Review: Her Scandalous Marriage and The Rogue's Bride by Leslie Lafoy

It seems to me that I have been reviewing historical novels the whole week and so I'll continue in that direction LOL :D

So I first discovered Leslie Lafoy through The Duke's Proposal which I thought was okay... the storyline was a bit weak, but at least, I was interested in characters of previous books. So I went out and bought them :P


Her Scandalous Marriage by Leslie Lafoy
published by St.Martin's Paperbacks in 2006

Caroline Turnbrigde's life is turned up side down when the new Duke of Ryland shows up at her dress shop. The previous Duke of Ryland, Caroline's father, has recently died and in order for Drayton McKenzie, the new Duke, to inherit all the money, he has to find the previous Duke's three illegetimate daughters, turn them into ladies and marry them off. At first, Caroline refuses, but then, she learns the existence of her two younger sisters and capitulated.
Drayton, a high-ranked soldier, never expected to become a duke or whatever and is quite frustrated with the new situation, especially the condition to inherit the money that he needs to restore the poorly neglected estates that his cousin, twice removed, has left him. In addition, Drayton wasn't born a peer and so he has no idea how to act as a duke... so his friends have come to his help... but worst of all, he has now gained three wards and is quickly falling in love with one of them.

My thoughts: Hmmm... I was quite disappointed with this book. I thought the beginning was quite interesting. The three wards are Caroline, Simone (14 y.o.) and Fiona (11 y.o.), all have different mothers, different age and has been raised in different situations. They come together and of course, they adapt to each other with some difficulties. What I thought was very interesting as well was Drayton, learning to be a duke. As a result, he really acted as a "prig" as Simone called him :P although it's not his real nature and it takes a while for Caroline to realize it. So the beginning ws well done and showed a lot of potential, but Ms Lafoy ruins it by falling into cliche and predictability. I think that Caroline and Drayton started being attracted/having sex too early in the novel... and then, bam, Drayton had the obligation of marrying her because they had an affair... and of course, Caroline refused and blablabla. Also, there's nothing new into taking three ugly ducklings and turning them into beautiful swans... and the ppl doing it are so annoying. So yeah, great premises, but that's all :(

And to be honest, I haven't finished the book, but I did skim mid-way to the end. However, for that reason, I'm not giving this book any grade.


The Rogue's Bride by Leslie Lafoy: 3.25/5

published by St.Martin's Paperbacks in 2006

Simone Turnbridge is the daughter of the previous Duke of Ryland and a prostitute. Having lived the first half of her life in a brothel situated in a questionable part of London, she has seen in all and knows it all. Now at 20 years old, she's making her debut in London's society - not because she wants to, but because her sister and brother-in-law have promised her own horse in exchange. Luckily for her, she will still meet the love of her life.

Tristan Townsend has just come back to London from America to assume his title of Marquis of Lockwood. In fact, Tristan never dreamt of becoming Marquis with two older brothers in line in front of her, but there it is and now, he has to look for a wife. After a few encounters, he has chosen Simone for whom he has quickly developed feelings... However, two problems appear: 1) an ex-lover from San Francisco claiming that she is pregnant with is child and most problematic of all, 2) his stepmother who has murdered his father and brothers for insurance money.

My thoughts: I think this book was the best out of the trilogy. I've enjoyed Simone a lot in Her Scandalous Marriage because of her attitude; very frank and bold. She hasn't changed much since the previous book... the only thing that bothered me was it seemed to me she wasn't comfortable in her family. She has things to hide and I found it unfortunate, especially given the past of the three sisters. Tristan was a typical historical romance hero and unfortunately, didn't stand out that much. I enjoyed the book, but I personally didn't understand why nobody was really in favor for Simone and Tristan's union. Tristan wasn't really a rake or if he was, he couldn't have built a reputation yet in London and then, he was only 10 years older than Simone... which is a normal age gap... So why? Also, I thought Tristan discovered his stepmother's involvement in the deaths a little too easily and worst, he still fell for it.


Well that's it for these two books :D I still have 1 historical romance novel to review and that's it for a while... I think I'm doing an overdose of the genre :P

Review: The Duke's Proposal by Leslie Lafoy

Finally, a book to review LOL :D You know, it's really fun to be part of a group blog, but it does decrease the number of posts here ^^; especially since I'm a big fan of paranormal romance... All right, so one of the book I've read during the past week-end was The Duke's Proposal by Leslie Lafoy. I got this book because Ames was interested in it :D LOL Yeah, I know, I'm that easy! No, but seriously, I was quite bored and wanted to read something...


The Duke's Proposal by Leslie Lafoy: 2.75/5
published in May 2007

Ian Cabott is Duke Dunsford as well as a surgeon. His task this season is to find a bride, marry and produce a heir which shouldn't be difficult as his is the best prospect on the marriage mart. Then, one night, while he is still in the processus of choosing, Fiona Turnbridge appears on his doorstep asking for him to use his medical skills to save her beloved cat. At first, Dunsford refuses... until Fiona points a gun at him ^^; It is only the next morning that Fiona leaves Ian's house and so, out of duty, Ian has decided to ask for her hand.

Fiona and her two older sisters were by-blows of the previous Duke of Ryland. All three have had quite a scandalous past and her older sisters, scandalous relationships before leading to marriage. In truth, Fiona does not expect anyone to be interested in marrying her, because there is a rumor in the society that she
a bit "odd" and that she "sees/feels" things. However, once Ian proposes, she doesn't want to settle for a marriage of convenance... she wants it all.

Genre: historical romance
Series: The Turnbridge sisters, Book 3

Review: This book was okay... The whole story was focused on Fiona and Ian's relationship and Ian discovering the whole depth of Fiona's person. I thought something was missing and the author seemed to forget to finalize some details, but on a whole, the book was interesting enough to make me curious about the two previous books... and so I'll probably hunt them down.

The Characters - Both characters were a bit bland in my opinion. Apparently, Fiona had some kind of psychic abilities either premonition or clairvoyance, which set her apart in society. However, it seems that the author forgot this little detail at some point in the book and it was never mentionned again. Now, this is something I've seen happening in a couple of books already and it annoys me. Don't make your characters to have something "special" and just forget about it! And it wasn't just with her psychic abilities, but her handicap as well. Even her love of animals and rescuing them! Basically, I thought that Fiona wasn't well developed. It was as if the author had all those great ideas, introduced them, but didn't develop :( As for Ian, I thought he was a bit insensitive... and basically, very man as in, he didn't listen to what Fiona had to say. I think he's actually a forgettable hero, but perfect for the purpose of this book. However, I have to say that I liked the secondary characters - Caroline and Simone, the two sisters, as well as the current Duke Ryland.

The Story & Writing - Although I seem to have many complains, the book wasn't that bad... and I think it's due to the storyline. It is a simple one and perhaps not very original, but it was enjoyable. Perhaps it was a bit superficial, as in, the author didn't go very deep in some of the issues, but it's all right if all you want is read and not think too deeply :P As for the writing, my only real complaint was really the author starting with some ideas and never giving suite to them.

The Cover - Okay... could be better.

Am I keeping this book? Not sure yet. i think it's going to depend on the two other books. Right now, I'd say I wouldn't keep this book for long-term.

Anything else? Yes, if you're expecting hot sex scenes, just skip this book. There are some sexual tension (although the heroine can't recognize it), but no sex scenes. Even when she loses her virginity...