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aboutthatstory's review against another edition
4.0
Historical Romance isn't something I normally read but I decided to give it try. I am so happy I did! I truly enjoyed it and couldn't put it down. I enjoyed the characters and the style of writing.
faefolkreads's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoy historical romance, so did enjoy this book. However, there were many issues in this story.
Destitute landowner Fox spends all his remaining and limited funds (and time) on providing for the orphans at Spinners End, the Orphanage that has been the responsibility of his family for generations. And when he can't quite cover the cost for the children's clothes and medicine, he dons the mask of a Highwayman and takes it from those who can afford it.
Miranda is the daughter of a Duke, sent to stay with relatives in the country due to 'scandalous' behavior in London. She expects to be board out of her mind and have little to no social life. What she doesn't expect is be roped into helping with the local orphanage, and finding that she cares for the children (and their benefactor).
I sorta liked Fox and Mirandas relationship, as even tho it was insta-lust it wasn't insta-love. They slowly got to know each other, and over time they began to change and become better people. What frustrates me was Mirandas constant bipolar attitude. One moment she wants to prove everyone wrong of their preconceived notions about her, the next she is being arrogant spoilt and whiney- exactly what people expect of her. She wants he parents love, and seems unable to realize that she can't do anything to make them love her.
Plus, I'm concerned about Foxes estates. He owns two massive estates and constantly has no money- this is said to be due to his fathers gambling habits and to him providing for the orphans.... but surely and estate his size would bring in surplus money?
So overall, enjoyable and I couldn't put it down! But maybe not every aspect had been thought through.
Destitute landowner Fox spends all his remaining and limited funds (and time) on providing for the orphans at Spinners End, the Orphanage that has been the responsibility of his family for generations. And when he can't quite cover the cost for the children's clothes and medicine, he dons the mask of a Highwayman and takes it from those who can afford it.
Miranda is the daughter of a Duke, sent to stay with relatives in the country due to 'scandalous' behavior in London. She expects to be board out of her mind and have little to no social life. What she doesn't expect is be roped into helping with the local orphanage, and finding that she cares for the children (and their benefactor).
I sorta liked Fox and Mirandas relationship, as even tho it was insta-lust it wasn't insta-love. They slowly got to know each other, and over time they began to change and become better people. What frustrates me was Mirandas constant bipolar attitude. One moment she wants to prove everyone wrong of their preconceived notions about her, the next she is being arrogant spoilt and whiney- exactly what people expect of her. She wants he parents love, and seems unable to realize that she can't do anything to make them love her.
Plus, I'm concerned about Foxes estates. He owns two massive estates and constantly has no money- this is said to be due to his fathers gambling habits and to him providing for the orphans.... but surely and estate his size would bring in surplus money?
So overall, enjoyable and I couldn't put it down! But maybe not every aspect had been thought through.
xakyr's review against another edition
1.0
I really didn't care for this book. To me, the heroine was totally unrealistic for the time period, being entirely too bold and sensual. It only served to pull me out of the story. The hero wasn't much better, as I couldn't understand why he wouldn't employ the methods of the time in order to gain enough money to help his estates out from his father's actions. I wound up skimming several sections of this story, and deleting it from my Kindle library when it was complete.
chelsea_not_chels's review against another edition
2.0
More reviews available at my blog, Beauty and the Bookworm.
Romance novels that aren't very romantic are so frustrating, and this was, unfortunately, one of them. It starts when Montgomery Foxcroft, aka Fox, the hero, pretends to be a highwayman to waylay a coach and rob it for money to help with the upkeep of an orphanage his family has maintained for generations. He doesn't end up with much money, but he does end up with an armful of Lady Miranda Sinclair. Miranda was on her way into exile with some variety of family friends who live in the country when Fox stopped them, and she's more than happy to kiss him. In fact, kissing someone in the dark is the very reason she got sent into exile to begin with. Soon enough, Miranda finds herself forced to go work at the orphanage as a sort of punishment that's supposed to better her, and she rubs up wrong against Fox right away--having no idea that he's the highwayman with the magic lips, of course.
There were abundant problems with this book that placed it squarely outside of my interest, though I forced myself through to the end. (It takes a lot for me to actually give up on a book.) First, I didn't feel that there was any real chemistry between Miranda and Fox, despite how they kept insisting (internally) that they couldn't resist each other. The words were there, but the emotion wasn't. Second, Miranda herself was absolutely insufferable. She's the very definition of a spoiled rich girl. She parades around the orphanage in the finest gowns money can buy and, while Burke tries to show her growing and coming to accept that her way of life isn't the only one or even the best, she constantly relapses to her spoiled state. Even up to the very end, where she's supposed to be gaga over Fox and willing to do anything to be with him, she can't stand up to her parents and instead just silently agrees with them about how shabby Fox's entire lifestyle is. And then she abruptly grows a backbone and everyone lives happily ever after. What?
And finally, the writing isn't really engaging at all. There's so much nothing going on here. And honestly, while a hero who takes care of orphans can be a really sweet idea, reading about someone combing lice out of those orphans' hair isn't romantic at all. I picked this book up because it was a group read for Unapologetic Romance Readers on Goodreads, as a "free" selection for everyone, and found that I'd already purchased it more than a year before--and I'd actually started to read it! But I hadn't continued much past the first chapter before abandoning it. After finishing it this time, I can see why I ditched out the first time. I don't think Burke is an author I'll be picking up again.
