Devil's Cub (1932)

I'm choosing to read this as a story about two people who engage in kinky power exchange games, because otherwise it is way too rapey for me. ( )

I loved it! The Alastairs came back with a bang. It was nice to see them as a family unit. Leonie and Rupert had a greater role in this book than Justin. However, in the end, The Duke of Avon played the best role/ hoax. Fanny was her ridiculous self and you learn that she has the most ridiculous and boring son. Her daughter Juliania has the Alastair countenance but is prone to the vapours. She plays a horrible game with her beloved Frederick and almost loses him. I dare not say more to not give too much away of this delicious tale. Reading this one by Mrs Heyer showed me why she is considered one of the greatest writers of historical romance.

As I said while reading this gem, I enjoyed the duels, chasing about, running away, catching of the vapours, and frank, albeit funny dialogue between the characters. "The Devil's Cub" didn't disappoint in the least. This is a book I will read over and over again. It reminds me of why I love to read...for the discovery of a great story. ( )

Another jolly road chase. Heyer aged her characters from [book:These Old Shades] very well. ( )

Devil's cub is no other than Marquis Vidal - son of Satana (Duke of Avon) and Leonie (Leon the page). Well, he eventually falls in love with 'respectable', plain but virtuous Mary Challoner. It seems Heyer always has Priyadarshan type ending with all character full of chaos. Hmm. ( )

I had mixed feelings about reading this, as These Old Shades is my absolute favourite Georgette Heyer novel, and the deliciously devilish Alistair is one of my favourite fictional rogues. I was hoping this book -- and Alistair's son! -- would live up to my expectations, but I wasn't sure if that was possible. It wasn't. This was a great read, but not as good as These Old Shades. Overall I was slightly disappointed, but only because I'd started this with such high expectations. ( )