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Compromised
In national bestselling author Kate Noble's historical romance debut, a pair of mismatched lovers unwillingly find themselves engaged in a most scandalous position…
Miss Gail Alton was not having a good day. Or a good year. First, she’s strong-armed into attending the Season as a foil to her beautiful sister Evangeline. Then, while riding her mare in the park, she gets toppled by a stuffy, self-important, too-handsome-by-half “gentleman” who has the audacity to blame her for their fall into the chilly lake! Little does Gail know that the very same man will soon be found in a compromising position with her sister...
Forced into asking for Evangeline’s hand in marriage, Maximillian, Viscount Fontaine, can’t take his mind off the irksome girl who threw him from his horse and who can match wits with him at every turn. He’s determined to follow through with his best intentions, yet he can’t deny that Gail makes him want to cast propriety aside—and whisk away the sister of his soon-to-be bride...
Miss Gail Alton was not having a good day. Or a good year. First, she’s strong-armed into attending the Season as a foil to her beautiful sister Evangeline. Then, while riding her mare in the park, she gets toppled by a stuffy, self-important, too-handsome-by-half “gentleman” who has the audacity to blame her for their fall into the chilly lake! Little does Gail know that the very same man will soon be found in a compromising position with her sister...
Forced into asking for Evangeline’s hand in marriage, Maximillian, Viscount Fontaine, can’t take his mind off the irksome girl who threw him from his horse and who can match wits with him at every turn. He’s determined to follow through with his best intentions, yet he can’t deny that Gail makes him want to cast propriety aside—and whisk away the sister of his soon-to-be bride...
384 pages, Paperback
First published March 4, 2008
44 people are currently reading
1759 people want to read
About the author
Kate Noble
17 books499 followersaka
Kate Rorick
Kate Noble is the national bestselling, RITA-nominated author of historical romances, including the acclaimed Blue Raven series and the Winner Takes All series. Her books have earned her numerous accolades, including comparisons to Jane Austen, which just makes her giddy.
In her other life as Kate Rorick, she is an Emmy-award winning writer of television and web series, having written for NBC, FOX, and TNT, as well as the international hit YouTube series The Lizzie Bennet Diaries. Kate lives in Los Angeles with her family, and is hard at work on her next book.
Kate Rorick
Kate Noble is the national bestselling, RITA-nominated author of historical romances, including the acclaimed Blue Raven series and the Winner Takes All series. Her books have earned her numerous accolades, including comparisons to Jane Austen, which just makes her giddy.
In her other life as Kate Rorick, she is an Emmy-award winning writer of television and web series, having written for NBC, FOX, and TNT, as well as the international hit YouTube series The Lizzie Bennet Diaries. Kate lives in Los Angeles with her family, and is hard at work on her next book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 224 reviews
April 2, 2011
I'm not "inspired" to write a full review, so I'm just going to share some of my random thoughts...
If you're a fan of Lady Whistledown, the popular character created by Julia Quinn in the Bridgerton series, chances are you'll enjoy Compromised. While I was reading this book, I found myself thinking that it could have been written by Lady Whistledown, so "peculiar" its humorous writing was. Here's an example:
Finding the drawing room in perfect order, bookish Gail, lovely Evangeline, and Romilla divested themselves of their cloaks and bonnets and sat down to tea. This was a habit of Romilla’s that baffled both the girls: Every day, no matter what anyone was doing, tea was served at half past ten in the morning. Most of society was not yet awake at half past ten, but since the "Reign of Romilla," everyone named Alton most certainly was.
Once, Gail had summoned the wherewithal to ask Romilla about her odd habit. Romilla had replied curtly, "I am up before dawn every day and breakfast shortly thereafter. By half past ten I am hungry." A look of concern crossed her face, as she added, "Abigail, dear, it is most rude to inquire as to one’s gastric tendencies—please don’t make a habit of it."
This made Gail think better of asking why Romilla didn’t simply sleep in later. She’d hate to be accused of questioning someone’s somniferous tendencies.
That passage has Lady Whistledown's witty humor all over it, IMHO. As I'm a big fan of that fictional character, reading Compromised was a very pleasant and entertaining experience to me.
Two things prevented me from giving this book 5 stars:
1. The ending felt too rushed and kind of abrupt. The epilogue was nice, but I missed that "special" insight into Max and Gail's HEA.
2. The secondary romance was distracting. I understood it was necessary to give Gail's sister Evangeline her own HEA, as Gail wouldn't be truly happy if Evangeline wasn't too, but having both romances wrapped up at the same time, at the same scene, didn't work too well for me. Max and Gail should have had their own exclusive moment there.
Overall, this was a good read, with somewhat unusual and very likeable characters. If you're looking for a light and funny read, look no further. Grab this book and enjoy. :) I was very impressed, considering this is Kate Noble's debut novel.
If you're a fan of Lady Whistledown, the popular character created by Julia Quinn in the Bridgerton series, chances are you'll enjoy Compromised. While I was reading this book, I found myself thinking that it could have been written by Lady Whistledown, so "peculiar" its humorous writing was. Here's an example:
Finding the drawing room in perfect order, bookish Gail, lovely Evangeline, and Romilla divested themselves of their cloaks and bonnets and sat down to tea. This was a habit of Romilla’s that baffled both the girls: Every day, no matter what anyone was doing, tea was served at half past ten in the morning. Most of society was not yet awake at half past ten, but since the "Reign of Romilla," everyone named Alton most certainly was.
Once, Gail had summoned the wherewithal to ask Romilla about her odd habit. Romilla had replied curtly, "I am up before dawn every day and breakfast shortly thereafter. By half past ten I am hungry." A look of concern crossed her face, as she added, "Abigail, dear, it is most rude to inquire as to one’s gastric tendencies—please don’t make a habit of it."
This made Gail think better of asking why Romilla didn’t simply sleep in later. She’d hate to be accused of questioning someone’s somniferous tendencies.
That passage has Lady Whistledown's witty humor all over it, IMHO. As I'm a big fan of that fictional character, reading Compromised was a very pleasant and entertaining experience to me.
Two things prevented me from giving this book 5 stars:
1. The ending felt too rushed and kind of abrupt. The epilogue was nice, but I missed that "special" insight into Max and Gail's HEA.
2. The secondary romance was distracting. I understood it was necessary to give Gail's sister Evangeline her own HEA, as Gail wouldn't be truly happy if Evangeline wasn't too, but having both romances wrapped up at the same time, at the same scene, didn't work too well for me. Max and Gail should have had their own exclusive moment there.
Overall, this was a good read, with somewhat unusual and very likeable characters. If you're looking for a light and funny read, look no further. Grab this book and enjoy. :) I was very impressed, considering this is Kate Noble's debut novel.
March 21, 2010
3.5-4*
I found "Compromised," exactly as all my "reading buds" here predicted: Intriguing enough to keep me going to the end, a bit bumpy along the road, some "hints" of a (very early) Julia Quinn feel to the story/writing, but not enough "togetherness" pages for the hero and heroines' eventual HEA.
My random thoughts:
Noble's hero really took warming up to for me. Max had many of the "usual" issues with his father's lifetime oppression and dominance of him, and inheriting his father's title. I found him a "tortured hero" that I empathized with much more toward the end, then the beginning or middle.
I also wasn't really too crazy for how long the author had Max carry (what I would describe as) a "logical" torch for the heroine's beautiful/perfect (although sweet) sister, as well as how shallow I found Max was about "beauty" in the sister in the beginning. It wasn't so much the theme itself, which is a constant in many romances where the hero "thinks" he falls for one sister or friend, but eventually finds himself in love with the other, it was the way this author didn't necessarily "endear" me to not condemn the hero for it. It's certainly a fine line to walk with readers, and Noble had many grains of writing ingredients where she pulled it out, but she definitely could have "polished" and "rounded out" the sentiment of it all along the way so that I liked Max more throughout the story, which I prefer. It's the sign of a really great writer to me, when I just keep continuing to route for the hero because "I" more consistently believe in his integrity all along the way than the other characters in the book do. Noble can probably work on that particular aspect with her characters (consistent empathy factor against all odds) and turn out some GREAT books rather than just good books.
Noble played out the "I want to tell you . . . but I can't seem to get it out of my mouth" (aka - the big misunderstandings theme) a few too many times. We all know in real life one isn't stopped from spilling their guts that many times in a row when they really want to get the truth out, so one or two foiled attempts may work . . . but after that it just gets silly and unbelieveable.
I wouldn't mind if Noble attempted to write Evangeline and Will's own book (ala Julia Quinn's two-sided series on the two Dukes of Wyndom - but admittedly I'd hope for better books - LOL!). In many ways, it would have been nice to really see their romance play out, as they were very likeable characters, and to be honest, I liked the hero Max's best friend "Will" more than I liked Max's personality throughout the book.
I know it seems like I have more criticisms than complements, but I'll let my rating speak for itself. This book, theme and characters certainly kept me reading and I enjoyed the HEA. This author could turn out a really great winner with a bit more work on what she already has going for her in her writing talent.
Practice makes perfect hopefully. I'll definitely read another from Ms. Noble. :)
K.
