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Holiday Pleasures #1
Season for Temptation
Two Sisters...
Julia Herington is overjoyed when her stepsister, Louisa, becomes engaged—to a viscount, no less. Louisa's only hesitation is living a life under the ton's critical gaze. But with his wry wit and unconventional ideas, Julia feels James is perfect for Louisa. She can only hope to find a man like him for herself. Exactly like him, in fact...
One Choice...
As the new Viscount Matheson, James wished to marry quickly and secure his title. Kind, intelligent Louisa seemed a suitable bride...until he met her stepsister. Julia is impetuous—and irresistible. Pledged to one sister, yet captivated by another, what is he to do? As Christmas and the whirl of the London season approach, James may be caught in a most scandalous conundrum, one that only true love, a bit of spiritous punch—and a twist of fate—will solve...
Julia Herington is overjoyed when her stepsister, Louisa, becomes engaged—to a viscount, no less. Louisa's only hesitation is living a life under the ton's critical gaze. But with his wry wit and unconventional ideas, Julia feels James is perfect for Louisa. She can only hope to find a man like him for herself. Exactly like him, in fact...
One Choice...
As the new Viscount Matheson, James wished to marry quickly and secure his title. Kind, intelligent Louisa seemed a suitable bride...until he met her stepsister. Julia is impetuous—and irresistible. Pledged to one sister, yet captivated by another, what is he to do? As Christmas and the whirl of the London season approach, James may be caught in a most scandalous conundrum, one that only true love, a bit of spiritous punch—and a twist of fate—will solve...
362 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 4, 2011
43 people are currently reading
959 people want to read
About the author
Theresa Romain
41 books661 followersTheresa Romain is the bestselling author of more than 20 historical romances, including the Holiday Pleasures series, the Matchmaker trilogy, the Royal Rewards series, and the Romance of the Turf series. Praised as “one of the rising stars of Regency historical romance” (Booklist), her books have finaled for the RITA® award, received starred reviews from Booklist, and been named to the Best Books of the Year list by NPR. Theresa is hard at work on her next book from her home in the Midwestern USA.
To keep up with all her book-release news, please visit her online at theresaromain.com, where you can sign up for her newsletter, or find her on BookBub at https://www.bookbub.com/authors/there....
To keep up with all her book-release news, please visit her online at theresaromain.com, where you can sign up for her newsletter, or find her on BookBub at https://www.bookbub.com/authors/there....
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
January 16, 2012
*DNF*
I have to admit defeat and give up on this one. I haven’t enjoyed it and am tired of struggling to become interested. I gave it a good go and made it to page 176, but I don’t think it’s going to get any better.
The hero, James, comes to visit his fiancée, Louisa, and ends up getting to spend some time with her stepsister, Julia, while he waits for Louisa to come greet him. He is completely swept away by Julia and is chagrined to realize that he is so attracted to his fiancée’s sister. (This is by page 8, by the way) Julia’s charms seemed to be comprised of her nonstop chatter—which tends to border on socially unacceptable since she blurts out whatever is on her mind—and her appetite. This girl eats and eats and eats, sometimes even getting a third plate! The hero finds it adorable how flustered she gets after looking at her plate and realizing she’s ate it all. She also loves to have her younger sisters and brothers around (and kids in general), which seems indicate that she’s nicer and more down to earth than any other woman in the book. I mean, who else would take the time to crouch down and talk to the hero’s nieces on their level? Who else would go to a dinner party and ask that the children be allowed to stay so she can play with them? <--sarcasm
Julia drives a lot of the zanier aspects of the book. The other characters, except James and Julia’s aunt, tend to fade into the background, acting the straight man to Julia’s schtick. I think the author was going for something cute and funny, à la Katie MacAlister’s Noble Intentions, but it didn’t work for me. There has to be something more than just ridiculous situations and silly characters to make something funny. It just came off as irritating and ridiculous to me. If you read a sample of this book and find it funny, you’ll probably end up enjoying this more a lot more than I did. I could see what the author was trying to do, but for me it fell flat. The first chapter was incredibly silly and cutesy and that, unfortunately, set the tone for the rest of the book.
One thing I found confusing about the book was the way the tone seemed to change. One second it would be silly and the next it would seem like the author was trying to inject some seriousness as she had James struggle with his attraction to Julia and his determination to marry Louisa. The two tones didn’t mesh very well together, unfortunately. They felt out of place next to each other. One thing I appreciated about James was that his attraction to Julia stayed mostly internal. He was very friendly with her and occasionally slipped up by staring at her, but for the most part he didn’t reveal his interest to her whole family. The same could not be said for Julia. She would run up for a hug and then remember herself at the last minute and turn it into a curtsey, making the situation extremely awkward. She would push her sister to spend time with him and volunteer herself to go along as Louisa’s support, strictly to spend time with him. Way to be a crap sister.
Of course this was all made okay by the fact that Louisa was extremely disinterested in marrying. She snapped up James’s offer (I’m not sure why) in no time flat, but resisted any sort of affection from him and didn’t want to set a date for the wedding. You may think she had some compelling reason to resist him. Maybe a man she was pining for? Maybe she was pushed into accepting his offer? Nope. She just didn’t want to get married and leave home. She wanted to stay with her parents and books. That’s why it seems so odd that she would accept James’s offer so quickly. Maybe if the characters would have had more depth it would have been easier to understand some of their actions.
So, obviously this book was not for me. My advice for you is to try a sample. See if her humor works for you. If it does, snatch it up, because you'll probably enjoy this. But if it doesn’t, I recommend giving this a pass.
P.S. I liked the chapter titles the author included. They reminded me of the Parasol Protectorate books.
*Review originally posted on Fiction Vixen*
I have to admit defeat and give up on this one. I haven’t enjoyed it and am tired of struggling to become interested. I gave it a good go and made it to page 176, but I don’t think it’s going to get any better.
The hero, James, comes to visit his fiancée, Louisa, and ends up getting to spend some time with her stepsister, Julia, while he waits for Louisa to come greet him. He is completely swept away by Julia and is chagrined to realize that he is so attracted to his fiancée’s sister. (This is by page 8, by the way) Julia’s charms seemed to be comprised of her nonstop chatter—which tends to border on socially unacceptable since she blurts out whatever is on her mind—and her appetite. This girl eats and eats and eats, sometimes even getting a third plate! The hero finds it adorable how flustered she gets after looking at her plate and realizing she’s ate it all. She also loves to have her younger sisters and brothers around (and kids in general), which seems indicate that she’s nicer and more down to earth than any other woman in the book. I mean, who else would take the time to crouch down and talk to the hero’s nieces on their level? Who else would go to a dinner party and ask that the children be allowed to stay so she can play with them? <--sarcasm
Julia drives a lot of the zanier aspects of the book. The other characters, except James and Julia’s aunt, tend to fade into the background, acting the straight man to Julia’s schtick. I think the author was going for something cute and funny, à la Katie MacAlister’s Noble Intentions, but it didn’t work for me. There has to be something more than just ridiculous situations and silly characters to make something funny. It just came off as irritating and ridiculous to me. If you read a sample of this book and find it funny, you’ll probably end up enjoying this more a lot more than I did. I could see what the author was trying to do, but for me it fell flat. The first chapter was incredibly silly and cutesy and that, unfortunately, set the tone for the rest of the book.
One thing I found confusing about the book was the way the tone seemed to change. One second it would be silly and the next it would seem like the author was trying to inject some seriousness as she had James struggle with his attraction to Julia and his determination to marry Louisa. The two tones didn’t mesh very well together, unfortunately. They felt out of place next to each other. One thing I appreciated about James was that his attraction to Julia stayed mostly internal. He was very friendly with her and occasionally slipped up by staring at her, but for the most part he didn’t reveal his interest to her whole family. The same could not be said for Julia. She would run up for a hug and then remember herself at the last minute and turn it into a curtsey, making the situation extremely awkward. She would push her sister to spend time with him and volunteer herself to go along as Louisa’s support, strictly to spend time with him. Way to be a crap sister.
Of course this was all made okay by the fact that Louisa was extremely disinterested in marrying. She snapped up James’s offer (I’m not sure why) in no time flat, but resisted any sort of affection from him and didn’t want to set a date for the wedding. You may think she had some compelling reason to resist him. Maybe a man she was pining for? Maybe she was pushed into accepting his offer? Nope. She just didn’t want to get married and leave home. She wanted to stay with her parents and books. That’s why it seems so odd that she would accept James’s offer so quickly. Maybe if the characters would have had more depth it would have been easier to understand some of their actions.
So, obviously this book was not for me. My advice for you is to try a sample. See if her humor works for you. If it does, snatch it up, because you'll probably enjoy this. But if it doesn’t, I recommend giving this a pass.
P.S. I liked the chapter titles the author included. They reminded me of the Parasol Protectorate books.
*Review originally posted on Fiction Vixen*
October 12, 2018
I'm so torn on this one. As always with a Theresa Romain book, I liked most of the characters and some of the dialogue. But this would have worked far better as a novella, in my opinion: there just wasn't nearly enough substance or story for a full-length book. The characters weren't layered enough, the themes weren't interesting enough, and the plot wasn't...existent enough :) I also agree with the person who felt like parts of this were tonally jarring, going from very self-consciously silly to supposedly poignant within a page and not quite capturing either mood very effectively.
I commend Romain for her usual well-written prose and for giving us a hero who's more kind and likable than the vast majority of Historical Romance men these days. But this was her first book, and you can tell she's not quite yet at the top of her craft. The pacing is sluggish and the overall book suffers from a clunky awkwardness. After reading most of her later work, I'm happy to report that she's become a much more skillful and assured writer!
I commend Romain for her usual well-written prose and for giving us a hero who's more kind and likable than the vast majority of Historical Romance men these days. But this was her first book, and you can tell she's not quite yet at the top of her craft. The pacing is sluggish and the overall book suffers from a clunky awkwardness. After reading most of her later work, I'm happy to report that she's become a much more skillful and assured writer!
December 1, 2014
I used to devour as many historical romances as my Kindle and I could find. Due to a thinning wallet and a decreased tolerance for many of the typical romance 'tropes', though, I now find myself buying very few :) Theresa Romain is now one of just two or three "auto buy" authors for me. It's always hard to explain why certain authors' books just "click" for you, but I find Romain's uniquely warm, charming, witty and just eminently rereadable. She has a breezy yet intelligent style that really resonates with me, and her characters are nearly always relatable, likable people who I'd love to know in real life. Honestly, as trite as this sounds, her books just make me happy. I'm always shocked that this extremely talented writer isn't better known among romance readers!
The basic premise is that James, desperate to 'do the right thing' in the wake of recent family scandal, has agreed to marry the seemingly suitable Louisa...only to fall instantly head over heels with her more awkward, socially ungraced (let's pretend that' a word!) step-sister, Julia. If you can't predict the ending, you've probably never read a book before, but the actually journey is a whole lot of fun!
I'd recommend buying this book if..,.
1. You're in the mood for something witty, mood-boosting and frothy, albeit with some surprisingly sharp insight peppered throughout.
