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Regency Silk & Scandal #6
Unlacing the Innocent Miss
Hardened thief-taker "Wolf" Wolversley has clawed his way out of the gutter to get where he is. No stranger to society's underbelly, he's met Rosalind Meadowfield's seemingly sweet type before.
Accused of a crime she didn't commit, fearful Rosalind begs Wolf not to turn her in. But Rosalind's fear soon turns to desire as the bitterness in Wolf's eyes turns to passion…. His touch is gentle for so fierce a man. Rosalind should be mortified by her wantonness. Instead, it's as if something else has taken over her body….
Accused of a crime she didn't commit, fearful Rosalind begs Wolf not to turn her in. But Rosalind's fear soon turns to desire as the bitterness in Wolf's eyes turns to passion…. His touch is gentle for so fierce a man. Rosalind should be mortified by her wantonness. Instead, it's as if something else has taken over her body….
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
9 people are currently reading
341 people want to read
About the author
Margaret McPhee
87 books51 followersThere is more than one author with this name
Margaret McPhee lives on the West Coast of Scotland with her husband and her pet rabbit called Gwinnie who, at eight years of age, is a grand old lady of the rabbit world. Margaret trained as a scientist, but was always a romantic at heart. She met her husband quite literally between science labs, on a staircase, which was an advantageous first meeting place given their difference in heights—Margaret is small—her husband, tall. It was love at first sight, despite the voluminous white coats, and they're still together fifteen years later.
As a child Margaret spent much of her time in an imaginary world. Her family always said she would grow out of it; she's still waiting. Romance entered the equation when she chanced upon one of her gran's Mills & Boon Historicals, and she never looked back. She's still reading them, but at least she now buys her own! Fortunately for Margaret her school library held a shelfful of old donated Georgette Heyer books. Be still her beating teenage heart. Her view on romance was skewed forever—dashing rakes in buckskin pantaloons and riding boots figure in it somewhere!
Margaret wrote two manuscripts and suffered numerous rejections from publishers and agents before joining the Romantic Novelists Association. A further two manuscripts later and with help from the Romantic Novelists Association's new writers' scheme, the regency romance The Captain's Lady was born.
Margaret enjoys cycling, tea and cakes (although not necessarily in that order), and loves exploring the beautiful scenery and wildlife of the islands of Scotland with her husband. She is ever hopeful that one day she will be lucky enough to see a basking shark in the Firth of Clyde, and a sea eagle in Skye.
Margaret McPhee lives on the West Coast of Scotland with her husband and her pet rabbit called Gwinnie who, at eight years of age, is a grand old lady of the rabbit world. Margaret trained as a scientist, but was always a romantic at heart. She met her husband quite literally between science labs, on a staircase, which was an advantageous first meeting place given their difference in heights—Margaret is small—her husband, tall. It was love at first sight, despite the voluminous white coats, and they're still together fifteen years later.
As a child Margaret spent much of her time in an imaginary world. Her family always said she would grow out of it; she's still waiting. Romance entered the equation when she chanced upon one of her gran's Mills & Boon Historicals, and she never looked back. She's still reading them, but at least she now buys her own! Fortunately for Margaret her school library held a shelfful of old donated Georgette Heyer books. Be still her beating teenage heart. Her view on romance was skewed forever—dashing rakes in buckskin pantaloons and riding boots figure in it somewhere!
Margaret wrote two manuscripts and suffered numerous rejections from publishers and agents before joining the Romantic Novelists Association. A further two manuscripts later and with help from the Romantic Novelists Association's new writers' scheme, the regency romance The Captain's Lady was born.
Margaret enjoys cycling, tea and cakes (although not necessarily in that order), and loves exploring the beautiful scenery and wildlife of the islands of Scotland with her husband. She is ever hopeful that one day she will be lucky enough to see a basking shark in the Firth of Clyde, and a sea eagle in Skye.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
January 7, 2011
Although the plot to this story isn't particularly unique or surprising, I really enjoyed reading it. The writing is spare on dialogue, but the descriptive style is just fabulous. We learn about the hero and heroine at the same time as they learn about each other, which builds the tension beautifully and just sucks you in. You can almost reach out and touch the tension, and smell the fear, and I could actually believe that they chose to keep their secrets from each other - in most HRs, when the hero/heroine withholds some Great Truth about themselves, it doesn't usually work, and I end up shouting "Just tell him/her, will you!" I don't know how, but it just worked here. Maybe because the author spent so much time building in the atmosphere, and focusing on the main characters' reactions to each other.
Anyway. 4 stars. Great read, and will definitely check out the rest of this series, although I'm not quite sure about the title - it doesn't describe any aspect of the story at all..
Anyway. 4 stars. Great read, and will definitely check out the rest of this series, although I'm not quite sure about the title - it doesn't describe any aspect of the story at all..
December 21, 2020
A highly disinterested DNF (pg 50)...because I just don’t care enough to push on.
Normally I wouldn’t give 2 stars for barely attaining the 50-page threshold, but I’m trying to make allowance for what the book is vs. what I like to read. It’s a Regency road trip, essentially—neither of which I’m especially keen on, which leaves the MCs & the Silk & Scandal backdrop to hold my attention—but I’m so over both. There’s nothing really wrong with Rosalind & Wolf, but there’s nothing unique either...so who cares? Furthermore, the mystery about the Gypsy and/or killer continues to mush around, hampered in every installment with predictable (also repetitive) “revelations” & the unbelievably basic nature of the past murder. WTF did this need 8 freakin’ books?! To allow all 8+ freakin’ kids to find HEAs, I guess, but the R U SRS??!! obviousness of the mystery villain is so aggravating & lame.
And on that note, I’m pleased to be done with the Silk & Scandal books. I liked the concept, but the execution just didn’t work.
Normally I wouldn’t give 2 stars for barely attaining the 50-page threshold, but I’m trying to make allowance for what the book is vs. what I like to read. It’s a Regency road trip, essentially—neither of which I’m especially keen on, which leaves the MCs & the Silk & Scandal backdrop to hold my attention—but I’m so over both. There’s nothing really wrong with Rosalind & Wolf, but there’s nothing unique either...so who cares? Furthermore, the mystery about the Gypsy and/or killer continues to mush around, hampered in every installment with predictable (also repetitive) “revelations” & the unbelievably basic nature of the past murder. WTF did this need 8 freakin’ books?! To allow all 8+ freakin’ kids to find HEAs, I guess, but the R U SRS??!! obviousness of the mystery villain is so aggravating & lame.
And on that note, I’m pleased to be done with the Silk & Scandal books. I liked the concept, but the execution just didn’t work.
December 29, 2011
A few weeks ago I reviewed my first Harlequin romance novel and was not the biggest fan. Some of my twitter friends who had read my review convinced me to give it another go. I ordered some free books from the Harlequin ‘Silk and Scandal’ series and have to tell you that I was pleasantly surprised. Unlacing the Innocent Miss by Margaret McPhee is the sixth book in the ‘Silk and Scandal’ series, and reads as a stand-alone.
Rosalind Meadowfield lives in constant fear. Terrified that she will be discovered as the daughter of a man who has been hung for being a thief, she wills away her days as a lady’s companion. However even this guise can’t save her, as her employer’s necklace goes missing and she is tagged as the prime suspect. Even though she is not the actual thief, she runs away to evade capture so as not to face the same fate as her father. Alas, she does not escape and is captured by “Wolf” Wolversley, the famous thief-taker who is tasked with bringing such people into captivity. Interestingly, as they travel back to London, Wolf begins to understand that there is more to Rosalind then meets the eye, and he begins to doubt his better judgement in bringing her in for a reward. Even as Wolf begins to realize this, Rosalind cannot catch a break as the black cloud that has been following her ever since the beginning of the novel rears its ugly head and makes things even more complicated. What will happen between Rosalind and Wolf? Will she be saved from the fate of her father?
As I said earlier, I was pleasantly surprised with this novel! The fact that the entire plot didn’t revolve around sex scenes may have helped. The last Harlequin novel I read was literally just sex scenes with a story around it. Unlacing the Innocent Miss actually had a decent story idea that was filled with twists and turns all over the place. The sex scenes that are contained within the novel are placed in appropriate places, and are written in a tasteful manner that makes them part of the plot movement.
The characters were also intriguing and easy to follow along with. From what I understand, certain characters in this novel have appeared in one or more of the 5 prior books in the series. Each book can stand alone, but they have a central mystery that flows between all of them. I’m planning on reading the entire series now that I’ve read book 6 and 7. I’m interested in seeing how the central mystery of the series appears with more information and facts. It’s already full of danger, murder, and spies, and that’s just the little knowledge I have from these two books!
I’m still shocked that I liked a Harlequin romance novel, especially after my critical thoughts on His Lady Mistress. If all of their romance novels could start with a plot and focus on filling in the details of the story before writing anything else in the way of seductive passages, we would all be better off. Many accolades to McPhee for taking the high road on this one and building the story from the ground up.
Kimberly (Reflections of a Book Addict)
http://wp.me/p18lIL-IS
Rosalind Meadowfield lives in constant fear. Terrified that she will be discovered as the daughter of a man who has been hung for being a thief, she wills away her days as a lady’s companion. However even this guise can’t save her, as her employer’s necklace goes missing and she is tagged as the prime suspect. Even though she is not the actual thief, she runs away to evade capture so as not to face the same fate as her father. Alas, she does not escape and is captured by “Wolf” Wolversley, the famous thief-taker who is tasked with bringing such people into captivity. Interestingly, as they travel back to London, Wolf begins to understand that there is more to Rosalind then meets the eye, and he begins to doubt his better judgement in bringing her in for a reward. Even as Wolf begins to realize this, Rosalind cannot catch a break as the black cloud that has been following her ever since the beginning of the novel rears its ugly head and makes things even more complicated. What will happen between Rosalind and Wolf? Will she be saved from the fate of her father?
As I said earlier, I was pleasantly surprised with this novel! The fact that the entire plot didn’t revolve around sex scenes may have helped. The last Harlequin novel I read was literally just sex scenes with a story around it. Unlacing the Innocent Miss actually had a decent story idea that was filled with twists and turns all over the place. The sex scenes that are contained within the novel are placed in appropriate places, and are written in a tasteful manner that makes them part of the plot movement.
