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In For a Penny #1
In For a Penny
Grand Passion…or epic disaster?
Lord Nevinstoke revels in acting the young wastrel, until his father is killed in a drunken duel. Never one to do anything halfway, Nev throws off his wild ways to shoulder a mountain of responsibility—and debt—vowing to marry a rich girl and act the respectable lord of the manor.
Manufacturing heiress Penelope Brown seems the perfect choice for a wife. She’s pretty, proper, and looking for a husband.
Determined to rise above her common birth, Penelope prides herself on her impeccable behavior and good sense. Grand Passion? Vulgar and melodramatic. Yes, agreeing to marry Nev was a rare moment of impulse, yet she’s sure they can build a good marriage based on companionship and mutual esteem.
But when they arrive at the manor, they’re overwhelmed with half-starved tenants, a menacing neighbor, and the family propensity for scandal. As the situation deteriorates, the newlyweds have nowhere to turn but to each other. To Penelope’s surprise, she begins to fervently hope that her first taste of Grand Passion in her husband’s arms won’t be her last.
First published by Dorchester in March 2010.
Warning: Contains kisses in the breakfast room, account books in the bedroom...and murder in the garden. Featuring a heroine who’s used to settling, a hero who’s used to getting what he wants without trying, and a love for which they’ll both have to fight tooth and nail.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 23, 2010
About the author
Rose Lerner
23 books568 followersI discovered historical romance when I was twelve, and took my first stab at writing one a few years later. My prose has improved since then, but my fascination with all things Regency hasn’t changed. When I'm not writing and researching my own stories, or helping other authors write and research theirs over at Rose Does The Research, you can find me reading, watching, cooking, doodling, rambling, and daydreaming in Philadelphia.
Sign up to be notified when my next book comes out! https://www.roselerner.com/#news
FYI: I use this space for recs of books I wholeheartedly love only. My recs are honest, but I have social relationships with some of the romance authors whose books I rec.
Sign up to be notified when my next book comes out! https://www.roselerner.com/#news
FYI: I use this space for recs of books I wholeheartedly love only. My recs are honest, but I have social relationships with some of the romance authors whose books I rec.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 256 reviews
Shelved as 'dnf'
June 8, 2016No Rating, DNFed at 50%
What a missed opportunity. The good writing, even more exceptional if considering this was the author's début, was not enough to engage me. I tried, but I couldn't bring myself to read any further than the halfway mark. I didn't care about the no-nonsense heroine, the immature hero, their insecurities, their clumsy sexcapades, the spiteful dowager countess, the flighty younger sister, the crumbling estate, the poachers, the steward, the ex-mistress and on it goes.
The narrative style fairly evoked that of Traditional Regencies of yore (Heyer et al) from a strictly technical point of view, but it failed to capture the relative sparkly humour and witticism so that the obstacles and plot twists instead of veering towards a lighter mood cast bleakness over the story, which ended up being at odds with the initial comedic tone for a rather uninspiring result.
I might pick this one up again to see if I manage to finish it, but for now I'm calling quits.
Buddy-read with Ally, Andrea, Andrea (Catsos Person), Becca, Noura and Zoe :)
January 24, 2011
I really, really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed it so much I had to force myself to stop reading and go to sleep. It is more complex and interesting than most HRs, and has a rural setting than most HRs ignore. Yes, London was the overwhelming center of the population, at least until the Industrial Revolution, but the money all these aristos spent was generated on their estates, which were passed from generation to generation.
Things I liked about this one:
- The hero - incredibly likeable, charming, but kind and caring. He treats everyone well, and yet doesn't really seem to expect it in return particularly (although he's absolutely not a martyr). I do like the way the author doesn't paint him as a "rake", but as a wastrell. I think this is a much better description for him, since there is nothing venal about him - he's just blissfully spending his way through life, gambling, drinking, spending as much time with his delightful mistress as he can.
- The heroine - again, incredibly likeable. Although she is incredibly wealthy, nothing else about her life has come particularly easily. She's not had a tragic life, since money makes many things easier, but she'll never be accepted as an equal in Society, despite how she tries SO hard. She keeps her thoughts to herself.
- The rural setting - what does happen when the next generation takes over an estate and returns with new money? How would they fix an awful situation? How would they figure out why things are not as they should be when no one will speak to them? What would the relationship be between a landowner and his steward? It really is a fascinating look at a subject which isn't covered as often as it should be in HRs, except to paint the countryside as some kind of idyll, when actually it wasn't for most people who lived in it.
- The heart-rending internal dialogue - this was gripping. Usually, the I-love-him-but-can't-tell-him type internal dialogue really irritates me, but in this book, the author has done such a good job of making the characters three-dimensional people that it seems perfectly fine, and it was actually this that drew me in.
- The steamy bits - OK. They weren't exactly steamy, but the scenes where the hero introduces the heroine to passion and sex are really well-written in a realistic kind of way. Yes, it can hurt like the blazes for a lot of girls/women, so why pretend that it's not necessarily awful for both parties, but something that "has to be done". Anyway, I liked the way, she didn't skirt the issue.
One thing I didn't like quite so much:-
- The heroine's age is supposed to be 19. I didn't really buy this. She was far too emotionally mature, and competent to be so young. I took her for closer to 29 myself.
Anyway, really enjoyable, well-written look at what happened to a marriage of convenience which could easily have gone off the rails.
5 stars.
Things I liked about this one:
- The hero - incredibly likeable, charming, but kind and caring. He treats everyone well, and yet doesn't really seem to expect it in return particularly (although he's absolutely not a martyr). I do like the way the author doesn't paint him as a "rake", but as a wastrell. I think this is a much better description for him, since there is nothing venal about him - he's just blissfully spending his way through life, gambling, drinking, spending as much time with his delightful mistress as he can.
- The heroine - again, incredibly likeable. Although she is incredibly wealthy, nothing else about her life has come particularly easily. She's not had a tragic life, since money makes many things easier, but she'll never be accepted as an equal in Society, despite how she tries SO hard. She keeps her thoughts to herself.
- The rural setting - what does happen when the next generation takes over an estate and returns with new money? How would they fix an awful situation? How would they figure out why things are not as they should be when no one will speak to them? What would the relationship be between a landowner and his steward? It really is a fascinating look at a subject which isn't covered as often as it should be in HRs, except to paint the countryside as some kind of idyll, when actually it wasn't for most people who lived in it.
- The heart-rending internal dialogue - this was gripping. Usually, the I-love-him-but-can't-tell-him type internal dialogue really irritates me, but in this book, the author has done such a good job of making the characters three-dimensional people that it seems perfectly fine, and it was actually this that drew me in.
- The steamy bits - OK. They weren't exactly steamy, but the scenes where the hero introduces the heroine to passion and sex are really well-written in a realistic kind of way. Yes, it can hurt like the blazes for a lot of girls/women, so why pretend that it's not necessarily awful for both parties, but something that "has to be done". Anyway, I liked the way, she didn't skirt the issue.
One thing I didn't like quite so much:-
- The heroine's age is supposed to be 19. I didn't really buy this. She was far too emotionally mature, and competent to be so young. I took her for closer to 29 myself.
Anyway, really enjoyable, well-written look at what happened to a marriage of convenience which could easily have gone off the rails.
5 stars.
July 21, 2014
Revised Review, July 2014. 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5.
Rose Lerner’s début novel In for a Penny was originally published in 2011, but has been out of print for a while due to the demise of Dorchester Publishing. The author’s most recent book, Sweet Disorderwas recently published by Samhain, who has now reissued Ms Lerner’s earlier novels, In for a Penny and A Lily Among Thorns. Ms Lerner is a very talented writer who, while setting her stories in the Regency period, has managed, in each of her books so far, to give readers a view of something other than the glittering ballrooms of the ton, combining an eye for historical detail and social observation with a well-developed romance.
Lord Nevinstoke – Nev to his friends - is a character rather in the mould of one of Georgette Heyer’s “wastrel” heroes like Sherry in Friday's Child; he’s not really a rake, just a young man enjoying all the pleasures of a life “on the town”. Nev’s bachelor existence comes to an abrupt end when his father is killed and is discovered to have left a mountain of debts, leaving Nev in desperate need of funds. So he does what any young nobleman in a similar situation would do, and finds himself an heiress to marry.
Penelope Brown is the daughter of an extremely rich brewer, and although she and Nev have spent only a few minutes in each other’s company, she can’t help being a little bit smitten by such a charming young man. Nev is completely honest about the reasons for his sudden proposal, and Penelope appreciates his honesty, thinking that perhaps she can help him (she has a head for finance and he doesn’t) – so she accepts and they are married without delay. Immediately, I liked both characters for the way they entered into the marriage with their eyes open and the feeling that while they weren’t madly in love, they liked each other and could probably make a go of it.
The newly-weds travel to Nev’s estates, and set about trying to put things to rights. But all is not well, and they encounter distrust and animosity at almost every turn. Ms Lerner turns the focus of her story away from the whirl of the social season, and sets it in a less-than-idyllic countryside in which the farmers and tenants are finding it hard to make ends meet and have suffered years of neglect by the landowner – Nev’s father - who was supposed to be responsible for their welfare.
