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Confirmed Bachelors #3
Carteret
Dignified, reserved, and every inch the gentleman, Laurence Westerby, the fifth Viscount Carteret, finds his ordered and predictable world turned on its head when a mysterious lady steps into his private parlour. He thinks her spirited, reckless, and undoubtedly in need of his protection.
Confident, frank, and used to managing her own affairs, Miss Cassandra Fenton does not like the role of damsel in distress. Laurence seems determined to help her out of her immediate difficulties, however. His chivalry reminds her of all the reasons she is so unsuited to marriage.
An unlikely friendship is forged, but will it survive the pressures of potential abductors, smugglers and a suspected murderer?
Confident, frank, and used to managing her own affairs, Miss Cassandra Fenton does not like the role of damsel in distress. Laurence seems determined to help her out of her immediate difficulties, however. His chivalry reminds her of all the reasons she is so unsuited to marriage.
An unlikely friendship is forged, but will it survive the pressures of potential abductors, smugglers and a suspected murderer?
432 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 6, 2021
127 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Hambly
34 books90 followersI love history and the Regency period in particular. I grew up on a diet of Jane Austen, Charlotte and Emile Bronte, and Georgette Heyer.
I now write traditional Regency romance novels. I like to think my characters, though flawed, are likeable, strong, and true to the period. Rosalind is the first in my Bachelor Brides series. Sophie and Katherine complete the series. The books are linked by characters introduced in each. They can be read as stand-alone novels, but are best read in order.
I live by the sea in Plymouth, England with my partner, Dave. I like reading, sailing, wine, getting up early to watch the sunrise in summer, and long quiet evenings by the wood burner in our cabin on the cliffs in Cornwall in winter.
Find out more about me, join my mailing list, or just see what I am up to, at www.jennyhambly.com
I now write traditional Regency romance novels. I like to think my characters, though flawed, are likeable, strong, and true to the period. Rosalind is the first in my Bachelor Brides series. Sophie and Katherine complete the series. The books are linked by characters introduced in each. They can be read as stand-alone novels, but are best read in order.
I live by the sea in Plymouth, England with my partner, Dave. I like reading, sailing, wine, getting up early to watch the sunrise in summer, and long quiet evenings by the wood burner in our cabin on the cliffs in Cornwall in winter.
Find out more about me, join my mailing list, or just see what I am up to, at www.jennyhambly.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
August 27, 2023
England 1815. 2 romances & a murder after the fact.
Kisses only.
I enjoyed the nuanced characters Laurence (a viscount) &
Cassandra: the MCs, his steward/ cousin/ friend Alfred,
her friend Louisa & deaf friend Emma who read lips. Even
controlling cousin Francis.
Laurence was reserved, contained & seldom showed emos.
Cass displayed vitality, courage & a mercurial tendency.
He wondered if living w/ her freely expressed opinions and
emotions would exhaust him? His twin sisters helped in the
romance dept. The MCs each had artistic skills. The author
slowly revealed the circumstances of the murder: putting
the pieces together. The only missing element was an epilogue.
Now I may start w/ bk#1 of the series?
Kisses only.
I enjoyed the nuanced characters Laurence (a viscount) &
Cassandra: the MCs, his steward/ cousin/ friend Alfred,
her friend Louisa & deaf friend Emma who read lips. Even
controlling cousin Francis.
Laurence was reserved, contained & seldom showed emos.
Cass displayed vitality, courage & a mercurial tendency.
He wondered if living w/ her freely expressed opinions and
emotions would exhaust him? His twin sisters helped in the
romance dept. The MCs each had artistic skills. The author
slowly revealed the circumstances of the murder: putting
the pieces together. The only missing element was an epilogue.
Now I may start w/ bk#1 of the series?
March 1, 2024
I liked the fact that they had both had real artistic interests. Jenny Hambly has become a go-to as she's reliably believable and doesn't miss dramatic beats or drag you out of her stories by anachronisms or ludicrous plotting. She develops characters well so that you give a damn about them. Good writer who knows her genre.
December 21, 2021
Another lovely read from Jenny Hambly, and for me this is the best of the series so far. Laurence is exactly my kind of hero - reserved, dignified and every inch the perfect gentleman. Heroine Cassandra is a feisty and determined lady, someone we can all root for. The plot unfolds smoothly, and is a joy to read.