2. You like your heroes a little more "beta" than the scarily angry jerks who generally pass for "alphas" these days. (James is actually slightly more alpha than many of Romain's heroes, but he's a genuinely kind man who you'd actually love to know in real life, which separates him from the majority of heroes I've encountered in many romance novels!)
3. You like heroines who are somewhat endearingly awkward rather than smoothly polished and borderline flawless.
4. Witty dialogue and characterization matter more to you than plot.
I wouldn't necessarily recommend this if...
1. You're craving a very dramatic, intensely emotional, 'epic' romance.
2. You're a fan of traditional alpha heroes.
3. You're in the mood for more angst and drama than humor.
4. You're up for a plot-driven book.
I'm annoyingly picky when it comes to romances these days, but I can very honestly say that I'm yet to stumble on a Theresa Romain book that I don't love!
The basic premise is that James, desperate to 'do the right thing' in the wake of recent family scandal, has agreed to marry the seemingly suitable Louisa...only to fall instantly head over heels with her more awkward, socially ungraced (let's pretend that' a word!) step-sister, Julia. If you can't predict the ending, you've probably never read a book before, but the actually journey is a whole lot of fun!
I'd recommend buying this book if..,.
1. You're in the mood for something witty, mood-boosting and frothy, albeit with some surprisingly sharp insight peppered throughout.
2. You like your heroes a little more "beta" than the scarily angry jerks who generally pass for "alphas" these days. (James is actually slightly more alpha than many of Romain's heroes, but he's a genuinely kind man who you'd actually love to know in real life, which separates him from the majority of heroes I've encountered in many romance novels!)
3. You like heroines who are somewhat endearingly awkward rather than smoothly polished and borderline flawless.
4. Witty dialogue and characterization matter more to you than plot.
I wouldn't necessarily recommend this if...
1. You're craving a very dramatic, intensely emotional, 'epic' romance.
2. You're a fan of traditional alpha heroes.
3. You're in the mood for more angst and drama than humor.
4. You're up for a plot-driven book.
I'm annoyingly picky when it comes to romances these days, but I can very honestly say that I'm yet to stumble on a Theresa Romain book that I don't love!
October 30, 2016
Made it to 83%, but could not bring myself to finish. I want to read something this sleepy Sunday that I do actually want to read, which meant DNF-ing this. I don't think I can be accused of not giving it a fair go.
I am not sure there is an apt word to sum up how I feel about this. Perhaps the Germans have one. The closest I can get is this: pfffffft
It's not absolutely terrible, I suppose. But gosh, it's boring. And unsubtle. The most interesting character was the heroine's crazy aunt - why some of this skill in characterisation was not applied to either H/h is a mystery.
The language was extremely irritating. One must remember when writing an historical novel to avoid the anachronism, but it seems to me there are at least two types of anachronism. Nouns: one cannot make a comparison of feelings to the buzz of electricity in a novel set in 1770. You shouldn't be speaking of 'teenagers' in 1880 or 'feminist' or 'feminism' in 1822. And, to be fair, Romain isn't guilty of this. She's guilty of linguistic anachronism, repeatedly.
Characters are "pretty sure." They tag the end of their sentences with "right?" [something Brits don't do all that much even in the twenty-first century]. "Finding a man" appears with regularity. A baby "spits up" [an Americanism, as well as being a modern phrase]. There was so much of this I eventually stopped highlighting. It drove me round the bend.
That this is the same author who wrote Secrets of a Scandalous Heiress (terrible title given the content, but a wonderful, wonderful book) is baffling to me.
I am still going to read Romain's more recent work, but I just don't know if I can pick up the Holiday Pleasures series again. This was a bad experience for me.
I am not sure there is an apt word to sum up how I feel about this. Perhaps the Germans have one. The closest I can get is this: pfffffft
It's not absolutely terrible, I suppose. But gosh, it's boring. And unsubtle. The most interesting character was the heroine's crazy aunt - why some of this skill in characterisation was not applied to either H/h is a mystery.
The language was extremely irritating. One must remember when writing an historical novel to avoid the anachronism, but it seems to me there are at least two types of anachronism. Nouns: one cannot make a comparison of feelings to the buzz of electricity in a novel set in 1770. You shouldn't be speaking of 'teenagers' in 1880 or 'feminist' or 'feminism' in 1822. And, to be fair, Romain isn't guilty of this. She's guilty of linguistic anachronism, repeatedly.
Characters are "pretty sure." They tag the end of their sentences with "right?" [something Brits don't do all that much even in the twenty-first century]. "Finding a man" appears with regularity. A baby "spits up" [an Americanism, as well as being a modern phrase]. There was so much of this I eventually stopped highlighting. It drove me round the bend.
That this is the same author who wrote Secrets of a Scandalous Heiress (terrible title given the content, but a wonderful, wonderful book) is baffling to me.
I am still going to read Romain's more recent work, but I just don't know if I can pick up the Holiday Pleasures series again. This was a bad experience for me.
October 20, 2014
Originally posted
HERE
.
The cover of this book is a pretty good indication of the level of historical accuracy to expect: none. If the title had been different, I would have assumed this was a contemporary romance. Silk negligées in 1817? You’re kidding me.
I have a problem here: I’m a big fan of this author, but I didn’t like this, her first book, at all. Now, usually you’re going to come across a book from a favourite author that just didn’t work for you, but this situation is different. It seems that in this particular situation, the author was so in awe of a few wallpaper historical writers of Regency fluff that instead of trusting her own (excellent, unique) voice, she tried to emulate theirs.
Big mistake. It got her published, but the historical inaccuracies, the American slang, the childish characters, the total lack of respect for the social mores of the time… please don’t read this book and then think it’s an indication of the author’s talent. Because it isn’t.
Season for Temptation opens with our hero, James, Viscount Matheson engaged to the sister of our heroine, Julia Herington. However, the moment he meets his fiancée’s sister he realises he might have been a bit too hasty choosing a wife, that he might have made a mistake.
We are faced with a heroine so young and immature it was a little difficult to deal with. She isn’t even “out” yet and seemed more at home playing with her younger siblings in the nursery than considering marriage.
The heroine’s immaturity aside, it was a good premise (and one I can get through without feeling too sorry for the other woman, as she’s the heroine of the next book), and I liked the characters. It was a nice change to meet a cast of people who didn’t use being “tortured” as an excuse to be unkind.
But yes, I had so many issues with this one.
Issues such as the use of modern dialogue like this:
Some issues are repeat problems I’ve noticed in the author’s other books, and I’m actually really surprised nobody has done anything to fix them yet. I question historical romance editors who clearly don’t know the first thing about Regency manners – or London!
The big one is that the social customs are All Wrong for the time period. We have a heroine who greets and farewells everyone with handshakes. HANDSHAKES! *Nobody* shook hands in Regency England. That is as out of place as Julia running around kissing everyone on the lips would have been! It’s not the only liberty taken with social mores; another is all the casual touching going on. A man would never devote so much time to hugging and holding hands with his fiancée’s sister. He would never casually stand around with his hand on or arm around her shoulder.
In fact, people in 2014 wouldn’t be this physically familiar with a fiancée’s sister!
As I said, I had a huge issue with the way the characters spoke. There was so much contemporary American slang coming out of the characters’ mouths (lame for “bad”; antsy, stupidest, minefield, chic. for “fashionable” – this term was not in use then). While I wouldn’t usually class Romain’s books as “Wallpaper Historicals” – she often has plenty of depth to go with the fluff – this one is. Gotten popped up so often it was giving me a headache, and the past participle of spit should be spat !
I think this is much more of a problem in this one than in her later books.
There was a sex scene stuck in at a very odd point in the book – I guess there “had” to be one somewhere and the story was already winding up. It was very risky, very out of place for the characters and the time period. It also read disturbingly like a man deflowering a silly child.
Why did all the ladies share the one maid on loan from their aunt?
The casual “who cares?” attitudes everybody had about the possibility of an unmarried pregnant girl of the aristocracy were so far from the reality of the times I had to put the book down for a few minutes.
Additionally, the author makes the same mistake here that she did in the last book of hers I read: referring to all of London as “The City” (capitalised). The City of London is a very particular part of London, the Square Mile that serves as the financial and business district. You simply cannot refer to the capital as a whole that way, and certainly not to the part of town these characters are meaning when they say it.
I’ve seen Julia Quinn’s name mentioned numerous times in relation to inspiration for this book. I can see similarities, and so I have some advice to up and coming writers: Do Not use Julia Quinn for your historical research. Just DON’T. I recently came across a similar problem in another first book by another author: she was such a fan of Lisa Kleypas that she’d given her characters the same names and physical descriptions! I know many people are inspired to pick up a pen (or, uh, keyboard) when they read a good book, but copying someone isn’t going to work.
Season for Temptation is a contemporary romance with American characters who happen to be in early nineteenth century England and wearing frilly dresses. It’s so far from Romain’s best you’ll think a different person wrote it. If you’re going to try this author I’d recommend trying something else. Specifically, I’d recommend her May release: To Charm a Naughty Countess. Something where she was brave enough to stand on her own two feet and write something good, rather than this homage of sorts to wallpaper authors. Romain is a much better writer than that, and a much better writer than this book would lead you to think.
The cover of this book is a pretty good indication of the level of historical accuracy to expect: none. If the title had been different, I would have assumed this was a contemporary romance. Silk negligées in 1817? You’re kidding me.
I have a problem here: I’m a big fan of this author, but I didn’t like this, her first book, at all. Now, usually you’re going to come across a book from a favourite author that just didn’t work for you, but this situation is different. It seems that in this particular situation, the author was so in awe of a few wallpaper historical writers of Regency fluff that instead of trusting her own (excellent, unique) voice, she tried to emulate theirs.
Big mistake. It got her published, but the historical inaccuracies, the American slang, the childish characters, the total lack of respect for the social mores of the time… please don’t read this book and then think it’s an indication of the author’s talent. Because it isn’t.
Season for Temptation opens with our hero, James, Viscount Matheson engaged to the sister of our heroine, Julia Herington. However, the moment he meets his fiancée’s sister he realises he might have been a bit too hasty choosing a wife, that he might have made a mistake.
We are faced with a heroine so young and immature it was a little difficult to deal with. She isn’t even “out” yet and seemed more at home playing with her younger siblings in the nursery than considering marriage.
The heroine’s immaturity aside, it was a good premise (and one I can get through without feeling too sorry for the other woman, as she’s the heroine of the next book), and I liked the characters. It was a nice change to meet a cast of people who didn’t use being “tortured” as an excuse to be unkind.
But yes, I had so many issues with this one.
Issues such as the use of modern dialogue like this:
“And he probably kicks puppies, too.”
“I suppose it isn’t as bad as all that.”
“I would not care to see your animals, and you know it.”
“Actually, if she is too much of an evil cow to you.”
Some issues are repeat problems I’ve noticed in the author’s other books, and I’m actually really surprised nobody has done anything to fix them yet. I question historical romance editors who clearly don’t know the first thing about Regency manners – or London!
