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The Burgundy Club #2
The Dangerous Viscount
She is determined to find a husband. . . now!
Lady Diana Fanshawe's impeccable bloodline doesn't stop society from laughing at the antics of her eccentric family. She knows a proper marriage is her one chance to make her way in the world—which is precisely why she will marry Lord Blakeney, though she's certain she'll never love him. But then she's kissed by the brilliant and unconventional Sebastian, Viscount Iverley . . . and her well-laid plans tumble into disarray.
Sebastian wants absolutely nothing to do with love or marriage. But when he arrives at his hated cousin Blakeney's house party, Sebastian is smitten by the tantalizing Diana. But Diana is "the marrying kind," and Sebastian has no wish to risk his freedom—though the passion between them is hard to resist. Should the lady follow her heart in an attempt to win Iverley's, though it seems hardened against her—or should she sacrifice her love for respectability?
Lady Diana Fanshawe's impeccable bloodline doesn't stop society from laughing at the antics of her eccentric family. She knows a proper marriage is her one chance to make her way in the world—which is precisely why she will marry Lord Blakeney, though she's certain she'll never love him. But then she's kissed by the brilliant and unconventional Sebastian, Viscount Iverley . . . and her well-laid plans tumble into disarray.
Sebastian wants absolutely nothing to do with love or marriage. But when he arrives at his hated cousin Blakeney's house party, Sebastian is smitten by the tantalizing Diana. But Diana is "the marrying kind," and Sebastian has no wish to risk his freedom—though the passion between them is hard to resist. Should the lady follow her heart in an attempt to win Iverley's, though it seems hardened against her—or should she sacrifice her love for respectability?
369 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 28, 2010
68 people are currently reading
1031 people want to read
About the author
Miranda Neville
27 books515 followersMiranda Neville grew up in England, loving the books of Georgette Heyer and other Regency romances. She lived in Vermont with her daughter and an immensely talented cat, who made a book trailer for her novel, The Importance of Being Wicked. Her historical romances published by Avon include the popular Burgundy Club series, about Regency book collectors, and The Wild Quartet.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
October 10, 2010
3 stars – Historical/Regency Romance
This was just an okay read for me, mainly because I didn't really care at all for the H/h or feel any connection between them. They both acted rather immature, petty, selfish, jealous, and spiteful in some fashion or another for most of the book. I liked the idea of a virgin scholar hero, but Sebastian, Viscount Iverley's insecurity about women over his somewhat nerdy, bookish personality was annoying and unattractive. And Sebastian's juvenile, bitter rivalry with his nemesis, his jerk cousin Lord Blakeney, that included resorting to mean-spirited revenge against the heroine, was exasperating at times. Even though the H/h declared themselves in the end, I still didn't feel the love between them.
This was just an okay read for me, mainly because I didn't really care at all for the H/h or feel any connection between them. They both acted rather immature, petty, selfish, jealous, and spiteful in some fashion or another for most of the book. I liked the idea of a virgin scholar hero, but Sebastian, Viscount Iverley's insecurity about women over his somewhat nerdy, bookish personality was annoying and unattractive. And Sebastian's juvenile, bitter rivalry with his nemesis, his jerk cousin Lord Blakeney, that included resorting to mean-spirited revenge against the heroine, was exasperating at times. Even though the H/h declared themselves in the end, I still didn't feel the love between them.
March 1, 2021
This was good but nothing great. A lot of misunderstanding, competition between cousins, and talks about books.
The book started great, and in the middle tuned around to the worst. I loved the eccentric family, the eccentric virgin hero that hated woman. But then I didn't like when they started hurting one another. She found it completely okay to wager something important to him and not even apologized... and then he hurt her back and so on. The circle was hard to break.
Also, it was a weird writing style. There was not a satisfactory end to a though and suddenly we were reading about the next act.
I would say this was a 3.5⭐
The book started great, and in the middle tuned around to the worst. I loved the eccentric family, the eccentric virgin hero that hated woman. But then I didn't like when they started hurting one another. She found it completely okay to wager something important to him and not even apologized... and then he hurt her back and so on. The circle was hard to break.
Also, it was a weird writing style. There was not a satisfactory end to a though and suddenly we were reading about the next act.
I would say this was a 3.5⭐
May 12, 2022
Loved the grumpy H who fell in love with the h when he saw her pink stockings. She's treated him badly, reinforced his uncle's view of women. His put a terrible plan into action to pay her back. When he realised the hurt he caused, he was ashamed as he loved her and admired her courage. It's a wonderful story about two imperfect people. One of my favourite books.
November 13, 2010
I’m a sucker for an unconventional hero, who also happens to be a beta and a virgin. Miranda Neville has written such a character, an adorably odd, male bluestocking who has no time for women, and where his family and friends think he’s dead below the waist when it comes to passion and sex. The moment I began reading The Dangerous Viscount, I fell in love with Sebastian, Viscount Iverley, the cousin to the handsome and popular Marquis of Blakeney. Sebastian can’t stand females in any shape or form. He finds them to be a nuisance, and I saw a small taste of this in The Wild Marquis. But when Sebastian sees the calf covered stocking of Diana Fanshawe, his world changes. Sebastian is turned on by viewing this limb, and he doesn’t like it. Diana finds Sebastian very strange, but is polite to him because he’s related to Blakeney, the man she has been infatuated with for years.
Diana likes normalcy since she comes from a strange family herself where she doesn’t fit in, but one Sebastian would have no problem with. Her plan is to marry Blakeney, but for the moment, they’re both playing a flirting game with one another. Diana has plans to ensnare Blakeney. But as she gets to know Sebastian better, she finds him not all that bad. Soon Sebastian wants Diana to pay more attention to him, not Blakeney, who treats him more like a simpleton. Sebastian doesn’t care for Blakeney and feels Diana is making a mistake. And when Sebastian and Diana go off together for a nature walk, Sebastian receives his first kiss ever! He’s overjoyed and smitten, and has decided he will marry Diana. But then he overhears why Diana allowed him to kiss her, he is devastated. Sebastian is sick of being made a fool of and now he’s out for revenge. Diana stole something very special from him where he’ll stop at nothing until he steals her heart, smashes it into little pieces and then goes on his merry way back to his books that can’t hurt him.
When was the last time you read a somewhat naïve and eccentric hero? I really can’t think of one. And way Miranda has written Sebastian, I fell for him where I wanted to wrap my arms around him and tell him everything will be okay, and those nabobs who don’t understand him shouldn’t matter. Sebastian may be socially awkward, but his keen intelligence is what makes him shine along with his confusion over his emotions when a woman like Diana captures his heart. Diana quickly sees who the man Sebastian is on the inside, even though she tries to keep her distance from him emotionally. It’s not because of who he is, but because Sebastian reminds her of family. Some may find Diana to be a snob, but we are given enough insight to see this is not necessarily the case.
Sebastian’s revenge, where he comes across as a new man both in wardrobe and in his actions is somewhat sad. Sebastian realizes this right away, and even though he is very hurt by what Diana has done to him, he wants her desperately, but must forgive her first. The way he reacts made my heart ache, but the outcome when everything is said and done makes for a great HEA. Sebastian has a good soul and it just takes the right person to see that.
The Dangerous Viscount is one I had great joy in reading. Sebastian is the type of character to sneak inside a reader’s mind and stay there for a very long time. If you are a historical romance fan, you must read The Dangerous Viscount and find out for yourself why Sebastian is one of the best heroes I’ve read this year.
Diana likes normalcy since she comes from a strange family herself where she doesn’t fit in, but one Sebastian would have no problem with. Her plan is to marry Blakeney, but for the moment, they’re both playing a flirting game with one another. Diana has plans to ensnare Blakeney. But as she gets to know Sebastian better, she finds him not all that bad. Soon Sebastian wants Diana to pay more attention to him, not Blakeney, who treats him more like a simpleton. Sebastian doesn’t care for Blakeney and feels Diana is making a mistake. And when Sebastian and Diana go off together for a nature walk, Sebastian receives his first kiss ever! He’s overjoyed and smitten, and has decided he will marry Diana. But then he overhears why Diana allowed him to kiss her, he is devastated. Sebastian is sick of being made a fool of and now he’s out for revenge. Diana stole something very special from him where he’ll stop at nothing until he steals her heart, smashes it into little pieces and then goes on his merry way back to his books that can’t hurt him.
When was the last time you read a somewhat naïve and eccentric hero? I really can’t think of one. And way Miranda has written Sebastian, I fell for him where I wanted to wrap my arms around him and tell him everything will be okay, and those nabobs who don’t understand him shouldn’t matter. Sebastian may be socially awkward, but his keen intelligence is what makes him shine along with his confusion over his emotions when a woman like Diana captures his heart. Diana quickly sees who the man Sebastian is on the inside, even though she tries to keep her distance from him emotionally. It’s not because of who he is, but because Sebastian reminds her of family. Some may find Diana to be a snob, but we are given enough insight to see this is not necessarily the case.
