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Desperate Debutantes #3
The Dangers of Deceiving a Viscount
Lady Phoebe Fairchild is well aware that the ton would be appalled to learn of a young lady of quality involved in a trade. Therefore, she resorts to selling her beautiful handmade gowns under a fictitious Madame Dupree. So when circumstances force her to visit the estate of William Darby, the Viscount of Summerfield, to design ball gowns for his sisters, she assumes Madame's identity. Phoebe's discomfort in her new position as hired help is nothing compared to her visceral attraction to the viscount himself. Heathenishly handsome and shamelessly seductive, Will invites her to be his mistress -- and Phoebe is shockingly tempted to accept. But as their desire for each other grows and the risk of exposure becomes even greater, Phoebe is in dire danger of losing her reputation, her livelihood -- and her chance of becoming the bride of the man whose passion has claimed her forever.
390 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2007
83 people are currently reading
1260 people want to read
About the author
Julia London
189 books3,119 followersJulia London is the New York Times and USA Today best selling author of more than two dozen romantic fiction novels. She is the author of the popular historical romance series, the Cabot Sisters, including The Trouble with Honor, The Devil Takes a Bride, and The Scoundrel and the Debutante. She is also the author of several contemporary romances, including Homecoming Ranch, Return to Homecoming Ranch, and The Perfect Homecoming.
Julia is the recipient of the RT Bookclub Award for Best Historical Romance and a six-time finalist for the prestigious RITA award for excellence in romantic fiction. To keep up with all the Julia London news, please visit http://www.julialondon.com. Follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/julialondon
Julia is the recipient of the RT Bookclub Award for Best Historical Romance and a six-time finalist for the prestigious RITA award for excellence in romantic fiction. To keep up with all the Julia London news, please visit http://www.julialondon.com. Follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/julialondon
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
October 24, 2009
Well, at least this was better than The Perils of Pursuing a Prince, but not by much. I actually liked the theme about the heroine's talent in designing and sewing women's clothes, and the blackmail threat to expose Phoebe to the scorn of the ton was very realistic, so I had no problem accepting that premise. My problem was with the behaviors of the two main characters - Will couldn't see that his attempts to seduce a widowed, defenseless seamstress were more reprehensible than the sexual habits of a female servant in his household. And Phoebe was so realistically able to act like a downtrodden servant - even when she was slapped viciously in the face! - and to work her fingers to the bone while sewing wardrobes for two girls under miserable working conditions, and still have the stamina to carry on a love affair. Ah, well, only in books!
May 10, 2025
This is the best read of this series. Phoebe is blackmailed into making dresses for the Viscount sisters.
Viscount needs a bride. But he has feelings for his sister’s dressmaker. Not knowing she is a lady.
Okay read, but a bit slow in parts.
Viscount needs a bride. But he has feelings for his sister’s dressmaker. Not knowing she is a lady.
Okay read, but a bit slow in parts.
April 26, 2016
****3.5 stars****
I'm glad I read this series until the end, otherwise I would have missed Phoebe's story. I believe her storyline is the most interesting one. I got hooked in the first pages and couldn't put it down until I reached the very last one.
Lady Phoebe Fairchild, daughter of the Late Earl of Bingley, sister to the Marchioness of Middleton and cousin to the Princess of Powys, is being blackmailed by her ruthless employer, Mrs Ramsey, into working as Madame Dupree, a fake identity Phoebe had created in order to be able to work as a modiste. As a consequence, she is forced to visit the estate of William Darby, the Viscount of Summerfield, to design ball gowns for his ill-mannered and undisciplined sisters where she assumes Madame Dupree's identity where she experiences first-hand life as a servant.
William has just returned from 6 years of extensive travel around the world and finds his home in havoc; his father had become an infirm and has been unable to tend to his siblings, who have become unruly, they shout and hit each other at every turn (the youngest being 17 years old...). As such, he finds himself in need to hire the best modiste in London, Madame Dupree, in the hopes of getting his sisters married and settled.
The attraction between them is obvious and I like how William fights his feelings for Phoebe because he knows that his responsibilities towards his family and his estate would not be compatible with bedding a "servant". I also really liked how Phoebe is struggling with being treated as someone of inferior rank.
However, I'm not too sure the blackmail part was very convincing. If Mrs Ramsey had blackmailed her into doing something for her that one time, what would prevent her to keep doing it forever ? If Phoebe had thought things through, she probably wouldn't have gone with it... But in the end, I'm glad she got blackmailed and we got to meet William Darby a.k.a Viscount of Sommerfield <3 He is the dreamiest of all the Desperate Debutantes series :)
The only reason it got 3.5 stars instead of 4 is because there was a bit too much drama at the end...
I'm glad I read this series until the end, otherwise I would have missed Phoebe's story. I believe her storyline is the most interesting one. I got hooked in the first pages and couldn't put it down until I reached the very last one.
Lady Phoebe Fairchild, daughter of the Late Earl of Bingley, sister to the Marchioness of Middleton and cousin to the Princess of Powys, is being blackmailed by her ruthless employer, Mrs Ramsey, into working as Madame Dupree, a fake identity Phoebe had created in order to be able to work as a modiste. As a consequence, she is forced to visit the estate of William Darby, the Viscount of Summerfield, to design ball gowns for his ill-mannered and undisciplined sisters where she assumes Madame Dupree's identity where she experiences first-hand life as a servant.