The characters were also intriguing and easy to follow along with. From what I understand, certain characters in this novel have appeared in one or more of the 5 prior books in the series. Each book can stand alone, but they have a central mystery that flows between all of them. I’m planning on reading the entire series now that I’ve read book 6 and 7. I’m interested in seeing how the central mystery of the series appears with more information and facts. It’s already full of danger, murder, and spies, and that’s just the little knowledge I have from these two books!
I’m still shocked that I liked a Harlequin romance novel, especially after my critical thoughts on His Lady Mistress. If all of their romance novels could start with a plot and focus on filling in the details of the story before writing anything else in the way of seductive passages, we would all be better off. Many accolades to McPhee for taking the high road on this one and building the story from the ground up.
Kimberly (Reflections of a Book Addict)
http://wp.me/p18lIL-IS
September 1, 2016
Alright, so first: forget the title. It doesn't describe the story or characters at all, so in a couple months if you want to recommend this book to someone you won't remember the title, and I already know at some point in the future I'll find it on my e-reader and I'll be like "Uh, what was that about?"
And that's a shame because the book is quite good! I love the whole Silk & Scandal series, which has been written by several authors and so has quite a nice variety of characters and plots, while maintaining the same common thread. If you've read the rest of the series, you might get a bit tired at this point by new characters having to find out about what you already know. This book seems to bring little to that bigger plot at first, since it all happens far away from the other characters we followed, but the ending ties in a lot of things more than in the previous books, and gives us a nice insight into a character I love very much.
This is Rosalind Wardale's story, the hanged nobleman's older daughter (Nathan and Nell's sister). She has been estranged from her siblings for years, working as a paid companion, when she gets accused of stealing jewelry from her employer. She flees to avoid the old scandal coming back to haunt her, but she is pursued by two very determined men: Stephano/Stephen the revengeful gypsy, and a thief taker hired to bring her to justice, Wolf.
Rosalind and Wolf are both very proud characters, which, added to their opposing interests in this matter, explains how much they keep from each other for most of the book - either believing that it's none of the other's business, that the other wouldn't believe them anyway, or that it would give them an edge over them. We learn things about each character as the other does - even though we do know a bit more about Rosalind to begin with, if we have read the other books of the series.
A good book, not my favourite in this series (that would be Paying the Virgin's Price, The Viscount and the Virgin and The Smuggler and the Society Bride), but I really loved the ending, which makes it a serious contender.
And that's a shame because the book is quite good! I love the whole Silk & Scandal series, which has been written by several authors and so has quite a nice variety of characters and plots, while maintaining the same common thread. If you've read the rest of the series, you might get a bit tired at this point by new characters having to find out about what you already know. This book seems to bring little to that bigger plot at first, since it all happens far away from the other characters we followed, but the ending ties in a lot of things more than in the previous books, and gives us a nice insight into a character I love very much.
This is Rosalind Wardale's story, the hanged nobleman's older daughter (Nathan and Nell's sister). She has been estranged from her siblings for years, working as a paid companion, when she gets accused of stealing jewelry from her employer. She flees to avoid the old scandal coming back to haunt her, but she is pursued by two very determined men: Stephano/Stephen the revengeful gypsy, and a thief taker hired to bring her to justice, Wolf.
Rosalind and Wolf are both very proud characters, which, added to their opposing interests in this matter, explains how much they keep from each other for most of the book - either believing that it's none of the other's business, that the other wouldn't believe them anyway, or that it would give them an edge over them. We learn things about each character as the other does - even though we do know a bit more about Rosalind to begin with, if we have read the other books of the series.
A good book, not my favourite in this series (that would be Paying the Virgin's Price, The Viscount and the Virgin and The Smuggler and the Society Bride), but I really loved the ending, which makes it a serious contender.
February 25, 2011
This review can also be found at http://scorchingbookreviews.blogspot....
Normally I don't deal well with historical romances. The manhood and womanhood references annoy me too much and the heaving boosoms and restricted corsets make me cringe. However, this book completely blew me away!
Rosalind is a woman with secrets. Fearing they will be revealed when her employer falsely accuses her of stealing some jewels from his mother, she runs away from her current life, in the dead of the night, to try to start afresh elsewhere. Wolf is a "thief-taker" which, in simple terms, means that he is an old school bounty hunter employed by Rosalinds employer to track her down. He is a man with a difficult past who hates everything that she is but cant help but be drawn to her. She is a woman who finds love at a very inopportune time with the very man she needs to escape from.
I loved this book but I started reading it with preconceptions about a genre I obviously haven't given a fair shot to. The language was consistant and realistic to the time-period of the setting and I have to say that it is very well written. McPhee creates realistic and relatable characters who you actively root for. Wolf is pretty dreamy; give me a hero with grey eyes and Im hooked no matter what he does! He starts the tale as a hard man with mission, but quickly melts as his feelings for Rosalind start to blossom. The scenes where he tries to distance himself from her, as he believes his status is so much lower to hers, are very emotional. With all his selfless (if not stupid) actions he carved himself a place in my heart. Rosalind was a strong willed woman who just wanted to escape the tarnish of her family name and be treated fairly. They were a couple I wanted to succeed.
