The Viscount Who Lived Down the Lane audiobook

Louisa Tempest is a disaster magnet. And Lavinia, her identical twin, is even worse! But when they are offered a sponsored Season in London full of social life among the best of the ton, Lavinia drags Louisa with her. While Lavinia is set on finding a respectable husband, Louisa's practical mind knows that their family's tarnish won't be covered with pretty frocks and intricate hairdos. She's not the marriage sort, anyway. So she brings Hannibal, her devilish one-eyed tomcat with her. With him at hand, no one will bother her.All Viscount Wakefield wants is his thick drapes shut and his bottle of Madeira full. After the retreat to Corunna, amidst the Peninsular War, that shattered his leg and his heart, he resents still being among the living. But when a cat from hell wreaks havoc in his household and his tempestuous mistress (Miss Tempest, indeed!) decided she wants to put everything to rights, including his life, he bans both cat and lady from his house. So she starts working on his garden. And suddenly that demmed drape insists on letting sunshine creep in even when he's sure he left it hermetically shut. Just like his heart.This historical romance was a delight! The language was as authentic as it gets, the plot, although not highly original, delicious, but what made the difference for me were the characters. True to themselves down to the bone, they never falter, and that's including pets! From the elderly butler and the impertinent new cook to the two kids that are hired as extra help, and Hannibal the cat (unforgettable Hannibal) they all get memorable, fast-paced scenes that often made me think that I'm watching a farse on stage.The dialogues are witty, the settings well-rendered (although maybe a bit underdescribed) and the main characters set so many obstacles along the way, I really wondered how the HEA would come about. If I must complain about something that would be that the final reconciliation scene was too easy, and there are loose ends concerning other characters, but Ms Boyle has promised that everything will be sorted out in the next installment where we'll learn what Lavinia is up to. I'm surely picking that one up!All in all, I truly enjoyed this delightful historical romance. In terms of character development, I would say that Ms Boyle is among the best. This new version of The Beauty and The Beast put a smile on my face--not an easy task with a swollen cheek after a wisdom tooth extraction. :)This book was offered to me in exchange for an honest review.

This read was next in line after a new released book but I was unable to continue my reading because of some bothering details and too messy events. So here I am.And this book cooled off the unsettled feelings I get each time I can’t finish a book, I do hate to give up a story, I feel like I let down the writer.Plus with a cat notified in the blurb, I was sold.I have read some reviews saying Louisa was too meddlesome and too intrusive, yes she can be but it was with the best at heart. She brought her cat against everyone’s opinion because she wanted someone with her who would be there only for her. So yes, her cat bears perfectly his name, wreaking havoc in its wake.After, she can’t stand seing things not tidy as they should be, no OCD but not so far too.So yes, she invited herself in Lord Wakefield’s house, first to get her cat, then to apologize for the damage caused and after to right some of the wrongs done to Wakefield during his time buried from society. But she only wishes to help, nothing else, plus when asked, she can not refuse. She didn’t come to London I search for a husband, she just followed her sister, so there she is bored, not used to be useless so when she finds a goal, she decides to aim for it even if it ennoies to no end her mark but it also makes him leave his stupor and his room.Pierson Stratton came back from war a broken man from body to soul, since he believes he has no right to enjoy life when others didn’t make it. Why now he lives a sham of a life, drowning his guilt hell-deep in a bottle. Until a fury not even liking like a cat and it’s mistress erupted in his house to turn his misery upside down and make him see there is still light beyond his pain. He will have to work on himself, to let his guilt go before being able to fully accept Louisa in his life and his future, and all it will implied.In some way, Louisa was more resilient then Pierson, having accepted her cross but not backing down from a fight if necessary when he drowned his sorrows in alcohol.My second read by Elizabeth Boyle and not my last as I now need to get my hand on the next book of this series to read the twin sister’s story.

Loved it. :)

The simple facts of the book: grumpy/sunshine, managing miss, devil cat, disaster at Almack's, true love! Also twins.The book is fun, funny, and sexy. Sure, there are some unbelievable moments ... the girls' godmother is directing their lives from beyond the grave through her will and lots of letters she's written; their stay at Almack's is about 20 minutes long and ends in disaster for them both; our MCs live next door to each other and Louisa visits him all the time, and no one thinks this is a problem ... but we read these books to laugh and escape for a while. Also because when Elizabeth Boyle writes sexy stuff, it's real sexy.16-Word Summaries:Laine: Drunken recluse is brought out of hiding by a managing and reluctant debutant and her cat.⁠⁠Meg: The only thing that can save this hot nobleman from his drunken stupor? A managing miss.⁠⁠

