There were only two villains, and sadly they fell into the caricature moustache-twirling variety, and seemed to be there purely to propel the plot along the correct path. I have to confess, however, that the stratagem of the father arranging a marriage to an obnoxious man to keep hold of the daughter’s fortune, causing her to run away, is not one I can cavil at, having used exactly the same device in one of my own books. My own heroine had no already-interested Hugo to bump into, but she went through something of the same ups and downs with her husband as Lallie.
One aspect of the book I liked very much was the attitude of the loyal retainers at Hugo’s family estate when he arrived with his new bride. The little knots of people waiting to watch the carriages go by, and curtsying and bowing to the new mistress, and the lodgekeeper’s daughter presenting a posy as they leave are charming touches. So many authors of Regency works forget about the lower orders altogether, but here’s a reminder that the servants and tenant farmers and local suppliers and craftsmen were intimately involved with the local great family. It was their miniature version of royalty! So kudos to the author for that.
An interesting book, a little different from the usual. The misunderstandings that drive the plot and some characterisation wobbles would be a three star for me, but the excellent writing and depth of research brings it up to four stars.
The premise is that our hero, Hugo, and heroine, Lallie, meet at a house party and are instantly attracted in a restrained, Regency way. But circumstances, and a villainous father, conspire to force them to rush into marriage perhaps rather sooner than they otherwise would. Things begin well, but when they go up to town, she’s drawn away by his older sisters, he feels left out, and there’s an abandoned mistress thrown into the mix as well. And gradually, despite the best intentions of both, they drift apart and everything goes wrong.
In some ways, this reminded me of Georgette Heyer’s April Lady, where husband and wife are in love with each other, but never actually say so (until the end of the book, at least). But in that book, the hero was somewhat older than his wife, so his stupidity was less excusable. Here, the two are much of an age, although both are old enough to be sensible. To be fair, they both grew up in oddball households without an easy relationship with siblings of a similar age, so perhaps their awkward dealings are understandable.
This is a very wordy book, so there’s a lot of angst worked out in lengthy dialogues, and over-long analysis sometimes of who thought what and when. There are also an enormous number of characters that, frankly, I couldn’t keep track of. That’s a realistic representation of the intertwined Regency aristocracy, but it does make for a confusing read. The research here is spot on, although I could have done with a touch less of it on the page. There seemed to be a lot of situations that the author felt the need to explain at length, which could easily have been glossed over. It slowed the book down a great deal in the middle parts.
I liked both Hugo and Lallie a great deal. Hugo is very much my kind of hero, a thoroughly nice man with good manners and no terrible habits, and although he’s had a mistress for a while, he gave her up before courting Lallie. Besides, it was the intimacy of life with his mistress that propelled him towards matrimony, which is a nice comment on Regency men - the mistress as an immature stage in his life. I was disappointed though, that he lost his temper so spectacularly at crucial moments. Regency men were all about public restraint, whatever they did in private, so I’m not sure he would ever have spoken so rudely to anyone, especially not to his wife. And I’m still not quite sure why the two of them couldn’t simply have said what they wanted, instead of seething in silent resentment or assuming they knew what the other person wanted. But that was the story, so whatever.
Of the other characters, most were well-meaning, if not quite angelic. There were only two villains, and sadly they fell into the caricature moustache-twirling variety, and seemed to be there purely to propel the plot along the correct path. I have to confess, however, that the stratagem of the father arranging a marriage to an obnoxious man to keep hold of the daughter’s fortune, causing her to run away, is not one I can cavil at, having used exactly the same device in one of my own books. My own heroine had no already-interested Hugo to bump into, but she went through something of the same ups and downs with her husband as Lallie.
One aspect of the book I liked very much was the attitude of the loyal retainers at Hugo’s family estate when he arrived with his new bride. The little knots of people waiting to watch the carriages go by, and curtsying and bowing to the new mistress, and the lodgekeeper’s daughter presenting a posy as they leave are charming touches. So many authors of Regency works forget about the lower orders altogether, but here’s a reminder that the servants and tenant farmers and local suppliers and craftsmen were intimately involved with the local great family. It was their miniature version of royalty! So kudos to the author for that.
An interesting book, a little different from the usual. The misunderstandings that drive the plot and some characterisation wobbles would be a three star for me, but the excellent writing and depth of research brings it up to four stars.
