Rating: 
Summary: An excellent choice for summer reading
Review: If you like to read just to savor the words, this book is for you. Its prose is lyrical and sensuous as we peer into the minds of our hero and heroine. They don't talk as much as I prefer, but Ivory's lush use of language to show their emotions and their world is worth the trip. For the first time I feel an urge to travel to England if just to see the moors. The first half of the book proceeds rather slowly because it's so intricate, but the last half speeds up nicely. Yes, there are some places where the hero talks in romantic hero man-talk, which no man in the world would be caught dead speaking, and the epilogue -- well, why it's even there is a complete mystery to me. In a recent writing workshop, Jennifer Crusie jokingly told us that if we wrote prologues or epilogues to our books, we would burn in Hell. This book's epilogue is an example of why not to do one; it continues a narrative that had already been satisfactorily resolved and introduces characters who have nothing to do with the story (if they're to be used in future books, use them in future books and not this one) and generally confuses the reader. So stop reading right before the epilogue and you'll be quite content with a passionate love story and two unusual characters. My eyes are still throbbing from staying up half the night because I could NOT put the book down!
Rating: 
Summary: Outstanding historical romance
Review: In 1899 Devonshire, England, Texas millionaire Sam Cody missed his own wedding, which means his own family wants to kill him and his now ex- fiancee's family will kill him. Though a bit drunk, Sam takes the coach across the Dartmoors. The only other passenger is Lady Lydia Bedford- Browne, who travels alone for the first time in her twenty-four years of life. The trek across the thirty miles of mostly barren landscape turns dangerous when their drunken driver falls off the wagon and consequently the driver-less coach crashes into a bog. Lydia and Sam begin the journey to safety, but as they cover common ground, an attraction springs up between them. However, a Yankee, though quite wealthy, cannot be good enough for an aristocrat's daughter even if they are falling in love. THE INDISCRETION is an outstanding historical romance that centers on the role of women during a period when rights were few and men owned all of them. The story line is fast-paced and loaded with a sense of the era through the relative eyes of the cast, which allows for a diversity of beliefs. Lydia demonstrates her courage throughout the novel even as she struggles with the social straitjacket that binds her tight. Initially Sam appears more as an irresponsible relic of the west, but time proves his worth through Lydia. Judith Ivory strikes platinum by painting a fabulous tale that should send the audience seeking her previous novels. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: Prepare for a wild ride
Review: Judith Ivory is one of the best romance writers around--her books have lively, multi-dimensional characters, effortless descriptive passages that pull you into the setting, and quirky, inventive happenings that keep you rooted to the story. A championship archer on the lam from her family? A drunken tycoon escaping from an enraged bride? Leave it to Ivory to whip them together, strand them on the moor, make the plot turn around a flapping pair of red longjohns--and make it all believable, and touching. A fabulous book, one to keep you up way past your bedtime and make you smile and remember a certain scene or two, days later. I have one major issue with the book, and that is the modern morality inserted, sometimes jarringly, in a story set at the height of the Victorian age. The heroine accepts pre- and extramarital sex, homosexuality, and illegitimate birth with a cheerful carelessness that feels like Ally McBeal, not Victorian virgin. Especially considering how snobbish and tradition-bound the lady is in other areas, this does not ring true. If you can overlook this slight pull out of the time and place of the story, you will have an unmitigated great time with this book; even with the above flaw, I still give it five stars, because the style, the inventiveness, and the sheer heart in the story deserve it.
Rating: 
Summary: Silly....A complete waste of time.
Review: Let me start out by saying that I am sick to death of cowboys. However, since Ms. Ivory's last several books have been high on my list I decided to give it a try and continue reading. Sad to say the story sputtered along with silly dialogue between Lydia and Cowboy Sam. I am sorry to say this book lacks the usual lyrical dialogue that Ms. Ivory's book are famous for.
