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Dangerous
From a magnificent ballroom ablaze with lights to an imposing country house steeped in shadows comes a breathtaking tale of an impetuous miss--and a passion that leads to peril...
At five and twenty, Prudence Merryweather knew very well the risks a woman took by visiting a gentleman in the dead of night. But bearding the notorious Earl of Angelstone in his den was the only way to stop him from engaging her hot-headed brother in a duel. And that was why she found herself ushered into Sebastian's forbidding presence at three in the morning--and thoroughly kissed before dawn.
She was a country-bred innocent--and an intriguing experience for a man who dwelt more in the shadows than in the sunshine. Yet as her boldness drew Prue into one dangerous episode after another, Sebastian found himself torn between a raging hunger to possess her and a driving need to protect her. And the reckless beauty would soon need all the protection she could get...
At five and twenty, Prudence Merryweather knew very well the risks a woman took by visiting a gentleman in the dead of night. But bearding the notorious Earl of Angelstone in his den was the only way to stop him from engaging her hot-headed brother in a duel. And that was why she found herself ushered into Sebastian's forbidding presence at three in the morning--and thoroughly kissed before dawn.
She was a country-bred innocent--and an intriguing experience for a man who dwelt more in the shadows than in the sunshine. Yet as her boldness drew Prue into one dangerous episode after another, Sebastian found himself torn between a raging hunger to possess her and a driving need to protect her. And the reckless beauty would soon need all the protection she could get...
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 28, 1993
506 people are currently reading
3720 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Quick
93 books5,492 followersPseudonym of Jayne Ann Krentz
The author of over 40 consecutive New York Times bestsellers, JAYNE ANN KRENTZ writes romantic-suspense, often with a psychic and paranormal twist, in three different worlds: Contemporary (as Jayne Ann Krentz), historical (as Amanda Quick) and futuristic (as Jayne Castle). There are over 30 million copies of her books in print.
She earned a B.A. in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and went on to obtain a Masters degree in Library Science from San Jose State University in California. Before she began writing full time she worked as a librarian in both academic and corporate libraries.
Ms. Krentz is married and lives with her husband, Frank, in Seattle, Washington.
Pseudonym(s):
Jayne Ann Krentz
Jayne Castle
Stephanie James
Jayne Bentley
Jayne Taylor
Amanda Glass
The author of over 40 consecutive New York Times bestsellers, JAYNE ANN KRENTZ writes romantic-suspense, often with a psychic and paranormal twist, in three different worlds: Contemporary (as Jayne Ann Krentz), historical (as Amanda Quick) and futuristic (as Jayne Castle). There are over 30 million copies of her books in print.
She earned a B.A. in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and went on to obtain a Masters degree in Library Science from San Jose State University in California. Before she began writing full time she worked as a librarian in both academic and corporate libraries.
Ms. Krentz is married and lives with her husband, Frank, in Seattle, Washington.
Pseudonym(s):
Jayne Ann Krentz
Jayne Castle
Stephanie James
Jayne Bentley
Jayne Taylor
Amanda Glass
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 572 reviews
February 21, 2013
It was the darkest hour of the night.....
She was going to pay a call to the man known as Fallen Angel...
She had no other choice if she wanted to save her brother's neck...so she walks into his den and finds....
LUCIFER!!!!
Sorry, that's just his (the man called Fallen Angel's) black cat, Lucifer!! :P
Anyway...coming back to the story....
So, she walks into his den...his home and finds him....the man everyone called Fallen Angel....the last and only person who could help her...
So, who is she???
She is Prudence Merryweather. A country-bred 25 year old, innocent miss, she has come to Town(old London or should I say the 19th century London) with her younger 20 year old brother. And the ton has given her the title of Original. She's witty, innocent, intelligent and has an unusual hobby....she is a "ghost investigator"!
So, the ton is amused by her, fascinated by her....and she's invited to tons of parties and balls and dinners....
And it's in one of those balls where she meets him....
Sebastian Fleetwood, the Earl of Angelstone.....He's a man who's accustomed to living in the shadows....after all everyone knew the devil preferred the cover of night. His notorious reputation has earned him the name Fallen Angel .
They meet in a ballroom....he asks to be introduced to her....and they waltz...
And then her naive brother gets in a mess, a duel...for a stupid, silly reason...and being the responsible, sensible elder sister that she is, she tries to make things right....and Angelstone is the only one who can save her brother...so she braves a visit to his den...his home in the dead of the night and makes a bargain with him...
And they seal it with a kiss....or rather he seals it with a kiss and she's left stunned....
Walking into the devil's lair...sealing a bargain with him was all very well...for she needed to save her brother...but who will save her from him???
[image error]
Intrigued by her...attracted to her...Sebastian has decided to have bold little Prudence who is the only one who drives away the cold inside his chest....
But he'll need to stay alert...for she'll keep him on his toes with her reckless, adventurous forays into dangerous situations...
And soon she'll need all the protection she could get.....
A young, unmarried lady visiting a gentleman's house alone in 1800's was scandalous...but visiting a gentleman's house in the dead of night would be beyond scandalous...it was Dangerous....
In the lap of luxury, in Sebastian's lap lapping up all the strokes....ladies and gentleman...it's Lucifer!!! :D
When she was trying to talk some sense into the devil and persuading him to save her brother's neck....
LOL!!
I love Amanda Quick's books!!!
Love her historical romances!!!
Love this one too!!
Her historical romances are very different from all the other historical romances that I've read till today.
The heroines in her novels are very...um shall I say..unconventional? Yes, definitely unconventional! For example, the heroine of this novel, Prudence, is brave, headstrong, intelligent, bold and curious. She is not an unrivalled beauty as is usually the case in such books...rather she's pretty in an understated way....and definitely not frivolous. She is lively and full of spirit. Also, she's a investigator of spectral phenomenons!! I mean it's not exactly believable....where in heaven's name one could find a female detective, let alone a female detective of ghosts in the early 19th century?? And that's why she's unconventional!! She's also very charming, innocent and naive without being stupid. A difficult feat to achieve by an author. But trust me, Amanda Quick does it every time! I don't how she does it but I'm grateful to her for it...because a while back I was obsessed with this genre and while reading some HRs I came across certain books which had heroines who were supposedly naive and innocent but came across as stupid...not exactly the image I'm certain the author of the book was intending to achieve. :S No matter how good the story, if the characters irk you for some reason or the other, it's very unlikely you'll go back to it for a second read. Thankfully, that's definitely not the case here.
The hero of the novel was a cynic (as any good hero usually is! :P), supposedly cold (his whole family had died in a so-called accident and he's at odds with his other relatives...his cousin and aunt...so, basically he's alone..), shrewd, handsome(of course!), intelligent, calculative and very good with locks!! :D How? Well, he could apparently open any lock and this talent came in handy quite a few times in the book. In more than one way actually...
This is how he talks to the locks (yes, talks to them!) while opening them...and breaking and entering places where he's not wanted...
And this is her, Prudence's, reaction later on in the book when she hears him talking to a lock when they're stealthily trying to enter someone else's house....
LOL!!! I mean, seriously?? :DD
The story is pretty good and enjoyable. The focus is more on their story rather than on the mystery which is intermingled with the main plot....The dialogues are such that they'll make you smile, laugh and smile some more. :) It's sweet, interesting, and a classic Amanda Quick novel with that unconventional touch....One thing is for sure....you definitely won't be bored!! :))
This is the second time that I've read this book....after a very long gap and I can honestly say that I enjoyed the second time around as much as I did the first time! :))
Note: For those who've never tried this genre or are unfamiliar with this period of England(19th century England), I've tried to explain the unfamiliar terms used in this review...not sure if I did it properly but trust me, don't let a few unfamiliar words keep you from trying this genre!! It's amazing!! Especially Amanda Quick's books! Try them...who knows, you might end up loving it. :)
Original: A lady with a unique style....someone who was amusing or unconventional.
Ton: Fashionable Society or the upper crust of english society; The members of the ton were largely made up of the aristocracy, and they enjoyed the Season on a grand scale with seemingly infinite avenues of entertainment; British society known, in Regency slang, as the ton - a shortened form of the French term haute ton or haute monde. In English the term translates to "high society".
Enjoy!!! :))
She was going to pay a call to the man known as Fallen Angel...
She had no other choice if she wanted to save her brother's neck...so she walks into his den and finds....
LUCIFER!!!!
Sorry, that's just his (the man called Fallen Angel's) black cat, Lucifer!! :P
Anyway...coming back to the story....
So, she walks into his den...his home and finds him....the man everyone called Fallen Angel....the last and only person who could help her...
So, who is she???
She is Prudence Merryweather. A country-bred 25 year old, innocent miss, she has come to Town(old London or should I say the 19th century London) with her younger 20 year old brother. And the ton has given her the title of Original. She's witty, innocent, intelligent and has an unusual hobby....she is a "ghost investigator"!
"Do you believe in ghosts, Miss Merryweather?"
“I myself am extremely skeptical on the subject,” Prudence admitted. “But many people do believe in ghosts. They often think they have evidence of spectral phenomena. My hobby involves examining that evidence and attempting to find a logical explanation for it.”
