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Regency Noblemen #1
Viscount Vagabond
Catherine Pelliston runs away from home and is subjected to an incredible series of events, winding up in a brothel after being abducted, but the greatest danger she faces takes the form of a devastatingly enticing man
228 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1988
153 people are currently reading
1004 people want to read
About the author
Loretta Chase
52 books3,665 followersLoretta Lynda Chekani was born in 1949, of Albanian ancestry. For her, the trouble started when she learned to write in first grade. Before then, she had been making up her own stories but now she knew how to write them down to share. In her teenage years, she continue to write letters, keep a journal, write poetry and even attempt the Great American Novel (still unfinished). She attended New England public schools, before she went off to college and earned an English degree from Clark University.
After graduation, she worked a variety of jobs at Clark including a part-time teaching post. She was also moonlighting as a video scriptwriter. It was there that she met a video producer who inspired her to write novels and marry him. Under her married name, Loretta Chase, has been publishing historical romance novels since 1987. Her books have won many awards, including the Romance Writers of America RITA.
After graduation, she worked a variety of jobs at Clark including a part-time teaching post. She was also moonlighting as a video scriptwriter. It was there that she met a video producer who inspired her to write novels and marry him. Under her married name, Loretta Chase, has been publishing historical romance novels since 1987. Her books have won many awards, including the Romance Writers of America RITA.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
October 7, 2023
Loretta Chase writes great regency romance heroines. Especially when you consider she was writing these in the 80s and 90s.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from Viscount Vagabond. It’s a short book (just over 200 pages) and I really only picked it up because the blurb of book two (The Devil's Delilah) sounds amazing and book two’s hero is introduced as a side character in book one, so I figured I’d read this to get the context first. And meeting this side character has only made me more excited to read his story in the second book.
But about Viscount Vagabond…
I’m not usually into the “reformed rake” archetype (or, in modern romance, the reformed fuckboy), because if a man doesn’t respect women before he meets the love of his life, he’s not magically going to start respecting them after. But in the case of this story, I liked the hero, rakish behavior and all. He definitely got around, but not because he saw women as objects—mostly because he liked sex and it pissed off his dad, something he structured his whole life around achieving. Viscount Rand was an absolute disaster throughout the story, but he never made it anyone else’s problem, he was just self-destructive and hilarious meanwhile.
My favorite fact about the viscount is that he’s famous for his type in women—he loves “Amazonian” women, as he puts it. On first instinct I thought that meant he was into lesbians. But nope, he just meant that he’s into tall, large women. Love that. I bet he’d get along great with Sir Mix-A-Lot.
The heroine, Catherine, was a typical regency blushing virgin, straight-laced and innocent. But she was also headstrong and self-reliant and did not take shit from anyone, least of all the hero. That’s what makes her a great heroine in classic Loretta Chase fashion. She’s not an “Amazonian” woman though, sadly for her, so she doesn’t immediately catch the hero’s eye.
A warning: if you don’t like “cheating” in romance books, this might not be for you.
The hero doesn’t cheat in the traditional sense, but romance readers tend to prescribe to a vastly different definition of "cheating" than the rest of the world, and he does cheat by that definition.
After meeting the heroine, the hero falls in lust with a different woman and formally pursues her throughout the book. He spends a long time in denial about his feelings for the heroine because she’s not his usual type. Even at 90% in the book, the viscount proposes to another woman. (To be fair, at this point, he’s proposed to the heroine twice and she turned him down twice—but she had good reason to believe he wasn’t being all that serious either time.) I’m not as sensitive to this “cheating” stuff as some other romance readers are, but even I thought it was egregious to have him still pursuing someone else at 90% in.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from Viscount Vagabond. It’s a short book (just over 200 pages) and I really only picked it up because the blurb of book two (The Devil's Delilah) sounds amazing and book two’s hero is introduced as a side character in book one, so I figured I’d read this to get the context first. And meeting this side character has only made me more excited to read his story in the second book.
But about Viscount Vagabond…
I’m not usually into the “reformed rake” archetype (or, in modern romance, the reformed fuckboy), because if a man doesn’t respect women before he meets the love of his life, he’s not magically going to start respecting them after. But in the case of this story, I liked the hero, rakish behavior and all. He definitely got around, but not because he saw women as objects—mostly because he liked sex and it pissed off his dad, something he structured his whole life around achieving. Viscount Rand was an absolute disaster throughout the story, but he never made it anyone else’s problem, he was just self-destructive and hilarious meanwhile.
My favorite fact about the viscount is that he’s famous for his type in women—he loves “Amazonian” women, as he puts it. On first instinct I thought that meant he was into lesbians. But nope, he just meant that he’s into tall, large women. Love that. I bet he’d get along great with Sir Mix-A-Lot.
The heroine, Catherine, was a typical regency blushing virgin, straight-laced and innocent. But she was also headstrong and self-reliant and did not take shit from anyone, least of all the hero. That’s what makes her a great heroine in classic Loretta Chase fashion. She’s not an “Amazonian” woman though, sadly for her, so she doesn’t immediately catch the hero’s eye.
A warning: if you don’t like “cheating” in romance books, this might not be for you.
The hero doesn’t cheat in the traditional sense, but romance readers tend to prescribe to a vastly different definition of "cheating" than the rest of the world, and he does cheat by that definition.
After meeting the heroine, the hero falls in lust with a different woman and formally pursues her throughout the book. He spends a long time in denial about his feelings for the heroine because she’s not his usual type. Even at 90% in the book, the viscount proposes to another woman. (To be fair, at this point, he’s proposed to the heroine twice and she turned him down twice—but she had good reason to believe he wasn’t being all that serious either time.) I’m not as sensitive to this “cheating” stuff as some other romance readers are, but even I thought it was egregious to have him still pursuing someone else at 90% in.
February 5, 2020
Catherine wakes up from a drugged sleep to find herself scantily clad and in a brothel, with a drunk nobleman just about to take advantage of her. With some difficulty, she convinces Max that she's really virtuous and that he needs to save her from the brothel. He eventually does, after cracking a couple of bouncers' heads together and paying off the madam. Unfortunately, someone at the brothel has stolen Catherine's peach muslin dress, an incriminating piece of evidence about an adventure Catherine and Max would much rather Polite Society knew nothing about. To make matters more difficult, the two of them can't figure out whether they love or can't stand each other.
Frankly, this is my least favorite of the six traditional (in other words, more or less clean, with no sex scenes but some steamy make-out scenes) Regency novels Loretta Chase wrote before she segued into writing spicier historical romances. The plot is kind of contrived (I know, it's really hard to believe that a Regency romance could have a contrived plot, but stick with me here), and the characters are on the forgettable side. I actually liked the sequel to this book, The Devil's Delilah, much better.
