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School For Heiresses #2
Only a Duke Will Do
Louisa North likes her independence very much, despite her royal father’s protests. So when Simon Tremaine, the dashing Duke of Foxmoor, whom she once loved — and had exiled from England — returns bent on marrying her, she’s skeptical. The fire between them burns as hot as ever, but when Simon’s ulterior motive for marriage is exposed, along with the deeply buried secrets of his past, Louisa vows to make him pay... and the price will be his heart.
“Jeffries fans will devour this treat!” — Romantic Times
367 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
246 people are currently reading
2063 people want to read
About the author
Sabrina Jeffries
86 books4,795 followersSabrina Jeffries is the NYT bestselling author of over 50 novels and works of short fiction (some written under the pseudonyms Deborah Martin and Deborah Nicholas). Whatever time not spent writing in a coffee-fueled haze of dreams and madness is spent traveling with her husband and adult autistic son or indulging in one of her passions—jigsaw puzzles, chocolate, and music. With over 11 million books published in print and electronically in 25 different languages, the North Carolina author never regrets tossing aside a budding career in academics for the sheer joy of writing fun fiction, and hopes that one day a book of hers will end up saving the world.
She always dreams big.
She always dreams big.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 281 reviews
May 25, 2017
3.5 Stars
I liked this one but Simon got on my nerves. Both Simon and Louisa were likable but they both had annoying characteristics. The story was good and I like the secondary characters, but Simon just burnt his bridges one too many times for my taste. I just kept hearing that saying in my head
"fool me once shame on you fool me twice shame on me" but it was more like Simon fooled his wife like 5 or 6 times and I don't care how sweet he was in between he just kept disappointing his wife and doing the wrong things and it got to the point were I was kinda done with him. So overall an okay read but not great!
I liked this one but Simon got on my nerves. Both Simon and Louisa were likable but they both had annoying characteristics. The story was good and I like the secondary characters, but Simon just burnt his bridges one too many times for my taste. I just kept hearing that saying in my head
"fool me once shame on you fool me twice shame on me" but it was more like Simon fooled his wife like 5 or 6 times and I don't care how sweet he was in between he just kept disappointing his wife and doing the wrong things and it got to the point were I was kinda done with him. So overall an okay read but not great!
August 27, 2020
¡Qué libro más lindo!, con esos personajes complejos que a mi tanto me gustan, en especial Simon, que arrastra y hace suyas, grabadas a fuego, las lecciones y ambiciones de su abuelo. Por lo mismo, su evolución a lo largo de la historia es uno de los puntos fuertes de la novela. También lo es la forma en que la autora va desgranando poco a poco los detalles de su pasado, y que nos permiten comprender su comportamiento.
El argumento es buenísimo, no sólo por la relación de los personajes principales y las diferentes situaciones que deben enfrentar, sino también por el contexto de una historia basada en hechos reales (en especial, la reforma penitenciaria que afectó a la prisión de Newgate), aunque, como explica la autora al final de la novela, se tomó ciertas libertades para dar más cuerpo a la trama.
A pesar de no ser un libro extenso, es increíble la cantidad de cosas que pasan, y la autora lo hace muy bien al momento de cambiar el foco de atención del lector de una situación a otra, de tal forma que el interés nunca decae.
Con este libro me he reconciliado con Sabrina Jeffries… lo recomiendo muchísimo.
Reto #2 PopSugar 2017: Un libro que tengas en tu lista de pendientes desde hace tiempo
El argumento es buenísimo, no sólo por la relación de los personajes principales y las diferentes situaciones que deben enfrentar, sino también por el contexto de una historia basada en hechos reales (en especial, la reforma penitenciaria que afectó a la prisión de Newgate), aunque, como explica la autora al final de la novela, se tomó ciertas libertades para dar más cuerpo a la trama.
A pesar de no ser un libro extenso, es increíble la cantidad de cosas que pasan, y la autora lo hace muy bien al momento de cambiar el foco de atención del lector de una situación a otra, de tal forma que el interés nunca decae.
Con este libro me he reconciliado con Sabrina Jeffries… lo recomiendo muchísimo.
Reto #2 PopSugar 2017: Un libro que tengas en tu lista de pendientes desde hace tiempo
August 9, 2023
3/5 Stars.
At the base of it, this book is about two extremely flawed characters who use tools such as seduction, manipulation, backroom deals, lies and deceit to get what they want from each other. The fact that they love each other, or even have feelings for each other takes a backseat. The feeling of owning of the other and having power over them seems to precede a healthy, loving relationship. And while this may be true of many real life relationships, it's definitely not what I want to read in a romance. Which is my basic problem with this book.
I've spent close to 3 days trying to decide how I feel about this book, and the conclusion I've reached is that it's nothing great but nothing terrible to make my blood boil either. And yet, too many aspects of the book didn't sit right with me, so I'll simply state what worked for me and what didnt.
More than half a decade ago, Simon the Duke of Foxmoor was asked by the King to court or pretend to court his illegitmate daughter Louisa. They shared a connection, albeit one neither expected but were quick to supress the same when it was learnt that Simon acted only on the King's orders. In her anger, 17 year old Louisa had him banished to India and Simon chose to leave rather than marrying her. 7 years later, Simon is back - and hailed as a great war hero, and the greatest Governor General of India and within the first 10% of the book the King has once again convinced Simon to get Louisa to marry him, simply to put her political actions down.
We spend some considerable time on his accomplisments in the "rural, backward and desparately divided" India and I swear to god it made me wish authors would be a little more realistic in their description of Colonialism and the British as do-gooders. The greatest angst of Simon's life comes from a Maratha revolution that occured in Poona (incidently where I currently live lol) and how innocent lives were lost and he wasn't able to do anything. While I get this as a trope and it's been done before many times, I'm Indian, and I know all about the colonialism and Maratha Uprising to know that the Britisher's weren't no innocent standby's who tried to intervene. They used their proven trick of divide and rule and ensured the only ones to come out of the situation profitable were them. This is not to take away Simon's experience - there were good soldiers and bad soldiers even in the east india company. But the description of Colonialism like it was for the better of the people of that colony and not the elite British is tactless. Especially in this day and age when we know better. So ugh, I'm going to keep aside the British sided description of Colonialism here because that's not the point of the book - but it definitely made me wish people treated history with a bit more tact.
Back to the story. We see that both Simon and Louisa desire each other a lot, but that's about it. Simon wishes to never desire a woman so much so that she has power over him, and Louisa is worried that she's a wanton just like her mother. These tropes while perhaps overused seemed okay to me, because there was enough backstory to make it believable. What made it difficult for me to invest in the relationship was the tools that Simon used to get her to marry him, or what it really seemed - to own her.
Seduction is how he gets her to give in to him, to the point where he comprimises her knowing full well that her brother will see them. That's just disgusting. And while all this is happening, all the inner monologues for Simon show us that he wants to continue supressing all emotions for her, keep her to the woman who he will bed and will bear his child. And he has plans to quash her policital plans to put up her own candidate for house. It was some underhanded macho shit if I've ever seen one.
Louisa is better, but still not enough. Her reasoning for half the things falls flat and I couldn't see anything beyond her lust for him. Love comes into the picture way way way too late. Conflicts between them are dealt with within a minute, and they're back to using sex against each other to get their way. She continues to lie to him about her greatest fear, and uses sponges to stop a pregnancy and I'd just had enough.
Flawed characters are my favorite, but these weren't flawed characters - they were manipulative, back handed and deceptive characters. Who basically seem to deserve one another.
The still higher rating is because I liked the writing style and will give this author another go. But this was a fail.
At the base of it, this book is about two extremely flawed characters who use tools such as seduction, manipulation, backroom deals, lies and deceit to get what they want from each other. The fact that they love each other, or even have feelings for each other takes a backseat. The feeling of owning of the other and having power over them seems to precede a healthy, loving relationship. And while this may be true of many real life relationships, it's definitely not what I want to read in a romance. Which is my basic problem with this book.
I've spent close to 3 days trying to decide how I feel about this book, and the conclusion I've reached is that it's nothing great but nothing terrible to make my blood boil either. And yet, too many aspects of the book didn't sit right with me, so I'll simply state what worked for me and what didnt.
More than half a decade ago, Simon the Duke of Foxmoor was asked by the King to court or pretend to court his illegitmate daughter Louisa. They shared a connection, albeit one neither expected but were quick to supress the same when it was learnt that Simon acted only on the King's orders. In her anger, 17 year old Louisa had him banished to India and Simon chose to leave rather than marrying her. 7 years later, Simon is back - and hailed as a great war hero, and the greatest Governor General of India and within the first 10% of the book the King has once again convinced Simon to get Louisa to marry him, simply to put her political actions down.
We spend some considerable time on his accomplisments in the "rural, backward and desparately divided" India and I swear to god it made me wish authors would be a little more realistic in their description of Colonialism and the British as do-gooders. The greatest angst of Simon's life comes from a Maratha revolution that occured in Poona (incidently where I currently live lol) and how innocent lives were lost and he wasn't able to do anything. While I get this as a trope and it's been done before many times, I'm Indian, and I know all about the colonialism and Maratha Uprising to know that the Britisher's weren't no innocent standby's who tried to intervene. They used their proven trick of divide and rule and ensured the only ones to come out of the situation profitable were them. This is not to take away Simon's experience - there were good soldiers and bad soldiers even in the east india company. But the description of Colonialism like it was for the better of the people of that colony and not the elite British is tactless. Especially in this day and age when we know better. So ugh, I'm going to keep aside the British sided description of Colonialism here because that's not the point of the book - but it definitely made me wish people treated history with a bit more tact.
Back to the story. We see that both Simon and Louisa desire each other a lot, but that's about it. Simon wishes to never desire a woman so much so that she has power over him, and Louisa is worried that she's a wanton just like her mother. These tropes while perhaps overused seemed okay to me, because there was enough backstory to make it believable. What made it difficult for me to invest in the relationship was the tools that Simon used to get her to marry him, or what it really seemed - to own her.
Seduction is how he gets her to give in to him, to the point where he comprimises her knowing full well that her brother will see them. That's just disgusting. And while all this is happening, all the inner monologues for Simon show us that he wants to continue supressing all emotions for her, keep her to the woman who he will bed and will bear his child. And he has plans to quash her policital plans to put up her own candidate for house. It was some underhanded macho shit if I've ever seen one.
Louisa is better, but still not enough. Her reasoning for half the things falls flat and I couldn't see anything beyond her lust for him. Love comes into the picture way way way too late. Conflicts between them are dealt with within a minute, and they're back to using sex against each other to get their way. She continues to lie to him about her greatest fear, and uses sponges to stop a pregnancy and I'd just had enough.
Flawed characters are my favorite, but these weren't flawed characters - they were manipulative, back handed and deceptive characters. Who basically seem to deserve one another.
The still higher rating is because I liked the writing style and will give this author another go. But this was a fail.
May 7, 2023
2.5 stars rounded up because I like this author’s style, but this was a clanger
I enjoy Jeffries light and smutty books most of the time. They are great, quick brain candy. But this one didn’t quite work for me. It still had her usual style; a strong and independent heroine vs. a somewhat broken and idiotic hero, but this hero just skirted too closely to the wrong side of asshole for my liking.