Here’s the premise: Laurence, Viscount Carteret has his life in good order, keeping himself to himself and pursuing his duties with methodical conscientiousness. He’s on his way to his imposing country mansion when his quiet evening at an inn is disrupted by a very unlikely fugitive, in the shape of Miss Cassandra Fenton, who seeks refuge in his private parlour from a Bow Street runner. Surrendering to a whim for once, Laurence allows her to hide while he sees off the runner, then shares his meal with her before escorting her to temporary safety nearby, intending to return in the morning to see her to her destination. But Cassandra neither wants nor needs his help. She’s safer making her own way to her chosen refuge, the home of her former governess. Since they have been using only first names with each other, and neither knows where the other is bound, that would seem to be the end of that.
Well, there wouldn’t be much of a story if that were the case, so it isn’t very long before the two are thrown together again, and set about gradually uncovering the story behind Cassandra’s flight from her home, which resulted in the Bow Street runner being set on her, and also the mysteries surrounding the former governess and her home. And needless to say, they are also falling in love at the same time, and although things go along swimmingly for a while, it’s inevitable that someone as strait-laced as Laurence and someone as impetuous and daring as Cassandra would eventually fall out. When it happens, the quarrel is spectacular, and I felt all the gut-wrenching turmoil in both of them.
The ending has some lovely and (to me) quite unexpected twists which resolved everything beautifully. As always with Hambly, the characters, even the minor ones, are full of authentic life, and there’s also Laurence’s house, which has a starring role to play. It’s rare to see a backdrop used so aptly as this, but here everything about Westerby perfectly encapsulates the characters of Laurence’s father, and Laurence himself, and also illuminates the characters of Laurence’s two sisters. Brilliantly done.
A wonderfully written book, a perfect evocation of the Regency. Five stars.
Here’s the premise: Laurence, Viscount Carteret has his life in good order, keeping himself to himself and pursuing his duties with methodical conscientiousness. He’s on his way to his imposing country mansion when his quiet evening at an inn is disrupted by a very unlikely fugitive, in the shape of Miss Cassandra Fenton, who seeks refuge in his private parlour from a Bow Street runner. Surrendering to a whim for once, Laurence allows her to hide while he sees off the runner, then shares his meal with her before escorting her to temporary safety nearby, intending to return in the morning to see her to her destination. But Cassandra neither wants nor needs his help. She’s safer making her own way to her chosen refuge, the home of her former governess. Since they have been using only first names with each other, and neither knows where the other is bound, that would seem to be the end of that.
Well, there wouldn’t be much of a story if that were the case, so it isn’t very long before the two are thrown together again, and set about gradually uncovering the story behind Cassandra’s flight from her home, which resulted in the Bow Street runner being set on her, and also the mysteries surrounding the former governess and her home. And needless to say, they are also falling in love at the same time, and although things go along swimmingly for a while, it’s inevitable that someone as strait-laced as Laurence and someone as impetuous and daring as Cassandra would eventually fall out. When it happens, the quarrel is spectacular, and I felt all the gut-wrenching turmoil in both of them.
The ending has some lovely and (to me) quite unexpected twists which resolved everything beautifully. As always with Hambly, the characters, even the minor ones, are full of authentic life, and there’s also Laurence’s house, which has a starring role to play. It’s rare to see a backdrop used so aptly as this, but here everything about Westerby perfectly encapsulates the characters of Laurence’s father, and Laurence himself, and also illuminates the characters of Laurence’s two sisters. Brilliantly done.
A wonderfully written book, a perfect evocation of the Regency. Five stars.
October 31, 2021
Jenny Hambly's has written some very good books and this one was delightful. "Carteret" is the third novel in her "Confirmed Bachelors" series and all of them have been excellent. I enjoyed how the story unfolded at a leisurely pace, but there was lots of excitement too. In addition to Laurence and Cassandra, the other characters were well-drawn, including the humorous Mr. Chubb. I appreciate reading a Regency that is written using correct grammar and is clean without being dull.
April 20, 2022
Oh, I do like a good Regency Romance. I’ve not come across this author before, but I will seek out more of her books. I found the characters to be intriguing, nicely developed and very believably ‘in period’ regarding how they behaved and spoke, but without getting bogged down with stereotypical tropes or false, unwieldy to our modern ears, dialogue.
It was rather a pleasant change to see a nicely designed cover with an ordinary, although good-looking, male rather than the typical back view of a lady – or the man showing off his semi-naked torso. (Did men back then, really have abs?)
The addition of a slight mystery and unexpected characters added nicely to the plot, although maybe the resolution was very slightly contrived – it did not matter as the story overall was so enjoyable. This is not an action novel, but a gentle cosy-before-the-fire romance, ideal to be enjoyed with a pot of tea and a plate of chocolate biscuits while the windy and rainy weather blusters outside.
