Nothing But Velvet

Book Description

From the depths of an English forest to glittering ballrooms to the scaffold's dark shadow, ride the path of temptation with Kat Martin....Lovely Velvet Moran has renounced all thoughts of love. To save her family from ruin, she will wed the hard-faced Duke of Carlyle. But instead of becoming a nobleman's bride, Velvet finds herself a notorious highwayman's prize-her resolve to escape his forest lair warring with the wicked heat sparked by his caresses.Falsely branded a murderer, Jason Sinclair has secretly returned to clear his name and stop the wedding that would deny him his stolen dukedom. In an outlaw masquerade, he'll kidnap this sensuous minx and detain her as long as is necessary. But can he bridle the surge of passion that has captured his soul....and could imperil them both?

Customer Reviews:

I have read almost all Kat Martin's novels.......2004-10-19

I have read a lot of her books. Recently I discovered, "Perfect sin, Wicked Promise, Silk and Steele, Nothing but Velvet, Fire Inside, Fanning the Flame, I was let down because of her inability to add versatility to her characters discriptions and looks. Her characters all shared similar personalities and all of the Heroines in these novels had the same shade of red hair and green eyes. The hero's all had brown hair, some grey but mainly blue eyes.

Maybe my mistake was in reading them one after another. But I can say I was disappointed, the storyline was at times unbelievable and just plain boring. After reading the first two novels the rest became so predictable. He or she was once incarcerated and are now being accused of a murder they did not committed. They meet, have sex, marry then she leaves him. BORING, even the sex scenes were the same in each book. My advice to readers read two of these books then just insert the names of the different characters from the other books in there place and BAM you have read all SIX!!!

Routine........2004-02-06

I'll go out on that well-known limb and take my stand, "This book was just ordinary." I suspect it would have made a good short story, but as a full length novel it suffered. The beginning was captivating, it held my attention, but somewhere along the way the story began to stumble. The book was too long for the ungarnished storyline.

The novel opens well - a duke callously murdered and his legitimate heir framed by an unscrupulous brother. The question the reader ponders throughout the book was "why?". What pressure, what insufferable issue, compelled a brother to hate and despise both his father and his sibling? Unfortunately, the author never answers the question.

Moving on, the novel continues to intrigue the reader. Years slip away and the falsely accused hero, Jason Sinclair, returns from the depths of misery. His mission: to clear his name, take back his realm title, regain his honor, and appreciate his freedom. To strengthen such a feat he must kidnap and imprison the novel's heroine, Velvet Moran. Now we have the recipe for spice -- a remote hunting lodge, two very attractive people, and hours of quality time together. Now this is the stuff for that long Canadian winter. But alas, the secluded adventure is short lived, unfulfilled, and sadly, the end of Martin's catchy storyline.

Kat Martin slides into the land of :
Our hero has a past. Our heroine doesn't care.
Our hero cannot love. Our heroine can.
Our hero cannot marry. Our heroine must marry.
Our hero does not want children. Our heroine does. And so on and so on.

"Nothing But Velvet", has the making of a grand short story found in an anthology collection.

Grace Atkinson, Ontario - Canada.

A Keeper.......2002-11-26

Some romance novels are keepers because they can be read again and still enjoyed. This is one of them. I have read several Kat Martin books and perfer her historicals, though I was vastly disappointed in "Nothing but Velvet's sequel, "Silk and Steel", which is the story of Lucien, Jason's friend and helper in clearing his name. I am not one who gives 5 stars often; to me, a 5 star rating is perfection, and this story did have a flaw or two, but still, I feel, a much better read then tons of romance books in stores today. Jason and Velvet make a great couple. In so many romances, the heroine is always fighting or tries to deny her sexual needs. That, thankfully, is not the case here. Velvet finds Jason as sexually appealing as he does her. I liked Lucien and he is a noble friend to Jason. At times, however, he is much smarter than Jason and so sometimes Jason appears to be like the classic gorgeous but dumb guy! Of course, to survive what he had to takes brains as well as brawn. My main issue with this story is the ending. Jason ends up with a noose around his neck and is saved. Well, that is okay but it is so rushed. It is like, hah? What is happening? Why is Lucien rushing to save him; what happend to bring the law down to save him when he was just convicted? It was too rushed and unclear. I hated when Velvet gave money to the poor semi-blind man and he tells her that her husband was innocent, yada, yada, yada. That was stupid. So the end was not great. I liked the epilogue, though. Nice way to end, knowing they had children, etc.

good but no one "moment".......2002-08-25

as nearly every other person who reviews a kat martin book they have usually gone through a number of her other books. it's the same case with me. i first picked up mrs. martin's book "the silent rose" and loved the steamy and passionate way she wrote her stories. the conflict and characters that clashed and came together with something a little more possesive than love, a little more conflicting than courtship. her books always have me turning the pages as fast as i can.

"Nothing but velvet" is the story of velvet moran, a paupered heiress in need of a wealthy husband to survive, and Jason Sinclair, the defamed duke framed for the murder of his father. Jason kidnaps Velvet to keep her from marrying his half brother Avery who we learn in the first few pages was the actual murdered of Jason's father. Everything leads from there as Jason searchs to clear his name and again and again ends up thrown together with velvet and a sexual tension that simmers just below the surface.

Though i liked this book i felt like there was no defining moment in this book. That one moment where everything clicks and both people realize, whether they admit it or not, that they care about the other person past simple lust. Jason is the classic tortured hero but the reader is left to wonder why he's so tortured until nearly the end of the book when it would have had far more impact earlier. Velvet is the naive but passionate heroine.

Martin's heriones are one of the reasons i so love her books. Her leading ladies are never afraid of their sexuality, even when they are portraited in eras as the 18th century. Velvet accepts Jason's desires and damn near seduces him herself several times. It's a refreshing change and something i wish i could see more of.

Though Velvet is almost overly naive and innocent or the "good" socital lady she's likeable and loyal. The only thing that truly bothered me in this book was that it was written in the time period of 18th century england. This is not a very common period to have a romance take place, at least in my experience. it was hard to imagine some of the places and dress and i found myself placing the characters in a regency setting instead. this was more my personal doings than any draw back from the book. i just have little experience with the history of that particular era.

All in all this was a book i don't regret reading. i will still continue to read kat martin's books and consider her a fine author.

An Awesome Story, But...........2002-05-06

Nothing But Velvet is the awesome love story of Jason Sinclair and Velvet Moran. Jason was wrongly accused of murdering his father the Duke of Carlyle, and, now eight years later, has come back to prove his innocence. He plots to kidnap his brother's betrothed "wealthy" heiress, Velvet. Jason soons discovers that even the best laid plans have a way of going awry when Velvet is nearby.

Velvet, the heroine, is forced to wed because her father wasted the family fortune. She poses as a wealthy heiress and captures the notice of Avery Sinclair. Velvet is set to marry him, when she is kidnapped by One-Eyed Jack Kincaid, the notorious highwayman. And even as she is afraid of him, she finds herself attracted to him in a way she never could imagine.

Overall, this story is awesome. There is adventure, romance, subplots, and all kinds of twists and turns. However, the book lagged in some places, and it took over 200 pages before we found out why Jason is the tortured hero and what happened to him during his eight-year imprisonment.

I just started reading Ms. Martin's books. My favorite so far has been Innocence Undone. I tend to measure the rest of her books by that one. On a scale of 1 to 5, I give this one a 4 or 4 1/2. It's not as good as Innocence, but it is still a great story.

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Litchfield Duology - Nothing but Velvet - Silk and Steel
Kat Martin
Manufacturer: St. Martins Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000MGRLQ8

Product Description

2 massmarket paperbacks

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NOTHING BUT VELVET
KAT MARTIN
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000J3AZTO

Amazon.com

Anastasia is a carefree young duchess, daughter of Nicholas Alexandrovitch Romanov, tsar of all the Russias in 1914. While her father attends to the turbulent affairs of a vast and complex country, Anastasia's major concerns are how to get out of her detested schoolwork to play in the snow, go ice skating, or have picnics. She wears diamonds and rubies, and every morning her mother tells her which matching outfit she and her three sisters shall wear that day. Slowly a hint of future trouble enters her happy, pampered life. Anastasia's younger brother, the future tsar, is a hemophiliac--a "bleeder" who cannot stop bleeding if he is cut or bruised. Anastasia begins to learn that all is not well in the outside world, either. Not everyone in Russia worships her father as she does, and the Germans are about to declare war on Russia. Anastasia's world gradually deteriorates, as reported in her youthful, often playful journal.