There were some good parts to this, as I said I always like this author’s writing style, she keeps to historical accuracy while still maintaining a light feel. And this was a rare historical second chance romance where the hero was celibate during their 7 year separation. That’s almost unheard of in this genre, especially as this was written over ten years ago.
But beyond that there were a few things that lowered my enjoyment levels:
1. The main lines of action for this book take place in a previous series, not a previous book in the series. Louisa and Simon’s history originally played out in Jeffries’ ‘Royal Brotherhood’ series, which I read but only vaguely remember. So for readers who didn’t read those books, they will feel somewhat thrown into the middle of the story here.
2. Her reasons for not being with him are a little weak. She was traumatized by her half sister’s death in childbed so has eschewed marriage and children to avoid dying. This is an extreme reaction and one that she gets over very quickly when witnessing a healthy birth. This woman seems intelligent and logical, so why does she need to witness a birth to be convinced that not all women die in childbed? She has many friends and family who have had children and none of that convinces her? This just made me roll my eyes at the ridiculousness of the premise. A better idea would have been to have her political and social obligations being her deterrent for marriage and babies, that would have worked with this politically driven plot much better.
3. The hero is manipulative and plotting throughout the entire book. How he convinces her to marry him, to resign from her ladies club, and pretty much everything he wants from her, he does through machinations, bullying, seduction and lying. I couldn’t get behind everyone saying that he’d grown and changed in their seven years apart, when his behaviour showed the exact opposite of that.
4. The abusive dead grandfather storyline was extremely ott. Simon had his misogynistic and evil dead Grampy’s voice in his head determining his actions and preventing him from giving in to his feelings for Louisa. It was seriously weird and creepy. Instead of just making him think of things his grandfather used to say, his grandfather actually speaks to him and gives advice on present circumstances and it was silly. Also his history of abuse from his grandpa was very melodramatic, it’s difficult to sympathize when you are rolling your eyes at a dead villain’s dastardly deeds.
And lastly just a small note; I am rereading this series and I never noticed the first time through that none of these ‘School for Heiresses’ books actually take place at the school or have anything to do with the school. This particular book has Mrs. Harris in it for all of two scenes and, other than the letters to her cousin Michael that begin every chapter, this book had nothing at all to do with that school. Not sure why this school is even the hook in this series, but at least the first book kinda has something to do with it, this book just didn’t fit in the series at all.
So, though I enjoy Jeffries generally, this one was more of a a stinker for me, as it didn’t really have any of her usually sweetness and was just a bit to ott for my liking.
I enjoy Jeffries light and smutty books most of the time. They are great, quick brain candy. But this one didn’t quite work for me. It still had her usual style; a strong and independent heroine vs. a somewhat broken and idiotic hero, but this hero just skirted too closely to the wrong side of asshole for my liking.
There were some good parts to this, as I said I always like this author’s writing style, she keeps to historical accuracy while still maintaining a light feel. And this was a rare historical second chance romance where the hero was celibate during their 7 year separation. That’s almost unheard of in this genre, especially as this was written over ten years ago.
But beyond that there were a few things that lowered my enjoyment levels:
1. The main lines of action for this book take place in a previous series, not a previous book in the series. Louisa and Simon’s history originally played out in Jeffries’ ‘Royal Brotherhood’ series, which I read but only vaguely remember. So for readers who didn’t read those books, they will feel somewhat thrown into the middle of the story here.
2. Her reasons for not being with him are a little weak. She was traumatized by her half sister’s death in childbed so has eschewed marriage and children to avoid dying. This is an extreme reaction and one that she gets over very quickly when witnessing a healthy birth. This woman seems intelligent and logical, so why does she need to witness a birth to be convinced that not all women die in childbed? She has many friends and family who have had children and none of that convinces her? This just made me roll my eyes at the ridiculousness of the premise. A better idea would have been to have her political and social obligations being her deterrent for marriage and babies, that would have worked with this politically driven plot much better.
3. The hero is manipulative and plotting throughout the entire book. How he convinces her to marry him, to resign from her ladies club, and pretty much everything he wants from her, he does through machinations, bullying, seduction and lying. I couldn’t get behind everyone saying that he’d grown and changed in their seven years apart, when his behaviour showed the exact opposite of that.
4. The abusive dead grandfather storyline was extremely ott. Simon had his misogynistic and evil dead Grampy’s voice in his head determining his actions and preventing him from giving in to his feelings for Louisa. It was seriously weird and creepy. Instead of just making him think of things his grandfather used to say, his grandfather actually speaks to him and gives advice on present circumstances and it was silly. Also his history of abuse from his grandpa was very melodramatic, it’s difficult to sympathize when you are rolling your eyes at a dead villain’s dastardly deeds.
And lastly just a small note; I am rereading this series and I never noticed the first time through that none of these ‘School for Heiresses’ books actually take place at the school or have anything to do with the school. This particular book has Mrs. Harris in it for all of two scenes and, other than the letters to her cousin Michael that begin every chapter, this book had nothing at all to do with that school. Not sure why this school is even the hook in this series, but at least the first book kinda has something to do with it, this book just didn’t fit in the series at all.
So, though I enjoy Jeffries generally, this one was more of a a stinker for me, as it didn’t really have any of her usually sweetness and was just a bit to ott for my liking.
March 3, 2017
Me ha parecido un libro con una ambientación muy interesante pero con un personaje principal, Simon, que ha dejado mucho que desear hasta los últimos dos capítulos.
La historia comienza con la llegada de Simon a una fiesta tras haber estado más de 7 años desterrado de Inglaterra por culpa de una serie de actos que ocurrieron con Louisa, la hija bastarda del rey. En esta ocasión, cuando se vuelven a encontrar, ella ha dejado de ser aquella jovencita ingenua que él conoció y él parece que ha cambiado bastante, o eso parece.
Simon está decidido a convertirse en el primer ministro de Inglaterra y ha vuelto con las pilas renovadas para lograrlo. Y para ello, el príncipe regente le ofrecerá un pacto que no va a poder rechazar; enamorar y casarse con Louisa para mantenerla alejada de la vida política, ya que pertenece a un Grupo de Damas de Londres cuyos objetivos son luchar por las mujeres que cumplen condenas penitenciarias en condiciones precarias y sin ningún tipo de ayuda.
Él por supuesto accede y comienza un cortejo basado en el engaño y en coacción que poco a poco se va convirtiendo en algo más y que por culpa de la cabezonería de él, hace que Louisa no haga más que desconfiar y esté continuamente dando palos de ciego en lo que a su relación se refiere.
La autora nos da una explicación a su comportamiento, y es que desde que era pequeño Simon ha sido criado por su abuelo con una mano dura y unos ideales en los que las mujeres son todas iguales, solo son un recipiente donde pasarlo bien y que el amor es para los débiles (entre otras muchas cosas), pero aún así no he podido evitar sentir que le ha faltado más a su personaje, sobre todo cuando tras la conversación que tiene con Louisa donde ella le hace ver su comportamiento, él no da el brazo a torcer hasta que ya tiene una posición asegurada en la Cámara de los Comunes, por lo que sus te quiero y te amo me han sabido a plato de segunda mesa.
Louisa en un personaje que me ha gustado mucho más que él pero que también ha tenido cosas que me han chirriado; su aversión por los embarazos se cura demasiado repentinamente, perdona cosas de Simon que no son muy perdonables en ese momento…pero aún así como digo, me ha gustado mucho su capacidad de decisión y el no dejarse ver como una joven desvalida e indefensa, sino que logra cambiar incluso la visión de su marido con respecto a lo que ella hace.
Aún así como digo no es una historia mala. A pesar de esas cabezonerías, Simon y Louisa tienen muchas escenas enternecedoras y románticas (sobre todo el final y el epílogo), los personajes secundarios son un gran apoyo en la historia y la trama política te hace comprender aún mejor esa Inglaterra asustada de los cambios y cómo las clases aristocráticas tenían al toro agarrado de los cuernos. Y todo ello con una prosa amena y que lees apenas sin darte cuenta.
La historia comienza con la llegada de Simon a una fiesta tras haber estado más de 7 años desterrado de Inglaterra por culpa de una serie de actos que ocurrieron con Louisa, la hija bastarda del rey. En esta ocasión, cuando se vuelven a encontrar, ella ha dejado de ser aquella jovencita ingenua que él conoció y él parece que ha cambiado bastante, o eso parece.
Simon está decidido a convertirse en el primer ministro de Inglaterra y ha vuelto con las pilas renovadas para lograrlo. Y para ello, el príncipe regente le ofrecerá un pacto que no va a poder rechazar; enamorar y casarse con Louisa para mantenerla alejada de la vida política, ya que pertenece a un Grupo de Damas de Londres cuyos objetivos son luchar por las mujeres que cumplen condenas penitenciarias en condiciones precarias y sin ningún tipo de ayuda.
Él por supuesto accede y comienza un cortejo basado en el engaño y en coacción que poco a poco se va convirtiendo en algo más y que por culpa de la cabezonería de él, hace que Louisa no haga más que desconfiar y esté continuamente dando palos de ciego en lo que a su relación se refiere.
La autora nos da una explicación a su comportamiento, y es que desde que era pequeño Simon ha sido criado por su abuelo con una mano dura y unos ideales en los que las mujeres son todas iguales, solo son un recipiente donde pasarlo bien y que el amor es para los débiles (entre otras muchas cosas), pero aún así no he podido evitar sentir que le ha faltado más a su personaje, sobre todo cuando tras la conversación que tiene con Louisa donde ella le hace ver su comportamiento, él no da el brazo a torcer hasta que ya tiene una posición asegurada en la Cámara de los Comunes, por lo que sus te quiero y te amo me han sabido a plato de segunda mesa.
Louisa en un personaje que me ha gustado mucho más que él pero que también ha tenido cosas que me han chirriado; su aversión por los embarazos se cura demasiado repentinamente, perdona cosas de Simon que no son muy perdonables en ese momento…pero aún así como digo, me ha gustado mucho su capacidad de decisión y el no dejarse ver como una joven desvalida e indefensa, sino que logra cambiar incluso la visión de su marido con respecto a lo que ella hace.
Aún así como digo no es una historia mala. A pesar de esas cabezonerías, Simon y Louisa tienen muchas escenas enternecedoras y románticas (sobre todo el final y el epílogo), los personajes secundarios son un gran apoyo en la historia y la trama política te hace comprender aún mejor esa Inglaterra asustada de los cambios y cómo las clases aristocráticas tenían al toro agarrado de los cuernos. Y todo ello con una prosa amena y que lees apenas sin darte cuenta.
October 23, 2025
Relectura: Aquí sí es importante leer en orden. Ha sido un cambio de opinión radical. Me ha encantado la historia.
Simon Tremaine, duque de Foxmoor ha vuelto a Inglaterra después de siete años exiliado en La India por culpa de la joven Louisa North. De nuevo en Inglaterra, quiere ajustar cuentas con Louisa y de paso, conquistar su corazón.
