Allison Chase
Author of Dark Obsession
About the Author
Series
Works by Allison Chase
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Common Knowledge
- Legal name
- Manuel, Lisa
- Gender
- female
- Organizations
- RWA
Florida Romance Writers - Short biography
- Lisa Manuel was born on New England, USA and she grew up with a deep appreciation for the rich history of her surroundings. Now she enjoys a busy life in the warmth of the South Florida sunshine with her husband of more than twenty-five years and their two wonderful and very talented daughters. But, she and her family love to travel, especially throughout the British Isles and Ireland, and she's never happier than when exploring historic sites such as castle ruins, ancient abbeys, or the rambling gardens of old country manors.
Lisa Manuel, now also writes as Allison Chase. She is a member of the RWA and the Florida Romance Writers, and in large part credits both organizations for her success as a romance author. In adition to travel, the inspiration also comes from reading books by fellow authors, many of whom have become good friends as well as mentors over the years. Before she ever sat down to write, she was an avid reader and continues to enjoy a fairly wide variety of styles and genres. Her favorite romance subgenres are historical, paranormal, and romantic suspense. She also loves historical fiction and nonfiction, her favorite eras being the Middle Ages, Tudor times and the Regency. Her hobbies include archery and collecting period costumes. In a pinch, she can be anyone from Maid Marion to a Celtic Queen to Jane Austen! - Nationality
- USA
- Birthplace
- New England, USA
- Places of residence
- New England, USA
South Florida, USA - Associated Place (for map)
- USA
Members
Reviews
I've enjoyed the adventures of the Sutherland sisters as they secretly help out a young Queen Victoria--Laurel and Ivy not only had tense, urgent missions, but the way they worked with their respective husbands was a treat to read. Colin and Holly however, were less endearing to me.
Colin's attitude and behavior was the main reason why actually. In previous novels there felt an equality and partnership in the pairings. Holly and Colin never quite reached that level to me. Colin spent much of show more the book 'protecting' Holly's sensibilities for a variety of reasons (he was never at a loss for those). Holly's accusation that he underestimated her resolve and strength of character are the most genuine words spoken. He was so certain that Holly would break under the faintest of hardships that he didn't take the time to get to know her. Never mind that Holly has endured quite a few hardships in her life, or that her sister's (regardless of the 'secret' reason why) lives weren't peaches and cream either. He was bound and determined to keep Holly far, far away from the presumptive horrors to the point where it got to be really irritating. It stopped being 'charming' and 'protective' around the fifth or sixth time he silently consoled himself that he was doing the right thing by not pursuing a long lasting entanglement with her.
Holly was, unlike her twin Ivy or her oldest sister Laurel, headstrong and reckless (hence the title, more apt words never spoken). She doesn't much care what the mission for Victoria is (in fact if it had been to chase down a murderous, wanted criminal she would have been off like a light quicker than you could blink!), only that it means adventure. The fact that it could also lead to a prestigious marriage as well seemed more of an afterthought honestly, and remarked on more often by other characters then Holly herself. She's clever and quick-witted, with a soft heart and an unshakeable belief and loyalty to Victoria that almost borders on the zealous (all the Sutherlands do honestly).
The ongoing sub-arc about the Sutherlands true origins gets a real step up here, becoming much more twined with the main plot then in the previous volumes. We learn a bit more about their parents and their french connections, as well as a surprising amount about a secondary villain from the first book Henri de Vere. It's a bit outrageous and I'm not entirely certain the novels needed that added layer. The fact these girls were Queen Victoria's Secret Servants was plenty enough--the added French Revolution and their parents mysterious deaths muddied the waters. This plot seemed to take precedence in the novel in the latter half, and will likely be a driving force in the fourth book (about the youngest Sutherland Willow).
