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The Bellamy Sisters #4
Aurelia
Aurelia Bellamy is tired of being the responsible oldest daughter. It’s time to finally take charge of her own fate. So, when an opportunity to work for one of England’s most famous naturalists comes along, she jumps at the chance. Even though it means traveling to a remote island…and working for a notorious (and dangerously appealing) rake…
Lord Roland Crewe wants nothing to do with love or romance. He’s already proven he’s a terrible husband—twice!—and has no interest in doing it again. But for some reason, he struggles to remember that when he’s with Aurelia. He knows a scarred, hardened man like him has nothing to offer a beautiful young idealist like her. So, why can’t he stay away?
It’s not long before Aurelia and Roland realize how strong their attraction is…and how quickly that attraction is deepening into something infinitely more complicated. But when the time comes, will these polar opposites find their way to happily ever after, or utter ruin?
Aurelia is the wickedly witty and sensually steamy fourth book of a seven-book series. It is a spicy age gap historical romance that can be read as a standalone.
Lord Roland Crewe wants nothing to do with love or romance. He’s already proven he’s a terrible husband—twice!—and has no interest in doing it again. But for some reason, he struggles to remember that when he’s with Aurelia. He knows a scarred, hardened man like him has nothing to offer a beautiful young idealist like her. So, why can’t he stay away?
It’s not long before Aurelia and Roland realize how strong their attraction is…and how quickly that attraction is deepening into something infinitely more complicated. But when the time comes, will these polar opposites find their way to happily ever after, or utter ruin?
Aurelia is the wickedly witty and sensually steamy fourth book of a seven-book series. It is a spicy age gap historical romance that can be read as a standalone.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 9, 2024
279 people are currently reading
494 people want to read
About the author
Minerva Spencer
65 books1,754 followers**I ONLY RATE BOOKS I REALLY ENJOYED**.
Before I began writing I spent time as a dock worker, a reader for the blind, a criminal prosecutor, and I taught American History on the college level for five years. My last job was running an 8-bedroom bed and breakfast, a subject I will never write about...
I like historical fiction because I enjoy escaping into the past when I relax. And I write romance because I love a happy ending and everything that happens along the way.
I came to writing late in life and I feel like I have to write fast to catch up! I work every day at a desk looking out over the Sangre de Cristo mountains, my free range birds, and my three flock protecting hounds Earl, Spot, and Rover.
When I'm not writing I'm playing with my animals, knitting, DIYing, crocheting, sewing, or watching old movies.
I also write historical romance and erotic romance under the name S.M. LaViolette and historical mystery under the name S.M. Goodwin.
Before I began writing I spent time as a dock worker, a reader for the blind, a criminal prosecutor, and I taught American History on the college level for five years. My last job was running an 8-bedroom bed and breakfast, a subject I will never write about...
I like historical fiction because I enjoy escaping into the past when I relax. And I write romance because I love a happy ending and everything that happens along the way.
I came to writing late in life and I feel like I have to write fast to catch up! I work every day at a desk looking out over the Sangre de Cristo mountains, my free range birds, and my three flock protecting hounds Earl, Spot, and Rover.
When I'm not writing I'm playing with my animals, knitting, DIYing, crocheting, sewing, or watching old movies.
I also write historical romance and erotic romance under the name S.M. LaViolette and historical mystery under the name S.M. Goodwin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
April 28, 2024
Started out good, bit boring in the middle, but the end was exciting.
The light gothic feel was fun and the wacky backstory of the hero had me smirking. Spencer said she was inspired by some of the Minerva Press gothics and it really did feel like it. She’s a talented writer and she had some good takes on how to present feminist and modern sensibilities in a historical romance without being preachy or *too* anachronistic (though I don’t think you can really do this and not be a little bit too modern). If you don’t like heroes with extensive sexual histories mentioned throughout the book, this author probably isn’t for you. It was… a lot. 😂 I almost feel like she said ‘hold my beer’ after reading some critiques of her other books where the hero is often in bed with other women during the story. Anyway, it made me cackle a bit and was very ott, but ott is fun so I went with it.
Anyway this was a fun time.
