The Perils of Pursuing a Prince (Desperate Debutantes, Book 2) Reviews

• It was okay, I guess

  
  By A3I9XGR10XVXPT on 2007-05-15
  Some reviewers have said that the heroine is stupid. I would say rather that she is not a 19th century woman in her mindset; a 19th century woman (one not of the servant class) would not have travelled to a single man's home, let alone have stayed there isolated and unchaperoned, and then have expected to just go back to her life as it had been before. She would have been ruined. Ruin didn't just mean some ladies sneered at her; she would not have been allowed into decent homes and her options (if her family didn't pay her to go away & live somewhere else quietly) would have been marriage to anybody at all, or prostitution, or starvation. No social safety net in regency England! These ideas are given lip service only in the book; it's clear that the heroine doesn't believe them and neither does the author.
  
  Both the central characters are 21st century people in 19th century clothes, so the book should be judged as a sex fantasy, rather than a historically based novel. As a sex fantasy it has too little erotica for those who like that sort of thing and too much for those who don't.
  
  The author has a pleasant writing style that doesn't grate, otherwise I would have tossed it aside, because there's nothing very new or different about it. However, it wasn't so dull that I didn't finish it, and if I put everything I know about regency mores aside, it's mildly entertaining. Nevertheless I felt that this author has done much better books, and there are other books out there much more worth the money and the time.
  
  

• I will read Julia London books again but I am disappointed.

  
  By A18FUHNBP90IB4 on 2007-05-25
  I picked up this book because of the author and finished it with hope that author would make a awful story better. In this novel immature Lady Greer goes to Welsh to get her inhertance. She trust the wrong person and believes lies and in the end finds herself a unwanted housequest the Prince of Powys. I really like the prince. The last 1/4 of the book was very good but save your money and pick it up at the library.
  
  If you enjoy this genre I would suggest 'What an Earl Wants' by Shirley Karr, 'Secrets of a Duchess' by Kaitlin O'Riley and 'A Lady At Last' by Brenda Joyce.
  
  

• A Definite Peril

  
  By AYSGFQ8IISIZ4 on 2007-05-05
  I didn't think I would ever finish this book but finish it I did. The heroine, Greer Fairchild, was such an idiot I could not fathom why Rhodrick fell in love with her. The hero claims the heroine is "clever" repeatedly, and I had a chuckle every time.
  
  What I found ridiculous was Greer was contemplating marriage with Mr. Percy in the very beginning of the book, however, when Rhodrick proposes, whom she claims to be in love with, she refuses. And her reasons are again idiotic.
  
  I understand the author used the heroine-must-stay-with-hero-'til-identity-can-be-determined plot device, but I felt like the author thought the reader was as stupid as the heroine to believe:
  1)the heroine would go all the way to Wales without absolute proof of her identity and
  2)The post takes that long to run even in a snowstorm.
  Not to mention staying alone unchaperoned! *gasp*
  
  As for the "good stuff": the sensual tension was weak, the love scenes were warm, and there was no hero-jealousy.
  
  Not a keeper for me, however, for an excellent Julia London read, I recommend: Wicked Angel.
  
  

• Ack.

  
  By AZAJL5LEL7MU9 on 2007-04-30
  Julia London is a talented writer, but this book was so incredibly mediocre. There really wasn't a story - amazing considering that the book clocks in at 370 pages - and the main character was so annoying and wishy-washy and just plain dumb. (And I don't mean a little dumb, I mean, frustrating, rolling-my-eyes-almost-couldn't-finish-the-book-'cause-she's-a-moron dumb.) I like London's historical and contemporary books, so I'm hoping that this was just a bad one in the bunch.
  
  

• A mess!

