Rating: 
Summary: One of the Best in the Company of Rogues Series
Review: If the reader has been following the Company of Rogues since the first book ("An Arranged Marriage") was published in 1991, you are familiar with the name Anne Peckworth. Anne has the "honor" of having been jilted twice in the same series. Anne has always taken her disappointments in love with a placid, calm exterior, but this last jilting is the last straw for the intelligent, sensitive young woman. Although from a wealthy family, and very beautiful, Anne has a club foot which causes her to walk with a slight limp; she is becoming more and more convinced that she will never marry. When she meets Race de Vere, former secretary to the last man who jilted her, the sparks fly, as Anne figures she has nothing to lose by assuming a new, more daring, persona. The title of the book takes it's name from the dice game hazard, which was the forerunner of the modern game of craps. de Vere teaches Anne how to play the game and she takes to it like the proverbial duck to water, all apart of her desire to transform to life. de Vere is struck by her beauty, her intelligence, and her fire, but feels that he has little to offer her since he is not a wealthy man. This book is well written, has very appealing major and secondary characters, and gives a well researched view of life in Regency England. There is a bit of a mystery as well, although mysteries are not Beverley's long suit, so the suspense there is minimal. There was some criticism that there were not enough scenes of lovemaking in "Hazard", but in this book Ms Beverley goes more with the historical reality of life for a single woman of good reputation rather than with the romance novel conventions. In my opinion, the Company of Rogues series continues to improve with each book, as Ms Beverley's writing becomes more skilled: in the first book of the series, most of the important action took place offstage, where now the author seems to realize that the reader must experience the action in order to feel a part of the story. I am looking forward to the next offerings in this series.
Rating:
Summary: One of the Best in the Company of Rogues Series
Review: If the reader has been following the Company of Rogues since the first book ("An Arranged Marriage") was published in 1991, you are familiar with the name Anne Peckworth. Anne has the "honor" of having been jilted twice in the same series. Anne has always taken her disappointments in love with a placid, calm exterior, but this last jilting is the last straw for the intelligent, sensitive young woman. Although from a wealthy family, and very beautiful, Anne has a club foot which causes her to walk with a slight limp; she is becoming more and more convinced that she will never marry. When she meets Race de Vere, former secretary to the last man who jilted her, the sparks fly, as Anne figures she has nothing to lose by assuming a new, more daring, persona. The title of the book takes it's name from the dice game hazard, which was the forerunner of the modern game of craps. de Vere teaches Anne how to play the game and she takes to it like the proverbial duck to water, all apart of her desire to transform to life. de Vere is struck by her beauty, her intelligence, and her fire, but feels that he has little to offer her since he is not a wealthy man. This book is well written, has very appealing major and secondary characters, and gives a well researched view of life in Regency England. There is a bit of a mystery as well, although mysteries are not Beverley's long suit, so the suspense there is minimal. There was some criticism that there were not enough scenes of lovemaking in "Hazard", but in this book Ms Beverley goes more with the historical reality of life for a single woman of good reputation rather than with the romance novel conventions. In my opinion, the Company of Rogues series continues to improve with each book, as Ms Beverley's writing becomes more skilled: in the first book of the series, most of the important action took place offstage, where now the author seems to realize that the reader must experience the action in order to feel a part of the story. I am looking forward to the next offerings in this series.
Rating: 
Summary: At the top of her form....
Review: If you like Jo Beverley and her rogues, this is Beverley at her best. The plot is predictable, but the characters come alive. Both hero and heroine are likeable, real [as far as the romance genre goes], and fun. And if you haven't read MY LADY NORTORIOUS, the first in this series, don't miss its reissue.