So, the ton is amused by her, fascinated by her....and she's invited to tons of parties and balls and dinners....
And it's in one of those balls where she meets him....
Sebastian Fleetwood, the Earl of Angelstone.....He's a man who's accustomed to living in the shadows....after all everyone knew the devil preferred the cover of night. His notorious reputation has earned him the name Fallen Angel .
Angelstone was anything but angelic in either appearance or temperament. It was said in the drawing rooms of the ton that he bore a strong resemblance to the Lord of the Underworld. It was true that it would take a formidable imagination to envision him with a pair of wings and a halo.
The firelight flickering behind Sebastian seemed a little too atmospheric tonight. The glow of the flames threw his fierce, saturnine features into harsh relief. His black hair was cut short. His curious, amber eyes blazed with a cold, penetrating intelligence. His body was hard and lean. Prudence knew from her experience with him on the dance floor that Sebastian moved with a lazy, dangerous masculine grace.
They meet in a ballroom....he asks to be introduced to her....and they waltz...
And then her naive brother gets in a mess, a duel...for a stupid, silly reason...and being the responsible, sensible elder sister that she is, she tries to make things right....and Angelstone is the only one who can save her brother...so she braves a visit to his den...his home in the dead of the night and makes a bargain with him...
“I should perhaps remind you that when one grants a favor, one expects to be able to collect payment in return at some future time.”
A fresh flash of alarm went through Prudence. She eyed him warily. “What, exactly, are you suggesting, my lord?”
“Merely that in return for my doing you this favor tonight, you will agree to do one for me should I ever request it.”
Prudence held herself very still. “What sort of favor would you expect in return for sparing my brother’s life?”
“Who knows? One cannot see into the future, Miss Merryweather. I have no notion now of what sort of boon I might someday require of you.”
“I see.” She drew her brows together in concern. “But you expect to collect this favor from me at some point?”
Sebastian smiled slowly. His eyes and those of his cat reflected the firelight. “Yes, Miss Merryweather. Someday I shall most definitely collect what is owed to me. Do we have a bargain?”
A dangerous silence settled on the shadowed library. It was broken only by the crackle of the flames on the hearth. Prudence could not look away from Sebastian’s steady, unreadable gaze.
She would have to take the chance that her intuition about this man was correct. He might be dangerous, but she did not believe he was evil.
“Very well, my lord,” Prudence said quietly. “I will agree to this bargain.”
And they seal it with a kiss....or rather he seals it with a kiss and she's left stunned....
Walking into the devil's lair...sealing a bargain with him was all very well...for she needed to save her brother...but who will save her from him???
[image error]
Intrigued by her...attracted to her...Sebastian has decided to have bold little Prudence who is the only one who drives away the cold inside his chest....
There was, he realized, an earnest, thoroughly wholesome quality about Prudence that he found inexplicably enthralling. He thirsted for a taste of her refreshing, invigorating goodness even as he mocked it.
Sitting there in his library lecturing him about his responsibilities, she had made him feel every heavy ounce of the darkness that weighed down his soul. Prudence was a creature of the sunlight and she made him very conscious of the fact that he was a man who dwelt in the deepest shadows of the night.
They were opposites, yet he had wanted her from the moment he was introduced to her. It made no sense. Sebastian wondered why he found himself so captivated by Prudence. For captivated he was.
But he'll need to stay alert...for she'll keep him on his toes with her reckless, adventurous forays into dangerous situations...
And soon she'll need all the protection she could get.....
A young, unmarried lady visiting a gentleman's house alone in 1800's was scandalous...but visiting a gentleman's house in the dead of night would be beyond scandalous...it was Dangerous....
“This is a trifle awkward, my lord.”
“Yes.” Sebastian stretched his booted feet out toward the fire and went back to slowly stroking the cat.
“It is also a trifle dangerous.”
“Nonsense. I have a pistol in my reticule and the coachman who brought me here has agreed to wait for me. I assure you, I shall be quite safe.”
“A pistol?” He eyed her with some amusement. “You are a most unusual woman, Miss Merryweather. Did you think you would need the pistol to protect yourself from me?”
"Good heavens, no, my lord.” Prudence was genuinely shocked. “You’re a gentleman, sir.”
“Am I?”
“Of course you are. Pray do not tease me, my lord. I brought the pistol along as protection against footpads. I understand they are very prevalent here in Town.”
“Yes. They are.”
(Here comes the cat...)
The cat crouched on Sebastian’s lap and gazed at Prudence with an unwinking gaze. It struck her that the beast’s eyes were almost the exact same shade of gold as those of its master. She was momentarily distracted by that observation.
“Does your cat have a name, sir?” she asked suddenly.
“Yes.”
“What is it?”
The faint smile briefly edged Sebastian’s mouth again. “Lucifer.”
In the lap of luxury, in Sebastian's lap lapping up all the strokes....ladies and gentleman...it's Lucifer!!! :D
When she was trying to talk some sense into the devil and persuading him to save her brother's neck....
“He is at that dreadful age when young men feel things so very intensely. I expect you were young once yourself.”
Sebastian gazed at her, clearly fascinated. “Now that you mention it, I believe I was. It was a very long time ago, of course.”
Prudence flushed. “I did not mean to imply that you are old now, my lord.”
“Thank you.”
Prudence gave him an encouraging smile. “Heavens, you are probably not much above forty.”
“Thirty-five.”
Prudence blinked. “I beg your pardon?”
“I am thirty-five, Miss Merryweather. Not forty.”
“Oh. I see.” Prudence wondered if she had offended him. She sought to recover whatever ground she had lost. “Well, you certainly have the aspect of the sort of sound maturity one would expect in a much older man, sir.”
“Kind of you to say so. Others have said that my face bears the marks of a blighted soul and too much hard living.”
LOL!!
He wrapped one hand around the bedpost and looked at her with hooded, unreadable eyes. “I wish to speak to you about this engagement of ours. I have had enough of this foolishness.”
Dismay swept through her. “You wish to end it so soon, sir?” She floundered for a logical, rational reason that would forestall the inevitable. “What about our investigation?”
“Forget the damned investigation. I am beginning to think that if the matter were put to the test, I would finish a poor second to your
interest in conducting investigations"
“I did not mean to imply that you are not also quite interesting, my lord,” she said desperately. “Indeed, I have never met a more decidedly interesting man. I am quite persuaded your intellect is of the highest order. I have been deeply impressed by your inquiring nature. And by your cleverness with locks.”
“Enough.” He released the bedpost and came toward her with an air of grim intent.
“Sebastian? What are you about?"
"Why don’t you apply your intellect to that question, Miss Merryweather? I’m certain you will very quickly arrive at the answer.”
He caught hold of her and swung her up into his arms before she realized what he intended.
“Sebastian.”
I love Amanda Quick's books!!!
Love her historical romances!!!
Love this one too!!
Her historical romances are very different from all the other historical romances that I've read till today.
The heroines in her novels are very...um shall I say..unconventional? Yes, definitely unconventional! For example, the heroine of this novel, Prudence, is brave, headstrong, intelligent, bold and curious. She is not an unrivalled beauty as is usually the case in such books...rather she's pretty in an understated way....and definitely not frivolous. She is lively and full of spirit. Also, she's a investigator of spectral phenomenons!! I mean it's not exactly believable....where in heaven's name one could find a female detective, let alone a female detective of ghosts in the early 19th century?? And that's why she's unconventional!! She's also very charming, innocent and naive without being stupid. A difficult feat to achieve by an author. But trust me, Amanda Quick does it every time! I don't how she does it but I'm grateful to her for it...because a while back I was obsessed with this genre and while reading some HRs I came across certain books which had heroines who were supposedly naive and innocent but came across as stupid...not exactly the image I'm certain the author of the book was intending to achieve. :S No matter how good the story, if the characters irk you for some reason or the other, it's very unlikely you'll go back to it for a second read. Thankfully, that's definitely not the case here.
The hero of the novel was a cynic (as any good hero usually is! :P), supposedly cold (his whole family had died in a so-called accident and he's at odds with his other relatives...his cousin and aunt...so, basically he's alone..), shrewd, handsome(of course!), intelligent, calculative and very good with locks!! :D How? Well, he could apparently open any lock and this talent came in handy quite a few times in the book. In more than one way actually...
This is how he talks to the locks (yes, talks to them!) while opening them...and breaking and entering places where he's not wanted...
“Open for me, sweet,” Sebastian whispered to the lock. “That’s it, darling, let me inside. Give me what I want. Ah, yes. That’s right. That’s what I need. Beautiful.”
There was a tiny click. Sebastian turned the doorknob and opened the door. The hinges squeaked eerily.
And this is her, Prudence's, reaction later on in the book when she hears him talking to a lock when they're stealthily trying to enter someone else's house....
Sebastian felt something give inside the lock. Satisfaction coursed through him. “Ah, yes, love. That’s it. Open for me. Easy, now. Let me inside. Beautiful.”
Prudence gave a soft, annoyed exclamation. “Are you aware that you tend to talk to locks the same way you talk to me when we are making love?”
“Naturally. You and a fine, clever lock have much in common. You are both endlessly amusing.”
“Sebastian, sometimes you are impossible.”
"Thank you. I do try.”