I found "Compromised," exactly as all my "reading buds" here predicted: Intriguing enough to keep me going to the end, a bit bumpy along the road, some "hints" of a (very early) Julia Quinn feel to the story/writing, but not enough "togetherness" pages for the hero and heroines' eventual HEA.
My random thoughts:
Noble's hero really took warming up to for me. Max had many of the "usual" issues with his father's lifetime oppression and dominance of him, and inheriting his father's title. I found him a "tortured hero" that I empathized with much more toward the end, then the beginning or middle.
I also wasn't really too crazy for how long the author had Max carry (what I would describe as) a "logical" torch for the heroine's beautiful/perfect (although sweet) sister, as well as how shallow I found Max was about "beauty" in the sister in the beginning. It wasn't so much the theme itself, which is a constant in many romances where the hero "thinks" he falls for one sister or friend, but eventually finds himself in love with the other, it was the way this author didn't necessarily "endear" me to not condemn the hero for it. It's certainly a fine line to walk with readers, and Noble had many grains of writing ingredients where she pulled it out, but she definitely could have "polished" and "rounded out" the sentiment of it all along the way so that I liked Max more throughout the story, which I prefer. It's the sign of a really great writer to me, when I just keep continuing to route for the hero because "I" more consistently believe in his integrity all along the way than the other characters in the book do. Noble can probably work on that particular aspect with her characters (consistent empathy factor against all odds) and turn out some GREAT books rather than just good books.
Noble played out the "I want to tell you . . . but I can't seem to get it out of my mouth" (aka - the big misunderstandings theme) a few too many times. We all know in real life one isn't stopped from spilling their guts that many times in a row when they really want to get the truth out, so one or two foiled attempts may work . . . but after that it just gets silly and unbelieveable.
I wouldn't mind if Noble attempted to write Evangeline and Will's own book (ala Julia Quinn's two-sided series on the two Dukes of Wyndom - but admittedly I'd hope for better books - LOL!). In many ways, it would have been nice to really see their romance play out, as they were very likeable characters, and to be honest, I liked the hero Max's best friend "Will" more than I liked Max's personality throughout the book.
I know it seems like I have more criticisms than complements, but I'll let my rating speak for itself. This book, theme and characters certainly kept me reading and I enjoyed the HEA. This author could turn out a really great winner with a bit more work on what she already has going for her in her writing talent.
Practice makes perfect hopefully. I'll definitely read another from Ms. Noble. :)
K.
March 5, 2015
2.444444444444499 stars...(oooh why cant GR come up with half stars ! )
ive got to say i didnt really enjoy this book as much as i hoped to... with all that fabulous 4 star reviews and GR'susually unfaulty recommendations , i really picked this one in hopes to enjoy my weekend with a totally worth 5 star read :/
How disappointing...
ive got to say i didnt really enjoy this book as much as i hoped to... with all that fabulous 4 star reviews and GR's
How disappointing...
March 3, 2021
Solid 3.5 ⭐️. Though it took a while to really take off, it worked in the end.
I don’t know when it was decided that misunderstandings and horrible communication skills make for great bedfellows, but that’s where we are with this genre specifically (for ages). Although the angst & frustration were limited in this book, it fit the mold.. as usual. That being said, it was still cute story that was performed well by Rosalind Ashford.
I don’t know when it was decided that misunderstandings and horrible communication skills make for great bedfellows, but that’s where we are with this genre specifically (for ages). Although the angst & frustration were limited in this book, it fit the mold.. as usual. That being said, it was still cute story that was performed well by Rosalind Ashford.
January 15, 2018
Upgraded to 5 Stars on my second read (5.5 years apart). This is still a well-written example of the historical romance genre. You can't help but like the characters and be interested in their lives! Well worth the five stars!
June 18, 2009
Why is Compromised such a grand book? There are so many things to recommend. Could it be the witty dialogue between the hero and heroine? Could it be that even though the setting is the typical Regency England where young misses must marry snooze worthy gentlemen, Kate makes things so lively and interesting? Or could it be that the first interaction between the dashing hero Viscount Maximillian Fontaine and the plain Jane heroine, Gail Alton will have you in stitches? Max’s poor horse Jupiter is in love and unbeknownst to Max, Jupiter’s horse sweetheart was sold. Because of that, Max can’t control his steed and out of nowhere Gail comes trotting on her horse and they both end up in a lake. Gail blames Max. Max blames Gail. They come to the conclusion that they can’t stand each other. And we the reader know these two will annoy each other throughout the whole book, which will lead to infatuation and finally love and that wonderful happily ever after we all want for these two crazy kids.
Gail has some problems at home with a new stepmother who wants her stepdaughters to get married. Gail’s older sister Evangeline is the older of the two and the beauty. Gail is just so-so and there is not much to recommend to her, except her wit and her outspoken ideas, which get her into trouble. Max hopes he never sees Gail again because she has turned him all around. But they are bound to meet because Max’s father plans to disown him if Max doesn’t find a wife in three months. Max has no choice to attend a few balls During the Alton ball, he meets Evangeline in the conservatory and because they were standing too close to one another he will now have to marry her because they dared to almost kiss.
How will Gail ever stand to have Max as a brother-in-law? Max thinks Gail is a brat, or so he calls in a teasing way. Evangeline is not sure what to think of Max and turns to Gail to help her get to know her future husband. Gail loves her sister and will do whatever she can to ease her worries. Gail becomes Evangeline’s chaperone whenever she is with Max. At first Max can’t stand to have Gail around because she unnerves him so. And that is where these two fall in love.
Now I know what you are all thinking. Not another, “My sister is going to marry the man I love while I suffer and watch them together” storyline. Kate is able to work things out in a very pleasing matter. She makes sure to write Gail and Evangeline in a way that they won’t be harassed by their father, who adores them both, or their stepmother who isn’t as horrible as we first assume her to be. These two girls speak their minds and I love it!
The way Max tries to ignore Gail is adorable. He can’t understand at first why Gail has snuck her way into his mind almost every hour of the day. She has made such a lasting impression on him that he has no choice but to fall for her, and she for him.
Compromised is an entertaining wonderful lighthearted romp that makes me appeal to Kate to write faster because I want more.
Gail has some problems at home with a new stepmother who wants her stepdaughters to get married. Gail’s older sister Evangeline is the older of the two and the beauty. Gail is just so-so and there is not much to recommend to her, except her wit and her outspoken ideas, which get her into trouble. Max hopes he never sees Gail again because she has turned him all around. But they are bound to meet because Max’s father plans to disown him if Max doesn’t find a wife in three months. Max has no choice to attend a few balls During the Alton ball, he meets Evangeline in the conservatory and because they were standing too close to one another he will now have to marry her because they dared to almost kiss.
How will Gail ever stand to have Max as a brother-in-law? Max thinks Gail is a brat, or so he calls in a teasing way. Evangeline is not sure what to think of Max and turns to Gail to help her get to know her future husband. Gail loves her sister and will do whatever she can to ease her worries. Gail becomes Evangeline’s chaperone whenever she is with Max. At first Max can’t stand to have Gail around because she unnerves him so. And that is where these two fall in love.
Now I know what you are all thinking. Not another, “My sister is going to marry the man I love while I suffer and watch them together” storyline. Kate is able to work things out in a very pleasing matter. She makes sure to write Gail and Evangeline in a way that they won’t be harassed by their father, who adores them both, or their stepmother who isn’t as horrible as we first assume her to be. These two girls speak their minds and I love it!
The way Max tries to ignore Gail is adorable. He can’t understand at first why Gail has snuck her way into his mind almost every hour of the day. She has made such a lasting impression on him that he has no choice but to fall for her, and she for him.
Compromised is an entertaining wonderful lighthearted romp that makes me appeal to Kate to write faster because I want more.
October 30, 2018
The relationship between Gail and Max was absolutely lovely ... if only there hadn't been the love square component (4.5 stars)
This is my second book by Kate Noble and one I actually picked up thinking only to read a chapter or two right before going to bed. That did not at all work out well for me and I was up till I finished it at 5am! That in and of itself tells you how good I thought it was and how much I enjoyed it.
The story is absolutely lovely and very much of an enemies-attract romance - Max and Gail, from their first encounter, annoy one another and get under each other's skin, but watching their interactions, dialogue, and the development of their love story is simply wonderful. They are such a perfect fit, and are surprisingly sweet, cute, funny, and tender with one another. If it hadn't been for the love square - which goes on for the whole book because of a huge case of Things Left Unsaid - this book would have 5+ stars, absolutely no doubt about it.
Praise
As with the first Noble book I read, Follow My Lead , this book had some terrific elements that are hard to find all in one romance:
(1) Gail and Max are wonderful leading characters who are also perfect together, though I think we realize that before they do. Both of them have strengths and weaknesses, both have vulnerabilities that they're trying to cover up and/or work through. Together they fit perfectly though, and are able to provide the security and affection that the other so desperately needs. Gail may be one of my favorite heroines that I've read in quite awhile and Max is utterly charming (even when he's decidedly not). The scenes with them are funny, sweet, engaging, and ... chemical ...? (i.e. they have chemistry ;-)
(2) The romantic relationship is so believable; there is not instant lust - or even instant like - and their relationship truly develops and builds slowly but surely. This is made all the more real with Max's initial attraction to Evie, which while distressing (for me at least) to read, only serves to highlight for him and for the reader how much real, true love is different from momentary attraction or infatuation.