William has just returned from 6 years of extensive travel around the world and finds his home in havoc; his father had become an infirm and has been unable to tend to his siblings, who have become unruly, they shout and hit each other at every turn (the youngest being 17 years old...). As such, he finds himself in need to hire the best modiste in London, Madame Dupree, in the hopes of getting his sisters married and settled.
The attraction between them is obvious and I like how William fights his feelings for Phoebe because he knows that his responsibilities towards his family and his estate would not be compatible with bedding a "servant". I also really liked how Phoebe is struggling with being treated as someone of inferior rank.
However, I'm not too sure the blackmail part was very convincing. If Mrs Ramsey had blackmailed her into doing something for her that one time, what would prevent her to keep doing it forever ? If Phoebe had thought things through, she probably wouldn't have gone with it... But in the end, I'm glad she got blackmailed and we got to meet William Darby a.k.a Viscount of Sommerfield <3 He is the dreamiest of all the Desperate Debutantes series :)
The only reason it got 3.5 stars instead of 4 is because there was a bit too much drama at the end...
April 6, 2016
IMO this was the weakest book of the series. I love London's writing because she usually writes a big part of the book from the hero's POV, which didn't happen here. That left Will kind of a stranger for me, plus I didn't really like the way he pressed an employee of his into an illicit relationship. No matter how mutual the attraction was, her initial response was 'No' and I believe pressing, even gently, someone who's financially dependant and in lower social standing than yourself, is not proper hero's behavior.
There is also the matter of the ridiculous plot premises. The shopkeeper that sells Phoebe's dresses blackmails her to reveal her identity to the ton, if she doesn't go to Lord Summerfield's estate and make dresses for his sisters, posing as Madame Dupree. And Phoebe reluctantly agrees and goes. I'm sorry, but how stupid is believing that not Viscount Summerfield nor his 4 siblings, not even any of his guests -that he invints in his house for a fortnight- will come to London and meet her in a ball or two as Lady Phoebe and expose her for the fraud she was? This required to completely suspend my belief in order to enjoy this story and unfortunately, Will's character and Phoebe's complete irresponsibility and empty headedness, didn't make matters any better.
3 stars were kind of generous for this one. I wish I had trusted the initial reviews I read and stayed away from this one.
There is also the matter of the ridiculous plot premises. The shopkeeper that sells Phoebe's dresses blackmails her to reveal her identity to the ton, if she doesn't go to Lord Summerfield's estate and make dresses for his sisters, posing as Madame Dupree. And Phoebe reluctantly agrees and goes. I'm sorry, but how stupid is believing that not Viscount Summerfield nor his 4 siblings, not even any of his guests -that he invints in his house for a fortnight- will come to London and meet her in a ball or two as Lady Phoebe and expose her for the fraud she was? This required to completely suspend my belief in order to enjoy this story and unfortunately, Will's character and Phoebe's complete irresponsibility and empty headedness, didn't make matters any better.
3 stars were kind of generous for this one. I wish I had trusted the initial reviews I read and stayed away from this one.
July 28, 2014
A good book, but not quite as good as the first Julia London book I happened upon so I'm rounding down. I liked the characters, the situation was plausible, and the romance was passionate. I like the way that London brings family into her stories; or at least, we're 2 for 2 on that trait. Brothers, sisters, ailing fathers ... there were more relationships here than just the main romance and it all played into the plot.
My main reservations was that I thought the plot was a bit flat, especially towards the end. It was obvious that once Phoebe revealed her identity, there would be a moment of trouble over the deception and then a clean happily ever after, which is probably why it took so long to get to that revelation. In the meantime, I grew bored with the endless buildup. And I suppose it's fair to say that the ending was predicable in a bad way.
I do recommend to fans of regency romance, although I did enjoy Ruthless Charmer more.
My main reservations was that I thought the plot was a bit flat, especially towards the end. It was obvious that once Phoebe revealed her identity, there would be a moment of trouble over the deception and then a clean happily ever after, which is probably why it took so long to get to that revelation. In the meantime, I grew bored with the endless buildup. And I suppose it's fair to say that the ending was predicable in a bad way.
I do recommend to fans of regency romance, although I did enjoy Ruthless Charmer more.
January 25, 2019
3,5 - Carino, ma l'ho trovato il meno romantico della serie.
In realtà è piuttosto originale come trama, perché qui la nobildonna si finge modista di umili natali, per poter "lavorare" e "commerciare" sfidando le convenzioni dell'epoca. Salvo poi essere ricattata proprio per questo e, paradossalmente, pregiudicando con il suo comportamento scandaloso proprio i tentativi di riforme progressiste portati avanti dai suoi parenti (maschi).
E di certo è originale, vero e doloroso, l'atteggiamento che subisce da parte dei nobili padroni: la sorella del visconte la schiaffeggia (e non uno schiaffetto, ma le lascia il livido), il fratello del visconte è sul punto di aggredirla, tutte le damine la trattano meno di zero...
