The Surrender of Miss Fairbourne

Fairbourne Quartet Series, Book 1

By: Madeline Hunter

Narrated by: Alison Larkin

A woman running a prestigious London auction house? Preposterous! But that is exactly what Emma Fairbourne intends to do when her father dies, leaving her the reins of this fabulous enterprise.

Of course, she is not addlepated enough to do this openly and scare away her wealthy collectors. So she and her friend concoct a deception, hiring a handsome and charming front man who will do her bidding.... All would have proceeded smoothly - if it weren't for the maddening interference of Darius, the arrogant Earl of Southwaite, who has been her father's "silent partner" and now shares ownership of Fairbourne's.

An earl, of course, has no interest in running an auction house - and Darius is certainly not interested in allowing the lovely Miss Fairbourne to run it either, her ludicrous scheme notwithstanding. Clearly the business must be sold. But the headstrong Emma is like no other lady he has ever encountered, refusing to follow his dictates. Holding his temper in check, Darius decides to attack on a different front. There is another way to achieve her surrender, one far more pleasurable for both of them.

©2012 Madeline Hunter (P)2012 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Richly imbued with a deliciously dry sense of humor and graced with a striking cast of characters, the latest impeccably researched Regency romance by RITA Award winner Hunter is a masterpiece of wit and passion." ( Booklist)

Wonderful narration

I gave this a look because I am a big fan of Alison Larkin's narration of The Complete Novels of Jane Austen - I am a HUGE Austen fan. And I was not disappointed! Alison Larkin's narration is pitch perfect for this. It's a fun series, real characters and the reading is nothing short of perfect. I hope there will be more in the series. It says Book 1. This is a really fun one and I am a real fan of Regency romance! I love the way Alison Larkin does the men too - the women are fantastic, but so are the men. I like Madeline Hunter's writing - it is easy to listen to and in the hands of one of my favorite narrators, the story becomes really top notch. Bravo all round!

Spoiler *

I really did enjoy the story. The intrigue was exciting if not predictable, the steamy scenes were good, but not erotic and the characters were detailed.

The story was predictable, but not in an annoying way. I really enjoyed the characters but feel that Miss Fairborn never came into herself when it came to her relationship. Even in the final scene, she had such self doubt that it was frustrating. She was a strong heroin in other aspects, but she never developed an understanding that she was deserving of love and marriage.

As far as the narration goes , I do really like Alison Larkin. She has a well developed voice and good accents. Her voice is pleasing to listen to except for sometimes certain words sound childish. She also doesn’t have a large range when it comes to the tone of her voice, or even the pitch. when it comes to the inter-monologs of the characters, sometimes it’s hard to distinguish, which character is thinking.
Overall, this book is simple and pleasing with a happy ending. I will read the next book in the series. It’s just not one I will listen to it again.

Smugglers, spies, wit and passion

A delightful romance. Earl Southwaite is everything a hero should. Plucky Emma is a wonderful heroine. Together they battle smugglers and spies - and wits with each other - on the path to happily-ever-after. This is vintage Madeline Hunter displaying her knowledge of art and laced throughout with wit and passion. I loved it! And I can't wait to read the rest of the series.

A fun read

The writing was superb! The dialogue between the characters was a pleasure and the steamy scenes were good! Can’t wait to listen to the next book in the series.

Would have been better as a novella

There were 15 unnecessary chapters and an extra 5 hours of dialogue. Story was decent, but too much inner thoughts and needless dialogue.

Not Bad

It's good, but the heroine wears thin on her terrible ignorance and ridiculous blindness to the obvious. It's annoying.

Enjoyable, Romantic, Funny, Classic

Loved this perfectly narrated book. While I also enjoy and appreciate darker romances, sometimes it is a book like The Surrender of Miss Fairbourne that is exactly what is needed to spend a pleasurable snow day escaping into an adventurous love story.

Suprisingly Modern Story Brilliantly Narrated

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This story though set in the past surprised me with its modern relevance about a young woman who through her intelligence and independent will triumphs over life's greatest challenges while also giving herself the chance to fall deeply and passionately in love.

The narrator Alison Larkin manages to give each word its own power and makes you feel that you are listening to a great mystery that unfolds with such sensuous and revelatory twists you never want it to stop.

Larkin reveals a complete range of emotion for the heroine from an intelligent management of a challenging business, to the description of romantic scenes that have a special erotic charge.

This is the kind of writing and narrating that lift these recorded books unto a new kind of art form that offeres an extra dimension of emotion and involvement.

What other book might you compare The Surrender of Miss Fairbourne to and why?

It reminds me of many best sellers that describe the challenges facing young women who must find a way to balance great love while also creating their own unique and independent lives.
Alison Larkin's own book The English American also deals with that very profound and universal subject.

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

I don't think anyone could have captured the various accents and styles and emotions of the various characters as well as Larkin. She manages to give the major personalities a whole range of powerful emotions. And I feel that the romantic and even erotic scenes could not have been conveyed with more persuasive artistry.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

A woman of wit and passion conquers all

Any additional comments?

Bravo to Alison Larkin from bringing this original heroine to life in such a dramatic way in this narration!

Good story

I really like Ms Hunter’s writing. This is a good listen. The narrator does a great job. The story move along at a good pace. A great Escape selection.

I disliked this story immensely!

I guess it was the female protagonist's addiction to lying! I hated her! I'll be returning this book!