As Russia entered World War I, hunger and poverty grew among the peasants, and the Romanov ruling family began to lose favor, culminating in their murders--including Anastasia's--by Bolshevik revolutionaries. This fictionalized diary of the mischievous youngest daughter's last four years gives a fascinating glimpse into a life of unlimited wealth--and the subsequent downward spiral. Historical notes, family trees, and photographs round out Carolyn Meyer's compelling contribution to the popular Royal Diaries series. (Ages 9 to 14) --Emilie Coulter

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful way to learn history!.......2007-09-28

We have really learned history from the Royal Diary series. It gives a wonderful time frame to set history in. It really helps you to remember what you need to know!

Awesome Book.......2006-11-28

I'm a fan of the Royal Diaries series, and this is the best of the books. I read this book over and over again. I liked the way that you could tell that the children, especially Anastasia and Alexei, grew up throughout the four years that the novel took place. I also liked the glimpse it gave of the lavish lifestyle that the Romanovs led, and I was extremely saddened to learn of their fate. I do not believe that Anna Anderson was really Anastasia. I think that Anastasia died along with her family that fateful day in July. But if you would like to read the Royal Diaries series, this is a great book to start off with.

Love it!.......2006-11-27

I liked this book A LOT Cos it showed Anastasia life befor she was killed.And Cannot understand why Anna Anderson Would Pretend to be Anastasia! (DNA says so) Sometimes the Plot would get a little boring but it always went back up to Good.I LOVE THIS BOOK!

Anastasia Romanov.......2006-07-04

This book gets only exciting at the end when the Romanovs get arrested. 'till then, Anastasia led a boring life. I do not recommend this book to anyone, and do not be fooled by the other reviewers, this book is definitely not good. ( But gets slightly better at the end)

Not that good.......2006-07-03

I do not think this book is as good as I thought it would be. It is a very boring diary and definitely the Marie Antoinette book is better.I do not like the book about Cleopatra much either.The book on Anastasia just talks about when she goes to picnics and other palaces and when she went on yatchs. Since I heard so many good reviews on this book, I thought on buying this book, but it turnes out it is'nt that good. I cannot believe people actually like this book even. Anastasia led a boring life and she recorded it in her boring diary.

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The Poison Diaries

The Poison Diaries
Duchess of Northumberland Jane , and Colin Stimpson
Manufacturer: Harry N. Abrams, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0810993147

Book Description

This truly gothic tale—a “facsimile” of Weed's journal found at Alnwick Castle, in England—is not only a story of the battle between good and evil, but an educational parable of the curative and lethal properties of plants.

Weed—an orphan boy who apprentices with an evil old apothecary—is both used and abused. His journal is part botanical workbook and part diary of his own relationship with poisonous plants.

Weed discovers that he is one of the few people whom the plants talk to, and they try to persuade him that, with their help, his master can easily be disposed of. Although he refuses at first, after Weed's first love, Marigold, experiments with the poisons and dies, he is pushed over the edge and plots to kill his master with a taste of his own evil medicine.

Each chapter of the story begins with Weed's botanical notes: a plant's appearance and properties, where it is found, how it should be cared for, the most poisonous parts, and how poison is extracted and administered. Accompanied by Weed's sketches of the plants in their natural form, his diary also reveals the “real” personalities of the plants.

Customer Reviews:

The Poison Diaries.......2007-08-10

A really nice book. Well illustrated and educational. My grandchildren will love it

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This review contains spoilers!
Uninteresting life
Spicy Regency Read
She makes it look so easy--enjoy!
What a Great read!!

The Duchess Diaries
Barbara Dawson Smith
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0312932383
Release Date: 2005-11-01

Book Description

It’s curious how one woman can haunt a man…

Ten years as a high-stakes jewel thief should have helped me forget Sophie Huntington Ramsey. But no matter how far I traveled, she was never far from my thoughts. Her earthy sensuality. Her wild passion. For ten long years, my memory of our one forbidden night together burned as hot as the encounter itself. The thought of her betrayal with my oldest, dearest friend blazed even hotter.

Imagine my surprise when I heard of Sophie’s widowhood—and that her husband the Duke of Mulford, named me guardian of her young son! Imagine my shock when I learned that Sophie might have had a hand in her husband’s untimely death.

It seems that fate has brought Sophie and me together once again. When I return to England to claim my role as guardian, I also vow to win back Sophie’s heart. I will slowly seduce her until she is weak with wanting. And when I’ve had my fill of her, I will expose her as a murderess.
Sophie Huntington Ramsey, the Duchess of Mulford, is about to get something she never bargained for…
—From the Memoirs of Grant Chandler

Customer Reviews:

This review contains spoilers!.......2006-09-28

A murder mystery and a love affair with an old flame--sounds promising, right? Until you learn the Duke was murdered after eating a piece of a prune tart, and the butler did it!!! I was disappointed in the mystery side of it. Grant and Sophie made a nice couple, but when was she going to tell him Lucien was his son???? I wish she had wrapped that up.

Uninteresting life.......2006-06-25

I'm sorry. I looked forward to this book because...well, I like dukes and I thought this duchess would be interesting. But I couldn't get through the first chapter and immediately put it in the books to go to Goodwill. If you liked it, more power to you, just not my cup of high tea.

Spicy Regency Read.......2006-06-11

Grant Chandler, after an absence of ten years, has returned home to England having been summoned back by a secret death bed missive from Robert, the Duke of Mulford -- a man who was once his best friend and who had married the only woman Grant had ever loved. Grant found himself too late; Robert was now dead having named Grant guardian of his nine-year-old son Lucien. The only thing Grant could do for his old friend now was to prove that Robert had been murdered and find the evidence that the murderer was none other than Roberts young widow, Sophie.

Sophie Huntington Ramsey had always loved Grant Chandler, but after one night passion, knew that to force him into a marriage would be wrong. Young, foolish and prideful she sent him on his way then turned to his best friend whom she married. Now,
to have him involved in Lucien's life simply would not do - she couldn't risk Grant finding out that Lucien was his son.

As Grant sought to discover the evidence that Sophie poisoned Robert, she was delving into her own quest of discovering the 3rd Duchess of Mulford's diary. Neither denied themselves the physical passion that still existed between them as they embarked upon a sensual love affair. As each sought the truth, they would surprisingly both discover that the clues to solving the crime of Robert's death would be found in unearthing the century old secret diaries.

*** Grant, though a jewel thief was likeable in that his thefts were only against people who gained their jewels through ill-gotten means - not that that it made it any less reprehensible, but it did lessen any ill feeling against him. When his childhood is revealed, and his brother enters the picture (wish that had been developed more) I found myself really falling for our hero. Sophie was not the most likeable heroine. Young and foolish, she made a grave error in not telling Grant of his impending fatherhood (sin #1); but in lying when he asked if their were repercussions she compounded the error (sin #2). In at least telling the Duke of her condition BEFORE the marriage she does get some absolution. Still she was not one of my favorite or memorable heroines.

Not only does Barbara Dawson Smith give the reader a well-written story but she provides a wonderful conflict between the protagonists, a thoroughly engrossing mystery of who murdered the Duke, and a truly inspired surprise ending of who-done-it! All the elements were masterfully blended in giving you a fast-paced non-stop page turner that had some terrific sensuality for those who like their regency reads peppered up and spicy!
This reviewer found THE DUCHESS DIARIES to be a most enjoyable read and can most assuredly recommend it.

Marilyn Rondeau,RIO - Reviewers International Org., for The Best Reviews

She makes it look so easy--enjoy!.......2006-03-24

As an experienced, successful author Barbara Dawson Smith provides us with another well-crafted novel. She takes the typical pieces--England, Nobility, "Upstairs/Downstairs" style class tensions, appealing male/female lead characters and gives
us a break from our own stress filled 21st century lives. Everything works intelligently. So just relax, put up your feet, take the phone off the hook for a little while--got a nice cuppa' tea or maybe a glass of wine?--read and feel well cared for--then come back to the fight later, refreshed.

What a Great read!!.......2006-03-07

I loved this book. I ordered several books and this was the only one that kept my interest. Very passionate and good mystery!! This one will go on my read and read again list!

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This Diary is a Winner!
The Duchess Diaries, Volume One
Not bad
Darling Debut to an Enjoyable Series
Different kind of romance, but worth your while.