Quindi, per tutto il libro, la nostra passa dall'altra parte. E comprende cosa si subisce.
Non mi è piaciuta molto la seduzione operata dal datore di lavoro.
Ok, lei ci cade come un pero cotto, ma se fossimo ai giorni nostri, sarebbe un caso da manuale di #metoo, al limite delle molestie sul lavoro (e perdere la verginità, a quei tempi, era in effetti un danno quasi irrisarcibile).
Poi, a scoperta avvenuta, il futuro ritorna roseo, ma il tarlo/sospetto che, se non fosse stata la figlia di un conte, lui forse non avrebbe rimediato un po' rimane...
Belle le scene con i cavalli selvaggi (il visconte sembra un po' Robert Redford in "l'uomo che sussurrava ai cavalli", eh!) e bello lo scippo di Joshua, sette anni di meno del fratellone, ma idee molto chiare su chi prendersi in moglie (molto più del tormentato visconte).
In realtà è piuttosto originale come trama, perché qui la nobildonna si finge modista di umili natali, per poter "lavorare" e "commerciare" sfidando le convenzioni dell'epoca. Salvo poi essere ricattata proprio per questo e, paradossalmente, pregiudicando con il suo comportamento scandaloso proprio i tentativi di riforme progressiste portati avanti dai suoi parenti (maschi).
E di certo è originale, vero e doloroso, l'atteggiamento che subisce da parte dei nobili padroni: la sorella del visconte la schiaffeggia (e non uno schiaffetto, ma le lascia il livido), il fratello del visconte è sul punto di aggredirla, tutte le damine la trattano meno di zero...
Quindi, per tutto il libro, la nostra passa dall'altra parte. E comprende cosa si subisce.
Non mi è piaciuta molto la seduzione operata dal datore di lavoro.
Ok, lei ci cade come un pero cotto, ma se fossimo ai giorni nostri, sarebbe un caso da manuale di #metoo, al limite delle molestie sul lavoro (e perdere la verginità, a quei tempi, era in effetti un danno quasi irrisarcibile).
Poi, a scoperta avvenuta, il futuro ritorna roseo, ma il tarlo/sospetto che, se non fosse stata la figlia di un conte, lui forse non avrebbe rimediato un po' rimane...
Belle le scene con i cavalli selvaggi (il visconte sembra un po' Robert Redford in "l'uomo che sussurrava ai cavalli", eh!) e bello lo scippo di Joshua, sette anni di meno del fratellone, ma idee molto chiare su chi prendersi in moglie (molto più del tormentato visconte).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2021
2'5 ⭐
#RetoRita #RitaJulita
No ha sido la historia que me esperaba y me resultó una lectura aburrida 😕
#RetoRita #RitaJulita
No ha sido la historia que me esperaba y me resultó una lectura aburrida 😕
February 8, 2013
I loathe, loathe the mistaken identity theme. Mind you I knew what I was getting into before I read the book. But my reason for it reading the was the author. I love her books, and I thought that maybe, just maybe, I wouldn’t be put off by the theme. My mistake. It bothered me a lot.
I found that the whole masquerade/mistaken identity in this book, was overly done. She could have told her secret at any point, in my opinion. But it continued until, well you guessed it, someone recognized her, and then the crap hit the fan. Excuse my language! It really just ticks me off…. Argh! As if we couldn’t see that one coming.
Oh well, my mistake. I should have gone with my gut feeling. Avoid mistaken identities and masquerades at all costs!
I found that the whole masquerade/mistaken identity in this book, was overly done. She could have told her secret at any point, in my opinion. But it continued until, well you guessed it, someone recognized her, and then the crap hit the fan. Excuse my language! It really just ticks me off…. Argh! As if we couldn’t see that one coming.
Oh well, my mistake. I should have gone with my gut feeling. Avoid mistaken identities and masquerades at all costs!
April 29, 2025
4'5⭐ me ha enganchado como hacía tiempo que no me enganchaba este libro, y me ha encantado. Pero al ser un Slow Burn, creo que en la recta final me ha podido la impaciencia y se me ha terminado haciendo demasiado Slow.
June 21, 2015
The last book of the trilogy, where Lady Phoebe Fairchild finds her own happily-ever-after.
Being blackmailed into working as Madame Dupree by her unscrupulous employer, Phoebe finds herself in William Darby, Viscount of Summerfield's estate, where she is designing ball gowns for his unruly sisters, while learning first hand how life is as a servant.
William has just returned from his extensive travels around the world to find his home in shambles, his father infirm and unable to talk and his siblings ill-mannered and undisciplined. In an effort to make his sisters presentable for society, where he hopes to have them married and settled, he hires the best modiste in London, Madame Dupree.
The attraction between them is obvious and they find much needed understanding in one another that brings them close, but a number of obstacles in the way of their happy ending, Phoebe's deception one among them.
Apart from a couple of scenes that felt a bit off, like , this was a very enjoyable story and a fitting ending to the series.
Being blackmailed into working as Madame Dupree by her unscrupulous employer, Phoebe finds herself in William Darby, Viscount of Summerfield's estate, where she is designing ball gowns for his unruly sisters, while learning first hand how life is as a servant.
