Jocasta and the Cruelty of Kindness: A feel-good Regency Romance (Sisters of Castle Fortune) Paperback – 24 Jun. 2021

The second book in this series continues by being well written and the book cover very striking.The plot again very madcap and convoluted. The obnoxious duo papa and son Fortune, make an unwanted appearance, with the Baron getting a bit of a comeuppance from his soon to be son in law, Damon Regis (The Demon King) but Why the old curmudgeon Vicountess Swanson should think Baron Fortune 'the bee's knees' is beyond me and apparently his daughter's also. The sister in question is Jocasta in this book , once the love interest of Lord Paxton in the first book, but who was usurped in that place by her younger sister Portia, Jocasta once a very conceited young lady had difficulty coming to terms with this and with every one being very kind to her and attempting not to draw attention to the fact , made her London season miserable added to which everyone kept telling her she looked like a fairy princess, well what's a girl to do but go into a decline!! Enter Sir Damon Regis, he of the mobile eyebrows which seemed to have a life of their own, and quite a bit of book space to boot, he had decided upon a plan to use Jocasta to keep the Duke of Enderby from his 'ward' Cecilia as he felt the Duke was not good enough for her. These two had been friends from childhood and were as thick as thieves, so this plan was doomed to fail from the beginning due to a number of flaws (Cecilia and Duke Tom, were straight out of a Georgette Heyer novel, very much taken with one another but totally daft) The Demon King although outwardly not nice to Jocasta had a hard time telling that to his heart. ( I personally have difficulty believing that a 31 year old man and an 18 year old girl would have anything in common, but if we are to believe this was the way of the world so be it.) It was a delight to see characters from the previous book again and it all added to the ridiculous but thoroughly enjoyable read. I wholeheartedly look forward to the next in the series, and would thoroughly recommend this book.

I love Heyer and Austen - I haven't generally succumbed to more recent Regency romance novels but on the strength of the reviews. I started trying out Alicia Cameron and I found them amusing - not as correct in Regency detail or manners as either of the above authors but not so glaring as to make them unreadable. I enjoyed them.Now I have read Jocasta and the Cruelty of Kindness and my view is wholly transformed. Ms Cameron is building a world here. Such a joy to see characters after the end of 'their' novel in newly wedded bliss as a background to newer stories and even just the occasional appearance such as Benedict Fenton involved in the carriage accident. I am working my way through chronologically but I am desperate to see how she deals with the rest of the Fortune and Fenton families and would also welcome finding out more about the married Fortune sisters and how they are fareing? Is even the abominable George Fenton capable of love? I recommend the whole series but this book, in particular, is splendid.

This is one of those engaging novels where the reader can spot the obvious attraction and love between the various couples long before they themselves are aware of it. This feeling of being "in the know " in no way detracts from the reader's enjoyment: we have the joy of puzzling out how on earth they are going to resolve the mess they have embroiled themselves in! The characters are really engaging , the fairy-like, impulsive heroine who is worried that she will hurt people with her harmless flirting, and the inscrutable, handsome hero with the reputation for excellence in all he does, who appears heartless and calculating. Jocasta has some unpleasant male relatives, her money- grubbing, callous father and brother, and some delightful sisters who range from the wildly poetic to the pragmatic. I hope that there be a sequel when her harum-scarum younger sister are launched onto society.

I discovered this author fairly recently and quickly bought her whole canon.The books are not formulaic, they are fun, clever and have a few storylines going at the same time, which (of course) the best books do.I like Ms Cameron's books so much, I'm buying the audible version as well, which is an honour bestowed on only a few authors (Heyer, Trollope, A., Allingham, Bryson and some Nix).Thank you for another book I know I shall read over and over. My only complaint is that I shall have to wait some time for another Cameron.

There was such a long gap between this book and Georgette’s story that I’d forgotten some of the characters. However, it didn’t take long for my memory to be jogged and to be reminded why I enjoy Alicia Cameron’s books. They seem like light frothy tales with a happy ending but there is usually quite bit in there about wider friendships and family relationships that make them that little bit different from others in the genre. The humour between long standing friends, the sense of the ridiculous that makes me smile and the new understanding between the sisters all play a part in Jocasta’s story just as much as the developing romance between more that one couple. Very enjoyable and I look forward to the next book in the series.

Enjoyed the book. Glad I got it on kindle as I never look at the covers. The person on this cover looks like she has had fillers in her lips. Enjoyed the characters and their interaction.

Another excellent outing! Familiar characters that tell their story with warmth and a little humour. It really feels like I know them. Can't wait to find out what happens to the rest of the sisters..x

The cast of characters is unusual for a Regency Romance as are their relationships. Almacks, Beau Brummel what more can we ask?Can't wait for volume 3 to come out.

Witty and warm. Characters you would enjoy knowing. A romance with lots of humor. I very much recommend this book and all the books by this authot.

Alicia Cameron has done it again The author has a talented hand for storytelling that entertains with snappy dialogue and unusual characters and plot lines.This is another wonderful tale to read and forget all around you while you accompany Jocasta during her second London Season. It's a growing season for her; she makes a friend and learns to appreciate her sister, Georgette.And she unwittingly loses her heart.

I really enjoyed Jocasta’s story & loved the secondary characters.This is very well written & getting to know such a diverse & fascinating family is a delight.The plot kept me guessing.The hero (es!) are all one could wish for.

This was a fun read, and cleverly done, as we watch a gazetted rake make an arrangement with the “fairy queen” Jocasta Fortune to “use” her for a purpose not initially known to her, but convenient as a cover for her own injured heart.We spend a lot of time with Georgette, now a marchioness, and her new husband, as well as with Justin Faulkes, all of whom featured prominently in the first Sisters of Castle Fortune book. We are also introduced to childhood friends, a young duke and his neighbor, Cecelia, as they awaken to adulthood and their feelings for each other.Well written, humorous and truly entertaining, this is a lovely escape from the buffets and worries of real life.Well done, Ms Cameron!

I am a prodigious reader and I love regency. These books smack of Georgette heyer But without quite so many unnecessary details whacking you over the head along the way. The characters are delightful even side characters are wonderfully developed. I love seeing the side romances blossom. And I look forward to more from these wonderful characters and this delightful author.