Regular price: $24.95
War hero Alistair Carsington really really loves women, and his romantic impulses have landed him in nearly as much danger as the Battle of Waterloo. To avoid his usual temptations and perhaps even repay the friend who saved his life, he's exiled himself to a place far from civilization - Derbyshire - in winter! Fate laughs at his good intentions and drives him straight into conflict with Miss Mirabel Oldridge, his match in tenacity, intelligence, and deviousness - who also happens to be wildly irresistible.
Darius Carsington is a spectacularly attractive rake, who's all brains and brawn...and no heart; a man who's equally expert at bedding loose-moraled women and writing scholarly papers. He finds society's "perfect darlings" exceedingly boring. Then why is he so intrigued by the supposedly faultless Lady Charlotte Hayward? Darius senses a crack under her polished surface - and finding it is a challenge he can't resist.
When a powerful, decisive aristocrat undertakes to protect an absent-minded young inventress from England's enemies, he finds his orderly world turned into chaos. Merlin Lambourne's stubborn dream of flight puts her at risk, not to mention driving Ransom crazy. In spite of himself, he's oddly enchanted by this muddled miss and her eccentric ways... but can he overcome his own fears and realize her invention may be the answer to saving both their lives?
The ton gossips call him "Saint" - but the Marquis of St. Aubyn has well earned his reputation as London's perfect scoundrel. Evelyn Ruddick knows she should avoid him at all costs - but the strikingly beautiful lady wants to aid the children of the Heart of Hope Orphanage, and he heads the board of trustees. Evie is determined to teach the charming, arrogant man a lesson in compassion, but it won't be so easy - especially since his touch is setting her desire aflame, making Evie yearn to submit to his passionate instruction....
Gorgeous, stubborn Esme Brentmor, daughter of a disgraced lord, is used to a wild, dangerous life among the tribes of Albania, to whom her father is the legendary, controversial Red Lion whose death she's courageously vowed to avenge - even if it leads to her own. Instead, her quest finds her rescued by the most unlikely (and very reluctant) hero! Lazy and spoiled, Lord Varian St. George has gambled away his heritage and lives on his considerable looks, charm and wits.
Hugh Philemon Ancaster, seventh Duke of Ripley, will never win prizes for virtue. But even he draws the line at running off with his best friend's bride. All he's trying to do is recapture the slightly inebriated Lady Olympia Hightower and return her to her intended bridegroom. For reasons that elude her, bookish, bespectacled Olympia is supposed to marry a gorgeous rake of a duke. The ton is flabbergasted. Her family's ecstatic. And Olympia? She's climbing out of a window, bent on a getaway.
War hero Alistair Carsington really really loves women, and his romantic impulses have landed him in nearly as much danger as the Battle of Waterloo. To avoid his usual temptations and perhaps even repay the friend who saved his life, he's exiled himself to a place far from civilization - Derbyshire - in winter! Fate laughs at his good intentions and drives him straight into conflict with Miss Mirabel Oldridge, his match in tenacity, intelligence, and deviousness - who also happens to be wildly irresistible.
Darius Carsington is a spectacularly attractive rake, who's all brains and brawn...and no heart; a man who's equally expert at bedding loose-moraled women and writing scholarly papers. He finds society's "perfect darlings" exceedingly boring. Then why is he so intrigued by the supposedly faultless Lady Charlotte Hayward? Darius senses a crack under her polished surface - and finding it is a challenge he can't resist.
When a powerful, decisive aristocrat undertakes to protect an absent-minded young inventress from England's enemies, he finds his orderly world turned into chaos. Merlin Lambourne's stubborn dream of flight puts her at risk, not to mention driving Ransom crazy. In spite of himself, he's oddly enchanted by this muddled miss and her eccentric ways... but can he overcome his own fears and realize her invention may be the answer to saving both their lives?
The ton gossips call him "Saint" - but the Marquis of St. Aubyn has well earned his reputation as London's perfect scoundrel. Evelyn Ruddick knows she should avoid him at all costs - but the strikingly beautiful lady wants to aid the children of the Heart of Hope Orphanage, and he heads the board of trustees. Evie is determined to teach the charming, arrogant man a lesson in compassion, but it won't be so easy - especially since his touch is setting her desire aflame, making Evie yearn to submit to his passionate instruction....
Gorgeous, stubborn Esme Brentmor, daughter of a disgraced lord, is used to a wild, dangerous life among the tribes of Albania, to whom her father is the legendary, controversial Red Lion whose death she's courageously vowed to avenge - even if it leads to her own. Instead, her quest finds her rescued by the most unlikely (and very reluctant) hero! Lazy and spoiled, Lord Varian St. George has gambled away his heritage and lives on his considerable looks, charm and wits.
Hugh Philemon Ancaster, seventh Duke of Ripley, will never win prizes for virtue. But even he draws the line at running off with his best friend's bride. All he's trying to do is recapture the slightly inebriated Lady Olympia Hightower and return her to her intended bridegroom. For reasons that elude her, bookish, bespectacled Olympia is supposed to marry a gorgeous rake of a duke. The ton is flabbergasted. Her family's ecstatic. And Olympia? She's climbing out of a window, bent on a getaway.
