Not Quite A Lady Reviews

• Spoiler alert! -- out of time ending

  
  By API5JLBRT6FIN on 2007-11-19
  It is hard to write this negative review without revealing the plot for those who may choose to buy and read this book.
  Mr Impossible was my first book from this author and was a delightful keeper of a read. This one, had some delightful moments, and the characters were rather appealing, but then the author lost me with a plot twist that simply did not ring true to the period. Living in that world with rigid regency mores it was just unbelievable that a Marquess' daughter would do what she did, and still more so that an Earl would lend countenance. Luckily this was in the end, but my disbelief totally ruined the book for me. The UNbelievable plot totally took the book out of time and place, in fact would not be out of place in a contemporary novel. The response to a teen pregnancy by the dad when he found out, felt like a very rushed and hurriedly written scene. And accepting a 10 year old brat as their own grandchild without a pause? Very Very contemporary. Unhesistating acceptance by extended family and friends was even more out of time.
  
  As a pro, I really did love how this pregnancy shaped the character of the heroine and set up the romantic tension.
  
  

• Ms. Chase is sublime...a joy from beginning to end

  
  By A14GEA3EZCYCRK on 2007-05-16
  A most deserving heroine haunted by a painful secret from her past is given a second chance at happiness in this outstanding romance by Loretta Chase. Forced at barely seventeen to give up her illegitimate baby - fathered by a scoundrel who deserted her and then died - Lady Charlotte Hayward in reality gave up her self. She has never recovered from the shame and the loss, which have haunted her these past ten years. Although beautiful and highly prized, she has never married. She knows she is not a virgin, and is unwilling to deal with the attendant lies and deceptions. She is wary of men and lives a scrupulously proper and chaste life. Long buried is the passionate and playful girl of her youth.
  
  Charlotte's father (who never knew of the child) feels it is long past time his beloved daughter marries. He arranges a house party filled with eligible bachelors for one month hence, and asks that Charlotte select a husband from among the group. Totally panicked, Charlotte runs to collect her thoughts and bumps into her new neighbor, Darius Carrington. Darius, a resolute bachelor and expert on animal husbandry (!), is trying to restore his newly acquired, but long abandoned, property. Charlotte is exceptionally rude to him, pegging him just another profligate playboy, and he in turn mercilessly teases and torments her for her frills and propriety. But they are acutely aware of each other as well. For the first time in forever Charlotte feels alive - and hungers for a man's touch. And for the first time EVER, Darius yearns for the comfort of a marriageable miss. But with marriage NOT on the menu (or so they both think), what is this couple in lust to do?
  
  I don't usually gush, but I LOVE THIS BOOK! It's the kind I can read over and over as the years pass and never tire of it. Perfectly put together from beginning to end, it is a superb blend of sentimental and sassy, sexy and sweet - and it is so infinitely satisfying. Loretta Chase is such a unique voice in historical romance. Her sly humor is her stock-in-trade and it is sublime, but she also hits all the right emotional notes: Charlotte's grief and longing for the son she held for only moments is palpable; her joy infectious; her newfound ardor so touchingly sweet. And Darius is a romantic hero to be cherished. Laugh-out-loud funny and wise one moment, he is achingly gentle the next. I literally choked up at one point - as did Charlotte - at his tender assurances. It is a rare author who moves so seamlessly between laughter and tears, joy and despair, all while creating a loving romance. But Ms. Chase has done it. This book is a treasure.
  
  

• Lovely, utterly convincing emotional and erotic love story

  
  By A3SSAJY2BH4ECH on 2007-05-04
  I would give 4,5 if I could, ideally. My one difficulty was right at the start, suspending disbelief that the heroine would actually be stuck 10 years based on her trauma. 2, 3 even 5 years would be understandable, but 10 seemed hard to accept!
  
  Once I just accepted to suspend my disbelief, I loved the story a lot. I admire Loretta Chase for giving us very different characters and very different stories - the way people react, how they fall in love, how they solve problems - it is a different perspective each time, and once again, Loretta Chase has managed to charm me utterly. These two, who were so cerebral, so controlled, and then they both just get short circuited by simple touch, by their senses awakening with each other in a special way - enchanting, believable, lovely.
  
