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The Brides of Fortune #1
The Confessions of a Duchess
ALL'S FAIR IN LOVE AND MATRIMONY ...
When an ancient tax law is invoked requiring all unmarried ladies to either wed or surrender half their wealth, it's not long before the quiet village of Fortune's Folly is overrun by a swarm of fortune-hunting bachelors.
Marry again? Never! Not after what Laura, the dowager duchess, was forced to endure. Even if the arrival of her onetime paramour, Dexter Anstruther, is oh-so-tempting, she knows the secret she's kept from him would destroy any chance at a future together. Young, handsome and scandalously enticing, Dexter suspects Laura has a hidden motive for resisting his charms ... and he intends to expose her, by any means necessary.
When an ancient tax law is invoked requiring all unmarried ladies to either wed or surrender half their wealth, it's not long before the quiet village of Fortune's Folly is overrun by a swarm of fortune-hunting bachelors.
Marry again? Never! Not after what Laura, the dowager duchess, was forced to endure. Even if the arrival of her onetime paramour, Dexter Anstruther, is oh-so-tempting, she knows the secret she's kept from him would destroy any chance at a future together. Young, handsome and scandalously enticing, Dexter suspects Laura has a hidden motive for resisting his charms ... and he intends to expose her, by any means necessary.
369 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
27 people are currently reading
692 people want to read
About the author
Nicola Cornick
221 books1,164 followersInternational bestselling author Nicola Cornick writes dual-time historical mysteries that draw on her love for genealogy and local history. She studied History at London and Oxford and worked in academia for a number of years before becoming a full time author. Nicola acts as a guide and researcher at the stunning 17th century hunting lodge, Ashdown House and is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Friends of Lydiard Park in Swindon. She gives talks and tours on a variety of historical topics.
Nicola lives near Oxford and loves reading, writing, history, music, wildlife, travel and walking her dog. She also loves hearing from her readers and chatting to them. She can also be found on Facebook, Twitter @NicolaCornick and Instagram.
Nicola lives near Oxford and loves reading, writing, history, music, wildlife, travel and walking her dog. She also loves hearing from her readers and chatting to them. She can also be found on Facebook, Twitter @NicolaCornick and Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
August 2, 2009
I had a hard time getting into this book. I don't know why, might just be. I had a hard time picking out what I wanted to read from burgeoning pile. This was on top, so I just grabbed it.
After the first third, I found myself enjoying it more. Emotionally satisfying, but I could have had a bit more steam betweent he hero and heroine.
I did go ahead, however and ordered the next two books. The series premise is unique and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens in them.
After the first third, I found myself enjoying it more. Emotionally satisfying, but I could have had a bit more steam betweent he hero and heroine.
I did go ahead, however and ordered the next two books. The series premise is unique and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens in them.
January 31, 2018
Leído en Julio 2014
No sé pero a mi me encantó.... me pareció un buena trama y nos protagonistas muy especiales!!
No sé pero a mi me encantó.... me pareció un buena trama y nos protagonistas muy especiales!!
March 14, 2016
Sıradışı bir Historical kalıplaşmış Marki Dük düşes yok bu kitapta.Zengin de değiller.Kadın erkekten sekiz yaş büyük ama bu birbirlerini sevmelerine kesinlikle engel değil.Kelle vergisi denen bir olayla başlıyor romanımız.Vallahi ben çok beğendim.Yazar da müthiş bir anlatım gücü var.Sanırım bu üç kitaplık bir seri.Ben bu seriyi kesinlikle takip edeceğim.Değişik bir historical okumak isteyenlare tavsiye ederim
January 1, 2021
Started out strong: our heroine is thirty-four, a widowed duchess and single mother, not really mourning the loss of her late husband; the hero is six years her junior (leading people to say things like "she's nearly old enough to be your mother," which in the regency wasn't far off) and the two of them had a brief and ill-advised affair during her marriage, which she ended by telling the hero to go away, she didn't love him after all (which, obviously, was only to protect him from destroying his career by continuing the relationship). The overarching series plot - an idiot discovers a medieval law by which he can demand a tithe of fifty percent of all single women's fortunes within a year, so the ladies have to marry or fight back - is cute verging on cutesy, but the sort of thing I'll put up with in a regency romance novel. Then we add a half-baked political suspense/mystery plot, a secret organization of highwaywomen (yes you heard me), the hero's decision to sacrifice himself in marriage to an heiress to keep providing money to his profligate family although no thought is given to what he'll do once they run through his wife's money, and enough other nonsense that the book kind of deflates under it all. I was skimming by the end, so no completion date.
June 14, 2015
Confessions of a Duchess is the first book in Nicola Cornick's 'The Brides of Fortune' trilogy and it is quite different from other historical romance novels I have read. It's not particularly light reading as I felt there was a slight sombre tone to the book, however, there are a few fun elements and a certain amount of humour injected throughout.
Laura is a widow, a dowager Duchess, who has decided to live on her own with her young daughter in a small rundown cottage in the village of Fortune's Folly. Her husband didn't leave her much money so she is not a wealthy widow, but she's fairly happy and takes pleasure in watching her daughter grow.
Dexter works for the government as a spy and has been following and trying to capture Glory, a highwaywoman who is taking from the rich to give to the poor, Robin Hood style. The identity of the highway woman is revealed to him later in the book, and although it surprised him, I could see it coming a mile away. But the revelation was fun all the same and I really enjoyed this aspect to the novel. Dexter is also penniless and is burdened with providing for his family, so he sets off to Fortune's Folly to try his luck and land a wealthy wife.
There are a few little sub-plots that lighten the tone, such as the introduction of an ancient tax law ordering all unwed ladies to pass on half their fortunes to the owner of the village, which leads to some funny scenarios, but overall I felt as though both Laura and Dexter were full of melancholy. There is quite a lot of sexual tension between Laura and Dexter, having already been lovers years before, and I wanted them to be together, as I knew together they would be much happier.
Unfortunately, Laura has two, very big, life changing secrets that she can't reveal to anybody, especially Dexter and this is what is keeping them apart. Dexter can feel this obstacle between them, but, as a typical clueless male, decides it's because she's a heartless, cold woman, rather than just looking a little deeper. Of course, as the novel progresses these secrets are revealed...
The one major criticism I have with this book is the constant expression of lust. I get that this book is a romance but it is in the thoughts of Dexter incessantly. Every time he saw Laura his thoughts revealed how much he wanted to ravish her and how much he needed her. I get it, Dexter is in lust/love with Laura, I don't need it rammed down my throat, it became tiresome and unfortunately spoilt, what is essentially a very good read, just a little bit.
Verdict:
Overall I enjoyed Confessions of a Duchess. The characters are vivid and, for the most part, believable, the descriptions of the village and lifestyle is described well and I liked the plot and other storylines that ran alongside it. I will certainly be reading the next instalment in 'The Brides of Fortune' trilogy, Scandals of an Innocent, I just hope the hero's thoughts are not constantly in the gutter! I would recommend this book to other historical romance readers.
Laura is a widow, a dowager Duchess, who has decided to live on her own with her young daughter in a small rundown cottage in the village of Fortune's Folly. Her husband didn't leave her much money so she is not a wealthy widow, but she's fairly happy and takes pleasure in watching her daughter grow.
Dexter works for the government as a spy and has been following and trying to capture Glory, a highwaywoman who is taking from the rich to give to the poor, Robin Hood style. The identity of the highway woman is revealed to him later in the book, and although it surprised him, I could see it coming a mile away. But the revelation was fun all the same and I really enjoyed this aspect to the novel. Dexter is also penniless and is burdened with providing for his family, so he sets off to Fortune's Folly to try his luck and land a wealthy wife.
There are a few little sub-plots that lighten the tone, such as the introduction of an ancient tax law ordering all unwed ladies to pass on half their fortunes to the owner of the village, which leads to some funny scenarios, but overall I felt as though both Laura and Dexter were full of melancholy. There is quite a lot of sexual tension between Laura and Dexter, having already been lovers years before, and I wanted them to be together, as I knew together they would be much happier.
Unfortunately, Laura has two, very big, life changing secrets that she can't reveal to anybody, especially Dexter and this is what is keeping them apart. Dexter can feel this obstacle between them, but, as a typical clueless male, decides it's because she's a heartless, cold woman, rather than just looking a little deeper. Of course, as the novel progresses these secrets are revealed...
The one major criticism I have with this book is the constant expression of lust. I get that this book is a romance but it is in the thoughts of Dexter incessantly. Every time he saw Laura his thoughts revealed how much he wanted to ravish her and how much he needed her. I get it, Dexter is in lust/love with Laura, I don't need it rammed down my throat, it became tiresome and unfortunately spoilt, what is essentially a very good read, just a little bit.
Verdict:
Overall I enjoyed Confessions of a Duchess. The characters are vivid and, for the most part, believable, the descriptions of the village and lifestyle is described well and I liked the plot and other storylines that ran alongside it. I will certainly be reading the next instalment in 'The Brides of Fortune' trilogy, Scandals of an Innocent, I just hope the hero's thoughts are not constantly in the gutter! I would recommend this book to other historical romance readers.
June 27, 2009
I had this down on my to-list read, so I got it from the library. Now, frankly, I'm wondering why I had it on the to-read list.
Plot nutshell: inside an English village, a medieval law is re-instated. The law says every single woman must marry or lose half of her fortune. Naturally, this leads to dramatic tension between the independent young widow and a one-night stand from the past.
Pros: It is what it is: a romance set in some fuzzy historical period. (It's supposedly regency, but since there's no historical detail, I can't confirm that.) And the writing is at least literate.
Cons: There's no characterization, the storyline is predictable, and the historical detail is not the slightest bit convincing. Plus, the author insists on using the phrase "dowager duchess" on almost every page.
Overall: I am sure someone out there will like this book. It just wasn't me.
Plot nutshell: inside an English village, a medieval law is re-instated. The law says every single woman must marry or lose half of her fortune. Naturally, this leads to dramatic tension between the independent young widow and a one-night stand from the past.
Pros: It is what it is: a romance set in some fuzzy historical period. (It's supposedly regency, but since there's no historical detail, I can't confirm that.) And the writing is at least literate.
Cons: There's no characterization, the storyline is predictable, and the historical detail is not the slightest bit convincing. Plus, the author insists on using the phrase "dowager duchess" on almost every page.
Overall: I am sure someone out there will like this book. It just wasn't me.
March 16, 2014
I wavered between a three and four star rating for this novel. I enjoyed it thoroughly and read it in one sitting, yet some things grated on me, which ultimately dropped it to a three.
Though I like the characters and felt they were well developed, I felt like they didn't further develop throughout the book. Both were ultimately very stubborn and the constant repetition of the same old arguments - both internal moral dilemmas and verbal - drove me insane.
I did like the lighter, funnier elements dotted throughout, breaking up the dense lusty monologues, and the cast of supporting characters were enjoyable.
A good read, and I would recommend. Definitely offered something different to other novels in the genre.
Though I like the characters and felt they were well developed, I felt like they didn't further develop throughout the book. Both were ultimately very stubborn and the constant repetition of the same old arguments - both internal moral dilemmas and verbal - drove me insane.
I did like the lighter, funnier elements dotted throughout, breaking up the dense lusty monologues, and the cast of supporting characters were enjoyable.
A good read, and I would recommend. Definitely offered something different to other novels in the genre.
December 2, 2009
3 1/2 stars
I started this series with the secind book first... I liked that book enough to want to go back and read the first and third books in this series.
I like this authors story lines, there is a lot going on to keep you entertained. However, I think she tends to be a bit long winded here and there and drag things on a bit longer than necessary. She's definitely got my attention with this series, and I plan on reading the third book as I really like the characters and I want to know what happens.
Worth the read, for sure, even if I have to skim over some of the more tedious parts.
I started this series with the secind book first... I liked that book enough to want to go back and read the first and third books in this series.
I like this authors story lines, there is a lot going on to keep you entertained. However, I think she tends to be a bit long winded here and there and drag things on a bit longer than necessary. She's definitely got my attention with this series, and I plan on reading the third book as I really like the characters and I want to know what happens.
Worth the read, for sure, even if I have to skim over some of the more tedious parts.
November 18, 2020
LE CONFESSIONI DI UNA DUCHESSA di Nicola Cornick è il primo volume di una trilogia intitolata LE EREDITIERE DI FORTUNE'S FOLLY. Tre signore con personalità diverse, con storie diverse e interessanti, ambientate in un piccolo paesino dell Yorkshire, Fortune's Folly appunto, dove Sir Montague Fortune, il signorotto locale, offeso dal rifiuto di Alice Lister, un'avvenente ex domestica diventata ereditiera, decide di penalizzare tutte le ricche signore del posto ripristinando una vecchia legge medievale che penalizza le donne nubili, costrette a cedergli la metà del loro patrimonio se entro un anno non convoleranno a giuste nozze.
Fortune's Folly diventa la meta ricercata di tutti i cacciatori di dote del regno, che sperano di fare il grande affare. Lontana da queste preoccupazioni, almeno in un primo momento, è Lady Laura Cole, una vedova con una bambina di pochi anni, che vive quasi in miseria, ma che si gode la sua libertà dopo un matrimonio profondamente infelice.
Un giorno, mentre si trova sul fiume, leggendo, la sua barca viene trascinata via dalla corrente e a salvarla interviene Dexter Anstruther, un agente della Corona, presente a Folly per due ragioni: trovare un brutale assassino, colpevole della morte di un ministro, e impalmare un'ereditiera che possa risolvere tutti i suoi problemi.
I due in realtà si conoscono e si sono amati in passato, poi divisi da mille misteri. Laura, infatti, nasconde infiniti segreti nella sua vita: la sua identità passata come brigante della famosa banda delle Glory girls (contro cui Dexter si era scontrato), la vera identità del padre di Hattie, la bambina che è tutta la sua vita. Dexter è accecato dal desiderio di vendicarsi del dolore subito e allo stesso tempo da un sentimento che non riesce a controllare, mentre la sua mente dovrebbe essere lucida per scoprire l'assassino.
In un circolo di balli, scandali e strani incidenti, Laura e Dexter lottano soprattutto tra di loro per superare il rancore, ritrovare l'amore e la felicità.
Romanzo interessante, abbastanza curato nell'ambientazione, con i vari personaggi che ruotano intorno ai protagonisti senza appesantire le vicende. Interessante ad esempio è l'infatuazione di Lydia Cole per Tom Fortune, che sembrerebbe quasi meritare una storia tutta sua, ma che viene inserita nel racconto senza appesantire o distrarre eccessivamente l'attenzione da Laura e Dexter, che restano comunque centrali. Nel complesso un romanzo interessante che merita di essere letto, pur non rasentando il capolavoro. Onesto e piacevole.
Fortune's Folly diventa la meta ricercata di tutti i cacciatori di dote del regno, che sperano di fare il grande affare. Lontana da queste preoccupazioni, almeno in un primo momento, è Lady Laura Cole, una vedova con una bambina di pochi anni, che vive quasi in miseria, ma che si gode la sua libertà dopo un matrimonio profondamente infelice.
Un giorno, mentre si trova sul fiume, leggendo, la sua barca viene trascinata via dalla corrente e a salvarla interviene Dexter Anstruther, un agente della Corona, presente a Folly per due ragioni: trovare un brutale assassino, colpevole della morte di un ministro, e impalmare un'ereditiera che possa risolvere tutti i suoi problemi.
I due in realtà si conoscono e si sono amati in passato, poi divisi da mille misteri. Laura, infatti, nasconde infiniti segreti nella sua vita: la sua identità passata come brigante della famosa banda delle Glory girls (contro cui Dexter si era scontrato), la vera identità del padre di Hattie, la bambina che è tutta la sua vita. Dexter è accecato dal desiderio di vendicarsi del dolore subito e allo stesso tempo da un sentimento che non riesce a controllare, mentre la sua mente dovrebbe essere lucida per scoprire l'assassino.
In un circolo di balli, scandali e strani incidenti, Laura e Dexter lottano soprattutto tra di loro per superare il rancore, ritrovare l'amore e la felicità.
Romanzo interessante, abbastanza curato nell'ambientazione, con i vari personaggi che ruotano intorno ai protagonisti senza appesantire le vicende. Interessante ad esempio è l'infatuazione di Lydia Cole per Tom Fortune, che sembrerebbe quasi meritare una storia tutta sua, ma che viene inserita nel racconto senza appesantire o distrarre eccessivamente l'attenzione da Laura e Dexter, che restano comunque centrali. Nel complesso un romanzo interessante che merita di essere letto, pur non rasentando il capolavoro. Onesto e piacevole.