Rating:
Summary: a wonderful read
Review: If you're looking for a romance novel that is rather racy and that is a bit heavy on the X-rating, than "Hazard" by Jo Beverly, will NOT be the romance novel for you. On the other hand if you're looking for a rather romantic novel about how a somewhat sheltered and reserved young lady learns to spread her wings and fly because of a specific set of circumstances, than this is definitely one romance novel that you will enjoy.Lady Anne Peckworth has been rejected twice in the marriage stakes. And although there never was any real legal understanding between Anne and the two gentlemen concerned, Anne did feel the sting of rejection when they both married other ladies more outwardly beautiful and outgoing than she. Now however Lady Anne finds that she must marry and soon, for her younger sister, Marianne, has fallen in love with a neighbour (who happens to be a younger son and so has very little material expectations), and their mother (the Duchess of Aaran) has decreed that Marianne will be allowed to marry only after Anne has. And so Anne, while dreading the whole venture, has more or less girded herself to face another London Season, when her elder brother, Uffham, brings home that well known scapegrace Race De Vere to Lea Park. Race, while ostensibly acting as Uffham's secretary, manages to tease, beguile and tantalize Anne to the extent that she begins to wonder if he may the man for her afterall. But Race is a well known flirt, and after having been burnt twice, Anne is a little dubious about her ability to attract such a man. And than there is also the fact that Race's pedigree is murky at best and not at all what her mother would accept in a suitor for her daughter's hand. Determined to find the an 'acceptable' husband, Anne begins to make the usual foray into London society and with some success. But she cannot quite ignore the effect Race has on her, or how all other men seem to pale beside him. Will Anne decide to chance everything for love? Or will she choose the safety of deciding on one of the many men who are pursuing her for her fortune and family connections? I liked this novel very much. It is more character driven than anything else -- there is no murder or espionage subplot, and "Hazard" is definitely not a tale about angst-filled star-crossed love. Rather it is a tale of how a rather reserved young woman learns to spread her wings and to become the capable and charming individual she was always meant to be. "Hazard" is also not a Rogue novel, so don't expect the Rogues to feature very much in this novel at all. And while some aspects of Race's story -- his background, etc -- remain mysterious and unaccessible (I still cannot comprehend his father's actions), I think that Jo Beverly did a really good job in showing us why Race and Anne were meant to be. The story unfolded smoothly and seamlessly, and the manner in which Anne & Race's romance unfolded was a joy to read. The one thing I have always liked about Jo Beverly is that her novels are not always formulas: each is a unique variation of its own. And I thought that "Hazard" was definitely in a class of its own. So here's my advice: brew some tea and make some cucumber sandwiches. This is a novel, in my opinion anyway, to be savored.
Rating: 
Summary: Endless Character Dialogue. Grade: C-
Review: Jo Beverley is one author who can create a mood deeply rooted with historical value. In HAZARD, Beverley stuck with tradition but decided the rhythm of speech would be the noble approach, the results: They talk too much.
Finally, Lady Anne Peckworth has her story. Sequel readers know Anne is the jilted candidate from Beverley's FORBIDDEN and THE DRAGON'S BRIDE. Although jilted twice, surprisingly Lady Anne is hardly heartbroken, for marriage was never her life's goal. Born with a twisted foot, Anne has spent most of her existence being pitied. Nevertheless, Anne is content with her life. She enjoys blissful hours researching her familial ancestry.
Race de Vere is a polished nobody, a commoner, a tradesman's son. Still, Race de Vere is concerned. As friend and secretary to the Earl of Wyvern, he has taken it upon himself to make certain that Anne Peckworth is all right after Wyvern discarded her. Mischievously, he becomes a fast friend to Anne's younger brother to gain Anne's acquaintance.
Sparks of attraction fly between Race and Anne. Race awakens in Anne the pleasures of lust. It is with this realization that Anne discovers a need to find a husband - a man worthy of a duke's daughter. Of course, Racecombe de Vere isn't in the running. His social position is far below Anne's. Both realize he is not worthy. Regrettably, Anne sets off for London to shop in the season's marriage mart, repeatedly dreaming of Racecombe and his wicked advances.
As a writer, Jo Beverley always remains firmly rooted in the traditional Regency form. Jo Beverley is one author who does not rely on fashionable trends to write her historical novels. However, in HAZARD Beverley decided endless rounds of conversation would carry the story. After finishing HAZARD, the phrase "Too much of a good thing" comes to mind. Woefully, HAZARD is talkatively boring something similar to a long-winded person. Grade C-
Grace Atkinson, Ontario - Canada.