February 22, 2018
“Perception and Illusions” is a lovely, gentle love story, using the classic girl-meets-boy, girl-loses-boy, girl-gets-boy-back theme – but it’s very cleverly done. I pretty much devoured this book, in 3 sittings, I think; and given that neither romantic novels, nor this period, are my usual fare, that gives you an impression of the quality of the writing! The central character, Lallie, is sympathetically drawn, and her character arc is believable and engaging. The secondary characters are well-rounded and appealing too; in particular Hugo’s thoughts and motivations make you like him very much.
I loved the language and the way the book is structured- both very much of the period. There’s a clever device for introducing the chapters, which was a particular favourite of mine; it both sets the tone of the chapter, gives you a hint of the content, and added together describes quite neatly the course and hazards involved in falling in love! Here’s Chapter Sixteen’s:
“The Island of Perseverance, on the opposite side, is good if the travellers be on a right course; further lies the Island of Obstinacy.” Should be part of every divorce counsellor’s toolkit…
The author has the knack of allowing you inside first one character’s head, then another – so it was possible to follow along with every twist of the all-too-familiar comedy of errors that the lovers managed to achieve – and then to sigh with relief as they finally managed to start unpicking all the things unsaid and assumed, and get their relationship back on course! I was very impressed with the delicacy of the love scenes. Poor old Lallie has had the worst kind of birds-and-bees advice – and this is Hugo’s thoughts on the matter…
“Lallie vielded sweetly to him in bed, it was true, but, in the depths of his heart, he must admit that she did not respond as ardently as he would like and always at the end there was that little sigh, as if she was glad that he had finished. So what have you to complain about, he asked himself savagely. That your wife is not as fond as you would wish? You can hardly tell her you wish she were less inanimate…”
As well as the bedchamber, we are transported to some sumptuous Regency feasts and balls. The author’s descriptions of each, along with the complicated rules of politesse involved, are delightful, and add a great deal to the atmosphere of the book. It’s here that the quality of Ms Kullman’s research is clearest – but never heavy. She concludes the book with one of my favourite things – a Historical Note that clearly explains what is real and what is not, and what accommodations have been made to the story. Very few, it turns out!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, for a number of reasons; I loved the period accuracy, the skill with which the author engages the reader, and the delicacy of the love story itself. I’d definitely recommend it - having finished this one, I’ve bought her first – this is an author with an effortlessly beautiful voice, and I want to read more.
I loved the language and the way the book is structured- both very much of the period. There’s a clever device for introducing the chapters, which was a particular favourite of mine; it both sets the tone of the chapter, gives you a hint of the content, and added together describes quite neatly the course and hazards involved in falling in love! Here’s Chapter Sixteen’s:
“The Island of Perseverance, on the opposite side, is good if the travellers be on a right course; further lies the Island of Obstinacy.” Should be part of every divorce counsellor’s toolkit…
The author has the knack of allowing you inside first one character’s head, then another – so it was possible to follow along with every twist of the all-too-familiar comedy of errors that the lovers managed to achieve – and then to sigh with relief as they finally managed to start unpicking all the things unsaid and assumed, and get their relationship back on course! I was very impressed with the delicacy of the love scenes. Poor old Lallie has had the worst kind of birds-and-bees advice – and this is Hugo’s thoughts on the matter…
“Lallie vielded sweetly to him in bed, it was true, but, in the depths of his heart, he must admit that she did not respond as ardently as he would like and always at the end there was that little sigh, as if she was glad that he had finished. So what have you to complain about, he asked himself savagely. That your wife is not as fond as you would wish? You can hardly tell her you wish she were less inanimate…”
As well as the bedchamber, we are transported to some sumptuous Regency feasts and balls. The author’s descriptions of each, along with the complicated rules of politesse involved, are delightful, and add a great deal to the atmosphere of the book. It’s here that the quality of Ms Kullman’s research is clearest – but never heavy. She concludes the book with one of my favourite things – a Historical Note that clearly explains what is real and what is not, and what accommodations have been made to the story. Very few, it turns out!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, for a number of reasons; I loved the period accuracy, the skill with which the author engages the reader, and the delicacy of the love story itself. I’d definitely recommend it - having finished this one, I’ve bought her first – this is an author with an effortlessly beautiful voice, and I want to read more.