The sex scenes were obviously infrequent (it is set in the 1800's!) but they are fabulously steamy without ever being overly graphic. They are an expression of love within this context, not simply pleasure, so it was only right that they weren't smutty! The ending was unexpected yet perfect as all the puzzle pieces fell into place.
A fabulous romp!
Normally I don't deal well with historical romances. The manhood and womanhood references annoy me too much and the heaving boosoms and restricted corsets make me cringe. However, this book completely blew me away!
Rosalind is a woman with secrets. Fearing they will be revealed when her employer falsely accuses her of stealing some jewels from his mother, she runs away from her current life, in the dead of the night, to try to start afresh elsewhere. Wolf is a "thief-taker" which, in simple terms, means that he is an old school bounty hunter employed by Rosalinds employer to track her down. He is a man with a difficult past who hates everything that she is but cant help but be drawn to her. She is a woman who finds love at a very inopportune time with the very man she needs to escape from.
I loved this book but I started reading it with preconceptions about a genre I obviously haven't given a fair shot to. The language was consistant and realistic to the time-period of the setting and I have to say that it is very well written. McPhee creates realistic and relatable characters who you actively root for. Wolf is pretty dreamy; give me a hero with grey eyes and Im hooked no matter what he does! He starts the tale as a hard man with mission, but quickly melts as his feelings for Rosalind start to blossom. The scenes where he tries to distance himself from her, as he believes his status is so much lower to hers, are very emotional. With all his selfless (if not stupid) actions he carved himself a place in my heart. Rosalind was a strong willed woman who just wanted to escape the tarnish of her family name and be treated fairly. They were a couple I wanted to succeed.
The sex scenes were obviously infrequent (it is set in the 1800's!) but they are fabulously steamy without ever being overly graphic. They are an expression of love within this context, not simply pleasure, so it was only right that they weren't smutty! The ending was unexpected yet perfect as all the puzzle pieces fell into place.
A fabulous romp!
December 26, 2010
This book ended up so differently than what I expected from the title! Our heroine might be innocent, butnot in all of the worldly ways!
This book gets five stars from me. First off, it is really well written. McPhee really knows how to write. There were no awkward scenes or moments when I had to say "wait, that makes no sense".
Secondly, the plot flowed so well from moment to momnent. I was wonder how a week-long jouney through English-countryside could be 300 pages, but they flew by so fast!
The characters were also amazing. Rosalind, our heroine, is very understandable, and although we don't know her full story (there are actually a lot of details missing at first, which we get told as the story progresses) it still makes us sympathy with her and want to chuck Wolf over the head for being so adament while helping Rosalind to escape.
On that note, fourthly, Rosalind's many escape attempts didn't annoy me. In most other books her character would have irked me so much, but she was logical and thourough; just my kind of gal.
On a fifth note, the character of Wolf also had depths. One of the main themes was "no one is who they seem" and Wolf definitly fit that. I loved reading about him! Physically he was amazing, but also emotionally and other -lys made him a wonderful character.
Sixthly, there were recurring themes throughout the story. One really came out strongly in the end (although it was there the whole time) about fathers, and what our parents generation leaves us. Another was "true love" as we know it from a princess bride. And there were many more that McPhee tied intoned story.
Seventh off, I loved the setting. 1800's England is my most favorite place and McPhee really displayed this! Not only were the physical characteristcs there (horses, ostlers, inns, etc) but also the psychological ones (I am remembering a scene where Wolf was binding Rosalinds feet, and then touched her legs; even looking at them was taboo!) and all the turns of phrase were acurate.
Last of all, usually books like this lay heavy on the sex scenes, but this isn't the case here. The two that are described with a bit more details are very important to the story but they aren't overlly explicit. It just fit, just like everything else.
This book gets five stars from me. First off, it is really well written. McPhee really knows how to write. There were no awkward scenes or moments when I had to say "wait, that makes no sense".
Secondly, the plot flowed so well from moment to momnent. I was wonder how a week-long jouney through English-countryside could be 300 pages, but they flew by so fast!
The characters were also amazing. Rosalind, our heroine, is very understandable, and although we don't know her full story (there are actually a lot of details missing at first, which we get told as the story progresses) it still makes us sympathy with her and want to chuck Wolf over the head for being so adament while helping Rosalind to escape.
On that note, fourthly, Rosalind's many escape attempts didn't annoy me. In most other books her character would have irked me so much, but she was logical and thourough; just my kind of gal.
On a fifth note, the character of Wolf also had depths. One of the main themes was "no one is who they seem" and Wolf definitly fit that. I loved reading about him! Physically he was amazing, but also emotionally and other -lys made him a wonderful character.
Sixthly, there were recurring themes throughout the story. One really came out strongly in the end (although it was there the whole time) about fathers, and what our parents generation leaves us. Another was "true love" as we know it from a princess bride. And there were many more that McPhee tied intoned story.
Seventh off, I loved the setting. 1800's England is my most favorite place and McPhee really displayed this! Not only were the physical characteristcs there (horses, ostlers, inns, etc) but also the psychological ones (I am remembering a scene where Wolf was binding Rosalinds feet, and then touched her legs; even looking at them was taboo!) and all the turns of phrase were acurate.