The big one is that the social customs are All Wrong for the time period. We have a heroine who greets and farewells everyone with handshakes. HANDSHAKES! *Nobody* shook hands in Regency England. That is as out of place as Julia running around kissing everyone on the lips would have been! It’s not the only liberty taken with social mores; another is all the casual touching going on. A man would never devote so much time to hugging and holding hands with his fiancée’s sister. He would never casually stand around with his hand on or arm around her shoulder.
In fact, people in 2014 wouldn’t be this physically familiar with a fiancée’s sister!
As I said, I had a huge issue with the way the characters spoke. There was so much contemporary American slang coming out of the characters’ mouths (lame for “bad”; antsy, stupidest, minefield, chic. for “fashionable” – this term was not in use then). While I wouldn’t usually class Romain’s books as “Wallpaper Historicals” – she often has plenty of depth to go with the fluff – this one is. Gotten popped up so often it was giving me a headache, and the past participle of spit should be spat !
I think this is much more of a problem in this one than in her later books.
There was a sex scene stuck in at a very odd point in the book – I guess there “had” to be one somewhere and the story was already winding up. It was very risky, very out of place for the characters and the time period. It also read disturbingly like a man deflowering a silly child.
Why did all the ladies share the one maid on loan from their aunt?
The casual “who cares?” attitudes everybody had about the possibility of an unmarried pregnant girl of the aristocracy were so far from the reality of the times I had to put the book down for a few minutes.
Additionally, the author makes the same mistake here that she did in the last book of hers I read: referring to all of London as “The City” (capitalised). The City of London is a very particular part of London, the Square Mile that serves as the financial and business district. You simply cannot refer to the capital as a whole that way, and certainly not to the part of town these characters are meaning when they say it.
I’ve seen Julia Quinn’s name mentioned numerous times in relation to inspiration for this book. I can see similarities, and so I have some advice to up and coming writers: Do Not use Julia Quinn for your historical research. Just DON’T. I recently came across a similar problem in another first book by another author: she was such a fan of Lisa Kleypas that she’d given her characters the same names and physical descriptions! I know many people are inspired to pick up a pen (or, uh, keyboard) when they read a good book, but copying someone isn’t going to work.
Season for Temptation is a contemporary romance with American characters who happen to be in early nineteenth century England and wearing frilly dresses. It’s so far from Romain’s best you’ll think a different person wrote it. If you’re going to try this author I’d recommend trying something else. Specifically, I’d recommend her May release: To Charm a Naughty Countess. Something where she was brave enough to stand on her own two feet and write something good, rather than this homage of sorts to wallpaper authors. Romain is a much better writer than that, and a much better writer than this book would lead you to think.
January 8, 2016
I almost dropped this book halfway! Since I wanted to read the next (and better one, it seems) I decided to give it another try, but it wasn't worth it.
Its not a bad book per se, but I don't understand why the author had to make the hero fall in love with the sister, and then make us read how much he liked her but couldn't have her and viceversa. The book would've been much better if they had allowed them to fall in love with no prior engagement. I did like how Louisa was the one who decided she wanted to be happy and wouldn't marry James, but it felt like the otp got their cake and ate it too...
The worst part is that when they finally could be together, they let stupid missunderstandings get between them. I wanted to scream at them not to be idiots. I'm so glad Lady Oliver was the one to save the day in the end. The romance was pretty simple too and thankfully our hero (?) wasn't an alpha, or a brooding idiot, so that was something.
I don't know why I felt so disconnected with the romance, but I really hope Louisa's book will be better. She deserves happiness too! :)
Its not a bad book per se, but I don't understand why the author had to make the hero fall in love with the sister, and then make us read how much he liked her but couldn't have her and viceversa. The book would've been much better if they had allowed them to fall in love with no prior engagement. I did like how Louisa was the one who decided she wanted to be happy and wouldn't marry James, but it felt like the otp got their cake and ate it too...
The worst part is that when they finally could be together, they let stupid missunderstandings get between them. I wanted to scream at them not to be idiots. I'm so glad Lady Oliver was the one to save the day in the end. The romance was pretty simple too and thankfully our hero (?) wasn't an alpha, or a brooding idiot, so that was something.
I don't know why I felt so disconnected with the romance, but I really hope Louisa's book will be better. She deserves happiness too! :)
July 30, 2011
I won an arc of this book from Theresa Roamins blog, http://theresaromain.com/blog/. Thanks!
Julia Herington makes quite an impression on James, Viscount Matheson and newly betrothed to Louisa, Julias stepsister, the first time he meets Julia. James is nervously awaiting the arrival of Louisa when in blows this muttering woman who grows quite embarrassed upon seeing this dashing young man. They start up a delightful conversation while waiting for the rest of the family to arrive and Julia and James just hit it off together right away. And the more time that James spends with the family, the more she knows she wants a man just like him for herself. Unfortunately, James is for her sister and she needs to keep reminding herself of that fact...as does James.
James needed to quickly get engaged to help overshadow a scandal involving his sister and when he meets the lovely Louisa one night at a ball, hiding out in the library, he quickly starts a courtship and asks for her hand in marriage within a couple weeks. There is no love between Louisa and James, just an understanding that they will do well together. Louisa is intelligent and poised and will do well as a viscountess. However, as the story progresses you just get the feeling that Louisa is getting more and more unhappy with their arrangement. She has a dislike for the dealings of the London ton and is truly most happy in a library. Julia gets more and more distressed listening to her beloved sister and James, all she wants is for him to call her "my dear", as he refers to Louisa. But this seems to be something that will never happen.
The sisters and their utterly fun aunt travel to London for the holiday season and to meet James' family. Oh, what a disaster that was! His mother is not too pleased with the match, even though she was the one that insisted that James find a bride quickly. She makes her displeasure known and just ignores Julia for the most part. Thankfully they need to suffer only the dinner with her rude behavior but it also gives James a chance to explain the reason behind his hasty proposal to Louisa. Not long after Christmas, James is to escort the sisters and their aunt to a ball but Louisa pleads a headache and just Julia and Aunt Estella. They end up taking the carriage home alone and Julia being Julia, finally speaks her mind to James about her feelings and she is overjoyed with his response. This leads to a very heated kiss (but nothing more which I was thankful for as I dislike cheating) that they know must never happen again. But what happens in the morning changes everything....for the better or the worse? You will have to see. I don't want to give away anything about the ending but I will say, I started this book with laughter and I ended the book with laughter.
Overall, this is a delightful, witty debut from Theresa Romain! Each chapter has a little header, an example of one such quirky one liner: In which baboon behavior leads to unfortunate consequences. And looking back, each header matches what happens in the chapter, though its not revealed how until you read that chapter. As for the story, I was a bit hesitant about possible cheating but I was happy with how the situation played out but as it took most of the book, the heat factor is on the lower end. Yes, there is a small misunderstanding at the end but it is only small and very quickly resolved. As for our characters...what a cast Ms Romain assembled here. Julia is true delight to read. She speaks her mind and mutters and swears and I really enjoyed her. Louisa is kind and understanding, maybe a bit too much so, but I know she has a more of a story to tell and I hope she gets one. James is steadfast and honorable and prepared to follow through with his decision and does whatever he can to try to make Louisa happy. But the real scene stealer is Aunt Estella. What a hoot she was! We can all wish we could have someone like her in our corner. Like I said before, I began this story laughing and I ended the story laughing and that is a true winner in my book. I look forward to many more books from Theresa Romain. 4 solid heartwarming stars
Julia Herington makes quite an impression on James, Viscount Matheson and newly betrothed to Louisa, Julias stepsister, the first time he meets Julia. James is nervously awaiting the arrival of Louisa when in blows this muttering woman who grows quite embarrassed upon seeing this dashing young man. They start up a delightful conversation while waiting for the rest of the family to arrive and Julia and James just hit it off together right away. And the more time that James spends with the family, the more she knows she wants a man just like him for herself. Unfortunately, James is for her sister and she needs to keep reminding herself of that fact...as does James.
James needed to quickly get engaged to help overshadow a scandal involving his sister and when he meets the lovely Louisa one night at a ball, hiding out in the library, he quickly starts a courtship and asks for her hand in marriage within a couple weeks. There is no love between Louisa and James, just an understanding that they will do well together. Louisa is intelligent and poised and will do well as a viscountess. However, as the story progresses you just get the feeling that Louisa is getting more and more unhappy with their arrangement. She has a dislike for the dealings of the London ton and is truly most happy in a library. Julia gets more and more distressed listening to her beloved sister and James, all she wants is for him to call her "my dear", as he refers to Louisa. But this seems to be something that will never happen.
The sisters and their utterly fun aunt travel to London for the holiday season and to meet James' family. Oh, what a disaster that was! His mother is not too pleased with the match, even though she was the one that insisted that James find a bride quickly. She makes her displeasure known and just ignores Julia for the most part. Thankfully they need to suffer only the dinner with her rude behavior but it also gives James a chance to explain the reason behind his hasty proposal to Louisa. Not long after Christmas, James is to escort the sisters and their aunt to a ball but Louisa pleads a headache and just Julia and Aunt Estella. They end up taking the carriage home alone and Julia being Julia, finally speaks her mind to James about her feelings and she is overjoyed with his response. This leads to a very heated kiss (but nothing more which I was thankful for as I dislike cheating) that they know must never happen again. But what happens in the morning changes everything....for the better or the worse? You will have to see. I don't want to give away anything about the ending but I will say, I started this book with laughter and I ended the book with laughter.
Overall, this is a delightful, witty debut from Theresa Romain! Each chapter has a little header, an example of one such quirky one liner: In which baboon behavior leads to unfortunate consequences. And looking back, each header matches what happens in the chapter, though its not revealed how until you read that chapter. As for the story, I was a bit hesitant about possible cheating but I was happy with how the situation played out but as it took most of the book, the heat factor is on the lower end. Yes, there is a small misunderstanding at the end but it is only small and very quickly resolved. As for our characters...what a cast Ms Romain assembled here. Julia is true delight to read. She speaks her mind and mutters and swears and I really enjoyed her. Louisa is kind and understanding, maybe a bit too much so, but I know she has a more of a story to tell and I hope she gets one. James is steadfast and honorable and prepared to follow through with his decision and does whatever he can to try to make Louisa happy. But the real scene stealer is Aunt Estella. What a hoot she was! We can all wish we could have someone like her in our corner. Like I said before, I began this story laughing and I ended the story laughing and that is a true winner in my book. I look forward to many more books from Theresa Romain. 4 solid heartwarming stars
November 16, 2011
Okay, so I have to give this book a negative review, but couched in there is a compliment or two, so it's not entirely bleak. On the plus side, there are a lot of good elements to this book: an interesting love triangle, some crazy relatives, and of course, it's set in the holiday season. And who doesn't love a good seasonal book? Well, I may have answered that last one with my rating.
So now, the bad. It is my understanding that this is Romain's debut novel. It shows. And I don't mean that in a needlessly cruel manner. What I mean to say is that her "voice" isn't readily cemented. At points the book reads like an homage to an assortment of other historical romance(HR) writers. As I read, it was almost like playing a game of who's who in the HR world. I think this is something that can be easily corrected though.
