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House of Cards #3
Queen of Diamonds
Masquerading as a dressmaker from France, Queenie Dennis soon becomes the toast of the ton and, with a roll of the dice, catches the attention of dashing Lord Harking, who, while searching for stolen family heirlooms, calls her bluff. Original.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 6, 2006
9 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Metzger
93 books200 followersBarbara Metzger is the author of over three dozen books and a dozen novellas. She has also been an editor, a proof-reader, a greeting card verse-writer, and an artist. When not painting, writing romances or reading them, she volunteers at the local library, gardens and goes beach-combing and yard-saling.
Her novels, mostly set in Regency-era England, have won numerous awards, including the Romance Writers of America RITA, the National Reader's Choice Award, and the Madcap award for humor in romance writing. In addition, Barbara has won two Career Achievement Awards from Romantic Times Magazine.
Source: http://www.barbarametzger.com/about_b...
Her novels, mostly set in Regency-era England, have won numerous awards, including the Romance Writers of America RITA, the National Reader's Choice Award, and the Madcap award for humor in romance writing. In addition, Barbara has won two Career Achievement Awards from Romantic Times Magazine.
Source: http://www.barbarametzger.com/about_b...
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 14, 2018
A wonderful conclusion to this lovely trilogy. It is even possible I liked this one best. It was very female centered, and the heroine is an amazing self-made women. Her male counterpart is the best kind of hero, a warm and caring man with values and (very likable) flaws, and steady as a rock. There were three or four times in the book when a phrase struck me as so well put and funny, I wanted to share it with the world. Sadly the Kindle I was reading on is not good at sharing. Sorry, your loss.
September 8, 2016
drey’s thoughts:
Queenie Dennis is a woman in hiding–from the truth of her origins, from the Endicotts, and from the authorities. Her mother’s lies set Queenie on the path towards redemption, and she hopes that she can make it up to the Endicotts, at least. After Paris, of course.
Returning to London with a quick needle and quicker eye for fashion and designs, Queenie sets up shop. She figures the quicker she can make money, the faster she can repay her mother’s stolen money. But before she knows it she’s hanging out with Lord Harkness (aye, even in her shop!), and attracting more attention than she’d like…
This third House of Cards book is very different from the first two. Those were about the men, and even rakish Jack was a gentleman who had his brother’s name and money to fall back on if needed. Queenie has nothing and nobody, except an air-headed friend who stands by her. So by its very nature, Queen of Diamonds has a darker and grittier background and feel to it.
But I loved the characters. Queenie is strong and determined, even if she doesn’t know that she’s wrong. And Lord Harkness is a perfect foil for her personality, even if he doesn’t mean to be. I loved the scenes where he’s helping out in her shop. Him, a fancy lord and all… *grin*
Fans of regency romance will love Queen of Diamonds, and the entire House of Cards trilogy.
drey’s rating: Excellent!
Queenie Dennis is a woman in hiding–from the truth of her origins, from the Endicotts, and from the authorities. Her mother’s lies set Queenie on the path towards redemption, and she hopes that she can make it up to the Endicotts, at least. After Paris, of course.
Returning to London with a quick needle and quicker eye for fashion and designs, Queenie sets up shop. She figures the quicker she can make money, the faster she can repay her mother’s stolen money. But before she knows it she’s hanging out with Lord Harkness (aye, even in her shop!), and attracting more attention than she’d like…
This third House of Cards book is very different from the first two. Those were about the men, and even rakish Jack was a gentleman who had his brother’s name and money to fall back on if needed. Queenie has nothing and nobody, except an air-headed friend who stands by her. So by its very nature, Queen of Diamonds has a darker and grittier background and feel to it.
But I loved the characters. Queenie is strong and determined, even if she doesn’t know that she’s wrong. And Lord Harkness is a perfect foil for her personality, even if he doesn’t mean to be. I loved the scenes where he’s helping out in her shop. Him, a fancy lord and all… *grin*
Fans of regency romance will love Queen of Diamonds, and the entire House of Cards trilogy.
drey’s rating: Excellent!
December 7, 2025
¨I liked the MMC's willingness to embrace a tradeswoman but I finished several other books while in the middle of this.
