Customer Reviews

The Devil You Know

5 star:		(33)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I can't tell you how much I loved this book! This is only my second Liz Carlyle book - my first was "No True Gentleman" and that's where I first met thoroughly lovable scoundrel Bentley Rutledge. Now I'll have to go back and read all of Ms Carlyle's books to read the stories of the various wonderful secondary characters.

Bentley is a complete rogue who spends next to no time in polite society. But it seems he's always been a part of Frederica "Freddie" d'Avillez's life, as he's her cousin's best friend. When Freddie is thrown over by the man she thought to marry, Bentley is there to console her (he's always had a soft spot for her). But one thing leads to another, and before either realizes it, Freddie's been ruined. Next morning Bentley writes a very pretty proposal letter that, unbeknownst to him, Freddie never receives. From her perspective, he's just taken off, no good-bye, typical Bentley. Though it hurts that he's just walked away, she does not hate him, for she threw herself at him and must also take some of the blame. When consequences from their night together develop, Freddie plans to leave for the continent to marry a non-existent husband, but when Bentley finds out, he's outraged (and hurt) that she's rejected his proposal to marry a stranger! How could she?!

Eventually, Bentley convinces Freddie to marry him, then takes her home to meet his family. It is immediately clear to Freddie that there is bad blood between Bentley and his older brother Cam, but why? And Bentley seems different here - preoccupied, tense, unable to sleep - not the carefree Bentley she always thought she knew. As the days pass she knows that something is seriously wrong, but he refuses to discuss it with her. So how is she to help this husband she has come to love so desperately?

Bentley is just so sweet and lovable - I just adored him. And he's carrying some heavy guilt and serious resentment over events from his childhood and early teen years. You just ache for him to resolve his difficult relationship with Cam, and you yearn for him to allow Freddie into his heart. He's a good man, if only he could believe it. And Freddie is a strong heroine, determined to help her husband anyway she can and keep her marriage together.

It's rare that a book can have you laughing one moment and in tears the next, but this one definitely does! So well written, such wonderful characters, it's simply marvelous. Highly recommended!

Ever since his first appearance in Liz Carlyle's BEAUTY LIKE THE NIGHT, I have been intrigued by Bentley Rutledge. A scamp with a penchant for malicious mischief, who showed up in later books as an unrepentant rogue, Randolph Bentham "Hell-Bent" Rutledge has been screaming for a comeuppance, and I am delighted to report that Ms. Carlyle gives him a rather stunning one in THE DEVIL YOU KNOW.

Bentley is visiting long-time friends at Chatham Lodge, and after one night's drunken revels, he encounters disconsolate and furious Frederica d'Avillez in the gardens. Freddie, whom he has long viewed as a younger sister but recently noticed as a woman, is smarting over being rejected by her almost-fiancé due to her "inferior" bloodlines. After crying on Bentley's shoulder, she seduces him - part pride, part secret longing. Bentley has never been one to say no to any sort of vice and obliges her. He wakes with some regret in the morning, and leaves a "pretty" proposal in her room before escaping. But he doesn't know that his proposal flies out the window with him and Freddie never received it.

Soon it is announced that Freddie is going abroad to marry. Bentley's been waiting weeks for the axe to fall, and can hardly believe that Freddie won't have him - or that Freddie's male relatives don't want him dead. Once he discovers she is pregnant and the marriage abroad is a ruse, he proposes that they marry for six months, and that he will always provide for Freddie and the child financially. Bentley and Freddie journey to his family's estate, where Bentley is forced to confront his past while trying to set up a viable future for his little family.

It was wonderful to get inside Bentley's head. I always suspected there was more to him than he let on, that he was more than just a debauched rake. And there is. Bentley's past is surprisingly heart-wrenching; his feelings of hopelessness and despair are quite tangible to the reader.

I haven't talked much about Freddie. She is a very sympathetic character, especially since she is trying to do what readers want to do: figure out what makes Bentley tick. Bentley is most definitely the star of this show, but I for one did not mind him upstaging everyone else (except, perhaps, Kemble!).

I was a bit dismayed when I realized this was to be a marriage-forced-for-pregnancy plot, as this is one of my least favorite devices. But in Ms. Carlyle I trust, and she did not lead me astray. THE DEVIL YOU KNOW is a testament to what can happen to a seemingly irrepressible rogue in the hands of a master storyteller.