  
  By ANHZXETPC4RW9 on 2007-06-02
  "The Perils of Pursuing a Prince" is a dismal follow-up to "The Hazards of Hunting a Duke". Greer Fairchild is the most idiotic heroine I've encountered in years, and I must confess I'm generally quite forgiving. It's not even that she's too impulsive or headstrong, it's that her thoughts don't seem to belong to one person, and, as several other reviewers have noted, although she seems to give lip service to a knowledge of society's rules of behavior for young, unmarried women, her actions don't reflect any of it. She's entirely taken in by the scoundrel in the story, she's beyond rude to the Prince for the first two weeks she is a guest in his home, and I see no consistent rationale for her actions. At one point, she's at Kendrick, cleaning a room, and imagining her future, either married to the Prince, or simply continuing their relationship as lovers. Later that day, he proposes marriage to her, and she responds as if he's crazy and says she hadn't previously considered the possibility of marriage. On top of that, she goes on about how she couldn't imagine life away from London after she spent the afternoon dreaming about living at Kendrick! Makes no sense, whatsoever! She is rude, devious, and stupid, and I can't imagine what Rhodrick could possibly see in her. As the book progressed, I found myself thinking less and less of him for wanting her. At the end of the story, one of her cousins - Ava, I think - makes some comment about how she had to love him for putting up with Greer, and I could only think, `absolutely!' I can't think of one endearing quality to her.
  
  The plot itself is all over the place, too. Much is made of the magic of Wales and ghosts and such, but it's all kind of vague. At the end, the big issue for Greer is finding out how Rhodrick found the woman's dead body in the forest. As the reader, I couldn't care less. It was clear to me that he was a good, honorable person, and it just didn't matter. Too, there was the issue of the `bad guy'. Since she was so taken in at the beginning of the book, I felt it was important that she have an "Aha" moment where she realized he was bad (not to mention acknowledge what a witch she was to Rhodrick when she believed all those lies). That didn't really happen.
  
  Don't even bother with this book. It's an exercise in frustration. I can't believe I finished it.
  
  
• Fantastic historical fiction!
  By A4B4IR1YEEEOR on 2007-04-24
  Lady Greer Fairchild has come to Wales, and to the home of the Earl of Radnor, aka the Prince of Powys, Rhodrick Glendower, to claim her inheritance. She has the extreme misfortune of arriving with Rhodrick's enemy, Mr. Owen Percy, which immediately raises Rhodrick's hackles and his suspicions. He cannot trust Greer as he fears she may be in cahoots with Percy and that man has ruined enough lives. So, in an attempt at compromise, Rhodrick agrees to give Greer her inheritance if she can provide solid proof of her identity.
  
  In the mean time, Greer is to stay at Rhodrick's home, his unwilling captive, while she waits for a letter from her cousins back in London. Greer is sure Rhodrick is an odious and vile man, but as she comes to unravel the mystery surrounding him and begin to understand the kind of man he is, her heart warms to his gruff personality. Appearances can be deceiving and Greer is starting to realize that in her captivity, she may have found a true friend and a true love match.
  
  Julia London wows and impresses with this second book in her Desperate Debutantes series. Greer and Rhodrick hardly seem like a match made in heaven. She is a social butterfly, very happy amongst the parties and events in London. But there is depth to Greer and she shows it in surprising and subtle ways, even with something as simple as chatting with the servants or enjoying Rhodrick's humor. For his part, Rhodrick never expected to find love again. Scarred both physically and emotionally, Rhodrick has always been content in his little corner of the world, but Greer opens up new yearnings in his heart. Even with distrust standing between them, neither can deny the strong feelings that grow every day of Greer's stay in his home. She most assuredly goes from a reluctant and discontent guest to a woman of the manor, happy to share special moments with the house's master.
  
  The Perils of Pursuing a Prince is a more than satisfying historical romance. The beauty and wildness of Wales is explored as the protagonists grow closer, and it is refreshing to read a romance set far away from the glittering ballrooms of London. Julia London deftly makes these two characters come to life in this moving and tempting tale.
  
  
• The Perils of Pursuing a Prince
  By A320TMDV6KCFU on 2008-01-25
  Greer Fairchild is destitute. She has two choices. Marry the highest bidder or go to Wales to claim an inheritance that may or may not exist. Greer chooses to travel to Wales to face the man that is said to control her inheritance, Rhodrick Glendower, Earl of Radnor and also known as the Prince of Powys.
  
  The prince is more ruthless and powerful than Greer could have imagined. Until Greer proves she is who she says she is, he refuses to give her the inheritance. So Greer must remain as a reluctant guest in the prince's castle until proof arrives from London. The longer Greer stays the more intriguing and irresistible she finds Rhodrick. Is she falling under the spell of the mysterious Prince of Powys?
  