But any Loretta Chase book is still worth reading, if only for the wit and humor. It contains delightful exchanges like this one:
The Sandalwood Princess
Knave's Wager
Isabella
The English Witch
They're lightweight Regency romances, but I enjoyed them all, much more than your standard RR, and the Kindle price is good ($2.99 each). It was early days for Loretta Chase, but her writing is witty and shows flashes of brilliance, maybe not so much in this one but in several of the others listed above.
Frankly, this is my least favorite of the six traditional (in other words, more or less clean, with no sex scenes but some steamy make-out scenes) Regency novels Loretta Chase wrote before she segued into writing spicier historical romances. The plot is kind of contrived (I know, it's really hard to believe that a Regency romance could have a contrived plot, but stick with me here), and the characters are on the forgettable side. I actually liked the sequel to this book, The Devil's Delilah, much better.
But any Loretta Chase book is still worth reading, if only for the wit and humor. It contains delightful exchanges like this one:
"I'm very stubborn and ill-behaved."Since I've had people ask me, Chase's other four traditional Regencies are:
"Yes. No wonder I love you so."
There was only one possible conclusion to this sort of intellectual exchange. Lord Rand tightened his clasp and kissed his darling thoroughly and repeatedly until they were both in a highly agitated state, not at all conducive to abstract reasoning.
The Sandalwood Princess
Knave's Wager
Isabella
The English Witch
They're lightweight Regency romances, but I enjoyed them all, much more than your standard RR, and the Kindle price is good ($2.99 each). It was early days for Loretta Chase, but her writing is witty and shows flashes of brilliance, maybe not so much in this one but in several of the others listed above.
November 19, 2015
3.5 noble stars!
Loretta Chase is one of my favorite historical romance authors. She writes complex characters who become ‘real people’ and whose stories I adore reading. Viscount Vagabond is a fun, unique story, and I enjoyed it very much!
Blurb…
FROM DISTRESS TO DISASTER
Catherine Pelliston simply would not abide by her father's wishes and marry the slovenly Lord Browdie. But her escape through the streets of London only seemed to lead her from bad to worse. First, she was robbed. And then, her supposed "rescue" by a kindly old woman stranded Catherine in a bordello -- where the handsome Viscount Rand was intent on sampling her wares! A dire predicament indeed-especially when the dashing aristocrat decided to assume full responsibility for the ravishing runaway by taking her, quite against her will, into his home. But little did Catherine know that her struggle to preserve her virtue had inflamed the debauched gadabout's heart ... and might well net her a husband worth desiring!
My thoughts…
This is definitely an entertaining story, but I’ll be honest – I knew without looking that this must have been one of her earlier works. It was good, not great; entertaining, but not unputdownable. That said, I’m hoping to read more of the series, soon!
October 9, 2023
Usually, I like this author writing. BUT she can be hit or miss for me, and this was a miss. It is an early book in her career, and I skimmed through much of it. Dutiful young daughter neglected until she is going to be forced into a distasteful marriage and the heroine runs off to London. The start seemed strong but it just lost its steam quickly. The side characters of the urchin and the valet were good but otherwise I found it a very common slow-moving plot.
November 25, 2015
Written January 26, 2015
3 1/2 Stars - An amusing fun historical trifle
This HR was a freebie kindlebook a couple of weeks ago and when I saw I could get the audiobook as well for just like "nothing" ($2.29) I downloaded them both.
Viscount Vagabond is my second historical (on audio) by the talented Loretta Chase this winter. ~ This one is a much earlier romance, written already 1988, and I dare to say: not her very best.
Maybe not a romance on my future favorite HR shelf
..Or in my mind for more than these few listening days, but a quite GOOD ONE. ~ I liked!!
***********************************************************
As the book blurd so wittily put it: ‘FROM DISTRESS TO DISASTER'. ~ It starts interesting for us all:
An oldie cutie story about Catherine Pelliston on a run from her unkind father and a disgusting future husband and the young Viscount Rand (Clarence Arthur Maximilian Demowery) who finds her in a sloppy brothel.
He, Max, quite drunk, is a gentleman and saves this nagging young lady, and there their tale starts.
There were many twists, turns and misunderstandings, before we reached the HEA goal. This little lady is the saucy, yet tough and courageous kind of heroine. The hero was wonderful with his inner monologues. Just think about it: to fall in love !?!? ...what every man fears.
***********************************************************
This was a fun, very charming, easy-going little trifle. I like this ironic tone of comedy and this was not my last from this writer.
Two wonderful tidbits MC's (and lovely second characters like little Jemmy - including a lot of amusing relatives) who thought they could avoid the sparkling feeling that bubbled there from their first meeting. ~ Direct attraction, not insta love, very witty and well written banters. Simply sweet romantic to the last page. We had to wait but then good it was. ~ That is good enough for me.
Yep, this was a cute entertaining oldish historical, and a nice audiobook edition, well performed by Ms. Stevie Zimmerman.
***********************************************************
Incredibly good or not, Viscount Vagabond had that amusing witty feeling I like so much in this kinds of romances. It wasn't too dated neither.
..For some lazy reading or listening days. I can promise giggles and good entertainment. ~ Do you like audiobooks don't miss this bargain.
I LIKE - well-made stories every time
3 1/2 Stars - An amusing fun historical trifle
This HR was a freebie kindlebook a couple of weeks ago and when I saw I could get the audiobook as well for just like "nothing" ($2.29) I downloaded them both.
Viscount Vagabond is my second historical (on audio) by the talented Loretta Chase this winter. ~ This one is a much earlier romance, written already 1988, and I dare to say: not her very best.
Maybe not a romance on my future favorite HR shelf
..Or in my mind for more than these few listening days, but a quite GOOD ONE. ~ I liked!!
***********************************************************
As the book blurd so wittily put it: ‘FROM DISTRESS TO DISASTER'. ~ It starts interesting for us all:
Catherine Pelliston had never beheld a naked man before. She had never, in fact, observed a man in any state of undress, unless one counted the draped figures in Great Aunt Eustacia’s collection of classical statuary. Those, however, had been carved stone, not at all like the large, all-too-animate male who was breathing alcoholic fumes into the stuffy room.
An oldie cutie story about Catherine Pelliston on a run from her unkind father and a disgusting future husband and the young Viscount Rand (Clarence Arthur Maximilian Demowery) who finds her in a sloppy brothel.
He, Max, quite drunk, is a gentleman and saves this nagging young lady, and there their tale starts.
‘They were perfectly suited. They would speak of books the livelong day and night and bore everyone else but themselves to distraction.’
There were many twists, turns and misunderstandings, before we reached the HEA goal. This little lady is the saucy, yet tough and courageous kind of heroine. The hero was wonderful with his inner monologues. Just think about it: to fall in love !?!? ...what every man fears.
