Customer Reviews

When A Lady Misbehaves (Pleasure Emporium Novels)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I bought this romance quite simply because Lisa Kleypas was quoted on the cover as saying it was "inventive, sexy and moving." I love Lisa Kleypas and have all of her books on my keeper shelf. I had never heard of this author, but was willing to give it a chance because of the link with one of my favorite authors. After reading this tome, I SO hope that Ms. Kleypas was just paid for her quote and did not actually read this book and come to that opinion. Surely such a talented author could not be that bad a critic.

This is one of the most poorly-researched and poorly plotted romances I have ever read. It's annoying enough that there is absolutely no chemistry between the hero and heroine, or that the only good sex scene happens between secondary characters. But what makes this book terrible are all the mistakes the author makes, not only in glaring anachronisms, but in just plain common sense. Other reviewers have pointed out some of the horrible anachronisms -- language usage especially. But there are just laughable lapses of knowledge and logic that could have been so easily corrected. I won't even start on the legal mistakes (Heads up, Ms. Marcos: a will doesn't go into probate until someone actually dies), but there are just silly things all the way through the book which makes any thinking reader groan.

In one extended scene, the author takes the leading characters to a stable and has them observing a stallion and a mare. The mare is supposed to be in heat. The hero, Lord Blackheath, is supposed to be a famous horsebreeder. Here are just a few of the mistakes in this scene: 1) There is no such thing as a palomino Thoroughbred. Ms. Marcos describes in detail this mare as a "flaxen chestnut" (this is not even a real horse color description, which any equine textbook could have told the author) and then describes the horse's head as "golden." The only "golden" horses are palominos. Thoroughbreds don't come in that color. 2) The mare is described as wearing a bridle, even though she is loose in a paddock with another horse (the correct term is "halter" if the mare has any kind of headstall on at all. A loose horse with a bridle on is a broken leg waiting to happen); 3) a breeder would never allow a stallion to cover a mare alone and unaided. Either horse could be hurt; 4) The author has the hero and heroine take the mare out of the paddock, mount her bareback and gallop away. This is absolutely ridiculous in so many ways, I don't know where to start -- the stallion would jump the fence or harm himself to follow a mare in heat that he had been near; the heroine has never been on a horse before and yet she is able to stay on the galloping mare; the couple supposedly canter "up and down hills" bareback and then enact a partial sex scene on the horse's back ----- PLEASE GIVE ME A BREAK. Bareback riding is hard and even agile riders wearing shorts or jeans (so the sweaty legs give you some kind of purchase) have difficulty staying on a galloping horse, much less one who is on uneven terrain; 5) After the heroine has been on a horse ONE TIME, and that with the hero holding her on, the author then has the heroine ride in a fox hunt on a SIDESADDLE! I believe that scene has already been done -- Rosalind Russell in "Auntie Mame." Are we supposed to take this as a comic novel? Well, it's not funny.

In another scene, the author has the heroine introduced to archery for the first time. After one demonstration, the heroine is not only able to hit a bullseye on a target at 50 yards, but she is able to shoot an arrow BETWEEN THE LEGS of the villianess, who is sitting on a bench with the hero. Is the heroine supposed to be some kind of athletic prodigy? The author gives no explanation of these talents which the heroine acquires seemingly at will.

Some of the reviews like this book because the heroine is working class and becomes a duchess. However willing the reader is to suspend disbelief, a working class girl of 1810 simply would not be able to pass herself off in society unless she has some kind of extraordinary advantages in her background. Other authors have explained these advantages and pulled off this plot line. But this author doesn't even attempt to explain her heroine's success at upperclass subterfuge. As a result, all the time I was reading the book, I kept thinking: Even if she could ape the upperclass accent, she would not know the dances or the etiquette. The author shows the heroine reading the society gossip pages in the opening in the book as though my reading The National Enquirer or Star would enable me to pass myself off as a Hollywood insider at an Oscar party.