  I think that The Perils of Pursuing a Prince is my favorite Julia London book thus far! Rhodrick is so dark and delicious that he captured my heart. A wonderful love story that had me biting my nails hoping for a happy ending and sighing in delight to see Greer and Rhodrick together, The Perils of Pursuing a Prince satisfied my romantic heart.
  
  Annmarie
  reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed
  
  
• Terrific read.
  By A2BZCHIDR5FTYA on 2007-04-18
  Set in 1820, Greer Fairchild is left destitute by her guardian's death. In hope of avoiding being wed to the first offer, regardless of her say so in the matter, Greer travels to Wales in search of an inheritance she is not sure even exists. The good news is that Greer finds the inheritance DOES exist and is four thousand pounds. The bad news is that the inheritance went to Rhodrick Glendower, Earl of Radnor, the Prince of Powys. Rhodrick will not release the money to Greer unless she can give him proof that she is who she claims to be. So Greer writes to Lord Middleton, who is married to Greer's cousin, Ava Fairchild, in London for a letter of introduction. It will take over a month for the letter to reach London, find Lord Middleton, and for the return reply to reach Greer at Llanmair. Until then, Greer is Rhodrick's reluctant guest.
  
  Greer's first impression of Rhodrick is tainted by Mr. Owen Percy who has traveled with Greer to Llanmair. Having only seen Percy at his best, Greer has no idea that all the tales he told her about the Prince of Powys are lies. The impression is made worse by Rhodrick himself, when he appears with his two enormous wolfhounds (Cain and Abel) and a bold scar upon his face, which would not have been so bad had the prince not been scowling down at her in displeasure.
  
  Rhodrick is familiar with Percy's lies and scandals. Since Greer is in Percy's company, he assumes she's only trying to scam money from him too. No one can be as naïve as this woman appears to be! Yet at the same time, her story is intriguing. He decides the best thing to do is get rid of Percy and then wait for Lord Middleton's proof of Greer's identity. Greer believes that Percy has gone for help and refuses to believe that Percy left her after getting one hundred pounds. The lady grates on his last nerve!
  
  After a bit of time together, the pair begin to thaw toward each other. Greer's hatred turns into desire of the mysterious prince who dares her to become his wife and princess.
  
  ***** This is the second book in the Desperate Debutantes Trilogy. I did not think the author could possibly write a story better than the first title (The Hazards of Hunting a Duke). I am very happy to be proved totally wrong! The hero of this story, Rhodrick, is not as hideous as Greer's first impression describes. But combined with the two wolfhounds, it gives the tale a small flavor of "Beauty and the Beast". In this case, however, Beauty is not tempted by a forbidden rose, but by an abandoned white mansion from her past that resides six miles away, which all are forbidden to visit. Author Julia London breathes life into the characters and I could not help but sympathize with both sides. Everything is detailed vividly, from the people involved to the places surrounding them. I easily envisioned everything and could not pull myself away from reading except for short trips to the restroom or to search for food. Extremely well done and highly recommended reading! *****
  
  Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.
  
  
• Exasperating heroine
  By A2K1A96U617B4Z on 2007-05-23
  *Spoilers*
  Ms. Greer Fairchild is the heroine I dislike- she thinks she is independant and clever, so when she acts stupid, (and royally so), the reader wants to hurl the book across the room!
  
  I love chain novels, and I was eagerly awaiting the story for Greer , since she was the clever one. I was disappointed that instead she was a bratty and silly heroine. If I was Rhoderick I would have thrown her out.
  
  The idea that someone would impose on his hospitality, call him a liar and an imprisoner (even after the angleic Mr. Percy is exposed) and demand 4 thousand pounds without proving her identity is ludicrous. I kept on thinking 'isn't she supposed to be the smart one?'
  
  The final thing that I disliked, was that she refused his offer of marraige till he let her know it was her (dead)mother that showed him the dead girl's body. I mean really. You love him yet don't trust him ?
  She declines his marraige proposal because he lives in the country (shallow! shallow! shallow!) even though she says she loves him (flighty!) She drives off in the carraige to leave him (stupid!), then runs back to find out just HOW he knew about the dead girl's body. And THEN she decides she wants to stay with him.
  
  Julia London has a knack for emascualting her heroes and making her heroines shrill and flighty.
  
  Anyway I am eagerly awaiting Phoebe's story. The excerpt was lovely! Please don't turn Phoebe into a shrew!
  