***********************************************************
This was a fun, very charming, easy-going little trifle. I like this ironic tone of comedy and this was not my last from this writer.
Two wonderful tidbits MC's (and lovely second characters like little Jemmy - including a lot of amusing relatives) who thought they could avoid the sparkling feeling that bubbled there from their first meeting. ~ Direct attraction, not insta love, very witty and well written banters. Simply sweet romantic to the last page. We had to wait but then good it was. ~ That is good enough for me.
‘...—Lord Rand was still forever beyond her reach—he at least would have a second chance. Perhaps this time he would find a woman who truly loved him. That could not be difficult. Only fools like herself were blind to his perfections. All she could pray for was an opportunity to apologise for more than a month of ungrateful, childish behaviour. For more than that she could not hope. She was beyond the pale.’
Yep, this was a cute entertaining oldish historical, and a nice audiobook edition, well performed by Ms. Stevie Zimmerman.
***********************************************************
Incredibly good or not, Viscount Vagabond had that amusing witty feeling I like so much in this kinds of romances. It wasn't too dated neither.
..For some lazy reading or listening days. I can promise giggles and good entertainment. ~ Do you like audiobooks don't miss this bargain.
I LIKE - well-made stories every time
November 10, 2018
A sweet funny story about a rough spare-turned-heir and a scampered-from-home miss who have a meet cute at the most unlikely of places – a brothel!
The H rescues her from there and then proceeds on to rescue her various times through the book while she fights him to her puny best.
She turns out to be a relation of his brother-in-law, who along with the H’s sister take her under their wings and decide to launch her. The H encourages and helps her in this endeavor of looking for a husband while deciding that he too should settle on a suitable deb himself.
All through they feel but resist the disturbing but unworkable attraction – he thinking her too scrawny and opinionated while she thinks him too dissolute a character.
Meanwhile the villains hover around in the periphery threatening to ruin her reputation, making these two team up and cook up some barely successful schemes – aided by valets and street urchins.
Both the mcs are thoroughly likable. Him as the rough barely respectable viscount with a heart of gold and her as the highly vocal and willful blue stocking who could do with a filter or two.
The last hea scenes were just so awwwly endearing. Loved it!
The H rescues her from there and then proceeds on to rescue her various times through the book while she fights him to her puny best.
She turns out to be a relation of his brother-in-law, who along with the H’s sister take her under their wings and decide to launch her. The H encourages and helps her in this endeavor of looking for a husband while deciding that he too should settle on a suitable deb himself.
All through they feel but resist the disturbing but unworkable attraction – he thinking her too scrawny and opinionated while she thinks him too dissolute a character.
Meanwhile the villains hover around in the periphery threatening to ruin her reputation, making these two team up and cook up some barely successful schemes – aided by valets and street urchins.
Both the mcs are thoroughly likable. Him as the rough barely respectable viscount with a heart of gold and her as the highly vocal and willful blue stocking who could do with a filter or two.
The last hea scenes were just so awwwly endearing. Loved it!
March 17, 2015
This early (1988) Loretta Chase Regency romance is lots of fun. Despite the heroine's travails after running away from home, the overall tone remains light. The heroine is an appropriately priggish bluestocking, and the hero an appropriately dissolute young viscount. But underneath their stereotypical exteriors are two perfectly matched lovers.
If you are a fan of historical romance, everything that happens here is something you have already read in another book. In the eminently capable hand of Loretta Chase however, it all sounds fresh and exciting. Even at this early stage of her career, her genius was discernible.
I highly recommend this if you're looking for a well-written, funny, sweetly clean historical romance.
If you are a fan of historical romance, everything that happens here is something you have already read in another book. In the eminently capable hand of Loretta Chase however, it all sounds fresh and exciting. Even at this early stage of her career, her genius was discernible.
I highly recommend this if you're looking for a well-written, funny, sweetly clean historical romance.
December 25, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed the first two thirds of this book. Catherine is a delight and Max is mostly dreamy with a side of hopelessly awkward—which was endearing . . . for a while.
Chase has a good feel for the modern version of the regency (attuned for romance novels) and, to be clear, I consider that a good thing. i.e. nothing out of place and people behaving as you'd expect. Some pretty progressive attitudes in places, but those were relatively well-contained and infrequent enough to count as mere individual curiosities.
So I was enjoying the period and particularly the two main characters and everything was cruising at a steady four stars (with extra sauce for the dialogue and the laughs). Catherine was witty and fun and churned Max up exactly as much as he needed to be. Only then it all fell apart. Max turned monstrous stupid and I lost all patience with him. I still liked Catherine, mind, but Max's insanity drove my sympathy into its tiny, hard shell. And it didn't help that Chase piled coincidence and chance on top to compound his stupidity (before, of course, eventually nullifying it).
So as much as I liked Catherine, everything else petered out into dribs and drabs of nothing much. It was a sad waste of one of my more favorite heroines...
Chase has a good feel for the modern version of the regency (attuned for romance novels) and, to be clear, I consider that a good thing. i.e. nothing out of place and people behaving as you'd expect. Some pretty progressive attitudes in places, but those were relatively well-contained and infrequent enough to count as mere individual curiosities.
So I was enjoying the period and particularly the two main characters and everything was cruising at a steady four stars (with extra sauce for the dialogue and the laughs). Catherine was witty and fun and churned Max up exactly as much as he needed to be. Only then it all fell apart. Max turned monstrous stupid and I lost all patience with him. I still liked Catherine, mind, but Max's insanity drove my sympathy into its tiny, hard shell. And it didn't help that Chase piled coincidence and chance on top to compound his stupidity (before, of course, eventually nullifying it).
So as much as I liked Catherine, everything else petered out into dribs and drabs of nothing much. It was a sad waste of one of my more favorite heroines...
September 7, 2016
I've given this a B for narration and a C for content at AAR.
Originally published in 1990, Viscount Vagabond is one of Loretta Chase’s earliest historical romances, and one which has only recently come to audio along with a handful of other titles such as Isabella, The English Witch and Knave’s Wager. It’s a lighthearted and often humorous romp that tells the story of a mismatched couple who are so convinced of their unsuitability for each other that they fail to see what’s right under their noses.
The eponymous hero is Max Demowery, Viscount Rand, who never expected to inherit wealth or title, and in fact, never wanted to, until the death of his elder brother changed things irrevocably. Max knows that at some point, he will have to do his duty, but he asks his father for six months’ grace – six months in which he can go off and do exactly as he pleases. At the end of that period, he will return to the fold ready to settle down, find the right young woman to marry, and become a model viscount. On his last night of freedom, he decides to go out with a bang, so to speak (!), gets roaring drunk, and then sets about getting laid.