Rating:
Summary: A Lovely Romantic tale
Review: Lady Anne Peckworth, the sheltered daughter of a Duke, finally gets her tale told. Having been left behind (can't say jilted) by the heroes in both "Forbidden" and "The Dragon's Bride," it was nice to see her get her own story. She is lovely, even with a club foot which is why she has stays away as much as possible from the society to which she belongs. Enter Race de Vere, also introduced in "The Dragon's Bride" who is basically on a mission from the rogues and himself, to see how Lady Anne is taking the news of her latest beau's marriage and suffers no permanent damage. Race actually feels somewhat responsible, as he was the one that held back Com's letter of intent to Lady Anne knowing that his friend's heart was not taken with Anne. So, Race, being an honorable person, manages to attach himself to her brother in order to check in on the Lady. Race is entranced by Lady Anne and even though he is attracted to her and she as well to him, they both know that the class differences would never be allowed for him to be considered as a suitable suitor. As is the way with all Beverley novels, where there is a will - there will be a way! This is a wonderfully fleshed out portrait of two beautiful souls who come together, where the rules of society were absolutely aghast at this pairing. But better than that we are introduced to the Duke of St. Raven who's story I cannot wait to read! A great story told by this fabulous author. Definitely a keeper.
Rating:
Summary: A Lovely Romantic tale
Review: Lady Anne Peckworth, the sheltered daughter of a Duke, finally gets her tale told. Having been left behind (can't say jilted) by the heroes in both "Forbidden" and "The Dragon's Bride," it was nice to see her get her own story. She is lovely, even with a club foot which is why she has stays away as much as possible from the society to which she belongs. Enter Race de Vere, also introduced in "The Dragon's Bride" who is basically on a mission from the rogues and himself, to see how Lady Anne is taking the news of her latest beau's marriage and suffers no permanent damage. Race actually feels somewhat responsible, as he was the one that held back Com's letter of intent to Lady Anne knowing that his friend's heart was not taken with Anne. So, Race, being an honorable person, manages to attach himself to her brother in order to check in on the Lady. Race is entranced by Lady Anne and even though he is attracted to her and she as well to him, they both know that the class differences would never be allowed for him to be considered as a suitable suitor. As is the way with all Beverley novels, where there is a will - there will be a way! This is a wonderfully fleshed out portrait of two beautiful souls who come together, where the rules of society were absolutely aghast at this pairing. But better than that we are introduced to the Duke of St. Raven who's story I cannot wait to read! A great story told by this fabulous author. Definitely a keeper.
Rating:
Summary: gently warm historical tale focused on romance
Review: Most of the Ton would forgive just about anything of the daughter of a Duke. However, much of the aristocracy feels her clubfoot makes Lady Anne Peckworth not quite worth her position in society. Many feel that is why she has been jilted and is obviously slated for a life of spinsterhood. Race de Vere feels sorry and concerned for Anne when his friend deserted her for another woman. He decides to insure that Anne is okay. However, to his amazement, he finds her not only upbeat, but also quite desirable. As he encourages Anne to live life to the fullest, he falls in love with her, but alas he has no title and is beneath her station. Anne realizes that the third time is the charm as she is finally in love and refuses to allow Race to hide his feelings because this round belongs to her. Regency romance fans will not HAZARD any doubt on the latest Jo Beverly tale as the author as usual comes through with a marvelous sequel starring one of the more deserving characters in recent romance novels, Anne. Race brings out the best in his beloved with his compassionate caring nature. The story line focuses on the growing love and relationship between these two nice people who merit a lifetime of love together though society dictates otherwise. Fans of a gently warm historical tale focused on romance will gain immense pleasure from Ms. Beverly's beautiful book. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: Race and Anne are a uniquely suited couple !
