Not your typical Regency Romance novel
343298
This was not your typical Regency Romance novel. There was action, intrigue, and depth to these characters and their love story in the midst of turmoil and change. I look forward to future books in the series and by this author.
284568
I tend to find regency romances to be somewhat predictable.  However, in the case of this book, where the story is well written, predictability is not all bad, kind of like eating a favored meal.  While there were a few plot twists that I could see from a mile away, Chase did practice restraint and only utilized one or two obvious devices.  The way h/h was honest and accepting of each other was quite refreshing and really made the book shine. I wouldn't say that the book blew me away but the characters and their stories were real, touching and poignant enough to draw a few tears from me (an unusual occurrence.)  All in all, a fun and quick read.
1557080
This was a great story. Good job to Josi S. Kilpack on her first published Regency novel.

It was different from others I've read in several ways. Early on I had extreme dislike for one of the main characters. She was so awful. Her interactions with others were all to boost herself higher in society. Her experience in the story was unusual-I've definitely never read anything like it before in a Regency novel, but I thought it was great. Amber's parents were quite disappointing.

Thomas was a great character. He was genuine and didn't care about what society thought. He was a good person and I liked his interaction with the other characters.

The outcome was somewhat predictable but there were many surprises along the way that kept the story entertaining.

I'm excited that Josi has started writing about this era. If you are looking to read a clean, Regency novel, check out A Heart Revealed.
1893534
In Regency-era England, a young woman's future depends on making a success in her season. But what about those women who can't, who don't, or who simply have interests beyond fancy dresses, dances, and attracting a male's attention? Susanna Finch thinks she has the answer--she's turned her village into a retreat where young women (and their mothers) can go to find themselves. Some of these women will return to London for their seasons, others won't. But all of them, Susanna is certain, will be better for some time supported by other women, where they're allowed to pursue their interests without the need to impress a male. Which is exactly why Victor Bramwell's (Bram's) arrival is a disaster. Bram is the kind of man who makes it hard for women to concentrate on anything except him. Worst of all, Susanna herself isn't immune.

Bram isn't interested in spending time in a village run by women, he wants to get back to his regiment, back to the war against Napoleon. He's still recovering from battle injuries and his superiors are certain he's not ready, that he may never be ready to return, but Bram can't imagine a life other than one of military service. When Susanna's father offers him a deal, that he form a costal defense company and impress his military superiors that way, Bram has little choice but to take it. With Susanna's father holding the keys to his future, one thing Bram can't afford to do is tamper with the pretty redhead... no matter how much his body yearns for her.

Author Tessa Dare creates a charming and sexy Regency romp with a pair of damaged lovers who can only find healing in one another's arms, and a host of secondary characters who seem intent on making life difficult for Bram and Susanna as the two are caught between their desire and the certainty that falling in love can only bring ruin.

Dare creates a strong black moment as the book nears its conclusion with a profoundly emotional moment that puts both Bram and Susanna to the test. As the two are forced to confront their deepest fears, their still-budding love for one another seems likely to be snuffed out.

I liked that Dare remembered that the Regency period takes place during a horrible and destructive war. While much of English aristocracy flirted, danced, and practiced their French, England battled against Napoleon, sometimes with allies, sometimes alone in the world. Too often, regency-set books forget this dark backdrop and concentrate on the dances and witty conversation. The backdrop of war and destruction adds complexity to Dare's story. Although there's plenty of humor in A NIGHT TO SURRENDER, there's also destruction and shattered lives.
2364565
I enjoyed it all the way through.  Liked the fresh plot and approach... a little different from what one usually reads in Regency Romance.
1476143
I don't want to give anything away, but I love it.  This was a heart breaking story in some ways, but I loved the character development.  The main female character has a challenge that comes her way that's quite sad and perhaps seems a little silly for our time, but for the Regency period it really works.  Great read!
2928040
I actually liked this book much more than I thought I would when I bought it. It is the story of a young girl who is orphaned when here entire family dies in a fire. She is the only one to excape, and has only a box her father pushed into her hands before pushing her out a window and going back in to try to save others. She disguises herself as a boy and manages to become apprinticed to a bricklayer (and, unlikely as it seems, that part is based on a true story). Thirteen years later, she is contacted by an ex military man who wants to talk to her about the night of the fire. When she shows up at their meeting place, she is just in time to see the man stabbed to death on a busy street corner. Thus begins her journey to try to find out what happened to her family. On the way, there is romance, a good bit of fun and, finally, a family (and love) found. Sarah is definitely not your normal Regency heroine, and this is not the run of the mill Regency romance. I look forward to reading the other two books (it is a series of four, and I have read two) in the series.
2854359
This was a nice change of pace for a Regency romance - no simpering young misses or overheated London ballrooms here. The heroine runs a busy inn, despite her gender and her age, and if she bears a terrible unrequited love for a certain gentleman, well! I think we know that it will all work out in the end. There is a secondary (secret!) romance, a bit of road trip adventure toward the end, and a few shocking family secrets to uncover - making this an entertaining romp. The characters are fun, even if some of the side characters are a little under developed. All in all, a very enjoyable read.
1451528
At some point, Amazon had this book for a price that I couldn't refuse to download. Having never read any of Carolyn Miller's book, I was certain whether or not I would enjoy the book.

