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Alastair-Audley Tetralogy #2
Devil's Cub
Duellist and gamester, the young Marquis of Vidal had fairly earned the sobriquet 'Devil's Cub' - a tribute to the wilder excesses of his father, the Duke of Avon.
When Mary Challoner discovered Dominic's plans to run away with her lovely sister, she donned cloak and mask in a daring impersonation and found herself bound for France with the most notorious rake in Georgian London.
The many admirers of These Old Shades will meet some familiar friends.
When Mary Challoner discovered Dominic's plans to run away with her lovely sister, she donned cloak and mask in a daring impersonation and found herself bound for France with the most notorious rake in Georgian London.
The many admirers of These Old Shades will meet some familiar friends.
282 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1932
768 people are currently reading
7347 people want to read
About the author
Georgette Heyer
265 books5,401 followersGeorgette Heyer was a prolific historical romance and detective fiction novelist. Her writing career began in 1921, when she turned a story for her younger brother into the novel The Black Moth.
In 1925 she married George Ronald Rougier, a mining engineer. Rougier later became a barrister and he often provided basic plot outlines for her thrillers. Beginning in 1932, Heyer released one romance novel and one thriller each year.
Heyer was an intensely private person who remained a best selling author all her life without the aid of publicity. She made no appearances, never gave an interview and only answered fan letters herself if they made an interesting historical point. She wrote one novel using the pseudonym Stella Martin.
Her Georgian and Regencies romances were inspired by Jane Austen. While some critics thought her novels were too detailed, others considered the level of detail to be Heyer's greatest asset.
Heyer remains a popular and much-loved author, known for essentially establishing the historical romance genre and its subgenre Regency romance.
In 1925 she married George Ronald Rougier, a mining engineer. Rougier later became a barrister and he often provided basic plot outlines for her thrillers. Beginning in 1932, Heyer released one romance novel and one thriller each year.
Heyer was an intensely private person who remained a best selling author all her life without the aid of publicity. She made no appearances, never gave an interview and only answered fan letters herself if they made an interesting historical point. She wrote one novel using the pseudonym Stella Martin.
Her Georgian and Regencies romances were inspired by Jane Austen. While some critics thought her novels were too detailed, others considered the level of detail to be Heyer's greatest asset.
Heyer remains a popular and much-loved author, known for essentially establishing the historical romance genre and its subgenre Regency romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,465 reviews
May 12, 2020
This book has the distinction of being the very first Georgette Heyer novel I ever read. Maybe that’s part of the reason I give it all 5 stars, but it also has one of my favorite heroines, a man madly chasing down the girl he loves, and my favorite chapter in any Heyer novel, starring a sardonic old gentleman. So all the stars!
Mary Challoner is a practical girl. She's well-educated. She has common sense. She needs to be sensible, since her widowed mother and her lovely younger sister Sophia are so utterly bubble-headed. So, logically, she realizes that it's insane to get a crush on Vidal, the sexy rake who's been pursuing Sophia.
Nevertheless, when Mary accidentally finds out that Vidal has convinced Sophia to run off to Paris with him in the middle of the night to begin a relationship without the benefit of marriage, she conceives of the idea of taking Sophia's place in the carriage, hiding her identity until it's too late to get Sophia. Then Mary will tell Vidal that Sophia helped plan the switcheroo, to put him off pursuing the relationship with her sister further. Hah! Then he will shamefacedly let her return home, and the Marquis will darken their doorstep no more. That's the plan, anyway. If there is any ulterior motive there at all, Mary's not admitting it, not even to herself.
It will surprise no one to learn that Mary's plan doesn't go as expected. But really, that's where the real fun starts in this novel. Everything gets crazier and funnier from there, and when, toward the end of the book, Mary recaps her adventures for the benefit of an older gentleman, who gently offers sarcastic commentary on her tale, it is absolutely hilarious. <——This is my favorite scene, bar none, in any Georgette Heyer novel, although the climactic scene in The Unknown Ajax comes thisclose.
Some readers are understandably put off by the character of Vidal in this book. At best he's spoiled, hotheaded and undisciplined; at worst you could call him a sociopath.
In a truly massive understatement, Vidal admits to another character (whom he just nearly killed in a swordfight) that "I'm a thought too ready with my hands." And this from Vidal's father: "I comfort myself with the reflection that your wife will possibly be able to curb your desire--I admit, a natural one for the most part--to exterminate your fellows."
So why does this book still get 5 stars from me, since sexy hotheads who try to seduce/kidnap/rape/kill people are, truly, not my thing, even in books? Well, for one thing the whole plot of this book is just so amusing and almost farcical that I really can't take Vidal all that seriously. And even at his worst, it's clear he still has at least a little bit of a conscience. And I adore Mary, with all her intelligence and level-headedness, and if she sees something worthwhile in Vidal and thinks she can turn him into a decent husband, I will defer to her judgment!*
*Okay, so in real life I'd be sitting her down and saying, girlfriend, this guy is NOT a good long-term bet, but hey, it's fiction and in this case I'm just going to roll with it.
2nd (or maybe 3rd?) reread for me, not counting that one scene toward the end of the book that I've probably read a dozen or more times. Actually, I've reread bits and parts of this book so many times that I really have no idea anymore what my total read count is!
Mary Challoner is a practical girl. She's well-educated. She has common sense. She needs to be sensible, since her widowed mother and her lovely younger sister Sophia are so utterly bubble-headed. So, logically, she realizes that it's insane to get a crush on Vidal, the sexy rake who's been pursuing Sophia.
Nevertheless, when Mary accidentally finds out that Vidal has convinced Sophia to run off to Paris with him in the middle of the night to begin a relationship without the benefit of marriage, she conceives of the idea of taking Sophia's place in the carriage, hiding her identity until it's too late to get Sophia. Then Mary will tell Vidal that Sophia helped plan the switcheroo, to put him off pursuing the relationship with her sister further. Hah! Then he will shamefacedly let her return home, and the Marquis will darken their doorstep no more. That's the plan, anyway. If there is any ulterior motive there at all, Mary's not admitting it, not even to herself.
It will surprise no one to learn that Mary's plan doesn't go as expected. But really, that's where the real fun starts in this novel. Everything gets crazier and funnier from there, and when, toward the end of the book, Mary recaps her adventures for the benefit of an older gentleman, who gently offers sarcastic commentary on her tale, it is absolutely hilarious. <——This is my favorite scene, bar none, in any Georgette Heyer novel, although the climactic scene in The Unknown Ajax comes thisclose.
Some readers are understandably put off by the character of Vidal in this book. At best he's spoiled, hotheaded and undisciplined; at worst you could call him a sociopath.
In a truly massive understatement, Vidal admits to another character (whom he just nearly killed in a swordfight) that "I'm a thought too ready with my hands." And this from Vidal's father: "I comfort myself with the reflection that your wife will possibly be able to curb your desire--I admit, a natural one for the most part--to exterminate your fellows."
So why does this book still get 5 stars from me, since sexy hotheads who try to seduce/kidnap/rape/kill people are, truly, not my thing, even in books? Well, for one thing the whole plot of this book is just so amusing and almost farcical that I really can't take Vidal all that seriously. And even at his worst, it's clear he still has at least a little bit of a conscience. And I adore Mary, with all her intelligence and level-headedness, and if she sees something worthwhile in Vidal and thinks she can turn him into a decent husband, I will defer to her judgment!*
*Okay, so in real life I'd be sitting her down and saying, girlfriend, this guy is NOT a good long-term bet, but hey, it's fiction and in this case I'm just going to roll with it.
2nd (or maybe 3rd?) reread for me, not counting that one scene toward the end of the book that I've probably read a dozen or more times. Actually, I've reread bits and parts of this book so many times that I really have no idea anymore what my total read count is!
February 15, 2019
Update: I found it a LOT funnier on second reading! I laughed from the beginning with "What have you done with the corpse, my boy?" "Done with it? WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH A CORPSE?!?!?!?!!!" to the end "Give Sophia a glass!! We're drinking your health!" "IT'S MARY!!!"
**Contains spoilers and strong language**
" 'They're all mad, every one of 'em,'"
That's what I thought at about 1/3 of the book, and then I decided to view this story as just a fun, silly screw-ball comedy.
And....I loved it. When I put Devil's Cub down, I was sorry it was over, and felt that I had truly read a masterpiece. Though the characters are particularly silly and irrational, and the plot exaggerated and totally improbable, it was a really good read merely for the humour and satire that Heyer seemed to have bestowed on the period. The whole book is so silly, in a way, that one wonders whether or not Heyer meant it as satire.
Devil's Cub is in no way a These Old Shades number two. It is in fact so different that I needed to adjust to the style of it before coming to like it.
The story can pretty much be summed up like this:
Duke of Avon: Vidal, what the heck son??? You can’t just shoot a man inside the club when you’re drunk!! Even I had more sense than that! Off you go to France, now!
***
Vidal: France sounds cool. Gonna take a chick with me. Twill be even cooler.
***
Sophia Challoner: OMG PARIS!!! I’M GOING TO PARIS WITH VIDAL!!!! OMG HE LOVES ME!!!
Mary Challoner: This is terrible… Have to do something about it, quick! *grabs mask* I will be Sophia!!
***
Vidal: Man! What the hell?!? You’re not Sophia!! What are you doing here???
Mary: Are seriously such an idiot?!? I ain’t letting no sister of mine getting ruined by you!!!
Vidal: Okay, fine, YOU’RE getting laid tonight!
Mary: *vomits*
Vidal: *holds a bucket for her*
Mary: ♥♥♥
***
Mrs.Challoner: SCANDAAAAALLLL!!!! Where is the Duke?? Where is the Duchess??? MY DAUGHTER HAS RUN OFF WITH THEIR SON!!! I’ll make him marry her or I will ruin the Alastair family for good!
Lady Fanny: I swear if you don’t shut up, you will be the one that’s gonna be ruined!
Mrs. Challoner: How outrageous!!!
***
Lady Fanny: LÉÉÉOOONIIIIE!!!! We got the biggest problem EVER!!! That Dominic has run off with Mary Challoner!! If Justin hears of that he will KILL. EVERY. ONE. OF. US.!!!!
The Duchess: Voyons!!!! This is ridicule!!! Dominique is an angel! But don’t worry, Monseigneur will never hear of it. I will invent an awesome lie. I’ll just say I’m going to visit my cousin Harriet or something!
***
The Duchess: Rupert!!! Get your lazy butt over here, we’re going to France!!!
Rupert: Waiiit. Who's WE!?!?
The Duchess: But uuuus!! You and me!! Remember in These Old Shades??! We had so much FUN!!!
Rupert: FUN?! Last time I went to France with you, I got a bullet in my shoulder! Now, what has that damnable son of yours done AGAIN!!! If anything, he will be the one shooting bullets at me!
The Duchess: Calm down, imbécile, he’s just gone off to France with a Miss Challoner, whom I HATE, and now we’re gonna go track ‘em down and force them to marry and Monseigneur will never know, because if he knows he’s gonna be so pissed, but he won’t find out because even though he knows everything he won’t know that because he’s not here, so now off we go to cousin Harriet’s!!!!
Rupert: .... !!!!
***
Vidal: Well, damn. I thought you where some kinda whore like your sister, but you’re actually a devilish fine girl, and now i can’t really do what i generally do to sluts, so hummm…marry me???
Mary: NEVER!!!
Vidal: Say that again and I’ll STRANGLE THE LIVING BREATH OUT OF YOU!
***
Juliana: Omg my boyfriend is like, sooo annoying, like seriously I can’t take it, gotta go out and party hard and flirt with every jerk I meet. Mary you stay here nice and quiet and see ya later!
Mr. Comyn: Mary, where’s Ju??? Don’t tell me she went to that party!?!? I swear, can’t take her anymore, she’s such a flirt. I’m going over there and tell her we’re so totally over.
Mary: SHIT, I LOVE VIDAL, BUT I CAN’T MARRY HIM, OKAY!!!!
***
Avon: Hello Fanny! How are you?? I hear there’s going to be some wedding bells!!!
Lady Fanny: !!!Gasp!!!!
Avon: I must congratulate you! Your daughter will be so happy with that Comyn guy, whom by the way I consider a very appropriate match for her! ;)
Lady Fanny: Justin…what the???
Avon: Ok, bye now, I gotta go.
Lady Fanny: Go??? Go WHERE?!?
Avon: Oh, just to see cousin Harriet!
***
Mr. Comyn: Juliana, we’re OVER.
Juliana: FINE. I HATE YOU!
***
Mr. Comyn: Mary, run away with me to Dijon and let’s get married!