Sebastian’s revenge, where he comes across as a new man both in wardrobe and in his actions is somewhat sad. Sebastian realizes this right away, and even though he is very hurt by what Diana has done to him, he wants her desperately, but must forgive her first. The way he reacts made my heart ache, but the outcome when everything is said and done makes for a great HEA. Sebastian has a good soul and it just takes the right person to see that.
The Dangerous Viscount is one I had great joy in reading. Sebastian is the type of character to sneak inside a reader’s mind and stay there for a very long time. If you are a historical romance fan, you must read The Dangerous Viscount and find out for yourself why Sebastian is one of the best heroes I’ve read this year.
December 27, 2010
You know when you finish a book and you have a goofy smile on your face because you just read an awesome book. That was how this book was for me. It wasn't overly complicated and their wasn't a cast of a thousand characters. For the most part it was Sebastian and Diana trying to figure out how to make their relationship work.
Sebastian is a man of books and has no time for women of any type. But when he catches sight of some pink stockings on the leg of lovely Diana, his attitude starts to change a bit. Once Diana catches sight of the tall, shabbily dressed bespectacled man, her thoughts aren't so complimentary. Her thoughts about Sebastian started to change when his appearance couldn't hide the strong man within. (those kisses weren't bad either.)
Now to be frank I loved Sebastian from the first and wanted to pull Diana's hair out for a few things, but in the end she won me over. She also won Sebastian over, but he was stubborn and it took her awhile to convince him that his books were nowhere as good at giving affection and doing other things to his person as she could...no matter how many naughty books he read.
I loved the ending and can't wait to read the next in the series. Last question where can I get my very own Sacred Rod of Chastisement? :-)
Sebastian is a man of books and has no time for women of any type. But when he catches sight of some pink stockings on the leg of lovely Diana, his attitude starts to change a bit. Once Diana catches sight of the tall, shabbily dressed bespectacled man, her thoughts aren't so complimentary. Her thoughts about Sebastian started to change when his appearance couldn't hide the strong man within. (those kisses weren't bad either.)
Now to be frank I loved Sebastian from the first and wanted to pull Diana's hair out for a few things, but in the end she won me over. She also won Sebastian over, but he was stubborn and it took her awhile to convince him that his books were nowhere as good at giving affection and doing other things to his person as she could...no matter how many naughty books he read.
I loved the ending and can't wait to read the next in the series. Last question where can I get my very own Sacred Rod of Chastisement? :-)
October 11, 2010
Sexy, fun, and poignant book. I loved the way Neville used historical detail to propel the story. The world she created felt very old school regency romance to me--but with a hotter level of sensuality. Especially loved seeing Sebastian transform himself into a fashionable gentleman.
June 26, 2016
++Spoilers++
Boy where to begin with this one? In a nutshell..Hero doesn't like women due to past trauma as a boy and due to being raised by a jilted uncle who also had an adversion and mistrust of women.
Hero is bookish and cares nothing of fashion, balls, the ton or society in general. At first I really loved him and truly felt pity for him, at the same time, I slowly began to hate the heroine, especially after her taking the cruel wager from the hero's dislikable cousin. The wager was to see if she could get the hero to kiss him. Of course once she does, the hero is smitten and already is thinking of proposing to her. She does not feel that way for him, for she is in love with his cousin..who is an obnoxious rake. Long story short, the book is here after filled with anger, and hostility mixed with plots of revenge between the h & H which truly make this a horribly unsatisfying read IMHO.
Since there is little I liked I will list only the major things that put me off, to list them all would be tiresome.
1. I hated that my opinion of both the H & h changed constantly. One minute I liked the hero, then he became an ass. Same with the heroine. I hated her, then liked her. I felt like these two were Jekyl and Hyde. It felt like the author didn't have a firm grasp of their characters or didn't know which way to make them come off, good or bad.
2. There were entirely too many times I skimmed. I grew bored with all the talk of clothes, fashion, politics (which were inconsequential to the story), inventions, books etc.
3. The story seems like I have read it before, many times. Meaning, the whole plot is overused.
4. We never see the h give the rare books to the hero.
5. The ending wrapped up too fast and neat
6. The constant friction between the h & H drove me insane. It truly never resolved until the very end.
7. Lack of romance and tenderness
8. I hated the constant brining up of the heroine's deceased husband. Yes I don't usually mind widows in my romances, but I felt it cruel and insensitive to bring up to the poor hero all the time.
9 The characters were pretty well developed for the most part, even though illogical and contradictory, but the secondary characters were flat and uninteresting.
I'll stop here. There's more but I have other issues to deal with and that's for the safety gang.
Safety
Hero-Virgin
Heroine-Widowed
Cheating-No
Insta love - Yes for the hero no for the heroine
Loving scenes- a few nothing erotic or crazy
Cursing- I don't think so
Violence-No
HEA/ILY's - Yes eventually at the end
OW- I'd say no but read below and decide if this constitutes an OW for you:
++++This hapens after the kiss, but they are not a couple.++++++
The hero who is a virgin. After an awkward first kiss with the heroine, he decides to educate himself on lovemaking so not to be clumsy. He first reads some french books. After reading said books, he is frustratingly aroused, so he goes to a whore, also thinking if he does, he'll last longer when with the heroine. He goes to the whore, and she tells him about herself while he feels her breast. The whore then gets ready for him, he is aroused, but leaves because now he knows her as a person and cannot do it.
Would I recommend this? No. Read more from this author.. no
Boy where to begin with this one? In a nutshell..Hero doesn't like women due to past trauma as a boy and due to being raised by a jilted uncle who also had an adversion and mistrust of women.
Hero is bookish and cares nothing of fashion, balls, the ton or society in general. At first I really loved him and truly felt pity for him, at the same time, I slowly began to hate the heroine, especially after her taking the cruel wager from the hero's dislikable cousin. The wager was to see if she could get the hero to kiss him. Of course once she does, the hero is smitten and already is thinking of proposing to her. She does not feel that way for him, for she is in love with his cousin..who is an obnoxious rake. Long story short, the book is here after filled with anger, and hostility mixed with plots of revenge between the h & H which truly make this a horribly unsatisfying read IMHO.
Since there is little I liked I will list only the major things that put me off, to list them all would be tiresome.
1. I hated that my opinion of both the H & h changed constantly. One minute I liked the hero, then he became an ass. Same with the heroine. I hated her, then liked her. I felt like these two were Jekyl and Hyde. It felt like the author didn't have a firm grasp of their characters or didn't know which way to make them come off, good or bad.
2. There were entirely too many times I skimmed. I grew bored with all the talk of clothes, fashion, politics (which were inconsequential to the story), inventions, books etc.
3. The story seems like I have read it before, many times. Meaning, the whole plot is overused.
4. We never see the h give the rare books to the hero.
5. The ending wrapped up too fast and neat
6. The constant friction between the h & H drove me insane. It truly never resolved until the very end.
7. Lack of romance and tenderness
8. I hated the constant brining up of the heroine's deceased husband. Yes I don't usually mind widows in my romances, but I felt it cruel and insensitive to bring up to the poor hero all the time.
9 The characters were pretty well developed for the most part, even though illogical and contradictory, but the secondary characters were flat and uninteresting.
I'll stop here. There's more but I have other issues to deal with and that's for the safety gang.
Safety
Hero-Virgin
Heroine-Widowed
Cheating-No
Insta love - Yes for the hero no for the heroine
Loving scenes- a few nothing erotic or crazy
Cursing- I don't think so
Violence-No
HEA/ILY's - Yes eventually at the end
OW- I'd say no but read below and decide if this constitutes an OW for you:
++++This hapens after the kiss, but they are not a couple.++++++
The hero who is a virgin. After an awkward first kiss with the heroine, he decides to educate himself on lovemaking so not to be clumsy. He first reads some french books. After reading said books, he is frustratingly aroused, so he goes to a whore, also thinking if he does, he'll last longer when with the heroine. He goes to the whore, and she tells him about herself while he feels her breast. The whore then gets ready for him, he is aroused, but leaves because now he knows her as a person and cannot do it.
Would I recommend this? No. Read more from this author.. no
September 8, 2014
Didn't like it at all!!!! :(
All I felt from the hero was lust, lust, lust and the heroine can't make up her mind. Sad to say, I didn't enjoy this. I did not see how the hero fell in love with the heroine. He was so fixated on her looks and that's it. Ugh. The heroine, on the other hand, was so full of herself. Girl, the whole world does not revolve around you. -_- Argh. This was one frustrating read.
