A Deal With the Devil

Rating:
Summary: Enjoyable, but Liz You Can Do So Much Better
Review: Carlyle has written several books set in early nineteenth century England, using the same set of core characters. I read and like them all, but the first few in the series were edgier, darker, and, for me, much more interesting.

Aubrey Montford needs a place to hide, so she becomes a housekeeper for Major Lorimer, who lives in his nephew's family home, Castle Cardow. The major dies mysteriously and Aubrey is of course the first suspect. Enter Giles, Lord Walrafen, who is determined to find his uncle's killer and discover all of Aubrey's secrets. You can take it from here.

I like Carlyle's style and her characters. But she seemed to throw away the plot at the end - the old - "I've reached my page requirement, so let's put this puppy to bed" thing?

grade: B Because I know that she could have done better.

Rating:
Summary: Enjoyable, but Liz You Can Do So Much Better
Review: Carlyle has written several books set in early nineteenth century England, using the same set of core characters. I read and like them all, but the first few in the series were edgier, darker, and, for me, much more interesting.

Aubrey Montford needs a place to hide, so she becomes a housekeeper for Major Lorimer, who lives in his nephew's family home, Castle Cardow. The major dies mysteriously and Aubrey is of course the first suspect. Enter Giles, Lord Walrafen, who is determined to find his uncle's killer and discover all of Aubrey's secrets. You can take it from here.

I like Carlyle's style and her characters. But she seemed to throw away the plot at the end - the old - "I've reached my page requirement, so let's put this puppy to bed" thing?

grade: B Because I know that she could have done better.

Rating:
Summary: Very Weak
Review: Carlyle's last few novels have been rather disappointing in comparison to her first works. This last one is a perfect example. Very little character interaction, no suspense and, honestly, no story.
When one reads her novels concerning Cole and Jonet, Elliot and Evangeline or Helene and Treyherne, their complex relationships that build and the danger/mystery in which they are involved, well, Giles and Aubrey's relationship is both unbelievable and boring. There is no suspense in any part of story, whether it be the relationship, who Aubrey is or the "mysterious" death. It's all obvious.
The only interesting characters and aspects of the novel involve the uncle, the Delacourts, Kem and Max, and they appear too briefly. My advice is not to purchase this one new.

Rating:
Summary: 4 1/2 Stars - Another enjoyable Carlyle read
Review: Giles Lorimer, Earl of Walrafen, lives for politics and London life. He's avoided his childhood home, Cardow Castle, for years because of the sad memories it holds. His disabled, war hero Uncle Elias lives at Cardow and three years ago hired a housekeeper, Mrs. Montford, who plagues Giles with updates, questions, requests and harangues on the running of the estate. Letters Giles never answers, but that he strangely both dreads and looks forward to. On the one hand, he wants nothing to do with Cardow - it could crumb to the ground for all he cares - so the letters induce a measure of guilt in him for his benign neglect of the estate and his tenants about which she regularly berates him. On the other hand, her letters are also a source of amusement and Giles takes a strange kind of pleasure in her missives. She's obviously competent, efficient, intelligent and witty and he finds himself wondering about her. Well, he will finally meet her when word comes that Uncle Elias has been murdered and Giles must return to Cardow.

Aubrey Montford is, of course, not what she seems. But she has gratefully embraced her role as housekeeper in the remote castle. She and little five-year-old Iain have lived happily at Cardow, but Aubrey knows that with Elias' death everything has changed. Her place at Cardow is not so certain now and she frets for her and Iain's futures. Unfortunately, the arrival of the neglectful earl only prompts her temper and sharp tongue, which she can't seem to keep in check. Due to his neglect an unstable tower she had written to Giles about repeatedly collapsed resulting in several injuries - including to Iain. Between this and all the other letters he never bothered to answer or issues he never addressed, she has little respect for the lord of the manor. But that doesn't mean that she hasn't noticed how handsome his is with his dark hair and silver-gray eyes.

While Giles reprimands her for her impertinence he cannot fault her for feelings that are, on the whole, justified. He sees all the improvements and positive changes that Aubrey has made at Cardow and he is impressed to say the least. He is also incredibly, surprisingly attracted to the confident, poised, green-eyed, auburn haired beauty hiding behind the plain housekeeper garb. Yes, there is definitely more here than meets the eye! But when the circumstances surrounding Elias' death seem to point to Aubrey, Giles doesn't believe it and calls in his old friends Max DeRohan and George Kemble to investigate - both the crime and Aubrey. Meanwhile an attraction between Giles and Aubrey begins to grow. Aubrey begins to see another side to Giles that contradicts her original opinion of him. He's kind, gentle, sweet and, though she can't afford to become involved with him, Giles finally breaks through Aubrey's defenses. But given his suspicions and questions about the person Aubrey really is and the fact that she is suspected of murder, can there be a future for these two?