Then there are all the technical problems with the novel itself. At the most elementary level, the author doesn't even have her time frame under control. She states that the Minister's Ball houseparty is happening in December, then has the hero and heroine's wedding happening in November. Oh, and she can't keep her weather under control either. At that December houseparty, she has the guests dining al fresco under tents because of the "sun" and the hero and heroine spending a bunch of time in a "warm cave."

I'm not going to bore you any more. The bottom line is that this book is a mess. An unreadable mess. I threw it in the trash, and that's where it belongs.

4.5 stars. This is a such a fun, clever, witty and heart-melting romance. I picked this book up without a clue who the author is, nor had I read any reviews of this book. I based my purchase solely on two things. First, the endorsement by Lisa Kleypas compelled me (I know, I know, I've been burned more times than not when buying books solely on the endorsement!). The second reason was the first few pages just grabbed me. I love historical romances; especially those that can make me both laugh and cry, so I thought I'd give a try. And I really loved it! I will read this author again. Her writing is fresh and so clever. The passion felt so real, the characters were full of life, and the story never had a lull. I'd rate the love scenes and sensuality somewhere around medium warm. Not quite the hot and spicy romances that I prefer, but it was a very satisfying romance story.

This is a great Cinderella-ish type story, with a young, feisty heroine named April (the Dustbin Dutchess) and Riley, the rich, handsome and titled hero. They come from different worlds, but when they collide the sparks really fly. April begins as a kitchen maid at a whorehouse, but daydreams constantly of a better life. She is fascinated by the upper class and follows the gossip rags. She hates that her birth has forced her into servitude and gives her no other options. She is unusual for a servant girl as she is intelligent, morally good, and fairly well educated by her late father. Out of desperation to save her virtue, she plots to make a better life by pretending to be the daughter of a famous courtesan. This sums up chapter 1, and I will stop there.

I would recommend that you read this book before reading too many reviews, as you really don't want the story spoiled for you. This book has many "I didn't see that coming!" moments, which may be revealed in some reviews. (bad, bad reviewers!)

This book has what's missing from so many romances today--heart and soul. The characters and the story are truly original, and I found myself smiling and sighing throughout the book (and turning the pages rapidly because it's such an absorbing read). My only regret is that the author doesn't have more books out, because I'm hooked!!

In London April Jardine works as the "Dustbin Duchess" maid at the infamous Pleasure Emporium. While doing her duties that range from cleaning vomit from rugs to cleaning used sheets, she finds an interesting diary belonging to Madame. Included inside are the names of her powerful lovers and the fascinating fact that one sired a child with Madame.

April sees a chance to extort money by claiming to be the offspring of Madame and each of her bed mates. The men are like cattle willing to pay almost anything to keep their indiscretion from going scandalously public. That is until she meets Lord Blackheath, whose father is on her hit list. He plans to expose her blackmailing ploy before his father believes she is his offspring from the wrong side of the sheets. However, he keeps delaying his uncovering her deed because he is falling in love with the feisty thief.

The opening Regency gamut of the Pleasure Emporium brothel series stars a charming "bad girl" whose wickedness is to blackmail the Ton. Her antithesis is an outraged aristocrat who is confused between wanting to kiss her vs. jail her. Sub-genre readers will appreciate this entertaining first tale due to the gender war.

Harriet Klausner

I really wanted to like this book. Its heroine is, refreshingly, a commoner, and the storyline was intriguingly different: working as a maid in a brothel, the heroine turns to blackmail rather than submit to an auction with her virginity as the prize. But the execution was just... bad.

Part of the problem, as a few other reviewers have pointed out, is that April, the heroine, is a singularly unappealing character. She's self-centred, self-righteous, arrogant, and a liar. I was particularly appalled by her treatment of her prostitute friend, Jenny: she treats Jenny like a tool, not a real friend. Furthermore, another reviewer quite rightly noted that while April eventually becomes sorry for hurting everyone, she's far more sorry to have been caught.