LOL!!! I mean, seriously?? :DD
The story is pretty good and enjoyable. The focus is more on their story rather than on the mystery which is intermingled with the main plot....The dialogues are such that they'll make you smile, laugh and smile some more. :) It's sweet, interesting, and a classic Amanda Quick novel with that unconventional touch....One thing is for sure....you definitely won't be bored!! :))
This is the second time that I've read this book....after a very long gap and I can honestly say that I enjoyed the second time around as much as I did the first time! :))
Note: For those who've never tried this genre or are unfamiliar with this period of England(19th century England), I've tried to explain the unfamiliar terms used in this review...not sure if I did it properly but trust me, don't let a few unfamiliar words keep you from trying this genre!! It's amazing!! Especially Amanda Quick's books! Try them...who knows, you might end up loving it. :)
Original: A lady with a unique style....someone who was amusing or unconventional.
Ton: Fashionable Society or the upper crust of english society; The members of the ton were largely made up of the aristocracy, and they enjoyed the Season on a grand scale with seemingly infinite avenues of entertainment; British society known, in Regency slang, as the ton - a shortened form of the French term haute ton or haute monde. In English the term translates to "high society".
Enjoy!!! :))
October 31, 2011
I read somewhere that Amanda Quick's historical romance novels follow an usual "formula": a somewhat tortured hero who needs to learn how to love and laugh + a quirky heroine who marches into his life bringing said love and laughter and never takes no for an answer. Well, I happen to like that "formula" and Dangerous does follow it, so no one will see me complaining here. :)
I loved the charming and sarcastic hero (Sebastian) and the funny and indomitable heroine (Prue). Their quick banter had me laughing from the start, and it didn't take long for Sebastian to realize that he was never going to win an argument with Prue. Not because he wasn't smart or witty enough but because he just wanted to make her happy. Too melodramatic? Perhaps, but it only made me love him more.
Sebastian and Prue's relationship went kind of smoothly from the start and all the way through the end. There wasn't really any big bumps on their road to the HEA - once they got together, there was no doubt on their minds their marriage was going to work - but that doesn't mean that the journey was boring. Quite the contrary. Their common interest in investigating "unusual" things - he helped a Bow Street Runner to solve some cases as a hobby and she was an amateur ghost hunter - kept the story flowing very nicely. The whodunit mystery they ended up investigating together was actually very good. Call me naïve but I didn't guess who the killer was. Not that there were that many suspects, it was the "why" that kept escaping me.
All in all, this was a great read and my favorite book by this author. Okay, I've only read two so far, but who's counting? (LOL)
I loved the charming and sarcastic hero (Sebastian) and the funny and indomitable heroine (Prue). Their quick banter had me laughing from the start, and it didn't take long for Sebastian to realize that he was never going to win an argument with Prue. Not because he wasn't smart or witty enough but because he just wanted to make her happy. Too melodramatic? Perhaps, but it only made me love him more.
Sebastian and Prue's relationship went kind of smoothly from the start and all the way through the end. There wasn't really any big bumps on their road to the HEA - once they got together, there was no doubt on their minds their marriage was going to work - but that doesn't mean that the journey was boring. Quite the contrary. Their common interest in investigating "unusual" things - he helped a Bow Street Runner to solve some cases as a hobby and she was an amateur ghost hunter - kept the story flowing very nicely. The whodunit mystery they ended up investigating together was actually very good. Call me naïve but I didn't guess who the killer was. Not that there were that many suspects, it was the "why" that kept escaping me.
All in all, this was a great read and my favorite book by this author. Okay, I've only read two so far, but who's counting? (LOL)
December 3, 2025
Just as fun the second time around
I loveee Amanda Quick~
Her heroines are a ray of sunshine blasting away any negative emotions and disillusionment~☀︎⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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I loveee Amanda Quick~
Her heroines are a ray of sunshine blasting away any negative emotions and disillusionment~☀︎⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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December 7, 2021
I read this book primarily to compare them to two other works of Amanda Quick and see if they are indeed very similar to each other. If she uses the same formula over and over to her historicals. An intelligent spinster, a cold hero, gossip about the hero's past and/or present, super nice conversation, some humor and a mystery/murder to solve. And yes, that's precisely how this book was written, as well as the other two works I read before that.
My favorite is still "Ravished". I did not enjoy this book so much because of two things. First, the trouble didn't look for them, they were the ones looking for trouble and I was tired of that aspect of the story. I rather wanted more of the romance and in the end I don't think it was good enough for me. I was left dissatisfied.
Second, the hero had a lot of problems with his family and the way the heroine wanted him to get over it and be nice with them was very irritating. His family was horrible to him and ofc I wanted him to be happy, but not how the heroine went about doing it.
Another thing worth mentioning is that the mystery was quite dark. Just so you are forewarned.
So now that I assuage my curiosity, I will not read Amanda Quick for the foreseeable time. I still want to try "The paid companion" tho.
My favorite is still "Ravished". I did not enjoy this book so much because of two things. First, the trouble didn't look for them, they were the ones looking for trouble and I was tired of that aspect of the story. I rather wanted more of the romance and in the end I don't think it was good enough for me. I was left dissatisfied.
Second, the hero had a lot of problems with his family and the way the heroine wanted him to get over it and be nice with them was very irritating. His family was horrible to him and ofc I wanted him to be happy, but not how the heroine went about doing it.
Another thing worth mentioning is that the mystery was quite dark. Just so you are forewarned.
So now that I assuage my curiosity, I will not read Amanda Quick for the foreseeable time. I still want to try "The paid companion" tho.
April 27, 2019
4 Estrellitas. Hacía tiempo que un libro no me deleitaba de ésta manera. Éste año me está dejando mucho que desear en cuanto a elección de libros, pero gracias a ésta novela no he tirado la toalla. Si algo sé sobre Amanda Quick es que sus libros son una apuesta segura y nunca decepcionan, puede que todas sus tramas sean similares, pero sus personajes son únicos y sus escenarios inigualables.
“El peligro de la pasión” es una de sus novela antigüillas. pero ciertamente bien valoradas. Nos encontramos en el Londres de la Regencia y tenemos a Prudence, una mujer atípica del campo que ha venido con su hermano a pasar la temporada a Londres invitados por una amiga. Cuando digo que Prudence es atípica es que lo es; es única, es inteligente, y ha recibido una buena educación a pesar de no provenir de una familia pudiente. Sus circunstancias han cambiado gracias a su afición, se dedica a investigar casos espectrales, o lo que es lo mismo, buscar fantasmas. Gracias a su primera incursión en el mundillo, ahora es conocida en Londres como Doña Original, y aunque su aspecto deja mucho que desear, está en boca de todos.
Pero no todo parece ir bien. Prudence ha conocido en un baile a lord Angelston, un atractivo conde de orígenes dudosos y con una notoria reputación. Sebastian Fleetwood, lord Angelston se siente intrigado por Doña Original, bajo sus vestidos poco elegantes, su larguirucha figura y sus gafas de solterona, Prue ha conseguido llamar su atención, y ésta misma hará que el joven y atontado hermano de Prue lo rete a un duelo. Aquí será cuando Prue entre en acción y acuda a Sebastian para impedirlo; será en éste momento cuando la relación de ambos empiece a desarrollarse, para disgusto del hermano de Prue y placer de Sebastian.
Como en todo libro de Amanda Quick, no tendremos solo el romance de los protagonistas, si no que habrá casos para investigar, Prue se dedica a los fenómenos espectrales, y a lord Angelston le gusta pasar el tiempo investigando y ayudando para Bow Street. Será en un caso en el que irán unidas las especialidades de ambos lo que hará que se asocien para la resolución del mismo.
Si algo me ha gustado de la historia de Prue y Sebastian es que él la quiere prácticamente desde el principio y sin reservas, pese a que físicamente su aspecto no esté a la moda y deje mucho que desear, admito que me encantan los protagonistas que se enamoran de la chica por ser ellas mismas y no sólo por su físico. En cuanto a Prue, podría decir lo mismo, es inteligente, divertida, resolutiva, y no está muy segura de querer las atenciones de Sebastian; no porque no se sienta atraída por él, si no porque años atrás recibió un cruel rechazo y sabe que sólo se unirá a un hombre por amor.
Leer éste libro ha sido un acierto, sobre todo por la primera parte de la novela, que me ha enganchado como pocas novelas lo hacen. La segunda mitad me ha gustado algo menos, pero porque el romance ha ido decayendo en un segundo plano, mientras que ha ido adquiriendo más importancia la trama de investigación, aunque debo admitirlo, ha estado muy bien llevada, pese a ser algo predecible.
Recomiendo éste libro si os gusta la autora, los romances bonitos y sin muchos altercados pero con buenos diálogos, y por supuesto si os gusta el misterio en las novelas románticas. Como he dicho ahí arriba, leer a Amanda Quick es sinónimo de calidad en el género, ahora mismo un bien preciado en el actual panorama editorial.