I really enjoyed this story, but have to agree it's not quite as good as some of Ms Carlyle's other works. The mysteries of Elias' death as well as the truth about Aubrey and Iain's backgrounds are well done and keep one turning the pages. Giles is a bit different from most of the author's other heroes. He's more sensitive, less intense and rogue-ish but he is definitely used to getting what he wants. I also felt, as other reviewers did, that his initial pushing Aubrey to sleep with him when she was obviously reluctant was a tiny bit troubling. But Giles and Aubrey ultimately made a sweet couple, his relationship with little Iain was cute and it was fun to catch up with old friends like David and Cecilia (from A WOMAN OF VIRTUE) as well as Max (AWOV & NO TRUE GENTLEMAN) and Kem (he's seen in almost all of her books!). Highly recommended!

Rating:
Summary: 4 1/2 Stars - Another enjoyable Carlyle read
Review: Giles Lorimer, Earl of Walrafen, lives for politics and London life. He's avoided his childhood home, Cardow Castle, for years because of the sad memories it holds. His disabled, war hero Uncle Elias lives at Cardow and three years ago hired a housekeeper, Mrs. Montford, who plagues Giles with updates, questions, requests and harangues on the running of the estate. Letters Giles never answers, but that he strangely both dreads and looks forward to. On the one hand, he wants nothing to do with Cardow - it could crumb to the ground for all he cares - so the letters induce a measure of guilt in him for his benign neglect of the estate and his tenants about which she regularly berates him. On the other hand, her letters are also a source of amusement and Giles takes a strange kind of pleasure in her missives. She's obviously competent, efficient, intelligent and witty and he finds himself wondering about her. Well, he will finally meet her when word comes that Uncle Elias has been murdered and Giles must return to Cardow.

Aubrey Montford is, of course, not what she seems. But she has gratefully embraced her role as housekeeper in the remote castle. She and little five-year-old Iain have lived happily at Cardow, but Aubrey knows that with Elias' death everything has changed. Her place at Cardow is not so certain now and she frets for her and Iain's futures. Unfortunately, the arrival of the neglectful earl only prompts her temper and sharp tongue, which she can't seem to keep in check. Due to his neglect an unstable tower she had written to Giles about repeatedly collapsed resulting in several injuries - including to Iain. Between this and all the other letters he never bothered to answer or issues he never addressed, she has little respect for the lord of the manor. But that doesn't mean that she hasn't noticed how handsome his is with his dark hair and silver-gray eyes.

While Giles reprimands her for her impertinence he cannot fault her for feelings that are, on the whole, justified. He sees all the improvements and positive changes that Aubrey has made at Cardow and he is impressed to say the least. He is also incredibly, surprisingly attracted to the confident, poised, green-eyed, auburn haired beauty hiding behind the plain housekeeper garb. Yes, there is definitely more here than meets the eye! But when the circumstances surrounding Elias' death seem to point to Aubrey, Giles doesn't believe it and calls in his old friends Max DeRohan and George Kemble to investigate - both the crime and Aubrey. Meanwhile an attraction between Giles and Aubrey begins to grow. Aubrey begins to see another side to Giles that contradicts her original opinion of him. He's kind, gentle, sweet and, though she can't afford to become involved with him, Giles finally breaks through Aubrey's defenses. But given his suspicions and questions about the person Aubrey really is and the fact that she is suspected of murder, can there be a future for these two?

I really enjoyed this story, but have to agree it's not quite as good as some of Ms Carlyle's other works. The mysteries of Elias' death as well as the truth about Aubrey and Iain's backgrounds are well done and keep one turning the pages. Giles is a bit different from most of the author's other heroes. He's more sensitive, less intense and rogue-ish but he is definitely used to getting what he wants. I also felt, as other reviewers did, that his initial pushing Aubrey to sleep with him when she was obviously reluctant was a tiny bit troubling. But Giles and Aubrey ultimately made a sweet couple, his relationship with little Iain was cute and it was fun to catch up with old friends like David and Cecilia (from A WOMAN OF VIRTUE) as well as Max (AWOV & NO TRUE GENTLEMAN) and Kem (he's seen in almost all of her books!). Highly recommended!

Rating:
Summary: Good to the last page
Review: Having read Liz Carlyle's previous "Devil" book "The Devil You Know," I bought "A Deal..." as soon as it came out. All I can say is: GREAT READ! Aubrey Montford is fleeing from someone, along with her "son" she takes refuge as a housekeeper in a dilapidated castle belonging to the absent Lord Walrafen. When the Earl's uncle is murdered, the absentee landlord returns, only to find that his former dusty castle is no longer dusty, but is now a prosperous estate. On a mission to find his uncle's killer, Giles finds himself falling for the mysterious Aubrey. This novel has it all, a crime to solve, a mystery to unravel, a love story and sexy sex scenes. All in all, a great historical romance.