Last of all, usually books like this lay heavy on the sex scenes, but this isn't the case here. The two that are described with a bit more details are very important to the story but they aren't overlly explicit. It just fit, just like everything else.
February 17, 2011
Normally I don't deal well with historical romances. The manhood and womanhood references annoy me too much and the heaving boosoms and restricted corsets make me cringe. However, this book completely blew me away!
Rosalind is a woman with secrets. Fearing they will be revealed when her employer falsely accuses her of stealing some jewels from his mother, she runs away from her current life, in the dead of the night, to try to start afresh elsewhere. Wolf is a "thief-taker" which, in simple terms, means that he is an old school bounty hunter employed by Rosalinds employer to track her down. He is a man with a difficult past who hates everything that she is but cant help but be drawn to her. She is a woman who finds love at a very inopportune time with the very man she needs to escape from.
I loved this book but I started reading it with preconceptions about a genre I obviously haven't given a fair shot to. The language was consistant and realistic to the time-period of the setting and I have to say that it is very well written. McPhee creates realistic and relatable characters who you actively root for. Wolf is pretty dreamy; give me a hero with grey eyes and Im hooked no matter what he does! He starts the tale as a hard man with mission, but quickly melts as his feelings for Rosalind start to blossom. The scenes where he tries to distance himself from her, as he believes his status is so much lower to hers, are very emotional. With all his selfless (if not stupid) actions he carved himself a place in my heart. Rosalind was a strong willed woman who just wanted to escape the tarnish of her family name and be treated fairly. They were a couple I wanted to succeed.
The sex scenes were obviously infrequent (it is set in the 1800's!) but they are fabulously steamy without ever being overly graphic. They are an expression of love within this context, not simply pleasure, so it was only right that they weren't smutty! The ending was unexpected yet perfect as all the puzzle pieces fell into place.
Rosalind is a woman with secrets. Fearing they will be revealed when her employer falsely accuses her of stealing some jewels from his mother, she runs away from her current life, in the dead of the night, to try to start afresh elsewhere. Wolf is a "thief-taker" which, in simple terms, means that he is an old school bounty hunter employed by Rosalinds employer to track her down. He is a man with a difficult past who hates everything that she is but cant help but be drawn to her. She is a woman who finds love at a very inopportune time with the very man she needs to escape from.
I loved this book but I started reading it with preconceptions about a genre I obviously haven't given a fair shot to. The language was consistant and realistic to the time-period of the setting and I have to say that it is very well written. McPhee creates realistic and relatable characters who you actively root for. Wolf is pretty dreamy; give me a hero with grey eyes and Im hooked no matter what he does! He starts the tale as a hard man with mission, but quickly melts as his feelings for Rosalind start to blossom. The scenes where he tries to distance himself from her, as he believes his status is so much lower to hers, are very emotional. With all his selfless (if not stupid) actions he carved himself a place in my heart. Rosalind was a strong willed woman who just wanted to escape the tarnish of her family name and be treated fairly. They were a couple I wanted to succeed.
The sex scenes were obviously infrequent (it is set in the 1800's!) but they are fabulously steamy without ever being overly graphic. They are an expression of love within this context, not simply pleasure, so it was only right that they weren't smutty! The ending was unexpected yet perfect as all the puzzle pieces fell into place.
November 30, 2013
Honestly, first impression, I didn't care if and when I would read this novel.
Summary sounded ok but eh.
I only decided to read this book because I wanted a quick read for the day.
To my surprise, I'm glad I read it.
It was an adorable love story.
She's a prisoner, she escapes, she gets caught. Repeat.
The storyline seems predictable, redundant...and it was BUT what I love the most about the book was the relationship between the 2 main characters. Maybe it's just me being cheesy but I found their love really cute. It's not rated R, which I usually prefer but I think it's a perfect intro to harlequin historical romance. Just enough to get you to continue reading and not too much steam to scare you off.
I gave it a 5 stars because I can't get over the romance between Wolf and Rosalind.
If I can't get a romance/couple out of my head, it earned a place in my 5 star slot.
I'm not a 5 star junkie, but I will hand it out just because I've fallen in love with something hidden in between the pages.
Summary sounded ok but eh.
I only decided to read this book because I wanted a quick read for the day.
To my surprise, I'm glad I read it.
It was an adorable love story.
She's a prisoner, she escapes, she gets caught. Repeat.
The storyline seems predictable, redundant...and it was BUT what I love the most about the book was the relationship between the 2 main characters. Maybe it's just me being cheesy but I found their love really cute. It's not rated R, which I usually prefer but I think it's a perfect intro to harlequin historical romance. Just enough to get you to continue reading and not too much steam to scare you off.
I gave it a 5 stars because I can't get over the romance between Wolf and Rosalind.
If I can't get a romance/couple out of my head, it earned a place in my 5 star slot.
I'm not a 5 star junkie, but I will hand it out just because I've fallen in love with something hidden in between the pages.
April 28, 2018
I love Margaret Mcphee and again she does not disappoint. This is another gem hidden under a another cheesy Mills and Boon Title. This book should have been a 5 star read so why just the 4. This is because the premise is shared with other authors, and as such, certain aspects of the plot are not fully explored in the one book, leaving each story somewhat lacking. I also agree with another reviewer who thought that the character of the villain, Stephen Hebdon, was not consistent between authors. Had McPhee written this as a stand alone and been able to tie up certain loose ends, this would have been a five star read. McPhee, however still remains one of my favourite's.
March 2, 2018
Good heavens. How many times is she going to run away and get caught? Had promise and fell flat.
August 31, 2020
Inizio ad avere qualche sospetto su chi possa essere il vero colpevole, ma mi manca ancora il contesto
April 16, 2018
A good story of cops and robbers, set in a historical setting. I quite liked it.
January 8, 2018
Harlequin Regency silk and scandal series. Story about the sins of the father 20 years prior gypsy curse being visited on their children. Wardal children - nell, nathan and rosalind; Hebden children Imogen, Stephen ( Nadya gypsy half sister) Carlow children Marcus, Hal, Honoria and Verity
#1 The lord and the Wayward Lady Louise Allen - Marcus and Nell’s story
#2 Paying the Virgin’s price by Christine Merrill - Nathan and Diana’s story
#3 The Smuggler and the society bride by Julia Justice -Hawk and Honoria’s story
#4 Claiming the Forbidden Bride by Gayle Wilson - Rhys and Nadya
#5 The viscount and the virgin by Annie Burrows Monty and Imogen
#6 Unlacing the Innocent miss by Margaret McPhee - wolf and Rosalind’s story
#7 The officer and the Proper Lady by Louise Allen - Hal and Julia’s story
#8 Taken by the wicked rake by Christine Merrill - Verity and Stephan
#1 The lord and the Wayward Lady Louise Allen - Marcus and Nell’s story
#2 Paying the Virgin’s price by Christine Merrill - Nathan and Diana’s story
#3 The Smuggler and the society bride by Julia Justice -Hawk and Honoria’s story
#4 Claiming the Forbidden Bride by Gayle Wilson - Rhys and Nadya
#5 The viscount and the virgin by Annie Burrows Monty and Imogen
#6 Unlacing the Innocent miss by Margaret McPhee - wolf and Rosalind’s story
#7 The officer and the Proper Lady by Louise Allen - Hal and Julia’s story
#8 Taken by the wicked rake by Christine Merrill - Verity and Stephan
December 27, 2010
It's kinda a running joke (and I know I've mentioned this before) that I'm the least emotional person EVER when it comes to books and movies. Things will move me, don't get me wrong, but they don't move me to tears or anything. Guys, it must have been a stressful holiday or something because I was way over identifying with the poor main character. There were tears. Actual tears. And now that I'm looking back on it, I really don't think I should have been sobbing over this girl's isolation from society and the way people immediately believe the worst of her. Seriously.
The beginning of the book totally captured me (see above re: the crying and over-identifying) and I couldn't stop reading it. Then I got to the end and it was satisfying and I went to bed. I swear to you that when I woke up this morning I had to consciously try to remember the ending. It's like it fell out of my head in the middle of the night. Weird. Really weird. Especially considering how the beginning of the book left me a soggy mess.
I guess I'm trying to say that I totally dug this book for reasons I can't figure out. The characters were fun, but they weren't so astoundingly awesome that I couldn't shake them from my head (like Terrible and Chess from Stacia Kane's Downside Ghosts series). I just don't know why I was crying like a baby while reading this. I wasn't actually 'crying like a baby'. More like a soft and heartfelt sobbing. Quietly. It was moist without being wet. And that's kinda gross somehow.
Anyway. It's a Harlequin Historical so the sex is present but not overly graphic. I liked the idea behind the Thief-Takers a lot. I'm just confused at how this one affected me.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
The beginning of the book totally captured me (see above re: the crying and over-identifying) and I couldn't stop reading it. Then I got to the end and it was satisfying and I went to bed. I swear to you that when I woke up this morning I had to consciously try to remember the ending. It's like it fell out of my head in the middle of the night. Weird. Really weird. Especially considering how the beginning of the book left me a soggy mess.
I guess I'm trying to say that I totally dug this book for reasons I can't figure out. The characters were fun, but they weren't so astoundingly awesome that I couldn't shake them from my head (like Terrible and Chess from Stacia Kane's Downside Ghosts series). I just don't know why I was crying like a baby while reading this. I wasn't actually 'crying like a baby'. More like a soft and heartfelt sobbing. Quietly. It was moist without being wet. And that's kinda gross somehow.
Anyway. It's a Harlequin Historical so the sex is present but not overly graphic. I liked the idea behind the Thief-Takers a lot. I'm just confused at how this one affected me.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
September 7, 2015
This has been well-reviewed elsewhere, so I always feel a bit embarrassed that I haven't found the same delights. I have a bit of a problem with the plot premise, and this quotation covers a couple of my issues with the book -
"How dare you?" she gasped. "You have no right to touch me!"
His pale gaze slid to hers. "We have already been through this, but I'll remind you as you seem to have forgotten. Until we reach London, you are under my control - completely and absolutely."