Rating:
Summary: Terrific read
Review: Lydia Bedford-Browne is a rather uncoventional daughter of a Viscount. After attending her maid's wedding, unbeknownst to her parents, she sets out on a journey across the Dartmoor, a desolate uninhabited stretch of land, to visit her cousin. The only other passenger on the coach is a drunken, disheveled cowboy who spends much of the journey sleeping under his hat. That is, until he discovers that the driver is nowhere to be found, and he must try to get the coach under control. The coach becomes mired in a bog, and Sam Cody, the drunken cowboy, frees the horses and saves Lydia. Stranded on the moor, Sam and Lydia are forced to spend several days with only each other for company. At first they are uneasy around each other as Sam is sure that Lydia isn't the lady's maid she claims to be , and Lydia senses that Sam isn't just the sloppy cowboy who just jilted his bride. Gradually, these two protagonists develop a truce as they progress from sleeping close together to keep warm to making love when Lydia seduces Sam. Though Lydia finally admits that she is the daughter of a Viscount, Sam is somewhat taken back, when just prior to their rescue, Lydia refuses to allow Sam to see her upon their return to London. Lydia thinks that Sam could never be the person her family would want her to consider for a husband. Sam surprises Lydia, though, when he shows up at her home, having been invited to a party given by her father, the Viscount Wendt. While Sam had admitted to Lydia that he was rich, he never admitted that he was being considered for the position of U.S. Ambassador to Britain. Lydia tries to avoid Sam at all costs even when her father invites him to stay on at his home in an effort to further some treaty negotiations. Tempers flare between Lydia and Sam as they engage in a quirky archery contest, and Lydia consistently insults Sam thinking that she just wants him to disappear because he coudn't possibly fit into her world. When Lydia discovers that she is pregnant, Sam must do his best to convice her that he wants to marry her not only out of duty, but out of love. Judith Ivory cleverly delves into the characters of these two main players. They aren't just merely hero and heroine who fall in love, but two people who must come to terms, not only with their preconceived notions of one another, but each other's imperfections. Their dialogue is witty without being contrived as they constantly spar with one another. A hint at the conclusion suggests Sam's half-brother as a hero for a coming book. For those who love a great romance, Judith Ivory's possible sequal to THE INDISCRETION cannot come too soon.
Rating:
Summary: Perfect.
Review: My two cents - Fine wit wrapped around a lovely romance. It's a keeper.
Rating:
Summary: I loved, loved, loved this book!
Review: Okay, I admit to being a fan before picking up this book. I've read, and heartily recommend, all Judith Ivory (and Judy Cuevas) books. I like that her heroines are smart, and no push-overs, and her heros are strong, but not overbearing. Sam and Liddy are no exceptions. The plot and love story develop well because Ms. Ivory actually has her main characters talk to each other and spend time together. Because of this the first part of the book, when Sam and Liddy are together continuously, is the stronger part. However, the conclusion was satisfying -- the reader gets to see Sam, in particular, grow. All in all, I was sorry to see this book end.
Rating:
Summary: Fun, Fun, Fun 2 Read!
Review: THE INDISCRETION by Judith Ivory is definitely a book that'll make you feel deep down good, and quite insatiable when you reach the end! Full of humorous dialogues and uncompromising events, THE INDISCRETION is a top-fun-filled romance not to be missed! Setting: 1899, Devonshire, England
Lady Lydia Bedford-Browne, a beautiful, but very skinny lady (the author emphasizes this point quite a lot) of twenty-four, has finally found the freedom she's always sought. Three wonderful days on her own, which she intends to spend in London visiting a friend. On the way there, she takes a coach, and it is there we meet the hero of this fascinating story. Her only companion is an American rancher-looking type of guy, Sam Cody, but in actuality is a millionaire. He's beaten and bruised, and quite drunk, the reason for the previous situation is that he just saved a woman from being robbed, and as a result brings the explanation for the latter problem. Because of his heroic gesture, he has missed his wedding with the same bride, for the second time in a row! As they are riding along, the coach takes a wild turn, ends up crashing and leaving the two passengers really in the middle of nowhere. The place where they end up is known as the English Moor, and it is there, the two strangers really get to know each other, and really put their wilderness survival techniques to work. They end up spending four grand nights of passion and companionship, and are rescued by Lydia's maid the next day, whom Lydia was supposed to meet up with upon her arrival in London. Quickly Lydia and Sam make up a false story, to cover up Lydia's reputation, and from then, Sam and Lydia separate. Although Sam understands that Lydia is English, and that he is not noble enough to court a lady of her status (the Queen is her second cousin, and her dad is a Viscount), he still tries. But Lydia plainly states that it is not possible, and her parents will never allow her to marry an American. Well, all sorts of events occur, Sam obviously comes back into Lydia's life, and how, it's actually very funny and quite imaginative of Ms. Ivory! And how he begins to woo her again, is the best part of all. There's also a nice little glimpse of the romance between Lydia's parents, a little "different" or shall I say "unique" romance between her brother Clive and Barnaby, and of course Lydia's talent in archery that brings her a new Women's Archery Record. The neatest part of this novel is the way Judith Ivory develops her characters. Lydia and Sam are just so much fun to read about! Lydia has two personalities, the real her is the one that Sam knows personally, and that is when she is her natural self, all passionate and open, then there is the snobby, yet still sweet Lydia when she is back at home, governed by the English society. As for Sam, well he's Sam! Always angry yet still silly, and messes up every "sentimental" situation he's in, even at one point, he humiliates Lydia terribly in front of all her friends and family, but gradually he manages to put Lydia's heart back together. Judith Ivory is wonderfully talented, and I also recommend THE PROPOSITION, another neat and sweet romance, between a lady and a rat-catcher.
