Customer Reviews

The Pursuit of Marriage (Effington Family)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

I have read a few books by Ms. Alexander this past year, including "When We Meet Again"(good), "The Marriage Bargain" (excellent), "The Husband List" (not bad) and "The Lady in Question" (pretty good).

All of her books are entertaining, lively and contain great dialogue and banter. I never purchase her books for sexy love scenes or wildly adventurous hero's and heroines. Rather...I buy them as I know I'll always get a novel that contains a solid plot line, interesting and charismatic lead characters and a worthy ending. I really like the way this author writes and I can always count on a fun read. The Effington family seems to be her main scenario as I think all the books I have read so far have revolved around someone in this family line. Fortunately, all the females in this family are spunky, bright and intelligent and the men equally appealing.

Although I would not consider this one of my favorite books of all time, it was interesting reading about Cassie since I had just finished The Lady in Question - which was about Delia - the other twin.

I got a kick out of this story and how Cassie and Reggie meet - tell one another boldly that they are not right for the other - yet...cannot get away for the irresistible attraction they feel for one another. The story develops as Reggie and Cassie bet that they can find the correct mate for the other - Lord Perfect for Cassie and Miss Wonderful for Reggie. The story takes twists and turns as they seek out the right mate for each other, yet secretly believe they have found that in each other. I liked that all the side characters - Reggie's best friend Marcus, Cassie's sister and brothers and both of their mothers are all involved on the side in bringing these two together yet...they don't know it. I liked the twist in that Reggie was always falling in love with the gals (instead of being the usual sexy and moody male lead who loves and leaves them all) yet...they never returned his feelings as he declared himself too soon. He was the Casanova of his time. He reformed himself for Cassie and it was a delight to see him develop as a person and realize that real love is deeper and more true than he has ever experienced before. Cassie in turn gets off her lofty perch looking for the perfect man and realizes the ones with some slight flaws and odd quirks can simply be the most interesting and appealing in the end. Perfection is not all it's cut out to be. Reggie is perfection without being perfect she finds out.

IIt's hard not to smile at the Ladies Society for The Betterment of The Future of Great Britian - a batch of mothers and grandmothers desperate for their young sons and daughters to get hitched instead of staying single too long. They want children and they will make sure it happens!!! So far...they made three love matches happen and hope Cassie and Reggie will be number four! Stand by to see if it works!

Oh..the fun never ends when it involves an Effington gal. Pick this one up...you are bound to enjoy the beginning, middle and ending of this story. Happy reading!!

Victoria Alexander has another seller with this charming tale between Miss Cassandra Effington and Lord Reginald Berkley. (Cassie was first introduced in THE LADY IN QUESTION and Reggie was introduced in LOVE WITH THE PROPER HUSBAND). The Ladies for the Betterment of the Future of Britain have made it their mission to find their sons and daughters the perfect match since they seem to be sadly lacking any interest in doing so themselves. On the agenda: Cassandra Effington, the daughter of a powerful family and, who at the age of 24, is still unwed. In addition, she is also in (gasp) business! Cassie has a found a passion redecorating other people's homes for outstanding fees. Clearly, something must be done and Lady William is ready to receive any help that she can get to see her daughter wed. Up steps Lady Berkley who has a house in need of refurbishment and, more importantly, an unwed son.
From the beginning Cassie and Reggie are drawn to each other and sparks fly. However, Cassie has high standards and refuses to settle for anyone less than Lord Perfect and Reggie has had his heart broken to many times to risk being hurt again. Their journey to ultimately finding each other is full of laughs. These two are a delightful pair, although I did have some trouble liking Cassie in the beginning with her prim and proper attitude. As the book went on and seeing dealing with being in love for the first time she became quite more endearing. In addition, Cassie's very overprotective brothers, Leo and Chris, are charming as is Reggie's younger sister Lucy. I hope they receive their own story somtime in the near future.
Although not as great as THE LADY IN QUESTION, this book does have its merits and I would recommend it for anyone looking for a light read sure to make you laugh.
***(I have to correct another reviewer in saying that The Ladies for the Betterment of the Future of Britain first showed up in LOVE WITH THE PROPER HUSBAND and were never in THE LADY IN QUESTION. Delia and Tony met through different circumstances in which the ladies had no part of and in which you'll have to read to find out.)***

Truly for the most part I loved their story - I found Cassie ammusing and truly she did not come off nearly as stubborn as she could have about Reggie and his infamous past - he truly won her over in bits and pieces by being his ever charming self. I like Reggie - I am still a bit confused as to why he seemed to have a little bit of an inferior complex about his ability to find a quality woman of the ton. Too bad both Cassie and Reggie muddied the waters with their stupid bargain because neither of them needed ole Miss Wonderful and Mr Perfect - indeed Miss Wonderful almost caused the whole love affair between Cassie and Reggie to come crashing down. This was a delightful read, lots of fun dialog and a good mix of some of the other characters we came to enjoy in the previous books. The only downer to the book I felt was the ending - too much pariferal stuff with Bellingham and Drummand and not enough focus on Reggie and Cassie - we could have at least had one more truly romantic scene between them in the newly remodled harem room. all in all a good story for Cassie!

It is Spring, 1821. "The Ladies Society for the Betterment of the Future of Britain" are at it again! In the last novel (titled "The Lady In Question") the ladies' attentions were on Lady Delia Effington and Viscount Tony St. Stephens. Now the ladies direct their attentions to Delia's twin sister, Cassandra.

Miss Cassandra "Cassie" Effington has a talent for the refurbishment and redecoration of houses. There are no prospects of marriage in her future due, not to her business, but the fact that she dreams of Lord Perfect. Only a God could possibly meet all her expectations. However, even if Cassie was to lower her standards, she would never consider someone like Viscount Reginald "Reggie" Berkley. Cassie has no desire to tame a rogue and Reggie's reputation has become "infamous".

Reggie's reputation is mainly word-of-mouth. His friends worked for almost a year to make Reggie's past sound dangerous. It was to keep ladies at bay. Instead, it only managed to keep the one lady at bay that he wishes to get closer to, Cassie.

Then Reggie's mother seems to suddenly be on her death bed. As a last wish, if she cannot see Reggie wed, she would at least like to see him get prepared for marriage. Since it is easier to get forgiveness than permission, she hires Cassie to redecorate several rooms. And since she is way too ill to be out of bed, Reggie is to spend a lot of time with Cassie helping her.

Cassie and Reggie begin on the wrong foot, but eventually become friends. As friends, they make a wager. Cassie would try to find Reggie his "Miss Wonderful". Reggie would try to find Cassie's "Lord Perfect". Reggie enters the bet knowing he will turn down every lady Cassie find for him and he would introduce Cassie ONLY to men he is sure she will turn down. Because he intends to be her Lord Perfect!

***** How I love those scheming mothers! This tale is as good as the first, if not more so. Author Victoria Alexander seems to be getting better with each book she writes. The characters are life-like and I found it very easy to care for them. The more I read, the more I realized that this author has a devious side. Readers cannot help but enjoy the stories that Victoria Alexander comes up with. Pick up a copy of this novel and see for yourself. *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

Reginald, Lord Berkley, and Miss Cassandra Effington are at cross purposes. She's determined not to become involved with a rake and he's determined to portray himself as one (not that he actually is.)

Cassandra has a vision of Lord Wonderful and Lord Berkley has a vision of Miss Perfect, and they establish a bet to see who can find each other's "perfect" mate..and somewhere along the way, realize that love doesn't always look for perfection.

I really enjoyed the story. It's light-hearted, the characters are full of flaws but completely willing to admit to them. There is plenty of humor in their interactions with each other.

I could see the references some made about the story/actions being "immature" but disagree with that assessment. I found them a refreshing change from the dark, brooding hero and the damsel-in-distress you often read about. These are every day people you can relate to.

This book was wonderful! An absolutely delicious comedy of errors. I haven't laughed so hard while reading a romance novel in quite some time. Victoria Alexander has quite a gift for storytelling, this novel was an absolute delight.

Cassandra Effington has extremely high standards in her anticipated husband. Lord Berkley is precisely the sort of infamous rake she could never be attracted to. All she intends to do is refurbish his manor for his "future wife."

Little does Miss Effington realize that Lord Berkley --- Reggie to his friends --- fully intends to make HER his future wife. His so-called infamy is a facade, a ruse to attract females.

Reggie and Cassandra make a small wager --- she can find him a Miss Wonderful before he finds her a Lord Perfect. But all plans have their flaws, and who knows what delightful fun can ensue when THIS plan backfires!

This is the first book I have read by Victoria Alexander, and I was absolutely thrilled with it. Her dialogue is witty and fresh and has a good flow --- good dialogue is incredibly rare, and Alexander has witty banter down to an art. From beginning to end, she keeps her dialogue sharp and clever, and I often laughed out loud. Her story was fun, exciting, and had a very satisfying ending reminiscent of the Doris Day film "Pillow Talk." The sexual tension was priceless and often humorous, but the novel was not an excuse to throw the two main characters in bed, which was refreshing.

I can't wait to read another novel by Victoria Alexander! If her others are just as enjoyable, she may be one of my new favorites, right up there with Teresa Medeiros.

I remember liking it and thinking it was MUCH better than Delia's story (The Lady in Question, I believe), which I truly disliked. By the way, Reggie's game-playing IS explained. I really liked the opening and found much wit throughout the book. And there was a declaration. I thought the ending was unique and humorous--very Victoria Alexander. There are some terrific secondary characters; I'm looking forward to Christian's story.

Although not a perfect book and not Alexander's best, its flaws did not keep me from enjoying the story. While the most accurate rating would be something between 3 & 1/2 and 4 stars, I'll go ahead and give it 4--it could use the boost.

If your looking for an intense love story, this is not one. But its a simple sweet love story between Lady Cassie, who is sweet, but a little too prim...and Reggie, a really nice guy w/ a fake bad rep. Both are looking for love...Reggie is always falling "in love" but its never returned. Cassie is looking for a "too perfect" mate. As opposites, they come together, as he tries to woo her. I laughed out loud at parts. He won't declare his love for her till she does, because he'll be hurt more than ever before. Just a nice little romance.

Victoria Alexander does it again! This is a wonderful, fun read. I can't wait for her next romance.

Come on now all of you who say this book is awful. I laughed and got very involved with Lord Berkley and Cassie Effington. I remember Berkley from "Love With The Proper Husband" and his personality was consisted with what I remember of him. The banter between the two leads was delightful and kept me wanting more. Ms. Alexander has written another fun and funny Regency treasure.