At the same time as he is learning to run the estate, Nev and Penelope are navigating their way through their new relationship, and finding that’s not all plain sailing either. The couple gets along very well, although Pen’s business acumen sometimes makes Nev feel inadequate, and Pen’s lowly background makes her feel as though she’s not good enough for him. But those sorts of class distinctions don’t matter to Nev. He may be Penelope’s social superior, but he never treats her as anything less than an equal.
But with feelings of inadequacy and insecurity lurking beneath the surface, there is scope for misunderstanding and miscommunication, which stems from both characters’ reluctance to open themselves up to the possibility of their love being one-sided.
While In for a Penny is a superb book, the second half of it becomes a little over-populated with plot-points. We already have a fledgling marriage navigating its way through rocky patches and the unrest bubbling along through the yeomanry who are feeling the pinch because of mechanisation and enclosure. To this are added the oily local magistrate who has his lecherous eyes on Nev’s sister and the even oilier vicar who is taking back-handers, a poaching gang, and, on top of it all, a subplot involving Nev’s ex- mistress, which, personally, I could have happily have dispensed with. Nev and Penny had enough to contend with without all those extraneous issues.
Still, the writing and the characterisation are both excellent, with Nev being the real stand-out character. He is only twenty-three, and at the beginning, is living the high life with nobody to worry about other than himself. His father’s unexpected death hits him hard, but there is never any question in his mind that he must do his duty and take his responsibilities very seriously. There’s a nice sub-plot concerning Nev and his two bosom buddies, and how he comes to see that he’s outgrown them. He’s a terrific hero – honest and hard-working – and his treatment of Penny is simply wonderful, time and again showing how much he cares through small gestures and consideration.
Penny is Nev’s opposite. She’s a commoner and her family has made its money in trade; she has been well educated and brought up as a lady, but there’s no escaping the fact that society looks down on her because of her origins. She’s intelligent, practical and has a sound business mind that is the perfect complement to Nev’s “people skills”.
In for a Penny is a terrific portrait of a marriage of convenience turning slowly into love amid real-life problems like being short of money and having to cope with new and difficult situations. The romance is beautifully developed and has real depth to it, and Ms Lerner’s grasp of the history of the period is sound and used to very good effect. In spite of my comments about the density of the plot in the latter part of the story, I’m nonetheless recommending this delightful book very highly indeed.
Rose Lerner’s début novel In for a Penny was originally published in 2011, but has been out of print for a while due to the demise of Dorchester Publishing. The author’s most recent book, Sweet Disorderwas recently published by Samhain, who has now reissued Ms Lerner’s earlier novels, In for a Penny and A Lily Among Thorns. Ms Lerner is a very talented writer who, while setting her stories in the Regency period, has managed, in each of her books so far, to give readers a view of something other than the glittering ballrooms of the ton, combining an eye for historical detail and social observation with a well-developed romance.
Lord Nevinstoke – Nev to his friends - is a character rather in the mould of one of Georgette Heyer’s “wastrel” heroes like Sherry in Friday's Child; he’s not really a rake, just a young man enjoying all the pleasures of a life “on the town”. Nev’s bachelor existence comes to an abrupt end when his father is killed and is discovered to have left a mountain of debts, leaving Nev in desperate need of funds. So he does what any young nobleman in a similar situation would do, and finds himself an heiress to marry.
Penelope Brown is the daughter of an extremely rich brewer, and although she and Nev have spent only a few minutes in each other’s company, she can’t help being a little bit smitten by such a charming young man. Nev is completely honest about the reasons for his sudden proposal, and Penelope appreciates his honesty, thinking that perhaps she can help him (she has a head for finance and he doesn’t) – so she accepts and they are married without delay. Immediately, I liked both characters for the way they entered into the marriage with their eyes open and the feeling that while they weren’t madly in love, they liked each other and could probably make a go of it.
The newly-weds travel to Nev’s estates, and set about trying to put things to rights. But all is not well, and they encounter distrust and animosity at almost every turn. Ms Lerner turns the focus of her story away from the whirl of the social season, and sets it in a less-than-idyllic countryside in which the farmers and tenants are finding it hard to make ends meet and have suffered years of neglect by the landowner – Nev’s father - who was supposed to be responsible for their welfare.
At the same time as he is learning to run the estate, Nev and Penelope are navigating their way through their new relationship, and finding that’s not all plain sailing either. The couple gets along very well, although Pen’s business acumen sometimes makes Nev feel inadequate, and Pen’s lowly background makes her feel as though she’s not good enough for him. But those sorts of class distinctions don’t matter to Nev. He may be Penelope’s social superior, but he never treats her as anything less than an equal.
But with feelings of inadequacy and insecurity lurking beneath the surface, there is scope for misunderstanding and miscommunication, which stems from both characters’ reluctance to open themselves up to the possibility of their love being one-sided.
While In for a Penny is a superb book, the second half of it becomes a little over-populated with plot-points. We already have a fledgling marriage navigating its way through rocky patches and the unrest bubbling along through the yeomanry who are feeling the pinch because of mechanisation and enclosure. To this are added the oily local magistrate who has his lecherous eyes on Nev’s sister and the even oilier vicar who is taking back-handers, a poaching gang, and, on top of it all, a subplot involving Nev’s ex- mistress, which, personally, I could have happily have dispensed with. Nev and Penny had enough to contend with without all those extraneous issues.
Still, the writing and the characterisation are both excellent, with Nev being the real stand-out character. He is only twenty-three, and at the beginning, is living the high life with nobody to worry about other than himself. His father’s unexpected death hits him hard, but there is never any question in his mind that he must do his duty and take his responsibilities very seriously. There’s a nice sub-plot concerning Nev and his two bosom buddies, and how he comes to see that he’s outgrown them. He’s a terrific hero – honest and hard-working – and his treatment of Penny is simply wonderful, time and again showing how much he cares through small gestures and consideration.
Penny is Nev’s opposite. She’s a commoner and her family has made its money in trade; she has been well educated and brought up as a lady, but there’s no escaping the fact that society looks down on her because of her origins. She’s intelligent, practical and has a sound business mind that is the perfect complement to Nev’s “people skills”.
In for a Penny is a terrific portrait of a marriage of convenience turning slowly into love amid real-life problems like being short of money and having to cope with new and difficult situations. The romance is beautifully developed and has real depth to it, and Ms Lerner’s grasp of the history of the period is sound and used to very good effect. In spite of my comments about the density of the plot in the latter part of the story, I’m nonetheless recommending this delightful book very highly indeed.
April 18, 2010
I would never have read this book if it wasn't for the Internet. A cover that looks like a shot of the wall from the Wallace Collection in London doesnt exactly scream - a Georgette Heyer style historical romance but with sex & explicit fellatio - to me. But that's what I got.
Debut author Rose Lerner has written a clever, witty Marriage of Convenience story that gets bogged down with the melodramatic, external conflicts by the end. The everything-but-the-kitchen-sink approach which includes rioting tenants, political unrest in the countryside, an unpleasant mother-in-law, bratty sister-in-law, a jealous ex-boyfriend, an ex-mistress, plus the insane villain converging all at once on the newlyweds reminded me of one of the many books in Jo Beverley's never-ending Company of Rogues series. Except in JoBev's books, I can always count on the superhero-like Rogues to bail the couple out of any trouble they get in. I am not sure which approach I like better. Neither, actually, now that I think about it. I prefer romances where the focus is always on the romantic development of the couple and not have the historical background overwhelm the romance, which it does here.
I think for readers who want a more authentic traditional Regency (but with sex!) along the likes of Georgette Heyer, Jo Beverley and even Mary Balogh, Rose Lerner is definitely one to watch.
Grade: B
Debut author Rose Lerner has written a clever, witty Marriage of Convenience story that gets bogged down with the melodramatic, external conflicts by the end. The everything-but-the-kitchen-sink approach which includes rioting tenants, political unrest in the countryside, an unpleasant mother-in-law, bratty sister-in-law, a jealous ex-boyfriend, an ex-mistress, plus the insane villain converging all at once on the newlyweds reminded me of one of the many books in Jo Beverley's never-ending Company of Rogues series. Except in JoBev's books, I can always count on the superhero-like Rogues to bail the couple out of any trouble they get in. I am not sure which approach I like better. Neither, actually, now that I think about it. I prefer romances where the focus is always on the romantic development of the couple and not have the historical background overwhelm the romance, which it does here.
I think for readers who want a more authentic traditional Regency (but with sex!) along the likes of Georgette Heyer, Jo Beverley and even Mary Balogh, Rose Lerner is definitely one to watch.
Grade: B
June 9, 2016
A 2 stars feeling book with 5 stars writing, So I settled for the middle.
I am a huge fan of Rose Lerner's writing. I read her Listen to the Moon and was absolutely enchanted. I love her style, her pragmatic approach to life and her down-to-earth characters. She is a refreshing voice in the genre and this was evident in her debut novel, In for a Penny.