February 24, 2022
can't say one of her best, skimmed from repetitive dialogue filler, interesting characters, sort of compelling love story but can any man without an implant have a cockstand after being in the cold river for 30 some minutes? there were also errors of protocol everywhere, i.e. duke's daughter would have been Lady not miss. fun re medieval tax laws, still not resolved
Laura and Dexter despite age difference did fit on many levels. his experience in loving unconditionally his daughter, his frigid anger and disgust at Laura for several weeks despite having passionate sex was distasteful but it didn't last long. the sober unbending Dexter was finally unraveled by acknowledging his understanding of love. it was ok but didn't grab.
Laura and Dexter despite age difference did fit on many levels. his experience in loving unconditionally his daughter, his frigid anger and disgust at Laura for several weeks despite having passionate sex was distasteful but it didn't last long. the sober unbending Dexter was finally unraveled by acknowledging his understanding of love. it was ok but didn't grab.
May 9, 2020
This book was so much fun to read, I can see it becoming a firm favourite. The plot, the characters and the unfolding of the MCs relationship were a pleasure to read.
There was love, lust, comedy and a few scenes that would leave you quite hot under the collar.
Its worth noting however that there are a few very uncomfortable and heart wrenching pages that almost had me in tears. I found some of them extremely difficult to read.
There was love, lust, comedy and a few scenes that would leave you quite hot under the collar.
Its worth noting however that there are a few very uncomfortable and heart wrenching pages that almost had me in tears. I found some of them extremely difficult to read.
April 2, 2023
A bodice ripper with a background of a group of feisty women fighting a misogynist man who gets annoyed when one of them refuses his proposal and revives an old law that unmarried women need to pay him half their fortune if they are not wed in a year. They are led by the main character Laura who has her own problem not helped by the arrival of Dexter Anstruther.
May 19, 2019
Love regency romance!
October 16, 2019
This made me laugh, and enjoyed book.
December 30, 2019
CW for dubious consent.
January 1, 2021
J’ai adoré l’histoire, même si quelques points m’ont dérangée, mais à part ça c’était une bonne lecture.
November 6, 2023
Pleasant read, couple of twists
March 5, 2024
Cada vez que leo este libro me sigue gustando como la primera vez que lo leí ❤️
December 13, 2024
Just okay.
July 27, 2011
We first met the hero and heroine of this book in Unmasked, where they shared a wonderful night of lovemaking, after which Laura, the Duchess of Cole, cold-heartedly told Dexter Anstruther they could never be together, he was only one of many to grace her bed. Dexter returned to London, continued to do his job and look after his family the best he could. Laura later became the Dowager Duchess and moved with her daughter to Fortune’s Folly to enjoy her independence after enduring a horrible husband and marriage.
It’s four later years when Dexter is sent to Fortune’s Folly to investigate the murder of a local man and he meets up with Laura once again. In that interim, he’d become something of a rake after Laura’s rejection, but since his father’s death, he’s now reined himself in and become a conservative and very in-control man and the head of the family. The excesses his parents took part in over the years have served as an expensive lesson for Dexter, he is now penniless and must marry for money to take care of his mother and siblings.
Since the Duke passed away, Laura has lived in Fortune’s Folly with her daughter, the child Laura never thought she’d have. Dexter’s presence is upsetting for Laura on several levels, one of which would alter her life and that of her daughter drastically. She tries to stay as far away from him as possible, but they seem to cross paths in the most unexpected places and ways.
When the local squire assesses the ancient Dames’ Tax on the women of the Folly, Laura is back in rare form with her friends, instituting old laws of their own in retaliation. Things end up going a little too far, a murder is discovered, secrets are revealed, forgiveness is withheld, and Laura can only hope and pray their decisions made in time of personal turmoil will not be the biggest mistake of their lives.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
It’s four later years when Dexter is sent to Fortune’s Folly to investigate the murder of a local man and he meets up with Laura once again. In that interim, he’d become something of a rake after Laura’s rejection, but since his father’s death, he’s now reined himself in and become a conservative and very in-control man and the head of the family. The excesses his parents took part in over the years have served as an expensive lesson for Dexter, he is now penniless and must marry for money to take care of his mother and siblings.
