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emilylouise_g's review against another edition
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
pantsreadsbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.5
Ladies and gents, we are back in it! And in TROPE CITY in all the best ways. I loved Phoebe & James’ slowburn, forced proximity, he falls first, age gap, bodyguard story, and that doesn’t even scratch the surface of all the Just One Bed AND Just One Horse scenes. Plus can we have more everybody is disabled stories? I loved how they both had to learn how to navigate each other’s disabilities respectfully. And even though Phoebe gets kidnapped seriously more than once and he does have to save her, she never felt like a damsel to me.
birdee_'s review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
cekisha's review against another edition
5.0
Phoebe Batten may be blind, but she is more sensible and intriguing than most of the heroines out there! What I really like about this book is that there is no lust or love at first sight, the relationship and chemistry are slowly built but perfectly developed. James is a great and realistic hero with all of his insecurities and imperfections. If you are sick and tired of a constant portrayal of men in HR novels as disturbing menwhores, then you will love James as much as I do.
I disliked the pointless 'plot twists' with the kidnappings and 'mysterious' villain because they were a bit over the top. All in all, I decided to go with the 5 rating because I really enjoyed the romance and that has become, unfortunately, a rarity for me these days.
agrippinaes's review against another edition
5.0
Captain James Trevillion has been hired to act as bodyguard to Lady Phoebe by her protective older brother. Lady Phoebe has slowly lost her vision over the past few years and is almost completely blind, and so far, Trevillion’s job has consisted mostly of assisting her movements around London. Phoebe, for her part, is frustrated by her suffocated, closed-off lifestyle and tries her best to provoke her stern, taciturn guard out of his shell. But one day they’re attacked in broad daylight, and it is clear Phoebe is the target. When it becomes apparent that someone is after Phoebe, Trevillion takes matters into his own hands to ensure her protection, whisking her off into hiding. But the problem is both of them are developing feelings for the other, and being so close together is making it harder for them to resist.
I just loved reading this. The contrast between Phoebe and Trevillion was so good: her sweet naivete combined with stubbornness, and his steady, protectiveness and determination to make sure she is safe at all costs. The chemistry between them is really high, especially coming from Trevillion, but it was her vulnerability that really sold them as a couple for me. She is so uncertain of him at points - partly because of her visual impairment and partly because of her inexperience, and there’s a really lovely soft, sweet side to this romance as they both try to navigate this. Their first kiss was really poignant to me for this reason.
I also really enjoyed him as a hero - he just wanted her so badly, that was clera from page one, and I loved that his first thought at all times was Phoebe and whether or not she was safe and looked after. His competence and steadiness was actually really hot to me as a reader - as was his realisation he was the best person for the job.
Phoebe was also a really good character - I loved her, she was very cute but also so determined and I loved how she was pretty much insisting they were going to be together, even when he was trying to be noble about it. They were a good pairing and it was easy to see how they complemented each other. The high point was their retreat to Cornwall - there were some lovely scenes in this part and it was nice to get Trevillion’s backstory, as heartbreaking as it was.
I also have to say - this book is really steamy. The sex scenes are very hot and well-written - I have read Hoyt before so I did expect this but they are very good. They manage to be romantic as well as sexy and I think that Hoyt did a really good job at selling both the emotional and physical sides of this romance.
Overall this was just a really entertaining read. The central romance ticked a lot of boxes for me - it was sexy but emotional, the heroine was loveable and the hero was great. I also liked the external plot, which has a few good twists and turns and some very dramatic moments. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a steamy historical, Georgian bodyguard, age gap romance with a protective hero and a stubborn heroine who is determined to make him love her, with a solid, suspenseful subplot.
Content Notes:
Other: On-page sex, virgin heroine, age gap, very mild OM drama .
I just loved reading this. The contrast between Phoebe and Trevillion was so good: her sweet naivete combined with stubbornness, and his steady, protectiveness and determination to make sure she is safe at all costs. The chemistry between them is really high, especially coming from Trevillion, but it was her vulnerability that really sold them as a couple for me. She is so uncertain of him at points - partly because of her visual impairment and partly because of her inexperience, and there’s a really lovely soft, sweet side to this romance as they both try to navigate this. Their first kiss was really poignant to me for this reason.