Review: Ms Beverly consistently provides her readers with stories set in popular periods: Medieval, Georgian and Regency. What sets her apart from the pack is she provides historical depth of location, and character without giving the reader a distracting history lesson. HAZARD is no exception, classic "Beverly Regency", not to be confused with other water-downed regencies that are often stale and predictable. Though some may find there isn't her usual dashing hero here - Race being a bit outside the sphere of the Rogues. However, through Race, she provides her readers with a very delightful combination hero: oft times Beta, but when provoked he is all Alpha male, much to the reader's delight. Anne on the other hand, was at times a bit wishy-washy (not a typical Beverly heroine). I would have liked a bit more backbone from Anne in the beginning. She let her handicap limit her. When she does finally become a "Beverly Heroine" it seems a bit too little, too late. Together they are a delightful couple especially with their interaction creates wonderful moments of laughter and frustration for them both. They are a couple who readers will care about and delight in their discoveries of each other and their needs and wants. The only draw back for me was this recognition comes too late and shortchanges the necessary black moment, which wasn't that foreboding. She ties the ending up maybe to neatly without enough angst given their class problems. Help from an unexpected quarter was a nice touch and is sure to provide more readers in the future. Ms Beverly has provided countless hours of fun with her Rogues and those who are in their inner circle. Many a reader wouldn't mind being part of that circle where friendship, loyalty and love are the cement that binds their friendships. As a spin off to other tales of the Rogues, HAZARD may not be one of her more bold stories. Yet, Ms Beverly provides the reader with a tale of two people who live just outside the boundaries of the their societies who together find a place in each other's arms that both satisfies and comforts them when little in the outside world does. I found HAZARD as good as any of the other Rogue or Malloren stories and a nice change of pace with less than perfect characters who redefine what finding that special other half means. Readers who like the Rogues will be happy to see some familiar faces but this one can stand-alone. That Ms Beverly provides the reader with extraordinary characters, who are not what they seem, makes their discovery of a lasting love so very unique. A "Jo Beverly Romance" is what defines historical romances and she is one of this genre's reigning Regency Hostesses who would always have a voucher for Almacks.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful!!! Race and Anne are just perfect :)
Review: The long-awaited Hazard, direct sequel to Dragon's Bride and incidental connection to the Rogues books, is finally here! And it's well worth the wait. Lady Anne Peckforth, daughter of the Duke of Arran, who will make her husband a rich man but who is considered less desirable by virtue of the fact that she has a club foot (walks with an unsightly limp, can't dance), has just suffered her second disappointment. Following on from Lord Middlethorpe's snub - he married another woman while in the process of negotiating for her hand - she then hears that Con, Viscount Amleigh, has married someone else after having indicated an interest in her. So she is doubly rejected. Race de Vere, introduced in Dragon's Bride as Con's secretary, was asked by 'King Rogue', Nicholas Delaney, to check up on Anne. After all, she is unfinished business: twice a Rogue played dirty with her, and Nicholas therefore considers her his responsibility. He wants Race to establish whether she is genuinely hurt. So Race attaches himself to the Marquess of Uffham, Anne's brother, allowing Uffham to use him as semi-companion, semi-servant, all in the interests of helping the Rogues and seeing what he can do for Anne. Race, after all, is a congenital 'helper'. Race, we discover, has very uncertain origins. He bears a surname which he has no right to - his father changed the family name in an attempt to 'gentrify' them, but didn't realise that the name he chose would be immediately suspect, as it was the family name of the Earls of Oxford, a line now extinct. So Race attracts attention everywhere as someone who can't possibly be what he appears. And anyway, as a 'hanger-on' to Society, he could never aspire to the hand of Lady Anne Peckforth. Yet attraction sparkles between the two of them; when Anne asks Race to teach her about men and how they flirt, he only has to kiss her hand for her to realise that no man has ever aroused her senses with a simple kiss ever before. But Race isn't for Anne; how can she marry a man without a past, whose background makes him totally ineligible? So she sets out to find a 'suitable' husband; yet none of the men she meets, and who fall over themselves to flatter her, appeal to her in any way. They all fall short next to Race. So should she obey her family by choosing a suitable titled gentleman, or follow her heart's desire... even if it means disgrace? I adored this book. Anne is fleshed out extremely well here, and we learn that she is intelligent, shrewd, with a clever, dry sense of humour which is displayed to good effect in her verbal fencing matches with Race. There are scenes with her old friend Tris, the Duke of St Raven, which also sparkle with humour and wit - and the rats, mice and farthings discussions are hilarious! In fact, for a time there was an intriguing triangle going on with Race, Tris and Anne. Hazard also introduces us to Tris, the Duke of St Raven, whom Beverley has assured us will be the hero of her next book. And already I can't wait!
|