(3) Though not as historically rich in detail as FML, it is more due to the fact that there is not as much opportunity: there you had the main characters traveling all over Europe and an important subplot tied to art history; here you don't have either. There is still wonderful historical detail and much more than we see in most other romances. Both Gail and Max are intellectuals - and opinionated ones - so the back and forth between them on several pertinent issues of the times is both enlightening and fun.
(4) The chemistry is strong and one definitely feels the attraction between the hero and heroine - I think even before they do! Lol. There were not as many romance scenes as in FML, but again, this is due to differences in the story: they are not separated from society and the heroine here is much younger. What is there is strong and well-written though. The true magic in Kate Noble's books comes from the development of the relationship - in all aspects - so the strength of the emotional and intellectual connection leaves you not wanting for anything.
(5) Terrific secondary characters! I was especially impressed by Romilla, whom I thought was going to be the hated stepmother, but whom within the few pages you already get the sense that no, she's a fully-developed character and there's much more to her. Who doesn't love Will, Max's friend, and the only thing I wished is that we could have had a little more of Max's father, because there were definitely hidden depths there.
Issues
While this didn't end up being much of an issue because it's not mentioned frequently and she doesn't at all act like it, Gail is actually very young - only 18. Most heroines nowadays are older and frankly I prefer it that way, but essentially, unless the age and/or age difference is such that it's pervy, the number doesn't mean anything, it's how they act. Gail does not *at all* act like a young, immature, spoiled, TSTL 18-year-old romance heroine, so in the end her age is incidental. (I forget how old Max is, but it's mid- or late-20s.)
My biggest issue was with the love square (as in not a love triangle) - not a term I think, but now it is. Noble loves to tie her readers into knots and she succeeded oh so well with this reader in particular. I could barely read the beginning of the book - I was anxious, kept cringing, and wanted to throw the book across the room. I hated that Max was attracted to Evie, forgot about Gail, and gets engaged to her (due to necessity, yes, but still). This entire love-square aspect of the book caused me no end of stress, especially at the beginning and the end - OMG the almost-end: I wanted to scream and slap a particular female character upside the head!
Now, was this aspect of the story well-written? Yes. Were there any Big Misunderstandings? Aside from the initial one that necessitates the engagement, not really. Does it all get fixed and work out perfectly for everyone involved? Of course! Is it believably done? Yes. ... So essentially, I wish this part of the plot was absent only because it put too much of a damper on my enjoyment of Gail and Max's relationship and stressed me out waaaay more than I like to be when reading romances.
For those who think they're like me and will be bothered by this, I urge you to not let it stop you from reading the book though, because that would really be a shame. Relatively quickly, the glow for both Max and Evie begins to fade and while their engagement still stands and is a constant element of the plot (argh), emotion-wise each begins to go off in their own direction and we are able to enjoy the developing romance between Gail and Max.
I wish that one of the four would have just said something though, for god's sakes! Just stood up and shouted out the truth, because all of these Things Left Unsaid - also huge in FML - while not being as bad as Big Misunderstandings are just as trying on the nerves!
Bottom Line
Read it and enjoy! Is absolutely fantastic and reaffirmed my belief that Kate Noble will become one of my favorite romance authors. I cannot wait to see what she comes out with next!
This is my second book by Kate Noble and one I actually picked up thinking only to read a chapter or two right before going to bed. That did not at all work out well for me and I was up till I finished it at 5am! That in and of itself tells you how good I thought it was and how much I enjoyed it.
The story is absolutely lovely and very much of an enemies-attract romance - Max and Gail, from their first encounter, annoy one another and get under each other's skin, but watching their interactions, dialogue, and the development of their love story is simply wonderful. They are such a perfect fit, and are surprisingly sweet, cute, funny, and tender with one another. If it hadn't been for the love square - which goes on for the whole book because of a huge case of Things Left Unsaid - this book would have 5+ stars, absolutely no doubt about it.
Praise
As with the first Noble book I read, Follow My Lead , this book had some terrific elements that are hard to find all in one romance:
(1) Gail and Max are wonderful leading characters who are also perfect together, though I think we realize that before they do. Both of them have strengths and weaknesses, both have vulnerabilities that they're trying to cover up and/or work through. Together they fit perfectly though, and are able to provide the security and affection that the other so desperately needs. Gail may be one of my favorite heroines that I've read in quite awhile and Max is utterly charming (even when he's decidedly not). The scenes with them are funny, sweet, engaging, and ... chemical ...? (i.e. they have chemistry ;-)
(2) The romantic relationship is so believable; there is not instant lust - or even instant like - and their relationship truly develops and builds slowly but surely. This is made all the more real with Max's initial attraction to Evie, which while distressing (for me at least) to read, only serves to highlight for him and for the reader how much real, true love is different from momentary attraction or infatuation.
(3) Though not as historically rich in detail as FML, it is more due to the fact that there is not as much opportunity: there you had the main characters traveling all over Europe and an important subplot tied to art history; here you don't have either. There is still wonderful historical detail and much more than we see in most other romances. Both Gail and Max are intellectuals - and opinionated ones - so the back and forth between them on several pertinent issues of the times is both enlightening and fun.
(4) The chemistry is strong and one definitely feels the attraction between the hero and heroine - I think even before they do! Lol. There were not as many romance scenes as in FML, but again, this is due to differences in the story: they are not separated from society and the heroine here is much younger. What is there is strong and well-written though. The true magic in Kate Noble's books comes from the development of the relationship - in all aspects - so the strength of the emotional and intellectual connection leaves you not wanting for anything.
(5) Terrific secondary characters! I was especially impressed by Romilla, whom I thought was going to be the hated stepmother, but whom within the few pages you already get the sense that no, she's a fully-developed character and there's much more to her. Who doesn't love Will, Max's friend, and the only thing I wished is that we could have had a little more of Max's father, because there were definitely hidden depths there.
Issues
While this didn't end up being much of an issue because it's not mentioned frequently and she doesn't at all act like it, Gail is actually very young - only 18. Most heroines nowadays are older and frankly I prefer it that way, but essentially, unless the age and/or age difference is such that it's pervy, the number doesn't mean anything, it's how they act. Gail does not *at all* act like a young, immature, spoiled, TSTL 18-year-old romance heroine, so in the end her age is incidental. (I forget how old Max is, but it's mid- or late-20s.)
My biggest issue was with the love square (as in not a love triangle) - not a term I think, but now it is. Noble loves to tie her readers into knots and she succeeded oh so well with this reader in particular. I could barely read the beginning of the book - I was anxious, kept cringing, and wanted to throw the book across the room. I hated that Max was attracted to Evie, forgot about Gail, and gets engaged to her (due to necessity, yes, but still). This entire love-square aspect of the book caused me no end of stress, especially at the beginning and the end - OMG the almost-end: I wanted to scream and slap a particular female character upside the head!
Now, was this aspect of the story well-written? Yes. Were there any Big Misunderstandings? Aside from the initial one that necessitates the engagement, not really. Does it all get fixed and work out perfectly for everyone involved? Of course! Is it believably done? Yes. ... So essentially, I wish this part of the plot was absent only because it put too much of a damper on my enjoyment of Gail and Max's relationship and stressed me out waaaay more than I like to be when reading romances.
For those who think they're like me and will be bothered by this, I urge you to not let it stop you from reading the book though, because that would really be a shame. Relatively quickly, the glow for both Max and Evie begins to fade and while their engagement still stands and is a constant element of the plot (argh), emotion-wise each begins to go off in their own direction and we are able to enjoy the developing romance between Gail and Max.
I wish that one of the four would have just said something though, for god's sakes! Just stood up and shouted out the truth, because all of these Things Left Unsaid - also huge in FML - while not being as bad as Big Misunderstandings are just as trying on the nerves!
Bottom Line
Read it and enjoy! Is absolutely fantastic and reaffirmed my belief that Kate Noble will become one of my favorite romance authors. I cannot wait to see what she comes out with next!
dnf
February 18, 2013DNF
Full of cliches and bland characters plus the author didn't do her research: the hero's father threatens to tell people he's a bastard and "relatives you didn't even know you had would be clamoring to take your place." Anybody that reads historical romance knows that any legitimate issue can inherit regardless of who their father is so this doesn't make any sense. Also, there's a lot of very modern language...at some point the hero's friend tells him to "remove the rigid wooden object that occupied his posterior."
C'mon! If I wanted a contemporary, I'd have picked one up.
Full of cliches and bland characters plus the author didn't do her research: the hero's father threatens to tell people he's a bastard and "relatives you didn't even know you had would be clamoring to take your place." Anybody that reads historical romance knows that any legitimate issue can inherit regardless of who their father is so this doesn't make any sense. Also, there's a lot of very modern language...at some point the hero's friend tells him to "remove the rigid wooden object that occupied his posterior."
C'mon! If I wanted a contemporary, I'd have picked one up.
August 19, 2024
Review from 2014
B- for narration / C+ for content, 3.5 stars
Compromised, originally published in 2008, was Kate Noble’s début novel, and while a little rough around the edges in some places, is nonetheless competently written and strongly characterised.