Since the Duke passed away, Laura has lived in Fortune’s Folly with her daughter, the child Laura never thought she’d have. Dexter’s presence is upsetting for Laura on several levels, one of which would alter her life and that of her daughter drastically. She tries to stay as far away from him as possible, but they seem to cross paths in the most unexpected places and ways.
When the local squire assesses the ancient Dames’ Tax on the women of the Folly, Laura is back in rare form with her friends, instituting old laws of their own in retaliation. Things end up going a little too far, a murder is discovered, secrets are revealed, forgiveness is withheld, and Laura can only hope and pray their decisions made in time of personal turmoil will not be the biggest mistake of their lives.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
July 4, 2011
This was a well written book, and an excellent introduction to the series.
The heroine Laura is (gasp!) a 34 year old Duchess, and the hero Dexter is 8 years her junior. 4 years ago they shared a night of passion, and the morning afterwards she coldy dismisses him.
Fast forward to the present day, and Laura is widowed with a young daughter in a small village, and Dexter shows up with a mission to marry an heiress and do some work as well.
The storylines are well written and the suspense is interwoven instead of thrown in at the end like in some romances. I loved that the book was set in the village rather than in town, and I thought the author did a marvellous job of conveying 19th century village life and society.
The romance itself, and specifically the heroine is the reason why I rate the book 3 stars. **spoilers ahead**
I thought that the heroine Laura was a bit wishy washy for example, enjoying Dexters physical affections and then the next morning acting coldly. Her excuse was that she did not want Dexter to learn the secret of her daughters parentage. How she handled that left me shaking my head. She stated that she did not want to disclose the truth because of her daughters best interest , yet when she is offered marraige, she balks at it because it is not in her best interest (in that he does not love her). Maybe I am overreacting however I totally sided with Dexter on his reaction. I think it truly tragic for someone to not know who their child is, and to be denied the right to get to know them.
All in all, I think that Lauren was a spirited character, I liked her a person not as the romantic lead in the book.
I look forward to reading the other installments.
The heroine Laura is (gasp!) a 34 year old Duchess, and the hero Dexter is 8 years her junior. 4 years ago they shared a night of passion, and the morning afterwards she coldy dismisses him.
Fast forward to the present day, and Laura is widowed with a young daughter in a small village, and Dexter shows up with a mission to marry an heiress and do some work as well.
The storylines are well written and the suspense is interwoven instead of thrown in at the end like in some romances. I loved that the book was set in the village rather than in town, and I thought the author did a marvellous job of conveying 19th century village life and society.
The romance itself, and specifically the heroine is the reason why I rate the book 3 stars. **spoilers ahead**
I thought that the heroine Laura was a bit wishy washy for example, enjoying Dexters physical affections and then the next morning acting coldly. Her excuse was that she did not want Dexter to learn the secret of her daughters parentage. How she handled that left me shaking my head. She stated that she did not want to disclose the truth because of her daughters best interest , yet when she is offered marraige, she balks at it because it is not in her best interest (in that he does not love her). Maybe I am overreacting however I totally sided with Dexter on his reaction. I think it truly tragic for someone to not know who their child is, and to be denied the right to get to know them.
All in all, I think that Lauren was a spirited character, I liked her a person not as the romantic lead in the book.
I look forward to reading the other installments.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2011
I enjoyed The Confessions of a Duchess very much. The female lead in The Confessions of a Duchess is the Dowager Duchess of Cole, Laura Cole. Now living in the country on her grandparents estate in the village of Fortune's Folly, Laura will do anything to keep the scandals of yesteryear a secret. Then a medieval tax law is revived in order for the lord of the land to recoup some of his lost fortune. The tax law requires all single women--spinsters and widows to pay half their wealth to the lord within the year. The women protest in creative ways, while men flock to Fortune's Folly to find an eligible bride with a fortune to share. Laura's one time paramour, Dexter Anstruther, arrives in Fortune's Folly to find himself a wealthy heiress to wed and simultaneously--and secretly--investigate a murder for the government. Laura and Dexter struggle to get along all the while fighting their still present attraction for one another--and Laura adamant to keep things from their shared past a secret from Dexter. This story is almost a battle of wills between the two as they attempt to avoid each other and make sense of their emotions. Circumstances practically bring them together, but their love for each other since their affair four years ago never died... if only they both can admit it!