Recommended for Regency Romance readers
Originally Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds
It was rather a pleasant change to see a nicely designed cover with an ordinary, although good-looking, male rather than the typical back view of a lady – or the man showing off his semi-naked torso. (Did men back then, really have abs?)
The addition of a slight mystery and unexpected characters added nicely to the plot, although maybe the resolution was very slightly contrived – it did not matter as the story overall was so enjoyable. This is not an action novel, but a gentle cosy-before-the-fire romance, ideal to be enjoyed with a pot of tea and a plate of chocolate biscuits while the windy and rainy weather blusters outside.
Recommended for Regency Romance readers
Originally Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds
October 29, 2021
Romance and runaways and mystery aha.
Hambly writes so very well. Here she doubles down on the romance with two, no three, HEA, and throws in a mystery for added measure. Not to mention the twist at the end I did not see coming which neatly finished a thread I thought had been left hanging. Great characters, excellent dialogue make for an engrossing read.
Hambly writes so very well. Here she doubles down on the romance with two, no three, HEA, and throws in a mystery for added measure. Not to mention the twist at the end I did not see coming which neatly finished a thread I thought had been left hanging. Great characters, excellent dialogue make for an engrossing read.
January 4, 2024
I enjoyed the principals and their interactions from the start, including their backstories and the similarities and differences between those backstories. Cassandra is a particularly original and engaging character. The plot worked for me -- for the most part. Toward the end comes a Gothic plot twist of the sort Jane Austen enjoyed satirizing. It serves to tie up what would have been a loose end left over from the initial plot setup, as well as to throw some uncertainty into Lord Carteret's way, but I found it a little hard to swallow and therefore a distraction.
October 22, 2021
I love this Regency Romance series and the third novel does not disapppoint.
November 28, 2021
Carteret
I love all of Jenny Hambly's work.The books are well written and set beautifully in the past, The Characters are well developed. I look forward to reading more by this talented Author
I love all of Jenny Hambly's work.The books are well written and set beautifully in the past, The Characters are well developed. I look forward to reading more by this talented Author
February 1, 2022
Greatly enjoyed. My first Hambly, but not the last. And, except for some occasional anachronistic language, very good evocation of the time and place.
December 28, 2021
Wow. Just about perfect. Laurence and Cassandra and their families and friends are delightful. I'll re-read this one often. 🙂
April 30, 2022
Once more a great story.
This is the third in the Bachelors series, and I think they are getting better with each one. I love these recency romances as there is no vulgar scenes or language. Some adventures and a little mystery, but truly a great romances. Carteret is the hero of the day. So glad I found this series..
This is the third in the Bachelors series, and I think they are getting better with each one. I love these recency romances as there is no vulgar scenes or language. Some adventures and a little mystery, but truly a great romances. Carteret is the hero of the day. So glad I found this series..
August 27, 2023
Finally! A novel in this series where two people meet, feel interest and attraction, talk and interact, and feelings arise and grow from those interactions!
There’s also some other interesting threads going on here: a twofer romance, a dangerous cousin, some criminal activity. Don’t expect excitement to happen, though. All the buildup to action and intrigue amounts to sputter and fizzle at the end. While I admire this author’s ability to write and craft stories with lots of ideas and characters in motion, I find they lack bite.
There’s also some other interesting threads going on here: a twofer romance, a dangerous cousin, some criminal activity. Don’t expect excitement to happen, though. All the buildup to action and intrigue amounts to sputter and fizzle at the end. While I admire this author’s ability to write and craft stories with lots of ideas and characters in motion, I find they lack bite.
November 26, 2021
It is not often you read a book where everyone likes each other The brother in law's liked each other their wives were compatable. The governess loved her pupil and her sister The cousin did not resent his cousin having a tittle or fortune,The story was wonderful full of love and hope. The TWIST I did not guess.The setting and conversations were perfect. I could honestly imagine them coming g from Jane Austen 's lips
October 15, 2021
An enjoyable trip to Norfolk
I'm always excited to read a new Jenny Hambly book and this one is no exception. My favorite in this series, Carteret and Cassandra's story was witty, eventful with a dash of mistaken identity and smuggling.
I'm always excited to read a new Jenny Hambly book and this one is no exception. My favorite in this series, Carteret and Cassandra's story was witty, eventful with a dash of mistaken identity and smuggling.
March 19, 2022
Carteret is my favorite (so far) of the three published Confirmed Bachelors stories. Helen Taylor provides a wonderful performance in the audiobook version. This story hits all the buttons for me--an honorable gentleman with integrity, a strong heroine, a couple willing to adapt and learn to communicate with each other, and a touch of danger and intrigue, This story is clean but effectively portrays growing passion without gratuitous situations. Excellent!