William has just returned from his extensive travels around the world to find his home in shambles, his father infirm and unable to talk and his siblings ill-mannered and undisciplined. In an effort to make his sisters presentable for society, where he hopes to have them married and settled, he hires the best modiste in London, Madame Dupree.
The attraction between them is obvious and they find much needed understanding in one another that brings them close, but a number of obstacles in the way of their happy ending, Phoebe's deception one among them.
Apart from a couple of scenes that felt a bit off, like , this was a very enjoyable story and a fitting ending to the series.
January 1, 2024
Tudo começa com chantagem e uma grande charada, mas tudo acaba em bem, que é o que importa. Phoebe e Will têm o seu final feliz, como todos os casais dos romances de época merecem. Julia London volta a deleitar-me com as suas histórias na época da Regência Britânica. Abordou alguns temas importantes, mas, como é comum nestes livros, focou-se no desenvolver do romance entre o casal principal. Espero ler em breve algum outro livro desta autora e sentir igualmente deleite na leitura de outra história.
November 4, 2010
Lady Phoebe Fairchild is a great modiste. She can fashion clothes that everyone admires, however since she is a part of a society which rules dictate you cannot have a profession and be a part of the ton she is pretending to be Madame Dupree. However she is blackmailed to go to a country estate and fashion dresses for two young ladies or she will get exposed. So she travels to the estate of William Darby, the Viscount of Summerfield to make dresses for his two sisters who are going to be coming out this next season.
Welcome to the house of horror for civilized members of the ton, the Darby’s are hilarious. Darby eldest has come from 7 year around the world trip because his father’s health has declined to the point where he can not move or talk. He finds his family appalling. He has 2 younger brothers and 2 sisters, the lot of them totally uncivilized and rude. One of his brothers is constantly in mischief for cheating at cards and generally hates and is hated by people. The other brother is a young rascal who terrorizes his sisters. The eldest sister is enamored by a smithy and she and the youngest are cat and mouse.
Poor Phoebe felt to like she has a heart of gold and never-ending patience. She does get cross with them but she understands how they feel.
William is chased by all unmarried daughters in the county and he has promised his dad that he will find a suitable wife and give him a grandchild as he wanted. However he is intrigued by the modiste and decides to pursue her for pleasures in the bedchamber. Phoebe tries to resist him but he is drawn in by her desire and eventually they become lovers. I like the sensuality of Julia London’s books and this is no different.
It was a very nice story, now I am going back to read the rest.
Welcome to the house of horror for civilized members of the ton, the Darby’s are hilarious. Darby eldest has come from 7 year around the world trip because his father’s health has declined to the point where he can not move or talk. He finds his family appalling. He has 2 younger brothers and 2 sisters, the lot of them totally uncivilized and rude. One of his brothers is constantly in mischief for cheating at cards and generally hates and is hated by people. The other brother is a young rascal who terrorizes his sisters. The eldest sister is enamored by a smithy and she and the youngest are cat and mouse.
Poor Phoebe felt to like she has a heart of gold and never-ending patience. She does get cross with them but she understands how they feel.
William is chased by all unmarried daughters in the county and he has promised his dad that he will find a suitable wife and give him a grandchild as he wanted. However he is intrigued by the modiste and decides to pursue her for pleasures in the bedchamber. Phoebe tries to resist him but he is drawn in by her desire and eventually they become lovers. I like the sensuality of Julia London’s books and this is no different.
It was a very nice story, now I am going back to read the rest.
September 16, 2024
Phoebe was the most likable of the 3 sisters in this series, which for me isn’t saying much. This was more like 1.5 stars for me. I read this whole series in case the first book (and then the second) were just duds. I won’t read any more of this author after this.
The whole setup of this novel just doesn’t make sense. Phoebe is being blackmailed by a shopkeeper and her sisters are just like oh no! I guess you have to do the thing she wants because of our husbands’ very important work in parliament and your reputation. So a scheme is hatched that she’ll travel unaccompanied and pose as a modiste in a strange house for months. Like that isn’t dangerous to her reputation?! Plus none of her loving concerned family members say hey wait, instead of sending you off to god knows where, let’s talk to our powerful Lord husbands and see if they have any suggestions of how to fix this? They just warn her not to be flaky and remind her that she’s a bad liar.
Of course Phoebe falls in love with the lord of the manor who keeps repeating out of the blue that he can’t stand deceit in any form. He feels guilty about seducing the help, she feels guilty about deceiving him. He wishes she wasn’t a seamstress so they could be together. Phoebe could have told him during any one of their early alone times and he probably would have been annoyed by the ruse but happy to learn she was “suitable.” Of course she doesn’t and when she predictably gets recognized and he finally finds out he’s in a huff for weeks until he just…snaps out of it?
The whole setup of this novel just doesn’t make sense. Phoebe is being blackmailed by a shopkeeper and her sisters are just like oh no! I guess you have to do the thing she wants because of our husbands’ very important work in parliament and your reputation. So a scheme is hatched that she’ll travel unaccompanied and pose as a modiste in a strange house for months. Like that isn’t dangerous to her reputation?! Plus none of her loving concerned family members say hey wait, instead of sending you off to god knows where, let’s talk to our powerful Lord husbands and see if they have any suggestions of how to fix this? They just warn her not to be flaky and remind her that she’s a bad liar.
