“Matthews’ tale hits all the high notes of a great romance novel…Cue the satisfied sighs of romance readers everywhere.” -Kirkus ReviewsA WORLD-WEARY RAKEAfter years of unbridled debauchery, Tristan Sinclair, Viscount St. Ashton has hit proverbial rock bottom. Seeking to escape his melancholy, he takes refuge at one of Victorian society’s most notorious house parties. As the … most notorious house parties. As the Christmas season approaches, he prepares to settle in for a month of heavy drinking…until an unexpected encounter changes his plans–and threatens his heart.
A PRIM VICAR’S DAUGHTER
Valentine March is not the drab little spinster she appears to be. When her new job as a lady’s companion lands her smack in the middle of Yorkshire with England’s most infamous rake, she resolves to keep her head down and her eyes fixed firmly on her future–a future which most definitely does not include a sinfully handsome viscount.
A MATCH MADE IN SCANDAL
A friendship is impossible. An affair out of the question. But when one reckless act binds them together, will two star-crossed souls discover there’s more to each other than meets the eye? Or will revelations from the past end their fragile romance before it begins?
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I loved this story. The prose, the smart dialog, likeable characters, and sweet romance had shades of Georgette Heyer. The delicious tension between the rakish viscount and the paid companion kept me turning pages well into the night. The mystery about the heritage of the vicar’s daughter tugged at my heartstrings—and I found myself in tears when all was revealed. Beautiful! I look forward to Mimi Matthews’ next.
Another beautiful tale by Mimi Matthews. Wonderful characters, a strong narrative reflecting the prejudices and the charms of the day, and a happily ever after.
The romance plot is simple with a rake paired with a poor and pretty innocent, but the characters are funny and honest, which makes them entertaining. Valentine March has been orphaned and is companion to notorious Lady Brighton and her vicious daughter, Felicity. Valentine has fled to the garden after Felicity destroys her mother’s drawings. Tristin Sinclair finds her alone and is drawn to her. He ends up compromising her with a kiss, but his father is present and insists he must marry a woman he approves of and make repairs to his neglected estate. Valentine must find out the truth about her family before they are reunited.
Two broken souls are joined together after a rocky start. I enjoyed the story and the characters. I will be reading more of this author.
A quick, sweet Victorian romance centering around a rake trying to reform himself and his reputation and the woman who has complete faith in him when no one else does (including his family).
The love-at-first-sight for Tristan and his subsequent changes would have been a bit hard to believe, but due to the brevity of the book (230 pgs.), I took it in stride and loved it for its sincerity.
My second book from this author, and I’ve enjoyed both for their sweet, heartwarming stories. Well written, and I look forward to reading more from this author.
I LOVED this book! Read it- you’ll be glad you did!
A well-done regency romance
Mimi Matthews is a must-buy in my book. The path to love and a life together is never quite straightforward, and the journey is always touching without being trite. I especially loved St. Clare’s father, who was manipulative, but helped achieve the happy ending. I highly recommend everything Mimi has written.
Sweet, I’d like more of these characters. Good plot/subplot resolutions. Does not bog the reader down with descriptions, just enough to give a visual.
Truly enjoyed this book. Normally I prefer steamy historical romance, but this was a well written book that kept me engrossed.
Great book ! I recommend all of Mini Matthew’s books. She is a great author that never disappoints.
This book was my introduction to the author Mimi Matthews; I now automatically purchase anything she publishes. Her books are unusual, often intriguing, and romantic. She writes intelligently and with insight. Her books are historical romances that are an absolute delight to read.
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Where to begin with this absolute train-wreck of a story. For one, it is in desperate need of another round of editing. There were instances where the wrong tense of a word was used, and other instances where the words (while historically accurate) just made the sentence sound weird (for instance instead of saying he was “in his cups” or “foxed” he tells her that he is “disguised?” Huh?
The characters were one-dimensional and unbelievable. Valentine comes across as naive and lacking any backbone whatsoever. She allows people to consistently speak ill of her (right in front of her) without making any attempt to even correct their misassumptions or stand up for herself. The whole story surrounding her birth makes no sense either. It seemed as though something that should have been obvious to everyone was easily overlooked (or maybe that was just the fact that it read like the author wanted to do something to make her a more suitable bride, I don’t know).
Tristan is supposedly a rake of the worst kind, according to his father he’s also basically little more than a waste of space. He doesn’t want to do anything with his life (for no apparent reason I might add), and he’s content to let the one property he owns falls into absolute disrepair because he prefers to live off his allowance from daddy (until his father says enough and cuts him off).
These two couldn’t be more opposite of one another, and yet we’re supposed to believe that these two have fallen in love with each other after just one kiss (during which one of them had admitted to being drunk)? Oh, and let’s not forget the times Tristan calls her a “little idiot” and a “little fool” when she doubts him or his supposed feelings for her. Yup. That’s just what I want to be called from a man who claims he wants to marry me. Get out of here.
The whole story tried to revolve around Tristan wanting to better himself for her, and in fact becoming a better man for her, when in reality we don’t see any of this. He is told to leave her alone so that she may get her footing and experience some of what London society offers, but after a month, he’s back in her life. He acts out of nothing more than his own desire for her, and the wanting to have her as his wife.
And then we are given an absolutely atrocious epilogue. Suddenly the entire book shifts from being told from the perspectives of the main characters to being told by a narrator. And we are TOLD that they were married. And TOLD that they have a child, but we don’t get to see any of it. A solidly disappointing ending to an already disappointing book.
Great story, I highly recommend it
A very entertaining, romantic, story. Loved the premise. They were perfect together. Story is well written. So much so that it pulls you in. Great ending too.
A sweet romance about two people who discover that being seemingly opposite on the outside doesn’t mean you aren’t alike on the inside.
A stellar novel. Incredibly well written. I loved Tristan’s reaction to Valentine. And Valentine’s reaction to him. They were both caught up in their feelings succumbing to that first swoon worthy kiss! This is an incredibly well written story. My first introduction to Mimi Matthews’ work and it will not be my last book to read by this author. This was my second time around reading this story and loved it just as much as the first time. A wonderful and satisfying HEA. Highly recommended.
I totally loved this story. It was filled with so much emotion! Beautiful !
It was an enjoyable read with a little more depth than the usual Victorian romances.