June 23, 2023
"Carteret" is a romance set in 1815 in England. Laurence learned to carefully control his emotions and put aside his love of painting under his father's harsh hand. He helps Cassandra when she unexpectedly hides in his private dining room at an inn while trying to escape her cousin, who's trying to force her to marry him. Laurence admires her intelligence and quick wits, but she's also impulsive and used to making her own decisions. She's willing to admit when her actions have crossed over to possibly reckless, so Laurence quickly learned how to gently point out rash actions rather than being high-handed. She helps him find enjoyment in painting again. As they draw closer, Cassandra must decide if she's willing to give up her independence in return for the affection and opportunities that Laurence offers.
Historical details were woven into the story, and the author knew a lot about the period without stuffing it all into the story. The main characters were engaging and acted realistically. Laurence and Cassandra shared interests and admired each other's character. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable romance.
Historical details were woven into the story, and the author knew a lot about the period without stuffing it all into the story. The main characters were engaging and acted realistically. Laurence and Cassandra shared interests and admired each other's character. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable romance.
November 9, 2022
There are some books which stay with you long after you've finished reading them. You remember the story, the characters, you relive the key moments in your head, sometimes you are even drawn to reading them again. This however is not such a book.
It did keep my interest as I was reading it; it was well written and had a good period feel, but it certainly won't stay among the books I fondly remember.
I have read much more exciting stories about smuggling during this period from Stella Riley or Jayne Davies for example.
Laurence and Cassandra are pleasant enough, but somehow the whole book feels a bit lightweight. In fact, this is a feeling I've had before when reading other books by this author (Marianne, Miss Hayes, Georgianna). So, if you are looking for easy reading, for something to keep you mildly entertained, try this book by all means. In fact, I have ordered the next one in this series in the hope that it will change my opinion of this author. I like her style, but perhaps she should concentrate more on a strong storyline.
It did keep my interest as I was reading it; it was well written and had a good period feel, but it certainly won't stay among the books I fondly remember.
I have read much more exciting stories about smuggling during this period from Stella Riley or Jayne Davies for example.
Laurence and Cassandra are pleasant enough, but somehow the whole book feels a bit lightweight. In fact, this is a feeling I've had before when reading other books by this author (Marianne, Miss Hayes, Georgianna). So, if you are looking for easy reading, for something to keep you mildly entertained, try this book by all means. In fact, I have ordered the next one in this series in the hope that it will change my opinion of this author. I like her style, but perhaps she should concentrate more on a strong storyline.
October 17, 2024
Third in the series, and Viscount Carteret who's featured in the last two books finally gets his book. Carteret- Laurence as a child was small for his size and enjoyed the arts as well as sports, until his father found out and destroyed all Laurences work, before suffering an apoplectic and things days later. But Laurences whole banter changed and he became more reserved,and avoids his childhood home which is little more than an exhibition piece to impress visitors.
Whilst travelling home Laurences evening meal is interrupted by a young lady who asks him to hide her from her pursuer. Cassandra has fled her family home after her cousin has taken it over, and now she finds there's an ex now street runner following her, to return her home. When the runner gets too close she barged into a gentleman's room in an inn and asks for help. Usually confident and composed this situation has shaken her.
After arriving at her ex governess home, Cassandra finds her path crosses with Lairences again.
Loving this series.
Whilst travelling home Laurences evening meal is interrupted by a young lady who asks him to hide her from her pursuer. Cassandra has fled her family home after her cousin has taken it over, and now she finds there's an ex now street runner following her, to return her home. When the runner gets too close she barged into a gentleman's room in an inn and asks for help. Usually confident and composed this situation has shaken her.
After arriving at her ex governess home, Cassandra finds her path crosses with Lairences again.
Loving this series.
July 30, 2022
This was a wonderfully written book. The characters were fully developed, the plot was interesting, the romance was engaging and there weren’t any silly current day expressions to detract from the book.
To my surprise and delight, the hero and heroine were people who worked through their occasional disputes, reasonably and with frank conversations. You may think that this means the book isn’t interesting but it is. There are still points of tension and misunderstandings to keep the reader engaged. There is a mystery as a sub-plot that is resolved by the end of the book.
This is a sweet romance with a couple of instances of kissing after a proposal and no sex scenes.
Highly recommended! I’m off to buy the rest of Jenny Hambly’s books, every single one of them!
Btw, it was Mary Kingswood, a fine historical romance writer in her own regard, who recommended Carteret.