Of course Phoebe falls in love with the lord of the manor who keeps repeating out of the blue that he can’t stand deceit in any form. He feels guilty about seducing the help, she feels guilty about deceiving him. He wishes she wasn’t a seamstress so they could be together. Phoebe could have told him during any one of their early alone times and he probably would have been annoyed by the ruse but happy to learn she was “suitable.” Of course she doesn’t and when she predictably gets recognized and he finally finds out he’s in a huff for weeks until he just…snaps out of it?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2022
Lady Phoebe Fairchild makes dresses, and she enjoys doing it. She’s always improved her and her family’s dresses for fun and when they lose everything, she comes up with a plan to make money from it with no one knowing.
Only, someone finds out and blackmails her into going to a country house and making dresses for the Viscount there. She can’t refuse less she be ruined. So, she goes. But she never expected to fall for the lord of the estate... and for him to discover the truth.
I enjoyed this one. Phoebe reminded me a bit of a character from The Wallflower series, so I fell in love with her instantly. She’s outspoken, sure of herself, and quirky. I didn’t really like Will. He was a jerk. All he wanted was so sleep with Phoebe while getting married to someone else. He never stopped to think about how that would make Phoebe feel.
I did like how much he loved his father and tried to do right by his family. That was endearing. I hated the ending conflict and how Will reacted because he wouldn’t just let her explain and see her situation.
At least it ended in a happily ever after. Overall, this whole series was pretty middle of the road.
Only, someone finds out and blackmails her into going to a country house and making dresses for the Viscount there. She can’t refuse less she be ruined. So, she goes. But she never expected to fall for the lord of the estate... and for him to discover the truth.
I enjoyed this one. Phoebe reminded me a bit of a character from The Wallflower series, so I fell in love with her instantly. She’s outspoken, sure of herself, and quirky. I didn’t really like Will. He was a jerk. All he wanted was so sleep with Phoebe while getting married to someone else. He never stopped to think about how that would make Phoebe feel.
I did like how much he loved his father and tried to do right by his family. That was endearing. I hated the ending conflict and how Will reacted because he wouldn’t just let her explain and see her situation.
At least it ended in a happily ever after. Overall, this whole series was pretty middle of the road.
December 16, 2008
I liked this one better than the average, most of my usual frustrations with romance novels occurred (not caring about propriety, the difficult angry siblings or children, the hero being ridiculously unreasonable about something silly) but were resolved in a believable and satisfying way. The hero actually REALIZED he was being unreasonable and apologized! Also, for once a series like this didn't make me feel like all the characters from the previous books were simply tacked on. In the first "Desperate Debutante" book, all of the mention of Greer and her adventure seemed so unnecessary and tacked on just to sustain the series, but this one has mentions of the other two without being silly.
August 9, 2025
Menos mal que empecé por el segundo de la trilogía (mi favorito y el único que me ha gustado) porque si hubiera empezado por cualquiera de los otros dos no habría continuado.
No todo es malo, la relación de Phoebe y Alice es entrañable, a pesar de que empiezan fatal la compasión de la primera hace que Alice tenga una amiga y un hombro sobre el que apoyarse en los momentos difíciles.
Phoebe me parece un muy buen personaje, muy empática y con facilidad para ganarse la confianza de los demás, las relaciones que forja con los demás miembros de la casa son lo mejor del libro.
Él no me ha gustado, me ha parecido un egoísta y un hipócrita, y el final es una pena porque podría haber sido mucho más interesante si la autora no hubiera esperando hasta el último capítulo para resolverlo. Podría haberse dado a fuego más lento y que nos hubieran explicado las reacciones de todos los empleados de la casa y los miembros de la sociedad del pueblo de él cuando se enteraron de quién era ella en realidad.
No todo es malo, la relación de Phoebe y Alice es entrañable, a pesar de que empiezan fatal la compasión de la primera hace que Alice tenga una amiga y un hombro sobre el que apoyarse en los momentos difíciles.
Phoebe me parece un muy buen personaje, muy empática y con facilidad para ganarse la confianza de los demás, las relaciones que forja con los demás miembros de la casa son lo mejor del libro.
Él no me ha gustado, me ha parecido un egoísta y un hipócrita, y el final es una pena porque podría haber sido mucho más interesante si la autora no hubiera esperando hasta el último capítulo para resolverlo. Podría haberse dado a fuego más lento y que nos hubieran explicado las reacciones de todos los empleados de la casa y los miembros de la sociedad del pueblo de él cuando se enteraron de quién era ella en realidad.
May 17, 2020
Lady Phoebe Fairchild is posing as a seamstress because she is being blackmailed into service and is well aware that if the ton should find out that they would be appalled. A young lady of quality and wealth does not lower herself to work a trade. Phoebe goes by the name Madame Dupree when she is forced into making her beautiful gowns for the sisters of William Darby, the Viscount of Summerfield. Phoebe is not comfortable in her position as a servant and is even more uncomfortable with her attraction to Lord Will. Will is extremely handsome and each time he sees Phoebe he tries to seduce her into becoming his mistress. Phoebe is more than tempted to accept knowing no one in London would find out. But soon the flame of their desire explodes into an inferno when exposure is the least of their worries. Phoebe is in danger of losing her reputation and her family's before her secret is exposed and her chance at happiness with the one man she loves is lost forever.