All I felt from the hero was lust, lust, lust and the heroine can't make up her mind. Sad to say, I didn't enjoy this. I did not see how the hero fell in love with the heroine. He was so fixated on her looks and that's it. Ugh. The heroine, on the other hand, was so full of herself. Girl, the whole world does not revolve around you. -_- Argh. This was one frustrating read.
September 5, 2015
I've enjoyed many of Miranda Neville's other books, and Confessions From An Arranged Marriage (the 4th of the Burgundy Club books) was, I thought, distinctly good. So it was a disappointment that I found this an unpleasant book for the most part.
It's told, of course, as fluently as you'd expect - Miranda Neville is an experienced writer - and it has some very sympathetic secondary characters. I particularly liked the heroine's chalk-and-cheese parents, who have managed to create a successful marriage of opposites. Although I hope her father's habit of weighing all guests to the house doesn't catch on.
My problem - and it's a major one - is that neither hero nor heroine was in the slightest sympathetic. Sebastian Iverley defines himself almost entirely with reference to his more outgoing confident cousin, Lord Blakeney, to the point that he comes across as bitter and self-pitying - and very misogynistic. Admittedly, Diana treats him very cavalierly in the first half of the book, but his subsequent actions are simply immature and unpleasant. Oh, and, in spite of the title, he isn't in the least dangerous.
The initial impression of Diana as shallow and self-centred isn't contradicted by her careless treatment of Sebastian's feelings, nor by her impetuous decision to sleep with him. It was hard to see what drew this pair together, apart from insta-lust. And there is a lot of lust From time to time, there were glimpses of a more satisfying relationship, but not enough, ultimately, to be convincing. Pity.
It's told, of course, as fluently as you'd expect - Miranda Neville is an experienced writer - and it has some very sympathetic secondary characters. I particularly liked the heroine's chalk-and-cheese parents, who have managed to create a successful marriage of opposites. Although I hope her father's habit of weighing all guests to the house doesn't catch on.
My problem - and it's a major one - is that neither hero nor heroine was in the slightest sympathetic. Sebastian Iverley defines himself almost entirely with reference to his more outgoing confident cousin, Lord Blakeney, to the point that he comes across as bitter and self-pitying - and very misogynistic. Admittedly, Diana treats him very cavalierly in the first half of the book, but his subsequent actions are simply immature and unpleasant. Oh, and, in spite of the title, he isn't in the least dangerous.
The initial impression of Diana as shallow and self-centred isn't contradicted by her careless treatment of Sebastian's feelings, nor by her impetuous decision to sleep with him. It was hard to see what drew this pair together, apart from insta-lust. And there is a lot of lust From time to time, there were glimpses of a more satisfying relationship, but not enough, ultimately, to be convincing. Pity.
October 20, 2022
Meh, I wasn't buying what Miranda Neville was trying to sell me. I felt zero connection between the two MCs. I didn't for one second believe the Sebastian Iverley I read about in the previous book would act this way. I didn't for one second believe that Diana was a nice person that deserved a second chance. She acted like a bitach and I didn't want to forgive her.
May 17, 2019
The Dangerous Viscount is my first Miranda Neville book and the first half of this book was SO GOOD that I honestly thought it was going to be a 4 or 5 star read. Wallflower beta hero who's a virgin and a nerd and wears glasses + belle of the ball heroine = HELL YES. The writing was witty and engaging even if it did take me a while to adapt to Ms. Neville's writing style. However, while the first half was really enjoyable, the book somewhat lost me in the second half because the romance did not develop in the way I had wanted it to. But unlike new historicals, this one managed to keep my attention from beginning to end...so there's that!
Sebastian is a very paranoid hero who's prejudiced against women for various reasons that I won't go into. Diana somehow gets involved in a nonsensical wager where she is dared to get Sebastian to kiss her. Sebastian surprisingly finds himself falling for Diana, but he gets really angry when he finds out about the wager by accident. Sebastian then decides that it's time for him to get revenge on Diana. This premise is problematic in some ways, but it was so interesting and addicting that I couldn't stop reading!! The whole wager and revenge premise is petty, childish, and annoying, but I didn't care because I was so invested in the drama LOL. The first half was pretty much everything I could have ever asked for in a historical romance novel that's based on a premise with petty wagers and wallflower heroes.
My issue with this book has to do with how the relationship development didn't genuinely start developing until the last 20% or so of the book. Sebastian and Diana's relationship was built on mistrust and the fact that Sebastian is already SO paranoid didn't help at all. It took Sebastian and Diana WAY TOO LONG to finally get to the point where their relationship is steady, with no bitterness and paranoia clouding their judgement. It also took Diana way too long to distinguish between her infatuation for Blake and her love for Sebastian. The second half was messy, but still fun to read. Neither Sebastian nor Diana were particularly likable characters, though I must say that I find myself feeling more sympathetic towards Sebastian even though he has done and said some really stupid things. Because it took these dumb ass characters so long to resolve their issues like adults and finally realize how STUPID they were being, everything was resolved rather quickly in the last 10% of the book. The ending was super cute though and made all that messiness in the second half worth it.
One thing though - I dearly wish the steam level was higher. It was too low for my liking.
Sebastian is a very paranoid hero who's prejudiced against women for various reasons that I won't go into. Diana somehow gets involved in a nonsensical wager where she is dared to get Sebastian to kiss her. Sebastian surprisingly finds himself falling for Diana, but he gets really angry when he finds out about the wager by accident. Sebastian then decides that it's time for him to get revenge on Diana. This premise is problematic in some ways, but it was so interesting and addicting that I couldn't stop reading!! The whole wager and revenge premise is petty, childish, and annoying, but I didn't care because I was so invested in the drama LOL. The first half was pretty much everything I could have ever asked for in a historical romance novel that's based on a premise with petty wagers and wallflower heroes.
My issue with this book has to do with how the relationship development didn't genuinely start developing until the last 20% or so of the book. Sebastian and Diana's relationship was built on mistrust and the fact that Sebastian is already SO paranoid didn't help at all. It took Sebastian and Diana WAY TOO LONG to finally get to the point where their relationship is steady, with no bitterness and paranoia clouding their judgement. It also took Diana way too long to distinguish between her infatuation for Blake and her love for Sebastian. The second half was messy, but still fun to read. Neither Sebastian nor Diana were particularly likable characters, though I must say that I find myself feeling more sympathetic towards Sebastian even though he has done and said some really stupid things. Because it took these dumb ass characters so long to resolve their issues like adults and finally realize how STUPID they were being, everything was resolved rather quickly in the last 10% of the book. The ending was super cute though and made all that messiness in the second half worth it.
One thing though - I dearly wish the steam level was higher. It was too low for my liking.
October 17, 2010
Let me start this review by saying that I didn't much like either the heroine nor the hero, until the end. However, they were much more interesting than most HR characters. They made silly mistakes, were blessed with poor judgement and turned the whole experience equation (experienced hero-virginal/ignorant heroine) on it's head. But their story was really fascinating and very enjoyable.
The story is wittily written, the secondary characters are excellent, fully-rounded individuals (the sister isn't the usual Mini-Me, but a real person) and the plot has many, frustrating twists.
I personally had no problem with the hero and heroine taking petty revenge on each other. People do unpleasant things for the most ridiculous reasons, and it's okay to me to have that reflected in a romance rather than one or both of the leads being martyr-like passive saints.
Enjoyable with some unique touches. 4 stars.
The story is wittily written, the secondary characters are excellent, fully-rounded individuals (the sister isn't the usual Mini-Me, but a real person) and the plot has many, frustrating twists.
I personally had no problem with the hero and heroine taking petty revenge on each other. People do unpleasant things for the most ridiculous reasons, and it's okay to me to have that reflected in a romance rather than one or both of the leads being martyr-like passive saints.
Enjoyable with some unique touches. 4 stars.
October 15, 2010
I was eager to read The Dangerous Viscount for several reasons. First, the author described it as a male-makeover tale, a trope I’ve loved since I first read Georgette Heyer’s Powder and Patch and fell under the spell of Philip Jettan. Then, I enjoyed The Wild Marquis, particularly the heroine. Finally, several people whose opinions I respect had read it and rated it highly. My instincts and my friends were right. I loved this book!
I fell hard for Sebastian. He may be my favorite bookish hero since Jack Langdon in Loretta Chase’s Devil’s Delilah. Revenge plots are tricky because they can make a protagonist unappealing, but it worked for me in TDV because even when I groaned at Sebastian’s behavior, I understood the choices he made. I feared Diana was going to be a shallow character, but she soon redeemed herself, showing that she had courage, a sense of humor, and an admirable streak of pragmatism. I adored her family, especially Minerva, whose story I eagerly await. Another thing I really liked was that Diana’s first husband, although older and definitely not her dream lover, was a kind man who treated her well and taught her something about the pleasures of sex. The Wild Marquis put Miranda Neville on my list of authors to check out; The Dangerous Viscount put her on my autobuy list.