The Duchess Diaries
Mia Ryan
Manufacturer: Avon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 006051969X

Book Description

Excerpt from
The Duchess Diaries,
Volume One

Dearest Lara,

You have, by now, been told of my plan for you to make a match during your first Season, despite your lack of a dowry or any desire for a husband. As your grandmother, I know it's your nature to accept all challenges. On your way, then. But first, some advice from my diaries. If you must act scandalously, make sure you're not recognized. Always act clever; it will make everyone realize that you are clever. And never take anyone at face value…

Excerpt from the Diary of Lady Lara Darling

Dearest Diary,

I have not even made it to London, and I have broken all of Grandmother's rules. As is my wont, I did something horribly scandalous, was not at all clever, and was misled by first impressions. But, as it turned out, the distractingly handsome man I believed unworthy of second thoughts (aside from a gasp of appreciation for his physical attributes) merits many more indeed. Which means I should never see him again, don't you think?

Or will I muck that up as well?

Customer Reviews:

This Diary is a Winner!.......2005-12-09

This is the first book by Mia Ryan that I bought. I found it while looking for another author and thought I'd take a chance on her as new romance novelist. Was I pleased!!!

This was a great book (less the cover photo which must go - it is too cheesy by far!). Some of the other reviewers gave it mixed reviews - I couldn't disagree more! It had a feisty heroine, Lara, that was not your usual debutante. Instead, she was witty, intelligent, outgoing and prone to doing things she should not (running, swimming, racing horse carriages, shooting and the occasional profanity when upset). Some of these things should have ruined her but, instead made her the darling of the season. I get tired reading about stories that involve the perfect English beauty with the perfect manners and ways lurking around every ballroom in England looking for the perfect and handsome high level Duke! Boring!! I want more to a story than typical royal ranking, beauty and wealth. Thankfully, these givens are not to be found in this book.

Also, book reviews often say a story is funny and laugh out loud interesting but, usually aren't. Lucky for you...when I say this book had great hero and heroine banter, funny lines and interesting plot twists - I'm not joking - it really has these things. Lara's beloved grandmother Nanny L dies and her will states Lara must go to London, have her season and find a rich man to marry WITHOUT a dowry - she does this as a dare to Lara who cannot back away from dares. Lara finds the local dandies either too old, too sick, too dumb or too unattractive but, she marches on and will pick out the least worst and do what she must to secure a wealthy husband so, her other sisters can come out later and marry well themselves. Lara wants to be independent and only an old husband will do she decides.

Enter our hero...Griff. A fallen from grace Lord who lost his reputation, inheritance and place in society when he and buddy, Thomas, spent too much time around town drinking, gaming and seeking out the naughty gals. Griff's dad dies before he can redeem himself so, Griff becomes a mail delivery driver and spends years earning back money and his reputation quietly. Griff is quiet in his attempts to gain respect and dignity again and all those who know and meet him attest to the fine man he is. All his actions throughout the book are kind and worthy as well so, no dim witted or dull hero here. Griff meets up with Lara early in the book in a carriage race and their relationship is off.

The attraction between the two is great and they meet up in all the strangest places which is half the fun. The love scenes are tasteful and fit well into the story. You'll have to buy the book to find out what gadget Lara's dad creates that could change the carriage industry and what the outcome of the great London final carriage race means in the end for Griff and Lara.

The other side characters are equally interesting in this book - Lara's' many sisters and scatter brained father, her grandmothers best friend Mrs. Tattenbaum, Griff's old best friend Thomas and more. Lara's sisters are so fun...makes you wonder if a book about them is to follow...same with Griff's fallen friend Thomas. We'll see? Loved all the beginnings letters to each chapter from Granny L to Lara too - neat touch!

Some reviewers felt the characters weren't deep or interesting enough, that's their opinion - I felt as some others did, that they were deep enough. Not every book has to spend chapter after chapter of being dark, maudlin and wretchedly in love to be worthy of a romance. Also, some felt that Thomas changed too much by the end and this was not real - if the reviewers read the story right they would understand Thomas was never a bad person to begin with and knew himself well enough to pull back before he succumded to true darkeness and being evil. he was young when he made mistakes and age made him bitter so, he made some poor decisions but, that didn't mean he couldn't see the light and redeem himself before too late. Which he rightfully did.