  
• Second Desperate Debutantes Installments is good!
  By A3D1RYGOR76013 on 2007-05-23
  Greer Fairchild is determined to track down her missing inheritance, if it exists. Unfortunately, her uncle has passed away and any inheritance has passed onto a distant relation in Wales. Then her elderly traveling companion dies on the long journey to Wales, leaving her in the company of a man who may not have her best interests at heart, and who may well be hiding something from Greer.
  
  Arriving in Wales, Greer becomes intimidated and attracted to the man who holds her inheritance, Rhodrick Glendower, Earl of Radnor. He is untrusting of Greer, and in his caution to determine if she is who she says she is, delays her journey back to her sisters in London.
  
  Mistaken identities, misunderstandings, and secrets from the past all come to light .. but will Greer deny her heart before it is too late?
  
  
  
• Beauty and the Tortured Hero
  By A2WJJ9IGVEPF8E on 2007-06-08
  The next installment of the Desperate Debutantes series does not disappoint! With shades of Beauty and the Beast and gothic overtones, Perils offers a love story that builds in classic fashion, with a brooding hero slowly discovering his love for the unflappable woman in his midst. Greer starts on her journey simply looking for her inheritance, a means to support her sisters, but she finds so much more in Rhodrick, the man who vexes her, intrigues her, and ultimately charms her (and the reader right along with her!).
  
  
• Major Disappointment! =(
  By A2LYBZQNYJJAJV on 2007-09-12
  - I stopped at page 100. And "ditto" on Greer's attributes already mentioned here.
  
  - I've really enjoyed Julia London in the past, ("The Hazards of Hunting a Duke" was wonderful!) but "Greer" was *so* ridiculous: winey, prejudiced, hypocritical, and downright stupid! Her actions, her attitude, even her dialogue! I honestly couldn't find one thing I liked about her.
  
  Greer takes Percy, a complete stranger she has met on a public coach, at his every word, for absolutely everything he says, simply because he is smooth and polite and knows how to lay on the charm; where Rhoderick is quiet, honest, albeit, somewhat suspicious and brusque. (And who wouldn't be if some stranger showed up on your doorstep and demanded money? )
  
  - I thought perhaps it was just a mood so I put the book down and tried again a couple other times to read it. Nope! No better! I can only recall one other time I have ever put a book down and not completed reading it. This was very disappointing for me! =(
  
  
• Loved it, loved it, loved it
  By AW24ODXPY9CMI on 2007-04-27
  I loved this book. I wasn't sure if I was going to like Greer at the beginning. And, I have to say, I wasn't even sure toward the end. I thought she did something so dumb that I couldn't see how the author would salvage it. But, Julia London did it. Not only did I like Greer, I was cheering her on. This book appealed to me on many levels. I liked the different setting--not a lot of books use Wales as a setting. I liked the story of Greer's sisters as well. And, I loved the prince. Rhodrick was a great character. I would read how ugly he was and then look at the cover picture and think, "Ugly? I don't think so!"
  I picked up another book (it shall be nameless to protect the innocent) to read after I had finished Perils. I couldn't finish it. There was none of the imagery, the emotion, or the pure pleasure I had found in Perils. I think I will go back and re-read The Hazards of Hunting a Duke to reacquaint myself with Greer's sisters. And, of course, Middleton, that luscious husband of Ava's. I am looking forward to Phoebe's story. The sneak peek has me looking forward to that one greatly.
  
  
• You can never go wrong with a Julia London book
  By A39GI2E9QZHPUJ on 2007-04-30
  The second in Julia London's The Desperate Debutantes series, she brings us Greer Fairchild's story. Hold onto your corset and enjoy the ride!
  
  To avoid marriage to the first bidder, Lady Greer Fairchild, left destitute by her guardian, must travel to the wilds of the Welsh countryside. There she must find Roderick Glendower, Earl of Randor, also known as the Prince of Prowys; who may hold an inheritance that she never knew existed, if indeed it ever did. But Greer never imagined that he would hold her captive until she could prove her identity, and will hold her prisoner in his castle.
  Rhoderick Glendower, inherited the title Prince of Prowys, but with the title comes responsibility and with that responsibility knowing whom he can trust and believe. Lady Greer shows up on his doorstep with a wild story of an inheritance that he supposedly possesses, with no proof of who she is or if this inheritance really exists. When danger surrounds his castle, Rhoderick can think of only one thing to keep Greer safe. Greer must become his wife and princess, but will she want to spend the rest of her life with a man whom every one is convinced is a murderer?
  