Ya sabéis que me he leído la serie “Royal Brotherhood” y en ella aparecen los personajes de Louisa y Simon. Estos dos mantienen un cortejo, pero mientras que el de la joven es sincero, el de Simon se debe a sus aspiraciones políticas. Por ello, y siendo esta una relectura, entiendo que es importantísimo en esta ocasión leer en orden porque el paso de una primera lectura con tres estrellas ha derivado a una con cinco. Me ha encantado la historia de Simon y Louisa cosa que no ocurrió en la primera ocasión.
Esta historia es la segunda de la serie “Escuela de señoritas”, pero yo la leería después de terminar la serie “Royal Brotherhood” (sí, me he saltado el primero otra vez), creo que así se tienen más frescos los detalles de la relación de los protagonistas.
Simon y Louisa en la serie “Royal brotherhood” acaban mal. Ella descubre su falso cortejo y le pide a su padre, el Príncipe de Gales, que lo envíe a La India. Simon se va, frustrado en sus intenciones políticas y traicionado por el Príncipe de Gales, pues no cumplió con lo prometido. Pero lo que menos esperaba era que Louisa se convirtiera en algo más que una falsa conquista.
Así pues, la novela comienza con la vuelta de Simon, duque de Foxmoor de La India. Siete años exiliado donde ejercía de Gobernador. La sociedad alaba su labor allí y es cierto, pero el duque también vivió duros momentos que le han dejado huella.
Tras su vuelta tiene claro que quiere retomar sus ambiciones políticas: convertirse en primer ministro y hacerle pagar a Louisa su traición. Simon se encuentra con un nuevo reto y es que sus sentimientos por Louisa son más fuertes que su deseo de venganza.
Sigue en: https://oceanodelibros.blogspot.com/2...
Primera lectura:
Simon Tremaine, duque de Foxmoor ha vuelto a Inglaterra después de siete años exiliado en la India por culpa de la joven Louisa North. Él decide que es hora de ajustar cuentas con Louisa y de paso conquistar su corazón.
Desde hace muchísimo tiempo tenía esta lectura en mente porque estaba entre las mejor valoradas y creo que me arriesgué mucho al no leer la novela anterior a "Alguien a quien amar".
La novela comienza con la vuelta de Simon de la India, allí ha sido gobernador, guarda buenos y malos recuerdos de aquella época pero lo que tiene claro es que ahora tiene la oportunidad de hacer lo que en su momento se proponía con Louisa.
La autora no se explaya en dar detalles del suceso acaecido siete años atrás, solo sabemos que Simon cortejaba a Louisa con falsas intenciones y el descubrimiento de su propósito por ella da lugar a su salida del país. Quizás y digo quizás porque no sé lo que ocurrió en la primera novela habiéndola leído se capte mejor la relación de los protagonistas pero... ya no lo sabré hasta que lea el primero (si lo llego a hacer).
Louisa es la hija bastarda del rey aunque las apariciones de éste dejen que desear y no sepas muy bien de qué palo va; sin duda es una de las pegas que tengo porque me parece que sus apariciones no aportan sino que más bien engañan, no conducen a nada y menos a conocerlo correctamente...
Reseña completa: https://oceanodelibros.blogspot.com/2...
Simon Tremaine, duque de Foxmoor ha vuelto a Inglaterra después de siete años exiliado en La India por culpa de la joven Louisa North. De nuevo en Inglaterra, quiere ajustar cuentas con Louisa y de paso, conquistar su corazón.
Ya sabéis que me he leído la serie “Royal Brotherhood” y en ella aparecen los personajes de Louisa y Simon. Estos dos mantienen un cortejo, pero mientras que el de la joven es sincero, el de Simon se debe a sus aspiraciones políticas. Por ello, y siendo esta una relectura, entiendo que es importantísimo en esta ocasión leer en orden porque el paso de una primera lectura con tres estrellas ha derivado a una con cinco. Me ha encantado la historia de Simon y Louisa cosa que no ocurrió en la primera ocasión.
Esta historia es la segunda de la serie “Escuela de señoritas”, pero yo la leería después de terminar la serie “Royal Brotherhood” (sí, me he saltado el primero otra vez), creo que así se tienen más frescos los detalles de la relación de los protagonistas.
Simon y Louisa en la serie “Royal brotherhood” acaban mal. Ella descubre su falso cortejo y le pide a su padre, el Príncipe de Gales, que lo envíe a La India. Simon se va, frustrado en sus intenciones políticas y traicionado por el Príncipe de Gales, pues no cumplió con lo prometido. Pero lo que menos esperaba era que Louisa se convirtiera en algo más que una falsa conquista.
Así pues, la novela comienza con la vuelta de Simon, duque de Foxmoor de La India. Siete años exiliado donde ejercía de Gobernador. La sociedad alaba su labor allí y es cierto, pero el duque también vivió duros momentos que le han dejado huella.
Tras su vuelta tiene claro que quiere retomar sus ambiciones políticas: convertirse en primer ministro y hacerle pagar a Louisa su traición. Simon se encuentra con un nuevo reto y es que sus sentimientos por Louisa son más fuertes que su deseo de venganza.
Sigue en: https://oceanodelibros.blogspot.com/2...
Primera lectura:
Simon Tremaine, duque de Foxmoor ha vuelto a Inglaterra después de siete años exiliado en la India por culpa de la joven Louisa North. Él decide que es hora de ajustar cuentas con Louisa y de paso conquistar su corazón.
Desde hace muchísimo tiempo tenía esta lectura en mente porque estaba entre las mejor valoradas y creo que me arriesgué mucho al no leer la novela anterior a "Alguien a quien amar".
La novela comienza con la vuelta de Simon de la India, allí ha sido gobernador, guarda buenos y malos recuerdos de aquella época pero lo que tiene claro es que ahora tiene la oportunidad de hacer lo que en su momento se proponía con Louisa.
La autora no se explaya en dar detalles del suceso acaecido siete años atrás, solo sabemos que Simon cortejaba a Louisa con falsas intenciones y el descubrimiento de su propósito por ella da lugar a su salida del país. Quizás y digo quizás porque no sé lo que ocurrió en la primera novela habiéndola leído se capte mejor la relación de los protagonistas pero... ya no lo sabré hasta que lea el primero (si lo llego a hacer).
Louisa es la hija bastarda del rey aunque las apariciones de éste dejen que desear y no sepas muy bien de qué palo va; sin duda es una de las pegas que tengo porque me parece que sus apariciones no aportan sino que más bien engañan, no conducen a nada y menos a conocerlo correctamente...
Reseña completa: https://oceanodelibros.blogspot.com/2...
gave-up-on
September 25, 2017dnf
I truly hate royale illegitimate children in romances. I know that King George IV had many bastards but Loiusa just didn't feel authentic. And it was too much politics. If I wanted to read about 19-century politics I would pick up a history book about that.
But I am quite excited about next book so I hope I will not be disappointed again.
I truly hate royale illegitimate children in romances. I know that King George IV had many bastards but Loiusa just didn't feel authentic. And it was too much politics. If I wanted to read about 19-century politics I would pick up a history book about that.
But I am quite excited about next book so I hope I will not be disappointed again.
July 18, 2020
#RetoRita4 #RitaSabrina
3 Estrellitas. "Alguien a quien amar" ha sido mi segunda elección para éste mes del Reto Rita. En circunstancias normales leo un libro cada mes para el reto, pero me junté con dos libros de la autora, así que vi la oportunidad para leer ambos.
Si bien "En la cama con el príncipe" me dejó con buen sabor de boca, "Alguien a quien amar" no lo ha sido tanto, me ha dejado un sabor agridulce de sí pero no. La novela está bien y me ha parecido mucho mejor que "Seducir a un bribón", pero creo que ésta Escuela de Señoritas no es una gran serie, o no empieza muy bien, le falta algo.
En éste libro tenemos la historia de Louisa North y Simon Tremaine, duque de Foxmoor. Durante el libro he tenido la sensación de que me faltaba algo, y puede ser que fueran personajes recurrentes en "Complacer al Príncipe", libro que no he leído y cuyos protagonistas son los hermanos de Louisa y Simon.
Louisa y su hermano Marcus son ambos bastardos del Príncipe Regente, pero han crecido con la riqueza y el privilegio de su clase, al estar su madre casada con un duque. Según sabemos por la sinopsis, Louisa y Simon se conocieron siendo jóvenes y se enamoraron, pero un incidente que pudo acabar con la reputación de Louisa, hizo que Simon se exiliara voluntariamente a la India, trabajando como gobernador.
Han pasado siete años y Simon vuelve a Inglaterra para buscar esposa. Durante su exilio no olvidó nunca a Louisa, y además, el Príncipe Regente le ha ofrecido un trato que no puede rechazar, si consigue casarse con Louisa y destruye las aspiraciones políticas que ella y sus amigas promueven con su Sociedad de Damas, le nombrará Primer Ministro.
Louisa ha conseguido llegar a la avanzada edad de veintiséis años y seguir soltera por propia voluntad. Como solterona de su época es feliz participando en eventos de caridad y dirigiendo la Sociedad de Damas, un grupo revolucionario que pretende entrar en política para mejorar las condiciones de los desfavorecidos, sobre todo de los centros penitenciarios.
El grupo de Louisa está armando mucho jaleo entre los ministros del gobierno y Prinny quiere parar las intenciones de su hija, así que así es como entrará Simon de nuevo en escena e intente camelarse a Louisa. Pronto, los sentimientos de ambos empezarán a aflorar, Louisa no quiere fiarse de nuevo del amor de un hombre y menos de Simon y éste tiene aspiraciones muy encumbradas, aunque no será muy difícil que ambos vuelvan a enamorarse.
Siendo sincera, el libro me ha parecido algo flojo. Me parecía que contaba más de lo mismo y no ha conseguido meterme mucho en él, a ratos me aburría. Quizás es eso de que no he empezado con buen pie la serie de Escuela de Señoritas. El romance ha estado bien, pero le veía muchos altibajos que no han conseguido convencerme.
Aún así no ha estado mal del todo y probablemente siga leyendo más de Sabrina Jeffries, aunque seguramente continuaré con la serie Hermandad de los Bastardos.
3 Estrellitas. "Alguien a quien amar" ha sido mi segunda elección para éste mes del Reto Rita. En circunstancias normales leo un libro cada mes para el reto, pero me junté con dos libros de la autora, así que vi la oportunidad para leer ambos.
Si bien "En la cama con el príncipe" me dejó con buen sabor de boca, "Alguien a quien amar" no lo ha sido tanto, me ha dejado un sabor agridulce de sí pero no. La novela está bien y me ha parecido mucho mejor que "Seducir a un bribón", pero creo que ésta Escuela de Señoritas no es una gran serie, o no empieza muy bien, le falta algo.
En éste libro tenemos la historia de Louisa North y Simon Tremaine, duque de Foxmoor. Durante el libro he tenido la sensación de que me faltaba algo, y puede ser que fueran personajes recurrentes en "Complacer al Príncipe", libro que no he leído y cuyos protagonistas son los hermanos de Louisa y Simon.