The light gothic feel was fun and the wacky backstory of the hero had me smirking. Spencer said she was inspired by some of the Minerva Press gothics and it really did feel like it. She’s a talented writer and she had some good takes on how to present feminist and modern sensibilities in a historical romance without being preachy or *too* anachronistic (though I don’t think you can really do this and not be a little bit too modern). If you don’t like heroes with extensive sexual histories mentioned throughout the book, this author probably isn’t for you. It was… a lot. 😂 I almost feel like she said ‘hold my beer’ after reading some critiques of her other books where the hero is often in bed with other women during the story. Anyway, it made me cackle a bit and was very ott, but ott is fun so I went with it.
Anyway this was a fun time.
November 23, 2024
Wow, how do I write a review on this book. This is like a Whitman's Sampler where each candy has its name under it and you know what you are getting with each piece. This book felt so familiar to me as it is a Gothic homage to many old school plots. Spencer was my favorite author, and I devoured anything she wrote. The last few books I have not been in love with but still enjoyed reading them and this is one of those that I liked not loved. It had many elements that I don't care for in a book (teenagers/children they are hard to write and not be annoying...this one was annoying. Angelic looking men who duh... well read the book. Very little sexual tension between main characters). 3.5* I already have 2 books by the author loaded to read so it also maybe a case of me not the book.
June 20, 2024
3.5 stars
I liked this enough, but there really wasn’t any depth to Aurelia and Roland’s relationship beyond physical attraction. Overall I still liked this series though and will read future books by this author.
I liked this enough, but there really wasn’t any depth to Aurelia and Roland’s relationship beyond physical attraction. Overall I still liked this series though and will read future books by this author.
June 19, 2025
Omg I hated this. I need to take a break from the series because they’re all basically the same now. Roland was barely even around for him to love Aurelia. There was nothing special about either of them and felt no connection. Aurelia had more in common with Larissa lol. Roland having/not having tons of illegitimate kids, Aurelia having every dude on the island wanting to marry her. Don’t even get me started on Arthur. I should’ve dnf when the wife got killed by a fucking panther. Omg I really hated this. Did I say I hated this?
April 18, 2024
This was very unique and sweet.
There was lots of separation and time jumps. Which made sense for the story but I just didn't enjoy it as much.
Loved his scientific interests and her artistic skills. Really cool.
But... I missed out on how they both fell in love.
They have a couple cute scenes and then he's gone a lot and then he wants to marry her. 🤷♀️
I've just read better from this author. ALSO... there were SO many characters, it was hard to keep them straight.
BUT, I can't wait for the Christmas novel and for Katie, and Doddy. And she also wrote another Victorian Decadence book?! Hooray!
Looking forward to what's next.
4 stars
2.5 on the spice scale
There was lots of separation and time jumps. Which made sense for the story but I just didn't enjoy it as much.
Loved his scientific interests and her artistic skills. Really cool.
But... I missed out on how they both fell in love.
They have a couple cute scenes and then he's gone a lot and then he wants to marry her. 🤷♀️
I've just read better from this author. ALSO... there were SO many characters, it was hard to keep them straight.
BUT, I can't wait for the Christmas novel and for Katie, and Doddy. And she also wrote another Victorian Decadence book?! Hooray!
Looking forward to what's next.
4 stars
2.5 on the spice scale
June 10, 2024
Aurelia
3 Stars
The eldest Bellamy sister, Aurelia, is confident she can use her artistic gift to rescue her family from their dire financial circumstances. Toward that end, she takes a position with renowned naturalist, Roland Montgomery, the Earl of Crewe, who resides on a remote island in the inner Hebrides. A scarred and hardened man, Roland has never had much luck with love, but he cannot fight his attraction to Aurelia. As their connection deepens, a dangerous foe waits in the wings to strike when it is least expected.
Series note: The events of this book occur in parallel with books 1-3. While there are references to the other Bellamy sisters, there is no overlapping storyline.
Unfortunately, this is the weakest installment in the Bellamy Sisters series mainly because Aurelia and Roland lack the intense emotional and physical chemistry that characterizes the relationships in the other books. This is only exacerbated by the long separations, which do not make the heart grow fonder, and it is unclear exactly why or how they fall for each other.
Similar to Needham, Chatham, and Graham, Roland also has a morally ambiguous past. In this case, it is his long and sordid history with several different women including a couple of wives and a mistress or two. While womanizing heroes seem to be a staple of historical romance heroes, the trope is becoming tiresome, especially when leading to a rather strong sense of ick!
The suspense plot is also exceedingly predictable. The identity of the villain and the twist are obvious from the start and the final confrontation is anti-climactic. Lastly, the epilogue is overly long and uninteresting as
In sum, this is not the best example of Spencer's work but the first three books are delightful. Hopefully, the quality of these will return in the next installment.
3 Stars
The eldest Bellamy sister, Aurelia, is confident she can use her artistic gift to rescue her family from their dire financial circumstances. Toward that end, she takes a position with renowned naturalist, Roland Montgomery, the Earl of Crewe, who resides on a remote island in the inner Hebrides. A scarred and hardened man, Roland has never had much luck with love, but he cannot fight his attraction to Aurelia. As their connection deepens, a dangerous foe waits in the wings to strike when it is least expected.
Series note: The events of this book occur in parallel with books 1-3. While there are references to the other Bellamy sisters, there is no overlapping storyline.
Unfortunately, this is the weakest installment in the Bellamy Sisters series mainly because Aurelia and Roland lack the intense emotional and physical chemistry that characterizes the relationships in the other books. This is only exacerbated by the long separations, which do not make the heart grow fonder, and it is unclear exactly why or how they fall for each other.
Similar to Needham, Chatham, and Graham, Roland also has a morally ambiguous past. In this case, it is his long and sordid history with several different women including a couple of wives and a mistress or two. While womanizing heroes seem to be a staple of historical romance heroes, the trope is becoming tiresome, especially when leading to a rather strong sense of ick!
The suspense plot is also exceedingly predictable. The identity of the villain and the twist are obvious from the start and the final confrontation is anti-climactic. Lastly, the epilogue is overly long and uninteresting as
In sum, this is not the best example of Spencer's work but the first three books are delightful. Hopefully, the quality of these will return in the next installment.
April 9, 2024
Aurelia Bellamy is tired of being the responsible oldest daughter. It’s time to finally take charge of her own fate especially as her father’s gambling has almost bankrupted the family. So, when an opportunity to work for one of England’s most famous naturalists comes along, she jumps at the chance. Even though it means traveling to a remote island. Lord Roland Crewe is a twice a widower & is a scarred, hardened man. But can their attraction be denied.
The fourth book in this brilliant series, I loved both Roland & Aurelia they were like chalk & cheese but the chemistry between them sizzled. I loved Roland who hadn’t been the best hand in life but at forty-one still had a zest for life & a lovely sense of humour. Aurelia was a talented artist who wasn’t afraid to earn a living & her prim & proper exterior hid a passionate woman. I also loved Celsa who was a bit of a handful but as her backstory was revealed the reasons why became apparent. Wonderful characters with lots of depth, a well paced story, sizzling chemistry, some mystery all made for a book I devoured in two sittings & as it’s over 450 pages shows how much I was loving it.
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The fourth book in this brilliant series, I loved both Roland & Aurelia they were like chalk & cheese but the chemistry between them sizzled. I loved Roland who hadn’t been the best hand in life but at forty-one still had a zest for life & a lovely sense of humour. Aurelia was a talented artist who wasn’t afraid to earn a living & her prim & proper exterior hid a passionate woman. I also loved Celsa who was a bit of a handful but as her backstory was revealed the reasons why became apparent. Wonderful characters with lots of depth, a well paced story, sizzling chemistry, some mystery all made for a book I devoured in two sittings & as it’s over 450 pages shows how much I was loving it.
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
April 11, 2024
S.M. LaViolette (aka Minerva Spencer) is another of my favorite authors. I have been reading her books since 2021 and between the 2 of them I have read 34 of their books. I just love her writing.
This book was good. Not as good as most of her books though. I felt the characters, Aurelia and Roland were actually a bit boring. I think their location being so remote also didn't help. There seemed like nothing to do and it showed in the story. The age gap wasn't a big deal. You couldn't really tell by the writing that it was such a large age gap. It had an interesting twist at the end but by then the story was a bit flat. It was a good read just not my favorite.