Second: I could go for some more character development. Given the set-up and pacing of the book, theoretically, there should be plenty of time to give us a greater backstory on the three primary characters...or at least for James and Julia.
Third: The romance was creepy. Stay with me on this one. Romain seems to go on a bit about how young Julia is, her small hands, etc. She squeaks and is perpetually wide-eyed about something or another. James refers to her as the "fair-haired girl" and at one point marvels at the fact that the sisters are nearly the same age...yet Julia seems so much more younger. Ugh. I'm squicked out just typing that. The reality of course, is that teen brides were acceptable back then, but let's face it, it's not like the HR genre is exactly worried over selectively altering the facts in order to make a good story for our 21st century sensibilities. That's why there are so many headstrong females and every heroine finds true love. While there are authors who can get away with a younger heroine and not have it be creepy (like Julie Anne Long) it just wasn't working here. As such, I couldn't get into the romance because I kept waiting for child protective services to show up.
But here's the thing, it wasn't a completely terrible book. In fact, I can easily see myself giving her next book a try. There are good elements. I just hope everything is better developed next time.
So now, the bad. It is my understanding that this is Romain's debut novel. It shows. And I don't mean that in a needlessly cruel manner. What I mean to say is that her "voice" isn't readily cemented. At points the book reads like an homage to an assortment of other historical romance(HR) writers. As I read, it was almost like playing a game of who's who in the HR world. I think this is something that can be easily corrected though.
Second: I could go for some more character development. Given the set-up and pacing of the book, theoretically, there should be plenty of time to give us a greater backstory on the three primary characters...or at least for James and Julia.
Third: The romance was creepy. Stay with me on this one. Romain seems to go on a bit about how young Julia is, her small hands, etc. She squeaks and is perpetually wide-eyed about something or another. James refers to her as the "fair-haired girl" and at one point marvels at the fact that the sisters are nearly the same age...yet Julia seems so much more younger. Ugh. I'm squicked out just typing that. The reality of course, is that teen brides were acceptable back then, but let's face it, it's not like the HR genre is exactly worried over selectively altering the facts in order to make a good story for our 21st century sensibilities. That's why there are so many headstrong females and every heroine finds true love. While there are authors who can get away with a younger heroine and not have it be creepy (like Julie Anne Long) it just wasn't working here. As such, I couldn't get into the romance because I kept waiting for child protective services to show up.
But here's the thing, it wasn't a completely terrible book. In fact, I can easily see myself giving her next book a try. There are good elements. I just hope everything is better developed next time.
April 7, 2015
First in the Holiday Pleasures Seasons historical romance series in 1817 Regency England. The couple focus is on Julia Herrington, Louisa Oliver, and James Matheson.
My Take
This was...interesting. I still can't really make up my mind about this. Romain did a lovely job of creating an interesting conflict with great characters. And I'd have enjoyed it so much more if it hadn't felt like such a huge disconnect from the time period she stuck it in. Nor did the "reason" James had to get married seem plausible. I kept reading, hoping I'd find out the real reason for the rush. Nope, that was it. If Romain had a clue about the society of the time period, she would have realized that the mourning period alone would have seen gossip quashed. It's really a shame she had to wreck a good idea by not doing her research. Then there was the "big scandal" at the end… Oh, brother.
Disclaimer: I do have issues with historical novels that barely try to fit in with their time, so you may want to take my whining with a grain of salt...
Why would Julia even imagine that James would have run his own household? This and other comments in the story make me wonder if Romain is too caught up in the novel idea of having staff. And what to do with them. Why doesn't Louisa or Julia have maids? Why are they all relying upon Aunt Estella's Simone? Why does the maid travel in their carriage?? Nor does Romain have a clue on how to title/address half the people in this story. A little research would not have come amiss.
I did enjoy the cute chapter comments as well as James' barbs he slams back at Aunt Estella.
The Story
James Matheson must get married. I kept wondering if he was pregnant... The Honorable Louisa Oliver appears suitable and her father Lord Oliver has given his consent to their marriage.
It's a visit to her parents' home in the country that sets it all awry.
The Characters
Louisa Oliver prefers books and the country to town and society. She also realizes she has an obligation to marry. The Oliver household (they don't seem to go to town ever) is quite informal and both Lord and Lady Oliver are delightful. The younger siblings include Elise, Emilia, Anne, and Tom.
Julia Herrington is Louisa's younger, very forthright stepsister. Lady Irving is Aunt Estella and a very forthright, loud woman. Simone is her very capable French maid.
James is the Viscount Matheson. Augusta Matheson is his bitch of a mother. Interesting how long it takes before James puts her in her place. Gloria is his widowed sister and and the Viscountess Roseborough with two daughters: Anne and Sophia.
Lady Charissa Bradleigh is one of the girls James' mother is throwing at his head. Lord Xavier is a mischief-making friend of James'. The Honorable Frederic "Freddie" Pellington is a bit of a boob, and James introduces him as a possible husband to Julia. Sir Stephen Saville is quite taken with Julia. And, no, his behavior is not typical for a gentleman such as he is portrayed to be nor the typical manners for his class within society.
The Cover
The cover is very bridal with Julia seeming to rush by in her form-fitting white gown amidst all that white satin and drapery as she appears to be picking at a bunch of mistletoe.
The title is what James and Julia feel in a Season for Temptation when Louisa insists on her younger sister accompanying her to London.
My Take
This was...interesting. I still can't really make up my mind about this. Romain did a lovely job of creating an interesting conflict with great characters. And I'd have enjoyed it so much more if it hadn't felt like such a huge disconnect from the time period she stuck it in. Nor did the "reason" James had to get married seem plausible. I kept reading, hoping I'd find out the real reason for the rush. Nope, that was it. If Romain had a clue about the society of the time period, she would have realized that the mourning period alone would have seen gossip quashed. It's really a shame she had to wreck a good idea by not doing her research. Then there was the "big scandal" at the end… Oh, brother.
Disclaimer: I do have issues with historical novels that barely try to fit in with their time, so you may want to take my whining with a grain of salt...
Why would Julia even imagine that James would have run his own household? This and other comments in the story make me wonder if Romain is too caught up in the novel idea of having staff. And what to do with them. Why doesn't Louisa or Julia have maids? Why are they all relying upon Aunt Estella's Simone? Why does the maid travel in their carriage?? Nor does Romain have a clue on how to title/address half the people in this story. A little research would not have come amiss.
I did enjoy the cute chapter comments as well as James' barbs he slams back at Aunt Estella.
The Story
James Matheson must get married. I kept wondering if he was pregnant... The Honorable Louisa Oliver appears suitable and her father Lord Oliver has given his consent to their marriage.
It's a visit to her parents' home in the country that sets it all awry.
The Characters
Louisa Oliver prefers books and the country to town and society. She also realizes she has an obligation to marry. The Oliver household (they don't seem to go to town ever) is quite informal and both Lord and Lady Oliver are delightful. The younger siblings include Elise, Emilia, Anne, and Tom.
Julia Herrington is Louisa's younger, very forthright stepsister. Lady Irving is Aunt Estella and a very forthright, loud woman. Simone is her very capable French maid.
James is the Viscount Matheson. Augusta Matheson is his bitch of a mother. Interesting how long it takes before James puts her in her place. Gloria is his widowed sister and and the Viscountess Roseborough with two daughters: Anne and Sophia.
Lady Charissa Bradleigh is one of the girls James' mother is throwing at his head. Lord Xavier is a mischief-making friend of James'. The Honorable Frederic "Freddie" Pellington is a bit of a boob, and James introduces him as a possible husband to Julia. Sir Stephen Saville is quite taken with Julia. And, no, his behavior is not typical for a gentleman such as he is portrayed to be nor the typical manners for his class within society.
The Cover
The cover is very bridal with Julia seeming to rush by in her form-fitting white gown amidst all that white satin and drapery as she appears to be picking at a bunch of mistletoe.
The title is what James and Julia feel in a Season for Temptation when Louisa insists on her younger sister accompanying her to London.
November 17, 2014
This is a toss up I can find more things that annoyed me than I can say I liked. What I didn't like here we go........I'm amazed that Julia didn't weight four hundred pounds every time they ate she was going back three or four times for more food. James seemed a little lacking as a man he was twenty seven but he came off more like eighteen. Also he had a bad choice of friends one of his "friends" got Julia drunk without her knowing it at her first ball. James realizes this in time and takes her home,but Jame never confronts his "friend" and it seemed like a lame way to give Julia and James alone time. James other "friend" outs them to the newspaper. James was always being called old man by his friends which I found annoying when they were all the same age as far as I could tell. James knows his mother is a viper but when she puts on a act of caring about him he falls for it which causes lots of trouble. I think a smarter man would have known that something was up by the way his mother was acting so different. Louisa the sister he is engaged to doesn't want to marry him and that's easy to see so you think maybe she loves someone else or there might be some mystery but no she just doesn't want to leave mommy yet. I found that to be another let down with this book she had no real reason and just comes across as a little girl not a woman. The last thing is Julia was the one to go after him when it should have been James coming to Julia this is just another way I found James lacking as a man. What I liked......ok let me think...............I liked Julia when she wasn't eating food like she had never seen food EVER. James was very likable also and Louisa was painful shy but likable. The story had a lot of potential just didn't come together to me. First time to read Theresa Romain and I will give her another try before I decide was it just this book or her writing style that I don't like.
January 11, 2014
I actually liked this one, the first of the Holiday Pleasures series, the best. I think what especially appeals to me about this one is the lack of psychological issues for the protagonists to work through. Nor are there any bad guys, really, unless you count Xavier (that rat!). All the charm and almost no tension. Or at least no tension related to horrible villains. That really appealed to me – it was just what I was in the mood for – and actually perhaps the lack of horrible villains is particularly suitable for of Christmas-themed story?
So, Season for Temptation. I loved Julia so much! Julia and her ginger biscuits. She is such a cheerful extrovert, she babbles so charmingly, she is so bubbly and enthusiastic about nearly everything – especially about breakfast! I have always enjoyed cheerful, bubbly people, in the real world as well as in books, no doubt because I’m not much like that myself.
And James was an excellent foil for Julia. One could see why he’d gone and gotten himself engaged to Louisa by accident, that was basically because he is the noble sort right from the beginning, but it did rather put him in a fix, of course, or there wouldn’t have been much of a plot. But basically I just enjoyed Julia so much I wouldn’t really have cared if there hadn’t been a plot at all. Also – and this is different for me – I really liked how Romain handled the major sex scene in this particular book. It didn’t seem at all contrived or unrealistic or dropped in just to meet the reader’s expectations, and it didn’t feel voyeuristic, either. It actually made me laugh instead of skimming lightly over it. That’s quite an achievement.
A charming start to a charming series of Christmas-themed Regency romances.
So, Season for Temptation. I loved Julia so much! Julia and her ginger biscuits. She is such a cheerful extrovert, she babbles so charmingly, she is so bubbly and enthusiastic about nearly everything – especially about breakfast! I have always enjoyed cheerful, bubbly people, in the real world as well as in books, no doubt because I’m not much like that myself.
