Confessions of a Little Black Gown [Mass Market Paperback]

Elizabeth Boyle (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 31, 2009

She spied him in the shadows . . .

And in an instant, Thalia Langley knew the man before her was no saint. He might claim to be the Duke of Hollindrake's unassuming country cousin, but no man that handsome, that arresting, could be anything but . . . well, he simply must be an unrepentant rogue. His cat-like grace and power leave Tally shivering in her slippers at the notion of all the wicked, forbidden things he might be capable of doing . . . to her.

Indeed, Lord Larken is no bumbling vicar, but a master spy there in his majesty's service to find—and murder—a notorious pirate freed in a daring prison escape. Devoted to the Crown, Larken's not about to let an interfering (and not entirely innocent) Mayfair miss disrupt his ruthless plans. Yet how can he be anything but tempted by this lady in a little black gown . . . a dress tantalizing enough to lead even Larken astray.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Boyle continues her Bachelor Chronicles. Thalia “Tally” Langley just knew her sister Felicity’s house party—otherwise known as “Felicity’s Infernal Folly”—was going to be a catastrophe. Before the party even begins, another woman’s trunk of clothes is mistakenly delivered in place of Tally’s luggage. Then any hopes Tally might have of finding her very own man of mystery are dashed once their first guest—her brother-in-law’s deadly dull vicar cousin Milo Ryder—arrives. But everything isn’t a total disaster. Tally discovers a gorgeous, scandalously sexy black gown in the trunk, and there are hints that Milo might not be a complete bumbling bore. All of Boyle’s signature elements—high wit, delightfully original characters, and a wildly creative plot spiced with deception and desire—blend together brilliantly. The series continues with Memoirs of a Scandalous Red Dress (2009), reviewed below. --John Charles

Review

“All of Boyle’s signature elements—high wit, delightfully original characters, and a wildly creative plot spiced with deception and desire—blend together brilliantly.” (Booklist )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Avon; Original edition (March 31, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061373230
• ISBN-13: 978-0061373237
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #291,598 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Elizabeth Boyle's passions include her husband and two sons (or as she calls them, "her heroes in training"). In between the kids's activities, camping and gardening and trying to keep up on her ever-growing knitting pattern collection, she continues to write new and exciting romances.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Mediocre Read, April 25, 2009

By 

Dallas Reader (Dallas, Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Confessions of a Little Black Gown (Mass Market Paperback)

Elizabeth Boyle is one of my favorite authors: she is an autobuy for me. This book just never grabbed me. I did not feel the emotion between Tally and Larken. After I read an historical romance, I think about whether or not I could have written it. If the answer is yes, then I know the book's not that great. Sad to say, I think I could have written this book. There are some amusing secondary characters but this book was not driven by characterization. There was quite of bit of telling and now showing in the plot. I'm sorry I wasted my money. I'm giving it 3 stars only because I usually enjoy the author's books.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good romantic read, April 26, 2009

By 

Megan Saner "-MS" (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Confessions of a Little Black Gown (Mass Market Paperback)

This is the first Elizabeth Boyle novel I've read. I loved Tally's optimism and desire for excitement. Can't say she's the kind of friend I'd want around though, she'd be getting into trouble too much for my taste. She's a wistful kind of character that makes you want to be a little more care-free. She seems to believe in love at first sight and doing whatever you can for love triumphant. There were parts of the book I felt could have been expanded upon more, such as the haunting memories from Lord Larken. For such an implied troubled life it could have shown more resistance and more of an eternal fight from the past and not just the current event. Overall though I'm encouraged enough to seek out others written Elizabeth Boyle. It left me smiling, I think it's worth the read.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars IT JUST DIDN'T GRAB ME AT ALL....., November 16, 2009

By 

M. Hebdige "Nanette Hebdige" (California - Las Vegas, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Confessions of a Little Black Gown (Mass Market Paperback)

I cant believe that other reviewers here gave this book 5 stars. Maybe they have not read really good Regency romances and are satisfied with a mediocre read. And this is definitely mediocre - which is a little surprising coming from Elizabeth Boyle - who has written some superb romances.

The plot is really convoluted - some areas down right long winded. The characters are flat and there is little or no emotional connection between Tally and Larken. I was hard pressed to finish the book - and I have been a fan of Boyle's books through the years. This one just didn't grab me at all! Sorry Elizabeth. Let's hope Memoirs of a Scandalous Red Dress is more redeeming.

PS - I do agree - the book has a gorgeous cover