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Husband Hunters #0
Blackstone's Bride
A notorious portrait brings together a scandalous lord and a young banking heiress in this delectable regency historical romance from the acclaimed Kate Moore.
When the scandalous Lord Blackstone returns to London, fashionable ladies cast inviting glances his way and his friends celebrate his infamous exploits. No one guesses that the lurid tales of his harem and the famous painting of his voluptuous mistress are a cover for an honorable promise and a secret mission to stop a deadly foreign agent.
Only one woman remains unmoved by Blackstone's seductive ways. Banking heiress Violet Hammersley believes she has firm control over her passions and her life. That is, until her brother goes missing with a report vital to the British government--and the government puts Blackstone on the case. Now, if Violet wants to find her brother, she must work closely with the man who once broke her heart--without succumbing to the powerful impulse to fall for him again...
When the scandalous Lord Blackstone returns to London, fashionable ladies cast inviting glances his way and his friends celebrate his infamous exploits. No one guesses that the lurid tales of his harem and the famous painting of his voluptuous mistress are a cover for an honorable promise and a secret mission to stop a deadly foreign agent.
Only one woman remains unmoved by Blackstone's seductive ways. Banking heiress Violet Hammersley believes she has firm control over her passions and her life. That is, until her brother goes missing with a report vital to the British government--and the government puts Blackstone on the case. Now, if Violet wants to find her brother, she must work closely with the man who once broke her heart--without succumbing to the powerful impulse to fall for him again...
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 7, 2012
12 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
Kate Moore
27 books140 followersKate Moore writes stand alone and series romances set in contemporary California and Regency England for readers who want to fall in love again standing up, mostly fully clothed, surrounded by family. In Kate's stories, kind, quick-witted women find love with hot billionaires, lofty lords, and sexy spies; longing is leavened with humor; and readers say the blend of sparks and spice is "just right sexy." When life happens, let a Kate Moore romance lift your spirits. To connect with Kate and find the right romance for you, visit her website at https://www.katemoore.com or sign up for her newsletter at https://www.katemoore.com.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
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February 14, 20241. My friend’s mom wrote this.
2. I wanted to read an unabashed romance for February
3. There were too many characters in this book
2. I wanted to read an unabashed romance for February
3. There were too many characters in this book
September 4, 2021
England 1825. My interest waxed & waned on this DTB.
Lyle, a baron, known as Blackstone, was recruited as a
spy for England upon his return from a year held in
captivity in a foreign country. Violet served as Lyle's
former fiancee and now his faux betrothed, as a cover
for his spy activities.
Violet's brother and the H became chums at university.
Now Vi's brother went missing. Vi and her dad hosted a
foreign prince lacking in smarts and sense. The H + h,
IMO, in the present, lacked chemistry. Lyle was 17 &
Vi 12 in a flashback. She explored a key aspect of his
anatomy, while he remained clothed. I found this hard
to believe on her part. And it felt exploitive on his part.
Where was the spark? the closeness? the respect? They
did not seem to even like each other.
Lyle, a baron, known as Blackstone, was recruited as a
spy for England upon his return from a year held in
captivity in a foreign country. Violet served as Lyle's
former fiancee and now his faux betrothed, as a cover
for his spy activities.
Violet's brother and the H became chums at university.
Now Vi's brother went missing. Vi and her dad hosted a
foreign prince lacking in smarts and sense. The H + h,
IMO, in the present, lacked chemistry. Lyle was 17 &
Vi 12 in a flashback. She explored a key aspect of his
anatomy, while he remained clothed. I found this hard
to believe on her part. And it felt exploitive on his part.
Where was the spark? the closeness? the respect? They
did not seem to even like each other.
January 15, 2020
Despite the name, this was a bit of a spy thriller set in Victorian England. The heroine is an impoverished aristocrat and the hero is a street rat grown into a moneylender. Their marriage is meant to give him entre into her social world, while he agrees to pay off all her brother's debts. In reality, of course, they find themselves drawn to each other despite the very business-like beginning. Aristocrats selling national secrets, families covering up debts and scandal, marriages as business arrangements are all examined in this fictional social history.