If you have read enough romances over the years as I have (thousands to be honest), you will find this one enjoyable. If you want a book with vivid characters and a super satisfying plot line from start to finish...this is the one for you. A winner it is... found it by accident but, can give five stars by choice!

The Duchess Diaries, Volume One .......2005-06-18

I have a lot of mixed reactions to this book. First, let me address the cover (which I understand is out of the control of the author): I think the hero looks like he should be on the cover of a romance about Indians. My friend looked at the cover & said the same thing, "Is this book one of your westerns?". So, no fault to the author here, but it would have helped a bit if the cover had been a better one. Maybe after she's written a few more books & has more clout, she may start to get better covers.

Some of the other reviewers here did not like the heroine, but liked the hero. I was kind of the opposite. I liked her more. Where she lacked in the intelligence department, she made up for in spunk & determination. In regards to him, I thought his character was a bit underdeveloped & I had a difficult time
getting a clear picture of him in my mind.

The villan of the piece turned out to not be much of a villan, and before the book is done, he's already turned over a new leaf,
admitting to one & all his devious ways & fleeing the country!
Oh, brother! The true villian, was his one-time love, who rejected him once she found out he was crippled for life. She was a relentless gal, and there is not one redeeming quality about her. She was probably the most interesting character in the book, when it comes down to it.

I'm not sure how badly I care to read the next 5 volumes of The Duchess Diaries. I might possibly check out Amelia's or Rachel's
(these 2 show the most promise), but I have a feeling that the
Regina, Emma, & Lissie ones won't be so interesting, though I could be wrong.

My overall rating for this book is 3 1/2 stars. Cute idea, just wish I'd liked it better than I did.

Not bad.......2004-03-30

Because I adored "A Dozen Kisses" in the Whistledown anthology, I purchased this novel. As with most romances, the plot was a bit predictable (gorgeous male lead meets feisty, headstrong female, hijinks ensue). But I enjoyed it anyway, because it was fast paced, witty and well-written. Granted, some scenes could have been better, but none were wretched enough to ruin the novel.

Darling Debut to an Enjoyable Series.......2004-03-14

Lara Darling is both a `darling' heroine and a sometimes - actually quite often - walking disaster whose exuberance for life gets her into so much trouble. Lara can't quite back off from anything, especially if someone says, "I dare you!" It is these words precisely that came to Lara through her dear and loving grandmother's will and diaries that convince her to go to London for one season to find a wealthy husband. Finding a husband is the last thing Lady Lara Darling ever wanted to do! Why, she'd have to behave like a lady - not drive a coach, not shoot guns, or even swear - my goodness! But her grandmother knew her granddaughter best and with that dare in mind, Lara set out.

Before Lara even arrived in London, she is somewhat impressed by a daring feat of driving of a coach and four by a driver known as `The Baron', Griff Hallsbury. Griff, the coachman was devastatingly handsome and something of a mystery and probably the first man Lara had ever been attracted to. Lara was overheard to boast that the driving feat could be accomplished by herself and just had to prove it. Griff, not forgetting his once elevated station in life realized how if it became known who she was it could ruin her before she ever reached London. Pretending she was a `Mrs. Hastings', he came to her rescue and alleviated her first social disaster. Their paths would cross several times during the season as he always seemed to `be there' when she needed him yet the mystery of who he was and the undeniable attraction between them would grow as well as Lara's frustration that she just would never find a husband or be happy as a wife. As she soon recognized her love for Griff, she was recognized and blackmailed by people from Griff's past that were seeking revenge by placing them in a race to humiliate him and unmask her. Both would then have to `race' to save the other.

