Alas, My Love

By Edith Layton

Book Overview

From the talented Edith Layton comes the second novel in her wonderful new series. Can a self-made man overcome humble beginnings to romance the lady of his dreams? Surviving against all odds, Amyas St. Ives grew up in a foundling home, then escaped to the streets of London and managed, through sheer will and courage, to make his fortune. However, money and devastatingly good looks alone are not enough to gain entry into London high society--not when Amyas is unaware of his true origins and is considered base-born among the posh Regency set. When he meets the alluring Amber, a fellow foundling and ward of a respectable family, he thinks he's met a kindred spirit--but when Amber finally discovers her true identity, the hurdles to their love become insurmountable. How can Amyas convince her family that what a man is matters more than what he was born to be?

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060567120
• ISBN13: 9780060567125
• Release Date: March 2005
• Publisher: Avon Books
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 4.2" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

I liked it.

For me, while I didn't necessarily like the fact the hero was focused on courting a different girl than our heroine, it made complete sense with the hero's background and I understood why he did it. The book was well written and he got his comupence enough that it satisfied me. Every book can't be the same and I like books that are a bit different from the norm. This was one such a book. I liked both the hero and the heroine and was only slightly disappointed at the ending which, as usual for romance novels, seemed a bit too pat. But not unduly so, so I would recommended this book as a good read. Just not Great.

intriguing Regency romance

In 1816 Amyas St. Ives tells his best friend Daffyd that he is going home to Cornwell to find out who were his biological parents. Because of the uniqueness of his Christian name and that he comes from the area, he has hopes in succeeding. He also plans to find a wife higher in station than him, which Daffyd reminds him is not saying much. Daffyd also states that they are brothers and have been since they were sent overseas as preteen convicts and says he will be there for him when he returns to London. At the Jolly Eel in Cornwell Amyas meets Hugo Tremellyn who invites him to lunch and a chat about his similar sounding first name. At lunch the next day Amyas meets Hugo's daughters, his biological child Grace and the orphaned Amber who came from the sea. Amyas is attracted to Amber, but she is his equal and that is not good enough for him although she cherishes how he treats her like a person even if she wants more from him like his heart. As with its predecessor The RETURN OF THE EARL, ALAS MY LOVE is an intriguing Regency romance starring a wonderful protagonist and his perfect counterpoint though he prefers it was not so. The story line in some ways is more like an amateur sleuth as Amyas follows red herrings and false leads to learn the truth about his heritage. A final twist adds a fabulous climax to a wonderful historical. Harriet Klausner