  Julia London never fails to deliver her readers a real page-turner and The Perils of Pursuing a Prince is no exception. Greer is a very determined woman who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to go after it. Rhoderick is a man with a past who is trying to forget and live his life in peace. Needless to say, Greer shakes up his world a bit! With a never-miss-a-beat plot, a mystery to solve and enough sex and romance to melt the 8 feet of snow outside my window, Ms. London's newest book will be sure to keep you warm and toasty and maybe slightly out of breath.
  
  A top pick for your winter reading! Enjoy!!!
  Oh, and for a real treat, visit Julia's site at www.julialondon.com and watch a trailer clip of the book, it's really cool!!
  
  
  
• Perfect Summer Read!!!!!!!!!!!
  By AGNJASRZIH0WI on 2007-06-20
  Pulled an all nighter to finish this one! Fabulous summer read. Rhoderick was the perfect hero and Greer his fiesty perfect match. This has to be my favorite Julia London so far. My idea of a great way to spend a hot summer night! London's wicked wit kept me turning pages and the sexy hero left me wanting more! Can't wait for the next installment of the Desperate Debutantes!
  
  
  
  
• Thank Mommy for Helping me Find the right person
  By A1QFL2P3BOAE66 on 2007-06-20
  Geer, got in a situation in which she couldn't get out of, leaving London without knowing anything about where she was going or who she might encounter on her journer. Mr Percy appeared to be pleasent enought but since she did not know any one, she took up with him, believing without question, everything he told her about the area and Rhodrick. Then to welcome Mr. Percy advances, showed just how little she knew about the world she traveled in. Rhodrick, was a good guy, everyone that talked to her about him, advised her that he was, this to me would bring about a question in my mind, if Percy was lying. but Geer still couldn't believe him to be a nice guy. Geer got a little trying towards the end, but she pulled through, thanks to her mother (in spirit), and realized that she loved Rhodrick.
  
  
• Enjoyed it from beginning to end
  By A39THHEG1EIEF9 on 2007-08-21
  I picked up this book, the middle one in the trilogy, not knowing much about it. Now I'll have to pick up the other two. I didn't mind the least that the heroine was somewhat immature. Made her seem more real to me and I sort of would expect some immaturity from a sheltered high-society debutant. She can't very well be like a 21st century self-assured business woman with an MBA and a thick stock portfolio behind her :-)
  
  I thought the story was taut and very sexy. Loved the prince. Just love a dark/scarred hero, I suppose. Their love story unfolded step by step and took me along. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone.
  
  
  
• Flights of Fancy
  By A2UYKVAV9T6MBX on 2007-10-23
  I do not understand some of the reviews from people. Have they ever read historical romances before? They are supposed to be light and airy, not factual and realistic. Our lives are factual and realistic, that's why we read fiction to get away from them.
  The camradarie amongst the cousins is immensely appealing, and reminds me of Johanna Lindsey's work. The countryside of Wales is a refreshing change from the salons of London, and the Prince does not disappoint as the taciturn lord that just needs love to be set free. Greer is lovely and sprited, a perfect match.
  I can't wait to read about Phoebe! Please relax, people. If there were more charming characters like these in real life, we wouldn't need to read.
  
  
• A tormented hero in need of love -- my favorite!
  By A39RHVY97AQINP on 2007-05-14
  I'm a big fan of the dark, tormented hero who feels unworthy of love and this story delivers! You'll find some of the delicious elements of Beauty and the Beast (a dark castle with unused rooms, a mysterious hero, a bright and shining heroine) mixed in to this beautiful love story. I'll admit, I liked this story even more than the first one in the Desperate Debutantes series (The Hazards of Hunting a Duke (Desperate Debutantes)) and I can't wait for the Phoebe's story next. That girl has a lot to hide...
  
  
• Loved it!
  By A2L3JWDNIDYJPF on 2007-08-01
  I'm never disappointed when I read one of Julia London's books.. this one has just as much sexy spunk as the others... loved it!
  