Steam level: Some sexual content
Steam level: Some sexual content
September 21, 2020
No conocía nada de la autora ni del libro, así que no sabía que encontrarme y quiero decir que me ha encantado.
La historia desde la primera página me atrapo, Queenie nuestra protagonista, fue un personaje que disfrute porque a pesar de tener un carácter un poco tímido y asustadizo, trasmitía a todos todo lo contraria sabiendo que hacia lo correcto y si hacia algún acto "indecoroso", tenía un buen fin. Por otra parte el protagonista, si algo tenía es que no es el personaje masculino sexy, guapo, con algún trauma, serio o incluso libertino, pues la autora nos presenta a un personaje común que no es nada de lo anterior, es decir, no era feo pero si era normal, y aunque los personajes femeninos eran atractivas, los masculinos tenían características que me hacían quererlos.
El romance es bueno, pero si me emociono más el de los secundarios al ser personajes que no te imaginarias juntos al ser tan diferentes, por eso estaba muy emocionada con ellos.
En general la historia es buena, no tiene mucho misterio pero si malentendidos en la vida de Queenie que me hacía preguntar cuando se daría cuenta de todo, y cuando ocurrió valió la pena.
Reina de diamantes es un libro que me gustó y recomiendo mucho, así que espero le den una oportunidad.
La historia desde la primera página me atrapo, Queenie nuestra protagonista, fue un personaje que disfrute porque a pesar de tener un carácter un poco tímido y asustadizo, trasmitía a todos todo lo contraria sabiendo que hacia lo correcto y si hacia algún acto "indecoroso", tenía un buen fin. Por otra parte el protagonista, si algo tenía es que no es el personaje masculino sexy, guapo, con algún trauma, serio o incluso libertino, pues la autora nos presenta a un personaje común que no es nada de lo anterior, es decir, no era feo pero si era normal, y aunque los personajes femeninos eran atractivas, los masculinos tenían características que me hacían quererlos.
El romance es bueno, pero si me emociono más el de los secundarios al ser personajes que no te imaginarias juntos al ser tan diferentes, por eso estaba muy emocionada con ellos.
En general la historia es buena, no tiene mucho misterio pero si malentendidos en la vida de Queenie que me hacía preguntar cuando se daría cuenta de todo, y cuando ocurrió valió la pena.
Reina de diamantes es un libro que me gustó y recomiendo mucho, así que espero le den una oportunidad.
June 17, 2018
Queenie Dennis, believes herself to be an orphan used in a blackmail scheme years ago. She intended to go to London and tell the brothers, Alex and Jack, searching for their sister about the plot after she discovers what she believes to be the facts when her supposed mother dies. But one surviving member of the plot threatens her and the brothers if she says anything. So Queenie changes her name and goes to France to pursue a career in fashion design. Three years later she returns to London, sets up shop and plans to earn money to repay the brothers and tell her story. Lord Harry Harkness is in London hunting his disreputable brother-in-law who has stolen the family diamonds. They meet at Jack's gambling hall which is closed and being turned into a school. The mention of the Cyprian's Ball leads both of them to agree to attend; Harry to search for his brother-in-law and Queenie and her friend to show off her designed gowns. So begins their relationship. Lots of humor and terrific side characters help the story along. Great ending to the trilogy.
October 12, 2022
About Time!
The many plot lines twisting through the three books finally came together, but since the only question, since the reader knew from the start who she was, was who gets to off Ize, and how long it would take before the mystery was declared solved. I suppose, like many Metzger books we get to wonder how long the lovers will argue with themselves over if it's love and whether they are worthy. I'd like to see the Original have her own book, too late now.
The many plot lines twisting through the three books finally came together, but since the only question, since the reader knew from the start who she was, was who gets to off Ize, and how long it would take before the mystery was declared solved. I suppose, like many Metzger books we get to wonder how long the lovers will argue with themselves over if it's love and whether they are worthy. I'd like to see the Original have her own book, too late now.
February 23, 2024
A very satisfying conclusion to the mystery established in the first two books in the series. A very lovable hero and heroine, with plenty of other interesting characters along the way. Perhaps because the ending is obvious from the very opening of the book, the wrap up is a bit lickety-split. I’d have loved a series centering around the dress shop, but I doubt that makes logical historical sense, so I shall have to make it up myself.
February 6, 2018
Enjoy a well written clean story with “Happy Ever After Ending”
The last of the “House of Cards Trilogy” it was a pleasure to read with all the ends tied up. Clean without grammar errors or unnecessary sex, a great read in all respects.
The last of the “House of Cards Trilogy” it was a pleasure to read with all the ends tied up. Clean without grammar errors or unnecessary sex, a great read in all respects.
August 12, 2017
referred to women as "females" way too often. It got annoying. But the story was okay. The 2nd in the trilogy was my favorite, with Harriet and her "shennanigans".
August 25, 2017
A very nice conclusion to the trilogy story arc, but I actually liked the hero and heroine and their side characters more.
September 30, 2018
Queen....
This whole series was lame and this third book and thankfully the last, is the worst. Even worse, I paid for them.
This whole series was lame and this third book and thankfully the last, is the worst. Even worse, I paid for them.
May 18, 2022
Loved the dialogue between the characters. Heartwarming story. Liked this trilogy
February 7, 2023
2.5
Nada del otro mundo, de la mitad para adelante no me gusto nada la actitud del prota masculino supongo que lo mejor es la protagonista, al menos a sido fácil de leer
Nada del otro mundo, de la mitad para adelante no me gusto nada la actitud del prota masculino supongo que lo mejor es la protagonista, al menos a sido fácil de leer
June 2, 2024
glad to finish this set
June 15, 2019
FYI: Read these three novels in order; they build upon each other (see list below).
This is a very satisfying conclusion to the HOUSE OF CARDS Series. Three-year-old Lottie is the only survivor of a carriage accident. Dennis Godfrey, who stole her, gave her to his spinster sister, Molly, to raise. Godfrey and his partner, Ezra "Ize" Iscoll, blackmailed the person who wanted the carriage stopped. Every few months, Mary collected the blackmail money and used it to raise Lottie.
When the child asked about her family, Molly constructed a fairy-tale family; her father was in the military and was killed in action. Molly hired tutors, taught her manners and also taught Queenie her trade -- sewing. Molly changed the child's name to 'Queenie' and life went on for several years -- until Molly was on her death bed. Molly told Queenie that she'd never married, and then died.
Eventually, Queenie went to London and stayed with her friend Hellen Pettigrew. She was the daughter of a prostitute and Hellen plans to go into the trade too. Ize convinces Queenie that she was part of a con to collect the huge reward offered by the Endicotts. However, it fell through and Molly just kept the child. Queenie had heard a rumor that the missing child had died; she wanted to go to the Endicotts and tell them about the con and the child's death. Ize refused to allow it and said she would be arrested for being part of the con.
When Queenie heard that the Endicotts were searching for a seamstress named Queenie, she thought they were looking to arrest her, so she escaped to France. When she returns, Queenie has a totally new persona, black hair (instead of blond) and a new name, Madame Denise Lescartes.
Lord Harkness is in London, looking for his brother-in-law, who stole the family diamonds and left his sister. While searching, he notices Madame Denise and is instantly smitten. It isn't long before the feelings are mutual. However, Denise/Queenie is dedicated to creating a thriving business for herself and she does not want to get involved with Harry Harkness.
House of Cards Trilogy
** 1. Ace of Hearts (2005)
** 2. Jack of Clubs (2006)
** 3. Queen of Diamonds (2006)
This is a very satisfying conclusion to the HOUSE OF CARDS Series. Three-year-old Lottie is the only survivor of a carriage accident. Dennis Godfrey, who stole her, gave her to his spinster sister, Molly, to raise. Godfrey and his partner, Ezra "Ize" Iscoll, blackmailed the person who wanted the carriage stopped. Every few months, Mary collected the blackmail money and used it to raise Lottie.
When the child asked about her family, Molly constructed a fairy-tale family; her father was in the military and was killed in action. Molly hired tutors, taught her manners and also taught Queenie her trade -- sewing. Molly changed the child's name to 'Queenie' and life went on for several years -- until Molly was on her death bed. Molly told Queenie that she'd never married, and then died.
Eventually, Queenie went to London and stayed with her friend Hellen Pettigrew. She was the daughter of a prostitute and Hellen plans to go into the trade too. Ize convinces Queenie that she was part of a con to collect the huge reward offered by the Endicotts. However, it fell through and Molly just kept the child. Queenie had heard a rumor that the missing child had died; she wanted to go to the Endicotts and tell them about the con and the child's death. Ize refused to allow it and said she would be arrested for being part of the con.
When Queenie heard that the Endicotts were searching for a seamstress named Queenie, she thought they were looking to arrest her, so she escaped to France. When she returns, Queenie has a totally new persona, black hair (instead of blond) and a new name, Madame Denise Lescartes.
Lord Harkness is in London, looking for his brother-in-law, who stole the family diamonds and left his sister. While searching, he notices Madame Denise and is instantly smitten. It isn't long before the feelings are mutual. However, Denise/Queenie is dedicated to creating a thriving business for herself and she does not want to get involved with Harry Harkness.
House of Cards Trilogy
** 1. Ace of Hearts (2005)
** 2. Jack of Clubs (2006)
** 3. Queen of Diamonds (2006)
July 31, 2011
Queenie Dennis comes to London after her mother’s death to let the Endicott family know what happened to their half sister Charlotte years ago when she was abducted after a carriage accident in which her mother died. But when an accomplice to the crime tells her in no uncertain terms she would be tossed into prison for her part in the crime, she heads to France where she studies fashion design. Years later she’s back in England, determined to make a success of her fashions as Madame Denise Lescartes and to once again give what little information she has to a family who has suffered too long.
It’s on a fateful night that Lord Harry Harkness is searching for his no-good brother-in-law who has absconded with his family’s diamonds that he meets Madame Lescartes and they help each other out across London, Denise/Queenie to broadcast her fashions to the ladies of Town and Harry to get his hands on the family thief. The more they’re together, of course, the more they become attracted to each other, even though they both know London socieity would frown on any relationship because of Queenie’s rank.
I was rather disappointed in this book compared to the others. I was expecting the same humor I got in the previous two, but this book is a little darker. I found myself skipping sections after a while just to find some of that humor. While I didn’t find it in abundance, I did find some cute scenes, one where Harry ends up keeping order in Queenie’s shop when it becomes overrun by women wanting her dresses. It was rather fun to see him charm courtesans and the high-born in the same breath. But other that this scene, there are only a few more that qualify as cute or humorous. I’m sorry to say I was bored more than I laughed with this story.
Also, after three books, I wanted more time with this family hen they finally come together and are getting to know one another. Instead, it was only the last several pages of the book when the truth eventually comes out and Ace and Jack have their sister back. Not what I was hoping for at all. It was just an overall let-down after the fun I had with the first two books.
And a note to Ms. Metzger: please have your webmaster add excerpts for your books to your website. Books that are only a few years old should have something to tell readers about them. There’s not one excerpt on your site, Ms. Metzger, even for your newest book just released. Very, very frustrating!
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
It’s on a fateful night that Lord Harry Harkness is searching for his no-good brother-in-law who has absconded with his family’s diamonds that he meets Madame Lescartes and they help each other out across London, Denise/Queenie to broadcast her fashions to the ladies of Town and Harry to get his hands on the family thief. The more they’re together, of course, the more they become attracted to each other, even though they both know London socieity would frown on any relationship because of Queenie’s rank.
I was rather disappointed in this book compared to the others. I was expecting the same humor I got in the previous two, but this book is a little darker. I found myself skipping sections after a while just to find some of that humor. While I didn’t find it in abundance, I did find some cute scenes, one where Harry ends up keeping order in Queenie’s shop when it becomes overrun by women wanting her dresses. It was rather fun to see him charm courtesans and the high-born in the same breath. But other that this scene, there are only a few more that qualify as cute or humorous. I’m sorry to say I was bored more than I laughed with this story.
Also, after three books, I wanted more time with this family hen they finally come together and are getting to know one another. Instead, it was only the last several pages of the book when the truth eventually comes out and Ace and Jack have their sister back. Not what I was hoping for at all. It was just an overall let-down after the fun I had with the first two books.