Devon Ravenel, London's most wickedly charming rake, has just inherited an earldom. But his powerful new rank in society comes with unwanted responsibilities...and more than a few surprises. His estate is saddled with debt, and the late earl's three innocent sisters are still occupying the house - along with Kathleen, Lady Trenear, a beautiful young widow whose sharp wit and determination are a match for Devon's own.
Staying overnight in a luxury hotel, Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron Lynde overhears a high-profile murder involving a U.S. senator. Special Agent Jack Pallas is assigned to the investigation - the same Jack Pallas who still blames her for nearly ruining his career three years ago. Now the pair will have to put their rocky past behind them, focus on the case at hand - and smother the flame of their sizzling-hot sexual tension.
The first novel in a new historical romance series from Kelly Bowen.
Since his return from war, the Duke of Ashbury's to-do list has been short and anything but sweet: brooding, glowering, menacing London ne'er-do-wells by night. Now there's a new item on the list. He needs an heir - which means he needs a wife. When Emma Gladstone, a vicar's daughter turned seamstress, appears in his library wearing a wedding gown, he decides on the spot that she'll do.
Resourceful, adventurous and utterly indefatigable, Sophy is hardly the mild-mannered girl that the Rivenhalls expect when they agree to take her in. Kind-hearted Aunt Lizzy is shocked; stern Cousin Charles and his humorless fiancée Eugenia are disapproving.With her inimitable mixture of exuberance and grace Sophy soon sets about endearing herself to her family, but finds herself increasingly drawn to her cousin. Can she really be falling in love with him, and he with her? And what of his betrothal to Eugenia?
At the advanced age of 26, the independent, wealthy and imminently practical Isabella Latham has no expectation of marriage. But, good-hearted and dutiful, Isabella accompanies her two young country cousins to oversee their London debut...only to find that it's she who is attracting suitors...all of whom do seem to have quite an excess of creditors!
For Miss Charlotte Windham, the best way to maintain her spinsterhood - and her independence - is a teeny, tiny brush with scandal. She chooses wealthy, handsome upstart Lucas Sherbourne as her unwitting accomplice. He's intelligent, logical, and ambitious. What Charlotte doesn't count on is that one kiss will lead them straight to the altar. Sherbourne has no love for polite society, nor is he keen on being anybody's husband of last resort. He is attracted to Charlotte's boldness, though - and her family's influence. Without a title, he knows he'll never truly be part of their world.
Forced by her stepmother to attend a ball, Kate meets a prince...and decides he's anything but charming. A clash of wits and wills ensues, but they both know their irresistible attraction will lead nowhere. For Gabriel is promised to another woman—a princess whose hand in marriage will fulfill his ruthless ambitions.
When Sophie, the least interesting of the Talbot sisters, lands her philandering brother-in-law backside first in a goldfish pond in front of all society, she becomes the target of very public aristocratic scorn. Her only choice is to flee London, vowing to start a new life far from the aristocracy. Unfortunately, the carriage in which she stows away isn't saving her from ruin. It's filled with it.
A Washington, DC, defense attorney, Stanton Shaw keeps his head cool, his questions sharp, and his arguments irrefutable. They don't call him the Jury Charmer for nothing - with his Southern drawl, disarming smile, and captivating green eyes, he's a hard man to say no to. Men want to be him, and women want to be thoroughly cross-examined by him.
A little subdued, a little stubborn, a little tired of going out on blind dates with men who drive vans with sofas in the back, Jane Alcott is living the Single Girl existence in the big city. She is also leading a double life. By day she's a reporter covering the raucous Seattle Chinooks hockey team - especially their notorious goalie, Luc Martineau. By night she's a writer, secretly creating the scandalous adventures of "Honey Pie"...the magazine series that has all the men talking.
Molly Webster has always followed the rules. After an ugly scandal tore apart her childhood and made her the focus of the media's harsh spotlight, she vowed to live an ordinary life. No fame. No impropriety. No pain. Then she meets Zachary Fox, a tattooed bad-boy rocker with a voice like whiskey and sin and a touch that could become an addiction.
Rupert Carsington, fourth son of the Earl of Hargate, is his aristocratic family's favorite disaster. He's irresistibly handsome and unapologetically irresponsible, & trouble follows wherever he goes. Still, Rupert somehow manages to escape entanglement - emotional or other - with maddening grace! But now he's a prisoner in Cairo's most infamous jail and his only chance out is accepting a beautiful widow's dangerous proposal.
Scholar Daphne Pembroke wants him to rescue her brother, kidnapped by a rival seeking a legendary treasure. The partnership will be strictly business: she'll be the brains; he, the brawn. Simple enough in theory. Their journey takes them into danger and adventure. The most disciplined of women and the most reckless of men are about to clash in the most passionately impossible way.