“El peligro de la pasión” es una de sus novela antigüillas. pero ciertamente bien valoradas. Nos encontramos en el Londres de la Regencia y tenemos a Prudence, una mujer atípica del campo que ha venido con su hermano a pasar la temporada a Londres invitados por una amiga. Cuando digo que Prudence es atípica es que lo es; es única, es inteligente, y ha recibido una buena educación a pesar de no provenir de una familia pudiente. Sus circunstancias han cambiado gracias a su afición, se dedica a investigar casos espectrales, o lo que es lo mismo, buscar fantasmas. Gracias a su primera incursión en el mundillo, ahora es conocida en Londres como Doña Original, y aunque su aspecto deja mucho que desear, está en boca de todos.
Pero no todo parece ir bien. Prudence ha conocido en un baile a lord Angelston, un atractivo conde de orígenes dudosos y con una notoria reputación. Sebastian Fleetwood, lord Angelston se siente intrigado por Doña Original, bajo sus vestidos poco elegantes, su larguirucha figura y sus gafas de solterona, Prue ha conseguido llamar su atención, y ésta misma hará que el joven y atontado hermano de Prue lo rete a un duelo. Aquí será cuando Prue entre en acción y acuda a Sebastian para impedirlo; será en éste momento cuando la relación de ambos empiece a desarrollarse, para disgusto del hermano de Prue y placer de Sebastian.
Como en todo libro de Amanda Quick, no tendremos solo el romance de los protagonistas, si no que habrá casos para investigar, Prue se dedica a los fenómenos espectrales, y a lord Angelston le gusta pasar el tiempo investigando y ayudando para Bow Street. Será en un caso en el que irán unidas las especialidades de ambos lo que hará que se asocien para la resolución del mismo.
Si algo me ha gustado de la historia de Prue y Sebastian es que él la quiere prácticamente desde el principio y sin reservas, pese a que físicamente su aspecto no esté a la moda y deje mucho que desear, admito que me encantan los protagonistas que se enamoran de la chica por ser ellas mismas y no sólo por su físico. En cuanto a Prue, podría decir lo mismo, es inteligente, divertida, resolutiva, y no está muy segura de querer las atenciones de Sebastian; no porque no se sienta atraída por él, si no porque años atrás recibió un cruel rechazo y sabe que sólo se unirá a un hombre por amor.
Leer éste libro ha sido un acierto, sobre todo por la primera parte de la novela, que me ha enganchado como pocas novelas lo hacen. La segunda mitad me ha gustado algo menos, pero porque el romance ha ido decayendo en un segundo plano, mientras que ha ido adquiriendo más importancia la trama de investigación, aunque debo admitirlo, ha estado muy bien llevada, pese a ser algo predecible.
Recomiendo éste libro si os gusta la autora, los romances bonitos y sin muchos altercados pero con buenos diálogos, y por supuesto si os gusta el misterio en las novelas románticas. Como he dicho ahí arriba, leer a Amanda Quick es sinónimo de calidad en el género, ahora mismo un bien preciado en el actual panorama editorial.
December 20, 2024
The thing with Amanda Quick's books; they're pretty formulaic. It usually follows quirky-spinster-heroine-and-icy-cold-hero-with-a-mystery-thrown-in. However, I find her books very entertaining, the banters are hilarious and the mystery element to be good (most of the time). I can say it's the same here. The trick to enjoying Ms. Quicks books would be to not read them back to back. I usually read one of hers between authors. You'll enjoy her books more this way.
August 8, 2018
4.5 stars.
It should be an easy 5 stars if I didn't want to smack the heroine for a few time.
Her quick to defend whoever the target of the Hero's sharp tongue it's very annoying especially when its deserved.
Anyway, this one has a good storyline, I wonder if Ms. Roberts got inspired from this book to write Brotherhood in Death, you know what I mean if you already read that book.
Somehow while the disgusting crime are the same, because of the humor in it, this book feel much lighter than BiD and very enjoyable.
It should be an easy 5 stars if I didn't want to smack the heroine for a few time.
Her quick to defend whoever the target of the Hero's sharp tongue it's very annoying especially when its deserved.
Anyway, this one has a good storyline, I wonder if Ms. Roberts got inspired from this book to write Brotherhood in Death, you know what I mean if you already read that book.
Somehow while the disgusting crime are the same, because of the humor in it, this book feel much lighter than BiD and very enjoyable.
April 27, 2022
The first 25% of the book was a five star read for me. I was smiling, swooning, fanning myself and laughing out loud and I loved it! Sebastian and Prue were immensely likeable and so very good together.
His white cravat hung loose around his neck and his ruffled shirt was unfastened far enough to reveal the crisp black hair on his chest. His buff-colored breeches hugged the sinewy lines of his thighs. He had not yet removed his black, mirror-polished Hessians. (Aaaah, I’m such a fool for a man wearing those polished black boots!)
Prudence was nearing the end of her patience. “My lord, I must insist you cease acting like a cork-brained idiot. We both know you are too intelligent to want to engage in something as foolish as a duel.” “A cork-brained idiot?” 😂
Sebastian gazed out at the darkened streets and thought about the eyes behind the spectacles. Fantastic eyes. Deep, clear pools of an indescribable shade of green. Intelligent eyes. The eyes of an honest woman, a woman of deep, unshakable integrity. Such eyes made her very much a novelty in Sebastian’s world.
“My lovely Prue,” he said in awed wonder. “Where have you been all these years?” “In Dorset,” she said very seriously. Sebastian hid his smile in her hair.
And then… they got married. And the whole tone of the story changed. The marriage initially seemed to bring out the worst in them. Sebastian became domineering and dismissive and Prue became a shrew. Their beautiful connection and relationship turned into a battle of wills and it was one power struggle after another. The focus of the story shifted from them to the mystery they were working to solve. And I’m thinking, ah sh*t, its gone from five stars to three.
Thankfully, throughout this phase of their marriage their bond and commitment to each other stayed strong, and their feelings for each other deepened as the mystery deepened.
It struck him again that he had been incredibly fortunate in his choice of brides. No one else except his unusual Prudence would be able to understand how he felt at this moment, let alone share that moment with him. And she loved him.
“You are a fine man, Sebastian. I am very proud to be your wife.” The simple words touched him deep inside, melting more of the ice. “I did it for you, Prue.”
The mystery was resolved in an exciting and very believable way and Prue and Sebastian’s relationship ultimately lived up to its potential. They found their HEA and it was most satisfying.
I’ll end with a quote about Sebastian’s lock picking skills 🔥❤️
“Open for me, sweet,” Sebastian whispered to the lock. “That’s it, darling, let me inside. Give me what I want. Ah, yes. That’s right. That’s what I need. Beautiful.”
His white cravat hung loose around his neck and his ruffled shirt was unfastened far enough to reveal the crisp black hair on his chest. His buff-colored breeches hugged the sinewy lines of his thighs. He had not yet removed his black, mirror-polished Hessians. (Aaaah, I’m such a fool for a man wearing those polished black boots!)
Prudence was nearing the end of her patience. “My lord, I must insist you cease acting like a cork-brained idiot. We both know you are too intelligent to want to engage in something as foolish as a duel.” “A cork-brained idiot?” 😂
Sebastian gazed out at the darkened streets and thought about the eyes behind the spectacles. Fantastic eyes. Deep, clear pools of an indescribable shade of green. Intelligent eyes. The eyes of an honest woman, a woman of deep, unshakable integrity. Such eyes made her very much a novelty in Sebastian’s world.
“My lovely Prue,” he said in awed wonder. “Where have you been all these years?” “In Dorset,” she said very seriously. Sebastian hid his smile in her hair.
And then… they got married. And the whole tone of the story changed. The marriage initially seemed to bring out the worst in them. Sebastian became domineering and dismissive and Prue became a shrew. Their beautiful connection and relationship turned into a battle of wills and it was one power struggle after another. The focus of the story shifted from them to the mystery they were working to solve. And I’m thinking, ah sh*t, its gone from five stars to three.
Thankfully, throughout this phase of their marriage their bond and commitment to each other stayed strong, and their feelings for each other deepened as the mystery deepened.
It struck him again that he had been incredibly fortunate in his choice of brides. No one else except his unusual Prudence would be able to understand how he felt at this moment, let alone share that moment with him. And she loved him.
“You are a fine man, Sebastian. I am very proud to be your wife.” The simple words touched him deep inside, melting more of the ice. “I did it for you, Prue.”
The mystery was resolved in an exciting and very believable way and Prue and Sebastian’s relationship ultimately lived up to its potential. They found their HEA and it was most satisfying.
I’ll end with a quote about Sebastian’s lock picking skills 🔥❤️
“Open for me, sweet,” Sebastian whispered to the lock. “That’s it, darling, let me inside. Give me what I want. Ah, yes. That’s right. That’s what I need. Beautiful.”
May 5, 2022
This was a delightful and witty listen, although at times the heroine was cleaver is some ways but clueless in others. Both Prue and Sebastian are a very likeable opposites attract couple. This was one by Ms. Quick that I have enjoyed as it made me smile more than once and was moderate with the steamy in historical romances that I like.
June 11, 2018
"Dangerous" is the story of Prudence and Sebastian.
When Prudence's brother challenges Lord Sebastian Angelwood to a morning duel just for dancing with his sister, Prudence takes it upon herself to travel at midnight and convince Angelwood to refuse the same, by apologizing to her brother.