Mary : *agrees so the scheme because marrying a dull dog like Comyn is so much better than marrying the man you love!*
***
Vidal: Juliana!!!! WHERE IS MARY!!!!!!!
Juliana: What the hell do I care???
Vidal`: I WANT MARY. NOWWWWW!!!!
Juliana: Well, idiot, go see if she’s at your place!
Vidal: Oh. My. Good. Lord. SHE RAN OFF WITH COMYN!!!!
Juliana: WHAT THE FUDGE!!!! COMYN IS MINE!!!!
Vidal:Let’s run away together to Dijon, that’s where they went to get MARRIED!!!!
***
The Duchess: Where. Is. My. Son. Getting real tired of this shit.
Tante Élisabeth: *bawls* He ran off with Juliana!!!!
The Duchess: !!!!!!!!dammmn bitch! what about the other chick!!!
Rupert: Vidal is mad. Completely stark MAD!!!
The Duchess: You’re mad, imbécile!!! VOYONS!!! Nothing makes sense!!!!
Tante Élisabeth: *bawls* They ran off to Dijon!
Rupert: LOL!!! Dijon!!! Why in the devil for!!! Dijon!!!
the Duchess: But crap, Dominique has to marry the slut girl, but now he’s gone with Ju!! What are we going to do!!!!
Rupert: Kay, seriously now, why Dijon???
The Duchess: Justin will be Fu.Ri.Ous.
Rupert: BUT WHY WOULD ANYONE WANT TO GO TO FREAKIN’ DIJON!!!!!
The Duchess: NOOOOBOODDDYYYY CARESSSSS ABOUT DIJON!!!!!
***
Juliana: You are the WORST douchbag EVER!!!!
Vidal: Mary didn’t think so.
Juliana: You’re nothing but an ASSHOLE!!! I’m gonna get the vapours!!!!
Vidal: Mary never threatened me with the vapours. Mary…
Juliana:Oh. My. Good. Lord. YOU LOVE HER!!!!
***
Mr.Comyn: Devil’s Cub is coming!!!!
Mary: Ohhh nooo!! Shit!!!!!! Say we’re married anyways!!!
Vidal: Mary!!!
Juliana`: I hate you all!!!
Vidal: COMYN YOU MOTHERF*CKER, GET YOUR DAMN SWORD AND FIGHT LIKE THE MAN YOU’RE NOT!!!
Mr. Comyn: Please don’t come near my wife!
Vidal: DAMN YOU TO HEEEELLLLLLL!!!!! SHE IS MINE! MINE, DO YOU HEAR ME!!!!
Juliana: WHAT!!! MARRIED!!!! Getting the vapours for real now!!!
Mary: GUYS!!! Stop fighting!!! I wont marry anyone!
Vidal: AAHHH!!! I KILLED HER!!!!
Mary: I’m fine. Just wanna. Go to bed.
***
The Duchess: THERE THEY ARREEEE!!! FINALLYYYY!!!!
Rupert: Why is everyone in Dijon!??!!
The Duchess: Oh my dear Dominique!!! Listen now, my boy, you gotta marry that slut girl that I hate, I’m gonna arrange everything and Avon will never know exactly what happened. But why did you run off with Juliana!!!
Juliana: EWWWWW!! We didn’t elope! I could never marry him!!
Rupert: Okay, but why come here, to DIJON!!!?!?!?!?
The Duchess: I wish everyone could just SHUT UP and explain one a time.
***
Mary: *runs away*
Elderly gentleman: Excuse me ma’am, you seem in trouble. May I help?
Mary: *tells him her whole entire life story*
Elderly gentleman: You are such a resourceful woman. I am a-ma-zed.
Mary: Oooh, but do you know the best part?! I got sick on the ship, and-
Elderly Gentleman: Bleargh, poor Vidal! I sympathize with him a bit now...
Mary: But no, no! He was awesome!! HE HELD THE BUCKET FOR ME! <3 <3 <3
Elderly Gentleman: Please STOP! We are eating and I do not want to get sick!!!
Vidal: Mary!! I found you….OH MY GOD!!!
Elderly Gentleman: Well, well, well.
Mary: OHH!! AHHH!! You are…you…you cannot be…..!!!!!
Elderly Gentleman: The Duke of Avon himself. But could you doubt it?? ;)
The Duchess: Justin!!! How did you know everything!!!!
Avon: Did 24 years of marriage made you forget that I am omniscient?
Rupert: AVON!!! We got the biggest problem, dude!!! There’s all this wine I got from amazing Dijon but I cant afford it all!!!
Avon: Now, that is a REAL problem!!! But I’ll help you.
Rupert: AWESOMEEEE!!! DIJON ROCKS!!!!
Okay, this is an ultra exaggeration of the story, but still somewhat accurate lol!
Dominic Alastair, Marquis of Vidal, it the notorious son of my beloved Duke of Avon, and the first thing that comes to mind when I think about him is dayuuummmm he's crazy!!! I found his character very difficult to like at first, for all his nonchalance, cynicism, and plain meanness. Then as the story unfolded he definitely grew on me, and although he became my momentarily favourite hero, he never equalled his father, because he lacked his polish and wit.
On the other hand, I loved Mary instantly, for she is a sensible, capable girl, and yet, we aren't given enough about her character to determine exactly how she fell suddenly in love with Vidal. I understand the idea, that good-girl-falls-for-bad-boy and opposites-attract, but it was so sudden when we learn that she loves him, that it kind of threw me off, especially since she keeps running away from him!!!! If I was given the chance to marry Vidal, AND that I loved him, I WOULDN'T JUST RUN AWAY AND DECIDE TO MARRY THE FIRST DOUCHEBAG I ENCOUNTERED INSTEAD!!!!
Honestly were was the logic in accepting to marry Mr. Comyn?!?!? I really did not understand that. I get that she thought that if Vidal did not love her, and she had to marry him he would make her very unhappy, because ohhh hummm, I don’t know, he tried to strangle and rape her a couple of times, so yeah, maybe she had a reason to want to run away (even though I still would’ve married and tamed the shit out of him!) the first time, but to agree to marry Mr. Comyn?!?!?!!??!? Seriously, what the heck???? That would an even worse marriage than with Vidal!! I mean, Comyn is really THE ONE character that pissed the hell out of me the entire book. He was so irritating and annoying I just couldn’t stand him.
To be perfectly honest, I would have rated this a lot lower had it not been for the appearance of the dear Duke and Duchess of Avon, and of the irrepressible Lord Rupert. They had the BEST moments. Léonie cracked me up and Rupert was so funny that I kept laughing at his lines long after I’d read them (and every one thought me insane, but whatever!). The novel is worth reading just because of them.
Actually, it’s worth reading period.
It was awesome. It was silly, crazy, ridiculous, but awesome.
I love that part at the very end, when the women are chit-chatting in a room & are all so over excited about Mary & Vidal's betrothal and that of Juliana & Frederick, and all the men just slip out and go to another room to drink wine!! It was so typical!!
SOMEBODY TELL ME WHY THERE ARE NO HEYER MOVIES YET!!!!
**Contains spoilers and strong language**
" 'They're all mad, every one of 'em,'"
That's what I thought at about 1/3 of the book, and then I decided to view this story as just a fun, silly screw-ball comedy.
And....I loved it. When I put Devil's Cub down, I was sorry it was over, and felt that I had truly read a masterpiece. Though the characters are particularly silly and irrational, and the plot exaggerated and totally improbable, it was a really good read merely for the humour and satire that Heyer seemed to have bestowed on the period. The whole book is so silly, in a way, that one wonders whether or not Heyer meant it as satire.
Devil's Cub is in no way a These Old Shades number two. It is in fact so different that I needed to adjust to the style of it before coming to like it.
The story can pretty much be summed up like this:
Duke of Avon: Vidal, what the heck son??? You can’t just shoot a man inside the club when you’re drunk!! Even I had more sense than that! Off you go to France, now!
***
Vidal: France sounds cool. Gonna take a chick with me. Twill be even cooler.
***
Sophia Challoner: OMG PARIS!!! I’M GOING TO PARIS WITH VIDAL!!!! OMG HE LOVES ME!!!
Mary Challoner: This is terrible… Have to do something about it, quick! *grabs mask* I will be Sophia!!
***
Vidal: Man! What the hell?!? You’re not Sophia!! What are you doing here???
Mary: Are seriously such an idiot?!? I ain’t letting no sister of mine getting ruined by you!!!
Vidal: Okay, fine, YOU’RE getting laid tonight!
Mary: *vomits*
Vidal: *holds a bucket for her*
Mary: ♥♥♥
***
Mrs.Challoner: SCANDAAAAALLLL!!!! Where is the Duke?? Where is the Duchess??? MY DAUGHTER HAS RUN OFF WITH THEIR SON!!! I’ll make him marry her or I will ruin the Alastair family for good!
Lady Fanny: I swear if you don’t shut up, you will be the one that’s gonna be ruined!
Mrs. Challoner: How outrageous!!!
***
Lady Fanny: LÉÉÉOOONIIIIE!!!! We got the biggest problem EVER!!! That Dominic has run off with Mary Challoner!! If Justin hears of that he will KILL. EVERY. ONE. OF. US.!!!!
The Duchess: Voyons!!!! This is ridicule!!! Dominique is an angel! But don’t worry, Monseigneur will never hear of it. I will invent an awesome lie. I’ll just say I’m going to visit my cousin Harriet or something!
***
The Duchess: Rupert!!! Get your lazy butt over here, we’re going to France!!!
Rupert: Waiiit. Who's WE!?!?
The Duchess: But uuuus!! You and me!! Remember in These Old Shades??! We had so much FUN!!!
Rupert: FUN?! Last time I went to France with you, I got a bullet in my shoulder! Now, what has that damnable son of yours done AGAIN!!! If anything, he will be the one shooting bullets at me!
The Duchess: Calm down, imbécile, he’s just gone off to France with a Miss Challoner, whom I HATE, and now we’re gonna go track ‘em down and force them to marry and Monseigneur will never know, because if he knows he’s gonna be so pissed, but he won’t find out because even though he knows everything he won’t know that because he’s not here, so now off we go to cousin Harriet’s!!!!
Rupert: .... !!!!
***
Vidal: Well, damn. I thought you where some kinda whore like your sister, but you’re actually a devilish fine girl, and now i can’t really do what i generally do to sluts, so hummm…marry me???
Mary: NEVER!!!
Vidal: Say that again and I’ll STRANGLE THE LIVING BREATH OUT OF YOU!
***
Juliana: Omg my boyfriend is like, sooo annoying, like seriously I can’t take it, gotta go out and party hard and flirt with every jerk I meet. Mary you stay here nice and quiet and see ya later!
Mr. Comyn: Mary, where’s Ju??? Don’t tell me she went to that party!?!? I swear, can’t take her anymore, she’s such a flirt. I’m going over there and tell her we’re so totally over.
Mary: SHIT, I LOVE VIDAL, BUT I CAN’T MARRY HIM, OKAY!!!!
***
Avon: Hello Fanny! How are you?? I hear there’s going to be some wedding bells!!!
Lady Fanny: !!!Gasp!!!!
Avon: I must congratulate you! Your daughter will be so happy with that Comyn guy, whom by the way I consider a very appropriate match for her! ;)
Lady Fanny: Justin…what the???
Avon: Ok, bye now, I gotta go.
Lady Fanny: Go??? Go WHERE?!?
Avon: Oh, just to see cousin Harriet!
***
Mr. Comyn: Juliana, we’re OVER.
Juliana: FINE. I HATE YOU!
***
Mr. Comyn: Mary, run away with me to Dijon and let’s get married!
Mary : *agrees so the scheme because marrying a dull dog like Comyn is so much better than marrying the man you love!*
***
Vidal: Juliana!!!! WHERE IS MARY!!!!!!!
Juliana: What the hell do I care???
Vidal`: I WANT MARY. NOWWWWW!!!!
Juliana: Well, idiot, go see if she’s at your place!
Vidal: Oh. My. Good. Lord. SHE RAN OFF WITH COMYN!!!!
Juliana: WHAT THE FUDGE!!!! COMYN IS MINE!!!!
Vidal:Let’s run away together to Dijon, that’s where they went to get MARRIED!!!!
***
The Duchess: Where. Is. My. Son. Getting real tired of this shit.
Tante Élisabeth: *bawls* He ran off with Juliana!!!!
The Duchess: !!!!!!!!dammmn bitch! what about the other chick!!!
Rupert: Vidal is mad. Completely stark MAD!!!
The Duchess: You’re mad, imbécile!!! VOYONS!!! Nothing makes sense!!!!
Tante Élisabeth: *bawls* They ran off to Dijon!
