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Smuggler's Lady
Deceiving Appearances
Her auburn hair tucked into a severe chignon, dressed in a shabby brown bombazine, Merrie Trelawney was the picture of dowdy widowhood and sober respectability. No one would guess that those demurely lowered eyelids hid a sparkle of pure adventure. Or that the white hands so modestly folded in her lap could handle a sword as well as any man. Certainly, no one would ever suspect her of being the notorious leader of the smugglers' band who called themselves "The Gentlemen."
Dishonorable Intentions
Lord Rutherford, who had just inherited some property in this godforsaken corner of Cornwall, looked upon the local gentry with distaste. The men were pompous and stuffy, and the women—that Merrie Trelawney, for example—were utterly insipid. How that auburn-haired church mouse had managed to best him in their verbal sparring, was completely beyond him. But if she thought that he was finished with her, she was sadly mistaken. Something about her struck a false note. And though he was not in the habit of seducing country widows, it might make an interesting change at that...
Her auburn hair tucked into a severe chignon, dressed in a shabby brown bombazine, Merrie Trelawney was the picture of dowdy widowhood and sober respectability. No one would guess that those demurely lowered eyelids hid a sparkle of pure adventure. Or that the white hands so modestly folded in her lap could handle a sword as well as any man. Certainly, no one would ever suspect her of being the notorious leader of the smugglers' band who called themselves "The Gentlemen."
Dishonorable Intentions
Lord Rutherford, who had just inherited some property in this godforsaken corner of Cornwall, looked upon the local gentry with distaste. The men were pompous and stuffy, and the women—that Merrie Trelawney, for example—were utterly insipid. How that auburn-haired church mouse had managed to best him in their verbal sparring, was completely beyond him. But if she thought that he was finished with her, she was sadly mistaken. Something about her struck a false note. And though he was not in the habit of seducing country widows, it might make an interesting change at that...
460 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 1, 1986
40 people are currently reading
389 people want to read
About the author
Jane Feather
170 books629 followersJane Feather (born Jane Robotham) is a popular British–American writer of historical romance novels. In 1984 she wrote five contemporary romances under the pseudonym Claudia Bishop. She is a New York Times-bestselling, award–winning writer, and has more than ten million romance novels in print.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
December 3, 2015
LOVED LOVED LOVED THIS NOVEL!!!!!!!!
June 18, 2011
I've wanted to try Jane Feather for a while. I bought this one as an impulse buy one evening at Target. It is a reprint of an older novel, so it is not available as an ebook.
Lord Damian Rutherford, is an heir to a dukedom, a son to one of the most powerful families in London. However, he is a multi faceted character. As a wounded soldier in the Peninsula War, Rutherford is bored and moody. He inherits a crumbling estate in the wilds of Cornwall from a slothish cousin. Needing a distraction from the tedium of his life, Rutherford heads to Cornwall. He definitely finds a most amusing and complex distraction in the form of a young widow named Meredith (Merrie), Lady Blake or as some refer to her with her maiden name, Merrie Trelawney.
Merrie is widowed and left with a huge debt her husband had left, a native Cornish woman, she followed her father's wishes and married where he desired. Only to have her husband go through her dowery and inheritance on a lavish lifestyle and his penchant for gambling tables. Here is where the multi facet part of Merrie comes in. She could be called a great actress because she plays so many roles. A young empty headed tittering widow, guardian to her three younger brothers, estate manager, head of her household, and a smuggler. Yes, I said smuggler. I have not read a historical romance where the heroine was a smuggler, but because Merrie is smart, she is not only a smuggler for her town, but the leader of a band of men who help her pull off these quests under the nose of the revenue (coast guard).
One thing I loved about this novel was the all encompassing story. Some times I wish some novels would give a better picture of every day life and character interaction. I definitely received that while reading this book. Rutherford is smart as well and figures out that Merrie puts on many faces for society. The two start a friendship, at Rutherford's insistence.