Very funny and witty. This couple was delightfully different from their cookie cutter romance peers. I am buying lord perfect now I loved this one so much
11 of 11 people found this review helpful
A wonderful and humorous romance that had me laughing out loud a number of times. My kind of story, my kind of humor and my kind of narrator!!!
Thank you!!
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
What made the experience of listening to Mr. Impossible the most enjoyable?
It moved along at a fast clip - I could hardly believe it when I realized I was nearly to the end, without being bored even once.
What did you like best about this story?
It hit all the tropes of an adventure story - fighting, treasure, madmen, romance, exotic locations- without getting heavy handed about it - plenty of humor along the way.
Which character – as performed by Kate Reading – was your favorite?
I think I'd have to vote for Rupert, the male lead, but all the supporting cast had their moments, it was really an ensemble cast, which is part of the charm of the whole book - I thought so when I read it in print as well.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
When Rupert tore Daphne's dead husband's character to shreds, I think. The drama with the pyramid viper was pretty good, but it wasn't *moving*, per se, just dashed exciting.
Any additional comments?
I like everything Loretta Chase has written, so I am hardly unbiased, but when performed by Kate Reading, this little gem sparkled enticingly. I forsee more than one relisten - I highly recommend it for cheering up when you doubt the goodness of the world, and want to be encouraged.
16 of 17 people found this review helpful
Well, this book was pretty fabulous! I kept picturing scenes from the movie, "The Mummy" while I listened to this audiobook. The romance development between Rupert Carsington, fourth son of the Earl of Hargate & Daphne Pembroke was just delicious. There was great build up, as the two had a nice sexual chemistry when they met. Daphne, the scholarly, beautiful widow who is in search of her kidnapped brother, recruits Rupert Carsington for his strength to help her on this adventure. And, what a fun, romp-filled, action-packed adventure it was!-- From exploring the pyramids, surviving sand storms curled in each other's arms and crawling through burial shafts this book was enjoyable at every step.
I loved Rupert Carsington, as he was sharp in his study of Daphne. Right away, he knew she did something for him and he was the ever-present gentleman, protector and lover. He had a great sense of humor, he got along with everyone as he was just a natural leader due to his stature and charisma.
I'm very picky about historical female leads, as many times they miss the mark for me with their prim and proper natures as they fight their feelings for the hero. However, I admired Daphne's resolute forwardness with Rupert. Sure she was hesitant to take a chance on love, but when the moments presented themselves, she gave herself to Rupert with such passion and need. She might have been a bit snobby about her intellect in the beginning, but she soon came to appreciate Rupert's observations, and especially his insight about her. Rupert made her feel all woman and that was fabulous!
The villains were evil and persistent, but their hot pursuit of Rupert and Daphne also put the couple in the most fabulous sensual places to explore their love. Rupert and Daphne certainly did not waist the opportunities that presented themselves for loving redezvous, and I thought that was really appealing and satisfying.
Kate Reading performed excellent as always making this one great listen!
14 of 15 people found this review helpful
This was another Carsington book that I rated at 3.5 stars, but listening to Kate Reading's performance is 5+ stars worth of fun. She has just the right tone for Rupert -- bored, dense, clueless, adorable, loyal, courageous -- and Daphne's exasperation with him is priceless. I'm still not crazy about all of the derring-do, but really, I can't complain.
All three Carsington books that I've listened to are five stars all the way!
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
This is one of my all time favorite romances and I am so happy that it's finally on
Audible.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Any additional comments?
Wonderful characters who are funny and likeable. Opposites attract and appreciate each other. Dangerous enemies, and enjoyable supporting cast. K.Reading is an excellent narrater. Great fun.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Loretta Chase's historical romance is the only author I listen to in this genre. Her male characters are loving and adventurous and will stop at nothing to get their girl and her female characters are smart, independent and sassy! I have not listened to one I am disappointed with yet. Reading's narration is awesome and brings these characters to life! These listens will make you happy!
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Loretta Chase delivers another great read with Mr Impossible. I laughed and I was moved to tears. The hero and heroine are terrific!
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I absolutely love this series I actually would like to hear about their parents because these guys are way too exciting for those calm cool collected parents that they have now.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I laughed when I saw another reviewer talking about the hero being a dimwit as that is exactly how he intends to project himself when in fact he is plainly nothing of the sort!
I enjoyed the fact that the setting of this book was completely different to any other of this genre I have listened to so far, it made a refreshing change. Also nice to hear the feisty female in this story is smarter than many of the men! Girl power!
As usual the naughty bits aren't disappointing, but I like the fact they fit the story and the story could stand alone without them.
Couldn't get on with the hero he just came across as a dimwit! Just not for me!
I had listened twice to this book and it was very funny, good storyline and captured your vision of what Egypt was like. It was full of little twists and turns to keep the listener Interested. Very well narrated.
I have thoroughly enjoyed each of the 3 - 5 book so far in the Carsington series.
Once again the narrator (Kate Reading) has done a wonderful job.