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A story of romance and passion from a best-selling author – Miss Lenore Lester was perfectly content with her quiet country life, so she took steps to remain inconspicuous when managing her brothers’ house parties – but to no avail! Though Lenore hid behind glasses and pulled-back hair, she couldn’t disguise her beauty. The notoriously charming Jason Montgomery, Duke of Eversleigh, easily saw behind Miss Lenore’s brilliant disguise, and while she was determined not to be thrown off balance by this charming rake, he was equally determined to loosen the hold she had on her heart.
User Reviews
This book was boring and aggravating. I didn't even like the leading man and I HATED how the woman was written. I actually threw the book across the room in disgust. Definitely don't buy this one. -- Horrible
I need to explain right away that I am old fashioned in lots and lots of ways. One particular way is in my preference for romance novels which place their emphasis on the romance aspect of a story. This Stephanie Laurens novel is exactly that, it is a story about the romance between two unwilling people which turns into love. This book was originally published in 1995 and then reissued in 2004. Even after such a short time (in the grand scheme of things) much has changed in the world of romance fiction. The two aspects which make me cringe the most in the modern version of a romance novel are the "super feisty" heroine and the "sex manual" approach to romantic interludes. Both modern writing techniques can turn me off in a heartbeat if they are not handled very, very carefully by a competent writer. I'm pleased to say that neither of those approaches is used in this book.
Lenore Lester is actually living in a dream world but she hasn't realized that yet. She is the center of the family consisting of her father, an aunt and three brothers. She is the one who handles all the estate matters and manages the household. Everyone in the neighborhood knows that it is she who keeps everything at Lester Hall running smoothly. She also enjoyes reading subjects of an intellectual nature but makes sure only her family is aware of that fact. After all, women are not supposed to use their brains for anything substantial. After a serious illness suffered by her father, Lenore agrees to have a week long house party in order to help raise his spirits even more. Her brothers will invite their friends with an eye to slightly unconventional behavior but it will not concern Lenore, she will just remain completely in the background, as usual. She is sure none of the gentlemen invited will pay her the least bit of attention because she has managed to come up with a disguise guaranteed to turn away any interest.
Jason, the Duke of Eversleigh has come to the realization that he must marry in order to carry on his ancestral lineage. His younger brother was supposed to have accomplished this feat but his death in the battle of Hougoumont changed the agreement the brothers had made with each other. Now Jason begins to search for the perfect wife. Perfect for him, that is. One who fulfills all his reasons for getting married but will not intrude too often on the life he expects to continue to lead. His arrogance is such that he actually explains to Lenore the reasons for his wanting to marry her but she understands that he does not include love as a possibility. His jaded lifestyle has taught him that love within the ton is not needed, wanted, nor expected.
This is one of those old fashioned books which allows the reader to use their own imagination to fill in the blanks. Just as in the old black and white movies, this author chooses to fade to black during the physical aspect of this marriage. I wholeheartedly endorse that decision. As I said at the beginning, this book was written a few years ago and that may have had something to do with that decision but I don't care. I still like to write my own love scenes. Quietly. Privately.
I read modern romantic fiction. Often times I realize that I would be embarassed for anyone to see me reading a particular book because it is so very sexually explicit. Even if I enjoy the overall story, I still don't particularly like the full disclosure of what happens during intimacy. When I can find one of these older, quieter, sweeter, more innocent books I snap it up. Thanks Ms Laurens. This one was a pleasure for me from beginning to end.
-- A true romance. Not a sex manual!
The title says it all.
Recommended for improving one's SAT/GRE vocabulary.
-- Yaaaawwwwnnnnnnnnnn!
I didn't like the conflict between them toward the end. It was based on not being honest with each other, while each one was hiding his/her love for the other. Then the other assumed the worst rather than the truth. Their conflict was superficial and uninteresting. The author should have come up with a better conflict. Also, physical intimacies were not well described. I prefer a little more steam. -- Nice in the beginning, but weak plot at the end
I am frankly stumped how people can dislike this book! Compared to Stephanie Laurens's more recent works, this book is a jewel. Even compared to most of the other books I've read, I'd still rather pick this one up.
When the Duke of Eversleigh needs a wife, he sets his sight - though it was unseen - on Lenore Lester, and stubbornly pursues her. Lenore, quite satisfied running her father's home, is reluctant, but the attraction that pulses between her and the arrogant duke intrigues her. Quite by accident, she finds herself giving in and marrying him. Amidst the English countryside and London social swirl, Lenore and Jason find out just how much they need and, yes, love each other.
This is a book that should be a permanent addition to every Regency lover's bookshelf. -- One of the best Laurens's books I've ever read!