I fell hard for Sebastian. He may be my favorite bookish hero since Jack Langdon in Loretta Chase’s Devil’s Delilah. Revenge plots are tricky because they can make a protagonist unappealing, but it worked for me in TDV because even when I groaned at Sebastian’s behavior, I understood the choices he made. I feared Diana was going to be a shallow character, but she soon redeemed herself, showing that she had courage, a sense of humor, and an admirable streak of pragmatism. I adored her family, especially Minerva, whose story I eagerly await. Another thing I really liked was that Diana’s first husband, although older and definitely not her dream lover, was a kind man who treated her well and taught her something about the pleasures of sex. The Wild Marquis put Miranda Neville on my list of authors to check out; The Dangerous Viscount put her on my autobuy list.
August 15, 2014
I just reread this and thoroughly enjoyed it a second time. I would rate it a 4+. The characters are unusual and interesting. Sebastian is a geeky, virgin while still sexy. Huh? It's true. Diana is feisty and in control. Good conflict, good story.
October 28, 2010
I read a lot of romance, and it's pretty rare for a romance to grab (and fondle?) me like this one did. I enjoyed Neville's other books but they didn't really worm their way into my mind like _The Dangerous Viscount_, which I re-read and then spent several days thinking about. This book is the second in the Burgundy Club series (her series about the sexiness of Regency book rare book collecting) and some characters in the first book are supporting characters in this book.
When Diana Fanshawe meets Sebastian Iverley, it's because she wants to marry his cousin, Lord Blakeney, who is a marquess. However, she likes Iverley, a book collector and Regency-era nerd--he's intelligent (when he's not grunting inarticulately), he fits in perfectly with her eccentric family, he's kind of good-looking behind the glasses and unfashionable clothes, and he's obviously, despite a lifetime of learned misogyny, attracted to her. So when Blakeney and his friends start to cast aspersions on Iverley's sexuality, Diana makes a bet that she can get him to kiss her. She is not aware that by making this bet, she's stumbling into the hornet's nest of Iverley's longstanding family rivalry with Blakeney, and his betrayal and abandonment issues. So when Iverley discovers the bet, he becomes determined on revenge. And his revenge is really, really awful. So Diana must, and does, in turn avenge herself. When things between them seem hopelessly beyond repair, fate steps in and throws them together again.
I think the most intriguing thing in this book is the psychological portrait of Iverley. He's at once intelligent but incredibly stupid, and a serious late bloomer when it comes to relationships with women. He's also a man divided--when he contemplates his revenge, you can see his better self fighting with the angry and betrayed man, and almost--but not quite--winning. And Diana not only stands up to him and holds her own, she helps him become a better man by the end of the book, one who can trust and love her and who is working to overcome his other issues. His nerdiness is both appealing and funny at times (his reaction to most developments in their relationship is to try to buy a book about what is going on, which turns out to be both hilarious and, at times, sexy).
This book also looks at women's choices, and how they are constrained. Minor characters include a mother who must choose between her marriage and her child; a woman grateful to have the choice between being a servant and not a mine worker; and a woman grateful to have the choice between being a servant and being a prostitute. And Diana's and Iverley's actions--good or bad-- also constrain their future choices in ways that may be unhappy at times but that also make redemption possible.
Last but not least, a number of the minor characters in this book are developed very well. Diana's French maid Chantal, her sister Min the teenage Radical, and Blakeney himself are so interesting as characters you want to read more about them; Blakeney and Min could sustain books of their own. (But not a romance between Blakeney and Min! That would be so wrong).
When Diana Fanshawe meets Sebastian Iverley, it's because she wants to marry his cousin, Lord Blakeney, who is a marquess. However, she likes Iverley, a book collector and Regency-era nerd--he's intelligent (when he's not grunting inarticulately), he fits in perfectly with her eccentric family, he's kind of good-looking behind the glasses and unfashionable clothes, and he's obviously, despite a lifetime of learned misogyny, attracted to her. So when Blakeney and his friends start to cast aspersions on Iverley's sexuality, Diana makes a bet that she can get him to kiss her. She is not aware that by making this bet, she's stumbling into the hornet's nest of Iverley's longstanding family rivalry with Blakeney, and his betrayal and abandonment issues. So when Iverley discovers the bet, he becomes determined on revenge. And his revenge is really, really awful. So Diana must, and does, in turn avenge herself. When things between them seem hopelessly beyond repair, fate steps in and throws them together again.
I think the most intriguing thing in this book is the psychological portrait of Iverley. He's at once intelligent but incredibly stupid, and a serious late bloomer when it comes to relationships with women. He's also a man divided--when he contemplates his revenge, you can see his better self fighting with the angry and betrayed man, and almost--but not quite--winning. And Diana not only stands up to him and holds her own, she helps him become a better man by the end of the book, one who can trust and love her and who is working to overcome his other issues. His nerdiness is both appealing and funny at times (his reaction to most developments in their relationship is to try to buy a book about what is going on, which turns out to be both hilarious and, at times, sexy).
This book also looks at women's choices, and how they are constrained. Minor characters include a mother who must choose between her marriage and her child; a woman grateful to have the choice between being a servant and not a mine worker; and a woman grateful to have the choice between being a servant and being a prostitute. And Diana's and Iverley's actions--good or bad-- also constrain their future choices in ways that may be unhappy at times but that also make redemption possible.
Last but not least, a number of the minor characters in this book are developed very well. Diana's French maid Chantal, her sister Min the teenage Radical, and Blakeney himself are so interesting as characters you want to read more about them; Blakeney and Min could sustain books of their own. (But not a romance between Blakeney and Min! That would be so wrong).
March 11, 2015
3.5 Stars
Miranda Neville's works are either a hit or miss for me, and to my delight, I really enjoyed the first three quarters of The Dangerous Viscount .
Who doesn't love a beta, virgin hero? Sebastian, Viscount Iverley stays far, far away from women. Engrossed in his scholarly pursuits, he eschews the superficiality found in high Society. His bespectacled looks, frumpy clothes and social gaffes make him the source of mockery, led by his popular cousin Marquis of Blakeney. But when he encounters the pink silk stockinged leg of one Lady Diana Fanshawe, his world changes.
Diana Fanshawe has set her sights on Sebastian's rival, the rich and popular Blakeney. She longs to make a 'normal' marriage, to offset her eccentric and madcap family. She finds herself liking Sebastian- he is intelligent and well read, and fits in with the rest of her scholarly oddball family. He is quite good-looking in a subdued way, and is obviously attracted to her. Blakeney and his friends think Sebastian is dead below the waist, and in the heat of the moment, she makes a bet to get him to kiss her. Thus, she proceeds with enticing him- not aware of the source of his rivalry with Blakeney, his deep trust and abandonment issues. Sebastian is completely smitten with Diana, and when he learns of the bet, his anger and sense of betrayal make him lash out at her. Hurt beyond repair, Diana has her revenge on him.
The aspect that I totally loved in this book is the storytelling from Sebastian's POV. Forget reading about this socially stumbling, emotionally confused eccentric, we are him. Bookishly intelligent but socially stupid, we see him navigating his fractured relationships through our eyes. His social isolation and deep hurt spur him onto becoming a gentleman extraordinaire `a la Blakeney. He devises revenge, but his better self is always in the background, fighting with the angry and troubled man. Some of the things he does are unforgivable, at the same time, I could identify with him lashing out and protecting himself. His relationship with Diana is a mass of confused and intense feelings- at times wanting her fiercely, then cutting ties from her, doubting his self worth and blaming himself, till finally he becomes man capable of trusting and loving her. and Never having being put in such situations before, his first reaction is to read up books and consult his more worldly friends- a trait I find endearing.
Why the less than stellar rating, you may ask? The latter quarter of the book was not needed and took away my enjoyment from the story. It did not add to Sebastian's character development, I would much preferred him to remain the genuine but nerdy man he was- just someone more in tune with his emotions.
Miranda Neville's works are either a hit or miss for me, and to my delight, I really enjoyed the first three quarters of The Dangerous Viscount .
Who doesn't love a beta, virgin hero? Sebastian, Viscount Iverley stays far, far away from women. Engrossed in his scholarly pursuits, he eschews the superficiality found in high Society. His bespectacled looks, frumpy clothes and social gaffes make him the source of mockery, led by his popular cousin Marquis of Blakeney. But when he encounters the pink silk stockinged leg of one Lady Diana Fanshawe, his world changes.