Maximillian, Viscount Fontaine, is heir to the reclusive and controlling Earl of Longsbowe, who, at the beginning of the story, threatens to disinherit his son if he does not marry within the next three months. Max, who has chosen to make his own, rather modest, way in the world rather than submit to his father’s manipulations and dictates, is forced to take the threat seriously, although actually, it’s rather a big plot hole. The earl threatens to have Max declared illegitimate so he can’t inherit, but I doubt he could have done so. If a child was born in wedlock – as Max was – it was legitimate, regardless of who supplied the sperm!
Fortunately for Max, he soon meets the beautiful and demure Miss Evangeline Alton at a ball, is completely captivated by her and decides that perhaps marriage won’t be such a hardship after all. In the romantic atmosphere of a moonlit conservatory, filled with the heady scents of exotic flowers, Max and the young lady share a kiss which, unhappily for them, is witnessed and therefore sure to lead to all sorts of damaging gossip. Determined to do the right thing, Max duly presents himself at the Alton’s home the following morning to make Evangeline an offer of marriage.
The Altons have only recently returned to London, having spent a number of years living abroad. Sir Geoffrey is a diplomat and father of two daughters, Evangeline and Abigail (Gail), and has recently remarried. Not only is he hopeful of a new and important government appointment, his new wife, Romilla, is determined to do her utmost to see the girls comfortably settled and accepted in society. Any gossip to the effect that Evie has been compromised could prove disastrous for the all their prospects, but Romilla comes up with a suitable plan of action. Max and Evie can be secretly engaged for a month, during which time he will publicly court her. When the month is up, their betrothal will be announced, thus scotching any rumours that it had to be hastily arranged. In order to make sure the courtship maintains the appearance of utter propriety and familial endorsement, Romilla specifies that a family member must accompany the couple at all times. Needless to say, this puts an incredible impediment in the way of Max and Evie getting to know each other – especially as their chaperone is usually Gail, whose relationship with Max is rather adversarial.
Max and Gail actually encountered each other well before Max met Evie, on what proved to be a most inauspicious occasion. Riding in the park one morning, Gail spooked Max’s horse which led to their both being thrown and ending up in a lake. Max thinks Gail is an outspoken brat, and she thinks he’s a pompous idiot, so finding out she’s the sister of his intended comes as something of a shock.
Yet while Evie is very reserved in Max’s company, he and Gail have no problem continuing with their verbal spats which actually lead to their getting to know more about each other than Max and Evie do.
The direction the book is going to take is obvious, but Ms Noble does quite a good job of getting us there. While the story is rather slow to start, taking a bit too long for the two protagonists to meet, and for Max to discover Gail’s identity, once it gets going, things move at a decent pace. There are also a couple of particularly insightful moments which push the book into the “slightly above average” bracket for me, one of which is a powerfully emotional scene late on in the book relating to Max’s relationship with his father. I was also impressed with the subtle way in which the author conveys Max’s gradually growing disappointment at how little he and Evie know or understand each other. He tries to resist that idea initially, but the more time he spends with the witty, derisive Gail, the more he gets to know her ; and as he discovers their shared interest in travel and languages, it brings Evie’s lack of enthusiasm for his interests and his for hers into sharp focus.
The characterisation of both principals is well done, with Gail being particularly strongly drawn. I’m not a fan of very young heroines (Gail is eighteen) but she comes across as more mature than her years would suggest and is an interesting mix of fierce intelligence and vulnerability. Having grown up in the shadow of her gorgeous, good-natured sister, Gail has long accepted the fact that she will always have to play second fiddle to Evie. Max is surprised when he sees how subdued Gail is in company, because with him she’s never shy about speaking her mind. But Gail’s outspokenness has had unlooked-for consequences, and she finds it “easier to sit in a corner and be quiet”, than have to work at being demure. There’s a moment where she tells Max that nobody worries about her – not in the way they worry about Evangeline – which is very telling and very poignant.
I’ve seen Rosalind Ashford’s name cropping up more and more frequently at Audible over the last few months, and she has several historical romance narrations to her credit, but this is the first time I’ve listened to her. I enjoyed her narration overall, although it felt a little slow in the first few chapters. I’m not sure if I got used to it or if she adjusted her pacing somewhat, but by the end of the audiobook, I didn’t find the speed to be an issue. Ms Ashford has an expressive, mid-range voice which enables her to pitch slightly higher for the young women while maintaining a comfortably lower pitch for the men. She does a good job with the rather bluff Sir Geoffrey, although I wasn’t particularly impressed with her portrayal of the German Count Roffstaam. I understand that he is meant to be a slightly comedic character and that Ms Ashford tries to portray him accordingly, but her accent is neither authentic nor consistent. Fortunately, the count is a minor character and doesn’t have a lot of “screen time”, so it’s not something that is going to make or break the audiobook. More importantly, her interpretation of Max works well, and she is able to highlight his stuffiness, his humour and his quieter, more tender side through subtle changes in inflection and timbre. Gail is similarly well-characterised – suitably forthright and sarcastic, but with an underlying insecurity to her that fits the character perfectly.
Although not without its faults, Compromised is an enjoyable story. While perhaps the first hour or so of the audiobook drags a little, it’s worth persevering because once the story gets moving, it’s well-paced and entertaining.
B- for narration / C+ for content, 3.5 stars
Compromised, originally published in 2008, was Kate Noble’s début novel, and while a little rough around the edges in some places, is nonetheless competently written and strongly characterised.
Maximillian, Viscount Fontaine, is heir to the reclusive and controlling Earl of Longsbowe, who, at the beginning of the story, threatens to disinherit his son if he does not marry within the next three months. Max, who has chosen to make his own, rather modest, way in the world rather than submit to his father’s manipulations and dictates, is forced to take the threat seriously, although actually, it’s rather a big plot hole. The earl threatens to have Max declared illegitimate so he can’t inherit, but I doubt he could have done so. If a child was born in wedlock – as Max was – it was legitimate, regardless of who supplied the sperm!
Fortunately for Max, he soon meets the beautiful and demure Miss Evangeline Alton at a ball, is completely captivated by her and decides that perhaps marriage won’t be such a hardship after all. In the romantic atmosphere of a moonlit conservatory, filled with the heady scents of exotic flowers, Max and the young lady share a kiss which, unhappily for them, is witnessed and therefore sure to lead to all sorts of damaging gossip. Determined to do the right thing, Max duly presents himself at the Alton’s home the following morning to make Evangeline an offer of marriage.
The Altons have only recently returned to London, having spent a number of years living abroad. Sir Geoffrey is a diplomat and father of two daughters, Evangeline and Abigail (Gail), and has recently remarried. Not only is he hopeful of a new and important government appointment, his new wife, Romilla, is determined to do her utmost to see the girls comfortably settled and accepted in society. Any gossip to the effect that Evie has been compromised could prove disastrous for the all their prospects, but Romilla comes up with a suitable plan of action. Max and Evie can be secretly engaged for a month, during which time he will publicly court her. When the month is up, their betrothal will be announced, thus scotching any rumours that it had to be hastily arranged. In order to make sure the courtship maintains the appearance of utter propriety and familial endorsement, Romilla specifies that a family member must accompany the couple at all times. Needless to say, this puts an incredible impediment in the way of Max and Evie getting to know each other – especially as their chaperone is usually Gail, whose relationship with Max is rather adversarial.
Max and Gail actually encountered each other well before Max met Evie, on what proved to be a most inauspicious occasion. Riding in the park one morning, Gail spooked Max’s horse which led to their both being thrown and ending up in a lake. Max thinks Gail is an outspoken brat, and she thinks he’s a pompous idiot, so finding out she’s the sister of his intended comes as something of a shock.
Yet while Evie is very reserved in Max’s company, he and Gail have no problem continuing with their verbal spats which actually lead to their getting to know more about each other than Max and Evie do.
The direction the book is going to take is obvious, but Ms Noble does quite a good job of getting us there. While the story is rather slow to start, taking a bit too long for the two protagonists to meet, and for Max to discover Gail’s identity, once it gets going, things move at a decent pace. There are also a couple of particularly insightful moments which push the book into the “slightly above average” bracket for me, one of which is a powerfully emotional scene late on in the book relating to Max’s relationship with his father. I was also impressed with the subtle way in which the author conveys Max’s gradually growing disappointment at how little he and Evie know or understand each other. He tries to resist that idea initially, but the more time he spends with the witty, derisive Gail, the more he gets to know her ; and as he discovers their shared interest in travel and languages, it brings Evie’s lack of enthusiasm for his interests and his for hers into sharp focus.
The characterisation of both principals is well done, with Gail being particularly strongly drawn. I’m not a fan of very young heroines (Gail is eighteen) but she comes across as more mature than her years would suggest and is an interesting mix of fierce intelligence and vulnerability. Having grown up in the shadow of her gorgeous, good-natured sister, Gail has long accepted the fact that she will always have to play second fiddle to Evie. Max is surprised when he sees how subdued Gail is in company, because with him she’s never shy about speaking her mind. But Gail’s outspokenness has had unlooked-for consequences, and she finds it “easier to sit in a corner and be quiet”, than have to work at being demure. There’s a moment where she tells Max that nobody worries about her – not in the way they worry about Evangeline – which is very telling and very poignant.