This book was good. Not as good as most of her books though. I felt the characters, Aurelia and Roland were actually a bit boring. I think their location being so remote also didn't help. There seemed like nothing to do and it showed in the story. The age gap wasn't a big deal. You couldn't really tell by the writing that it was such a large age gap. It had an interesting twist at the end but by then the story was a bit flat. It was a good read just not my favorite.
January 11, 2026
3.5⭐️ Not as enjoyable has Minerva's previous books in this series. I didn't really like Roland's character sadly.
Read
April 14, 2024DNF
Sadly, I quickly lost interest once I learned more about the H. After he meets the h, he still sleeps with his “occasional bed partner” but he was thinking of the h the whole time. What a bunch of bs. If you are indeed infatuated, at the very least, I don’t expect you to go out and sleep with someone else.
Of course the h is a virgin and doesn’t have someone else. This is very insta-lust in a way. Also, very slow burn as the h is the H’s employee.
Sadly, I quickly lost interest once I learned more about the H. After he meets the h, he still sleeps with his “occasional bed partner” but he was thinking of the h the whole time. What a bunch of bs. If you are indeed infatuated, at the very least, I don’t expect you to go out and sleep with someone else.
Of course the h is a virgin and doesn’t have someone else. This is very insta-lust in a way. Also, very slow burn as the h is the H’s employee.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2024
This was not my favorite of this series, but it was good nonetheless. Aurelia went from good to bad pretty quickly.
November 3, 2024
3.5/5
i’ve really really enjoyed the other books in this series, so this one is a bit of a letdown. I don’t know why, but the romance just felt so under developed. When the two main characters confessed their love for one another, I felt genuinely confused as to when their feelings had deepened in that way. Normally, I find that historical romance books belabor the build up to finally saying “I love you” (when that has been clear to the reader for ages) but this book had the opposite issue.
I gave half a star back because I enjoyed the mystery and intrigue. There isn’t really any of that in the other books, and I am a sucker for dramatic revenge plots and silly action scenes. I know believability is important to some when reading romance, but not to this drama enthusiast. I love exchanging a little willing suspension of disbelief for a climactic resolution.
This entry in the series was a bit flat and underwhelming when considering how thoroughly I enjoyed tearing my way through the first three books. Unless you are a completionist at heart, this one is skippable in my opinion.
i’ve really really enjoyed the other books in this series, so this one is a bit of a letdown. I don’t know why, but the romance just felt so under developed. When the two main characters confessed their love for one another, I felt genuinely confused as to when their feelings had deepened in that way. Normally, I find that historical romance books belabor the build up to finally saying “I love you” (when that has been clear to the reader for ages) but this book had the opposite issue.
I gave half a star back because I enjoyed the mystery and intrigue. There isn’t really any of that in the other books, and I am a sucker for dramatic revenge plots and silly action scenes. I know believability is important to some when reading romance, but not to this drama enthusiast. I love exchanging a little willing suspension of disbelief for a climactic resolution.
This entry in the series was a bit flat and underwhelming when considering how thoroughly I enjoyed tearing my way through the first three books. Unless you are a completionist at heart, this one is skippable in my opinion.
April 17, 2024
The pacing was a little off
May 25, 2024
2.5 stars. Villain is obvious from the very beginning. Skimmed the second half of the book.
April 6, 2024
Aurelia is a great story in the Bellamy Sisters series! The characters are very well developed in this book, and my favorite is Roland. His character could easily have become beastly due to the circumstances life threw his way, but he doesn’t. His outlook on life and the humor he uses in daily life is so uplifting! The interactions between Roland and Aurelia are wonderful as he teases her out of her prim shell. I really enjoyed reading Aurelia’s story.
I received a free copy of this book from the author. The thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received a free copy of this book from the author. The thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 22, 2024
it was……an experience.
the start of the book was hellish for me to get through and when i kept going and i still wanted aurelia to end up with gideon i figured the book was not going to do it for me.
it’s not that i dislike like roland, but i also don’t like him.
aurelia was so different from what we glimpsed on the first book that i actually got whiplash. again i didn’t dislike her, i like her fine, but was she memorable? not really.
there were so many things that irked me that i just couldn’t look pass. like what’s up with all of the incest-ish stuff good lord.
she kissed her stepson and then her stepdaughter married the man that was previously in love with her, not to mention this stepdaughter was also crushing on her half brother/cousin…..icky…..
then roland’s whole back story that didn’t make any sense, he grew up really shy and quiet and then he went crazy…..sure.
i was entertained with the whole arthur thing but was it good? it was beyond ridiculous.
celsa’s past with dealing with his uncle/father manipulation was really sad and i felt for the girl….but i still couldn’t bring myself to like her. gideon was too sweet for her IMO.
in the autor’s note it was said that this was a “slow romance” and it definitely was not. it felt instalove from the start.
not because the characters don’t get physically together til half of the book it means is a slow romance.
to be completely honest when the “i love you” moment came i couldn’t, for the life of me, figure out why they loved eachother.
too much !!!!! secondary characters.
and the hero was much of a poor copy of paul (the hero in the first book, which was amazing) for my liking.
the start of the book was hellish for me to get through and when i kept going and i still wanted aurelia to end up with gideon i figured the book was not going to do it for me.
it’s not that i dislike like roland, but i also don’t like him.
aurelia was so different from what we glimpsed on the first book that i actually got whiplash. again i didn’t dislike her, i like her fine, but was she memorable? not really.
there were so many things that irked me that i just couldn’t look pass. like what’s up with all of the incest-ish stuff good lord.
she kissed her stepson and then her stepdaughter married the man that was previously in love with her, not to mention this stepdaughter was also crushing on her half brother/cousin…..icky…..
then roland’s whole back story that didn’t make any sense, he grew up really shy and quiet and then he went crazy…..sure.
i was entertained with the whole arthur thing but was it good? it was beyond ridiculous.
celsa’s past with dealing with his uncle/father manipulation was really sad and i felt for the girl….but i still couldn’t bring myself to like her. gideon was too sweet for her IMO.
in the autor’s note it was said that this was a “slow romance” and it definitely was not. it felt instalove from the start.
not because the characters don’t get physically together til half of the book it means is a slow romance.
to be completely honest when the “i love you” moment came i couldn’t, for the life of me, figure out why they loved eachother.
too much !!!!! secondary characters.
and the hero was much of a poor copy of paul (the hero in the first book, which was amazing) for my liking.
November 24, 2024
Aurelia Bellamy has accepted a job painting illustrations for a well known naturalist, Roland Montgomery, eighth Earl of Crewe. Living on an island is no hardship for Aurelia, but the family who resides in the castle and on the mainland have secrets. Attracted to Roland, Aurelia tries to resist, but Roland is use to getting his way. It's been a while since I've read a good gothic novel reminiscent of Phyllis Whitney, Mary Stewart and Victoria Holt. This book has a dark side where you never know what's going to happen next and question who you can trust. Passionate explicit sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book gifted by the author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book gifted by the author.
Read
April 11, 2024I do NOT want to fall in love with someone that owns their own Scottish island wow
Want to read
August 20, 2024I like it so far but I'm also kind of meh about the MMC being such a womanizer. On the first day he meets FMC he leaves that night to go be with his village/tenant mistress.
The MCs first intimate scene together comes . He's certainly not a MMC held back by power imbalances between employee/tenants and employer/Laird.
MMC - Almost 41. Married twice. 2nd wife was not faithful to him, which he was aware of, and he admits neither of them loved each other but that she was his closest confidant and friend (so, I guess fuck buddies that happen to be legally-bound/in an open marriage arrangement)
FMC - 25 y/o virgin. Been kissed (simple pecks) twice before MMC.
I mainly feel bad for his daughter who acts up to get his attention and is fully aware that he fucks any mildly attractive woman who ends up in his household/vicinity.
The MCs first intimate scene together comes . He's certainly not a MMC held back by power imbalances between employee/tenants and employer/Laird.
MMC - Almost 41. Married twice. 2nd wife was not faithful to him, which he was aware of, and he admits neither of them loved each other but that she was his closest confidant and friend (so, I guess fuck buddies that happen to be legally-bound/in an open marriage arrangement)
FMC - 25 y/o virgin. Been kissed (simple pecks) twice before MMC.
I mainly feel bad for his daughter who acts up to get his attention and is fully aware that he fucks any mildly attractive woman who ends up in his household/vicinity.