Catherine Pelliston is fleeing an arranged marriage with one of her father’s unpleasant cronies when she’s offered help by a kindly, motherly woman who then drugs and abducts her with the intention of putting her to work in her brothel. Catherine’s first client is an incredibly handsome young man who is clearly very, very drunk – but he’s her only chance of escape, and she implores him to help her.
Even though he’s more than three sheets to the wind, Max is surprised when the young woman procured for him shows no interest in getting down to business. After a few minutes, however, Max begins, he thinks, to see the light – the girl likes playing games:
"Oh, all right. I'll chase you if you like." He started to get up, changed his mind, and slumped back against the pillow in a half-recumbent position. "Only it's such a bother."
But gradually, his drink-addled brain starts to see that the young woman is truly frightened and completely serious about having been brought to the brothel against her will, so he helps her to escape and takes her back to his seedy lodgings for the night.
Believing her saviour to be a slovenly man and habitual drunkard, Catherine is rather surprised when, the next morning, he takes her to meet his sister, the Countess of Andover. And she’s shocked even further when he turns out to be a viscount and heir to an earldom. It’s not long before Catherine is discovered to be a distant relation of the Andovers, and the countess decides to take her under her wing and bring her out. But before Catherine can be advised of this, she’s decided that her tattered reputation – not only was she discovered in a brothel, but she spent the night in a man’s lodgings without a chaperone - will only bring disrepute down upon her new friends, so she skips off to make her own way in the world, and finds work as a seamstress.
In the short time she spends with the Andovers, Catherine and Max are striking sparks off each other and trying to deny their attraction. He finds her to be rather preachy and sanctimonious and she believes him to be an inveterate sot, yet in spite of that, they’re reluctantly fascinated by each other. So what can Max do when Catherine bolts but track her down and bring her back?
Both characters are rather endearing. Max is an absolute sweetie, and even Catherine’s self-righteousness is written in such a way as to make the listener understand that she’s not so much a killjoy as a sheltered young woman who needs to gain a little experience and develop some maturity of outlook. Max delights in very gently pulling her leg and making fun of her more priggish pronouncements, and this is done in a way that doesn’t belittle her, but instead comes across as affectionate and concerned.
The pair continues to bicker their way through various silly and improbable situations, and it’s all deftly written and rather charming but when I got to the end, I couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed. I recently listened to – and enjoyed – another of Ms Chase’s earlier books, Knave’s Wager, which is full of her trademark dry wit and humour, with sparkling dialogue and terrific chemistry between the two leads. I had hoped for more of the same with Viscount Vagabond, but while it started well, it never quite lived up to its early promise. Max is a terrific hero – witty, charming and self-deprecating with a bit of depth to him, but Catherine is a little too close to being TSTL at times, and the chemistry that sparked between them at the outset seemed to fizzle out somewhere along the way.
In terms of the narration, it must have been a daunting task for Stevie Zimmerman to narrate these early Loretta Chase titles in the wake of Kate Reading’s stupendous performance of Lord of Scoundrels, which was the first of Ms Chase’s books to make it into audio format. I hadn’t listened to Ms Zimmerman before Knave’s Wager, but she did an excellent job in that audio, and her performance in Viscount Vagabond is equally good. Her voice is pleasant and well-modulated, sitting in what I’d call the higher end of the mezzo range (I’d put Rosalyn Landor and Kate Reading in the contralto category, if that helps for comparison) and she narrates clearly, at a good pace and with a good deal of expression. She differentiates well between all the characters, adopting a slightly lower pitch and harder edge for most of the male characters, and applying a variety of timbres in order to distinguish them from one another, such as the unpleasant gruffness she gives Lord Browdie (Catherine’s erstwhile suitor). Ms Zimmerman also makes good use of regional accents for characters such as the madam, the modiste and the young lad, Jemmy.
I have to once again express my concern over the sound quality, because the whole thing sounds somewhat tinny and treble-heavy. Both of the titles published under Loretta Chekani have had similar issues.
I wouldn’t say that the less-than-stellar sound quality spoiled the audiobook on this occasion, and in fact, Ms Zimmerman’s engaging performance increased my enjoyment overall. While I can’t count Viscount Vagabond among my favorite Loretta Chase titles, it certainly isn’t an unpleasant way to while away a few hours.
Originally published in 1990, Viscount Vagabond is one of Loretta Chase’s earliest historical romances, and one which has only recently come to audio along with a handful of other titles such as Isabella, The English Witch and Knave’s Wager. It’s a lighthearted and often humorous romp that tells the story of a mismatched couple who are so convinced of their unsuitability for each other that they fail to see what’s right under their noses.
The eponymous hero is Max Demowery, Viscount Rand, who never expected to inherit wealth or title, and in fact, never wanted to, until the death of his elder brother changed things irrevocably. Max knows that at some point, he will have to do his duty, but he asks his father for six months’ grace – six months in which he can go off and do exactly as he pleases. At the end of that period, he will return to the fold ready to settle down, find the right young woman to marry, and become a model viscount. On his last night of freedom, he decides to go out with a bang, so to speak (!), gets roaring drunk, and then sets about getting laid.
Catherine Pelliston is fleeing an arranged marriage with one of her father’s unpleasant cronies when she’s offered help by a kindly, motherly woman who then drugs and abducts her with the intention of putting her to work in her brothel. Catherine’s first client is an incredibly handsome young man who is clearly very, very drunk – but he’s her only chance of escape, and she implores him to help her.
Even though he’s more than three sheets to the wind, Max is surprised when the young woman procured for him shows no interest in getting down to business. After a few minutes, however, Max begins, he thinks, to see the light – the girl likes playing games:
"Oh, all right. I'll chase you if you like." He started to get up, changed his mind, and slumped back against the pillow in a half-recumbent position. "Only it's such a bother."
But gradually, his drink-addled brain starts to see that the young woman is truly frightened and completely serious about having been brought to the brothel against her will, so he helps her to escape and takes her back to his seedy lodgings for the night.
Believing her saviour to be a slovenly man and habitual drunkard, Catherine is rather surprised when, the next morning, he takes her to meet his sister, the Countess of Andover. And she’s shocked even further when he turns out to be a viscount and heir to an earldom. It’s not long before Catherine is discovered to be a distant relation of the Andovers, and the countess decides to take her under her wing and bring her out. But before Catherine can be advised of this, she’s decided that her tattered reputation – not only was she discovered in a brothel, but she spent the night in a man’s lodgings without a chaperone - will only bring disrepute down upon her new friends, so she skips off to make her own way in the world, and finds work as a seamstress.
In the short time she spends with the Andovers, Catherine and Max are striking sparks off each other and trying to deny their attraction. He finds her to be rather preachy and sanctimonious and she believes him to be an inveterate sot, yet in spite of that, they’re reluctantly fascinated by each other. So what can Max do when Catherine bolts but track her down and bring her back?