Review originally posted at Night Owl Reviews show less
Colin's attitude and behavior was the main reason why actually. In previous novels there felt an equality and partnership in the pairings. Holly and Colin never quite reached that level to me. Colin spent much of show more the book 'protecting' Holly's sensibilities for a variety of reasons (he was never at a loss for those). Holly's accusation that he underestimated her resolve and strength of character are the most genuine words spoken. He was so certain that Holly would break under the faintest of hardships that he didn't take the time to get to know her. Never mind that Holly has endured quite a few hardships in her life, or that her sister's (regardless of the 'secret' reason why) lives weren't peaches and cream either. He was bound and determined to keep Holly far, far away from the presumptive horrors to the point where it got to be really irritating. It stopped being 'charming' and 'protective' around the fifth or sixth time he silently consoled himself that he was doing the right thing by not pursuing a long lasting entanglement with her.
Holly was, unlike her twin Ivy or her oldest sister Laurel, headstrong and reckless (hence the title, more apt words never spoken). She doesn't much care what the mission for Victoria is (in fact if it had been to chase down a murderous, wanted criminal she would have been off like a light quicker than you could blink!), only that it means adventure. The fact that it could also lead to a prestigious marriage as well seemed more of an afterthought honestly, and remarked on more often by other characters then Holly herself. She's clever and quick-witted, with a soft heart and an unshakeable belief and loyalty to Victoria that almost borders on the zealous (all the Sutherlands do honestly).
The ongoing sub-arc about the Sutherlands true origins gets a real step up here, becoming much more twined with the main plot then in the previous volumes. We learn a bit more about their parents and their french connections, as well as a surprising amount about a secondary villain from the first book Henri de Vere. It's a bit outrageous and I'm not entirely certain the novels needed that added layer. The fact these girls were Queen Victoria's Secret Servants was plenty enough--the added French Revolution and their parents mysterious deaths muddied the waters. This plot seemed to take precedence in the novel in the latter half, and will likely be a driving force in the fourth book (about the youngest Sutherland Willow).
Review originally posted at Night Owl Reviews show less
Pros: Both the hero and heroine do a wonderful job of maintaining their cover without mistrust becoming a major issue.
Cons: I wish that both of the mysteries presented had been solved, but I suspect that that will happen at the end of the series.
Review book courtesy of Penguin Group
The Sutherland sisters made a promise to Princess Victoria when they were all girls; they would be there if the future queen ever had need of them. Shortly before her coronation, Victoria asks Laurel, the oldest, show more to ferret out the truth of a delicate situation. Victoria suspects that her cousin George may be involved in a treasonous plot and thinks that Laurel stands the best chance of getting close to him. But neither Laurel nor Victoria counted on the Earl of Barensforth, George's friend. An employee of the Home Office, Barensforth is investigating a financial scam that George may be up to his ears in. When he encounters Laurel posing as a young widow, he senses that there is more going on than either of them is going on. Both Laurel and Barensforth are determined to find out the truth, and with a but of luck they'll find something even better...
One of the things that I love about reading romance is discovering just how many different ways that it can be written. This book, in addition to romance, felt like a small-town cozy mystery to me and I absolutely loved it! It let me watch the romance develop between Laurel and Barensforth as they conduct their investigations without needing to constantly throw them into mortal terror to get the two of them together. And although the pacing wasn't as quick as some historicals, I didn't mind it because it fit the more laid-back and relaxed setting of Bath.
Ms. Chase has a wonderful knack for portraying characters from across the spectrum of society. Not only do the readers get to see some unique personalities, but we also get to see just how wide the gap between strata can be as Laurel moves among the wealthy. Her wonder and amazement at how much is spent at times gave me a bit more perspective on class distinctions, but these observations fit seamlessly into the story. It's also fascinating to watch the range of behavior among the elite alone, from generosity to greed or control to desperation. Uncovering the layers of motive that underlay people's behavior was absolutely addicting, because I wasn't always quite sure that I was getting the whole story.
With all of these characters to add color, it's interesting to watch the dance of curiosity between Laurel and Aidan, Earl of Barensforth. Neither is sure what each other's motivations are, and so they are trying to fit scraps of information together. Laurel refuses to admit that she's seen Aidan before, which keeps him confused for a bit, and neither wants to blow their cover. But what really made this book so wonderful to me was that when everyone's cards were on the table, Ms. Chase deftly avoids the rather stereotypical "you lied to me" fight. Romances wherein the hero and heroine act like adults are generally more appealing to me than hysterical characters that sem to live to pick fights.
