Emily and the Dark Angel by Jo Beverley Series: Lovers and Ladies #4
Published by Avon on June 1, 1992
Genres: Historical Romance
Pages: 214
Format: Paperback
Source: Purchased
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Practical, capable, and utterly unromantic, Emily is spinsterhood personified. But her prim world tilts when the handsome, notorious rake Piers Verderan crosses her path. Emily wants to resist Verderan's attentions, but heart chooses love. Walker.
The darkest, coldest, and most ruthless of them all with the most scandalous reputation is about to meet his match in a quiet, practical, sensible, but no one’s idea of a beauty in the mecca of foxhunting. A chance comical mishap introduces them and off they careen in a flirty opposites attract romance.
Through the first three Lovers and Ladies books, the reader is allowed to get to know the circle of male friends and, while I enjoyed meeting the earlier heroes and seeing who their ladies would be, Ver was the one who most piqued my interest. I’m glad I had the opportunity to read them in order and encourage other readers to do the same.
So yes, our dear Verderan, has something of a shocking rep. He’s no choir boy and got into his fair share of trouble, but nothing like he’s touted to be. He had a sad and painful past wreathed in family secrets and at the heart was his truly dark villain of a grandfather who caused a great deal of pain for Ver and others. But, fortunately, Ver has good friends and they all share a loyalty. He ends up needing that help when the poor guy trips into love with the least likely female.
Emily Grantwich is a woman who is past the fresh years of youth when a girl can expect worthy offers of courtship and marriage. She’s plain and had to become practical in the absence of mother and a brother who is missing in action in the war while caring for an invalid, peevish father and taking on the responsibility of running their family estate. If she thinks about her chances of having a future home and husband, the local vicar seems the only possibility. Certainly not that gorgeous male specimen that turns the eye of most of the female population and dabbles with the light skirts. Besides, he’s just inherited the property near hers that is part of a past dispute.
The Regency era Hunting Season and traditions during the post-Napoleonic War years are on prominent display in this one and I enjoyed learning about this part of Regency life and seeing this winning pair of lovers cross the gap to find commonalities, mutual respect, and support besides love with each other. I really enjoyed their banter.
Emily and the Dark Angel was my most anticipated book of the series and it didn’t disappoint. I’ve had a soft spot for Ver all the way through the series and now knowing his background, even more so. Definitely one of Jo Beverley’s golden gems that I can recommend to old style Regency romance fans.
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I do enjoy a good opposites attract romance, especially one with great banter. Nice to hear you enjoyed finally getting Ver’s romance, since you were eagerly anticipating it! I’ll have to check this series out at some point. 🙂
Yeah, earlier books were good, but this one was the peak of the series for me. Just keep your expectations moderate for most of the series and you’ll do fine. LOL
Looks like it was an almost perfect historical romance for you. Not too long either. Thanks for sharing it!
It was the highlight of the series for me plus I got an oldie off the shelf.
This looks sweet and like the perfect book to start February with. I read something by Jo Beverley ages ago and really enjoyed it. I really want to read more from her and more romance in general.
This series is very old school and I like that it has a dash of suspense woven through. Yes, a little love for the romance month. 🙂
I’ve been looking for more historical romances to read! This sounds like a good one, maybe I’ll try this series. If I like the first book, I’ll have more books to look forward to!
Glad to put it on your radar, Haze. 🙂
I’ve always heard such good things about Jo Beverly’s romances, and this sounds delightful! A good place to dive into the Beverly oeuvre, perhaps?
My very first Jo Beverley was one of her medievals and then I got into a different of her Regency Romance era series, but this series feels a little classic and I liked the whiff of gothic suspense.
This sounds like it would be a good read.
I was glad to finally get this series dusted off the shelf and read. This book was my favorite in the series.
Old school! I love it!
Oh yeah! I blew the dust off and enjoyed the nostalgic historical romance style. 🙂
I think my favorite was Deirdre and Don Juan.
Fun to encounter a fellow reader of the series. 🙂