One thing that I could have used less of, but did not really detract from the story was the constant games that Merrie played that included Rutherford. She cast him in a role as friend and advisor to her younger brothers. While he did not mind doing this, she kept perpetuating one of her "faces" while bringing him into the mix, just because there was eventual gossip between the two.
What started out as friendship, slowly blossoms into love. The two agree to a secret liason and met under the cover of night to share their passion. There are 4 or 5 love scenes in this book, but they are not detailed, not glossed over, but just right to not detract from the story line.
I felt bad for Rutherford because even though Merrie loved him, in her mind she felt she was unworthy to marry him. Even though he professed love and asked for her hand several times, all with the same outcome. I then began to wonder if maybe he was a glutton for punishment. Although, the romantic in me cheered on his persistence. He decided that two could play games and engages Merrie to come to London with him for a few months as his mistress only. She readily accepts and the two set off for London. Soliciting his family's help, Rutherford makes Merrie's time in London a smashing success, and she is the new "it" girl. I didn't like the fact that he had to employ them both in another game, but I respect that fact that he was trying to show her that despite what she may think about their unsuitability in marriage, they were indeed perfect for each other. Rutherford really did love her adventurous spirit, strong personality, and stubborn ways.
Eventually, love and a little danger bring on an HEA for the two. This is one statisfying read and I do recommend it. I look forward to more historical romances from Feather.
Lord Damian Rutherford, is an heir to a dukedom, a son to one of the most powerful families in London. However, he is a multi faceted character. As a wounded soldier in the Peninsula War, Rutherford is bored and moody. He inherits a crumbling estate in the wilds of Cornwall from a slothish cousin. Needing a distraction from the tedium of his life, Rutherford heads to Cornwall. He definitely finds a most amusing and complex distraction in the form of a young widow named Meredith (Merrie), Lady Blake or as some refer to her with her maiden name, Merrie Trelawney.
Merrie is widowed and left with a huge debt her husband had left, a native Cornish woman, she followed her father's wishes and married where he desired. Only to have her husband go through her dowery and inheritance on a lavish lifestyle and his penchant for gambling tables. Here is where the multi facet part of Merrie comes in. She could be called a great actress because she plays so many roles. A young empty headed tittering widow, guardian to her three younger brothers, estate manager, head of her household, and a smuggler. Yes, I said smuggler. I have not read a historical romance where the heroine was a smuggler, but because Merrie is smart, she is not only a smuggler for her town, but the leader of a band of men who help her pull off these quests under the nose of the revenue (coast guard).
One thing I loved about this novel was the all encompassing story. Some times I wish some novels would give a better picture of every day life and character interaction. I definitely received that while reading this book. Rutherford is smart as well and figures out that Merrie puts on many faces for society. The two start a friendship, at Rutherford's insistence.
One thing that I could have used less of, but did not really detract from the story was the constant games that Merrie played that included Rutherford. She cast him in a role as friend and advisor to her younger brothers. While he did not mind doing this, she kept perpetuating one of her "faces" while bringing him into the mix, just because there was eventual gossip between the two.
What started out as friendship, slowly blossoms into love. The two agree to a secret liason and met under the cover of night to share their passion. There are 4 or 5 love scenes in this book, but they are not detailed, not glossed over, but just right to not detract from the story line.
I felt bad for Rutherford because even though Merrie loved him, in her mind she felt she was unworthy to marry him. Even though he professed love and asked for her hand several times, all with the same outcome. I then began to wonder if maybe he was a glutton for punishment. Although, the romantic in me cheered on his persistence. He decided that two could play games and engages Merrie to come to London with him for a few months as his mistress only. She readily accepts and the two set off for London. Soliciting his family's help, Rutherford makes Merrie's time in London a smashing success, and she is the new "it" girl. I didn't like the fact that he had to employ them both in another game, but I respect that fact that he was trying to show her that despite what she may think about their unsuitability in marriage, they were indeed perfect for each other. Rutherford really did love her adventurous spirit, strong personality, and stubborn ways.
Eventually, love and a little danger bring on an HEA for the two. This is one statisfying read and I do recommend it. I look forward to more historical romances from Feather.
