- Mass Market Paperback: 336 pages
- Publisher: Dorchester Publishing (1 Oct 2008)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0843961554
- ISBN-13: 978-0843961553
- Product Dimensions: 16.8 x 10.4 x 3 cm
- Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 841,687 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
Did you know you can trade in your old books for an Amazon.co.uk Gift Card to spend on the things you want? Plus, get an extra £5 Gift Certificate when you trade in books worth £10 or more before June 30, 2012. Visit the Books Trade-In Store for more details. |
Product details |
More About the Author
Product Description
Synopsis
Becoming a spy for the Prince Regent to reclaim her family's fortune, Miss Sophie Everton finds her new assignment endangered by her attraction to the dark and dashing Duke of Rockeforte who tries to foil her at every turn. Original.
Inside This Book
(Learn More)
Tags Customers Associate with This Product(What's this?)Click on a tag to find related items, discussions, and people.
|
Sell a Digital Version of This Book in the Kindle Store
If you are a publisher or author and hold the digital rights to a book, you can sell a digital version of it in our Kindle Store.
Learn more
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
Format:Mass Market Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Returning from a life of adventure and travel, Miss Sophie Everton is surprised to find she's been recruited as a spy for the Prince Regent. Despite having trouble adapting to the life of the ton, she accepts in order to save her family home.
Alex, the dashing Duke of Rockeforte and agent for the War Office, has been asked to keep an eye on Sophie but can't seem to do so without finding ways to kiss her. So it's no wonder that neither realise that danger lurks just around the corner.
This is the first book in Johnson's Providence series and is followed by Tempting Fate, McAlistair's Fortune and Destined to Last. The characters all feature in each novel but having read the books out of order myself, I can't say that they need to be read in order to be enjoyed and understood.
For some reason I just couldn't get engrossed in this book. That might explain why all the intrigue and subterfuge had me baffled at times. The plot, or at least the machinations of the characters to create the plot, was a tad ridiculous although I'm sure not meant to be taken seriously. Sophie and Alex were likeable characters but I could really have done with a little more depth and chemistry between them. The book definitely got more interesting as I kept reading and I'm glad I stuck with it as I really liked the group of characters introduced.
Unfortunately I have to mention a huge drawback to this book and that's the horrific amount of Americanisms contained. Normally you'll find one or two in a book of this sort but there were so many that I was cringing at times as I read.
Having said all that, this is a light, likeable enough read that is worth a go if it's sitting in your bookshelf. I'm still looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the series and will probably look out for other books by Alissa Johnson in the future. 3 stars.
Alex, the dashing Duke of Rockeforte and agent for the War Office, has been asked to keep an eye on Sophie but can't seem to do so without finding ways to kiss her. So it's no wonder that neither realise that danger lurks just around the corner.
This is the first book in Johnson's Providence series and is followed by Tempting Fate, McAlistair's Fortune and Destined to Last. The characters all feature in each novel but having read the books out of order myself, I can't say that they need to be read in order to be enjoyed and understood.
For some reason I just couldn't get engrossed in this book. That might explain why all the intrigue and subterfuge had me baffled at times. The plot, or at least the machinations of the characters to create the plot, was a tad ridiculous although I'm sure not meant to be taken seriously. Sophie and Alex were likeable characters but I could really have done with a little more depth and chemistry between them. The book definitely got more interesting as I kept reading and I'm glad I stuck with it as I really liked the group of characters introduced.
Unfortunately I have to mention a huge drawback to this book and that's the horrific amount of Americanisms contained. Normally you'll find one or two in a book of this sort but there were so many that I was cringing at times as I read.
Having said all that, this is a light, likeable enough read that is worth a go if it's sitting in your bookshelf. I'm still looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the series and will probably look out for other books by Alissa Johnson in the future. 3 stars.
Format:Mass Market Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I am always on the look out for new authors in the romance genre. Alissa Johnson's first book is a decent read with all the good elements of good romance books.
The good bits: It is witty, fun, sexy and most important of all both H/H are likeable characters.
The not too good bits: Ms Johnson's writing lacks originality, and is guilty of following the tried and tested formula of the genre which make it predictable and flat.
I sincerely hope that her writing will improve with her next book.
The good bits: It is witty, fun, sexy and most important of all both H/H are likeable characters.
The not too good bits: Ms Johnson's writing lacks originality, and is guilty of following the tried and tested formula of the genre which make it predictable and flat.
I sincerely hope that her writing will improve with her next book.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
14 reviews
26 of 26 people found the following review helpful
Definitely a keeper!
2 Dec 2008
Format:Mass Market Paperback
Brief Synopsis: Sophie Everton returns to London after many years away traveling the world. When she is approached on her homeward journey to "spy" on her cousin and his friends for "Prinny". She is confronted with the fact that her father is next to broke and she brokers a deal to make some money to help her family.
At about the same time Alex The Duke of Rockeforte who's family has been in the spy business for generations is approached to keep his eye on Sophie and her cousin for they may be possible traitors to the crown.
Without going into the story too much Alex manages to find his way into Sophies good graces by rescuing her when her carriage breaks down the very day she arrives into London. And the romance continues from there.
The lead characters were very likable. Alex's sharp wit was equally matched by Sophie's sharp mind. The blow by blow dialogue kept me going right to the end. The interplay between the back characters was wonderful.
I am not saying this debut novel was not without faults, however I have gladly overlooked the few minor mistakes in the face of a nice, romantic, interesting read. I will definitely by the next book(Whit and Mirabelle) as soon as it comes out.
Please keep this in mind when purchasing this book: the story was a bit sketchy at times and after some initial snooping the spying part pretty much got left out. But if you are willing to overlook a few MINOR foibles I believe you may like this book. Plus this is not your book if you are looking for sexual tension or even sex scenes. Those were very few and far between. Other than some kissing the "Consumation" did not take place until very near the end.
If you like Julie Ann Long, Catherine Coulter (historical), Laura Lee Guhrke, Anne Gracie, Sabrina Jeffries or even Julia Quinn I think you might be willing to add Ms. Johnson to your "have to read list". With time and some careful editing I think Ms. Johnson may someday be just as good as the before mentioned Great Authors. Give her a try.
At about the same time Alex The Duke of Rockeforte who's family has been in the spy business for generations is approached to keep his eye on Sophie and her cousin for they may be possible traitors to the crown.
Without going into the story too much Alex manages to find his way into Sophies good graces by rescuing her when her carriage breaks down the very day she arrives into London. And the romance continues from there.
The lead characters were very likable. Alex's sharp wit was equally matched by Sophie's sharp mind. The blow by blow dialogue kept me going right to the end. The interplay between the back characters was wonderful.
I am not saying this debut novel was not without faults, however I have gladly overlooked the few minor mistakes in the face of a nice, romantic, interesting read. I will definitely by the next book(Whit and Mirabelle) as soon as it comes out.
Please keep this in mind when purchasing this book: the story was a bit sketchy at times and after some initial snooping the spying part pretty much got left out. But if you are willing to overlook a few MINOR foibles I believe you may like this book. Plus this is not your book if you are looking for sexual tension or even sex scenes. Those were very few and far between. Other than some kissing the "Consumation" did not take place until very near the end.
If you like Julie Ann Long, Catherine Coulter (historical), Laura Lee Guhrke, Anne Gracie, Sabrina Jeffries or even Julia Quinn I think you might be willing to add Ms. Johnson to your "have to read list". With time and some careful editing I think Ms. Johnson may someday be just as good as the before mentioned Great Authors. Give her a try.
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Excellent Debut - great character, weaving plot - YOU WILL LOVE IT !
28 Oct 2008
Format:Mass Market Paperback
I finished this book in 24 hours and wanted to read it faster but I had to work and my children wanted to be fed!
Sophie Everton has returned to London to experence one season before return on her world adventure with her father. The crown asks her to investage her cousin and his friends because they think they are spying for France. The Crown also gives Duke of Rockeforte a similar tasks. While the Duke of Rockeforte 'watches' Sophie, he finds that he is enchanted and finds ways to spend more time with her. This novel has two very strong main characater who grow into their romance, spys,a strong women who can handle a knife and some great sub-plots. Enjoy!
Looking forward to her next book Tempting Fate (Leisure Historical Romance) due out January 27, 2009 ( Whittaker Cole, Earl of Thurston and Miss Mirabelle Browning story)
Sophie Everton has returned to London to experence one season before return on her world adventure with her father. The crown asks her to investage her cousin and his friends because they think they are spying for France. The Crown also gives Duke of Rockeforte a similar tasks. While the Duke of Rockeforte 'watches' Sophie, he finds that he is enchanted and finds ways to spend more time with her. This novel has two very strong main characater who grow into their romance, spys,a strong women who can handle a knife and some great sub-plots. Enjoy!
Looking forward to her next book Tempting Fate (Leisure Historical Romance) due out January 27, 2009 ( Whittaker Cole, Earl of Thurston and Miss Mirabelle Browning story)
9 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Sorry, but I just didn't like it.
2 Jan 2009
Format:Mass Market Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
STORY BRIEF:
Sophie and her father have been traveling the world for 12 years. Sophie returns to England for a short stay. She has certain skills like knife throwing and lock picking. A government agent tells her that her family's estate is in financial trouble, and he will pay her a large sum of money if she will spy on a specific group of men in London. She agrees. Alex is single and plans not to marry until age 40. A government agent asks him to spy on some people in London. Alex's family has always been loyal to the king and would do this kind of thing when asked. Alex agrees. Sophie's and Alex's paths cross during their spying activities.
REVIEWER'S OPINION:
The plot and characters were ok and similar to those in so many romance novels, but the author didn't bring them to light for me. I wasn't emotionally pulled in. I felt like I was going through the motions of reading a book. I wasn't charmed. I wanted it to be over.
I noticed other reviewers mentioned witty conversation and verbal sparring. I didn't find it that entertaining. My view of the sparring was Alex asking questions and Sophie either not answering or being evasive and giving him half answers. Because she was raised outside of England, she had an independent mind and liked to talk about topics that interested men as opposed to women. There was one scene in which Sophie bested an obnoxious man in a verbal debate. All of this might sound good, but the actual conversations didn't do anything for me.
I did enjoy the interaction and fighting between Mirabelle and Whit, friends of Sophie and Alex. Their story is told in the sequel Tempting Fate, which I have not read.
DATA:
Story length: 301 pages. Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: one, 7 pages long. Setting: 1796 and 1811 England. Copyright: 2008. Genre: regency romance.
CAUTION SPOILERS:
I hated Sophie's thinking and actions. She is forced to marry anyone before she turns 25, in order to legally keep her family's estate. She is in love with Alex but won't marry him because she thinks he won't love her back. Instead, she plans to find and marry someone else who does not love her. Later, when Alex tells her he loves her, she runs away from him. Her thinking is that she doesn't want to be happy because karma will make her pay for it by causing something bad to happen. She must leave him because she is too happy. These weak conflict devices annoyed me.
I also did not like that the events surrounding the capture and punishment of the bad guys was told rather than shown. I also never learned and I wanted to know what was going on with Heransly all this time. I was frustrated that the epilogue was stopped prematurely. It stopped in the middle of a conversation. I thought some pages must be missing from my book.
Sophie and her father have been traveling the world for 12 years. Sophie returns to England for a short stay. She has certain skills like knife throwing and lock picking. A government agent tells her that her family's estate is in financial trouble, and he will pay her a large sum of money if she will spy on a specific group of men in London. She agrees. Alex is single and plans not to marry until age 40. A government agent asks him to spy on some people in London. Alex's family has always been loyal to the king and would do this kind of thing when asked. Alex agrees. Sophie's and Alex's paths cross during their spying activities.
REVIEWER'S OPINION:
The plot and characters were ok and similar to those in so many romance novels, but the author didn't bring them to light for me. I wasn't emotionally pulled in. I felt like I was going through the motions of reading a book. I wasn't charmed. I wanted it to be over.
I noticed other reviewers mentioned witty conversation and verbal sparring. I didn't find it that entertaining. My view of the sparring was Alex asking questions and Sophie either not answering or being evasive and giving him half answers. Because she was raised outside of England, she had an independent mind and liked to talk about topics that interested men as opposed to women. There was one scene in which Sophie bested an obnoxious man in a verbal debate. All of this might sound good, but the actual conversations didn't do anything for me.
I did enjoy the interaction and fighting between Mirabelle and Whit, friends of Sophie and Alex. Their story is told in the sequel Tempting Fate, which I have not read.
DATA:
Story length: 301 pages. Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: one, 7 pages long. Setting: 1796 and 1811 England. Copyright: 2008. Genre: regency romance.
CAUTION SPOILERS:
I hated Sophie's thinking and actions. She is forced to marry anyone before she turns 25, in order to legally keep her family's estate. She is in love with Alex but won't marry him because she thinks he won't love her back. Instead, she plans to find and marry someone else who does not love her. Later, when Alex tells her he loves her, she runs away from him. Her thinking is that she doesn't want to be happy because karma will make her pay for it by causing something bad to happen. She must leave him because she is too happy. These weak conflict devices annoyed me.
I also did not like that the events surrounding the capture and punishment of the bad guys was told rather than shown. I also never learned and I wanted to know what was going on with Heransly all this time. I was frustrated that the epilogue was stopped prematurely. It stopped in the middle of a conversation. I thought some pages must be missing from my book.
Were these reviews helpful?
Let us know
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
Listmania!
Look for similar items by category
- Books > Fiction > Historical
- Books > Romance > Historical
Look for similar items by subject
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
- I am the Author, and I want to comment on my book.
- I am the Publisher, and I want to comment on this book.
