Vexing the Viscount (Leisure Historical Romance) [Mass Market Paperback]

Emily Bryan (Author)

Book Description

Series: Leisure Historical Romance | Publication Date: March 2009

An impoverished viscount hoping to excavate a lost Roman treasure at his family estate enlists the help of an innocent miss he believes to be a French courtesan in exchange for lessons of love.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Lucian Beaumont, Viscount Rutland, had to be the most stubborn man in England. Even though Daisy Drake has both the funds and the expertise he needs to find a long-lost Roman treasure, the infuriating man refuses to accept her help. But when Daisy attends a masquerade disguised as notorious courtesan Blanche La Tour, she discovers Blanche is the one woman Lucian can’t resist. So “Blanche” offers Lucian the money he needs if he will accept her “partner” as part of his excavation team. What Lucian doesn’t know but we do is who this new partner is. A refreshingly unconventional hero and heroine, an intriguingly different historical setting, and a surfeit of sizzling sexual chemistry all fall neatly into place in Bryan’s latest splendidly sexy romance. --John Charles

Review

"Bryan's delicious and witty romance has engaging characters whose fast paced adventures will truly delight." —Romantic Times BOOKreviews

“A refreshingly unconventional hero and heroine, an intriguingly different historical setting, and a surfeit of sizzling sexual chemistry all fall neatly into place in Bryan's latest splendidly sexy romance.” —Booklist

“I’ve called Emily the queen of the first lines because they always made me smile and I'm eager to see what will follow as the story unfolds. This book is no exception…The adventure of a treasure hunt combined with the sensual teachings of a courtesan seen though innocent eyes, make this historical something to smile about.” —Barbara Vey, Publishers Weekly

"Vexing the Viscount is witty and enticing....Ms Bryan creates an adventurous romance that will keep you turning the pages." —A Romance Reviews

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Leisure Books; Original edition (March 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0843961341
• ISBN-13: 978-0843961348
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #877,414 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Writers start as readers.

I discovered early that a book was a whole world. As a child, I sneaked books into bed. I nearly ruined my eyes reading by the thin strip of light shafting in the crack of my bedroom door. When I was in middle school, even though I didn't like our creepy basement, I volunteered to take the bedroom down there so I could keep my light on without my parents' knowledge. One summer, I stayed up till 2 or 3 every night reading the complete works of Mark Twain, Shakespeare's plays and every Ann of Green Gables book I could get my hands on. Stories of adventure, laughter, pain or triumph'I willingly traded a full night's sleep for time spent with my literary friends.

In 2001, I started writing my own stories. In May 2006, my debut novel, MAIDENSONG, was published by Leisure Books under my real name, Diana Groe. ERINSONG followed in November 2006 and SILK DREAMS in July 2007. These are epic, dramatic tales'full of passion and angst in exotic settings.

When I wrote DISTRACTING THE DUCHESS, its light-hearted and frankly sexier style was such a departure from the first three books, my editor suggested a different penname. Emily Bryan was born. Light or dark, serious or silly'we need equal portions of laughter and tears to stay balanced. I hope you make room on your bookshelves for both my incarnations.

Just don't be mad if I keep you up some night.

After all, don't you deserve happily ever after?

Happy Reading,

Emily

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another Win for Emily Bryan!, February 14, 2009

By 

M. Weinbeck (West Plains, MO United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Vexing the Viscount (Leisure Historical Romance) (Mass Market Paperback)

Emily Bryan's books are such fun to read . . . lively heroines, manly heroes, humor, suspense, and spice -- and they get better with each one. I've been looking forward to Vexing the Viscount ever since finding out that this would be the story of Daisy, the smart young niece of the heroine of Pleasuring the Pirate (Bryan's last book), who I thought nearly stole the story from her aunt. And I'm not disappointed -- Daisy has grown up into an intrepid young woman who is again willing to try almost anything, but now as an adult, the things she tries can get her into more trouble than they could when she was a child!

The idea of her posing as a courtesan is both poignant and hilarious . . . the innocent Daisy learns all about it from reading a book, which I have to say makes me laugh with recognition. I've always gone straight to books (or now the Internet) for information on something new, although I'll admit I'm not sure I'd have the nerve to not just learn about how to be a top-notch lady of the evening, but then act on it! The excerpts from Daisy's 'textbook' are perfectly lovely, written with just the right voice of honest instruction. The author's research shows clearly, too, in the setting and voice of the book; I like reading romances of the Regency/Georgian period especially if there's more to them than balls during the Season and country house parties otherwise. The inclusion of the popularity of the time for 'antiquities' and archeology, and of Daisy's interest in such an unladylike pursuit, enhances my enjoyment of the book.

Another reviewer thought the storyline was very like Pleasuring the Pirate's, and that may be somewhat true . . . but after all, there are only so many plots available in all of fiction. Whatever similarity there might be, it didn't interrupt my enjoyment of Vexing the Viscount at all -- or reduce my eagerness for the next book by this always-improving and clearly-having-fun author. I used to love reading huge, multi-generational historical sagas, but these days I don't have time or energy for them. Books like Emily Bryan's well-written ones, which I can count on for a bit of humor, saucy sexy scenes, and intelligent, interesting, even eccentric, characters, are just what I'm looking for.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 'Vexing the Viscount' is witty and entertaining: a sizzling Historical Romance that you won't want to miss! BCM, March 31, 2009

By 

Bobbie Crawford McCoy "Nurture Your BOOKS" (Alberta, Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Vexing the Viscount (Leisure Historical Romance) (Mass Market Paperback)

Vexing the Viscount is a marvellous book, full sexual tension and wonderful characters whose stories pull you into their world for a few lovely hours. The pacing is smooth and steady, with vibrant visuals and intensely amusing banter. This story is very well written with an unerring focus on supplying the reader with a captivating story that includes lots of romance. The plot includes some fun twists and turns, that are sure to surprise. Lucian and Daisy are an enchanting mix. When they get tangled up together, sparks fly and sexual tension abounds! These characters have a sizzling chemistry which is sure to satisfy the romantic in all of us. Emily Bryan writes with talent and skill; she pours her heart into each and every page. I really enjoyed this book and I'm positive that you will enjoy it too.
I highly recommend this book!

(9 out of 10 Diamonds) - Loved it!


© 2008-2009 Bobbie Crawford-McCoy (Book Reviews By Bobbie).
All rights reserved.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Terrific!, April 7, 2009

By 

Detra Fitch "Always hunting good books." (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Vexing the Viscount (Leisure Historical Romance) (Mass Market Paperback)

It has been over a decade since they had sparred with play swords and she had scarred his chin. Yet Daisy Drake recognized Lucian Beaumont, Viscount Rutland, the instant she saw him again. The pair speaks only briefly before Lucian enters a meeting with the Society of Antiquaries. Lucian has discovered ancient Roman relics and hopes to gather a partner or two for funding. However, his father is still held accountable for the South Seas Company scandal, so no one will take the risk ... except Daisy. Problem is that Lucian's father blames Daisy's uncle for the doom of the South Seas Company because the man refused to invest. Should Lucian accept funding from any Drake, life with his father would become even more unbearable.

Daisy's great-aunt, Lady Wexford "Isabella", used to be a highly sought after courtesan. For over a month now Daisy has been reading in Isabella's library. Being "on the shelf" meant she could do as she pleased, within reason of course. It is in this library Daisy found the unpublished memoirs of Mademoiselle Blanche La Tour, a French courtesan. With Isabella's approval, Daisy dons the guise of Blanche and joins her great-aunt's masquerade party. As Blanche, Daisy becomes Lucian's partner. Not only does Daisy become his business partner, but "Blanche" also promises to teach Lucian how to kiss and please a lady. Blanche's memoirs were very detailed so Daisy would have no troubles. At least that is what Daisy told herself. Yet any time Lucian touches her, Daisy is hard pressed to remain in character.

**** There is more than one charade going on in this story. Daisy by day, Blanche by night, and Miss Clavenhook whenever Lucian's father is near. (Lucian's idea.) There is also a pair of treasonous men after the Roman treasure. It all adds up to one of the most wickedly fun reads I have had in quite some time. Terrific! ****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.