Don't be fooled by the devil-may-care undertone of Liz Carlyle's latest romantic hero Bentley "Hell-Bent" Rutledge who thrives on risk and hedonistic pleasures. Why should we find ourselves falling for the egregious rake who recklessly engages in a night of passion with Frederica d'Avillez which she initiates after being spurned by her longtime beau Johnny?

Many reasons as you plunge into this sweeping romance by sensual mistress Liz Carlyle. He immediately proposes through a note that was unfortunately gone with the wind and hastily marries Frederica, leading her to believe this marriage was strictly out of honor. Their love spawns from passion but, alas not intimacy as Bentley buries a deep humiliation that threatens to fester the relationship between his brother Cam and demolish any hope of conjugal bliss.

This is not the typical 'open-the-bedroom-door' romance. It evolves from a light-hearted mismatch to a great love story of unflinching power where Bentley grapples with his shame of incest afflicted upon him. You will feel for this fallen angel as he prays for redemption and forgiveness from his brother and Frederica. He shoulders an emotional turmoil that will choke you in its sheer ugliness, heaved upon by his own father and Cam's malicious ex-wife.

And cried I certainly did. Liz Carlyle's latest is an emotional rollercoaster with deft touches of lively brio from her supporting ensemble like Lord Rannoch, Helene and gritty intrigue from the Signora Castelli with her damningly accurate tarot-card predictions. The happy ending is a heartfelt triumph well-deserving for the weathered couple. Why, The Devil You know might be the best romance this year!

it was meant to be devoured which I certainly did. This book has one of the hottest, most intriguing opening chapters I have ever read.

Bentley Rutledge is the bad boy we all love to love. He has made drinking, gambling and all around debauchery his purpose in life. So when beautiful broken-hearted Frederica makes him a offer he can't refuse, he doesn't. However, the morning after Bentley finds that his long dormant conscience has reawakened and is pelting him with accussations. He can't handle the confusing mix of emotions and so he flees leaving a sleeping Frederica a hastily scribbled proposal. Frederica awakens to an empty bed and to the realization that her tender lover of the night before has dissapeared without so much as a goodbye (the proposal, literally, flew out the window). Soon enough Freddie starts to suffer the consequences of that night of pleasure and with Bentley nowhere to be found, what's a girl in her situation to do? Find someone to marry, of course. But Freddie finds that deep in her heart there's only one man she wants and he, it seems, does not want her. What Freddie does not realize is that Bentley's feelings for her run much deeper that she or he, for that matter, can imagine and that the real reason for his actions is fear. Bentley is afraid because he is convinced that in spite of how he feels he simply isn't good enough for her.
Can Freddie bring the outwardly careless but inwardly troubled Hell-Bent Rutledge to his knees? Yes she can and the best part of this book is watching her do just that.

I did not care at all for this authors last book. The emphasis on the murder/suspense plot really turned me off. However, in this book the emphasis is where it should be. That is on Bentley and Freddie's relationship and their journey to a happily ever after. Carlyle's writing is flawless and the love scenes are exquisitely written. On the other hand, I felt that the appearance of so many characters from her other books weighed the story down for me. The reason for this may be that I haven't read all of the books in this author's backlist. Still, I felt that this book does not stand alone so if you have not read her other works you might find yourself a bit lost. Regardless of this I still highly recommend this book because Bentley and Freddie's perfect love outshines all of that.

Frederica d'Avillez is a good girl who is an orphan and taken by her cousin and her family, who happen to be an interesting bunch, but a good interesting bunch at that.
Bentley Ruteledge is a rogue and a rake in every sense of the word. He beds a woman every 2 days and feels nothign much.
He happens to be a friend of Freddie's cousins and Freddie does not hold a single memory that doesnt have Bentley somewhere around. She considers him a friend, so when a guy that had promised Freddie to marry her, changes his mind, Freddie finds herself in the arms of Bentley...crying. One thing leads to the other and now Freddie is 18 and pregnant. She does not want to marry Bentley, but Bentley insists.
Soon Freddie will find the truth of her husband's gambling, whoring and drinking. His family, she notices, seems to have a secret in every corner. And surprise, surprise they do!
The book is great , the form Carlyle developes their relationship is very well done. Sympathizing with the characters is extremely easy and the secrets that surround the Ruteledges is heart breaking.
The book was fantastic, my only complain was that at times so many characters were thrown at me, I did not know who was who and what were they doing there. And some descriptions I found unnecesary, but that's just personal taste. Everything else was great. Everything in the book worked and the story is heart warming and compelling!