I’ve seen Rosalind Ashford’s name cropping up more and more frequently at Audible over the last few months, and she has several historical romance narrations to her credit, but this is the first time I’ve listened to her. I enjoyed her narration overall, although it felt a little slow in the first few chapters. I’m not sure if I got used to it or if she adjusted her pacing somewhat, but by the end of the audiobook, I didn’t find the speed to be an issue. Ms Ashford has an expressive, mid-range voice which enables her to pitch slightly higher for the young women while maintaining a comfortably lower pitch for the men. She does a good job with the rather bluff Sir Geoffrey, although I wasn’t particularly impressed with her portrayal of the German Count Roffstaam. I understand that he is meant to be a slightly comedic character and that Ms Ashford tries to portray him accordingly, but her accent is neither authentic nor consistent. Fortunately, the count is a minor character and doesn’t have a lot of “screen time”, so it’s not something that is going to make or break the audiobook. More importantly, her interpretation of Max works well, and she is able to highlight his stuffiness, his humour and his quieter, more tender side through subtle changes in inflection and timbre. Gail is similarly well-characterised – suitably forthright and sarcastic, but with an underlying insecurity to her that fits the character perfectly.
Although not without its faults, Compromised is an enjoyable story. While perhaps the first hour or so of the audiobook drags a little, it’s worth persevering because once the story gets moving, it’s well-paced and entertaining.
May 30, 2009
"Compromised" was a light romance from new (to me) author Kate Noble. It's very much a regency romp with the added fillip of a touch of extra heat not normally found in your average regency. At 375 reading pages in trade paperback size, it's not exactly a quick read but I didn't find it hard to finish.
Gail is the smart daughter, the tall daughter, the daughter in the shadow of her classically beautiful sister Evangeline. Her father's job kept them moving from country to country in service to England and now they're finally returning home with their new-ish stepmother to be launched into society and find a match. Gail's brains don't, however, protect her from wild horses or spiteful scoundrels and when one scoundrel spikes her glasses of punch at her coming out ball, it sets into action a train of events that leads to her sister becoming secretly betrothed...to a man Gail dislikes...intensely. Of course, in regencies, dislike leads to love and so it goes in "Compromised".
Maximillian has received an ultimatum from his controlling, yet sickly, father. Marry within three months or he will only inherit what his father can't get rid of--leaving Max land rich and cash poor and possibly beggaring the estates. Max doesn't much care about one new debutante over another until he succumbs to the moonlight and ends up secretly engaged to the sister of the aggravating woman who inflames him like no other...in every way.
Even though I knew where the plot was headed, I enjoyed the journey. For a debut romance novel, Noble's sense of timing and dialogue kept me entertained. It did have a few roughish spots, but nothing that pulled me out of the story or the plot. A light romance with comedic elements that worked great for an afternoon read.
Gail is the smart daughter, the tall daughter, the daughter in the shadow of her classically beautiful sister Evangeline. Her father's job kept them moving from country to country in service to England and now they're finally returning home with their new-ish stepmother to be launched into society and find a match. Gail's brains don't, however, protect her from wild horses or spiteful scoundrels and when one scoundrel spikes her glasses of punch at her coming out ball, it sets into action a train of events that leads to her sister becoming secretly betrothed...to a man Gail dislikes...intensely. Of course, in regencies, dislike leads to love and so it goes in "Compromised".
Maximillian has received an ultimatum from his controlling, yet sickly, father. Marry within three months or he will only inherit what his father can't get rid of--leaving Max land rich and cash poor and possibly beggaring the estates. Max doesn't much care about one new debutante over another until he succumbs to the moonlight and ends up secretly engaged to the sister of the aggravating woman who inflames him like no other...in every way.
Even though I knew where the plot was headed, I enjoyed the journey. For a debut romance novel, Noble's sense of timing and dialogue kept me entertained. It did have a few roughish spots, but nothing that pulled me out of the story or the plot. A light romance with comedic elements that worked great for an afternoon read.
June 5, 2014
Max ends up falling for his fiancee's sister Gail. There are hijinks.
1. WHELP. For two people who claim to either be honorable or care about Evangeline, I call BULLSHIT. Like I get that AN ENGAGEMENT is not always going to be at the forefront of your mind, but COME ON. Completely forgetting about it to the point that you're about to Lose It in the middle of a park seems a bit heartless to me.
2. The tone was wry and clever in a few places, but those moments of levity did not stand up well with the blandness of the rest of the text. I don't know if Noble toned herself down for her debut, or if she was still finding her feet, but I am curious how her voice will change with experience.
3. If you're in a library, aren't those "aisles" of books and not "isles"? Aren't "isles" usually in an ocean? Am I really dumb?
4. A lot of repetitious content: arcing eyebrows; grabbing arms; squeezing hands; etc.
1. WHELP. For two people who claim to either be honorable or care about Evangeline, I call BULLSHIT. Like I get that AN ENGAGEMENT is not always going to be at the forefront of your mind, but COME ON. Completely forgetting about it to the point that you're about to Lose It in the middle of a park seems a bit heartless to me.
2. The tone was wry and clever in a few places, but those moments of levity did not stand up well with the blandness of the rest of the text. I don't know if Noble toned herself down for her debut, or if she was still finding her feet, but I am curious how her voice will change with experience.
3. If you're in a library, aren't those "aisles" of books and not "isles"? Aren't "isles" usually in an ocean? Am I really dumb?
4. A lot of repetitious content: arcing eyebrows; grabbing arms; squeezing hands; etc.
July 24, 2017
This was so disgusting. The hero is betrothed to the heroine's sister throughout the story, but actively cheats on BOTH OF THEM. He kisses the heroine's sister, and cheats on the heroine. He then kisses and has sex with the heroine, fully cheating on his betrothed without any guilt.
What the fuck is he doing? He's 28! And also a manwhore. You'd think he'd know better.
I can't really blame the heroine here because she's 18 years old. That's way too young to fully understand the ramifications of what she'd done. But not the hero. What a douchebag.
What the fuck is he doing? He's 28! And also a manwhore. You'd think he'd know better.
I can't really blame the heroine here because she's 18 years old. That's way too young to fully understand the ramifications of what she'd done. But not the hero. What a douchebag.
February 11, 2018
3.5 stars.
This was an interesting book- and annoying. I wanted to murder the step-mother in this story, and felt terribly sorry for her step-daughters. So it was a frustrating read as well.
I am a bit over all these people being self-sacrificing and noble and allowing themselves to be thrust into marriages they don't want, all because of muddles and misunderstandings. If you are ok with this kind of plot device, you will enjoy this book. Must be time for me to read a CR or PNR!
Characterisation and writing were very good.
This was an interesting book- and annoying. I wanted to murder the step-mother in this story, and felt terribly sorry for her step-daughters. So it was a frustrating read as well.
I am a bit over all these people being self-sacrificing and noble and allowing themselves to be thrust into marriages they don't want, all because of muddles and misunderstandings. If you are ok with this kind of plot device, you will enjoy this book. Must be time for me to read a CR or PNR!
Characterisation and writing were very good.
July 25, 2012
The book started out giving me a bit of a strange and icky feeling with Max liking Gail's sister Evie first and kissing her, I just like my romances to keep it out of the menage a trois family arena I guess.
I love, love, loved the small bit of Gail's intelligent passion about British taking artifacts from other countries and in her eyes stealing from their cultures, so refreshing and endured the character of Gail to me heartily. By adding this part of Gail's personality is how characters become real and I start to visualize them in my mind, it's about going this small extra mile (take note authors).
Awesome scene: Gail and Max are in the British museum and she complains about the Greek statues being stolen and Max points to a lower class little girl and says people who aren't advantaged would otherwise never be able to see them, then they are quiet for a while and then Gail starts to assert her point again I love how Max interrupts her sighs, and then says "Let it go". (By the way I stared into space for about 5mins here thinking about their argument and who I thought was right. I originally agreed with Gail but then Max pointing out the little girl turned me a bit. I still don't know how I feel about it…but I must move on, nerdiness over) This brief subtle scene hit such a cord with me. After I read this I swear there was an audible ding sound as if this was the moment Gail and Max's relationship became real for me. This was definitely the moment I started to become quite intrigued about their relationship and hoped this was a turning point in the book and looked for more interaction between the two.
Although the story was absolutely predictable from Max and Gail to Will (Max's friend, who actually could have played a bigger part, even interrupting Gail/Max and I wouldn't have minded. I never say that!) and Evie (Gail's sister) the way Gail was written was fresh and titillated me. Gail was an intelligent, strong willed, and insecure girl. She wasn't completely captivating in her looks, a swashbuckler who wore pants, or a diamond of the first water who flaunts society but refreshingly average in her unconventionalism; awesome character.
Powerful writing when Max's father dies and Gail goes to his apartments to comfort him. I don't know if I have ever read a scene such as that one where the male lead character breaks down in such a heartbreakingly beautiful way and it is the female lead character's strength which shines through.
The tone of the book was uneven at times, seem to be warring between being a serious book and a hokey kind of humor, the writing didn’t blend and flow as easily as it could have I think.