  Do not read this when you are yourself very much in a mood of analysis and logic, read it like a summer dream in the heat of a lazy afternoon, or like warm spring breeze, when you are open to just letting yourself flow into that mood of sweet sensual discovery, remembering how it felt when you touched that skin that was just sooo right under your hand, when you were enchanted, sensually, by a glance, a smell, a soft sigh - in that mood, you will love this story.
  
  

• Loretta Chase's only real competition is herself

  
  By AXHEVH3H93VV7 on 2007-08-27
  Loretta Chase never disappoints. This isn't my favorite book by her, but it is worthy of her - it steers clear of the worst romance cliches, because it doesn't need them in order to build tension or generate heat. The writing is smooth and rich, characters are complex, there's a dose of fierce passion and of humor, too. A relationship between equals, a strong female lead, a good supporting cast.
  
  That being said, it's not Loretta Chase's most powerful book - it doesn't have the sturm und drang of Lord of Scoundrels, or the hijinx and unexpected pathos of Mr. Impossible. It's a romance, not an adventure or a mystery - it takes place almost entirely over a period of a few weeks spent calmly in the country, and the two leads are mature, self-aware people who behave as such. There are complications, lives are changed, but even these earth-shattering events are rather domestic.
  
  But one thing I like about Loretta Chase is that she tries new things. Among books of this kind, the ones that revolve around house parties and match making and the profitiability of country estates, with occasional references to pig breeding and wall hangings, this one is head and shoulders above the rest.
  
  

• Not a Keeper, But Still Top Work by a Top Writer

  
  By A2OIX4KBD3FVC5 on 2007-05-28
  This author is usually always in the top ten when historical romance is mentioned and her book "Lord of Scoundrals" typically is in the top five of these genre books. In this novel, her character development is merely "good", setting and background only "well done" because she has set the standard so high. This is a complex book to read, not quickly finished because of the level of detail and important information. Sensuality is mid-level and always done in the context of a loving relationship. While reading this, not my favorite, but I remembered slightly precocious, late-teen girls who would enjoy both the romance, time period and the author's ability to throughly transport to another time and place. Pass this book on to THAT girl and watch her smile.
  
  
• Ok.. not great
  By A2MK80GBMSE2JS on 2007-06-11
  This is my first Loretta Chase book. I saw the great reviews here and immediately bought it. For me, it was just ok. The story didn't have enough oomph to it. There really isn't a bad guy, there really isn't a mystery, and all the problems faced were overcome very easily. I had a hard time getting involved with or caring about anyone in this book. The witty interaction was the only saving grace.
  I would read another book by this author, but I would borrow it from the library instead of purchasing it.
  
  
• Quick-witted love story
  By A1G568XOFAPX6X on 2007-05-16
  Loretta Chase is one of my favorite authors, and NOT QUITE A LADY delivers almost all the goods: a tortured heroine and a rake who falls in love with her, along with witty language and sensuality.
  
  The only thing it lacks is a believable villain who can actually do some damage. The guy's not much of a threat, actually, though I suspect many readers may not care.
  
  
• Wonderful read avoiding romance novel cliches
  By A2K1A96U617B4Z on 2007-06-14
  I feel compelled to share how delighted I was with Ms. Chase's novel. There was no 'misunderstanding' interlude where the protagonists believe the worst of each other ; there was no hero lashing out at his lady (or vice versa) because s/he was afraid to love and then some unfortunate circumstance had to bring them back together.
  
  The book wonderfully shows their relationship unfolding, and the 'impediment' as it were - the Colonel- was nicely sidestepped, but there was enough building up to where I was worried what would happen.
  
  An enjoyable and refreshing read!
  
  
• Not Quite A Gentleman
  By A20QETTR8VAVW1 on 2007-04-26
  I may be a man, and not just a man, but a hard-bitten, hard-drinking, and hard-hearted man, but even I like to occasionally soften up, light an incense candle, draw a warm bath, and soak in epsom salts, lavender oil, and shea butter soap while soaking in the strong characters, heated exchanges, and delicious wit of the latest Regency romance by Loretta Chase... that is, when I'm not cynically drinking myself into a pitiless stupor.
  
