Most helpful customer reviews
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5.0 out of 5 stars
memorable characters throughout this story that will live on in your memory, Dec 31 2007
Victoria Yelverton lost everything when her brother ended his own life after losing a duel with Simon St. John. With no place else to go, Victoria is forced to accept Simon's offer of his home and protection as her guardian, until she marries. Victoria has no intention of marrying. Years of misery with her father and then her brother have shown her that men aren't to be trusted or counted on for anything. Victoria fully intends to make her own way in life.
Simon (Satan) St. John, Earl of Travis, has quite the undeserved reputation as a rakehell. Taking Victoria into his home after her brother's death is a spur of the moment decision but he refuses to allow her to go homeless or into debtor's prison. His only option is to assume the role of her guardian until Victoria marries - and keep his hands off of her.
Victoria arrived at the duel just in time to watch as her brother turned the pistol on himself. He'd left her homeless, penniless, and completely alone in the world. When she threw herself across the body of her brother, Simon assumed that Victoria was Michael's doxy. Michael's friend, Ogden, corrects that assumption and then proceeds to inform him that Victoria's well-being is now Simon's responsibility. Despite his reputation, Simon is not heartless and takes Victoria into his home. He fully intends to marry her off within the season. Simon's own attraction for her continues to grow while Victoria shows no interest in marrying at all. She intends to make her own way in this world without the encumbrance of a husband. Despite her intentions, Victoria develops feelings for Simon. Will long buried secrets from Simon's past destroy any chance they have at happiness?
PISTOLS AT DAWN will sweep readers back to a time when honor is often satisfied by a duel, reputations could be destroyed by rumor alone and women were reliant on the men in their lives to support them. Victoria is passionate and unlike the rest of the ladies of the ton she isn't afraid to defy convention and stand up for what or whom she believes is right. Much of Simon's reputation is undeserved and I love that Victoria is able to see him as a man worth loving. Throughout the story Ogden continues to attempt to insinuate himself into Victoria's life. You get the feeling that he's somehow involved with all of the misfortunes that take place but can't figure out how or why. Michelle Ann Young incorporates fun, memorable characters throughout this story that will live on in your memory long after you've put the book down. I'd love to read a follow-up story involving Simon's friend, Ian. He's a lush but definitely a dynamic personality throughout this book.
Chrissy Dionne (courtesy of Romance Junkies)
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful Regency, Jan 29 2007
Michele Ann Young's debut novel is a wonderful Regency story. The author knows her craft, making her words a pleasure to read, and knows her history, the little details woven in skillfully, adding enjoyment to the story.
Victoria, the heroine, knows the ruin gambling and drinking bring to men. Having spent too much of her youth looking after her father and then her brother, she wants no part of men. Tragedy intervenes, bringing her to the Earl of Travis's attention. Known as Satan to the ton, he personifies all those traits she despises in men. She loathes him. However, due to his actions, he feels responsible for her future and so declares he'll give her a season, allow her to choose her husband or he'll choose for her.
Then begins the awareness of one for the other, the part Regency and romance readers love to read. Travis discovers Victoria is no simpering miss, easily swayed, much to his annoyance and delight. Nor is he the unfeeling seducer of innocents, but a man who guards his heart, Victoria slowly comes to realize.
I enjoyed reading as the two little by little discovered the true nature of the other, and themselves, and how they reconciled all at the end. The love in this romance read true and felt right, not rushed but believable. The secondary characters are crying for a story of their own. Two more at least. Please? A wonderful story, one I highly recommend.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Fabulous Debut for Ms. Young, Jul 8 2006
When Victoria Yelverton's brother commits suicide during a dual with Simon "Satan" St. John, Earl of Travis, she has no recourse but to accept the earl's offer of guardianship. Simon vows to marry her off to the first man who offers. Victoria vows to never marry--after all, her father and brother, both dissolutes, gave her little reason to trust or even like men.
Ms. Young pens and sexy, wounded hero and a confident heroine. The reader is rooting for their Happily Ever After from page one, and the tension is upped with every scene. This is a fabulous debut book, and I heartily recommend it.
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