Both characters are rather endearing. Max is an absolute sweetie, and even Catherine’s self-righteousness is written in such a way as to make the listener understand that she’s not so much a killjoy as a sheltered young woman who needs to gain a little experience and develop some maturity of outlook. Max delights in very gently pulling her leg and making fun of her more priggish pronouncements, and this is done in a way that doesn’t belittle her, but instead comes across as affectionate and concerned.
The pair continues to bicker their way through various silly and improbable situations, and it’s all deftly written and rather charming but when I got to the end, I couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed. I recently listened to – and enjoyed – another of Ms Chase’s earlier books, Knave’s Wager, which is full of her trademark dry wit and humour, with sparkling dialogue and terrific chemistry between the two leads. I had hoped for more of the same with Viscount Vagabond, but while it started well, it never quite lived up to its early promise. Max is a terrific hero – witty, charming and self-deprecating with a bit of depth to him, but Catherine is a little too close to being TSTL at times, and the chemistry that sparked between them at the outset seemed to fizzle out somewhere along the way.
In terms of the narration, it must have been a daunting task for Stevie Zimmerman to narrate these early Loretta Chase titles in the wake of Kate Reading’s stupendous performance of Lord of Scoundrels, which was the first of Ms Chase’s books to make it into audio format. I hadn’t listened to Ms Zimmerman before Knave’s Wager, but she did an excellent job in that audio, and her performance in Viscount Vagabond is equally good. Her voice is pleasant and well-modulated, sitting in what I’d call the higher end of the mezzo range (I’d put Rosalyn Landor and Kate Reading in the contralto category, if that helps for comparison) and she narrates clearly, at a good pace and with a good deal of expression. She differentiates well between all the characters, adopting a slightly lower pitch and harder edge for most of the male characters, and applying a variety of timbres in order to distinguish them from one another, such as the unpleasant gruffness she gives Lord Browdie (Catherine’s erstwhile suitor). Ms Zimmerman also makes good use of regional accents for characters such as the madam, the modiste and the young lad, Jemmy.
I have to once again express my concern over the sound quality, because the whole thing sounds somewhat tinny and treble-heavy. Both of the titles published under Loretta Chekani have had similar issues.
I wouldn’t say that the less-than-stellar sound quality spoiled the audiobook on this occasion, and in fact, Ms Zimmerman’s engaging performance increased my enjoyment overall. While I can’t count Viscount Vagabond among my favorite Loretta Chase titles, it certainly isn’t an unpleasant way to while away a few hours.
June 3, 2015
So, here's the thing: I was SO excited for this book and was SO happy when it popped up as a freebie on Amazon, but now that I've read it I'm SO disappointed. I'm not quite sure what to make of it, and feel as though it could get any rating between one and four stars.
I liked it, but it was boring; the characters were fun, but unmemorable; the plot exciting, but redundant; the setting interesting, but not well described; the romance cute, but predictable; the chemistry sizzling, but why the hell were the two main characters so dead set against each other??!
The prose lacked polish and refinement, the plot needed more structure and the characters needed a better development. The only one I really liked was the hero's friend, Jack Langdon, and apparently he gets his own book in The Devil's Delilah, but whether or not I'll read that one is still undecided. I found Viscount Vagabond to be not at all the sort of novel I really wish to spend time on. Although it was a clean read, I got tired of all the brothels, harlots, mistresses and drunkenness. And yes, I know I love rakes, but Viscount Rand was so immature, reckless and downright depraved, without getting a proper redemption that would compensate for it all, that he only stirred in me but the faintest of interests. The lifts-quizzing-glass-to-one-eye-for-a-fraction-of-second kind of interest.
I realize that not every book can be as wonderful as Georgette Heyer's Frederica, which I just finished, but I was expecting way more of Viscount Vagabond than mere bored quizzing-glass lifting à la Marquis of Alverstoke.
Me and my expectations, sometimes. *sigh*
I liked it, but it was boring; the characters were fun, but unmemorable; the plot exciting, but redundant; the setting interesting, but not well described; the romance cute, but predictable; the chemistry sizzling, but why the hell were the two main characters so dead set against each other??!
The prose lacked polish and refinement, the plot needed more structure and the characters needed a better development. The only one I really liked was the hero's friend, Jack Langdon, and apparently he gets his own book in The Devil's Delilah, but whether or not I'll read that one is still undecided. I found Viscount Vagabond to be not at all the sort of novel I really wish to spend time on. Although it was a clean read, I got tired of all the brothels, harlots, mistresses and drunkenness. And yes, I know I love rakes, but Viscount Rand was so immature, reckless and downright depraved, without getting a proper redemption that would compensate for it all, that he only stirred in me but the faintest of interests. The lifts-quizzing-glass-to-one-eye-for-a-fraction-of-second kind of interest.
I realize that not every book can be as wonderful as Georgette Heyer's Frederica, which I just finished, but I was expecting way more of Viscount Vagabond than mere bored quizzing-glass lifting à la Marquis of Alverstoke.
Me and my expectations, sometimes. *sigh*
December 7, 2016
4.5 This is another wonderful novel from LC. The hero is cut from the same cloth as dissolute duke in The Last Hellion and has a wonderful counterpoint in the petite pain in the ass he discovers at a bawdy house. Her priggishness convinces him of her plight and he saves her several times. Slowly but surely his sense of gentlemanly obligation to marry her to save her from ruin turns to a rampaging desire to marry her. She is quietly gallant and witty. Swinish villains and a plucky cockney brat round out the plot nicely. A satisfying and fun read. Not as brilliantly witty as Lord of Scoundrels or Knave's Wager, but better than the vast majority of stories written today.
March 9, 2017
No está mal si lo que se busca es un libro para entretener, pero siempre estuve pensando que debería de haber sido uno de los primeros libros de la autora, por qué su estilo está ahí. Pero no muy bien desarrollado que digamos.
Lo que pasa es que sentí que nunca se profundizó demasiado en las personalidades de los protagonistas.
Catherine era demasiado salvaje y metódica en algunas cosas, mientras que por el otro lado Max era un más bien extravagante sin llegar a los extremos.
Nunca sentí una conexión entre ambos ni tampoco me di cuenta de cuando surgió el romance. A la primera de cambios y después de más del 80% el libro ellos ya decían que se amaban, cuando ni siquiera hubo un detonante ni nada especial en su relación.
En fin, no es un mal libro, pero sin duda no es de los mejores de la autora, sirve para entretener y hacer que se pase una tarde agradable sin más.
Lo que pasa es que sentí que nunca se profundizó demasiado en las personalidades de los protagonistas.