Rupert: LOL!!! Dijon!!! Why in the devil for!!! Dijon!!!
the Duchess: But crap, Dominique has to marry the slut girl, but now he’s gone with Ju!! What are we going to do!!!!
Rupert: Kay, seriously now, why Dijon???
The Duchess: Justin will be Fu.Ri.Ous.
Rupert: BUT WHY WOULD ANYONE WANT TO GO TO FREAKIN’ DIJON!!!!!
The Duchess: NOOOOBOODDDYYYY CARESSSSS ABOUT DIJON!!!!!
***
Juliana: You are the WORST douchbag EVER!!!!
Vidal: Mary didn’t think so.
Juliana: You’re nothing but an ASSHOLE!!! I’m gonna get the vapours!!!!
Vidal: Mary never threatened me with the vapours. Mary…
Juliana:Oh. My. Good. Lord. YOU LOVE HER!!!!
***
Mr.Comyn: Devil’s Cub is coming!!!!
Mary: Ohhh nooo!! Shit!!!!!! Say we’re married anyways!!!
Vidal: Mary!!!
Juliana`: I hate you all!!!
Vidal: COMYN YOU MOTHERF*CKER, GET YOUR DAMN SWORD AND FIGHT LIKE THE MAN YOU’RE NOT!!!
Mr. Comyn: Please don’t come near my wife!
Vidal: DAMN YOU TO HEEEELLLLLLL!!!!! SHE IS MINE! MINE, DO YOU HEAR ME!!!!
Juliana: WHAT!!! MARRIED!!!! Getting the vapours for real now!!!
Mary: GUYS!!! Stop fighting!!! I wont marry anyone!
Vidal: AAHHH!!! I KILLED HER!!!!
Mary: I’m fine. Just wanna. Go to bed.
***
The Duchess: THERE THEY ARREEEE!!! FINALLYYYY!!!!
Rupert: Why is everyone in Dijon!??!!
The Duchess: Oh my dear Dominique!!! Listen now, my boy, you gotta marry that slut girl that I hate, I’m gonna arrange everything and Avon will never know exactly what happened. But why did you run off with Juliana!!!
Juliana: EWWWWW!! We didn’t elope! I could never marry him!!
Rupert: Okay, but why come here, to DIJON!!!?!?!?!?
The Duchess: I wish everyone could just SHUT UP and explain one a time.
***
Mary: *runs away*
Elderly gentleman: Excuse me ma’am, you seem in trouble. May I help?
Mary: *tells him her whole entire life story*
Elderly gentleman: You are such a resourceful woman. I am a-ma-zed.
Mary: Oooh, but do you know the best part?! I got sick on the ship, and-
Elderly Gentleman: Bleargh, poor Vidal! I sympathize with him a bit now...
Mary: But no, no! He was awesome!! HE HELD THE BUCKET FOR ME! <3 <3 <3
Elderly Gentleman: Please STOP! We are eating and I do not want to get sick!!!
Vidal: Mary!! I found you….OH MY GOD!!!
Elderly Gentleman: Well, well, well.
Mary: OHH!! AHHH!! You are…you…you cannot be…..!!!!!
Elderly Gentleman: The Duke of Avon himself. But could you doubt it?? ;)
The Duchess: Justin!!! How did you know everything!!!!
Avon: Did 24 years of marriage made you forget that I am omniscient?
Rupert: AVON!!! We got the biggest problem, dude!!! There’s all this wine I got from amazing Dijon but I cant afford it all!!!
Avon: Now, that is a REAL problem!!! But I’ll help you.
Rupert: AWESOMEEEE!!! DIJON ROCKS!!!!
Okay, this is an ultra exaggeration of the story, but still somewhat accurate lol!
Dominic Alastair, Marquis of Vidal, it the notorious son of my beloved Duke of Avon, and the first thing that comes to mind when I think about him is dayuuummmm he's crazy!!! I found his character very difficult to like at first, for all his nonchalance, cynicism, and plain meanness. Then as the story unfolded he definitely grew on me, and although he became my momentarily favourite hero, he never equalled his father, because he lacked his polish and wit.
On the other hand, I loved Mary instantly, for she is a sensible, capable girl, and yet, we aren't given enough about her character to determine exactly how she fell suddenly in love with Vidal. I understand the idea, that good-girl-falls-for-bad-boy and opposites-attract, but it was so sudden when we learn that she loves him, that it kind of threw me off, especially since she keeps running away from him!!!! If I was given the chance to marry Vidal, AND that I loved him, I WOULDN'T JUST RUN AWAY AND DECIDE TO MARRY THE FIRST DOUCHEBAG I ENCOUNTERED INSTEAD!!!!
Honestly were was the logic in accepting to marry Mr. Comyn?!?!? I really did not understand that. I get that she thought that if Vidal did not love her, and she had to marry him he would make her very unhappy, because ohhh hummm, I don’t know, he tried to strangle and rape her a couple of times, so yeah, maybe she had a reason to want to run away (even though I still would’ve married and tamed the shit out of him!) the first time, but to agree to marry Mr. Comyn?!?!?!!??!? Seriously, what the heck???? That would an even worse marriage than with Vidal!! I mean, Comyn is really THE ONE character that pissed the hell out of me the entire book. He was so irritating and annoying I just couldn’t stand him.
To be perfectly honest, I would have rated this a lot lower had it not been for the appearance of the dear Duke and Duchess of Avon, and of the irrepressible Lord Rupert. They had the BEST moments. Léonie cracked me up and Rupert was so funny that I kept laughing at his lines long after I’d read them (and every one thought me insane, but whatever!). The novel is worth reading just because of them.
Actually, it’s worth reading period.
It was awesome. It was silly, crazy, ridiculous, but awesome.
I love that part at the very end, when the women are chit-chatting in a room & are all so over excited about Mary & Vidal's betrothal and that of Juliana & Frederick, and all the men just slip out and go to another room to drink wine!! It was so typical!!
SOMEBODY TELL ME WHY THERE ARE NO HEYER MOVIES YET!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2022
This is my second read of this title on Goodreads (first read on Goodreads here https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... but I have read this title over a 100 times.)
It is my favourite book of all time.
This time I am reading my Dad's old paperback. He gave all his old GH paperbacks to me - except for this one. It was beside his Lazyboy when he died. He also reread this book often.
I don't have much to add to my original review other than it is an interesting character study of two couples, one romantic and one practical and they may surprise you!
It is my favourite book of all time.
This time I am reading my Dad's old paperback. He gave all his old GH paperbacks to me - except for this one. It was beside his Lazyboy when he died. He also reread this book often.
I don't have much to add to my original review other than it is an interesting character study of two couples, one romantic and one practical and they may surprise you!
December 1, 2022
How do you review your favourite book, especially when you love it beyond all reason?
My love for what I think of as Georgette Heyer's masterpiece doesn't mean I would want Vidal in my own life as either a spouse or a son. Vidal's fondness for solving his problems by either murdering or threatening to murder people who cross him wouldn't make him a very comfortable companion! & I don't see myself as the normally sensible Mary. No these characters are right where I want them - between the pages of a book.
These are clearly characters GH loves. The story moves along at a cracking pace & you forget or forgive any flaws including the fact that Vidal is at least a & in some bizarre way Vidal is almost a contemporary hero - or else some things stay the same. He worships speed, drinks heavily & he & his cronies spend a lot of time/money on fashionable toys!
I think the break neck speed of the whole book would make a wonderful BBC production. Casting the female roles would be difficult (& I would say in the case of the nearly ageless Leonie well nigh impossible) but I have some thoughts for the male roles.
My choices for some of the males;
Harry Styles for Dominic. A bit on the slim side, but he has the right air of decadence.
Avon. Rufus Sewell He is considerably younger than Avon - but that means he could be cast in These Old Shades as well. & make up can do wonders.
& one of my favourite secondary characters the feckless Lord Rupert. I would like Crispin Bonham-Carter (Bingley in the BBC Pride & Prejudice) He has left acting so I didn't want to invade his privacy too much by looking for recent photos but he was born in 1969 so he is about the right age.
I may still fiddle about with this review - I simply can't praise this book too much as wonderful escapist fiction!
Sorry for all the problems with my pictures - one of the reason I don't normally use images.
30/11/22
My third read of my favourite book of all time since I have been on Goodreads. All the characters are so vivid & I have found some wonderful quotes to add to the Goodreads database.
Still love it.
Link to my other review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
My love for what I think of as Georgette Heyer's masterpiece doesn't mean I would want Vidal in my own life as either a spouse or a son. Vidal's fondness for solving his problems by either murdering or threatening to murder people who cross him wouldn't make him a very comfortable companion! & I don't see myself as the normally sensible Mary. No these characters are right where I want them - between the pages of a book.
These are clearly characters GH loves. The story moves along at a cracking pace & you forget or forgive any flaws including the fact that Vidal is at least a & in some bizarre way Vidal is almost a contemporary hero - or else some things stay the same. He worships speed, drinks heavily & he & his cronies spend a lot of time/money on fashionable toys!
I think the break neck speed of the whole book would make a wonderful BBC production. Casting the female roles would be difficult (& I would say in the case of the nearly ageless Leonie well nigh impossible) but I have some thoughts for the male roles.
My choices for some of the males;
Harry Styles for Dominic. A bit on the slim side, but he has the right air of decadence.
Avon. Rufus Sewell He is considerably younger than Avon - but that means he could be cast in These Old Shades as well. & make up can do wonders.
& one of my favourite secondary characters the feckless Lord Rupert. I would like Crispin Bonham-Carter (Bingley in the BBC Pride & Prejudice) He has left acting so I didn't want to invade his privacy too much by looking for recent photos but he was born in 1969 so he is about the right age.
I may still fiddle about with this review - I simply can't praise this book too much as wonderful escapist fiction!
Sorry for all the problems with my pictures - one of the reason I don't normally use images.
30/11/22
My third read of my favourite book of all time since I have been on Goodreads. All the characters are so vivid & I have found some wonderful quotes to add to the Goodreads database.
Still love it.
Link to my other review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
September 9, 2025
An apt title! Dominic, the Marquis of Vidal, is the devil's "cub" indeed - a devilish beast who may one day grow up into a human. This bestial young nobleman immediately resorts to violence or threats of violence when angered, is quietly and eerily dangerous when drunk, nonchalantly guns down any who may annoy him - whether that be an intrusive highwayman or a fellow gambler who calls him a liar (personally I can't blame him for either), and less understandably, has no notion of chivalry when it comes to ladies who aren't of the gentlewoman persuasion: sneering, threatening, kidnapping, and throttling without an iota of remorse, basically treating them like trash. This book often functions as a fascinating portrait of a child who combines the less attractive traits of his compelling parents (as featured in the excellent These Old Shades): the animalistic temper of his mother Leonie and the cold ruthlessness of his father the Duke of Avon, as well as their mutual disregard for human life. Fortunately, Dominic has also inherited some of their more positive traits. Even more fortunately, the redoubtable Mary Challoner - a wonderfully admirable and relatable creation - has entered his so-called life. Not only will she not brook his argumentative selfishness, she'll bring a gun to the debate. My money is on Mary to transform the selfish beast into a caring human being.
In case I'm giving the impression that I thought this was a dark psychological portrait, I should be clear that the book - despite its disturbing moments - is mainly delightful, full of sweetness and empathy, wittily written, briskly paced. A light and charming affair, for the most part. It has all of the strengths of the best of Heyer. The disturbing elements actually deepened the novel in an interesting way; although I preferred its predecessor, this sequel was great. My only genuine complaint is dealing with Dominic as a romantic lead. As a character, he was entirely absorbing. An often chilling creation and a study on how little distance this apple fell from the parental tree. But as a romantic lead? For the most part, I did not enjoy him as such, often completely loathing him and actively rooting for him to experience physical harm. I'd expect this sort of reaction to a lead character when reading about some typically rape-inclined antihero within an operatic bodice ripper, but not so much when enjoying a delicate, nuanced Heyer confection. And thus a lower rating than what I'm used to giving her novels.
Complaints aside, Devil's Cub features a lengthy scene near the end of the book that is one of the most hilariously written in the Heyer books I've read so far. The scene is basically Mary recounting her misadventures to - unbeknownst to her - the Duke of Avon. This scene should have bored and annoyed me, as it is explaining in detail a story that I've literally just read. Instead it is a wonderful example of comedic storytelling. Reading the icy Duke's subtle reactions to everything he's hearing (including Mary's perspective on both his son and himself) was pure pleasure. I love how much Georgette Heyer can make me smile.