May 15, 2025
3 1/2 rounded up for the epilogue. I enjoyed it but I didn’t love it. It’s an homage to the gothic romances of the day, but the ending came out of nowhere. Not an ounce of tension in this book. Not for the mystery (which I didn’t even realize there was a mystery until the very end), nor for the romance. This could have been so much better if it had been written as a slow burn Jane and Rochester kind of romance, or a Rebecca style murder mystery. But there are too many red herrings and too much time spent on the rotten teenager, and zero resistance on Aurelia’s part to a seduction that she is determined will not end in marriage. I really hate that particular trope. It’s so irresponsible. The setting is perfect. A Scottish castle on an island with a terribly scarred laird who has lost two wives to mysterious circumstances? Yes, please! It just didn’t deliver the goods.
April 29, 2024
I don't know how to review this book...
- It was LONG
- There was too much going on
- Random resolution
- But I liked Aurelia and Roland together
- Roland was a hero unlike any other I have ever read, he was wicked, weird, and unflappable
- Is nobody going to talk about the murderous daughter? Just me? Okay!
- Could see the villain coming from a mile away...
Over all, had fun reading this book, wished it was shorted though.
- It was LONG
- There was too much going on
- Random resolution
- But I liked Aurelia and Roland together
- Roland was a hero unlike any other I have ever read, he was wicked, weird, and unflappable
- Is nobody going to talk about the murderous daughter? Just me? Okay!
- Could see the villain coming from a mile away...
Over all, had fun reading this book, wished it was shorted though.
September 25, 2024
I’m excited for the next two books on the series… As of right now my favorite of the series is the 2nd book Hyacinth… this one is okay but not as alluring as the others. But still pretty good.
November 25, 2024
Love this age gap steamy romance.
December 4, 2024
So much fun with this book. I especially like how the roles of 'women' from his past varied, and are even ultimately healthy in one case (me trying not to spoil things). I also like the discussion of women working and trying a different path than what is expected of them.
January 25, 2025
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series, and this novel was no different. I love that she creates feminist and forward-thinking characters and places them in a setting where they are still stifled under the constraints of a society that has yet to accept that women are intelligent and capable beings. Aurelia is a strong and talented woman and is trying to make her way in the world and help and protect siblings as all of the Bellamy sisters have done in their respective stories. It is fun and funny, and there is always a little intrigue, and it is just a sheer delight.
September 15, 2024
Sweet story.
December 11, 2024
The Bellamy sister’s sagas continue with the oldest sister who is a gifted artist. She sketches botanicals for a book to be published by a duke who is a naturalist. Love and lust ensues.
September 23, 2024
Pleasant story
On the whole I enjoyed this but definitely not as much as the other Bellamy sisters stories. I didn’t really warm to either of the main characters in the book, especially the Earl who I felt was self indulgent and wasn’t convinced at all at his ‘transformation’. The other characters I also thought were quite weak and I also didn’t warm to. Hence, only 3 stars!
On the whole I enjoyed this but definitely not as much as the other Bellamy sisters stories. I didn’t really warm to either of the main characters in the book, especially the Earl who I felt was self indulgent and wasn’t convinced at all at his ‘transformation’. The other characters I also thought were quite weak and I also didn’t warm to. Hence, only 3 stars!
October 1, 2023
Minerva Spencer, I'm waiting for her!!! Please release her book at once! I can't bear the torture anymore😭😭
July 30, 2025
With the fourth installment in The Bellamy Sisters series, S.M. LaViolette, aka Minerva Spencer, brings to readers the story of the eldest daughter in the Bellamy family. Having fallen into desperate times, each of the sister’s set out to do what they can to restore the family’s finances, at often perilous cost to themselves.
As is signature S.M. LaViolette, Aurelia is a sensual, atmospheric historical romance that pulls the reader into its lushly detailed setting and makes you root for two unlikely lovers who could not be more different. Aurelia Bellamy, the ever-responsible eldest daughter of her family, is ready to finally step out of the mold that has defined her. When the chance arises to work as an artist for one of England’s most renowned naturalists, she seizes it, even if it means traveling to a remote island to work for Roland Montgomery, the Eighth Earl of Creew, a man infamous for his rakish past and rumored moral ruin.