  
• Very enjoyable historical
  By A3E82E1V5SU6AP on 2007-04-30
  This is only the 2nd book, I've read by Ms. London; the first being The Hazards of Hunting a Duke. I really liked the hero in this story. Rhoderick is not perfect in physical attributes, but he makes up for it in honor, leadership, and compassion. I agree with some that the heroine made some silly decisions, but that just added to the tension and the plot. There are some great love scenes! I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
  
  
• refreshing Regency romance
  By AFVQZQ8PW0L on 2007-05-05
  In 1820, London aristocrat Greer Fairchild learns of an inheritance that might not exist at all in Llanmair, Wales so since she desperately needs the money and wants to avoid selling out to the highest bidder in unholy matrimony, she leaves town to collect what she prays is legally hers. On her trek into the wilderness, another passenger Owen Percy tells her horrifying tales about the murderous Lord Rhodrick "Prince of Prowys" Glendower, who apparently controls her maybe inheritance.
  
  Upon arrive at the Welsh Earl's estate Radnor, Greer finds much of what Owen told her seems true as the rude Rhodrick not only demands proof from her, he incarcerates her while she sends back to her solicitor in London for the corroboration of her story. Worried for his traveling companion Owen tries to get help. However, in the meantime, as she gets to know her host better and he his guest, Rhodrick and Greer in between battles fall in love. However, a new mystery occupies her thoughts as much as he does; she needs to know about the portrait of her mother in his castle while he needs to uncover the identity of the true killer who ravaged his reputation.
  
  The second Desperate Debutante Regency romance (see HAZARDS OF HUNTING A DUKE) is a refreshing tale due to the location, an amateur sleuth murder investigation, and a ghost with two missions. Although the lead couple comes out of the sub-genre handbook with he being arrogant and she being obstinately courageous, readers will take immense delight with the gender war between the daring deb and the pugnacious prince.
  
  Harriet Klausner
  
  
  
• There Perils of Pursuing a Prince
  By A3CLZTXEBD2EJM on 2007-11-01
  Julia London is a wonderful author. This book is just another great job. Once I started I couldn't put it down.
  
  
• Heroine is too stupid for words
  By A3IJVAL5OKPELP on 2007-11-28
  I agree with all the naysayers - Greer is too unpleasant and stupid to like! Her characterization in this book does not have anything in common with the character described in the first book of the series, The Hazards of Hunting a Duke. In that book, she was the level headed one, but in this book there is no rationale to her actions. Any redeeming qualities she may have were not apparent. She doesn't have any of the pluck or kindness you would expect or want in a romance protagonist. She was completely unaware that she was being manipulated by the "villain", despite every being subjected to every possible cliche. She was never able to engender any rapport or affection in the castle staff. She never finds anything constructive to do with her time to show that she is productive or motivated beyond her own petty concerns. This behavior is not consistent with a strong minded, sensible heroine. Rhoderick deserved better!
  
  
• Loved the hero...
  By A3L86PFH09NSDZ on 2008-04-11
  As I read this book I felt it was some kind of homage by the author to Bronte and Austen, combining the brooding atmosphere of "Jane Eyre" with the witty repartee of "Pride & Prejudice" (or, considering the ditsy heroine, more like "Bridget Jones's Diary"). Like many other reviewers I was put off by the heroine, which lowered the book's overall rating, but I so liked the hero (and am a sucker for castles and "dark and stormy nights") that I enjoyed it nonetheless.
  
  
• Fine Gothic Hero, Spirited (slightly annoying) Heroine--but Great Chemistry
  By ADYED6Z2R1R0Z on 2008-05-12
  Rhodrick Glendower, Earl of Radnor, also called the Prince of Powys, has not had an easy life. He's a powerful, intelligent, compassionate man, but has lived a fairly solitary life (not counting all the loyal servants and tenants) after his young wife died in childbirth along with the child. He's never been comfortable in society and an accident in his youth has left him scarred and slightly limping.
  
  Into his life returns his opposite, his sweet-talking, kind-looking cousin Percy, who years before was banished for getting a local girl pregnant, keeping her captive when she made trouble--leading to a madness-driven death on the moors; a death Percy whispers is linked to Rhodrick, who found her body in a distant place no one would ever go to look. With him is Greer Fairchild, who came to Wales looking for a possible inheritance she needs to keep a decent life in London. The evil cousin is "helping" her after the elderly woman she was a companion to passes away suddenly; against all propriety, he convinces Greer to keep going on her quest accompanied by him. Now, Greer is young, which explains her ill-judgment a little, but it's no wonder that Rhoderick wonders if she is the dupe of his evil cousin, or one of his fellow conspirators when they arrive at his castle (her possible inheritance from her uncle and father has passed to Rhoderick in lieu of no known heirs).
  
