With This Ring

With This Ring
4 Stars

Impoverished following the death of her husband, Beatrice Pool earns her living writing “Horrid" novels. When her uncle dies under suspicious circumstances, Beatrice approaches the notoriously anti-social Leo Drake, Earl of Monkcrest “The Mad Monk” for assistance, and soon finds herself immeshed in a plot not unlike one of her books.

Amanda Quick’s writing is somewhat formulaic but her stories never fail to entertain. The eccentric and enigmatic Leo has more than met his match in the intelligent and resilient Beatrice. She shocks him out of his loneliness and complacency while he teaches her to love and trust again. Their romance is sensual and relatively angst free, and their banter is witty and charming. show more

The mystery is interesting with some intense and suspenseful moments. Nevertheless, the villains are quite predictable right up until the end where there is a surprising twist.

All in all, a light and fun historical romance with engaging characters and an enjoyable plot. The 2nd book in the series focuses on different characters but I’m sure I will be no less entertained. show less

Leo Drake is known as the "Mad Monk of Monkcrest" and is notoriously eccentric and inhospitable. When Beatrice Poole turns up on his door he is intrigued and when she reveals that she's searching for the Forbidden Rings of Aphrodite. She also believes that her uncle, who last had the rings, was killed for them.

The two of them have to work together and he starts finding himself attracted to this very independent woman who writes "horrid Novels" as a means of support. She also finds herself attracted to him but is unsure if she wants to sacrifice her independence for another marriage.

It's pretty predictable but the characters are both well drawn and great fun.

Leo Drake, the "Mad Monk of Monkcrest", is notoriously eccentric and unquestionably reclusive. But he is also a noted antiquities expert, which is why Beatrice Poole has demanded his reluctant assistance. The freethinking authoress of "horrid novels," Beatrice is searching for the Forbidden Rings of Aphrodite, a mythic treasure she suspects played a role in her uncle's death. Beatrice finds Leo every bit as fascinating as one of the heroes in her novels--and she's convinced he's the only one who can help her. But after only five minutes in her company, Leo is sure he's never met a woman more infuriating ... and more likely to rescue him from boredom. Yet the alliance may well prove to be the biggest mistake of their lives. For a villain show more lurks in London, waiting for the pair to unearth the Forbidden Rings--knowing that when they do, that day will be their last... show less

A favorite Quick novel that I have reread several times in paperback, hardcover, and eventually audiobook.
Publisher's blurb gives the main clues, but cannot convey the humorous dialog or the delightful plot twists. A nice book for a day when heavy reading is not wanted, but want something interesting.
Barbara Rosenblatt is a delightful audio performer who rarely hams it up, yet snarks very nicely.

This was an enjoyable read. Much better than the second book in this series (I Thee Wed - which doesn't really seem related to this book to any great extent). Leo Drake ("the mad monk") is a very likable well portrayed character. I enjoyed his role from the opening scenes of the book right through the end. He's eccentric, charming, and enigmatic.

Beatrice Poole, the heroine, is also well portrayed although she can be a little pushy and demanding at times.

The book made me laugh out loud in several instances (I especially liked the twists added with the side-plot of Beatrice's cousin, Arabella, trying to find a husband). The book wasn't as "steamy" as some of Amanda Quick's other novels, but the romance was still very enjoyable.

I found show more the brothel keeper's role lacking. Pearce Brunby's role was excellent.

Overall story: 4.5/5
Hotness: 3/5
Hero: 5/5
Heroine: 3.5/5 show less

Beatrice Poole is a widow, which makes withstanding scandal slightly easier, but with her beloved Uncle Reggie dead and the family's fortunes uncertain, she's left with no alternative. She'll have to track down Reginald's last purchase, the famed Rings of Aphrodite, which seem to have gone missing. Once located, she hopes to sell them and set things to right, no one in Society the wiser. Of course, to find the rings she'll also have to deal with the Earl of Monkcrest... also known as the Mad Monk.

Society manners, secrets, murder and lust - the plot is predictable, but the characters are entertaining.

Beatrice Poole, a widow and secretly the author of romantic “horrid” novels, contacts Lord Leo Drake to assist her in locating a valuable relic. The “Mad Monk of Moncrest”, as he is nicknamed, is known for his antiquities studies. Thrilled when he accepts her challenge, she wonders if she’ll be able to focus when his seductive manner distracts her.

Engaged by the woman’s forthright attitude, Leo has reasons of his own for agreeing to his scheme. Little does he know that his heart will be at risk along with his life, as the stakes rise and various people they’ve contacted end up dead. Will he be able to protect the headstrong woman while guarding his heart?

An intriguing mystery and a classic romance combine to make this a show more quick read. show less