A Tryst with Trouble by Alyssa Everett
Publication date: 1 April 2012 (postponed) by Dorchester Publishing
ISBN 10/13: 1428516425 | 978-1428516427
Category: Adult Romantic Suspense/Mystery
Keywords: Mystery, suspense, romance, Regency
Format: Paperback
Source: e-ARC received from Netgalley
Jacket copy:
Dogged for years by painful gossip about his father’s homosexuality, the Marquess of Beningbrough—Ben, to his friends—has protected himself by becoming the ultimate man’s man. Passed over by suitor after suitor in favor of her pretty but vapid younger sister, clever, forthright Lady Barbara Jeffords has reached the disappointing conclusion most men are shallow, boorish clods.
Dogged for years by painful gossip about his father’s homosexuality, the Marquess of Beningbrough—Ben, to his friends—has protected himself by becoming the ultimate man’s man. Passed over by suitor after suitor in favor of her pretty but vapid younger sister, clever, forthright Lady Barbara Jeffords has reached the disappointing conclusion most men are shallow, boorish clods.
When a philandering footman turns up dead, the two square off: he’s sure she’s determined to pin the crime on his hapless young cousin, while she thinks he means to shift the blame to her sister. To find the real killer, Ben and Barbara must declare a truce that threatens to expose both their buried insecurities and their growing desire for each other.
Thuy's Review:
With two headstrong and charismatic leads, an engaging mystery and sharp dialogue, A Tryst with Trouble is must read. The book is written from the dual first person perspectives of Ben and Barbara, two characters who seem to have nothing in common. Ben, the heir to a dukedom, has lived in the shadow of scandal his entire life. Charming and conceited, Ben isn’t looking for any entanglements. Unfortunately he finds himself caught up in a murder investigation at the home of Lady Barbara Jeffords, an independent and determined young lady. They can’t stand each other which, of course, means that they are perfect for one another.
I breezed through this book in little over a day. Ben and Barbara are both extremely stubborn, each one not wanting to lose to the other. I love a good fight and this had plenty of them. The snappy dialogue between Ben and Barbara had me chuckling and Everett uses sarcasm and wit brilliantly. The physical chemistry between the two is intense, even if neither of them wants to admit it. The book is quite chaste by my standards (yes, my mind is in the gutter) with only one really major love scene. However, it’s a really good one and it’s still plenty hot so that I almost didn’t miss the love scenes. :)
It was nice to read a book that wasn’t overly dramatic and doesn’t take itself too seriously. Yes, there’s a murder plot and there were plenty of misunderstandings and even some tears, but it isn’t excessively angst-y. I had a good time watching Ben and Barbara fall in love while throwing insults at each other. The mystery was well thought out and not overly complicated. It kept me guessing until almost the very end.
I thought that the dual POVs might get annoying but it wasn’t at all. I enjoyed seeing both Ben and Barbara’s points of views. I think my only real complaint about this book is that I wanted more. More Ben, more Barbara, just more. Can I make a plea to the author for a novella or even some deleted scenes?
Alyssa Everette is a bright new talent in the romance world and I am excited to read more by her. I’ve already re-read my favorite parts of this book more than a few times. Luckily I only have to wait until May for Everett’s next book, Ruined by Rumor to come out. In the meantime, I was totally serious about more stories with Ben and Barbara. Pretty please?
You can also see Alethea's review of the book here.
*Unfortunately, Dorchester publishing is going through some financial pains right now (read more here) and the release date for A Tryst With Trouble has been postponed indefinitely. This sucks because the book is awesome sauce and I want you all to read it. Everett's next book, Ruined By Rumor, will be released by Carina Press in May. It's available now on NetGalley for those who have an account. Until then. learn more about Alyssa later this week when she stops by the blog for an interview.
I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.
Visit the author online at www.alyssaeverett.com and follow her on Twitter @Alyssa_Everett.
I love stories set during the Regency period and the dual POVs intrigues me! I hope the publisher does release this one because I will buy it.
ReplyDeleteI love books with dual perspectives and that have witty banter. This book sounds like a lot of fun, and sometimes uncomplicated is just what you're looking for. Hopefully the publisher can work out a release sometime! Looking forward to your interview with the author.
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