Diana Fanshawe has set her sights on Sebastian's rival, the rich and popular Blakeney. She longs to make a 'normal' marriage, to offset her eccentric and madcap family. She finds herself liking Sebastian- he is intelligent and well read, and fits in with the rest of her scholarly oddball family. He is quite good-looking in a subdued way, and is obviously attracted to her. Blakeney and his friends think Sebastian is dead below the waist, and in the heat of the moment, she makes a bet to get him to kiss her. Thus, she proceeds with enticing him- not aware of the source of his rivalry with Blakeney, his deep trust and abandonment issues. Sebastian is completely smitten with Diana, and when he learns of the bet, his anger and sense of betrayal make him lash out at her. Hurt beyond repair, Diana has her revenge on him.
The aspect that I totally loved in this book is the storytelling from Sebastian's POV. Forget reading about this socially stumbling, emotionally confused eccentric, we are him. Bookishly intelligent but socially stupid, we see him navigating his fractured relationships through our eyes. His social isolation and deep hurt spur him onto becoming a gentleman extraordinaire `a la Blakeney. He devises revenge, but his better self is always in the background, fighting with the angry and troubled man. Some of the things he does are unforgivable, at the same time, I could identify with him lashing out and protecting himself. His relationship with Diana is a mass of confused and intense feelings- at times wanting her fiercely, then cutting ties from her, doubting his self worth and blaming himself, till finally he becomes man capable of trusting and loving her. and Never having being put in such situations before, his first reaction is to read up books and consult his more worldly friends- a trait I find endearing.
Why the less than stellar rating, you may ask? The latter quarter of the book was not needed and took away my enjoyment from the story. It did not add to Sebastian's character development, I would much preferred him to remain the genuine but nerdy man he was- just someone more in tune with his emotions.
February 17, 2013
Years ago, as a teen, Diana angsted after the Marquis of Blakeney, the very handsome heir to a Dukedom whose estate borders that of her eccentric family.
Unfortunately, he was beyond her reach.
Now she's a very wealthy widow and he's a bit more attainable. She manages to get herself invited to a house party at Blake's estate. His nerdy cousin, woman-hating, spectacle-wearing, wears-clothes-handed-down-by-a-scarecrow Sebastian Iverley, or Owlverly, as Blake calls him, is also there. To check out the library.
No, really. That's why he's there. Owl has no use for women. Witness the adolescent "girls suck" comments he made in the first installment of the series. He's much fonder of his own right hand.
Diana wants to impress Blake, so she comes up with a genius idea. She proposes a bet—she bets 500 pounds she can get Owl to kiss her. Cuz Blake is sure to be hot for a chick who will snog his dorky cousin.
She flashes a bit of pink-silk-stockinged calf at Sebastian and parts he never knew he had are suddenly alive and kicking up a fuss. After a few days of inhaling her scent and ogling her woman parts, he's thinking marriage. He lays a rough buss on her and opens his mouth to propose, only to be interrupted by his obnoxious cousin Blake.
Diana is 500 pounds richer, and she feels a bit guilty about it. Sebastian, meanwhile, is a little more experienced, and, because he heard some people talking about the bet, now he knows why his misogynist uncle had such strong feelings about women.
Diana needs to pay, so once Seb is Viscount Iverley, he does this whole Pygmalion thing where he's Eliza Doolittle. Clothes, hair, manners, all of it changes to make him more agreeable. It's all about seduction—as—payback.
This the kind of somebody-done-somebody-wrong story that will make a reader care. So four stars.
Unfortunately, he was beyond her reach.
Now she's a very wealthy widow and he's a bit more attainable. She manages to get herself invited to a house party at Blake's estate. His nerdy cousin, woman-hating, spectacle-wearing, wears-clothes-handed-down-by-a-scarecrow Sebastian Iverley, or Owlverly, as Blake calls him, is also there. To check out the library.
No, really. That's why he's there. Owl has no use for women. Witness the adolescent "girls suck" comments he made in the first installment of the series. He's much fonder of his own right hand.
Diana wants to impress Blake, so she comes up with a genius idea. She proposes a bet—she bets 500 pounds she can get Owl to kiss her. Cuz Blake is sure to be hot for a chick who will snog his dorky cousin.
She flashes a bit of pink-silk-stockinged calf at Sebastian and parts he never knew he had are suddenly alive and kicking up a fuss. After a few days of inhaling her scent and ogling her woman parts, he's thinking marriage. He lays a rough buss on her and opens his mouth to propose, only to be interrupted by his obnoxious cousin Blake.
Diana is 500 pounds richer, and she feels a bit guilty about it. Sebastian, meanwhile, is a little more experienced, and, because he heard some people talking about the bet, now he knows why his misogynist uncle had such strong feelings about women.
Diana needs to pay, so once Seb is Viscount Iverley, he does this whole Pygmalion thing where he's Eliza Doolittle. Clothes, hair, manners, all of it changes to make him more agreeable. It's all about seduction—as—payback.
This the kind of somebody-done-somebody-wrong story that will make a reader care. So four stars.
April 17, 2014
I love Miranda Neville! This continuation of the Burgundy Club series has Sebastian Iverley, an under appreciated bespecked but not bespoked playing mind games with Diana, Lady Fanshawe who is described as not beautiful but one of the most desirable women of the Ton. Her family is hilariously eccentric, I just adored them.
Miranda's writing is humorous and light, case in point the Sacred Rod of Chastisement! Wtf is that?!?! I found this book to be more sexy and without the mystery of the first. Of course Tarquin, Juliana and Cain make their appearances as well as Minerva, Diana's younger sister who deserves her own book.
Bumped up to 4.5 stars.... Had to do a quick re read as I had forgotten parts of the story before I read the next one in the series. Thoroughly enjoyed it again. MN writes elegantly and effortlessly..... Another author might write " She looked hot" but MN would write something akin to “As usual she epitomized a sleek, opulent femininity that couldn’t have presented a greater contrast to her surroundings.” I really love Sebastian, he's such a wonderful beta.
Miranda's writing is humorous and light, case in point the Sacred Rod of Chastisement! Wtf is that?!?! I found this book to be more sexy and without the mystery of the first. Of course Tarquin, Juliana and Cain make their appearances as well as Minerva, Diana's younger sister who deserves her own book.
Bumped up to 4.5 stars.... Had to do a quick re read as I had forgotten parts of the story before I read the next one in the series. Thoroughly enjoyed it again. MN writes elegantly and effortlessly..... Another author might write " She looked hot" but MN would write something akin to “As usual she epitomized a sleek, opulent femininity that couldn’t have presented a greater contrast to her surroundings.” I really love Sebastian, he's such a wonderful beta.
March 17, 2025
Lowering this rating after re-reading. I loved the beginning of this book. The awkward hero, the self-assured woman, the fun family, the fashion. Wonderful. But then the characters, Sebastian in particular, were horrible. They just kept falling into the same rut and it was so overblown it just was annoying to read. And then in a most unsatisfying way, all of the book’s drama was instantly resolved in a single line: “In that moment, Sebastian finally stopped being a fool about women.”
What?! That’s it? No way would all the drama just disappear. There needed to be so much more to fix it. I just, wasn’t happy. I wish there hadn’t been so many misunderstandings and more pages on the gradual shift to understanding.
Though I will say, seeing the couple in the fourth book of the series and finally getting a resolution for Sebastian and Blake in that book made me feel better. So that was nice.
What?! That’s it? No way would all the drama just disappear. There needed to be so much more to fix it. I just, wasn’t happy. I wish there hadn’t been so many misunderstandings and more pages on the gradual shift to understanding.
Though I will say, seeing the couple in the fourth book of the series and finally getting a resolution for Sebastian and Blake in that book made me feel better. So that was nice.
June 13, 2012
I was really hoping for something better. I truly enjoyed Sebastian's character: he wasn't perfect, but he was easy to love. Unfortunately I can't tell the same about Diana. She was strong & determined, but for some reason I disliked her. She ruined the story for me. And only now I realized that I wasn't particularly fond of Juliana, the main female character from The Wild Marquis either. I don't know why, but I find Ms. Neville's heroines very unsympathetic. To summarize: I am glad I read this book, but I didn't love it.
June 25, 2016
My favorite of the Burgundy Club series! Sebastian is one of my all time favorite heroes! I normally like a scoundrel hero, but in this case Sebastian just broke my heart. He is so good and deserving. Sebastian does not want anything to do with love or marriage, but he falls for the widowed Diana Fanshawe. She plans to marry his cousin, Lord Blakeney, to move up in society. That is until she kisses Sebastian. Of course there are obstacles to overcome and you will enjoy reading about them. I can easily recommend this book.