Another part of the problem is that the "romance" in this book doesn't really make any sense. The hero and heroine have no chemistry to speak of, and it's not clear why they decide they even *like* each other, let alone love each other. I can't see them having a successful long-term relationship. The pacing of the romance is also strange; it starts slowly and then suddenly takes off with a whoosh for no reason I can tell.

I was actually more interested in and engaged with the secondary romance between April's ex-prostitute friend Jenny (probably my favourite character) and one of the members of the duke's household staff. Both of those characters were more sympathetic, they had some actual chemistry, Jenny's history as a prostitute made for an interesting (and unusual) conflict, and their situation was more realistic. But the author (rather like April) didn't really pay much attention to them, and a lot of their romance progressed behind the scenes.

Finally, the novel is just laughably unrealistic on all sorts of counts. I am all for suspension of disbelief; I read a lot of fantasy. But this novel strains credibility too far. The romance makes no sense; the resolution of the plot makes no sense; and there are too many gross anachronisms and editing errors. I'm sorry I wasted time and money on it.

When a lady Misbehaves...I originally picked this book because of Lisa Kleypas' endorsement but it was not what I was expecting. I usually think giving a book a three star is a cop out. I feel you either like it or not, but this book is confusing so I had to give it a three star (yes I copped out). I did like the unique idea of the story line, but alot of the book really left me wanting something more. The idea of a common born lady striving for a better life, especially having the other option to sell her body, was a really good concept. I like a strong heroine that puts her future in her own hands no matter what it takes but the book fell short with many of the scenes being unrealistic. Here are some of the issues I had with this book:
First April was a liar, how Riley ever could see her inner qualities is beyond me, because throughout the book April was a mean, selfish, and amoral girl. The only insight was her admission of wanting to be included in the family but actions speak louder than words and most of her actions were not one of a nice person. Second, how did she become proficient in shooting archery after ONE short lesson? Or became a sufficient horsewoman after ONE gallop (bareback mind you) through the woods to be able go on a hunt? These types of scenes made the book unrealistic. April's behavior towards her best friend was awful. April's immaturity through most of the book was kind of embarrassing. Third, when did Riley decide he loved her. Here is where I felt the storyline was rushed, I didn't feel him fall in love with her. It was like he woke up one morning and he loved her.

With that said there were some really good parts, the one that sticks out is when Riley confronts April and says he knows they are not related then kisses her and says that is how he knows. I also enjoyed the Agatha, she made a great villain and her chemistry with Northam was perfect.

I did finish this book, but found myself skimming the pages. This is her debut and there is potential there, I just hope her next books (which I bought because of Lisa's endorsement) are better. If this book would have not been so unrealistic it would have been pretty good. But as is falls short.

Oh wow! This one is without a doubt the best romance I've read all year. "When a Lady Misbehaves" is about a feisty young woman named April Jardine. Although she's a lowly scullery maid in an upscale brothel, she has high aspirations. These aspirations extend far beyond becoming one of the madame's high class hookers. When faced with an ultimatum, e.g. become a hooker or get lost, April chooses the latter. But she doesn't walk away empty handed. She absconds with the madame's journal aka transactional history book. This journal proves to be a gold-mind. April and an associate defraud several high falutin perverts out of two thousand pounds - today's equivalent of many tens of thousands of dollars. Of course like all wrongdoers, they try to pull a fast one on the wrong person. This wrong person takes the form of Lord Riley Blackheath, Marquess and Circuit Judge. Unlike the other fools they defrauded, Lord Blackheath is onto their scheme. He doesn't quite have all the details, but he is determined to expose them for what they are. What begins as a straight forward plan turns awry, however. Lord Blackheath cannot account for the whims of the heart as he falls head over heels in love with April. This book is truly funny, e.g. laugh out loud, witty, romantic and original. April isn't the typical heroine. She does some pretty bad stuff, but she's likeable and one can't help rooting for her. Overall, I hugely endorse this book!!

How can a titled aristocrat and a scullery maid fall in love and get married? Only a master could pull this one off.

