Jocasta and the Cruelty of Kindness

Sisters of Castle Fortune, Book 2

De: Alicia Cameron

Narrado por: Helen Taylor

Duración: 9 h y 14 m

Resumen del Editor

In Regency England, the last months had changed young, beautiful Jocasta Fortune.

In her previous London Season, Jocasta had tripped through ballrooms delighting an army of admirers, one of whom (Lord Robert Paxton, heir to an earldom) had been invited by her papa to a house party at her home at Castle Fortune, to continue the acquaintance. Many things had happened at the house party, including the shattering of Jocasta’s naive confidence, when Paxton had preferred her younger sister, Portia.

Jocasta was making a good job of pretending to be fine, and only one man can see that her front is false.

Sir Damon Regis, known in London as The Demon King, has a wicked reputation and a use of his own for Jocasta Fortune–but not one which includes wooing her. Pursuing her for one of his renowned schemes, Sir Damon seems the only one who sees beneath Jocasta’s act, and then feels bound to do something about it.

Enter Cecilia Montgomery, newly arrived from her country home accompanied by her childhood friend, Tom, who is also the Duke of Enderby.

Enderby is smitten by Jocasta, but Cecilia wants to use the duke to tease Damon, who considers himself her guardian, and is suspicious of the rakish duke’s interest in his ward. Cecilia persuades Tom to make Damon worry more, by appearing to woo her.

Soon the whole town talks of a love triangle between Cecilia, the duke and Jocasta.

Dukes, rakes, and adventure…and two girls tumble headlong into love.

Listeners of the first sisters of Castle Fortune book, Georgette and the Unrequited Love, will be glad to encounter many old friends in this novel, including Georgette and the Marquis of Onslow, Sir Justin Faulkes, and other old friends from the house party at Castle Fortune.

©2021 Gerry Cameron (P)2022 Gerry Cameron

Get it!!

loved it can't wait for the rest of the series
do take a listen/read.

Delightful

A delightful story with romance and humor, well-written and well-narrated. Friends and family, in London for the social season, get to know each other (and themselves) better as they fall gradually in love. Wonderful that the author has the characters think and behave appropriately for the Regency time period (a rare achievement). It's also a pleasure to see the now happily-married couple from the first book in the series.

I felt alla gambit of emotions which I LOVE to exp

I was wondering how She would find some peace of mind and I am glad she did. I will relisten to this story again and again because I KNOW I need to understand all the people in the story.

Long and unfocused

As far as these light Regencies go, it’s fine, and most will probably enjoy it. I liked the book before this better because the spark and humor felt more natural. For example, the father was funnier in spontaneous moments in that one and there were real moments of satisfaction between him and the suitors. Here he felt inserted. The story and characters definitely engaged me in the beginning. I liked the premise and interaction of the H/h and settled in for what I thought was going to be a delightful book. However, it bogged down for me once new characters and subplots emerged, which spread it too thin. Scene after scene unfolded that didn’t seem to advance the plot but merely added content. Also, I had to stay on my toes to keep up with the cast of characters. All in all, I would say it lacks focus possibly because the plot seems thin and may include extra material to fill it out.

The underestimated Jocasta conquers a king

Frankly, I didn't care much for Jocasta in Georgette's story (Georgette and the Unrequited Love); she seemed so shallow & self-absorbed. However, she's much more sympathetic here as we're given new insights into her character, even if I'll admit that I couldn't entirely relate to her (when I'm unhappy I like lots of sympathy, lol).

Jocasta is struggling with the jealousy from her suitor throwing her over for her sister (in the previous book), not because she wanted him, but because she longs for the happiness they share together.

Damon is her perfect complement, being both similar to Jocasta & very opposite. He relates to her well enough to understand her. He brings her back to herself, but also helps her to know herself & mature.

One of the more delightful aspects of the story is how everyone keeps underestimating Jocasta, including herself, and she takes everyone by surprise, including herself!

Though the aspect of this series which I think I enjoy most is its ensemble feel & the growing sense of camaraderie. Just as in Georgette's story, we have the romance of the main couple with several secondary romances developing alongside, such that by the ending there's a triple dose of happily-ever-after to leave you with a warm glow & a sappy grin on your face! 😊

*Romance level: passionate kisses, nothing graphic