To Wed A Wicked Gentleman - by Jane Feather

This is the first installment of Jane Feather's "Cavendish Square Trilogy" or which I like to call the "Wicked Trilogy".

Synopsis (from book jacket)

Bestselling author Jane Feather brings to life the glamour, sophistication, and intrigue of Regency-era London in this captivating novel of unexpected passions and dangerous secrets.

Pooling their meager resources, Lady Cornelia Dagenham, her sister-in-law Aurelia, and their friend Liv Lacey arrive in London's Cavendish Square to spend a month at the home Liv has just inherited. But why anyone would show a fervent interest in purchasing the rundown property -- particularly the arrogant Viscount Bonham, who clearly could afford the finest of homes -- is a puzzle to Cornelia. His charms are undeniable, though -- and Cornelia finds her resistance to this mysterious stranger falling away...as a sparking passion clouds her view.

But their affair may place her and her friends in danger as Harry Bonham sweeps her into the sparkling whirl of high society. Leading a double life as a code breaker for the Crown, Harry is a man of many secrets. Is it Cornelia whom he truly desires, or something hidden in the house on Cavendish Square?

Quick Review:

Rating: B

Setting: 1807 Regency-era London

Additional Info: Book 1 of 3

MY REVIEW:

I often wonder how authors can define the time period in which they are living. how does one write for modern day woman with a character from an era long time passed. If we think of this logically, no romance book is ever really accurate, but then again, who would want to read about a woman who believed she was nothing better than what her father or husband told her she was. I think we have much to thank such historical writers as Jane Austen for. Were it not for her and others, we would not realize that women were coming into their own and starting to push the social boundaries of their society. Here we find three women who are embarking on a journey of self discovery if you will. They are stepping out of their comfort boxes to do something out of their guardians watchful eyes. The author does a good job depicting the women in their own social graces and yet allows us to see beneath their veneers. 

BLUNDERS (?)

N/A

To Wed A Wicked Prince - by Jane Feather

This is the second installment of Jane Feather's "Cavendish Square Trilogy" or which I like to call the "Wicked Trilogy".

Synopsis (from book jacket)

Livia Lacey came to the house she inherited in London's Cavendish Square with her two friends, Lady Cornelia Dagenham and Lady Aurelia Farnham, to experience the excitement of city life. With Cornelia now happily married, Livia and Aurelia are on their own. But dashing Prince Alex Prokov, a newcomer to London, seems enchanted by Liv the moment they meet. Disarmed by the prince's determined pursuit of her, his exuberant joy of living, and the desires he awakens in her, Liv agrees to marry him.

But while night is a time for passionate embraces, Liv discovers that her irresistible husband can be as autocratic as he is extravagantly generous. While Alex balks at Liv's independent ways, he refuses to explain his own comings and goings. When Liv learns one of Alex's secrets she only loves him more. But when she learns the other secret, will she feel wickedly betrayed?

Quick review:

Rating: B

Setting: 1807 regency England

Additional Info: Book 2 of 3

MY REVIEW:

This second book in the series picks up where the first book left off time wise. Which means these stories are happening back to back and not years later.

It seems that the author really outlines her set(s) of books well in advance. Unlike some others, this writer's characters are well established in the first book, so we are not learning who these characters are book by book. There is also not a lot of repeat information given when you read the second, and so on, books which I find quite refreshing. I personally do not like having to rehash characters and plot lines in subsequent books. I realize this information is repeated for readers who may not have read the first book, but for me who ALWAYS (at least tries) to read the authors books in sequential order, it get monotonous.  If you are reading this book before the first, you will NOT be lost at all with the characters or their stories.

The story itself is above average. As I read it I did not find my mind wandering as it sometimes does with stories whose plots go up and down like waves. I found the character of Livia refreshing. She is a strong woman who knows what she wants and how to hold her own, yet makes decisions that strong women of today may not make. It is well written and moved between to two main characters evenly. The "have-to-keep-my-secret" in this book was different in its reveal, which I was happy about.

BLUNDERS (?)

Time issue

Sophia Lacey had given birth in 1771 and our story picks up 36 years later 1807. There is a character in the book a Lady Hargreaves who refers to herself as an "old woman" and knew Lady Sophia in her youth. She explains that Sophia was 15 years older than her. Assuming the Lady Hargreaves was in her 60's 1n 1807 (considering herself "old") that would have made Sophia 75. 75 years of age minus 36 would have made Lady Sophia 39. However, Sophia was described as having a scandal when she was very young, and long before the Lady Hargreaves knew her.