February 17, 2019
Me he malcriado mucho recientemente y solo había leído cosas muy buenas de este género. Por eso este en comparación se queda un poco corto en cuanto a la narrativa, pero no está mal y la historia tiene su encanto. Las tramas secundarias además están muy bien llevadas. No me marca como autora fetiche, pero cumple con lo que promete.
November 9, 2020
There are about three different stories going on in this book. I didn't really care too much for the hero. He was mad at the heroin about a secret that really wasn't that bad. This book was also long and drawn out. I kept wondering when it was going to end.
December 30, 2024
The bingo I am doing had a square for Beautiful Gowns and I was determined to find a modiste or seamstress romance for this square, thinking that it would be an easy task to find one I hadn't read (love Loretta Chase's Dressmakers!) and it really wasn't?? But I had a good time with this even if the idea that no one would notice she was a Lady with a capital L was a bit ridiculous.
November 24, 2019
4/5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 14, 2020
What a ride this book took me on! I ended up feeling all of the emotions but in the end I simply fell in love. The dangers of deceiving a viscount is officially my favourite historical romance & possibly favourite book(?) Thus far though I admit I haven’t read many. Definitely will be a reread which says a lot because I never reread books!!
I must confess that up until around 64% I wasn’t liking this book & I didn’t think that I would. It was very slow, the story didn’t really pick up until this point. there was a lot of characters that were involved that took up most of this time over Will & Phoebes relationship, which left me feeling so impatient & irritated, so much so that I actually put this book away & both started & finished another one instead. I’d never done this before so I really wasn’t certain if I’d return to this book but something just drew me back in & i’m SO glad! Maybe it’s because of the book I read in between starting & finishing this one, being not so great, that it made me perceive this one as amazing, I’m not sure. But what I am sure of is that I did a full 180 and will definitely be reading more from this author!
I also didn’t connect with the heroine up until this point. I felt that she complained too much, she was there to make dresses but yet she whined whenever she was told to make one? & I felt like she was being too harsh on Alice & Jane. None of which was really the authors fault, it was just my perception of the heroine so I couldn’t find it in my heart to knock off any stars for this!
When the romance finally developed (after what felt like forever) it ended up being so, so beautiful, the best I’ve read yet & it’s what made me keep on reading & thankfully I wasn’t disappointed. Though, I do wish we got a scene of Will drawing phoebe, like he had the girls in his travel journal, a titanic -esque moment (but I guess we can’t have everything that we wish for! That would be greedy)
The background characters finally started to fade more into the background, where they belong, & will & phoebes relationship was the primary focus, which I’m so grateful for, I just wasn’t that interested, if at all, in anyone but will & phoebe, although I did like all of the characters.
By the end I was full on crying & my heart ached for the both of them (which is how you know when a romance is truly good) only to have me smiling again less than a paragraph later. I loved how everything was resolved, there was no loose ends, everything was tied up in a pretty satin bow, which I appreciated. Honestly I could go on forever about everything that I liked so I think I’ll end this review here & swiftly go & pick up another book by Julia London!
It seems like the only books that I’ve truly loved in historical romance thus far, have ‘viscount’ in the title 🤔 which leaves me curious... perhaps Julia London will change this for me in her other books. I can’t wait to find out!
I must confess that up until around 64% I wasn’t liking this book & I didn’t think that I would. It was very slow, the story didn’t really pick up until this point. there was a lot of characters that were involved that took up most of this time over Will & Phoebes relationship, which left me feeling so impatient & irritated, so much so that I actually put this book away & both started & finished another one instead. I’d never done this before so I really wasn’t certain if I’d return to this book but something just drew me back in & i’m SO glad! Maybe it’s because of the book I read in between starting & finishing this one, being not so great, that it made me perceive this one as amazing, I’m not sure. But what I am sure of is that I did a full 180 and will definitely be reading more from this author!
I also didn’t connect with the heroine up until this point. I felt that she complained too much, she was there to make dresses but yet she whined whenever she was told to make one? & I felt like she was being too harsh on Alice & Jane. None of which was really the authors fault, it was just my perception of the heroine so I couldn’t find it in my heart to knock off any stars for this!
When the romance finally developed (after what felt like forever) it ended up being so, so beautiful, the best I’ve read yet & it’s what made me keep on reading & thankfully I wasn’t disappointed. Though, I do wish we got a scene of Will drawing phoebe, like he had the girls in his travel journal, a titanic -esque moment (but I guess we can’t have everything that we wish for! That would be greedy)
The background characters finally started to fade more into the background, where they belong, & will & phoebes relationship was the primary focus, which I’m so grateful for, I just wasn’t that interested, if at all, in anyone but will & phoebe, although I did like all of the characters.
By the end I was full on crying & my heart ached for the both of them (which is how you know when a romance is truly good) only to have me smiling again less than a paragraph later. I loved how everything was resolved, there was no loose ends, everything was tied up in a pretty satin bow, which I appreciated. Honestly I could go on forever about everything that I liked so I think I’ll end this review here & swiftly go & pick up another book by Julia London!
