Customer Reviews

Vexing the Viscount (Leisure Historical Romance)

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

Vexing the Viscount seemed almost like two separate stories that were running at the same time. The most interesting of these two threads was the search for the hidden Roman treasure by Lucian Beaumont, Viscount Rutland. In excavating a Roman site on his estate he has discovered reference to a huge theft of Roman payment by a freed servant and Lucian believes the coins have been hidden. He continues looking for clues and is assisted by Daisy Drake, who is unfortunately daughter of his father's worst enemy and so has to be kept away from his father. As he and Daisy discover more information about the treasure we are given brief insights into a romance fourteen hundred years before and the tragedy that ensued.

The second thread of the story is that of Lucian carrying out a seduction on a woman he believes is a courtesan but who is actually Daisy in disguise. This part of the story seemed to be a handle upon which to hang the sex scenes but I felt it was rather directionless. The common idea of a woman wearing a partial mask and that's enough to stop a man recognising her was just as unbelievable in this story as it is in others. I also found the willingness of Daisy's relatives to allow her to play this dangerous game extremely unlikely. Fortunately the unmasking happens early enough in the story that we are able to get on with the more interesting aspect, the treasure hunt.

This was a fairly enjoyable, if hardly original, read. The writing style, particularly with regard to the mystery aspect, felt rather like Amanda Quick. Lucian was a good hero and Daisy also had her own charms, although I was rather unsure that her name 'Daisy' was used as a woman's name in the 1750s and this, along with a few other inaccuracies, irritated me at times. However those who like a light and fairly saucy read should enjoy this.

Originally published for Curled Up With A Good Book © Helen Hancox 2009

Sign me up for everything Emily Bryan ever writes! With this post, Cheeky Reads officially awards it's very first 5 Heart Review to Vexing the Viscount by the very talented Mrs. Emily Bryan!

From the very first page Mrs. Bryan grabbed my imagination and took it on a sassy, seductive ride. Daisy is everything I love in a historical heroine - smart, adventurous, quick-witted and most of all, she goes after what she wants!

Our hero Lucian will steal your heart with his underdog status, inexperience and endearing personality. His interactions with Daisy/Blanche will make you giggle out loud while you root for him to keep her on her toes.

This book started off with a perfect first meeting between the two and then never lets up. The pacing was excellent and the sparring between Daisy and Lucian is delightful. The story never dragged, and the ending left me with the perfect combination of feelings - amused, satisfied, light-hearted and happy.

I'll be purchasing Mrs. Bryan's entire backlist and will be the first in line for any new releases!

This was amazing book a mix of romance, mystery, revenge, French courtesan & treasure hunting. Daisy Drake wants to help Lucian do some treasuring hunt but because she is a women and his father hates her he says no. Daisy pretends to be a French courtesan and tricks Lucian into letting Daisy help with his project. The twist is the Lucian and Daisy are both virgins and therefore their reading and study of erotic history allows them to grow together. An Amazing book, Enjoy!

If you enjoy this genre I would also suggest; Tempting Fate (Leisure Historical Romance) , The Club, Everything Forbidden (Avon Red).

Lucian Beaumont is an aristocrat maintaining the appearance of luxury in spite of his family's impoverishment, but he is no self-indulgent wastrel. He hopes to use his knowledge of Britain's ancient history to restore his family fortune.

Miss Daisy Drake is a tribute to bookishness. Her intellectual curiosity and love of reading make her not prim and shy, but unconventional and adventurous. She uses the details from the memoirs of a French courtesan, and her great-aunt's indulgence, to present herself as a "sophisticated lady" at a masquerade, and her performance is convincing enough to fool her childhood friend Lucian.

There's real history, too, in this story: Roman Britain, the Glorious Revolution and the Jacobites, and the South Sea Bubble. Emily Bryant weaves all these details into intriguing plot complications and a satisfying ending.

Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques

Lucian Beaumont, Viscount Rutland wants nothing more than to restore wealth and respectability to his family line, and rescue his father from the brink of insanity. When he uncovers clues leading to an ancient Roman treasure, all he needs is financial backing for his archeological expedition.

Daisy Drake is longing for adventure but doesn't get much opportunity for that anymore, not like she did as a child. However, when she runs into an old friend while attending an exhibit of erotic Roman art, adventure is exactly what she'll get... in more ways than one. Daisy has the funds but Lucian refuses to take money from the family his father blames for his downfall.

When Daisy disguises herself as an infamous French courtesan, Lucian's interest is claimed by this mystery woman who is willing to finance his treasure hunt... and teach him the art of pleasing a woman, which Daisy has learned from reading things she shouldn't be. Now between sensual bedroom pursuits and a treasure hunt, Daisy has all the adventure she can handle just Vexing the Viscount.

I adore anything Emily Bryan/Diana Groe writes and Vexing the Viscount ranks up near the top as a delightful read. The Emily Bryan books are more humorous in tone than those under the name Diana Groe while still maintaining all of the trademarks I have come to expect from her. While the humor makes the Vexing the Viscount a lighter read, there is still plenty of the inherent sensuality of the characters. After all, how can there not be such when the heroine is disguised as an infamous courtesan to please the love of her life and make up excuses to spend time with him? This also provides plenty of entertainment for readers as we see Daisy studying the journals of the courtesan she is pretending to be. Then there is the added amusement as Daisy tries so hard to hide her lack of knowledge about the sensual arts when Lucian comes calling.

One of the trademarks I have come to expect from this talented author is the strong complex characters. Lucian is dealing with some rather weighty issues, not the least of which is the struggle to restore pride to his family name in the hopes of saving his father from insanity. This provides extra depth as we are privy to his deep seated worries and fears. Daisy is a highly intelligent young woman with an abundance of spirit that has a tendency to get her into sometimes questionable adventure, while never losing that last shred of innocence. The romance that blossoms between them has been a long time coming, at least from Daisy's perspective, and Lucian finds himself fighting the ever growing attraction, convinced they can never be together. As we all know, the road to love never runs smoothly and following these two as they travel that path provides a wonderful romantic escape for a few hours.

Vexing the Viscount is an intriguing blend of secrets, scandal, adventure, tragedy, and not one, but two, romances. We find an exciting treasure hunt that stirs up danger and shocking secrets that cause rifts between families and would cause a lot of scorn if they were revealed. Then there is plenty of scandal associated with the life of a courtesan and bits of naughty ancient Roman art uncovered through Lucian's archeological expedition. One of the things I loved best about Vexing the Viscount is the dual romance, one taking place during "current" times and one unfolding in ancient Londinium, with tragic results, that is revealed through some of the artifacts Lucian and Daisy uncover leading to the rumored treasure. Vivid historic details add to an already well rounded story and bring an additional ring of authenticity to the tale.

© Kelley A. Hartsell, March 2009. All rights reserved.

"Vexing the Viscount" is my second read by Emily Bryan and I enjoyed this one just as much as I did the first! This is a Georgian era romance and even though I'm a little skeptical regarding the freedom and behavior of the heroine for that time period, I enjoyed her very much. The sizzle between the hero and heroine was great, their banter entertaining, and even the mystery/treasure hunt held my interest.

Daisy considers herself firmly on the shelf as she just can't seem to dredge up any interest in the fribbles and fortune hunters who can't seem to see beyond her dowry. She's very well educated and has a special interest in ancient ruins which is how she meets up (again) with an old friend from her childhood. And how DARE he not recognize her when she knew at first glance who he was even after ten years? But a history of 'issues' between their families causes him to turn from her so Daisy (with a little help from a scandalous great-aunt) hatches a plan. She'll disguise herself as a famous courtesan and get herself in on his treasure hunt that way. Only things don't exactly turn out as planned.

Lucian and his father are all that is left of the proud Montford family and Lucian is quite afraid that he's losing his father to madness. Their family estate is in dire need of renovation and their tenants need help too, but unless he can locate the lost Roman treasure there's nothing Lucian can do. His interest in Daisy lasts until he learns her name. His father's hatred of her family is not something Lucian cares to poke at. But when Lucian meets Blanche the courtesan, he's enthralled...and very, very attracted. It just figures that the only person he can convince to fund his dig would send Daisy as her agent! Even if she is smart...and helpful...and really quite attractive.

Fun, fun, fun. Laughter and love get me every time and Emily Bryan does a fabulous job combining the two. I found myself cheering for Daisy in BOTH her characters and could see where a woman with her characteristics would definitely push beyond the normal boundaries for her time. Lucian is just a hottie. And any man that can wield a rapier with rapier wit (yes, I couldn't resist) is one I'll dream of tonight!

Emily Bryan really knows how to write an interesting story! She knows how to pull the reader in and make them fall in love with her characters. I'm totally in love with Lucian, and Daisy was such a spitfire. Gads, I love heroines like that! I'm a big fan of treasure hunts, and so needless to say, I was following the story to see what the characters would find. Let me tell you, Emily Bryan does NOT disappoint the reader! I'm a devoted fan from here on out.

~Phyllis Campbell~