Catherine era demasiado salvaje y metódica en algunas cosas, mientras que por el otro lado Max era un más bien extravagante sin llegar a los extremos.
Nunca sentí una conexión entre ambos ni tampoco me di cuenta de cuando surgió el romance. A la primera de cambios y después de más del 80% el libro ellos ya decían que se amaban, cuando ni siquiera hubo un detonante ni nada especial en su relación.
En fin, no es un mal libro, pero sin duda no es de los mejores de la autora, sirve para entretener y hacer que se pase una tarde agradable sin más.
October 30, 2015
voir 4.5.... c'est un des tout premiers Loretta Chase, cest parfois un peu confus mais j'ai adoré (en gardant en tête que c'est un early work.)
Il y a plein de choses que l'on retrouvera plus tard ... une héroïne à première vue naïve mais avec du caractère, un héros modèle débauché mais pas trop et plus intelligent qu'il en a l'air... et surtout une galerie de seconds rôles savoureux que ce soit le staff du heros ,sa famille ou son meilleur ami (un lettré qui passe son temps.le nez dans les bouquins...je vais précipiter sur le tome suivant où Jack Langton est le héros)
Il y a plein de choses que l'on retrouvera plus tard ... une héroïne à première vue naïve mais avec du caractère, un héros modèle débauché mais pas trop et plus intelligent qu'il en a l'air... et surtout une galerie de seconds rôles savoureux que ce soit le staff du heros ,sa famille ou son meilleur ami (un lettré qui passe son temps.le nez dans les bouquins...je vais précipiter sur le tome suivant où Jack Langton est le héros)
October 11, 2023
Written in 1988, this was one of Loretta Chase’s first books. The humor was delightful, but after a promising start the story seemed to scatter in different directions. There were a lot of characters, and a jumble of thoughts and dialogues with corresponding twists and turns. I was eye rolling “Get on with it” every few pages which unsurprisingly didn’t help one bit. On the positive side, it felt like Chase was bursting with ideas she was eager to try, and Ta-da! Everything concluded in a sweet HEA.
Think I’ll pass on the second in the series for now.
Think I’ll pass on the second in the series for now.
May 22, 2016
I didn't know what to expect from this book. I hadn't read a Loretta Chase novel in a long time but this one popped up as a freebie so I nabbed it. So glad I did because this was just what I needed. :)
Written in the style of Georgette Heyer, these characters are constantly mystified by their own actions as they tumble from situation to situation. It starts in a brothel where Max AKA Lord Rand meets Catherine Pelliston, recently drugged and abducted to become a nasty, old madam's prostitute. She implores a very drunken Max to save her and he does, not really knowing why since he's skeptical of her crazy story in the first place.
It's found myself smiling and laughing a lot. It's a sweet story with likable characters (even when they're acting like numbskulls) and a very nice, upbeat read. There are no explicit sex scenes although their chemistry is steamy enough at moments. Apparently this book was originally published in 1990. It's got an old fashioned feel and fits nicely between Heyer-style regency and romance.
Written in the style of Georgette Heyer, these characters are constantly mystified by their own actions as they tumble from situation to situation. It starts in a brothel where Max AKA Lord Rand meets Catherine Pelliston, recently drugged and abducted to become a nasty, old madam's prostitute. She implores a very drunken Max to save her and he does, not really knowing why since he's skeptical of her crazy story in the first place.
It's found myself smiling and laughing a lot. It's a sweet story with likable characters (even when they're acting like numbskulls) and a very nice, upbeat read. There are no explicit sex scenes although their chemistry is steamy enough at moments. Apparently this book was originally published in 1990. It's got an old fashioned feel and fits nicely between Heyer-style regency and romance.
March 4, 2013
4.5 stars I finished this book with a happy sigh indeed. Such a fun read!
The story contains all manner of cliched elements that would normally make me an impatient reader. After all, we have a completely improbable beginning as the hero rescues heroine from a brothel, folks nattering about Almack's, a heroine who feels the need to take in urchins, a rakish hero, and so on. However, the author telling the story has near-perfect timing and chooses her words with great care. I found myself admiring turns of phrase and laughing over the antics of her finely developed characters. I suppose it's a bit silly in places, but I was in the mood for something light, and this one is a treat as far as that's concerned.
The story contains all manner of cliched elements that would normally make me an impatient reader. After all, we have a completely improbable beginning as the hero rescues heroine from a brothel, folks nattering about Almack's, a heroine who feels the need to take in urchins, a rakish hero, and so on. However, the author telling the story has near-perfect timing and chooses her words with great care. I found myself admiring turns of phrase and laughing over the antics of her finely developed characters. I suppose it's a bit silly in places, but I was in the mood for something light, and this one is a treat as far as that's concerned.
January 14, 2017
Tengo una gran inclinación por novelas de época y lo que pintaba para algo entretenido fue decayendo hasta el punto del aburrimiento máximo.
La damisela en apuros es raptada para ser prostituida, pero tiene la suerte de ser rescatada sana y salvo por un Lord. Ahí comienza la "trama" y realmente lo que sigue después no tiene más que relleno, podría haber saltado el resto de páginas y leer que finalmente se casan.
Los nombres, para cada personaje la autora tiene el desatino de llamarlos por apellido, por título, por apodo y de repente no sabes de quién hablan. El Niño de la calle que recoge o protege la protagonista, no tiene ningún aporte en la historia.
La damisela en apuros es raptada para ser prostituida, pero tiene la suerte de ser rescatada sana y salvo por un Lord. Ahí comienza la "trama" y realmente lo que sigue después no tiene más que relleno, podría haber saltado el resto de páginas y leer que finalmente se casan.
Los nombres, para cada personaje la autora tiene el desatino de llamarlos por apellido, por título, por apodo y de repente no sabes de quién hablan. El Niño de la calle que recoge o protege la protagonista, no tiene ningún aporte en la historia.
January 14, 2018
Leído en Marzo 2013
EL VIZCONDE VAGABUNDO, NUMERO 1 Serie Nobles de la Regencia
RESUMEN: Huyendo de un matrimonio concertado,Catherine Pelliston va camino de Londres cuando es drogada, secuestrada y obligada a trabajar en una casa de mala reputación. Desesperada por escapar, pone su vida en manos del primer hombre que acude a ella, aunque esté hecho un desastre y completamente ebrio, y se encuentra siendo rescatada por un auténtico Lord.
Me encantóo la historia...y los personajes excelentes!!
Tengo que decir que Loretta entra entre mis preferidas de este genero!!