And James was an excellent foil for Julia. One could see why he’d gone and gotten himself engaged to Louisa by accident, that was basically because he is the noble sort right from the beginning, but it did rather put him in a fix, of course, or there wouldn’t have been much of a plot. But basically I just enjoyed Julia so much I wouldn’t really have cared if there hadn’t been a plot at all. Also – and this is different for me – I really liked how Romain handled the major sex scene in this particular book. It didn’t seem at all contrived or unrealistic or dropped in just to meet the reader’s expectations, and it didn’t feel voyeuristic, either. It actually made me laugh instead of skimming lightly over it. That’s quite an achievement.
A charming start to a charming series of Christmas-themed Regency romances.
August 6, 2016
Giving up at 21%. The heroine is too childish & modern and her sister.... well her sister is why I'm failing to understand why this was recommended to me. Upon seeing the house on her fiance's estate for the first time, the silly idiot has this to say: “I never imagined it would be like this,” Louisa admitted. “It’s so grand, absolutely huge. James, you must be a very important fellow.” WTF?! Did you somehow not notice that you'd accepted the proposal of a titled lord? What did you think would be built on his estate? This sort of thing passes for humour in this novel and while I appreciate that it is all very lively, I just have no interest in reading one more word of it.
January 13, 2022
while i do like the storylines, i still didn't find myself fully immersed in the world and the characters. i felt that the main leads didn't even get to know one another before saying that they're in love with one another. their interactions were hilarious though. they had obvious connection and chemistry but everything else wasn't executed properly.
books in the series:
1. season for temptation: ✰✰
2. season for surrender
3. season for scandal: ✰✰✰½
4. season for desire
books in the series:
1. season for temptation: ✰✰
2. season for surrender
3. season for scandal: ✰✰✰½
4. season for desire
September 23, 2018
Sudah curiga dari sinopsisnya bakal menemukan sesuatu yang tidak mengenakkan, bakal menyebalkan, bakal bikin darting gw kumat, dan TERBUKTI!!!!!
Saya sangat sangat sangat menyesalkan karakter Julia. Sejak awal gadis muda ini kelewatan naif-nya dan sangat bikin saya ingin menendang pantatnya hingga ke Samudra Atlantis. Julia digambarkan sbg adik tiri Louisa. Louisa adalah tunangan James, Lord Matheson. Julia dideskripsikan sbg antitesis dari Louisa yg introvert dan kutu buku, sebaliknya Julia malah tampil over clingy dan super clumsy. Maksudnya author bikin heroine yang kacau dan menggemaskan??? Anda gagal total dlm mewujudkannya.
Baik Julia maupun James adalah H/H paling gak ada bagus-bagusnya yg selama ini saya baca. I'm trying so hard to find good quality characters in both of them, but until the end of book, I don't get any, just big zero. Mereka (mungkin) hanya sepasang sosok rupawan tanpa otak yg berisi. Gak jelas juga mengapa awalnya James memilih Louisa sbg tunangannya dan kemudian memutuskan Louisa gak semenarik si adik yg jauh lebih supel dan charming di mata James. Mereka digambarkan saling mencintai diam-diam satu sama lain, dan mereka nyaris tidur jika James khilaf.
Dan demi Tuhan, tetiba Louisa membatalkan pertunangannya diam-diam dgn memberitahu Julia. Mereka Saved by the Bell...eh Louisa. Dan apa yg dilakukan Julia dgn kabar tsb?
Dan ternyata Julia kegep dan namanya tercemar kemana-mana. Jujur aja...makin eneg dgn tingkah Julia yg gak bertanggungjawab atas tindakannya, malah berusaha mencari pembenaran dan playing victim.
Dan yang membuat saya makin shock dan gak percaya adalah saat pengakuan ibu Julia bhw dia melakukan hal yg scandalous dan BANGGA. Eh wagelaseh.... ternyata Julia tercemar...eh bukan ding, ternyata dia mewarisi ketololan dan keberanian bodohnya dari si ibu.
Bagi saya novel ini malah di bawah standar banget utk romance. Julia bukan tipe saudari yg loyal. Dia sudah nyaris tidur dgn calon tunangan kakaknya. Dia tipe kekanakan yg clumsy, cablak (tapi gak ada lucu-lucunya), clingy yg semuanya membuat dia pantas dijuluki drama queen. Vice versa dgn James, termasuk hero paling bodoh yg saya pernah baca. Just recommended this book for semua makhluk yg doyan baperan aja.
Saya sangat sangat sangat menyesalkan karakter Julia. Sejak awal gadis muda ini kelewatan naif-nya dan sangat bikin saya ingin menendang pantatnya hingga ke Samudra Atlantis. Julia digambarkan sbg adik tiri Louisa. Louisa adalah tunangan James, Lord Matheson. Julia dideskripsikan sbg antitesis dari Louisa yg introvert dan kutu buku, sebaliknya Julia malah tampil over clingy dan super clumsy. Maksudnya author bikin heroine yang kacau dan menggemaskan??? Anda gagal total dlm mewujudkannya.
Baik Julia maupun James adalah H/H paling gak ada bagus-bagusnya yg selama ini saya baca. I'm trying so hard to find good quality characters in both of them, but until the end of book, I don't get any, just big zero. Mereka (mungkin) hanya sepasang sosok rupawan tanpa otak yg berisi. Gak jelas juga mengapa awalnya James memilih Louisa sbg tunangannya dan kemudian memutuskan Louisa gak semenarik si adik yg jauh lebih supel dan charming di mata James. Mereka digambarkan saling mencintai diam-diam satu sama lain, dan mereka nyaris tidur jika James khilaf.
Dan demi Tuhan, tetiba Louisa membatalkan pertunangannya diam-diam dgn memberitahu Julia. Mereka Saved by the Bell...eh Louisa. Dan apa yg dilakukan Julia dgn kabar tsb?
Dan ternyata Julia kegep dan namanya tercemar kemana-mana. Jujur aja...makin eneg dgn tingkah Julia yg gak bertanggungjawab atas tindakannya, malah berusaha mencari pembenaran dan playing victim.
Dan yang membuat saya makin shock dan gak percaya adalah saat pengakuan ibu Julia bhw dia melakukan hal yg scandalous dan BANGGA. Eh wagelaseh.... ternyata Julia tercemar...eh bukan ding, ternyata dia mewarisi ketololan dan keberanian bodohnya dari si ibu.
Bagi saya novel ini malah di bawah standar banget utk romance. Julia bukan tipe saudari yg loyal. Dia sudah nyaris tidur dgn calon tunangan kakaknya. Dia tipe kekanakan yg clumsy, cablak (tapi gak ada lucu-lucunya), clingy yg semuanya membuat dia pantas dijuluki drama queen. Vice versa dgn James, termasuk hero paling bodoh yg saya pernah baca. Just recommended this book for semua makhluk yg doyan baperan aja.
January 15, 2018
I love Regency romances, but I have found after reading a few of them I quickly bore while reading them. I notice that it seems to be the same plot repeated over and over and over again. Or it seems as if in many of the books the actual romance is overshadowed by the raging hormones of the lead characters. I find that I have to take a break for awhile and read some other genre so that I can come back at a later date and appreciate these romances that I generally do enjoy.
That is why this Regency romance by Theresa Roman is so refreshing and fun to read. At face value it seems to be a story like you would find in many other romances like it -- boy needs to get married quickly to save family name, boy finds girl who fits the bill, boy and girl get engaged for practical reasons, boy meets fiancee's sister and gets along splendidly with her, boy and fiancee's sister fall in love. Now what do they do? Seems like a conventional romance novel story, right? However, in Season for Temptation I found a story that was wonderful and refreshing in spite of its plot that might at first seem ordinary. It is far from that. I found myself drawn into the story from the very beginning, enjoying the characters, and impatient to see how this situation would work itself out.
I think that the characters in this story are what helps this book to rise above the ordinary. They are witty, fun, unconventional, and very enjoyable to read about. This story is told in third person, and the two romantic leads of this story take center stage in the story, of course. These two characters were fun to read about because of their ability to connect so well, despite Julia's tendency to say whatever comes out of her head, without filter. It is unconventional in a world where women are trained to be carefully demure in society. I loved Julia's character. She was a loyal sister to Louisa and never set out to fall in love with James, Louisa's fiance -- but I guess that is generally the case in stories such as this one. However, she and James meet in what could have been awkward circumstances as Julia keeps talking and talking to him in her open and unreserved way. They immediately form an easy friendship.
James and Louisa do not have such an easy relationship. Louisa is a great character as well, but she really does not relish the idea of her engagement to James. It was done for practical reasons, but as the engagement continues Louisa reflects and finds that she is unhappy with the thought of being thrust into the society commitments that would come with a marriage to James. For James, he has chosen to get married to save his family's reputation, but he feels no real love for Louisa. It is completely a marriage of convenience, not unusual in those days. However, James is a gentleman, and he treats Louisa with kindness and respect, all the while worrying a bit at Louisa's extreme reluctance around him and her lack of interest in planning an actual wedding date.
So in the midst of this engagement James and Julia find themselves enjoying the easy banter they have with one another. Julia is getting ready to make her London debut and finds that when she thinks of the type of husband that she wants, she thinks that she wants to find someone exactly like James. Although it is obvious that both James and Julia are falling in love with one another, neither of them really embrace this love. They both feel loyal to Louisa and are unwilling to do anything to hurt her in any way. So, of course, they both vow to stay away from one another, and, of course, that never can happen.
James and Julia are both in their element as they speak with one another. Their dialogues were fun to read. They weren't sappy or goofy in any way. It was just fun and easy. I loved that Julia was completely herself around James. He never had to guess what type of girl she was. She showed him her character through her conversation. That seems obvious that that would need to occur in our world today, but in that era it was not common to find a woman who would be so open in her conversation. James was not quite as open in his conversation, but of all his acquaintances, Julia was the one who he truly did open up and reveal the feelings of his heart that were generally hidden from the world. These two characters drive the plot in this novel, and because they are so well-written it makes the book extremely enjoyable to read.
The supporting characters also provide some depth to the story. I loved Louisa and Julia's aunt. She was brazen in some ways, bent on finding an eligible match for Julia, and a top notch gambler apparently. She was a fun character in this story. It is hard to create a somewhat overbearing chaperone character who doesn't annoy the reader too quickly, but in this character it is done. I enjoyed her banter with her nieces and their suitors. I loved her appearance at the party with the outrageous plumed hat. She often brought humor to the scenes she was in. Julia's family was absent for a good portion of the novel while she was in London, but they were fun to read about also. I loved her distractible father and his livestock conversations. I especially loved the conversation Julia had with her mother at the end of the book. I often get so annoyed with characters who refuse to TALK to one another in the midst of conflicts in these romances, and Julia's mom obviously would feel the same way. I appreciated her boldness in her advice to her daughter. And then there was James's family. What a horrible mother! I won't say much more, except that it is amazing that James was produced in a family such as that. However, his mother is not just portrayed as pure evil. There are some reasons for her behavior. I don't think in any way that it justifies her actions at the end of the novel, but at least it provides some sort of balance so that her character seems more real.