I also really enjoyed him as a hero - he just wanted her so badly, that was clera from page one, and I loved that his first thought at all times was Phoebe and whether or not she was safe and looked after. His competence and steadiness was actually really hot to me as a reader - as was his realisation he was the best person for the job.
Phoebe was also a really good character - I loved her, she was very cute but also so determined and I loved how she was pretty much insisting they were going to be together, even when he was trying to be noble about it. They were a good pairing and it was easy to see how they complemented each other. The high point was their retreat to Cornwall - there were some lovely scenes in this part and it was nice to get Trevillion’s backstory, as heartbreaking as it was.
I also have to say - this book is really steamy. The sex scenes are very hot and well-written - I have read Hoyt before so I did expect this but they are very good. They manage to be romantic as well as sexy and I think that Hoyt did a really good job at selling both the emotional and physical sides of this romance.
Overall this was just a really entertaining read. The central romance ticked a lot of boxes for me - it was sexy but emotional, the heroine was loveable and the hero was great. I also liked the external plot, which has a few good twists and turns and some very dramatic moments. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a steamy historical, Georgian bodyguard, age gap romance with a protective hero and a stubborn heroine who is determined to make him love her, with a solid, suspenseful subplot.
Content Notes:
Spoiler
Warnings: Violence, gun violence, kidnap, attempted forced marriage, rape (in past, side character), threat of rape (on-page), blackmail, ableism.Other: On-page sex, virgin heroine, age gap
Spoiler
Heroine is 21, hero is 33, so gap of 12 years.Spoiler
An OM proposes to the heroine. She rejects him but the hero is jealous.mrsbooknerd's review against another edition
3.0
I have started this blasted review a few times but I have found it tremendously difficult to write. I enjoyed the characters and the brilliant characterisation, but found the main plot weak, obvious and clunky. Had it not been for the characters and for the plot based in Cornwall, then I may not have finished this book.... How do you review a book like that?!
Let us begin with the main plot, which had a very good Regency-style premise. Phoebe is the blind sister of a Duke, who has a personal guard to guide her and keep her safe. They are both attracted to each other but attempting to be professional and maintain a distance. Someone is now trying to kidnap Phoebe, thus throwing professionalism and distance out of the window. Lovely.
The first weakness in this main plot was the sudden introduction of three new characters.
I find it so odd considering that both Wakefield and James are described as being overly-protective, but they do not look into these people. James was apparently the 'best Dragoon Captain', but even he doesn't conduct any thorough investigation into these characters. It was woolly and undeveloped as a main plot and I felt that the traits and personalities of key characters were undermined to provide some tension and to prolong the plot. Why could they have not just suspected Eve, Malcolm and Montgomery, but be unable to find any real proof earlier in the novel? It would certainly have been more substantial.
In contrast, the chapters set in Cornwall were wonderfully written and well-developed. They provided us not only with information about James' mystery and his family background, and succeeded in tying off the loose ends of his past, but developed the relationship between him and Phoebe. Further inciting my frustration that the main plot wasn't afforded such care.
The saving grace for this novel were James and Phoebe. So well written and characterised. I fell into their relationship and story and loved every minute. I recently read 'Marrying Winterbourne' by Lisa Kleypas and my main criticism was that the lead couple were cookie-cutter regency romance characters. Nothing defined them or differentiated them from any other book characters out there. James and Phoebe were the opposites. James was not the refined, elegant male that we usually get in a Regency romance. He was rough and physical. He swore and protected and made love without politeness, taking what he wanted with lusty ambition and scorching talent… ahem.
Phoebe was blind, but I loved that she also broke the Regency mould by not being insufferably cheerful about life. Phoebe could easily have thanked her stars that, yes, she was blind but she was alive! And yes, her family cossetted her, but it was because they loved her so dearly! Finding endless positives about her disability. But she wasn't at all like that. She complained that she was wrapped in cotton wool and she rued the fact that she would never see James smile or to see his body. She was likable and flawed. Both her and James and their story was so wonderfully memorable.