December 31, 2019
Likeable characters but a contrived and never-ending story with a kidnapping, missing money, and a prince of Moldova. The romance was mostly in the last, when the main characters had been engaged. Of course, there was a misunderstanding and scandal that meant then end of their love, but the government needs them to get back to together to solve the stupid, never-ending mystery.
February 25, 2023
Set in 1825 London, Lord Blackstone: Lyle Massing is recruited to spy on a Moldovan Prince and his entourage.
Violet Hammersley is a banking heiress and Lyle’s former fiancée.
When Violet’s brother: Frank goes missing; Lyle and Violet pretend that they have renewed their engagement.
Violet Hammersley is a banking heiress and Lyle’s former fiancée.
When Violet’s brother: Frank goes missing; Lyle and Violet pretend that they have renewed their engagement.
April 5, 2020
2/10 hard going, managed to finish it.
April 29, 2025
An enjoyable read. The plot has twists and turns and the villains are dastardly. Odd characters and situations pop up.
September 5, 2012
“Blackstone’s Bride” by Kate Moore is a wonderful historical romance novel. Set in England in 1825, this novel has it all. I loved the hero, who was dashing, debonair, devilish, and determined. Lyle Massing, the Baron Blackstone had been captured by a Greek warlord, held for ransom, and finally let go. He was returning to England to try to retrieve his birthright, bring his mother and sisters back to their rightful place in society. He was enlisted as a spy for England by Goldsworthy who promised him money in return for one year and a day of service to the crown.
Violet Hammersly, who had been betrothed to Lyle before his Greek escapade, had broken their engagement when a salacious rumor was tattled all over London. Violet was not of the aristocracy, but her father was a well thought of banker. The two were thrown together again when Violet’s brother Frank went missing. Goldsworthy was sure that he was being held captive and Lyle was the secret agent who was sent to find him. Violet and Lyle began a false engagement again to be able to go about in society and learn of anything that would help find Frank. Violet was not shy and retiring. She was as bold and determined to help find her brother as was Lyle. I dare not say more because to do so would give away the plot…and it does thicken as you read on.
This story had no end of suspense. I was hooked by the first few pages. It was well written and deserves to be in my library. I heartily recommend this book.
I received a free Kindle copy of this book for my honest review from the publisher. The opinions expressed here are my own.
You can find my review on my blog:
http://wp.me/p2pjIt-2v
Violet Hammersly, who had been betrothed to Lyle before his Greek escapade, had broken their engagement when a salacious rumor was tattled all over London. Violet was not of the aristocracy, but her father was a well thought of banker. The two were thrown together again when Violet’s brother Frank went missing. Goldsworthy was sure that he was being held captive and Lyle was the secret agent who was sent to find him. Violet and Lyle began a false engagement again to be able to go about in society and learn of anything that would help find Frank. Violet was not shy and retiring. She was as bold and determined to help find her brother as was Lyle. I dare not say more because to do so would give away the plot…and it does thicken as you read on.
This story had no end of suspense. I was hooked by the first few pages. It was well written and deserves to be in my library. I heartily recommend this book.
I received a free Kindle copy of this book for my honest review from the publisher. The opinions expressed here are my own.
You can find my review on my blog:
http://wp.me/p2pjIt-2v
February 26, 2013
To read my full review, visit: Love Saves the World
Kate Moore delves into spies and international intrigue in this story and she does it very well. She builds an atmosphere that is tense where one must be careful of whom they trust. How Blackstone dealt with the situation parallels how readers should view him as well. He sees beyond the obvious. Blackstone proves that a lot can be learned from something as innocuous as a shopping trip. (Read pp. 69-70)
Moore's writing is very beautiful -- rich in emotion and detail. She invites the readers to really pay attention to the details. It is very nuanced -- one word provides a world of meaning.
"Again" -- in that one word, the whole history between the hero and heroine is revealed (and what a past they shared!) I enjoyed the dynamic between the hero and heroine -- the pull between desire and hurt -- the sense of betrayal and the complete belief Blackstone had in their friendship -- and his determination to make amends.
...
