A Man Above Reproach

By: Evelyn Pryce

Narrated by: James Clamp

In 1830s London, scandalous whispers surround the pub known as the Sleeping Dove, a hidden bordello catering to nobles eager to shed the trappings of their stations. Josephine Grant knows the rumors are true - she plays piano at the Dove and is known only as the “Bawdy Bluestocking” to the pub’s faithful.

The reluctant Duke of Lennox is called “The Uncatchable” by society ladies, not that he cares for them or their nicknames. Elias Addison’s estate was thrust upon him when his father died, and it has been little else but a burden.When a friend brings him to the Sleeping Dove in an attempt to lighten his mood, the Duke of Lennox finds himself at the Bawdy Bluestocking’s piano, and together they begin to play a dangerous melody. When the Duke uncovers the truth about her, will he wish he had never heard the tune?

©2013 Kristin K. Ross (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved

Good Read

Good read if you are into hot, historical romances set in between the poor and the aristocratic Leader.

Well written book

This book was a captivating read. It didn't drag in any part of the book. I really enjoyed this book!

Average

Setting: England 1832
Genre: Romance
Josephine Grant, known as the Bawdy Bluestocking (or BB), plays piano in a seedy brothel called the Sleeping Dove. Her body is not for sale, but her conversation is. When Elias Addison, Duke of Lennox is dragged to the Dove by his friend, he spends his time with the piano player. They meet again, accidentally, at the book shop she owns. Elias, already interested in her Dove persona, is further fascinated by her. Especially when he finds out she is a political radical. Josephine has a scandal in her past and will not reveal who she really is.
The premise of the story is interesting, but the execution is average to fair. I think it could have been tightened up. And while the characters are okay, I just couldn't care that much about them. They're like acquaintances you enjoy talking to when you meet them, but they don't occupy your thoughts when you move on.
The narration was average. Could have been better if pronunciation of certain words hadn't pegged my cringe-o-meter. I would love to talk to a couple of these narrators to find out where they mis-learned the pronunciation of relatively common words. If you've got any French and a bare modicum of Latin, you know how to pronounce many of the words without any problem. Most of us do have the ability to pronounce unfamiliar words (thanks, Hooked on Phonics), or have the impetus to look them up.
Totally unrelated, but did you know that phaeton (you know, the sporty 4 wheel horse drawn carriage often mentioned in Regency romances) is based on Phaethon, the son of Helios, god of the sun? He drives his father's sun-chariot and crashes it. Kind of explains all those crashes in books (usually with the rake's brother holding the ribbons, his death making our hero the heir). Anyway, there are online dictionaries that provide audio pronunciation.
I paid $7.95 and it is definitely worth that and the time spent for the listen.

Review

I enjoyed listening to this book , it made my afternoon of shopping and doing dinner go by quickly. Will definitely be looking to hear and read more from this author.

Terrific Narrator. OK Book. Poor Kindle Recording.

The narrator of the Audio book was terrific. He had a great accent and a very pleasant voice. He read very fast. There were of course the usual paragraphs missing from the end of almost every chapter. (Kindle App Audible customer service won't fix it) There were some pleasant and funny parts of this book but the pacing was off. The ending seemed discordant. He chases her over and over then suddenly one little thing and he drops her without allowing an explanation? The final straw? They spend the book emphasizing the importance of societies' opinion then suddenly problems don't work out they merely ignore them. It is a bit pat and inconsistent. A very erotic version of a Disney HEA.

A witty and clever romance

Would you consider the audio edition of A Man Above Reproach to be better than the print version?

I usually prefer the audio version of most books

What did you like best about this story?

The clever dialogue between the characters and building romance. Funny at times and poinant at others.

What about James Clamp’s performance did you like?

Lots of inflection that brings the characters alive

Any additional comments?

It was not just a boiler plate romance. There was more to the characters in their development.

Hit the spot

If you are looking for light historical fiction/romance, than this is a satisfying listen. It's not profound or life changing, but its intelligent enough to elevate the genre. The prose is very good...even better than the subject matter. The narrator was perfect.

Finding it hard to get through.

I think I got this really cheap. The narration is fine, no problem there, but the writing is dense and difficult to track for me.

Can't recommend it.