I would not have found this novel if it had not been the book of the month for a goodreads book club that I belong to. But I am happy to have discovered this writer. I look forward to reading more of her work as she writes it. This was a book that rose above the pack in my estimation. I think it is a book that I could re-read again someday. The characters are wonderful. The plot moves at just the right pace -- not too fast, not too slow. The resolution of the dilemmas found within the plot comes naturally. It doesn't seemed forced or unrealistic, and, best of all, everyone gets a version of a happy ending (well, except for James's mom, I guess). I loved it!
That is why this Regency romance by Theresa Roman is so refreshing and fun to read. At face value it seems to be a story like you would find in many other romances like it -- boy needs to get married quickly to save family name, boy finds girl who fits the bill, boy and girl get engaged for practical reasons, boy meets fiancee's sister and gets along splendidly with her, boy and fiancee's sister fall in love. Now what do they do? Seems like a conventional romance novel story, right? However, in Season for Temptation I found a story that was wonderful and refreshing in spite of its plot that might at first seem ordinary. It is far from that. I found myself drawn into the story from the very beginning, enjoying the characters, and impatient to see how this situation would work itself out.
I think that the characters in this story are what helps this book to rise above the ordinary. They are witty, fun, unconventional, and very enjoyable to read about. This story is told in third person, and the two romantic leads of this story take center stage in the story, of course. These two characters were fun to read about because of their ability to connect so well, despite Julia's tendency to say whatever comes out of her head, without filter. It is unconventional in a world where women are trained to be carefully demure in society. I loved Julia's character. She was a loyal sister to Louisa and never set out to fall in love with James, Louisa's fiance -- but I guess that is generally the case in stories such as this one. However, she and James meet in what could have been awkward circumstances as Julia keeps talking and talking to him in her open and unreserved way. They immediately form an easy friendship.
James and Louisa do not have such an easy relationship. Louisa is a great character as well, but she really does not relish the idea of her engagement to James. It was done for practical reasons, but as the engagement continues Louisa reflects and finds that she is unhappy with the thought of being thrust into the society commitments that would come with a marriage to James. For James, he has chosen to get married to save his family's reputation, but he feels no real love for Louisa. It is completely a marriage of convenience, not unusual in those days. However, James is a gentleman, and he treats Louisa with kindness and respect, all the while worrying a bit at Louisa's extreme reluctance around him and her lack of interest in planning an actual wedding date.
So in the midst of this engagement James and Julia find themselves enjoying the easy banter they have with one another. Julia is getting ready to make her London debut and finds that when she thinks of the type of husband that she wants, she thinks that she wants to find someone exactly like James. Although it is obvious that both James and Julia are falling in love with one another, neither of them really embrace this love. They both feel loyal to Louisa and are unwilling to do anything to hurt her in any way. So, of course, they both vow to stay away from one another, and, of course, that never can happen.
James and Julia are both in their element as they speak with one another. Their dialogues were fun to read. They weren't sappy or goofy in any way. It was just fun and easy. I loved that Julia was completely herself around James. He never had to guess what type of girl she was. She showed him her character through her conversation. That seems obvious that that would need to occur in our world today, but in that era it was not common to find a woman who would be so open in her conversation. James was not quite as open in his conversation, but of all his acquaintances, Julia was the one who he truly did open up and reveal the feelings of his heart that were generally hidden from the world. These two characters drive the plot in this novel, and because they are so well-written it makes the book extremely enjoyable to read.
The supporting characters also provide some depth to the story. I loved Louisa and Julia's aunt. She was brazen in some ways, bent on finding an eligible match for Julia, and a top notch gambler apparently. She was a fun character in this story. It is hard to create a somewhat overbearing chaperone character who doesn't annoy the reader too quickly, but in this character it is done. I enjoyed her banter with her nieces and their suitors. I loved her appearance at the party with the outrageous plumed hat. She often brought humor to the scenes she was in. Julia's family was absent for a good portion of the novel while she was in London, but they were fun to read about also. I loved her distractible father and his livestock conversations. I especially loved the conversation Julia had with her mother at the end of the book. I often get so annoyed with characters who refuse to TALK to one another in the midst of conflicts in these romances, and Julia's mom obviously would feel the same way. I appreciated her boldness in her advice to her daughter. And then there was James's family. What a horrible mother! I won't say much more, except that it is amazing that James was produced in a family such as that. However, his mother is not just portrayed as pure evil. There are some reasons for her behavior. I don't think in any way that it justifies her actions at the end of the novel, but at least it provides some sort of balance so that her character seems more real.
I would not have found this novel if it had not been the book of the month for a goodreads book club that I belong to. But I am happy to have discovered this writer. I look forward to reading more of her work as she writes it. This was a book that rose above the pack in my estimation. I think it is a book that I could re-read again someday. The characters are wonderful. The plot moves at just the right pace -- not too fast, not too slow. The resolution of the dilemmas found within the plot comes naturally. It doesn't seemed forced or unrealistic, and, best of all, everyone gets a version of a happy ending (well, except for James's mom, I guess). I loved it!
June 18, 2015
This review originally appeared on So You Want to Read a Romance Novel.
The Captain’s Review
I, at first, found myself at a loss as to what kind of rating to give this one.
It takes quite a lot for me to actually put a book down and declare it a DNF. I have read many horrid books all the way through. Call me something of a completist, if you will. Basically, if I can get past the first few chapters, I’ve pretty much committed.
That being said, I suppose I kept hoping this book would turn into something I could really like. The premise is an interesting one—what does a girl do when she’s hopelessly attracted to her sister’s fiancee? What does said fiancee do when he feels the same? I feel like this could have been a really intriguing conflict and I admit I was very curious how that would all play out in Regency England. By all accounts, given the time and social mores, it should have been something that developed into nothing.
After all, Julia (our heroine) seems very devoted to her sister (engaged to James). I find it very hard to believe that she would even consider pursuing her sister’s fiancee. Instead of inventing ways to spend more time with him, she should have done the honorable thing and attempted to keep her distance, despite her feelings. After all—from what I understand of the time—once her sister was settled into marriage with James and certainly once Julia had settled herself into marriage, it was unlikely she would see much of either of them.
The same could be said about James. An honorable man of the time would have behaved tenderly toward his fiancee’s sister, certainly, but also—and more importantly—with respect. A good match of the time was usually one that maintained or elevated once social standing and perhaps financial security. Love was not often a consideration. If two people could like each other well enough, the hope would be that “love” might—if they were lucky—develop over time. And James and Louisa certainly seem well-matched from the start. They do like each other—and that’s important. With such things in their favor, there should have been no consideration of involving one’s self with any other.
But then, there would have been no story. And here emerges a plot point that seems more borne out of convenience than anything else.
In addition, Julia seems rather too childlike. James, of course, finds her behavior amusing and delightful but it seems without reason that he should actually be attracted to her in a physical way.
Yet, I could have accepted that maybe he might have. She is not, after all, actually a child. She seems, at times, worldly enough that it’s not all that icky that he should like like her. But what I couldn’t accept is the way these two behaved towards each other. Especially when we find that at one social event, I about gave the book up at this point.
Thereafter, the book just plunges further into the ridiculous. One really suffers to believe that it all turns out so well in the end. This really should have been a cautionary tale, at best. At worst it was one of the most disappointing Happily Ever Afters I have read in some time.
1 STAR out of 5
Sexy Times: Yes. Given how I feel about this book, I will leave it at that.
Trigger Warnings: Hmmm. Some might find the character of Julia and her childish behavior too be too child-like, and therefore unsettling with respect to James’ feelings about her. I didn’t, but some might.
Plot: A love triangle with what could have been a unique and interesting twist. Unfortunately, too many convenient and unbelievable things occur as to make the whole thing kind of pointless. If you’re going to write a story about what one would do when attracted to someone who should be absolutely off-limits, especially one set in Regency England, then you need to commit and make the damn thing believable. Otherwise, why even introduce this kind of plot line at all?
Characters: I liked Aunt Estella. Here was a woman who brooked no nonsense, who could match wits with the best of them, and who was altogether colorful and full of life. She walked around with a parrot on her shoulder, yet only when it matched her gown! How can one write such a wonderfully interesting character and then fail so determinedly at virtually every other?
The Captain’s Review
I, at first, found myself at a loss as to what kind of rating to give this one.
It takes quite a lot for me to actually put a book down and declare it a DNF. I have read many horrid books all the way through. Call me something of a completist, if you will. Basically, if I can get past the first few chapters, I’ve pretty much committed.
That being said, I suppose I kept hoping this book would turn into something I could really like. The premise is an interesting one—what does a girl do when she’s hopelessly attracted to her sister’s fiancee? What does said fiancee do when he feels the same? I feel like this could have been a really intriguing conflict and I admit I was very curious how that would all play out in Regency England. By all accounts, given the time and social mores, it should have been something that developed into nothing.
After all, Julia (our heroine) seems very devoted to her sister (engaged to James). I find it very hard to believe that she would even consider pursuing her sister’s fiancee. Instead of inventing ways to spend more time with him, she should have done the honorable thing and attempted to keep her distance, despite her feelings. After all—from what I understand of the time—once her sister was settled into marriage with James and certainly once Julia had settled herself into marriage, it was unlikely she would see much of either of them.
The same could be said about James. An honorable man of the time would have behaved tenderly toward his fiancee’s sister, certainly, but also—and more importantly—with respect. A good match of the time was usually one that maintained or elevated once social standing and perhaps financial security. Love was not often a consideration. If two people could like each other well enough, the hope would be that “love” might—if they were lucky—develop over time. And James and Louisa certainly seem well-matched from the start. They do like each other—and that’s important. With such things in their favor, there should have been no consideration of involving one’s self with any other.
But then, there would have been no story. And here emerges a plot point that seems more borne out of convenience than anything else.
In addition, Julia seems rather too childlike. James, of course, finds her behavior amusing and delightful but it seems without reason that he should actually be attracted to her in a physical way.
Yet, I could have accepted that maybe he might have. She is not, after all, actually a child. She seems, at times, worldly enough that it’s not all that icky that he should like like her. But what I couldn’t accept is the way these two behaved towards each other. Especially when we find that at one social event, I about gave the book up at this point.
Thereafter, the book just plunges further into the ridiculous. One really suffers to believe that it all turns out so well in the end. This really should have been a cautionary tale, at best. At worst it was one of the most disappointing Happily Ever Afters I have read in some time.
1 STAR out of 5
Sexy Times: Yes. Given how I feel about this book, I will leave it at that.
Trigger Warnings: Hmmm. Some might find the character of Julia and her childish behavior too be too child-like, and therefore unsettling with respect to James’ feelings about her. I didn’t, but some might.
Plot: A love triangle with what could have been a unique and interesting twist. Unfortunately, too many convenient and unbelievable things occur as to make the whole thing kind of pointless. If you’re going to write a story about what one would do when attracted to someone who should be absolutely off-limits, especially one set in Regency England, then you need to commit and make the damn thing believable. Otherwise, why even introduce this kind of plot line at all?