  Rhoderick insists on Greer proving her identity first, so she writes to London to get her relatives to send letters. When Rhoderick spots his cousin Percy getting intimate with Greer on a couch, he has had enough and bribes Percy to leave with 100 pounds. Now, Greer has been attracted to Rhoderick, even though he's older and brooding and she believes Percy's lies about him defrauding poor Percy of his own inheritance and possibly killing a girl. It bothered me that Greer, so sensible and strong sometimes, so young and silly the next, would have no sense with Percy, whom she doesn't even like that much. Rhoderick, poor guy, is obviously lonely and is definitely attracted to the lovely, spirited Greer, who furthermore doesn't think he's ugly, despite thinking him a monster in other respects.
  
  Their relationship is interesting to say the least! There is a great chemistry between the pair, which keeps this tale involving and worth reading, despite Greer running hot and cold. Rhoderick is a great character, neither angsty or self-pitying, despite his situation. Greer has her faults, but one is left with a good hope that they'll live happily ever after.
  
  
• Kinda Ditzy Heroine but good
  By AKD483N0B3MVX on 2008-05-12
  I must say that Greer at the beginning is very naive but you have to remember she's in a strange part of the country and pretty much alone so of course she's gonna trust a guy who has been helpful to her. The hero was great because it was nice to see a guy who didn't hide his feelings away until the very end of the book. This book goes on my keeper shelf and if you're a fan of Beauty and the Beast it's a cute and enjoyable read.
  
  
• This book was just OK...
  By AOZT1J3CZ43X9 on 2008-06-09
  I finished it which says something positive. Yes, the heroine did not seem real bright with her decision-making abilities (not following social conventions which seemed so important to her) and the plot was not that unique but it was OK. The hero and his insecurity about some scar or malady seems a little over done in the romance novels.
  
  
• A big let-down
  By A20UHWR387EFAG on 2008-06-10
  Based on the teasers in the previous book of the series (The Hazards of Hunting a Duke) I expected to like this one far more than I did. Greer seemed the most likeable of the trio, and the one I could most identify with (insomuch as anyone can identify with a heroine from a romance novel). But half-way through the novel I was ready to reach through the pages and slap her. How clueless can she be? How much more obvious can a set-up be? How boring and predictable can you make a romance novel?
  
  Okay, yes, we all know how romance novels end - happily ever after. And since we know the destination, you'd better make the journey enjoyable. Scenic vistas and jaw-dropping sights, not crammed in the back of a minivan between your two siblings gritting your teeth against car sickness. Okay, that's a bit harsh. But when you build up expectations only to dash them, well, I can't help myself.
  
  I'll give you that the hero, while terrible cliché and formulaic was not half-bad. And some of the bit players (aside from Percy) were interesting. But overall it lacked any hook, any surprises, and anything interesting. I wouldn't toss the book in a bin, but there are far better romance novels out there.
  
  
• Not my type of man
  By A1EKHKV7AO3358 on 2008-07-08
  The book wasn't badly written but I just couldn't get into it. Other reviewers have covered the plot so I won't.
  
  My problem was the hero. I'm sorry but I want to WANT the hero and I didn't in this book. The first time we meet him the heroine herself says he is "not handsome or agreeable in anyway". When the author is describing what he looks like I thought she was describing some villian we would come to know, not the man the heroine (and myself) are supposed to fall in love with. He is described as old with graying hair, a huge scar on his face and a limp. This doesn't make for a very sexy man. I'm sorry but my husband has his own flaws, I don't need to read about somebody else's husband's flaws too!!
  
  

• Highlander Unbound
• The Book of Scandal
• Highlander in Disguise

• The Hazards of Hunting a Duke (Desperate Debutantes, Book 1)
• The Dangers of Deceiving a Viscount (Desperate Debutantes, Book 3)
• Beware a Scot's Revenge (School for Heiresses, Book 3)
• Mine Till Midnight (The Hathaways, Book 1)
• The Dangerous Gentleman (Rogues of Regent Street, Book 1)