The Mandarin of Mayfair

I loved this book because the characters of August and Gwendolyn were so well developed. In previous books of the series, as I watched their relationship grow, I had hoped they would get their own story. I think everyone who reads romance or historical novels will enjoy this book, but I would recommend reading the other books in The League of the Jewelled Men first.

From the first book in the series, I waited impatiently for August and Gwen to get their own story (as it was obvious they *must*). August is simply one of the most attractive, engaging, interesting, at-times frustrating heroes of a book in recent memory. Patricia Veryan, as usual, has woven a rich tapestry of romance, humor, history and action. I implore any readers of romance who haven't read her novels to give her a try -- you won't be disappointed. She writes with true talent and heart.

I am a great and dedicated fan of Ms. Veryan. I have read a great many Regency and Historical romances and find her my all time favorite author. August Falcon is definitely her best most intriguing and romantic character to-date. I had great hopes for this book which were mostly fullfilled. The story line was well thought out and developed, however I did not think enough time was given to the relationship between August and Gwen. I felt they should have had more time together with more interaction between them and also between her brother and August. I would have enjoyed a less humorous ending to the book, more in line with August's character, showing his kindness, humanity and love for Gwen and his friends. These facets of his personality were allways hinted at in all the previous stories, but were never fully brought to the surface at length. Notwithstanding the above, I still consider this one of my favorite books and look forward to rereading it many times. I hope that Ms. Veryan will continue to write sagas like the Jewelled Men and create such fantastic romantic characters such as August Falcon.

I have been waiting to get my hands on the final volume of the League of Jewelled Men for a very long time. It was absolutely worth the wait. This book, and the entire series, is one of the best that I have ever read. Patricia Veryan belongs on the Bestseller Lists because she truly is a gifted writer. She knows how to make us laugh and cry with her fabulous characters, intricate plots and quirks of humor that just seem to pop up. This series will leave you breathless. Finally, August Falcon met his match. I loved it and recommend this series to ANYONE who likes good historical fiction. A must read, over and over and over.....

The Mandarin of Mayfair is a brilliant conclusion to a wonderful series. The cynical and exposive August Falcon realises he'd fallen in love with Gwendolyn Rossiter, the outspoken, quick-witted friend of his sister. However, his scruples might prevent their happiness and so might his sister's desire to marry Jamie Morris and the machinations of the League of the Jewelled men, whose leader seems to have a grudge against Falcon. It is a truly wonderful book, filled with laughter and tears. I laughed and oohed and I cried, and when I finished, I felt that it had been a wonderful experience. Veryan manages to describe love, hatred, friendship, and loyalty like no one else. And the hero and the heroine, who appeared in the previous books of the series are truly well-matched, with a wonderful ability for both verbal parrying, quick thinking and breathtaking tenderness. Read it: you won't regret it.