Vexing the Viscount

Emily Bryan does it again -- and better!

Emily Bryan's books are such fun to read . . . lively heroines, manly heroes, humor, suspense, and spice -- and they get better with each one. I've been looking forward to Vexing the Viscount ever since finding out that this would be the story of Daisy, the smart young niece of the heroine of Pleasuring the Pirate (Bryan's last book), who I thought nearly stole the story from her aunt. And I'm not disappointed -- Daisy has grown up into an intrepid young woman who is again willing to try almost anything, but now as an adult, the things she tries can get her into more trouble than they could when she was a child!

The idea of her posing as a courtesan is both poignant and hilarious . . . the innocent Daisy 'learns all about it' from reading a book, which makes me laugh with recognition, as I've always gone straight to books (or now the Internet) for information on something new. However, Daisy has more nerve than I do -- she doesn't just learn about how to be a top-notch lady of the evening, but then acts on it! The excerpts from Daisy's 'textbook' are perfectly lovely, written with just the right voice of honest instruction. The author's research shows clearly, too, in the setting and voice of the book; I like reading romances of the Regency/Georgian period especially if there's more to them than balls during the Season and country house parties otherwise. The inclusion of the popularity at the time for 'antiquities' and archeology, and of Daisy's interest in such an unladylike pursuit, enhances my enjoyment of the book.

I love finding books (and authors) that make me smile just by arriving at my door, and make me think of ways to put off whatever chores are on my list, so I can start reading right away. That certainly is true in the case of this always-improving and clearly-having-fun author. Books like Emily Bryan's well-written ones, which I can count on for a bit of humor, saucy sexy scenes, and intelligent, interesting, even eccentric, characters, are just what I'm looking for.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Fun Lighthearted avdenture

I was one of the fortunate people to obtain a ARC copy of VEXING THE VISCOUNT by Emily Bryan.

I really enjoyed the book. It take place about 10 years after PLEASURING THE PIRATE. Daisy & Lucian were childhood nemesis. They meet at a collection of erotic artifacts. Daisy recognizes Lucian but he doesn't her.When he does watch out the sparks fly. Daisy goes undercover as a courtesan so she can help Lucian out on his quest to find the treasure to save his family.

I enjoyed the secondary characters-Geoffrey and Isabella. I adored the scene when Lucian realizes that Daisy and the courtesan are one of the same. Geoffrey was a hoot.

One should read DISTRACTING THE DUCHESS ( no connection) and PLEASURING THE PIRATE which is connected to the book. Visit Emily's web site and read A DRAGON CAERN CHRISTMAS which leads up to this book.

Keep up your great work Emily!!!
Sue

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Vexing the Viscount by Emily Bryan

This book was so good. I couldn't put it down. The double life that Daisy led was exciting and interesting. Lucian her boss, childhood crush and fellow treasure seeker was an interesting wonderful character that I won't soon forget. The story was different than other books that I've read from that time period and Emily Bryan's writing was so imaginable and fun. If you want to read a wonderful story that will keep you entertained throughout then you should definitely read Vexing the Viscount.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Great romance!

I recently read an ARC of Vexing the Viscount and I loved it. Daisy Drake is a fabulous heroine. She is unconventional, bold and daring. She keeps Lucian Beaumont on his toes. This book has it all: romance, passion, adventure and danger. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and hated to see it end.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

a fun historical romance

Over a decade ago, Daisy Drake defeated Lucian Beaumont in a duel with play swords; the scar on his chin is a reminder of his childhood defeat. However, the South Seas Company scandal caused a schism between their families. Now ten years later, Daisy recognizes her childhood friend whom she had not seen in years. They briefly chat before the Viscount leaves to provide a pitch for funding his dig to the members of the Society of Antiquaries as he has recently found ancient Roman relics. No one will support Lucian because his father is blamed for the South Seas Company scandal and subsequent failure; that is no one except Daisy. However, his father holds her uncle culpable for the South Seas Company failure so he cannot accept funds from a Drake if he wants peace.

Daisy's great-aunt Lady Wexford was a renowned courtesan "Isabella" who kept a diary that her niece is reading. She also finds the memoirs of French courtesan Mademoiselle Blanche La Tour. With Isabella urging her, Daisy attends her aunt¿s masquerade as Blanche; in that disguise she becomes Lucian's investment partner and his tutor on pleasing a lady. The only problem is that his kisses leave her wanting more.

Daisy really works the story line as she is herself during the day especially with her family, Blanche in the evening especially with Lucian, and Miss Clavenhook with Lucian's father who hates all Drakes and would detest Blanche for bringing more scandals to the family. Her masquerades make for a fun historical romance with a bit of suspense brought by unscrupulous people wanting the ancient loot for themselves. Fans will enjoy Daisy and Blanche VEXING THE VISCOUNT, who falls in love with both ¿women¿.

Harriet Klausner

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Wickedly fun!

