Courtney A. (aggielawyer) -
Helpful Score: 4
Company of Rogues, Book #2. I love this series and am re-reading everything for the 2nd time. If you like Regency romance, please check it out.
This is the story of Lucien de Veaux, Marquess of Arden and Beth Armitage. At the very beginning, we learn that Lucien's mother had a 'one night stand' with an old flame while his father was away. Once his father finds out he leaves (presumably only for a time) and has an affair with another woman. The result of these dalliances is that Lucien is not the 'rightful' heir to the Duke of Belcraven, though the Duke never made the fact known, and Beth is the daughter he did not know existed until the death of her mother. In order to continue the true line, the Duke decides that Lucien and Beth will marry. Lucien is a typical Regency buck who seems only to live for a good time, including setting up a famous actress as his mistress. Beth has grown up in a girls school, where she now is a stern teacher, and she disdains the upper class and frivolous living. Their rocky courtship continues even after their wedding until they finally obtain their happily ever after.
Be warned that this book does raise the issue of spousal abuse, though in my opinion, it is never condoned. Also, I didn't like the fact that Lucien has a good bye 'visit' with his mistress even after he has met Beth. Technically, I guess it's still within some accepted morality since he and Beth weren't married (or even liked each other), but I just didn't care for it. I would have preferred for it to have happened sooner.
Even with these quibbles, I enjoyed this book very much and give it 4 stars.
This is the story of Lucien de Veaux, Marquess of Arden and Beth Armitage. At the very beginning, we learn that Lucien's mother had a 'one night stand' with an old flame while his father was away. Once his father finds out he leaves (presumably only for a time) and has an affair with another woman. The result of these dalliances is that Lucien is not the 'rightful' heir to the Duke of Belcraven, though the Duke never made the fact known, and Beth is the daughter he did not know existed until the death of her mother. In order to continue the true line, the Duke decides that Lucien and Beth will marry. Lucien is a typical Regency buck who seems only to live for a good time, including setting up a famous actress as his mistress. Beth has grown up in a girls school, where she now is a stern teacher, and she disdains the upper class and frivolous living. Their rocky courtship continues even after their wedding until they finally obtain their happily ever after.
Be warned that this book does raise the issue of spousal abuse, though in my opinion, it is never condoned. Also, I didn't like the fact that Lucien has a good bye 'visit' with his mistress even after he has met Beth. Technically, I guess it's still within some accepted morality since he and Beth weren't married (or even liked each other), but I just didn't care for it. I would have preferred for it to have happened sooner.
Even with these quibbles, I enjoyed this book very much and give it 4 stars.
Helpful Score: 1
second in the Company of Rogues series; Lucien and Beth's story
Melissa D. (Spicygirl) reviewed An Unwilling Bride (Company of Rogues, Bk 2) on + 14 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Not lighthearted, but definitely a good read.
Nancy F. (nhchikadee) reviewed An Unwilling Bride (Company of Rogues, Bk 2) on + 8 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I like Jo Beverley's writing, she always has a good plot, the two main characters struggles against each other and then the results of love. Another perfect love story.