Don't be fooled by the devil-may-care undertone of Liz Carlyle's latest romantic hero Bentley "Hell-Bent" Rutledge who thrives on risk and hedonistic pleasures. Why should we find ourselves falling for the egregious rake who recklessly engages in a night of passion with Frederica d'Avillez which she initiates after being spurned by her longtime beau Johnny?

Many reasons as you plunge into this sweeping romance by sensual mistress Liz Carlyle. He immediately proposes through a note that was unfortunately gone with the wind and hastily marries Frederica, leading her to believe this marriage was strictly out of honor. Their love spawns from passion but, alas not intimacy as Bentley buries a deep humiliation that threatens to fester the relationship between his brother Cam and demolish any hope of conjugal bliss.

This is not the typical 'open-the-bedroom-door' romance. It evolves from a light-hearted mismatch to a great love story of unflinching power where Bentley grapples with his shame of incest afflicted upon him. You will feel for this fallen angel as he prays for redemption and forgiveness from his brother and Frederica. He shoulders an emotional turmoil that will choke you in its sheer ugliness, heaved upon by his own father and Cam's malicious ex-wife.

And cried I certainly did. Liz Carlyle's latest is an emotional rollercoaster with deft touches of lively brio from her supporting ensemble like Lord Rannoch, Helene and gritty intrigue from the Signora Castelli with her damningly accurate tarot-card predictions. The happy ending is a heartfelt triumph well deserving for the weathered couple. Why, The Devil You know might be the best romance this year!

Something a little different to this Regency Romance, and that would be the female central character - Frederica d'Avillez and her very unconventional family. Freddie has just been dumped by her beau after her first London season, and is now convinced she has lost her chance at marriage. To console herself and on a burst of passion on both sides, she and Bentley Rutledge, a close friend of her cousin and well known rogue, have sex.

The next day, Bentley appears to do a runner, but even a rouge knows what is right and unknown to Freddie, Bentley does try to do the right thing. Something he's somewhat unused to doing, but which he feels compelled to do, and not because it's expected of him. Indeed what is expected is exactly what Freddie thinks he's done - disappeared into the night. So we have Bentley expecting to hear an answer from Freddie, and Freddie determined to soldier on. Then Freddie falls pregnant. Her reaction and that of her family is as you would expect for the time, but unusually they all accept that marriage is not necessarily the option that needs to be taken. Freddie's felt out of place for much of her life, being an orphan and illegitimate, and this is what Bentley has to use when he discovers her condition to manoeuvre Freddie into marriage. Now two people who don't know quite how things went wrong need to set about finding a way to live happily together.

There are some deep issues to be resolved for both Freddie and Bentley, regardless of their marriage, and yet they need to be worked through for the sake of their furture. The story is told from both perspectives, although mostly from Freddie's point of view, but surprisingly the one with the most to work through is in fact Bentley. Not only he but also his family have to work through the psychological and physical damage that he has endured.

The two families are as important to the overall plot as Freddie and Bentley themselves. Their families form the beginnings of their characters and perspectives on the world and how each will relate to the world and those in it, and it is clear that Carlyle considered this very carefully when crafting this work. For me, these factors raised this book to a cut above the standard Regency, and made it all the more enjoyable.

I usually steer clear of romance novels where the plot is centered around an early sexual encounter which results in a pregnancy. However, after reading Beauty like the Night and No True Gentleman, I simply had to know what became of Bently.

This was a fantastic read. I was all set to dislike Freddie--the little orphan girl thing has never really worked for me. However, she has such a vibrant personality and is so self possessed that I couldn't help but like her. She knows exactly what she's getting into and why, doesn't waste time feeling sorry for herself and is all around a very likable protagonist.

I was also impressed at the fine line Ms. Carlyle managed to walk in portraying Bently. He really was a rake, not just a wastrel trying to be a rogue--and you could tell right from the first page that his faults were serious and not just affectations. There were times when I really wondered if he was just a complete jerk--but what was great was that his behavior wasn't the kind of domineering, cliche male chovanist bad behavior so many romance novelists resort to when portraying men--it was linked to his personal demons on a level so subconscious that Bently himself hardly realized it. Then I started to see what was going on behind the scenes, in his head, and all my doubts were put to flight--he's so lovable, I just wanted to take him home with me. He doesn't really reform at the end either, which is nice--he finally comes to terms with himself and his past, and as a result his better nature, the side of him that Freddie comes to see and love, reasserts itself and becomes more visible.

