The Mandarin of Mayfair (The Tales of the Jewelled Men)

Rating:
Summary: Great novel by one of the best romance authors
Review: From the first book in the series, I waited impatiently for August and Gwen to get their own story (as it was obvious they *must*). August is simply one of the most attractive, engaging, interesting, at-times frustrating heroes of a book in recent memory. Patricia Veryan, as usual, has woven a rich tapestry of romance, humor, history and action. I implore any readers of romance who haven't read her novels to give her a try -- you won't be disappointed. She writes with true talent and heart.

Rating:
Summary: the best book in the jewelled men series
Review: I literally 'ran into' Veryan from browsing the bookshelves in the library, looking for another regency or historical author that I could read after having plowed through all of Georgette Heyer's works, Clare Darcy's and Fiona Hill's (Ellen Pall's) - and once I found her I was HOOKED! Our library has a large, yet not complete set of her various series, so it was the easiest for me to complete her Jewelled Men series first, and the character that has stood out the strongest for me of ALL the men has been, without a doubt, August Falcon - therefore, the ending of the series, ending in wandering, hot-headed August's eventual realization that of all the women throwing themselves at him, the ONE he loves is the one who has truly been his friend (and you knew all along through the series that these two would end up together, but it was still great to see it happen) - that was what made it so fun to get around to this one. My only thing to pick on - why would August decide to start mauling some old girlfriend at a party just moments before he realizes that Gwen really IS the love of his life? That seemed a bit unbelievable - and the character who Veryan introduces for August to 'maul' has NOTHING to do with the other characters in the other books, and NOTHING to do with this plot, in furthering it or otherwise. It seemed like Veryan believed that she HAD to throw 'something' of this nature, which was kind of salacious and NOT necessary to the story AT ALL, in for some inexplicable reason. Other than that, a highly entertaining book.

Rating:
Summary: My Favorite Veryan
Review: I loved this book because the characters of August and Gwendolyn were so well developed. In previous books of the series, as I watched their relationship grow, I had hoped they would get their own story. I think everyone who reads romance or historical novels will enjoy this book, but I would recommend reading the other books in The League of the Jewelled Men first.

Rating:
Summary: the best book in the jewelled men series
Review: The Mandarin of Mayfair is a brilliant conclusion to a wonderful series. The cynical and exposive August Falcon realises he'd fallen in love with Gwendolyn Rossiter, the outspoken, quick-witted friend of his sister. However, his scruples might prevent their happiness and so might his sister's desire to marry Jamie Morris and the machinations of the League of the Jewelled men, whose leader seems to have a grudge against Falcon. It is a truly wonderful book, filled with laughter and tears. I laughed and oohed and I cried, and when I finished, I felt that it had been a wonderful experience. Veryan manages to describe love, hatred, friendship, and loyalty like no one else. And the hero and the heroine, who appeared in the previous books of the series are truly well-matched, with a wonderful ability for both verbal parrying, quick thinking and breathtaking tenderness. Read it: you won't regret it.