1.5 stars out of 5.
Romance novels that aren't very romantic are so frustrating, and this was, unfortunately, one of them. It starts when Montgomery Foxcroft, aka Fox, the hero, pretends to be a highwayman to waylay a coach and rob it for money to help with the upkeep of an orphanage his family has maintained for generations. He doesn't end up with much money, but he does end up with an armful of Lady Miranda Sinclair. Miranda was on her way into exile with some variety of family friends who live in the country when Fox stopped them, and she's more than happy to kiss him. In fact, kissing someone in the dark is the very reason she got sent into exile to begin with. Soon enough, Miranda finds herself forced to go work at the orphanage as a sort of punishment that's supposed to better her, and she rubs up wrong against Fox right away--having no idea that he's the highwayman with the magic lips, of course.
There were abundant problems with this book that placed it squarely outside of my interest, though I forced myself through to the end. (It takes a lot for me to actually give up on a book.) First, I didn't feel that there was any real chemistry between Miranda and Fox, despite how they kept insisting (internally) that they couldn't resist each other. The words were there, but the emotion wasn't. Second, Miranda herself was absolutely insufferable. She's the very definition of a spoiled rich girl. She parades around the orphanage in the finest gowns money can buy and, while Burke tries to show her growing and coming to accept that her way of life isn't the only one or even the best, she constantly relapses to her spoiled state. Even up to the very end, where she's supposed to be gaga over Fox and willing to do anything to be with him, she can't stand up to her parents and instead just silently agrees with them about how shabby Fox's entire lifestyle is. And then she abruptly grows a backbone and everyone lives happily ever after. What?
And finally, the writing isn't really engaging at all. There's so much nothing going on here. And honestly, while a hero who takes care of orphans can be a really sweet idea, reading about someone combing lice out of those orphans' hair isn't romantic at all. I picked this book up because it was a group read for Unapologetic Romance Readers on Goodreads, as a "free" selection for everyone, and found that I'd already purchased it more than a year before--and I'd actually started to read it! But I hadn't continued much past the first chapter before abandoning it. After finishing it this time, I can see why I ditched out the first time. I don't think Burke is an author I'll be picking up again.
1.5 stars out of 5.
nononanette's review against another edition
2.0
there were things liked about it and some i didn't. Cant remember what they are though! that tells you something.
michellini90's review against another edition
3.0
The story was ok, but it has the most rushed ending I've read yet. Otherwise, it's about a 4 star read.
lizabethstucker's review against another edition
4.0
Lady Miranda Sinclair, sent to the country as punishment for her willful ways in London, is robbed while on her way to her temporary home. With no money or jewels to give to the highwayman, she offers him a kiss.
Desperate for money to support his orphanage, Montgomery Foxcroft reluctantly turns highwayman. Knowing it won’t be enough, Fox is convinced by a friend to woo the obviously wealthy heiress he had just kissed.
Miranda is a hoot! She’s also a spoiled brat, but Burke does show that Miranda doesn’t mean to hurt people, she’s just been so ignored by her parents that she constantly rebels in the only manner she has available to herself. She is forced by her strict uncle to help a local orphanage, running into Fox. Although she doesn’t realize it at the time, this is the best thing that could’ve happened to her.
There are plenty of road blocks before the couple get their happily ever after, one of the biggest being Miranda herself. A delightful read that I’m so pleased to have taken a chance on. This is also still free at Amazon. 4.5 out of 5.
WARNING: While this starts out as a typical Regency, sweet with just a touch of heat, there is a scene in a brothel that shoots straight to super hot. Then there is the encounter in the stable.
Desperate for money to support his orphanage, Montgomery Foxcroft reluctantly turns highwayman. Knowing it won’t be enough, Fox is convinced by a friend to woo the obviously wealthy heiress he had just kissed.
Miranda is a hoot! She’s also a spoiled brat, but Burke does show that Miranda doesn’t mean to hurt people, she’s just been so ignored by her parents that she constantly rebels in the only manner she has available to herself. She is forced by her strict uncle to help a local orphanage, running into Fox. Although she doesn’t realize it at the time, this is the best thing that could’ve happened to her.
There are plenty of road blocks before the couple get their happily ever after, one of the biggest being Miranda herself. A delightful read that I’m so pleased to have taken a chance on. This is also still free at Amazon. 4.5 out of 5.
WARNING: While this starts out as a typical Regency, sweet with just a touch of heat, there is a scene in a brothel that shoots straight to super hot. Then there is the encounter in the stable.
ladyandscholar's review against another edition
4.0
This was an entertaining story, though I found the hero too forgiving of the heroine’s frustrating back and forth treatment of him. One minute she wants him, the next she’s saying she could never marry or be with him. Parts were also a bit jarring-like the pair goes from an intense romp to discussing an escape plot on the same page. It was a nice journey to see her mature and develop her own sense of self, and it was overall an adventurous ride.
virginiaduan's review against another edition
I hate the main characters and it is just too stupid to read any further.