September 15, 2013
Biztos vagyok benne, hogy a harlekin romantika kedvelői nem fognak csalódni.
Az uraság – hogy pénzhez jusson, és egyben bosszút is álljon az őt kikosarazó hölgyön – bevezeti a „hölgyadót”. A hölgyek azonban nem hagyják magukat, és ellenadókat keresnek ki ugyanazokból az ősrégi papírokból, ahonnan az uraság is szedte az ötletet. Nem sok, talán két vagy három ellentámadást indítanak, de remek, humoros jelenetek kerekednek ki belőle.
Amúgy nem sok minden történik, a körmét nem rágja le az olvasó izgalmában. Szerintem nagyon érződik, hogy mennyiségre fizetnek (azóta túl vagyok a második részen is). Ha úgy cirka felét-harmadát kigyomlálnánk, szerintem nagyon jó kis könyv lehetne, de így csak azt tudom javallani az olvasóknak, hogy ne adjátok fel. Amikor úgy érzitek, hogy most lövitek főbe magatokat, ha nem történik valami, lapozzatok, és keressétek a cselekményt. Mert ahol történik valami, ott azért jó a könyv. Nekem kicsit levon az értékéből, hogy a szerkesztő – ki tudja, miért – eltüntette a dőlt betűs részeket. Pedig nem véletlenül van nyomaték egy-egy szón…
Volt egy pont, amikor azt mondtam, inkább azt a címet kellett volna adni neki, hogy „Dexter was fishing”. :) Szép, nyugodtan csordogálnak az események, és persze jó véget érnek.
Az uraság – hogy pénzhez jusson, és egyben bosszút is álljon az őt kikosarazó hölgyön – bevezeti a „hölgyadót”. A hölgyek azonban nem hagyják magukat, és ellenadókat keresnek ki ugyanazokból az ősrégi papírokból, ahonnan az uraság is szedte az ötletet. Nem sok, talán két vagy három ellentámadást indítanak, de remek, humoros jelenetek kerekednek ki belőle.
Amúgy nem sok minden történik, a körmét nem rágja le az olvasó izgalmában. Szerintem nagyon érződik, hogy mennyiségre fizetnek (azóta túl vagyok a második részen is). Ha úgy cirka felét-harmadát kigyomlálnánk, szerintem nagyon jó kis könyv lehetne, de így csak azt tudom javallani az olvasóknak, hogy ne adjátok fel. Amikor úgy érzitek, hogy most lövitek főbe magatokat, ha nem történik valami, lapozzatok, és keressétek a cselekményt. Mert ahol történik valami, ott azért jó a könyv. Nekem kicsit levon az értékéből, hogy a szerkesztő – ki tudja, miért – eltüntette a dőlt betűs részeket. Pedig nem véletlenül van nyomaték egy-egy szón…
Volt egy pont, amikor azt mondtam, inkább azt a címet kellett volna adni neki, hogy „Dexter was fishing”. :) Szép, nyugodtan csordogálnak az események, és persze jó véget érnek.
February 21, 2011
I didn't know what to expect with this novel. I never read a novel from this author. I felt this book was a little far fetched, but that is okay. It was a historical romance novel set in the early 1800's. A one night stand is rekindled after a few years of hiatus. Laura and Dexter try to fight their feelings, thinking that it is not right for them to be together. Laura is a widow, and Dexter is a bachelor. As they fight their love for each other. The women of fortune are taxed if they are not married or do not get married. Laura fights this with a passion and the women rally against the men with many stipulations to the original law such as letting live stock roam free on the Lord's property, and taxing men as they cross over the bridge, and finally stealing his wine and champagne since a percentage of it is for the village. As for the budding romance you know how these stories end.
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March 5, 2014
I had this on my shelves for ages - one of a bundle of books passed on to me by a friend. I picked it up as comfort reading due to my never ending cold.
It's an interesting read. Some bits were unbelievable but I liked the relationship between the main characters. I also liked the rather unusual perspective - rather than a woman making a hugely advantageous marriage, this followed a man who was in the position of being a 'fortune hunter' and needing to marry money, and that this is an understandable, even honourable, course. It was a refreshing perspective.
I was a bit confused by Dexter, though - he was so desperate to know that Laura had loved him but he kept saying that he didn't believe in love. Laura was a bright, shrewd woman and I don't believe that she wouldn't have picked up on that.