Louisa y su hermano Marcus son ambos bastardos del Príncipe Regente, pero han crecido con la riqueza y el privilegio de su clase, al estar su madre casada con un duque. Según sabemos por la sinopsis, Louisa y Simon se conocieron siendo jóvenes y se enamoraron, pero un incidente que pudo acabar con la reputación de Louisa, hizo que Simon se exiliara voluntariamente a la India, trabajando como gobernador.
Han pasado siete años y Simon vuelve a Inglaterra para buscar esposa. Durante su exilio no olvidó nunca a Louisa, y además, el Príncipe Regente le ha ofrecido un trato que no puede rechazar, si consigue casarse con Louisa y destruye las aspiraciones políticas que ella y sus amigas promueven con su Sociedad de Damas, le nombrará Primer Ministro.
Louisa ha conseguido llegar a la avanzada edad de veintiséis años y seguir soltera por propia voluntad. Como solterona de su época es feliz participando en eventos de caridad y dirigiendo la Sociedad de Damas, un grupo revolucionario que pretende entrar en política para mejorar las condiciones de los desfavorecidos, sobre todo de los centros penitenciarios.
El grupo de Louisa está armando mucho jaleo entre los ministros del gobierno y Prinny quiere parar las intenciones de su hija, así que así es como entrará Simon de nuevo en escena e intente camelarse a Louisa. Pronto, los sentimientos de ambos empezarán a aflorar, Louisa no quiere fiarse de nuevo del amor de un hombre y menos de Simon y éste tiene aspiraciones muy encumbradas, aunque no será muy difícil que ambos vuelvan a enamorarse.
Siendo sincera, el libro me ha parecido algo flojo. Me parecía que contaba más de lo mismo y no ha conseguido meterme mucho en él, a ratos me aburría. Quizás es eso de que no he empezado con buen pie la serie de Escuela de Señoritas. El romance ha estado bien, pero le veía muchos altibajos que no han conseguido convencerme.
Aún así no ha estado mal del todo y probablemente siga leyendo más de Sabrina Jeffries, aunque seguramente continuaré con la serie Hermandad de los Bastardos.
July 4, 2017
I think this is the 4th time I've read this book! I really do enjoy this series! If you do read this, I highly recommend you start with the Royal Brotherhood series, specifically To Pleasure a Prince so you don't feel lost!
There's not much I don't like about this book, I love that Louisa is her own person, despite the fact she is Prinny's illegitimate daughter and could have a easy life. Instead, after the death of her beloved half-sister in childbirth, she works diligently for prison reform for women, trying to improve their conditions and help them to reform themselves. Simon has made a bargain with the devil, Prinny to be exact. Marry Louisa and keep her away from her work, and become the next prime minister. Except Prinny has never been someone you can trust. But Simon has lusted for Louisa for seven years and decides he can't lose, that is until Louisa finds out! Back and forth, back and forth, their chemistry is off the charts, but so is their suspicion of each other. It makes for a lot of tense and angst and drama, but I tend to like those sort of things, especially when it's well done, and I think Ms. Jeffries does an excellent job, but I could be biased!
There's not much I don't like about this book, I love that Louisa is her own person, despite the fact she is Prinny's illegitimate daughter and could have a easy life. Instead, after the death of her beloved half-sister in childbirth, she works diligently for prison reform for women, trying to improve their conditions and help them to reform themselves. Simon has made a bargain with the devil, Prinny to be exact. Marry Louisa and keep her away from her work, and become the next prime minister. Except Prinny has never been someone you can trust. But Simon has lusted for Louisa for seven years and decides he can't lose, that is until Louisa finds out! Back and forth, back and forth, their chemistry is off the charts, but so is their suspicion of each other. It makes for a lot of tense and angst and drama, but I tend to like those sort of things, especially when it's well done, and I think Ms. Jeffries does an excellent job, but I could be biased!
December 29, 2008
Great way to spend a Saturday evening reading about Simon's determined pursuit of Louisa, and how the pursuer really was the pursued all the time. Simon has some issues from his cruel grandfather that take things to the next emotional level. I'm glad to see that things worked out for Simon and Louisa, and it's so refreshing to read a book with a hero who isn't sleeping with every woman he can prior to the heroine. Simon was a really hot hero, although he tried so hard to keep his emotions under control. I loved that Louisa was the only woman who could get under his skin, and how that fact drove him crazy. I loved that Louisa helped Simon to heal from his emotional wounds and taught him how to love. This one goes onto my favorites list.
March 24, 2025
В тази втора книга от поредицата историята беше повече еротична, отколкото приключенска. Луиза и Саймън ме дразнеха с твърдоглавието си, но пък накрая тя беше, която го принуди да преосмисли целия си живот и да избере любовта.
В романа авторката е вкарала английска политика и изследва темата за затворите през 1821 г. В Нюгейт жените са лежали за дребни престъпления заедно с децата си. Условията са били ужасни и ежедневно са били подлагани на тормоз от своите надзорници. Децата им са оставали недохранени и са били неми свидетели на жестокостта към техните майки.
Луиза и нейният дамски клуб се стремят да подобрят условията, при които тези клети жени лежат, да им намерят работа в затвора, от която могат да припечелят и да занимават децата им, докато майките им се трудят. Благородна кауза за тези изнежени английски аристократки. Саймън се опитва да унищожи тази благотворителност и да унижи Луиза, но накрая тя го спечелва за каузата.
Самата книга прочетох много бързо. Авторката пише леко и увлекателно, но този път явно запълваше страниците с еротика, повече отколкото е необходимо, поне за мен. Скоро ще продължа и с третата книга.
В романа авторката е вкарала английска политика и изследва темата за затворите през 1821 г. В Нюгейт жените са лежали за дребни престъпления заедно с децата си. Условията са били ужасни и ежедневно са били подлагани на тормоз от своите надзорници. Децата им са оставали недохранени и са били неми свидетели на жестокостта към техните майки.
Луиза и нейният дамски клуб се стремят да подобрят условията, при които тези клети жени лежат, да им намерят работа в затвора, от която могат да припечелят и да занимават децата им, докато майките им се трудят. Благородна кауза за тези изнежени английски аристократки. Саймън се опитва да унищожи тази благотворителност и да унижи Луиза, но накрая тя го спечелва за каузата.
Самата книга прочетох много бързо. Авторката пише леко и увлекателно, но този път явно запълваше страниците с еротика, повече отколкото е необходимо, поне за мен. Скоро ще продължа и с третата книга.
September 14, 2020
What a SAD followup to the Royal Brotherhood series. I was livid as I was reading this book so I'm going to try to make this short and to the point so I can put this book behind me.
The Royal Brotherhood followed three men who were the bastard sons of George IV, Prince Regent. Marcus North's younger sister, Louisa, is a potential bastard of the king as well, though it's unconfirmed. In To Pleasure a Prince, the Prince Regent asks Simon - Regina (the heroine's) older brother - to help him get close to her. Simon is unable to resist and kisses her and tries to convince her to "run away with him to get married", when in reality he just wanted to take her for a meeting with the king. Louisa got him banished to India for a governorship. Now it's seven years later, and he's back!
Simon is celibate and has a monkey. Louisa is a spinster (she was scarred after watching her half-sister Charlotte die in childbirth) who advocates for prison reform.
Oh! And King George IV can't help but stick his nose into their business as he wants Simon to marry Louisa so she stops being such a nuisance in politics.
I hated this book. Absolutely hated it. I cannot root for Simon, because he is an asshole. He was an asshole seven years ago, and he is an asshole still, because he agrees to the king's deal because of his aspirations to be Prime Minister. He talks constantly about how much he's grown up and changed, but clearly he hasn't. (And the fact that Regina kept trying to convince everyone he'd changed... girl.)
Simon is a sneaky slimy little prick and I hate him. I hate him! He was disgusting. After all his lying and scheming he had the gall to scream at Louisa for trying to take preventative measures to not get pregnant? This is a rational fear and he knew she was close with her half-sister and was a lady in waiting before/during her confinement??
I couldn't even enjoy the plot line on prison reform (which was interesting) because of how little I could buy into Simon's actions. I know we were meant to feel sorry for him for his grandfather's manipulations but I couldn't. Also, the ending...?
Truly the only redeeming part of this book was Lord and Lady Trusbut, who are the cutest.
The Royal Brotherhood followed three men who were the bastard sons of George IV, Prince Regent. Marcus North's younger sister, Louisa, is a potential bastard of the king as well, though it's unconfirmed. In To Pleasure a Prince, the Prince Regent asks Simon - Regina (the heroine's) older brother - to help him get close to her. Simon is unable to resist and kisses her and tries to convince her to "run away with him to get married", when in reality he just wanted to take her for a meeting with the king. Louisa got him banished to India for a governorship. Now it's seven years later, and he's back!
Simon is celibate and has a monkey. Louisa is a spinster (she was scarred after watching her half-sister Charlotte die in childbirth) who advocates for prison reform.
Oh! And King George IV can't help but stick his nose into their business as he wants Simon to marry Louisa so she stops being such a nuisance in politics.
I hated this book. Absolutely hated it. I cannot root for Simon, because he is an asshole. He was an asshole seven years ago, and he is an asshole still, because he agrees to the king's deal because of his aspirations to be Prime Minister. He talks constantly about how much he's grown up and changed, but clearly he hasn't. (And the fact that Regina kept trying to convince everyone he'd changed... girl.)
Simon is a sneaky slimy little prick and I hate him. I hate him! He was disgusting. After all his lying and scheming he had the gall to scream at Louisa for trying to take preventative measures to not get pregnant? This is a rational fear and he knew she was close with her half-sister and was a lady in waiting before/during her confinement??
I couldn't even enjoy the plot line on prison reform (which was interesting) because of how little I could buy into Simon's actions. I know we were meant to feel sorry for him for his grandfather's manipulations but I couldn't. Also, the ending...?
Truly the only redeeming part of this book was Lord and Lady Trusbut, who are the cutest.
April 1, 2010
What I learned from this book? To be honest in your relationships, no lies no secrets, put each other first.
I almost gave this book a 3 which is unusual for me. Anything below a 3 to me means I probably did not finish reading it. I really liked this series and that is why I did not give it a 3. I also liked Simon and wanted to hear about Simon and Louisa's story which started in the royal brotherhood series with Regina (Simon's sister) and Draker (Louisa's brother). Louisa got on my nerves.
I don't think Sabrina Jeffries could have added one more thing or anyone else in the plot to be against Simon and Louisa's relationship or in their way to keep them from actually loving one another. Let's see. There was:
his banishment from England
past hurts done to one another
each had their own political aspirations
lies and deceptions concerning one another and political gain
her brother
his monkey
his secrets from childhood
her father's (Prinny) meddling
her half sister's death in childbirth
her secret
women's contraceptives
arrogance
pride
a former whore from a brothel
a dead grandfather's perverse nature pushed on his grandson and
his dead grandfather's voice in his (the heroes) head.
I found it a little much. Why have a relationship against all these odds? It took the whole book to work it all out. I felt there was no time to enjoy their new found love for one another.
Thankfully most historical romance stories are not quite so exhausting.
I almost gave this book a 3 which is unusual for me. Anything below a 3 to me means I probably did not finish reading it. I really liked this series and that is why I did not give it a 3. I also liked Simon and wanted to hear about Simon and Louisa's story which started in the royal brotherhood series with Regina (Simon's sister) and Draker (Louisa's brother). Louisa got on my nerves.
I don't think Sabrina Jeffries could have added one more thing or anyone else in the plot to be against Simon and Louisa's relationship or in their way to keep them from actually loving one another. Let's see. There was:
his banishment from England
past hurts done to one another
each had their own political aspirations
lies and deceptions concerning one another and political gain
her brother
his monkey
his secrets from childhood
her father's (Prinny) meddling
her half sister's death in childbirth
her secret
women's contraceptives
arrogance
pride
a former whore from a brothel
a dead grandfather's perverse nature pushed on his grandson and
his dead grandfather's voice in his (the heroes) head.
I found it a little much. Why have a relationship against all these odds? It took the whole book to work it all out. I felt there was no time to enjoy their new found love for one another.
Thankfully most historical romance stories are not quite so exhausting.
February 3, 2012
I'm givin' a star just for the monkey. Raji was pretty cute.
I have re-discovered Jeffries, and I find that generally, her books are really quite enjoyable. But I have found that when she veers off into the weird psycho-sexual daddy (or in this case, grand-daddy) issues, the books are terrible. The writing becomes distinctly overwrought and downright unpleasant. In scenes that I think were supposed to evoke sympathy, I found myself laughing and rolling my eyes instead. "Training" indeed. Another example of this unfortunate theme can be found in her Let Sleeping Rogues Lie.
Beyond that though, none of the characters are particularly likeable. Louisa is okay, but nothing memorable. Simon is a jerk, and a violent-tempered one at that. His personality 180 at the end was too abrupt and totally unrealistic.
The politics and prison reform concept was interesting, if a bit clunky at times.
I suppose this one is worth reading if you want to complete the series, but it's definitely a library check-out. I'm glad I didn't waste any money on this one.
I have re-discovered Jeffries, and I find that generally, her books are really quite enjoyable. But I have found that when she veers off into the weird psycho-sexual daddy (or in this case, grand-daddy) issues, the books are terrible. The writing becomes distinctly overwrought and downright unpleasant. In scenes that I think were supposed to evoke sympathy, I found myself laughing and rolling my eyes instead. "Training" indeed. Another example of this unfortunate theme can be found in her Let Sleeping Rogues Lie.
Beyond that though, none of the characters are particularly likeable. Louisa is okay, but nothing memorable. Simon is a jerk, and a violent-tempered one at that. His personality 180 at the end was too abrupt and totally unrealistic.
The politics and prison reform concept was interesting, if a bit clunky at times.
I suppose this one is worth reading if you want to complete the series, but it's definitely a library check-out. I'm glad I didn't waste any money on this one.
March 30, 2025
Second-chance romance. It’s not clear to me exactly what happened between these two. The duke courted Louisa, probably in the hopes to further his political career and be prime minister someday, as she is the illegitimate daughter of King George. When she found out he wasn’t sincere in his courtship, she asked her father to banish him to India.
Now that he’s back in London with his cousin and a monkey named Rajee (unsure about the spelling since I listened to the audiobook) that belonged to his cousin’s deceased wife. Both the cousin and his wife are half English, half Indian. They have minor roles in the subplot.
Main plot: Louisa and a group of women wants reform at Newgate prison, particularly for the female prisoners. Some men in parliament have complained to the king about her so King George wants the duke to marry her, so the hero can control her, forbid her from pursuing a political career. In exchange, the hero wants Liverpool’s resignation and to become the next prime minister.
A few chapters later, Louisa is hit on the head with a rock. The hero is alone with her in her bedroom and intentionally compromises her so they’re forced to marry. She learns the truth about his deal with her father in their wedding night. They eventually make up and consummate the marriage.
Unbeknownst to the hero, Louisa uses a sponge each time they have sex. She witnessed her half sister, Princess Charlotte, going into labor and dying, so she’s afraid of being treated by doctors and getting pregnant.
Notable sex scenes:
-The heroine loses her virginity in a moving carriage.
-They have sex standing up, facing the mirror (the one on her vanity?).
-There may have been a scene where she’s on top.
The 3 stars is mainly for the steam. I feel that these two are too secretive with each other, scheming to get what they want (politically) even after coming to some sort of compromise.
Now that he’s back in London with his cousin and a monkey named Rajee (unsure about the spelling since I listened to the audiobook) that belonged to his cousin’s deceased wife. Both the cousin and his wife are half English, half Indian. They have minor roles in the subplot.
Main plot: Louisa and a group of women wants reform at Newgate prison, particularly for the female prisoners. Some men in parliament have complained to the king about her so King George wants the duke to marry her, so the hero can control her, forbid her from pursuing a political career. In exchange, the hero wants Liverpool’s resignation and to become the next prime minister.
A few chapters later, Louisa is hit on the head with a rock. The hero is alone with her in her bedroom and intentionally compromises her so they’re forced to marry. She learns the truth about his deal with her father in their wedding night. They eventually make up and consummate the marriage.
Unbeknownst to the hero, Louisa uses a sponge each time they have sex. She witnessed her half sister, Princess Charlotte, going into labor and dying, so she’s afraid of being treated by doctors and getting pregnant.
Notable sex scenes:
-The heroine loses her virginity in a moving carriage.
-They have sex standing up, facing the mirror (the one on her vanity?).
-There may have been a scene where she’s on top.
The 3 stars is mainly for the steam. I feel that these two are too secretive with each other, scheming to get what they want (politically) even after coming to some sort of compromise.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2016
Louisa North has vowed never to marry. Seven years ago she met and fell in love with Simon Tremaine, the Duke of Foxmoor. But when she learned that he was just trying to further his position with the king, she had him banished to India. Now he is back in London and determined to court her. Simon has once again made a deal with the King. He must marry Louisa and keep her and her Ladies' Group from furthering their political agenda. But as he gets to know Louisa and learns of her prison reform plan, he ponders how to keep both Louisa and the King happy.
This is the second book in Sabrina Jeffries' School for Heiresses series. This book quickly drew me into the story, but at some point it seemed to stall. Louisa and Simon were both appealing characters, but I had a hard time with Simon trying to further his agenda at her expense again and again. When would he learn? Some of the politics in the story became tedious. I did like the trips to see the conditions in the prison. I also liked some of the secondary characters who were first introduced in some of Jeffries previous books. My rating: 3.5 Stars.
This is the second book in Sabrina Jeffries' School for Heiresses series. This book quickly drew me into the story, but at some point it seemed to stall. Louisa and Simon were both appealing characters, but I had a hard time with Simon trying to further his agenda at her expense again and again. When would he learn? Some of the politics in the story became tedious. I did like the trips to see the conditions in the prison. I also liked some of the secondary characters who were first introduced in some of Jeffries previous books. My rating: 3.5 Stars.
October 6, 2011
I *really* hated this book, and I thought I better at least explain a couple of reasons I didn't like it to justify my rating. So, I'll just name a couple...
1) I felt like I was dropped into the middle of a book when reading the first chapter. It felt like I was supposed to know the characters and backstory already. Perhaps there are some other Sabrina Jeffries books that I haven't read? It made my reading very choppy and unplesant trying to piece together what was going on.
2) Sex scenes with words like 'dewy pearl' in them. Ick.
That is only 2 reasons, but there were other things that bothered me. Your milage may vary.
1) I felt like I was dropped into the middle of a book when reading the first chapter. It felt like I was supposed to know the characters and backstory already. Perhaps there are some other Sabrina Jeffries books that I haven't read? It made my reading very choppy and unplesant trying to piece together what was going on.
2) Sex scenes with words like 'dewy pearl' in them. Ick.
That is only 2 reasons, but there were other things that bothered me. Your milage may vary.
May 7, 2008
In To Pleasure a Prince, Simon Tremaine abandoned Louisa North at the Prince Regent's behest so as not to jeopardize his political ambitions. Now, Louisa's putting herself in danger and causing a minor scandal campaigning for prison reform, and Simon is encouraged to court her again in order to control her--and advance his career. While the book wins points for originality--how many romances discuss prison reform?--it loses them for taking the cliched "hero emotionally scarred by his mean father" trope to an extreme. By the time Simon comes around, you may not care anymore.
Read
September 17, 2016note to self: avoid this book
June 23, 2019
Kürekle dövülesi Simon’ın yola gelişleri :))
April 12, 2010
Maybe spoiler-ish...
Ugh.
So Louisa and Simon's story got to a really rocky start in her bro/his sis's book, To Pleasure a Prince. Basically, Simon courted naive Louisa at the king's (her dad) behest, said he loved her and wanted to marry her. Then the truth hit the fan and as revenge, Louisa got Simon shipped out to India to govern it for 7 years.
At first, I was interested because it seemed like they were going to be more mature characters. But no, all that's different is now they're BOTH full of hidden agendas/secrets/political aspirations. Most of the book is setting up BIG MIS's resulting from each of their hidden pains.
There was some decent elements that spiced things up: reform for Newgate women prisoners, lots of London politics, a cute monkey, an eccentric woman with birds, and her indulgent husband (those two really grew on you). But mostly, the cliched situations spoiled it.
A sampling of the stupidity:
Louisa's terrified of childbirth (with good reason), so she secretly uses sponges while they're married. And she's not gonna stop until she's accomplished all her reforms. Yeah, like THAT'S going to work without your husband ever finding out. And I'm sure he'll take to it fine.
The king promises the Prime Minister position to Simon if he'll marry Louisa. Then he can control his woman and stop her from causing problems. Simon agrees and makes the king even sign a contract. YEAH, BECAUSE THE LAST TIME YOU DID A REALLY SIMILAR THING, LOUISA THOUGHT THAT WAS AWESOME. There's NO WAY this can blow up in your face later. Did you learn nothing in India?!?
Also, Simon is incapable of love. Woe is he.
You've seen it all, save your time and skip this one. You'll miss nothing.
BTW, Charlotte and her benefactor correspond throughout, but it doesn't introduce anything new.
Ugh.
So Louisa and Simon's story got to a really rocky start in her bro/his sis's book, To Pleasure a Prince. Basically, Simon courted naive Louisa at the king's (her dad) behest, said he loved her and wanted to marry her. Then the truth hit the fan and as revenge, Louisa got Simon shipped out to India to govern it for 7 years.
At first, I was interested because it seemed like they were going to be more mature characters. But no, all that's different is now they're BOTH full of hidden agendas/secrets/political aspirations. Most of the book is setting up BIG MIS's resulting from each of their hidden pains.
There was some decent elements that spiced things up: reform for Newgate women prisoners, lots of London politics, a cute monkey, an eccentric woman with birds, and her indulgent husband (those two really grew on you). But mostly, the cliched situations spoiled it.
A sampling of the stupidity:
Louisa's terrified of childbirth (with good reason), so she secretly uses sponges while they're married. And she's not gonna stop until she's accomplished all her reforms. Yeah, like THAT'S going to work without your husband ever finding out. And I'm sure he'll take to it fine.