November 24, 2014
2.5 stars
I loved the first half, it was worth 4 stars. I hated the second half except the last chapter, it was worth a one star.
The main characters turned into two selfish, lame, unreasonable, arrogant, childish jerks. I couldn't stand Merrie in London, she transformed into a full fledged brat and a bitch. Her reasoning for not wanting to marry Lord Rutherford was idiotic. It wasn't that she didn't love him, it wasn't that she found him a controlling arrogant ass, it was that she didn't want to give up being a smuggler. She was senseless and egotistical. She said she became a smuggler to take care of her 3 brothers, well, when she had the chance to do so by marrying the man she loved, she decided no, playing with danger and being his mistress was more fun than having the strong possibility of getting caught, loosing her life, and everything taken away from her brothers or becoming preggo and ending up with a bastard child in a small village. She was throwing tantrum like a 2 years old left and right.
I loved the first half, it was worth 4 stars. I hated the second half except the last chapter, it was worth a one star.
The main characters turned into two selfish, lame, unreasonable, arrogant, childish jerks. I couldn't stand Merrie in London, she transformed into a full fledged brat and a bitch. Her reasoning for not wanting to marry Lord Rutherford was idiotic. It wasn't that she didn't love him, it wasn't that she found him a controlling arrogant ass, it was that she didn't want to give up being a smuggler. She was senseless and egotistical. She said she became a smuggler to take care of her 3 brothers, well, when she had the chance to do so by marrying the man she loved, she decided no, playing with danger and being his mistress was more fun than having the strong possibility of getting caught, loosing her life, and everything taken away from her brothers or becoming preggo and ending up with a bastard child in a small village. She was throwing tantrum like a 2 years old left and right.
September 9, 2011
I do not resent a 2 star book, I do resent a two star 460 page book that can be summed up in six words "Arrogant ass tames willful widow."
February 11, 2020
The book was alright, but the author used terminology that was not as pleasing for the reader. Keep the terminology or vocabulary simple and this perhaps will keep the reader interested in the book. The plot and story line was a good one and the chemistry between the two main characters was on point. But please cease with the sophisticated vocabulary.
April 11, 2019
This was just ok for me. I couldn't get into the story or like the characters much.
August 25, 2022
This must be an older Jane Feather book. I have read others of hers and found them enjoyable. This was not. Too long, poor story, not interesting characters.
April 2, 2013
3.5 Stars! This was picked for me for my March Pick-It-For-Me read. It hadn't been on the TBR for too awful long. I'd previously only read the author's Bride trilogy before, but I really liked them, so I was kind of looking forward to this one. I'll admit the idea of heroine as smuggler was intriguing, so that and the pretty cover is what caught my interest. Going in, I could tell it was an older romance, the whole tone reminded me of the ones I used to read when I was younger. I liked the setting in Cornwall, the caves especially with their secret passages. I highly enjoyed putting myself into the location. I liked Merrie, though I didn't always enjoy her many faces she put on, especially the dopey one she showed her neighbors. But I liked her determination, and her attitude about the smuggling and the risks associated with it. She was brave, and smart. Damian was ok too most of the time, but I found myself wearied by his refusal to accept her answer, at least until he could figure out a better way to convince her. But his high-handed way of forcing her into society, forcing her to accept all kinds of things he did... wow, got aggravating. Another reviewer said it better, about him being manipulative and such. Was spot on. Every time she tried to make a little stand against him, he was there to steer her away from it. I found myself wanting to just tell her to tell him to f off and smack him in the face, especially that scene there when she's getting ready to return to her home, and he comes in and forces her into her clothes like a child and hauls her off in his carriage because he's pissy. Or when he takes command of her horses and tells everyone they ran away with her, making her seem an idiot, because he didn't like where she was driving. Yea, so while her stated arguments about why she didn't wish to wed him were weak at times, I still was frustrated right along with her. At other times though, I liked Damian just fine. He won't rank as a favorite hero though. He was too high-handed for my taste. The development of the relationship was ok, though I think they were in love and proclaiming it a little soon. It was an entertaining read though, I quite liked it. I'm definitely going to read more by this author, which is a good thing as I have a couple more on the TBR by her :)
November 9, 2014
Author: Jane Feather
First published: 1986
Length: 460 pages
Setting: Cornwall. Regency.
Sex: explicit and purple first time, closed door other
Hero: Duke of Keighley's heir and ex-Colonel.
Heroine: Young widow with care of three younger brothers and many debts. Head smuggler.
In 1984, Feather published five contemporary books under the name Claudia Bishop. In 1986, she started using the name Jane Feather, publishing Love's Charade and then Smuggler's Lady (both standalones). And has gone on to publish a further 35+ historical romances.
So, coming in we know this is an early book in the sub-genre by a prolific author. And it's from the late 80s, meaning there may be some tropes and chauvinism we are less comfortable with 30 years later.
And we get a curious blend of bodice ripper and powerful woman.
Our heroine is strong. She knows what she wants and what she has to do to get it. She lives in a man's world and fights on their terms. Very 80s Corporate Woman.
Our hero is a control freak. He rides roughshod over her views. He uses a constant threat of tamed violence to control her. His sister (and mother) are completely submissive to his superiority. He's the Powerful Boss, the Billionaire Playboy who knows how to lead, protect and direct his intelligent not-quite-equal.
In the end, "Smuggler's Lady" is a lengthy but interesting story which tries to find a balance between allowing the heroine independence and strength while displaying our hero's strength, respect and protectiveness. authors have gotten much better at this. But it's not bad for an early book.
2.5 stars, rounded up because it is a book of it's time.
References:
Author on w'pedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jane_Fea...
(ISBN 978-1-4201-2199-5)
-CR-
First published: 1986
Length: 460 pages
Setting: Cornwall. Regency.
Sex: explicit and purple first time, closed door other
Hero: Duke of Keighley's heir and ex-Colonel.
Heroine: Young widow with care of three younger brothers and many debts. Head smuggler.
In 1984, Feather published five contemporary books under the name Claudia Bishop. In 1986, she started using the name Jane Feather, publishing Love's Charade and then Smuggler's Lady (both standalones). And has gone on to publish a further 35+ historical romances.
So, coming in we know this is an early book in the sub-genre by a prolific author. And it's from the late 80s, meaning there may be some tropes and chauvinism we are less comfortable with 30 years later.
And we get a curious blend of bodice ripper and powerful woman.
Our heroine is strong. She knows what she wants and what she has to do to get it. She lives in a man's world and fights on their terms. Very 80s Corporate Woman.
Our hero is a control freak. He rides roughshod over her views. He uses a constant threat of tamed violence to control her. His sister (and mother) are completely submissive to his superiority. He's the Powerful Boss, the Billionaire Playboy who knows how to lead, protect and direct his intelligent not-quite-equal.
In the end, "Smuggler's Lady" is a lengthy but interesting story which tries to find a balance between allowing the heroine independence and strength while displaying our hero's strength, respect and protectiveness. authors have gotten much better at this. But it's not bad for an early book.
2.5 stars, rounded up because it is a book of it's time.
References:
Author on w'pedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jane_Fea...
(ISBN 978-1-4201-2199-5)
-CR-
July 12, 2008
This book was first published in 1986. It's set during the Regency period, and it has plenty of the usual clichés of a historical romance novel: The heroine acts in a way entirely unsuited for a woman of her social status and upbringing, she runs around in pants, blah blah blah. The usual rigmarole.
What is most astonishing book, and which made me want to stand up and cheer, is that the cliché it skips entirely is the "punishing kiss" and its attendant gender-relations miseries. They are both willing participants in their physical relationship. This is . . . well, amazing, considering when the book was written. Ahead of its time, I suppose.
The characters also transcend the usual romance stereotypes (submissive female, alpha male). I felt like they were a match for each other and that they genuinely liked each other. They're believable, if not dyed-in-the-cloth Georgians.
The title is inaccurate by the way. It should have been called "Smuggler's Lord" or "Smuggler's Husband" or "Smuggler Bride" or something along those lines. The heroine is the smuggler, which was actually very refreshing. Why? Because I found both the hero and heroine charming, and at the end, I didn't care how anachronistic their actions were.
What is most astonishing book, and which made me want to stand up and cheer, is that the cliché it skips entirely is the "punishing kiss" and its attendant gender-relations miseries. They are both willing participants in their physical relationship. This is . . . well, amazing, considering when the book was written. Ahead of its time, I suppose.
The characters also transcend the usual romance stereotypes (submissive female, alpha male). I felt like they were a match for each other and that they genuinely liked each other. They're believable, if not dyed-in-the-cloth Georgians.
The title is inaccurate by the way. It should have been called "Smuggler's Lord" or "Smuggler's Husband" or "Smuggler Bride" or something along those lines. The heroine is the smuggler, which was actually very refreshing. Why? Because I found both the hero and heroine charming, and at the end, I didn't care how anachronistic their actions were.
December 6, 2012
I read a book by Jane Feather a while ago and it was not bad and so i thought that i have come across another good writer. Unfortunately for this book i can say that i probably assumed a bit too early.
Lady Blake is the most annoying character I have ever come across. I liked the book at the start but struggled to finish it ..
THe book Is very slow and seems like the writer just stretched it from the middle to the end with some really absurd characters and long sentences which were repetitive in their meaning.
I am glad that it's over though.
July 17, 2013
I really wanted to like it since it started off with an interesting plot but as it went along it got so boring. Seriously, how many romance novels do you get to read where less than half-way through the book the guy reveals his love for her but she doesn't want to get married. It became tiresome after a few chapters and thus I had to discard it.
December 17, 2011
I've read many of Jane's books and have loved them, but this one was quite boring at times. The length of time it took for the herione to except his proposal was grading on my nerves.........but it did have some good parts........
August 28, 2014
An older Jane Feather, somewhat disappointing, ending forced as the author seemed to struggle to work up the predictable ending.
August 31, 2025
I read this novel for an online discord book club. Published in 1986, I don't think it would be written in quite this fashion today.
The trope of "I love him and he loves me bit I won't ruin his life because I would make a terrible Duchess" really annoys me. So the FMC never takes in to consideration how she is ruining his life be not being able to marry the woman he loves. She just high handedly decides for him?
Merrie Trelawny is a young Cornish widow trying to refill the coffers her prolofigate dead husband emptied, but smuggling.
Lord Damien Rutherford comes to Cornwall for an inheritance after he is wounded and can't be a soldier anymore.
Their clashes are epic, he is high handed, she is prideful. There is some humor, but I really liked neither of them.
The trope of "I love him and he loves me bit I won't ruin his life because I would make a terrible Duchess" really annoys me. So the FMC never takes in to consideration how she is ruining his life be not being able to marry the woman he loves. She just high handedly decides for him?
Merrie Trelawny is a young Cornish widow trying to refill the coffers her prolofigate dead husband emptied, but smuggling.
Lord Damien Rutherford comes to Cornwall for an inheritance after he is wounded and can't be a soldier anymore.
Their clashes are epic, he is high handed, she is prideful. There is some humor, but I really liked neither of them.
August 29, 2025
Strong writing let down by shaky characters
I read this book because it was described to me as heavily inspired by Georgette Heyer, but actually this is more in the Lisa Kleypas vein. I like Merrie very much, her spirit and courage, but Damien treated her like a badly trained dog to be brought to heel. It went past patronizing to demeaning. I enjoyed the writing style, and especially the Cornwall sections and the smuggling, but the London segment was a total downer. It's clear with authors like Feather and Kleypas that not very deep down they fully believe even the strongest, most independent women are secretly half wits who yearn to be dominated by Manliest Man.
I read this book because it was described to me as heavily inspired by Georgette Heyer, but actually this is more in the Lisa Kleypas vein. I like Merrie very much, her spirit and courage, but Damien treated her like a badly trained dog to be brought to heel. It went past patronizing to demeaning. I enjoyed the writing style, and especially the Cornwall sections and the smuggling, but the London segment was a total downer. It's clear with authors like Feather and Kleypas that not very deep down they fully believe even the strongest, most independent women are secretly half wits who yearn to be dominated by Manliest Man.
September 17, 2020
Smuggler’s Lady
One of Jane Feather’s early books is one of her very best.
I so enjoyed this love story filled with excitement danger passion and games of love. These two H/h are perfectly matched in a game of love and danger and they come through it unscathed ... at last!
The hero is one of the sexiest I have ever read and I love the heroine who is totally spirited unique and daring! She is a smuggler. He is a Lord of high standing but he must have her.
Please read this book by the incomparable Ms. Feather -my favorite author!
One of Jane Feather’s early books is one of her very best.
I so enjoyed this love story filled with excitement danger passion and games of love. These two H/h are perfectly matched in a game of love and danger and they come through it unscathed ... at last!
The hero is one of the sexiest I have ever read and I love the heroine who is totally spirited unique and daring! She is a smuggler. He is a Lord of high standing but he must have her.
Please read this book by the incomparable Ms. Feather -my favorite author!
April 30, 2020
I couldn't help spend a good portion of this book annoyed with the hero, Damien. First for his nosiness in Merrie and why she was pretending to be henwit to the Cornish community and then for high-handed ways of trying to force her to agree to marrying him. Yes, I get he was in love, but the way he chose to handle the situation until the very end when he finally got what he was doing wrong, just drove me up the wall and made me want to punch him half the time.
March 28, 2023
Disappointing
This historical romance novel was great in the beginning. However, when secrets are revealed and Merrie goes to Damian’s world, it loses its luster. It is drawn out to far. I stop buying into Merries love and she becomes annoying. Although, Jane Feather continues to pen the most romantic of hero’s.
This historical romance novel was great in the beginning. However, when secrets are revealed and Merrie goes to Damian’s world, it loses its luster. It is drawn out to far. I stop buying into Merries love and she becomes annoying. Although, Jane Feather continues to pen the most romantic of hero’s.
July 6, 2020
Not in any way plausible but silly enough to finish.
November 20, 2022
This was published when I was a teenager and it reconfirms why I refused to read romances back then. So taming of the shrew. Ugh
July 24, 2024
Dnf. Had to give up on this one about a third of the way through. The characters were too insufferable for me to continue reading.
August 14, 2025
A lot of mutual manipulation and emotional abuse, for me. Not really what I look for in a romance. Also, who's bright idea was it to call it "Smuggler's Lady" when the lady is the smuggler?
June 5, 2015
I got this book at my local library's "Friends of" bookstore, where I bought a grocery bag full of books for less than a buck apiece. Score!
Smuggler's Lady was first published in 1986, so I was prepared to cut it a lot of slack where my modern, feminist sensibilities were concerned. The first half of the book, set in the "wilds" of Cornwall, was great, with engaging characters, lively yet realistic period dialogue, and an interesting plot that clipped along at a fun pace. To my delight, Merrie Trelawney is smart, spunky, and independent. Ex-soldier Damian Rutherford, of course a rich and handsome heir to a dukedom, manages to be just alpha enough without coming across as a horrifically entitled asshole (truly a fine line in my book). The secret smuggler life Merrie hides from the rest of the world is a fun and engaging premise. The characters' relationship builds in a believable manner, and the sex scenes are sufficient but not terribly explicit.
The book's second half, set in haute ton London, unfortunately drags. When spirited Merrie counters Damian's proposal with an offer to be his mistress, I was intrigued. But the premise doesn't deliver. Instead, the story devolves into a pseudo My Fair Lady (don't get me wrong, I love the movie/musical!), where Damian's money paves the way for Merrie to become a social success. Why she felt compelled to try to sabotage the accomplishment after the fact--when she wholly participated in the process--baffled me, as well as the weak manner in which she acted out. The so-called obstacles by the end of the book felt trivial and arbitrary.