Characters: I liked Aunt Estella. Here was a woman who brooked no nonsense, who could match wits with the best of them, and who was altogether colorful and full of life. She walked around with a parrot on her shoulder, yet only when it matched her gown! How can one write such a wonderfully interesting character and then fail so determinedly at virtually every other?
December 23, 2015
James, Viscount Matheson has newly come into the title and wishes to marry a suitable young lady as quickly as possible, seeing as his sister, now widowed, was embroiled in a terrible scandal due to her philandering husband and a very public scene with a mistress before he died. Matheson's mother wishes him to restore the family reputation. So he is very pleased when he meets the quiet and pleasant Miss Louisa Oliver in the library at a society ball. Proposing to her after but a short acquaintance, he goes to see her family and is then introduced to Louisa's vivacious and lively step-sister, Julia Herington. After just a short time, James begins to fear he may have proposed too soon.
Miss Louisa Oliver hated being out in society and felt that she really couldn't turn down the proposal of a Viscount, even though she's honestly not sure she's ready for marriage yet, if ever. All she really wants to do is stay at home with her family, reading and organising the library. Julia is overjoyed that her sister has made such a good match, and even more so once she actually meets James. She knows that her sister hates attention and scrutiny, but believes that James' wit and enthusiasm may bring Louisa out of her shell a bit more. She hopes she may one day meet a man as nice and agreeable as he.
Louisa manages to persuade James to postpone the wedding until Julia has had her season, and the two sisters go to London accompanied by a fearsome widowed aunt as chaperone. Of course James and Julia pine hopelessly for one another, all the while hiding their true feelings from Louisa, whom they both care very much for, each other and the world in general. Louisa, for her part, keeps having misgivings about getting married, getting more and more determined to break off the engagement the longer she has to spend in society. Will James be able to finally declare his love for the right sister?
This book was far too long for what was really a very simple plot. I'm pretty sure it could have been covered in a novella. Honourable and kind peer of the realm contracts betrothal with one sister, falls madly in love with the other. She returns his feelings, the first sister doesn't really mind, as she doesn't love him and didn't really want to get married after all. His mother, who is a meddlesome shrew, try to complicate matters to separate them, is not successful.
There's quite a lot of time spent in libraries, which I don't exactly mind, because Louisa loves books and the organising of them, which I can thoroughly respect. She is shy, socially awkward, yet perfectly behaved. She knows that she may never make a match as good as a viscount, so can't really refuse a proposal, even though she feels nothing more than a general regard for Matheson. She's pretty much the polar opposite of her step-sister who is impulsive, exuberant, frequently speaks before she thinks and seems unable to be still for a second. The major complication here are that James and Julia are too honourable to do anything to hurt Louisa or act on their attraction towards each other (although they both tell themselves that they're just imagining the kind attentions of the other because of their infatuation).
One thing the book cannot be criticised for is the romance progressing too quickly. Several months, if not nearly a year passes over the course of the book. There are tours of James' estate, that he's modernising. At one point, Julia turns her ankle and is convalescent for six weeks. Then there's her season, which seems to be well under way. The problem is just that nothing much interesting happens. Louisa tries to solicit James help in finding a respectable suitor for Julia. He seethes with jealousy and tries to sabotage the search while on the surface being forced to play along.
The characters are perfectly pleasant, the story (if it were shorter) is diverting. It just dragged on. Romain is a good writer and uses chapter titles very amusingly. I was still waiting for the end to be in sight and for them to just "get on with it!" I'd heard many good things about this series on Smart Bitches, Trashy Books and Dear Author, but based on the first book, I hope the sequels are snappier and have more plot or I'm not going to be able to get through them.
Miss Louisa Oliver hated being out in society and felt that she really couldn't turn down the proposal of a Viscount, even though she's honestly not sure she's ready for marriage yet, if ever. All she really wants to do is stay at home with her family, reading and organising the library. Julia is overjoyed that her sister has made such a good match, and even more so once she actually meets James. She knows that her sister hates attention and scrutiny, but believes that James' wit and enthusiasm may bring Louisa out of her shell a bit more. She hopes she may one day meet a man as nice and agreeable as he.
Louisa manages to persuade James to postpone the wedding until Julia has had her season, and the two sisters go to London accompanied by a fearsome widowed aunt as chaperone. Of course James and Julia pine hopelessly for one another, all the while hiding their true feelings from Louisa, whom they both care very much for, each other and the world in general. Louisa, for her part, keeps having misgivings about getting married, getting more and more determined to break off the engagement the longer she has to spend in society. Will James be able to finally declare his love for the right sister?
This book was far too long for what was really a very simple plot. I'm pretty sure it could have been covered in a novella. Honourable and kind peer of the realm contracts betrothal with one sister, falls madly in love with the other. She returns his feelings, the first sister doesn't really mind, as she doesn't love him and didn't really want to get married after all. His mother, who is a meddlesome shrew, try to complicate matters to separate them, is not successful.
There's quite a lot of time spent in libraries, which I don't exactly mind, because Louisa loves books and the organising of them, which I can thoroughly respect. She is shy, socially awkward, yet perfectly behaved. She knows that she may never make a match as good as a viscount, so can't really refuse a proposal, even though she feels nothing more than a general regard for Matheson. She's pretty much the polar opposite of her step-sister who is impulsive, exuberant, frequently speaks before she thinks and seems unable to be still for a second. The major complication here are that James and Julia are too honourable to do anything to hurt Louisa or act on their attraction towards each other (although they both tell themselves that they're just imagining the kind attentions of the other because of their infatuation).
One thing the book cannot be criticised for is the romance progressing too quickly. Several months, if not nearly a year passes over the course of the book. There are tours of James' estate, that he's modernising. At one point, Julia turns her ankle and is convalescent for six weeks. Then there's her season, which seems to be well under way. The problem is just that nothing much interesting happens. Louisa tries to solicit James help in finding a respectable suitor for Julia. He seethes with jealousy and tries to sabotage the search while on the surface being forced to play along.
The characters are perfectly pleasant, the story (if it were shorter) is diverting. It just dragged on. Romain is a good writer and uses chapter titles very amusingly. I was still waiting for the end to be in sight and for them to just "get on with it!" I'd heard many good things about this series on Smart Bitches, Trashy Books and Dear Author, but based on the first book, I hope the sequels are snappier and have more plot or I'm not going to be able to get through them.
February 3, 2013
It was such a delight to read SEASON FOR TEMPTATION recently! It was so a relaxing kind of read that I came back to reading in comfort whenever I put it down. It was like reading to see where Julia and her sister Louise were up to with as well as their Aunt Lady Irving who I always enjoyed her sense of humor and her wild hats! My favorite parts were their travels in shopping and discussing the balls and events. So there was a huge comfort in getting a great feel of being there before and during the season. I did wish there was more coming from Louise earlier in the book. Even though we know this is Julia's book (even thought it Louise was engaged to James) the blurb indicates this story centers around Julia and James romance. I realize that Louise story will be in SEASON FOR SURRENDER (which I'm starting next!!!) but so wanted to know more about Louise's thoughts and feelings, at least more bits of it, throughout the book so I could understand sooner why she was as she was (trying not to give anything away in spoilers!) I did love that we got alot of James's thoughts and feeling throughout the book on Julia. I guess mostly that I so wanted to know Louise more and looking forward to that in SEASON FOR SURRENDER.
The easiest way to review this book is that it was a huge comfort and relaxing feeling reading Julia and James's story. James was a hero that I often would picture one as but usually we find the heroes being strong alpha ones but James was not a beta hero nor a strong alpha one but he was just in between, one who was so caring, relaxing and at ease (when not thinking about Julia!) So I loved having alot of his thoughts and feelings within the book and him reasoning it all out (or at least trying to fight those feelings!) A beautiful read to read any time of the year!
(I see the third SEASON FOR SCANDAL will be out and it's not their friend's Charissa's book, so I do wonder if she will have her HEA! I shall ask the author for her story! :)
The easiest way to review this book is that it was a huge comfort and relaxing feeling reading Julia and James's story. James was a hero that I often would picture one as but usually we find the heroes being strong alpha ones but James was not a beta hero nor a strong alpha one but he was just in between, one who was so caring, relaxing and at ease (when not thinking about Julia!) So I loved having alot of his thoughts and feelings within the book and him reasoning it all out (or at least trying to fight those feelings!) A beautiful read to read any time of the year!
(I see the third SEASON FOR SCANDAL will be out and it's not their friend's Charissa's book, so I do wonder if she will have her HEA! I shall ask the author for her story! :)
December 21, 2011
Theresa Romain makes her historical romance debut with this tale of two sisters, one suitor and a scandal the ton won't soon forget.
James, Viscount Matheson needs to marry quickly if he's to restore his family name after the sensational end of his sister's marriage. Luckily he's already found the perfect bride in the person of striking and poised Louisa Overton. Perhaps their courtship played out more like a business transaction than a romance, but with his family's reputation on the line, James is unconcerned with the luxury of true love. His practical approach works at first, but then a visit to his intended brings him face-to-face with her beautiful, impetuous stepsister Julia. Suddenly, James finds himself betrothed to one sister but in love with the other. For free-spirited Julia, it's also love at first sight, but how can she ever be with James without breaking Louisa's heart?
Although the plot may sound spicy, its execution is surprisingly sweet natured. Julia loves James from afar, unaware that Louisa does not want to marry at all, and James struggles to make the best of his engagement to Louisa in spite of his attraction to Julia. Readers wanting a bit of British cattiness will still find it here, though, in the form of the sisters' indomitable aunt. Modiste fittings, social gaffes, and chapter titles such as "In Which Plum Pudding Is Vulgar" round off this fun, frilly debut that is sure to go straight to Regency fans' hearts.
***This review originally appeared in Shelf Awareness Readers Edition. Sign up for this free and awesome newsletter at http://www.shelf-awareness.com for the latest news and reviews! This review refers to an ARC provided by Shelf Awareness.***
James, Viscount Matheson needs to marry quickly if he's to restore his family name after the sensational end of his sister's marriage. Luckily he's already found the perfect bride in the person of striking and poised Louisa Overton. Perhaps their courtship played out more like a business transaction than a romance, but with his family's reputation on the line, James is unconcerned with the luxury of true love. His practical approach works at first, but then a visit to his intended brings him face-to-face with her beautiful, impetuous stepsister Julia. Suddenly, James finds himself betrothed to one sister but in love with the other. For free-spirited Julia, it's also love at first sight, but how can she ever be with James without breaking Louisa's heart?
Although the plot may sound spicy, its execution is surprisingly sweet natured. Julia loves James from afar, unaware that Louisa does not want to marry at all, and James struggles to make the best of his engagement to Louisa in spite of his attraction to Julia. Readers wanting a bit of British cattiness will still find it here, though, in the form of the sisters' indomitable aunt. Modiste fittings, social gaffes, and chapter titles such as "In Which Plum Pudding Is Vulgar" round off this fun, frilly debut that is sure to go straight to Regency fans' hearts.
