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Historical Jewels
The Spare
Captain Sebastian Alexander, late of His Majesty's Royal Navy, is The Spare who inherits an earldom and Pennhyll Castle after the death of his older brother. Red-haired Olivia Willow is invited to Pennhyll to even out the numbers. She's missing 3 days from her life. Is it possible that she had something to do with the murder of Sebastian's brother? Olivia isn't what he assumes and as the truth about what happened to his brother slowly comes to light, Sebastian's life is changed forever.
339 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
25 people are currently reading
316 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Jewel
58 books527 followersCarolyn Jewel was born on a moonless night. That darkness was seared into her soul and she became an award winning and USA Today bestselling author of historical and paranormal romance. She has a very dusty car and a Master’s degree in English that proves useful at the oddest times. An avid fan of fine chocolate, finer heroines, Bollywood films, and heroism in all forms, she has two cats and a dog. Also a son. One of the cats is his.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
February 26, 2017
Oh, Carolyn Jewel: how you confound me. Every time I read one of her books, to a lesser or (as in this case) greater extent I am left with the same basic feelings:
1. I like this more than I should.
2. Her books always feel like more than the sum of their parts [see also: Lord Ruin and One Starlit Night].
3. Frustration. If she'd just stepped back, taken out some of the crazy and made the characterisation and the plotting tighter and clearer, this could have been really good.
On any reasonable metric of my reading history I should have hated this. It's gothic and a ghost is an honest to god character who is pivotal to the story. There are dream sequences up the wazoo. The novel is punctuated by several episodes of major ~dramaz~: Fire! Flood! Mountain peril! There's a villainous villain who confesses to his crimes as soon as he is confronted. Many of these elements were just as daft as they sound and they do pull the rating down.
But, as ever with Jewel, I like the writing. There's something very engaging about her style. The romance felt a little strained in the beginning, perhaps because the heroine wasn't characterised very clearly, but by the end I'd bought into it and was keen to read on for the resolution.
There were a few points where sections of dialogue or character actions didn't make too much sense. I used to think with Jewel that it was me when this kind of thing happened: that she was too subtle or clever and I'd missed the nuance that made this section of the book profound and relevant. Now I think she's just a bit random and a lack of planning causes her to fire off words indiscriminately from time to time.
The plot, for all its crazy, pootled along and kept me entertained.
The sex was great.
I can think of far more negatives than positives in respect of this book. But, what can I say? I still liked it. I think it's a worthwhile read and you could do much worse than this to while away an idle afternoon. So, 3.5 stars.
1. I like this more than I should.
2. Her books always feel like more than the sum of their parts [see also: Lord Ruin and One Starlit Night].
3. Frustration. If she'd just stepped back, taken out some of the crazy and made the characterisation and the plotting tighter and clearer, this could have been really good.
On any reasonable metric of my reading history I should have hated this. It's gothic and a ghost is an honest to god character who is pivotal to the story. There are dream sequences up the wazoo. The novel is punctuated by several episodes of major ~dramaz~: Fire! Flood! Mountain peril! There's a villainous villain who confesses to his crimes as soon as he is confronted. Many of these elements were just as daft as they sound and they do pull the rating down.
But, as ever with Jewel, I like the writing. There's something very engaging about her style. The romance felt a little strained in the beginning, perhaps because the heroine wasn't characterised very clearly, but by the end I'd bought into it and was keen to read on for the resolution.
There were a few points where sections of dialogue or character actions didn't make too much sense. I used to think with Jewel that it was me when this kind of thing happened: that she was too subtle or clever and I'd missed the nuance that made this section of the book profound and relevant. Now I think she's just a bit random and a lack of planning causes her to fire off words indiscriminately from time to time.
The plot, for all its crazy, pootled along and kept me entertained.
The sex was great.
I can think of far more negatives than positives in respect of this book. But, what can I say? I still liked it. I think it's a worthwhile read and you could do much worse than this to while away an idle afternoon. So, 3.5 stars.
September 6, 2020
The mystery was interesting, and the paranormal aspect added to the historical feel of the story in a very natural way. However the down-side of the "naturalness" of the paranormal part is that it can be confusing for the reader, trying to tease out exactly what is going on. The biggest problem I had with this story was that Sebastian's (hero's) character was generally poorly developed (with a few exceptions here and there) and often felt two-dimensional. It wasn't always clear exactly why he was drawn to the heroine, except that of course he was supposed to be because this is romance and of course they're supposed to end up together. Unfortunately this made the romance seem rote and boring for me. By the end, I wanted the couple to just get on with it and get together so I could move on to another book.
June 3, 2012
I like Carolyn Jewel's books. I thought LORD RUIN was great,but this book ,well it was a struggle to finish from beginning to end.My son wondered why it took me of all people to finish this book in 4 days when I usu whip a book out in less than a day.
April 9, 2009
I searched out this book because I loved Jewel's recent release, Scandal, but wow. Let's just say her plotting has much improved since she wrote The Spare. I really wanted to love it, but it was so. damn. boring. I ended up skimming much of the book.
Here are my problems with it:
1. Too realistic, and by that I mean the author spent way too much time on events that were dull, as I'm sure they might have been in real life. When one of the servants mentioned he would take Pennhyll's guests on a tour of the castle, I groaned because I knew I didn't give one chit about the castle.
2. The dialogue. God, it was boring. It filled page after page and did not engage me at all.
3. Sebastian. Liked him in the first chapter, but then I really started to dislike him. For half the book, he believes his brother beat and raped Olivia, but he's imagining himself with her. He's barely able to control himself and, in his dreams (see #4) he's very forceful with her. I found this dispicable.
4. The ghost thing. Sebastian and Olivia kept seeing the "Black Earl" and dreaming about being with each other. There were times when I thought they might actually be together, but it turned out they'd imagined the encounter. Granted, I skimmed a lot of this book, but I think I would have been confused even if I read every word.
5. Sebastian and Olivia are idiots. The moment Hew Willow showed up on the scene, it was SO FREAKING OBVIOUS he was the bad guy. It took Olivia having sex with Sebastian to suddenly restore her memory.
6. The ending. So, Sebastian now knows Hew is the man who killed his brother, his brother's wife, and almost Olivia. Sebastian calmly walks into the party going on downstairs and asks to talk to him. Then, we get several long, boring explanations of what happened. THEN, Hew kills himself. Off-camera, I might add. No action at all. Very anti-climatic.
7. The characters. No matter how many times Sebastian imagined his hands entangled in Olivia's red hair, I just didn't feel the spark between these two people. I didn't care so much that, when it came to them finally "making love", I skipped the scene just so I could be done with the book.
So, yeah, I didn't like Carolyn Jewel's The Spare. Perhaps she's just now coming into her best writing. The Scandal was a great read and I recommend it, but don't bother hunting down this out-of-print book.
Here are my problems with it:
1. Too realistic, and by that I mean the author spent way too much time on events that were dull, as I'm sure they might have been in real life. When one of the servants mentioned he would take Pennhyll's guests on a tour of the castle, I groaned because I knew I didn't give one chit about the castle.
2. The dialogue. God, it was boring. It filled page after page and did not engage me at all.
3. Sebastian. Liked him in the first chapter, but then I really started to dislike him. For half the book, he believes his brother beat and raped Olivia, but he's imagining himself with her. He's barely able to control himself and, in his dreams (see #4) he's very forceful with her. I found this dispicable.
4. The ghost thing. Sebastian and Olivia kept seeing the "Black Earl" and dreaming about being with each other. There were times when I thought they might actually be together, but it turned out they'd imagined the encounter. Granted, I skimmed a lot of this book, but I think I would have been confused even if I read every word.
5. Sebastian and Olivia are idiots. The moment Hew Willow showed up on the scene, it was SO FREAKING OBVIOUS he was the bad guy. It took Olivia having sex with Sebastian to suddenly restore her memory.
6. The ending. So, Sebastian now knows Hew is the man who killed his brother, his brother's wife, and almost Olivia. Sebastian calmly walks into the party going on downstairs and asks to talk to him. Then, we get several long, boring explanations of what happened. THEN, Hew kills himself. Off-camera, I might add. No action at all. Very anti-climatic.
7. The characters. No matter how many times Sebastian imagined his hands entangled in Olivia's red hair, I just didn't feel the spark between these two people. I didn't care so much that, when it came to them finally "making love", I skipped the scene just so I could be done with the book.
So, yeah, I didn't like Carolyn Jewel's The Spare. Perhaps she's just now coming into her best writing. The Scandal was a great read and I recommend it, but don't bother hunting down this out-of-print book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2013
4 Stars: The Spare is a haunting, erotic, and darkly foreboding classic Gothic Historical Romance.
4 Star Heat: Bravo to Carolyn Jewel who manages the impossible by keeping hero and heroine true to their nature and morals all while generating tremendous eroticism and sexual tension.
5 Star Setting: Carolyn Jewel’s writing shines in her detailed descriptions of the cliff sea side castle of Tern-Cope. The labyrinth castle, composed of new and old structures, is loving detailed and brought to life. As in the Gothic tradition, amid the castle’s drafty rooms and ancient dungeon cells lurks an unknown danger, ghosts, and other mysteries to be solved.
4 Star Characterization:Both hero and heroine are uniquely drawn and over the course of the story reveal great human depth. Both very physically and sexually attractive, hero and heroine are made even more attractive by their inner strength of character.
3 Star Plot: With accidents and a dark mystery to solve, challenges and conflicts abound in this plot and there is thankfully NO need for dwelling on the typical, and frankly tedious if not maddening, plot devise of the hero's or heroine's stupidity as a conflict. Unfortunately, despite its great potential and complexity, this story's plot development is at times uneven and it drags midway, while at the end it is too accelerated.
The Spare is a rare Gothic Romance gem contemporarily crafted by Carolyn Jewel (2004).
In the tradition of the classic Gothic, the plot revolves around a dark mystery – the unsolved murder of the former Tiern-Cope heir and his wife.
As with any Gothic, the setting and atmosphere is pivotal, and here Carolyn Jewel’s beautiful writing shines. In the ancient Pennhyll Castle, at Cumbria set atop the sea side cliffs, through misty and shrouded ghostly 400 year ancient castle walls, apparitions of the ancient ancestral Black Earl Knight, precognition, dream sequences, and even a séance, the dark mystery and sexual tensions steadily build as the story unfolds.
The title “The Spare” is aptly chosen and applies equally to hero and heroine in this story.
Sabastian, the handsome and renowned Military Naval hero, has returned home to heal from a grievous chest wound and to see to his family responsibilities and obligations. Sabastian, a third son, and formerly “the spare” male heir, returns after both his eldest Brothers have unexpectedly passed away. His eldest Brother met his untimely death 16 years prior in an accident while the second Brother Andrew, the next successor, and his Sister-in Law were shot and killed in their home by an unknown assailant who is still at large.
James, Sabastian’s child hood friend, has taken it upon himself to invite six woman and men from the countryside as guests at the castle to welcome Sabastian home and for an upcoming a soiree. Miss Olivia Willow, a well- bred but impoverished red haired 24 year old “spinster” beauty, is at Tiern-Corpe acting as an escort for the younger Diana and as “the spare” for the social gathering. Miss Diana Royce is a young 19 year old young classically dark haired beauty and half Sister of Sabastian’s long term friend Viscount James Fitzalan.
Sabastian, as the current heir apparent in the noble lineage of Tiern-Corpe and as the newly instated Count knows he needs to perform his duty and wed a wife before he can return to sea. Sabastian has coldly and dispassionately agreed to James proposal that Diana is the logical and proper choice for wife. Diana is deemed a perfect match as she is both with title and substantial dowry. She also has a long standing crush from an earlier meeting with the handsome and dashing Sabastian – before he even became the not yet 30 year old Captain and renowned military hero. With James’s urging, Sabastian has agreed to woo Diana and announce their engagement at the upcoming social soiree.