The king promises the Prime Minister position to Simon if he'll marry Louisa. Then he can control his woman and stop her from causing problems. Simon agrees and makes the king even sign a contract. YEAH, BECAUSE THE LAST TIME YOU DID A REALLY SIMILAR THING, LOUISA THOUGHT THAT WAS AWESOME. There's NO WAY this can blow up in your face later. Did you learn nothing in India?!?
Also, Simon is incapable of love. Woe is he.
You've seen it all, save your time and skip this one. You'll miss nothing.
BTW, Charlotte and her benefactor correspond throughout, but it doesn't introduce anything new.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2020
Ik heb de Nederlands talige uitgave gelezen : Oplaaiende hartstocht - Candlelight Historische roman 782 .
Verhaallijn overgenomen van de achterkant kaft : Het jaar 1821 . Louisa North , bastaarddochter van de koning , is actief in The London Ladies Society , een groep die ijvert voor sociale hervormingen . De koning is deze bemoeizucht beu en wil Louisa monddood maken door haar in een huwelijk te manoeuvreren . Hij zet daartoe Simon Tremaine als geheim wapen in . Deze aantrekkelijke hertog van Foxmoor is er immers al eerder in geslaagd de eigenzinnige Louisa in vuur en vlam te zetten . Ook al eindigde die eerdere romance rampzalig , toch blijkt al snel dat Louisa nog steeds hypergevoelig is voor Simons verleidingskunsten . Maar als de hartstocht oplaait , slaat bij Louisa ook de twijfel toe . Met name de plotselinge sociale betrokkenheid van de hertog sterkt haar in het vermoeden dat hij toneel speelt ...
Net als in deel 1 van deze serie had ik vaak de indruk dat ik wat achtergrond informatie miste en dat ik enkele personen al had moeten kennen , en na het lezen van enkele reviews over dit boek blijkt dat wel te kloppen . Het blijken personen te zijn die in een eerdere serie ( The Royal Brotherhood - 3 delen ) van deze schrijfster hun opwachting hebben gemaakt .
Sabrina Jeffries heeft in dit boek een historisch feit verwerkt in de verhaallijn , nl. de mishandeling van vrouwen en kinderen in de gevangenis en dit is de reden dat ik toch nog 3 sterren heb gegeven voor dit boek want de romantiek was ver te zoeken .
Verhaallijn overgenomen van de achterkant kaft : Het jaar 1821 . Louisa North , bastaarddochter van de koning , is actief in The London Ladies Society , een groep die ijvert voor sociale hervormingen . De koning is deze bemoeizucht beu en wil Louisa monddood maken door haar in een huwelijk te manoeuvreren . Hij zet daartoe Simon Tremaine als geheim wapen in . Deze aantrekkelijke hertog van Foxmoor is er immers al eerder in geslaagd de eigenzinnige Louisa in vuur en vlam te zetten . Ook al eindigde die eerdere romance rampzalig , toch blijkt al snel dat Louisa nog steeds hypergevoelig is voor Simons verleidingskunsten . Maar als de hartstocht oplaait , slaat bij Louisa ook de twijfel toe . Met name de plotselinge sociale betrokkenheid van de hertog sterkt haar in het vermoeden dat hij toneel speelt ...
Net als in deel 1 van deze serie had ik vaak de indruk dat ik wat achtergrond informatie miste en dat ik enkele personen al had moeten kennen , en na het lezen van enkele reviews over dit boek blijkt dat wel te kloppen . Het blijken personen te zijn die in een eerdere serie ( The Royal Brotherhood - 3 delen ) van deze schrijfster hun opwachting hebben gemaakt .
Sabrina Jeffries heeft in dit boek een historisch feit verwerkt in de verhaallijn , nl. de mishandeling van vrouwen en kinderen in de gevangenis en dit is de reden dat ik toch nog 3 sterren heb gegeven voor dit boek want de romantiek was ver te zoeken .
January 4, 2017
3 stars.
The best thing I took away from it was that you shouldn't do things by going behind your partner's back. This book got generally favourable response it stuck to everything that makes a historical romance great.
Otherwise the characters get really annoying after a while. Specially because, the H and h were constantly trying to best each other in the compeition for who could act the most sneaky.
But more than anything else, what depressed me the most was how submissive the h got after she professed her love for the first time. It was as if love meant that you suffer through your partner's misbehaviour without any anger or outrage. It is not about historical way of life. Disappointment and love are two separate emotions and can both be felt in their entirety.
Any hoo, it was nice enough read otherwise.
The best thing I took away from it was that you shouldn't do things by going behind your partner's back. This book got generally favourable response it stuck to everything that makes a historical romance great.
Otherwise the characters get really annoying after a while. Specially because, the H and h were constantly trying to best each other in the compeition for who could act the most sneaky.
But more than anything else, what depressed me the most was how submissive the h got after she professed her love for the first time. It was as if love meant that you suffer through your partner's misbehaviour without any anger or outrage. It is not about historical way of life. Disappointment and love are two separate emotions and can both be felt in their entirety.
Any hoo, it was nice enough read otherwise.
June 18, 2009
This is my second "School for Heiresses" book I have read and it just reminded me why I enjoy Sabrina Jeffries' writing so much. It has made me anxious to now read the rest of the books in the series. I like Louisa's character because she was a strong heroine who was not willing to sacrifice what she believed because society (overall) didn't approve of her prison reform efforts. The hero in the story, Simon, was also someone I enjoyed reading about because he overcame a lot of difficulties in his life too. Louisa and Simon were a lovely match and this book was a wonderful read!
May 27, 2011
The school for heiresses 2.
sebelum membaca novel ini sebaiknya membaca brotherhood series dulu ya karna buku ini sangat berkaitan erat dengan seri itu.
masih ingat viscount drake?? salah 1 dari 3 illegitimate child of prinny tp ternyata louisa north, adik perempuan drake pun ternyata juga illegitimate prinny (idih menyebarkan benih dimana2 nih).
masih ingat regina tremaine??? yup sekarang adl lady drake, istri viscount drake.
gimana dengan simon tremaine??? kakak regina ini dulu diminta oleh ayah kandung louisa untuk court louisa tp ga boleh ngapa2in louisa (mission imposible abissssss)
louisa sakit hati mengetahui persekongkolan tsb membuatnya membujuk sang ayah untuk memberi pelajaran pd simon.
jd lah selama 7 tahun simon terdampar menjadi governer india.
7 tahun tersingkirkan sekarang simon tremaine, duke of foxmoor, kembali.
sekali2nya kembali eh langsung ketemu dgn louisa di pesta sang adik, gimana ga ketemu wong louisa tinggal disitu jg tuh.
eh bukan cuman ketemu dengan louisa yg tumbuh menjadi wanita yg sangat2 kelita & sangat2 menggugah seleranya (xixixixxiixi kayak serigala melihat domba aja), simon juga bertemu dengan prinny yg udah menjadi king george.
sekali lagi king george memintanya jd bidak caturnya dlm kehidupan louisa dengan iming2 posisi sbg PM.
eh simon terima.....duh simon elo kok ya ga kapok2 juga sih???
King George meminta simon mendekati & menikahi Louisa & segera memberi louisa anak yg dapat diurusnya sehingga luoisa dpt lepas dari kegiatan2 sosialnya yg sudah mengarah ke politik membuat anggota2 parlemen mendesak2 King George.
King George sudah berusaha membujuk louisa tp louisa benar2 keras kepala tidak mau mendengarkan ditambah Drake mendukung louisa. Kl King George memaksa bgt bisa2 Drake membuat perhitungan dgnnya.
King George jg sudah berusaha menjodohkan louisa tp semua ditolak louisa mentah2.
jd simon adl cara terakhir King George.
Simon memang menyetujui King George tp dlm bbrp syarat tertulis dari Simon. wakakakaka Simon memeras King George. yaiyalah dia kapok menuruti keinginan King George gitu aja eh tau2 dia tersingkir ke India.
Skrg semua harus sesuai aturan simon.
Jadilah Simon kembali menebarkan pesonanya pd Louisa. walo Louisa selalu berkata "kebal padanya" tp Simon yakin Louisa masih memiliki rasa padanya.
semakin louisa menghindar semakin simon gencar.
dia tidak peduli walo drake sendiri hampir menghajarnya kalo aja ga dilarang louisa & regina.
drake tidak mau simon menyakiti hati louisa kembali.
simon tau caranya mendekati louisa. tidak bisa secara pribadi maka simon masuk mendekati lewat kegiatan2 sosial louisa.
apalagi simon sebenarnya jg tidak suka louisa ikut masalah2 soal keributan di penjara. simon takut louisa kenapa2.
simon sendiri walo bilang hatinya keras tp dia care pd louisa.
louisa adl satu2nya wanita yg dipedulikannya, selain regina sang adik tentunya.
Simon benar2 penuh perhitungan.
dia melakukan apa aja agar louisa menerimanya. ikut kegiatan2 louisa sampai menggunakan raji, monyet yg dibawanya dr india yg ternyata dekat dengan louisa.
bahkan simon sengaja mencumbu louisa saat dia tau drake akan segera datang tergopoh2 mencari louisa (secara saat itu louisa habis kena tipuk di penjara), simon ingin drake melihat cumbuan itu agar bisa memaksa louisa menikah.
benar2 akal bulus yg sangat cerdik.
tp 1 yg tidak diperhitungkan simon.
drake tidak datang sendiri. dia datang bersama regina, mrs. harris & wanita 1 kumpulan lainnya. upssss.........
yahhh udah ketahuan orang banyak gitu mau tidak mau louisa bersedia menerima pinangan simon.
louisa berharap hubungannya dengan simon kali ini benar2 murni karna dia masih sangat mencintai simon.
tp betapa kagetnya louisa, dihari pernikahannya dia tanpa sengaja mendengar pembicaraan simon & King George.
ternyata lagi2 Simon mendekatinya atas perintah King George dengan diimingi2 kedudukan PM.
louisa sakit hati & menolak simon.
Simon sendiri tidak mau mengalah. dia selalu terbayang2 pelajaran keras sang kakek yg mengajarnya tidak lemah pd istri kalo tidak ingin diinjak2 tp simon rindu pd louisa.
sengsaranya lg para pelayan di kediaman foxmoor sengaja membuat hidupnya tambah sengsara.
dia disajikan makanan2 tidak layak. wakakakkaka simon jd tidak kerasan dirumahnya sendiri.
belum kelar masalah 1 eh simon memergoki Louisa ternyata sebelum bercinta dengannya memasang sponge dulu (nah ini nih aq mikir gimana caranya si simon kagak kerasa soal sponge ini???)
ternyata louisa masih trauma berat soal kematian kakaknya princess charlotte yg meninggal gara2 melahirkan.
ternyata saat princess charlotte melahirkan louisa bersembunyi dilemari pakaiannya.
dia menyaksikan segala kesakitan & darah. hal itu mempengaruhinya membuat louisa takut mengandung.
hhhhhhhhhhhhh
ketambahan di White, 2 menteri utama mendesak simon untuk mengontrol louisa yg kegiatan sosialnya makin mengancam parlemen yg sekarang.