3.5 stars. Unlike the previous Rhymes with Love books, this is a stand alone and can be read out of order (but don't read Knave of Hearts first, because it's the sequel to this book). A few characters from the previous books make minor appearances, but none of the main players so it's almost like a new series. What I liked:Pierson. Even though he's rough around the edges (very), you can understand how he'd be so sunk in mourning/grief/guilt. He makes some major transformations, with a couple of relapses along the way. I also really like his staff because they're loyal to him, and just want him well again.Humor. Parts made me smile, and I had one laugh out loud moment.What I disliked:Louisa. How many times does a fella have to bellow "get out of my house!" before a girl gets the hint? She's referred to as a busybody throughout the book, and lives up to the label. I also didn't care for her twin (she seemed very self-centered to me), so I'm not really looking forward to the next book. Writing style. This is something that's bugged me throughout the series. The author really likes the word "minx", and calling ladies "bits of muslin". Also, the story plateaued a bit about 70% in, and then left a lot of loose ends dangling about for the next book to wrap up.

***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***The Viscount Who Lived Down the Lane by Elizabeth BoyleBook Four of the Rhymes With Love seriesPublisher: Avon Publication Date: October 28, 2014Rating: 4 starsSource: eARC from Edelweiss***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***Summary (from Goodreads):In New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Boyle's fourth novel in the Rhymes With Love series, a resolute young woman goes toe-to-toe with the Beast of Mayfair...She has no desire for love...As she arrives in Mayfair, Louisa Tempest is horrified when her incorrigible cat bolts from the carriage and dashes into a neighbor's house, where she comes face-to-face with the reclusive Viscount Wakefield. But even more dismaying than his foul temper is the disarray in which she finds his home. Convinced his demeanor would improve if his household were in order, Louisa resolves to put everything to rights....until she meets the viscount who lives down the lane.Much to his chagrin, Wakefield finds it impossible to keep the meddling Louisa out of his home, invading his daily life with her "improvements," and his nights with the tempting desires she sparks inside him. Wounded in the war, he's scorned society ever since his return . . . until Louisa opens the door to his heart and convinces him to give love a second chance.What I Liked:Okay, it's official - Elizabeth Boyle is a go-to historical romance writer for me. She joins Elizabeth Hoyt, Tessa Dare, and Maya Rodale... there are quite a few other authors whose books I have enjoyed, but these four ladies stick out in my mind. Their books are awesome!By the way, ugh, that cover. I'm not the biggest fan. It's not doing much for me, aesthetically or otherwise. Anyway.Louisa Tempest and her twin sister Lavinia are moving to London for Lavinia's first Season. The late Lady Charleton wanted them to have a Season, but Louisa isn't interested. Instead, she finds mischief in trying to tidy up her next-door neighbor Wakefield's decrepit home. Wakefield, with a injured leg, broken heart, and possibly PTSD from war, doesn't need a woman messing is home, firing his cook, hiring another, finding servants for him... but sooner or later, he finds himself rejoining society, thanks to one meddling woman.At first, I really did NOT like Louisa, or her ridiculous cat, Hannibal. Louisa did not seem to have any respect for anyone, and she made no attempt to control her cat. But as the story went on, I decided that I really liked the cat, because he kept escaping to Pierson's home, and it always made things interesting between him and Louisa. Eventually, I grew to like Louisa and her brash nature. She isn't your typical society lady - while she is of gentle birth, her family isn't the most high-regarded.So eventually, I liked Louisa. I always really, really liked Pierson. He's grumpy most of the time, or that's the way things come across. He was sent home from war, injured, and without his friend (who died to save him), and then his fiancee left him, and things were just really sad for him. Not to mention that war probably traumatized him. He has a lot going on, but he also does a lot of avoiding and hiding and almost wallowing. Someone as strong-willed as Louisa would TOTALLY bring him out of his shenanigans.The romance is so wonderful and light in this book. This book in general is very witty and funny and lighthearted. The chemistry between the two characters is always sizzling, and it's honestly adorable to see them fall for each other. It happens so gradually and progressively, I love it. I thought the plot - other than the romance - was a bit lacking, but there was one, I suppose. We never figure out what was so scandalous about Louisa and Lavinia's mother, and why they didn't want whatever secret to get out in public, until the end. Which is an interesting plot twist, and I suppose that IS the leading story - how Louisa and Lavinia will fare in London, with such a secret. Turns out, more people than they thought, know about their mother.Overall, I really enjoyed this book! Lighthearted, cute, fun, and full of heartwarming romance. I really like how Boyle crafts her historical romance novels! What I Did Not Like:Like I mentioned above, I thought the plot outside the romance was a bit underdeveloped. Like, I knew there was supposed to be something going on outside of the romance, because that's what the author led us to believe, but it wasn't all there. Louisa and Lavinia's mother's scandal - I think that was the big plot thing, but it felt lacking. And then the ending was anticlimactic, honestly. But it was a nice ending.Would I Recommend It:If you love historical romance novels, then I have to recommend this one. Or any of the Rhymes With Love books. I love this series, and I'm definitely going to mark Elizabeth Boyle's name down for future books!Rating:4 stars. I can't wait to read Lavinia/Tuck's story! The Knave of Hearts, I believe was mentioned at the end of this book. Spoiler alert!

Louisa and Pierson, the Viscount. Louisa and her twin, Lavinia arrive in London for a much overdue season. They are both 24 so getting long in the tooth. They bring with them Hannabal, the tom cat from hell. Hannabal provides comic relief when needed, and he was pretty funny. Pierson lives next door to the girls' Godfather and is an utter recluse since his return from the war. He spends his days reading military books and drinking himself into oblivion. But the cat serves as an introduction to Louisa. Once met, there seems to be no escape from her. It's not really her meddling so much as a sequence of events that keeps them running into each other. Slowly he comes out of his shell. There is however, his evil ex-fiance to deal with. (view spoiler)[ she is from his past and in no way is he interested in her now, but that doesn't stop her from being a b*tch (hide spoiler)] And the twins have an unfortunate secret that could prove ruinous. Lavinia and Tuck are the MCs of the next book, so you get glimpses of their disastrous 'courtship' in this book. There are loose ends at the ending here too that I figure will probably be addressed in the next book. I didn't really care for Tuck or Lavinia, but I'll read the next one just to see more of Louisa and Peirson.I was torn between 3 and 4 stars. So I gave it 4 because I did enjoy it and the audio reader did a great job. My only quibble is that Louisa's character seemed 'dummed down' a couple times when I expected her to stand up for herself better.

This is the fifth story in this series that I've read, and truly the most fun book I've read in a very long time. I chuckled, giggled and down right laughed out loud at some of the antics of this heroine.Both characters are extremely likable and fun to be around. They made for an entertaining and very passionate creatures. To watch them manipulating each other and work around the situations they find themselves in, was very gratifying. It was like watching a train wreck and not being able to avert your eyes!By the time they reach their happily ever after and we see how much each has changed because of the other, we have a story that is sweet, sensual and funny to no end. If you need a lighthearted bit of romance, you must read this. Oh, and let me not forget the cat, Hannibal, who's a character all his own ;) Melanie for b2bComplimentary copy provided by the publisher

The H has PTSD, is not impressed when he meets the h. She's kind and persistent, pushes the angsty H to rejoin the world. The sub-plots detracted from their love affair, and his need to be rehabilitated. He had the makings of a good man, but he's a drunk, and the didn't give a clear view of their future. It was good, but felt unfinished.

This was a 3.5-4 star, enjoyable middle of the road romance. I probably won’t be rereading it any time soon or think much about it after finishing.However, it was a fun read with some laugh out loud moments and fairly sweet romance. The heroine and her twin sister are sponsored for the season by their late godmother’s husband (he gets a mini romance in this book too that was seriously left hanging... but I digress). Their hometown recently rid itself of some sort of curse that married couples go crazy or something (I assume it is better explained in the previous series books). The heroine doesn’t want to get married but supports her sister’s interest in a season and making a good match. Meanwhile, with the help of a fairy god cat, the heroine meets the brooding hero. He is a neighbor and nephew of the heroine’s sponsor. She foists herself on the household to “help” set things in order and many hijinks ensue. The hero is obviously attracted but keeps kicking the heroine out of his house and life and kinda yells at her a lot. Possibly due to some war related guilt and ptsd. His best friend died, he didn’t, so he’s not allowed to be happy. The hero’s attitude changed rather abruptly from kicking the heroine out and yelling at her to kissing her. The heroine had some family history that comes out later in the book and causes some drama along with the hero’s evil ex-fiancé. The wrap up definitely seemed quick and I was particularly surprised by the closed door sex scene, but I still found the hero’s declaration at the end satisfying. Why the heroine wasn’t interested in marriage and subsequently changed her mind though was less clear (just Love I guess?). The humor kept this story going and I’d definitely give it a try if you’re in the mood for a broody, beauty and the beast type story where the beauty draws the beast back into the world and helps him love again.

Fast paced and witty writing, lots of fun to read!