To my surprise and delight, the hero and heroine were people who worked through their occasional disputes, reasonably and with frank conversations. You may think that this means the book isn’t interesting but it is. There are still points of tension and misunderstandings to keep the reader engaged. There is a mystery as a sub-plot that is resolved by the end of the book.
This is a sweet romance with a couple of instances of kissing after a proposal and no sex scenes.
Highly recommended! I’m off to buy the rest of Jenny Hambly’s books, every single one of them!
Btw, it was Mary Kingswood, a fine historical romance writer in her own regard, who recommended Carteret.
July 20, 2022
Great fun!
This book is perfect for lounging on the beach or if you're home sick in bed. It is light-hearted brain candy that is highly predictable and has several improbable coincidences that make me feel like the author was having fun with the genre of regency romances.
I gave it a 3 because of the comparitve quality of my 5s, but as a book that helped me through bronchitis, it's a 5 all the way!
This book is perfect for lounging on the beach or if you're home sick in bed. It is light-hearted brain candy that is highly predictable and has several improbable coincidences that make me feel like the author was having fun with the genre of regency romances.
I gave it a 3 because of the comparitve quality of my 5s, but as a book that helped me through bronchitis, it's a 5 all the way!
December 3, 2021
Oh
What a delightful and exciting and wonderful story this one is! I can't think of enough words to describe it! Storyline, characters, mystery and of course romance! What a delightful wsy to spend the afternoon. I want to read it again to make sure that I didn't miss any details!
What a delightful and exciting and wonderful story this one is! I can't think of enough words to describe it! Storyline, characters, mystery and of course romance! What a delightful wsy to spend the afternoon. I want to read it again to make sure that I didn't miss any details!
May 15, 2022
ENJOYED THIS - LOTS GOING ON (SOMETIMES TOO MUCH!
I LOVED the characters in this who especially Lawrence, an interesting story , although at times I felt some of the conversation between characters went on too long and were unnecessary, I started to rush through pages to get to interesting parts.
THAT BEING SAID I DID ENJOY THE STORYLINE.
I LOVED the characters in this who especially Lawrence, an interesting story , although at times I felt some of the conversation between characters went on too long and were unnecessary, I started to rush through pages to get to interesting parts.
THAT BEING SAID I DID ENJOY THE STORYLINE.
June 14, 2022
Extremely well-written
This story was so well written that I was both absorbed and entertained from beginning go end. This is this is the second book by Jenny Hambly I have read and thoroughly enjoyed. Exce!lent stories and great knowledge of the era. Great character development
This story was so well written that I was both absorbed and entertained from beginning go end. This is this is the second book by Jenny Hambly I have read and thoroughly enjoyed. Exce!lent stories and great knowledge of the era. Great character development
July 10, 2022
Best of the confirmed bachelors!
This was a very entertaining read. Unconventional heroine, learned a little more about what formed our hero (who we've met in other books), and never a dull moment!
This was a very entertaining read. Unconventional heroine, learned a little more about what formed our hero (who we've met in other books), and never a dull moment!
November 11, 2022
great
Cassandra and Lawrence are perfectly suited. I loved her spirited and fearless nature, and his calm reserve that didn’t want to change her. This book was a clean romance with lots of adventure.
Cassandra and Lawrence are perfectly suited. I loved her spirited and fearless nature, and his calm reserve that didn’t want to change her. This book was a clean romance with lots of adventure.
November 13, 2022
Three for three so far in this series
Such an unusual story with many turns and a great twist at the end. Vibrant characters. Original thoughts from the other two. Refreshing. Highly recommended for all readers.
Such an unusual story with many turns and a great twist at the end. Vibrant characters. Original thoughts from the other two. Refreshing. Highly recommended for all readers.
December 27, 2022
An enthralling story
Jenny Hambly outdoes herself in each book. The story had subplots which were equally engrossing and the characters were captivating. Can’t wait to read the other two books in the series.
Jenny Hambly outdoes herself in each book. The story had subplots which were equally engrossing and the characters were captivating. Can’t wait to read the other two books in the series.
December 31, 2023
Nice
Despite the few Gothic parts, it was well written, clear strong main and side characters and smooth dialogue. It relied just a tad too much on a lack of communication and impetuousness.
Despite the few Gothic parts, it was well written, clear strong main and side characters and smooth dialogue. It relied just a tad too much on a lack of communication and impetuousness.
February 2, 2022
The best parts are between Carteret and Cassandra. The mystery is not bad but it sort of takes over the story. But it's an enjoyable book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews