Ruined by Rumor

By: Alyssa Everett

Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor

After waiting five years for her fiancé to return from the war and marry her, Roxana Langley has been jilted! She may have longed for excitement, but this was not what she had in mind....

Who could possibly throw over a woman as beautiful and vivacious as Roxana? Certainly not Alex Winslow, the Earl of Ayersley, who has spent years trying in vain to forget his unrequited love. When he learns she's been abandoned by her cad of a fiancé, he finds himself offering a shoulder for her to cry on. Comfort soon turns into a passionate kiss—and scandal when they are caught in an embrace.

Only one thing will save Roxana from certain ruination: marriage to the earl. The match may save her reputation, but responsible, tongue-tied Ayersley is a far cry from her dashing former fiancé. She's convinced Ayersley is merely doing his duty...while he's sure Roxana is still in love with another man. Are they trading one disaster for another?

©2012 Alyssa Everett (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Not a bad book, but the angst was draining

The characters were well plotted, and you can't go wrong with Rosalyn Landor reading, but this was 10 hours of angst. At some point I wanted to reach out and shake the characters begging them to get their act together.

great book. Easy to listen to.

I loved this book. The story line was easy to follow and the length was perfect. I especially loved that the main male character was not portrayed as a rake all the women want to bed or the superior confident male. He was just a normal male in love with a woman who didnt originally return his feelings.

The narrator was excellent. She made the switch between characters easy to follow and the book flowed smoothly.

I would recommend this book to any one interested in a light hearted historical romance.

A tender and passionate romance

Would you consider the audio edition of Ruined by Rumor to be better than the print version?

I haven't yet read the print version, so can't really comment. It's been on my TBR pile for a while which is why I decided to listen to the audiobook instead.

Who was your favorite character and why?

No question - Alex is gorgeous. He's a lovely beta-hero, the epitome of the strong, silent type who will take a lot of crap, but only to a point - after which he comes out fighting and God help whoever gets in his way.
He has a subtle sense of humour and watching him learn to unbend and realise he doesn't have to carry his burdens alone is just... *sigh*

What about Rosalyn Landor’s performance did you like?

Rosalyn Landor is far and away my favourite narrator - I have a serious girlcrush on those velvety tones! Her voices for the different female characters are all very distinct so there is never any confusion as to who is speaking, and the tone she employs to voice Roxana’s five-year-old brother is clearly a boy rather than a girl! George is suitably pompous-sounding, while Alex is somewhat softer – I thought she did a really good job in conveying his below-the-surface frustration at his awkwardness and his insecurities. Her narration is also beautifully nuanced – I’ve listened to some narrators who, while quite good with the characters seem rather wooden when simply telling the story, but that is never the case with Ms Landor.

Any additional comments?

Overall, I thought this was an enjoyable take on a well-used trope. The storytelling and characterisation were excellent and the central couple were both likeable and engaging.

Great book and narrator

The only way to improve upon this five-star read would be having Rosalyn Landor narrate the audio book. Done.

Good Old-Fashioned Romance!

I can't remember reading or listening to author Alyssa Everett before, but what drew my interest in "Ruined By Rumor" was that Alex Winslow, the Earl of Ayersley, spent years trying in vain to forget his unrequited love for Roxana Langley (not the norm)...and the fact it's narrated by the very talented Rosalyn Landor.

Roxana yearns for excitement from her dull, predictable life and does not appreciate the serious Alex, who steps in to save her reputation when her exciting fiance, George, jilts her. The story is full of misunderstandings, which cause heartache on both sides-- each person draws their own conclusions of what is being said, instead of asking for clarification.

It is a fast paced love story of misunderstandings, shyness, love, scandal, loss, heartache, and romance.

I recommend "Ruined By Rumor" for those who enjoy a good old-fashion love story.

To drawn out and lots of miscommunication

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

NO. Story lack excitement and was very flat., Not much excitement between the characters. Lead female character was unimpressive and dull. No good humor or wit about her at all. Male lead character was better but story was uneventful and boring.The narrator was superb and listening to her read the book was the only way I got trough to the end. More authors should have Rosalyn Landor read their books. Fabulous narrator.

Would you recommend Ruined by Rumor to your friends? Why or why not?

no for the same reasons stated above. Boring

What does Rosalyn Landor bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Ms. Landor's reading as well as the way she does so many different voice overs is quite amazing. It makes even the worst books a pleasure to listen too. Each character has a different and very distinct voice of their own which can get one through to the end of a boring book. I don't know how she does it but she does it so well.I am going to purchase books that are exclusively read by Ms. Landor any time that I can. She is quite amazing and can make the most boring book come to life.

What would have made this romance irresistible?

More humor, openness and honesty between the characters. Saying what they feel and not keeping it to themselves. Some intrigue and excitement.

I agree - more Alyssa Everett!

I thought I had listened to this audio, but I had this book mixed up with another. When I downloaded "Lord of Secrets" and realized I had not read "Ruined by Rumor," I began listening to "...Rumor." What a pleasant surprise! In some ways it reminds me a little of Georgette Heyer's "A Civil Contract" - misunderstandings between Roxana and Alex and what seems like a marriage of convenience to Roxana. Throw in a third party - the viper (aka the Major) and it's a page turner.

I can't wait to get to "Lord of Secrets."

Alyssa Everett has another book that I'd like to hear on audible: "A Tryst with Trouble." It's not currently available on amazon.com, and there's no "I'd like to hear this book on audio" button. There is a note that an audio CD will be available via amazon, and you can sign up to be notified when it's available - so maybe it will eventually be available on audible, too. Fingers crossed.

Beautiful writing style!

I just finished listening to this book. It took me only three day, as I found it impossible to put down. I am a huge fan Jane Austin and period pieces when they are done well. Miss Everett writes with such eloquent ease and with a true understanding of the period and language of the era. I will definitely be listening to her other books. The narrator was engaging and truly enhanced the story line and characters. If you enjoy historical fiction done well, this is for you!

Rumor and what isn’t said...

Regency romance has long been obsession, yet lately I have taken an extended detour genre wise. This book was my first by this author and my first revisit back to regency romances. I loved it! There was a little while partway through when I was ready to yell at one character for leaving things unsaid.... a moment or two when there was enough guilt of that inaction to go around... but all in all a most excellent tale.... slow on the reveal, not quite enough heat for all the steam and certainly too many clothes, but it was what it was and I liked it.

Rosalyn Landor did a fabulous job with the narration!

Worth it!!!!

Saved by Rumor

I like the shy character of the hero. It is different than the typical self assured romance hero but more realistic and endearing. While the plot is not new, the dialogue is good and narrator is outstanding.