EL VIZCONDE VAGABUNDO, NUMERO 1 Serie Nobles de la Regencia
RESUMEN: Huyendo de un matrimonio concertado,Catherine Pelliston va camino de Londres cuando es drogada, secuestrada y obligada a trabajar en una casa de mala reputación. Desesperada por escapar, pone su vida en manos del primer hombre que acude a ella, aunque esté hecho un desastre y completamente ebrio, y se encuentra siendo rescatada por un auténtico Lord.
Me encantóo la historia...y los personajes excelentes!!
Tengo que decir que Loretta entra entre mis preferidas de este genero!!
November 9, 2013
Catherine Pelliston, daughter of Baron Pelliston, wakes up from a drugged sleep to find herself prisoner in a bawdy house where she has been threatened with a brute named Cholly if she makes a fuss. Terrified, Catherine turns to the drunk, half-naked man in her room to beg for help. Surprisingly, the gentleman agrees to help! Poor Catherine fears she's gone from the pan to the fire when her rescuer takes her to his home. She preaches to him on the improprieties of the situation and manages to avoid her fate when her rescuer ends up passing out drunk. Hoping to avoid her rescuer, Catherine tries to sneak out the next morning, but is forced to make a formal introduction to her rescuer, Max Demowery. Fearing she will be sent back home to marry the drunken lout her father chose for her, Catherine lies about her name, but is forced to confess all to Max when she is left alone and friendless in London once again. Max, formally known as Lord Rand, decides to take Catherine to his sister, Louisa, Lady Andover, who had experience escaping an unwanted marriage. Louisa kindly allows Catherine to stay overnight until her adored husband can help her decide what to do. Lord Andover discovers Catherine is a distant cousin of his and Louisa becomes determined to bring out Catherine, but before she can learn her fate, Catherine sneaks out and again finds herself all alone in London. This time rescue comes in the form of a young street urchin, Jemmy, who helps Catherine get a job as a seamstress with his foster mother. In return, Catherine teaches Jemmy his letters and finally finds peace and happiness in her work. However, an angry, enchanted Max is determined to find Catherine and bring her back to his family. Catherine reluctantly goes along with Max, with Jemmy promising to keep an eye on her by ingratiating himself with Max's staff. Catherine enters society and becomes a reigning belle while Max takes up his position in Society as the heir of the Earl of St. Denis after a six-month binge of dissipation following the death of his older brother. Unfortunately for Catherine, she first met Max at his very worst and persists in believing he is a lost cause and takes every opportunity to moralize at him. Max finds Catherine's preaching endearing and when her ex-fiance shows up in London and is on the verge of discovering Catherine's secret, Max protects Catherine once again. Soon he falls madly in love, but fearing Max is a drunken bully like her Papa, Catherine rebuffs his attentions. Knowing when to quit, Max is soon enchanted by the beautiful Lady Diana Glencove and pushes his shy, bookish friend Jack Langdon into courting Catherine. When Catherine finds herself in danger again, the gentleman in her life dash to the rescue but only one can be the hero.Despite the unusual opening of this novel, I rather enjoyed it. The characters have a lot of depth and backstory which helps explain their actions and carries the romance along. Though Catherine looks fragile, she's capable of taking care of herself and she never loses her head or wrings her hands. I admired her pluck. I also liked Max once I learned his story and why he has been behaving the way he has. The romance is believable and sweet and the author doesn't get carried away describing feelings and emotions and lets the reader get swept along in the romance. I liked this book much better than the companion.
January 20, 2014
This was really enjoyable. I really liked Catherine and Max. They were so cute together. Max reminded me of Chris Hemsworth in the movie Snow White and the Hunstman all drunk and a bit like a lost puppy who just needs a good women to get him back on the straight and narrow. They meet under very unusual circumstances and Max claims all he wants to do is get rid of her, but all the while can't keep himself away. Catherine keeps getting in sticky situations that he has to rescue her from. Ms. Chase is a great storyteller. The character were well developed and the story moved along well.
The reason for the lower rating is mainly because of some worldly subject matter.
Overall, I did enjoy it. It was lighthearted and again the characters were likable.
Content: Pretty clean, PG13. Mild language.
The reason for the lower rating is mainly because of some worldly subject matter.
Overall, I did enjoy it. It was lighthearted and again the characters were likable.
Content: Pretty clean, PG13. Mild language.
September 27, 2023
I’ve been reading Loretta Chase’s books in order, starting with these early Regencies, of which this is the third. And it’s my favorite so far (despite the lack of Basil Trevelyan, the hero of The English Witch).
Basically this is the story of two stupid kids being stupid, but Chase being Chase, it is utterly charming, witty and sweet.
“After that there was nothing to be done because the music had started. Max led Miss Pelliston out, put his arm around her waist, and promptly lost his mind.” 😍😍😍
There are some interesting authorial choices, such as having Max propose to another woman and make out with someone else’s mistresses, but given that Catherine had refused his proposal twice and the latter was all in aid of getting back Cat’s dress, and also that he is kind of a blockhead, I think it works.
There are also some lovely supporting characters, most notably an urchin named Jemmy (I do love an urchin named Jemmy), Cat’s loquacious maid Molly, and Mr. Langdon, Max’s sweet artistic friend. AND the Juno, Diana, is just a supporting character, but Chase gives us a 360-degree view of who she is, in just a few pages. She’s so good.
Basically this is the story of two stupid kids being stupid, but Chase being Chase, it is utterly charming, witty and sweet.
“After that there was nothing to be done because the music had started. Max led Miss Pelliston out, put his arm around her waist, and promptly lost his mind.” 😍😍😍
There are some interesting authorial choices, such as having Max propose to another woman and make out with someone else’s mistresses, but given that Catherine had refused his proposal twice and the latter was all in aid of getting back Cat’s dress, and also that he is kind of a blockhead, I think it works.
There are also some lovely supporting characters, most notably an urchin named Jemmy (I do love an urchin named Jemmy), Cat’s loquacious maid Molly, and Mr. Langdon, Max’s sweet artistic friend. AND the Juno, Diana, is just a supporting character, but Chase gives us a 360-degree view of who she is, in just a few pages. She’s so good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2021
This took me forever to read - I kept putting it down and never felt compelled to pick it up. It was a sweet romance, and I enjoyed the "termagant" aspect of the heroine, but I found the narrative voice too arch.
September 21, 2009
OK this is what I am talking about... Nothing awful or suggestive in this book but still cute! woo-hoo!
August 29, 2015
When I'm at a really low ebb I need something light and fun to read. This fit the bill nicely.
February 19, 2017
Max Demowery, viscount Rand, is having his last night of ruckus before he takes up the reins as the heir to his father the Earl. So he ends up at a brothel. And discovers the prosey Catherine Pelliston, who convinces him she's being held against her will. This is too much for Max's inebriated brains, so he pays £50 for her and her effects and takes her home. Only to spend the next 150 pages realizing that he probably should have taken her to the church so they can get married because he loves her. Turgidly.
