Cider - Shop now
$4.50 with 65 percent savings
Print List Price: $12.95

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Sold by Amazon.com Services LLC.

Audiobook Price: $21.83

Save: $14.34 (66%)

Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Stella Riley
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Hazard (Rockliffe Book 5) Kindle Edition

by Stella Riley (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 645 ratings
ROCKLIFFE SERIES recommended in THE TIMES newspaper by Hilary Rose
B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree! Hazard: a game of Chance and Luck, made riskier when Fate is rolling the dice.

For Aristide Delacroix, the first throw summons shades from his past. A man he had met, just once, over a card-table … and the lovely girl indirectly responsible for plunging his life into catastrophe.
For Lord Nicholas Wynstanton, tired of waiting for Madeleine Delacroix to make up her mind, it slyly suggests he begin a whole new game with loaded dice; while for Madeleine, it devises a terrifying lesson in missed opportunities and the uncertainty of second chances.
And for Genevieve Westin, hoping widowhood will be happier than marriage, it brings a rude awakening – leaving a single, wild gamble her only option.
A cardsharp turned businessman, a duke’s charming brother, a stubborn, razor-edged beauty and a desperate widow. Four players in a game of Hazard … all playing for very high stakes.

Stella Riley is the 2019 Readers' Favorite Gold Medallist in the Historical Romance category. She has also been awarded 14 B.R.A.G. Medallions.
“A beautifully crafted tale and it was wonderful to meet up with character from previous books.” The drama is intense, the characters real and likeable, and the plot filled with emotionally charged moments. Hazard has a sophisticated plot structure, but what caught and sustained my attention is the author’s craft — the crisp and enjoyable writing and the powerful narrative tone. If you are a fan of historical romance, then you won’t want to miss this.” (Readers’ Favorite)
Read more
Previous slide of product details
  1. Book 5 of 7
    Rockliffe
  2. Print length
    348 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    February 23, 2018
  5. File size
    4.2 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
Next slide of product details
Unwell Hydration from Alex Cooper
Hydrate & focus with every sip Shop now

Shop this series

 See full series
There are 7 books in this series.

Customers also bought or read

Page 1 of 1Start overPage 1 of 1
Previous page
  2. The Shadow Earl (Shadows Book 1)
    Kindle Edition
    $3.95
  6. The Marigold Chain
    Kindle Edition
    $4.50
  7. Escape of the Scoundrel
    Just released
    Kindle Edition
    $2.99
  8. An Improper Correspondence
    Kindle Edition
    $4.99
  13. A Splendid Defiance
    Kindle Edition
    $4.50
  23. Rake's Ransom
    Kindle Edition
    $9.99
Next page
Loading...

Editorial Reviews

Review

5 star review from Readers' Favourite
Aristide Delacroix is a puzzle of a character. Owner of a respectable gaming club, his past catches up with him when he is accused of cheating at cards years back in Paris. The Duke of Rockliffe and other close friends stand by him, endorsing his business and conveying the message that a man proves himself by his integrity and not hearsay. The narrative also features a journey of love between Aristide's sister, Madeleine, and a persistent suitor, Nicholas. It is the colourful 18th century, London, and the author does an impeccable job in using the social and historical elements of the setting to enrich the story.

Hazard is the fifth book in the Rockliffe series by Stella Riley and it is a compelling historical romance, filled with drama and intrigue, and featuring conflicts that involve characters emotionally, psychologically, and even physically. This is a novel with a complex plot and characters that readers will enjoy. It is recommended to start this series from the first book, especially if one wants to fully enjoy the characters and follow their romantic journey and the intrigues that make the story gripping. However, I enjoyed this story as a standalone as well. One can't ignore Stella Riley's gift for prose and her ability to hold the reader's attention. Her use of suspense is impeccable and it happens mostly with the shift between subplots and points of view.