October 2, 2010
I loved this book ... I opened it up on a plane and the time just flew by. Such a good revenge plot: appropriate for all the right reasons. There were shades of Balogh and Beverley and Chase (three of my favourite writers), characters from her last book -- fascinating and real, glimpses of a different side of the ton.
Just run out and buy it: it's a guaranteed enjoyable and well-written romp with some tender and poignant overtones.
Just run out and buy it: it's a guaranteed enjoyable and well-written romp with some tender and poignant overtones.
November 13, 2012
"The Bookworm" is a great sequel to the first book and I enjoyed it very much. This series is quite different of other books I've read, with the use of the book collection and the other habits of the members of the club, which makes it an even more entertaining. I really loved Sebastian and find myself liking him even better than Chase and Tarquin. I will be reviewing book #3 just before moving to read the last book of the series and learning about young Minerva and Blake.
February 2, 2013
I liked the hero, although his misogynistic tendencies got to be a bit annoying at times. But he got over them. And he was still cute. The heroine's preoccupation with Blakeley for the first part of the book was more annoying, though.
And I adore virgin heroes. I really wish there were more of them. Virgin heroines are everywhere, but why is it so unacceptable for a hero to be a virgin? And also heroes with glasses. ♥
And I adore virgin heroes. I really wish there were more of them. Virgin heroines are everywhere, but why is it so unacceptable for a hero to be a virgin? And also heroes with glasses. ♥
December 1, 2011
Finally, a viscount who is not a rake! (Don't get me wrong, rakes are absolutely wonderful, but a bookish viscount just kicks things up a notch! At least, in my opinion.;)). I've been waiting a long time for a book like this, and I'm glad I got to read one that is written superbly with witty dialogue and lots and lots of passion!
June 2, 2024
My Review
Summary
Diana has always wanted to marry Lord Bakeney ever since she was a little girl. Diana has viewed him as her “Prince Charming”, with plenty of everything she could ever need or want. He is dashing, handsome, titled and they would have a content life together, but then they make a wager against his cousin, to see if they could get Sebastian to kiss her. In the beginning, its a harmless wager, despite the attraction that she feels for Sebastian, she knows that there is no way he would find out, so what is the harm right? Sebastian was raised away from society, and his comfort is his books and the sciences. He has never had much need for women, of any nature. He considers them frivolous and petty at times, and not worth his precious time, until he gets a glimpse of Diana’s toned legs while assisting her on her horse. Now he is in trouble, he has no idea what to do with a woman. But when she ends up betraying him in the worst way, he works up a plan to get his revenge, to hurt her just as much as she has done to him.
My Thoughts
This is the second book that I have had the pleasure of reading from this author and I was shocked at how well I actually liked it. The first in the series “The Wild Marquis” was an average type book, but didn’t exactly reach me in the way I like, so I was a bit nervous to read this, but knew I needed to at least try it out. Sometimes I like multiple books from one author and dislike others as well. So you never know right? Well The Dangerous Viscount is my favorite of the author and can hardly wait to read the next in the series and even more from this author.
It begins with Sebastian seeing Diana’s stocking as she is getting on her mount, and its like he is seeing for the first time. Sebastian doesn’t like women much and doesn’t care to be around them AT ALL. Which means he is a virgin….yep you heard me right? Doesn’t happen very often, especially in Regency Historicals, but it added a bit of spice to the story, and I do love it when the author mix things up and change the expected and turn it into the unexpected. Diana has no interest in the beginning in Sebastian, but really wants his cousin, who is Sebastian’s mortal enemy (almost)…but these two boys (oops….men right? well they act like children at times) really really really dislike each other, almost to the point of violence. So Diana is put in the middle about, but I didn’t like this heroine much. I had a hard time really liking her especially the first half of the book. I just felt so much for Sebastian and I think I was on his side the whole time, he just stirred me up inside in such a way that I couldn’t help but become a little emotional at times, for his sake. I felt like Diana really treats him awfully at times, and soon we see a game that begins with this two, its very amusing at times seeing these two go at it like a cat and mouse type scenario.
Sebestian was always bullied and mocked when he was younger, since he has always worn glasses, and he is till mocked to this day especially by his cousin. Sebastian has a lot more to him than what he appears to be. I found Sebastian to have a warm heart, very michievious at times, but when it comes to sexual matters, very very innocent, but he does catch on quickly. Now the heroine, I had such a difficulty with, she didn’t seem to me to be the type you like, more like dislike. She seemed to be selfish and calculating especially in the beginning, but she eventually gets the hint toward the end of the story, and by the end I started to like her (just a bit)
I found The Dangerous Viscount to be a engaging story that deals with rivalry, a endearing hero, and a passion filled romance. I found this one to be much more enjoyable than the first in the series. I had no hard time getting into it, and it seemed to be filled with ups and downs, and certain aspects were a delight to read as it is unusual to have certain characteristics in this type of genre. I found I really liked it, and it came close to a hard to put down, and the only real issue I had with the story is the heroine. Diana and I just didn’t click (in any way) oh well, you can’t always have it just right? But Overall a engaging and humorous read that kept me on my toes at times.
First Line
It all began with a glimpse of a stocking
Favorite Quote
Wives nagged. They demanded. They spent too much money. They wept when they didn’t get their way?
Wives were nothing but trouble.
My Grade
4 Blossoms
Heat Rating
Warm
Other Books In Series
The Wild Marquis
The Amorous Education of Celia Seaton
Confessions From An Arranged Marriage
Summary
Diana has always wanted to marry Lord Bakeney ever since she was a little girl. Diana has viewed him as her “Prince Charming”, with plenty of everything she could ever need or want. He is dashing, handsome, titled and they would have a content life together, but then they make a wager against his cousin, to see if they could get Sebastian to kiss her. In the beginning, its a harmless wager, despite the attraction that she feels for Sebastian, she knows that there is no way he would find out, so what is the harm right? Sebastian was raised away from society, and his comfort is his books and the sciences. He has never had much need for women, of any nature. He considers them frivolous and petty at times, and not worth his precious time, until he gets a glimpse of Diana’s toned legs while assisting her on her horse. Now he is in trouble, he has no idea what to do with a woman. But when she ends up betraying him in the worst way, he works up a plan to get his revenge, to hurt her just as much as she has done to him.
My Thoughts
This is the second book that I have had the pleasure of reading from this author and I was shocked at how well I actually liked it. The first in the series “The Wild Marquis” was an average type book, but didn’t exactly reach me in the way I like, so I was a bit nervous to read this, but knew I needed to at least try it out. Sometimes I like multiple books from one author and dislike others as well. So you never know right? Well The Dangerous Viscount is my favorite of the author and can hardly wait to read the next in the series and even more from this author.
It begins with Sebastian seeing Diana’s stocking as she is getting on her mount, and its like he is seeing for the first time. Sebastian doesn’t like women much and doesn’t care to be around them AT ALL. Which means he is a virgin….yep you heard me right? Doesn’t happen very often, especially in Regency Historicals, but it added a bit of spice to the story, and I do love it when the author mix things up and change the expected and turn it into the unexpected. Diana has no interest in the beginning in Sebastian, but really wants his cousin, who is Sebastian’s mortal enemy (almost)…but these two boys (oops….men right? well they act like children at times) really really really dislike each other, almost to the point of violence. So Diana is put in the middle about, but I didn’t like this heroine much. I had a hard time really liking her especially the first half of the book. I just felt so much for Sebastian and I think I was on his side the whole time, he just stirred me up inside in such a way that I couldn’t help but become a little emotional at times, for his sake. I felt like Diana really treats him awfully at times, and soon we see a game that begins with this two, its very amusing at times seeing these two go at it like a cat and mouse type scenario.
Sebestian was always bullied and mocked when he was younger, since he has always worn glasses, and he is till mocked to this day especially by his cousin. Sebastian has a lot more to him than what he appears to be. I found Sebastian to have a warm heart, very michievious at times, but when it comes to sexual matters, very very innocent, but he does catch on quickly. Now the heroine, I had such a difficulty with, she didn’t seem to me to be the type you like, more like dislike. She seemed to be selfish and calculating especially in the beginning, but she eventually gets the hint toward the end of the story, and by the end I started to like her (just a bit)
I found The Dangerous Viscount to be a engaging story that deals with rivalry, a endearing hero, and a passion filled romance. I found this one to be much more enjoyable than the first in the series. I had no hard time getting into it, and it seemed to be filled with ups and downs, and certain aspects were a delight to read as it is unusual to have certain characteristics in this type of genre. I found I really liked it, and it came close to a hard to put down, and the only real issue I had with the story is the heroine. Diana and I just didn’t click (in any way) oh well, you can’t always have it just right? But Overall a engaging and humorous read that kept me on my toes at times.
