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tessisreading2's review against another edition
3.0
Traditional regency with nothing even resembling a sex scene, but very well-researched, with a sub-plot revolving entirely around hunting. A very pleasant read - the hero falls instantly in love with the heroine for, as best I can tell, no particular reason, but that's not really what you're reading this for; you're reading it to watch him woo her.
sophiarose1816's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
The darkest, coldest, and most ruthless of them all with the most scandalous reputation is about to meet his match in a quiet, practical, sensible, but no one’s idea of a beauty in the mecca of foxhunting. A chance comical mishap introduces them and off they careen in a flirty opposites attract romance.
Through the first three Lovers and Ladies books, the reader is allowed to get to know the circle of male friends and, while I enjoyed meeting the earlier heroes and seeing who their ladies would be, Ver was the one who most piqued my interest. I’m glad I had the opportunity to read them in order and encourage other readers to do the same.
So yes, our dear Verderan, has something of a shocking rep. He’s no choir boy and got into his fair share of trouble, but nothing like he’s touted to be. He had a sad and painful past wreathed in family secrets and at the heart was his truly dark villain of a grandfather who caused a great deal of pain for Ver and others. But, fortunately, Ver has good friends and they all share a loyalty. He ends up needing that help when the poor guy trips into love with the least likely female.
Emily Grantwich is a woman who is past the fresh years of youth when a girl can expect worthy offers of courtship and marriage. She’s plain and had to become practical in the absence of mother and a brother who is missing in action in the war while caring for an invalid, peevish father and taking on the responsibility of running their family estate. If she thinks about her chances of having a future home and husband, the local vicar seems the only possibility. Certainly not that gorgeous male specimen that turns the eye of most of the female population and dabbles with the light skirts. Besides, he’s just inherited the property near hers that is part of a past dispute.
The Regency era Hunting Season and traditions during the post-Napoleonic War years are on prominent display in this one and I enjoyed learning about this part of Regency life and seeing this winning pair of lovers cross the gap to find commonalities, mutual respect, and support besides love with each other. I really enjoyed their banter.
Emily and the Dark Angel was my most anticipated book of the series and it didn’t disappoint. I’ve had a soft spot for Ver all the way through the series and now knowing his background, even more so. Definitely one of Jo Beverley’s golden gems that I can recommend to old style Regency romance fans.
ccgwalt's review against another edition
3.0
TBR Challenge 2011-- Recommended to me in the fall of 2010.
Emily and the Dark Angel was entertaining but not unique. While the book could be rated "G" based on the interactions of the characters, I'd hesitate to recommend this to a young teen because of handling of the subject of mistresses and "whores." One conversation, started by the hero, about who would be the first to "mount" the 17 yr old protege of a well-known "loose-woman" was particularly distasteful. As I said, the language and actual scenes are kisses only, but the tone was more explicit than books by Georgette Heyer for example.
I enjoyed most of the writing, but found it got a little to sweet the last several chapters. The potential for some real angst was diffused before it could take a good hold, and all the reunions and reconciliations were a bit much. Decent book, but it didn't grab me enough to actively seek out more by this author. However, I may check my library for them if I want a quick, easy read.
Emily and the Dark Angel was entertaining but not unique. While the book could be rated "G" based on the interactions of the characters, I'd hesitate to recommend this to a young teen because of handling of the subject of mistresses and "whores." One conversation, started by the hero, about who would be the first to "mount" the 17 yr old protege of a well-known "loose-woman" was particularly distasteful. As I said, the language and actual scenes are kisses only, but the tone was more explicit than books by Georgette Heyer for example.
I enjoyed most of the writing, but found it got a little to sweet the last several chapters. The potential for some real angst was diffused before it could take a good hold, and all the reunions and reconciliations were a bit much. Decent book, but it didn't grab me enough to actively seek out more by this author. However, I may check my library for them if I want a quick, easy read.
buuboobaby's review against another edition
DNF
I just can't get into this one. NEXT!
I just can't get into this one. NEXT!
holtfan's review
3.0
I found a whole stack of these Avon Regency Romances at a local thrift store for 50 cents and couldn't resist. This is an entertaining, generally clean regency romance with an interesting angle. The story itself falls in the usual theme (sensible, 'older' but innocent heroine and rakish hero) but with general historical accuracy. Unfortunately, it was poorly edited and even my casual read found three egregious grammar errors.
Better than some, not the best. Read [a:Georgette Heyer|18067|Georgette Heyer|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1336748892p2/18067.jpg] instead.
Better than some, not the best. Read [a:Georgette Heyer|18067|Georgette Heyer|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1336748892p2/18067.jpg] instead.
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