September 21, 2021
Leggere un romanzo storico è, per me, un momento rigenerante in cui posso lasciare fuori ogni preoccupazione e immergermi in un’epoca passata, e farlo in compagnia di un libro di Catherine Kullmann si rivela sempre un’esperienza meravigliosa.
Illusioni & Percezioni è un romanzo corposo, ricco di avvenimenti e di personaggi che mi hanno tenuta con il naso attaccato al mio Kindle dalla prima all’ultima pagina. Nonostante questo libro sia il secondo di una trilogia, si può tranquillamente leggere senza aver letto la storia di Luke e Olivia raccontata ne I sussurri delle maschere, perché ogni romanzo è autoconclusivo.
Anche questa volta la Kullmann ha saputo scriver una storia avvincente, tenera e con dei personaggi veramente interessanti e caratterizzati benissimo. Inoltre ho apprezzato molto che la storia ruotasse principalmente sulla costruzione del rapporto tra i due protagonisti e sul loro modo di reagire alle varie incomprensioni e i silenzi dell’altro.
Ancora una volta Catherine Kullmann riesce a trasportare completamente il lettore all’interno del romanzo. Seppur la storia tra Hugo e Lallie si snodi tra più di cinquecento pagine, una volta iniziato a leggere non sono più riuscita a smettere. Esattamente come era successo con il romanzo precedente, anche questa volta la Kullmann non smentisce l’accuratezza storica, una profonda conoscenza della società inglese degli inizi dell’Ottocento e gli usi e costumi dell’età Regency.
Lo stile di scrittura dell’autrice è preciso, fluido, corposo e pieno di spunti riflessivi interessanti. A partire dal titolo che rappresenta benissimo il rapporto tra Hugo e Lallie. I momenti di interazione tra i due protagonisti mi sono piaciuti tantissimo, così come i dialoghi che danno un notevole spessore psicologico a entrambi. La narrazione in terza persona ci permette di imparare a conoscere entrambi in modo esaustivo e affezionarsi a loro è semplice e immediato.
La trama è avvincente e mai scontata, come accennavo prima il vero fulcro del romanzo, è la costruzione della vita matrimoniale e la crescita emotiva sia di Hugo sia di Lallie. E sullo sfondo si snodano anche fatti storici reali che, in un modo o nell’altro, condizionano la vita dei personaggi. La parte finale del romanzo è qualcosa di veramente magico, ho sofferto e imparato ad amare con i due protagonisti e il modo in cui le cose tra loro si evolvono è veramente toccante, non potevo sperare in un finale migliore.
Recensione completa: https://virtualkaty.blogspot.com/2021...
Illusioni & Percezioni è un romanzo corposo, ricco di avvenimenti e di personaggi che mi hanno tenuta con il naso attaccato al mio Kindle dalla prima all’ultima pagina. Nonostante questo libro sia il secondo di una trilogia, si può tranquillamente leggere senza aver letto la storia di Luke e Olivia raccontata ne I sussurri delle maschere, perché ogni romanzo è autoconclusivo.
Anche questa volta la Kullmann ha saputo scriver una storia avvincente, tenera e con dei personaggi veramente interessanti e caratterizzati benissimo. Inoltre ho apprezzato molto che la storia ruotasse principalmente sulla costruzione del rapporto tra i due protagonisti e sul loro modo di reagire alle varie incomprensioni e i silenzi dell’altro.
Ancora una volta Catherine Kullmann riesce a trasportare completamente il lettore all’interno del romanzo. Seppur la storia tra Hugo e Lallie si snodi tra più di cinquecento pagine, una volta iniziato a leggere non sono più riuscita a smettere. Esattamente come era successo con il romanzo precedente, anche questa volta la Kullmann non smentisce l’accuratezza storica, una profonda conoscenza della società inglese degli inizi dell’Ottocento e gli usi e costumi dell’età Regency.
Lo stile di scrittura dell’autrice è preciso, fluido, corposo e pieno di spunti riflessivi interessanti. A partire dal titolo che rappresenta benissimo il rapporto tra Hugo e Lallie. I momenti di interazione tra i due protagonisti mi sono piaciuti tantissimo, così come i dialoghi che danno un notevole spessore psicologico a entrambi. La narrazione in terza persona ci permette di imparare a conoscere entrambi in modo esaustivo e affezionarsi a loro è semplice e immediato.