First Line
It all began with a glimpse of a stocking
Favorite Quote
Wives nagged. They demanded. They spent too much money. They wept when they didn’t get their way?
Wives were nothing but trouble.
My Grade
4 Blossoms
Heat Rating
Warm
Other Books In Series
The Wild Marquis
The Amorous Education of Celia Seaton
Confessions From An Arranged Marriage
January 5, 2013
3.0 Sterne
Das Positive vorneweg. Die Geschichte war unterhaltsam, sehr unterhaltsam und konnte mich fesseln, deshalb auch die gute Bewertung. Ich habe wirklich mit den Protagonisten mitgefiebert, weil ich einfach wissen wollte, wie zwei Menschen, die für mich gar nicht zusammenpassen, sich nun endlich zusammenraufen und wie sie sich schlussendlich in einer verlieben. Nun manches davon wurde nicht geklärt. Ich fand am Ende weder dass sie super zusammenpassen noch das sie ein tolles Liebespaar abgeben. Ich habe im Prinzip gar nicht geglaubt, dass sich die beiden überhaupt lieben, dafür gab es zu viel Missverständnisse, Rache, Misstrauen und KEINE Aussprachen. Aber wie gesagt, es war unterhaltsam, zwei Menschen dabei zuzusehen, wie sie ihr Leben unnötigerweise verkomplizieren und ihr eigenes Glück aus Rache und/oder Dummheit einfach so in den Wind werfen. Hauptsache man hatte seine Rache, dass man sich danach selber schlecht fühlt ist nebensächlich und natürlich fühlt sich der Rächer gleich noch doppelt schlecht, weil der an dem man sich gerächt hat aus Stolz und Gegenrache gar nicht so aussieht als ob es ihm auch schlecht gehen würde. Das klingt kompliziert, wäre aber noch viel komplizierter, wenn ich die wahre Essenz der Geschichte noch besser rüberbringen würde. Es war alles SEHR umständlich, so umständlich, dass es eigentlich unmöglich ist eine schriftliche Rezension dazuzuschreiben, weil es einfach so viele Abschnitte gab, in denen man Charaktere mal mochte, weil gar nicht leiden konnte. oO
Aber sagen wie es so, die Geschichte läuft ungefähr so ab:
0.) Er hatte eine eher nicht so schöne Kindheit, in dem ihn besonders Frauen immer wieder betrogen haben -> Er mag keine Frauen
1.) Sie wettet um 500 Pfund mit Sebastians verhasstem Cousin ihn dazu zu bringen sie zu küssen
3.) Er erfährt von der Wette -> Er schwört Rache
4.) Er verändert sich, um ihr Herz zu gewinnen und es dann zu brechen (inklusive so aller Hand Tipps von seinen Freunden)
5.) Er hat seine Rache -> Sie schwört Rache wegen seiner Rache
6.) Sie rächt sich für seine Rache -> Er schwört noch einmal niemals mehr Frauen zu vertrauen
7.) Seine Rache hat Konsequenzen, sodass ihre Rache der Rache nicht ganz zu Ende geführt werden kann
Und damit sind 2/3 des Romans nacherzählt, es folgen 1/3 Roman, in der beide nicht miteinander reden, einander nicht vertrauen, aneinander vorbeireden und eigentlich nichts gemeinsam haben außer doch ganz guten Sex.
Im ersten Teil mochte ich übrigens Sebastian sehr, bis zu dem Moment in dem er sich verändert hat. Dafür hätte ich Diana echt eine klatschen können, davor war Sebastian einfach süß und perfekt, danach war er dumm und blieb es irgendwie auch bis zum Ende. Seine Rache ist einfach bescheuert und ich versteh nicht, was er an Diana findet.
Diana wiederrum war mir nie sympathisch. Sie kam mir einfach total oberflächlich vor, sie will Blake weil sie ihn schon immer wollte? Weil sie eine Duchess sein will und weil er so toll aussieht? Und dann will sie Sebastian, weil...? Am Ende benimmt sie sich zwar etwas intelligenter als Sebastian, aber unsympathisch war sie mir mit ihrer "Er soll doch froh sein, dass ich ihn geküsst habe. Ich habe nichts falsch gemacht und auch kein schlechtes Gewissen"-Art trotzdem.
Erstaunlich fand ich übrigens, aber wohl nicht unüberraschend, ist das Diana trotz Schwangerschaft Alkohol trinkt, aber passt wohl zur damaligen Zeit...
Kurz gesagt: Unterhaltsam, weil die Charaktere sich einfach nur total dumm verhalten. ;-) Wie genau sie ihr "Glück" gefunden haben habe ich aber leider nicht verstanden, muss mehr Zufall als Verstand gewesen sein...
Ich will allerdings unbedingt den vierten Band der Reihe lesen. Blake kam mir zwar total arrogant, dumm, oberflächlich und unsympathisch vor, aber ich glaube ich habe sein Geheimnis gelüftet. Es würde mich echt wundern, wenn ich zwischen den Zeilen nicht das richtige gelesen hätte und er doch sehr gut (bis auf seine unsympathische Art) zu der sehr intelligenten und sympathischen Minerva passt. Min ist übrigens toll, hoffentlich bleibt dass auch im vierten Band so... Aber Blake, wie schafft Neville es bloß ihn als Helden zu etablieren?
PS: Die Idee das Sebastian jungfräulich ist fand ich gut.
Das Positive vorneweg. Die Geschichte war unterhaltsam, sehr unterhaltsam und konnte mich fesseln, deshalb auch die gute Bewertung. Ich habe wirklich mit den Protagonisten mitgefiebert, weil ich einfach wissen wollte, wie zwei Menschen, die für mich gar nicht zusammenpassen, sich nun endlich zusammenraufen und wie sie sich schlussendlich in einer verlieben. Nun manches davon wurde nicht geklärt. Ich fand am Ende weder dass sie super zusammenpassen noch das sie ein tolles Liebespaar abgeben. Ich habe im Prinzip gar nicht geglaubt, dass sich die beiden überhaupt lieben, dafür gab es zu viel Missverständnisse, Rache, Misstrauen und KEINE Aussprachen. Aber wie gesagt, es war unterhaltsam, zwei Menschen dabei zuzusehen, wie sie ihr Leben unnötigerweise verkomplizieren und ihr eigenes Glück aus Rache und/oder Dummheit einfach so in den Wind werfen. Hauptsache man hatte seine Rache, dass man sich danach selber schlecht fühlt ist nebensächlich und natürlich fühlt sich der Rächer gleich noch doppelt schlecht, weil der an dem man sich gerächt hat aus Stolz und Gegenrache gar nicht so aussieht als ob es ihm auch schlecht gehen würde. Das klingt kompliziert, wäre aber noch viel komplizierter, wenn ich die wahre Essenz der Geschichte noch besser rüberbringen würde. Es war alles SEHR umständlich, so umständlich, dass es eigentlich unmöglich ist eine schriftliche Rezension dazuzuschreiben, weil es einfach so viele Abschnitte gab, in denen man Charaktere mal mochte, weil gar nicht leiden konnte. oO
Aber sagen wie es so, die Geschichte läuft ungefähr so ab:
0.) Er hatte eine eher nicht so schöne Kindheit, in dem ihn besonders Frauen immer wieder betrogen haben -> Er mag keine Frauen
1.) Sie wettet um 500 Pfund mit Sebastians verhasstem Cousin ihn dazu zu bringen sie zu küssen
3.) Er erfährt von der Wette -> Er schwört Rache
4.) Er verändert sich, um ihr Herz zu gewinnen und es dann zu brechen (inklusive so aller Hand Tipps von seinen Freunden)
5.) Er hat seine Rache -> Sie schwört Rache wegen seiner Rache
6.) Sie rächt sich für seine Rache -> Er schwört noch einmal niemals mehr Frauen zu vertrauen
7.) Seine Rache hat Konsequenzen, sodass ihre Rache der Rache nicht ganz zu Ende geführt werden kann
Und damit sind 2/3 des Romans nacherzählt, es folgen 1/3 Roman, in der beide nicht miteinander reden, einander nicht vertrauen, aneinander vorbeireden und eigentlich nichts gemeinsam haben außer doch ganz guten Sex.
Im ersten Teil mochte ich übrigens Sebastian sehr, bis zu dem Moment in dem er sich verändert hat. Dafür hätte ich Diana echt eine klatschen können, davor war Sebastian einfach süß und perfekt, danach war er dumm und blieb es irgendwie auch bis zum Ende. Seine Rache ist einfach bescheuert und ich versteh nicht, was er an Diana findet.