The relations were rather *too* awful and became cardboard cut outs, but generally, a good read.
It's an interesting read. Some bits were unbelievable but I liked the relationship between the main characters. I also liked the rather unusual perspective - rather than a woman making a hugely advantageous marriage, this followed a man who was in the position of being a 'fortune hunter' and needing to marry money, and that this is an understandable, even honourable, course. It was a refreshing perspective.
I was a bit confused by Dexter, though - he was so desperate to know that Laura had loved him but he kept saying that he didn't believe in love. Laura was a bright, shrewd woman and I don't believe that she wouldn't have picked up on that.
The relations were rather *too* awful and became cardboard cut outs, but generally, a good read.
April 14, 2015
Review - I didn't like this one as much as some of Nicola Cornick's other books I've read, like her Scandalous Women of the Ton books. Nevertheless I thought it had some very strong elements. There were a lot of strong female characters ready to stand up for themselves, and it will be interesting to see how these characters' stories end. I loved Dexter, but wished we'd seen more of the mystery which brought him to Fortune's Folly in the first place. I'm guessing it will be expanded on in the next book in the series.
Genre - Historical / Romance / Mystery
Characters - Laura Cole, Dowager Duchess of Cole / Dexter Anstruther / Alice Lister / Lydia Cole / Montague Fortune / Tom Fortune / Faye Cole, Duchess of Cole
Setting - Fortune's Folly (England)
Series - Brides of Fortune #1
Recommend? - Yes.
Rating - 15/20
Genre - Historical / Romance / Mystery
Characters - Laura Cole, Dowager Duchess of Cole / Dexter Anstruther / Alice Lister / Lydia Cole / Montague Fortune / Tom Fortune / Faye Cole, Duchess of Cole
Setting - Fortune's Folly (England)
Series - Brides of Fortune #1
Recommend? - Yes.
Rating - 15/20
June 16, 2009
I really liked the setting, the series concept was amusingand there's the occasional nifty little historical flourish, but... the characters were a little flat, and sometimes behaved in rather uncharacteristic ways to bludgeon the plot along (or explain a piece of it). And I *do* keep expecting characters in romances to occasionally use their brains as something other than a hatrest... sigh. Wanting to smack the bejeebers out of the two main characters for being idiots does not always endear me to them. And the premise that brought the male lead to town in the first place was sort of shuffled off into a trite Deus-ex ending. Will probably read the second in the series because, as I said, the premise amuses me.
August 9, 2012
Ha! Imagine my surprise, after buying the second and third books in this series a few months ago, and taking a few months to get around to reading them, that I find this the very day after finishing them both! I walked in, scanned the now well known shelves of my local op shop, searching for anything new that might catch my interest. One the second such perusal, I spotted this one jammed in with the hardback books, and realized it was the very book I'd hoped to find!
I had wondered how Dexter and Laura got together, and now I've got my answer. This book was another brilliantly written romance, with the plots and the settings being almost more interest than the love itself.
I hope to read more of this author in the future, her grasp on this genre exceeds even my lofty expectations.
I had wondered how Dexter and Laura got together, and now I've got my answer. This book was another brilliantly written romance, with the plots and the settings being almost more interest than the love itself.
I hope to read more of this author in the future, her grasp on this genre exceeds even my lofty expectations.
September 3, 2016
Laura ve Dexter'ın hikayesi , ben seriye Miles ve Alice ile başladım. Bu hikayeyi de sevdim ancak Alice ve Miles benim favori çiftim olacak gibime geliyor gerçi daha Nat ve Lizz'in hikayesini okumadım ama. Lizz'in çatlak bir karakter olduğunu düşünüyorum. Güzel bir kitap , güzel bir seri bu yazarı pek seven yok çünkü ilk kitapta bir eksiklik vardı sanki serinin ikinci kitabıymış gibi ya da belki de bundan önce bir ara kitap vardır mesela Laura'nın haydut olduğu dönemler , Dexter ile 4 yıl önceki ilişkisi falan anlatılıyordur belki de ondan sevilmedi bu yazar. Konsantre olduğunuzda keyifli bir roman. Ayrıca içerisinde cinayet barındırması da romanı hareketli kılmış
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