Publication Date: March 2009
ISBN: 978-0-8439-6134-8
Historical Romance (Regency)
Paperbook
Reviewed by Gina
A childhood crush turns to adulthood lust and love for Daisy Drake when Lucian Beaumont, Viscount Rutland returns to his family home. Their reunion, however, is decidedly not quite the one Daisy would have hoped for. Pursuing her goal to become a member of the Society of Antiquaries, Daisy is so immersed in an object de art that in addition to talking to herself, she is talking loud enough for a visitor to the Society to hear her provocative comment. Daisy immediately recognizes Lucian. He, however does not recall her. He attends a party at Daisy’s Aunt Isabella’s house in the hopes of finding an investor to aid in his quest to find buried Roman treasure. At the party however, his interest is drawn to the notorious courtesan, Blanche La Tour. With no money to properly keep the lovely Blanche, Lucian offers her samples from his archeological dig—namely some sexually enticing Roman statues. Blanche agrees to teach Lucian some of her techniques as well as to finance his dig. What Lucian doesn’t know is that Blanche is actually Daisy. When Daisy arrives at his estate the next day he is horrified because his father blames Daisy’s family for his financial ruin. Lucian begins to pay court to Blanche, but it is Daisy who bit by bit works her way into his heart.
Bit by bit the couple unravels the mystery of the long buried treasure, borne out of a love story that went tragically awry in the waning days of Rome’s influence over England. As the long ago story unfolds, Lucian and Daisy discover their own feelings for each other. Yet a sinister plot begins to unfold around them with Lucian’s father a party to a crime of high treason.
Ms. Bryan is one of my favorite reads. I enjoy her heroines because they are intelligent, fearless, feisty, funny and have the best adventures. Her heroes are sensitive, daring and loyal. I particularly enjoyed VEXING THE VISCOUNT because of the interspersed story of the ill fated and tragic Deidre and Caius. The snippets of their story ads a poignant layer of a love story that brings Lucian and Daisy together. In just the few pages devoted to Deidre and Caius the flavor of life for the Britons in the time of Roman rule comes alive. Add to that the political intrigue engaged in by Lucian’s father and his cronies readers are treated to an action packed, funny, romantic romp.
The snippets from Blanche’s journal are enticing and thought provoking. What a wise woman was Blanche! It all comes together in a thoroughly enjoyable read. While connected to PLEASURING THE PIRATE, VEXING THE VISCOUNT is entirely a stand alone read, however, readers will definitely enjoy both as well as the earlier DISTRACTING THE DUCHES. If you have not yet sampled Ms. Bryan’s singular style of story telling you do not know what you are missing. Treat yourself to one of this wonderful reads soon.
Gina@Loveromancesandmore.com
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