Customer Reviews

Lord Perfect

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"Lord Perfect" is a wonderful example of why Loretta Chase is considered to be one of the top writers of historical romance today. Set in England during the Regency period, the story has a plot that is not particularly ground-breaking--a seemingly mismatched couple go on a road trip together and end up falling in love, yet Chase's characters are so well-drawn and her dialogue so fresh and witty that her material never feels tired or cliched. The *characters* are the real story in this book, and I found them all to be *very* engaging.

The hero of the story is Benedict Carsington, Lord Rathbourne, the eldest of the Earl of Hargate's many sons and an acknowledged paragon in terms of looks, manners and behavior. A widower for several years, Benedict is considered by society to be *perfect*--a consummate aristocrat who never shows his emotions, never makes a scene and lives by his own set of "rules" of socially correct behavior. Into Benedict's well-ordered but emotionally barren life bursts Bathsheba DeLucey Wingate, a stunningly beautiful widow who has the misfortune of being born into the disreputable branch of the DeLucey family that reportedly descended from a pirate. Every one of the so-called "Dreadful DeLuceys" has been a swindler, cheat or gamester and their infamous exploits and status as social pariahs led Bathsheba's late husband's noble family to disinherit him upon his marriage to her. Now a widow with a *very* high-spirited young daughter to manage, Bathsheba has come to London in an attempt to secure her daughter's education and future. Although sparks fly when Bathsheba and Benedict first meet, both realize that a relationship between the two of them would be a potential scandal that could ruin Benedict and shred the scant remains of Bathsheba's reputation. The couple's good intentions to avoid one another are sabotaged by fate when Olivia, Bathsheba's head-strong daughter (who has more that a touch of the devious DeLucey blood in her), and Benedict's young nephew, Peregrine, set off on a quest to discover the fabled DeLucey pirate treasure. Benedict and Bathsheba are thrown together during their pursuit of the children and find their mutual admiration and attraction growing even stronger.

Benedict and Bathsheba are wonderful characters--intelligent, attractive and sympathetic. Their attraction and developing love for each other seems very believable. The secondary characters in this story are also wonderfully well-rounded and entertaining, particularly the children but also Bathsheba and Benedict's other relatives. The prose is bright and clean, the dialogue sparkling with wit and the plot moves along well.

In summary, this is a very entertaining Regency period romance with a charming hero and heroine and extraordinarily witty dialogue.
Highly recommended, particularly for those readers who enjoy well-written, character-driven romance.

After reading the only four reviews that were up before I bought the book I was worried that I was going to have a disappointing read. (Recently I have read a couple of bombs from writers whose new books I had eagerly anticipated. I think authors are being pushed to write too fast.) Anyway, while it might not be my favorite Chase book it still contains the droll humor that have been more and more making her books a treat to read. If you like Chase's unique style and characterizations you will like this book from the first few pages. The eldest Carsington son's story might not be as madcap and exotic as his brother Rupert's Egyptian saga but it is still an adventure not to be missed! Chase writes with a witty style and wry intelligence lacking in so many other romances. I only wish there were several more brothers in this family.

Unlike a few of the previous reviewers, I was not surprised that "Lord Perfect" seemed to read more like a traditional Regency-era romance novel, because for me, except for the parts where Rathbourne and Bathsheba succumb to the attraction that they have for each other, "Lord Perfect" reminded me quite a bit of Loretta Chase's earlier works like "Isabella" & "The Sandalwood Princess." Witty, humourous and with brilliant and detailed character portrayals plus a well thought out and executed plot (even if it is an often used one) "Lord Perfect" was a wonderfully entertaining and satisfying read from start to finish, and one I'd recommend for anyone looking for an amusing and romantic read.

All her life Bathsheba Wingate has had people look at her askance because of her scandalous family. Currently a young widow with a young daugher to provide for, the last thing Bathsheba expected was to find herself deeply and hopelessly attracted to Benedict Carsington, Viscount Rathbourne, otherwise known as Lord Perfect. So that when an unexpected turn of events forces both Rathbourne and herself into a road trip together, Bathsheba knows better than to expect a happily ever-after ending -- even if the attractive and completely taking Viscount Rathbourne sees things otherwise...

"Lord Perfect" third novel dealing with the Carsington siblings (the other two are "Miss Wonderful" and "Mr. Impossible") fits in perfectly with the other two books in the series. Humourous and witty (the dialogue in this book is priceless), I kept chuckling out aloud as I read the novel. Also well done was the character portrayals -- how Ms Chase portrayed the two children (Olivia and Peregrine -- though it would have been more satisfying to have seen more of Peregrine's sensible influence on Olivia), and especially how she gradually brought out the more impulsive side of the staid, sensible Rathbourne to the fore. I thought that the romance angle was well handled and that the novel unfolded at a smooth and steady pace. The only thing that jarred, I felt was Rathbourne's father's sudden turnabout: this character seemed to suddenly morph from someone who wanted his son to marry suitably to someone who wanted his son to marry happily. Other than that, this was a wonderfully enjoyable read. I didn't find either Rathbourne or Bathsheba to be too self-sacrificing for their own good. Indeed I thought that their stance about duty and responsibility was admirable and understandable and so made their hard won happily ever-after ending so satisfying. A truly worthwhile read.