La trama è avvincente e mai scontata, come accennavo prima il vero fulcro del romanzo, è la costruzione della vita matrimoniale e la crescita emotiva sia di Hugo sia di Lallie. E sullo sfondo si snodano anche fatti storici reali che, in un modo o nell’altro, condizionano la vita dei personaggi. La parte finale del romanzo è qualcosa di veramente magico, ho sofferto e imparato ad amare con i due protagonisti e il modo in cui le cose tra loro si evolvono è veramente toccante, non potevo sperare in un finale migliore.
Recensione completa: https://virtualkaty.blogspot.com/2021...
April 3, 2018
Kullman propels us into Lallie's world within the first few pages of Perception and Illusion.
We learn that Lallie, a woman fast reaching her expiry date at the ripe old age of 24 (!) is both a source of income and bargaining chip to her opportunistic father. When forced into marrying an older man of questionable morals, Lallie runs away to be to be 'rescued' and protected by the dashing Hugo Tamirisk. What ensues is a not-so-funny comedy of errors in which Lallie and Hugo negotiate the complex social language of the Regency reign, and eventually learn to understand each other.
I enjoyed reading this novel for several reasons. Although set in a period where gender and class inequalities were blatantly flaunted (even reveled!) I found Lallie to be an engaging, spunky woman. She struck me as one whom I would like for a friend -- kind, non-judgmental, unafraid to say what's on her mind, and utterly baffled by power games. Her adversary/knight in shining armour is equally affable if a little disingenuous, I enjoyed reading about the relationship between Nancy and Lallie and the kindness in general that women showed each other -- in this sense Kullman challenges the stereotype of female power struggles in the Regency period (although she does rightly allude to it during the party scenes).
An enjoyable read with likeable characters. I would be interested in find out if this is a series...
We learn that Lallie, a woman fast reaching her expiry date at the ripe old age of 24 (!) is both a source of income and bargaining chip to her opportunistic father. When forced into marrying an older man of questionable morals, Lallie runs away to be to be 'rescued' and protected by the dashing Hugo Tamirisk. What ensues is a not-so-funny comedy of errors in which Lallie and Hugo negotiate the complex social language of the Regency reign, and eventually learn to understand each other.
I enjoyed reading this novel for several reasons. Although set in a period where gender and class inequalities were blatantly flaunted (even reveled!) I found Lallie to be an engaging, spunky woman. She struck me as one whom I would like for a friend -- kind, non-judgmental, unafraid to say what's on her mind, and utterly baffled by power games. Her adversary/knight in shining armour is equally affable if a little disingenuous, I enjoyed reading about the relationship between Nancy and Lallie and the kindness in general that women showed each other -- in this sense Kullman challenges the stereotype of female power struggles in the Regency period (although she does rightly allude to it during the party scenes).
An enjoyable read with likeable characters. I would be interested in find out if this is a series...
November 23, 2021
Questa lettura mi ha subito rapita. Una scrittura eccellente, ho trovato molti passaggi così delicati e dolci. È stato bellissimo scoprire un Hugo che all’epoca era ben raro trovare un uomo come lui. Ma poi leggere l’amore che c’era tra lui e Lallie, a volte il non parlarsi rovina tutta. Sta a noi capirlo in tempo e salvare la situazione. Poi capita anche che devi fare un atto estremo come ad esempio andare via e farti rincorrere ed è così che poi si capisce se vuoi perderla o se vuoi lottare per quella persona. Ho apprezzato molto anche il lieto fine tra i fratelli e sorelle Tamrisk. A volte a causa dei proprio genitori si creano delle percezioni sbagliate e tendiamo ad associare i componenti della famiglia non pensando che magari sono l’esatto opposto. Il lieto fine è stato carinissimo ed era proprio quello che ci voleva.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2018
Perfect. I've read quite a few books set in the Regency period and this book is streets ahead of all of them.
The book explores the good and bad in people, the constraints of society in that era, arranged marriages, gossip-mongers, all of which is written delightfully with good characters, good plotting, well scripted dialogue and interspersed with the minutiae of daily living without being in the least bit boring.
The language is of the time and reading on my Kindle it was so easy to look up the words I didn’t know which as well as enhancing my own vocabulary added to the atmosphere of the book.
Can’t fault it – in my opinion one of the best books I’ve read this year.
