A Deal With the Devil

This was my first Liz Carlyle book and for anyone who appreciates character development, great dialouge and tons of romance in a novel this book's for you. Carlyle does an excellent job of introducing a mystery that is believable without overpowering the main purpose of the book -romance. Her characters don't beat around the bush about their feelings for one another or engage in misunderstanding after misunderstanding before admitting their love. There is also quite a bit of humor early on. I highly recommend this book.

Setting - Cadrow Castle, England, 1829 --- Carlyle's latest book in her `Devil' series features a young woman who has come to the musty rundown Castle Cadrow in answer to an advertisement for a housekeeper. Calling herself Mrs. Aubrey Montford, she brings along forged documents along with her young son, Iain. Major Lorimer, the cantankerous and ailing uncle of the Earl of Walrafen is ready to toss her and her son out until she reveals to him her real identity and he reluctantly allows her to stay where over time she endears herself to the Major. Several years pass and the very isolation of the castle gives her a feeling of safety as she busies herself in returning the castle and grounds back to a semblance of it's former glory. Giles, the Earl of Walrafen, whose unhappy childhood memories of Castle Cardow have kept him away from his childhood home for years has been apprised of the castles status by weekly missives, as well as scoldings he's been receiving from the seemingly irritable Mrs. Montford. He's dealt with these letters by regulating them to an almost non-existent priority in lieu of more important matters dealing with his Parlimentary work. Notified of his uncle's murder, he drops everything and travels to the castle where he is astonished when he finally meets the housekeeper. The woman he'd once thought of as a close proximity to Atila the the Hun turned out to be quite lovely, AND she was also the prime suspect in his uncle's murder. Their relationship starts out on the wrong foot from the very first moments, with Aubrey barely disguising her disdain for neglecting both his home and uncle, and of course he's not too pleased with a housekeeper that is treating him with such impertinence. In spite of Aubrey's secrets, their mutual attraction simply sizzles and they embark on a surreptitious affair. When Giles wants to make the relationship a more permanent arrangement, he's distraught when Aubrey refuses to even consider it. Calling in some favors from friends, Giles asks them to conduct an investigation that just might destroy what gains he'd made in getting Aubrey to trust him. This was such an awesome and thrilling romance from an author whose writing style, I confess, I simply adore. I totally enjoyed her two protagonists and their interaction, especially as Giles, whether he admitted it or not, had so enjoyed the letters he'd been receiving over the years from a woman who he thought of as a `thorn in his side'. While this is part of a `series' it certainly does stand-alone and I particularly love the way, Carlyle manages to bring back friends from all of her previous novels to pop in, here and there, to visit - one big happy family! Kemble, who has appeared in a couple of books that I can recall, is a remarkable secondary character that I find always adds a humorous touch to the usual drama in her stories. Bottom Line - This is just another of the superb stories I've come to expect when buying this authors w

Not knowing what to expect, I bought this book solely based on positive reviews from another website. I thoroughly enjoyed this author's ability to combine light comedy with a slightly gothic-flare, including at least 2 mysterious deaths that are not resolved until the end of the book. I was reminded of Jane Austin in the style and banter between the characters. Since other reviewers have already described the plot in detail, I will simply say that I was entertained enough to purchase another copy for a friend and recommend it to another. The story never became dull (as some do) and it was a fun page-turner.

What a delicious read! L. C. has always been a favorite writer, but this one really kept the pages flying. I loved how Aubrey, the calm, capable servant kept putting Lord Giles in his place. The sparks flew, which is what I look for in a romance. Aubrey was mature and courageous, not one of the clueless heroines who gets herself in some dumb predicament. Loved the description of the spooky castle that added a great gothic feel. This also had trademark L.C. humor, especially with Iain and the old uncle. I don't usually like mysteries, but this one did not interfere with the romance at all. I was moved to tears by Aubrey's secret, and how she finally was able to place her trust in Giles. If this book had a shortcoming, it was . . . well, too short. I would have liked to read a lot more about Giles and Aubrey.

I was pleased to finally see Ms Carlyle's newest story. It was like getting a letter from old friends, catching me up on what is happening in their lives. I have loved the way that the characters from previous books weave through each new book. I feel like I am coming home. This book was a delight and I thought it was very well written. The story of Giles and Aubrey was moving and entertaining. Ms Carlyle has a way with words that keeps me chuckling. I adored the characters in this book and didn't want it to end while at the same time anxiously wanting to know the outcome. Aubrey's terrible secret made her a stronger person, and carried the plot. It was very romantic, and totally heartwarming when they finally got together. Liz Carlyle just keeps getting better and all I can say is please keep them coming Ms Carlyle, I am a devoted fan.