Rakish Lord Verwood and virtuous Miss Penelope Talcott could not be more different. Then in a chance encounter, Penelope saves Verwood's life-and in doing so, changes hers forever...
This is the third installment of a trilogy that highlights the trials and tribulations of three lively young women from different walks in life who became fast friends while in school. Having NOT read the prequels (THE INCORRIGIBLE LADY CATHERINE and THE REDWYCK CHARM) I can attest that this is a complete stand-alone, and because I truly enjoyed this author's writing style, I will probably look for the first two in the series. Miss Penelope Talcott, is in Brighton with her aunt and uncle who are doing all in their power to obtain a more advantageous match for their niece than the curate back at home whom she would have liked to wed. On one particular morning, as she rushed to get out of the way of a galloping horse, Penelope tripped over something in her path. The rider happened to be none other than Lord Verwood, the handsome rogue Penelope was not pleased to see as she knew him as an incorrigible rake who had toyed with her two very good friends. Realizing that the rope that had caused her to trip was meant to harm Verwood, and being able to sketch the culprit who had most likely set the trap, Penelope inadvertently became immersed in his life. Following this event, Verwood then saved Pen from a maddened woman who tried to drown her. The gossip and scandal of Pen's association with such an infamous rake led to Pen's beloved curate showing his true colors and as he backed out of their `understanding', Verwood thinking to save Pen from further humiliation offered to marry her himself. With some reservations, Pen accepted Verwood's proposal and only time would tell, just who would be saving whom. I found our hero and heroine to be a completely engaging couple. Rake or not, Verwood was so sweet to Penelope that it did make me smile at his captivating attempts of little kindnesses towards her as this former `bad boy' waited to find out if Pen would take him up on his offer of marriage. Penelope's attraction, and her innocence, especially on her wedding night were both amusing and sweetly poignant. With the slow and evenly paced romance both Verwood and Penelope were able to develop a really solid understanding of each others strengths as she witnessed the man behind the bravado, and they both fell in love. Bottom Line - With an excellent sub-plot line of intrigue, the reader is treated to a nicely developed and engaging read with just enough spice, humor, and loving to make it a fully satisfying read. --- Marilyn Rondeau, for www.historicalromancewriters.com ---
Is is Possible to Reform a Rogue?
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 20 years ago
Penelope Talcott is determined to marry her country curate, Cyril. Penelope's aunt is determined to help Penelope make a splash in Brighton society while her uncle hopes she will make a good match and save them all from their life of genteel poverty on the fringes of good society. Unfortunately, all Penelope manages to do is supply the gossips with a fresh morsel when she accidently saves the life of the scandalous rogue, Lord Verwood. The favor almost costs Pen her life later on, but she is saved by none other than Lord Verwood... and the cost is Penelope's good name and reputation.Fine! Maybe now her aunt and uncle will let her marry Cyril, or so she thinks until the oh so proper Cyril bows himself none too gracefully out of the picture. Now, Pen has three choices: continue on as an unwanted poor relation in her uncle's home, go to live with her friend Catherine's family, or marry Lord Verwood...which is totally out of the question. At least it was until Verwood gave Pen a kiss to make one's hair stand on end. Hmmm...perhaps marriage is the best solution.Verwood and Pen marry, but there's trouble in paradise right from the start. Someone wants Verwood dead, possibly Penelope too, and Verwood won't explain to Pen what is going on. How can she stay with a rogue who is keeping everything a secret from her? How can she leave the rascal who has captured her heart? The romance is very sweet and a little spicy. I loved Verwood...I have a thing for misunderstood rogues with hearts of gold. There's danger, mystery, romance, did I mention romance? It was different, but I like it.
the delightfully charming read
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 20 years ago
The third installment in a trilogy ("The Incorrigible Lady Catherine" & "The Redwyck Charm" were the other two) that revolves around the romantic ups and downs of three school friends, "Saving Lord Verwood focuses on the relationship that develop and blossoms between the last unmarried friend, Miss Penelope Talcott, and the charming rogue who (had previously) figured into both her good friends escapades (and not in a good way), Lord Verwood. And of the three, "Saving Lord Verwood" was definitely the best and my favourite.Against her will, Miss Penelope Talcott has been taken to Brighton by her uncle and aunt, in order to contract an advantageous marriage. Penelope would much rather marry the curate of her village and lead a life similar to her dead parents', doing good and caring for her family. Her uncle and aunt however, improvident spendthrifts both, want Penelope to marry a rich gentleman and thus repair the family's fortunes. But all her relatives' plans and hopes come to naught when, by chance, Penelope finds herself in the middle Lord Verwood's affairs and scandal. Now the only way to save her reputation is if she marries him. But does the virtuous and demure Penelope desire to be married to the rakish Lord Verwood? True he is sinfully handsome and charming. Can she trust her life to such a scandal ridden gentleman? And what of his past relationship with her friends? In my opinion, "Saving Lord Verwood" was a much better written novel than "The Incorrigible Lady Catherine" & "The Redwyck Charm" -- the story was a better one and the hero and heroine were more appealing and engaging. I've never had particularly strong feelings about the redeemed rake motif -- neither heartily liking nor disliking this plot device. But I must say that I liked the manner in which Elena Greene saved/redeemed Lord Verwood -- I liked that Lord Verwood had changed quite a bit before he got entangled with Penelope, and I liked how the authour showed us that Penelope would help in "saving" Lord Verwood further and ensure that all these changes were permanent ones. So, if you're looking for a nice romance novel about a young lady with plenty of love and affection to give and a lord who needs all the love and approval he can get, that has a small suspense plot tagged onto it, "Saving Lord Verwood" is bound to satisfy. An engaging read, and a keeper.
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