The plot is also unlike any that I've read before; treason certainly isn't anything new, but a financial scam involving a large group of people was a new one for me. And yet, the way that it is presented lets the reader understand how it has had such an effect on people who become eager to sign up.
There is a second mystery brought up in the book, which involves Laurel's family, but I suspect that we readers are going to have to wait until later in the series to find out just what happened and why it occurred. With that being said, it's a peripheral mystery, and so when I finished the book I didn't feel as if the ending was incomplete. It feels more like a teaser for the upcoming books in the series.
"Most Eagerly Yours" is a very promising start to what I suspect will be a four book series, and the combination of characters, maturity, and plot was so well balanced that I absolutely devoured this book. It's not a roller coaster ride of adventure and emotion, but if you enjoy peeling back people's layers to find out what the real story is then this book is definitely worth picking up. It's what I think of as a "cozy romance", and I hope the next book comes out soon, because this is a style of romance that I want more of! show less
Cons: I wish that both of the mysteries presented had been solved, but I suspect that that will happen at the end of the series.
Review book courtesy of Penguin Group
The Sutherland sisters made a promise to Princess Victoria when they were all girls; they would be there if the future queen ever had need of them. Shortly before her coronation, Victoria asks Laurel, the oldest, show more to ferret out the truth of a delicate situation. Victoria suspects that her cousin George may be involved in a treasonous plot and thinks that Laurel stands the best chance of getting close to him. But neither Laurel nor Victoria counted on the Earl of Barensforth, George's friend. An employee of the Home Office, Barensforth is investigating a financial scam that George may be up to his ears in. When he encounters Laurel posing as a young widow, he senses that there is more going on than either of them is going on. Both Laurel and Barensforth are determined to find out the truth, and with a but of luck they'll find something even better...
One of the things that I love about reading romance is discovering just how many different ways that it can be written. This book, in addition to romance, felt like a small-town cozy mystery to me and I absolutely loved it! It let me watch the romance develop between Laurel and Barensforth as they conduct their investigations without needing to constantly throw them into mortal terror to get the two of them together. And although the pacing wasn't as quick as some historicals, I didn't mind it because it fit the more laid-back and relaxed setting of Bath.
Ms. Chase has a wonderful knack for portraying characters from across the spectrum of society. Not only do the readers get to see some unique personalities, but we also get to see just how wide the gap between strata can be as Laurel moves among the wealthy. Her wonder and amazement at how much is spent at times gave me a bit more perspective on class distinctions, but these observations fit seamlessly into the story. It's also fascinating to watch the range of behavior among the elite alone, from generosity to greed or control to desperation. Uncovering the layers of motive that underlay people's behavior was absolutely addicting, because I wasn't always quite sure that I was getting the whole story.
With all of these characters to add color, it's interesting to watch the dance of curiosity between Laurel and Aidan, Earl of Barensforth. Neither is sure what each other's motivations are, and so they are trying to fit scraps of information together. Laurel refuses to admit that she's seen Aidan before, which keeps him confused for a bit, and neither wants to blow their cover. But what really made this book so wonderful to me was that when everyone's cards were on the table, Ms. Chase deftly avoids the rather stereotypical "you lied to me" fight. Romances wherein the hero and heroine act like adults are generally more appealing to me than hysterical characters that sem to live to pick fights.
The plot is also unlike any that I've read before; treason certainly isn't anything new, but a financial scam involving a large group of people was a new one for me. And yet, the way that it is presented lets the reader understand how it has had such an effect on people who become eager to sign up.
There is a second mystery brought up in the book, which involves Laurel's family, but I suspect that we readers are going to have to wait until later in the series to find out just what happened and why it occurred. With that being said, it's a peripheral mystery, and so when I finished the book I didn't feel as if the ending was incomplete. It feels more like a teaser for the upcoming books in the series.