King George sendiri jd susah ditemui (ya iyalah dia takut ditagih janji sama simon).
panas bener kepala simon. tanpa basa basi dia memaksa louisa tinggal dirumah mereka di pedesaan agar louisa mundur dr misinya.
hhhhhhhhhhhh benar2 rumah tangga simon - louisa ini kapan ada suasana tenangnya???
musuhan baikan musuhan lagi........
tp louisa cinta sama simon, apalagi setelah mendengar cerita betsy, ex mistress dari earl or morteith (bener ga tuh namanya??), kakek simon, gimana cara sang kakek memperlakukan simon sejak kecil.
duhhhhhhhhh ternyata masa lalu simon sangat mengenaskan.
kakeknya sangat keras. kakeknya saat itu adl PM & ingin simon mengikuti jejaknya.
tp caranya itu membuat simon memiliki luka tersendiri. luka yg membuatnya membangun benteng yg kuat disekelilingnya. membuatnya susah menerima uluran cinta louisa.
simon tidak ingin menjadi spt kakeknya tp setiap tindakannya pd louisa mengingatkannya pd tindakan sang kakek pd neneknya.
louisa memang mengakui mencintainya. demi simon louisa rela menunggu, rela melupakan traumanya & mengandung bayi simon, rela mengundurkan diri dari misi pentingnya tp simon bagaimana???
setiap tindakan simon seperti menuntut louisa menurutinya & mengerti dirinya tanpa simon sendiri mengerti akan louisa.
simon terlalu ingin membuktikan dirinya pd sang kakek yg sudah meninggal hingga membuatnya melupakan & melihat peluang2 lain yg ada didepan matanya.
duh simon...........
sebelum membaca novel ini sebaiknya membaca brotherhood series dulu ya karna buku ini sangat berkaitan erat dengan seri itu.
masih ingat viscount drake?? salah 1 dari 3 illegitimate child of prinny tp ternyata louisa north, adik perempuan drake pun ternyata juga illegitimate prinny (idih menyebarkan benih dimana2 nih).
masih ingat regina tremaine??? yup sekarang adl lady drake, istri viscount drake.
gimana dengan simon tremaine??? kakak regina ini dulu diminta oleh ayah kandung louisa untuk court louisa tp ga boleh ngapa2in louisa (mission imposible abissssss)
louisa sakit hati mengetahui persekongkolan tsb membuatnya membujuk sang ayah untuk memberi pelajaran pd simon.
jd lah selama 7 tahun simon terdampar menjadi governer india.
7 tahun tersingkirkan sekarang simon tremaine, duke of foxmoor, kembali.
sekali2nya kembali eh langsung ketemu dgn louisa di pesta sang adik, gimana ga ketemu wong louisa tinggal disitu jg tuh.
eh bukan cuman ketemu dengan louisa yg tumbuh menjadi wanita yg sangat2 kelita & sangat2 menggugah seleranya (xixixixxiixi kayak serigala melihat domba aja), simon juga bertemu dengan prinny yg udah menjadi king george.
sekali lagi king george memintanya jd bidak caturnya dlm kehidupan louisa dengan iming2 posisi sbg PM.
eh simon terima.....duh simon elo kok ya ga kapok2 juga sih???
King George meminta simon mendekati & menikahi Louisa & segera memberi louisa anak yg dapat diurusnya sehingga luoisa dpt lepas dari kegiatan2 sosialnya yg sudah mengarah ke politik membuat anggota2 parlemen mendesak2 King George.
King George sudah berusaha membujuk louisa tp louisa benar2 keras kepala tidak mau mendengarkan ditambah Drake mendukung louisa. Kl King George memaksa bgt bisa2 Drake membuat perhitungan dgnnya.
King George jg sudah berusaha menjodohkan louisa tp semua ditolak louisa mentah2.
jd simon adl cara terakhir King George.
Simon memang menyetujui King George tp dlm bbrp syarat tertulis dari Simon. wakakakaka Simon memeras King George. yaiyalah dia kapok menuruti keinginan King George gitu aja eh tau2 dia tersingkir ke India.
Skrg semua harus sesuai aturan simon.
Jadilah Simon kembali menebarkan pesonanya pd Louisa. walo Louisa selalu berkata "kebal padanya" tp Simon yakin Louisa masih memiliki rasa padanya.
semakin louisa menghindar semakin simon gencar.
dia tidak peduli walo drake sendiri hampir menghajarnya kalo aja ga dilarang louisa & regina.
drake tidak mau simon menyakiti hati louisa kembali.
simon tau caranya mendekati louisa. tidak bisa secara pribadi maka simon masuk mendekati lewat kegiatan2 sosial louisa.
apalagi simon sebenarnya jg tidak suka louisa ikut masalah2 soal keributan di penjara. simon takut louisa kenapa2.
simon sendiri walo bilang hatinya keras tp dia care pd louisa.
louisa adl satu2nya wanita yg dipedulikannya, selain regina sang adik tentunya.
Simon benar2 penuh perhitungan.
dia melakukan apa aja agar louisa menerimanya. ikut kegiatan2 louisa sampai menggunakan raji, monyet yg dibawanya dr india yg ternyata dekat dengan louisa.
bahkan simon sengaja mencumbu louisa saat dia tau drake akan segera datang tergopoh2 mencari louisa (secara saat itu louisa habis kena tipuk di penjara), simon ingin drake melihat cumbuan itu agar bisa memaksa louisa menikah.
benar2 akal bulus yg sangat cerdik.
tp 1 yg tidak diperhitungkan simon.
drake tidak datang sendiri. dia datang bersama regina, mrs. harris & wanita 1 kumpulan lainnya. upssss.........
yahhh udah ketahuan orang banyak gitu mau tidak mau louisa bersedia menerima pinangan simon.
louisa berharap hubungannya dengan simon kali ini benar2 murni karna dia masih sangat mencintai simon.
tp betapa kagetnya louisa, dihari pernikahannya dia tanpa sengaja mendengar pembicaraan simon & King George.
ternyata lagi2 Simon mendekatinya atas perintah King George dengan diimingi2 kedudukan PM.
louisa sakit hati & menolak simon.
Simon sendiri tidak mau mengalah. dia selalu terbayang2 pelajaran keras sang kakek yg mengajarnya tidak lemah pd istri kalo tidak ingin diinjak2 tp simon rindu pd louisa.
sengsaranya lg para pelayan di kediaman foxmoor sengaja membuat hidupnya tambah sengsara.
dia disajikan makanan2 tidak layak. wakakakkaka simon jd tidak kerasan dirumahnya sendiri.
belum kelar masalah 1 eh simon memergoki Louisa ternyata sebelum bercinta dengannya memasang sponge dulu (nah ini nih aq mikir gimana caranya si simon kagak kerasa soal sponge ini???)
ternyata louisa masih trauma berat soal kematian kakaknya princess charlotte yg meninggal gara2 melahirkan.
ternyata saat princess charlotte melahirkan louisa bersembunyi dilemari pakaiannya.
dia menyaksikan segala kesakitan & darah. hal itu mempengaruhinya membuat louisa takut mengandung.
hhhhhhhhhhhhh
ketambahan di White, 2 menteri utama mendesak simon untuk mengontrol louisa yg kegiatan sosialnya makin mengancam parlemen yg sekarang.
King George sendiri jd susah ditemui (ya iyalah dia takut ditagih janji sama simon).
panas bener kepala simon. tanpa basa basi dia memaksa louisa tinggal dirumah mereka di pedesaan agar louisa mundur dr misinya.
hhhhhhhhhhhh benar2 rumah tangga simon - louisa ini kapan ada suasana tenangnya???
musuhan baikan musuhan lagi........
tp louisa cinta sama simon, apalagi setelah mendengar cerita betsy, ex mistress dari earl or morteith (bener ga tuh namanya??), kakek simon, gimana cara sang kakek memperlakukan simon sejak kecil.
duhhhhhhhhh ternyata masa lalu simon sangat mengenaskan.
kakeknya sangat keras. kakeknya saat itu adl PM & ingin simon mengikuti jejaknya.
tp caranya itu membuat simon memiliki luka tersendiri. luka yg membuatnya membangun benteng yg kuat disekelilingnya. membuatnya susah menerima uluran cinta louisa.
simon tidak ingin menjadi spt kakeknya tp setiap tindakannya pd louisa mengingatkannya pd tindakan sang kakek pd neneknya.
louisa memang mengakui mencintainya. demi simon louisa rela menunggu, rela melupakan traumanya & mengandung bayi simon, rela mengundurkan diri dari misi pentingnya tp simon bagaimana???
setiap tindakan simon seperti menuntut louisa menurutinya & mengerti dirinya tanpa simon sendiri mengerti akan louisa.
simon terlalu ingin membuktikan dirinya pd sang kakek yg sudah meninggal hingga membuatnya melupakan & melihat peluang2 lain yg ada didepan matanya.
duh simon...........
March 23, 2022
Just couldn’t like this one. Second chance romances are so tough, and really aren’t my jam. That plus I really didn’t like either the hero or heroine made this a rough read for me.
July 11, 2022
I read this book, forgot to mark it read, and after only a couple week, have absolutely no memory of it.
Three stars 🤣
Three stars 🤣
December 2, 2013
Baca ini bukan berasa baca series laen, tp lanjutan Drake - Regina di series sebelumnya hmpfh
Yang udah bacaTo Pleasure a Prince (Royal Brotherhood #2) pasti tau siapa Simon dan Louisa deh, nah buku ini 7th setelah Simon di asingkan oleh Priny atas permintaan Louisa, mereka bertemu lagi dalam keadaan yg berbeda atau itu anggapan keduanya.
Louisa, perawan tua dan seorang aktivis wanita yang ingin melakukan reformasi penjara wanita. Dia ingin merubah nasib para wanita di penjara dan anak-anak mereka sampai meresahkan para petinggi parlemen.
Dia tidak ingin menikah, tidak setelah Simon menolak menikahinya 7th lalu dan lebih memilih diasingkan di India oleh ayah nya, atas permintaannya (Luoisa ini anaknya Priny sama emaknya Drake) dan setelah dia melihat Putri Charlote meninggal karena melahirkan bayi yang juga meninggal
Menyalurkan energi dan semangatnya demi reformasi penjara adalah satu-satunya hal yg membuat Louisa bersemangat, hingga Simon kembali ke London.
Balik ke 7th lalu dulu deh ya, di novelnya kaga ditulis si, cuma dikit2 doang di singgung hehe..
Simon, seorang Duke, penasihat sekaligus tangan kanan Priny, Simon sudah disiapkan sedari kecil oleh kakeknya untuk menjadi seorang Perdana Mentri (dan kakek nya jg Perdana mentri dulunya) ah iya, ini kakek dr Ibu ya bkn kakek dr Ayah.
