Rendezvous: A Novel Mass Market Paperback – October 1, 1991

This is another of Ms Quick's fun cloak and dagger stories that involves two couples and personality opposites- for the heroes they are best friends who worked together during the Napoleonic War while the heroines are cousins from different branches of the same family. Both men are personality opposites who end up with the lady who is also a personality opposite on the surface. All the principal characters are well over 21 years old. They all struggle to keep their own "masks" securely in place while trying to see under the "masks" of the other. Again, the first marriage occurs early in the story and it evolves that they must work together as they are still trying to develop the trust so necessary.The "crazy glue" of the first relationship is the physical attraction each has for the other as they often function at cross purposes. A clue that some may be a bit more graphic than one is used to reading in some stories, but its well written and appropriate to the growth process in the relationship. During the various intrigues that the Earl and his Countess become involved in they put their best friend and close cousin in constant proximity to each other until they too, discover that once the masks are all lowered there is a great deal to connect them as well. It is an intriguing story although to tell the truth I sorta had the villain figured out early but there was a couple of "OMG" moments that certainly made the read very interesting.

Very engaging story with good characters and a fun story line. Harry and Augusta are the quintessential Amanda Quick couple who carry the opposites attract theme. Add a little spy action, humor and some steaminess and it all adds up to a novel that doesn't disappoint. I am always eager to read more by this author!

Augusta is a woman who believes herself to be a very independent individual. She has helped create a private club for women who are also of independent natures. She is certain she will never marry. She is past the age to marry and has no desire to change her life.Harry is the former head of a British spy agency that was active during the Napoleonic war. He was successful, but he feels that his great failure is that he never found the identity of a spy named Spider. Spider was an Englishman who worked for the French. He was responsible for the deaths of many British soldiers.Harry’s immediate goal is to marry Augusta and create a family. Harry has lived his life by very strict rules. He knows the way people should live and he is more than happy to tell Augusta on a regular basis exactly where she is falling short.Nearly every time he points out his rules, it is because Augusta has done something outrageous. And when she does these things, Harry is drawn into the adventure.This is a mystery – finding the spy becomes an active investigation evern now that the war is over.This is a romance – Augusta and Harry are learning to live together and find mutual ground for their relationship. Their lust for one another cannot carry a marriage forever.This is also a story which presents the Regency Era as a time when although the rules did not always make any sense, certain people loved those same rules.Augusta and Harry are strong main characters. But, there are also secondary characters who add a great deal of depth to this story.Ms Quick is a talented author. This is one of her very early books and it is a fun read..

Romance, humor, spice, adventure - this book has it all. So fun!I am not sure there is anything that could have improved it. Highly recommend!

I loved this book, it’s such a fun book. Loved how opposite both Harry and Augusta were. He’s looking for a virtuous woman, what’s exactly on his list for a wife? There’s also some suspense, who is the “spider”? Will Augusta realize she’s as important to him as his daughter Meredith? Loved feeling all the emotions. I highly recommend this book.

This is my second favorite of the early Quick novels. Things I loved included:- Pompeia's (what a deliciously wonderful description of an early 19th century salon. One could almost imagine this is what the French salons were like in the days of the Revolution.)- Spy games (I'm a sucker for espionage mysteries and the teams they create)- Scruggs (best secondary character ever)Unfortunately, this book does come with some major shortfalls. The kind that inspire better work from other authors (such as myself).- Hero Harry, for all his proper ways, is far too manipulative and lust-obsessed. He comes off as a typical macho jerk many times in his dealings with the heroine.- Heroine Augusta, despite her feminist attitude, plays the role of simpering female by constantly forgiving Harry's jerkiness. It's especially disappointing that even though she starts out rescuing a fellow club member from a manipulative prospective groom, she allows herself to be manipulated into an engagement only days later.- The villain was all too easy to guess.Overall this makes a good read even if you can forgive its faults.

Started as a plagia of an old Barbara Cartland, and spiralled into absolute pap!What a waste of time and money.

Love her books - they are definite keepers and this was a replacement for one I lost.

Die Autorin schreibt mit viel Einfühlungsvermögen, aber auch sehr viel Klarheit über das was werdende Frauen -- ja Sie lesen richtig! -- unbedingt wissen sollten, um sich nicht in dem Irrgarten romantischer Erfahrungen zu verlieren.Für Jungs ebenfalls sehr interessant, weil die Beschreibungen des Sex wirklich ausführlich sind und sowohl den männlichen Part als auch den weiblichen sehr präzise beleuchten. Ohne Tabuisierung.Auch wenn sich die Handlung in einer anderen Zeit abspielt, so erinnert es daran, dass die Zeit der weiblichen Emanzipation von Frauen sehr viel mehr Mut und Neugierde abverlangt als wir es heute aufbringen. Gerade in Deutschland, wo man sehr gerne den Ehemann als "den Papa" -- sprich Gottvater! -- betrachtet und die Wünsche und Bedürfnisse des Papa als Gesetz für die anderen Familienmitglieder gelten.Jayne rechnet auch in diesem Buch mit der für einen Sohn prägenden Vaterfigur ab, die Sexszenen sind köstlich und dem Damenclub Pompeia würde ich sofort beitreten.Amanda Quick hat nicht nur dieses Buch geschrieben, und nicht nur unter diesem Namen ... (vgl. (...)) ich kann nicht genug davon bekommen, und nach mehr oder weniger langen Pausen komme ich immer wieder auf diese elegant geschriebenen Bücher zurück.Die Bilder auf den Buchdeckel sind manchmal geschmacklos und werden dem Inhalt nicht gerecht. Bei diesem Buch gefällt mir das Bild und die Farbe so sehr, dass ich es in meinem Koch-Salon liegen lasse! In der Hoffnung meine Söhne könnten sich (noch) dafür interessieren ... nötig hätten Sie es! Erwachsene Männer, die mit Frauen nicht umgehen können -- also die Mehrheit -- sollte man regelmäßig mit den Büchern der Amanda als einzige Lektüre in ein Zimmer einsperren .....!!!!! :-) :-)

For me this book succeeds in so many ways. The characters are engrossing. I love the strange relationship between Augusta and Harry. The setting includes a women's club full of intelligent eccentric women laying bets and playing cards.Augusta has lost her unconventional family and is sadly the last in her line. She longs for a family of her own but when cold stuffy Harry shows an interest she thinks the relationship cannot possibly work. Harry has criteria for his bride. She must be decorous, ladylike and conventional all 'fails' for vibrant Augusta. In the background is the mysterious death of Augusta's beloved brother and whispers he was a traitor.This book is carried by Augusta's klutzy character. She bumbles through various adventures but wins people over with her warmth. I like the way Amanda Quick mixes drama with humour, just like real life. And the plot is gripping, not merely background to the romance. For me this is a truly enjoyable read.

it was good