Rating:
Summary: Another fine read from my new favorite writer
Review: I was pleased to finally see Ms Carlyle's newest story. It was like getting a letter from old friends, catching me up on what is happening in their lives. I have loved the way that the characters from previous books weave through each new book. I feel like I am coming home. This book was a delight and I thought it was very well written. The story of Giles and Aubrey was moving and entertaining. Ms Carlyle has a way with words that keeps me chuckling. I adored the characters in this book and didn't want it to end while at the same time anxiously wanting to know the outcome. Aubrey's terrible secret made her a stronger person, and carried the plot. It was very romantic, and totally heartwarming when they finally got together. Liz Carlyle just keeps getting better and all I can say is please keep them coming Ms Carlyle, I am a devoted fan.

Rating:
Summary: Started with potential...
Review: I won't summarize the story since many other reviewers have already done that, but I will give my opinion on "A Deal". Initially, the book grabbed me and had me turning the pages not allowing me to put it down. I loved the story line, the letters wrote to Lord Walrafen by Mrs. Montford, sexual tension at each encounter and finally the growing attraction between the hero and heroine. However, it began to drag from the middle to the end. I found it too easy to put down and I didn't care whether I finished the end or not, knowing how it would all turn out.

In truth, this book is more similar to her first book, "My False Heart", more romance and less suspense, but not as well written. The farther I got into the book, the more I found the heroine to be too dishonest, not worthy of the Giles trust or love. As frequently as she was caught in a lie or known to be lying, I found it hard to believe that anyone would want to be around such as distrustful and dishonest person, let alone fall in love with them. One of my strict requirements for enjoying a book is the ability to relate to and like the hero and heroine.

I found Giles to be a contradictory character, who wasn't the same person you met in Carlyle's other books. He was self-assured, arrogant, sexy and always got what he wanted. That doesn't sound like the type of person who would stoop to seducing those dependent on him, like his servants. He would want a challenge, an equal, someone he was in awe of. Carlyle does try to make Aubrey more like his equal than others in the story, however she fails by making Giles' character into some simpering idiot, whispering loving sentiments to his servant, who spurns one of the greatest gifts he has to offer her, marriage for true love.

If you can't find anything more worthwhile to spend your money and time on, it is entertaining, but not up to the Carlyle's quality that I expected or you may expect if you have read other books of hers.

Rating:
Summary: Started with potential...
Review: I won't summarize the story since many other reviewers have already done that, but I will give my opinion on "A Deal". Initially, the book grabbed me and had me turning the pages not allowing me to put it down. I loved the story line, the letters wrote to Lord Walrafen by Mrs. Montford, sexual tension at each encounter and finally the growing attraction between the hero and heroine. However, it began to drag from the middle to the end. I found it too easy to put down and I didn't care whether I finished the end or not, knowing how it would all turn out.

In truth, this book is more similar to her first book, "My False Heart", more romance and less suspense, but not as well written. The farther I got into the book, the more I found the heroine to be too dishonest, not worthy of the Giles trust or love. As frequently as she was caught in a lie or known to be lying, I found it hard to believe that anyone would want to be around such as distrustful and dishonest person, let alone fall in love with them. One of my strict requirements for enjoying a book is the ability to relate to and like the hero and heroine.

I found Giles to be a contradictory character, who wasn't the same person you met in Carlyle's other books. He was self-assured, arrogant, sexy and always got what he wanted. That doesn't sound like the type of person who would stoop to seducing those dependent on him, like his servants. He would want a challenge, an equal, someone he was in awe of. Carlyle does try to make Aubrey more like his equal than others in the story, however she fails by making Giles' character into some simpering idiot, whispering loving sentiments to his servant, who spurns one of the greatest gifts he has to offer her, marriage for true love.

If you can't find anything more worthwhile to spend your money and time on, it is entertaining, but not up to the Carlyle's quality that I expected or you may expect if you have read other books of hers.

Rating:
Summary: A fine romance
Review: In 1829 the Earl of Walrafen learns that someone shot and killed his crusty Uncle, retired Major Elias Lorimer at the remote Castle Cardow. Though he never goes up there he decides to pay a visit and also meet the housekeeper Catriona Montford who has humorously tortured him through correspondence.

Walrafen arrives and quickly wonders if Catriona may have killed his uncle as hints fly from the staff that she must have done so. Still he finds her efficient, beautiful, and a liar, but cannot fathom what she is really hiding besides the fact that she is obviously quality and so is her young son. As they battle one another, they fall in love, but what will occur to them if he learns the truth of her criminal past and what really happened to his uncle.

This is an exhilarating historical romance starring two wonderful protagonists. The key to the tale is the relationship between the lead couple, who must confront two major issues if they are to share a loving trusting relationship. Readers will take immense pleasure with this delightful late Regency romance though the clean-up performed by his best friend Max seems too abrupt and easy.

Harriet Klausner