The character of Gail is one of the best (if not #1)female leads I have read in '09. Gail had an inner strength paired with a sweetly sympathetic vulnerability I loved. When Max's father dies a weakness rarely shown in a male lead's character utterly captivated me (again, take note authors) and created a beautifully compelling scene. There were other smaller flashes of brilliance for Max but on the whole he was kind of just another London Lord. In the end it was a good book but not a keeper because of the unbalance, tried and true story line, and lack of a certain je ne sais quoi.
Oh and I almost forgot what in the world was with Gail's ratty old brown riding hat?!? There was a big deal made out of it and then nothing, why was it so important to her? Grrr, another unsolved mystery, if someone knows tell me maybe I missed it!!!
B
I love, love, loved the small bit of Gail's intelligent passion about British taking artifacts from other countries and in her eyes stealing from their cultures, so refreshing and endured the character of Gail to me heartily. By adding this part of Gail's personality is how characters become real and I start to visualize them in my mind, it's about going this small extra mile (take note authors).
Awesome scene: Gail and Max are in the British museum and she complains about the Greek statues being stolen and Max points to a lower class little girl and says people who aren't advantaged would otherwise never be able to see them, then they are quiet for a while and then Gail starts to assert her point again I love how Max interrupts her sighs, and then says "Let it go". (By the way I stared into space for about 5mins here thinking about their argument and who I thought was right. I originally agreed with Gail but then Max pointing out the little girl turned me a bit. I still don't know how I feel about it…but I must move on, nerdiness over) This brief subtle scene hit such a cord with me. After I read this I swear there was an audible ding sound as if this was the moment Gail and Max's relationship became real for me. This was definitely the moment I started to become quite intrigued about their relationship and hoped this was a turning point in the book and looked for more interaction between the two.
Although the story was absolutely predictable from Max and Gail to Will (Max's friend, who actually could have played a bigger part, even interrupting Gail/Max and I wouldn't have minded. I never say that!) and Evie (Gail's sister) the way Gail was written was fresh and titillated me. Gail was an intelligent, strong willed, and insecure girl. She wasn't completely captivating in her looks, a swashbuckler who wore pants, or a diamond of the first water who flaunts society but refreshingly average in her unconventionalism; awesome character.
Powerful writing when Max's father dies and Gail goes to his apartments to comfort him. I don't know if I have ever read a scene such as that one where the male lead character breaks down in such a heartbreakingly beautiful way and it is the female lead character's strength which shines through.
The tone of the book was uneven at times, seem to be warring between being a serious book and a hokey kind of humor, the writing didn’t blend and flow as easily as it could have I think.
The character of Gail is one of the best (if not #1)female leads I have read in '09. Gail had an inner strength paired with a sweetly sympathetic vulnerability I loved. When Max's father dies a weakness rarely shown in a male lead's character utterly captivated me (again, take note authors) and created a beautifully compelling scene. There were other smaller flashes of brilliance for Max but on the whole he was kind of just another London Lord. In the end it was a good book but not a keeper because of the unbalance, tried and true story line, and lack of a certain je ne sais quoi.
Oh and I almost forgot what in the world was with Gail's ratty old brown riding hat?!? There was a big deal made out of it and then nothing, why was it so important to her? Grrr, another unsolved mystery, if someone knows tell me maybe I missed it!!!
B
July 28, 2011
Gail is the too tall, too smart, too awkward, too bluestocking sister of the beautiful, ethereal, just all around awesome Evangeline. Being faced to having to debut at the same time as her, Gail accepts the fact that she's overshadowed and escapes the pressure by riding. In fact, she rides in the early morning where she meets the too handsome, too arrogant, too rich (or eventually soon to be rich enough), too troubled (waaaah! I have daddy issues) Maximillian. During a ball, after rescuing Gail, Max proceeds to 'compromise' Evangeline thereby being forced to offer marriage. What happens when Max falls in love with the 'ugly duckling' instead of the swan?
Meh.This story turned into the epitome of boring vanilla. At first, I thought it was just me - too many historicals - but actually it's not. I just didn't care what happened to these characters. They were bland and uninteresting which is really the biggest crime of ANY story. The first problem is the narrative. A previous reviewer hit it in the nose when they said it's as if Lady Whistledown wrote this book. It has that feel of a gossipy 'telling' of the story rather than showing it unfold. The narrative might as well have been a running commentary of a reality show.
There is so much 'telling', so much descriptive narrative and exposition that I felt my eyes crossing as they began to droop from boredom. Even when there was finally some action, some dialog, it felt clunky and passive and awkward.
I have yet to read (and not really looking for it either) a 'blue-stocking' heroine that didn't come off as a shrill, know-it-all, know it better than you, absolutely right, politically correct nag. Gail, while she had her moments of a spunky heroine, also had way too many ridiculous examples of how much smarter she is than everyone else. Coupled with some incredibly naive behavior, she's the distant cousin you want to avoid at the family reunion, but can't seem to because they just keep following you.
Max has too many daddy issues to be a sexy hero. He felt younger than twenty eight and more like a wet behind his years, just out of college, boy instead of a man. Also, though it's not his fault (it's the writer's), I found it creepy that Max makes out with Evangeline and is courting her while making googly eyes at Gail.
Which leads me to a real confusion in this novel about who the heroine was actually supposed to be. I 'knew' it was Gail because the back blurb said so, but because the hero makes out with the sister, the unnecessary switches in pov and downright distraction of the secondary characters, it really caused me to be rather detached from the main characters and lose interest.
In the end, this book comes off as the younger sister of Eloisa James, Julia Quinn and Loretta Chase wanting to go to the Big Ball but not being quite ready for it. This book really needed some tighter editing.
Meh.This story turned into the epitome of boring vanilla. At first, I thought it was just me - too many historicals - but actually it's not. I just didn't care what happened to these characters. They were bland and uninteresting which is really the biggest crime of ANY story. The first problem is the narrative. A previous reviewer hit it in the nose when they said it's as if Lady Whistledown wrote this book. It has that feel of a gossipy 'telling' of the story rather than showing it unfold. The narrative might as well have been a running commentary of a reality show.
There is so much 'telling', so much descriptive narrative and exposition that I felt my eyes crossing as they began to droop from boredom. Even when there was finally some action, some dialog, it felt clunky and passive and awkward.
I have yet to read (and not really looking for it either) a 'blue-stocking' heroine that didn't come off as a shrill, know-it-all, know it better than you, absolutely right, politically correct nag. Gail, while she had her moments of a spunky heroine, also had way too many ridiculous examples of how much smarter she is than everyone else. Coupled with some incredibly naive behavior, she's the distant cousin you want to avoid at the family reunion, but can't seem to because they just keep following you.
Max has too many daddy issues to be a sexy hero. He felt younger than twenty eight and more like a wet behind his years, just out of college, boy instead of a man. Also, though it's not his fault (it's the writer's), I found it creepy that Max makes out with Evangeline and is courting her while making googly eyes at Gail.
Which leads me to a real confusion in this novel about who the heroine was actually supposed to be. I 'knew' it was Gail because the back blurb said so, but because the hero makes out with the sister, the unnecessary switches in pov and downright distraction of the secondary characters, it really caused me to be rather detached from the main characters and lose interest.
In the end, this book comes off as the younger sister of Eloisa James, Julia Quinn and Loretta Chase wanting to go to the Big Ball but not being quite ready for it. This book really needed some tighter editing.
May 29, 2019
Compromised by Kate Noble is a delightful book and enjoyable read.
Miss Gail Alton is not having a good day as she is forced by her new stepmother into attending the Season as a second to her beautiful sister Evangeline. One day while riding her new horse in the park, she encounters a self-important handsome gentleman…Maximillian, Viscount Fontaine. Unfortunately, their meeting was not a pleasant one as they both find themselves toppled into the lake and Max blaming her for the fall. Later in the story, it is discovered that the very same gentleman would be found in a compromising position with her sister.
Max, Viscount Fontaine is forced into asking for Evangeline’s hand in marriage, however he can’t get his mind of Gail, the woman who threw him from his horse and sister of his betrothed. Gail matches wits with him at every turn and the banter between the two is enjoyable. Although Max is committed to go through with his intentions, yet he can’t deny his attraction to Gail. Max and Gail eventually become friends but somewhere during their friendship, they fall in love with one another.
The romance between the H/h develops very slowly as does the plot of story. It was longer than some that I have listened but was welcomed in order to develop the characters and their personalities. The narration was okay and at times I couldn’t separate the characters…I think this was the only drawback for me.
3-Stars
Miss Gail Alton is not having a good day as she is forced by her new stepmother into attending the Season as a second to her beautiful sister Evangeline. One day while riding her new horse in the park, she encounters a self-important handsome gentleman…Maximillian, Viscount Fontaine. Unfortunately, their meeting was not a pleasant one as they both find themselves toppled into the lake and Max blaming her for the fall. Later in the story, it is discovered that the very same gentleman would be found in a compromising position with her sister.
Max, Viscount Fontaine is forced into asking for Evangeline’s hand in marriage, however he can’t get his mind of Gail, the woman who threw him from his horse and sister of his betrothed. Gail matches wits with him at every turn and the banter between the two is enjoyable. Although Max is committed to go through with his intentions, yet he can’t deny his attraction to Gail. Max and Gail eventually become friends but somewhere during their friendship, they fall in love with one another.
