I recently loaned a bunch of romance novels to a younger friend, and among the ones I leant her was Victoria and the Rogue and Nicola and the Viscount, two books by Meg Cabot for Avon's fleeting teen historical romance line. Those two books are undoubtedly among the best in the line, though Lorraine Heath's come in a close second. (Let's not get into the weird Native American/Stockholm syndrome novels.)I've decided to hit the treadmill this year, so reading romance novels has helped pass the time greatly. Victoria and the Rogue is a fun book, and it's interesting to see how Meg Cabot's writing style differs so greatly from my favorite romance author, Julia Quinn. Whereas Quinn's flare comes from the witty dialogue, Cabot has fun with expedient narration and quick detailing of events in order to move the story forward.Victoria is a fun character. The book is written entirely in her POV, which is unusual for most historical romance novels, but doesn't detract from the story at all. James Carstairs is an enigmatic and lovable hero all the same. We also get to see Victoria's extended family, who are interesting characters that both support and chastise Victoria when needed.And boy! can chastising Victoria be needed. She is a "busy bee" who thinks she knows what is best for everyone around her. It's fun having a main character that you don't always like, and don't always support. Another favorite YA novel of mine, The Ghost and the Goth has a similarly unlikable main character, which is so rare and refreshing that it's like a godsend when reading them.The book is supported by enlisting a "villain" to help Victoria realize what a dashing hero James Carstairs is, which keeps the plot moving forward at a healthy pace until Victoria finally makes her final choice for marriage.
I thought this book was really good as it was a romance and quite funny. I enjoyed reading about Victoria as a character as she kept the book alive with her witty contempt as she tries to maintain a lady like manner by whatever means possible. in this book Victoria arrives from India to see her aunts and uncles in England. she finds England very strange as she does not know their ways. On the boat trip to England she finds that she falls in love with Lord Maigret and they are to be wed immediately. meanwhile Victoria finds herself trying to fix everyone else's life besides her own she finds a new beau for her cousin disciplines the children there is only one person whom she cannot grasp and that is Captain Carstairs who thinks that she should take a look at her own life and stop trying to fix everyone else's she finds him rather abrupt and rude when the speak commenting and being childish which does not bode well with her at all Jacob Carstairs tries to infirm Victoria of what a rogue her husband to be is and tells her that she deserves to feel wanted not needed.Victoria very much loathes him for saying this to her as he keeps going on bout it every time they encounter. Victoria to her dismay finds that lord Maigret very much wants her for her wealth and not actual love, she immediately breaks it off and sees how right Jacob was and how wrong she was.Little did she know she would fall in love with him against her will if so but alas she can't stop thinking about him and wonders if he does too. He always loved her and was just waiting for her to say yes they were truly meant to be. This story was heart warming and unraveled an excellent plot twist a truly romantic read.
This is the perfect book for a rainy day. Light and fluffy, a book to cosy up with. I also really liked the style of writing; each sentence drew me in and I became so consumed in the story, I started to feel the emotions Victoria was feeling. I'm sure I was pulling some funny faces when she was so frustrated and annoyed with Jacob Carstairs, as I started to get just as wound up, despite the fact that I thought he was hilarious.I loved the character of Victoria. She was so much fun and not the character I was expecting to see, so that was a pleasant surprise. She was really funny actually - and original. She was bossy, smart and independent. She did things entirely her own way. She also had a need of helping others, which really just meant that she told them what to do, though this was with the best intentions. I enjoyed reading about her greatly.Jacob Carstairs was another great character I couldn't help but fall in love with. I'm a sucker in literature for the snarky git - when done right, of course. His conversations with Victoria were so amusing to read about. And he steadily grew more adorable. I loved how he never lost his cool and had a easy confidence about him. Their relationship was so funny and sweet.If you want a quick and light read, one that will make you 'aww', definitely read this!
—Martha
Cabot writes stories about well-meaning, determined, independent heroines overcoming life's obstacles with spirit and finding love, during lots of flirting, with someone that challenges them. In other words, fluffy stories. But sometimes it's nice to read a fluffy HEA story, and Cabot never disappoints. From her fluff has quality and apparently Cabot can apply that quality to historical stories about the perils of coming out in English society after leaving British India in search of a husband as well as supermodels, mediums, or a girl struck by lightning. Despite being thoroughly predictable, or maybe because of it, Victoria and the Rogue is a funny and entertaining read. 3.5 parasol stars.
—Jamie
Victoria and the Rogue is one of my top favourites because, unusually for Meg Cabot, it’s a period setting – fun and flirting in the 19th Century? Yes please.Victoria is a sassy, independent heroine with an endearing bossy streak. Practical to the core, she has no time for female swooning fits, or day-dreaming about handsome men. Victoria’s mission in life is to help people with her sound (if often unwanted) advice. I just had to laugh at how Victoria went around re-organising everyone’s life (for the better of course) so subtly that no one even notices. Victoria cannot help helping people and I was amused that her bossiness had caused her rather alarmed bachelor Uncles to ship her of to another country for some peace.There are lots of delightful moments in this book – I especially enjoyed the sisterly relationship that developed between Victoria and her cousin Rebecca, and Jacob Carstairs!I’ll let you discover Jacob Carstairs for yourselves But I will say I don’t blame the poor girl finding herself all hot and bothered and tongue-tied around him once he turns on the charm.You don’t really need me to sell a Meg Cabot book to you do you? There’s romance, balls, gowns, scandal, a handsome rogue and even a spot of kidnapping. What more could a girl want?
—Amy (Turn the Page)