The Elusive Miss Ellison is a Regency romance centered around Lavinia Ellison, the minister's daughter. She had lost her mother at a young age due to a terrible accident, due to the foolish actions from the Hawkesbury estate. Now, the brother of the one who killed her mother is back in town, and Lavinia is determined to have nothing to do with him. She has no fear of expressing her opinion, especially when it has to do with the poor of the village, the same people that he should be taking an interest in, being as they are his tenants.

I overall really and truly enjoyed the story, about the parts about her mother and the accident were placed to be understood, but yet not fully to me. However, that didn't deter me from devouring the book. There was plenty of angst within the pages, along with a surprising detour with a journey Lavinia's life makes.

All in all, I'm truly happy that I downloaded the book. I notice that there are two other books in the series, both are characters that are mentioned in this book. This was one book that I found difficult putting down once I started, which probably explained my reading late into the night.
For once, this is a book that I downloaded on my own, without any complimentary copies from a publisher.
2441459
Most of the time when I read regency historical romance I expect them to be all happy go lucky and not have such controversial subjects in it sure there is conflict but it is usually more of a misunderstanding or issues with the ton. This book by Ms. Tamara Gill really goes beyond happiness and pushes the envelope with this story. Sure there are happy moments but there are more sad moments in this story than most regencies I read. There is also deceptions, betrayals, drug addiction, sex clubs with same sex partners, second chances and yes of course love which I can see why most regency historical lovers will balk at all of this as opposed to following more of a Jane Austen style of writing. Ms. Gills way of writing didn't really turn me off because I still enjoyed the story and couldn't stop reading it. Despite all of this taboo Ms. Gill writes a beautifully told story with complex characters that you really felt for the characters even if you hated them you still couldn't help but like them anyway.
Isolde Worthingham the second eldest daughter of the Duke of Penworth after meeting Merrick Mountshaw the fourth Duke of Moore has been in love with him soon after meeting him. For them both it was pretty much love at first sight but this love is about to be tested. After Isolde catches Merrick in a very compromising position with her supposed best friend Lenora Letty Hart Isolde is broken hearted. Isolde then must watch her true love Merrick marry Lenora which pretty much destroys her. Isolde leaves for Scotland staying there for five years before coming back to London to see her family and possibly to find someone to wed but her past and Merrick will not be forgotten. Old hurt, hatreds and the animosity felt between all of them will never be laid to rest. Can Isolde be able to forgive Lenora much less Merrick in order to find true happiness for her life or is she doomed to live her life in bitterness.
I really did admire Isolde especially everything that she had to play witness too. She really had so much strength even though she was betrayed by people she loved. Most of the time I seriously wanted to give her a big hug and tell her everything was going to be okay. That all of this would pass, it is really going to hurt but it will pass. Merrick despite what he did to Isolde made me feel a little sorry for him. I wanted him to try harder to explain the situation as opposed to following society. I wanted to strangle Lenora so much or just seriously beat her to a bloody pulp. She is one of the worst side characters I have read in quite a while. I did hope that Lord Wardoor finds an amiable gentleman to love and that his life turns around. In actuality I really wanted a happy ending for everyone since everyone seemed to be getting such brutal treatment from each other that I felt they kind of deserved it. Still I loved the story and for people that enjoy darker regencies this book is perfect for them.
3337996
this novel started slowly but soon had me turning the pages to the end. it's not the typical romance novel. quite refreshing.
1946801
This is a more traditional Regency romance novel, with some suspense elements that would classify it as a Regency Noir as the hero and heroine deal with some big issues while falling in love at the same time.