If more time had been spent properly developing each loose thread of the plot, then the novel might have read better as a whole. Perhaps Phoebe could have known Eve and Malcolm before the start of this novel so that they weren't quite an obvious introduction. Perhaps Wakefield and James could have been more committed to the kidnappers and to an investigation…
I've gone with a three-star rating because it certainly wasn't terrible, but I really believe that the plot undermined and let down the characters.
Let us begin with the main plot, which had a very good Regency-style premise. Phoebe is the blind sister of a Duke, who has a personal guard to guide her and keep her safe. They are both attracted to each other but attempting to be professional and maintain a distance. Someone is now trying to kidnap Phoebe, thus throwing professionalism and distance out of the window. Lovely.
The first weakness in this main plot was the sudden introduction of three new characters.
Spoiler
There was little attempt to hide the fact that they were working together, and were clearly scheming. Malcolm proposed to Phoebe having met her only twice, and left in a sulk when she declined. Later, she finds out that her kidnappers mean to force her into marriage, but still Malcolm isn't investigated by anyone. I even rolled my eyes when Malcolm faces off six burly attackers alone with just a little dagger and everyone hails Malcolm for being a hero… I was practically screaming that it was an obvious set up!! Save the girl, she swoons, "Oh Malcolm, how strong you are, lets get married!"I find it so odd considering that both Wakefield and James are described as being overly-protective, but they do not look into these people. James was apparently the 'best Dragoon Captain', but even he doesn't conduct any thorough investigation into these characters. It was woolly and undeveloped as a main plot and I felt that the traits and personalities of key characters were undermined to provide some tension and to prolong the plot. Why could they have not just suspected Eve, Malcolm and Montgomery, but be unable to find any real proof earlier in the novel? It would certainly have been more substantial.
In contrast, the chapters set in Cornwall were wonderfully written and well-developed. They provided us not only with information about James' mystery and his family background, and succeeded in tying off the loose ends of his past, but developed the relationship between him and Phoebe. Further inciting my frustration that the main plot wasn't afforded such care.
The saving grace for this novel were James and Phoebe. So well written and characterised. I fell into their relationship and story and loved every minute. I recently read 'Marrying Winterbourne' by Lisa Kleypas and my main criticism was that the lead couple were cookie-cutter regency romance characters. Nothing defined them or differentiated them from any other book characters out there. James and Phoebe were the opposites. James was not the refined, elegant male that we usually get in a Regency romance. He was rough and physical. He swore and protected and made love without politeness, taking what he wanted with lusty ambition and scorching talent… ahem.
Phoebe was blind, but I loved that she also broke the Regency mould by not being insufferably cheerful about life. Phoebe could easily have thanked her stars that, yes, she was blind but she was alive! And yes, her family cossetted her, but it was because they loved her so dearly! Finding endless positives about her disability. But she wasn't at all like that. She complained that she was wrapped in cotton wool and she rued the fact that she would never see James smile or to see his body. She was likable and flawed. Both her and James and their story was so wonderfully memorable.
If more time had been spent properly developing each loose thread of the plot, then the novel might have read better as a whole. Perhaps Phoebe could have known Eve and Malcolm before the start of this novel so that they weren't quite an obvious introduction. Perhaps Wakefield and James could have been more committed to the kidnappers and to an investigation…
I've gone with a three-star rating because it certainly wasn't terrible, but I really believe that the plot undermined and let down the characters.
jujudepamplemousse's review against another edition
2.0
This was such a disappointment. I love the bodyguard trope but I didn’t enjoy this book at all.
Phoebe and Trevillion were kind of fine as friends but the romance didn’t work. They had no chemistry. The physical part of their relationship was so awkward and I did not like how it was handled. Actually I have much to say about that.
First, Phoebe forced her kiss and touch on Trevillion. Even though he might like her, no means no. And because she is a girl and she is blind it still doesn’t make it okay.
Then, Elizabeth Hoyt made us wait quite some time for the first really intimate moment, but what was that ? I wondered if it was a foggy dream before realizing it really happened. All of their intercourses felt so blunt, detached and impersonal.