Even the name of the book, I am so pleased with it. With all the "in the arms of a pirate" and "in the bed with a duke", I came to appreciate titles which aren't so blatantly sexual and actually do reflect something in the book. In for a Penny is such a title. It implied that Nev (H) and Penelope (h) were in this hole together, and they were both determined to be "in for a pound" anyways. And it is a nod to the heroine's nickname Penny and how Nev had explained to Penelope's father about how he would do his best to ensure that Penelope had a happy life with him. "In for a penny", he said. I thought it was very clever.
I read this book together with some fabulous ladies. And I enjoy the company more than the book. (thanks ladies!) Rose Lerner's debut novel is full of wit, literary references and elegant writing. Such a promising talent. If I was the publisher who published the novel, I would have that thought in mind. My trouble with the book lies with my inability to relate to either Nev or Penny. Maybe it was their age, or just who they were, I found it difficult to connect with them, their relationship and their struggle. That leaves me in an uncomfortable place where I greatly admire the writing but struggle to stay interested in the story. Their never-ending family drama did not help their case. I felt that I was reading about everyone but Nev and Penelope. And I confess: I need the story to stay focused on the relationship. This book was too all over the place for me.
As characters, I liked Penny much better than Nev. I liked that Penny was practical. Nev was too immature for me. I understand that one of the major selling points of the story is their journey to adulthood, taking responsibilities for their loved ones and themselves. But I wasn't look for a coming-of-age kind of story. So I couldn't help but feel a little let down. Where is all that yearning that we experience in love?
If this is your first Rose Lerner book and you feel rather blah about it, please do not give up on her. Do read her Listen to the Moon, where her talents really shine through a most unusual pair of lead characters in the historical romance genre. I did not love every book from her. But I maintain that she really has a special way with words. Her intelligence comes through her words. I cannot help but respect that.
Our discussion forum of the buddy read:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
I am a huge fan of Rose Lerner's writing. I read her Listen to the Moon and was absolutely enchanted. I love her style, her pragmatic approach to life and her down-to-earth characters. She is a refreshing voice in the genre and this was evident in her debut novel, In for a Penny.
Even the name of the book, I am so pleased with it. With all the "in the arms of a pirate" and "in the bed with a duke", I came to appreciate titles which aren't so blatantly sexual and actually do reflect something in the book. In for a Penny is such a title. It implied that Nev (H) and Penelope (h) were in this hole together, and they were both determined to be "in for a pound" anyways. And it is a nod to the heroine's nickname Penny and how Nev had explained to Penelope's father about how he would do his best to ensure that Penelope had a happy life with him. "In for a penny", he said. I thought it was very clever.
I read this book together with some fabulous ladies. And I enjoy the company more than the book. (thanks ladies!) Rose Lerner's debut novel is full of wit, literary references and elegant writing. Such a promising talent. If I was the publisher who published the novel, I would have that thought in mind. My trouble with the book lies with my inability to relate to either Nev or Penny. Maybe it was their age, or just who they were, I found it difficult to connect with them, their relationship and their struggle. That leaves me in an uncomfortable place where I greatly admire the writing but struggle to stay interested in the story. Their never-ending family drama did not help their case. I felt that I was reading about everyone but Nev and Penelope. And I confess: I need the story to stay focused on the relationship. This book was too all over the place for me.
As characters, I liked Penny much better than Nev. I liked that Penny was practical. Nev was too immature for me. I understand that one of the major selling points of the story is their journey to adulthood, taking responsibilities for their loved ones and themselves. But I wasn't look for a coming-of-age kind of story. So I couldn't help but feel a little let down. Where is all that yearning that we experience in love?
If this is your first Rose Lerner book and you feel rather blah about it, please do not give up on her. Do read her Listen to the Moon, where her talents really shine through a most unusual pair of lead characters in the historical romance genre. I did not love every book from her. But I maintain that she really has a special way with words. Her intelligence comes through her words. I cannot help but respect that.
Our discussion forum of the buddy read:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
April 2, 2022
2022 review:
When Lord "Nev" Nevinstoke's father dies, he discovers that the family is significantly in debt—so he proposes to Penelope Brown, a Cit heiress who likes music. Once married, they discover that money doesn't solve every problem—not even most of them. Between former mistresses and boyfriends, threats of riots, evil neighbors, sister seductions, and terrible mother-in-laws, there's barely any time to worry about sexy sex times!! Will any/all of these problems prevent our horndogs from finding love?
1. NOPE! Which is actually a major element in this book's favor, even as I acknowledge that much of the theatrics of the later chapters are ridiculous. But what I really enjoy about In for a Penny is the true sense of partnership that is developed throughout the ongoing nonsense: Penny and Nev have to not only figure out how each other works, but they have to figure out how each other works under stress, strain, history, regret, etc. Which means that by the end of this saga, their happy ever after does feel like it will stick because what else could possible go wrong for these two?
2. I do, of course, have to acknowledge that the sheer number of dramatics is ridiculous. Like: so ridiculous. It just gets more and more fragments and scattered until we're left with a showdown in booby-trapped woods and a denouement covered in blood. ....right.
3. But the prose is right up my alley, and Penny appeals to me as a heroine who is struggling between what she wants and what she's told she needs to do; Nev is someone who has never truly been given anything to live up to so believes himself to be constantly disappointing everyone; and they happen to like each other very much. And it's nice to watch two people figure out how to not hurt one another instead of reading about people who are actively setting out to do just that.
4. It would have been better with like 30% less dramatic nonsense though, do not get me wrong.
When Lord "Nev" Nevinstoke's father dies, he discovers that the family is significantly in debt—so he proposes to Penelope Brown, a Cit heiress who likes music. Once married, they discover that money doesn't solve every problem—not even most of them. Between former mistresses and boyfriends, threats of riots, evil neighbors, sister seductions, and terrible mother-in-laws, there's barely any time to worry about sexy sex times!! Will any/all of these problems prevent our horndogs from finding love?
1. NOPE! Which is actually a major element in this book's favor, even as I acknowledge that much of the theatrics of the later chapters are ridiculous. But what I really enjoy about In for a Penny is the true sense of partnership that is developed throughout the ongoing nonsense: Penny and Nev have to not only figure out how each other works, but they have to figure out how each other works under stress, strain, history, regret, etc. Which means that by the end of this saga, their happy ever after does feel like it will stick because what else could possible go wrong for these two?
2. I do, of course, have to acknowledge that the sheer number of dramatics is ridiculous. Like: so ridiculous. It just gets more and more fragments and scattered until we're left with a showdown in booby-trapped woods and a denouement covered in blood. ....right.
3. But the prose is right up my alley, and Penny appeals to me as a heroine who is struggling between what she wants and what she's told she needs to do; Nev is someone who has never truly been given anything to live up to so believes himself to be constantly disappointing everyone; and they happen to like each other very much. And it's nice to watch two people figure out how to not hurt one another instead of reading about people who are actively setting out to do just that.
4. It would have been better with like 30% less dramatic nonsense though, do not get me wrong.
February 5, 2017
I had to put this down at the 65% mark. I had such high hopes going in because the writing is so clever and well researched and the initial interactions between the leads are witty and vivid. However, after the wedding, this story quickly loses its magic as the budding romance gets squelched by an excess of drama.
I felt like the existing reviews for this story do not adequately prepare you for what you'll actually find within the pages of this novel. I read romance. Therefore, if a book is marketed as a romance, I expect romance. This book probably spent about 15% of page time on romance and the other 85% on other external factors that were keeping the hero and heroine from being happy. The obstacles these two young people faced were insane. Think of every stumbling block that authors have used to keep the hero and heroine apart. Got a list? Ok, here is a sampling of what barriers are in this novel: ex-mistress of the hero, desperate beau who won't give up on heroine, family scandal, rich cit v. poor aristocrat, slimy vicar, greedy local landowner, starving mob, poachers, prison time, awful in-laws, failing friendships, bankruptcy, profligate steward...so how many of your list did I catch here? This story was so full of hardship that there was no time for banter, sexual tension, or even a budding friendship. It was just one struggle after another where the hero and heroine try not to fall apart and blame the other for their terrible situation.
To be honest, with all the stress these two were under, it was surprising that there was sex in this book at all. From what I had read to, there were two sex scenes, neither of which made me happy because I just couldn't believe that they could connect since their relationship outside the bedroom was so underdeveloped.
Overall, this book disappointed me. Not because the writing was bad. In fact, the solid writing is what kept be going despite all of the plot devices that I usually can't stand. If you like the drama and don't care if there is romance, you will probably love this novel. However, if you are expecting a nice developing romance with a few struggles to work through (which is what I expected), steer clear.
Thanks for the buddy read Ally, Andrea, Andrea (Catsos Person), Christina, Noura and Zoe!!
I felt like the existing reviews for this story do not adequately prepare you for what you'll actually find within the pages of this novel. I read romance. Therefore, if a book is marketed as a romance, I expect romance. This book probably spent about 15% of page time on romance and the other 85% on other external factors that were keeping the hero and heroine from being happy. The obstacles these two young people faced were insane. Think of every stumbling block that authors have used to keep the hero and heroine apart. Got a list? Ok, here is a sampling of what barriers are in this novel: ex-mistress of the hero, desperate beau who won't give up on heroine, family scandal, rich cit v. poor aristocrat, slimy vicar, greedy local landowner, starving mob, poachers, prison time, awful in-laws, failing friendships, bankruptcy, profligate steward...so how many of your list did I catch here? This story was so full of hardship that there was no time for banter, sexual tension, or even a budding friendship. It was just one struggle after another where the hero and heroine try not to fall apart and blame the other for their terrible situation.
To be honest, with all the stress these two were under, it was surprising that there was sex in this book at all. From what I had read to, there were two sex scenes, neither of which made me happy because I just couldn't believe that they could connect since their relationship outside the bedroom was so underdeveloped.
Overall, this book disappointed me. Not because the writing was bad. In fact, the solid writing is what kept be going despite all of the plot devices that I usually can't stand. If you like the drama and don't care if there is romance, you will probably love this novel. However, if you are expecting a nice developing romance with a few struggles to work through (which is what I expected), steer clear.
Thanks for the buddy read Ally, Andrea, Andrea (Catsos Person), Christina, Noura and Zoe!!
June 1, 2021
RTC, I'd say if I were a liar, BECAUSE I'M not: probably more like RNTC
January 12, 2022
Just as lovely the 2nd time around.
Beautifully done regency. Well researched and set firmly and correctly in the time period. The writing was flowing, immediate and interesting. The plotting was pretty tight. Most of the book was the hero, Nev, and the heroine, Penelope, learning to adapt to their marriage and working together to try to put right his neglected ancestral estate. Some of the problems current in England at the time were part of the plot, things relating to corn laws and enclosures and class struggle etc.
Nev was one of the best heroes I've read in a very long time. He was only 23 and had been used to partying around London unheeding of where his money came from when his father dies. He immediately straightened up and began trying to find his way out of the very deep debt his father left them in. He is incredibly sweet. He tries very hard while knowing that he is vastly unprepared to deal with finances and whatnot and knows that he is not really bright when it comes to finances. He marries a rich merchant's daughter for her money but he had already met her and had been taken with her. He treats Penelope like a princess though. He stands up for her and protects her and quickly comes to care for her. He is also very honorable and kindhearted but he does have a backbone of steel and can use his innate power as an Earl unconsciously when he needs to.
Penelope is 19 but is a pretty grownup and composed 19. Her parents love her and don't want her to marry for a title but she insists (I would too, if Nev were offering) and so they let her. She understands Nev's personality and knows that while she is good with numbers, he is good with people. She is sweet and caring.
They both try hard to make their marriage work while being a bit unsure of each other. This is not one of those books that revolve around the tension of 'will they or won't they go to bed'. The love scenes are lovely and sweet while still being hot.
I can't recommend this highly enough.
Beautifully done regency. Well researched and set firmly and correctly in the time period. The writing was flowing, immediate and interesting. The plotting was pretty tight. Most of the book was the hero, Nev, and the heroine, Penelope, learning to adapt to their marriage and working together to try to put right his neglected ancestral estate. Some of the problems current in England at the time were part of the plot, things relating to corn laws and enclosures and class struggle etc.
Nev was one of the best heroes I've read in a very long time. He was only 23 and had been used to partying around London unheeding of where his money came from when his father dies. He immediately straightened up and began trying to find his way out of the very deep debt his father left them in. He is incredibly sweet. He tries very hard while knowing that he is vastly unprepared to deal with finances and whatnot and knows that he is not really bright when it comes to finances. He marries a rich merchant's daughter for her money but he had already met her and had been taken with her. He treats Penelope like a princess though. He stands up for her and protects her and quickly comes to care for her. He is also very honorable and kindhearted but he does have a backbone of steel and can use his innate power as an Earl unconsciously when he needs to.
Penelope is 19 but is a pretty grownup and composed 19. Her parents love her and don't want her to marry for a title but she insists (I would too, if Nev were offering) and so they let her. She understands Nev's personality and knows that while she is good with numbers, he is good with people. She is sweet and caring.
They both try hard to make their marriage work while being a bit unsure of each other. This is not one of those books that revolve around the tension of 'will they or won't they go to bed'. The love scenes are lovely and sweet while still being hot.
I can't recommend this highly enough.
June 8, 2016
Buddy read with Ally, Andrea (Catsos Person), Becca, Christina, Noura and Zoe!!!
Wow. This is a tough book to rate, and there were some lively discussion in our group. We are pretty much equally divided between "loved it" and "couldn't finish it", with me somewhere in the middle. On the one hand, the writing is insanely good for a debut, in fact, if I hadn't known it I never would've guessed this was the author's first book. It was also incredibly well researched, and the little nerd in me who spent the last years studying English literature and culture was crazy happy to see something like Hogarth engravings included in the story. It felt like solid period writing, and I really appreciated that.
But, that being said, I just went in expecting a good romance. Some banter, some issues, and a neat happily ever after. I read romances to get away from my own problems, not get a front row seat to someone else's. As Becca said, this would actually even work as historic fiction or a coming of age story. There were so many period details and issues that, to me at least, completely overshadowed the budding relationship between the main couple. There was a ruined estate that needed to be saved, an ex-mistress that showed up, a former fiancé to come between the couple, a vicar and a steward who tyrannized the people and embezzled from the hero, a crazy murderous neighbor who abducts the heroine at some point, a little sister who eloped because she would just "die" if she couldn't be married (she's 17, but still...), a mother who was not at all happy her darling son had to sell himself to a little "Cit" with money to save the estate, starving villagers, poachers that are being shot at and shipped off to Australia, an angry mob threating to storm the jail... There was just a LOT of drama, which was really fitting and interesting (if somewhat depressing), but it became so intense that it was no wonder the hero and heroine had absolutely no time to get to know each other and solve their own issues while everybody around them was depending on them for answers as well. They actually spend very little time alone together, and given that they are 19 and 23 respectively, I would have loved to see how they coped with all this, but they just trudged along and spend very little time reflecting or talking about what was happening around them. In fact, I can't even remember one real conversation between them that wasn't interrupted. And given all that, it was tied up too neatly for my taste. In the end, everything is just quickly resolved in one chapter, and I would've loved to get an epilogue to see that they had made it, because if ever a fictional couple deserves a happily ever after, it's those two. They were both awesome characters in their own right, but neither got a chance to really shine in my opinion, because they were forever dealing with other people's problems.
Still, it was a good book, just as long as you don't go in expecting a sweet, light, funny romance. I'm definitely going to check out other books by this talented author, but this one just didn't wow me.
Wow. This is a tough book to rate, and there were some lively discussion in our group. We are pretty much equally divided between "loved it" and "couldn't finish it", with me somewhere in the middle. On the one hand, the writing is insanely good for a debut, in fact, if I hadn't known it I never would've guessed this was the author's first book. It was also incredibly well researched, and the little nerd in me who spent the last years studying English literature and culture was crazy happy to see something like Hogarth engravings included in the story. It felt like solid period writing, and I really appreciated that.
But, that being said, I just went in expecting a good romance. Some banter, some issues, and a neat happily ever after. I read romances to get away from my own problems, not get a front row seat to someone else's. As Becca said, this would actually even work as historic fiction or a coming of age story. There were so many period details and issues that, to me at least, completely overshadowed the budding relationship between the main couple. There was a ruined estate that needed to be saved, an ex-mistress that showed up, a former fiancé to come between the couple, a vicar and a steward who tyrannized the people and embezzled from the hero, a crazy murderous neighbor who abducts the heroine at some point, a little sister who eloped because she would just "die" if she couldn't be married (she's 17, but still...), a mother who was not at all happy her darling son had to sell himself to a little "Cit" with money to save the estate, starving villagers, poachers that are being shot at and shipped off to Australia, an angry mob threating to storm the jail... There was just a LOT of drama, which was really fitting and interesting (if somewhat depressing), but it became so intense that it was no wonder the hero and heroine had absolutely no time to get to know each other and solve their own issues while everybody around them was depending on them for answers as well. They actually spend very little time alone together, and given that they are 19 and 23 respectively, I would have loved to see how they coped with all this, but they just trudged along and spend very little time reflecting or talking about what was happening around them. In fact, I can't even remember one real conversation between them that wasn't interrupted. And given all that, it was tied up too neatly for my taste. In the end, everything is just quickly resolved in one chapter, and I would've loved to get an epilogue to see that they had made it, because if ever a fictional couple deserves a happily ever after, it's those two. They were both awesome characters in their own right, but neither got a chance to really shine in my opinion, because they were forever dealing with other people's problems.
Still, it was a good book, just as long as you don't go in expecting a sweet, light, funny romance. I'm definitely going to check out other books by this talented author, but this one just didn't wow me.
December 30, 2016
DNF @ 39%
I'm bored by this. The main characters are just so... so inoffensive. So bland. They overanalyze every action and reaction by the other, and it's tedious. From one paragraph to the next we have POV switches and new scenes, making for a jarring reading experience. I really don't feel like continuing. Disappointing.
I'm bored by this. The main characters are just so... so inoffensive. So bland. They overanalyze every action and reaction by the other, and it's tedious. From one paragraph to the next we have POV switches and new scenes, making for a jarring reading experience. I really don't feel like continuing. Disappointing.
August 22, 2020
2020 Ripped Bodice Summer Bingo: Their nose was broken once, but it only makes them more handsome
I liked the first half but the billion subplots and intertwining threads in the second half did not work for me.
I liked the first half but the billion subplots and intertwining threads in the second half did not work for me.
July 6, 2017
Rather than serving as a pleasant distraction, reading this book felt like listening to a lengthy shouting-match between your neighbours. Sure, it's amusing at first but after one hour it gets tring and unbearable. When I read a romance book, I expect there to be romance. What I got instead is a heroine without any sense, a hero who only married her for her money and the ridiculous obstacles they must overcome. It's like Lerner made up a list of hardships a newly-wed couple would face and included EVERY. SINGLE. ONE. OF. THEM.
There are poachers who roam the estate, impoverished and unhappy tenants who show signs of rebellion, a corrupt steward who embezzled money, a sleazy preacher, a crazy baronet as a neighbour, falling out among hero's friends, hero's sister running away with said friend, class differences and tensions in hero's family that were never really sorted out.
I hated every character in the book. The martyr of a heroine who has to deal with hero's spiteful mother-in-law, hero's pregnant ex-mistress, hero's whiny friends, hero's bankrupt estate, hero's tenants, hero's yadda yadda yadda. She had known him for five minutes before he comes to her house to propose marriage because she's rich. I don't understand what motivated her to throw everything away to marry a stranger, especially since she didn't seem to care about his title nor was she particularly in love with him.
While the hero acknowledges that he got the better end of the deal, he just never knew what to do in the story and came across as incompetent. His fixation over his ex-mistress was dreadful and I hated how tactlessly he handled the situation. He never stood up to his sister and his mother, was very rude to his friends and had this overall lack of charm that you'd generally expect from a hero.
Both the characters were stagnant with no personal growth. The lack of communication grated on my nerves as well. We as a reader as privy to their thoughts, but since every conversation the couple have ends up being interrupted or a misunderstanding, there's a bunch of needless internal conflict that could be avoided. It's such a shame because Lerner's books hinge on the characters and she's capable of writing stronger and much more interesting characters than this.
There are poachers who roam the estate, impoverished and unhappy tenants who show signs of rebellion, a corrupt steward who embezzled money, a sleazy preacher, a crazy baronet as a neighbour, falling out among hero's friends, hero's sister running away with said friend, class differences and tensions in hero's family that were never really sorted out.
I hated every character in the book. The martyr of a heroine who has to deal with hero's spiteful mother-in-law, hero's pregnant ex-mistress, hero's whiny friends, hero's bankrupt estate, hero's tenants, hero's yadda yadda yadda. She had known him for five minutes before he comes to her house to propose marriage because she's rich. I don't understand what motivated her to throw everything away to marry a stranger, especially since she didn't seem to care about his title nor was she particularly in love with him.
While the hero acknowledges that he got the better end of the deal, he just never knew what to do in the story and came across as incompetent. His fixation over his ex-mistress was dreadful and I hated how tactlessly he handled the situation. He never stood up to his sister and his mother, was very rude to his friends and had this overall lack of charm that you'd generally expect from a hero.
Both the characters were stagnant with no personal growth. The lack of communication grated on my nerves as well. We as a reader as privy to their thoughts, but since every conversation the couple have ends up being interrupted or a misunderstanding, there's a bunch of needless internal conflict that could be avoided. It's such a shame because Lerner's books hinge on the characters and she's capable of writing stronger and much more interesting characters than this.
September 4, 2016
Everything you would ever want in a historical romance.
The historical details are spot on paired with crisp prose. The characters are compelling and so well developed you can imagine knowing them.
The class conflict is thoughtfully explored
And the romance...Oh, so good. You believe in the love.
A classic reread.
I was given this book for my honest review. So, there you have it.
The historical details are spot on paired with crisp prose. The characters are compelling and so well developed you can imagine knowing them.
The class conflict is thoughtfully explored
And the romance...Oh, so good. You believe in the love.
A classic reread.
I was given this book for my honest review. So, there you have it.
April 12, 2010
I picked up IN FOR A PENNY based on the reviews of several of my favorite savvy bloggers as well as the strength of the lovely cover art. I could do without the ornate gilt frame, but I think the pastoral scene at sunset is lovely. And, as I am a fairly weak-stomached romance reader, I appreciated the lack of skin. Having read it I can honestly say this cover very much fits what's inside--the uncommonly sweet story of a boy, a girl, and a marriage of convenience. I'm sadly pretty inexperienced when it comes to Regency novels as well. I keep meaning to get around to Georgette Heyer but a wrench always seems to get thrown in the wheels of that happening. So I decided to go ahead and dive into this new release with a handful of hopes and a strong sense of curiosity.
Miss Penelope Brown occupies a singular position within the hierarchy of the London social set. The daughter of a businessman, she is by and large looked down upon for her humble origins, despite her father's fabulous wealth. It doesn't help that he made it running a distillery and that her common-born mother lacks pretty much all the social graces required to thrive amid the stuffy, old blood circulating through the balls she attends. Which is why she is so startled to find young Lord Nevinstoke paying her court at the latest party. When they discover they share a taste for Malory and he appears to find her mother amusing rather than offensive, Penelope finds herself relaxing just the tiniest bit. Then his friends rush up bellowing something about his dreaded mother and he's off and rushing into the night. Sure she will never see him again, Penny is nothing short of flabbergasted to find him, hat in hand, on her doorstep with a proposal of marriage on his lips. It appears his father was recently killed in a duel and the family coffers are in disarray. Nev and his mother and sister are on the brink of losing everything if he is unable to secure a sizable amount of capital. Immediately. This is where Penny and her fortune come in. And, in a moment of generosity, kindness, and possibly temporary insanity, she accepts his offer. And thus, the rest of their lives begin.
It is physically impossible not to like Penny and Nev. I'll tell you that right off the bat. They are delightful and endearing and I was in love with the idea of them by the end of their first conversation. Penelope is earnest and shy, extremely clever and not afraid to say what she thinks or make her own decisions. Nev is the equivalent of an adorable golden retriever puppy. Happy and gentle and prone to rushing headlong into anything that strikes his fancy. Together they make a most striking couple, and not at all in the physical sense. They're neither of them stunningly attractive, and Nev has more than a few nasty habits borne of entitlement and indolence. He even keeps a mistress, which practice ends the day their marriage takes place. I worried (as much as Penny, I'm sure) that this aspect of the story would bother me. But I have to hand it to Rose Lerner for handling it as sensitively and appropriately as she did. It makes you like Nev more. And justifies Penny's early faith in him. I loved how kind and good they were and I wanted nothing more than to watch them grow closer together. And, of course, the road to happiness is awash in pitfalls and obstacles. They are constantly misunderstanding one another and they fight an uphill battle against both their parents' disapproval and the suspicions and distrust of Nev's steward and tenants on his country estate, where they go to live until they find a way to salvage things. I ate the first two-thirds of this charming romp up like candy, looking forward to the eventual realizations and happy resolution. But somewhere around that point, things started to get a bit wearing. The misunderstandings persisted beyond my credibility level. Enough with the assuming the worst already. The bad guy continued to act increasingly insane (not in a good way) and a couple of secondary characters made annoyingly late and infuriatingly predictable entrances just to complicate matters, when the story did not needed littering up with their presence. For me, this melodrama took away from the sweetness that was their growing trust and introduced doubt and deception simply for the sake of prolonging the climax. By the end I was just tired of it all, when I should have been content. And that's a shame. Now, the writing in IN FOR A PENNY is simply lovely and the characters are strong. I wanted to know them and hug them for how happy they made me. The problem for me was more one of pacing and failing to quit when you're ahead. So, though I ended this one disappointed, there was definitely enough good that I will be picking up Ms. Lerner's next novel--Lily Among Thorns--when it comes out next year.
Miss Penelope Brown occupies a singular position within the hierarchy of the London social set. The daughter of a businessman, she is by and large looked down upon for her humble origins, despite her father's fabulous wealth. It doesn't help that he made it running a distillery and that her common-born mother lacks pretty much all the social graces required to thrive amid the stuffy, old blood circulating through the balls she attends. Which is why she is so startled to find young Lord Nevinstoke paying her court at the latest party. When they discover they share a taste for Malory and he appears to find her mother amusing rather than offensive, Penelope finds herself relaxing just the tiniest bit. Then his friends rush up bellowing something about his dreaded mother and he's off and rushing into the night. Sure she will never see him again, Penny is nothing short of flabbergasted to find him, hat in hand, on her doorstep with a proposal of marriage on his lips. It appears his father was recently killed in a duel and the family coffers are in disarray. Nev and his mother and sister are on the brink of losing everything if he is unable to secure a sizable amount of capital. Immediately. This is where Penny and her fortune come in. And, in a moment of generosity, kindness, and possibly temporary insanity, she accepts his offer. And thus, the rest of their lives begin.
It is physically impossible not to like Penny and Nev. I'll tell you that right off the bat. They are delightful and endearing and I was in love with the idea of them by the end of their first conversation. Penelope is earnest and shy, extremely clever and not afraid to say what she thinks or make her own decisions. Nev is the equivalent of an adorable golden retriever puppy. Happy and gentle and prone to rushing headlong into anything that strikes his fancy. Together they make a most striking couple, and not at all in the physical sense. They're neither of them stunningly attractive, and Nev has more than a few nasty habits borne of entitlement and indolence. He even keeps a mistress, which practice ends the day their marriage takes place. I worried (as much as Penny, I'm sure) that this aspect of the story would bother me. But I have to hand it to Rose Lerner for handling it as sensitively and appropriately as she did. It makes you like Nev more. And justifies Penny's early faith in him. I loved how kind and good they were and I wanted nothing more than to watch them grow closer together. And, of course, the road to happiness is awash in pitfalls and obstacles. They are constantly misunderstanding one another and they fight an uphill battle against both their parents' disapproval and the suspicions and distrust of Nev's steward and tenants on his country estate, where they go to live until they find a way to salvage things. I ate the first two-thirds of this charming romp up like candy, looking forward to the eventual realizations and happy resolution. But somewhere around that point, things started to get a bit wearing. The misunderstandings persisted beyond my credibility level. Enough with the assuming the worst already. The bad guy continued to act increasingly insane (not in a good way) and a couple of secondary characters made annoyingly late and infuriatingly predictable entrances just to complicate matters, when the story did not needed littering up with their presence. For me, this melodrama took away from the sweetness that was their growing trust and introduced doubt and deception simply for the sake of prolonging the climax. By the end I was just tired of it all, when I should have been content. And that's a shame. Now, the writing in IN FOR A PENNY is simply lovely and the characters are strong. I wanted to know them and hug them for how happy they made me. The problem for me was more one of pacing and failing to quit when you're ahead. So, though I ended this one disappointed, there was definitely enough good that I will be picking up Ms. Lerner's next novel--Lily Among Thorns--when it comes out next year.
March 12, 2010
Lord Nevinstoke, or Nev is a carefree, wealthy bachelor who enjoys drinking, gambling, and spending many nights with his mistress. He goes from party to party, with his friends, who often egg each other on to do mischievous things. At one such party, he meets Penelope Brown, a very wealthy daughter of a merchant – her father owns a brewery. Although her family does not have the high ranking background as his does, this doesn’t bother him one bit as he enjoys the brief time he spends with her.
Nev’s carefree ways are about to end when his father dies foolishly in a duel. Now Nev becomes Lord Bedlock, and with the title comes all the many debts his father has incurred. Debts that go into the tens of thousands and there is no way Nev can repay them. With a failing estate in the country, he starts selling off everything he can get his hands on. That is until he remembers the wealthy, single, Penelope Brown. Without another thought Nev races to her house and asks for her hand in marriage. He is totally honest with her, as his proposal goes something like – I’m broke, I need your money. Will you marry me?
Penelope remembers Nev from the one night they met, although she can’t quite figure out why he strikes such a chord with her. He isn’t overly dashing, but his honesty and the way he is truly baffled by numbers and financing, speaks to her. Penelope is good with the books, and knows she can be of use to him. Plus they share a common love of music, and Penelope without really thinking, says yes. The yes comes with a list of requirements she writes, and then becomes too embarrassed to show Nev, although he gets the paper away from her. The list includes how he must not be ashamed of her or her parents, and must give up his mistress. Nev agrees to all, ready to set out in a more mature life.
Now they move to the country to face an estate in financial ruins, and tenants who are very bad off. Moreover, they have to face each other as basically strangers and see if their impromptu marriage can turn into something much more.
In for a Penny is just a lovely historical romance. There is so much to love about both Nev and Penelope. To begin with, Nev is a little bit of a different hero. Yes he was a mischievous bachelor with no goal in life and imbibed in drink and women. He bumbles around and says the wrong things a lot. But, when his father dies, he really takes his responsibility seriously. He stops drinking, he tries to be a gentlemen for Penelope. He works very hard at this, but the funny thing is, deep down, Nev is a wonderful person without a bad bone in his body. He definitely has what it takes to be a Lord, but he relies on Penelope to help with the books, and doesn’t have the snobbery that the ton normally have. He is just a really sweet person, and I think Penelope picks up on that early.
Penelope is strong, very smart and willing to take a chance with this man, even though she is a virgin in so many ways. She knows her family is not prestigious and she knows Nev is really just marrying her for her money. But that is really alight with her.
What I most loved about this book is Nev and Penelope coming to know each other. Yes, his mother and sister make appearances and other people from the town, but there are many pages devoted to just the two of them learning about each other. We see their “courtship” and their progression to romance (which is definitely not lacking in this book.) Although Penelope comes from wealthy parents, her dowry is used to pay most of the debts. We see them frustrated at the state of their tenants and with how to help them with money they don’t have. They are two people with such good hearts – no trickery, no games. I think the book would have been just as good without the dramatic ending, but it did nothing to lessen my enjoyment of it.
In for a Penny is a very sweet, very solid romance and debut author Rose Lerner has gone to my auto-buy list.
Rating: 4.5/5
Nev’s carefree ways are about to end when his father dies foolishly in a duel. Now Nev becomes Lord Bedlock, and with the title comes all the many debts his father has incurred. Debts that go into the tens of thousands and there is no way Nev can repay them. With a failing estate in the country, he starts selling off everything he can get his hands on. That is until he remembers the wealthy, single, Penelope Brown. Without another thought Nev races to her house and asks for her hand in marriage. He is totally honest with her, as his proposal goes something like – I’m broke, I need your money. Will you marry me?
Penelope remembers Nev from the one night they met, although she can’t quite figure out why he strikes such a chord with her. He isn’t overly dashing, but his honesty and the way he is truly baffled by numbers and financing, speaks to her. Penelope is good with the books, and knows she can be of use to him. Plus they share a common love of music, and Penelope without really thinking, says yes. The yes comes with a list of requirements she writes, and then becomes too embarrassed to show Nev, although he gets the paper away from her. The list includes how he must not be ashamed of her or her parents, and must give up his mistress. Nev agrees to all, ready to set out in a more mature life.
Now they move to the country to face an estate in financial ruins, and tenants who are very bad off. Moreover, they have to face each other as basically strangers and see if their impromptu marriage can turn into something much more.
In for a Penny is just a lovely historical romance. There is so much to love about both Nev and Penelope. To begin with, Nev is a little bit of a different hero. Yes he was a mischievous bachelor with no goal in life and imbibed in drink and women. He bumbles around and says the wrong things a lot. But, when his father dies, he really takes his responsibility seriously. He stops drinking, he tries to be a gentlemen for Penelope. He works very hard at this, but the funny thing is, deep down, Nev is a wonderful person without a bad bone in his body. He definitely has what it takes to be a Lord, but he relies on Penelope to help with the books, and doesn’t have the snobbery that the ton normally have. He is just a really sweet person, and I think Penelope picks up on that early.
Penelope is strong, very smart and willing to take a chance with this man, even though she is a virgin in so many ways. She knows her family is not prestigious and she knows Nev is really just marrying her for her money. But that is really alight with her.
What I most loved about this book is Nev and Penelope coming to know each other. Yes, his mother and sister make appearances and other people from the town, but there are many pages devoted to just the two of them learning about each other. We see their “courtship” and their progression to romance (which is definitely not lacking in this book.) Although Penelope comes from wealthy parents, her dowry is used to pay most of the debts. We see them frustrated at the state of their tenants and with how to help them with money they don’t have. They are two people with such good hearts – no trickery, no games. I think the book would have been just as good without the dramatic ending, but it did nothing to lessen my enjoyment of it.
In for a Penny is a very sweet, very solid romance and debut author Rose Lerner has gone to my auto-buy list.
Rating: 4.5/5
August 18, 2016
Navel-gazing story time: була в мене бабуся, яка читала любовні романи погонними метрами. От якось перед Новим роком іду я купувати подарунки, вигрібаю для неї черговий погонний метр свіжовиданих романів з рожевою обкладинкою - і тут мене прямо в книгарні виморожує. Що про мене подумають? Купувати десяток любовних романів - це ж кінець репутації і відчуття власної гідності? Я собі кажу: Стріхо, ти аспірантка Гарварду, ніхто в тебе студентський не забере, навіть якби ти для себе це купувала. (Примітка: мені свого часу було не соромно купувати всі томи "Бандитського Петербургу". Любовні романи - соромно.) Врешті, я чи не Джойса до цього стосика доклала, щоб не було так ніяково це добро купувати. Я не пишаюся цим моментом у своїй біографії.
Відтоді, по-перше, мені виписали нормальні антидепресанти, тож моя самооцінка вже не залежить так болісно від того, що про мене можуть подумати працівники книгарні, а по-друге, що важливіше, стигматизація жанру почала мене дедалі більше дивувати. Жанр формульний? Такий же формульний, як і детективи чи будь-який інший маскульт (більшість сучасного маскульту вибудовується за п'ятиактною структурою, поєднання п'ятиактної структури з інформацією про жанр дає можливість передбачити не лише що відбудеться, а й коли). Формули - це не погано, ми вибираємо певні жанри саме тому, що нам подобаються їхні формули (крім тих людей, які читають виключно по дєлу чи високу полицю, я їх дуже шаную, але (а) до них не належу, (б) їх взагалі мало). Тема в любовних романів банальна? Так, звісно, нікого з нас по жизні не цікавить секс і любов, ага-ага. Коротше кажучи, "girl cooties!!!11" - найповніше пояснення стигматизації жанру, and I have so very little patience for the argument.
З того, що я вважаю за потрібне навести цю розлогу преамбулу, всім очевидно, що за пожирання кілограмами любовних романів мені все одно більш ніяково, ніж за пожирання кілограмами фентезі чи детективів, але я працюю над собою:)
А по суті: "In For a Penny" має багато з тих речей, які я, в принципі, не люблю. Наприклад, мотив reformed rake. Чи, скажімо, той факт, що головна колізія в романі розгортається довкола того, що от герой і героїня одружилися, разом ведуть господарство, дбають один про одного, скоро в них буде дитина, а при цьому кожен потайки мотає соплі на кулак на тему "Напевно, мій партнер мене не любить". Мені здається, комічні куплети це, а не драма. Попри те, що там є кілька цих топосів, які не викликають в мене симпатії, весь роман в сумі дуже милий, почасти за рахунок гендерного реверсу. Головний герой, лорд такий-то, лишається сиротою, і тут виявляється, що його батько наробив купу боргів, які сплачувати нічим. Головний герой такий: Я продав все, що міг! Крім свого тіла! Й вирішує одружитися із багатою спадкоємицею із простенької родини. Далі 2/3 роману про те, як вести бухгалтерський облік у маєтку і забезпечувати права робітників, де головна героїня намагається звести дебет з кредитом, а головний герой весь такий: Я блондинка, я тут для того, щоб робити твоє життя красивішим. Awwww.
Відтоді, по-перше, мені виписали нормальні антидепресанти, тож моя самооцінка вже не залежить так болісно від того, що про мене можуть подумати працівники книгарні, а по-друге, що важливіше, стигматизація жанру почала мене дедалі більше дивувати. Жанр формульний? Такий же формульний, як і детективи чи будь-який інший маскульт (більшість сучасного маскульту вибудовується за п'ятиактною структурою, поєднання п'ятиактної структури з інформацією про жанр дає можливість передбачити не лише що відбудеться, а й коли). Формули - це не погано, ми вибираємо певні жанри саме тому, що нам подобаються їхні формули (крім тих людей, які читають виключно по дєлу чи високу полицю, я їх дуже шаную, але (а) до них не належу, (б) їх взагалі мало). Тема в любовних романів банальна? Так, звісно, нікого з нас по жизні не цікавить секс і любов, ага-ага. Коротше кажучи, "girl cooties!!!11" - найповніше пояснення стигматизації жанру, and I have so very little patience for the argument.
З того, що я вважаю за потрібне навести цю розлогу преамбулу, всім очевидно, що за пожирання кілограмами любовних романів мені все одно більш ніяково, ніж за пожирання кілограмами фентезі чи детективів, але я працюю над собою:)
А по суті: "In For a Penny" має багато з тих речей, які я, в принципі, не люблю. Наприклад, мотив reformed rake. Чи, скажімо, той факт, що головна колізія в романі розгортається довкола того, що от герой і героїня одружилися, разом ведуть господарство, дбають один про одного, скоро в них буде дитина, а при цьому кожен потайки мотає соплі на кулак на тему "Напевно, мій партнер мене не любить". Мені здається, комічні куплети це, а не драма. Попри те, що там є кілька цих топосів, які не викликають в мене симпатії, весь роман в сумі дуже милий, почасти за рахунок гендерного реверсу. Головний герой, лорд такий-то, лишається сиротою, і тут виявляється, що його батько наробив купу боргів, які сплачувати нічим. Головний герой такий: Я продав все, що міг! Крім свого тіла! Й вирішує одружитися із багатою спадкоємицею із простенької родини. Далі 2/3 роману про те, як вести бухгалтерський облік у маєтку і забезпечувати права робітників, де головна героїня намагається звести дебет з кредитом, а головний герой весь такий: Я блондинка, я тут для того, щоб робити твоє життя красивішим. Awwww.
June 8, 2013
5 stars for the fact that this is the first historical romance novel I've read in a long time that has both characters going into the arranged marriage with eyes wide open and not expecting ANYTHING of each other and actually feeling guilty and stuff when they start to develop feelings, I really liked that.
3 stars for all the unnecessary external drama in the later half of the regarding all the secondary characters. Andree's review says it better then I ever could.
So 4 stars overall. If you are looking for a good we-don't-know-each-but-we-are-getting-married-anyways-and-now-we-are-working-to-form-a-friendship/partnership/marriage-from-the-ground-up, I would recommend this book. The author does that very well and if this whole book could have been just about Penny and Nev learning how to live and love each other, this would have gotten 5 stars from me. I just thought that the a) crazy neighbor, b) best friend turned enemy turned best friend turned enemy again, c) old mistress and d)old flame/best friend from childhood showing up towards the last 100 pages and getting in the way of these two and their relationship was just a bit too much for me.
3 stars for all the unnecessary external drama in the later half of the regarding all the secondary characters. Andree's review says it better then I ever could.
So 4 stars overall. If you are looking for a good we-don't-know-each-but-we-are-getting-married-anyways-and-now-we-are-working-to-form-a-friendship/partnership/marriage-from-the-ground-up, I would recommend this book. The author does that very well and if this whole book could have been just about Penny and Nev learning how to live and love each other, this would have gotten 5 stars from me. I just thought that the a) crazy neighbor, b) best friend turned enemy turned best friend turned enemy again, c) old mistress and d)old flame/best friend from childhood showing up towards the last 100 pages and getting in the way of these two and their relationship was just a bit too much for me.
October 18, 2018
I started this book with trepidation and fear. I hate stories with mistresses and sure enough this was one. He did stop seeing her after his Father died and he proposed to the h so I was okay with that almost. But then he thinks about her off and on and is sad sometimes, misses her too. I hated when he thought about her. The H and h go to a play and he sees her on the stage, and sees her faint. He runs off to go make sure she is okay with the permission of the h. She already has a new protector too. The heroine, Penny, was almost too good to be true. I really liked her though. I liked the H too but he seemed to be such a boy. It was a little strange to say the least. He grew up I believe during the book and he fell in love with his wife. It was very sweet. The mistress appears again, very ill, and she is recovering from a self induced miscarriage because she was pregnant. She calls out the heroes name all the time. I felt so bad for the h and again she left him alone to talk to her because she was that nice. It slayed me. There is drama with an evil neighbor, an unhappy sister, a stealing ungodly pastor and starving unhappy tenants. It's a little much at times but I definitely liked it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2014
Charming hero/heroine embrace a true marriage of convenience that blossoms into a sweet love match despite a host of personal insecurities, character faults, circumstantial obstacles and misunderstandings. Hilarious at times, with a riotous cast of secondary characters that make this a novel a delightful homage to the humor, psychological insight, and romance of Georgette Heyer.
February 1, 2016
I can only echo Andree and Steph: Nev and Penelope were delightful. I wish the entire book was solely about them, with no tacked-on ridiculous drama.
December 17, 2017
this was a really delightful marriage of convenience hr. i love how realistically and sensibly the characters approached the subject - and how nothing was ever perfect, but they did their best and that was enough. there was a bit too much drama at the end - it got suddenly so melodramatic and just Too Much; i wish the author decided to go with only one plot twist instead of FIVE. but no matter. it was super enjoyable anyway and the perfect read for a cozy pre-christmas evening.
June 8, 2013
I really enjoyed this. Five stars for the first half, particularly for avoiding a lot of the historical romance tropes that have been bothering me lately. Then the second half touched on a trope for romance in general that bugs me a little.
So yeah, the historical I've enjoyed the most in recent months by a large margin. I just wish it'd made a few different choices with the ending. Or, y'know, really just the one.
So yeah, the historical I've enjoyed the most in recent months by a large margin. I just wish it'd made a few different choices with the ending. Or, y'know, really just the one.
November 25, 2011
Weak 3 stars. Plot development could have been better. Dialogue was ordinary. I had a hard time staying interested.