Diana wiederrum war mir nie sympathisch. Sie kam mir einfach total oberflächlich vor, sie will Blake weil sie ihn schon immer wollte? Weil sie eine Duchess sein will und weil er so toll aussieht? Und dann will sie Sebastian, weil...? Am Ende benimmt sie sich zwar etwas intelligenter als Sebastian, aber unsympathisch war sie mir mit ihrer "Er soll doch froh sein, dass ich ihn geküsst habe. Ich habe nichts falsch gemacht und auch kein schlechtes Gewissen"-Art trotzdem.
Erstaunlich fand ich übrigens, aber wohl nicht unüberraschend, ist das Diana trotz Schwangerschaft Alkohol trinkt, aber passt wohl zur damaligen Zeit...
Kurz gesagt: Unterhaltsam, weil die Charaktere sich einfach nur total dumm verhalten. ;-) Wie genau sie ihr "Glück" gefunden haben habe ich aber leider nicht verstanden, muss mehr Zufall als Verstand gewesen sein...
Ich will allerdings unbedingt den vierten Band der Reihe lesen. Blake kam mir zwar total arrogant, dumm, oberflächlich und unsympathisch vor, aber ich glaube ich habe sein Geheimnis gelüftet. Es würde mich echt wundern, wenn ich zwischen den Zeilen nicht das richtige gelesen hätte und er doch sehr gut (bis auf seine unsympathische Art) zu der sehr intelligenten und sympathischen Minerva passt. Min ist übrigens toll, hoffentlich bleibt dass auch im vierten Band so... Aber Blake, wie schafft Neville es bloß ihn als Helden zu etablieren?
PS: Die Idee das Sebastian jungfräulich ist fand ich gut.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2014
This was an incredibly disappointing and boring novel considering I should have liked everything about it.
I have the the uncomfortable feeling that perhaps I just don't meld well with this authors writing style and if someone else had taken all the elements I did like, the intelligent characters, the bookish beta hero (who sadly changes to more of an alpha as the book progresses) and outspoken heroine, the interesting family (and not so interesting family), the rivalries and even the revenge, I'd have been rolling around in 4 star glee instead of being left with a completely underwhelming 2 star "meh".
Part of the problem was that even though the characters are at times intelligent and thoughtful, a lot of the time they regress in to petty childness that gets tediously old really quickly. The way no one can communicate or agree on anything and would rather lapse in to brooding silence was not particularly fun. The other part of the problem was that even though a lot was taking place in a relatively short amount of time, it didn't feel like it was because we're not given many details and the characters refuse to talk about anything of consequence. I got the impression that everything was kept so very superficial just in case it dared to get in the way of Sebastian and Diana's potential smexy times. For a novel that was already approaching flatline for me it was quite impressive how the author managed to make things even more inconsequential once the sex made an appearance (and it wasn't even interestingly written sex either).
At the end we don't learn anything about why Sebastian turned out the way he did, what his real problems were with Blakeley, why his mum did what she did, or why his Great Uncle was a rabid misogynist We also never really find out why Sebastian and Diana decide they love each other... Well, other than they find each other really hot. Considering Diana thought she was in love with Blakeley for a decade simply because he was hunky, right up until she met Sebastian in fact, that's perhaps not a ringing endorsement to their continuing marital bliss.
So, yeah... It was so "meh" I can't really be bothered to give it a real review. Superficial and slow. I don't recommend this one.
I have the the uncomfortable feeling that perhaps I just don't meld well with this authors writing style and if someone else had taken all the elements I did like, the intelligent characters, the bookish beta hero (who sadly changes to more of an alpha as the book progresses) and outspoken heroine, the interesting family (and not so interesting family), the rivalries and even the revenge, I'd have been rolling around in 4 star glee instead of being left with a completely underwhelming 2 star "meh".
Part of the problem was that even though the characters are at times intelligent and thoughtful, a lot of the time they regress in to petty childness that gets tediously old really quickly. The way no one can communicate or agree on anything and would rather lapse in to brooding silence was not particularly fun. The other part of the problem was that even though a lot was taking place in a relatively short amount of time, it didn't feel like it was because we're not given many details and the characters refuse to talk about anything of consequence. I got the impression that everything was kept so very superficial just in case it dared to get in the way of Sebastian and Diana's potential smexy times. For a novel that was already approaching flatline for me it was quite impressive how the author managed to make things even more inconsequential once the sex made an appearance (and it wasn't even interestingly written sex either).
At the end we don't learn anything about why Sebastian turned out the way he did, what his real problems were with Blakeley, why his mum did what she did, or why his Great Uncle was a rabid misogynist We also never really find out why Sebastian and Diana decide they love each other... Well, other than they find each other really hot. Considering Diana thought she was in love with Blakeley for a decade simply because he was hunky, right up until she met Sebastian in fact, that's perhaps not a ringing endorsement to their continuing marital bliss.
So, yeah... It was so "meh" I can't really be bothered to give it a real review. Superficial and slow. I don't recommend this one.
March 28, 2016
THIS WAS BLOODY STUPID! D.N.F.50%
I stopped reading when the heroine agrees to marry the hero's pompous cousin Duke! Frankly I see no future for Sebastian and our heroine.
OUR HERO:
I adored Sebastian. Having read about rakes and brooding heroes, he was a refreshing change to the HR scene. Not many authors have non alpha heroes like him. I think he deserved a better heroine who appreciates him and isn't so shallow. He is a virgin and our heroine was his first love in a way that we can imagine how he felt when he realised that she kissed him all because of a bet. He is adorable in a nerdy way but I hated how he changed himself to suit her when he inherited.
OUR HEROINE:
She is widowed and frankly I have no idea what's going on in that brain of hers. She can be shallow at times, thinking only in terms of rank and appearances. If Sebastian never inherited as a viscount I wonder if their union would be more meaningful. Turnabout is fair play and I don't blame Sebastian for his tiny revenge and I don't feel she is justified to the throw a hissy fit about it.
OVERALL:
I AM SO PISSED WITH THE HEROINE AND HER MOTLEY GAY FRIENDS. I hated how they were such bullies and making other people miserable for their own fun. I rather Sebastian not put up with that shit at all. Whatever redeeming qualities the heroine may have at the end, I can't be bothered to care anymore.
SAVE YOURSELF THE RISE IN BLOOD PRESSURE FROM THIS STORY.
I stopped reading when the heroine agrees to marry the hero's pompous cousin Duke! Frankly I see no future for Sebastian and our heroine.
OUR HERO:
I adored Sebastian. Having read about rakes and brooding heroes, he was a refreshing change to the HR scene. Not many authors have non alpha heroes like him. I think he deserved a better heroine who appreciates him and isn't so shallow. He is a virgin and our heroine was his first love in a way that we can imagine how he felt when he realised that she kissed him all because of a bet. He is adorable in a nerdy way but I hated how he changed himself to suit her when he inherited.
OUR HEROINE:
She is widowed and frankly I have no idea what's going on in that brain of hers. She can be shallow at times, thinking only in terms of rank and appearances. If Sebastian never inherited as a viscount I wonder if their union would be more meaningful. Turnabout is fair play and I don't blame Sebastian for his tiny revenge and I don't feel she is justified to the throw a hissy fit about it.
OVERALL:
I AM SO PISSED WITH THE HEROINE AND HER MOTLEY GAY FRIENDS. I hated how they were such bullies and making other people miserable for their own fun. I rather Sebastian not put up with that shit at all. Whatever redeeming qualities the heroine may have at the end, I can't be bothered to care anymore.
SAVE YOURSELF THE RISE IN BLOOD PRESSURE FROM THIS STORY.
January 19, 2012
What an out of the ordinary hero! For this second in the Burgundy Club series, Neville picks Sebastian, the woman-hating, bespectacled book-collector from the first book. Turns out (this much you must see coming) Sebastian has some reasons for distrusting women, who have betrayed, abandoned and ridiculed him all his life. Raised by a misogynistic uncle, he's had his opinions carved in stone. He's a virgin, and sees no good reason to change his status until a glimpse of pink stocking rocks his world.
Enter Lady Diana Fanshawe, a vapid twit (at least to start out) who thinks nothing of accepting a bet that involves luring Sebastian to kiss her. She's after Sebastian's handsome, Duke-in-waiting cousin, who hates Sebastian.
This starts a cycle of betrayal and revenge that results in some unforgivable acts. And some neat, realistic moments, like when they start necking and his glasses get in the way. LOL. I liked this one very much.
Enter Lady Diana Fanshawe, a vapid twit (at least to start out) who thinks nothing of accepting a bet that involves luring Sebastian to kiss her. She's after Sebastian's handsome, Duke-in-waiting cousin, who hates Sebastian.
This starts a cycle of betrayal and revenge that results in some unforgivable acts. And some neat, realistic moments, like when they start necking and his glasses get in the way. LOL. I liked this one very much.
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