Okay I have to write a review because unlike most of you I think this book deserves 5 stars. It helps to have read the first two books in this series dealing with the sons of Lord Hargate and his attempts to get them wed, especially the predecessor Mr. Impossible. In that book you get to know Hargate's eldest son and heir, Benedict, who is so in control of his emotions that a blink conveys great emotion. And you begin to suspect that mother and dad are orchestrating the choices.

Granted the book uses some often written plot elements but it is how the writer uses those themes that matter, and Loretta Chase does it beautifully. The most used themes are turned upside down in this one. The hero is no rake, lovable or not, and the heroine, while notorious, was `ruined' by a many times great-grandfather who turned pirate back in the 16th century. Widowed and with a daughter, `the most notorious woman in England' returns to London to salvage not her own reputation but that of her young daughter, who as it happens is more like that long ago pirate than her own mother.

I beg to differ with one reviewer who said Lord Hargate made too abrupt a change from opposing to supporting the marriage of his son to the widow. For Benedict and all who paid attention know exactly when and why he changed his mind.

Benedict and Bathsheba - love that name by the way - are both honorable people who try to do what's best for their family members, falling in love in spite of themselves. And the plot ending - oh the ending - is clever and satisfying. Add to that wonderful dialog, gentle humor and likeable supporting characters and you have a delightful read.

If you like droll, dry humor, you will love this book, as I did. If you laugh at "While he tied her petticoat, she swallowed and said, 'I daresay proper ladies do not unbutton gentlemen's trousers.' 'They do not do that,' he said as he tugged her frock straight, 'nearly so often as one could wish,'" then this is the book for you. Bathsheba and Bendict both know that they cannot marry, and she, especially, does everything in her power to break off with him, but he realizes her motives, so we don't have any cringe-inducting scenes of misunderstanding, jealousy, or accusation. "Lord Perfect"'s heroine matches the hero's intelligence, dedication to family, self-sacrifice, and most of all, love. I normally dislike the presence of children in romances; they are either obnoxiously mature and sexually aware or they are just impediment; the two kids in this book did make me laugh out loud. I did not expect the resolution to Benedict and Bathsheba's problem, a solution that made me laugh--again! If you love a romance that makes you laugh, fall in love with the hero, admire the heroine, and sigh over the romance, "Lord Perfect" is a perfect book.

I won't recap the plot. I'll just tell you why I enjoyed this book so much.

First of all, I LOVED the characters, especially Bathsheba. I appreciated the fact that she wasn't a schoolroom virgin (that stereotype gets old after a while). She was an experienced woman of "two and thirty", and I felt her feelings and insecurities were believable for someone in her situation. Chase could have easily made her too proud and, in my opinion irritating. Instead Bathsheba was human and endearing. You just can't help but love her and cheer her on.

Benedict and Bathsheba's relationship was exciting to watch unfold. There wasn't too much conflict, but I never felt cheated. Their interaction and banter was wonderfully written with lots of wit, humor and chemistry. I LOVE the part when he accidentally walks in on her (it was so hot).

I found myself laughing and smiling and re-reading pages because I wasn't ready too move on (which is RARE for me). I hate it when writers include "filler" dialogue or scenes. I never felt that while reading Lord Perfect. The story was quick and to the point, but well-told.

This was my first Loretta Chase book and I am anxious to start another. Definitely a keeper.

Loretta Chase's wonderfully dry sense of humor is clearly at work in this sweet and funny tale of a second chance at happiness. Benedict Carsington, Viscount Rathbourne, has been a widower for two years, following a rather indifferent marriage. He is an outstanding member of society, polite, responsible, philanthropic, self-controlled, and the heir to an earldom. In other words, he has a life that is perfect by society's standards - only it is rather joyless. This orderly if somewhat oppressive existence is turned on its ear when he meets the beguiling widow Bathsheba Wingate and her wily 12-year-old daughter, Olivia. Bathsheba recently arrived in London after many years of impoverished exile in Ireland with her late husband, Jack Wingate. Jack, an earl's son, was disinherited by his family and became a social outcast following his marriage to Bathsheba fifteen years earlier. This was because Bathsheba's family, the "dreadful" DeLuceys, were social pariahs who had a reputation for fraud, scandal, and even piracy. Although an honorable young woman, the beautiful Bathsheba was tainted by her family's reputation, and was labeled an evil temptress for causing her husband's ruin. Jack was labeled a fool. In reality, their marriage was a love match and, though poor, they were happy until Jack's death three years earlier.