Charlotte Castlemaine has been the toast of the area ever since her coming out, and is expected to 'marry well'.

Her aunt, who helped raise her after her mother died, and her friend Agnes, have all been pushing her into the arms of Herbert Paxton,  who seems to be besotted with her.

Thomas Eltham, the Duke of Ellesmere, knows Paxton is nothing more than a fortune hunter, who has destroyed his sister Jane and is bent on ruining everything Thomas treasures most in the world, his younger sister Elizabeth, and the lives of his best friends the Rakehells, Jonathan, Clifford and their set.

Fate takes a hand when he overhears Paxton and Charlotte's plans to elope.  He races to be first on the scene, and cleverly arranges it so the carriage will be found by Charlotte's father, before any real harm is done.

But one kiss between them is so explosive, it sets off a shocking series of events which only ends with the stunning conclusion to this fast-paced Regency romance novel.

It is clear Thomas loves her from the outset, but that love is tested in the book and grows into not just passion, but the kind of magical love that happily ever afters are made of.

Charlotte is stunned-here is yet another fortune hunter, or so she thinks; he cleverly never tells her about Paxton's crimes, but lets her sort out true love from false pretence and she grows from girl to alluring adult woman in the course of the book in a convincing way.

I love how intimate the couples are, that you can really see them falling in love in every scene.

I loved the characters, and the one negative review that said the book was preachy must be referring to the really clever wedding scene, in which Thomas is saying his vows like he means them, while Charlotte is feeling more and more trapped and getting ready to run for it. Very cleverly done, and a lovely part of the book, again perfect for people who don't want a lot of sex scenes in a romance (though there are some really good ones!!)

Fortunately, the passion they share wins Charlotte over, and as she gets to know Thomas, Charlotte is sure that he is the only man for her. Now, if she can only convince Thomas that she loves him for himself, not his  money or title!

This had a lot of suspense, maybe not that many love scenes compared to other books, (the first three in the series, for example, compared to the later ones, which are more  spicy) but really sexy characters and a lot os suspense as I waited to see if the snakes in the grass would all get found out by Charlotte. The end was a cliffhanger for sure.

From the moment we meet Thomas, he kept me turning the pages in this entertaining, fast read.  The chemistry between the couple was terrific despite all the misunderstandings on each person's part, and there is the big issue of if Charlotte ever was seduced by Paxton or not that makes Thomas afraid he may never win her love, but they work as a team to take on the world and win.  The book was supenseful, a perfect conclusion, and also made me eager to read the next books, Jonathan's romance with "The Miss Matched", his sister Sarah as "The Matchless Miss," (hotter)  and Elizabeth, Thomas' sister, taking a chance on love in "The Scarred Heart." (even more spicy).
1169343
I was very pleased with this book.  I did think the language was a bit much, as there is more vulgarity used than I am used to..I have been in the Regency period too long...but I think the word usage was appropriate for  the time and setting.  The hero/anti-hero is exceptional! More action than  I am used to, which was also appreciated.  I think this book is a keeper.
850225
I was expecting a simple Regency type romance with few complications and predictable settings. This story is so much more. I don't like to do spoilers. Randall and Julia share a wonderful, blossoming romance, with danger and fear mixed in. Surprising twists, heartrending memories, new trust, deadly threats, all add to the complexity of this wonderful story. I was really drawn in to this work. It is a story to enjoy.
3325415
If you love Regency, give this one a read!  Elinor is not a your typical heroine - she is brash, witty and delightful.  Despite her seeming navet, she turns the tables on the notorious  "Lord Rake" while dragging him off on a merry,  but unexpected adventure.

Enjoy this story and then go back and discover the treasure trove that is Leigh Michaels' backlist.
2950011
I'm still not sure if I liked this more or less than Julianne Donaldson's first book, Edenbrooke, but I read it just as fast. Although it was still a regency romance, it had a very different tone. It was more intense and a bit darker, a little more grown up from Edenbrooke. As I was reading, I was reminded of Bronte sisters and Northanger Abbey. There are cold and windy moors, dark ruins, and secret passages. The episodes of humiliation from her family are acutely painful. I was struck by the main conflict of the story and how there was no obvious solution. Although I was happy with the ending, I'm not sure if it was totally satisfying. I'm looking forward to reading this a second time, but I would love to see another Julianne Donaldson proper romance even more!
3307707
I love regency romances. This had all the elements of a hero and not so simply a damsel.  It is really well written.