It seems like the only books that I’ve truly loved in historical romance thus far, have ‘viscount’ in the title 🤔 which leaves me curious... perhaps Julia London will change this for me in her other books. I can’t wait to find out!
April 30, 2020
Lady Phoebe Fairchild es una dama de alta sociedad que por tragedias familiares se ve obligada a trabajar en una época en la que una mujer trabajando era una aberración y un insulto a la sociedad. Por eso adopta el nombre de Madame Dupree y se convierte en una aclamada, exclusiva y misteriosa modista.
.
Gracias a ella este libro se sostiene, porque además de tener un carácter y un aguante increíbles, es súper gentil y buena, aunque no perfecta porque tiende al prejuicio y la reacción rápida impensada. Si no fuera por Phoebe, este libro sería un horror que se cae a pedazos, porque el héroe y su familia, que cumple un rol muy importante en la trama, son un desastre.
.
Phoebe es extorsionada para ir a hacerle un montón de vestidos a las señoritas Darby, y mientras está de sirvienta en esa casa, el jefe de la familia, Visconde Summerfield, Will, le tira onda pensando que es una viuda de baja categoría. Pero, entre seducción y escándalo familiar, Will se enamora de Phoebe, aunque tenga que casarse con una dama de alta sociedad y ella definitivamente no es una... Wait... Sí lo es... Pero él no lo sabe y Phoebe, con razones, es muy celosa de su vida privada.
.
¡Pero qué exasperante!
.
Me costó engancharme con este libro por un montón de cuestiones personales que poco tenían que ver con el libro en sí. Más o menos por la mitad pude dejar de lado mis problemas y disfruté más esta novela, que no es malo, pero me enojaba mucho.
.
La familia del tipo es muy mierda la mayor parte de la historia, no tienen modales, no piensan racionalmente, y hasta maltratan a Phoebe con un sentimiento de superioridad aristocrática muy desagradable que usualmente está reservado para los antagonistas en los romances históricos.
.
Sin embargo, los personajes crecen y se desarrollan y cambian, y esa es mi gran debilidad.
.
Y el romance entre los protagonistas es 🔥🔥🔥 así que esa parte tiene mi mayor aprobación.
.
Gracias a ella este libro se sostiene, porque además de tener un carácter y un aguante increíbles, es súper gentil y buena, aunque no perfecta porque tiende al prejuicio y la reacción rápida impensada. Si no fuera por Phoebe, este libro sería un horror que se cae a pedazos, porque el héroe y su familia, que cumple un rol muy importante en la trama, son un desastre.
.
Phoebe es extorsionada para ir a hacerle un montón de vestidos a las señoritas Darby, y mientras está de sirvienta en esa casa, el jefe de la familia, Visconde Summerfield, Will, le tira onda pensando que es una viuda de baja categoría. Pero, entre seducción y escándalo familiar, Will se enamora de Phoebe, aunque tenga que casarse con una dama de alta sociedad y ella definitivamente no es una... Wait... Sí lo es... Pero él no lo sabe y Phoebe, con razones, es muy celosa de su vida privada.
.
¡Pero qué exasperante!
.
Me costó engancharme con este libro por un montón de cuestiones personales que poco tenían que ver con el libro en sí. Más o menos por la mitad pude dejar de lado mis problemas y disfruté más esta novela, que no es malo, pero me enojaba mucho.
.
La familia del tipo es muy mierda la mayor parte de la historia, no tienen modales, no piensan racionalmente, y hasta maltratan a Phoebe con un sentimiento de superioridad aristocrática muy desagradable que usualmente está reservado para los antagonistas en los romances históricos.
.
Sin embargo, los personajes crecen y se desarrollan y cambian, y esa es mi gran debilidad.
.
Y el romance entre los protagonistas es 🔥🔥🔥 así que esa parte tiene mi mayor aprobación.
February 3, 2020
La bonne société londonienne se pâme devant les créations de Madame Dupré, une styliste qui souhaite préserver son anonymat... car il s'agit en fait de lady Phoebe Fairchild. En raison d'un chantage fâcheux, elle doit se rendre à la campagne chez le vicomte de Summerfield pour fournir un trousseau digne de ce nom à ses deux sœurs.
Or, l'ambiance à Wentworth Hall est sens dessus dessous. William est de retour après des années de voyages, il découvre un domaine à l'abandon, son père est gravement malade, sa famille s'éparpille en manières grossières. Isolée dans son atelier, Phoebe est spectatrice de leurs disputes et supporte leurs caprices en serrant les dents. Le naturel prend cependant le dessus car elle ne tolère guère qu'on la sermonne ou la maltraite.
William a également convenu qu'il était temps pour lui de trouver une épouse. Sauf que la petite couturière lui a tapé dans l'œil et qu'il ne se gêne pas pour lui glisser quelques propositions indécentes. Outrée, la Phoebe ? Même pas.
Seulement voilà, j'ai été déçue par leur comportement, trop léger et volage. Ce n'est pas cohérent ! William est un goujat, comme le prouve sa réaction en apprenant le secret de Phoebe... laquelle est loin d'être aussi farouche et indépendante ! Juste une proie facile et une loque en larmes après avoir digéré la pilule. Bah non, ça ne prend pas avec moi.