I would also add that the age gap was fine at first but started being really weird when their relationship became physical. Elizabeth Hoyt didn’t stop emphasizing on how young and inexperienced she looked and it was just completely creepy as this passage "She looked all of twelve. He was a lecherous bastard, plain and simple, but he could no longer deny the pull she exerted on him just by breathing". I don't understand what this is suppose to be.
Other than the awkward and creepy love scenes the rest of the plot was weak, repetitive and too melodramatic. The characters were not really likable. Both characters were quite insipide and I found Phoebe to be stupid and immature at times. The narrative voice also sounded way too modern for a story set in England in the middle of the 18th century.
All in all, it was my first time reading a book by Elizabeth Hoyt but I’m not sure her style matches my tastes.
Phoebe and Trevillion were kind of fine as friends but the romance didn’t work. They had no chemistry. The physical part of their relationship was so awkward and I did not like how it was handled. Actually I have much to say about that.
First, Phoebe forced her kiss and touch on Trevillion. Even though he might like her, no means no. And because she is a girl and she is blind it still doesn’t make it okay.
Then, Elizabeth Hoyt made us wait quite some time for the first really intimate moment, but what was that ? I wondered if it was a foggy dream before realizing it really happened. All of their intercourses felt so blunt, detached and impersonal.
I would also add that the age gap was fine at first but started being really weird when their relationship became physical. Elizabeth Hoyt didn’t stop emphasizing on how young and inexperienced she looked and it was just completely creepy as this passage "She looked all of twelve. He was a lecherous bastard, plain and simple, but he could no longer deny the pull she exerted on him just by breathing". I don't understand what this is suppose to be.
Other than the awkward and creepy love scenes the rest of the plot was weak, repetitive and too melodramatic. The characters were not really likable. Both characters were quite insipide and I found Phoebe to be stupid and immature at times. The narrative voice also sounded way too modern for a story set in England in the middle of the 18th century.
All in all, it was my first time reading a book by Elizabeth Hoyt but I’m not sure her style matches my tastes.
sharonjay's review against another edition
3.0
3.5
Dearest Rogue has 2 of my favorite romantic plot scenarios 1) a blind hero/heroine and 2) a bodyguard love interest. So basically I was gonna like this regardless. But this was a really sweet story. No ridiculously controlling alpha love interest here. He's pretty much in love with her from the beginning and I liked reading their growing friendship and love but I would have liked to see a bit more of their relationship in the beginning (but maybe that's in the other books?). Kinda skimmed through the Eve/Val parts because I wasnt interested. I find this happens a lot in HEA romance novels. Like, I KNOW that Phoebe and James are going to live HEA so therefore I KNOW that the kidnappers aren't going to succeed so why would I read through their parts when they don't offer anything particularly interesting? Especially when skimming does the job.
PS. I can't read "titties" or especially "clitty" in a serious love scene without laughing hysterically.
Dearest Rogue has 2 of my favorite romantic plot scenarios 1) a blind hero/heroine and 2) a bodyguard love interest. So basically I was gonna like this regardless. But this was a really sweet story. No ridiculously controlling alpha love interest here. He's pretty much in love with her from the beginning and I liked reading their growing friendship and love but I would have liked to see a bit more of their relationship in the beginning (but maybe that's in the other books?). Kinda skimmed through the Eve/Val parts because I wasnt interested. I find this happens a lot in HEA romance novels. Like, I KNOW that Phoebe and James are going to live HEA so therefore I KNOW that the kidnappers aren't going to succeed so why would I read through their parts when they don't offer anything particularly interesting? Especially when skimming does the job.
PS. I can't read "titties" or especially "clitty" in a serious love scene without laughing hysterically.
surejan's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I really enjoyed this book despite the plot becoming increasingly ridiculous. I do think the author is aware of its ridiculousness and is just rolling with it. The main characters are perfectly wonderful and I enjoyed reading about them falling in love.
danytch's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
In my opinion, the best of Hoyt’s Maiden Lane series.