The Challenge (Mass Market Paperback)

by Edith Layton (Author) "It was a peculiar bordello..." (more)
Key Phrases: Lord Wycoff, Lady Turner, Lord Hunt (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"Edith Layton understands the deepest emotions that rule the heart." -- Romantic Times

"Edith Layton understands the deepest emotions that rule the heart." -- -- Romantic Times

"One of romance's most gifted authors." -- Publishers Weekly

Product Description

Wealthy, handsome, and devastatingly charming, the expatriate Viscount Hathaway Wycoff could easily win most women's affections. But the lovely Lucy Stone isn't most women. Though the self-respecting beauty is drawn to him, she refuses to give in to passion. Once before Lucy had followed her heart--a journey that took her to America and left her there a penniless young widow and mother.

A rich relative unexpectedly offers Lucy and her son passage back to England, answering her longtime prayer. She doesn't want to leave Wycoff, but given his scandalous reputation, it seems the right choice. Wycoff promises he will change to win her, but Lucy cannot allow herself to believe him. When a devious plot threatens all Lucy holds dear, she must turn to the man she's vowed not to trust. Neither knows what final destination fate has in store--but they are willing to risk everything to find out.

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Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: HarperTorch (March 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061014338
• ISBN-13: 978-0061014338
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #722,327 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Hark The Lady Doth Protest Too Much, April 16, 2003

By A Customer

If you're interested in reading a few hundred pages about a not-exactly-young widow who resists marrying a rich, handsome, titled, charming, amusing, athletic man who clearly adores her (and to whom she's physically, emotionally, intellectually and romantically attracted), this is the book for you.

If you'd like a plot, look further. Personally, I'd suggest re-reading any Georgette Heyer Regency before spending the time to this novel. Or, if you want an intro to Layton, buy the combo "Marquis ... Abandoned Bride" book.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A profligate lord vows to earn his chosen lady's trust., April 30, 2000

By	B. S. Andrews "barbiesa" (Toledo, OH) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Hathaway Wycoff has come to America to escape his meaningless life as a profligate and adulterous lord. When he first meets Lucy Stone, he thinks she is a prostitute. But when he finds out the truth about the fair widow, he begins to wonder if he could ever be good enough to deserve her.

Lucy Stone had married young and lived to regret it. She is drawn to the English lord from the first, but past experience has taught her to be cautious. Still, when she discovers that Lord Wycoffe had been a notorious womanizer during his marriage, she is heartbroken. Because even though his first wife is deceased, she would never be able to trust him to be a faithful husband. Above all, she has to think of the best interests of her son, Jamie.

So when her brother-in-law, Baron Hunt, invites her and her son to visit them in England, Lucy jumps at the chance to escape from temptation. What a surprise, then, to find Lord Wycoffe on the same freighter!

An older gentleman (40+) and an adulterer, Hathaway Wycoffe is an unusual--but surprisingly worthy--hero for a romance novel. He explains his reasons for his past behavior, but doesn't use them as an excuse to avoid responsibility. He demonstrates a great deal of humility and patience in his attempt to clear his reputation and make himself worthy for his lady love--although he has no guarantee that she will ever learn to trust him.

Ah, Lucy is a very lucky woman indeed!

A sequel to "The Cad," and "The Choice," this book continues the fascinating saga of a delightful group of Regency-era characters. I must admit I can't wait for Rafe's and Drum's books to appear! Be sure I will be first in line!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best so far, November 28, 2002

By	Susan Smith (A small rural village in the English Midlands) - See all my reviews

I'm working my way through Edith Layton's "The C..." series. Excellent, thus far, although I believe this one is the best. Why? Because, for once, we have mature people - a 32 year old heroine and a man in his mid 40s - well set in the Regency world. (Afterall most romance readers are adults and I for one get tired of 18 year old heroines!) Further, we have some transatlantic action which is well done - nothing twee about the English half of the story and nothing unreal in the American half.

I won't summarise the plot again because the one thing I would like to focus on for anyone reading this review, is that as always, Layton has given us a truly wonderful hero. Hathaway (what a name!) Lord Wycoff is a damaged hero but his scars are internal and his "disability" is his past and his reputation. He has, however, truly lovely qualitites which came to the fore in The Choice. Wycoff is a husband who suffered a perniciously unfaithful wife but he is a kind, doting and loving father. He has a mother whom one wants to slap but he is a loving and respectful son to both his father and mother. Wycoff's behaviour, ultimately, disgusts him when he holds up a mirror to peer closely at himself. It is, in the end, as always in the best fiction about redemption, the mirror (eg Lucy Stone) that brings him up sharp and gives him the impetus to find his way back to social and, more importantly, self-acceptance.

Well done, Edith Layton - as ever you have given us a well constructed, carefully crafted novel with believeable characters whose actions and thoughts are realistic and moving. A wonderful hero and heroine, some delightful supporting players and a satisfying and thoughtful read. I do recommend this highly.