I should note that I give romance authors a lot of leeway in terms of historical accuracy--as long as they can help me have a laugh and believe in love again. The romance genre may as well be called fantasy because about 2% of the story is "historically accurate" much less accurate to real life. But I believe those of us willing and eager to suspend judgment will love this book.

April, the heroine, is a survivor with panache. Finally a woman who doesn't kowtow, isn't passive aggressive and isn't a martyr. Finally a romantic heroine who is strong enough to be bad! She's so sassy, spirited and honest with her heart that you can see why the hero, Riley, fell in love with her. Plus she's hilarious, strong and fights for what she wants.

At one point Riley is teasing April about her jealousy regarding his former fiancé and April's arch-nemesis, Lady Agatha. He's laughing. She's holding a toy knife and tells Riley, "I'll have your heart even if I have to carve it out!" Ah, how romantic.

Riley is great, too. The upright judge in him can't help but admire how adeptly she spins a story. He's also honest enough with himself to admit his feelings, fight for her and forgive her. And of course he's hot. Oh, and rich. Didn't I say this was a fantasy?

No silly reasons for not getting married, no pity-parties. No contrived conflicts to fill pages. Just lots of fun while April and Riley sort through the huge mess she created trying to pass herself off, repeatedly, as a long lost bastard child needing a little cash.

My only complaint (this is directed to author and publishers) is the last chapter. Is it really necessary to pull everything together so tidily? I say continue with the "show, don't tell" policy used so successfully throughout the rest of the book.

Well, it's a fab read. Good writing, great story, great characters. Recommended especially if tired of those other wishy-washy, blue-stocking, passive-aggressive, sex-starved, bitchy, martyred clichéd "heroines".

I have to disagree with those who wrote that April, the heroine, is unlikable. Her glaring flaws are the things I loved about her. The sweet, virtuous heroine who tames the rough, troubled male with her love has been done to death. I liked the way Ms. Marcos reversed these roles in her characters. I had a ball reading this novel. I'm not familiar enough with the time period to have caught any anachronisms. And I don't know anything about horses so I'll have to trust the other poster in that regard. I agree with the comment about April's athletic ability, though. When she shot the arrow at Lady Agatha, I remember thinking, "Dang! What if she missed?"

April Jardine is a maid at the Pleasure Emporium, a famous London brothel. Informed by the Madame that she is worth more to the business if she auctions off her virginity, and then works as a lady of the night, April turns to blackmail to make her living. Armed with Madame's diary, she finds the men listed and tells them she is their daughter, trying to insinuate herself into their lives. The men offer her money to disappear.

That is until she tries her scheme with the Duke of Westbrook. The Duke is not at home, but son, Jeremy, welcomes her with open arms. His oldest son, Riley, Lord Blackheath, is not so welcoming, though.

Riley, a circuit judge, is not convinced as his brother and father are that April is the Duke's daughter. While the others welcome her with open arms he seeks to find out the truth. The more time he spends with her, though, the more attracted he becomes to her.

What April doesn't realize, though, is that her arrival at the Duke's household has set off a firestorm of gossip, and the family's reputation can only be saved with her marriage to Riley. Can these two people from opposite sides of the spectrum find love, or are they doomed by society's conventions?

When a Lady Misbehaves was a fun tale with an interesting plot. I have to admit that at first I didn't care for April, whom I found to be a little selfish, especially in her dealings with her friend Jenny. But by the end of the book she had grown and that redeemed her in my eyes. Riley, on the other hand, is delicious. I loved his character and his take-charge attitude. I did have a little problem with his quick about-face where April was concerned. I felt like he would have thought things out just a little more.

There were a few "hum" moments for me, including the misuse of a legal term that made me blink twice and head for a dictionary to check the term probate, but all in all, When A Lady Misbehaves is good fun. Ms. Marcos has crafted a tale that kept me turning pages, especially the final ones, late into the night. This is Ms. Marcos' first book, and I think the series has promise. This is a sweet tale with lots of intrigue, for those who enjoy historicals. I look forward to reading the other books in this series.

Amelia
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed