Lady Claire Is All That
Keeping Up with the Cavendishes
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- $7.99
Publisher Description
In the third installment of Maya Rodale’s captivating, witty series, a marquess finds his fair lady—but must figure out how to keep her
HER BRAINS…
Claire Cavendish is in search of a duke, but not for the usual reasons. The man she seeks is a mathematician; the man she unwittingly finds is Lord Fox: dynamic, athletic, and as bored by the equations Claire adores as she is by the social whirl upon which he thrives. As attractive as Fox is, he’s of no use to Claire . . . or is he?
PLUS HIS BRAWN . . .
Fox’s male pride has been bruised ever since his fiancée jilted him. One way to recover: win a bet that he can transform Lady Claire, Society’s roughest diamond, into its most prized jewel. But Claire has other ideas—shockingly steamy ones . . .
EQUALS A STUDY IN SEDUCTION . . .
By Claire’s calculations, Fox is the perfect man to satisfy her sensual curiosity. In Fox’s estimation, Claire is the perfect woman to prove his mastery of the ton. But the one thing neither of them counted on is love . . .
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Rodale's witty, romantic third Keeping Up with the Cavendishes novel (after Chasing Lady Amelia) spices up Regency England with the arrival of Lady Claire Cavendish, a nerdy and forthright American. Claire's brother, James, has unexpectedly inherited a dukedom, and his whole family is uprooted and brought to London. The Duchess of Durham, aunt to the Cavendish brood, despairs of Claire and her sisters finding suitable marriages, as Claire's greatest hope is that she will be introduced to gentlemen who share her fondness for mathematical theories. Then Claire attracts the interest of the very eligible and handsome Lord Fox. Unbeknownst to her, Fox is pursuing her to win a bet that he can change her from a bluestocking into a socialite. But his encounters with Claire genuinely delight him, and soon Fox is the one who's transformed. Romance readers weary of insta-love stories will glory in the slow, eminently believable development of physical and emotional intimacy between Claire and Fox. Rodale expertly blends sensuality and genuine admiration in this superb romance.
Customer Reviews
You don’t go into a book by Rodale expecting rigid compliance to historical accuracy, but find balan
The third installment in the Keeping up with the Cavendishes series from Maya Rodale is now focused on the eldest sister, Claire, the sister who looked out for and ran the household after the death of their parents. Now with the tables turned, and their move to England, she’s finding that the tonne is not at all impressed with her mathematical leanings, her desire to follow her own path, or even her lack of concern for ‘proper’ behavior.
Fox is a fairly typical young Lord, although one in need of some repair to his reputation when his betrothal went south. He’s charming, a bit of a rake, and wholly enjoying life. He is, however, aware of his responsibilities, and while he’s not intending that love will enter the picture for him, he’s going to enjoy every moment life brings to him. As most of his ilk, he’s unable to resist a bet, and when the bet involves the notoriously serious and mathematically minded Claire, he’s intrigued.
You don’t go into a book by Rodale expecting rigid compliance to historical accuracy, and with the Cavendish family, the potential to run straight off into modernity is high. But Rodale balances this modern-day thinking with unique characterization, humor and a solid (if occasionally outrageous) series of events. Claire is a geek, no two ways about it. And Fox isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed – he doesn’t need to be. He’s a titled man. But his ability to charm those around him, and his title, opens doors that this American bluestocking, despite her title and her sister’s advantageous marriages, stands just inside, begrudgingly.
These two are adorable together. Fox’s sharp wit and wonderful narrative voice add humor where Claire often loses the plot. She’s not without her charms, and her dedication to her family, her brains and her rather studious approach to all tasks handed her are endearing. She’s a kitten in a cage of wild dogs, and she holds her own throughout. Gradual friendship that develops into more, and Fox helps Claire to develop her social graces and lose some of her judgmental ways. While she isn’t instantly charmed, she does find Fox intriguing and amusing, not that she’d ever let on.
Easily read as a stand-alone, the backstory is clearly presented and easy to follow, as Claire and Fox come to find friendship and eventually love in a delightfully witty and frequently giggle-inducing story.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Lady Claire is all that
Enjoyed it!
Loved it!
Can your popularity make someone else popular? That is what Lord Fox has bet he can do with Claire. Unfortunately for him, he is not Claire's idea of what her husband should be like. Fox is not the sharpest pencil in the box, but what he lacks in brain power, he more than makes up for with his physical endeavors. Claire is brainy and doesn't think that he could ever be a match for her, but never underestimate the power of chemistry! They both learned a lot about each other as well as themselves as Fox attempts to win the bet. I've loved this series so far and how all the events in the books take place at roughly the same time. They don't have to be read in order, but I would recommend them all - can't wait for her brother's book!
4.5 stars
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. I was not compensated for this review, all conclusions are my own.