The drama is intense, the characters real and likeable, and the plot filled with emotionally charged moments. Hazard has a sophisticated plot structure, but what caught and sustained my attention is the author's craft — the crisp and enjoyable writing and the powerful narrative tone. If you are a fan of historical romance, then you won't want to miss this. It will keep you awake all night long, and you'll want more.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B078VVSDCK
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Stella Riley; 1st edition (February 23, 2018)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 23, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.2 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 348 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 645 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Stella Riley

Stella Riley

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Winner of 4 gold medals (Readers' Favourite 2019, Book Excellence Awards 2020, Global Book Awards 2022, Book Excellence Awards 2023) and 14 B.R.A.G. Medallions, Stella Riley lives in the beautiful medieval town of Sandwich in Kent.

She is fascinated by the English Civil Wars and has written six books set in that period. These, like the 7 book Rockliffe series (recommended in The Times newspaper!) and the Brandon Brothers trilogy, are all available in audio, narrated by Alex Wyndham.

Stella enjoys travel, reading, theatre, Baroque music and playing the harpsichord. She also has a fondness for men with long hair - hence her 17th and 18th century heroes.

Visit Stella at https://stellarileybooks.co.uk for all the latest information on her books and her 'Who's Who' and Extras pages.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
645 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers enjoy the book's romance, with one review highlighting the sensuous love scenes between Aristide and Genevieve. Moreover, the book receives positive feedback for its character development, with customers finding the characters likeable. Additionally, customers appreciate the writer's quality, with one noting the crisp prose. The book's charm is also praised, with customers noting it's worthy of its gorgeous cover, and one review highlighting the vibrant setting of 18th century London.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

14 customers mention "Romance"12 positive2 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in the book, with its sensuous love scenes and good plot lines, and one customer specifically mentions the lovely romance between Aristide and Genevieve.

"...That’s what happens when one becomes immersed in good historical fiction. My recommendation? Read this series. You won’t be disappointed." Read more

"...That anticipation has been rewarded with a lovely romance for those two, and, not only that, Madeleine's brother Aristide also finds his HEA within..." Read more

"...The only reason I’m reading the rest of the series is because the plots are good and I hate not getting the whole series...." Read more

"...wonderful heroes and her depiction of the era is as always accurate, evocative and entertaining. The problem for me in this story is the heroines...." Read more

11 customers mention "Enjoyment"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the book entertaining and satisfying, with one mentioning it's a great addition to the series.

"...Yes, it's two romances in one novel and both are satisfying and well developed...." Read more

"...I loved it. Very enjoyable." Read more

"I am enjoyingvthis series very very much. Thirteen more interesting words are beyond me. Five stars should be enough. Amen" Read more

"...and her depiction of the era is as always accurate, evocative and entertaining. The problem for me in this story is the heroines...." Read more

7 customers mention "Character development"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, finding them likeable, with one review highlighting the interactions with villains and another noting the enigmatic hero.

"...Her vulnerability and bravery combined to create a lovely heroine...." Read more

"...Another is the interactions with the villains that added interest and some moments of real action/adventure...." Read more

"...Rockliffe series proves again that Ms. Riley has a marvelous talent for creating characters that this reader cheers for and celebrates their happy..." Read more

"...She's way too pricky, insecure, and rude, but Nicholas is a lovely man, and their love is true...." Read more

5 customers mention "Writer quality"5 positive0 negative

Customers praise the author's writing style, with one noting the crisp prose and another highlighting their ability to create wonderful heroes.

"Stella Riley proves she's a he'll of a good writer in this fifth installment of the Rockliffe romances...." Read more

"...She has talent and writes well, just needs to keep the details out of the bedroom so to speak...." Read more

"...Ms Riley continues to write absolutely wonderful heroes and her depiction of the era is as always accurate, evocative and entertaining...." Read more

"...The prose is crisp, the plot is well-developed, and the love scenes are sensuous and romantic. Don't miss this one!" Read more

4 customers mention "Charm"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book charming and worthy of its gorgeous cover, with one customer particularly appreciating the vibrant setting of 18th century London.

"...It was lovely to see them and their bonhomie and genuine care and concern for each other, their excellent parenting skills, and the undying love..." Read more

"...All this takes place in the vibrant setting of 18th century London...." Read more

"...And I can see what they're up to now. There's a charming bit about a horse race Rockliffe arranges...." Read more

"Charming!..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Tracy DeNeal
    5.0 out of 5 stars Aristide and Genevieve/Nicholas and Madeleine
    Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Two love stories in one!

    Siblings, Aristide and Madeleine Delacroix, have made a life for themselves in England as co-owners of Sinclair’s, a popular gaming establishment. Shades of their difficult and sad past, however, conspire to topple everything they’ve worked so hard to accomplish.

    Genevieve Westin’s year of sham mourning for a despicable dead husband is coming to an end. She needs to act fast before she’s forced into another unwanted marriage.

    Lord Nicholas Wynstanton, most eligible brother and heir of the Duke of Rockliffe, is in love with a woman who refuses to give him the time of day. Why?

    This story twists and turns the reader by intertwining past events to inform current realities. Aristide and Madeleine’s past figure into their actions and reactions and draw Nicholas into a struggle for his very life and love. Events become quite harrowing at times.

    I adored Genevieve Westin. Her vulnerability and bravery combined to create a lovely heroine. Although I understood Madeleine’s reservations about Nicholas and her insecurities throughout the series, I never felt that she deserved Nicholas until she finally proved herself in one act. I imagine that some men just like prickly women, but she was just too much. Aristide was a cypher throughout the series. One never quite knew who he was and truly it seems that it was because he was such a self-contained insecure person himself. It appears to this reader that Genevieve’s unselfish and uncomplicated love was the key to unlocking him as a man.

    Lady Vanessa Jane and her Papa stole my heart. Isn’t that just the way it is with fathers and daughters? Rockliffe is no exception. I mustn’t forget Blanchette, a bit of fluff who helps Genevieve teach Aristide an important lesson about love. Perfection.

    Ah... I am now caught up with this series. I anxiously await the release of Book 6. This book world that Stella Riley has created is exceptional. I spent so much time in the Georgian period this past week, it will be difficult to return to the 21st century. That’s what happens when one becomes immersed in good historical fiction. My recommendation? Read this series. You won’t be disappointed.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • OLT
    4.0 out of 5 stars A lovely book that is worthy of its gorgeous cover.
    Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    (Maybe 4.5 stars) I know you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but this one has the most gorgeous I've seen in a long time. And I'm happy to report that what's inside the covers is a very good tale. Riley's Book #4 in her Georgian Rockliffe series disappointed me a bit but did leave me looking forward to finding out more about some secondary characters in it, in particular Lord Nicolas Wynstanton and Madeleine Delacroix. That anticipation has been rewarded with a lovely romance for those two, and, not only that, Madeleine's brother Aristide also finds his HEA within the pages. Yes, it's two romances in one novel and both are satisfying and well developed.

    Fans of Riley have been waiting for Madeleine and Nicolas's attraction to finally get a resolution since Book #3. As for Aristide, successful gambling club owner, he's been in the picture as Lord Sarre's friend since then also. Aristide and Madeleine, French emigres, are on the fringes of London society, not of the peerage and, in addition, owning and managing Sinclairs, a gaming club for gentlemen. Now we learn more about their early years in France and find out what has been a main force in forming their personalities and character. As a young man, Aristide was gainfully and lawfully employed as the secretary to an English diplomat in France, but, after a misunderstanding which ended rather tragically, he and Madeleine had to live a hardscrabble life, often crossing the line between lawful and not.

    Now a successful and honest businessman, Aristide finds his past coming back to haunt him with (1) a man who had known him in France now accusing him of being a cheat and card sharp, and (2) his reacquaintance with the stepdaughter of his former English diplomat employer. The stepdaughter, Genevieve, was only 16 at the time and they had been friends, but when he suffered at the hands of her horrid brothers and lost his employment, he believed her to be partly to blame.

    Basically, the story revolves around (1) getting the accusation of cheating resolved so that Aristide does not lose his reputation as an honest businessman, and (2) getting the two sets of lovers successfully paired. But I'm getting ahead of myself with regard to the lovers. We know about good-natured, charming Nicolas, younger brother of the Duke of Rockliffe, and his obsession with beautiful albeit haughty, aloof, somewhat bitchy Madeleine, but Genevieve, the diplomat's stepdaughter, is new to us. Genevieve is now widow of Kit, Lord Westin, whose handsome and charming facade had hidden a degenerate despoiler of very young girls. Although until his death Genevieve had been unaware of his proclivities, she had early on in the marriage become disillusioned with him and had been subjected to emotional and mental abuse by him. Now she is almost an outcast in society because of the revelation of his repulsive behavior, and, in addition, his treatment of her has left her with very little self esteem. Not to mention that her brothers' handling of her widow's portion has left her without funds.

    The romance of Genevieve and Aristide is the most touching one for me. Aristide is a closed-off man not inclined to let anyone know what he's feeling or thinking. He has learned not to trust anyone because of his past. When circumstances lead to their marriage of convenience, he is at a loss at times in how to behave around his new wife. When he first starts to feel "something" (Could it be love?), it doesn't make him more expressive but almost a bit more closed off and abrupt around her. The gradual development of their love and of Aristide's ability to show his feelings supplied a very satisfying amount of warm fuzzies.

    As for Madeleine and Nicolas's romance, I must confess that at first I was hoping Nicolas would give up on her and find someone less cold and abrasive. But the backstory of the Delacroix siblings' hard life in France allows the reader to feel more sympathy for her and to understand the protective shield she has placed around her heart. And when an incident in the story leaves Nicolas badly injured and Madeleine distraught, it was touching to watch her finally come to terms with her feelings and allow Nicolas in. She thawed out nicely and became worthy of Nicolas's devotion.

    In addition to the two romances, there are other things to like about this story. One is the relationship of Aristide to his new young assistant at Sinclairs. That lent itself to some entertaining moments. Another is the interactions with the villains that added interest and some moments of real action/adventure. I was also glad to see that the bad guys never became quite as over the top as those in Book 4. The pacing of the book did not lag or become tiresome. And I must add here that I am grateful to Riley for surprising me at a couple of moments. Just when I thought she was going to throw in one of those tedious abductions, she turns it into something much better. And just when I thought she was going to throw in some amnesia for one of the main characters, she changes her mind almost immediately. Thanks, Ms Riley. Abductions and amnesia are two of my least favorite plot points.

    We also get the opportunity here to visit with almost everybody from the previous four books of this series. It was lovely to see them and their bonhomie and genuine care and concern for each other, their excellent parenting skills, and the undying love each person has for his/her chosen life partner. But here I must confess (and this confession may make me seem like an unnatural, unfeeling person) that I do believe Riley may have overdone the love and warmth and caring and friendship and loyalty. Everyone in the friends and family group felt too good, too perfect. I have this same problem with other authors, such as Mary Balogh, when they collect all the former Hs and hs and their friends and family. I get sweetness/goodness overdose. There is a limit to the number of Hallmark moments I can take. Just give me an interesting story with a good romance. That's all I need. Well, I got the good story here and the good romance and I'm grateful to Riley for that.
    26 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • flogig
    5.0 out of 5 stars A first class Regency Romance
    Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Stella Riley proves she's a he'll of a good writer in this fifth installment of the Rockliffe romances. She's got two love stories going on at once: Aristide and Genevieve, Lord Nickolas and Madeline--both of which are fascinating with their own stories. I loved it. Very enjoyable.
    Helpful
     Report
  • AnnaBelle
    5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoying this series
    Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I am enjoyingvthis series very very much. Thirteen more interesting words are beyond me. Five stars should be enough. Amen
    Helpful
     Report
  • Crazygirl
    3.0 out of 5 stars Not clean - otherwise a decent story
    Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    As noted before this would not be considered a “sweet clean regency”
    At least the H and h are married. And sex does not make up the whole plot. However in my opinion the bedroom scenes are wholly unnecessary to the story and plot.

    Since I have skipped them I can’t tell you exactly how detailed they are anymore. I only read the one scene in the first of the series, but it was detailed enough for me to skip all future ones. And the little glimpses or hints prior to the scenes seemed vulgar or explicit enough to indicate the type of details involved in the scenes. The only reason I’m reading the rest of the series is because the plots are good and I hate not getting the whole series.

    But I won’t read anymore from this author after I’m finished with this series due to the explicit details in the bedroom scenes. It is sometimes hard to find good authors with good storylines so I’m sad that I won’t be reading anymore of her books. She has talent and writes well, just needs to keep the details out of the bedroom so to speak.

    This obviously is just my opinion and there are probably some people who read the books for those scenes primarily, and love them. So if that’s you, then this book is for you.
    4 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Clare McQuin
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved "Hazard" - waiting for Ms Riley's next!
    Reviewed in Australia on March 14, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Though this is a review of “Hazard” I felt a brief exploration of the entire Rockliffe sertes might be timely. And why I strongly recommend any new reader start with “The Parfit Knight” and carry on from there. A group of male friends, unmarried, moving between estates and the social milieu of the aristocracy, tended by servants, aware of, but not involved in the politics of the time. Snuffboxes, fashion, the latest on-dits, cards, soirees, balls, aware of time passing and the necessity of passing on their responsibilities to the next (unborn) generation. But in no hurry. Then like a setup of dominoes, they start to fall. Some things are contagious, and doesn’t Ms Riley have fun! We can but enjoy her wit, humour and pure sneakiness, and people who become familiar friends. As they fall the milieu expands to include old and new acquaintances and significant others. Some readers feel that the group is a little too ‘good’, but good or bad, like-minded people tend to gravitate amd congregate together and this set is linked by family (eventually), shared experience and friendship. Quite logical. They do exhibit faults in plenty; pride, obstinacy, lack of empathy, jealousy, frustration with lack of progress etc. How else can you get all the problems inherent in an interesting romance? Starting from scratch, you will see how they fit in the pattern and advance the stories.
    As other reviewers have correctly stated, each book can stand alone; however there are several ongoing threads Ms Riley has used to weave a complex tapestry of evolving relationships, providing insights into motives/reasons for particular behaviour. This is very appropriate when assessing Aristide Delacroix as there are hints given in “The Player” (Rock 3), when he is introduced as part of Adrtan, Earl of Sarre’s storyline. How they met and became frtends and (secret) partners); also one reason why Madeleine found it difftcult interacting with Adrtan and later with Nicholas. And Aristide is a very good card player – he would do well at poker! Hence the inscrutability. Like Adrian, the mental asides tell a different story!
    The Prologues which begin each book are of events up to twenty years in the pasts of the primary male characters, some very traumatic, and some involving their HEA mates, but leaving only faint, fleeting impressions, forgotten or unknown consequences. Keep them in mind!
    As the other books, “Hazard” has more than one romance. In fact two major and one long-term secret betrothal, settled but with external (parental) problems. (“The Player” is the only book with a single romance – Adrian centre stage and Caroline feeling out of place, but boy! Does she come out of that shell!)
    “Hazard” seems almost the culmination of the series with the pairing-off of major players and the supporting cast. I was counting the days before the release of “Hazard”, so refreshed my memory by rereading the first four books Once I had “Hazard”, I read it, then having read the reviews, went back and reread it. I agreed with much the others have written, so won’t recapitulate, except for a comment regarding the most active villain in this story. A misinterpretation of the importance of Sir George Brixton in his society. As a “nouveau riche” (and not a peer, or member of Sinclairs) and virtual unknown, Sir George’s denunciation of Aristide, who was promptly supported by Lord Nicholas, was annoying, but considering the source, was, as usual, discounted by the ton, thus causing Sir G’s frustration and his ultimate stupid act. (By the way he’d only met Aristide the once in Paris). And Rockliffe’s backing of his brother certainly helped Aristide’s position. Naturally.
    However, as Aristide was aware of the effect on Sebastian Audley (“The Wicked Cousin” Rock 4) of scurrilous rumour, very recently, he was a trifle worried. Also naturally. So Sir G’s efforts did cause some distraction, though mainly dismissed when Sinclairs’ clientele appeared unchanged. His later actions did have a bearing on Nicholas’ “wiil she, won’t she” courtship of Madeleine. Genevieve’s “Ugly Brothers”certainly were very unpleasant and caused past and present problems for Aristide (and peripherally for Madeleine), which delayed the resolution of his feelings for Genevieve. However, they were also the inadvertent cause of her recollection and ultimate request – so all’s well, etc.
    I thought “Hazard” was exhibiting more involvement in its surroundings and society than others in the series, though not as influenced by external events as Ms Riley’s English Civil War set. Just a teeny, tiny bit. An impression, only. After all, the American revolution was in progress – very much out of sight, out of mind. But like the other books we are left with a wish to know “What will happen NEXT?” No pressure, Stella.
    Report
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Recommend
    Reviewed in Canada on March 6, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Lovely romance, love the characters. Reminiscent of Georgette Heyer, who I love
    Report
  • Beatrix Fitze
    5.0 out of 5 stars Recommended
    Reviewed in Germany on April 13, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    A great book, I looked forward to getting back to it every moment I could! This book tells us the story of Aristide and his sister Madeleine, who had a very difficult start in life in Paris. Now they’re in London and living comfortably off the proceeds of a gaming club. The other figures in the story are Nicholas Wynstanton, brother of the Duke of Rockcliffe, and Genevieve Lady Westin, who spent several of her younger years in Paris and had to return to England under distressing circumstances. If you’ve read the previous books in this series you’ll know some of these names, but if you haven’t you’ll still love the story. Personally, I’m moving to the next book in the series!
    Report
  • Wendy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another fabulous addition to Stella Riley's addictive Rockliffe series
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 17, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Stella Riley’s stunning Rockliffe series has kept me entranced from the first page of The Parfit Knight, the first book in the series, in which she begins introducing her tremendous cast of characters, one of whom is the enigmatic Duke of Rockliffe (aka Rock) who plays an almost patriarchal role in each story. In fact, all of society respect and look up to him, hence the series name. Now with book five, Hazard, we are treated to another addictive page turner and two equally spine-tingling romances playing out in parallel. As its title suggests, the story is set in part against the backdrop of a gaming club, and, as in the game of hazard, has four players. Two of the main protagonists, brother and sister, Madeleine and Aristide Delacroix, at last get their HEA, and so too does Nicholas Wynstanton, Rock’s younger brother, who has long been smitten with the prickly Madeleine. By the time we reached the end of The Wicked Cousin, Nicholas was becoming more and more frustrated and Madeleine more difficult than usual. However, fans of the series probably knew that Stella Riley would find a way for this unlikely pair to overcome their apparent difficulties. Aristide’s love interest comes to him from a totally unexpected quarter and ties his earlier life in nicely with the series and his connection to Adrian Deveraux, Earl of Sarre (The Player).