  Darius Carsington (what a name!), though born of noble blood, has a far from noble heart, and spends his time in both the scientific and practical pursuit of breeding and mating behaviour, much like how I spend my time steeling my heart against all human emotions. While renovating his father's country estate, he stumbles upon the Lady Charlotte Hayward, his beautiful, charming, and proper neighbor who has vowed herself to a solitary life of chastity, much like my own vow of a hard-bitten, hard-drinking, and hard-hearted life. Though their first meeting is awkward, an immediate connection develops between these perfect opposites, and the cad and the lady struggle against themselves and each other as they find themselves drawing ever closer, much like my own struggle against drawing closer to any human feeling. Charlotte and Darius's newfound feelings face their greatest test, however, when a rival for Charlotte's hand threatens to expose Lady Charlotte's secret past, a secret which threatens not only her reputation and the persona she has so carefully constructed, but her future happiness with the formerly cold-hearted, but now slowly warming Darius. I am also sometimes slowly warming, but in a hard-hearted way.
  
  Loretta Chase writes characters who leap off the page with wit, humour, and passion, and their encounters and clashes spark flashes of feeling that drive slow-burning passions and the novel forward to an exciting and fulfilling conclusion that will leave even the most hard-bitten and hard-hearted feeling, dare I say it, like not quite a lady.
  
  
• Site Rating: 3 1/2 - Another Charming Tale By Ms. Chase!
  By A1V96TPZ77XO5D on 2007-06-10
  Darius Carsington is happy with his life of intellectual endeavors and chasing loss women. But all that will come to a halt when his father gives him an estate that is in desperate need of care and restoration. His father feels it is time for him to grow up and take on responsibility. The bottom line...he cannot fail. After moving in, he runs into a woman that he has an instant sexual attraction too, but she is in the league he never touches...virginal. Nevertheless, something about her makes he thinks she has experience too, but why?
  
  NOT QUITE A LADY is by authoress Loretta Chase. With her usual charming voice, Ms. Chase creates a tale that grabs your heart, make you believe in love and show how two totally different individuals complement each other in ways only Ms. Chase can procure. A true lady of the historical genre.
  
  Darius is highly intellect, but lacking in the area of emotion depth. When he meets Lady Charlotte, his neighbor, she has qualities he is not used to. She looks innocent, but a fiery woman cannot be disguised beneath her matronly attire. She is such a conflicting woman, he is not sure how to handle her.
  
  Charlotte has put herself on the shelf, easily maneuvering around marriage-minded suitors until it has become second nature to her. She does not have time for the animalistic hungers of sexual need, but she cannot stop the raging attraction she feels for Darius. Long ago she had a terrible experience, leaving her feeling snared in secrecy. Charlotte will now have to face some hard truths, while dealing with the overly attractive Darius.
  
  NOT QUITE A LADY has a timeless quality that endears it to this reviewer. If you want a good solid read, then this book will be perfect.
  
  Reviewed by Janalee Ruschhaupt, 2007
  Courtesy of Love Romances and More
  
  
  
• entertaining intelligent historical romance
  By AFVQZQ8PW0L on 2007-04-29
  In 1812 she was a child having a child due to the seduction of wicked Geordie Blaine while her governess failed to act. Only seventeen, Lady Charlotte Hayward is forced to give up her son. Unable to emotionally recover from the treachery of her lover and from not even holding her offspring once, Charlotte remains an enigma to the Ton, as she chose to rusticate and never marry, rejecting all suitors as she vows to be a perfect lady even if she is NOT QUITE A LADY anymore.
  
  A decade later, Lord Hargate worries about the scholarly pursuits of his youngest son Darius, who studies animal mating behavior so that he can use what he learns to seduce women. Everyone agrees he is a heartless rake who insists love does not exist and does not care one iota what his behavior causes. His father, tired of the vulgarity of his most rakish son, exiles him to a property in Yorkshire with the hope the lad will have no oats to sow. However, next door is the challenge of a lifetime as Charlotte refuses to have anything to due with him. As the immovable meets the irresistible sparks fly eventually into a loving inferno with Darius knowing that the way to her heart is finding her son.
  