Overall, I'd say the book's average 3.5 rating is spot-on.
Smuggler's Lady was first published in 1986, so I was prepared to cut it a lot of slack where my modern, feminist sensibilities were concerned. The first half of the book, set in the "wilds" of Cornwall, was great, with engaging characters, lively yet realistic period dialogue, and an interesting plot that clipped along at a fun pace. To my delight, Merrie Trelawney is smart, spunky, and independent. Ex-soldier Damian Rutherford, of course a rich and handsome heir to a dukedom, manages to be just alpha enough without coming across as a horrifically entitled asshole (truly a fine line in my book). The secret smuggler life Merrie hides from the rest of the world is a fun and engaging premise. The characters' relationship builds in a believable manner, and the sex scenes are sufficient but not terribly explicit.
The book's second half, set in haute ton London, unfortunately drags. When spirited Merrie counters Damian's proposal with an offer to be his mistress, I was intrigued. But the premise doesn't deliver. Instead, the story devolves into a pseudo My Fair Lady (don't get me wrong, I love the movie/musical!), where Damian's money paves the way for Merrie to become a social success. Why she felt compelled to try to sabotage the accomplishment after the fact--when she wholly participated in the process--baffled me, as well as the weak manner in which she acted out. The so-called obstacles by the end of the book felt trivial and arbitrary.
Overall, I'd say the book's average 3.5 rating is spot-on.
May 8, 2012
Have you ever been angry--REALLY angry-- at someone, only to have them laugh in your face and belittle your feelings? Have you ever had someone manipulate and manhandle you so that you're forced at every turn to do things you don't want to do? Most of us remember that powerless anger at least from when we were children, and our parents didn't take us seriously and forced us to do what we were told.
Now, imagine MARRYING someone like that, and you imagine Merrie's love life. Rutherford was so completely unconcerned about her feelings and so supremely convinced of his absolute right to treat her like a recalcitrant child, belittle her honest feelings, and manipulate her like a puppet that I found it very hard to like him. Toward the end things improve significantly, but by then I really needed to see him feel a little of what he'd put her through.
As for Merrie, I found it hard to be fully sympathetic with her either. She had plenty of good reasons to resist marrying him (like not wanting to marry a patronizing jerk). Her stated reasons were pretty lame, so while I empathized with her frustration with the guy, I got tired of her, too.
Funny how, when the characters are gritting at each other, it keeps those pages turning. Despite the fact that I got seriously annoyed with both of them at various times, I was engaged enough to give this three out of five.
Now, imagine MARRYING someone like that, and you imagine Merrie's love life. Rutherford was so completely unconcerned about her feelings and so supremely convinced of his absolute right to treat her like a recalcitrant child, belittle her honest feelings, and manipulate her like a puppet that I found it very hard to like him. Toward the end things improve significantly, but by then I really needed to see him feel a little of what he'd put her through.
As for Merrie, I found it hard to be fully sympathetic with her either. She had plenty of good reasons to resist marrying him (like not wanting to marry a patronizing jerk). Her stated reasons were pretty lame, so while I empathized with her frustration with the guy, I got tired of her, too.
Funny how, when the characters are gritting at each other, it keeps those pages turning. Despite the fact that I got seriously annoyed with both of them at various times, I was engaged enough to give this three out of five.
April 15, 2016
First off, I'm surprised at the title since the heroine was the smuggler, not the hero. It should have been called "The Smuggler's Suitor."
The first part of the book, situated in Cornwall, was great. Our hero was annoyingly overbearing at some points but overall the story was very engaging. The children were a fun part of the dialogue. (It was unfortunate that they were basically ignored in the latter half of the book.) The heroine was very intriguing. Had the book continued in this manner I would have given it a 5.
Unfortunately the London half of the book was repetitive as Merrie attempts to foil Lord Rutherford's plans to introduce her to society and show her she can fit right into his life. Her reason for not agreeing to marry Lord Rutherford is ridiculous since she loves him and marriage to him would solve all her problems. For an exceptionally intelligent woman she behaves in an incredibly stupid manner, including risking pregnancy, which would have resulted in being ostracized in Cornwall. This half of the book drags.
