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Bruton Street Bookstore #4
Seductive as Flame
It was common gossip that there wasn't a woman alive safe from the seductive skills of Alec Monro, Earl of Dalgliesh. On the other hand, there wasn't a woman alive who didn't secretly covet a dalliance with the audacious, disreputable, dangerously exciting lover. After all, he was as handsome as a god, and his endowments were as legendary as his sexual stamina. That he was immeasurably wealthy only added to his charm.
Zelda MacKenzie, a magnificent, flame-haired Scottish beauty, inspired whispers of her own. She was rumored to be a witch--if only for the curious native jewels and unusual garb she'd brought home from her orchid-hunting expedition to Brazil. That's not to say she wasn't bewitching. On the contrary..
But Zelda made it quite clear to the earl that she had no interest in libertines.
A challenge, he thought.
How lovely.
How irresistible
Zelda MacKenzie, a magnificent, flame-haired Scottish beauty, inspired whispers of her own. She was rumored to be a witch--if only for the curious native jewels and unusual garb she'd brought home from her orchid-hunting expedition to Brazil. That's not to say she wasn't bewitching. On the contrary..
But Zelda made it quite clear to the earl that she had no interest in libertines.
A challenge, he thought.
How lovely.
How irresistible
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 1, 2011
24 people are currently reading
470 people want to read
About the author
Susan Johnson
254 books573 followersAnd it all began rather serendipitously. Long ago, as they say, in another time, when fast food hadn't reached our area and the only shopping was what the feed mill offered, I was reading a book that annoyed me .
My husband was lying beside me in bed, watching TV. Turning to him, I sort of petulantly said, "How the hell did this book get published?"
"If you think you're so smart," he replied, with one eye still on the TV, "why don't you write a book?"
So I did. And very badly.
I've since learned how to do, he said, she said, and a great variety of other adverb heavy, sometimes lengthy explanations of why my characters are saying what they're saying, along with finally coming to an understanding of what things like POV means. Point of View for you non-writers}.
Although, I still don't fully comprehend why it matters if you switch POV and I cavalierly disregard it as much as possible. So while my technical skills have hopefully improved, what hasn't changed is my great joy in writing. There's as much pleasure today in listening to my characters talk while I type as fast as I can, as there was the first time I put dialogue to paper--in long-hand, then, in my leather bound sketch-book.
My husband was lying beside me in bed, watching TV. Turning to him, I sort of petulantly said, "How the hell did this book get published?"
"If you think you're so smart," he replied, with one eye still on the TV, "why don't you write a book?"
So I did. And very badly.
I've since learned how to do, he said, she said, and a great variety of other adverb heavy, sometimes lengthy explanations of why my characters are saying what they're saying, along with finally coming to an understanding of what things like POV means. Point of View for you non-writers}.
Although, I still don't fully comprehend why it matters if you switch POV and I cavalierly disregard it as much as possible. So while my technical skills have hopefully improved, what hasn't changed is my great joy in writing. There's as much pleasure today in listening to my characters talk while I type as fast as I can, as there was the first time I put dialogue to paper--in long-hand, then, in my leather bound sketch-book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
August 15, 2017
★★★★★! Bruton Street Bookstore series, book 4 of 4. Larger-than-life Alec Monro, Earl of Dalgliesh’s rendezvous with Scottish Beauty goes awry when he finds himself coming back for more…!
UK EDITION SERIES INFO & REVIEW
Bruton Street Bookstore
Book 4
Formats: Kindle & Paperback (Same for the US)
The Bruton Street Bookstore series, courtesy Susan Johnson aka C.C. Gibbs, is published by different publishers in the US and UK, hence the different titles and covers. Series follows four titled bachelor friends in London in the early 1890’s.
These are stand-alones, but most enjoyed if read in order:
Book 1: (Year 1891)
Gorgeous As Sin (US) / Desire Laid Bare (UK)
Book 2: (Year 1892)
Sexy As Hell (US) / Promise Laid Bare (UK)
Book 3: (Year 1893)
Sweet As The Devil (US) / Temptation Laid Bare (UK)
Book 4: (Year 1894)
Seductive As Flame (US) / Intensity Laid Bare (UK)
“Their eyes held for a moment-pale blue and amethyst-and a flurry of ripe unguarded expectation shimmered in the air. Hotspur and graphic. Alec recovered first because he wasn’t given to blind impetuosity.”
ALEC MONRO, EARL OF DALGLIESH: 28 years/married/Lord-playboy/$$$$/black hair/light blue eyes.
ZELDA MACKENZIE: 26 years/Scottish/dark red hair/violet eyes.
Yes, Alec Monro, Earl of Dalgliesh is married, unhappily so. It’s a marriage of convenience (and secrets that will unfold). Both he and his wife live separate lives, though she might have wished she could have had his heart…. Alec has continued his libertine ways, playing havoc with women’s hearts all around. And his wife will end up playing the villain of sorts.
The story comes about in year 1894 when Alec’s friend Fitz (book 1) hosts a weekend hunting party. Alec meets Zelda MacKenzie (book 3 - Jamie’s cousin) and their attraction is instantaneous.
“I haven’t seen you before.’ His voice was velvet soft, lazy with provocation. But his gaze wasn’t lazy; it was predatory, like an animal on the scent.”
They agree on an assignation, and after some mind-blowing sex they both realize that one time is not enough. But Alec is married to a woman who not only doesn’t want to let go but is set on revenge. Buckle up for a story of intrigue, secrets and of course lots of sizzling sex!
Alec Monro, the Earl of Dalgliesh is on my top-10 HR hero shelf. He is a larger-than-life, beyond gorgeous, sexy (well endowed!), enigmatic and untouchable playboy alpha. He may share your bed, but he will never share his heart. Simply unforgettable!
“She sipped her drink and tried not to stare at Dalgliesh. But he was murderously handsome, dark as a gypsy, with sleepy, bedroom eyes, his hunter’s gaze shuttered now that he was lounging relaxed in his chair, his brandy glass resting on his chest.”
Spellbinding story-telling! Memorable hero and heroine! One of my all-time favorites!
“He should have left long ago. He actually did once – or nearly did, but Zelda pulled him back. Not that he needed any persuasion with her warm, welcoming body the ultimate Nirvana and his libido operating within the very narrow range of sex, sex, and more sex…”
***
Hero rating: 5+ stars
Heroine rating: 4.5 stars
Sex scenes rating: 5 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 5 stars
Storyline concept rating: 5 stars
Storytelling skills rating: 5 stars
Story ending rating: 5 stars
******************************
Overall rating: 5+ stars
Would I recommend this series: Yes.
Would I re-read this book: Yes.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.
Be sure to join CCGibbsFANS here on GR for the latest news:
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
(Public group for members 18 years and older)
November 17, 2017
★★★★★! Bruton Street Bookstore series, book 4 of 4. Larger-than-life Alec Monro, Earl of Dalgliesh’s rendezvous with Scottish Beauty goes awry when he finds himself coming back for more…!
US EDITION SERIES INFO & REVIEW
Bruton Street Bookstore
Book 4
Formats: Kindle & Paperback (Same for the UK)
The Bruton Street Bookstore series, courtesy Susan Johnson aka C.C. Gibbs, is published by different publishers in the US and UK, hence the different titles and covers. Series follows four titled bachelor friends in London in the early 1890’s.
These are stand-alones, but most enjoyed if read in order:
Book 1: (Year 1891)
Gorgeous As Sin (US) / Desire Laid Bare (UK)
Book 2: (Year 1892)
Sexy As Hell (US) / Promise Laid Bare (UK)
Book 3: (Year 1893)
Sweet As The Devil (US) / Temptation Laid Bare (UK)
Book 4: (Year 1894)
Seductive As Flame (US) / Intensity Laid Bare (UK)
“Their eyes held for a moment-pale blue and amethyst-and a flurry of ripe unguarded expectation shimmered in the air. Hotspur and graphic. Alec recovered first because he wasn’t given to blind impetuosity.”
ALEC MONRO, EARL OF DALGLIESH: 28 years/married/Lord-playboy/$$$$/black hair/light blue eyes.
ZELDA MACKENZIE: 26 years/Scottish/dark red hair/violet eyes.
Yes, Alec Monro, Earl of Dalgliesh is married, unhappily so. It’s a marriage of convenience (and secrets that will unfold). Both he and his wife live separate lives, though she might have wished she could have had his heart…. Alec has continued his libertine ways, playing havoc with women’s hearts all around. And his wife will end up playing the villain of sorts.
The story comes about in year 1894 when Alec’s friend Fitz (book 1) hosts a weekend hunting party. Alec meets Zelda MacKenzie (book 3 - Jamie’s cousin) and their attraction is instantaneous.
“I haven’t seen you before.’ His voice was velvet soft, lazy with provocation. But his gaze wasn’t lazy; it was predatory, like an animal on the scent.”
They agree on an assignation, and after some mind-blowing sex they both realize that one time is not enough. But Alec is married to a woman who not only doesn’t want to let go but is set on revenge. Buckle up for a story of intrigue, secrets and of course lots of sizzling sex!
Alec Monro, the Earl of Dalgliesh is on my top-10 HR hero shelf. He is a larger-than-life, beyond gorgeous, sexy (well endowed!), enigmatic and untouchable playboy alpha. He may share your bed, but he will never share his heart. Simply unforgettable!
“She sipped her drink and tried not to stare at Dalgliesh. But he was murderously handsome, dark as a gypsy, with sleepy, bedroom eyes, his hunter’s gaze shuttered now that he was lounging relaxed in his chair, his brandy glass resting on his chest.”
Spellbinding story-telling! Memorable hero and heroine! One of my all-time favorites!
“He should have left long ago. He actually did once – or nearly did, but Zelda pulled him back. Not that he needed any persuasion with her warm, welcoming body the ultimate Nirvana and his libido operating within the very narrow range of sex, sex, and more sex…”
***
Hero rating: 5+ stars
Heroine rating: 4.5 stars
Sex scenes rating: 5 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 5 stars
Storyline concept rating: 5 stars
Storytelling skills rating: 5 stars
Story ending rating: 5 stars
******************************
Overall rating: 5+ stars
Would I recommend this series: Yes.
Would I re-read this book: Yes.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.
Be sure to join CCGibbsFANS here on GR for the latest news:
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
(Public group for members 18 years and older)
December 15, 2011
4.51 Stars
As an avid follower of the "cheating" thread on the Amazon forums, I picked up this book as soon as I saw the tagline about the hero being married. Cheating, I hoped, would equal plenty of angst and drama. Sadly, while there isn't a lot of longing and angst in this book, the characters, the plot devices, and the clothes were all so over the top that I read this book in one sitting and enjoyed every moment.
The hero, Dalgliesh, is a wealthy, well endowed Earl who is notable for his amourous skills. He is also married. The heroine, Zelda, is an independent "feisty" Scotswoman (who has a gorgeous fur coat). They meet during breakfast at a Houseparty. By teatime, Dalgliesh asks Zelda to have his child. She notes that it's not practical to have his kid as he has a wife, and they are acquaintances of not quite a day, but he, "a man of great wealth and with it great power"insists that it's not impossible.
Alrighty.
We are told that there is a lot of chemistry between these two. I take chemistry to mean a lot of foul language and blunt conversation about having sex. Anyway, that night Dalgliesh comes to Zelda's room and they proceed to have the most unromantic, uncomfortable sounding romantic interlude that I have ever read. Dalgliesh of the "enormous cock" woos her with the promise of as many orgasms as she would like. Dear reader, you'll be pleased to know that he is a man of his word. The secret is that he is "ever practical and experienced," so that he knows how to curb his libido and "politely wait for the lady's orgasm to wane." Don't worry he doesn't get bored, he only glanced at the clock once while waiting.
Awesome.
Anyway, this book was a fountain of frothy over the top WTFness and cliches. For me, that was the appeal. The hero is a man whore. The heroine is Scottish (and has red hair naturally). The hero's wife is a nasty, evil slut; she expresses her rage at Zelda first by cutting up all her clothes including the gorgeous fur coat and then by trying to kill her. She also a very bad mother. There's loads more WTF but I don't want to spoil everything!
Daigleish is very delighted by how giving of herself Zelda is, until he falls in lust with her and then gets very jealous about the legions of men he imagines she's been with. He knows there must be many men because she loves orgasms and is quick to climax.
Another great WTF thing was Zelda's loving father's totally down with it reaction to Zelda shacking up with the married Earl. Zelda raised her five siblings and now that they are grown, he wants her to enjoy herself. Huh?
Eventually Dalgliesh decides he is going to divorce his eeeeeeeevil wife so that he can marry Zelda and have babies with her and the rest of the book is about how eeeeeeeevil and slutty the wife is and how divorce is good for the soul.
What I didn't like about this hot mess was the ending. It was way too abrupt and ended before I would have hoped the story would end. I wonder if the author just got tired of writing sex scenes (since that's the only way Zelda and Dalgliesh communicate) and decided to call it a day after she reached her needed word count on that first draft. I could also take some points off for the inconsistent relationship Dalgliesh has with children but I think it would be silly to get particular about consistent character behavior and logic in a book of this type. I didn't enjoy this book for it's nuanced characters and historical accuracy (do they say "screw you" as in "eff off" in the Victorian era?).
Clearly I need to go forth and read Susan Johnson's backlist. I have drunk the kool aid and need more.
As an avid follower of the "cheating" thread on the Amazon forums, I picked up this book as soon as I saw the tagline about the hero being married. Cheating, I hoped, would equal plenty of angst and drama. Sadly, while there isn't a lot of longing and angst in this book, the characters, the plot devices, and the clothes were all so over the top that I read this book in one sitting and enjoyed every moment.
The hero, Dalgliesh, is a wealthy, well endowed Earl who is notable for his amourous skills. He is also married. The heroine, Zelda, is an independent "feisty" Scotswoman (who has a gorgeous fur coat). They meet during breakfast at a Houseparty. By teatime, Dalgliesh asks Zelda to have his child. She notes that it's not practical to have his kid as he has a wife, and they are acquaintances of not quite a day, but he, "a man of great wealth and with it great power"insists that it's not impossible.
Alrighty.
We are told that there is a lot of chemistry between these two. I take chemistry to mean a lot of foul language and blunt conversation about having sex. Anyway, that night Dalgliesh comes to Zelda's room and they proceed to have the most unromantic, uncomfortable sounding romantic interlude that I have ever read. Dalgliesh of the "enormous cock" woos her with the promise of as many orgasms as she would like. Dear reader, you'll be pleased to know that he is a man of his word. The secret is that he is "ever practical and experienced," so that he knows how to curb his libido and "politely wait for the lady's orgasm to wane." Don't worry he doesn't get bored, he only glanced at the clock once while waiting.
Awesome.
Anyway, this book was a fountain of frothy over the top WTFness and cliches. For me, that was the appeal. The hero is a man whore. The heroine is Scottish (and has red hair naturally). The hero's wife is a nasty, evil slut; she expresses her rage at Zelda first by cutting up all her clothes including the gorgeous fur coat and then by trying to kill her. She also a very bad mother. There's loads more WTF but I don't want to spoil everything!
Daigleish is very delighted by how giving of herself Zelda is, until he falls in lust with her and then gets very jealous about the legions of men he imagines she's been with. He knows there must be many men because she loves orgasms and is quick to climax.
Another great WTF thing was Zelda's loving father's totally down with it reaction to Zelda shacking up with the married Earl. Zelda raised her five siblings and now that they are grown, he wants her to enjoy herself. Huh?
Eventually Dalgliesh decides he is going to divorce his eeeeeeeevil wife so that he can marry Zelda and have babies with her and the rest of the book is about how eeeeeeeevil and slutty the wife is and how divorce is good for the soul.
What I didn't like about this hot mess was the ending. It was way too abrupt and ended before I would have hoped the story would end. I wonder if the author just got tired of writing sex scenes (since that's the only way Zelda and Dalgliesh communicate) and decided to call it a day after she reached her needed word count on that first draft. I could also take some points off for the inconsistent relationship Dalgliesh has with children but I think it would be silly to get particular about consistent character behavior and logic in a book of this type. I didn't enjoy this book for it's nuanced characters and historical accuracy (do they say "screw you" as in "eff off" in the Victorian era?).
Clearly I need to go forth and read Susan Johnson's backlist. I have drunk the kool aid and need more.
April 24, 2024
This author is like junk food, tastes good going down but I feel guilty later. This one lost historical aspects in the name of character. But emotional sentiment between Zelda and Alec was addictive. Family dynamics were a nice backdrop. H manho days were mostly prior to h. I loved the decisive action H took when he realized h was the one. Sexy times made H seem like a robot sometimes
January 9, 2012
Story Rating 2 star
Character Rating 3 stars
Romance Rating 4 stars
Heat Level 3.5 stars
Overall Rating 2.5 stars
This story was just an ok read for me. First off the story line was pretty good but never quite took off. SJ could have really added some more imagination and action to the story and it could have been a fabulous read. I just kept waiting for something to happen and it never did.
The H&h were constantly extremely horny for each other. They would finally find time to be alone and then one would say something to make the other mad and they would bicker with each other before they would get it on. Get it on they did and when they did it was very hot. SJ's hero's are always well known for their stamina in their bed sport. Of course they carried on for too long of time and would be late for where they had to be. That is not the problem in itself but this action took place more than one time. It repeated itself for 2 day's worth of the book. Now for me if two people are hot and heavy for each other why continue to bicker every time they found time to be alone?
There were other things that also bothered me like the Hero's wife having a son that was afraid of the mother. We never did find out just why the child was so afraid of her. At the end we did find out some of the bad things this woman did but again if she was being used as a villain I think SJ could have used a bit more of that fact in the story other than the few things that were used.
I have read MANY of SJ's book's and just because this one was not that great of a read for me does not mean I will not read another. She does have a way with the sophisticated dialoged and the way she write a true to the bones rake that will keep me coming back for more.
Character Rating 3 stars
Romance Rating 4 stars
Heat Level 3.5 stars
Overall Rating 2.5 stars
This story was just an ok read for me. First off the story line was pretty good but never quite took off. SJ could have really added some more imagination and action to the story and it could have been a fabulous read. I just kept waiting for something to happen and it never did.
The H&h were constantly extremely horny for each other. They would finally find time to be alone and then one would say something to make the other mad and they would bicker with each other before they would get it on. Get it on they did and when they did it was very hot. SJ's hero's are always well known for their stamina in their bed sport. Of course they carried on for too long of time and would be late for where they had to be. That is not the problem in itself but this action took place more than one time. It repeated itself for 2 day's worth of the book. Now for me if two people are hot and heavy for each other why continue to bicker every time they found time to be alone?
There were other things that also bothered me like the Hero's wife having a son that was afraid of the mother. We never did find out just why the child was so afraid of her. At the end we did find out some of the bad things this woman did but again if she was being used as a villain I think SJ could have used a bit more of that fact in the story other than the few things that were used.
I have read MANY of SJ's book's and just because this one was not that great of a read for me does not mean I will not read another. She does have a way with the sophisticated dialoged and the way she write a true to the bones rake that will keep me coming back for more.
January 12, 2014
I had no idea the Princess of Hyrule was a dildo-luving, over-sexed & an insatiable participant of a fuck-a-thon...
December 29, 2011
I liked this one. The hero is married to a real witch that kept things interesting. I wished she wouldn't have gotten off so easily in the end though after all she put the hero through. This one didn't top any of SJ's older books in my opinion but it was an okay read. Can't wait for her next one.
October 20, 2013
I hated hated hated Seductive as Flame by Susan Johnson which I reviewed at AAR in December of 2011. This is still the only F review I've ever published.
I delight in sizzling sex and absorbing ambiance in my romances, so I was sure I’d love Susan Johnson. I’ve not read any of her other books, but she’s definitely got a reputation, and I was confident her novels and I were bound to be a perfect match. Well, damn my socks, but I was wrong. I didn’t like anything about Ms. Johnson’s latest, Seductive as Flame. Not the oodles of gooey sex, not the back story and its implied approval of British economic imperialism in late 19th century Africa, nor the libertine lovers both of who are as removed from reality as is Lady Gaga’s wardrobe.
Let me elaborate.
I didn’t like the plot. From the moment fabulously wealthy, divinely handsome, sexually exceptional, linguistically prodigal, superb rider, and almost painfully well-endowed Alec Munro, the Earl of Dalgliesh, sees flame haired, multi-orgasmic, violet-eyed, lush breasted, well-traveled, lynx fur coat wearing Zelda Mackenzie, he wants to ravish her in every position possible. She feels the same way about him, and after several dull chapters where the two talk about how desperately and creatively they want to get down and dirty with each other, by page seventy, they’ve had (literally) unbelievable amounts of constant copious coitus and Zelda has fallen in love. Alec, who’s married to a super bitch, isn’t quite in love but he wants much much more of Zelda’s curves and crevices, so the two embark on an affair. Alec’s slutty psycho wife tries to first break them up and then kill them. Alec, when he’s not drinking half a bottle of whiskey for lunch or showing Zelda the joys of bondage with very special knots, works on making vast sums of money from his mines in South Africa and valiantly protecting his step-son from his nasty mom.
I didn’t like the characters. Alec is my least favorite kind of alpha-male hero. He’s screwed more women than he can remember, but even thinking about the other lovers who taught Zelda to be so bodacious in bed makes him want to hit her. He’s so cock-sure of himself that, when Zelda compliments his amorous abilities, he thinks to himself, “That’s what they all say.” He lies repeatedly to Zelda — sometimes to shut her up, other times to manipulate her into doing his will. He’s such a dick — in so many offensive ways — I kept hoping he’d suddenly be felled by some horrible, impotence-inducing disease. Zelda is no better. She’s a whiner, wails when she doesn’t get her twentieth big bang of the day, and constantly discounts the needs, schedules, and presence of others so she can have wild screaming sex anywhere, anytime with Alec. Violetta, Alec’s evil wife, is so over the top, she’s a caricature. She doesn’t have a single redeeming aspect to her — she makes Cruella DeVil look compassionate.
I didn’t like the historical back story. Ms. Johnson clearly knows her time and place but, in Seductive as Flame, the history doesn’t enhance the story. Furthermore, Alec is uber-wealthy and much of the history centers on his efforts to become even wealthier. I didn’t care about his African mines, his sumptuous travels all over the world, or his near miraculous ability to procure fantastically singular and prohibitively expensive gifts for Zelda at a moment's notice. In good historical fiction, it’s not enough that context is detailed and accurate; it must also be interesting. In this book, it is not.
I didn’t like the sex and there was loads of sex. In all of it, Alec is the Zen master of orgasm. Zelda comes over and over again while Alec, smarmily congratulating himself on his dick size and stamina, doesn’t until he so chooses. He does choose to come in Zelda and rather cavalierly justified this by first saying he can’t help himself — funny how that Zen thing comes and goes — and then saying, no matter what, he has to have her as his. Alec and Zelda often use bickering and hostility as foreplay and, given that none of it is witty, funny, or appealing, their verbal intercourse debases their sexual intercourse. Their sex is prodigious but not palpably passionate. As their relationship deepens, the two speak loftily about love and happiness; but between the sheets, against the wall, in the chaise lounge, and on the floor, they are just fucking. Not once did I ever feel they made love.
I think most would categorize this book as erotic romance. I found it neither. I found it almost unreadable.
It’s possible I might enjoy Susan Johnson’s prose were I to read another of her books. She’s earned four A’s, six B’s, seven C’s, four D’s, and seven F’s here at AAR. That’s quite an assortment. Other than here at AAR reviewers have praised To Please A Lady, Forbidden, Outlaw, and Silver Flame. Each of these books by Ms. Johnson is described as a stellar, blazing historical romance. I’ll have to take that on faith because Seductive as Flame is anything but.
December 18, 2011
It was common gossip that there wasn’t a woman alive safe from the seductive skills of Alec Monro, Earl of Dalgliesh. On the other hand, there was no woman who didn’t secretly covet a dalliance with the audacious, disreputable, and dangerously exciting lover. After all, he was as handsome as a god, and his endowments were as legendary as his sexual stamina. And it didn’t hurt that he was immeasurably wealthy.
Zelda MacKenzie, a magnificent, flame-haired Scottish beauty, inspired whispers of her own: that she was rumored to be a witch–if only for the curious native jewels and unusual garb she’d brought home from her orchid-hunting expedition to Brazil. That’s not to say she wasn’t bewitching. On the contrary.
But Zelda made it quite clear to the earl that she had no interest in libertines. A challenge, he thought. How lovely. How maddening. How irresistible.
After reading this blurb, I was excited to dive into what seemed to be an intriguing story of seductive man and alluring woman. Alas, I was sorely disappointed. I had a lot of problems with the storyline, the first being infidelity. From the synopsis, you would never know that the hero was married and that deception set the tone for the entire story.
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times – trust is the foundation for any relationship. Given that Alec has quite a history for seducing women, the reader is let to believe that Zelda will end up as one of his many conquests and that he will move on from her to the next, however that is not the case. As their relationship continues, the jealousy and insecurity that Alec and Zelda both exhibited proved irritating. Undeniably, the lack of trust was a prominent factor given Zelda was in an affair with a married man who initially could not promise her any permanency while having a known history of countless paramours. With this backdrop, I struggled to connect with or find any credibility to this couple.
THE COUPLE:
Zelda –I have issues with an author portraying a heroine as intelligent, independent, and fearless only to have her cave and lose all morals and thought process when being seduced by a married man. It tends to tarnish any truth in how the character’s individual qualities are depicted to the reader. Further, I expected Zelda to be more headstrong and hard to get. That was not the case. She was immediately attracted to Alec and could not wait to bed him. Her early declaration of love, given in a light tone to Alec after their first sexual encounter, had me cringing because as it was written she believed she loved him in less than twenty four hours. I always detest the early, unauthentic aspirations of love within the first fifty pages of a story.
Alec – While Alec detested his wife (Violetta), he was well known for seeking “one night stands” in order to satisfy his libido. In spite of Alec’s womanizing nature, I found him to be a very selfless and compassionate character. Alec entered his marriage to protect his mother from a secret transgression committed by his father. Violetta’s threats to expose said secret is what kept his informal marriage in tact for four years. Given Alec had the charm and persuasion to practically entice any woman for sexual favors, and his wife blatantly exhibited her adulterous nature, there was no consideration of divorce, until Zelda. I wish that the author had taken another course with Alec’s predicament. Had he been a widow or simply a reformed rake, I believe the story would have taken on a more positive tone. I applauded Alec’s compassion and devotion to Chris (Violetta’s son). Although, Chris was not his son, Alec was his primary caretaker and the only “papa” Chris knew. Also, I commend Alec’s lack of bitterness given the circumstances of his informal marriage as well as the lengths to which he would go to be free of Violetta in order to love and be in a committed relationship with Zelda.
THE SETTING:
Though this is categorized as a “historical romance,” I would label it more of a “wallpaper historical” given the modern language and the bold erotic tone that was set in the 1800’s. While it was noticeable, it was not a terrible distraction. However the overuse of flowery, ostentatious prose did prove to be more of a distraction than an aide. At times, it was as if the author was jumping back and forth from a modern and historical setting.
THE (OVER) SMEXING:
The author established an instant chemistry between Alec and Zelda, however their seduction quickly turned to sexual obsession as if they were dogs in heat. The overuse of lust became overkill to the story. Alec’s stamina as well as the amount of orgasms he provided Zelda was unrealistic. If the author believed this was the way to create more of an erotic feel to the romance, it was not successful.
THE END:
Overall, I believe the author had great potential given her humor, flow of writing, and ease of creating a magnetic chemistry between her characters. However it felt over done for my taste. Sadly, I kept thinking that had the plot been tweaked and the characters made, less obsessive, it would have made a world of difference to the storyline and made it a more enjoyable read.
Originally posted at http://www.fictionvixen.com/2011/12/r...
Zelda MacKenzie, a magnificent, flame-haired Scottish beauty, inspired whispers of her own: that she was rumored to be a witch–if only for the curious native jewels and unusual garb she’d brought home from her orchid-hunting expedition to Brazil. That’s not to say she wasn’t bewitching. On the contrary.
But Zelda made it quite clear to the earl that she had no interest in libertines. A challenge, he thought. How lovely. How maddening. How irresistible.
After reading this blurb, I was excited to dive into what seemed to be an intriguing story of seductive man and alluring woman. Alas, I was sorely disappointed. I had a lot of problems with the storyline, the first being infidelity. From the synopsis, you would never know that the hero was married and that deception set the tone for the entire story.
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times – trust is the foundation for any relationship. Given that Alec has quite a history for seducing women, the reader is let to believe that Zelda will end up as one of his many conquests and that he will move on from her to the next, however that is not the case. As their relationship continues, the jealousy and insecurity that Alec and Zelda both exhibited proved irritating. Undeniably, the lack of trust was a prominent factor given Zelda was in an affair with a married man who initially could not promise her any permanency while having a known history of countless paramours. With this backdrop, I struggled to connect with or find any credibility to this couple.
THE COUPLE:
Zelda –I have issues with an author portraying a heroine as intelligent, independent, and fearless only to have her cave and lose all morals and thought process when being seduced by a married man. It tends to tarnish any truth in how the character’s individual qualities are depicted to the reader. Further, I expected Zelda to be more headstrong and hard to get. That was not the case. She was immediately attracted to Alec and could not wait to bed him. Her early declaration of love, given in a light tone to Alec after their first sexual encounter, had me cringing because as it was written she believed she loved him in less than twenty four hours. I always detest the early, unauthentic aspirations of love within the first fifty pages of a story.
Alec – While Alec detested his wife (Violetta), he was well known for seeking “one night stands” in order to satisfy his libido. In spite of Alec’s womanizing nature, I found him to be a very selfless and compassionate character. Alec entered his marriage to protect his mother from a secret transgression committed by his father. Violetta’s threats to expose said secret is what kept his informal marriage in tact for four years. Given Alec had the charm and persuasion to practically entice any woman for sexual favors, and his wife blatantly exhibited her adulterous nature, there was no consideration of divorce, until Zelda. I wish that the author had taken another course with Alec’s predicament. Had he been a widow or simply a reformed rake, I believe the story would have taken on a more positive tone. I applauded Alec’s compassion and devotion to Chris (Violetta’s son). Although, Chris was not his son, Alec was his primary caretaker and the only “papa” Chris knew. Also, I commend Alec’s lack of bitterness given the circumstances of his informal marriage as well as the lengths to which he would go to be free of Violetta in order to love and be in a committed relationship with Zelda.
THE SETTING:
Though this is categorized as a “historical romance,” I would label it more of a “wallpaper historical” given the modern language and the bold erotic tone that was set in the 1800’s. While it was noticeable, it was not a terrible distraction. However the overuse of flowery, ostentatious prose did prove to be more of a distraction than an aide. At times, it was as if the author was jumping back and forth from a modern and historical setting.
THE (OVER) SMEXING:
The author established an instant chemistry between Alec and Zelda, however their seduction quickly turned to sexual obsession as if they were dogs in heat. The overuse of lust became overkill to the story. Alec’s stamina as well as the amount of orgasms he provided Zelda was unrealistic. If the author believed this was the way to create more of an erotic feel to the romance, it was not successful.
THE END:
Overall, I believe the author had great potential given her humor, flow of writing, and ease of creating a magnetic chemistry between her characters. However it felt over done for my taste. Sadly, I kept thinking that had the plot been tweaked and the characters made, less obsessive, it would have made a world of difference to the storyline and made it a more enjoyable read.
Originally posted at http://www.fictionvixen.com/2011/12/r...
February 17, 2014
I adored this book. And it gets 4.5 stars. Why not 5 stars? Look below :)
This story initially intrigued me because the leading male character Alec is married and its a “marriage of convenience”. I was quite curious on how a romance would “play out” in this setting. And I wasn’t disappointed. There were many twists and turns. The wife was an absolutely b—ch so I constantly found myself wanting Alec to be happy and victorious. The heroine was delightful as well. I don’t want to say too much about the plot so I will stop here. Except “YES” it is quite deliciously steamy.
I would gladly have given it 5 stars but to me - the ending was so sudden. I am a big fan of an epilogue and I believed this book could have had one, at least 1 to 2 pages.
There are times a book is like a present to me and the epilogue can be the ribbons and the bow (just the finishing touches). And this book would have received 5 stars with the finishing “ribbons and bow”.
This story initially intrigued me because the leading male character Alec is married and its a “marriage of convenience”. I was quite curious on how a romance would “play out” in this setting. And I wasn’t disappointed. There were many twists and turns. The wife was an absolutely b—ch so I constantly found myself wanting Alec to be happy and victorious. The heroine was delightful as well. I don’t want to say too much about the plot so I will stop here. Except “YES” it is quite deliciously steamy.
I would gladly have given it 5 stars but to me - the ending was so sudden. I am a big fan of an epilogue and I believed this book could have had one, at least 1 to 2 pages.
There are times a book is like a present to me and the epilogue can be the ribbons and the bow (just the finishing touches). And this book would have received 5 stars with the finishing “ribbons and bow”.
December 22, 2023
Decent book terrible ending
I feel like I just walked off a cliff. There is no climax to the story. Neither is there a satisfying denouement. The author took care with an intricate storyline and layered character development primarily of the main male character. There were plot points moving the story along. Then splat story over. WTF? Dear author redo this ending. Then you will have a great book!
I feel like I just walked off a cliff. There is no climax to the story. Neither is there a satisfying denouement. The author took care with an intricate storyline and layered character development primarily of the main male character. There were plot points moving the story along. Then splat story over. WTF? Dear author redo this ending. Then you will have a great book!
January 5, 2012
Si Alec ini Earl, yg punya istri yg jahat,kejam dan tukang selingkuh...hm, ga tau siapa yg duluan mulai, soal nya si Alec juga a man's whore sih....
Ketemulah Alec dengan Zelda di satu pesta di desa, yg katanya isinya orang2 pasangan ga bener semua rata2..istri si ini tidur sama suami si itu,dan sebalik nya.
Pandangan pertama, Alec udah napsu berat liat Zelda yg seksi... makin jeleklah kelakuan istrinya (Violeta) di mata dia.
Mana Violetta ini ternyata menikah sama Alec karena di paksa bokap nya Alec saat Violetta yg tadi nya janda (punya anak di luat nikah gitu dengan orang lain)...Berantakan banget ya.. [image error]
Mulailah hari itu juga Alec melakukan pedekate sama Zelda,sampe bawa2 anak tirinya segala.
Malem nya Zelda di deketin istri Alec,dan sempet di pukul sama kipas tangannya,Zelda ga ngelawan,keburu di usir Alec bini nya.
Gak lama after itu, Alec dengan tenang nya dateng ke kamar istrinya dan mendapati istrinya sedang naked dan guling2an di tempat tidur denga Lord Mytton , selingkuhannya.... bleh ! [image error]
Padahal sebelum nya marah2 sama Zelda buat gak deketin suaminya tuh...huh,kalo aku jadi Zelda, aku makin deketin deh...
Eh,ternyata,Alec punya pikiran yg sama dengan aku wakakkakak....... [image error] ..dia datengin kamar Zelda dan ngajakZelda uhuk2 dan boleh request as many orgasm as you want, katanya [image error]
Zelda mau lah, secara sudah menjadi legenda di London kalo Alec punya "enormous cock" gitu hihihiihhii...
Aku ga suka nih ML nya ga seksi...secara kebanyakan bacot si Alec nya dan terlalu pede dengan kemampuannya memuaskan Zelda dan kehebatan "cock" nya itu... [image error]
ML berlanjut sampai pagi danberlanjut lagi di tempat nya si Alec, bawa anak segala lho kencan nya, itu yg bikin org2 bingung.
The whole story sebetulnya menceritakan berapa botchi dan jahat nya istri Alec..dan Alec ini kan tipe yg ga bisa di tolak perempuan, dan begitu Zelda menolak menikah, dia makin gencar lah....Zelda sih juga tipe cewek yg tidur sana sini, ...sleeping around gitu....sampe dia ketemu Alec ... Alec katanya pengen punya his own baby sama Zelda [image error]
Lovescene nya sangat panas den eksplisit... [image error] , tapi gatau kenapa ya, baca nya melelahkan dan bikin pusing ...terutama sex scene nya yg kebanyakan si Alec terlalu membangg2kan cock nya yg enormous dan luar biasa itu serta kemampuannya memuaskan cewek..juga Zelda disini ada diminta arisansendiri,sementar si Alec nonton...bleh ! (again) [image error]
Happy ending sih dengan akhirnya Alec dan Zelda bisa menikah..ada benci2an, kejar2an juga, tapi terasa banget cuma sebagai tempelan aja...menu utama nya adalah...how great si Alec dalam hal sex..sex...sex...the whole scene about sex was exhausting , really.... [image error]
Tapi berhubung ini erotica dan gak terlalu mnyebalkan, gak perlu lah buku ini di injek2 ..beli nya juga mahal hahahhahah.....
so, it's all up to you..take it, or leave it.... [image error]
WARNING !
contains explicit sex scene xxx rated, explicit sex words... and not suitable for under 21 years old of age.
And definitely not for adik2 yg lugu , ibu2 dan emak2 yg baik2 ..dan absolutely gak buat yang bahasa Inggris nya pas2an... [image error]
Ketemulah Alec dengan Zelda di satu pesta di desa, yg katanya isinya orang2 pasangan ga bener semua rata2..istri si ini tidur sama suami si itu,dan sebalik nya.
Pandangan pertama, Alec udah napsu berat liat Zelda yg seksi... makin jeleklah kelakuan istrinya (Violeta) di mata dia.
Mana Violetta ini ternyata menikah sama Alec karena di paksa bokap nya Alec saat Violetta yg tadi nya janda (punya anak di luat nikah gitu dengan orang lain)...Berantakan banget ya.. [image error]
Mulailah hari itu juga Alec melakukan pedekate sama Zelda,sampe bawa2 anak tirinya segala.
Malem nya Zelda di deketin istri Alec,dan sempet di pukul sama kipas tangannya,Zelda ga ngelawan,keburu di usir Alec bini nya.
Gak lama after itu, Alec dengan tenang nya dateng ke kamar istrinya dan mendapati istrinya sedang naked dan guling2an di tempat tidur denga Lord Mytton , selingkuhannya.... bleh ! [image error]
Padahal sebelum nya marah2 sama Zelda buat gak deketin suaminya tuh...huh,kalo aku jadi Zelda, aku makin deketin deh...
Eh,ternyata,Alec punya pikiran yg sama dengan aku wakakkakak....... [image error] ..dia datengin kamar Zelda dan ngajakZelda uhuk2 dan boleh request as many orgasm as you want, katanya [image error]
Zelda mau lah, secara sudah menjadi legenda di London kalo Alec punya "enormous cock" gitu hihihiihhii...
Aku ga suka nih ML nya ga seksi...secara kebanyakan bacot si Alec nya dan terlalu pede dengan kemampuannya memuaskan Zelda dan kehebatan "cock" nya itu... [image error]
ML berlanjut sampai pagi danberlanjut lagi di tempat nya si Alec, bawa anak segala lho kencan nya, itu yg bikin org2 bingung.
The whole story sebetulnya menceritakan berapa botchi dan jahat nya istri Alec..dan Alec ini kan tipe yg ga bisa di tolak perempuan, dan begitu Zelda menolak menikah, dia makin gencar lah....Zelda sih juga tipe cewek yg tidur sana sini, ...sleeping around gitu....sampe dia ketemu Alec ... Alec katanya pengen punya his own baby sama Zelda [image error]
Lovescene nya sangat panas den eksplisit... [image error] , tapi gatau kenapa ya, baca nya melelahkan dan bikin pusing ...terutama sex scene nya yg kebanyakan si Alec terlalu membangg2kan cock nya yg enormous dan luar biasa itu serta kemampuannya memuaskan cewek..juga Zelda disini ada diminta arisansendiri,sementar si Alec nonton...bleh ! (again) [image error]
Happy ending sih dengan akhirnya Alec dan Zelda bisa menikah..ada benci2an, kejar2an juga, tapi terasa banget cuma sebagai tempelan aja...menu utama nya adalah...how great si Alec dalam hal sex..sex...sex...the whole scene about sex was exhausting , really.... [image error]
Tapi berhubung ini erotica dan gak terlalu mnyebalkan, gak perlu lah buku ini di injek2 ..beli nya juga mahal hahahhahah.....
so, it's all up to you..take it, or leave it.... [image error]
WARNING !
contains explicit sex scene xxx rated, explicit sex words... and not suitable for under 21 years old of age.
And definitely not for adik2 yg lugu , ibu2 dan emak2 yg baik2 ..dan absolutely gak buat yang bahasa Inggris nya pas2an... [image error]
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2016
Alec Munro, Earl of Dalgliesh, has his hands full when he meets Zelda for the first time. She is every man’s desires and he is no exception. He knows women better than most men but Zelda proves to be different on so many levels which make the desire to hunt that much stronger. However, Alec has obligations to his son and interference from his meddling wife, a woman whom he doesn’t love.
Zelda is witty and strong. Instead of her independence turning Alec off, he finds himself strangely attracted and drawn to her. He sets out to seduce her, a task he has never failed at, but Zelda’s fierce personality proves to be a match for him and he finds that for the first time he might have to learn the word “no”.
I have to state that I am a bit put off that one of the main characters are already married and the wife is prevalent in the beginning of the story. I tend to like my romance stories with the H/h single and not in a relationship with another character. I guess the author’s way of smoothing this over is to make the wife a vulgar and crude character but it failed. The situation ultimately get dealt with but not before it left a bad taste with me.
While I am not a fan of the main character’s interaction in the beginning, I will not deny that the author knows how to pen the perfect blend of romance and sensuality. The intimacy between Alec and Zelda is smoking hot! Zelda does try to keep Alec away because of his issues with his wife but after a while no longer refuses his advances.
While I’m normally a fan of erotic historical romance this did little for me. It is not a memorable story and I didn’t care that much for the characters, especially Alec. He came across as a typical arrogant male who slept with a lot of women until the heroine and even then he needed someone to take the edge off because she refused him. Though I didn’t love this book, I did enjoy reading it and will probably try one from the author’s backlist.
December 12, 2011
I found the ending a little abrupt but overall, loved the book! Johnson's one of my favorites!
April 1, 2018
0/10 DNF. Actually threw it in the garbage. It is that much shit.
January 16, 2019
It was okay. More sex than substance, not much character development unless you count retetitive descriptions of the hero's penis size as character development.
January 15, 2022
Lots of sex, but not very hot
December 28, 2011
You can also read this review at Reflections on Reading Romance
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
It was really difficult to rate this book. I felt that the writing was polished and professional, and the narrative flowed well. Unfortunately the underlying premise of the book made it difficult to care for either the hero or heroine, and the high level of sensuality (while very well done) and frequent sex scenes didn’t completely convince me of the romance between the protagonists. For that reason, I’m marking this book down to a 3.5, but the strength of Ms. Johnson’s writing has me interested in checking out her other books.
This historical romance begins at a hunting party in the country, where the Earl of Dalgliesh, Alec Munro, is visiting with his shrew of a wife, Violeta, and her 6 year old son, Christopher. Almost immediately upon arriving at the party, Alec is bowled over when he meets the fiery Scottish Griselda “Zelda” MacKenzie, and the two begin a torrid affair. Zelda has recently returned from a trip abroad to Brazil, and she has the reputation of being a witch, no doubt because of her innate sensuality, which certainly bewitches Alec. But the Earl of Dalgliesh has a reputation as a heartbreaker and already has a wife. Can there be a future for the two lovers?
The above paragraph is my short summary of the book, which I’m providing because the official blurb for this book is a bit misleading. It mentions that Alec is fascinated with Zelda and that she returns his regard, but no mention is made of his married state. Frankly, I’ve never enjoyed romances that have one of the partners cheating on the other, no matter how despicable the other spouse is.
Zelda is just not a very appealing heroine, because she willingly enters an affair with a married man. In fact, she decides very quickly to see where the affair with Alec will take her, despite knowing that he is married and before fully realizing the extent of his wife’s duplicitous behavior. This is unfortunate, because otherwise I would have really enjoyed Zelda’s character. She’s independent, plain-speaking, and unapologetically sensual, plus a fierce rider and competitor on the hunting field. All of these characteristics make her a heroine I would normally like and root for in the course of her romance with the hero, but her decision to engage in an extramarital affair, while no doubt common enough among the aristocracy at the time, turned me off from the beginning.
Alec’s wife Violeta is also a problematic character. She’s so over the top as a villain that she’s a caricature, but this doesn’t become immediately apparent to the reader, which makes it difficult for us to sympathize with Alec. When Zelda and Alec meet and it becomes clear that they are embarking upon an affair we have almost no information about Violeta. This makes it somewhat uncomfortable for the reader, since it’s not really all that obvious why Alec’s marriage is failing at that point in the text. Clearly Violeta’s character is meant to create sympathy for Alec and make it easier for the reader to accept the growing closeness between Alec and Zelda, but Violeta is so one-dimensional as to be ridiculous.
While the level of sensuality in this novel is high, it’s tastefully done, and Zelda and Alec’s chemistry is sizzling, to say the least. Unfortunately the frequency of the sex scenes creates little opportunity for us to see Alec and Zelda together as a couple falling in love, causing the romance to fall a bit flat. Alec’s fascinated with Zelda, and nearly all his friends and servants comment on that fascination, but the two seemed to fall immediately in lust, rather than love.
After looking over everything I’ve written thus far, I realize that this review is overwhelmingly negative in tone, which I feel is a bit unfair. The writing is really stellar, and I found myself highly engaged in the book, eagerly turning pages to see how it would end. For those reasons, I’m looking forward to giving Ms. Johnson’s other books a try. But because I was uncomfortable with a heroine so obviously unconcerned with having an affair with a married man, Seductive as Flame just didn’t work for me.
I received this book as part of Goodreads' First Reads program.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
It was really difficult to rate this book. I felt that the writing was polished and professional, and the narrative flowed well. Unfortunately the underlying premise of the book made it difficult to care for either the hero or heroine, and the high level of sensuality (while very well done) and frequent sex scenes didn’t completely convince me of the romance between the protagonists. For that reason, I’m marking this book down to a 3.5, but the strength of Ms. Johnson’s writing has me interested in checking out her other books.
This historical romance begins at a hunting party in the country, where the Earl of Dalgliesh, Alec Munro, is visiting with his shrew of a wife, Violeta, and her 6 year old son, Christopher. Almost immediately upon arriving at the party, Alec is bowled over when he meets the fiery Scottish Griselda “Zelda” MacKenzie, and the two begin a torrid affair. Zelda has recently returned from a trip abroad to Brazil, and she has the reputation of being a witch, no doubt because of her innate sensuality, which certainly bewitches Alec. But the Earl of Dalgliesh has a reputation as a heartbreaker and already has a wife. Can there be a future for the two lovers?
The above paragraph is my short summary of the book, which I’m providing because the official blurb for this book is a bit misleading. It mentions that Alec is fascinated with Zelda and that she returns his regard, but no mention is made of his married state. Frankly, I’ve never enjoyed romances that have one of the partners cheating on the other, no matter how despicable the other spouse is.
Zelda is just not a very appealing heroine, because she willingly enters an affair with a married man. In fact, she decides very quickly to see where the affair with Alec will take her, despite knowing that he is married and before fully realizing the extent of his wife’s duplicitous behavior. This is unfortunate, because otherwise I would have really enjoyed Zelda’s character. She’s independent, plain-speaking, and unapologetically sensual, plus a fierce rider and competitor on the hunting field. All of these characteristics make her a heroine I would normally like and root for in the course of her romance with the hero, but her decision to engage in an extramarital affair, while no doubt common enough among the aristocracy at the time, turned me off from the beginning.
Alec’s wife Violeta is also a problematic character. She’s so over the top as a villain that she’s a caricature, but this doesn’t become immediately apparent to the reader, which makes it difficult for us to sympathize with Alec. When Zelda and Alec meet and it becomes clear that they are embarking upon an affair we have almost no information about Violeta. This makes it somewhat uncomfortable for the reader, since it’s not really all that obvious why Alec’s marriage is failing at that point in the text. Clearly Violeta’s character is meant to create sympathy for Alec and make it easier for the reader to accept the growing closeness between Alec and Zelda, but Violeta is so one-dimensional as to be ridiculous.
While the level of sensuality in this novel is high, it’s tastefully done, and Zelda and Alec’s chemistry is sizzling, to say the least. Unfortunately the frequency of the sex scenes creates little opportunity for us to see Alec and Zelda together as a couple falling in love, causing the romance to fall a bit flat. Alec’s fascinated with Zelda, and nearly all his friends and servants comment on that fascination, but the two seemed to fall immediately in lust, rather than love.
After looking over everything I’ve written thus far, I realize that this review is overwhelmingly negative in tone, which I feel is a bit unfair. The writing is really stellar, and I found myself highly engaged in the book, eagerly turning pages to see how it would end. For those reasons, I’m looking forward to giving Ms. Johnson’s other books a try. But because I was uncomfortable with a heroine so obviously unconcerned with having an affair with a married man, Seductive as Flame just didn’t work for me.
I received this book as part of Goodreads' First Reads program.
February 1, 2012
Reviewed for TwoLips Reviews, LLC. 4 1/2 kisses, 2 peppers (M/F, bondage, rope play)
Alec Munro, Earl of Dalgliesh (I tried to pronounce this in my head and it kept sounding like “dog leash”, which amused me but threw me off a bit), is a notorious seducer and Zelda MacKenzie is an exotic Scottish beauty. They meet at a house party. He's married and has a stepson, but his friends wonder why he hasn’t divorced already. Something about Zelda draws him, and he pursues her despite the fact that he knows he shouldn’t. His normally uncaring wife, who has numerous lovers of her own, is being extra difficult, confrontational and combative with Zelda. What a vindictive bitch she is! But Alec and Zelda manage to share a night of unbridled passion, and he’s shocked and dismayed to find he doesn’t want to escape as he usually does from casual lovers. He wants more of her, despite himself.
Zelda knows the score and understands she can’t ask too much of him, but he’s so incredible in bed that she’s hooked. Alec’s old nanny approves of Zelda for many reasons: she's kind, intelligent, Scottish, a good match for Alec, and she makes him happy. She’s also good with his young stepson, Chris, and Alec is showing an unprecedented interest in her. Zelda is unusual, but I like her even though I’m not sure I would like her in real life. She tends to be bitchy, but somehow it works with her relationship with Alec. They both struggle with jealousy because of how much sexual experience they both have, even when the expertise increases their mutual pleasure. They both tell themselves they need to remember it’s just a casual fling just like any other, but deep down they know it’s more. They definitely hope it’s more. Everyone around them sees it’s more. The reactions of his servants to his uncharacteristic behavior help tell the story of how significant this affair is and different it is from his norm.
Overall, Seductive as Flame is a well-written, fast-paced read that will appeal to fans of steamy historical romances. It’s easy to see why Susan Johnson is such a well-loved author. I liked the whole book, most especially how Alec moved heaven and earth to be with Zelda.
Alec Munro, Earl of Dalgliesh (I tried to pronounce this in my head and it kept sounding like “dog leash”, which amused me but threw me off a bit), is a notorious seducer and Zelda MacKenzie is an exotic Scottish beauty. They meet at a house party. He's married and has a stepson, but his friends wonder why he hasn’t divorced already. Something about Zelda draws him, and he pursues her despite the fact that he knows he shouldn’t. His normally uncaring wife, who has numerous lovers of her own, is being extra difficult, confrontational and combative with Zelda. What a vindictive bitch she is! But Alec and Zelda manage to share a night of unbridled passion, and he’s shocked and dismayed to find he doesn’t want to escape as he usually does from casual lovers. He wants more of her, despite himself.
Zelda knows the score and understands she can’t ask too much of him, but he’s so incredible in bed that she’s hooked. Alec’s old nanny approves of Zelda for many reasons: she's kind, intelligent, Scottish, a good match for Alec, and she makes him happy. She’s also good with his young stepson, Chris, and Alec is showing an unprecedented interest in her. Zelda is unusual, but I like her even though I’m not sure I would like her in real life. She tends to be bitchy, but somehow it works with her relationship with Alec. They both struggle with jealousy because of how much sexual experience they both have, even when the expertise increases their mutual pleasure. They both tell themselves they need to remember it’s just a casual fling just like any other, but deep down they know it’s more. They definitely hope it’s more. Everyone around them sees it’s more. The reactions of his servants to his uncharacteristic behavior help tell the story of how significant this affair is and different it is from his norm.
Overall, Seductive as Flame is a well-written, fast-paced read that will appeal to fans of steamy historical romances. It’s easy to see why Susan Johnson is such a well-loved author. I liked the whole book, most especially how Alec moved heaven and earth to be with Zelda.
December 14, 2011
Seductive as Flame by Susan Johnson
Historical Romance -Dec. 6th, 2011
4 stars
Alec Munro, the Earl of Dalgliesh, is trapped in a loveless marriage. Famous for his numerous liaisons and vicious wife, he does not expect to encounter the dashing and extraordinary Zelda MacKenzie. As they tumble headlong into a wild affair, Alec quickly realizes that his heart could be in danger...
I loved Zelda’s character. She’s so independent and modern, a complete departure from the usual fragile misses or feisty but childish heroines. I especially liked her leave it or take it attitude towards Alec. She is realistic; she knows that he’s a legendary Casanova who’s already married. She is prepared for their affair to end anytime. Alec on the other hand is the typical handsome and sexually powerful alpha male. To me, his character is not as exciting as Zelda, but the mystery behind his marriage and his mother’s illness was my main motivation for reading the book till the very last page.
Steamy and full of suspense, this is one of Susan Johnson’s best.
Reviewed by Pauline from the Bookaholics Romance Club
Historical Romance -Dec. 6th, 2011
4 stars
Alec Munro, the Earl of Dalgliesh, is trapped in a loveless marriage. Famous for his numerous liaisons and vicious wife, he does not expect to encounter the dashing and extraordinary Zelda MacKenzie. As they tumble headlong into a wild affair, Alec quickly realizes that his heart could be in danger...
I loved Zelda’s character. She’s so independent and modern, a complete departure from the usual fragile misses or feisty but childish heroines. I especially liked her leave it or take it attitude towards Alec. She is realistic; she knows that he’s a legendary Casanova who’s already married. She is prepared for their affair to end anytime. Alec on the other hand is the typical handsome and sexually powerful alpha male. To me, his character is not as exciting as Zelda, but the mystery behind his marriage and his mother’s illness was my main motivation for reading the book till the very last page.
Steamy and full of suspense, this is one of Susan Johnson’s best.
Reviewed by Pauline from the Bookaholics Romance Club
January 11, 2012
Ms. Johnson delivers another magnificent read!
Zelda MacKenzie is an exotic beautiful and independent woman. Zelda has braved the wilds of Brazil and other places, and is even known to be called a witch. But when Zelda meets Alec Munro Earl of Dalgliesh, she knows she has met her match and if she could play without losing her heart, then she will be fine.
Alec Munro, has the world on his shoulders, and a wife he has nothing but contempt for. Rogue that he is; he has plenty affairs and never would his heart be involved. Then Alec meets Zelda, and plans to take her and leave like the others, but perhaps the rumours are true that the Lady Zelda is truly a witch for he has never been this out of control before.
These two are truly a mismatched pair. Zelda being a unique woman of the world and Alec's many affairs, not to mention his marriage, this is a recipe for disaster. But Zelda and Alec cannot seem to leave the other, and danger and trouble are brewing. With secrets, betrayal and lies coming to a head can anything be salvaged of their lives and hearts ?
Zelda MacKenzie is an exotic beautiful and independent woman. Zelda has braved the wilds of Brazil and other places, and is even known to be called a witch. But when Zelda meets Alec Munro Earl of Dalgliesh, she knows she has met her match and if she could play without losing her heart, then she will be fine.
Alec Munro, has the world on his shoulders, and a wife he has nothing but contempt for. Rogue that he is; he has plenty affairs and never would his heart be involved. Then Alec meets Zelda, and plans to take her and leave like the others, but perhaps the rumours are true that the Lady Zelda is truly a witch for he has never been this out of control before.
These two are truly a mismatched pair. Zelda being a unique woman of the world and Alec's many affairs, not to mention his marriage, this is a recipe for disaster. But Zelda and Alec cannot seem to leave the other, and danger and trouble are brewing. With secrets, betrayal and lies coming to a head can anything be salvaged of their lives and hearts ?
February 10, 2014
This is my first historical. I don't like the guy character. He was married, pervert and pushy.
I will try the first book of the series after this.
Alec Monro:
Zelda MacKenzie:
I will try the first book of the series after this.
Alec Monro:
Zelda MacKenzie:
June 27, 2012
Had some very mixed feelings on this one, but on the whole liked it very much. Has great dialogue and bantering going on, although I admit there were a few times I got lost. To go from teasing to anger is fine, but to never deal with the anger and misunderstandings except through sex was at times off putting. This is the first book of the series I've read, which always makes me feel like I'm behind, so if you're like me, start with book 1. I will say that although the ending was not surprising, the way we got there certainly was some great storytelling, and for that I give Ms. Johnson kudos. Plan to go back and read the first three of the series.
September 5, 2016
this changed from the usual books i read in the way dat zelda was a liberated woman and sexually active! she also had no scruples at indulging in an affair wid a married man. ofc alec had an unhappy marriage and his wife was an adulterous one add to dat! neway, i had no problem wid this lack of morals or libertine behaviour they adopted in this book. i just lost interest wid alec and zelda due to involvement of too many secondary characters and it was tedious reading about all of them!
March 12, 2012
I love Susan Johnson books, that said, this was a weak book. You got the great 'steam' that Susan is so good at, but the plot was weak. And then the ending was just lame. Sorry Susan, I will read everything you write, but this wasnt one of my favorites. It was almost like she had to get a book done for a publisher and she rushed one thru.
December 11, 2011
I know what to expect when reading a Susan Johnson novel: a high quality vocabulary, attention to historical detail, and lush description. This book fills all the qualities, but it lacks a certain charisma between the main characters. Not her best, but still enjoyable.
February 4, 2015
Very good
I miss the wild sex scenes in the last two books in this series. I loved that the hero didn't take so long to recognize his feelings and set about permanence with the heroine. That was refreshing.
I miss the wild sex scenes in the last two books in this series. I loved that the hero didn't take so long to recognize his feelings and set about permanence with the heroine. That was refreshing.
November 10, 2011
Review to come from Fresh Fiction
July 23, 2012
Pretty standard fare with some interesting twists. Not too bad.
did-not-finish
February 20, 2016To finish some day...
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