What do you think?
Rate this book
The Blackcastle Trilogy #2
Just Perfect
Good manners may have demanded that the unattached Marquis of Kearny and Mallory undertake a trip to the country at his cousin's request, but something far more compelling requires him to remain. A wrong turn leads him directly into danger - and into the most unsettling conviction that his stalwart rescuer, Lady Hannah Thorne, is destined to be the one an only woman he will ever love. That is, if he survives long enough to get to know her, of course, which hardly seems likely with wild dogs on his heels and news of a recent murder that has rocked the peaceful village...Quite content without a husband, Hannah is taken aback when she discovers that the stranger she rescued from Little Mynd moor is the very paragon of manly virtues her best friend, Anne, has been extolling. Something about this Mallory id disturbing - or is that desirable? As their mutual friends insist on throwing them together, Hannah is surprised to realise that her feelings for Mal just may be the romantic sort. But before she can decide if this perfect gentleman will make the perfect husband, she must deduce who is trying to kill him...
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 1, 2003
30 people want to read
About the author
Judith A. Lansdowne
31 books22 followersSince the publication of Amelia's Intrigue in 1995, Judith A. Lansdowne's Regency romances have received critical acclaim, garnered awards and entertained thousands of romance readers. Ms. Lansdowne began writing full-time in 1992, but it was only after her daughter introduced her to Regency romances that her work was published.
She grew up in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Following graduation from St. Joseph High School, she attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York, then spent several years touring the country as an actress and puppeteer with Nicolo Marionettes and the Sid and Marty Krofft organization.
Tiring of the constant travel, she returned to Kenosha to attend the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, where she met her husband Al, a retired submariner, and graduated with highest distinction. Following graduation she worked variously as a journalist, instructional television writer/producer, textbook production editor, college instructor, and television news videographer. When her husband finally got a real job, she settled down to writing full time, producing a horror novel, a vampire novel and a Restoration historical novel, all still unpublished, before finally "making it" with Regency romance. When her husband retired (he didn't like the real job) they moved to the shores of Lake Guntersville, Alabama, where she is pursuing a career in fishing and he moves dirt around the yard. They write when the weather is bad.
She grew up in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Following graduation from St. Joseph High School, she attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York, then spent several years touring the country as an actress and puppeteer with Nicolo Marionettes and the Sid and Marty Krofft organization.
Tiring of the constant travel, she returned to Kenosha to attend the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, where she met her husband Al, a retired submariner, and graduated with highest distinction. Following graduation she worked variously as a journalist, instructional television writer/producer, textbook production editor, college instructor, and television news videographer. When her husband finally got a real job, she settled down to writing full time, producing a horror novel, a vampire novel and a Restoration historical novel, all still unpublished, before finally "making it" with Regency romance. When her husband retired (he didn't like the real job) they moved to the shores of Lake Guntersville, Alabama, where she is pursuing a career in fishing and he moves dirt around the yard. They write when the weather is bad.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 6, 2019
2019 bk 74. The second of the Blackcastle estate books. Unlike many series where the 2nd book picks up near the end of the first, or occurs a year later, Just Perfect begins 9 years later. Hannah has blossomed from the teenage little sister to a 24 year old woman who has had more than one season and not found a husband. She lives with her brother and continues to be enthusiastic about life. Unbeknowst to her, her best friend Ann and her husband Martin, conspire to matchmake, luring Martin's husband to the Blackcastle area for a horse auction. All sorts of high jinks occur as a former beau turns up, Ian (Marquis of Kearny and Mallory) does fall in love, Hannah's brother becomes guardian to an 8 year old boy, and Ian's brother returns from India determined to prevent his brother marrying anyone. Again, a book that I've read over and over again.
May 2, 2012
And I think this novel was “just perfect”… This is a historical romance that takes place in England in 1804. I like books that read like “real life” situations that could happen. I especially like it when the characters seem so real, as if you stepped back in time and were just there in the story as an observer.
Lady Hannah Thorne is the main female character and she is a female with backbone, not a “simpering miss”. She has had several Seasons on London, but did not meet a man she felt she could spend her life with. She has resigned herself to being a spinster.
The Marquis of Kearny and Mallory, affectionately called Mal, is invited to the country to bid on a horse owned by his cousins father-in-law (ok, did you follow that?...) His cousin, Gazenby, married Lady Hannah’s best friend and neighbor, Anne. Mal gets lost on his way to the home of Anne’s parents, with wild dogs just waiting their time before they go after Mal and his horse. Luckily, Lady Hannah is looking out over the moor, with a faithful servant, when she sees a light flicker ever so briefly below. The servant calls out into the darkness and Mal is rescued and brought to Anne’s parents’ home, where she and Gazenby are staying.
Mal had determined that he would never marry and his siblings are all for that…but once Mal is properly introduced to Lady Hannah, he begins to perhaps question his heretofore unwavering commitment to bachelorhood.
This is not simply a romance novel. There is a murder that gets all the main characters involved. There is excitement in the village as well, concerning the upcoming horse auction, that brings many gentleman up to the country from London. Strange things are happening. Can they discover who the murderer is before anyone else is endangered?
Lady Hannah Thorne is the main female character and she is a female with backbone, not a “simpering miss”. She has had several Seasons on London, but did not meet a man she felt she could spend her life with. She has resigned herself to being a spinster.
The Marquis of Kearny and Mallory, affectionately called Mal, is invited to the country to bid on a horse owned by his cousins father-in-law (ok, did you follow that?...) His cousin, Gazenby, married Lady Hannah’s best friend and neighbor, Anne. Mal gets lost on his way to the home of Anne’s parents, with wild dogs just waiting their time before they go after Mal and his horse. Luckily, Lady Hannah is looking out over the moor, with a faithful servant, when she sees a light flicker ever so briefly below. The servant calls out into the darkness and Mal is rescued and brought to Anne’s parents’ home, where she and Gazenby are staying.
Mal had determined that he would never marry and his siblings are all for that…but once Mal is properly introduced to Lady Hannah, he begins to perhaps question his heretofore unwavering commitment to bachelorhood.
This is not simply a romance novel. There is a murder that gets all the main characters involved. There is excitement in the village as well, concerning the upcoming horse auction, that brings many gentleman up to the country from London. Strange things are happening. Can they discover who the murderer is before anyone else is endangered?
April 6, 2012
The "Just" trilogy bring together my two favorite elements in a book; mystery and 'people you'd like to know' characters. I've reread them a couple of times. These truly qualify as a cozy reads even though there is murder, mayhem, black castles, and leading men with only one eye ( but, that's part of the ---mystery!!!!!)
February 17, 2013
I am really into this series. I finished Hannah's story this afternoon and am ready to go on to Will's. Usually I will break up a series, but I want to know 'the rest of the story'. Recommended!
August 25, 2015
I thought this was very enjoyable. The characters had some interesting personality quirks and the plot enough twists to keep you interested. Wish I knew how the pastor reacted to his new puppy.
September 25, 2009
Regency
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews