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Mallorens & Friends #7
A Most Unsuitable Man
The New York Times bestselling author brings back the most beloved family in romance!Damaris Myddleton never expected to inherit a vast fortune-but she's ready to use it to buy the most eligible title in England. In comes Mr. Fitzroger, the dashing but penniless adventurer who first saves her from social disaster, and then saves her life. Now, trapped in mystery, danger, and forbidden intimacy, Damaris fights not to surrender her freedom and her heart to a most unsuitable man.
390 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2005
68 people are currently reading
722 people want to read
About the author
Jo Beverley
141 books1,129 followersMary Josephine Dunn was born 22 September 1947 in Lancashire, England, UK. At the age of eleven she went to an all-girls boarding school, Layton Hill Convent, Blackpool. At sixteen, she wrote her first romance, with a medieval setting, completed in installments in an exercise book. From 1966 to 1970, she obtained a degree in English history from Keele University in Staffordshire, where she met her future husband, Ken Beverley. After graduation, they married on June 24, 1971. She quickly attained a position as a youth employment officer until 1976, working first in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, and then in West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire.
In 1976, her scientist husband was invited to do post-doctoral research at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. When her professional qualifications proved not to be usable in the Canadian labour market, she raised their two sons and started to write her first romances.
Moved to Ottawa, in 1985 she became a founding member of the Ottawa Romance Writers’ Association, that her “nurturing community” for the next twelve years. The same year, she completed a regency romance, but it was promptly rejected by a number of publishers, and she settled more earnestly to learning the craft. In 1988, it sold to Walker, and was published as "Lord Wraybourne's Betrothed". She regularly appears on bestseller lists including the USA Today overall bestseller list, the New York Times, and and the Publishers Weekly list. She has been the recipient of numerous awards including the Golden Leaf, the Award of Excellence, the National Readers Choice, and a two Career Achievement awards from Romantic Times. She is also a five time winner of the RITA, the top award of the Romance Writers Of America, and a member of their Hall of Fame and Honor Roll.
Jo Beverley passed away on May 23, 2016 after a long battle with cancer.
In 1976, her scientist husband was invited to do post-doctoral research at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. When her professional qualifications proved not to be usable in the Canadian labour market, she raised their two sons and started to write her first romances.
Moved to Ottawa, in 1985 she became a founding member of the Ottawa Romance Writers’ Association, that her “nurturing community” for the next twelve years. The same year, she completed a regency romance, but it was promptly rejected by a number of publishers, and she settled more earnestly to learning the craft. In 1988, it sold to Walker, and was published as "Lord Wraybourne's Betrothed". She regularly appears on bestseller lists including the USA Today overall bestseller list, the New York Times, and and the Publishers Weekly list. She has been the recipient of numerous awards including the Golden Leaf, the Award of Excellence, the National Readers Choice, and a two Career Achievement awards from Romantic Times. She is also a five time winner of the RITA, the top award of the Romance Writers Of America, and a member of their Hall of Fame and Honor Roll.
Jo Beverley passed away on May 23, 2016 after a long battle with cancer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
December 8, 2019
4’5 Estrellas, pero le dejo las 5 porque creo que es el libro de Jo Beverley que más me ha gustado. La verdad que me ha sorprendido en más de un sentido, y no es por el romance, creo que éste ha sido siempre la gran falla de ésta mujer, pero la historia de trasfondo me ha parecido tan interesante e intrigante que me ha tenido pegada a sus páginas hasta que lo he acabado.
“Un amor inadecuado” empieza justo en el final de “Fuego de invierno”. Estos son los libros séptimo y sexto de los Malloren respectivamente, aunque ya sabemos que los cinco hermanos Malloren ya han tenido sus felices historias de amor concluidas, pero en éste caso y por alargar serie tenemos a amigos y parientes de estos hermanos, y mucho de los Malloren actuando como secundarios.
Por el libro anterior, sabemos que la joven Damaris Myddleton pretendía casarse con el marqués de Ashart. Damaris es una dama plebeya que acaba de heredar una gran fortuna, a causa de ello sabe que es presa de cazadotes y desde que se convirtió en una heredera ha querido forjar su propio rumbo sin interferencias. Para pulir su nombre sólo le falta el título y por eso sabe que debe casarse con un miembro de la nobleza. Su tutor es Henry Malloren, tío del marqués de Rothgar, y por eso ambos son invitados a la fiesta de Navidad que celebran los marqueses en Rothgar Abbey.
A la fiesta de Navidad también estuvo invitado el marqués de Ashart, primo de lord Rothgar por parte de madre (la parte de su madre con la que estaba enemistado), y la joven dama de compañía de la anciana tía Thalia, Genova. Ambos, Ashart y Genova se enamoraron en “Fuego de invierno”, y la joven Damaris quedó desolada al ver frustradas sus aspiraciones, al igual que su reputación, dañada debido a su comportamiento durante la fiesta. Por eso lo que Damaris necesita es un héroe, un caballero, y ése será Octavius Fitzroger.
A Octavius Fitzroger lo conocimos en el libro anterior, como el amigo y compañero de lord Ashart. Fitz es un caballero totalmente inadecuado para lo que busca y necesita Damaris. A pesar de que es un caballero por nacimiento y educación, su reputación se vio seriamente dañada y no es recibido en los círculos de la buena sociedad, el no poseer ni un penique también lo hace inadecuado, así que no le quedó más remedio que alistarse en el ejército, donde sí que recibió una serie de condecoraciones importantes debido a su heroísmo.
Lo que Fitz desea es rehacer su vida en otra parte, quiere irse a América y llevarse a sus hermanas para salvarlas del bruto de su hermano, pero hasta que no resuelva unos asuntos en Inglaterra y consiga una pequeña suma de dinero no podrá hacerlo. Actualmente se dedica a hacer unos trabajillos para ricos y poderosos (casi como un espía) para conseguir su objetivo, pero lo que sí que no esperaba, era encontrarse con Damaris Myddleton.
En el inicio de la novela veremos que Fitz desea a Damaris desde el principio, también sabe que ella no es para él, porque él no tiene nada, y ella, con su belleza, carácter y dote, debe aspirar a algo más alto. Lo que sí que no puede resistir Fitz es que ella se vea seriamente dañada por perder a Ashart y ayudará a Damaris a fingir que no ha pasado nada y que sus afectos han ido por otros derroteros.
Es cierto que al acabar la fiesta de Navidad y con el reciente compromiso de Ash y Genova, los invitados no tienen mucho que hacer en Rothgar Abbey. El marqués de Rothgar se entera de un serio complot que envuelve a su primo, el marqués de Ashart, y recurrirá a los servicios de Fitz, para que mantenga a salvo a Ashart, lo custodie hasta su casa, donde espera encontrar unos papeles que guarda celosamente lady Ashart, la abuela de ambos marqueses, referente a su linaje, y que podrían ser las respuestas sobre quién desea ver muerto a Ash.
Damaris, que ahora ha acabado siendo la pupila de Rothgar, debe obedecer a este y viajar junto con Ash, Genova, lady Thalia y Fitz, hasta la propiedad de Ash, y posteriormente reunirse con él en Londres, donde Damaris será presentada en la corte y podrá entrar en el mercado matrimonial. Por supuesto a Damaris no le apetece nada este viaje, y menos viajar con Genova, a quien consideró su rival. Pero poco a poco ambas mujeres irán haciéndose amigas, sobre todo cuando Damaris se de cuenta de que no tenía futuro con Ash, y porque ella misma está empezando a sentir algo por Fitz.
Como he dicho al principio, el romance no ha sido lo mejor de la novela, aunque para lo que suelen ser los tipos de romance que desarrollaba Jo Beverley, sí puedo decir que es de los más bonitos y correctos. Lo mejor que ha tenido esta novela ha sido la historia de trasfondo, que en realidad resultan ser dos. Por un lado, la investigación sobre la ascendencia de Ash y Rothgar, y por el otro, la herencia de la propia Damaris. Durante la novela se suceden una serie de actos que pondrán en peligro a los protagonistas, tanto a Ash como a Damaris, y la historia está tan bien hilvanada, que no me ha quedado más que felicitar el magnífico trabajo que desarrolló Jo Beverley con éste libro.
Mi aplauso más sincero va para unos capítulos de hacia la mitad de la novela, donde vemos a los protagonistas investigando una serie de documentos sobre el linaje de Ash, con una perfección tan de investigador, que me ha maravillado, y yo como archivera valoro y mucho la labor de Jo Beverley como investigadora y el haberlo plasmado tan bien en sus personajes.
Poco más puedo decir de éste novela, salvo que me ha parecido una joyita, si no el mejor libro suyo que he leído. Admito que no me hacía mucha gracia continuar con la serie, porque la veía acabada con los cinco hermanos Malloren y no me parecía interesante leer sobre familiares y amigos, pero me alegro de haber ido más allá y haber conocido esta historia. Si la serie siguió siendo igual de buena, no tardaré en continuarla.
“Un amor inadecuado” empieza justo en el final de “Fuego de invierno”. Estos son los libros séptimo y sexto de los Malloren respectivamente, aunque ya sabemos que los cinco hermanos Malloren ya han tenido sus felices historias de amor concluidas, pero en éste caso y por alargar serie tenemos a amigos y parientes de estos hermanos, y mucho de los Malloren actuando como secundarios.
Por el libro anterior, sabemos que la joven Damaris Myddleton pretendía casarse con el marqués de Ashart. Damaris es una dama plebeya que acaba de heredar una gran fortuna, a causa de ello sabe que es presa de cazadotes y desde que se convirtió en una heredera ha querido forjar su propio rumbo sin interferencias. Para pulir su nombre sólo le falta el título y por eso sabe que debe casarse con un miembro de la nobleza. Su tutor es Henry Malloren, tío del marqués de Rothgar, y por eso ambos son invitados a la fiesta de Navidad que celebran los marqueses en Rothgar Abbey.
A la fiesta de Navidad también estuvo invitado el marqués de Ashart, primo de lord Rothgar por parte de madre (la parte de su madre con la que estaba enemistado), y la joven dama de compañía de la anciana tía Thalia, Genova. Ambos, Ashart y Genova se enamoraron en “Fuego de invierno”, y la joven Damaris quedó desolada al ver frustradas sus aspiraciones, al igual que su reputación, dañada debido a su comportamiento durante la fiesta. Por eso lo que Damaris necesita es un héroe, un caballero, y ése será Octavius Fitzroger.
A Octavius Fitzroger lo conocimos en el libro anterior, como el amigo y compañero de lord Ashart. Fitz es un caballero totalmente inadecuado para lo que busca y necesita Damaris. A pesar de que es un caballero por nacimiento y educación, su reputación se vio seriamente dañada y no es recibido en los círculos de la buena sociedad, el no poseer ni un penique también lo hace inadecuado, así que no le quedó más remedio que alistarse en el ejército, donde sí que recibió una serie de condecoraciones importantes debido a su heroísmo.
Lo que Fitz desea es rehacer su vida en otra parte, quiere irse a América y llevarse a sus hermanas para salvarlas del bruto de su hermano, pero hasta que no resuelva unos asuntos en Inglaterra y consiga una pequeña suma de dinero no podrá hacerlo. Actualmente se dedica a hacer unos trabajillos para ricos y poderosos (casi como un espía) para conseguir su objetivo, pero lo que sí que no esperaba, era encontrarse con Damaris Myddleton.
En el inicio de la novela veremos que Fitz desea a Damaris desde el principio, también sabe que ella no es para él, porque él no tiene nada, y ella, con su belleza, carácter y dote, debe aspirar a algo más alto. Lo que sí que no puede resistir Fitz es que ella se vea seriamente dañada por perder a Ashart y ayudará a Damaris a fingir que no ha pasado nada y que sus afectos han ido por otros derroteros.
Es cierto que al acabar la fiesta de Navidad y con el reciente compromiso de Ash y Genova, los invitados no tienen mucho que hacer en Rothgar Abbey. El marqués de Rothgar se entera de un serio complot que envuelve a su primo, el marqués de Ashart, y recurrirá a los servicios de Fitz, para que mantenga a salvo a Ashart, lo custodie hasta su casa, donde espera encontrar unos papeles que guarda celosamente lady Ashart, la abuela de ambos marqueses, referente a su linaje, y que podrían ser las respuestas sobre quién desea ver muerto a Ash.
Damaris, que ahora ha acabado siendo la pupila de Rothgar, debe obedecer a este y viajar junto con Ash, Genova, lady Thalia y Fitz, hasta la propiedad de Ash, y posteriormente reunirse con él en Londres, donde Damaris será presentada en la corte y podrá entrar en el mercado matrimonial. Por supuesto a Damaris no le apetece nada este viaje, y menos viajar con Genova, a quien consideró su rival. Pero poco a poco ambas mujeres irán haciéndose amigas, sobre todo cuando Damaris se de cuenta de que no tenía futuro con Ash, y porque ella misma está empezando a sentir algo por Fitz.
Como he dicho al principio, el romance no ha sido lo mejor de la novela, aunque para lo que suelen ser los tipos de romance que desarrollaba Jo Beverley, sí puedo decir que es de los más bonitos y correctos. Lo mejor que ha tenido esta novela ha sido la historia de trasfondo, que en realidad resultan ser dos. Por un lado, la investigación sobre la ascendencia de Ash y Rothgar, y por el otro, la herencia de la propia Damaris. Durante la novela se suceden una serie de actos que pondrán en peligro a los protagonistas, tanto a Ash como a Damaris, y la historia está tan bien hilvanada, que no me ha quedado más que felicitar el magnífico trabajo que desarrolló Jo Beverley con éste libro.
Mi aplauso más sincero va para unos capítulos de hacia la mitad de la novela, donde vemos a los protagonistas investigando una serie de documentos sobre el linaje de Ash, con una perfección tan de investigador, que me ha maravillado, y yo como archivera valoro y mucho la labor de Jo Beverley como investigadora y el haberlo plasmado tan bien en sus personajes.
Poco más puedo decir de éste novela, salvo que me ha parecido una joyita, si no el mejor libro suyo que he leído. Admito que no me hacía mucha gracia continuar con la serie, porque la veía acabada con los cinco hermanos Malloren y no me parecía interesante leer sobre familiares y amigos, pero me alegro de haber ido más allá y haber conocido esta historia. Si la serie siguió siendo igual de buena, no tardaré en continuarla.
November 30, 2009
My second book by Jo Beverley and I'm impressed. What would normally have been a 4-star book earns 5 due to an exceptional hero. The Georgian era story is about Damaris, a very wealthy heroine, and Fitz, her own, honest-to-goodness hero. As a secret favor to the king, Fitz is acting as "bodyguard" to his friend Ash as they journey to London with Ash's fiancee, Geneva, and Damaris in tow. Unusual incidents that occur along the way make it obvious that one of them is the target of an assassin...but which one and why? Heedless of his own safety, Fitz becomes the fierce protector of the other three...earning a well-deserved place as one of historical romance's most gallant heroes.
Although his past is drenched in scandal (think "The Devil You Know" by Liz Carlyle), Fitz isn't a rake or a libertine; however, he is dirt poor and therefore cannot be considered a worthy match for anyone - especially Damaris. But what Fitz lacks monetarily, he more than makes up for with his grace, charm, honesty and high morals. And, despite his dire situation, he is not a fortune hunter in the least. At first Damaris has her mind set on "buying" a husband in exchange for his title and social connections. In fact, Ash was the man she had arranged to buy, er...marry, but he turned her down in favor of a love match. Needless to say, the beginning of the journey was a little uncomfortable for everyone. Fortunately, Damaris doesn't wait until the last paragraph of the book to realize she's in love with Fitz, and often fantasizes about "dressing" him in diamonds. She also wreaks havoc on his (semi-)strict moral compass and seduces him. Fitz, already having zero self-respectability, shoulders the blame for Damaris' ruin as well. Yet he refuses her pleas to marry because he loves her too much to subject her to a life of social exile. *sigh*
The book was a definite page-turner for me. Since this was an audio book, I guess the equivalent of that would be listening to the entire book (12+ hours) in one sitting. I just couldn't find a place I wanted to stop...not only was I loving Fitz but I was simply enjoying Beverley's unique style - a mixture of Mary Balogh's noble characters, Jo Goodman's creative storytelling and Julia Quinn's sprinkling of humor in serious settings. I thought I'd sworn off series reading a while back, but since I'm currently knee-deep in the Virgin River and now getting ready to tackle Beverley's enormous Malloren clan, I guess I spoke too soon (LOL, so what's new?).
Although his past is drenched in scandal (think "The Devil You Know" by Liz Carlyle), Fitz isn't a rake or a libertine; however, he is dirt poor and therefore cannot be considered a worthy match for anyone - especially Damaris. But what Fitz lacks monetarily, he more than makes up for with his grace, charm, honesty and high morals. And, despite his dire situation, he is not a fortune hunter in the least. At first Damaris has her mind set on "buying" a husband in exchange for his title and social connections. In fact, Ash was the man she had arranged to buy, er...marry, but he turned her down in favor of a love match. Needless to say, the beginning of the journey was a little uncomfortable for everyone. Fortunately, Damaris doesn't wait until the last paragraph of the book to realize she's in love with Fitz, and often fantasizes about "dressing" him in diamonds. She also wreaks havoc on his (semi-)strict moral compass and seduces him. Fitz, already having zero self-respectability, shoulders the blame for Damaris' ruin as well. Yet he refuses her pleas to marry because he loves her too much to subject her to a life of social exile. *sigh*
The book was a definite page-turner for me. Since this was an audio book, I guess the equivalent of that would be listening to the entire book (12+ hours) in one sitting. I just couldn't find a place I wanted to stop...not only was I loving Fitz but I was simply enjoying Beverley's unique style - a mixture of Mary Balogh's noble characters, Jo Goodman's creative storytelling and Julia Quinn's sprinkling of humor in serious settings. I thought I'd sworn off series reading a while back, but since I'm currently knee-deep in the Virgin River and now getting ready to tackle Beverley's enormous Malloren clan, I guess I spoke too soon (LOL, so what's new?).
September 16, 2009
It's been a very long while since I last read a Beverley book and I had forgotten how good she is in making the reader feel entangled in her heroes feelings and heartaches:)
The heroine is Damaris Myddleton, a commoner who recently inherited a huge fortune. She decides to use her money to buy herself a titled husband. The book starts where the candidate she's almost betrothed with, the Marquess of Ashart, asks another woman to be his wife. Losing her self control, she manages to become a spectacle in front of everyone and decides to leave Rothgar Abbey the next day. At this point, the Marquess's close friend, Octavius Fitzroger, comes to her rescue. Fitz proposes that they flirt each other in front of everyone, so people would think that she got over Ashart. Damaris accepts and finds that flirting with Fitz comes very easy to her; he is a handsome man after all, even if he's untitled and poor.
Fitzroger is a man of many secret talents. He used to act as a bodyguard for important persons during the war, while this facet of his is unknown to the public. He's actually on a mission here in Rothgar Abbey: to protect his friend Ashart, from a possible assasination attempt. He also can't help liking Damaris's spirit and determination though and wants to help her get aquainted with the ton's ways. When Rothgar sends all of them to Ashart's anchestral home to retrieve some important documents, Fitz believes he can combine both tasks while keeping the assasination threat a secret. It seems though that he underestimated Damaris in more than one ways: not only is she quick to realize he's actually guarding Ashart, but his admiration for her seems to become something much more. However a match between them could never be; Damaris wants to marry a titled man which Fitz is not, and besides Fitz is being shunned by the ton and his family because of a major scandal. Even if Damaris wanted to fight for them, he's determined not to let her because he feels himself unworthy of any decent woman. Besides, even if they did want to marry, her guardian, Rothgar, would hardly be likely to give his consent and that would mean they would be left without any money until she comes of age.
I can understand how some readers may dislike Damaris, since she was almost ruthless in her pursuits. However, I admired her determination, spirit, honesty and cunning mind. Fitz however, was absolutely magnificent. A true knight in shining armor, looking out fot all the people he cared about while expecting nothing in return. He's made mistakes in the past, but tries desperately to cling to any honor he has still left; it may not matter to others anymore but it means a lot to him. But he was too unbending in the end and needed a strong push to leave some of the burdens of the past behind him, so Damaris was right for him in that way.
I really loved this book! It was heavier in suspense and intrigue than I usually like, but that didn't leave the romance at the backstage. On the contrary, the romance was always predominant and I could really feel the attraction between those two become friendship and then love. My heart just ached for those two to get together and I could feel their anguish every step of the way. Lovely, deeply emotional book that was a pleasure to read. I just wish the epilogue was longer and showed some of their married life together.
The heroine is Damaris Myddleton, a commoner who recently inherited a huge fortune. She decides to use her money to buy herself a titled husband. The book starts where the candidate she's almost betrothed with, the Marquess of Ashart, asks another woman to be his wife. Losing her self control, she manages to become a spectacle in front of everyone and decides to leave Rothgar Abbey the next day. At this point, the Marquess's close friend, Octavius Fitzroger, comes to her rescue. Fitz proposes that they flirt each other in front of everyone, so people would think that she got over Ashart. Damaris accepts and finds that flirting with Fitz comes very easy to her; he is a handsome man after all, even if he's untitled and poor.
Fitzroger is a man of many secret talents. He used to act as a bodyguard for important persons during the war, while this facet of his is unknown to the public. He's actually on a mission here in Rothgar Abbey: to protect his friend Ashart, from a possible assasination attempt. He also can't help liking Damaris's spirit and determination though and wants to help her get aquainted with the ton's ways. When Rothgar sends all of them to Ashart's anchestral home to retrieve some important documents, Fitz believes he can combine both tasks while keeping the assasination threat a secret. It seems though that he underestimated Damaris in more than one ways: not only is she quick to realize he's actually guarding Ashart, but his admiration for her seems to become something much more. However a match between them could never be; Damaris wants to marry a titled man which Fitz is not, and besides Fitz is being shunned by the ton and his family because of a major scandal. Even if Damaris wanted to fight for them, he's determined not to let her because he feels himself unworthy of any decent woman. Besides, even if they did want to marry, her guardian, Rothgar, would hardly be likely to give his consent and that would mean they would be left without any money until she comes of age.
I can understand how some readers may dislike Damaris, since she was almost ruthless in her pursuits. However, I admired her determination, spirit, honesty and cunning mind. Fitz however, was absolutely magnificent. A true knight in shining armor, looking out fot all the people he cared about while expecting nothing in return. He's made mistakes in the past, but tries desperately to cling to any honor he has still left; it may not matter to others anymore but it means a lot to him. But he was too unbending in the end and needed a strong push to leave some of the burdens of the past behind him, so Damaris was right for him in that way.
I really loved this book! It was heavier in suspense and intrigue than I usually like, but that didn't leave the romance at the backstage. On the contrary, the romance was always predominant and I could really feel the attraction between those two become friendship and then love. My heart just ached for those two to get together and I could feel their anguish every step of the way. Lovely, deeply emotional book that was a pleasure to read. I just wish the epilogue was longer and showed some of their married life together.
June 13, 2016
When Jo Beverley is on, she is truly on, and this is an outstanding example. It's firmly part of the series, so I really recommend reading at least the previous before this one and as many as you can fit in, besides. Rothgar plays an extended role, so the more familiar he is, the better.
Not that the central couple don't stand out on their own. Indeed, they are delightful. I loved Damaris, and that's a feat given the very surface depiction we got of her in the previous book. We get to know her (and her insecurities) right from the start and that got my sympathy right off. Frankly, seeing an outside look at Genova (as Damaris gets to know her as they become friends) was refreshing as well. I particularly liked that Damaris had to learn forethought and moderation, even as she becomes more determined to go after what she truly wants (and in the face of what others tell her she should want). Her growth was enjoyable and fun.
Less fun was Fitzroger, but in a completely adorable way. His circumstances are somewhat more dire, so his character arc is centered more around accepting that his life can change for the better and that others can see the honorable and kind man he is and value him for it and despite what might be said/known about him "in society". It sounds weak that he had to learn to stick up for himself, but Beverley did an excellent job showing how is own strength had been turned on itself and working out that knot was more than the work of a moment. Finding a champion in Damaris was, frankly, delicious and I just loved seeing them grow together and become a team built on trust, friendship, and love.
So yeah, this was a strong story throughout, with a lovely couple and engaging plot. To work in new respect for Ash and Genova was unexpected icing on that cake.
A note about Steamy: A single explicit sex scene puts this on the low end of my steam tolerance. I particularly liked how fraught this episode was and how it played into the character dynamics.
Not that the central couple don't stand out on their own. Indeed, they are delightful. I loved Damaris, and that's a feat given the very surface depiction we got of her in the previous book. We get to know her (and her insecurities) right from the start and that got my sympathy right off. Frankly, seeing an outside look at Genova (as Damaris gets to know her as they become friends) was refreshing as well. I particularly liked that Damaris had to learn forethought and moderation, even as she becomes more determined to go after what she truly wants (and in the face of what others tell her she should want). Her growth was enjoyable and fun.
Less fun was Fitzroger, but in a completely adorable way. His circumstances are somewhat more dire, so his character arc is centered more around accepting that his life can change for the better and that others can see the honorable and kind man he is and value him for it and despite what might be said/known about him "in society". It sounds weak that he had to learn to stick up for himself, but Beverley did an excellent job showing how is own strength had been turned on itself and working out that knot was more than the work of a moment. Finding a champion in Damaris was, frankly, delicious and I just loved seeing them grow together and become a team built on trust, friendship, and love.
So yeah, this was a strong story throughout, with a lovely couple and engaging plot. To work in new respect for Ash and Genova was unexpected icing on that cake.
A note about Steamy: A single explicit sex scene puts this on the low end of my steam tolerance. I particularly liked how fraught this episode was and how it played into the character dynamics.
October 9, 2012
It's hardly going to surprise anyone who read Winter Fire that this installment in the series revolves around Damaris Myddleton, the heiress who was expecting to be Ashart's bride before he hooked up with Genova. And Octavius Fitzroger, Ashart's friend, who mused that Damaris wasn't really the brat she seemed to be—or that she kinda was but maybe just needed a good spanking.
Now we learn: She's the heiress of a pirate who abandoned her mother for his London mistress. She has loads of money and her mama's famous last words—"never trust a man" to live with. Her trustees gave her a long list of penurious titled men who might marry a mushroom if she comes with enough money to be worth it. She had browsed the catalogue and clicked on Ashart, and when he was snatched from under her very nose by that b*tch Genova, Damaris threw a very public
…which is cut short by Fitzroger's Vulcan neck tweak. She regains consciousness and decides to take off, only to be dragged back to the Malloren estate, again by that annoying busybody Fitzroger. He tells her she needs to learn how to go on amongst the "nobs" and he's just the man to teach her.
Meanwhile a great deal more is going on. Cliff's note version: King George has tasked Rothgar with protecting Ashart from assassins. Rothgar recruits Fitz to serve as Ashart's bodyguard, but won't or can't say who the threat is or why Ashart's impending marriage puts him more at risk. And, after Damaris begs Rothgar to stand in for her abusive guardian, Rothgar decides that her reputation would best be served if it seemed she was a great friend of Genova's. So he dispatches Damaris to accompany Ashart, Genova, Ashart's grandma and great-aunt, and Fitz across country to Ashart's dilapidated, understaffed estate, where they'll stay until it's time for Damaris and Genova to be presented at court. As convoluted as this is, Rothgar has an even deeper game going.
Seems like the villains have a deeper game going as well. Along the way Genova becomes ill. Damaris' barely competent nursing saves the day, and Fitz investigates, concluding that it was a panic attack. After seeing the family portrait room, Fitz becomes inordinately fascinated with old family letters of the Ashart clan, looking especially for missives from a female ancestor who was reportedly a mistress of Charles II. He doesn't like it but Damaris joins in the search.
Another attack, and this time all the assumptions are shot to hell. There's a good deal of drama that would make an old-school soap opera proud, but there's some adventure/legit danger also. Villains come from all directions here, and the race back to London is fraught with peril. An old scandal is revealed, and a tremendous amount of apparently hereditary stupidity is exposed to the light of day.
The H/h are engaging, and the romance seems inevitable. The obstacles are mostly self-imposed, so they feel a little artificial, but all the little twistlets make the story interesting regardless. Almost 4 stars.
Now we learn: She's the heiress of a pirate who abandoned her mother for his London mistress. She has loads of money and her mama's famous last words—"never trust a man" to live with. Her trustees gave her a long list of penurious titled men who might marry a mushroom if she comes with enough money to be worth it. She had browsed the catalogue and clicked on Ashart, and when he was snatched from under her very nose by that b*tch Genova, Damaris threw a very public
…which is cut short by Fitzroger's Vulcan neck tweak. She regains consciousness and decides to take off, only to be dragged back to the Malloren estate, again by that annoying busybody Fitzroger. He tells her she needs to learn how to go on amongst the "nobs" and he's just the man to teach her.
Meanwhile a great deal more is going on. Cliff's note version: King George has tasked Rothgar with protecting Ashart from assassins. Rothgar recruits Fitz to serve as Ashart's bodyguard, but won't or can't say who the threat is or why Ashart's impending marriage puts him more at risk. And, after Damaris begs Rothgar to stand in for her abusive guardian, Rothgar decides that her reputation would best be served if it seemed she was a great friend of Genova's. So he dispatches Damaris to accompany Ashart, Genova, Ashart's grandma and great-aunt, and Fitz across country to Ashart's dilapidated, understaffed estate, where they'll stay until it's time for Damaris and Genova to be presented at court. As convoluted as this is, Rothgar has an even deeper game going.
Seems like the villains have a deeper game going as well. Along the way Genova becomes ill. Damaris' barely competent nursing saves the day, and Fitz investigates, concluding that it was a panic attack. After seeing the family portrait room, Fitz becomes inordinately fascinated with old family letters of the Ashart clan, looking especially for missives from a female ancestor who was reportedly a mistress of Charles II. He doesn't like it but Damaris joins in the search.
Another attack, and this time all the assumptions are shot to hell. There's a good deal of drama that would make an old-school soap opera proud, but there's some adventure/legit danger also. Villains come from all directions here, and the race back to London is fraught with peril. An old scandal is revealed, and a tremendous amount of apparently hereditary stupidity is exposed to the light of day.
The H/h are engaging, and the romance seems inevitable. The obstacles are mostly self-imposed, so they feel a little artificial, but all the little twistlets make the story interesting regardless. Almost 4 stars.
December 5, 2011
I read this thanks to Moss' awesome review, which you should read as well.
Everything she said about Damaris is true.
Oh how I loved, loved, loved Damaris. What an exceptional heroine. She's quite ruthless and determined, and it was so refreshing to see those qualities in a heroine. She was a wealthy but unexpected heirress, and I loved how she constantly thought about purchasing things, not for herself but for other people. She'd decided that Fitz was her man, so if she could, she was going to use her money to get him, but she constantly thought of buying him gifts and things she felt he deserved, and it was so endearing.
Fitz was quite the hero as well, always ready to stand up and act for the people he cared about, even if it cost him plenty. They really made a marvelous pair.
Only, because of all the other plots (assassins a plenty, mystery heirs, and royal intrigues) and the short period the romance took place, I missed the emotional impact I long for in a romance novel. It just went to fast for me. One moment they were making love, then there was sudden drama and angst and then a whole lot of other stuff while I was still wrapping my head around where the orgasm went.
I could have dealt with a little less story, and a bit more romance. Still I totally recommend this book because of the awesomesauce that is Damaris.
Everything she said about Damaris is true.
Oh how I loved, loved, loved Damaris. What an exceptional heroine. She's quite ruthless and determined, and it was so refreshing to see those qualities in a heroine. She was a wealthy but unexpected heirress, and I loved how she constantly thought about purchasing things, not for herself but for other people. She'd decided that Fitz was her man, so if she could, she was going to use her money to get him, but she constantly thought of buying him gifts and things she felt he deserved, and it was so endearing.
Fitz was quite the hero as well, always ready to stand up and act for the people he cared about, even if it cost him plenty. They really made a marvelous pair.
Only, because of all the other plots (assassins a plenty, mystery heirs, and royal intrigues) and the short period the romance took place, I missed the emotional impact I long for in a romance novel. It just went to fast for me. One moment they were making love, then there was sudden drama and angst and then a whole lot of other stuff while I was still wrapping my head around where the orgasm went.
I could have dealt with a little less story, and a bit more romance. Still I totally recommend this book because of the awesomesauce that is Damaris.
December 26, 2008
Definitely not the best in the Malloren series; like its predecessor, Winter Fire, this one features main characters who are less interesting than the supporting cast (by which I mostly mean Rothgar). It all works out a little too neatly, and there's no real payoff at the end (by which I mean the marriage is consummated offscreen, so the last intimate image we have of the couple is an encounter from chapters and chapters before the end that left the hero, the heroine, and me all wishing it hadn't happened that way).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2022
Giunta al settimo volume, mi ero rassegnata a uno spin-off senza più Malloren e quindi in decrescendo. E invece no. Il volume incentrato sulla coppia Damaris e Fitzroger si è rivelato appassionante, con una doppia indagine e con due protagonisti svegli e risoluti.
A mio parere, va letto anche il volume precedente ("Fuoco d'inverno"), perché si riparte esattamente da lì. Se ricorderete, durante le feste natalizie tutta la famiglia si è riunita per la prima volta dopo anni, e il cugino Ash ha finalmente trovato il coraggio di ribellarsi agli intrighi della marchesa madre e di chiedere la mano di Genova, non esattamente un buon partito.
Ma a quella festa era arrivata anche la giovane Damaris Myddleton, l'ereditiera scelta per Ash, che non ha preso benissimo il fatto di ritrovarsi senza più fidanzato e senza più marchesato nel giro di un brindisi e di una danza. A dirla tutta, non un gran Natale per lei.
E infatti Damaris, dopo la scenataccia, scappa dalla magione e dal controllo del suo tutore, per piangere in santa pace e cercarsi un fidanzato ricco e nobile da sola. Come biasimarla? Già qua aveva tutta la mia simpatia.
Ovviamente siamo a fine settecento e una ragazza non poteva far nulla da sola. L'amico di Ash, Fitzroger, corre subito a riportarla indietro, prima che su di lei si abbatta lo scandalo.
E qui entra in scena (di nuovo) il Marchese Nero, il capo della famiglia (figura sempre più brillante, simpatica e arguta di libro in libro) che incarica Fitz di varie cose, tra cui tenere al sicuro parenti e svelare un notevole segreto che pende sul casato.
Una trama avvincente, con intrighi, agguati, ferimenti, tanti personaggi che già conosciamo e nuove sorprese. La Beverley ci ha abituato a eroine in grado di tener testa e destreggiarsi, anche se non combattono e non duellano, e Damaris concilia bene dolcezza e determinazione, mentre Fitz non è solo una specie di agente segreto senza macchia e senza paura. I due stanno bene insieme.
Confermo che continuerò la serie con entusiasmo, anche se mancano ancora sei volumi e non so se sarà ripubblicata tutta, ma è davvero ben scritta, originale e appassionante.
A mio parere, va letto anche il volume precedente ("Fuoco d'inverno"), perché si riparte esattamente da lì. Se ricorderete, durante le feste natalizie tutta la famiglia si è riunita per la prima volta dopo anni, e il cugino Ash ha finalmente trovato il coraggio di ribellarsi agli intrighi della marchesa madre e di chiedere la mano di Genova, non esattamente un buon partito.
Ma a quella festa era arrivata anche la giovane Damaris Myddleton, l'ereditiera scelta per Ash, che non ha preso benissimo il fatto di ritrovarsi senza più fidanzato e senza più marchesato nel giro di un brindisi e di una danza. A dirla tutta, non un gran Natale per lei.
E infatti Damaris, dopo la scenataccia, scappa dalla magione e dal controllo del suo tutore, per piangere in santa pace e cercarsi un fidanzato ricco e nobile da sola. Come biasimarla? Già qua aveva tutta la mia simpatia.
Ovviamente siamo a fine settecento e una ragazza non poteva far nulla da sola. L'amico di Ash, Fitzroger, corre subito a riportarla indietro, prima che su di lei si abbatta lo scandalo.
E qui entra in scena (di nuovo) il Marchese Nero, il capo della famiglia (figura sempre più brillante, simpatica e arguta di libro in libro) che incarica Fitz di varie cose, tra cui tenere al sicuro parenti e svelare un notevole segreto che pende sul casato.
Una trama avvincente, con intrighi, agguati, ferimenti, tanti personaggi che già conosciamo e nuove sorprese. La Beverley ci ha abituato a eroine in grado di tener testa e destreggiarsi, anche se non combattono e non duellano, e Damaris concilia bene dolcezza e determinazione, mentre Fitz non è solo una specie di agente segreto senza macchia e senza paura. I due stanno bene insieme.
Confermo che continuerò la serie con entusiasmo, anche se mancano ancora sei volumi e non so se sarà ripubblicata tutta, ma è davvero ben scritta, originale e appassionante.
August 10, 2024
Clunky.
July 26, 2025
So much fun! Fitz! Oh my goodness gracious, what a man! Damaris is more than a match for him, which I never could have imagined after her pathetic behavior in Winter Fire. I loved it from start to finish. The romance is beautiful, the settings are magnificent, plus court intrigue and assassins lurking. It’s heart pounding right to the end. And Rothgar. Fitz, Ash, and Rothgar in the same room at the same time. Where are my smelling salts!
May 31, 2016
I picked up a few Jo Beverley books from the library after a recommendation to read her works, and apparently the only two books available had characters both named "Fitzroger". The idea is that Octavian "Fitz" Fitzroger is a descendant several centuries later of Ty Fitzroger, from "Dark Champion".
"A Most Unsuitable Man" was only marginally more palatable than "Dark Champion". The Malloren series was recommended to me, and I can see why: the other characters and plot lines in the book were actually somewhat intriguing. Too bad this book had miserable H/h with an inevitable romance and unbelievably stupid plot. I can't help drawing similarities between both books: both had an incredibly wealthy heiress who thought to buy her husband, both had Fitzrogers, and both involved the heroine in mortal danger. I hated both of the women in the books, though Damaris Myddleton (this book) was even more frustrating than Imogen in "Dark Champion". I have to admit to skimming the last 30% of the book.
Biggest frustration: the insta-love. Damaris and Fitz did not make sense together; the relationship felt forced and the physical side escalated incredibly fast. She was determined to have him, but neither of them really stopped to think with their brains and not with their raging hormones.
The next Jo Beverley book I read will only be a rec, and if that also is terrible, I'm done with the author.
"A Most Unsuitable Man" was only marginally more palatable than "Dark Champion". The Malloren series was recommended to me, and I can see why: the other characters and plot lines in the book were actually somewhat intriguing. Too bad this book had miserable H/h with an inevitable romance and unbelievably stupid plot. I can't help drawing similarities between both books: both had an incredibly wealthy heiress who thought to buy her husband, both had Fitzrogers, and both involved the heroine in mortal danger. I hated both of the women in the books, though Damaris Myddleton (this book) was even more frustrating than Imogen in "Dark Champion". I have to admit to skimming the last 30% of the book.
Biggest frustration: the insta-love. Damaris and Fitz did not make sense together; the relationship felt forced and the physical side escalated incredibly fast. She was determined to have him, but neither of them really stopped to think with their brains and not with their raging hormones.
The next Jo Beverley book I read will only be a rec, and if that also is terrible, I'm done with the author.
June 13, 2023
Damaris is awful. And she never got better as far as I could tell. She was weak, simpering, shallow, ignorant, selfish, and bull headed. Not a good combo. Fitz had some promise, but you judge him for liking her so much.
And maybe I'm missing something that happened in the previous books, but the beginning was so awkward. A crap load of stuff happens and then the book goes dead for a while. It was so boring. And it was weird/premature when they first kissed.
And maybe I'm missing something that happened in the previous books, but the beginning was so awkward. A crap load of stuff happens and then the book goes dead for a while. It was so boring. And it was weird/premature when they first kissed.
July 13, 2009
I don't have much to say about this book. Certainly an enjoyable light read. And since I've read it twice, and fully intend to hang onto it so I can read it again, that has to say something about it.
April 8, 2023
Second reading in 2015. First was back when it was first published.
This is the story of the heiress jilted in the previous book about Rothgar's cousin. The hero is a second son with a scandal in his past. Very good read.
This is the story of the heiress jilted in the previous book about Rothgar's cousin. The hero is a second son with a scandal in his past. Very good read.
July 13, 2017
Enthralling
As ever any book by jo beverly us enthralling and enticing. It's the third time I've read this book and it still captivates. Such well written narrative the characters are so alive.
As ever any book by jo beverly us enthralling and enticing. It's the third time I've read this book and it still captivates. Such well written narrative the characters are so alive.
December 17, 2025
Fitz remembered the paper in his pocket. “Damaris made a will this morning, so the heir has nothing to gain now.”
Rothgar’s brows rose. “Your idea?”
“Entirely her own.” How irritating to be a clever woman and have people always assume a man thought for her.
Another one I loved in this series! I enjoyed Damaris’s mean girl redemption arc, and I loved Fitz’s character. I’m glad we got a hint of Genova thinking she and Damaris had things in common and could have been friends if not for their rivalry over Ash in Winter Fire and we got to see that friendship grow beautifully in this book. I was also glad to have more of Rothgar, Diana, Ash, Genova, and Thalia in this story. The political intrigue and mystery kept me hooked. Really loved this one and I hope this trend continues with the remaining books in the series.
Another thing I especially loved is how the flip in gender roles and power dynamics present in Devilish between Rothgar and Diana, is also present here with Damaris and Fitz, and there’s an important discussion of how sex plays a role in Fitz’s scandalous-marked past. I thought this was crucial to explore for the time period, and to give this backstory to a man. A really well done piece of the character-driven plot arcs, especially with regard to how Damaris navigates that, and makes some mistakes too.
Rothgar’s brows rose. “Your idea?”
“Entirely her own.” How irritating to be a clever woman and have people always assume a man thought for her.
Another one I loved in this series! I enjoyed Damaris’s mean girl redemption arc, and I loved Fitz’s character. I’m glad we got a hint of Genova thinking she and Damaris had things in common and could have been friends if not for their rivalry over Ash in Winter Fire and we got to see that friendship grow beautifully in this book. I was also glad to have more of Rothgar, Diana, Ash, Genova, and Thalia in this story. The political intrigue and mystery kept me hooked. Really loved this one and I hope this trend continues with the remaining books in the series.