Angelwood agrees, but only if they can partner up.
He is a detective investigating a series of unsolved mysteries, she is a ghost huntress. Things start getting meddled up when one of the haunted location ends up having some murder clues, and both of them decide to work together. At the same time, Sebastian decides he wants Prudence as his bride, and manipulates his way into marriage.
Now, the book started out great. I love me a quirky and weird heroine, and a tortured hero. This book fell short of BOTH.
The heroine interfered in everytthingggg. I wanted to be like STAHP woman, mind your own business. She inserts herself in every situation, argument et al, and then things went wrong. The hero on the other hand was rather obstinate, and I commend him for putting up with the annoying heroine- especially when she kept meddling in the topic of his shitty aunt.
Some past OM drama, a series of murders, a cat called Lucifer which our hero so often stroked and a couple of well written lovemaking scenes fill this book.
Anyway, would have been a much higher rating if the heroine was strangled. Just kidding, she shut up for a while and stopped mom-ming the hero.
Safe
2/5
When Prudence's brother challenges Lord Sebastian Angelwood to a morning duel just for dancing with his sister, Prudence takes it upon herself to travel at midnight and convince Angelwood to refuse the same, by apologizing to her brother.
Angelwood agrees, but only if they can partner up.
He is a detective investigating a series of unsolved mysteries, she is a ghost huntress. Things start getting meddled up when one of the haunted location ends up having some murder clues, and both of them decide to work together. At the same time, Sebastian decides he wants Prudence as his bride, and manipulates his way into marriage.
Now, the book started out great. I love me a quirky and weird heroine, and a tortured hero. This book fell short of BOTH.
The heroine interfered in everytthingggg. I wanted to be like STAHP woman, mind your own business. She inserts herself in every situation, argument et al, and then things went wrong. The hero on the other hand was rather obstinate, and I commend him for putting up with the annoying heroine- especially when she kept meddling in the topic of his shitty aunt.
Some past OM drama, a series of murders, a cat called Lucifer which our hero so often stroked and a couple of well written lovemaking scenes fill this book.
Anyway, would have been a much higher rating if the heroine was strangled. Just kidding, she shut up for a while and stopped mom-ming the hero.
Safe
2/5
March 6, 2021
I loved this just as much on re-read.
Follows the regency romance formula but has a little something extra. Loved the banter between the H and h. Loved how he was just as attracted to her intelligence as he was to her beauty. The plotline involving investigating between the MCs was fun. I loved seeing them get so excited just anticipating a puzzle to solve. A good solid read.
ETA Safety:
Follows the regency romance formula but has a little something extra. Loved the banter between the H and h. Loved how he was just as attracted to her intelligence as he was to her beauty. The plotline involving investigating between the MCs was fun. I loved seeing them get so excited just anticipating a puzzle to solve. A good solid read.
ETA Safety:
October 13, 2017
Sebastian and Prudence are a funny couple. It was quintessential Amanda Quick.
Sebastian is a super confident, cool, and enigmatic hero. He is always in control and is drawn to the quirky Prudence from the beginning. Prudence is an odd duck, quick to defend those important to her, and always fascinated by a mystery.
While some of the dialogue was a little awkward and Prudence could be tiresome, it was still somehow, fun. I think what was refreshing about the story was that most of the conflict was external. Sebastian and Prudence are a team from the beginning. They both love a good mystery, have excellent physical chemistry, and value the insights of each other. It was the team aspect that I loved best about this story.
This was a fun story and a mystery that I didn't quite figure out until the end. I liked the very mild paranormal element and the adventure. I just found Prudence's lectures annoying--she meant well, but she came across as a nag when she got on a roll.
Overall, a nice comfort story with a couple that work as a team and a good murder mystery.
Sebastian is a super confident, cool, and enigmatic hero. He is always in control and is drawn to the quirky Prudence from the beginning. Prudence is an odd duck, quick to defend those important to her, and always fascinated by a mystery.
While some of the dialogue was a little awkward and Prudence could be tiresome, it was still somehow, fun. I think what was refreshing about the story was that most of the conflict was external. Sebastian and Prudence are a team from the beginning. They both love a good mystery, have excellent physical chemistry, and value the insights of each other. It was the team aspect that I loved best about this story.
This was a fun story and a mystery that I didn't quite figure out until the end. I liked the very mild paranormal element and the adventure. I just found Prudence's lectures annoying--she meant well, but she came across as a nag when she got on a roll.
Overall, a nice comfort story with a couple that work as a team and a good murder mystery.
July 21, 2009
This gothic lite story starts with Miss Prudence Merryweather paying a visit to the Earl of Angelstone, Sebastian Fleetwood, at his home way past the hour of acceptability. She has come because her absurdly protective brother is determined to avenge her honor which has been rocked by the fact that the Fallen Angel has been seen in her presence. The ambiance starts up immediately when we are introduced to Sebastian who has been relaxing in his home in a state of dishabille. He eyes Prue up and down like a tasty snack, disbelieving that a gently bred young lady would visit him, alone, at such a late hour. This makes her fair game in his eyes and he intends to claim her before the end of the night. She has come to demand he apologize to her brother and prevent their dawn appointment. She assures his agreement through her clever banter and Sebastian is charmed. He agrees to her terms and seals their deal with a kiss, forever changing both their lives in that moment.
As corny as it sounds, Sebastian and Prudence really do complete each other. They are compatible in every way. Sebastian looks at Prudence as if she's a very special gift and takes care of her with a gentleness that shocks him. She brightens his world with her gentle, caring manner and gives him laughter in his life. She's determined to save him from himself and does all she can to make sure he and his family reconcile. She even goes so far as to change her country girl style for something more sophisticated and urbane, a move that horrifies Sebastian and made me laugh out loud. Amanda Quick has created a hard, aloof man in Sebastian Fleetwood and it is very endearing to see his cold spirit thaw around Prudence's natural cheerfulness. While the formula Amanda Quick uses is tried and true, it's the wonderful, quirky personalities that will remain with you long after you read this book.
As corny as it sounds, Sebastian and Prudence really do complete each other. They are compatible in every way. Sebastian looks at Prudence as if she's a very special gift and takes care of her with a gentleness that shocks him. She brightens his world with her gentle, caring manner and gives him laughter in his life. She's determined to save him from himself and does all she can to make sure he and his family reconcile. She even goes so far as to change her country girl style for something more sophisticated and urbane, a move that horrifies Sebastian and made me laugh out loud. Amanda Quick has created a hard, aloof man in Sebastian Fleetwood and it is very endearing to see his cold spirit thaw around Prudence's natural cheerfulness. While the formula Amanda Quick uses is tried and true, it's the wonderful, quirky personalities that will remain with you long after you read this book.
June 14, 2025
Some authors breadcrumb the reader with bits of main character interaction to keep them reading. Amanda Quick keeps her readers interested by writing many multi-page long conversations between her MC that are filled with banter and sparking with chemistry.
This is everything that a historical mystery romance should be. I loved every decision that Quick made when she wrote this book. I was very entertained.
Hero is tall, dark, and handsome. He’s also sexist in the attractive way that Quick writes her heroes. He reminds me of a less self-pitying Anne Stuart hero. He’s an Earl with ennui who enjoys solving mysteries.
Heroine is a new to the season (she’s 25) daughter of a country squire who enjoys disproving hauntings. The hero approaches her to discuss their mutual interest and things escalate from there.
Both MC ended up on my favorite hero/heroine shelves.
The physical book has a beautiful Pino stepback.
This is everything that a historical mystery romance should be. I loved every decision that Quick made when she wrote this book. I was very entertained.
Hero is tall, dark, and handsome. He’s also sexist in the attractive way that Quick writes her heroes. He reminds me of a less self-pitying Anne Stuart hero. He’s an Earl with ennui who enjoys solving mysteries.
Heroine is a new to the season (she’s 25) daughter of a country squire who enjoys disproving hauntings. The hero approaches her to discuss their mutual interest and things escalate from there.
Both MC ended up on my favorite hero/heroine shelves.
The physical book has a beautiful Pino stepback.
October 14, 2025
Read: 10/14/25
Setting: Regency (i think) England
Trope: specter investigation, murder mystery, forced marriage (sort of for her), family fued
Amanda Quick does it again! I really needed a good laugh. While I was expecting a great romance, the fun murder mystery was a surprise. Usually, I don't care about solving mysterious, but I really enjoyed this one. Though, I kept wondering if any ghostly elements were going to appear, but that fantasy bit stayed in the background. In fact, in the beginning, we got one part that reminded me of a Scooby-Doo eposide. It even had a wacky/hilarious villain reveal. For the most part, this book stayed in the realm of the living.
Sebastian:
I just loved him! Sabastian is bored with his privileged life, so he moonlights as an anonymous helper to bowstreet. He is a quintessential bad boy with one soft spot, Prudence. Only she could get him to cave to his horrible family. The best part about Sebastian is that he knows what he wants. He recognizes similar passions in Prudence and pursues her intelligently. Prudence might not have known marriage was his goal, but all the so-called calamities fit Sebastian's plans perfectly.
Prudence: She was intelligent but naive. She had a lot of faith that Sebastian would do the right thing. Oh, foolish Prudence! lol. Prudence could also be fiesty and stubborn, especially when it came to family honor. Sabastian could not move her from her set path. She had a special way of dealing with Sabastian's angst and possessiveness. That innocent girl could wrap him around her finger if she had a mind to. Thank goodness she loved him.
Romance:
"She knew him so well. Hardly surprising he reflected. She was, after all, the other half of himself." - that sums up their relationship. These two are just simpatico. Their romance was strong and the best part of the book!
liked:
1. the murder mystery. I honestly didn't know where it was going or that it would be so elaborate. It was fun investigating with them.
2. Again, the romance was great! I loved how the relationship grew from mutual respect to friendship to love. Their sex scenes were pretty hot, too. ;)
3. Sebastian was just cool. He's my type of brooding H.
4. I would love a whole series deciated to this couple and their crime investigations. They made the whole process so entertaining,
dislike:
1. Prudence is a specter investigator, but there were no ghosts. What was the point of that unique skill if it's not really used? Spoiler*** the only ghost appears to the villain at the end, or at least i think it does. It was dark, and so they didn't know what they saw.
2. The length of the book. The longer the book went on, the less I enjoyed it. The author needed to tighten up the story in some parts
Conclusion:
This was an entertaining read! The plot could have been better in parts, but the book was saved by this wonderful couple.
Setting: Regency (i think) England
Trope: specter investigation, murder mystery, forced marriage (sort of for her), family fued
Amanda Quick does it again! I really needed a good laugh. While I was expecting a great romance, the fun murder mystery was a surprise. Usually, I don't care about solving mysterious, but I really enjoyed this one. Though, I kept wondering if any ghostly elements were going to appear, but that fantasy bit stayed in the background. In fact, in the beginning, we got one part that reminded me of a Scooby-Doo eposide. It even had a wacky/hilarious villain reveal. For the most part, this book stayed in the realm of the living.
Sebastian:
I just loved him! Sabastian is bored with his privileged life, so he moonlights as an anonymous helper to bowstreet. He is a quintessential bad boy with one soft spot, Prudence. Only she could get him to cave to his horrible family. The best part about Sebastian is that he knows what he wants. He recognizes similar passions in Prudence and pursues her intelligently. Prudence might not have known marriage was his goal, but all the so-called calamities fit Sebastian's plans perfectly.
Prudence: She was intelligent but naive. She had a lot of faith that Sebastian would do the right thing. Oh, foolish Prudence! lol. Prudence could also be fiesty and stubborn, especially when it came to family honor. Sabastian could not move her from her set path. She had a special way of dealing with Sabastian's angst and possessiveness. That innocent girl could wrap him around her finger if she had a mind to. Thank goodness she loved him.
Romance:
"She knew him so well. Hardly surprising he reflected. She was, after all, the other half of himself." - that sums up their relationship. These two are just simpatico. Their romance was strong and the best part of the book!
liked:
1. the murder mystery. I honestly didn't know where it was going or that it would be so elaborate. It was fun investigating with them.
2. Again, the romance was great! I loved how the relationship grew from mutual respect to friendship to love. Their sex scenes were pretty hot, too. ;)
3. Sebastian was just cool. He's my type of brooding H.
4. I would love a whole series deciated to this couple and their crime investigations. They made the whole process so entertaining,
dislike:
1. Prudence is a specter investigator, but there were no ghosts. What was the point of that unique skill if it's not really used? Spoiler*** the only ghost appears to the villain at the end, or at least i think it does. It was dark, and so they didn't know what they saw.
2. The length of the book. The longer the book went on, the less I enjoyed it. The author needed to tighten up the story in some parts
Conclusion:
This was an entertaining read! The plot could have been better in parts, but the book was saved by this wonderful couple.
January 2, 2023
I have enjoyed reading Prue and Sebastian’s story. A mystery with humour and banter between the characters.
August 11, 2023
Prudence and the Dark Angel
This is one of my favorite Amanda Quick books, I mean, who wouldn’t fall in love with the dark and brooding Earl of Angelstone?
Prudence Merryweather is a bespectacled blue stocking who enjoys investigating spectral phenomena. Coincidentally Angelstone enjoys doing a bit of investigating on the sly for Bow Street. They are the perfect foil for each other as Prudence is warm and sweet, and Sebastian is dark and foreboding.
There is more than one excellent little adventure for the Prue and her dark angel and he woos her and eventually marries her, of course without making it appear as though there’s any serious emotion involved. The readers can see the romance, but of course our brooding hero doesn’t get it until almost the end.
Why do we love love those damaged and dark, bad boys? Somehow this to me, was one of the most perfectly written romances ever. Touché Amanda.
This is one of my favorite Amanda Quick books, I mean, who wouldn’t fall in love with the dark and brooding Earl of Angelstone?
Prudence Merryweather is a bespectacled blue stocking who enjoys investigating spectral phenomena. Coincidentally Angelstone enjoys doing a bit of investigating on the sly for Bow Street. They are the perfect foil for each other as Prudence is warm and sweet, and Sebastian is dark and foreboding.
There is more than one excellent little adventure for the Prue and her dark angel and he woos her and eventually marries her, of course without making it appear as though there’s any serious emotion involved. The readers can see the romance, but of course our brooding hero doesn’t get it until almost the end.
Why do we love love those damaged and dark, bad boys? Somehow this to me, was one of the most perfectly written romances ever. Touché Amanda.
January 18, 2024
I’m aiming to make 2024 a year where I revisit a bunch of classic romance authors from the 80s and 90s. I always remember McNaught, Quick, Garwood, and Lindsay as my favourites of the era so they have been at top of my to-read list. Which is why I’ve settled on Dangerous for latest foray into the historical romance genre. I’m not sure I read this one back in the day but it definitely reminded me of all the stuff I like about reading Quick’s books.
The tale was fairly fun. We opened the story with Prudence Merryweather on her way to a risky late night meeting with the notorious Earl of Angelstone. She was hoping to talk him out of his dawn set duel with her brother. She managed but ended up catching his eye in the process!
As well as the romance the story had a bit of mystery as both Sebastian and Prudence had their own love of solving mysteries. Sebastian helped a private investigator solve crimes as a hobby while Prudence investigated supernatural phenomena. It added some weird fun to the story as their hobbies got them pulled into all sorts of trouble.
The romance itself was a good one. Sebastian and Prudence were typical Quick leads, which means atypical romance leads, but they were easy to like and were a good match so their romance was an easy one to root for especially as the seemed like they made a good match.
Rating: 4 stars.
Audio Note: I listened to the old books on tape audio version narrated by Martha Harmon Pardee. She did fine but mostly just gave a straight read rather than a performance of the story.
The tale was fairly fun. We opened the story with Prudence Merryweather on her way to a risky late night meeting with the notorious Earl of Angelstone. She was hoping to talk him out of his dawn set duel with her brother. She managed but ended up catching his eye in the process!
As well as the romance the story had a bit of mystery as both Sebastian and Prudence had their own love of solving mysteries. Sebastian helped a private investigator solve crimes as a hobby while Prudence investigated supernatural phenomena. It added some weird fun to the story as their hobbies got them pulled into all sorts of trouble.
The romance itself was a good one. Sebastian and Prudence were typical Quick leads, which means atypical romance leads, but they were easy to like and were a good match so their romance was an easy one to root for especially as the seemed like they made a good match.
Rating: 4 stars.
Audio Note: I listened to the old books on tape audio version narrated by Martha Harmon Pardee. She did fine but mostly just gave a straight read rather than a performance of the story.
November 6, 2015
A re-read from my youth, this one is.
I read almost all of Amanda Quick's one-word romance novels years ago. Formulaic that they are, I seem to recall them with great clarity. During this phase, Amanda Quick had a distinct preference for eccentric heroines, often with spectacles paired with cold-on-the-surface heros, often earls who were by nature honorable men. I noticed that she had a series of earls as heros. She did not seem to like other ranks much.
In these stories the heros were always enchanted by how unusual the heroines were. The women were usually odd creatures, not society babes, bookish, slightly on the shelf. They usually had a strong interest in intellectual pursuits, almost always pathetically unfashionable whereas their husbands always dressed the part, aka devastatingly handsome devil of an earl, and had an eye for fashion.
This book is the epitome of her style during this time: Prudence, the 25-year-old spinster who liked to investigate supernatural phenomena and Sebastian, the Earl of Angelstone who seemed cold but of course whose passion could be only ignited by said spinster and whose loneliness could only be chased away by the presence of said spinster.
One great thing about Quick is her writing. She truly had a way with her stories. Even if I am not so crazy about the characters (usually the bespectacled heroines), I still find it pleasant to read her books. Her heros were "controlled" men, not necessarily cold or tortured and they were almost always responsible men, despite how Quick wanted to paint them as devils. They were quick to offer marriage (how convenient), had a strong sense of honor and could oddly, only find love with women who were considered odd by society standard.
Her heroines, oh aren't they the dears. I read a review for one of Quick's stories once which said: Amanda Quick's heroines all remind us of a historical version of Amanda Quick herself. A woman who was not exactly "traditionally beautiful" but "loved reading" and "was almost always too smart" for their own good. They had an odd sense of honor and often expected the heros to "do the right thing" or they would chastise the men for "not acting responsibly". They were also strangely level-headed to the point where they had no emotional weakness. I laughed so hard when I read that. I have exactly the same impression: there is definitely some "author's self-compensation" kind of thing going on here
I found the writing as good as I remember. Sebastian is a good hero but since I am not exactly crazy about Prudence, I lost some respect for Sebastian for falling for her. Prudence was bossy, damn. I rather despise the managing sort of women, no matter how much Sebastian wanted to be managed. I for one, have no interest in managing anyone. I usually like a level-headed heroine but Amanda Quick's heroines often remind me of Maggie Smith in Downten Abbey, whose Dowager Countess of Grantham, Violet Crawley, is the hautiest of the hautiest English gentlewomen: almost too level-headed and practical that they lose their vulnerability. For Violet Crawley, her level-headedness comes with age. For Amanda Quick's heroines, it just seems absurdly practical and unfortunately un-feminine.
I bought the book for my memories. I liked it better when I was younger and I am keeping the book for the old times.
I read almost all of Amanda Quick's one-word romance novels years ago. Formulaic that they are, I seem to recall them with great clarity. During this phase, Amanda Quick had a distinct preference for eccentric heroines, often with spectacles paired with cold-on-the-surface heros, often earls who were by nature honorable men. I noticed that she had a series of earls as heros. She did not seem to like other ranks much.
In these stories the heros were always enchanted by how unusual the heroines were. The women were usually odd creatures, not society babes, bookish, slightly on the shelf. They usually had a strong interest in intellectual pursuits, almost always pathetically unfashionable whereas their husbands always dressed the part, aka devastatingly handsome devil of an earl, and had an eye for fashion.
This book is the epitome of her style during this time: Prudence, the 25-year-old spinster who liked to investigate supernatural phenomena and Sebastian, the Earl of Angelstone who seemed cold but of course whose passion could be only ignited by said spinster and whose loneliness could only be chased away by the presence of said spinster.
One great thing about Quick is her writing. She truly had a way with her stories. Even if I am not so crazy about the characters (usually the bespectacled heroines), I still find it pleasant to read her books. Her heros were "controlled" men, not necessarily cold or tortured and they were almost always responsible men, despite how Quick wanted to paint them as devils. They were quick to offer marriage (how convenient), had a strong sense of honor and could oddly, only find love with women who were considered odd by society standard.
Her heroines, oh aren't they the dears. I read a review for one of Quick's stories once which said: Amanda Quick's heroines all remind us of a historical version of Amanda Quick herself. A woman who was not exactly "traditionally beautiful" but "loved reading" and "was almost always too smart" for their own good. They had an odd sense of honor and often expected the heros to "do the right thing" or they would chastise the men for "not acting responsibly". They were also strangely level-headed to the point where they had no emotional weakness. I laughed so hard when I read that. I have exactly the same impression: there is definitely some "author's self-compensation" kind of thing going on here
I found the writing as good as I remember. Sebastian is a good hero but since I am not exactly crazy about Prudence, I lost some respect for Sebastian for falling for her. Prudence was bossy, damn. I rather despise the managing sort of women, no matter how much Sebastian wanted to be managed. I for one, have no interest in managing anyone. I usually like a level-headed heroine but Amanda Quick's heroines often remind me of Maggie Smith in Downten Abbey, whose Dowager Countess of Grantham, Violet Crawley, is the hautiest of the hautiest English gentlewomen: almost too level-headed and practical that they lose their vulnerability. For Violet Crawley, her level-headedness comes with age. For Amanda Quick's heroines, it just seems absurdly practical and unfortunately un-feminine.
I bought the book for my memories. I liked it better when I was younger and I am keeping the book for the old times.
April 8, 2011
Not Ms. Quick's best.
The plotline it a typical Quick one - innocent heroine (probably virginal), dark mysterious possibly dangerous hero, various threats to the lady, ritual deflowering of the virgin in the library, hero to the rescue, happy ending. These books are all the same and the pleasure is in seeing how the resolution is reached, not in wondering what will happen at the end. Fine.
But books should be somewhat believable in their own sphere I think.
No woman in her right mind, then or now, would have put up with the verbal abuse the heroine received from her hero and continue to stare at him in wonder and inform him that it's all her fault and he is perfect and wonderful and kind beneath his rough exterior, so to speak.
Particularly irritating were some of the romantic scenes, esp. immediately after the heroine was verbally tongue lashed by the hero. She would have conked him on the head with the chamber pot and returned to her own bedroom if she had any self respect at all.
Also, how many times can one read of aching loins and his (various adjective) member before one begins to laugh?
And what man could tolerate the heroine's star struck innocence for long? Normal women eventually wise up and grow up, but this heroine appears to be stuck at age 15 mentally for the rest of her life.
Mainly I enjoy these romances from Amanda Quick as light bedtime reads without any stress or great thought required which might keep me awake, but this one was so ridiculous that it irritated me, thus defeating the reason for reading it.
If 1.5 stars were available, that would be my opinion. OK for a beach read if you can stand assininity.
The plotline it a typical Quick one - innocent heroine (probably virginal), dark mysterious possibly dangerous hero, various threats to the lady, ritual deflowering of the virgin in the library, hero to the rescue, happy ending. These books are all the same and the pleasure is in seeing how the resolution is reached, not in wondering what will happen at the end. Fine.
But books should be somewhat believable in their own sphere I think.
No woman in her right mind, then or now, would have put up with the verbal abuse the heroine received from her hero and continue to stare at him in wonder and inform him that it's all her fault and he is perfect and wonderful and kind beneath his rough exterior, so to speak.
Particularly irritating were some of the romantic scenes, esp. immediately after the heroine was verbally tongue lashed by the hero. She would have conked him on the head with the chamber pot and returned to her own bedroom if she had any self respect at all.
Also, how many times can one read of aching loins and his (various adjective) member before one begins to laugh?
And what man could tolerate the heroine's star struck innocence for long? Normal women eventually wise up and grow up, but this heroine appears to be stuck at age 15 mentally for the rest of her life.
Mainly I enjoy these romances from Amanda Quick as light bedtime reads without any stress or great thought required which might keep me awake, but this one was so ridiculous that it irritated me, thus defeating the reason for reading it.
If 1.5 stars were available, that would be my opinion. OK for a beach read if you can stand assininity.
March 14, 2020
This didn't have the strongest start for me, but I got really into it after a while. I really enjoyed this book, it's a very pick-me-up kind of read
May 9, 2024
4 stars
I really enjoyed the romance part of this book, which was delightful and reminded me of the dynamic in Ravished (an all-time favourite). Prudence was impertinent and quirky, and Sebastian was basically pretending to be a villain but figured out quick that he just wanted to make Prue happy.
The story clipped along at a fast pace, with Prue being an “investigator of spectral phenomena” and Sebastian secretly investigating cases on behalf of Bow Street Runners, and it was fun how they teamed up / butt into each other’s work…
…which is also the part I have mixed feelings about. The big mystery was quite suspenseful, but it was darker than I expected, which tempered my giddiness over the romance.
Overall, it was an engaging read, and probably the one I’ve enjoyed most after Ravished (full disclosure, the other ones I’ve read are Mistress and Seduction).
I really enjoyed the romance part of this book, which was delightful and reminded me of the dynamic in Ravished (an all-time favourite). Prudence was impertinent and quirky, and Sebastian was basically pretending to be a villain but figured out quick that he just wanted to make Prue happy.
The story clipped along at a fast pace, with Prue being an “investigator of spectral phenomena” and Sebastian secretly investigating cases on behalf of Bow Street Runners, and it was fun how they teamed up / butt into each other’s work…
…which is also the part I have mixed feelings about. The big mystery was quite suspenseful, but it was darker than I expected, which tempered my giddiness over the romance.
Overall, it was an engaging read, and probably the one I’ve enjoyed most after Ravished (full disclosure, the other ones I’ve read are Mistress and Seduction).
January 12, 2021
The story drops you right in and opens with Prudence Merryweather showing up at Sebastian’s home late at night to convince him not to duel with her younger brother Trevor in the morning. Sebastian (Earl of Angelstone, aka “The Fallen Angel”) is so intrigued with Prudence that he decides to strike a bargain with her, he will cancel the duel with her brother but requires a future favor (of his choosing) from Prue. They continue to meet at parties and at one of these ton events they realize they have something in common, both are part-time sleuths/investigators. Sebastian has a side hobby where he occasionally (& anonymously) assists a Bow Street Runner with cases, while Prue investigates the spectral phenomena (aka ghost-hunting). While both are working on their own cases at a party, they end up in a bedroom together where the Lord of the house finds them...prompting Sebastian to save Prue’s reputation and say they’re engaged. And it is hilarious! Everyone in the ton describes Sebastian as “dangerous” since he is seemingly cold and estranged from his remaining relatives. Prue has been coined the “Original” of the season, this 25-year-old ghost-hunting sleuth is unlike any other miss.
They decide to fake their engagement for the rest of the season, while they also start becoming friends & real partners with their investigation interests. This one was such an attention-grabber from the first page! Prudence was such a delight of a heroine, she wears glasses, has no problem giving sass back to Sebastian, and takes her ghost-hunting seriously! I seem to collect book-boyfriends named Sebastian so this was just another one to add to my favs list. 😆 I loved how much Sebastian was so intrigued by Prue, he was charming & interesting on his own, and their banter together was delicious. There is a bit of a murder-mystery for one of their cases they work on and does get a bit heavy/traumatic.
If the rest of AQ’s historical romances are written similarly, I think I just discovered a fav new-to-me author. I’m excited to give her other HRs a read!
They decide to fake their engagement for the rest of the season, while they also start becoming friends & real partners with their investigation interests. This one was such an attention-grabber from the first page! Prudence was such a delight of a heroine, she wears glasses, has no problem giving sass back to Sebastian, and takes her ghost-hunting seriously! I seem to collect book-boyfriends named Sebastian so this was just another one to add to my favs list. 😆 I loved how much Sebastian was so intrigued by Prue, he was charming & interesting on his own, and their banter together was delicious. There is a bit of a murder-mystery for one of their cases they work on and does get a bit heavy/traumatic.
If the rest of AQ’s historical romances are written similarly, I think I just discovered a fav new-to-me author. I’m excited to give her other HRs a read!
July 13, 2023
Another favorite re-read, this one has Prudence and the Earl of Angelstone sharing investigative adventures as the Earl maneuvers Prudence toward marriage. One of the things I like best about Jayne Ann Krentz is her male characters, who generally know exactly what they want and how to get it without having a clue as to why they want it, which is so typically male. Her female characters, on the other hand, are often headstrong and independent but succumb to their emotions, which gives the male the upper hand every time. As usual, this book was fun, although I shudder every time Lillian is mentioned, a downside of knowing the book too well after reading it eight times.
July 9, 2021
3 stars. This heroine is one of the most annoying of any book by this author. I felt like the hero was a virtual saint for putting up with her badgering and irritating ways. The mystery was good and the pace was fine, but nothing could make up for how annoying the heroine’s actions were.
Safe; virgin heroine, hero’s past is once again discussed much more than the typical AQ book I’ve read, basically that he frequently had liaisons with ton women and that he fought a duel over one lady who tried to make him jealous. Heroine has OM interested in her, & it causes a bit of jealousy in the hero.
TW: rape of side character (description of past events), suicide, murder
Safe; virgin heroine, hero’s past is once again discussed much more than the typical AQ book I’ve read, basically that he frequently had liaisons with ton women and that he fought a duel over one lady who tried to make him jealous. Heroine has OM interested in her, & it causes a bit of jealousy in the hero.
TW: rape of side character (description of past events), suicide, murder
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2023
Loved the way this book started out, but it began to fizzle around the halfway point when the focus shifted off the romance to the murder mystery and face-planted in a bizarre and melodramatic way at the end. I liked the heroine, I really did, she was interesting and curious and stubborn and independent—but highly intelligent she most certainly was not and kept proving it. The hero was usually intelligent, albeit with one spectacular fail that almost cost him dearly, and also curious and stubborn and independent and generally likeable when he wasn’t being emotionally dense. But somehow the parts seem greater than the whole to me.
November 29, 2020
One of my favorites!
I thoroughly enjoyed Prue and Sebastian. She is unfashionable but such a lovely person who enjoys hunting ghosts. He is known as dark and ruthless. He does a bit of investigating for a bow street runner. They made an amazing pair while investigating and in life. I laughed and loved this great story that has mystery and passion. I will definitely read this one again in the future.
I thoroughly enjoyed Prue and Sebastian. She is unfashionable but such a lovely person who enjoys hunting ghosts. He is known as dark and ruthless. He does a bit of investigating for a bow street runner. They made an amazing pair while investigating and in life. I laughed and loved this great story that has mystery and passion. I will definitely read this one again in the future.
Read
December 19, 2024DNF at 70%. I started and paused this read for a few years now. I came back to it this year and was enjoying myself until it felt the mystery took over the romance. I am a fan of Amanda Quick and love some of her works, but this one moved at a plodding pace. Can’t get into it.
March 24, 2020
2020 Reread
Reread this about a month ago. I continue to feel this is one of the better done ones. The couple feels like a team. They deal with family issues together. They solve crime. She randomly hunts ghosts, which is entertaining. The banter is fun.
And I have been struggling to get through any books this year, so why not reread something familiar?
2018
It's getting to the point where I kind of feel like if you are okay with one Amanda Quick novel, you
will probably be okay with the vast majority of them. It's like she has, I dunno, twenty plot elements, and for any given novel she randomly draws fifteen of them. The similarities they are striking, is basically what I'm saying.
Look, this was enjoyable. Because with AQ, you pretty much know what the overall plot is gonna be going in (so I am learning). The novels basically succeed or fail on the chemistry/dynamics between the main couple. And this couple worked for me. They felt like equals. They felt like a partnership I could enjoy. I mean, it's tropey as all get-out, and most of the plot elements were familiar (because I somehow thought it would be a good idea to borrow a half dozen of these things from the library at the same time - it seemed like a good idea when I did it, what can I say), but I really liked their interactions. Actually, I sort of feel like AQ's strength is dialogue, which is probably why these work for me. It's probably a situation where as long as nothing too annoying happens, I'm willing to go along for the ride because there's enough entertainment value to keep me going.
I was even cautiously optimistic that this one might not involve a final Everyone is in danger 20 pages from the end, plus bonus kidnapping/mortal peril! Because things had been suitably dramatic before that, and there was ample room for other drama still. Obviously, those hopes were dashed. So I skipped three pages, and that seemed to work better for me. (Because, seriously, these books are predictable enough/they set up enough in the earlier sections that I knew what was likely to happen in a mortal-peril scenario, should one occur.)
Anyway, an entertaining read. If you were going to pick an AQ novel, this one is less annoying than others.
(And let's be real, she may only have one(ish) plot, but it's clearly a plot that appeals to me.)
Reread this about a month ago. I continue to feel this is one of the better done ones. The couple feels like a team. They deal with family issues together. They solve crime. She randomly hunts ghosts, which is entertaining. The banter is fun.
And I have been struggling to get through any books this year, so why not reread something familiar?
2018
It's getting to the point where I kind of feel like if you are okay with one Amanda Quick novel, you
will probably be okay with the vast majority of them. It's like she has, I dunno, twenty plot elements, and for any given novel she randomly draws fifteen of them. The similarities they are striking, is basically what I'm saying.
Look, this was enjoyable. Because with AQ, you pretty much know what the overall plot is gonna be going in (so I am learning). The novels basically succeed or fail on the chemistry/dynamics between the main couple. And this couple worked for me. They felt like equals. They felt like a partnership I could enjoy. I mean, it's tropey as all get-out, and most of the plot elements were familiar (because I somehow thought it would be a good idea to borrow a half dozen of these things from the library at the same time - it seemed like a good idea when I did it, what can I say), but I really liked their interactions. Actually, I sort of feel like AQ's strength is dialogue, which is probably why these work for me. It's probably a situation where as long as nothing too annoying happens, I'm willing to go along for the ride because there's enough entertainment value to keep me going.
I was even cautiously optimistic that this one might not involve a final Everyone is in danger 20 pages from the end, plus bonus kidnapping/mortal peril! Because things had been suitably dramatic before that, and there was ample room for other drama still. Obviously, those hopes were dashed. So I skipped three pages, and that seemed to work better for me. (Because, seriously, these books are predictable enough/they set up enough in the earlier sections that I knew what was likely to happen in a mortal-peril scenario, should one occur.)
Anyway, an entertaining read. If you were going to pick an AQ novel, this one is less annoying than others.
(And let's be real, she may only have one(ish) plot, but it's clearly a plot that appeals to me.)
October 28, 2020
3.5 stars for this 1993 Amanda Quick standalone. It features a ghost hunting heroine, meaning that we can classify it as "spooky."
Did we love it? It starts out really strong, with one of the funniest setups and compromised-into-fake-engagement plots we can remember. The mystery, on the other hand, is well constructed but has some intense and possibly triggering themes. Read at your own risk!
38-Word Summaries:
Laine: While investigating ghosts, Prue instead uncovers diamonds and family secrets. Her curious streak leads her to disrupt Sebastian's duel with her brother, his investigation... and his reclusive ways. They team up to spoil a sex ring/investment scheme.
Meg: It’s important to connect with your partner on an intellectual level. This book investigates whether the intellectual qualities of a ghost hunter and those of an amateur detective are similar enough to form the basis of a relationship.
www.linktr.ee/plottrysts
Did we love it? It starts out really strong, with one of the funniest setups and compromised-into-fake-engagement plots we can remember. The mystery, on the other hand, is well constructed but has some intense and possibly triggering themes. Read at your own risk!
38-Word Summaries:
Laine: While investigating ghosts, Prue instead uncovers diamonds and family secrets. Her curious streak leads her to disrupt Sebastian's duel with her brother, his investigation... and his reclusive ways. They team up to spoil a sex ring/investment scheme.
Meg: It’s important to connect with your partner on an intellectual level. This book investigates whether the intellectual qualities of a ghost hunter and those of an amateur detective are similar enough to form the basis of a relationship.
www.linktr.ee/plottrysts
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