The romance between the H/h develops very slowly as does the plot of story. It was longer than some that I have listened but was welcomed in order to develop the characters and their personalities. The narration was okay and at times I couldn’t separate the characters…I think this was the only drawback for me.
3-Stars
July 19, 2013
This is a story full of familiar tropes-two sisters-one beautiful and one bookish. Both in love with two men and both of them unsuitable.
This book fit right in with my year of fun reading--light and fluffy and made me ready to read another Kate Noble immediately--which I did!
Beautiful Evangeline and bookish Abagail are finally back in London after a lifetime spent abroad, with a new stepmother, Romilla, in anticipation of their debut season's. With a good London address, a father who's been recognized by the crown, money and a venerable general for a stepmother, their debuts are practically assured.
I love books with bookish main characters and Abagail or Gail as she's called had just the right amount of spunk and tom-boyishness. She has no trouble saying what's on her mind and doesn't suffer fools which is not a good combination for an era where women should talk of inconsequential things and flatter the people around them--no matter how muffin headed they sound.
Her slightly older beautiful sister Evangeline is not as bright but she's sweet and their friendship is solid. Living abroad most of their lives and the death of their mother has made them allies. While Gail might not be excited about "The Season" or the ball being planned by stepmother Romilla to introduce the girls to society Evangeline is over the moon. She can't wait to meet all the delightful young men, attend dances and parties and fall in love. Sadly she manages to get herself "Compromised" (hence the title) and thus secretly engaged the night of her ball and though it may have seemed romantic in the moment, in the long term Evangeline and her future husband Max have nothing in common.
The main framework of this novel is keeping this engagement secret until just the right moment and this is where all the fun happens. For a marriage not to be seen as shameful a girl must be properly courted. This means Max spends time with his intended and for proprieties sake her sister and his best friend Will often both act as chaperone's. Sparks fly--and not between Max and Evangeline but between Max and Gail. Whenever they are in the same room they can't help but bicker and snipe with each other and thir interactions are such fun to read.
I don't want to give away all the surprises but this is a romance novel so you know going in there will be a happy ever after, it's all about how you get there in the end. This journey was loads of fun and I found myself laughing out loud lots. Kate Noble reminds me of Lisa Kleypas in the best sort of way. For those who worry about the steam value, this is pretty steam free until almost the end with one mild racy scene.
All I can say is I plan on reading Kate Noble's The Blue Raven series and most likely right away!
Buy this title from Powells Books.
This book fit right in with my year of fun reading--light and fluffy and made me ready to read another Kate Noble immediately--which I did!
Beautiful Evangeline and bookish Abagail are finally back in London after a lifetime spent abroad, with a new stepmother, Romilla, in anticipation of their debut season's. With a good London address, a father who's been recognized by the crown, money and a venerable general for a stepmother, their debuts are practically assured.
I love books with bookish main characters and Abagail or Gail as she's called had just the right amount of spunk and tom-boyishness. She has no trouble saying what's on her mind and doesn't suffer fools which is not a good combination for an era where women should talk of inconsequential things and flatter the people around them--no matter how muffin headed they sound.
Her slightly older beautiful sister Evangeline is not as bright but she's sweet and their friendship is solid. Living abroad most of their lives and the death of their mother has made them allies. While Gail might not be excited about "The Season" or the ball being planned by stepmother Romilla to introduce the girls to society Evangeline is over the moon. She can't wait to meet all the delightful young men, attend dances and parties and fall in love. Sadly she manages to get herself "Compromised" (hence the title) and thus secretly engaged the night of her ball and though it may have seemed romantic in the moment, in the long term Evangeline and her future husband Max have nothing in common.
The main framework of this novel is keeping this engagement secret until just the right moment and this is where all the fun happens. For a marriage not to be seen as shameful a girl must be properly courted. This means Max spends time with his intended and for proprieties sake her sister and his best friend Will often both act as chaperone's. Sparks fly--and not between Max and Evangeline but between Max and Gail. Whenever they are in the same room they can't help but bicker and snipe with each other and thir interactions are such fun to read.
I don't want to give away all the surprises but this is a romance novel so you know going in there will be a happy ever after, it's all about how you get there in the end. This journey was loads of fun and I found myself laughing out loud lots. Kate Noble reminds me of Lisa Kleypas in the best sort of way. For those who worry about the steam value, this is pretty steam free until almost the end with one mild racy scene.
All I can say is I plan on reading Kate Noble's The Blue Raven series and most likely right away!
Buy this title from Powells Books.
September 15, 2011
This is one of those books that falls neatly between 3 and 4 stars. I enjoyed reading it, but at the same time, it's not going to make me want to ride a lovestruck horse into a handsome man, so we both fall into a lake. Wait, maybe I would like to do that, but what I'm trying to say is that it wasn't life-changing. It was amusing and cute and a bit different from the run-of-the-mill HR. In that aspect, at least, it should get some recognition.
Our heroine, Gail, and her sister, Evie, have spent most of their lives abroad, but now that they are in England for good, its time for them to get married. Unfortunately, at their society debut, both managed to botch it up by getting drunk (accidentally) and being "compromised" by a stranger, respectively. The wonderful and willing stranger who compromises Evie is none other than the hero, Max. To ease your mind, the "compromise" part was just a moonlight kiss that does NOT happen again. Anyway, a shadow engagement it formed between Evie and Max for a month before they are to truly announce to the world that they are engaged to be married (preventing scandal, supposedly). The problem is, as they get to know (or not know) each other (Evie and Max), their chemistry fizzles into nothing. In fact, its our real heroine, Gail who is able to understand Max, albeit their constant bickering. Max and Gail have a magnetic property toward each other. Since their first meeting, their relationship has been explosive (more in the violent way). The rest of the book is just the H/h finally finding love in each other and finding a way to neatly tie a bow on everyone's happy ending.
Gail = a likeable, outspoken heroine
Max = a likeable, yet sorta socially retarded hero (has Daddy issues)
Gail + Max = Explosion of Flavor (well, and of Love and Insanity)
The strong point of the book were the secondary characters and their relationships with the main characters. Neither of the families are cut-out cliches. Gail's father loves her, but was impossibly controlling at the end. Her stepmother never really thought Gail an equal to the beautiful older sister, yet loves both the girls nonetheless. Evie was the perfect older sister, but she had her own set of flaws and gets her own time to shine at the end. It was surprising to her character utilized. Max's father is a miserable old fart who loves his son, but is socially and emotionally dysfunctional, creating a lot of hatred toward him from his son. Max's friend's development was sorta weak at the end, but whatevs.
The biggest problem for this book is the in consistent writing. At some parts, it was really amusing, while other parts were just so-so. It makes me believe that Ms. Noble writes similar to me. (1) Has an inspiration, (2)writes it down, (3)but soon inspiration fizzles and (4)the connective parts of the story suffer. Then (5) her editor doesn't force her to fix the weak parts. The same inconsistency explains the quick, undetailed completion of the end of the story.
Our heroine, Gail, and her sister, Evie, have spent most of their lives abroad, but now that they are in England for good, its time for them to get married. Unfortunately, at their society debut, both managed to botch it up by getting drunk (accidentally) and being "compromised" by a stranger, respectively. The wonderful and willing stranger who compromises Evie is none other than the hero, Max. To ease your mind, the "compromise" part was just a moonlight kiss that does NOT happen again. Anyway, a shadow engagement it formed between Evie and Max for a month before they are to truly announce to the world that they are engaged to be married (preventing scandal, supposedly). The problem is, as they get to know (or not know) each other (Evie and Max), their chemistry fizzles into nothing. In fact, its our real heroine, Gail who is able to understand Max, albeit their constant bickering. Max and Gail have a magnetic property toward each other. Since their first meeting, their relationship has been explosive (more in the violent way). The rest of the book is just the H/h finally finding love in each other and finding a way to neatly tie a bow on everyone's happy ending.
Gail = a likeable, outspoken heroine
Max = a likeable, yet sorta socially retarded hero (has Daddy issues)
Gail + Max = Explosion of Flavor (well, and of Love and Insanity)
The strong point of the book were the secondary characters and their relationships with the main characters. Neither of the families are cut-out cliches. Gail's father loves her, but was impossibly controlling at the end. Her stepmother never really thought Gail an equal to the beautiful older sister, yet loves both the girls nonetheless. Evie was the perfect older sister, but she had her own set of flaws and gets her own time to shine at the end. It was surprising to her character utilized. Max's father is a miserable old fart who loves his son, but is socially and emotionally dysfunctional, creating a lot of hatred toward him from his son. Max's friend's development was sorta weak at the end, but whatevs.
The biggest problem for this book is the in consistent writing. At some parts, it was really amusing, while other parts were just so-so. It makes me believe that Ms. Noble writes similar to me. (1) Has an inspiration, (2)writes it down, (3)but soon inspiration fizzles and (4)the connective parts of the story suffer. Then (5) her editor doesn't force her to fix the weak parts. The same inconsistency explains the quick, undetailed completion of the end of the story.