She glared at him.
Firstly, I personally don't go for plots based on His domination of Her. It normally brings out the bully in Him, and makes a victim of Her. If She's not a victim, then She probably embarks on a lot of vaguely stupid ways of escaping. Neither approach makes it easy for a relationship of equals to develop.
In the hands of a skilled writer, it can be different, but I found the excerpt here to be fairly typical - the writing is clichéd ("how dare you?" etc) and lacks wit. The book is one of a series, each story revealing part of an old tragedy whose reverberations are still felt, but not fully understood. In part this also affects this book - the sense of an uncompleted narrative is unsettling.
So, all in all, not my style.
"How dare you?" she gasped. "You have no right to touch me!"
His pale gaze slid to hers. "We have already been through this, but I'll remind you as you seem to have forgotten. Until we reach London, you are under my control - completely and absolutely."
She glared at him.
Firstly, I personally don't go for plots based on His domination of Her. It normally brings out the bully in Him, and makes a victim of Her. If She's not a victim, then She probably embarks on a lot of vaguely stupid ways of escaping. Neither approach makes it easy for a relationship of equals to develop.
In the hands of a skilled writer, it can be different, but I found the excerpt here to be fairly typical - the writing is clichéd ("how dare you?" etc) and lacks wit. The book is one of a series, each story revealing part of an old tragedy whose reverberations are still felt, but not fully understood. In part this also affects this book - the sense of an uncompleted narrative is unsettling.
So, all in all, not my style.
December 18, 2010
This is essentially a "road trip" book, one of those where one party has arrested the other. Not my favorite plot, but it's well done.
The heroine is one of the daughters of a man accused and hanged for treason 20 years ago. She's working as a companion under an assumed name, when her employer's diamonds are planted in her belongings along with a silk rope tied in a noose. She's accused of the crime, but before the constable is sent for, she comes into possession of a letter that her employer's son, an earl, will want kept silent. She escapes out the window and runs to Scotland, in hopes of finding employment there. But when she arrives, a thief taker--the hero--is waiting for her. He hates snooty rich aristocrats, and has been told she is one of them, and is determined to take her back to justice. There's a lot of escape attempts and the hero bringing her back. There's a subsidiary villain the heroine tries to escape with. The hero finally believes the heroine isn't what he's been told, and decides to investigate further--and things turn out right in the end. It's a nice read.
The heroine is one of the daughters of a man accused and hanged for treason 20 years ago. She's working as a companion under an assumed name, when her employer's diamonds are planted in her belongings along with a silk rope tied in a noose. She's accused of the crime, but before the constable is sent for, she comes into possession of a letter that her employer's son, an earl, will want kept silent. She escapes out the window and runs to Scotland, in hopes of finding employment there. But when she arrives, a thief taker--the hero--is waiting for her. He hates snooty rich aristocrats, and has been told she is one of them, and is determined to take her back to justice. There's a lot of escape attempts and the hero bringing her back. There's a subsidiary villain the heroine tries to escape with. The hero finally believes the heroine isn't what he's been told, and decides to investigate further--and things turn out right in the end. It's a nice read.
February 19, 2013
I expected not to care much about this one, but it turned out to be one of the best in the Silk & Scandal series. The hero and heroine are both complex and well-drawn. The conflicts that come up to block their romance seem far less contrived than the usual romance novel fare, and they deal with them in ways that are mostly intelligent and not maddening. And I do love a good abduction story, and this one has plenty of grumbling and growling and threatening to truss a lady and throw her over the back of a horse, etc. The sex scenes are well-written and unobtrusive, if a bit snoozy.
This book feels a little detached from the main series mystery, but has a supplemental one that is very nicely plotted. The secondary villain is very slimy indeed, and managed to get me to second-guess my initial suspicion of him several times before revealing himself. Overall, it's a great standalone and a worthy entry in the series.
This book feels a little detached from the main series mystery, but has a supplemental one that is very nicely plotted. The secondary villain is very slimy indeed, and managed to get me to second-guess my initial suspicion of him several times before revealing himself. Overall, it's a great standalone and a worthy entry in the series.
May 18, 2013
I wasn't expecting a lot from this novel but actually it wasn't bad at all. The plot was pretty standard for a Regency Romance with a few issues thrown in to make it interesting.
A lot of writers in this genre make their heroines a bit world-wise and stubborn and it is this that catches the eye of their hero in a ton full of simpering girls. Rosalind however was incredibly naive and she annoyed me endlessly with her trusting nature despite having learnt long ago that the world was a dark place.
Wolf was a standard, tall, dark, handsome and mysterious Hero whose misguided notions only frustrated me because I wanted the couple to just get together and stay together, and he was ruining this completely.
The book was really well-written and enjoyable, I connected with the lead characters because they were so well presented by McPhee, and I would probably read another by this author.
A lot of writers in this genre make their heroines a bit world-wise and stubborn and it is this that catches the eye of their hero in a ton full of simpering girls. Rosalind however was incredibly naive and she annoyed me endlessly with her trusting nature despite having learnt long ago that the world was a dark place.
Wolf was a standard, tall, dark, handsome and mysterious Hero whose misguided notions only frustrated me because I wanted the couple to just get together and stay together, and he was ruining this completely.