***This review originally appeared in Shelf Awareness Readers Edition. Sign up for this free and awesome newsletter at http://www.shelf-awareness.com for the latest news and reviews! This review refers to an ARC provided by Shelf Awareness.***
November 3, 2011
This book was AWESOME. Funny and good-hearted and sexy and did I mention funny? Julia is one of those awkward, quirky, enthusiastic heroines who says whatever comes into her head, which is a type I love, but I'm not sure I've EVER seen it done so convincingly, organically, and charmingly as it is in this book. I wanted her to be my friend within five seconds of her walking onto the page. And the author managed something very delicate--a hero who's engaged to the heroine's sister--while still keeping the hero and heroine nice, upstanding people. James was so adorable! Look at this:
"The night ended late, with much dancing followed by a spirited and not precisely proper game of charades. Lord Xavier had apparently determined all the clues with the help of several other eager young gentlemen, because the company found itself acting out 'Madame de Pompadour,' 'Mrs. Fitzherbert,' 'Nell Gwyn,' and a series of other royal mistresses. Lord Xavier's eyes glittered with amusement at the young ladies, especially, as they attempted to create a tableau that would reveal the answer without compromising propriety.
"James thought this not quite well done of the man, but had to admit that he himself seemed to be the only gentleman[...]not laughing uproariously and having an excellent time."
It takes a really decent guy to have the social courage to be flatly unamused by douchy BS like this (and yet it really is funny! I'm excited to see more of Lord Xavier too).
I can't recommend this book enough--each satisfyingly familiar romance trope and character type felt totally fresh, like taking a favorite dress, turning the fabric, and resewing it in a flattering new style. (Not that that's something I've ever done, but I've read it in plenty of romances!)
"The night ended late, with much dancing followed by a spirited and not precisely proper game of charades. Lord Xavier had apparently determined all the clues with the help of several other eager young gentlemen, because the company found itself acting out 'Madame de Pompadour,' 'Mrs. Fitzherbert,' 'Nell Gwyn,' and a series of other royal mistresses. Lord Xavier's eyes glittered with amusement at the young ladies, especially, as they attempted to create a tableau that would reveal the answer without compromising propriety.
"James thought this not quite well done of the man, but had to admit that he himself seemed to be the only gentleman[...]not laughing uproariously and having an excellent time."
It takes a really decent guy to have the social courage to be flatly unamused by douchy BS like this (and yet it really is funny! I'm excited to see more of Lord Xavier too).
I can't recommend this book enough--each satisfyingly familiar romance trope and character type felt totally fresh, like taking a favorite dress, turning the fabric, and resewing it in a flattering new style. (Not that that's something I've ever done, but I've read it in plenty of romances!)
December 29, 2015
Author: Theresa Romain
Length: 369 Pages
Genre: Fiction/Romance
Where did it come from? Amazon
Why do I have it? Pop Culture Happy Hour did an entire show on romance books and this author was mentioned and recommended. Plus it had a Christmas theme.
Summary: Viscount James Matheson is engaged to Louisa and hoping for a quick marriage to help his family's reputation. When meeting her family, he encounters Julia and the two have chemistry immediately. He's already spoke for and she's the sister of his fiancée.
Review: I read romance novels as an escape from a busy time or as an anecdote to a book hangover. I didn't expect much from this book but I was pleasantly surprised! I'm not one for a ton of sex in romance novels, I'm more about the romance, and this one had it! I wondered if and how James would extricate himself from his engagement and found Julia and Louisa to be strong, independent women. I especially enjoyed how supportive the other female characters in the book were in difficult times. The mother and aunt had experiences of their own that the two sisters knew nothing about and like most of us, they assumed their elders could never understand. I may have found a new romance author to add to my "go to" list!
Recommendation: Romance lovers
Length: 369 Pages
Genre: Fiction/Romance
Where did it come from? Amazon
Why do I have it? Pop Culture Happy Hour did an entire show on romance books and this author was mentioned and recommended. Plus it had a Christmas theme.
Summary: Viscount James Matheson is engaged to Louisa and hoping for a quick marriage to help his family's reputation. When meeting her family, he encounters Julia and the two have chemistry immediately. He's already spoke for and she's the sister of his fiancée.
Review: I read romance novels as an escape from a busy time or as an anecdote to a book hangover. I didn't expect much from this book but I was pleasantly surprised! I'm not one for a ton of sex in romance novels, I'm more about the romance, and this one had it! I wondered if and how James would extricate himself from his engagement and found Julia and Louisa to be strong, independent women. I especially enjoyed how supportive the other female characters in the book were in difficult times. The mother and aunt had experiences of their own that the two sisters knew nothing about and like most of us, they assumed their elders could never understand. I may have found a new romance author to add to my "go to" list!
Recommendation: Romance lovers
November 25, 2016
Very cute, very sweet, enormously blue eyed Christmas romance. Halfway into the book I wondered if I might've picked up a clean romance by mistake, that was the level of sugary naiveté this book delivers.
It's a good book, particularly for a debut novel, but it really wasn't my cup of tea. I'm more of a high stakes drama, give-me-all-the-weepyhorny-feels kind of a reader.
But I would totally recommend Season for Temptation to first time romance readers, particularly if they're just getting out of the angsty teen genres. The love scenes are nice, but not on the overly graphic side. Everything is super consensual. There's no ridiculous talk of hymens. The hero is a high quality beta-Gary Stu. There's every nuance of female friendship and fairy godmothering going on. Come to think of it, this is the book I wish I read when I was fourteen instead of that god awful translated Harlequin I found at a fleamarket for 2 kronor.
So yeah, go get it for your daughter/niece/neighbour's kid or something.
It's a good book, particularly for a debut novel, but it really wasn't my cup of tea. I'm more of a high stakes drama, give-me-all-the-weepyhorny-feels kind of a reader.
But I would totally recommend Season for Temptation to first time romance readers, particularly if they're just getting out of the angsty teen genres. The love scenes are nice, but not on the overly graphic side. Everything is super consensual. There's no ridiculous talk of hymens. The hero is a high quality beta-Gary Stu. There's every nuance of female friendship and fairy godmothering going on. Come to think of it, this is the book I wish I read when I was fourteen instead of that god awful translated Harlequin I found at a fleamarket for 2 kronor.
So yeah, go get it for your daughter/niece/neighbour's kid or something.
December 14, 2011
This book was horrible. First of all, Christmas only last about four chapters and it was over before halfway through the book. Second of all, the two main characters were not smart at all. it seemed everything went over their heads and they could not put two sentences together when they were flabbergasted. At first, Julia's outspokenness and mannerisms were cute and funny, but after a while, it just felt like a broken record while James' demeanor did not improve at all. He was completely blind to his mother's machinations, and I could not seem to sympathize for anyone in this story, not even Louisa after a while since she just seemed to lead James on even after it was obvious she did not want to get married. The only redeeming character in this story was Lady Irving because of her wisdom, however wrapped up in sarcasm it may be, as well as the fact that she seemed to be the only one using at least 50% of her brain cells. I would not recommend this book to anyone.
November 27, 2014
The writing was repetitive and the story slow-paced (I pretty much skimmed the last 50 or so pages); there was very little sizzle - and the Christmas element was pretty much absent (most takes place in August and post-Christmas). The attempt at cutesy humor fell flat and became rather cheesy and despite initially liking the chapter titles, they began to wear thin about a quarter of the way in... On the flipside, I appreciate that this was not the same formula of "reforming a rake" or whatnot, and I commend the author (and publisher) for trying something a little new, but... I just wish they had upped the romance and/or heat -- and it should NEVER have been marketed as a Christmas romance. 3 stars - it was OK, but I didn't hate it... I might look into the next couple of titles in the series sometime if I want a fast read
November 11, 2016
I had enjoyed a 2 of this author's newer works (The Sport of Baronets and A Gentleman's Game). So, I decided to look into her back-list and start from the beginning. This is her first book (and series) and it shows.
Julia's stepsister, Louisa, becomes engaged to James, a Viscount. James was in a hurry to get married. So, unfortunately, when he meets the rest of the family, he starts to fell for her sister. Oopsie. I was interested to see how this would play out.
My biggest issue was how so very immature Julia was. James reason for the rush to marriage was eh. This was also slow going (but I made it to the end!).
I will check out the next, but if too much like this one, I probably won't be finishing it.
Julia's stepsister, Louisa, becomes engaged to James, a Viscount. James was in a hurry to get married. So, unfortunately, when he meets the rest of the family, he starts to fell for her sister. Oopsie. I was interested to see how this would play out.
My biggest issue was how so very immature Julia was. James reason for the rush to marriage was eh. This was also slow going (but I made it to the end!).
I will check out the next, but if too much like this one, I probably won't be finishing it.
October 28, 2011
I am a sucker for love triangles, especially ones in which all the characters will eventually get what they want. I really wanted to love this book too after the huge buzz. I actually pre-ordered it based on a few trusted bloggers' recommendations. So I was stocked when it showed up on my Kindle. But ... I didn't love it. Julia was ... such a child! She read like a 16 year-old FB addicted brat. And seriously, I am not huge stickler for historical accuracy in language but the author used "lame" three times in the first two chapters. As in, "that's lame". Um, yeah, talk about jerking me out of the story... I love a frothy mess as much as the next girl but this one went over the top.
March 24, 2014
No...just...no. Giving up at 21%. The hero is flat, the heroine is childish and far too modern, and the plot is just SILLY. Not comedy-silly, but just why-is-this-so-popular silly. I got to this line and could no longer deny my lack of engagement with the book: (Upon seeing her fiance's country estate for the 1st time) "I never imagined it would be like this,” Louisa admitted. “It’s so grand, absolutely huge. James, you must be a very important fellow." What?! You're surprised a titled lord has a big house? You know he's just inherited it all, you know he's a viscount.... so what the hell were you expecting? No.
did-not-finish
November 30, 2015I'd never read Terry Romain,
So thought I'd try her on a train.
With naught to do but read, read, read
I did not think t'would be a pain.
I like viscounts! I like flirting! To be honest my standards for romance are not terribly high.
And yet I found, to my dismay,
No joy in reading Ms Romain.
Her hero seemed to lack a brain,
And holy god this book was boring, I could not finish it, and it
Strained my credulity.
Not on a train, never again,
Unless they give me lidocaine first, and a stiff drink.
So thought I'd try her on a train.
With naught to do but read, read, read
I did not think t'would be a pain.
I like viscounts! I like flirting! To be honest my standards for romance are not terribly high.
And yet I found, to my dismay,
No joy in reading Ms Romain.
Her hero seemed to lack a brain,
And holy god this book was boring, I could not finish it, and it
Strained my credulity.
Not on a train, never again,
Unless they give me lidocaine first, and a stiff drink.
July 27, 2012
The first novel for this author and it takes a long time to get to the point that you see from the first page. Once it does, the romance is satisfying for a few chapters before being detoured and then coming to a satisfying conclusion.
In between those events it's a dry narrative that didn't really hold my interest. A quick read but not on that will have me on the lookout for any more of the author's work.
Moving on....
In between those events it's a dry narrative that didn't really hold my interest. A quick read but not on that will have me on the lookout for any more of the author's work.
Moving on....
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