Another thing I especially loved is how the flip in gender roles and power dynamics present in Devilish between Rothgar and Diana, is also present here with Damaris and Fitz, and there’s an important discussion of how sex plays a role in Fitz’s scandalous-marked past. I thought this was crucial to explore for the time period, and to give this backstory to a man. A really well done piece of the character-driven plot arcs, especially with regard to how Damaris navigates that, and makes some mistakes too.
January 24, 2022
Damaris is in a bind. She wants a title and she has the money. The man with the title who needs money, backs out and goes with a penniless yet beautiful woman. Of all the Malloren stories, this one was a bit meh for me. It wasn't bad. I just didn't feel much for Damaris's plight. The danger she is in crosses and confounds Fitzroger who is tasked to guard Ash, her original intended. This romance is messy with many crossing wires and didn't do it for me. Sad to say really since I do like the Malloren family. Although, truth be told, this story is not about a Malloren, just an "extended" connection. Especially as the Dark Marquis makes an appearance. I do so like seeing him throwing his weight around and having eyes and ears everywhere.
October 5, 2025
Un libro viejito? si, pero que buen libroooooo, me encantan los libros ambientados en épocas pasadas(este era tipo época los de Bridgertone)
Q este libro me lo presto mi abuela y yo no le tenía expectativas, lo juzgue rápido y WOW
Me encantó toda la historia, osea me dieron romance, traición, acción, investigación de crimen, osea DE TODO. Fitzroger, lo ame ame ame y como trataba a Damaris, como la miraba y LA DESCRIBIA AAH. en verdad todo me encantó, todos los personajes, hasta los secundarios fueron excelentes.
Datito, la reina y el rey en el libro eran Charlotte y Jorge....Bridgertone? Coincidencia? no se pero para mi todos son en el mismo lugar y época porque demasiada coincidencia
Q este libro me lo presto mi abuela y yo no le tenía expectativas, lo juzgue rápido y WOW
Me encantó toda la historia, osea me dieron romance, traición, acción, investigación de crimen, osea DE TODO. Fitzroger, lo ame ame ame y como trataba a Damaris, como la miraba y LA DESCRIBIA AAH. en verdad todo me encantó, todos los personajes, hasta los secundarios fueron excelentes.
Datito, la reina y el rey en el libro eran Charlotte y Jorge....Bridgertone? Coincidencia? no se pero para mi todos son en el mismo lugar y época porque demasiada coincidencia
August 11, 2019
The New York Times bestselling author brings back the most beloved family in romance!
Damaris Myddleton never expected to inherit a vast fortune-but she's ready to use it to buy the most eligible title in England. In comes Mr. Fitzroger, the dashing but penniless adventurer who first saves her from social disaster, and then saves her life. Now, trapped in mystery, danger, and forbidden intimacy, Damaris fights not to surrender her freedom and her heart to a most unsuitable man.
March 28, 2023
Me gustó muchísimo este libro a pesar que no he leído ningún libro de los anteriores en la serie y este ya es el número 7 no andaba perdida, lo disfruté mucho...
La heroína me encantó es un poco mala, eso me gustó mucho dice lo que piensa y va tras lo que quiere.
El héroe es un amor super dulce y un poquito mártir pero se le perdona por lo honorable que es y lo bien que trata a la heroína.
Me gustó mucho que la que tiene dinero es ella y quiere comprarle cosas se me hizo lindo.
El romance muy bien la trama un poco rara buscando antepasados todo un rollo pero es entretenido.
La heroína me encantó es un poco mala, eso me gustó mucho dice lo que piensa y va tras lo que quiere.
El héroe es un amor super dulce y un poquito mártir pero se le perdona por lo honorable que es y lo bien que trata a la heroína.
Me gustó mucho que la que tiene dinero es ella y quiere comprarle cosas se me hizo lindo.
El romance muy bien la trama un poco rara buscando antepasados todo un rollo pero es entretenido.
June 15, 2022
This one SO disappointed me after I loved Winter Fire. I wanted to continue the story line from that book and expected the same excellent writing. Instead of witty dialogue, there are endless pages of prose, boring history about British kings, who does/doesn't have royal blood. I just skimmed this one to get through it. Regret spending $ for it.
August 6, 2023
Empecé el libro con reticencia porque la protagonista no me inspiraba nada de simpatía y me dije: "ufff, esto va a ser un gran bache en la saga".
Para mi sorpresa, aunque no es de las protagonistas que más me gustaron, acabé disfrutando mucho con esta historia y esta pareja.
Bonito Fitz, bonito Bey, bonito Ash, bonita Genova y lady Thalia.
Para mi sorpresa, aunque no es de las protagonistas que más me gustaron, acabé disfrutando mucho con esta historia y esta pareja.
Bonito Fitz, bonito Bey, bonito Ash, bonita Genova y lady Thalia.
January 10, 2026
This is another classic by the late, great historical romance writer Jo Beverly! She writes suspenseful and thought-provoking novels, and this one is chock full of romance and suspense! As usual, she has done a lot of research, making it truly authentic of Georgian times. You can feel the emotions of the characters and you rapidly turn pages to learn what will happen!
November 9, 2022
A very determined woman.
Love the main characters. Satisfied my need for chills and cheers. The heroine is down to earth and very human. The hero is strong and sharp and kind. Enjoyed it immensely.
Love the main characters. Satisfied my need for chills and cheers. The heroine is down to earth and very human. The hero is strong and sharp and kind. Enjoyed it immensely.
February 4, 2023
no me gustó xd
tuvo instalove que luego queda estancado, menos romance del que se espera siendo que es una novela ROMÁNTICA, el subplot de asesinato que no pintaba nada ahí y personajes que se portan como si estuvieran en la actualidad
igual fue entretenido y me gustaron los dos protagonistas
tuvo instalove que luego queda estancado, menos romance del que se espera siendo que es una novela ROMÁNTICA, el subplot de asesinato que no pintaba nada ahí y personajes que se portan como si estuvieran en la actualidad
igual fue entretenido y me gustaron los dos protagonistas
August 15, 2017
I miss Jo Beverley. Re-reading her Malloren World / Georgian Romances! Excellent Escapism! Very Good Reads.
December 22, 2017
De las que mas me ha gustado de la serie. El Marqués me encata
February 11, 2018
An excellent example of old school informed but not hampered by modern values!
June 29, 2018
I didn't like the way the heroin was treated.
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