Bathsheba, a talented artist, is barely making ends meet giving drawing lessons, when she happens upon Benedict and his 13-year-old nephew Peregrine at a London museum. Benedict and Bathsheba are immediately attracted to one another - although they do not act upon it - and soon Benedict has arranged for Peregrine to take drawing lessons from the beautiful widow. Benedict knows that his family would not approve of a connection to the infamous Bathsheba, so the lessons are done secretly, and against his better judgment, though for the life of him Benedict cannot explain why he doing this. He also thinks constantly about the Bathsheba while ignoring his regular duties, and keeps finding reasons to accidentally bump into her. This is completely out of character for Benedict, who is such a model of moderation and social correctness. Things come to a head when Olivia and Peregrine run away to the country on a quest to find buried treasure supposedly left by a pirate ancestor of the DeLuceys. Benedict and Bathsheba embark on a frantic road trip in search of their wayward relatives, but soon the conflicted couple are themselves acting in a wayward fashion, though an amorous one. Benedict knows it is social suicide for him to be entangled with Bathsheba, and kind-hearted Bathsheba does not want to be the cause of his ruin, but the attraction is acute and undeniable. How is this impossible romance ever to work out and, by the way, where are the children?

I greatly enjoyed the clever and tender banter between this quick-witted and well-matched couple. Benedict and Bathsheba have such a clear understanding of and affection for each other, almost from the start, that it is easy to believe in their destiny. This type of storyline is one of my favorites - where the couple realizes early on that they're perfect for one another, but there is an outside force - in this case, their utter rejection by polite society - that prevents them from remaining together. There were many well-written teary moments when this reader dreaded their breakup as much as the couple did. As always, Ms. Chase's humor is delightful. Her character's outrageous musings, their deadpan reaction to alarming situations, their frequent use of self-effacing humor, the hilarious letters written by Olivia - all add to the enjoyment of the story. I definitely recommend this book, and also the previous one in the series, "Mr.Impossible."

You like clever heroines? Here's one. You like dashing, reserved heroes who slowly crack out of their austere facade? Oh, here's one. You don't mind when the secondary characters are tweens who believably cause the leads to go on a rambunctious chase across the countryside? Well, then, why have you not already read this book?

Benedict Carsington is not as perfect as he seems, yet perfect for Bathsheeba Wingate (how none of the characters in this book bother to make a comment about her biblical name baffles me). Without giving away the plot, suffice it to say that these two just can't stop falling all over one another, in a nicely subtle (but not boring or slow) build of sexual and plot tension.

I think that "Mr. Impossible" is my favorite of this series, but really, all of Loretta Chase's books about the Carsingtons are excellent - funny, even-handed, sexy, with a bit of adventure and some plausible-but-not-distracting mystery. If she decided to adapt a Victorian phonebook (as it were), I would read it.

This is great Chase. . . witty, fast paced, with charming characters. I won't recount the plot summary here becuase you see it in other places. I will say that while I'm often annoyed by unrealistic plots about divides of social standing when people are, to all intents in purposes, from the same class even if one person isn't good "ton", I found myself believing that their class divisions were problematic. The resolution was, perhaps, contrived, but I also get tired of parents who are so pointleslly draconian in romance novels. This is a treat. Since I bought it as an e-book, I might even end up investing in the paperback. This is a keeper.

Benedict Carsington is perfect. he's handsome and well mannered and never gets into any sort of problems. He was trying to install those same values into his nephew when Bathsheba Wingate A scandal ridden woman comes along with her troublesome daughter. After the children embarks on A mission to locate A missing treasure, the two adults sets out together to find them, even though romantic sparks are flying high.

I liked A Beta Male! I didn't think it was possible because I am an Alpha Male type of A girl, but Benedict stole my heart. Both the hero and heroine's character was superbly developed. I loved watching the heroes strict self control crumble to pieces and Bathsheba realistic fears on being A single parent. The sexual tension between them was extremely high and entertaining. When they finally made love it was hot!

I had A few personal problems with this book though. I thought the storyline dragged out too much and I found myself hoping they would hurry up and find the kids so that they could move on to A more interesting situation, but it didn't happen. Therefore, the children overshadowed the realationship that I wanted to see developed in A different light. Another thing that bothered me, but might not bother other readers, is that I was A little disgruntled that Benedict's first wife did not have A strong affection for him. I like to see when the heroes of A romance is wanted by other women and not just the heroine. To me it's more believable especially when the hero is 'To Die For', but thats just my prefrence. Don't let These minor problems stop you from reading this book though because it was A good read.