Roland is a man both physically and emotionally scarred, carrying the ghosts of his two failed marriages and a cynicism that runs deep. He has long convinced himself that love is not for the likes of him. Aurelia, on the other hand, is a prim, spirited young woman whose innate curiosity, artistic eye, and quiet strength makes her stand out in ways Roland never anticipated. Their attraction, once sparked, builds steadily into something far more complicated than either expects.
While Aurelia represents hope, beauty, and a certain innocence of heart, Roland embodies the disillusionment of a man who has seen too much betrayal. It is this push and pull—the idealism of a woman who believes in love against the jaded certainty of a man who believes it only destroys—that fuels the heart of the story. Watching them slowly surrender to what grows between them is both tender and steamy, with an intensity that lingers long after the last page is turned.
I found Aurelia to be an engaging heroine; witty, brave, and determined to carve out a life beyond the quiet sacrifices expected of her. She is ambitious without being reckless, and her compassion shines even when Roland tries to push her away. Roland himself is undeniably sexy, though a touch tamer than I had expected for such a notorious rake. His inner struggles and scars were compelling, but at times I wished for a little more raw angst to heighten the emotional stakes.
As always, LaViolette’s prose is beautifully layered, and her take on historical settings is refreshingly modern (a bit too much at times perhaps). The sensuality is woven seamlessly into the narrative, the sex scenes passionate yet meaningful, and the chemistry between Aurelia and Roland undeniable. Still, I would have liked just a touch more bite to their conflict—it felt as if the story could have pushed further into the darker, more tortured depths hinted at in Roland’s past.
Recommended for: readers who love age-gap romances, heroines who are quietly daring, and rakes who discover that love may not be the ruin they fear.
Final Verdict: Refreshing, intimate, and quietly powerful—Aurelia proves even the most jaded rake can be undone by love.
Rating = 4/5
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As is signature S.M. LaViolette, Aurelia is a sensual, atmospheric historical romance that pulls the reader into its lushly detailed setting and makes you root for two unlikely lovers who could not be more different. Aurelia Bellamy, the ever-responsible eldest daughter of her family, is ready to finally step out of the mold that has defined her. When the chance arises to work as an artist for one of England’s most renowned naturalists, she seizes it, even if it means traveling to a remote island to work for Roland Montgomery, the Eighth Earl of Creew, a man infamous for his rakish past and rumored moral ruin.
Roland is a man both physically and emotionally scarred, carrying the ghosts of his two failed marriages and a cynicism that runs deep. He has long convinced himself that love is not for the likes of him. Aurelia, on the other hand, is a prim, spirited young woman whose innate curiosity, artistic eye, and quiet strength makes her stand out in ways Roland never anticipated. Their attraction, once sparked, builds steadily into something far more complicated than either expects.
While Aurelia represents hope, beauty, and a certain innocence of heart, Roland embodies the disillusionment of a man who has seen too much betrayal. It is this push and pull—the idealism of a woman who believes in love against the jaded certainty of a man who believes it only destroys—that fuels the heart of the story. Watching them slowly surrender to what grows between them is both tender and steamy, with an intensity that lingers long after the last page is turned.
I found Aurelia to be an engaging heroine; witty, brave, and determined to carve out a life beyond the quiet sacrifices expected of her. She is ambitious without being reckless, and her compassion shines even when Roland tries to push her away. Roland himself is undeniably sexy, though a touch tamer than I had expected for such a notorious rake. His inner struggles and scars were compelling, but at times I wished for a little more raw angst to heighten the emotional stakes.
As always, LaViolette’s prose is beautifully layered, and her take on historical settings is refreshingly modern (a bit too much at times perhaps). The sensuality is woven seamlessly into the narrative, the sex scenes passionate yet meaningful, and the chemistry between Aurelia and Roland undeniable. Still, I would have liked just a touch more bite to their conflict—it felt as if the story could have pushed further into the darker, more tortured depths hinted at in Roland’s past.
Recommended for: readers who love age-gap romances, heroines who are quietly daring, and rakes who discover that love may not be the ruin they fear.
Final Verdict: Refreshing, intimate, and quietly powerful—Aurelia proves even the most jaded rake can be undone by love.
Rating = 4/5
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