Someone else mentioned in their review that there wer too many characters--I can se that. I really think that Ms. Carlyle's books are best read in order--I think she intended them that way. Characters from each novel reappear in later books, which is wonderful if you know who they are and what on earth they have to do with the story--it's great how she links all the families together. It does get a bit confusing though if you're missing one or more peaces of the narrative puzzle. Even so, Devil You KNow can work as a stand-alone read--it'll just be richer, I think, if you know the background.

I hope that made some sense, but even if it didn't this is a fantastic book like all of Liz Carlyle's work and is a definite must read. Just be sure to pick a long weekend, because you won't be able to put it down.

We've all read hundreds of romances where the couples' conflict is based upon the usual insignificant ideas: petty pride and stubbornness, differences in social class, etc... This story breaks that mold.

Bently Rutledge is known for being irresponsible and for enjoying fast women. However, he is not the typical rake. He drowns himself in drinking and other reckless behaviors in an effort to forget. There is a demon from his past that has left him ridden with guilt, anger, loneliness, and a deep resentment towards his older brother. This is a demon that destroyed his innocence as a boy. It is a demon that many readers will identify with. Real and soul wrenching, Bently has buried it deep inside.

Frederica (Freddie) has been raised by her relatives, after her unwed parents died. She believes that no honorable man will ever ask for her hand. She decides to quit saving her virtue for a marriage she will never get to have. Bently has been her friend for years. She decides he is the one she will give herself to. She coaxes Bently past his limits of restraint. They share a night that will change their lives forever.

Freddie knows there is something dark that threatens her relationship with Bently. He has nightmares that cause him to act out violently in his sleep. Determined to save her husband from his self- destruction, she searches for answers. She finds far more than she was expecting. She urges Bently to talk to his brother. However, she soon finds that there is an even darker twist that tore Bently's soul from him as a child.

When the truth comes out, Bently believes his family will turn him away for good. To his surprise, he is supported and comforted. His soul is finally free.

Liz Carlyle writes the significant memories from Bently's childhood in a very real and heart- churning fashion. Bently's character is so believable, you almost feel that you are sharing his pain. Excellent writing.

Aside from the dark secrets, this book boasts a terrific love story. Romance that shows Bently's true desire to make Freddie happy, affection that tells the reader how precious his unborn child is to him, love scenes that set the reader's blood to boiling. The story continues to slowly unfold, without side topics that pull away from the main couple.

The main couple is very believable. Freddie is young and impulsive, as 18 year olds truly tend to be. When she finds a "naughty" book, she decides to try some of the things she saw in the book. Bently is in for a big surprise.
Bently has a reputation, but those who know him personally are aware that he has a genuinely good heart. He has spent his life searching for unconditional love and acceptance. By the end of the book, you will want to be the one to offer it to him.

My one complaint was the fact that Carlyle mentions far too many outside character's names and relations. They are mentioned only fleetingly, but it did leave me confused. These people never became a real part of the story, so mentioning them was unnecessary. Still, a 5 star read because of originality, great love scenes, powerful characters, and a core story that reaches beyond the typical romance.

I have read every book that Liz Carlyle has written (which is not NEAR enough) and LOVED them all. THis book was no exception. If you haven't read her books then run don't walk to buy them...you are in for a treat. Liz Carlyle has a elegant, earthy style of writing that makes you want to in turn not put the book down and savor every single word written. This book combines some of my favorite secondary characters from Beauty Like The Night, Bently Rutledge and Fredrica, the precious young girl from My False Heart. If you haven't read both books then I suggest you do so before reading this one. They give depth and richness to the characters. Fredrica is hurt because the man she's sure is going to marry her announces he is marrying a cousin to please his father and to assuage hurt and anger she turns to Bently. When she is left with a permanant reminder of their night together, Bently finds out and insists on marriage. To get Fredrica to agree to the marriage, Bently suggest a 6 month trial period to see if the marriage can work and after that if it doesn't work he will set her free. It doesn't take Bently long to see he wants Freddie alot longer than 6 months.