The book explores the good and bad in people, the constraints of society in that era, arranged marriages, gossip-mongers, all of which is written delightfully with good characters, good plotting, well scripted dialogue and interspersed with the minutiae of daily living without being in the least bit boring.
The language is of the time and reading on my Kindle it was so easy to look up the words I didn’t know which as well as enhancing my own vocabulary added to the atmosphere of the book.
Can’t fault it – in my opinion one of the best books I’ve read this year.
August 2, 2020
Catherine Kullmann writes another regency romance without any humor, not fun. Lallie lives on her father's estate with her stepmother and step siblings, acting as a governess to them for her room and board. She meets Hugo Tamrisk and falls in love, but is warned that her marital duties called for her to accept whatever her husband wants of her. They go to London and she begins to live the life of a society lady with the help of her sisters-in-law. This is what she thinks Hugo wants. Quite a lot of sex. Aside from being well written, this is not a Regency Romance at all.
July 20, 2025
Another wonderful book by Catherine Kullmann who is fast becoming one of my favorite authors ❤️
The Hero and heroine meet at a house party. They like each other a lot and the Hero even indicates that he would like to visit the heroine when she is back home. However, the heroine’s degenerate father has made a nasty arrangement with one of his cronies to marry the heroine, against her will, just so they can get their hands on her inheritance, of which she knows nothing about. The heroine is so disgusted by this crony that she runs away.
Thankfully the Hero encounters her and comes to her aid. He also marries her hurriedly so he can protect her.
The story really starts from here. It becomes a marriage in trouble trope. Although the Hero and heroine were attracted to and liked each other a lot, their wedding was a bit rushed and they had no time to get to know one another well. The heroine feels that maybe the Hero was obligated to offer for her since she was somewhat compromised when he rescued her. And although the heroine is taken under the wing of the Hero’s sisters and made to feel welcome by the Ton, he feels left out and neglected.
The couple need to find their way around each other despite the meddling of outside forces and hurtful gossip that constantly undermine their trust in one another.
❤️❤️❤️❤️
P.s
There is a wonderful epilogue in the author’s blog page files under “free stuff”
The Hero and heroine meet at a house party. They like each other a lot and the Hero even indicates that he would like to visit the heroine when she is back home. However, the heroine’s degenerate father has made a nasty arrangement with one of his cronies to marry the heroine, against her will, just so they can get their hands on her inheritance, of which she knows nothing about. The heroine is so disgusted by this crony that she runs away.
Thankfully the Hero encounters her and comes to her aid. He also marries her hurriedly so he can protect her.
The story really starts from here. It becomes a marriage in trouble trope. Although the Hero and heroine were attracted to and liked each other a lot, their wedding was a bit rushed and they had no time to get to know one another well. The heroine feels that maybe the Hero was obligated to offer for her since she was somewhat compromised when he rescued her. And although the heroine is taken under the wing of the Hero’s sisters and made to feel welcome by the Ton, he feels left out and neglected.
The couple need to find their way around each other despite the meddling of outside forces and hurtful gossip that constantly undermine their trust in one another.
❤️❤️❤️❤️
P.s
There is a wonderful epilogue in the author’s blog page files under “free stuff”
February 22, 2018
An excellent story, with realistic characters and situations. I liked both lead characters, and was rooting for them to find their way to happiness.
As in many romances, parts of the plot revolved about misunderstandings that could be resolved if people just talked to each other honestly, but in this story the reasons why they did not were completely plausible.
Recommended - I will be reading more of Catherine Kullman's stories
As in many romances, parts of the plot revolved about misunderstandings that could be resolved if people just talked to each other honestly, but in this story the reasons why they did not were completely plausible.
Recommended - I will be reading more of Catherine Kullman's stories
September 25, 2021
Brilliantly done again!
Catherine Kullmann is rapidly becoming one of my favourite authors. Her books (so far) have engaged and entertained this reader far more than most historic romance authors do. Rather than fast galloping action and high melodrama, each interspersed with steamy sex scenes, we are given meticulously plotted stories with well developed main characters. Superb!!
Catherine Kullmann is rapidly becoming one of my favourite authors. Her books (so far) have engaged and entertained this reader far more than most historic romance authors do. Rather than fast galloping action and high melodrama, each interspersed with steamy sex scenes, we are given meticulously plotted stories with well developed main characters. Superb!!
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