Meanwhile, James has indicated that he intends to seduce Olivia, “the spare”, who though unsuitable as a wife due to her impoverished condition, age, and unfashionably red hair, would make a fine and passionate mistress. Sabastian initially questions James’ dishonorable plan to seduce Olivia as she is a peer and a well-bred lady. And James indicates that he is doing a favor for Olivia as she has no future and he is indeed infatuated enough that he is willing to make her a long term mistress and support any blow by - even if in the dozens!
Sabastian to his own surprise also finds himself immediately physically attracted to Olivia’s fiery beauty and exuberance. Sabastian, always in strict control of his emotions and physical nature, decides to ignore his attraction. After all, James has already indicated his interest and Sabastian plans to marry Diana and return to sea and service.
But everything changes, when Sabastian recognizes Olivia’s name as the almost fatally wounded amnesiac sole survivor, and possible witness, to the murder of his Brother and Sister in Law from one year before.
Keenly interested in solving the murder of his Brother Andrew and his Sister-in-Law, and suspicious of Olivia’s role in their murder, Sabastian becomes determined to extract much needed information from the amnesiatic Olivia.
Olivia, in turn, haunted by Andrew's death and headaches from the physical and emotional trauma, also wants to remember what happened. Olivia without hesitation agrees to assist Sabastian in his investigation by allowing him to interview her in an effort to "extract the truth". As a result, Sabastian subjects Olivia to frequent, intense, and at times coldly ruthless "military style" verbal cross examinations - baring of course torture!
As this complex mystery plot plays out, in addition to cross examining Olivia, Sabastian methodically and rationally conducts outside interviews and investigations within the near by towns. These in turn shed further light on Olivia’s role in the murder and her relationship to his Brother Andrew.
As both Sabastian and Olivia spend increasing amounts of time together, their mutual physical and emotional attraction continues to build. They also find themselves increasingly haunted by apparitions the Black Earl and by erotic dreams and erotic visions of one another.
Sabastian and Olivia, each internally, start to fear a slip into madness as they have increasing mental difficulty distinguishing reality from dreams and visions. No longer fully in control of their unconscious behavior and actions, they both find themselves acting out on subconscious thoughts and under the influence of some other supernatural beings' control.
Sabastian acting the part of Olivia's benefactor and protector, as she has no other functioning relative, unconsciously and consciously increasingly manipulates Olivia into his own web of control.
Ultimately, as foreshadowed earlier in the story, Olivia and Sabastian, without their own violation, find themselves following the path laid for them by the ghost of the Black Earl.
Haunting, erotic, dark and foreboding, The Spare is a fine contemporary example of classical Gothic Romance. It is a rare gem in a genre I had thought long extinct.
“Pleasure eased the edges of Tiern-Cope's face, and with his mouth curved in a smile he resembled his brother more than ever. But the eyes gave him away. They were cold, a lifeless, icy blue. He grasped the woman's hips, and this woman who had Olivia's copper hair and even her features, cried out in a low, guttural moan of pleasure incapable of containment. "I am coming," he said. He opened his eyes again, looking at her, and she wanted to weep from the heartbreak.
His hips came up, and he gasped and said, "My heart. My love. I'm coming."
She slid away, down and away, and into the safety of Sebastian's embrace. His arms enfolded her, warm and tight. Hurry, she thought.”
― Carolyn Jewel, The Spare
4 Star Heat: Bravo to Carolyn Jewel who manages the impossible by keeping hero and heroine true to their nature and morals all while generating tremendous eroticism and sexual tension.
5 Star Setting: Carolyn Jewel’s writing shines in her detailed descriptions of the cliff sea side castle of Tern-Cope. The labyrinth castle, composed of new and old structures, is loving detailed and brought to life. As in the Gothic tradition, amid the castle’s drafty rooms and ancient dungeon cells lurks an unknown danger, ghosts, and other mysteries to be solved.
4 Star Characterization:Both hero and heroine are uniquely drawn and over the course of the story reveal great human depth. Both very physically and sexually attractive, hero and heroine are made even more attractive by their inner strength of character.
3 Star Plot: With accidents and a dark mystery to solve, challenges and conflicts abound in this plot and there is thankfully NO need for dwelling on the typical, and frankly tedious if not maddening, plot devise of the hero's or heroine's stupidity as a conflict. Unfortunately, despite its great potential and complexity, this story's plot development is at times uneven and it drags midway, while at the end it is too accelerated.
The Spare is a rare Gothic Romance gem contemporarily crafted by Carolyn Jewel (2004).
In the tradition of the classic Gothic, the plot revolves around a dark mystery – the unsolved murder of the former Tiern-Cope heir and his wife.
As with any Gothic, the setting and atmosphere is pivotal, and here Carolyn Jewel’s beautiful writing shines. In the ancient Pennhyll Castle, at Cumbria set atop the sea side cliffs, through misty and shrouded ghostly 400 year ancient castle walls, apparitions of the ancient ancestral Black Earl Knight, precognition, dream sequences, and even a séance, the dark mystery and sexual tensions steadily build as the story unfolds.
The title “The Spare” is aptly chosen and applies equally to hero and heroine in this story.
Sabastian, the handsome and renowned Military Naval hero, has returned home to heal from a grievous chest wound and to see to his family responsibilities and obligations. Sabastian, a third son, and formerly “the spare” male heir, returns after both his eldest Brothers have unexpectedly passed away. His eldest Brother met his untimely death 16 years prior in an accident while the second Brother Andrew, the next successor, and his Sister-in Law were shot and killed in their home by an unknown assailant who is still at large.
James, Sabastian’s child hood friend, has taken it upon himself to invite six woman and men from the countryside as guests at the castle to welcome Sabastian home and for an upcoming a soiree. Miss Olivia Willow, a well- bred but impoverished red haired 24 year old “spinster” beauty, is at Tiern-Corpe acting as an escort for the younger Diana and as “the spare” for the social gathering. Miss Diana Royce is a young 19 year old young classically dark haired beauty and half Sister of Sabastian’s long term friend Viscount James Fitzalan.
Sabastian, as the current heir apparent in the noble lineage of Tiern-Corpe and as the newly instated Count knows he needs to perform his duty and wed a wife before he can return to sea. Sabastian has coldly and dispassionately agreed to James proposal that Diana is the logical and proper choice for wife. Diana is deemed a perfect match as she is both with title and substantial dowry. She also has a long standing crush from an earlier meeting with the handsome and dashing Sabastian – before he even became the not yet 30 year old Captain and renowned military hero. With James’s urging, Sabastian has agreed to woo Diana and announce their engagement at the upcoming social soiree.
Meanwhile, James has indicated that he intends to seduce Olivia, “the spare”, who though unsuitable as a wife due to her impoverished condition, age, and unfashionably red hair, would make a fine and passionate mistress. Sabastian initially questions James’ dishonorable plan to seduce Olivia as she is a peer and a well-bred lady. And James indicates that he is doing a favor for Olivia as she has no future and he is indeed infatuated enough that he is willing to make her a long term mistress and support any blow by - even if in the dozens!
Sabastian to his own surprise also finds himself immediately physically attracted to Olivia’s fiery beauty and exuberance. Sabastian, always in strict control of his emotions and physical nature, decides to ignore his attraction. After all, James has already indicated his interest and Sabastian plans to marry Diana and return to sea and service.
But everything changes, when Sabastian recognizes Olivia’s name as the almost fatally wounded amnesiac sole survivor, and possible witness, to the murder of his Brother and Sister in Law from one year before.
Keenly interested in solving the murder of his Brother Andrew and his Sister-in-Law, and suspicious of Olivia’s role in their murder, Sabastian becomes determined to extract much needed information from the amnesiatic Olivia.
Olivia, in turn, haunted by Andrew's death and headaches from the physical and emotional trauma, also wants to remember what happened. Olivia without hesitation agrees to assist Sabastian in his investigation by allowing him to interview her in an effort to "extract the truth". As a result, Sabastian subjects Olivia to frequent, intense, and at times coldly ruthless "military style" verbal cross examinations - baring of course torture!
As this complex mystery plot plays out, in addition to cross examining Olivia, Sabastian methodically and rationally conducts outside interviews and investigations within the near by towns. These in turn shed further light on Olivia’s role in the murder and her relationship to his Brother Andrew.
As both Sabastian and Olivia spend increasing amounts of time together, their mutual physical and emotional attraction continues to build. They also find themselves increasingly haunted by apparitions the Black Earl and by erotic dreams and erotic visions of one another.
Sabastian and Olivia, each internally, start to fear a slip into madness as they have increasing mental difficulty distinguishing reality from dreams and visions. No longer fully in control of their unconscious behavior and actions, they both find themselves acting out on subconscious thoughts and under the influence of some other supernatural beings' control.
Sabastian acting the part of Olivia's benefactor and protector, as she has no other functioning relative, unconsciously and consciously increasingly manipulates Olivia into his own web of control.
Ultimately, as foreshadowed earlier in the story, Olivia and Sabastian, without their own violation, find themselves following the path laid for them by the ghost of the Black Earl.
Haunting, erotic, dark and foreboding, The Spare is a fine contemporary example of classical Gothic Romance. It is a rare gem in a genre I had thought long extinct.
“Pleasure eased the edges of Tiern-Cope's face, and with his mouth curved in a smile he resembled his brother more than ever. But the eyes gave him away. They were cold, a lifeless, icy blue. He grasped the woman's hips, and this woman who had Olivia's copper hair and even her features, cried out in a low, guttural moan of pleasure incapable of containment. "I am coming," he said. He opened his eyes again, looking at her, and she wanted to weep from the heartbreak.
His hips came up, and he gasped and said, "My heart. My love. I'm coming."
She slid away, down and away, and into the safety of Sebastian's embrace. His arms enfolded her, warm and tight. Hurry, she thought.”
― Carolyn Jewel, The Spare
March 11, 2024
Mad About Series Challenge 2024 HRBC. Kobo+. The MC's h Miss Olivia Willow 26, spinster,Naval Captain Sebastian Alexander, New Earl of Tierne-Cope of Pennhyll,Cumbria.
Review I liked.4 Star Heat: Bravo to Carolyn Jewel who manages the impossible by keeping hero and heroine true to their nature and morals all while generating tremendous eroticism and sexual tension. Tremendous sexual tensions eventually build to a satisfying climax but only after having been fueled by inner thoughts, physical and emotional contact, and erotic dreams and visions which at times meld into reality.
5 Star Setting: Carolyn Jewel’s writing shines in her detailed descriptions of the cliff sea side castle of Tern-Cope. The labyrinth castle, composed of new and old structures, is loving detailed and brought to life. As in the Gothic tradition, amid the castle’s drafty rooms and ancient dungeon cells lurks an unknown danger, ghosts, and other mysteries to be solved.
4 Star Characterization:Both hero and heroine are uniquely drawn and over the course of the story reveal great human depth. Both very physically and sexually attractive, hero and heroine are made even more attractive by their inner strength of character.
3 Star Plot: With accidents and a dark mystery to solve, challenges and conflicts abound in this plot and there is thankfully NO need for dwelling on the typical, and frankly tedious if not maddening, plot devise of the hero's or heroine's stupidity as a conflict. Unfortunately, despite its great potential and complexity, this story's plot development is at times uneven and it drags midway, while at the end it is too accelerated.
The Spare is a rare Gothic Romance gem contemporarily crafted by Carolyn Jewel (2004).
In the tradition of the classic Gothic, the plot revolves around a dark mystery – the unsolved murder of the former Tiern-Cope heir and his wife.
As with any Gothic, the setting and atmosphere is pivotal, and here Carolyn Jewel’s beautiful writing shines. In the ancient Pennhyll Castle, at Cumbria set atop the sea side cliffs, through misty and shrouded ghostly 400 year ancient castle walls, apparitions of the ancient ancestral Black Earl Knight, precognition, dream sequences, and even a séance, the dark mystery and sexual tensions steadily build as the story unfolds.
