I was not fond of this story. Early 1800s England.
I felt like the heroine's character changed. At the beginning she seemed to be happy and spirited. She lived for acting, but by the middle of the book, that goal had been long forgotten as her personality became serious and contemplative. Add to that the SECOND climatic event at the end of the book, and I have serious doubts about reading the other book on my TBR shelf from this author.
If you are reading this, my suggestiong would be that when you get to the "first" (and my opinion true) ending, just skip the next 20 or so pages and go right to the epilogue. That - I will say - was a cute ending to this book.

Mary (
mekach) wrote on 7/19/2009...
enjoyed it
I did enjoy this one - again it struck a good balance between romance, adventure and mystery (although the latter two were more emphasized). However, this was not as good as her other works. The last two chapters did not seem to belong - it was almost as if they were tacked on as an afterthought. The epilogue was amusing, but again, it would have been better coming right after the big fight scene that serves as the climax. I would recommend it if you just cannot find anything else to read, but not highly.
As much as I love all of the characters in Foley's 'Knight Miscellaney' books, I must admit that the twins, Lucien and Damien, are my favorites. This is Damien's story, taking place shortly after Lucien's marriage. A national military hero, he is severely troubled by memories of the war, to the point where anything that remotely resembles the sounds of battle cause him to lose control. Being an extremely self-controlled individual, this scares him half to death, and he responds by shutting himself off so that he won't accidentally hurt anyone that he loves. He's macho and tough, and all you want to do is give him a hug.
Damien meets his match in Miranda, his newly acquired ward. Miranda is something of a free spirit, although not to the point where you want to shake her into showing some common sense. She spends the first third of the book determined to become an acclaimed actress. Damien falls for her the moment he sees her, of course, but tries to convince himself (and her) that he's no good for her. Miranda then devotes herself to convincing him otherwise. She's also having to dodge a series mysterious attempts on her life, right up to a deadly showdown.
These are two very likeable characters, whom Foley has drawn in several dimensions, as she does so well. Their personal growth is evident without being hit-you-over-the-head obvious. The descriptions of the battles that Damien lived through were grim and well-done, and you can easily understand why someone would be so haunted. The rest of Damien's family is also pulled into the story, so that you are filled in on their lives and given hints as to the fates of the heroes and heroines of the subsequent novels. A very absorbing book, and an excellent waste of several hours!
set before Napoleon escapes from Elba, an earl is tormented by memories of war; his beautiful ward tries to cure him
This book is in Perfect Condition!
One of the best of the Knights Miscellany series! Demon's story!
Great novel, part of wonderful series of siblings, some of my favorite characters ever!