I found this to be a totally delightful, fast paced and immensely enjoyable light-hearted romance with just a light touch of suspense and danger. The lead couple was absolutely made for each other and their chemistry was skillfully written. The addition of the grandmother's diary entries was a nice touch that gives the readers insight into the characters and their relationship. The secondary character development of Lara's sisters was a very key and enjoyable entry into the plot and the reader will, as I do, look forward to a continuation of the series as the Darling sisters foray into town for love and romance. The author uses great imagery, witty dialogs, and unusual situations that will leave you chuckling - the `unfortunate incident' with Lord Cartwright is an absolute hoot not to be missed. Bottom line, this is going to be a wonderful series if the first book is any indication of what's in store for the rest of these `darling' sisters! --- Submitted by Marilyn, Official Reviewer for www.historicalromancewriters.com ---

Different kind of romance, but worth your while........2004-01-20

When I saw that Mia Ryan's book had been released, I was very excited. I loved her story in Lady Whistledown and could not wait to read more of her work. I almost did not buy Ms. Ryan's book when I read the reviews below, but I am glad I gave the book a chance. The story is not the same "everything is happiness as long as you have on a gorgeous dress and a handsome man on your arm" kind of book most of us are used to. In fact, it is quite the opposite.

Lady Lara does not fit into the lady-like mold that Society demands. In fact, the harder she tries, the worse it is. The people she meets are horrible and the only people she enjoys spendng time with are misfits like herself.

Book Description

This diary is filled with wonderful images of the glorious landscape and garden at Chatsworth in Derbyshire, including parterres and vistas, water in all its forms, rockeries and trees, a productiv e kitchen garden and superb statuary, as well as magnificent borders. Each photograph is captioned with the Dowager Duchess of Devonshire's lively

Chere Annette: Letters from Russia 1820-1828 : The Correspondence of the Empress Maria Feodorovna of Russia to Her Daughter the Grand Duchess Anna P (Biography, Letters & Diaries)

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Chere Annette: Letters from Russia 1820-1828 : The Correspondence of the Empress Maria Feodorovna of Russia to Her Daughter the Grand Duchess Anna P (Biography, Letters & Diaries)
Maria Feodorovna , and Anna Pavlovna
Manufacturer: Alan Sutton Publishing,
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0750905522

The Diaries of a Duchess. Extracts From the First Duchess of Northumberland (1716-1776)

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The Diaries of a Duchess. Extracts From the First Duchess of Northumberland (1716-1776)
Elizabeth Duchess Northumberland
Manufacturer: Hodder & Stoughton
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000J2RQ5G

The Diaries Of A Duchess: Extracts From The Diaries Of The First Duchess Of Northumberland 1716-1776

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The Diaries Of A Duchess: Extracts From The Diaries Of The First Duchess Of Northumberland 1716-1776
Elizabeth Seymour Percy Northumberland
Manufacturer: Kessinger Publishing, LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Book Description

Elizabeth Percy Was The Only Surviving Child Of The Seventh Duke Of Somerset And The Wife Of Hugh Percy, The First Duke Of Northumberland, And Was A Prominent Figure In English And Continental Society. Her Diaries Offer Great Insight To Society At This Period Of Time.

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A True Test of Love...

Diary of a Duchess: The Ruse of Passion
A C Quinn
Manufacturer: iUniverse, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Historical | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Romance | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0595412157

Book Description

"You didn't give me a chance to offer an explanation," he said quietly. "I need to make something clear to you."

I looked at him, unable to speak.

"The other day, I meant to say that I won't marry you because I have to, but because I want to." He reached out and took me into his arms. "Lillian Pharaohs, will you marry me?" he asked softly.

"Are you trying to mock me?" I scowled at him. "You haven't humiliated me enough?"

"If the choice was mine, it would be the same." He looked into my eyes. "And say yes, because you love me, not because you have to. Let it be our decision."

I stared at him, confused. Was he proposing to me?

He didn't wait for a response. Pressing his lips against mine, he kissed me ardently. His kiss was sensual, and when he released me, I looked at him, finally understanding what he meant to say. Had I not argued with my mother and father for the same reason? Did I not tell them I wouldn't marry him out of obligation?

"Lily," he called softly to me.

The sound of his voice seized my soul, and I suddenly wanted him to love me.

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A True Test of Love..........2006-12-28

Be careful what you put into your head, you might not be able to get it out...
You will fiind yourself emotionally engrossed as Lillan Pharaorhs goes through her rollor coaster of a life. As she lives through her extraordinary days she is faced with ordinary predicaments, imposed by her own actions. Fear of losing your lover to another, suspicion, loving someone more than they love you and of course revenge are all emotions that the author artfully conveys that drives a person's irrational behavoir.

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The Duchess Diaries
Barbara Dawson Smith
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OTQL1E

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