The title “The Spare” is aptly chosen and applies equally to hero and heroine in this story.
Sabastian, the handsome and renowned Military Naval hero, has returned home to heal from a grievous chest wound and to see to his family responsibilities and obligations. Sabastian, a third son, and formerly “the spare” male heir, returns after both his eldest Brothers have unexpectedly passed away. His eldest Brother met his untimely death 16 years prior in an accident while the second Brother Andrew, the next successor, and his Sister-in Law were shot and killed in their home by an unknown assailant who is still at large.
James, Sabastian’s child hood friend, has taken it upon himself to invite six woman and men from the countryside as guests at the castle to welcome Sabastian home and for an upcoming a soiree. Miss Olivia Willow, a well- bred but impoverished red haired 24 year old “spinster” beauty, is at Tiern-Corpe acting as an escort for the younger Diana and as “the spare” for the social gathering. Miss Diana Royce is a young 19 year old young classically dark haired beauty and half Sister of Sabastian’s long term friend Viscount James Fitzalan.
Sabastian, as the current heir apparent in the noble lineage of Tiern-Corpe and as the newly instated Count knows he needs to perform his duty and wed a wife before he can return to sea. Sabastian has coldly and dispassionately agreed to James proposal that Diana is the logical and proper choice for wife. Diana is deemed a perfect match as she is both with title and substantial dowry. She also has a long standing crush from an earlier meeting with the handsome and dashing Sabastian – before he even became the not yet 30 year old Captain and renowned military hero. With James’s urging, Sabastian has agreed to woo Diana and announce their engagement at the upcoming social soiree.
Meanwhile, James has indicated that he intends to seduce Olivia, “the spare”, who though unsuitable as a wife due to her impoverished condition, age, and unfashionably red hair, would make a fine and passionate mistress. Sabastian initially questions James’ dishonorable plan to seduce Olivia as she is a peer and a well-bred lady. And James indicates that he is doing a favor for Olivia as she has no future and he is indeed infatuated enough that he is willing to make her a long term mistress and support any blow by - even if in the dozens!
Sabastian to his own surprise also finds himself immediately physically attracted to Olivia’s fiery beauty and exuberance. Sabastian, always in strict control of his emotions and physical nature, decides to ignore his attraction. After all, James has already indicated his interest and Sabastian plans to marry Diana and return to sea and service.
But everything changes, when Sabastian recognizes Olivia’s name as the almost fatally wounded amnesiac sole survivor, and possible witness, to the murder of his Brother and Sister in Law from one year before.
Keenly interested in solving the murder of his Brother Andrew and his Sister-in-Law, and suspicious of Olivia’s role in their murder, Sabastian becomes determined to extract much needed information from the amnesiatic Olivia.
Olivia, in turn, haunted by Andrew's death and headaches from the physical and emotional trauma, also wants to remember what happened. Olivia without hesitation agrees to assist Sabastian in his investigation by allowing him to interview her in an effort to "extract the truth". As a result, Sabastian subjects Olivia to frequent, intense, and at times coldly ruthless "military style" verbal cross examinations - baring of course torture!
As this complex mystery plot plays out, in addition to cross examining Olivia, Sabastian methodically and rationally conducts outside interviews and investigations within the near by towns. These in turn shed further light on Olivia’s role in the murder and her relationship to his Brother Andrew.
As both Sabastian and Olivia spend increasing amounts of time together, their mutual physical and emotional attraction continues to build. They also find themselves increasingly haunted by apparitions the Black Earl and by erotic dreams and erotic visions of one another.
Sabastian and Olivia, each internally, start to fear a slip into madness as they have increasing mental difficulty distinguishing reality from dreams and visions. No longer fully in control of their unconscious behavior and actions, they both find themselves acting out on subconscious thoughts and under the influence of some other supernatural beings' control.
Sabastian acting the part of Olivia's benefactor and protector, as she has no other functioning relative, unconsciously and consciously increasingly manipulates Olivia into his own web of control. While in theory honorably acting as an advocate for Olivia and entrusted privately by both Cousin and James to present their increasing strident and well made suites, Sabastian depreciates both James' and the cousins intentions to Olivia - without consciously recognizing the irony that they parallel his own.
Ultimately, as foreshadowed earlier in the story, Olivia and Sabastian, without their own violation, find themselves following the path laid for them by the ghost of the Black Earl.
Haunting, erotic, dark and foreboding, The Spare is a fine contemporary example of classical Gothic Romance. It is a rare gem in a genre I had thought long extinct.
“Pleasure eased the edges of Tiern-Cope's face, and with his mouth curved in a smile he resembled his brother more than ever. But the eyes gave him away. They were cold, a lifeless, icy blue. He grasped the woman's hips, and this woman who had Olivia's copper hair and even her features, cried out in a low, guttural moan of pleasure incapable of containment. "I am coming," he said. He opened his eyes again, looking at her, and she wanted to weep from the heartbreak.
His hips came up, and he gasped and said, "My heart. My love. I'm coming."
She slid away, down and away, and into the safety of Sebastian's embrace. His arms enfolded her, warm and tight. Hurry, she thought.”
― Carolyn Jewel, The Spare
Review I liked.4 Star Heat: Bravo to Carolyn Jewel who manages the impossible by keeping hero and heroine true to their nature and morals all while generating tremendous eroticism and sexual tension. Tremendous sexual tensions eventually build to a satisfying climax but only after having been fueled by inner thoughts, physical and emotional contact, and erotic dreams and visions which at times meld into reality.
5 Star Setting: Carolyn Jewel’s writing shines in her detailed descriptions of the cliff sea side castle of Tern-Cope. The labyrinth castle, composed of new and old structures, is loving detailed and brought to life. As in the Gothic tradition, amid the castle’s drafty rooms and ancient dungeon cells lurks an unknown danger, ghosts, and other mysteries to be solved.
4 Star Characterization:Both hero and heroine are uniquely drawn and over the course of the story reveal great human depth. Both very physically and sexually attractive, hero and heroine are made even more attractive by their inner strength of character.
3 Star Plot: With accidents and a dark mystery to solve, challenges and conflicts abound in this plot and there is thankfully NO need for dwelling on the typical, and frankly tedious if not maddening, plot devise of the hero's or heroine's stupidity as a conflict. Unfortunately, despite its great potential and complexity, this story's plot development is at times uneven and it drags midway, while at the end it is too accelerated.
The Spare is a rare Gothic Romance gem contemporarily crafted by Carolyn Jewel (2004).
In the tradition of the classic Gothic, the plot revolves around a dark mystery – the unsolved murder of the former Tiern-Cope heir and his wife.
As with any Gothic, the setting and atmosphere is pivotal, and here Carolyn Jewel’s beautiful writing shines. In the ancient Pennhyll Castle, at Cumbria set atop the sea side cliffs, through misty and shrouded ghostly 400 year ancient castle walls, apparitions of the ancient ancestral Black Earl Knight, precognition, dream sequences, and even a séance, the dark mystery and sexual tensions steadily build as the story unfolds.
The title “The Spare” is aptly chosen and applies equally to hero and heroine in this story.
Sabastian, the handsome and renowned Military Naval hero, has returned home to heal from a grievous chest wound and to see to his family responsibilities and obligations. Sabastian, a third son, and formerly “the spare” male heir, returns after both his eldest Brothers have unexpectedly passed away. His eldest Brother met his untimely death 16 years prior in an accident while the second Brother Andrew, the next successor, and his Sister-in Law were shot and killed in their home by an unknown assailant who is still at large.
James, Sabastian’s child hood friend, has taken it upon himself to invite six woman and men from the countryside as guests at the castle to welcome Sabastian home and for an upcoming a soiree. Miss Olivia Willow, a well- bred but impoverished red haired 24 year old “spinster” beauty, is at Tiern-Corpe acting as an escort for the younger Diana and as “the spare” for the social gathering. Miss Diana Royce is a young 19 year old young classically dark haired beauty and half Sister of Sabastian’s long term friend Viscount James Fitzalan.
Sabastian, as the current heir apparent in the noble lineage of Tiern-Corpe and as the newly instated Count knows he needs to perform his duty and wed a wife before he can return to sea. Sabastian has coldly and dispassionately agreed to James proposal that Diana is the logical and proper choice for wife. Diana is deemed a perfect match as she is both with title and substantial dowry. She also has a long standing crush from an earlier meeting with the handsome and dashing Sabastian – before he even became the not yet 30 year old Captain and renowned military hero. With James’s urging, Sabastian has agreed to woo Diana and announce their engagement at the upcoming social soiree.
Meanwhile, James has indicated that he intends to seduce Olivia, “the spare”, who though unsuitable as a wife due to her impoverished condition, age, and unfashionably red hair, would make a fine and passionate mistress. Sabastian initially questions James’ dishonorable plan to seduce Olivia as she is a peer and a well-bred lady. And James indicates that he is doing a favor for Olivia as she has no future and he is indeed infatuated enough that he is willing to make her a long term mistress and support any blow by - even if in the dozens!
Sabastian to his own surprise also finds himself immediately physically attracted to Olivia’s fiery beauty and exuberance. Sabastian, always in strict control of his emotions and physical nature, decides to ignore his attraction. After all, James has already indicated his interest and Sabastian plans to marry Diana and return to sea and service.
But everything changes, when Sabastian recognizes Olivia’s name as the almost fatally wounded amnesiac sole survivor, and possible witness, to the murder of his Brother and Sister in Law from one year before.
Keenly interested in solving the murder of his Brother Andrew and his Sister-in-Law, and suspicious of Olivia’s role in their murder, Sabastian becomes determined to extract much needed information from the amnesiatic Olivia.
Olivia, in turn, haunted by Andrew's death and headaches from the physical and emotional trauma, also wants to remember what happened. Olivia without hesitation agrees to assist Sabastian in his investigation by allowing him to interview her in an effort to "extract the truth". As a result, Sabastian subjects Olivia to frequent, intense, and at times coldly ruthless "military style" verbal cross examinations - baring of course torture!
As this complex mystery plot plays out, in addition to cross examining Olivia, Sabastian methodically and rationally conducts outside interviews and investigations within the near by towns. These in turn shed further light on Olivia’s role in the murder and her relationship to his Brother Andrew.
As both Sabastian and Olivia spend increasing amounts of time together, their mutual physical and emotional attraction continues to build. They also find themselves increasingly haunted by apparitions the Black Earl and by erotic dreams and erotic visions of one another.
Sabastian and Olivia, each internally, start to fear a slip into madness as they have increasing mental difficulty distinguishing reality from dreams and visions. No longer fully in control of their unconscious behavior and actions, they both find themselves acting out on subconscious thoughts and under the influence of some other supernatural beings' control.
Sabastian acting the part of Olivia's benefactor and protector, as she has no other functioning relative, unconsciously and consciously increasingly manipulates Olivia into his own web of control. While in theory honorably acting as an advocate for Olivia and entrusted privately by both Cousin and James to present their increasing strident and well made suites, Sabastian depreciates both James' and the cousins intentions to Olivia - without consciously recognizing the irony that they parallel his own.
Ultimately, as foreshadowed earlier in the story, Olivia and Sabastian, without their own violation, find themselves following the path laid for them by the ghost of the Black Earl.
Haunting, erotic, dark and foreboding, The Spare is a fine contemporary example of classical Gothic Romance. It is a rare gem in a genre I had thought long extinct.
“Pleasure eased the edges of Tiern-Cope's face, and with his mouth curved in a smile he resembled his brother more than ever. But the eyes gave him away. They were cold, a lifeless, icy blue. He grasped the woman's hips, and this woman who had Olivia's copper hair and even her features, cried out in a low, guttural moan of pleasure incapable of containment. "I am coming," he said. He opened his eyes again, looking at her, and she wanted to weep from the heartbreak.
His hips came up, and he gasped and said, "My heart. My love. I'm coming."
She slid away, down and away, and into the safety of Sebastian's embrace. His arms enfolded her, warm and tight. Hurry, she thought.”
― Carolyn Jewel, The Spare
June 17, 2009
One man, one woman, each putting on pretenses to satisfy society find themselves completely swept up in each other. This book is dark - there are dark secrets, a past we don't quite know but is hinted at, and paranormal elements that guide Sebastian and Olivia into each others arms none-too-gently.
Sebastian Alexander is a marvelously dark character. He is Captain Wentworth-like with a different angst. His past haunts him, but Olivia Willow is merely an object of interest due to her involvement with his brother's death - once he meets her, he finds in her everything he wanted and didn't know he would ever have. He is all duty and no play, which makes him a very dull boy - except that Ms. Jewel pumped so much of his perspective in (thank you!) that we got to see all his fantasies about Olivia.
Olivia cannot even remember what happened on the night she almost died; but she needs to remember, for herself. She has idolized Sebastian since childhood, and is convinced he can do anything.
***possible spoilers ahoy***
One thing I very much appreciated about this book is that although Olivia put Sebastian on a pedestal as a child, when she meets him she refrains from going fangirl. It's much like if I were to meet Billy the Power Ranger today and find him a genuinely nice guy once I got to know him, probably still incredibly nerdy-sexy, but as an adult I can manage to look back and giggle at the way I obsessed over him. Okay, so maybe that was an overshare. ;)
I also appreciated how much of the story was from the Heroes perspective, especially once we got towards the end. It could have been interesting to be inside of Olivia's head when her memory returns, but it was even MORE interesting to be inside of Sebastian's head - he handles it so well it made me love him even more than I already did.
Sebastian's transition from, dark, brooding character to loving husband was beautiful and subtle. There wasn't really a "OH" moment, but a gradual transition. The relationship development was the same. I think I first noticed it when he called her "my heart", and she didn't even register it - like it was the most natural thing in the world for him to stroke her cheek and call her pretty names.
I think the main reason I loved this book so much is that there is SO MUCH passion between them, but their love itself is very soft and delicious. The moments between them outside of the bedroom are my favorites (although their dream sequences are, well, dreamy). They demonstrate a love that is strong and comfortable.
Sebastian Alexander is a marvelously dark character. He is Captain Wentworth-like with a different angst. His past haunts him, but Olivia Willow is merely an object of interest due to her involvement with his brother's death - once he meets her, he finds in her everything he wanted and didn't know he would ever have. He is all duty and no play, which makes him a very dull boy - except that Ms. Jewel pumped so much of his perspective in (thank you!) that we got to see all his fantasies about Olivia.
Olivia cannot even remember what happened on the night she almost died; but she needs to remember, for herself. She has idolized Sebastian since childhood, and is convinced he can do anything.
***possible spoilers ahoy***
One thing I very much appreciated about this book is that although Olivia put Sebastian on a pedestal as a child, when she meets him she refrains from going fangirl. It's much like if I were to meet Billy the Power Ranger today and find him a genuinely nice guy once I got to know him, probably still incredibly nerdy-sexy, but as an adult I can manage to look back and giggle at the way I obsessed over him. Okay, so maybe that was an overshare. ;)
I also appreciated how much of the story was from the Heroes perspective, especially once we got towards the end. It could have been interesting to be inside of Olivia's head when her memory returns, but it was even MORE interesting to be inside of Sebastian's head - he handles it so well it made me love him even more than I already did.
Sebastian's transition from, dark, brooding character to loving husband was beautiful and subtle. There wasn't really a "OH" moment, but a gradual transition. The relationship development was the same. I think I first noticed it when he called her "my heart", and she didn't even register it - like it was the most natural thing in the world for him to stroke her cheek and call her pretty names.
I think the main reason I loved this book so much is that there is SO MUCH passion between them, but their love itself is very soft and delicious. The moments between them outside of the bedroom are my favorites (although their dream sequences are, well, dreamy). They demonstrate a love that is strong and comfortable.
June 21, 2012
I have Goodreads Recommendations to thank for introducing me to Ms Jewel's work, and myself to thank for starting with what I believe to be her debut novel.
Outstanding. Original. Refreshing. Intriguing. Addictive. Articulate. Joyful.
Praise be for a historical romance set in the depths of Cumbria and not in the tedious London hothouse of degenerate rakes and simpering debutantes. Praise be for a hero who is a real hero, a decorated veteran of countless naval battles. Hallelujah for a heroine whose only affectation is a partiality for the scent of verbena.
Seriously wounded in his latest naval encounter, Sebastian returns to his family seat of Pennhyll, partly to recuperate under the care of former naval surgeon and colleague Ned Fansher, and partly to assume the title of Lord of Tiern-Cope vacated by the unsolved murder of his elder brother Alexander.
A party of relatives and friends descends on the family home to celebrate the year end. To make up the numbers, Olivia Willow, a spinster living in the neighboring village of Far Caister, is invited to the party—she being the 'spare' of the title.
Sebastian, a humourless, commanding figure of few words, most of them acerbic, is fascinated by Olivia's extraordinary red hair and her resilient personality. More than that, he is obsessed by the secret locked in her memory. She was a witness to, and victim of, the murderous attack on his brother and sister-in-law. However, the entire episode is a blank in her mind. Sebastian, half suspecting that Olivia had something to do with the murder, is determined to unlock the suppressed memories.
Running though the entire tale is the shade of a former Lord of Tier-Cope—the 'Black Earl'. Both Sebastian and Olivia begin to experience visions of this Black Earl, and identical dreams or hallucinations of sexual encounters. This paranormal element in the narrative was handled with superb skill, as was the climactic scene of the Black Earl's final intrusion.
I'm a sucker for amnesia stories, and also for tales featuring inexplicable visions. To have both in one story was like receiving a double scoop of chocolate ice-cream with chocolate sauce on top.
This book goes straight onto my 'to read again' shelf.
Outstanding. Original. Refreshing. Intriguing. Addictive. Articulate. Joyful.
Praise be for a historical romance set in the depths of Cumbria and not in the tedious London hothouse of degenerate rakes and simpering debutantes. Praise be for a hero who is a real hero, a decorated veteran of countless naval battles. Hallelujah for a heroine whose only affectation is a partiality for the scent of verbena.
Seriously wounded in his latest naval encounter, Sebastian returns to his family seat of Pennhyll, partly to recuperate under the care of former naval surgeon and colleague Ned Fansher, and partly to assume the title of Lord of Tiern-Cope vacated by the unsolved murder of his elder brother Alexander.
A party of relatives and friends descends on the family home to celebrate the year end. To make up the numbers, Olivia Willow, a spinster living in the neighboring village of Far Caister, is invited to the party—she being the 'spare' of the title.
Sebastian, a humourless, commanding figure of few words, most of them acerbic, is fascinated by Olivia's extraordinary red hair and her resilient personality. More than that, he is obsessed by the secret locked in her memory. She was a witness to, and victim of, the murderous attack on his brother and sister-in-law. However, the entire episode is a blank in her mind. Sebastian, half suspecting that Olivia had something to do with the murder, is determined to unlock the suppressed memories.
Running though the entire tale is the shade of a former Lord of Tier-Cope—the 'Black Earl'. Both Sebastian and Olivia begin to experience visions of this Black Earl, and identical dreams or hallucinations of sexual encounters. This paranormal element in the narrative was handled with superb skill, as was the climactic scene of the Black Earl's final intrusion.
I'm a sucker for amnesia stories, and also for tales featuring inexplicable visions. To have both in one story was like receiving a double scoop of chocolate ice-cream with chocolate sauce on top.
This book goes straight onto my 'to read again' shelf.
September 22, 2008
Captain Sebastian Alexander was The Spare, but as the younger son he inherited more than a title after his brother's murder. He acquired a family estate with dark secrets that threatened his life. He took on a quest to avenge his brother. But most troublesome of all, he found a red-haired beauty who was either a guileless witness or a ruthless seductress.
Olivia Willow was missing three days from her life. She'd been a guest at Pennhyll the night of the murder, but now she could recall nothing. The new earl was determined to help her remember. He charmed, he beguiled--he matched wits with her. And soon, instead of trading barbs they shared kisses, and instead of seeking out the past, they were fighting for a future.
Olivia Willow was missing three days from her life. She'd been a guest at Pennhyll the night of the murder, but now she could recall nothing. The new earl was determined to help her remember. He charmed, he beguiled--he matched wits with her. And soon, instead of trading barbs they shared kisses, and instead of seeking out the past, they were fighting for a future.
August 3, 2016
It pains me to give a Carolyn Jewel book only one star but The Spare is a hot mess. The plot is all over the place and difficult to follow. The characters are unlikeable. The dreams and the ghost and the side plots and characters all jumbled together and left me bored. Really bored.
This is clearly an earlier work by Jewel and was either edited too much or not enough. Either way, skip it and read some of her more recent books which are fabulous.
I'm going to pretend this book never happened.
This is clearly an earlier work by Jewel and was either edited too much or not enough. Either way, skip it and read some of her more recent books which are fabulous.
I'm going to pretend this book never happened.
March 30, 2016
This was basically a mystery story with a ghost story in the background. I would not call it a romance story.
The entire plot was the hero telling the heroine to marry other guys. First he tells her to marry his best friend (who at first wanted her for a mistress, not a wife) then he tells her to marry her cousin so she'll have security. So after he's shoved her at two other guys, then he proposes.
And the big reveal of who killed the hero's brother and sister in law was obvious.
I didn't feel any romance. Skip this book.
The entire plot was the hero telling the heroine to marry other guys. First he tells her to marry his best friend (who at first wanted her for a mistress, not a wife) then he tells her to marry her cousin so she'll have security. So after he's shoved her at two other guys, then he proposes.
And the big reveal of who killed the hero's brother and sister in law was obvious.
I didn't feel any romance. Skip this book.
![Profile Image for ᑭᑌᑎƳᗩ [Punya Reviews...].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1572968006i%2F3840999._UX200_CR0%2C33%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
September 5, 2011
My review contains spoilers and they're mostly my thoughts as I went with the book...
This book was really different. I loved the story and the atmosphere, the gothic feel all over it with the paranormal. I had to think a lot because the narrative of the story is as such; it takes time to get into it. I liked Carolyn Jewel’s writing style in the most part; there were lines and scenes I found beautiful. The POV change felt too sudden most of the times though. As I said, you have to get used to with it. It’s one of those books at first read might not feel like anything worth and its worse if you’re not in the mood. Fortunately, I was in the mood and I wasn’t bored at all. It took me a while to warm up to Sebastian, but I liked Olivia from the start. And, oh yes, The Black Earl; I so wanted to know more about him. He gave me shivers with his haunting; nothing malicious mind you but just so ... mysterious and fascinating. It’s just how I felt. I love good ghost stories, real ones or fictional. It’s been a while where I read a novel with a haunting. But, even when you read on, sometimes you can’t but ask yourself, was that real? Did Sebastian and Olivia saw The Black Earl or was it just their imagination? I can only say, you have to make your own decisions regarding this and many other matters in the book because at times, things aren’t explained to the point. This fact made the book special IMO.
Sebastian, the Earl of Tiern-Cope (ok the title was weird!) is recuperating from a war wound. He’s a Navy captain and never thought to be the earl oneday. He was the spare; third son and the Alexander third sons always go for the Navy. Sebastian wanted Army but on his father’s insistent, he went to Navy instead. His eldest brother Crispin died about 13 yrs ago in a carriage accident, so the next Andrew was the heir. Sebastian was very happy about his life in the sea ... Or, he thought so until now. He’s a weather hardened man, very successful in his career and not a womanizer. He’s also very stubborn, even grown men have to bow down to his wishes. Of course, he’s a captain so that’s how he keeps his men in line. About a year ago, two tragedies struck at the same time; his father died and a few months later Andrew and his wife were murdered. Sebastian had to come back and see the situation for himself. Now at Pennhyll, their ancestral home, Sebastian is waiting to meet a few people but what he wants is to find out the killer. His friend, a younger man, James, Viscount Fitzalan is with him, so is his valet McNaught, who I get that, really cares for him, even though Sebastian is sometimes annoyed by his fussing. You know manly ego and all that! James has invited a few guests from the small village that’s adjacent to Pennhyll, Far Caister; some gentry and so on. There’s also James half-sister, Diana and her companion and a teacher of Far Caister, Olivia. I’m not sure how they met though. Looking through the window, Sebastian is instantly attracted to Olivia, though it’s Diana he’s supposed to marry. I didn’t really like either Diana or James, and for valid reasons. I thought both were a bit air-headed. James is a rake and has his eyes full of Olivia, to make her his mistress. He’s obsessed about her but sometimes later in the book tells Sebastian that he’d do anything to bed her. I didn’t like it at all. First of all, Olivia was a nice and witty; an innocent girl from a good family. Yah, she’s not rich and not from a titled one, maybe even bordering on poverty but she didn’t deserve this. Not after what she went through a year ago. And James knew about it. I was pissed at him. Diana is just a vapid, spoiled miss and nothing else. Anyway, when James tells Sebastian that Olivia is ‘the spare’ from the murder, he takes an instant dislike to her, thinking all sorts of negative things that includes: her as Andrew’s mistress, soon to be James’, also that she might be the murderer herself. But sadly, Olivia it seems doesn’t remember those 3 precious days of her life, when the disaster took place. Sebastian is very adamant, he’ll find out what happened no matter what.
I’ve already mentioned that Olivia is quite poor. When about 13 yrs ago her father and brother died in a carriage accident, her life changed drastically. Her mother who was also sharing the carriage was left crippled and now bordering on decline as each day passes by. Olivia taught the children in Far Caister, before moving back here from the Land’s End, a small sea side town of Cumbria. I’m not sure why she moved but guessed it was due to the living cost. Her guardian, a cousin, never really cared about them, did nothing so far. She had an excellent relationship with Andrew, the then Earl, who helped her in many ways, as the book goes on revealing. There was nothing physical about it, whatever Sebastian might think. Then last year, the incident which almost took her life and left her badly wounded, occurred. Olivia wishes to remember those 3 days but memory eludes her. She has nightmares, a face and a feeling of helplessness takes over but that’s all. Though Olivia liked Andrew, it was Sebastian she always pined for. He was an elusive character to her, who was never there but only as a portrait and a few letters send from various ports to his brother. Andrew adored Sebastian, was very proud of him and would always read his letters with relish. Olivia, thus, learned the information she needed about Sebastian and treasured them. He’s always been her hero. Now, he’s back and being not very nice to her. Olivia isn’t offended by his coldness and rude words. I liked it immensely that she’s a very smart girl. Sebastian, in so many words, tells her what he thinks of her, showing some of her things that Andrew obviously was keeping. She is offended with such accusations but she knows he has valid reasons. She likes James, not knowing his intensions for her. She also learns that soon Sebastian would marry Diana because his next commission might be coming anytime. Sebastian is nothing but responsible and would do his duty.
The story took place in about 2 weeks or so, from the 1st week to 22nd of January but somehow, I didn’t think things were done hastily. I liked the way Sebastian and Olivia’s relationship developed, even when he very instinctively (it seemed to me) started calling her “My Heart” or “My Own”. Later on, I think I understood why I felt this way. So, everybody in a around Pennhyll think the 4th Earl Tiern-Cope, called as The Black Earl (TBE), haunts the castle; been haunting it for around 500 yrs. Some would always say they saw him pacing the rampart of the castle. 21st of January is the St. Agnes’s Eve and TBE’s death anniversary aligns with it. This is when he basically haunts the castle. It is said that he was a cruel man, who spread lies about his wife, imprisoned her in the dungeon and then married. He was murdered in his mid-thirties. Now he wants to make amends by either leading his descendants to their other halves or warn them off some imminent danger. The legend of St. Agnes’s Eve says that the women, who fast, will see their husbands in their dream. Sebastian doesn’t believe any of this but soon, he’s forced to rectify his beliefs about his ancestor. On the first scene of the book, he sees TBE materializing in a shadowed corner of the room, with his cobalt blue tunic decorated with Alexander coat of arms, a jeweled waistband and a sword in a scabbard at this back. Later on it was revealed he’s been seeing TBE just after he’s arrived. He mostly tried to ignore him, sometimes thinking he’s going mad or just his imagination. But he was as real as it can be. Now he wants to know more about Olivia and what her relationship with his brother was. At his inquiry, Olivia said that she goes to Carlisle to a pawnbroker. He confirmed the news from the local innkeeper and his son, whose Olivia’s student and besotted with her. It seems like everyone holds her in respect. But, Sebastian still didn’t trust her so when the new school committee wrote to him about her and asked for recommendation, thinking about James’s intension and his own suspicions, he replies negatively. Then he and his valet McNaught, goes to Carlisle. A lot of information regarding Olivia comes out in this outing. The pawnbroker obviously respects her but a few shillings gave Sebastian some infos like she sells some lady like trinkets, to meet her expenses no doubt. Also, that Andrew would always buy the things she sold and asked the man to send them to the castle with the bill. Sebastian finds out that she sold the latest item, a beaded necklace he saw her wearing at their first meeting. Somehow, Sebastian is compelled to hold his brother’s agreement with the pawnbroker. Then he pays a visit to the local solicitor, from whom her very sad financial status comes out. Sebastian’s suspicions about Olivia were already weakening but his visit to the old Alexander doctor blew it off totally. The man was there after the incident happened. He confirms that Olivia wasn’t Andrew’s mistress but she’s suffered something more devastating and it’s not her mortal wounds. The doctor was summoned to the castle a day or two before the murder to attend Olivia because she was raped and beaten. He doesn’t know who did this. Then there was the murder, with Olivia ending up with a bullet herself. Sebastian is shocked, stunned and immediately thinks its Andrew who raped her. Now he understood why Olivia’s so-called fiancé, the Vicar, ended their engagement. Olivia also told him that Andrew’s marriage to Guenevere wasn’t a happy one and that he was considering a divorce. The doctor also tells Sebastian that his elder brother was the reason behind the carriage accident that killed Olivia’s brother and father and crippled her mother. His father did everything to cover this up. It seems they have a tangled family history after all. This ‘family history thing’ actually comes back, with more evidence from the past, later in the story.
After those revelations, Sebastian’s treatment of Olivia changed significantly. I loved one scene, when Olivia was going to her home in Far Caister from Pennhyll, where she was staying now as an invitee. They talk and it was for the first time, not exchanges of cold, biting words. Olivia lets him know that she’s besotted with him, discreetly of course. I loved that she kept on thinking Sebastian should smile, because that’d be a glorious thing to see. Then he actually does, even if a little:
The tide will turn, Miss Willow." A smile lurked around his mouth, but no, that was not possible, that the earl of Tiern-Cope should smile, and at her.
"It hasn't yet."
"You may find the sea casts you onto the shores of paradise." His voice was low and soft, and Olivia felt her heart stir at the sound. "Or through the very gates of hell."
"So it might." She gave herself a mental shake. Lord Tiern-Cope could not possibly be flirting with her. Impossible. "But that won't stop me from embracing this moment in all its beautiful perfection."
"With but one flaw, Miss Willow."
"Whatever could that be?"
"Don't even try to tell me I don't spoil the present perfection of your moment." The corner of his lip twitched and then gave up. He smiled, and she, perverse creature that she was, felt like she'd been tossed off a cliff with him standing at the bottom to catch her.
Later, he escorts her to her small rooms in Far Caister, where her mother lives. Their amiable conversation flowed here as well. Sebastian was feeling pain from his wound still, Olivia takes care of him. I loved the conversation here and how Sebastian was already fantasizing about her. He might’ve thought about her as the mistress-type, along with James but now that he knows better, he’s thinking of her as his wife and the mother of his children. But, how can he do that when he’s not really free to choose and already spoken to James about Diana? He knows he feels nothing for her and vice versa so for the first time in his life, Sebastian feels lost. On their way to Pennhyll, they meet Olivia’s cousin, Hew, who it seems after long last decided to pay a visit to her and from the looks of it, has more than a visit in mind. Sebastian doesn’t like him on-spot. Olivia’s not fond of him as well. The next day, Hew pays a visit to Olivia in Pennhyll and begins the rivalry of suitors with James. In the parlour, TBE again shows himself, behind the shadowed place where Olivia sat, even coming close to her. Sebastian tries to ignore him and introduces Hew to the others. But, everytime Hew is near, Olivia grows paler.
In between, some odd things keep happening. Diana and the rest decided that they’d call upon TBE’s spirit on the St. Agnes’s Eve, to have some meaningless fun. James was vying for Olivia’s attention, now along with Hew. And, Olivia kept feeling someone in her room. There was this hauntingly beautiful scene where she goes to sleep, then the windows keep opening up. There were rainstorms outside. Then she keeps hearing footsteps close to her bed but even in the dark, she sees no one. Then a breath on her cheek along with whispers “My Heart”, “My Love”, “My Own” ... WOW, I loved it. There was also this maid named Edith appeared twice, kept calling Olivia ‘my lady’ and ‘mistress’, which gave me the feeling that she’s a part of the past too. Olivia experienced the whispers again, when Hew was chasing her a bit later in the story. Afterwards, she really sees TBE who very much resembled Sebastian, except for the long hair and tunic. Later TBE, of course, led her to Sebastian’s room. Not only that, there were more dream sequences, with her and Sebastian and at least two vague love scenes. It showed that they, somehow, are supposed to be together. Sebastian was experiencing the same things as well as his own dreams. And always, TBE is hovering nearby. Sometimes these scenes would definitely make you confused but it was done intentionally IMO. As I’ve mentioned, both of them were being haunted and led to a path where they can come together as a couple and marry. No doubt TBE who wanted them to be together and initiated all these. So sometimes, they’d both feel things like embracing and kissing each-other, once Olivia even confessed her love to Sebastian but the next moment, it seems like nothing happened. It scared them, with Sebastian at first thinking that he’s going mad, maybe from his wound or something. And both of them ended up having thoughts like, is it really happening or just another dream?
Hew is now a regular guest at Pennhyll, since Diana invited him too. Though Sebastian wants Olivia now, he’s still up about marrying Diana and insists that Olivia marries someone else, maybe her cousin or even James, who apparently had a change of mind and now wants to marry her. I didn’t like the talks of marriage. It was clear that Olivia didn’t like her cousin so why push her in that direction? We also meet other characters such as the Vicar and his wife, one Miss Page and her father. Then there was a fire at Olivia’s home. Sebastian was just there to save both her mother and her knowing that she was visiting. This leaves Olivia without a penny to her name. I’m still not sure if this incident was an accident as it was ruled out. Then, St. Agnes’s Eve arrives and all of them take a tour of the castle. Price, the butler, narrates the history. In the library, Olivia sees the old banner, with the coat of arms as she’d seen on TBE. She’d also seen a portrait of a man on a horse, with the Alexander looks- dark hair and cold blue eyes, in Sebastian’s room. He was escorted by a bannerman with red hair. Now, I didn’t mention it but Olivia’s hair is coppery red, which is why she believes she’s misunderstood as a woman with wild passion so she hates it. Now, did this scene signify that the Willow ancestry went so far back in time with the Alexanders? I thought it did.
Price kept on talking about the Alexander ancestors. The first Earl came from Ireland and married a lady with red hair, because it reminded him of his country (so, are Sebastian and Olivia re-born and meant to be together once more? Not sure). Hence, the Alexander motto is in Gaelic. Then came the topic of TBE. Price shows them the room where he was murdered. Here Olivia finds a cufflink, which Sebastian takes from her. This gave them both an insight, that even though they’d only kissed in real life, they’ve already made love in their dreams. I don’t know how to explain it because there was a dream sequence with cufflink, and it was Sebastian’s. WOW but it was confusing which is why I said, you have to make your own conclusions. This time, while touring a ruin nearby, Sebastian and Olivia sees TBE together. Then they all visit the dungeon. It was scary, with the history and all. Price just finished showing them the room where TBE’s countess was locked when they all went out locking Olivia inside. This part was weird and got me pissed. I mean how many people were there(I was never sure about the number) that they didn’t realize Olivia was locked in? The whole thing seemed clumsy to me. What about Sebastian? I know he was escorting Diana but how could he forget about her? Back in his room, Sebastian sees TBE again, who was weeping and kept telling him ‘help her’. Sebastian immediately thought of Olivia (finally!) and saves her from another certain death.
Anyway, the ending was a bit disappointing to me. By now, Sebastian knew that Olivia has had the same erotic dreams as he had and they talk. Sometimes before, James proposed to Olivia, which she declined because she already knew from Sebastian what James’s earlier intention was. I don’t know how devoted he was to his proposal (I already didn’t care about him much) but as Olivia was always in love with Sebastian, it wasn’t surprising that she declined. So when she and Sebastian talk, they talk about the dreams and TBE, with Sebastian proposing to her. He tells her he’s done something to save her financial situation so that she doesn’t accept him out of gratitude and that he really wants her as it was meant to be. Remember, Sebastian still thought it was Andrew who raped Olivia? I was very glad that even knowing this he fell for her. They marry the same night. After the consummation (the only ‘real’ love scene), Olivia remembers it all. To tell you the truth, from a review I already knew who it was so must say, it was a bummer that I felt nothing about it, except hatred for the man. He escaped his sentence very easily if I might add. When Sebastian confronted him, truth poured out of him- he was having an affair with Guenevere which Andrew found out and threatened his to ruin him, how it led to Olivia’s rape and then the murders. TBE makes his final appearance and the man commits suicide. Then it just ends, without any epilogue or anything else. I mean I wanted to know more, it was quite frustrating. So you might ask, why then I’ve given it a 4star? Simply because it held my attentions, it really did and I enjoyed the whole paranormal, mystery thing surrounding the book and liked the H/h. But most of all, I loved The Black Earl. Think I’ve already whined in the 1st paragraph about him, so ... *sigh*
More on The Spare and it’s characters (something I found quite interesting) can be found in Carolyn Jewel’s website.
This book was really different. I loved the story and the atmosphere, the gothic feel all over it with the paranormal. I had to think a lot because the narrative of the story is as such; it takes time to get into it. I liked Carolyn Jewel’s writing style in the most part; there were lines and scenes I found beautiful. The POV change felt too sudden most of the times though. As I said, you have to get used to with it. It’s one of those books at first read might not feel like anything worth and its worse if you’re not in the mood. Fortunately, I was in the mood and I wasn’t bored at all. It took me a while to warm up to Sebastian, but I liked Olivia from the start. And, oh yes, The Black Earl; I so wanted to know more about him. He gave me shivers with his haunting; nothing malicious mind you but just so ... mysterious and fascinating. It’s just how I felt. I love good ghost stories, real ones or fictional. It’s been a while where I read a novel with a haunting. But, even when you read on, sometimes you can’t but ask yourself, was that real? Did Sebastian and Olivia saw The Black Earl or was it just their imagination? I can only say, you have to make your own decisions regarding this and many other matters in the book because at times, things aren’t explained to the point. This fact made the book special IMO.
Sebastian, the Earl of Tiern-Cope (ok the title was weird!) is recuperating from a war wound. He’s a Navy captain and never thought to be the earl oneday. He was the spare; third son and the Alexander third sons always go for the Navy. Sebastian wanted Army but on his father’s insistent, he went to Navy instead. His eldest brother Crispin died about 13 yrs ago in a carriage accident, so the next Andrew was the heir. Sebastian was very happy about his life in the sea ... Or, he thought so until now. He’s a weather hardened man, very successful in his career and not a womanizer. He’s also very stubborn, even grown men have to bow down to his wishes. Of course, he’s a captain so that’s how he keeps his men in line. About a year ago, two tragedies struck at the same time; his father died and a few months later Andrew and his wife were murdered. Sebastian had to come back and see the situation for himself. Now at Pennhyll, their ancestral home, Sebastian is waiting to meet a few people but what he wants is to find out the killer. His friend, a younger man, James, Viscount Fitzalan is with him, so is his valet McNaught, who I get that, really cares for him, even though Sebastian is sometimes annoyed by his fussing. You know manly ego and all that! James has invited a few guests from the small village that’s adjacent to Pennhyll, Far Caister; some gentry and so on. There’s also James half-sister, Diana and her companion and a teacher of Far Caister, Olivia. I’m not sure how they met though. Looking through the window, Sebastian is instantly attracted to Olivia, though it’s Diana he’s supposed to marry. I didn’t really like either Diana or James, and for valid reasons. I thought both were a bit air-headed. James is a rake and has his eyes full of Olivia, to make her his mistress. He’s obsessed about her but sometimes later in the book tells Sebastian that he’d do anything to bed her. I didn’t like it at all. First of all, Olivia was a nice and witty; an innocent girl from a good family. Yah, she’s not rich and not from a titled one, maybe even bordering on poverty but she didn’t deserve this. Not after what she went through a year ago. And James knew about it. I was pissed at him. Diana is just a vapid, spoiled miss and nothing else. Anyway, when James tells Sebastian that Olivia is ‘the spare’ from the murder, he takes an instant dislike to her, thinking all sorts of negative things that includes: her as Andrew’s mistress, soon to be James’, also that she might be the murderer herself. But sadly, Olivia it seems doesn’t remember those 3 precious days of her life, when the disaster took place. Sebastian is very adamant, he’ll find out what happened no matter what.
I’ve already mentioned that Olivia is quite poor. When about 13 yrs ago her father and brother died in a carriage accident, her life changed drastically. Her mother who was also sharing the carriage was left crippled and now bordering on decline as each day passes by. Olivia taught the children in Far Caister, before moving back here from the Land’s End, a small sea side town of Cumbria. I’m not sure why she moved but guessed it was due to the living cost. Her guardian, a cousin, never really cared about them, did nothing so far. She had an excellent relationship with Andrew, the then Earl, who helped her in many ways, as the book goes on revealing. There was nothing physical about it, whatever Sebastian might think. Then last year, the incident which almost took her life and left her badly wounded, occurred. Olivia wishes to remember those 3 days but memory eludes her. She has nightmares, a face and a feeling of helplessness takes over but that’s all. Though Olivia liked Andrew, it was Sebastian she always pined for. He was an elusive character to her, who was never there but only as a portrait and a few letters send from various ports to his brother. Andrew adored Sebastian, was very proud of him and would always read his letters with relish. Olivia, thus, learned the information she needed about Sebastian and treasured them. He’s always been her hero. Now, he’s back and being not very nice to her. Olivia isn’t offended by his coldness and rude words. I liked it immensely that she’s a very smart girl. Sebastian, in so many words, tells her what he thinks of her, showing some of her things that Andrew obviously was keeping. She is offended with such accusations but she knows he has valid reasons. She likes James, not knowing his intensions for her. She also learns that soon Sebastian would marry Diana because his next commission might be coming anytime. Sebastian is nothing but responsible and would do his duty.
The story took place in about 2 weeks or so, from the 1st week to 22nd of January but somehow, I didn’t think things were done hastily. I liked the way Sebastian and Olivia’s relationship developed, even when he very instinctively (it seemed to me) started calling her “My Heart” or “My Own”. Later on, I think I understood why I felt this way. So, everybody in a around Pennhyll think the 4th Earl Tiern-Cope, called as The Black Earl (TBE), haunts the castle; been haunting it for around 500 yrs. Some would always say they saw him pacing the rampart of the castle. 21st of January is the St. Agnes’s Eve and TBE’s death anniversary aligns with it. This is when he basically haunts the castle. It is said that he was a cruel man, who spread lies about his wife, imprisoned her in the dungeon and then married. He was murdered in his mid-thirties. Now he wants to make amends by either leading his descendants to their other halves or warn them off some imminent danger. The legend of St. Agnes’s Eve says that the women, who fast, will see their husbands in their dream. Sebastian doesn’t believe any of this but soon, he’s forced to rectify his beliefs about his ancestor. On the first scene of the book, he sees TBE materializing in a shadowed corner of the room, with his cobalt blue tunic decorated with Alexander coat of arms, a jeweled waistband and a sword in a scabbard at this back. Later on it was revealed he’s been seeing TBE just after he’s arrived. He mostly tried to ignore him, sometimes thinking he’s going mad or just his imagination. But he was as real as it can be. Now he wants to know more about Olivia and what her relationship with his brother was. At his inquiry, Olivia said that she goes to Carlisle to a pawnbroker. He confirmed the news from the local innkeeper and his son, whose Olivia’s student and besotted with her. It seems like everyone holds her in respect. But, Sebastian still didn’t trust her so when the new school committee wrote to him about her and asked for recommendation, thinking about James’s intension and his own suspicions, he replies negatively. Then he and his valet McNaught, goes to Carlisle. A lot of information regarding Olivia comes out in this outing. The pawnbroker obviously respects her but a few shillings gave Sebastian some infos like she sells some lady like trinkets, to meet her expenses no doubt. Also, that Andrew would always buy the things she sold and asked the man to send them to the castle with the bill. Sebastian finds out that she sold the latest item, a beaded necklace he saw her wearing at their first meeting. Somehow, Sebastian is compelled to hold his brother’s agreement with the pawnbroker. Then he pays a visit to the local solicitor, from whom her very sad financial status comes out. Sebastian’s suspicions about Olivia were already weakening but his visit to the old Alexander doctor blew it off totally. The man was there after the incident happened. He confirms that Olivia wasn’t Andrew’s mistress but she’s suffered something more devastating and it’s not her mortal wounds. The doctor was summoned to the castle a day or two before the murder to attend Olivia because she was raped and beaten. He doesn’t know who did this. Then there was the murder, with Olivia ending up with a bullet herself. Sebastian is shocked, stunned and immediately thinks its Andrew who raped her. Now he understood why Olivia’s so-called fiancé, the Vicar, ended their engagement. Olivia also told him that Andrew’s marriage to Guenevere wasn’t a happy one and that he was considering a divorce. The doctor also tells Sebastian that his elder brother was the reason behind the carriage accident that killed Olivia’s brother and father and crippled her mother. His father did everything to cover this up. It seems they have a tangled family history after all. This ‘family history thing’ actually comes back, with more evidence from the past, later in the story.
After those revelations, Sebastian’s treatment of Olivia changed significantly. I loved one scene, when Olivia was going to her home in Far Caister from Pennhyll, where she was staying now as an invitee. They talk and it was for the first time, not exchanges of cold, biting words. Olivia lets him know that she’s besotted with him, discreetly of course. I loved that she kept on thinking Sebastian should smile, because that’d be a glorious thing to see. Then he actually does, even if a little:
The tide will turn, Miss Willow." A smile lurked around his mouth, but no, that was not possible, that the earl of Tiern-Cope should smile, and at her.
"It hasn't yet."
"You may find the sea casts you onto the shores of paradise." His voice was low and soft, and Olivia felt her heart stir at the sound. "Or through the very gates of hell."
"So it might." She gave herself a mental shake. Lord Tiern-Cope could not possibly be flirting with her. Impossible. "But that won't stop me from embracing this moment in all its beautiful perfection."
"With but one flaw, Miss Willow."
"Whatever could that be?"
"Don't even try to tell me I don't spoil the present perfection of your moment." The corner of his lip twitched and then gave up. He smiled, and she, perverse creature that she was, felt like she'd been tossed off a cliff with him standing at the bottom to catch her.
Later, he escorts her to her small rooms in Far Caister, where her mother lives. Their amiable conversation flowed here as well. Sebastian was feeling pain from his wound still, Olivia takes care of him. I loved the conversation here and how Sebastian was already fantasizing about her. He might’ve thought about her as the mistress-type, along with James but now that he knows better, he’s thinking of her as his wife and the mother of his children. But, how can he do that when he’s not really free to choose and already spoken to James about Diana? He knows he feels nothing for her and vice versa so for the first time in his life, Sebastian feels lost. On their way to Pennhyll, they meet Olivia’s cousin, Hew, who it seems after long last decided to pay a visit to her and from the looks of it, has more than a visit in mind. Sebastian doesn’t like him on-spot. Olivia’s not fond of him as well. The next day, Hew pays a visit to Olivia in Pennhyll and begins the rivalry of suitors with James. In the parlour, TBE again shows himself, behind the shadowed place where Olivia sat, even coming close to her. Sebastian tries to ignore him and introduces Hew to the others. But, everytime Hew is near, Olivia grows paler.
In between, some odd things keep happening. Diana and the rest decided that they’d call upon TBE’s spirit on the St. Agnes’s Eve, to have some meaningless fun. James was vying for Olivia’s attention, now along with Hew. And, Olivia kept feeling someone in her room. There was this hauntingly beautiful scene where she goes to sleep, then the windows keep opening up. There were rainstorms outside. Then she keeps hearing footsteps close to her bed but even in the dark, she sees no one. Then a breath on her cheek along with whispers “My Heart”, “My Love”, “My Own” ... WOW, I loved it. There was also this maid named Edith appeared twice, kept calling Olivia ‘my lady’ and ‘mistress’, which gave me the feeling that she’s a part of the past too. Olivia experienced the whispers again, when Hew was chasing her a bit later in the story. Afterwards, she really sees TBE who very much resembled Sebastian, except for the long hair and tunic. Later TBE, of course, led her to Sebastian’s room. Not only that, there were more dream sequences, with her and Sebastian and at least two vague love scenes. It showed that they, somehow, are supposed to be together. Sebastian was experiencing the same things as well as his own dreams. And always, TBE is hovering nearby. Sometimes these scenes would definitely make you confused but it was done intentionally IMO. As I’ve mentioned, both of them were being haunted and led to a path where they can come together as a couple and marry. No doubt TBE who wanted them to be together and initiated all these. So sometimes, they’d both feel things like embracing and kissing each-other, once Olivia even confessed her love to Sebastian but the next moment, it seems like nothing happened. It scared them, with Sebastian at first thinking that he’s going mad, maybe from his wound or something. And both of them ended up having thoughts like, is it really happening or just another dream?
Hew is now a regular guest at Pennhyll, since Diana invited him too. Though Sebastian wants Olivia now, he’s still up about marrying Diana and insists that Olivia marries someone else, maybe her cousin or even James, who apparently had a change of mind and now wants to marry her. I didn’t like the talks of marriage. It was clear that Olivia didn’t like her cousin so why push her in that direction? We also meet other characters such as the Vicar and his wife, one Miss Page and her father. Then there was a fire at Olivia’s home. Sebastian was just there to save both her mother and her knowing that she was visiting. This leaves Olivia without a penny to her name. I’m still not sure if this incident was an accident as it was ruled out. Then, St. Agnes’s Eve arrives and all of them take a tour of the castle. Price, the butler, narrates the history. In the library, Olivia sees the old banner, with the coat of arms as she’d seen on TBE. She’d also seen a portrait of a man on a horse, with the Alexander looks- dark hair and cold blue eyes, in Sebastian’s room. He was escorted by a bannerman with red hair. Now, I didn’t mention it but Olivia’s hair is coppery red, which is why she believes she’s misunderstood as a woman with wild passion so she hates it. Now, did this scene signify that the Willow ancestry went so far back in time with the Alexanders? I thought it did.
Price kept on talking about the Alexander ancestors. The first Earl came from Ireland and married a lady with red hair, because it reminded him of his country (so, are Sebastian and Olivia re-born and meant to be together once more? Not sure). Hence, the Alexander motto is in Gaelic. Then came the topic of TBE. Price shows them the room where he was murdered. Here Olivia finds a cufflink, which Sebastian takes from her. This gave them both an insight, that even though they’d only kissed in real life, they’ve already made love in their dreams. I don’t know how to explain it because there was a dream sequence with cufflink, and it was Sebastian’s. WOW but it was confusing which is why I said, you have to make your own conclusions. This time, while touring a ruin nearby, Sebastian and Olivia sees TBE together. Then they all visit the dungeon. It was scary, with the history and all. Price just finished showing them the room where TBE’s countess was locked when they all went out locking Olivia inside. This part was weird and got me pissed. I mean how many people were there(I was never sure about the number) that they didn’t realize Olivia was locked in? The whole thing seemed clumsy to me. What about Sebastian? I know he was escorting Diana but how could he forget about her? Back in his room, Sebastian sees TBE again, who was weeping and kept telling him ‘help her’. Sebastian immediately thought of Olivia (finally!) and saves her from another certain death.
Anyway, the ending was a bit disappointing to me. By now, Sebastian knew that Olivia has had the same erotic dreams as he had and they talk. Sometimes before, James proposed to Olivia, which she declined because she already knew from Sebastian what James’s earlier intention was. I don’t know how devoted he was to his proposal (I already didn’t care about him much) but as Olivia was always in love with Sebastian, it wasn’t surprising that she declined. So when she and Sebastian talk, they talk about the dreams and TBE, with Sebastian proposing to her. He tells her he’s done something to save her financial situation so that she doesn’t accept him out of gratitude and that he really wants her as it was meant to be. Remember, Sebastian still thought it was Andrew who raped Olivia? I was very glad that even knowing this he fell for her. They marry the same night. After the consummation (the only ‘real’ love scene), Olivia remembers it all. To tell you the truth, from a review I already knew who it was so must say, it was a bummer that I felt nothing about it, except hatred for the man. He escaped his sentence very easily if I might add. When Sebastian confronted him, truth poured out of him- he was having an affair with Guenevere which Andrew found out and threatened his to ruin him, how it led to Olivia’s rape and then the murders. TBE makes his final appearance and the man commits suicide. Then it just ends, without any epilogue or anything else. I mean I wanted to know more, it was quite frustrating. So you might ask, why then I’ve given it a 4star? Simply because it held my attentions, it really did and I enjoyed the whole paranormal, mystery thing surrounding the book and liked the H/h. But most of all, I loved The Black Earl. Think I’ve already whined in the 1st paragraph about him, so ... *sigh*
More on The Spare and it’s characters (something I found quite interesting) can be found in Carolyn Jewel’s website.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2020
Captain Sebastian Alexander returns home, wounded and facing another death in his decimated family: the murder of his brother and sister-in -law. The only survivor and witness is Olivia Willow, a governess but she doesn't remember what happened. As the last of the Alexander line, Sebastian must marry and marry well but with the deadly legend of the Black Earl haunting his waking dreams, Sebastian and Olivia need to figure out who killed his family or they're next.
What I Thought
*Sigh* 😑
It's one of those books where there is an interesting premise but the actual execution leaves much to be desired.
***Spoiler Warnings In Effect****
(1)Olivia is supposed to be the old wallflower character, too old, too poor to marry well, witty and clever but totally unassuming. However within moments of greeting her, men suddenly with no actual evidence mind you understands that Olivia is acting timid and stupid.
How tho'? It would be different if there were actual convos illustrating Olivia's reportedly wit, or even idk inner dialogue but no, it goes from 'hello' to the men absolutely convinced that Olivia's faking.
Of course lust-at-first-sight makes up for anything so small as a personality.
(2l Again Olivia is supposed to be so so clever but when Sebastian tells her that he will prosecute her for thievery for stealing food from to feed her and her disabled and sick mother she still turns to him for help to recalling her missing memory.
Even if he needs to torture her.
Maybe I missed it, but for any reasonable person who needed help, the absolute last person anyone would turn to for help would be the man who thinks you were the mistress of his dead brother and conspired to kill his family.
(3) What in the living sh** am I reading right now?
Hold up. Pause.
Sebastian made her lose her job, took away her and her elderly disabled mother access to food, finds out his dead brother killed Olivia's father and brother in a drunken accident, his father and her uncle stole her inheritance so now she's poor, hungry and desperate and his brother beat and raped her causing her to have amnesia ...And this POS perverted man is still desperately trying to get into her pants while practically engaged to another woman?!!! What??
(4) Of course, of course they were dreaming about each other. That's exactly what we need in the confusion of ghosts, murders, and hallucinations.
(5) So let's not confuse Sebastian's character. He actually warns her that James, his friend and Hew, her cousin were trying to seduce her without marriage and proceeds to molest her and confuse her with soft touches, 'my heart' and deep kisses but still practically engaged to another woman.
just well done.
😑
What I Thought
*Sigh* 😑
It's one of those books where there is an interesting premise but the actual execution leaves much to be desired.
***Spoiler Warnings In Effect****
(1)Olivia is supposed to be the old wallflower character, too old, too poor to marry well, witty and clever but totally unassuming. However within moments of greeting her, men suddenly with no actual evidence mind you understands that Olivia is acting timid and stupid.
How tho'? It would be different if there were actual convos illustrating Olivia's reportedly wit, or even idk inner dialogue but no, it goes from 'hello' to the men absolutely convinced that Olivia's faking.
Of course lust-at-first-sight makes up for anything so small as a personality.
(2l Again Olivia is supposed to be so so clever but when Sebastian tells her that he will prosecute her for thievery for stealing food from to feed her and her disabled and sick mother she still turns to him for help to recalling her missing memory.
Even if he needs to torture her.
Maybe I missed it, but for any reasonable person who needed help, the absolute last person anyone would turn to for help would be the man who thinks you were the mistress of his dead brother and conspired to kill his family.
(3) What in the living sh** am I reading right now?
Hold up. Pause.
Sebastian made her lose her job, took away her and her elderly disabled mother access to food, finds out his dead brother killed Olivia's father and brother in a drunken accident, his father and her uncle stole her inheritance so now she's poor, hungry and desperate and his brother beat and raped her causing her to have amnesia ...And this POS perverted man is still desperately trying to get into her pants while practically engaged to another woman?!!! What??
(4) Of course, of course they were dreaming about each other. That's exactly what we need in the confusion of ghosts, murders, and hallucinations.
(5) So let's not confuse Sebastian's character. He actually warns her that James, his friend and Hew, her cousin were trying to seduce her without marriage and proceeds to molest her and confuse her with soft touches, 'my heart' and deep kisses but still practically engaged to another woman.
just well done.
😑
March 9, 2010
I liked this book, but some of it was confusing and I didn't understand why it was included in the story.
Sebastian was an interesting but frustrating character. I didn't understand why he was wounded in the story. It added nothing to the storyline except to make him wait to investigate until he was better, which (shockingly) aligns precisely with Olivia's visit. He was a rather cold, arrogant fellow. It took me a while to warm up to him. I also thought his turn around from standoffish to thinking nauseatingly sweet thoughts about Olivia was very sudden.
I didn't understand why Olivia felt that she had to play the nitwit for everyone. It seemed odd and I didn't see the point of it. I liked that she was willing to help Sebastian find out what happened and insisted on him trying to make her remember. I didn't understand why Sebastian didn't tell Olivia what he discovered about her missing days right away. I thought that was very wrong of him. Even if he didn't want her to be angry and embarrassed at him because he was the messenger he still should have sucked it up and told her.
Despite the problems I had with this book I still enjoyed it. I read it quickly and was entertained by it. I think that Carolyn Jewel has a skill with words and atmosphere. She succeeded very well in creating a very gothic setting. I did feel that large chunks of the story were skipped though. I would move to a new chapter and it felt like I missed something. I had to reread the end of the chapter and make sure I hadn't before I came to the conclusion that Jewel just has an abrupt way of transitioning at times.
Be aware that there is a paranormal aspect with a ghost. I wasn't expecting it and didn't really enjoy it, but others might.
Sebastian was an interesting but frustrating character. I didn't understand why he was wounded in the story. It added nothing to the storyline except to make him wait to investigate until he was better, which (shockingly) aligns precisely with Olivia's visit. He was a rather cold, arrogant fellow. It took me a while to warm up to him. I also thought his turn around from standoffish to thinking nauseatingly sweet thoughts about Olivia was very sudden.
I didn't understand why Olivia felt that she had to play the nitwit for everyone. It seemed odd and I didn't see the point of it. I liked that she was willing to help Sebastian find out what happened and insisted on him trying to make her remember. I didn't understand why Sebastian didn't tell Olivia what he discovered about her missing days right away. I thought that was very wrong of him. Even if he didn't want her to be angry and embarrassed at him because he was the messenger he still should have sucked it up and told her.
Despite the problems I had with this book I still enjoyed it. I read it quickly and was entertained by it. I think that Carolyn Jewel has a skill with words and atmosphere. She succeeded very well in creating a very gothic setting. I did feel that large chunks of the story were skipped though. I would move to a new chapter and it felt like I missed something. I had to reread the end of the chapter and make sure I hadn't before I came to the conclusion that Jewel just has an abrupt way of transitioning at times.
Be aware that there is a paranormal aspect with a ghost. I wasn't expecting it and didn't really enjoy it, but others might.
April 12, 2011
This was marketed, electronically, with the subtitle "A Sexy Regency Romance" which made me think it would be much like the same author's book Lord Ruin (also marketed the same way)--a romance/mystery with some good plotting between the sex scenes. However, this is a mystery/gothic/ghost/love story without much sexytime at all. Our hero is recovering from war wounds and attempting to solve the mystery of his brother's murder. He becomes sexually and romantically interested in our heroine, who was mysteriously injured during the same attack, and he wonders about her involvement. Complicating matters, there is an ancestral ghost (well, why not?), who makes a nice plot device to get the two together and also adds atmosphere. I found it hard to track what was a dream sequence and what was reality, seems like most of the love scenes were dream sequences except when they weren't. Also the evil villain fizzled out to pathetic at the end, which was kind of disappointing. Again, a promising book that didn't quite pay off (and I really love Jewel's more recent historicals, enough to keep buying her backlist).
December 29, 2011
The story was interesting to a certain point and then it became very confusing, I had a hard time figuring out what was real and what wasn't. I didn't feel like the female character had any feelings towards the male character and in the end we won't ever know what will happen to his intended and her brother. It's like the writer was out of ideas and truncated the story in order to finish it.
October 3, 2010
I thought that the title was clever as the book divulged an additional meaning behind "The Spare." The story was atmospheric. I had a powerful curiosity for the mystery and I was pleased with its unraveling and denouement.
December 10, 2016
High, high angst, but it wasn't my favorite. The heroine had no power in a way that was kind of gross instead of sexy.
June 19, 2024
I was a little disappointed in this one. I've read and enjoyed some of Ms Jewel's other books, but none of them were paranormals. I was surprised to realise as I was reading that this one is a ghost story, complete with gothic-style castle and a ghost who had been murdered in medieval times. Not really my favourite style of book. I'm not much of a fan of the 'amnesia' trope either.
I also felt that the writing and characterisations in this one weren't as good as some of this author's other books that I've read. It was a bit confusing at times as to who was who, and also, what was a dream sequence and what was actually happening in 'real-time'. I suppose the author was trying to show the confusion some of the characters were feeling, but sadly it didn't really work for me. I took a break for a while in the middle before going back to finish the book. Even then, in parts I found myself skimming.
The ending of the book was satisfactory, and an appropriate solution to the mystery, with a HEA. But I just hadn't been engaged enough, so it didn't really have much of an impact on me. So, a bit disappointed in this one. I will still continue to work my way through this author's backlist however, because I have liked some of her other books, and hope to find more that I will enjoy.
I also felt that the writing and characterisations in this one weren't as good as some of this author's other books that I've read. It was a bit confusing at times as to who was who, and also, what was a dream sequence and what was actually happening in 'real-time'. I suppose the author was trying to show the confusion some of the characters were feeling, but sadly it didn't really work for me. I took a break for a while in the middle before going back to finish the book. Even then, in parts I found myself skimming.
The ending of the book was satisfactory, and an appropriate solution to the mystery, with a HEA. But I just hadn't been engaged enough, so it didn't really have much of an impact on me. So, a bit disappointed in this one. I will still continue to work my way through this author's backlist however, because I have liked some of her other books, and hope to find more that I will enjoy.
July 8, 2021
3.5 stars!
I love Olivia and how she pretended to be bland and dull witted to avoid getting everyone's attention. She made me root for her. I also love the tension between the Captain and Olivia. There were some really beautifully described/ sketched out scenes here.
This is my first time reading a gothic romance, and I did not expect that from here. I was really surprised but I think I like suspense of it and how this Black Earl kept appearing and it made me wonder if he is sabotaging or helping our main characters.
I think Sebastian/ the Captain was the more fleshed out character between the two. I felt like Olivia's reason for wanting to remember the missing memories she had wasn't as strongly motivated as the Captain's. Also the revelation was a let down. After all those ghostly apparitions I was expecting so much more.
I love Olivia and how she pretended to be bland and dull witted to avoid getting everyone's attention. She made me root for her. I also love the tension between the Captain and Olivia. There were some really beautifully described/ sketched out scenes here.
This is my first time reading a gothic romance, and I did not expect that from here. I was really surprised but I think I like suspense of it and how this Black Earl kept appearing and it made me wonder if he is sabotaging or helping our main characters.
I think Sebastian/ the Captain was the more fleshed out character between the two. I felt like Olivia's reason for wanting to remember the missing memories she had wasn't as strongly motivated as the Captain's. Also the revelation was a let down. After all those ghostly apparitions I was expecting so much more.
January 22, 2024
This was an interesting concept with nice subplots that needed more consistent character development. A man named Sebastian returns home the heir to the title and land after his brother and wife are murdered. When there he meets Olivia, the impoverished local teacher who serves as a guardian and who was present and grievously injured at the scene of his family’s murders. She doesn’t remember anything due to her injuries, though, so Sebastian gets to know her as he tries to resurface her memories. Subplots include potential marriage partners for both, investigations into Olivia’s loss of money, and a ghost story at the estate. I felt like the character development was inconsistent, and the two didn’t always seem to get along perfectly. I think the point of view skewed too much to Sebastian and not enough to Olivia. I enjoyed the story just less the relationship.
May 7, 2019
I read The Spare by Carolyn Jewel, years ago and gave it an A+. I was reviewing my highest ranking books a few days ago, found this, downloaded the eBook and just finished re-reading it. And gave it an A+; again.
I love the characters. They are adults, independent and strong. And there's a ghost to boot! The plot was interesting, the setting was great for an historical novel.
I began reading this morning and finished it this afternoon. And I'm so happy that I found this jewel (no pun intended) again. So, if you're in the mood for a historical, ghostly romance - this is the book for you.
I love the characters. They are adults, independent and strong. And there's a ghost to boot! The plot was interesting, the setting was great for an historical novel.
I began reading this morning and finished it this afternoon. And I'm so happy that I found this jewel (no pun intended) again. So, if you're in the mood for a historical, ghostly romance - this is the book for you.
August 15, 2017
As with most of Ms Jewel's works this one has a slow pace. A little odd and disorienting with the dream sequences (and the question of are they or aren't they), and you have to ve willing to accept a bit of the paranormal with a ghost being an active main character of sorts. There were also some plot points that were just odd and overly dramatic. Despite all that, I liked it though. Sebastian's coldness heats up quite nicely and you want to keep reading and get to their happy ending.
May 9, 2020
Rating: 2.5 out of 5.
September 9, 2012
An entertaining enough read, but much more Gothic than I was expecting. The frequency of visions of ghosts, shared dreams, and ominous portents was a little much, as well. Half the time there'd be a scene where something important happens, and then it would turn out it was imagined, or a dream. But wait, later there's otherwise unexplainable physical evidence that it happened? OK, I'm confused. Not to mention, how much can I believe in a relationship half-built in non-reality? Add to that the fact that the heroine has amnesia regarding a traumatic event - she is unaware for the majority of the book that it happened at all. She recovers her memory near the end, but conveniently gets over it after a bit of sobbing.
Anyway, not too terrible, if you're in the mood for that sort of thing, but it was pretty over-the-top.
Anyway, not too terrible, if you're in the mood for that sort of thing, but it was pretty over-the-top.
June 1, 2014
I really liked some parts of it, but I got tired of Olivia bitching about her red hair, and I honestly don't understand why she thought she had to act like an idiot; given that she DID act that way, I don't really understand how certain characters were able to instantly see through her charade while others never figured it out. And I wasn't crazy about the hero - he's just kind of an asshole for most of the book, and I could understand why Olivia might lust after him but I really couldn't understand why she'd like/love him. And the villain was really, REALLY obvious.
The writing was smooth, mostly, and I felt immersed in the setting, so those are strengths, but I expected to like this one more than I did.
The writing was smooth, mostly, and I felt immersed in the setting, so those are strengths, but I expected to like this one more than I did.
August 30, 2012
I'm not sure what this book wanted to be: regency, pnr, suspence? It has element of everything in it and this makes quite a confusing read at times.
It's the strength of Ms Jewels' writing that compelled me to give The Spare 3 stars. Otherwise the plot is a complicated mess, more so due to the "ghost of love past" (or whatever the hell he was).
I could have killed the hero and his best friend in the first half of the book for their callousness. (I say this as a positive: it means Ms Jewel was really good to draw them, as you don't care for a cardboard.)
The story ends a bit abruptly.
It's the strength of Ms Jewels' writing that compelled me to give The Spare 3 stars. Otherwise the plot is a complicated mess, more so due to the "ghost of love past" (or whatever the hell he was).
I could have killed the hero and his best friend in the first half of the book for their callousness. (I say this as a positive: it means Ms Jewel was really good to draw them, as you don't care for a cardboard.)
The story ends a bit abruptly.
September 10, 2015
Pretty good regency with a ghost story and mystery added in. While convalescing, Sebastaian, a captain in His Majesty's navy, tries to solve the mystery of who murdered his brother and his brother's wife. One young woman is the key to the mystery, but she has lost all memory of the event. How does this impoverished, red haired beauty fit into his life and what is the meaning of the ancestral ghost that roams his castle have to do with it? Quick read, I read it in one day. 4/5
http://ktleyed.blogspot.com/2011/04/s...
http://ktleyed.blogspot.com/2011/04/s...
August 10, 2016
okay so apparently i read this a while ago but thought that I hadn't finished it because of the shaky beginning we had. I remember feeling oddly disjointed at the beginning of the book and skipping one or two chapters. It does get better after, and I soon got into the story. But the unsatisfactory beginning still lingers so I can't give it four stars. And lust not romance predominates the story, which combined with the dark, damp atmosphere makes it a little suffocating read.
August 24, 2020
As always with this author, a poignant and at times heart-wrenching story. The more you delve into it and find out Olivia's backstory, the more you want to howl at the moon (feminists, take note at what real absence of rights for women looked like). Both James and Sebastian are real a-holes in the beginning (James did not really redeem himself in my estimation)....The Black Earl is a really great addition.....for the true aficionado of historical romances, this is a great read
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