"Most Eagerly Yours" is a very promising start to what I suspect will be a four book series, and the combination of characters, maturity, and plot was so well balanced that I absolutely devoured this book. It's not a roller coaster ride of adventure and emotion, but if you enjoy peeling back people's layers to find out what the real story is then this book is definitely worth picking up. It's what I think of as a "cozy romance", and I hope the next book comes out soon, because this is a style of romance that I want more of! show less
When I first picked up this title, I though the premise just a bit too hokey for me to enjoy, but I was pleasantly surprised and charmed. The “secret servant” selected for the mission is a very bookish and sensible young woman named Ivy Sutherland. Ivy is instructed to go under cover as a student of Natural Philosophies at the all male Cambridge University where she encounteres Simon de Burgh, Marquess of Harrow. Lord harrow is determined to find a laboratory assistant and presents a show more scientific challenge in order to select the student who will become his protégé. Ivy, passionate about the exciting fields that the Marquess is exploring in his cutting-edge work in electromagnetism, wins the challenge and becomes his assistant. Although Ivy is masquerading as a boy, the chemistry between them is immediate and intense as they are thrown closely together in their work.I found Simon to be a fascinating hero. While not fooled for more than a minute by Ivy’s disguise, he goes along with the charade just to give her a chance to explore the sciences, something that would never be permitted to a woman. As layer by layer is stripped away, Simon proves to be brilliant, passionate, compassionate, and intensely loyal to the memory of his dead wife. Understandably, the scholarly Ivy is drawn to him like a magnet to a lodestone! “With a startled glance over her shoulder she discovered Lord Harrow staring across the way at her over a pair of gold rimmed spectacles perched halfway down the strong line of his nose. She hadn’t seen him wear spectacles before and found herself fascinated by the myriad contradictions they produced. He was at once scholarly and dashing, rakish and brilliant, a professor with the vigor and physique of a sportsman… " (the self-professed geek now fans herself.)In addition to the wonderful characterizations and sexual magnetism between her hero and heroine, Ms. Chase has vividly brought to life the imagination and innovation of the Victorian period. While some of the scenes in this book are truly fantastical, they still bring to mind the wonderful discoveries and inventions that were born of the Victorian era.While the premise of the book is supposed to be a mystery, I found this part to be the weakest. It was predictable, but the charming and emotionally compelling romance, seemed to make up for any failing in that area. For me, the well-researched and unique scientific setting made OUTRAGEOUSLY YOURS an "electrifying" read. 3.5 stars. show less
Prelim Review: In the first book, MOST EAGERLY YOURS, I remarked how sad Queen Victoria seemed. It was just at the beginning of her reign and she was so desperately alone. Calling upon the Sutherland sisters, childhood friends of hers she trusted implicitly, didn't seem reckless so much as not exactly reasonable given what she wanted of them.
OUTRAGEOUSLY YOURS kind of pumps this up a little more with her request to Ivy to pretend to be a man and ingratiate herself with a rumored to be quite show more mad scientist. All for what amounts to a rock. You know what though? Less then a third of a way into the book I didn't really care that it was ridiculous and implausible. I wasn't reading historical fiction about the Queen--I was reading a romance that used her as a plot device, much like the Regency Romances tended to use the Prince Regent as a plot device.
I do have to wonder though if Victoria wasn't also trying to run a peer of the realm match-making business on the side because its extraordinary that she's 2 for 2 on matching her old childhood friends with peers of the realm who fit them perfectly. Unintended side effect maybe?
Full review to be posted at Romance Reader at Heart show less
OUTRAGEOUSLY YOURS kind of pumps this up a little more with her request to Ivy to pretend to be a man and ingratiate herself with a rumored to be quite show more mad scientist. All for what amounts to a rock. You know what though? Less then a third of a way into the book I didn't really care that it was ridiculous and implausible. I wasn't reading historical fiction about the Queen--I was reading a romance that used her as a plot device, much like the Regency Romances tended to use the Prince Regent as a plot device.
I do have to wonder though if Victoria wasn't also trying to run a peer of the realm match-making business on the side because its extraordinary that she's 2 for 2 on matching her old childhood friends with peers of the realm who fit them perfectly. Unintended side effect maybe?
Full review to be posted at Romance Reader at Heart show less
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Statistics
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- 10
- Members
- 283
- Popularity
- #82,294
- Rating
- 3.6
- Reviews
- 14
- ISBNs
- 22
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