  This entertaining intelligent historical romance contains a strong lead couple and a fully developed support cast. The deep story line is driven by the two-step between the immovable Charlotte and the irresistible Darius. Fans will enjoy Loretta Chase's poignant look at Regency society through the loving relationship between the fallen woman and the troublemaking mating scientist.
  
  Harriet Klausner
  
  
  
• Where's the Detail?
  By A2D4ME67NXG557 on 2007-05-01
  I've read all of Ms. Chase's stories and have, mostly, loved every one of them - my favorites being, Captive of the Night, Lord of Scoundrels and Lord Perfect - this story, in my opinion, lacked depth and detail. I agree with a previous reviewer's observation on the reader not being able to visualize the H/H falling in love. In her other novels, Ms. Chase does an excellent job of drawing the reader into the emotions of the H/H, with great detail & humor. This novel had the humor, but seemed to lack the detail, especially following on the heels of "Lord Perfect", a novel rich in humor and emotional detail, where we get to see Lord Hargate handling his children with love underneath the strictness. Hopefully, this being the last of the Carsington's, Ms. Chase will move on toward greater heights with another novel along the lines of "Captive of the Night" - I love Ismal!!
  
  
• Delightful
  By A2GJU01JM5KTJ1 on 2007-05-18
  Ms. Chase hasn't gone wrong yet. I have enjoyed all the stories about the Carsington sons. Darius and Charlotte are ideal for each other. I lapped up every word and wait impatiently for the Ms. Chase's next book.
  
  Good going, Loretta Chase!
  
  
• Not Quite A Lady
  By A320TMDV6KCFU on 2007-07-13
  During a tumultuous time in her life, Lady Charlotte Hayward made some decisions that changed the entire course of her life. Although those decisions haunt her, she must keep them secret. Considered good and perfect, Lady Charlotte knows she is not. And to protect her secret, she has vowed to never marry.
  
  When Darius Carsington moves in next to her family estate, Lady Charlotte's vow to never marry may be in jeopardy. For Darius, Charlotte might just risk her secret and her heart.
  
  Oh how I loved Not Quite a Lady! It made me laugh. It made me cry. It made my tender heart ache. It made me oh so happy.
  
  Loretta Chase's heroes are divine and Darius is no exception. But it's not just Darius that makes this story so enthralling. The story itself is beautiful and heartfelt. I've read Not Quite a Lady twice so far and each time it makes my heart sing with happiness.
  
  Annmarie
  Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed
  
  
• Not Quite Your Usual Romance...
  By A2GU1VZ1BEC3J on 2007-08-16
  As my first venture into Chase's works, I found Not Quite a Lady a pleasant experience. Her writing style is somewhat different than what I have experienced with others in this genre - so don't expect your usual romance writing style or typical contrived storylines here.
  
  I found that though I wasn't crazy about the hero, Darius, in the beginning - he did grow on me as the book progressed and he demonstrated - as I expect our heroine also found out - that he had a number of redeeming qualities and a depth of character.
  
  Overall the dialog and banter between the two made for an entertaining read.
  
  
• Loved It!
  By A1I1826WVRFOW0 on 2007-09-26
  I LOVED this book, though I didn't really expect to. I'd seen it here on Amazon before but hesitated to buy it. Then I stumbled across it at the library, read it in less than 24 hours and now just have to buy it to read again. I enjoyed the characters, laughed, cried and ended the book with a sigh of contentment. Truly enjoyable!
  
  
• A Lady in Search of Spinsterhood
  By A2G6YIMXBJK5RJ on 2007-10-10
  A charming romp through the English countryside presents us with Lady Charlotte Hayward. At the spinsterish age of twenty-seven, Lady Charlotte appears to be every Englishman's perfect woman: she has impeccable manners, she is well educated (for a woman), is an authority on the social graces, and has killer good looks. She has had years perfecting her technique of deflecting the attentions of marriage-minded gentlemen while still retaining their friendship. No one has guessed that buried in her youthful past is the sole indiscretion that makes her unmarriageable.
  
  Enter Darius Carsington, new landlord to Beechwood - the estate that borders the Hayward property. Although highly educated in the field of animal husbandry, this youngest son of the Earl of Hargate is considered a rake of the highest order who draws the line at seducing 'innocents'. Of course he is instantly attracted to Lady Charlotte.
  
  With the stage for romance thus set, it is only a matter of time before these two run far enough in opposite directions only to find themselves learning to appreciate each other as friends.
  
  But will Lady Charlotte's secret, which even her own father hasn't guessed, relegate these two to a lifetime of being friendly neighbors, or, will a young ten year old lad be the key to melting Lady Charlotte's resolve to come clean of her past and accept love into her life?
  
  
  
  
• Not quite believable, but still very good
  By A2AQ3ZB12K8ATG on 2007-12-17
  I got turned on to Loretta Chase based on other authors I like (Stephanie Laurens, Julia Quinn & Lisa Kleypas) and I am happy to say that I was not disappointed. This story was interesting in that the heroine's secret is that she lost her virginity and had a child when she was sixteen. Even though some of the plot twists were a tad unbelievable (the hero doesn't care that she lost her virginity or had a kid, and a few others that made things work out a little to cleanly) I really enjoyed it and read it in just a couple of days.
  
  
• Delightfully delicious!
  By A1SYGO8A5M935L on 2007-04-29
  Loretta Chase is a true artist when it comes to Regency romance. I loved "Not Quite A Lady" with its wit, poignancy and lushness of character. I only wish it could have gone longer and more in depth. But, all in all..a very fun and engaging read. I heartily recommend to all who love Regency romance and laughter.
  
  
• Not Quite A Lady
  By A2UIIX01VMHIPV on 2007-05-30
  Wonderful! Every time Loretta Chase writes a book it is better than the one before.
  
  
• Not a Keeper
  By ATJVL9LKFOPPQ on 2007-07-28
  If this is your first experience reading Loretta Chase, please don't let this disappointing book keep you from reading the rest of her work. I noted that this book was dedicated in part to author Mary Jo Putney, which may account for the instantly forgettable characters; the boring, repetitive dialogue that substitutes for character development; and the lack of flow to the story. Here you will not find the tight plotting; the wonderfully quirky, many-faceted characters; or the joyous, sparkling dialogue that brings Loretta Chase's characters to life on nearly every page in many of her other books. I gave this two stars because every so often the ghost of her fabulous writing appeared - but overall I found it difficult to even finish this book.
  
  
• Not Quite a Great Book
  By A3IVDLIXVJCRDQ on 2007-08-12
  This one started out great, but I have to say I felt the ending was a bit rushed. It felt very anti-climactic. There didn't seem to be much "meat" to the story. I'm a big fan of Loretta Chase and this wasn't a bad book, I'm just a bit disappointed in this one overall.
  
  
• Great Writer
  By A176W7175IJBHQ on 2007-06-08
  I always look forward to a new book by Loretta Chase. They are the best.
  
  
• Loretta Chase ALWAYS Delights!
  By AAOPE2FQOTCM7 on 2007-06-26
  Loretta Chase has always set the bar for historical romance. Her characters are genuine and witty, her stories and settings unlike any other writer in the genre. And her heros are quite simply the best. If you haven't discovered her, buy this book now -- you're in for a treat!
  
  
• Loved it!
  By A259HHYBP6ZNJ3 on 2007-06-27
  Loretta Chase is one of the best authors in this genre. I loved this book and did not want it to end. I'm anxiously awaiting her next one.
  
  
• Dissappointed
  By A3B674WRLDXZ0 on 2007-08-06
  I have read some other books by Lorretta Chase but this one was kinda dull. I wound up skippin some paragraphs because it was so much thinking and not enough action.
  
  
• Original
  By A1BJY1GSYPC9ER on 2007-10-31
  I liked this book. It explored new themes. Many historical romances have explored illegitimate children born to men, but I've never read one with a female protagonist mothering one. It reminded the reader of life before reproductive choices like birth control, abortion, adoption, or even single motherhood without stigma. I think it played down the stigma, but it was still good. The male protagonist was believable. I'm not sure the "girl's" parents were fully developed characters, nor the child's. But it was worth the read and I had to finish it quickly. And I'm bothering to write a review. I'd recommend it to romance novel lovers.
  
  
• Great twist
  By AXR7WTCAFJPGO on 2008-05-01
  This is the story of the last of the Carsington brothers to find the right woman. Loretta Chase has an original style, writes extremely well and is very amusing to boot. She can make you laugh out loud and smile whilst still feeling all the emotions and passion you are looking for in a romantic novel.
  
  Darius Carsington has been tasked by his father, Lord Hargate, to put to rights a derelict estate in Cheshire. His very matter-of-fact and scientific mind is puzzled by his neighbour's beautiful, charming and on-the-surface perfect daughter, who is 27 and still unwed. He tries to discover why and how she has managed to evade all her suitors and in the process falls in love. She discovers in him a source of strength and someone to trust. Gradually they discover each other's secrets. I won't give away the plot but the story hinges on a very original twist on a fairly standard theme of a base born child. Not much happens, the action takes place mainly on his estate and at her home but its an original tale well told. Recommended.
  
  
• Not quite an awesome read...
  By A1T17LMQABMBN5 on 2008-05-20
  England, 1822. Lady Charlotte Hayward is the daughter of a wealthy marquess. She is proper, charming and intelligent. But she is twenty-seven years old. Even though she would be considered to be "on the shelf" in society, suitors have asked for her hand, but she's denied them all, much to her father's surprise and annoyance. He wants her to make a good marriage. He and his wife, Charlotte's stepmother Lizzie, will not be around forever, after all. But Lady Charlotte has no intention to get married. If she married, then her husband would discover the truth -- that she is no maiden. She hides a big secret, a secret that only her stepmother knows about. Charlotte had given her body to a rake ten years ago, which resulted in a pregnancy. In order to avoid a scandal, she and her stepmother traveled to Yorkshire, where she claims to be ill, to carry on with her pregnancy and give the child away. So, no, she has no intention to marry, and she is through with rakes...
  
  Darius Carsington is the youngest son of a noble family. He is also kind of the black sheep in the family. He doesn't believe in love or feelings in general. He relies on logic and intellect, and whoever lets emotions override his logic is a fool. That, of course, goes out the window the moment he meets Lady Charlotte. He is there to rebuild a crumbling estate in an effort to prove himself worthy of respect to his strict father, but he can barely concentrate on his mission with Charlotte as a neighbor. She is beautiful, to be sure, but she is also intelligent and outspoken. He knows better than to seduce an unmarried daughter of a marquess, but he cannot help the passion and -- gasp! -- feelings that she provokes in him. As he gets to know her, he cannot help but fall for her. But will her past get in the way of their romance?
  
  Loretta Chase impressed me a great deal with Lord of Scoundrels -- one of the best Regency romances I have ever read after The Secret Pearl by Mary Balogh and Something Wonderful by Judith McNaught. The aforementioned Chase book has humor, intrigue and two very compelling protagonists. And so, I had looked forward to reading this book. Not Quite a Lady is a good novel. Chase handles the Regency era -- at least the feel of it -- quite well and the protagonists are engaging enough. There are no surprises or twists throughout the novel. Everything is pretty straight forward. The resolution at the end is not very believable. Even though Chase brings up the mores and rules of the period and how unfair said rules were to women, the characters' logic on the subject is too twenty-first century for my taste. It's almost as if they're talking in hindsight, like they know things will be different in the future. Ah, well, Not Quite a Lady is a so-so, run-of-the-mill Regency by my measure, nothing like Lord of Scoundrels. Then again, any novel would have fallen short after such a wonderful book. I recommend this as a very light, breezy and predictable read.
  
  
• Better than the last brother
  By A18ZSMR1DW4VFW on 2007-04-28
  I enjoy Chase's sense of humor. This book was just simply sublime. I don't think you'll miss out on this one. This mystery was thin, but who cares!!
  
  

• And Then He Kissed Her
• Beware a Scot's Revenge (School for Heiresses, Book 3)
• The Leopard Prince
• Never Lie to a Lady
• The Raven Prince