Blackstone's Bride is a story to be savored. (Can you tell I'm a fan? ^_^) When I finished this story, I immediately went to Kate Moore's website, hoping to find information n her next book. I really, really hope it will be soon. :-)
Kate Moore delves into spies and international intrigue in this story and she does it very well. She builds an atmosphere that is tense where one must be careful of whom they trust. How Blackstone dealt with the situation parallels how readers should view him as well. He sees beyond the obvious. Blackstone proves that a lot can be learned from something as innocuous as a shopping trip. (Read pp. 69-70)
Moore's writing is very beautiful -- rich in emotion and detail. She invites the readers to really pay attention to the details. It is very nuanced -- one word provides a world of meaning.
What he wanted, had begun to want from the moment he saw Violet on the stairs, was to make love to her again in all the places he'd made love to her before in her father's ridiculous mansion.
- p. 119
"Again" -- in that one word, the whole history between the hero and heroine is revealed (and what a past they shared!) I enjoyed the dynamic between the hero and heroine -- the pull between desire and hurt -- the sense of betrayal and the complete belief Blackstone had in their friendship -- and his determination to make amends.
...
Blackstone's Bride is a story to be savored. (Can you tell I'm a fan? ^_^) When I finished this story, I immediately went to Kate Moore's website, hoping to find information n her next book. I really, really hope it will be soon. :-)
November 13, 2015
Blackstone comes back to England after a significant absence and the rumors of his amorous excesses are still circling. His ex-fiancee, Violet, who spurned him after discovering them, is still on his mind, but he's bitter that she didn't have any faith in him since he's completely innocent. And her brother has suddenly gone missing and he's assigned to stick around the household as her new fiancee/bodyguard/spy. She's upset about it, still feeling brokenhearted about his alleged affairs and the fact that he walked away from her so easily. Being together won't be easy, but she'll put up with him to find her brother.
Not that this book was bad, but it was kind of forgettable. So much so that 4 days after reading it, I had to re-read the excerpt to remember what it was about. It's kind of a cliche story - reunited ex-lovers, fake engagement and bodyguard lover. I do recall thinking that Blackstone got over his bitterness rather abruptly and I feel like I never got a grip on how or why that happened. It was as though suddenly all was forgiven between them but nothing had actually been resolved.
Not that this book was bad, but it was kind of forgettable. So much so that 4 days after reading it, I had to re-read the excerpt to remember what it was about. It's kind of a cliche story - reunited ex-lovers, fake engagement and bodyguard lover. I do recall thinking that Blackstone got over his bitterness rather abruptly and I feel like I never got a grip on how or why that happened. It was as though suddenly all was forgiven between them but nothing had actually been resolved.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2012
I'll stop short of saying I disliked this one, but I found it annoying and unsatisfying. I just didn't like Violet very much at all. I found her lack of faith in Blackstone just disappointing. She came across as insincere, shallow and immature. Blackstone was a little more likeable but his refusal to explain anything was also annoying. Successful couples are able to communicate and there just was so little productive communication between the two that is was hard to believe their romance. My biggest complaint was that I felt there were big gaps in the plot. There were elements that were either never explained in a satisfying manner or the explanation was delayed too long. I don't know if that was by design or just due to poor editing. This was my first book by this author and I'm not inclined to try another.
August 12, 2012
Hmm, I find it difficult to describe my reaction to this book because while I didn't finish it I didn't think it was bad per se, it just seemed to be lacking something. I think the basis for a really solid novel was there but it moved slowly (about halfway through the book I still wasn't quite sure why the hero and heroine had a falling out) and I think that both the H/h relationship and the plot elements need to be better developed. Ultimately, I just stopped caring.
March 6, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. It had a fresh approach to the historical set up. The hero was unique and the author kept me wondering how he was going to pull things out of the fire. The heroine's brother was missing, and she didn't want to work with the hero because of their history. But they worked together. I highly recommend this book.
October 12, 2012
I have to make a mental note to stay away from spy stories. It takes the joy out from reading historical romance.
February 17, 2013
So unmemorable I tried to read it, felt like I wouldn't like it, and then realized I already had read it.
February 17, 2013
Good mystery. Great hero and heroine. Kept me interested in the story.
Read
March 31, 2013It was different & refreshing.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews