Love Letters

by Lori Brighton

These two short stories will delight the lover of historical romance!

The Art of Seduction

Clara Cameron will do anything to escape her impending marriage to the odious Lord Desmond, even if it means posing nude for artist Brendon Evans, the man she once loved. It's been years since they've seen each other, but Clara's love for Brendon hasn't diminished. Will Brendon recognize Clara and admit his feelings for the woman before Lord Desmond comes calling, claiming Clara for his own?

Meant For Me

For years Cynthia Shaw has replied to Gabriel Baston's letters, pretending to be his fiancé, Cynthia's wretched cousin Helen. When Gabriel appears at a masked ball and mistakes Cynthia for Helen, she can't help herself and gives her innocence to the man she has loved for years. Will Lord Kennwick realize Cynthia was meant for him before it's too late?

This anthology is approximately 30,000 words and is appropriate only for adults!

If you enjoy these short stories, you might also enjoy Lori's other historical romances: Wild Heart, Wild Desire and A Night of Secrets. To find out more about Lori, go to www.LoriBrighton.com

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Short Stories, Erotica, Anthologies, Historical Fiction

97 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 20, 2011

About the author

As a child, thoughts of far-off places and adventure consistently kept Lori up late at night. After graduating high school, she came to the conclusion that there was no better way to seek adventure and nourish her love of history than to become an archaeologist. She went on to receive a degree in anthropology, but digging in the dirt during humid Midwestern summers wasn’t exactly as fun as she thought it would be.

Instead, she went to work in an air conditioned museum where she spent her days surrounded by creepy Victorian animal mounts. Still, she wasn’t satisfied.

Deciding the people in her imagination were slightly more exciting than the dead things in a museum basement, she set out to write her first romance novel. That book was soundly rejected. As was the next. Years went by and she began to wonder if she’d ever see her dream fulfilled. Until one day she came up with an idea for a book that brought together her love of history and adventure: a book now titled Wild Heart. Since Wild Heart's release, Lori has written Historical Romance, Contemporary Paranormal Romance and Young Adult.

Lori currently resides in the Southern U.S., where she juggles her time between a husband, a son, a golden retriever, a cat and the many, many people in her imagination.

Reviews

[KC · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The Art of Seduction", 2.0✨

It kept my interest ultimately, but the characters and plot would have been better served if this short story had been longer. The narrative literally happened in a few hours, which wouldn't have bothered me if had found the romance convincing. The major problem being the hero's fixation on another woman. His deceased wife. Sign me up for this kind of lovin'! No.

It took hero f o r e v e r to recognize the heroine after meeting again (his sister and she were childhood friends). Not a crime, but it made hero's claim of having previously fallen in love with the heroine via her letters feel hollow. Correspondence which his sister had forwarded to him as a way to bolster his spirit. (So much for privacy, trust and respect. The letters had been addressed to the sister, not the hero.)

He'd fallen into a depression and self-inflicted solitude because he felt guilty for not giving his dead wife more attention, who'd been killed in a carriage accident while running off with her lover. (Why he felt responsible is beyond me, unless he'd really cared for her. Theirs was an arranged marriage, and he knew she'd married him for money. Seems to me he agonized over her death more than leaving the heroine back in the day, whom he only thought of in platonic terms. He couldn't wait for her to grow up, though, because arranged wedding bells were a callin'.)

Hero also slept with a stranger (h), not knowing who she was yet supposedly in love with the heroine. WTH?

Meanwhile, heroine had been in love with hero since she was 15 and he 20. Ten years later, she ran to him hoping to earn enough money as his nude model, and then sail for America to evade an unwanted marriage with a cruel man old enough to be her gramps.

Finally, the OTT climax with the villain oozed too much cheese for my tastes.

"Meant for Me", 4.0✨

Sweet Cinderella romance. Contained some decent angst, longing, and a hot love scene to boot. I could really feel the love and desire heating the atmosphere—an accomplishment for such a short story. Heroine was sweet, and hero was smitten and in touch with his feelings. I geeked out when he went into full Knight-in-Kick-Ass-Shining mode at the end. The bonus? This felt like a complete story, unlike story #1.

Some tags only apply to one book. I'll be happy to clarify if needed.

Overall rating: 3.0✨

[ᑭᑌᑎƳᗩ [Punya Reviews...] · Rating 3 out of 5]

My review contains spoilers and they're mostly my thoughts as I went with the book...

This rating is based on the two novellas by Lori Brighton, The Art of Seduction (3.25 stars) and Meant for Me (3.75 stars).


“The Art of Seduction”

I’ve never read anything by Lori Brighton before so this free ebook was pretty enlightening for me. Her writing’s good. This 1st short story of about 5 chapters and an epilogue held my interest. But it was just too short; the incident took place only on one night.

Clara has been in love with Brendon for the last 10 yrs. She was quite young back then and Brendon being 5 yrs older than her, it never really bloomed into anything. Now, it has passed the phase of a young girl’s infatuation to something deeper. Brendon has seen his share of tragedies and now living a life of a recluse in some shabby, not-so-impressive area of London; in a house not-quite-the-abode for an Earl. Clara is in dire straights, her guardians (or parents, I wasn’t sure) sold her to this Lord, an old lecher for money and now she’s engaged to him. The guy tried to force himself on her but hasn’t been successful. Clara has decided she needed money to get away and the latest ad Brendon put in the newspaper might prove to be how she could acquire some. Sadly enough, I wasn’t quite clear of Clara’s background at all. Was she the daughter of an impoverished Lord or a commoner? But I got it that no one cared whatever might’ve happened to her so she’d planned to sail to America once she had the money.

Brandon was looking for a nude model for his latest statue (and portrait) commission. Since he’d put the ad on the paper, there’d been plenty of responses but no one could meet the standard for his muse. He wasn’t really looking for a virgin, maybe a widow or someone a bit well groomed than the street side whores. But this girl, she’s definitely the muse he’d envisioned and he knew from her approach that she’s a virgin. He’d been without a woman for sometimes now and his body is definitely reacting to her nearness. It seems like she returns the attractions as well. I don’t know what to talk about the tragedy of his life, as his wife runaway with her lover and then died in an accident. He definitely felt guilty of this, thinking he was somehow responsible for his wife’s actions. I wasn’t sure really, why would this scar him so deep emotionally but it did.

He doesn’t recognize Clara until after this modeling session turned into something more intimate. She was willing and he couldn’t deny it. Then there were some twists which were taken care of in the end, a bit over the top for one night IMO as the man Clara was engaged to makes trouble. Also, a revelation of how Clara’s good friend and Brendon’s sister Elizabeth helped them come together after such a long time comes into light. It was a good story, interesting. I think I would’ve enjoyed it more if it was a full-length novel. 3.25 star.
***********

“Meant for Me”

Now this one I liked overall. “Meant for Me” was about a bit of deception here and a twist of mistaken identity there but worked out nicely. This short story, which has 4 chapters and an epilogue, could’ve been a great full-length novel IMO. It did leave me wanting for more.

Cynthia’s life read like the Cinderella story. After her mother died, she came to live with her aunt and her family. She didn’t really come on her own accord, she had no other choice; a 7/8 yrs old girl who had no one and nowhere else to go so, the family solicitor kinda dumped her on her aunt’s doorstep and left. Cynthia’s Irish father never married her mom (not sure what happend to the doomed couple) and so her aunt can’t stand the sight of her. Cynthia has been more of a servant in the house than a member of the family. The Auntiee is one evil, evil woman and so was her only daughter, Helen. Helen is spoiled and selfish, with a venomous mouth. Even though she’s beautiful and resembles Cynthia quite closely, she’s considered as ‘the beautiful’ one while Cynthia ‘isn’t much to look at’. This is according to the Auntiee of course.

Helen has been engaged to Gabriel, Lord Kennwick from childhood. Gabriel so far has been touring the world as he didn’t like his fiancée. But two years ago, after his father died, Gabriel decided it’s time to settle down and so, he initiated a communication with Helen through letters. His earlier, even though vague, memory of Helen has been pretty bad. She was spoiled even as a child, so when her letters came back as beautifully written and gave the impression of a thoughtful young woman, Gabriel was overjoyed. He always sought for a good, happy marriage. Maybe Helen has changed and it would be possible to have one with her. He’s written to her every week from then on and she replied back with just as much enthusiasm. He bared his soul to her, and so has she. This did remind me of Lisa Kleypas’s Love in the Afternoon a bit, which I loved loved loved! So I found this story interesting as well. I wish a few letters were included in it though.

Now Gabriel is back in London but whatever he’s heard about Helen hasn’t been impressive so far. She’s an inveterate flirt and might not be a virgin, according to the rumors. I wasn’t sure why he didn’t go to her house and confront these rumors if he was so interested in her. On the other hand, the eeeevil Auntie has forced Cynthia to pose as Helen in a masked ball because Helen wasn’t feeling well and rumor has it that Lord Kennwick has been losing interest in her. Cynthia can’t, just can’t face Gabriel. Yes, she calls him by his name, though only to herself. And, she has every right because she was the one who wrote those letters in Helen’s stead. Helen the b*tch never really cared for Gabriel and never will even if they marry. Cynthia is completely in love with Gabriel, even though she knows there is no future for her with him. In that mask ball, things change drastically for both Cynthia and Gabriel. When he asks her to meet in a secluded place, Cynthia can’t help but oblige. And they end up making love in the dark.

I won’t say anymore but I liked the final twists quite a lot. These two did belong to each-other. 3.75 stars, I would’ve definitely given it a 4+ star if it was a novel. Looking forward to read more Lori Brighton books in the future.

[Jo Reads Romance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two short Regency romances
3 stars

This book contains two short, unconnected stories where love letters play a part in bringing the hero and heroine together.


The Art of Seduction
All Clara Cameron wants to do is escape from the clutches of the horrible man her family are forcing her to wed. To do so she needs money which is how she finds herself agreeing to pose nude for artist, Brendan Evans - the man she once loved. Will Brendan recognise her and will their session lead to a happily ever after?

I liked the premise of this story although I wasn't completely in love with Brendan. I suppose he wasn't supposed to be your usual hero but he didn't really capture me to any great degree. I liked Clara and admired her for trying to get away from her situation in life. The pair had good chemistry although I didn't feel much spark during the love scenes. I also thought that there was a gaping plot hole when it was discovered that Brendan's sister had been writing letters to him about Clara. Overall still a likeable and readable story.


Meant for Me
Cynthia Shaw is the poor relation living on the charity of her wicked aunt and cousin. She's also the person that's been replying to Gabriel Baston's letters pretending to be her cousin - and his fiance. When the pair meet there are misunderstandings and mistaken identities - will Gabriel find out who he truly loves before it's too late?

In this story the heroine was strong despite her difficult position in life and I liked her character and her spirit. Unfortunately the hero was a little bit of an idiot although I suppose I can't blame him for being confused by all the machinations going on around him - I just wanted him to be a bit more aware! The story was cute but I have read a very similar story before which lessened my enjoyment somewhat.


Overall these were a readable and likeable set of stories. There were a couple of glaring typographical errors which always irritate and annoy me but the writing was still good and the stories were finished quickly. I debated between 3 and 4 stars for these stories but, despite having enjoyed them, there just wasn't enough spark for me to give them higher than 3 stars, I'm afraid. Having said that, this book is currently (at the time of writing) free from the Kindle store and you certainly can't go wrong with that!

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick synopsis: two quick spicy reads with four great characters.

First is Brendon and Clara. Clara has adored and longed for Brendon since she was 15. His younger sister's best friend but not quite on his radar. After the loss of his wife some ten years after there have last seen each other Clara is on a mission. She has sought him out in a rough area of town where he is playing out being a artist. She goes in as a model but he has no recollection of her. As she prepares to be his muse he notices bruises on her arm but doesn't want to get involved however he can't seem to stop. Clara just wants this done and get the money and run, she also hope Brendon will recognize her but he doesn't seem to. As things heat up and a dawning realization made Clara's life catches up to her...will things work out in time?

Second story: Cynthia is a poor relation dumped on her aunt's steps at 12 her aunt has no use for her till her daughter needs a doppelgänger for a ball..at this fateful ball Cynthia must pretend to be her cousin to keep her cousin's intended interested. Trick is she's in love with the intended Gabriel so feigning interest isn't hard. When he makes he convince him she wants him not knowing the dupe in play things get a little out of hand. He's satisfied with the match till he starts uncovering the deception...will Cynthia obtain Gabriel's forgiveness, could he ever want her?

Again, Lori Brighton excites and delights.

[Blodeuedd Finland · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not the best at reviewing novellas, you can't say too much and you must say something.

The Art of Seduction is the first story and it's about that first love you had but that never came to be. Clara was always in love with Brendon but he was older and never noticed her. And now she is on the run and she wants to see him again.

I liked Clara, she was innocent, but she still wanted something. Brendon was a bit broken and needed to be healed. And since this is a short story everything happens fast and it works. They meet and at the end they have their HEA. Since this is a historical romance after all.


Meant For Me was my favourite out of these two. It's about Cynthia who is mistreated by her aunt. They do not really care about her and she is the grey wallflower. But in fact she is full of life and she doesn't want her cousin to marry Lord Kennwick. She knows him, he knows her..but not really since he thinks he has been writing her cousin. Of course at one point I did think he should have thought if it sooner but hey we need some drama in this short story. It was a cute Cinderella story and just like story number 1 it had passion too.

[McKayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two short stories that didn't feel very short. The first finds Clara running from something while running to someone from her past. She knows him, knows him very well but does he remember her? I fell in love with Lori Brighton's style of writing form this first story and eagerly looked up her other books. The second story finds Cynthia portraying her cousin with the man that she herself loves. Both stories are around 100 pages each, but despite their small size I could not put them down. Let's just say that while I should have been working I was reading!

[Tabetha Waite · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed these two quick reads! Perfect for a lazy Sunday.

[Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Late 1800s
Two in one short novellas




SURE?????




The Art of Seduction

Leaving behind a life of wealth and prestige, battered and disillusioned, Brendon has secluded himself in a hidy hole in a destitute section of London where he can practice the one true love of his life, art, and where Clara will eventually find him ten years after she’d last seen him. Clara is on the run from an arranged marriage, the only way she can gain her freedom and escape to America is the money an unsuspecting Brendon will pay her as a nude model but nothing prepares Clara for the shock that awaits her, not his sisters letters or the reality when she is face to face with the carefree man she loved and remembered so well.

Meant for Me

A fairy tale story, Cinderella comes to mind.

Cynthia is nothing more than a servant to her Aunt and her beautiful, spoiled and wilful cousin Helen. Promised by their fathers, Helen and Gabriel are unofficially betrothed yet it seems to Gabriel that Helen is not the same woman from the letters he received while he was away, the letters Helen demanded Cynthia write on her behalf, the same letters that brought him back.

The writing style yanks you into the story, you can almost feel the desolate setting when Clara steps off the hack in The Art of Seduction or indeed Cynthia’s Cinderella existence in Meant for Me, it’s a fairy tale story that rarely fails to impress in the telling. Two short stories yes (approx. 80 kindle pages each) but the author makes great use of the limited space.

I’d expect it to feel rushed at times and it was but it was enjoyable reading nonetheless.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off you don't just get one lovely short book you get THREE (3)! Both of these stories are so romantic. A great taste of whats to come!!!
Book One
Clara is still looking for her knight in shinning armor. This time she has made the resolve to do whatever it takes to have Brendon as hers. She has waited far to long to have to wait one more day. For if she fails tonight her own fate has already been promised.
Book Two
Cynthia is one of the children that has been left behind. Her life has not been that of a loving and caring family. And her Aunt is willing to use her to her own advantage no matter the cost to Cynthia. Only now Cynthia has fallen in love and wants more for her life.
Book Three
Grace is an independent woman but in the wrong time. She is ready for anything but not Alex. It seems Grace has met her match with Alex. Oh and let us not forget Gideon, he is one I look forward to learning more about.
Enjoy!!!