The book was really well-written and enjoyable, I connected with the lead characters because they were so well presented by McPhee, and I would probably read another by this author.
February 3, 2011
This was my first Harlequin historical as well as the first book by this author, and I have to admit there were elements of this that seemed almost like a old-school romance to me, in the way that the hero was so angry and stubbornly set against the heroine, yetwas drawn towards her against his will. However, I loved the way it was written. This is no light and fluffy regency romance, there was real angst in both the protagonists back-story that fleshed them out for me and made them seem real and likeable. They were characters that I wanted to share not only their literal journey but also their emotional one.
On a side note, I quite liked the fact that the book took so long in the journey. I know a lot of that was taken up in the escape attempts, but it seemed indicative to me of how long a real journey from north Scotland to London may have taken on horseback / foot :-)
On a side note, I quite liked the fact that the book took so long in the journey. I know a lot of that was taken up in the escape attempts, but it seemed indicative to me of how long a real journey from north Scotland to London may have taken on horseback / foot :-)
October 14, 2012
Really liked this one. Made me feel back on track and closer to finding out who the real spy is, though I have a very good idea since the very first book and, given the findings on this story, I feel that I'm not at all mistaken. The only disappointment for me was that, I figured out Wolf's story and parentage without a lot of thought and, when the contents of the letter were revealed, I knew for a fact where we were heading. Nonetheless, this is a nice book, loved the way it was written and the characters. My first read by Ms. McPhee and, even though it held no mystery for me, did not disappoint as part of the series.
December 5, 2012
I cannot believe how much I enjoyed this book. Based on the title, cover, and back cover copy, I expected to throw the book down in disgust. Instead, I got sucked into an interesting and emotional story with plenty of intrigue. I cared about the main characters. I enjoyed the secondary characters. And though I had a few questions niggling in my mind (why, exactly, did the footman accompany them on the journey? Does Wolf really have to assume the worst of Rosalind at every turn? Really?) while I read the book, ultimately the emotional ride this story took me on more than made up for it.
Thanks Kim!
Thanks Kim!
January 24, 2011
She's the daughter of a man unjustly accused of murder and hanged. Her mother and sister barely survive and she leaves in order to take financial pressure off of them. She, in turn, is accused of being a thief and makes a run for Scotland only to be apprehended by a bounty-hunter (called thief-takers in that society). A rather complicated story but a very romantic one as well. Lots of social speed bumps on the road to true love that never seem to go away in this story but that is just one of the aspects of this novel that kept me reading to the end. I enjoyed it very much.
October 24, 2010
Part of the Silk & Scandal series.
Rosalind is Wardale but has been living under a different name to avoid the scandal of her father, who was hung for supposed murder.
Stephen is still continuing his reign to ruin all those connected with his father's death.
Rosalind has been working as a companion to an elderly lady. She is set up and made to look as if she stole from her and she runs off before she is hung for her offense.
Wolf is hired to bring her back.
Rosalind is Wardale but has been living under a different name to avoid the scandal of her father, who was hung for supposed murder.
Stephen is still continuing his reign to ruin all those connected with his father's death.
Rosalind has been working as a companion to an elderly lady. She is set up and made to look as if she stole from her and she runs off before she is hung for her offense.
Wolf is hired to bring her back.
November 2, 2011
This was my favorite, so far, in the Silk & Scandal series, it had me on the edge of my seat all the way through.
Rosalind get´s framed, supposedly stealing jewels from her companion, and runs to escape the truth about her real identity. Wolf, the thief-taker, gets the mission to bring her back.
It´s a great road trip by horse, had me teary eyed more than once, and loved their blossoming love and how they both tried to resist.
Rosalind get´s framed, supposedly stealing jewels from her companion, and runs to escape the truth about her real identity. Wolf, the thief-taker, gets the mission to bring her back.
It´s a great road trip by horse, had me teary eyed more than once, and loved their blossoming love and how they both tried to resist.
June 19, 2012
This book was pretty good. Although Wolf could never make up his mind about whether to believe his first impression or second or third. Well finally after much debate, he decides he is gonna do what is best for Rosalind. In my opinion, it does nothing but make everyone miserable.
Rosalind spends the book scared to death of horses. Wolf spends the majority of the book hating the supposed upper class as a whole.
jewel thieves, secret letters, secret past lives,
Rosalind spends the book scared to death of horses. Wolf spends the majority of the book hating the supposed upper class as a whole.
jewel thieves, secret letters, secret past lives,
August 9, 2016
A really well written romance I fell in love with Wolf and Rosalind. Their love for each other is beautifully brought out and Rosalind's way of dealing with Beshaley really epitomised her character. She was not given to paying attention to rank, to Wolf's position as a bastard. What mattered was that she loved him and he loved her.
December 17, 2010
The daughter of the condemned Earl is kidnapped by the "hero" because she has possession of a secret her former employer needs to have kept hidden. Not the best installment in the "Silk and Scandal" miniseries.
Read
December 1, 2010Miniseries: Silk & Scandal
Read
December 23, 2014Miniseries: Silk & Scandal
December 1, 2010
Seriously? Dont read it.
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