It has been over a decade since they had sparred with play swords and she had scarred his chin. Yet Daisy Drake recognized Lucian Beaumont, Viscount Rutland, the instant she saw him again. The pair speaks only briefly before Lucian enters a meeting with the Society of Antiquaries. Lucian has discovered ancient Roman relics and hopes to gather a partner or two for funding. However, his father is still held accountable for the South Seas Company scandal, so no one will take the risk ... except Daisy. Problem is that Lucian's father blames Daisy's uncle for the doom of the South Seas Company because the man refused to invest. Should Lucian accept funding from any Drake, life with his father would become even more unbearable.

Daisy's great-aunt, Lady Wexford "Isabella", used to be a highly sought after courtesan. For over a month now Daisy has been reading in Isabella's library. Being "on the shelf" meant she could do as she pleased, within reason of course. It is in this library Daisy found the unpublished memoirs of Mademoiselle Blanche La Tour, a French courtesan. With Isabella's approval, Daisy dons the guise of Blanche and joins her great-aunt's masquerade party. As Blanche, Daisy becomes Lucian's partner. Not only does Daisy become his business partner, but "Blanche" also promises to teach Lucian how to kiss and please a lady. Blanche's memoirs were very detailed so Daisy would have no troubles. At least that is what Daisy told herself. Yet any time Lucian touches her, Daisy is hard pressed to remain in character.

**** There is more than one charade going on in this story. Daisy by day, Blanche by night, and Miss Clavenhook whenever Lucian's father is near. (Lucian's idea.) There is also a pair of treasonous men after the Roman treasure. It all adds up to one of the most wickedly fun reads I have had in quite some time. Terrific! ****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Wholeheartedly enjoyed this book!

Review by Jennifer:

Vexing the Viscount by Emily Bryan is a charming story about Daisy Drake and Lucian Beaumont, Viscount Rutland. Daisy, the niece of a pirate, has quite a spark and unique flare in how she lives life. She speaks both French and ancient Latin, but since she doesn't know about the pleasures of the flesh is reading some risqué books in her great aunts library. (Luckily her great aunt's a fantastic supporter of a woman's right to learn about these things.) Our leading Viscount, whose family is in dire straights financially, is a little stubborn (as most great heroes are) but a bit lonely as well. Due do the financial troubles, which Lucian's fathers blames on Daisy's uncle, he's not dared to marry. Little do they both realize they have a common interest in antiques

At a costumed ball held at her great aunts house that Daisy decides she just can't miss, she decides to play the part of a lady of pleasure. This despite her great aunts warnings she plunges into something she doesn't truly understand. Even though she had read Blanche La Tour's Journal and thought she grasped the contents pretty well. Lucian comes across the French courtesan at said party, and is immediately smitten by her.

I can't go on, because I certainly don't want to ruin the book for you!

This book is a very amusing but not silly by any means. It's a sweet story of two people who once friends as children meet again as adults. There are several twists, some a bit more subtle then others. Also including many intriguing tidbits about both English and Roman history. Emily Bryan has a way with words to be sure, and a way with creating a romantic tale not to be missed! I can say whole heartedly that I enjoyed this book, and very much look forward to reading more of her work in the future.

What a great read!

Emily Bryan really knows how to write a book! From page one, I was pulled inside her world and fell in love with her characters. Lucian is so charming, and Daisy is such a spitfire...but I love heroines like this. The sexual tension in this story is PERFECT! And believe me, I love a story that has these elements. The treasure hunt aspect in the story had me curled up and reading until the words were blurred. But that didn't stop me. I couldn't wait to find out what happened at the end. Emily Bryan does NOT disappoint her readers. High marks for Emily Bryan!

~Phyllis~

Vexing Is Charming

"Vexing the Viscount" appeals to me on several levels. Daisy has a history with Lucian going back to adolescence when she accidentally stabbed him with a sword. The book opens with a funny scene in which Daisy is looking at an antiquity and wonders aloud if it's life-sized. Lucian comes behind her and responds. She turns and recognizes him - partially by the scar on his chin inflicted by her ten years before.

Lucian needs financial backing to do an archaeological dig for Roman artifacts on his family's estate. He's turned down by the local antiquarian society members.

Later, Daisy masquerades as a famous courtesan, Mlle. Blanche La Tour, to meet Lucian and offer financial help. The masked ball is an effective device for letting Lucian get interested in Daisy (as Blanche La Tour) when their families' troubles in the past would have kept him from getting close to her. In this guise, Daisy also offers to help Lucian learn to sexually please a lady. Of course, Daisy has to read the courtesan's private journal late into the night to stay ahead of Lucian. Daisy's role here is totally at odds with her complete innocence in sexual matters. I find this very funny. It doesn't take Lucian long to figure out this deception.

Daisy is a smart, well-read, funny heroine. Lucian is an engaging, smart, and altogether delicious hero. Digging for Roman artifacts is a welcome change to so many romances filled with parties and balls and how the characters dressed and wore their hair.

I also like the parts of the story going back to the Roman period in Britain. They set the stage for the ending of the story when the "treasure" is found. There's definitely suspense leading to the end.

All in all, this novel has many of my favorite things going on in it. : Interesting and engaging main characters, witty dialogue, funny scenes, and searching for antiquities. I like reading it and look forward to Emily Bryan's other novels.

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