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've enjoyed everything I've read by Lori Brighton so far and this book was no exception. Two short stories - one revolving around a meeting between two people who hadn't seen each other in years and the other about a poor relation forced to woo her cousin's betrothed or be turned out. I do enjoy a good naughty tryst in the shadows.

This book was a free Kindle download I picked up 01/23/12 for the Why Buy the Cow? reading challenge.

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal

[Nadine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two beautiful historical love stories, that leaves you completely happy and pleased that things worked out in the love department, even for the poor sad girls of the 1800s, who did not stand a chance as a woman on her own. They need the earl or baron in shining armor coming to their rescue and girls lets face it, even today we still want our men to be as galant and gracious as the men of these type of stories.
I will definitely look for more books by Lori Brighton, as her writing is effortless to read and I close the book with a happy smile on your face!

[Caro · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty good book. I liked both stories and the characters. The last one definitely had a Cinderella feel to it. I enjoyed reading both of these stories and was pleasantly surprised since this was in my freebie horde. I laughed a little, teared up a little, held my breath, wanted to bash a few heads, and was happy with the HEAs. I wouldn't mind reading these again sometime. Good for the cuddle-snuggle kinda read and one-sitters. Enjoy!

[Astrid Miles · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contains two short historical romance stories. They have a cute aspect of the charters falling in love over letters. Both tales are interesting and fun to read. Although I do wish that they were a little longer. At times it felt rushed and I wish that it had not been. The editing was well done. This is currently priced at $1.99 on Amazon, and free to read with Kindle Unlimited. Personally, I would say it is worth the price.

[Lora Pavlova · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found out about this book accidentally while scrolling in the App store. I have never heard of Lori Brighton before. i have to say that I really loved these stories and I plan on reading other novels of hers in the future. This was a very good read for leisure. If you like romantic stories you are gonna like it, I think.

[Becs · Rating 4 out of 5]

They were short romance reads. Just what I was looking for. Everyone knows I looove my romance, even if you know who's going to end up who, I don't care, it's the story of how they get there that I enjoy. :)

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book comprised of two short and HOT Historical Romances. With exception of a few grammatical errors the stories were well written and enjoyable. I look forward to seeing what else this author has to offer!

[Susana · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was an okay book. It had parts that are made for adults and it was very sexual. It kind of ruined my mind even though it was recommended by a friend. I liked how it had 2 stories in it. I wouldn't recommend this book to younger audiences.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a book with two short stories that revolve around love letters. The letters give the short stories instant background and character development so the story moves quickly. Although I did enjoy them I prefer lengthier character development.

[Suze · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second time of reading this book & these 2 stories & I couldn’t actually remember what happened! So it was like reading them for the first time again!
Lori Brighton always delivers a good story and these didn’t disappoint!
Only wished they’d been longer!

[Josie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
--------------

The Art of Seduction
★★★

Meant for Me
★★★★

[Kathie (katmom) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two charming short stories. I enjoyed them both!

The second one was my favorite...a Cinderella story with a bit of a twist.

[Lyne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This would have gotten four stars if it was just Meant For Me...the Art Of Seduction was eeehhhh

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two great short stories!

[Diane Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two very pleasant, sensual stories. As short stories go, I liked them. A very fast read.

[Phuong Ta · Rating 5 out of 5]

If only it was longer!

[W · Rating 4 out of 5]

My only complaint with these two short stories is that they are not full length books. Great read!

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful short stories.

[Kbee · Rating 3 out of 5]

2 good little love story.
Fun fast read.

[Reba Dom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two short stories. Good stories with good passion. Worth reading more from this author.

[Jen Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two very lovely novellas about regency period lovers. A really good read.