And a note to Ms. Metzger: please have your webmaster add excerpts for your books to your website. Books that are only a few years old should have something to tell readers about them. There’s not one excerpt on your site, Ms. Metzger, even for your newest book just released. Very, very frustrating!
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
May 18, 2014
Author: Barbara Metzger
First published: 2006
Length: ~4700 locations
Setting: 1816, London, England.
Sex: Heavy petting. Closed door. Somewhat explicit.
Heroine: Believes herself an orphan. Dressmaker.
A nice story but oh, so slow.
Nothing ever seems to happen.
It completes the trilogy satisfactorily but the road we take is long and drawn out with too many unstated conversations and misunderstandings.
There were some really interesting characters. Some teasing glimpses of clever situations.
But nothing ever happened.
*sigh*
I really wish it had been better.
House of Cards:
Book 1 Ace of Hearts - Alexander "Ace" Endicott and Nell
Book 2 Jack of Clubs - Captain Jack Endicott and Allie Silver
Book 3 Queen Of Diamonds - Lady Charlotte Endicott (Queenie) and Lord Harkness
(Read as part of The House of Cards Trilogy).
References:
Author's websites: http://www.barbarametzger.com/
-CR-
First published: 2006
Length: ~4700 locations
Setting: 1816, London, England.
Sex: Heavy petting. Closed door. Somewhat explicit.
Heroine: Believes herself an orphan. Dressmaker.
A nice story but oh, so slow.
Nothing ever seems to happen.
It completes the trilogy satisfactorily but the road we take is long and drawn out with too many unstated conversations and misunderstandings.
There were some really interesting characters. Some teasing glimpses of clever situations.
But nothing ever happened.
*sigh*
I really wish it had been better.
House of Cards:
Book 1 Ace of Hearts - Alexander "Ace" Endicott and Nell
Book 2 Jack of Clubs - Captain Jack Endicott and Allie Silver
Book 3 Queen Of Diamonds - Lady Charlotte Endicott (Queenie) and Lord Harkness
(Read as part of The House of Cards Trilogy).
References:
Author's websites: http://www.barbarametzger.com/
-CR-
December 3, 2008
The story of Lady Charlotte Endicott who was kidnapped as a child and has not memory of who she really is. This is the third and final book in this series. I found the first two books much more humerous than this one. The story of the kidnapping etc. threw me initially so the story did not become intriguing until the mid point for me. I really enjoyed the first two books this one not quite so much, but it is readable.
July 22, 2012
The bad guy lost, the daughter restored, all is right in the world. I was somewhat annoyed by Jack at the end of the book as he didn't follow his character very well. It would have been nice to have had the ending go just a bit further. A woman retuned to society after 18 years is bound to have some issues.
July 11, 2010
So I finally got Book 3 and read it after reading 1 & 2 in the wrong order. It had been sometime so I needed to refresh myself on who was who even though they were mentioned they were not really a big part of the story. I liked the story, the plot was typical.
September 26, 2012
Unfortunately, I can't give the last book in this trilogy the 4 or 5 star rating that I would have. The book was well-written & had a great plot...but sadly, the "too graphic for me" romance (which did nothing to add to the story) showed up in the last couple of chapters.
February 23, 2013
My least favorite book in the trilogy. The heroine created her own problems throughout the story and I was annoyed with Jack and Ace's behavior. I only finished this one because I liked the first two books. Not a witty end to such a promising start.
September 25, 2018
3.5.
Suspense was dragged too much.
Good closure to the series. Story and execution was a little different from usual Metzger style.
Of all three, 2nd one was best.
Though heroine’s self determination in this one was awesome.
Suspense was dragged too much.
Good closure to the series. Story and execution was a little different from usual Metzger style.
Of all three, 2nd one was best.
Though heroine’s self determination in this one was awesome.
September 25, 2009
Regency
December 20, 2012
Overall the 3 book series was good. I found Ace of Cards to be funniest. The 2nd story dragged, and the 3rd story Queen of Diamonds was charming. There were hints of the usual Metzger wit.
January 24, 2018
3.5 out of 5 stars
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