STORY BRIEF:
Nev has been spending lots of money on drinking, gambling, and his mistress Amy. He meets Penny briefly at a ball and kind of likes her. Soon he learns that his father died leaving tons of debt. His dad was an earl, Nev is the heir. Nev wants to do what is right for his mother, sister, and the people in poverty living on his land. So he asks Penny to marry him. He is up front about his need for her money. He kisses her. She agrees based on intuition. Her father is reluctant but provides just enough money to pay off the family’s debts. More money will come later if there are children.
Nev has wonderful people skills but is terrible with math, contracts, and paperwork. Penny is great at math and paperwork, so she takes over the accounting. There are various problems at the estate, mismanagement, corruption, poverty, poachers, riots, a cruel snobbish neighbor, and Nev’s unpleasant mother. Nev and Penny are thrust into the middle of all of this, trying to figure out what’s going on and what to do about it.
Other issues involve Nev’s former mistress coming to the estate and Penny’s former boyfriend visiting. Both of these cause insecurity and jealousy for Penny and Nev. An evil wealthy neighbor wants to marry Nev’s sister, but she dislikes him.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
This was ok, but I just couldn’t get into it. It felt like a lot of other historical romances. The best part was the character Nev. He was wonderful, almost perfect, great attitude, desire to do right, integrity, he treats her well, he wants her happiness. The main problem was that Nev didn’t let Penny know his feelings. So throughout the book she thinks he doesn’t love her. Nev is kind to his former mistress, but he has no intention of being with her. However, his kindness causes problems for his wife. So Penny is insecure for most of the book which affects her actions. At times she ponders too much about Nev not loving her. When she realizes she loves Nev, she won’t tell him. These conflicts and pondering were not interesting enough for me.
Regarding the plot, I felt the poor people and poaching situation wasn’t explained very well. I wanted to know more about their complaints and problems. I also wanted more information about Tom Kedge, Mr. Snively the vicar, and Lord Jasper, their actions and motivations. Also, I was disappointed that Nev and Penny didn’t take action to solve some of these problems.
After some pleasant sex scenes, they avoid sex for a while due to vague reasons and insecurities. The sex scenes were ok but nothing special.
DATA:
Story length: 310 pages. Swearing language: mild, including religious swear words. Sexual language: moderate. Number of sex scenes: 4. Estimated number of sex scene pages: 13. Setting: 1819 London and Loweston, Norfolk, England. Copyright: 2010. Genre: regency romance.
STORY BRIEF:
Nev has been spending lots of money on drinking, gambling, and his mistress Amy. He meets Penny briefly at a ball and kind of likes her. Soon he learns that his father died leaving tons of debt. His dad was an earl, Nev is the heir. Nev wants to do what is right for his mother, sister, and the people in poverty living on his land. So he asks Penny to marry him. He is up front about his need for her money. He kisses her. She agrees based on intuition. Her father is reluctant but provides just enough money to pay off the family’s debts. More money will come later if there are children.
Nev has wonderful people skills but is terrible with math, contracts, and paperwork. Penny is great at math and paperwork, so she takes over the accounting. There are various problems at the estate, mismanagement, corruption, poverty, poachers, riots, a cruel snobbish neighbor, and Nev’s unpleasant mother. Nev and Penny are thrust into the middle of all of this, trying to figure out what’s going on and what to do about it.
Other issues involve Nev’s former mistress coming to the estate and Penny’s former boyfriend visiting. Both of these cause insecurity and jealousy for Penny and Nev. An evil wealthy neighbor wants to marry Nev’s sister, but she dislikes him.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
This was ok, but I just couldn’t get into it. It felt like a lot of other historical romances. The best part was the character Nev. He was wonderful, almost perfect, great attitude, desire to do right, integrity, he treats her well, he wants her happiness. The main problem was that Nev didn’t let Penny know his feelings. So throughout the book she thinks he doesn’t love her. Nev is kind to his former mistress, but he has no intention of being with her. However, his kindness causes problems for his wife. So Penny is insecure for most of the book which affects her actions. At times she ponders too much about Nev not loving her. When she realizes she loves Nev, she won’t tell him. These conflicts and pondering were not interesting enough for me.
Regarding the plot, I felt the poor people and poaching situation wasn’t explained very well. I wanted to know more about their complaints and problems. I also wanted more information about Tom Kedge, Mr. Snively the vicar, and Lord Jasper, their actions and motivations. Also, I was disappointed that Nev and Penny didn’t take action to solve some of these problems.
After some pleasant sex scenes, they avoid sex for a while due to vague reasons and insecurities. The sex scenes were ok but nothing special.
DATA:
Story length: 310 pages. Swearing language: mild, including religious swear words. Sexual language: moderate. Number of sex scenes: 4. Estimated number of sex scene pages: 13. Setting: 1819 London and Loweston, Norfolk, England. Copyright: 2010. Genre: regency romance.
May 12, 2010
A very solid, well-written historical romance. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and historicals are not my "thing." The author wrote two of the most human, believable characters I've read in any romance novel. Their interactions were real, and the their mistakes and insecurities completely understandable and believable. The book isn't perfect, there are a few plot twists that are a bit over the top, and the multiple HEAs at the end were a little too predictable. But taken as a study of a marriage of convenience between two socially unequal people, this is a very moving and well-written story of two young persons trying to do and be the best they can in difficult, sometimes awkward, situations. Kudos to Ms. Lerner for her debut novel. I hope to read more by her.
January 23, 2012
I finished my first book for the Penelope Project....In For A Penny by Rose Lerner. Holy Canastas! This is a wonderful 5-star read. Charming historical story, adorable characters, lots of emotional conflict, and a kick-ass Penelope. I love "heroic" heroines, and this one fits the bill. It reminded me of an old-school Julia Quinn novel....you fall in love with these flawed characters and pray for their HEA. And you get it. I wish the ending hadn't been so abrupt, but otherwise this book was close to perfection. Rose Lerner has a lovely voice and I'm looking forward to reading more of her work.
Grade: A
Grade: A
June 8, 2016
A well written story chock full of drama and not a lot of romance. Do not expect heaving bosoms and heroes making romantic declarations or ripping off the heroine's (or his) clothes in a fit of passion. Nev and Penny is quite slow and steady in their passions for each other. It's there alright but contained so much under polite civility and their own insecurities. It's not exactly boring but the story needs a lot more patience in going through the paces (well, i needed a loooot of patience). The sudden change in POVs in some of the paragraphs threw me off at first but it was done rather smoothly that after a while you kind of automatically know who's POV is up at that time.
I may not have chosen this book at all if not for a Buddy Read group (shout out to Zoe for inviting me) but having a gang reading the same book and grousing about it sort of helped me plod along. The story have a tendency to unfold very slowly and then new things come up. Surprisingly this book proves to be a good in-between read that's different than the ones i usually read and it certainly has a more solid storytelling style. The ending, i guess, is worth going through the whole book.
I guess if you like your romance with 80% drama and 20% simmering passion, this might be your cuppa.
I may not have chosen this book at all if not for a Buddy Read group (shout out to Zoe for inviting me) but having a gang reading the same book and grousing about it sort of helped me plod along. The story have a tendency to unfold very slowly and then new things come up. Surprisingly this book proves to be a good in-between read that's different than the ones i usually read and it certainly has a more solid storytelling style. The ending, i guess, is worth going through the whole book.
I guess if you like your romance with 80% drama and 20% simmering passion, this might be your cuppa.
November 14, 2017
Given the choice, I prefer the marriage of convenience trope over the instalust stories we get fed all too often. I suppose it's partly based on my experience that love is also work and that instalusts in ordinary life often fade at the first quarrels over unpaid telephone bills, so the marriage of convenience basically has the romance the other way round, with H and h succesfully dealing with day to day problems, with their marriage an instrumental part of this success, and falling in love in the process, thus making the final HEA a reasonably succesfull outcome in the long run.
Rose Lerner tackles this trope with a beautiful story and excellent writing. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
Rose Lerner tackles this trope with a beautiful story and excellent writing. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
September 25, 2014
Penelope was the only reason I continued reading this book. Nev was the only or rather the majority of the reason it didn’t get more than 1 star. Nev had a backbone made of wax, and his thinking was so immature. The worst of it was how he kept bringing up his former mistress, and it felt as if he kept comparing her to his wife. I felt as much pity for Penelope as anger towards Nev.
The flow of the story seemed erratic and abrupt, it seemed all over the place. I also wasn’t satisfied with the ending. This story just didn’t work for me.
The flow of the story seemed erratic and abrupt, it seemed all over the place. I also wasn’t satisfied with the ending. This story just didn’t work for me.
January 28, 2012
3 1/2stars. I expected more from this story after reading the reviews, I was a bit disappointed. It wasn't a bad story just didn't reach any level of greatness for me.
There were too many things left unfinished, unnecessary and unexplained. It also had way too many of those dreaded misunderstandings and feelings left unsaid between the H/h. Ugg I hate when that goes on for too long and it went on for the major part of this story.
There were too many things left unfinished, unnecessary and unexplained. It also had way too many of those dreaded misunderstandings and feelings left unsaid between the H/h. Ugg I hate when that goes on for too long and it went on for the major part of this story.
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