Pride and Prudence [Hardcover]

Malia Martin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 2002

A CHAMPION'S PRIDE: The heroic exploits of dashing Captain James Ashley have made him an idol in the eyes of an adoring public. But in London's salons, the society ladies whisper that "The Most Delectable Man in England" is good for only one thing. The proud adventurer wants respectability, not a reputation for excellence in battle and bed. But one obstacle stands in his way: the exquisitely distracting vixen, Lady Prudence Farnsworth.A LADY'S FIRE: The lovely, tempestuous widow's fierce independence stirs the conqueror in him, and her searing sensuality makes him ache to taste the fire of her kiss. Rumor has this tempting woman of dark mystery linked to Captain Ashley's despised enemy, so even one ecstasy-filled evening together would be perilous. But when two equally passionate souls come together, no amount of pride or willful prudence can keep them apart.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 374 pages
• Publisher: Avon 2002/02; Book Club edition (2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0739423126
• ISBN-13: 978-0739423127
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,133,111 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars He was made a Fool for Love, May 24, 2004

By 

"klpepsi" (Indiana) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pride and Prudence (Mass Market Paperback)

Even though the handsome and dashing Captain James Ashley returned a hero from the war, it isn't his prowess on the battlefield people talk about. In multitudes of drawing rooms his name emerges in the course of conversation, and the fairer sex of society has dubbed him, "The Most Delectable Man in England" who is only good for one thing. James craves respectability, and the chance to redeem himself for losing his ship to the smuggler's canon. Now he's returning to that area to investigate the smuggling, and catch the notorious "Wolf" who is reputed to be the leader of the crimes.

Independent and beautiful, Lady Prudence Farnsworth has become the protector of her town. When Prudence and James meet, their attraction for each other is undeniable. When they are caught in a compromising position, they are forced to marry. But will their love for one another be enough when James discovers the shocking secret Prudence has kept from him, and the lengths she has gone to protect it?

This was the first and only book I've read by this author. The storyline does end up being rather original, and it wasn't a bad read, but unfortunately it also wasn't very memorable. The humorous moments were its biggest saving grace, but there were points in the book where the story just didn't seem to flow very well to me. And probably what bothered me the most was how Prudence basically made a fool of the hero at least twice - once without her knowledge of his identity, and again when she did. And in each case a serious circumstance made him look foolish. In addition, he was humiliated with the whole town's knowledge. Anyway, if you come across this book, you may want to give it a try, but I certainly wouldn't go out of my way to look for it.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars a bit of a disappointment, February 6, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Pride and Prudence (Mass Market Paperback)

The writing wasn't bad and the story was more original than most, but what killed this book was the characters. The woman was the worst. She treated the guy quite badly for most of the book, and overall, I found her self-centered and unlikeable. The guy wasn't quite so bad, but the author didn't really describe him in a way that let the reader get very attached to him. This was by no means among the worst books I've read, but it is definitely not one to run out and buy as soon as possible.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars FAST, FUNNY, AND TRULY ROMANTIC!, February 10, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Pride and Prudence (Mass Market Paperback)

I've been in a bit of a reading slump lately, feeling as if all books were the same, but this book made me remember why I love romance. It has it all -- great hero (James is YUMMMMMMMY!) and a very strong and personable heroine (Pru was funny and smart and very independent -- the perfect woman to tame the hero!). The story itself was fast moving and intriguing and had plenty of laugh out loud moments.

I loved this book and I highly recommend it. Ms. Martin, BRAVO on penning such a refreshing book! I hope you have a looooong backlist because I want to read them all.