1. This was a fun if not calculated little romp. There's hints of the Chase-wit, and some very cute little scenes, but over all it reeks of Heyer and 80s regency romance—chaste and stilted and somewhat ridiculous.
2. THAT PROPOSAL SCENE AT THE END THO. His little list why she must marry him! His crumbling at her tears! AARRRGH. IT WAS ONLY 2 PAGESSSS.
3. The rest of it was just fine. Max is kind of a pouty tantrum thrower, interesting but ultimately lightly drawn. Cat is even less well-developed: she lectures, and she's prim but she's got a temper and a stubborn streak a mile long. Interesting in theory, but the text keeps things extremely shallow.
4. AHHH.
1. This was a fun if not calculated little romp. There's hints of the Chase-wit, and some very cute little scenes, but over all it reeks of Heyer and 80s regency romance—chaste and stilted and somewhat ridiculous.
2. THAT PROPOSAL SCENE AT THE END THO. His little list why she must marry him! His crumbling at her tears! AARRRGH. IT WAS ONLY 2 PAGESSSS.
3. The rest of it was just fine. Max is kind of a pouty tantrum thrower, interesting but ultimately lightly drawn. Cat is even less well-developed: she lectures, and she's prim but she's got a temper and a stubborn streak a mile long. Interesting in theory, but the text keeps things extremely shallow.
4. AHHH.
"You're not deaf, Cat, so don't pretend to be. We're going to be married, as we should have done at the start."
The viscount looked hastily away from her face and began pacing around the room.
"I don't know who had the training of you," he continued determinedly, "but your morals are shocking. You spend a night in my bed, remember, after a night in a bawdy house. You go about collecting street urchins and letting inebriated vagabonds kiss you, and then you get into brawls in pawnshops. You are probably past all redemption, but I'm going to reform you anyhow. If you behave yourself, perhaps I'll let you reform me on occasion, but I make no promises."
"Oh, Max."
He did not seem to hear the pitiful sound because he went on heatedly. "There's no point telling me everything that's wrong with me, because I know all that by heart. I'm a bully and a ruffian and a drunkard and a gambler and I act before I think, always. I'm also short-tempered—and yes, mad, bad, and dangerous. Just as you are—which is why we suit so admirably."
"Oh, Max," she said once more, as a tear trickled down her nose.
He stopped pacing to glance at her. "There's no use crying," he said, his voice less assured now. "You can't manipulate me with tears. I've made up my mind..." His voice trailed off. "Drat," he muttered.
He stood uncertain for a moment, clenching his fists. Then he sighed, moved closer, and knelt before her. "Come, sweetheart, is it so bad? Don't you like me even a little?"
"Oh, Max," she cried. "I love you madly."
[...]
Fortunately, Lady Andover put her head in the door at this perilous moment. "That will be sufficient for the nonce, Max," she said composedly. "You are wrinkling Catherine's dress and Molly will be in fits. Now come out and talk to Edgar like a gentleman."
June 11, 2019
I found this paperback book and was very glad to do so. It is a very early Loretta Chase book. And it shows just how talented she has always been.
Catherine has come to London to escape a forced marriage. She has her money stolen and when a sweet little old lady offers to help her out, she ends up in a brothel.
Her first customer is Lord Rand. He is very drunk. But, when she asks him to rescue her, he agrees. He has to pay money as well as fight his way out, but he is successful.
When he takes her to his sister for help, neither one of them explain exactly where he found her.
From this beginning, comes a series of adventures. Max (Lord Rand) has lived his life as though he would never have any responsibilities. He likes it that way.
Catherine is packed full of a sense of responsibility. Her insistence on lecturing anyone around her makes her appear to be someone she is not. Max brings out her adventurous side.
This is a quick read which has humor, adventure, danger and a sense of family. Cat is introduced to a family whose members love one another. She even adds a member to that family when she is rescued by an 8 year old boy who knows how things really work in the city.
I enjoyed this book very much. There are characters who are likable. The plot moves along quickly. All in all, it is an enjoyable read.
Catherine has come to London to escape a forced marriage. She has her money stolen and when a sweet little old lady offers to help her out, she ends up in a brothel.
Her first customer is Lord Rand. He is very drunk. But, when she asks him to rescue her, he agrees. He has to pay money as well as fight his way out, but he is successful.
When he takes her to his sister for help, neither one of them explain exactly where he found her.
From this beginning, comes a series of adventures. Max (Lord Rand) has lived his life as though he would never have any responsibilities. He likes it that way.
Catherine is packed full of a sense of responsibility. Her insistence on lecturing anyone around her makes her appear to be someone she is not. Max brings out her adventurous side.
This is a quick read which has humor, adventure, danger and a sense of family. Cat is introduced to a family whose members love one another. She even adds a member to that family when she is rescued by an 8 year old boy who knows how things really work in the city.
I enjoyed this book very much. There are characters who are likable. The plot moves along quickly. All in all, it is an enjoyable read.
February 8, 2020
Awful and offensive
Tw: rape
This book was SO OFFENSIVE, especially in the last 10% where Cat thinks she might have been raped and so is condemned to a "vile existence" but it's okay because it turns out she's "as pure as the driven snow". And Max is a horrible snob plus apparently has "never forced a woman yet" (YET!!!) and knows "many fine fellows" who are interested in child prostitutes. What the EVERLOVING CHRIST is up with this book?!
Tw: rape
This book was SO OFFENSIVE, especially in the last 10% where Cat thinks she might have been raped and so is condemned to a "vile existence" but it's okay because it turns out she's "as pure as the driven snow". And Max is a horrible snob plus apparently has "never forced a woman yet" (YET!!!) and knows "many fine fellows" who are interested in child prostitutes. What the EVERLOVING CHRIST is up with this book?!
January 1, 2018
tbh i read these kind of books for the smut. (dont we all?) ive read loretta chase’s other HR before (lord of scoundrels being my fave) so imagine my surprise to reach the last page of this book and to not encounter even one sex scene between the main characters!!! well, something was mentioned but not in detail?
anw, i guess if u want a (relative) clean regency romance here it is, folks!
anw, i guess if u want a (relative) clean regency romance here it is, folks!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2023
- 4.5 stars -
Loved this book. It was exactly what I was looking for; a sweet, short, classic historical romance. It might have not had me at the edge of my seat, but I savored every page. There is also something to say about Loretta Chase's writing style. I can't wait to read more of her work.
Loved this book. It was exactly what I was looking for; a sweet, short, classic historical romance. It might have not had me at the edge of my seat, but I savored every page. There is also something to say about Loretta Chase's writing style. I can't wait to read more of her work.
January 31, 2021
Draggy and boring. I skimmed half way and had to stop.
DNF
DNF
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