Romance trop plate, trop tiède. Bof bof.
Or, l'ambiance à Wentworth Hall est sens dessus dessous. William est de retour après des années de voyages, il découvre un domaine à l'abandon, son père est gravement malade, sa famille s'éparpille en manières grossières. Isolée dans son atelier, Phoebe est spectatrice de leurs disputes et supporte leurs caprices en serrant les dents. Le naturel prend cependant le dessus car elle ne tolère guère qu'on la sermonne ou la maltraite.
William a également convenu qu'il était temps pour lui de trouver une épouse. Sauf que la petite couturière lui a tapé dans l'œil et qu'il ne se gêne pas pour lui glisser quelques propositions indécentes. Outrée, la Phoebe ? Même pas.
Seulement voilà, j'ai été déçue par leur comportement, trop léger et volage. Ce n'est pas cohérent ! William est un goujat, comme le prouve sa réaction en apprenant le secret de Phoebe... laquelle est loin d'être aussi farouche et indépendante ! Juste une proie facile et une loque en larmes après avoir digéré la pilule. Bah non, ça ne prend pas avec moi.
Romance trop plate, trop tiède. Bof bof.
September 7, 2022
I absolutely loved the first 80% of this book. I seem to be in the minority, but the buildup to the reveal of her real identity kept me turning pages until the end.
But what in world happened with all of the side stories? I was completely invested in Frieda's storyline and she got a equivalent of a 80s movie highlight reel update int he epilogue. I was positive Phoebe was going to take her in personally, but apparently living as a servant didn't teach her anything about compassion. It was strange. Alice barely had a wrap up or any kind of real vindication for being deceived by her love interest. Even Joshua was hastily relegated to a wrap up with no dialogue of his own. I just can't understand how the author could invest so much time with these characters and building up their stories only to drop them like they were insignificant.
But what in world happened with all of the side stories? I was completely invested in Frieda's storyline and she got a equivalent of a 80s movie highlight reel update int he epilogue. I was positive Phoebe was going to take her in personally, but apparently living as a servant didn't teach her anything about compassion. It was strange. Alice barely had a wrap up or any kind of real vindication for being deceived by her love interest. Even Joshua was hastily relegated to a wrap up with no dialogue of his own. I just can't understand how the author could invest so much time with these characters and building up their stories only to drop them like they were insignificant.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2017
Jesus Almight, how I've hated this lord! Summerfield is by far the most self-assured caracter that I ever seen and all the "do you know with whom you are talking to" maked me sick in so many levels throught the book that I was pleading that Phoebe get back to London and let this bastard alone. Ugh! The end is beautiful, but predictable. Maybe if Phoebe had dropped the commission and in some way Summerfield chase her in London and "WOW YOU ARE MADAME DUPREE?" and then discovered that she was a lady it would be much better. I am finished with Julia London books. Her caracters are annoying in a way that make me hate them the most of the book.
February 3, 2016
I did like this book, but there were times when it dragged on to let everyone know how wrong it is to judge people by the way they look. There was a long drawn out chapter ll about it, of which I could not see happening. But that is just me. Also the end of the book, it was too HEA... Almost cheesy. And the ending interlude.... talking through it was a little much. I never got a good feel for the hero character. I think some of the characters needed more development. I cant say I liked or disliked anyone.
July 13, 2020
I finished this book yesterday and have already forgotten about it.
It had such potential to be my particular catnip: Phoebe has an incredible talent, but is in a social position that makes that talent more of a liability. Will is unusual—a world traveler who could support her dreams and appreciate her for the amazing badass she is. However, for some reason that is never revealed to the reader, he’s so hung up on absolute truthfulness at all times that it nearly ends their Happily Ever After.
It had such potential to be my particular catnip: Phoebe has an incredible talent, but is in a social position that makes that talent more of a liability. Will is unusual—a world traveler who could support her dreams and appreciate her for the amazing badass she is. However, for some reason that is never revealed to the reader, he’s so hung up on absolute truthfulness at all times that it nearly ends their Happily Ever After.
January 25, 2021
Well, the best of the three, but the story of Will and Phoebe was still a little aggravating. London writes some blockheaded men!! Will returns from 6 years abroad to discover his family in tatters, his father has had a stroke and his brothers and sisters have become quite the unruly barbarians. Meanwhile, Phoebe, who had become a secret modiste when funds were short, is blackmailed into sewing a wardrobe for Will's sisters. The deception goes on for quite some time, and stupid Phoebe watches him courting and never tells him. Eventually of course, there is a happy ending.
January 28, 2021
Book 3, a lovely follow up to book 2 of The Desperate Debutants bu Julia London. Keeping secrets is never advisable even when they seem harmless and appear to solve a problem. Phoebe, the last of the 3 girls, left alone after their mother died and their stepfather took all of their inheritance. She had always loved to design beautiful gowns and make them herself. Unfortunately, the society at that time prohibited a Lady from working. It started out simply, but you know fate always has something up it’s sleeve. Read to see what happens to the mysterious French seamstress. ❤️
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