Rating:
Summary: A very sexy cowboy in Europe!
Review: The Indiscretion was a vastly entertaining book. While reading the first half, I was so enthralled with every page that I wanted to laugh out loud for the shear joy of such great writing and sometimes I did! Judith Ivory vividly portrays two seemingly different people who end up finding they have a whole lot in common. Sam Cody is an American visiting Europe and is first presented to the reader in a very drunken state. The previews of this book always seems to portray this drunken cowboy as a real highlight of the book - but frankly, it made me hesitate to read it. And I will tell you now - Sam Cody is only a drunken cowboy for a very small portion of this story. There is so much to him - so many hidden facets that we can't even guess them all. Of course, he is handsome and big and strong with a terrific personality and brilliant wit. Sam is a man with a heart and a conscious and is quite mature for a romance hero. When he finds himself stranded on an English moor with an English woman, he proves to be an excellent provider in the wilds - miles from any civilization. He knows that his companion is obviously a lady but is lying to protect her identity. Soon he discovers many layers to this alarmingly direct and gregarious woman and decides he really has missed life in the wilderness. Lydia Bedford-Browne is the daughter of a viscount and happily unmarried at the age of twenty-four. Her family believes her to be sickly and constantly watches her every move, pouring tonic down her, and protecting her from all potentially harmful situations. Taking a public coach across an English moor without a companion would bring apoplexy upon her family so she doesn't tell them. She is so tired of her confinement and their protectiveness. Stating she is visiting a cousin, Lydia takes off on what she envisions as the greatest adventure of her life. Yes - she is going to ride on that public coach and be totally independent for three whole days. Since her parents are determined to marry her off soon, she believes this may be her last chance to experience some freedom. Lydia's only companion on the coach is a very handsome man who has obviously been in a fight and is suffering from too much liquor. He must be one of those Wild West cowboys she has read so much about. After all, he is wearing cowboy boots and a cowboy hat. She is more than a little bit interested in her fellow traveler although she doesn't know what to make of him. When the coach crashes and he literally saves her life, she starts to see bits and pieces of a most outstanding man. Lydia is very curious about Sam and his American background and asks very direct questions that alternately surprise and charm him. Sam is hesitant to share much personal information with Lydia. He knows she is lying about her occupation and background. While Lydia lies about her background, Sam just withholds information. Thus is the beginning of a very good friendship. Sam and Lydia thoroughly enjoy each other's company and find more than just friendship during their days of wandering the countryside looking for civilization. The first half of the book is their time in the wilderness and is named Part One - The English Moor. Part Two - The Negotiation, is literally the last half of the book entitled as such. It is also a sudden change of all circumstances. Both Sam and Lydia are back in civilization and involved in their real-life roles. During this portion of the book, I grew tired of Lydia's obvious conceit, class-consciousness, and believing Sam was not good enough for her family. She is literally hateful to him again and again. But Sam has surprises aplenty for Lydia to mull over. And, after taking pages and pages of her ill treatment, he finally loses all patience with her and loudly enumerates all of her faults to her in front of a room full of people in her home. Of course, by this time, Lydia has begun to see that she is treating Sam unfairly and wants to get close to him. Now - he wants to be away from her. Oh well - such is the plot lines of many romances. However, regardless if they are fighting, loving, or just being friends, this book is charming and pleasurable. There are some sensual scenes that are very well written and rate a solid 4.0 out of 5.0 (see More About Me for rating guidelines). We actually get to see this couple's relationship develop and that is the main emphasis of the book. My favorite romances are those that allow this time for romantic development. Further, as the readers, we are given pages and pages of talented writing to savor this growth. Although I have read two other Ivory novels, this is the first I have given the highest rating. I have enjoyed immensely all three of those books but there is something that about The Indiscretion that is a notch above the others. I will continue to read Judith Ivory's backlist and expect to find many more savory books. I highly recommend this book and fondly recall more than one of those great wilderness scenes.
Rating:
Summary: A very sexy cowboy in Europe!
Review: The Indiscretion was a vastly entertaining book. While reading the first half, I was so enthralled with every page that I wanted to laugh out loud for the shear joy of such great writing and sometimes I did! Judith Ivory vividly portrays two seemingly different people who end up finding they have a whole lot in common. Sam Cody is an American visiting Europe and is first presented to the reader in a very drunken state. The previews of this book always seems to portray this drunken cowboy as a real highlight of the book - but frankly, it made me hesitate to read it. And I will tell you now - Sam Cody is only a drunken cowboy for a very small portion of this story. There is so much to him - so many hidden facets that we can't even guess them all. Of course, he is handsome and big and strong with a terrific personality and brilliant wit. Sam is a man with a heart and a conscious and is quite mature for a romance hero. When he finds himself stranded on an English moor with an English woman, he proves to be an excellent provider in the wilds - miles from any civilization. He knows that his companion is obviously a lady but is lying to protect her identity. Soon he discovers many layers to this alarmingly direct and gregarious woman and decides he really has missed life in the wilderness. Lydia Bedford-Browne is the daughter of a viscount and happily unmarried at the age of twenty-four. Her family believes her to be sickly and constantly watches her every move, pouring tonic down her, and protecting her from all potentially harmful situations. Taking a public coach across an English moor without a companion would bring apoplexy upon her family so she doesn't tell them. She is so tired of her confinement and their protectiveness. Stating she is visiting a cousin, Lydia takes off on what she envisions as the greatest adventure of her life. Yes - she is going to ride on that public coach and be totally independent for three whole days. Since her parents are determined to marry her off soon, she believes this may be her last chance to experience some freedom. Lydia's only companion on the coach is a very handsome man who has obviously been in a fight and is suffering from too much liquor. He must be one of those Wild West cowboys she has read so much about. After all, he is wearing cowboy boots and a cowboy hat. She is more than a little bit interested in her fellow traveler although she doesn't know what to make of him. When the coach crashes and he literally saves her life, she starts to see bits and pieces of a most outstanding man. Lydia is very curious about Sam and his American background and asks very direct questions that alternately surprise and charm him. Sam is hesitant to share much personal information with Lydia. He knows she is lying about her occupation and background. While Lydia lies about her background, Sam just withholds information. Thus is the beginning of a very good friendship. Sam and Lydia thoroughly enjoy each other's company and find more than just friendship during their days of wandering the countryside looking for civilization. The first half of the book is their time in the wilderness and is named Part One - The English Moor. Part Two - The Negotiation, is literally the last half of the book entitled as such. It is also a sudden change of all circumstances. Both Sam and Lydia are back in civilization and involved in their real-life roles. During this portion of the book, I grew tired of Lydia's obvious conceit, class-consciousness, and believing Sam was not good enough for her family. She is literally hateful to him again and again. But Sam has surprises aplenty for Lydia to mull over. And, after taking pages and pages of her ill treatment, he finally loses all patience with her and loudly enumerates all of her faults to her in front of a room full of people in her home. Of course, by this time, Lydia has begun to see that she is treating Sam unfairly and wants to get close to him. Now - he wants to be away from her. Oh well - such is the plot lines of many romances. However, regardless if they are fighting, loving, or just being friends, this book is charming and pleasurable. There are some sensual scenes that are very well written and rate a solid 4.0 out of 5.0 (see More About Me for rating guidelines). We actually get to see this couple's relationship develop and that is the main emphasis of the book. My favorite romances are those that allow this time for romantic development. Further, as the readers, we are given pages and pages of talented writing to savor this growth. Although I have read two other Ivory novels, this is the first I have given the highest rating. I have enjoyed immensely all three of those books but there is something that about The Indiscretion that is a notch above the others. I will continue to read Judith Ivory's backlist and expect to find many more savory books. I highly recommend this book and fondly recall more than one of those great wilderness scenes.
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