Customer Reviews

The Dangerous Debutante (Romney Marsh Trilogy)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'm only giving it 4 because I felt it deserved slightly more than a 3. I wrote a review on her first book of the series and will say the same thing here. This series is just not living up to previous Ms. Michaels' work and sure as heck doesn't compare to such greats as Julia Quinn, Judith McNaught or Lisa Kleypas. I just feel like everything was more forced and that less effort went into this series.

I made it through this 2nd one with a little more enthusiasm than the first because I thought Morgan was more interesting than Julie. At least Ms. Michaels tried to do a little more character depth with Morgan than any characters in her first book, but I don't feel like I ever got to know Ethan. He was just some guy whom everyone thought was a fool but he wasn't. Oh, and (as it is said over and over in the book) he is just like Morgan... "like recognizes like". Is that supposed to excuse the lack of background or development of his character? I'm not sure.
The action was weak, the mystery portion of this book was lower than the first (less island hints), but I will give the passion points. I did believe the passion between Morgan and Ethan and how quickly it came about (which I did not in the first) and there relationship was much more caring, understanding, and deep than her previous book.
I am reading the 3rd book so clearly I don't hate the series, I'm guess I'm just disappointed. I can only hope that each book gets better as we go; as I am starting Beware of Virtuous Women and Eleanor didn't catch my attention like Morgan did. I will write a review of that one when I finish it (which may be tomorrow or next week depending on the writing).

In 1812 her adopted father Captain Ainsley Beckett sends his oldest daughter Morgan from their home in Romney Marsh to London to have a season sponsored by his oldest adopted son Chance and the lad's wife Julia (see A GENTLEMAN BY ANY OTHER NAME) though he fears for the Ton when the outrageous high spirited woman takes the city. On the trek, Morgan decides she needs to ride her horse over the objection of her servant. This break from societal rules enables her to meet an Earl, Ethan Tanner of Tanner's Roost.

Attracted to her beauty, intelligence and ?lan, Ethan persuades her to come to his estate so that she can prepare properly for her arrival in London with him as her escort. In fact he wants her to meet his eccentric mom who runs off any eligible female with her zany behavior. Instead Morgan and Lady Tanner hit it off as kindred sisters. As they make love and fall in love, Ethan wants to marry Morgan, but she refuses as she feels she is beneath his position in society as he an Earl and she an adopted street urchin.

The second Becketts of Romney Marsh is a wonderful Regency romance starring a wild female daredevil and the Earl who matches her zaniness (after all it is in his blood). The story line focuses on their relationship as everyone including Ethan wants Morgan married to him; that is everyone except her. She assumes that you can take the girl out of the street, but you can't take the street out of the girl. The tale focuses on Ethan's efforts to convince her that he does not care using his eccentric mom as his proof. Kasey Michaels is two for two so far in what is proving to be an amusing well written historical series.

Harriet Klausner

Morgan is traveling to London to have her first Season. She will be staying with her brother Chance and his wife Julia. Morgan and Jacob, her long time friend who is traveling with her, are about to continue on their journey after taking a brief rest when Morgan sees a magnificent horse being led toward the stables. Morgan approaches the horse, and after admiring the animal for a while, she turns her attention to his owner. She is stunned by the handsome man staring at her.

Ethan is mesmerized by Morgan's beauty. Her fiery spirit and outgoing nature captivate him. Discovering that Morgan is unattached, Ethan decides to remedy that by escorting her to town. Along the way Morgan's witty banter is equaled by Ethan's and the two discover that their attraction is mutual and undeniable. During the ride Ethan is determined to make Morgan his. But Morgan is not the type to be kept.

After arriving at Chance's home, Chance and Ethan recognize each other, but they keep that information to themselves for the time being. They each hold secrets and both intend to find out what the other is hiding.
As it turns out, Ethan requires the Becket family's assistance in carrying out his secret mission. Once Chance discovers that Ethan is playing the right side, he obliges. Morgan realizes something is going on and soon she and Ethan are off encountering danger and giving in to their passions.

Morgan and Ethan seem destined to be together. Morgan's friend Jacob has a hard time accepting things though, and as a result Morgan's relationship with him undergoes a sad and sudden change causing Morgan to question herself. Once at Becket Hall, Morgan realizes that where she comes from is not nearly as important as who she is, and she knows now that she has indeed found her destiny.

What a marvelous book The Dangerous Debutante is! I am hard pressed to think of a couple more suited and more entertaining than Morgan and Ethan. I simply adore this story and these two magnificent characters. Morgan is stunning, brave, strong-willed and free spirited. At the same time she often shows her vulnerable and innocent side. Ethan's devastating good looks along with his wit and charm make him the perfect match for Morgan. The Dangerous Debutante has just the right combination of mystery, action, sensuality and drama. It's a wonderful historical romance that should not be missed!



Nannette
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

Kasey Michaels' second book of the Romney Marsh saga is a delightful read. I've not read the first book, nor any of the subsequent volumes of this series, but that did not take away my enjoyment of this book. It was obvious from references there was a first book, but that only slightly slowed me down. It didn't hinder the understanding of the characters or of the setting or plot.

Morgan is headstrong; because of her background, she's never really felt deserving of a good man's love. Ethan is more than willing to prove to her he loves her, if she'll only let him.

These two major characters, both wonderfully drawn, are supported by a cast I can't wait to get to know by reading the first book in the series and finding the rest of the saga. One character, in particular, I hope to see more of in the series (and in fact would be interested in seeing in a story of her own) is Ethan's mom, Lady Tanner. She was a hoot and, if this were a movie, would quite be capable of stealing the scene.

If you love irreverent historical romance, I highly recommend you pick up a copy of your own!

[...]

This is the second in the Beckets of Romney Marsh series by Kasey Michaels. Morgan Becket is growing up in a slightly tomboyish way, taking part in the hazardous exploits of her family, which involved smuggling and evading the British soldiers attempting to catch them. So, her father Ainsley decides it is time she got a look at the way the rest of the world lives, meaning London society, and sends her off to join brother Chance and learn the ways of the fashionable world and hopefully get married. On the way to London she meets Ethan Tanner, Earl of Aysleford, who immediately wishes to seduce her and is attempting to make the first moves when it becomes clear she is no busty doxie, but a rather forward lady. Ethan becomes involved with the Beckets and eventually marries Morgan after many political manueverings in the Naval Dept.
It is a good read, political and sexy and well-written.
Linda Sheean