September 23, 2012
I usually don't write reviews but I just had to for this one. I absolutely didn't like the writing. The words just kind of seemed awkward for me and the perspective changes so fast, it gets too confusing and it just doesn't seem right when your reading. And I think the story didn't have much heart in it. I honestly didn't finish the book. Overall I think it was a poorly written book, the idea was brilliant but the outcome was not.
August 6, 2014
Refreshing and fun. This has a love/hate relationship start to it. Much in the tradition of Julia Quinn, lots of witty banter, the story is light and flows quick and easy to the end. It worked for me.
March 14, 2019
Audible experience - 4stars
Storyline and characters - I deem this an oldie by a goodie. Adored the sisters friendship and loved the relationship that Max and Gail form. No big surprises as far as HEA, but I loved how it got there. This was my first book by Kate Noble which surprises me, but again i'm reminded why I love Regency Romance.
Storyline and characters - I deem this an oldie by a goodie. Adored the sisters friendship and loved the relationship that Max and Gail form. No big surprises as far as HEA, but I loved how it got there. This was my first book by Kate Noble which surprises me, but again i'm reminded why I love Regency Romance.
May 14, 2019
The story of Gail, quiet younger sister of a beauty, Evangeline, and Max, a Viscount that soon becomes Evangeline's fiance.
I am not a fan of this trope, and had I known that it was the main trope of the story, I would have probably skipped it, but I went into this book without having read the description, so by the time it became apparent, I was intrigued by the chemistry between Gail and Max and kept reading.
The two of them rub each other the wrong way since the very first time they meet, and will now be forced to spend quite a bit of time together, while Evangeline and Max are supposedly getting to know one another before announcing their betrothal without a scandal.
I could see from the moment they met that Evangeline and , but it took a looooong long time before they finally reached that point.
The story is engaging enough, but I found myself impatient with all of them for keeping up with the charade, given that neither Max or Evangeline had any feelings towards each other whatsoever, whereas they had quite strong feelings for other people. I was also annoyed by the fact that for two sisters who were supposedly close, Evangeline .
I liked the banter between Gail and Max, and their chemistry was apparent, but I didn't love their story or the time it took for them to finally get together. All's well that ends well, however, and eventually both sisters get their happily ever afters, .
I am not a fan of this trope, and had I known that it was the main trope of the story, I would have probably skipped it, but I went into this book without having read the description, so by the time it became apparent, I was intrigued by the chemistry between Gail and Max and kept reading.
The two of them rub each other the wrong way since the very first time they meet, and will now be forced to spend quite a bit of time together, while Evangeline and Max are supposedly getting to know one another before announcing their betrothal without a scandal.
I could see from the moment they met that Evangeline and , but it took a looooong long time before they finally reached that point.
The story is engaging enough, but I found myself impatient with all of them for keeping up with the charade, given that neither Max or Evangeline had any feelings towards each other whatsoever, whereas they had quite strong feelings for other people. I was also annoyed by the fact that for two sisters who were supposedly close, Evangeline .
I liked the banter between Gail and Max, and their chemistry was apparent, but I didn't love their story or the time it took for them to finally get together. All's well that ends well, however, and eventually both sisters get their happily ever afters, .
March 22, 2012
I am going to make this short because mostly I am just annoyed by this book. Kate Noble is an excellent writer, the book is good, fun, but the story. I did not like it one bit.
Max our hero compromises lovely Evangeline. He finds her alluring and wants to do naughty things with her. At the same time he is annoyed by her sister who he calls the brat. Ok everything seems fine, except for the fact that Evangeline is not the heroine. The Brat, also known as Gail is the heroine. Gail is smart, witty and I like her. But this whole mess annoyed me. He starts having feelings for Gail, still he plans to marry the sister and likes her looks. And when he finally gets that he loves Gail, well too little too late. I do not want to read about that. It could have worked if the bride to be had been a bitch, or not known to us. But her own sister, who does that? Shame on you Gail, shame on you Max. Sure I know the two of you are meant to be but it was gone about all wrong. I am not spoiling things when I mentioned the smexing, we all know there is smexing in HR, always. That just got me more annoyed, as if it was possible.
So sadly this book annoyed me. It was not the writing, no, it was the story. It so did not work for me, and I kind of already knew that from the start. The blurb had already told my inner booklover that the book might not be for me, but it's Kate Noble! Of course I had to get this debut book from her. She is still an autobuy, and I have found my biggest romance pet peeve.
Conclusion:
Sadly annoying :/ But do try her other books! And you might like this one too, if you do not get so worked up as I did.
Max our hero compromises lovely Evangeline. He finds her alluring and wants to do naughty things with her. At the same time he is annoyed by her sister who he calls the brat. Ok everything seems fine, except for the fact that Evangeline is not the heroine. The Brat, also known as Gail is the heroine. Gail is smart, witty and I like her. But this whole mess annoyed me. He starts having feelings for Gail, still he plans to marry the sister and likes her looks. And when he finally gets that he loves Gail, well too little too late. I do not want to read about that. It could have worked if the bride to be had been a bitch, or not known to us. But her own sister, who does that? Shame on you Gail, shame on you Max. Sure I know the two of you are meant to be but it was gone about all wrong. I am not spoiling things when I mentioned the smexing, we all know there is smexing in HR, always. That just got me more annoyed, as if it was possible.
So sadly this book annoyed me. It was not the writing, no, it was the story. It so did not work for me, and I kind of already knew that from the start. The blurb had already told my inner booklover that the book might not be for me, but it's Kate Noble! Of course I had to get this debut book from her. She is still an autobuy, and I have found my biggest romance pet peeve.
Conclusion:
Sadly annoying :/ But do try her other books! And you might like this one too, if you do not get so worked up as I did.
January 7, 2016
I enjoyed reading this book because it was light and fun. Both the hero and heroine were likable, and I wanted them to end up together. The setting is post the Napoleonic wars in London, and the family is part of the ton (that is, they are high society). The younger sister, Gail, has a run in with Max, a future Earl, but it is her elder sister who ends up caught in a compromising position with him. Soon a deal is struck where Max must court the elder sister, Evangeline. Eventually it turns out that Gail and Max, while enemies at first, develop strong feelings for one another. Wackiness ensues and scandal develops! There are some very silly plot points in this book, such as horses that fall in love and a made up country, but they are excusable because they end up becoming enjoyable. Overall I found this book pretty fun to read. It helped that it did not read like a "romance novel." It was more like a nice story set in the early nineteenth century with two or three risque scenes in it. There are a couple of editorial mistakes that occasionally detract from reading, but nothing incredibly glaring.
July 17, 2010
Wow, this was awful.
First, the author seemed to be attempting to write in an eloquent, Jane Austen-esque fashion, but it fell terribly short. It ended up feeling fake and cheesy rather than authentic.
The plot was as trite as could be. Man is arranged to marry the beautiful, golden girl, but begins falling for her sassy, quick-witted, less attractive sister. But what about the woman he's betrothed to? Gasp!
:ensue drama:
It followed the traditional pattern of the main characters thinking they despise one another, but learning that deep down they actually love one another. Yawn. There was way too much, "We can't do this. Oh, but we can't help ourselves!"
I like when historical romances have a plot. You know, where things happen other than the couple's angst. This was not one of those novels. Unsurprisingly, I didn't finish the book. I skimmed the last half.
First, the author seemed to be attempting to write in an eloquent, Jane Austen-esque fashion, but it fell terribly short. It ended up feeling fake and cheesy rather than authentic.
The plot was as trite as could be. Man is arranged to marry the beautiful, golden girl, but begins falling for her sassy, quick-witted, less attractive sister. But what about the woman he's betrothed to? Gasp!
:ensue drama:
It followed the traditional pattern of the main characters thinking they despise one another, but learning that deep down they actually love one another. Yawn. There was way too much, "We can't do this. Oh, but we can't help ourselves!"
I like when historical romances have a plot. You know, where things happen other than the couple's angst. This was not one of those novels. Unsurprisingly, I didn't finish the book. I skimmed the last half.
December 17, 2015
3.5 stars. From the description I was expecting a really angsty book but was pleasantly surprised by this fun and frothy story. Gail and Max were so great together even if I wanted to bash their heads together. I loved the relationship between Gail and her beautiful sister Evangeline. So many times an author resorts to the sweet sister and the witchy one. It was soooo nice to read about two sisters who love each other and are beyond close. The romantic development between our MCs could have been better developed but I have few complaints about this book.
March 6, 2011
My 1st read from this author & really enjoyed it - looking forward to reading more of her work!
October 30, 2020
Enjoyable, but probably not something I would read again.
December 22, 2010
4 stars – Historical/Regency Romance
September 11, 2017
4.5 out of 5 stars.
I got this book at a used bookstore for a dollar ages ago. I was feeling in the mood for something light and sweetly romantic and this hit the spot. I loved this regency romance! I Gail is a strong character, but she is not without real fears and real weaknesses. And Max is...well he's Max. Definitely a man one wants to read about... 😉 I will definitely be reading this one again someday!
I got this book at a used bookstore for a dollar ages ago. I was feeling in the mood for something light and sweetly romantic and this hit the spot. I loved this regency romance! I Gail is a strong character, but she is not without real fears and real weaknesses. And Max is...well he's Max. Definitely a man one wants to read about... 😉 I will definitely be reading this one again someday!
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