3.5 stars
In case I'm giving the impression that I thought this was a dark psychological portrait, I should be clear that the book - despite its disturbing moments - is mainly delightful, full of sweetness and empathy, wittily written, briskly paced. A light and charming affair, for the most part. It has all of the strengths of the best of Heyer. The disturbing elements actually deepened the novel in an interesting way; although I preferred its predecessor, this sequel was great. My only genuine complaint is dealing with Dominic as a romantic lead. As a character, he was entirely absorbing. An often chilling creation and a study on how little distance this apple fell from the parental tree. But as a romantic lead? For the most part, I did not enjoy him as such, often completely loathing him and actively rooting for him to experience physical harm. I'd expect this sort of reaction to a lead character when reading about some typically rape-inclined antihero within an operatic bodice ripper, but not so much when enjoying a delicate, nuanced Heyer confection. And thus a lower rating than what I'm used to giving her novels.
Complaints aside, Devil's Cub features a lengthy scene near the end of the book that is one of the most hilariously written in the Heyer books I've read so far. The scene is basically Mary recounting her misadventures to - unbeknownst to her - the Duke of Avon. This scene should have bored and annoyed me, as it is explaining in detail a story that I've literally just read. Instead it is a wonderful example of comedic storytelling. Reading the icy Duke's subtle reactions to everything he's hearing (including Mary's perspective on both his son and himself) was pure pleasure. I love how much Georgette Heyer can make me smile.
3.5 stars
December 4, 2021
This book was written 90 years ago and is still a funny, fun read. Great characters with drama and action that holds your interest. Humor that ties up all the loose ends and results in a happily ever after. I read the first book These Old Shades earlier this year and this is a great follow up. I read both books as a teen and they have held up to the test of time.
November 10, 2014
Okay, this isn't my favorite Heyer mainly due to the fact that I'm not highly enthused by anything that takes place in France about 20 years prior to the French Revolution (1789). I'm constantly distracted by the thought, "Laugh it up, chuckleheads, it'll be off with your motherfuckin' heads soon enough." Foreknowledge kills some of my enjoyment.
While this book is awesome, I'd recommend going with one of Heyer's Regency novels. For instance, Frederica, Sylvester or Arabella. Or The Corinthian. You know what? I'll just make you a list.
Anyway, do you like Regency romance novels? Well, Georgette Heyer invented that shit. READ SOMETHING BY HER.
And if you happen to read her at a very young age you may come to the conclusion that some gentleman will eventually discover your innate awesomeness, no matter what state of degradation you live in, and make you a Duchess or, at the very least, extremely rich. This is unlikely to happen.
But fuck it. The books are totally rad.
Fuck, I forgot. BR with the innately awesome Ingela, Irina and Sofia! I kinda pooped out of the BR--my apologies!
January 1, 2011
Hoo, boy.
I will start off with this thought: I almost think this is a Poe. It's obviously a comedy: all of Heyer's romances are. But is the comedy just in the supporting characters, the completely implausible plot and anachronistic contents, and the ridiculous conversations about fashions of the late 1700s? Or is it also in the supposed 'romantic' attachments portrayed in the book?
I want to think that Heyer's book here is a Verhoevenesque masterpiece, an explosion of the totally wacky and conflicting sexual desires of and societal expectations for 'respectable' women, both contemporary and historical.
Devil's Cub, what is up with thee? Well, for starters:
1) Rape-y, murder-y Vidal. Our hero. Who really doesn't stop being thoroughly reprehensible throughout the whole story.
2) Mary Challoner, our ostensibly sensible heroine who nevertheless does dumb things at least 50% of the time, including believing she can "fix" and "manage" our hero. You know, the one who threatened her and throttled her and abducted her and then tried to rape her until she shot him.
Then when she shot him, he *finally* realized she wasn't a slut, so then he totally respected her enough to try and force her to marry him instead, even though she repeatedly said she did not want to. But that was still totally cool with her, then, and it was practically all her fault because she convinced him she was a saucy prankster. Because everyone knows it's okay to rape a woman if she plays a trick on you, because only trollops can make a fool out of you, and you can't rape a whore because whores always consent no matter what.
Mary, honey: NO. Just, no.
3) Juliana and Frederick. Oh, Fred, don't you understand? Ju doesn't want your respect and your chivalry and your reasonability! She wants you to DOMINATE HER. Slap her around a bit and she will stop flirting with other men to make you jealous! Fight her suitors! Fight! Show her your sexy Caveman Stupid Moves!
Look, I get the appeal of the sub/dom thing, but there's a difference between playing in private with an affectionate partner who is otherwise not a total fucking criminal, and marrying Charles Manson. Or, if you're Juliana, trying to goad your law-abiding, loving, and definitely not psychic boyfriend into acting like an abusive, jealous boyfriend in public. Which he refuses to do, because he's, y'know, not an asshole. But I think that is maybe intended to be part of the comedy here. You know, if you find that sort of thing funny. And since they're all cartoon characters, I guess cartoon romance physics can work in the right hands. I got pretty squicked out by it, but that's me.
And alas, I cannot be sure that Heyer is really sophisticated enough in her satire to intend for us to laugh at/be disgusted by her 'romantic' coupling as well. But I can't be sure that she didn't, either. Is she Eszterhas, or is she Neumeier? Hard to say.
The overall prose quality is uneven, but let's face it: it's still a much more enjoyable read than Twilight. Still, I won't come back to this one soon.
I will start off with this thought: I almost think this is a Poe. It's obviously a comedy: all of Heyer's romances are. But is the comedy just in the supporting characters, the completely implausible plot and anachronistic contents, and the ridiculous conversations about fashions of the late 1700s? Or is it also in the supposed 'romantic' attachments portrayed in the book?
I want to think that Heyer's book here is a Verhoevenesque masterpiece, an explosion of the totally wacky and conflicting sexual desires of and societal expectations for 'respectable' women, both contemporary and historical.
Devil's Cub, what is up with thee? Well, for starters:
1) Rape-y, murder-y Vidal. Our hero. Who really doesn't stop being thoroughly reprehensible throughout the whole story.
2) Mary Challoner, our ostensibly sensible heroine who nevertheless does dumb things at least 50% of the time, including believing she can "fix" and "manage" our hero. You know, the one who threatened her and throttled her and abducted her and then tried to rape her until she shot him.
Then when she shot him, he *finally* realized she wasn't a slut, so then he totally respected her enough to try and force her to marry him instead, even though she repeatedly said she did not want to. But that was still totally cool with her, then, and it was practically all her fault because she convinced him she was a saucy prankster. Because everyone knows it's okay to rape a woman if she plays a trick on you, because only trollops can make a fool out of you, and you can't rape a whore because whores always consent no matter what.
Mary, honey: NO. Just, no.
3) Juliana and Frederick. Oh, Fred, don't you understand? Ju doesn't want your respect and your chivalry and your reasonability! She wants you to DOMINATE HER. Slap her around a bit and she will stop flirting with other men to make you jealous! Fight her suitors! Fight! Show her your sexy Caveman Stupid Moves!
Look, I get the appeal of the sub/dom thing, but there's a difference between playing in private with an affectionate partner who is otherwise not a total fucking criminal, and marrying Charles Manson. Or, if you're Juliana, trying to goad your law-abiding, loving, and definitely not psychic boyfriend into acting like an abusive, jealous boyfriend in public. Which he refuses to do, because he's, y'know, not an asshole. But I think that is maybe intended to be part of the comedy here. You know, if you find that sort of thing funny. And since they're all cartoon characters, I guess cartoon romance physics can work in the right hands. I got pretty squicked out by it, but that's me.
And alas, I cannot be sure that Heyer is really sophisticated enough in her satire to intend for us to laugh at/be disgusted by her 'romantic' coupling as well. But I can't be sure that she didn't, either. Is she Eszterhas, or is she Neumeier? Hard to say.
The overall prose quality is uneven, but let's face it: it's still a much more enjoyable read than Twilight. Still, I won't come back to this one soon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2014
Oh boy, I still feel lightheaded after finishing the book. While I always count on Georgette Heyer to give me an entertaining read, this is beyond my expectation. It's the best love-hate relationship I've read in a long time. Some scenes were so freaking romantic, it still tugs at my heart. What's more, it's all written without so much as a kiss. (Yes, there's one kiss at the end, in case you wonder.) That's the strength of well written characters. Current YA authors could learn a lesson or two from Georgette Heyer's writing. Intense chemistry can exist without all that kissing and touching. In case of Devil's Cub, the anticipation of what's going to happen actually made it more enticing and passionate. The dialogue were lively and hilarious, yet amazingly consistent with each individual character.
The "boy hates girl, girl loathes boy, then turns into love" theme has been done countless times, but in Devil's Cub, the emotion and story felt not only refreshing, but also natural. The good girl, Mary, wanted to save her silly sister from ruin by a known hot-tempered bad boy, Marquis of Vidal, so she disguised herself as her sister and met with Vidal. Mary grossly underestimated Vidal's wrath and ended up being abducted by him. They crossed verbal swords and at times real sword and bullet. Along the way, the resourceful, level headed Mary managed to steal not only her sister's lover but also her best friend's lover. Then boy and girl tried to escape the hot pursue of other boy and girl, with their parents trying to catch up with them all. To be married or not to be, and with whom, these questions persisted and many things happened. Simply put, I couldn't put the book down until I had reached the end.
The story was high spirited, the characters always entertaining, but the emotions behind the characters felt real. The way Vidal and Mary tried to protect one other regardless of their self-interest was very touching, and for a long time they did it without realizing each other's feeling. The secondary characters were also well developed and fit perfectly with the protagonists. There's another young couple, Vidal's cousin Juliana and Mr. Comyn. Their quarrels and tangled up relationship with Mary and Vidal were equally amusing if not as heartwarming. Then there's Duke of Avon, an even more swoon-worthy figure than his son Vidal, when he showed up things would get really exciting. Somehow in the end among all the hilarious confusion, everything worked out in a believable way and left me with a silly grin after turning over the last page.
What a treat. I'm sure this won't be the last time I read this book.
The "boy hates girl, girl loathes boy, then turns into love" theme has been done countless times, but in Devil's Cub, the emotion and story felt not only refreshing, but also natural. The good girl, Mary, wanted to save her silly sister from ruin by a known hot-tempered bad boy, Marquis of Vidal, so she disguised herself as her sister and met with Vidal. Mary grossly underestimated Vidal's wrath and ended up being abducted by him. They crossed verbal swords and at times real sword and bullet. Along the way, the resourceful, level headed Mary managed to steal not only her sister's lover but also her best friend's lover. Then boy and girl tried to escape the hot pursue of other boy and girl, with their parents trying to catch up with them all. To be married or not to be, and with whom, these questions persisted and many things happened. Simply put, I couldn't put the book down until I had reached the end.
The story was high spirited, the characters always entertaining, but the emotions behind the characters felt real. The way Vidal and Mary tried to protect one other regardless of their self-interest was very touching, and for a long time they did it without realizing each other's feeling. The secondary characters were also well developed and fit perfectly with the protagonists. There's another young couple, Vidal's cousin Juliana and Mr. Comyn. Their quarrels and tangled up relationship with Mary and Vidal were equally amusing if not as heartwarming. Then there's Duke of Avon, an even more swoon-worthy figure than his son Vidal, when he showed up things would get really exciting. Somehow in the end among all the hilarious confusion, everything worked out in a believable way and left me with a silly grin after turning over the last page.
What a treat. I'm sure this won't be the last time I read this book.
April 22, 2016
Written November 9, 2014
4 1/2 Stars - Magnificently adventurous, fun and romantic in a still strong 1930's 'Pre-Regency'
Devil's Cub is an quite old romance novel from 1932 by Georgette Heyer. Mrs Heyer is an British classic author that I completely missed in my earlier reading-life. I'm so glad i "found" her at last. - From a recommendation and help from Sofia of course. ~ Thanks dear!
~ This ended in a very fun last-minute weekend "buddy-read & buddy-listening" with my always so sweet book-loving friends: Sofia, Irina and Rosa, with great support from Kathleen. ~
I loved it. Simply perfect for an old Ms Austen lover
Jolly Good!! ~ I just finished my listening to a lovely old classic. This was so much fun and a lot of chuckling. What a journey with so many nice and amusing characters, a great romance plot and so very well told.
***********************************************
London and Paris in the 1780:s...
From the audiobook blurb:
And there start this adventorous love tale Devil's Cub about a well-known, quite charming but still very young (24), noble rake: Dominic Alastair, Marquis of Vidal. The only son of the famous Duke of Avon. We also get a lovely quite impressing heroine. She is both 'resourceful' and energetic as well as brave. A twenty years old very modest and wise older sister: Miss (Mary) Challoner.
They both kind of needed each other in different ways and soon they are in France and there'll be a lot of fun events with their relatives and friends. I will not try any more attempts to describe what is actually happening here, but I promise you grand drama, pistol duels and hot emotions combined with many comic scenes.
It was a bit hard to understand it all at first but when I had all names, characters and understand the plot it all cleared. [Sofia wrote a much needed character list for me (see in the spoiler below) and Kathleen tried to explain the main story plot (excellent done).] After a few chapters was the story also much more concentrated on those young so sweet languorous love-doves (two future couple actually..) and their escapades.
This was written 80 years ago so of course we don't get any kinky details from any bedchamber, a lot of steamy smut, or barely even a kiss, but beautifully romantic is it anyways. That's what I call well written. ~ Recommended!
***********************************************
In my opinion an perfect pleasing audio...
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Michael Drew. It felt as listening to what we call radio theater up here. ~ Nicely done with unique voices for each character. For me, worked this quite theatrical style excellent for this type of old-fashioned story.
***********************************************
I'm sure it will be more Georgette Heyer novels in the future for me. I've read / listened to / watched Austen's and the three Brontë sisters novels and stories so many times by now so it feels GREAT to have another pile of romantic well written old classics to chose from and read between all these new (very smexy, sexy, steamy...) romances I usually read every day.
A romantic drama in an old witty Errol Flynn spirit is also always a welcome favorite.
I LIKE - definitely, a new favorite author is on my list
*********
Extra, if you need more facts:
4 1/2 Stars - Magnificently adventurous, fun and romantic in a still strong 1930's 'Pre-Regency'
Devil's Cub is an quite old romance novel from 1932 by Georgette Heyer. Mrs Heyer is an British classic author that I completely missed in my earlier reading-life. I'm so glad i "found" her at last. - From a recommendation and help from Sofia of course. ~ Thanks dear!
~ This ended in a very fun last-minute weekend "buddy-read & buddy-listening" with my always so sweet book-loving friends: Sofia, Irina and Rosa, with great support from Kathleen. ~
I loved it. Simply perfect for an old Ms Austen lover
Jolly Good!! ~ I just finished my listening to a lovely old classic. This was so much fun and a lot of chuckling. What a journey with so many nice and amusing characters, a great romance plot and so very well told.
***********************************************
London and Paris in the 1780:s...
From the audiobook blurb:
‘The excesses of the young Marquis of Vidal are even wilder than his father's before him. Not for nothing is the reckless duelist and gamester called the Devil's Cub. But when he is forced to leave the country, Mary Challoner discovers his fiendish plan to abduct her sister. And only by daring to impersonate her can Mary save her from certain ruin...’
And there start this adventorous love tale Devil's Cub about a well-known, quite charming but still very young (24), noble rake: Dominic Alastair, Marquis of Vidal. The only son of the famous Duke of Avon. We also get a lovely quite impressing heroine. She is both 'resourceful' and energetic as well as brave. A twenty years old very modest and wise older sister: Miss (Mary) Challoner.
They both kind of needed each other in different ways and soon they are in France and there'll be a lot of fun events with their relatives and friends. I will not try any more attempts to describe what is actually happening here, but I promise you grand drama, pistol duels and hot emotions combined with many comic scenes.
“Ah, but I’m not a gentleman,” said the Marquis.
“I have it on the best of authority that I am only a
nobleman.”
“Good gracious, Vidal, who in the world dared to say such a thing?” cried his cousin, instantly
diverted.
“Mary,” replied his lordship, pouring himself out a glass of wine.”
It was a bit hard to understand it all at first but when I had all names, characters and understand the plot it all cleared. [Sofia wrote a much needed character list for me (see in the spoiler below) and Kathleen tried to explain the main story plot (excellent done).] After a few chapters was the story also much more concentrated on those young so sweet languorous love-doves (two future couple actually..) and their escapades.
This was written 80 years ago so of course we don't get any kinky details from any bedchamber, a lot of steamy smut, or barely even a kiss, but beautifully romantic is it anyways. That's what I call well written. ~ Recommended!
***********************************************
In my opinion an perfect pleasing audio...
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Michael Drew. It felt as listening to what we call radio theater up here. ~ Nicely done with unique voices for each character. For me, worked this quite theatrical style excellent for this type of old-fashioned story.
***********************************************
I'm sure it will be more Georgette Heyer novels in the future for me. I've read / listened to / watched Austen's and the three Brontë sisters novels and stories so many times by now so it feels GREAT to have another pile of romantic well written old classics to chose from and read between all these new (very smexy, sexy, steamy...) romances I usually read every day.
A romantic drama in an old witty Errol Flynn spirit is also always a welcome favorite.
I LIKE - definitely, a new favorite author is on my list
*********
Extra, if you need more facts:
April 19, 2019
This is a sequel to another book and I couldn't read this one without reading the other first. I tried.
Towards the end of this, I had flashes of memory that indicates that I have, indeed, read this before. If I had reviewed it then, I probably wouldn't have needed to read it again to feel like I had given it a chance. It's definitely not one of my favorite Heyer romances.
Dominic is such a harsh jerk for the first parts of this book that I had a hard time being engaged with him at all. He's callous and casually cruel and I found little to like or find interesting. His turn-around when he figures out that Mary isn't the low-class hoyden he thought was a bit startling but his kinder, protective treatment of her once he figures out she's not like her sister doesn't exactly make any of what went before not awful. I mean, he was headed towards sexual assault, if not outright rape, when Mary shoots him (this happens early enough I'm not going to spoiler tag it). I don't care how you were tricked or what class "creature" you think did it, this is not okay. And I don't get at all what Mary finds to attach her interest, either (because that starts in the early part and I seriously don't get it).
Mary is the saving grace of the story. She is very engaging and I loved her ability to face hardship and fundamental alterations in her expectations and hopes. She rolled with some big events and sought continually to find the best course given her new circumstances rather than waste time bemoaning the change. I particularly liked that she was able and willing to stand up to the jerk who abducted her and without dissembling or manipulation.
Once Dominic undergoes his attitude change, the novel evens out considerably. If you have my talent for manipulating a story in your head then that's enough to be getting on with. Take that stupid beginning for backstory and think like they started in France and you're good. I could have done without the PoV switching to the older generation that pretty much existed for fans of the first book. But otherwise, Heyer's sparkling dialogue and compact characterizations carry the story to the end. I still struggle with the whole Georgian era fashion and morals, but at least a lot of this story is Mary and Dominic bouncing off of each other. And with Comyn and Juliana for contrast, this was outstanding.
So I'll average the one-star beginning with the near-five-star end and say this is three stars. But not in a way that I hope to ever read again. I mean seriously, those opening bits with Dominic are awful.
A note about Chaste: If ever Heyer had an excuse to be explicit, this story would have been it. But that's not her thing at all, so we get some kissing but no more. Fortunately (because a sexually-explicit Dominic would have been torture).
Towards the end of this, I had flashes of memory that indicates that I have, indeed, read this before. If I had reviewed it then, I probably wouldn't have needed to read it again to feel like I had given it a chance. It's definitely not one of my favorite Heyer romances.
Dominic is such a harsh jerk for the first parts of this book that I had a hard time being engaged with him at all. He's callous and casually cruel and I found little to like or find interesting. His turn-around when he figures out that Mary isn't the low-class hoyden he thought was a bit startling but his kinder, protective treatment of her once he figures out she's not like her sister doesn't exactly make any of what went before not awful. I mean, he was headed towards sexual assault, if not outright rape, when Mary shoots him (this happens early enough I'm not going to spoiler tag it). I don't care how you were tricked or what class "creature" you think did it, this is not okay. And I don't get at all what Mary finds to attach her interest, either (because that starts in the early part and I seriously don't get it).
Mary is the saving grace of the story. She is very engaging and I loved her ability to face hardship and fundamental alterations in her expectations and hopes. She rolled with some big events and sought continually to find the best course given her new circumstances rather than waste time bemoaning the change. I particularly liked that she was able and willing to stand up to the jerk who abducted her and without dissembling or manipulation.
Once Dominic undergoes his attitude change, the novel evens out considerably. If you have my talent for manipulating a story in your head then that's enough to be getting on with. Take that stupid beginning for backstory and think like they started in France and you're good. I could have done without the PoV switching to the older generation that pretty much existed for fans of the first book. But otherwise, Heyer's sparkling dialogue and compact characterizations carry the story to the end. I still struggle with the whole Georgian era fashion and morals, but at least a lot of this story is Mary and Dominic bouncing off of each other. And with Comyn and Juliana for contrast, this was outstanding.
So I'll average the one-star beginning with the near-five-star end and say this is three stars. But not in a way that I hope to ever read again. I mean seriously, those opening bits with Dominic are awful.
A note about Chaste: If ever Heyer had an excuse to be explicit, this story would have been it. But that's not her thing at all, so we get some kissing but no more. Fortunately (because a sexually-explicit Dominic would have been torture).
September 8, 2022
It was the most fun I’ve had when reading an HR in forever.
Honestly, I found it dragging the first 20-30% but then it made a 180 degree turn to being the most entertaining book I’ve read. It had me laughing and pulling my hair out at their decisions and all the situations they led.
I did wonder why Georgette Heyer was so well loved amongst readers and now I know. This was so well written and all the characters were adding to story. I did miss more couple time as we barely see any, but the coming and going was so fun (and frustrating) that made it all worth it.
Honestly, I found it dragging the first 20-30% but then it made a 180 degree turn to being the most entertaining book I’ve read. It had me laughing and pulling my hair out at their decisions and all the situations they led.
I did wonder why Georgette Heyer was so well loved amongst readers and now I know. This was so well written and all the characters were adding to story. I did miss more couple time as we barely see any, but the coming and going was so fun (and frustrating) that made it all worth it.
July 7, 2025
2025
I have to say, even with slightly more jaded eyes, this book holds up for its wit and dialogue. The scenes are still laugh out loud funny. I love the characters It works as a sequel to These Old Shades and as a stand-alone. Absolutely worth reading! (Just don't think too hard about Vidal's temper.)
2019
STILL IN LOVVEEEEEEE
2018
Have you ever watched someone's favorite movie with them, and they just sit there quoting along? That is the internal dialogue that goes through my head when I read this one. I think I know every look and word by heart. Then I re-read it and find a hidden pause, a different context to the quote I thought I knew, a lost smile. My heart melts. I'm in love all over again.
I have to say, even with slightly more jaded eyes, this book holds up for its wit and dialogue. The scenes are still laugh out loud funny. I love the characters It works as a sequel to These Old Shades and as a stand-alone. Absolutely worth reading! (Just don't think too hard about Vidal's temper.)
2019
STILL IN LOVVEEEEEEE
2018
Have you ever watched someone's favorite movie with them, and they just sit there quoting along? That is the internal dialogue that goes through my head when I read this one. I think I know every look and word by heart. Then I re-read it and find a hidden pause, a different context to the quote I thought I knew, a lost smile. My heart melts. I'm in love all over again.
November 19, 2020
On reread, still a very enjoyable historical romance. For me, not quite the 5 stars of its predecessor, These Old Shades, but still lots of fun, and a sweet romance. The later part of the book with its slightly madcap journey through France is classic Heyer. The scenes with Justin and Leonie (from These Old Shades) are lovely, with their characters still the same and just as wonderful. Rupert has become crustier and more eccentric, and the final section with his obsession with the burgundy wine is very funny.
I liked Vidal and could see how he is truly a son of both Justin and Leonie. Mary seemed suited to him, and they certainly fell deeply in love. The storyline with Mary's foolish mother and sister is not a fav of mine, and I'm left wondering how Vidal will go with them as a mother-in-law and sister-in-law. Keep well distant from them, I would imagine.
Another fresh, lively and romantic read from Georgette Heyer. Written in 1932, but still a great read. Many have tried to imitate Ms Heyer, but no-one has matched her.
I liked Vidal and could see how he is truly a son of both Justin and Leonie. Mary seemed suited to him, and they certainly fell deeply in love. The storyline with Mary's foolish mother and sister is not a fav of mine, and I'm left wondering how Vidal will go with them as a mother-in-law and sister-in-law. Keep well distant from them, I would imagine.
Another fresh, lively and romantic read from Georgette Heyer. Written in 1932, but still a great read. Many have tried to imitate Ms Heyer, but no-one has matched her.
June 21, 2012
Holy Moly!
Georgette Heyer is brilliant, and this is one of her most famous regency novels.
Its...two worlds colliding.
One world is the over the top one of handsome, passionate cruel rakes, who love duelling, drinking, gambling, screw-- ok, you get the picture. This is the world from which the hero, a marquis, named Dominic, hails. The other is down to earth, normal practical world where someone knows the cost of a pint of milk, where to buy curtains,and has sensible bedtimes. This is the world from which the heroine, named Mary, hails.
Mary is normal, sensible (not boring) smart and real.
Dominic is...madder than a bag of spanners. He's a real aristo, and will kill people in a duel at the drop of a hat, seduce women right,left and centre.On his way to a party, he'll shoot highwaymen and leave their corpses in the road,as one does etc etc.
All while in the type of tight pants that leave NOTHING to the imagination.
And, of course, he's jaw droppingly handsome. And a complete dick.
He and Mary wouldnt ordinarily meet, but she has a beautiful younger sister, who if around now, would make Paris Hilton look like a member of Mensa. She's been leading Dominic on after meeting at the regency equivalent of a mall, thinking marriage, but Mr Bad Boy is only thinking 'leg-over'. When Dominic has to flee England having killed one man too many, he decides to get Mary's sister to come with him. Mary finds out, tricks him into taking her (disguised as her sister)then reveals herself on his yacht and...it doesnt go down too well.
He decides to ravish Mary. She wont be ravished, so she shoots him with his own pistol, and this, of course, makes him REALLY interested, and it all kicks off from there.
He gets a sudden insight- 'hey, this woman is respectable!' and a belated fit of conscience, so says he'll marry her NOW, to save her reputation. Doesnt matter what she wants.
Mary's all, '@&&k that shit. Im'a get a JOB!'
She escapes Dominics clutches, running off.Not letting the fact that she's now in a foreign country with no money faze her. He finds out she'd gone,freaks out - like whoa!- and sets off in hot pursuit.
Its all fast journeys across France in horse drawn carriages,fighting, misunderstandings,costumed balls,arguements, running away, hot pursuits, duels, you name it. All the way through the book Dominic behaves like a classic, bodice-ripper hero. That is, like a real asshole. Displaying sociopathic tendencies, but sexy with it. Mary is wonderful, grown up, has a great sense of humour,and common sense. She can see the sexy, all right, but is fighting it.
She is us, the reader. And she can manage Dominc just fine, thank you very much, but she doesnt want the hassle of dealing with his crazy, and being ostracised by his family and high society if she does marry into his class.
One of the best reviews of The Devil's Cub OF ALL TIME is here: http://bit.ly/w7HEzj
Honestly, this is a book to buy, and re-read every year or so. Love it.
Georgette Heyer is brilliant, and this is one of her most famous regency novels.
Its...two worlds colliding.
One world is the over the top one of handsome, passionate cruel rakes, who love duelling, drinking, gambling, screw-- ok, you get the picture. This is the world from which the hero, a marquis, named Dominic, hails. The other is down to earth, normal practical world where someone knows the cost of a pint of milk, where to buy curtains,and has sensible bedtimes. This is the world from which the heroine, named Mary, hails.
Mary is normal, sensible (not boring) smart and real.
Dominic is...madder than a bag of spanners. He's a real aristo, and will kill people in a duel at the drop of a hat, seduce women right,left and centre.On his way to a party, he'll shoot highwaymen and leave their corpses in the road,as one does etc etc.
All while in the type of tight pants that leave NOTHING to the imagination.
And, of course, he's jaw droppingly handsome. And a complete dick.
He and Mary wouldnt ordinarily meet, but she has a beautiful younger sister, who if around now, would make Paris Hilton look like a member of Mensa. She's been leading Dominic on after meeting at the regency equivalent of a mall, thinking marriage, but Mr Bad Boy is only thinking 'leg-over'. When Dominic has to flee England having killed one man too many, he decides to get Mary's sister to come with him. Mary finds out, tricks him into taking her (disguised as her sister)then reveals herself on his yacht and...it doesnt go down too well.
He decides to ravish Mary. She wont be ravished, so she shoots him with his own pistol, and this, of course, makes him REALLY interested, and it all kicks off from there.
He gets a sudden insight- 'hey, this woman is respectable!' and a belated fit of conscience, so says he'll marry her NOW, to save her reputation. Doesnt matter what she wants.
Mary's all, '@&&k that shit. Im'a get a JOB!'
She escapes Dominics clutches, running off.Not letting the fact that she's now in a foreign country with no money faze her. He finds out she'd gone,freaks out - like whoa!- and sets off in hot pursuit.
Its all fast journeys across France in horse drawn carriages,fighting, misunderstandings,costumed balls,arguements, running away, hot pursuits, duels, you name it. All the way through the book Dominic behaves like a classic, bodice-ripper hero. That is, like a real asshole. Displaying sociopathic tendencies, but sexy with it. Mary is wonderful, grown up, has a great sense of humour,and common sense. She can see the sexy, all right, but is fighting it.
She is us, the reader. And she can manage Dominc just fine, thank you very much, but she doesnt want the hassle of dealing with his crazy, and being ostracised by his family and high society if she does marry into his class.
One of the best reviews of The Devil's Cub OF ALL TIME is here: http://bit.ly/w7HEzj
Honestly, this is a book to buy, and re-read every year or so. Love it.
January 5, 2023
” He has a dreadful reputation,’ she said earnestly, ‘but he is not wicked at heart. He is nothing but a wild, passionate, spoiled boy.”
I found the basic plot of Devil’s Cub interesting – Mary tries to save her sister from a rake and ends up on an adventure that threatens to ruin her name instead – unfortunately, I disliked most of the characters and found the romance flat – however, it was the repetitive focus on Mary’s reputation that just killed this one for me. You know, the ole’ double standard. The rake has led a sordid lifestyle, yet he’s applauded, feared, and sought after by females. Mary, on the other hand, is genteel and straightlaced. Everyone assumes the worst about her, on and on, around the same muddy track throughout the book.
Unlike some of Heyer’s books, I didn’t have trouble keeping the characters sorted even with the many names or titles used to refer to the rake. I do think this was the first book where I just didn’t like anybody. I found nothing to admire about the rake, nor his parents (both entitled and demanding) or his other family members. Mary was always in flight and that became annoying.
The romance bits, when they came near the end, were not convincing after the rake had acted like a violent turd up until that point. I felt that it was more about him getting whatever he set his mind upon rather than love. Once he got his prize and the hoopla has died down, I would expect him to continue with the type of lifestyle he enjoyed before Mary.
Upon finishing the book, I logged my rating as three stars (barely), but now that I have had time to reflect and write a review, I can’t think of much I liked aside from the basic plot. Where was the charm or humor that I’ve come to expect in a GH adventure romance? Not here. I wouldn’t recommend this one unless you’re a completist and wish to finish all her novels.
I found the basic plot of Devil’s Cub interesting – Mary tries to save her sister from a rake and ends up on an adventure that threatens to ruin her name instead – unfortunately, I disliked most of the characters and found the romance flat – however, it was the repetitive focus on Mary’s reputation that just killed this one for me. You know, the ole’ double standard. The rake has led a sordid lifestyle, yet he’s applauded, feared, and sought after by females. Mary, on the other hand, is genteel and straightlaced. Everyone assumes the worst about her, on and on, around the same muddy track throughout the book.
Unlike some of Heyer’s books, I didn’t have trouble keeping the characters sorted even with the many names or titles used to refer to the rake. I do think this was the first book where I just didn’t like anybody. I found nothing to admire about the rake, nor his parents (both entitled and demanding) or his other family members. Mary was always in flight and that became annoying.
The romance bits, when they came near the end, were not convincing after the rake had acted like a violent turd up until that point. I felt that it was more about him getting whatever he set his mind upon rather than love. Once he got his prize and the hoopla has died down, I would expect him to continue with the type of lifestyle he enjoyed before Mary.
Upon finishing the book, I logged my rating as three stars (barely), but now that I have had time to reflect and write a review, I can’t think of much I liked aside from the basic plot. Where was the charm or humor that I’ve come to expect in a GH adventure romance? Not here. I wouldn’t recommend this one unless you’re a completist and wish to finish all her novels.
July 20, 2015
Thank goodness for Mary Challoner. Not my favorite Heyer heroine by any means, but at least she's a semi-normal, sympathetic human being. Otherwise this would've been a dnf as I hated every single other character. Especially Leonie, God, I cringed every time she was on the page. She and her husband were so awful that it almost made me forgive Vidal for being such an asshole, which I guess was necessary for the romance to work.
March 7, 2010
This is These Old Shades, the next generation. Twenty-five years have passed, and we're presented with Leonie and Avon's son, Lord Vidal, who has grown up to be even more unpleasant than his father. In the first few pages he shoots two men and brutally abducts a young woman because he has been tricked into thinking that she's not respectable. Now, I enjoy a reformed rake as much as the next Regency romance fan, but there is only so much vileness that we should ask our heroine to find attractive in a man.
Speaking of the heroine, she is a practical, sensible sort (aside from an inexplicable fondness for Vidal) which presents a nice change from Leonie's empty-headed subservience. A grown-up Leonie is more enjoyable here as a fiercely protective mother than she was as a romantic interest. And the aged, cane-wielding Avon's scenes are nicely done.
The dialog has Heyer's usual spark, and I did enjoy this book more than its prequel, but it's still a far cry from my favorite of Heyer's novels. The later books have more substance, and her heroes have mellowed into something closer to the Mr. Darcy mold: dashing and arrogant rather than actually reprehensible.
Speaking of the heroine, she is a practical, sensible sort (aside from an inexplicable fondness for Vidal) which presents a nice change from Leonie's empty-headed subservience. A grown-up Leonie is more enjoyable here as a fiercely protective mother than she was as a romantic interest. And the aged, cane-wielding Avon's scenes are nicely done.
The dialog has Heyer's usual spark, and I did enjoy this book more than its prequel, but it's still a far cry from my favorite of Heyer's novels. The later books have more substance, and her heroes have mellowed into something closer to the Mr. Darcy mold: dashing and arrogant rather than actually reprehensible.
April 27, 2021
5 STARS
Loved this one too! I wanted to deduct half a star for the utter brutishness of the hero... although I could not allow myself to do it. I do love a brute, and in that sense, Lord Vidal definitely filled the bill. I did wonder in the beginning if he would ever redeem himself. And, well if I had to say, then... barely. What made the book for me, though, was how perfect Mary's upstanding demeanor delighted him and brought him to heel. And of course... there was again, The Duke of Avon, who undoubtably had all the best lines. Can't get enough of these books.
“I comfort myself with the reflection that your wife will possibly be able to curb your desire--I admit, a natural one for the most part--to exterminate your fellows.”
Loved this one too! I wanted to deduct half a star for the utter brutishness of the hero... although I could not allow myself to do it. I do love a brute, and in that sense, Lord Vidal definitely filled the bill. I did wonder in the beginning if he would ever redeem himself. And, well if I had to say, then... barely. What made the book for me, though, was how perfect Mary's upstanding demeanor delighted him and brought him to heel. And of course... there was again, The Duke of Avon, who undoubtably had all the best lines. Can't get enough of these books.
March 2, 2020
This is laugh-out-loud, rollicking fun, a farce.
I actually liked this more than Avon and Leonie's story, These Old Shades. Vidal, their son, is an apple off the old tree, which is comeuppance, but of course with parental hypocrisy becomes "unacceptable". La!
The extremes of sense and sensibility, if you will. Vidal and Mary are actually overshadowed by the capers of Mere Leonie--unhinged whirlwind, age has not changed that--and Uncle Rupert, the indolent hedonist. But, they are so funny, and I identify with Rupert and his roll with the flow attitude, yet, somehow always managing to get pulled into others' nonsense.
Or...
Lest you worry about poor Rupert he gets a reward for all his troubles. And Avon is the mastermind, chess player, puppet master that just makes you chuckle. Nothing gets by the old fox. Adore Avon.
Third favorite Heyer, thus far.
1. Cotillon - love Freddy
2. Black Sheep
3. Devil's Cub
I actually liked this more than Avon and Leonie's story, These Old Shades. Vidal, their son, is an apple off the old tree, which is comeuppance, but of course with parental hypocrisy becomes "unacceptable". La!
"You must think me witless, my dear boy. I am perfectly aware that you would like to throw my extremely reprehensible past in my teeth."
"I confess, sir, I find your homily a little ironic."
The extremes of sense and sensibility, if you will. Vidal and Mary are actually overshadowed by the capers of Mere Leonie--unhinged whirlwind, age has not changed that--and Uncle Rupert, the indolent hedonist. But, they are so funny, and I identify with Rupert and his roll with the flow attitude, yet, somehow always managing to get pulled into others' nonsense.
"I won't," said Rupert. "Now, don't start to argue, Leonie, for God's sake! The last time I went to France with you I got a bullet in my shoulder."
"I find you ridiculous," Leonie said severely. "Who is to shoot bullets at you now?"
Or...
"Amuse me?" gasped his lordship. "Amuse me to go junketing through France after that young devil and his pack of females? No, it don't."
Lest you worry about poor Rupert he gets a reward for all his troubles. And Avon is the mastermind, chess player, puppet master that just makes you chuckle. Nothing gets by the old fox. Adore Avon.
Third favorite Heyer, thus far.
1. Cotillon - love Freddy
2. Black Sheep
3. Devil's Cub
November 10, 2014
4.5 stars. Watching the devil fall for sensible Mary was delicious! Loved revisiting favorite characters from the prequel, These Old Shades. The sequel following after Devil's Cub is An Infamous Army, which is set at the Battle of Waterloo, starring Dominic and Mary's daughter Barbara.
But first, Georgette Heyer wrote The Black Moth (in public domain, free). She liked her anti-hero so much that she used him as a model for Justin Alastair, His Grace, the Duke of Avon, the hero in These Old Shades. There are similar themes across the four books, including the abduction trope we see in this book, Devil's Cub.
List of characters, courtesy of Sofia:
The "Devil's Cub" is Dominic Alistair, age 24, Marquis of Vidal - son of Leonie (French) and Justin (British) Alastair, the Duke and Duchess of Avon. Leonine and Justin are the stars of the fabulous May-December romance, These Old Shades
Mary Challoner - age 20, Daughter of Mr & Mrs Challoner, grandniece of General - Sir Giles Challoner, older sister to Sophia. Here is an excerpt, where Mary's mother compares Mary unfavorably to Sophia. Not a spoiler, but collapsed to save space:
Sophia Challoner - Daughter of Mr & Mrs Challoner, grandniece of General - Sir Giles Challoner, younger sister of Mary.
Justin Alastair, Duke of Avon, once a rakehell known also as Devil, Satanas. Dominic/ Vidal's father, Leonie's husband. Eldest brother of Rupert and Fanny
Leonie Alastair, French wife of Justin, Mother of Dominic / Vidal
Rupert Alastair, Lord, vivacious brother of Justin and Fanny, bachelor, wastrel
Fanny Marling - silly but kind widowed (husband Edward) son John, daughter Juliana, sister of Justin and Rupert
John Marling - son of Fanny, brother of Juliana, Vidal's cousin
Juliana Marling - daughter of Fanny, sister of John, Vidal's cousin
Frederick Comyn - unsuitable suiter for Juliana's hand
Charles Fox - Vidal's friend
But first, Georgette Heyer wrote The Black Moth (in public domain, free). She liked her anti-hero so much that she used him as a model for Justin Alastair, His Grace, the Duke of Avon, the hero in These Old Shades. There are similar themes across the four books, including the abduction trope we see in this book, Devil's Cub.
List of characters, courtesy of Sofia:
The "Devil's Cub" is Dominic Alistair, age 24, Marquis of Vidal - son of Leonie (French) and Justin (British) Alastair, the Duke and Duchess of Avon. Leonine and Justin are the stars of the fabulous May-December romance, These Old Shades
Mary Challoner - age 20, Daughter of Mr & Mrs Challoner, grandniece of General - Sir Giles Challoner, older sister to Sophia. Here is an excerpt, where Mary's mother compares Mary unfavorably to Sophia. Not a spoiler, but collapsed to save space:
Sophia Challoner - Daughter of Mr & Mrs Challoner, grandniece of General - Sir Giles Challoner, younger sister of Mary.
Justin Alastair, Duke of Avon, once a rakehell known also as Devil, Satanas. Dominic/ Vidal's father, Leonie's husband. Eldest brother of Rupert and Fanny
Leonie Alastair, French wife of Justin, Mother of Dominic / Vidal
Rupert Alastair, Lord, vivacious brother of Justin and Fanny, bachelor, wastrel
Fanny Marling - silly but kind widowed (husband Edward) son John, daughter Juliana, sister of Justin and Rupert
John Marling - son of Fanny, brother of Juliana, Vidal's cousin
Juliana Marling - daughter of Fanny, sister of John, Vidal's cousin
Frederick Comyn - unsuitable suiter for Juliana's hand
Charles Fox - Vidal's friend
November 10, 2014
What a delightful introduction to this wonderful author! I'm so ashamed to have just discovered Georgette Heyer. Thank you, Sofia, for bringing her books to my attention!
Devil's Cub has made me happy and put a wide satisfied smile on my face.
This kind of books is the reason I love romance genre so much. I can easily put Heyer on the same level as my favourite Jane Austen or even higher still. This had similar feel. Written with class, propriety, wit and humour, weaved into a simple yet masterful plot, it was a pure indulgence.
I'll bypass the details about the plot and the characters. I'm sure it has all been said numerous times already. All I can add is that to me, this kind of books are timeless, and I would love to add this to my precious paperback collection.
I might confess though, that my favourite part of the story was oddly the conversation between Mary and the older gentleman who turned out to be in the end. It was the most amusing part, in my opinion, and my face had beamed with pleasure!
Absolutely brilliant!
***5 stars!***
Thank you, my BR girls Sofia, Ingela and Rosa for reading it with me!
Devil's Cub has made me happy and put a wide satisfied smile on my face.
This kind of books is the reason I love romance genre so much. I can easily put Heyer on the same level as my favourite Jane Austen or even higher still. This had similar feel. Written with class, propriety, wit and humour, weaved into a simple yet masterful plot, it was a pure indulgence.
I'll bypass the details about the plot and the characters. I'm sure it has all been said numerous times already. All I can add is that to me, this kind of books are timeless, and I would love to add this to my precious paperback collection.
I might confess though, that my favourite part of the story was oddly the conversation between Mary and the older gentleman who turned out to be in the end. It was the most amusing part, in my opinion, and my face had beamed with pleasure!
Absolutely brilliant!
***5 stars!***
Thank you, my BR girls Sofia, Ingela and Rosa for reading it with me!
May 2, 2017
4.5* to Devil's Cub.
***Spoilers***
I had such great expectations from this book! Especially after These Old Shades. It's not that I didn't like the book. I did. In fact I loved it. But somewhere down in my heart I was comparing it all the time to TOS and unfortunately it did not catch up :(
Firstly TOS had Avon. AVON. The hero I love the most. My All Time Favourite Heyero. And nothing compares to Avon. Not even his son.
Secondly, the result of the first point. Avon’s presence overshadowed Vidal’s. I don't mean that Vidal has a weak personality. He is in fact very strong. But in front of his father he is subdued. He appears like a child. Obviously his behaviour is one of respect towards his father, but at some places it felt like he is not being allowed to open up. Avon covers the scene, you know what I mean?
Thirdly, I wanted there to be more interactions between Vidal and Mary so that the growth in mutual affection could further be felt. I did not experience that sweet feeling of growing fond between Mary and Vidal. Of course, I may have been preoccupied and may not have paid attention. And with the intention of doing justice to the work I am keen on rereading it soon. I so hope I'm all agog with excitement like I was after TOS after the reread.
Having said all this, I also have to add that Devil's Cub was by far a very entertaining book. I did love Vidal. He is a spoiled and stubborn guy bent on getting what he's set his heart on and will never take no for an answer. He's deadly with the pistols and at duels and can carry them out brilliantly after three bottles! There are opera dancers and playing involved. (He IS the Devil's Cub!) (Really carries his drinks well!) He has a hell of a temper! (God bless Mary and give her strength to endure!) But yes Mary does have the tact to deal with him. (Which of course surprises Avon! I think that's the reason he allows the marriage!) Vidal is a perfect blend of Avon and Léonie.
Mary Challoner is an intelligent girl able to differentiate between right and wrong and is beautifully straight forward, logical, level headed and practical. My heart went out for her after seeing her family's treatment of her.
The book was more kind of a revisit to Avon and Léonie’s life. We come to understand what they've been up to. How Avon has changed in some regards (How he's a paragon since his marriage to Léonie and how is still disagreeable and provoking) and how Léonie has not changed at all. I felt sad seeing Avon get old. But Satanas still has suavity and elegance. He is still that urbane guy I so loved in TOS. His principles have grown and matured in the past 24 years (Read how he is curious and anxious about the daylight kidnapping of Mary at the hands of Vidal.) And at the end of it all, it is Satanas who saves the day!
Some of the best moments in the book:
• Mary's caring for Vidal when he's unwell after the gunshot. This was a heart warming phase <3 Here one could feel that Vidal is being smitten by her.
• Mary and Avon’s meeting and disclosure of the facts by Mary. Avon’s reactions were absolutely and positively precious. (When Mary tells him that Vidal is easy to handle, one should just know how, Avon’s reaction is priceless! :D)
• The scene in the initial chapters when Lady Fanny has come complaining about Vidal, and when Vidal enters. His love and respect for Léonie and regard for Avon can be felt. Priceless.
• When Vidal is asked to leave London by Avon. The whole scene is very interesting and later on touching when Vidal returns to give his regards to Avon.
Avon and Vidal’s relationship is lovely. Vidal has lot of respect for Avon and is attached to him. And Avon too cares for him and encourages him (Read the Newmarket races...) and is aware of all of Vidal’s flaws.
Further, what I loved were the one liners and sarcastic and caustic comments by Vidal ("There's a corpse on the road to town. Mr. Fox does not wish it there. Remove it."), Avon ("May I request you to unhand me Rupert"), and Rupert and Léonie’s frank answers ("No. I do not at all want Dominique to marry Juliana... It will not amuse Dominic to marry her.") So typically Heyer. The final gathering at Dijon and then at Avon’s inn was thoroughly entertaining. (What with wine and Hammond being topics of utmost importance and occupying precious time!)
I hated Mary’s mother and Sophia. Positively disgusted with them! Lady Fanny was at times irritating and at others quite likeable.
Overall I loved the book and would give a reread soon to dispense with the nagging feeling that I missed out on something that I should have felt. But being a Heyer it did not fail to entertain me one whit.
***Spoilers***
I had such great expectations from this book! Especially after These Old Shades. It's not that I didn't like the book. I did. In fact I loved it. But somewhere down in my heart I was comparing it all the time to TOS and unfortunately it did not catch up :(
Firstly TOS had Avon. AVON. The hero I love the most. My All Time Favourite Heyero. And nothing compares to Avon. Not even his son.
Secondly, the result of the first point. Avon’s presence overshadowed Vidal’s. I don't mean that Vidal has a weak personality. He is in fact very strong. But in front of his father he is subdued. He appears like a child. Obviously his behaviour is one of respect towards his father, but at some places it felt like he is not being allowed to open up. Avon covers the scene, you know what I mean?
Thirdly, I wanted there to be more interactions between Vidal and Mary so that the growth in mutual affection could further be felt. I did not experience that sweet feeling of growing fond between Mary and Vidal. Of course, I may have been preoccupied and may not have paid attention. And with the intention of doing justice to the work I am keen on rereading it soon. I so hope I'm all agog with excitement like I was after TOS after the reread.
Having said all this, I also have to add that Devil's Cub was by far a very entertaining book. I did love Vidal. He is a spoiled and stubborn guy bent on getting what he's set his heart on and will never take no for an answer. He's deadly with the pistols and at duels and can carry them out brilliantly after three bottles! There are opera dancers and playing involved. (He IS the Devil's Cub!) (Really carries his drinks well!) He has a hell of a temper! (God bless Mary and give her strength to endure!) But yes Mary does have the tact to deal with him. (Which of course surprises Avon! I think that's the reason he allows the marriage!) Vidal is a perfect blend of Avon and Léonie.
Mary Challoner is an intelligent girl able to differentiate between right and wrong and is beautifully straight forward, logical, level headed and practical. My heart went out for her after seeing her family's treatment of her.
The book was more kind of a revisit to Avon and Léonie’s life. We come to understand what they've been up to. How Avon has changed in some regards (How he's a paragon since his marriage to Léonie and how is still disagreeable and provoking) and how Léonie has not changed at all. I felt sad seeing Avon get old. But Satanas still has suavity and elegance. He is still that urbane guy I so loved in TOS. His principles have grown and matured in the past 24 years (Read how he is curious and anxious about the daylight kidnapping of Mary at the hands of Vidal.) And at the end of it all, it is Satanas who saves the day!
Some of the best moments in the book:
• Mary's caring for Vidal when he's unwell after the gunshot. This was a heart warming phase <3 Here one could feel that Vidal is being smitten by her.
• Mary and Avon’s meeting and disclosure of the facts by Mary. Avon’s reactions were absolutely and positively precious. (When Mary tells him that Vidal is easy to handle, one should just know how, Avon’s reaction is priceless! :D)
• The scene in the initial chapters when Lady Fanny has come complaining about Vidal, and when Vidal enters. His love and respect for Léonie and regard for Avon can be felt. Priceless.
• When Vidal is asked to leave London by Avon. The whole scene is very interesting and later on touching when Vidal returns to give his regards to Avon.
Avon and Vidal’s relationship is lovely. Vidal has lot of respect for Avon and is attached to him. And Avon too cares for him and encourages him (Read the Newmarket races...) and is aware of all of Vidal’s flaws.
Further, what I loved were the one liners and sarcastic and caustic comments by Vidal ("There's a corpse on the road to town. Mr. Fox does not wish it there. Remove it."), Avon ("May I request you to unhand me Rupert"), and Rupert and Léonie’s frank answers ("No. I do not at all want Dominique to marry Juliana... It will not amuse Dominic to marry her.") So typically Heyer. The final gathering at Dijon and then at Avon’s inn was thoroughly entertaining. (What with wine and Hammond being topics of utmost importance and occupying precious time!)
I hated Mary’s mother and Sophia. Positively disgusted with them! Lady Fanny was at times irritating and at others quite likeable.
Overall I loved the book and would give a reread soon to dispense with the nagging feeling that I missed out on something that I should have felt. But being a Heyer it did not fail to entertain me one whit.
July 24, 2015
Within two pages of meeting Mary she makes fun of both her mother and her suitor, and I knew right away I was going to like this girl.
After telling her suitor that the color he is wearing, puce, does not become him, he continues nevertheless to flatter her with favorable comparisons to her sister:
"In my eyes," declared Joshua, "you are the prettier."
Miss Challoner seemed to consider this. "Yes?" she said interestedly. "But then, you chose puce." She shook her head, and it was apparent she set no store by the compliment.
Mary's younger sister, Sophia, is a beautiful empty-headed girl who has caught the eye of Vidal, London's most notorious rake. (And he's not just a rake with the ladies; by page 54 he's already shot two men.) Mary knows Vidal has no intentions of making an honest woman of Sophia once he's had her, and when she stumbles across his plans to spirit her sister away, Mary takes action. Her plan works, but she never considered the repercussions of her actions and Vidal is not a man to be trifled with. He gets his revenge on Mary by forcing her to flee the country with him, thus ruining her reputation.
Mary takes it all in stride until Vidal physically threatens her virtue and then she does what any sensible girl would do: she shoots him. Vidal in turn does what any sensible gentleman would do: he proposes.
And thus begins the romance dance of two seemingly incompatible people, falling in love and denying it at every opportunity, until the moment when it seems they must confess or be lost to one another.
This was my first Georgette Heyer romance and it is easy to see why her books have stood the test of time. The characters are engaging, the dialogue is smart and witty, and Ms. Heyer manages to create a very sensual feel throughout the story while remaining chaste and G-rated. I have only two complaints: In the beginning I was confused by all the name dropping and introductions to London society, but that didn't last long. I also felt too much time was spent with their relatives back in London when all I wanted was to get back to Mary and Vidal. But during the course of reading I realized this book was a sequel to These Old Shades, and Vidal's mother and aunt were characters in that book, so had I read that first, I may not have minded spending so much time with them in this book.
All in all, a light-hearted, fun read!
After telling her suitor that the color he is wearing, puce, does not become him, he continues nevertheless to flatter her with favorable comparisons to her sister:
"In my eyes," declared Joshua, "you are the prettier."
Miss Challoner seemed to consider this. "Yes?" she said interestedly. "But then, you chose puce." She shook her head, and it was apparent she set no store by the compliment.
Mary's younger sister, Sophia, is a beautiful empty-headed girl who has caught the eye of Vidal, London's most notorious rake. (And he's not just a rake with the ladies; by page 54 he's already shot two men.) Mary knows Vidal has no intentions of making an honest woman of Sophia once he's had her, and when she stumbles across his plans to spirit her sister away, Mary takes action. Her plan works, but she never considered the repercussions of her actions and Vidal is not a man to be trifled with. He gets his revenge on Mary by forcing her to flee the country with him, thus ruining her reputation.
Mary takes it all in stride until Vidal physically threatens her virtue and then she does what any sensible girl would do: she shoots him. Vidal in turn does what any sensible gentleman would do: he proposes.
And thus begins the romance dance of two seemingly incompatible people, falling in love and denying it at every opportunity, until the moment when it seems they must confess or be lost to one another.
This was my first Georgette Heyer romance and it is easy to see why her books have stood the test of time. The characters are engaging, the dialogue is smart and witty, and Ms. Heyer manages to create a very sensual feel throughout the story while remaining chaste and G-rated. I have only two complaints: In the beginning I was confused by all the name dropping and introductions to London society, but that didn't last long. I also felt too much time was spent with their relatives back in London when all I wanted was to get back to Mary and Vidal. But during the course of reading I realized this book was a sequel to These Old Shades, and Vidal's mother and aunt were characters in that book, so had I read that first, I may not have minded spending so much time with them in this book.
All in all, a light-hearted, fun read!
May 18, 2017
Reread:
I'm not going to change my rating but I don't think I loved this as much the second time around. I think in the last five years I've become more sensitive to abusive/controlling behaviors and Vidal had too many qualities that now are red flags to me. Also (and maybe this is because I've been reading a lot of slow burn romances lately), the love felt a little insta to me.
I think what I liked about this the first time (so soon after reading These Old Shades), was the presence of so much of Leonie and Avon. But this time around, they didn't hold as much draw for me.
It still had plenty of Heyer's usual dry humor though that she does so well.
I'm not going to change my rating but I don't think I loved this as much the second time around. I think in the last five years I've become more sensitive to abusive/controlling behaviors and Vidal had too many qualities that now are red flags to me. Also (and maybe this is because I've been reading a lot of slow burn romances lately), the love felt a little insta to me.
I think what I liked about this the first time (so soon after reading These Old Shades), was the presence of so much of Leonie and Avon. But this time around, they didn't hold as much draw for me.
It still had plenty of Heyer's usual dry humor though that she does so well.
September 10, 2024
The wild Marquis of Vidal is flirting around with Sophia Challoner, who thinks that she might ensnare him to marry her. But her sister, Mary Challoner, believes she is naive. When it comes to Mary's notice that the two are going to elope, she decides to save Sophia by running away in her stead and confronting the Marquis. But she hadn't bargained on his black temper and gets abducted away to France, which might very well end up ruining her life.
Now, I wouldn't normally touch a book with such a plot. But Devil's Cub is one of my favourite Heyers after Venetia. Why? Because Heyer is exceedingly funny and the characters are quite intriguing. Yes, you want to know them better. The comedy of errors is also great fun. My favourite bit is Mary meeting Vidal's father, the dreaded Duke of Avon. There is so much humour and fun packed into this book that I was persuaded to overlook the kidnapping.
And does the Marquis turn into a better man for the sake of love? Not really! You worry that the marriage might not be a happy one, but you don't really care because it's all so much fun. It's definitely not a typical love story, but Heyer has written so many that she had to think up inventive ways to make it different. An abduction just took it a bit too far, I guess. Still, the rating remains high!
In short, I really enjoyed this book. I don't remember enjoying the story of Vidal's parents in These Old Shades as much, but I'll probably read it again now that I enjoyed their presence in this book.
Now, I wouldn't normally touch a book with such a plot. But Devil's Cub is one of my favourite Heyers after Venetia. Why? Because Heyer is exceedingly funny and the characters are quite intriguing. Yes, you want to know them better. The comedy of errors is also great fun. My favourite bit is Mary meeting Vidal's father, the dreaded Duke of Avon. There is so much humour and fun packed into this book that I was persuaded to overlook the kidnapping.
And does the Marquis turn into a better man for the sake of love? Not really! You worry that the marriage might not be a happy one, but you don't really care because it's all so much fun. It's definitely not a typical love story, but Heyer has written so many that she had to think up inventive ways to make it different. An abduction just took it a bit too far, I guess. Still, the rating remains high!
In short, I really enjoyed this book. I don't remember enjoying the story of Vidal's parents in These Old Shades as much, but I'll probably read it again now that I enjoyed their presence in this book.
December 15, 2015
Reading books that features beloved characters decades later is always tricky: you may love it, you may hate it, or, as was my case, have mixed feelings about it.
Like many, I read this for "These Old Shades," whose memorable characters have stayed with me ever since. But the thing is, when the parent is fabulous, one naturally expects the child to be up to the standard, and in this case, the Marquis of Vidal isn't, in my opinion. I did separate him from comparisons once it became obvious that he was his own man, but even so, he wasn't particularly appealing on his own. There's no reason to really like him that I could find, he lacks the charm, he's more erratic and aloof, and it's hard to see why exactly the heroine loves him, a sudden revelation, because when she explains it in her head and we contrast it with Vidal's behaviour and what we see on-page, these reasons sound puzzling. The heroine is much more likable because she has commonsense and a practicality that contrasts with the more rakish male.
The plot itself is entertaining as a comedy of errors, which in the end is what makes the book appealing and a fun read. It does have confluences of events and coincidences that challenge plausibility, but if you can take that as part of the comedy factor that defines the plot, it's hilarious. Same goes for the ending's too convenient resolution, though I did like the ending scene purely because of the Duke of Avon's deft handling of the matter, not so much by the resolution itself.
Like many, I read this for "These Old Shades," whose memorable characters have stayed with me ever since. But the thing is, when the parent is fabulous, one naturally expects the child to be up to the standard, and in this case, the Marquis of Vidal isn't, in my opinion. I did separate him from comparisons once it became obvious that he was his own man, but even so, he wasn't particularly appealing on his own. There's no reason to really like him that I could find, he lacks the charm, he's more erratic and aloof, and it's hard to see why exactly the heroine loves him, a sudden revelation, because when she explains it in her head and we contrast it with Vidal's behaviour and what we see on-page, these reasons sound puzzling. The heroine is much more likable because she has commonsense and a practicality that contrasts with the more rakish male.
The plot itself is entertaining as a comedy of errors, which in the end is what makes the book appealing and a fun read. It does have confluences of events and coincidences that challenge plausibility, but if you can take that as part of the comedy factor that defines the plot, it's hilarious. Same goes for the ending's too convenient resolution, though I did like the ending scene purely because of the Duke of Avon's deft handling of the matter, not so much by the resolution itself.
August 21, 2009
Another Georgian era romance. The scandalous dueling rake dallies with a girl! But her sister takes her place to save her honor! And he kidnaps the sister to Paris! And then he must marry her to save her reputation (because she, unlike her sister, has upper class graces, and is therefore worthy).
Okay, I think I officially have the wrong-shaped brain for historical romance. The hero demonstrates his willingness to strangle the heroine and I think, oh, God, she's about to mistake adrenalized terror for attraction isn't she?. He kisses her and I think, do either of them have all their teeth, being over the age of twenty? They get engaged at last, and I think does she know that women can have orgasms?
I should have just stuck with The Grand Sophy, which was adorable and didn't make me go, "but! But!" a lot.
Okay, I think I officially have the wrong-shaped brain for historical romance. The hero demonstrates his willingness to strangle the heroine and I think, oh, God, she's about to mistake adrenalized terror for attraction isn't she?. He kisses her and I think, do either of them have all their teeth, being over the age of twenty? They get engaged at last, and I think does she know that women can have orgasms?
I should have just stuck with The Grand Sophy, which was adorable and didn't make me go, "but! But!" a lot.
November 10, 2021
A fun, entertaining read!
This book was a little more campy than it's mysterious predecessor. That doesn't make it bad just different. It reminded me of Benny Hill or Smokey and The Bandit. Everybody running around to catch up with the MC.
I have to say GH knows how to write interesting characters. Our H is a rake and the h was strong and mature. There is, thankfully, no insta-love! The couple just balance each out. I'm actually amazed how the author's books have such a modern view to them, especially since they were published in the 1920's.
All and all, this book was a delightful, engaging read! I highly recommend
This book was a little more campy than it's mysterious predecessor. That doesn't make it bad just different. It reminded me of Benny Hill or Smokey and The Bandit. Everybody running around to catch up with the MC.
I have to say GH knows how to write interesting characters. Our H is a rake and the h was strong and mature. There is, thankfully, no insta-love! The couple just balance each out. I'm actually amazed how the author's books have such a modern view to them, especially since they were published in the 1920's.
All and all, this book was a delightful, engaging read! I highly recommend
August 27, 2023
Sometimes a sequel can be disappointing but Heyer has written a wonderful follow up to These Old Shades. Vidal the son of Leonie and Avon is a wonderful character. His short temper, unswerving desire to make Mary an honest woman and of course the return of Rupert and Fanny all make this novel one of my favorite Heyer novels.
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