Priny yg terkenal mempunyai banyak sekali anak haram (di series sebelumnya) yakin kalau Louisa adik Drake adalah anaknya, demi upaya menemui Louisa yg pasti ga diijinin Drake (baca bukunya Drake-Regina deh) si Priny nyuruh Simon buat rayu si Louisa
Louisa yg baru berumur belasan, masih muda, masih berjiwa romantis di deketin sama Simon, Duke yg ganteng dan perayu ulung, ya pasti klepek2 dong ya.. nah pas tau Simon nipu die, bahkan setelah mereka kissu2 gitu (ga ampe bobo bareng si) sakit hati deh si Louisa
Die minta Priny buat ngasingin Simon ke India, kalau engga Simon musti meritin die.. dan Simon milih pergi ke India, Sakit hati dan kehancuran itulah Louisa menjadi wanita seperti saat ini.
Dan apa bener Simon ga punya rasa apa2 ke Louisa? yeah... saat itu die juga tergoda, amat sangat tergoda untuk memilih menikahi Louisa tapi die disiapkan khusus untuk menjabat sebagai Perdana Mentri (itu keyakinan die) makanya die ambil tantangan jadi Gubernur di India.
7th Kemudian, Simon balik ke London dan mendapati Louisa memperlakukannya seakan-akan mereka tidak saling mengenal, sekedar anggota ton dan itu membuatnya kesel.. amat sangat kesel!
Pas Priny dateng ke Simon bilang kl die akan kasih jabatan Perdana mentri ke Simon dgn syarat meritin Louisa, Simon merasa tertantang dan ingin menunjukkan pada Louisa bahwa ketertarikan mereka belum berakhir..
Dan bagaimana cara Louisa meyakinkan Simon bahwa dia sudah tidak tertarik? padahal itu jelas-jelas bohong...
Dialognya tu kocak banget sumpah, gw sampe ngakak2 bacanya... belum lagi tu mereka b2 tu sampe adu kuat2an nahan diri.. bagian yg paling gw inget itu, pas Simon bilang kl die berhasyat dan Louisa dgn entengnya nyuruh Simon ke rumah bordil muahahahaha... (ah si Simon ini 7th selibat di India) muahahaha....
baca deh baca... seruuuu pokoknya^^
belum lagi masa lalu Simon, kalo kata Louisa "kenapa harus kau yg menjadi Perdana Menteri?" hehehe.... politiknya rada njlimet si, Duke tp tertarik sama politik rada jarang kan XD
Yang udah bacaTo Pleasure a Prince (Royal Brotherhood #2) pasti tau siapa Simon dan Louisa deh, nah buku ini 7th setelah Simon di asingkan oleh Priny atas permintaan Louisa, mereka bertemu lagi dalam keadaan yg berbeda atau itu anggapan keduanya.
Louisa, perawan tua dan seorang aktivis wanita yang ingin melakukan reformasi penjara wanita. Dia ingin merubah nasib para wanita di penjara dan anak-anak mereka sampai meresahkan para petinggi parlemen.
Dia tidak ingin menikah, tidak setelah Simon menolak menikahinya 7th lalu dan lebih memilih diasingkan di India oleh ayah nya, atas permintaannya (Luoisa ini anaknya Priny sama emaknya Drake) dan setelah dia melihat Putri Charlote meninggal karena melahirkan bayi yang juga meninggal
Menyalurkan energi dan semangatnya demi reformasi penjara adalah satu-satunya hal yg membuat Louisa bersemangat, hingga Simon kembali ke London.
Balik ke 7th lalu dulu deh ya, di novelnya kaga ditulis si, cuma dikit2 doang di singgung hehe..
Simon, seorang Duke, penasihat sekaligus tangan kanan Priny, Simon sudah disiapkan sedari kecil oleh kakeknya untuk menjadi seorang Perdana Mentri (dan kakek nya jg Perdana mentri dulunya) ah iya, ini kakek dr Ibu ya bkn kakek dr Ayah.
Priny yg terkenal mempunyai banyak sekali anak haram (di series sebelumnya) yakin kalau Louisa adik Drake adalah anaknya, demi upaya menemui Louisa yg pasti ga diijinin Drake (baca bukunya Drake-Regina deh) si Priny nyuruh Simon buat rayu si Louisa
Louisa yg baru berumur belasan, masih muda, masih berjiwa romantis di deketin sama Simon, Duke yg ganteng dan perayu ulung, ya pasti klepek2 dong ya.. nah pas tau Simon nipu die, bahkan setelah mereka kissu2 gitu (ga ampe bobo bareng si) sakit hati deh si Louisa
Die minta Priny buat ngasingin Simon ke India, kalau engga Simon musti meritin die.. dan Simon milih pergi ke India, Sakit hati dan kehancuran itulah Louisa menjadi wanita seperti saat ini.
Dan apa bener Simon ga punya rasa apa2 ke Louisa? yeah... saat itu die juga tergoda, amat sangat tergoda untuk memilih menikahi Louisa tapi die disiapkan khusus untuk menjabat sebagai Perdana Mentri (itu keyakinan die) makanya die ambil tantangan jadi Gubernur di India.
7th Kemudian, Simon balik ke London dan mendapati Louisa memperlakukannya seakan-akan mereka tidak saling mengenal, sekedar anggota ton dan itu membuatnya kesel.. amat sangat kesel!
Pas Priny dateng ke Simon bilang kl die akan kasih jabatan Perdana mentri ke Simon dgn syarat meritin Louisa, Simon merasa tertantang dan ingin menunjukkan pada Louisa bahwa ketertarikan mereka belum berakhir..
Dan bagaimana cara Louisa meyakinkan Simon bahwa dia sudah tidak tertarik? padahal itu jelas-jelas bohong...
Dialognya tu kocak banget sumpah, gw sampe ngakak2 bacanya... belum lagi tu mereka b2 tu sampe adu kuat2an nahan diri.. bagian yg paling gw inget itu, pas Simon bilang kl die berhasyat dan Louisa dgn entengnya nyuruh Simon ke rumah bordil muahahahaha... (ah si Simon ini 7th selibat di India) muahahaha....
baca deh baca... seruuuu pokoknya^^
belum lagi masa lalu Simon, kalo kata Louisa "kenapa harus kau yg menjadi Perdana Menteri?" hehehe.... politiknya rada njlimet si, Duke tp tertarik sama politik rada jarang kan XD
March 29, 2016
Simon! I admit that Simon is my personal favorite of the Heiress men. I think he's a great match for Louisa (and Louisa him) in both temperment and in action. Their (renewed) courtship is sort of a bumblebroth--part revenge, part need for a secure future position, part lust and part affection, every step either takes is rather complicated. Simon's past is a shadowy, cruel tale for much of the story. Bits and pieces are thrown out, and dissected by Louisa, about the 'training' his Grandfather put him through, but its not until the last third that we learn just how awful that past was making his future.
Louisa is, for all intents and purposes, exactly who she presents herself as. A dark memory involving her dearly departed beloved half-sister Princess Charlotte rears its head on occasion, but unlike Simon's dark memories hers don't place immediate fears and restrictions on her personality. Thankfully.
Once more there is no real 'villian' to the piece, the obstacles in their path of romance are more subtle and intangible. Simon's past, Louisa's fears, Louisa's father's machinations. I found I preferred that--there was enough for the two of them to settle without worrying about some lurking jerk.
As far as complaints...none really. Other then a few good whacks upside Louisa's father's head, I was happy. I wasn't bothered by the fact that there isn't a lot of backstory for Louisa (as far as her mother and the Prince go), since it honestly had no bearing on the present story. She had no angst with her place in society, nor her birth. I was irritated by her Ladies Society, but not to any great degree.
Little else is revealed about the School that wasn't already told, or inferred from conversations. Since both Louisa and Amelia have graduated from the School it only makes sense. Mrs. Harris makes several appearances (as a member of Louisa's Ladies Society) and of course the letters between Mrs. Harris and 'cousin' Michael continue to begin each new chapter.
Louisa is, for all intents and purposes, exactly who she presents herself as. A dark memory involving her dearly departed beloved half-sister Princess Charlotte rears its head on occasion, but unlike Simon's dark memories hers don't place immediate fears and restrictions on her personality. Thankfully.
Once more there is no real 'villian' to the piece, the obstacles in their path of romance are more subtle and intangible. Simon's past, Louisa's fears, Louisa's father's machinations. I found I preferred that--there was enough for the two of them to settle without worrying about some lurking jerk.
As far as complaints...none really. Other then a few good whacks upside Louisa's father's head, I was happy. I wasn't bothered by the fact that there isn't a lot of backstory for Louisa (as far as her mother and the Prince go), since it honestly had no bearing on the present story. She had no angst with her place in society, nor her birth. I was irritated by her Ladies Society, but not to any great degree.
Little else is revealed about the School that wasn't already told, or inferred from conversations. Since both Louisa and Amelia have graduated from the School it only makes sense. Mrs. Harris makes several appearances (as a member of Louisa's Ladies Society) and of course the letters between Mrs. Harris and 'cousin' Michael continue to begin each new chapter.
May 14, 2013
Everyone seems to love Jeffries' To Pleasure a Royal Prince but I spent the book wishing it was about Simon and Louisa (heroine's brother and hero's sister) instead. Luckily for me, with Only a Duke Will Do, I got my wish and I LOVED IT!!!!
Seven years have passed since Simon was exiled to India for wooing Louisa under false pretences in TPARP, but now he is back to discover that from a dreamy, easily-led girl, Lousia has changed into a strong and stubborn prison reformer not particularly interested in marriage. Simon is still as obsessed with Louisa as ever, and as incapable of processing his feelings in a healthy way (thanks to his awful upbringing about which we learn a lot of in this book), and still not above trying to combine political advantages with passion. But the more he spends time with Louisa, the more he gets drawn into her cause and the more he realizes that he is merely human and not the automaton he so hard tries to be. And Louisa realizes that he may genuinely want and care for her after all.
So, why did I love it? Simply put, because I loved and rooted for Louisa and Simon. They are both smart, ruthless, strong-willed and very much into politics, but they are also complicated and passionate together and have a large number of issues to work through (their shared past, plus their individual demons ensure this is so). One of my favorite things when characters are in a committed relationship actually have to work through their feelings and this book delivers - one of the biggest things in this book is Simon's inability to believe he can love or be loved and how this gets dealt with. I am a sucker for that trope.
Anyway, five stars.
Seven years have passed since Simon was exiled to India for wooing Louisa under false pretences in TPARP, but now he is back to discover that from a dreamy, easily-led girl, Lousia has changed into a strong and stubborn prison reformer not particularly interested in marriage. Simon is still as obsessed with Louisa as ever, and as incapable of processing his feelings in a healthy way (thanks to his awful upbringing about which we learn a lot of in this book), and still not above trying to combine political advantages with passion. But the more he spends time with Louisa, the more he gets drawn into her cause and the more he realizes that he is merely human and not the automaton he so hard tries to be. And Louisa realizes that he may genuinely want and care for her after all.
So, why did I love it? Simply put, because I loved and rooted for Louisa and Simon. They are both smart, ruthless, strong-willed and very much into politics, but they are also complicated and passionate together and have a large number of issues to work through (their shared past, plus their individual demons ensure this is so). One of my favorite things when characters are in a committed relationship actually have to work through their feelings and this book delivers - one of the biggest things in this book is Simon's inability to believe he can love or be loved and how this gets dealt with. I am a sucker for that trope.
Anyway, five stars.
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