Reviewed by Jennifer D
Book provided by the author for review
Original review posted at Romancing the Book

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

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

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

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

My Rating: A
My Review:

This was a quick, light and easy read. I enjoyed it immensely but found that it lacked a certain something that makes a romance great. The love was there and it didn't seem forced. The author has a great way of making an adventure in story an adventure for the reader. But what really grabbed me in this book, was the fact that there were really three love stories in this book and they didn't all end in perfection.

I also enjoyed that this book breaks some of the romance rules. While it's not uncommon for a virgin hero, it's not the norm either. I liked that they were learning together. Also, the fact that they weren't being overly stupid about their love and didn't quabble over stupid things that 'kept them apart'.

Overall this was a good book, and I really enjoyed it and can't wait for more from Ms. Bryan. ( )

Ever since his father's ill-advised financial scheme bankrupted him and a number of the aristocracy, Lucian Beaumont's family has had pockets to let. Determined to restore the family estates and reputation, Lucian hopes to follow clues found during an archaeological dig to a long-lost Roman treasure. Unfortunately, no one is interested in funding him - aside from the bluestocking Daisy Drake, who has a keen interest in the naughtier antiquities being brought to light. But no matter how intriguing he finds Daisy, Lucian is not about to accept help from the family his father blames for his ruin. But he just might accept help from her alter-ego, the alluring Parisian courtesan Blanche La Tour who offers him (book-learned) lessons in seduction.

I have a weakness for bluestocking heroines. Also for archaeology. So the meet-cute at the beginning while Daisy is examining an interestingly shaped lamp had me completely hooked. I think that's still my favorite scene. I love moments of humor in my romances, and this definitely made me giggle.

As for Lucian - I enjoy virgin heroes, so I found that to be a nice touch, and I really liked him puzzling out the Daisy-Blanche connection. But I would have liked it more had there been more instances of him asking Blanche for advice on how to win Daisy over. And I wish the (very steamy and highly readable) love scenes had been a bit less... smooth. After all, neither participant is supposed to have any real-world experience. So while I didn't mind the fact that their connection downright sizzled, it would have been nice to see a little insecurity or vulnerability, even a little awkwardness.

It was also very touching to see Lucian make himself so vulnerable to Daisy at the inn. During the action-oriented ending, though, I did feel that the resolution to their emotional problems came a bit easy. (I told you I liked a bit of melodrama...).

The final verdict? I liked the funny moments with the naughty archaeology, the history between the two characters, and the steamy scenes. I enjoyed the scenes set in Roman times (though the subject matter was difficult at times), and the puzzle solving. This is certainly an author I'll be reading again when I feel like a light-hearted romance. ( )

"Vexing the Viscount" is my second read by Emily Bryan and I enjoyed this one just as much as I did the first! This is a Georgian era romance and even though I'm a little skeptical regarding the freedom and behavior of the heroine for that time period, I enjoyed her very much. The sizzle between the hero and heroine was great, their banter entertaining, and even the mystery/treasure hunt held my interest.

Daisy considers herself firmly on the shelf as she just can't seem to dredge up any interest in the fribbles and fortune hunters who can't seem to see beyond her dowry. She's very well educated and has a special interest in ancient ruins which is how she meets up (again) with an old friend from her childhood. And how DARE he not recognize her when she knew at first glance who he was even after ten years? But a history of 'issues' between their families causes him to turn from her so Daisy (with a little help from a scandalous great-aunt) hatches a plan. She'll disguise herself as a famous courtesan and get herself in on his treasure hunt that way. Only things don't exactly turn out as planned.

Lucian and his father are all that is left of the proud Montford family and Lucian is quite afraid that he's losing his father to madness. Their family estate is in dire need of renovation and their tenants need help too, but unless he can locate the lost Roman treasure there's nothing Lucian can do. His interest in Daisy lasts until he learns her name. His father's hatred of her family is not something Lucian cares to poke at. But when Lucian meets Blanche the courtesan, he's enthralled...and very, very attracted. It just figures that the only person he can convince to fund his dig would send Daisy as her agent! Even if she is smart...and helpful...and really quite attractive.

Fun, fun, fun. Laughter and love get me every time and Emily Bryan does a fabulous job combining the two. I found myself cheering for Daisy in BOTH her characters and could see where a woman with her characteristics would definitely push beyond the normal boundaries for her time. Lucian is just a hottie. And any man that can wield a rapier with rapier wit (yes, I couldn't resist) is one I'll dream of tonight! ( )

Vexing the Viscount is a marvellous book, full sexual tension and wonderful characters whose stories pull you into their world for a few lovely hours. The pacing is smooth and steady, with vibrant visuals and intensely amusing banter. This story is very well written with an unerring focus on supplying the reader with a captivating story that includes lots of romance. The plot includes some fun twists and turns, that are sure to surprise. Lucian and Daisy are an enchanting mix. When they get tangled up together, sparks fly and sexual tension abounds! These characters have a sizzling chemistry which is sure to satisfy the romantic in all of us. Emily Bryan writes with talent and skill; she pours her heart into each and every page. I really enjoyed this book and I’m positive that you will enjoy it too.
I highly recommend this book! ( )