    As always, one of Stella Riley’s greatest strengths lies in her characterisation. The people she ‘creates’ take on a living, breathing persona, and, in Hazard, Nicholas Wynstanton, who has been around as a secondary character since the first book, is developed fully into a larger than life, loveable and honourable man; not just the happy-go-lucky, younger brother of a duke, but a man in his own right, and not one to be trifled with either. Nicholas’ aim is to knock down the walls Madeleine Delacroix has erected around her heart. Madeleine’s arguments against the match stem from her own insecurities – her earlier life in Paris where she had lived a hand-to-mouth existence with her brother and mother, and the unrequited girlish infatuation she had felt for her brother’s friend, Adrian Deveraux. Being the proud young woman, she is, Adrian’s rebuttal was all the more devastating and she has never fully recovered her composure, resulting in her unfortunate stand-offishness with the opposite sex.

    Her brother, Aristide, has always been a cool and mysterious figure; even the author’s description of him conjures up mystery… long blonde hair, eyes the blue of a cloudless winter sky and neatly tailored bones. He says little but, through his inner musings, we get a great deal of insight into the man he is, and we are privy to his frustrations and anger, emotions he keeps locked away from the outside world. Aristide, on the face of it, seems to be calmly and emotionlessly going about his business, but he too has a bruised heart from which he has never fully recovered. His carefully locked away hurt comes back to haunt, but also intrigue him. It is this ‘barely there’ love from his earlier life – before his affluence as a partner in one of London’s premier gaming/gentleman’s clubs – that suddenly re-appears, and we see the cool aloofness slowly disintegrate before the onslaught of the attraction he had felt as a younger man and discovers he still feels, albeit reluctantly. I think Stella Riley has this sibling relationship between Aristide and Madeline just right. Both are a little bruised because of earlier young love and, although nothing to be ashamed of, both are very aware of their humble beginnings and both wary of letting anyone beneath their self-erected defences. An intriguing pair and therefore the final capitulation to their respective loves is all the more satisfying.

    The beautiful and sweet Genevieve who has burst back into Aristide’s life after seven, long, eventful years, is a well-rounded and likeable character who has herself suffered much in the interim years and is therefore extremely vulnerable. In fact, her very vulnerability and sufferings are just what the calmly controlled Aristide needs as a salve to the perceived injustices he believes her responsible for in his past life. But, he is the kind of man who needs to be needed, and Genevieve Westin certainly fits that bill and so he crumbles. It puts me in mind a little of The Mésalliance in which we see Rock lose his legendary ‘cool’. I love these hard to read, mysterious men.

    There is a plausible plot running throughout the story which involves most of the main characters but has its roots in Paris and Aristide’s earlier life. As usual the utterly delectable Rock strolls in and takes centre stage at just the right moments – urbane, and cool-as-cucumber, he steals every scene he is involved in. With just a few carefully selected words designed to defuse, he delivers a set-down, often without the recipient being aware he or she has been insulted. His character is one of Stella Riley’s triumphs and this series is well named because Rock’s unfailing omniscience and his ability to always be in the right place at the right time is something I have come to look forward to with much anticipation in every book, and I’m never disappointed.

    Hazard follows on within weeks of the end of The Wicked Cousin. Cassie and Sebastian are back in circulation after their recent honeymoon and are evidently very-much-in-love newlyweds. They run the gauntlet of the usual banter and risqué comments which only close friends can get away with. Sebastian’s wicked and naughty sense of humour is very much in evidence, and this is yet another area in which Stella Riley excels. Her wit and humour are always lurking in the background, adding another dimension to her intriguing characters and expertly researched Georgian world. One feels very much a part of this group of close friends and relatives and, as we near the end of the series, it is going to be sad to say goodbye…but not yet! Ms. Riley is busy writing the final book in the series and I am eagerly looking forward to another lovely Rockliffe, and maybe Ms. Riley will tie off a few loose ends, such as, will Rock get his heir and let Nicholas off the hook?

    New readers of Stella Riley’s books may be a little overwhelmed by the amount of characters. This is book five and it could be enjoyed as a stand-alone, but my advice would be to start at the beginning. Trust me, it’s no hardship, as I said in my opening chapter, this series is addictive. Now we must wait for Alex Wyndham to work his magic on Hazard and I believe he is busy in his recording studio as I write this review. How will I find the time to listen? Who needs to do housework etc. when there is a new Wyndham/Riley collaboration in the offing?

    MY VERDICT: Another stellar five stars read for me. I might have my favourites in the series, but each book is as well written as the last and I can’t penalise the author for making me prefer one character or storyline over another, and besides which, I love them all!
    Report
  • Annoyed in Seattle
    4.0 out of 5 stars High quality
    Reviewed in Germany on August 13, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Riley never disappoints.
    Report

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report