I think the book could have been edited by about 100 pages. It was way too long; far longer than other Jane Feather's books, some of which are awesome.
The first part of the book, situated in Cornwall, was great. Our hero was annoyingly overbearing at some points but overall the story was very engaging. The children were a fun part of the dialogue. (It was unfortunate that they were basically ignored in the latter half of the book.) The heroine was very intriguing. Had the book continued in this manner I would have given it a 5.
Unfortunately the London half of the book was repetitive as Merrie attempts to foil Lord Rutherford's plans to introduce her to society and show her she can fit right into his life. Her reason for not agreeing to marry Lord Rutherford is ridiculous since she loves him and marriage to him would solve all her problems. For an exceptionally intelligent woman she behaves in an incredibly stupid manner, including risking pregnancy, which would have resulted in being ostracized in Cornwall. This half of the book drags.
I think the book could have been edited by about 100 pages. It was way too long; far longer than other Jane Feather's books, some of which are awesome.
August 4, 2011
A unique take on the usual British romance novel. Merrie has resorted to leading a small band of Cornish smugglers to earn the money needed to redeem her home in Cornwall after her now deceased husband left her a legacy of gambling debts. Damian, Lord Rutherford, takes up residence in the godforsaken and unkempt country home of his deceased cousin Lord Mallory. Things at that estate are in a serious state of squalor. What ensues is the romance between an unsuited pair.
I found the story interesting on many levels. It was quite evident to me that Ms. Feather has done her research on the varying aspects of Cornish smuggling and London society. However, I was a bit put off my the use of 'period vocabulary'; while necessary to a certain point, too much of it can be a bit confusing for the average reader.
Overall, the story moved along at a steady pace. The characters were quite complex. And I found myself trying to figure out what conflict could come next before the two decided to yield to their common interest: love.
Readers of this genre will not be disappointed.
I found the story interesting on many levels. It was quite evident to me that Ms. Feather has done her research on the varying aspects of Cornish smuggling and London society. However, I was a bit put off my the use of 'period vocabulary'; while necessary to a certain point, too much of it can be a bit confusing for the average reader.
Overall, the story moved along at a steady pace. The characters were quite complex. And I found myself trying to figure out what conflict could come next before the two decided to yield to their common interest: love.
Readers of this genre will not be disappointed.
January 2, 2015
I am so not a fan of the hero in this book. I don't mind the alpha male who is physically dominating and gets his way but ends up being a big teddy bear for the heroine. This guy was different. Definitely controlling in a creepy, manipulative way and I didn't like it. He would use this demanding tone of voice and word his statements like, "I warn you not to do that again!" or "I wouldn't do that again." and the heroine would recognize the tone and instantly give in, recognizing the futility of resistance. Ugh! At one point he got so controlling that he told her he didn't like her cap and she would never wear it again in his presence. He came across as a snide, pretentious ass who got what he wanted because he demanded it like a petulant child.
And honestly - the manipulative games that these two played with one another just set my teeth on edge.
And honestly - the manipulative games that these two played with one another just set my teeth on edge.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2011
This book was good, but it didn't capture my attention with the same intrigue that most romance novels do. I usually find myself falling in love with the lead male character - Not the case with this book. In fact, I found Lord Rutherford to be a bit of an a** at times in the book...pushy, concieted, arrogant, etc. and I thought Merrie was a bit of an unbelievable character. Overall, I liked it enough to read all 460 pages of it (dang, it did not need to be that long), but it's not a book I'd pick up again. A pretty simple love story, but there was nothing amazing about it.
August 20, 2008
I usually love Jane Feather, but this book was just a little too unbelievable. I get tired of authors trying to make women into men. No wonder men get tired to trying to be men when they have so much competition from their sex and then from the women in their lives. I like a gutsy character who takes on a challenge, but this book goes too far. No Jane Feather book can be a total bust, but this was probably my least favorite of Jane Feather.
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