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Il sapore del paradiso
Inghilterra - Giamaica, 1831
Per sfuggire a uno dei numerosi creditori del fratello che la molesta, una sera Sophie Carlisle si nasconde su una nave ancorata nel porto di Londra, pensando di scendere a terra inosservata la mattina seguente. Al risveglio, però, scopre che la nave è ormai in mare aperto e, come se non bastasse, al timone rivede Christian Radcliff, l'uomo che sette anni prima, dopo essersi battuto in duello per lei e aver ucciso il rivale, aveva preferito imbarcarsi piuttosto che sposarla e affrontare lo scandalo suscitato da quel drammatico epilogo. Ma durante la lunga traversata verso i Caraibi, nelle tiepide notti rischiarate dalla luna, il doloroso passato sembra così lontano che per Sophie è facile cedere all'antica passione. Soprattutto quando il bacio del suo capitano ha il sapore del paradiso.
Per sfuggire a uno dei numerosi creditori del fratello che la molesta, una sera Sophie Carlisle si nasconde su una nave ancorata nel porto di Londra, pensando di scendere a terra inosservata la mattina seguente. Al risveglio, però, scopre che la nave è ormai in mare aperto e, come se non bastasse, al timone rivede Christian Radcliff, l'uomo che sette anni prima, dopo essersi battuto in duello per lei e aver ucciso il rivale, aveva preferito imbarcarsi piuttosto che sposarla e affrontare lo scandalo suscitato da quel drammatico epilogo. Ma durante la lunga traversata verso i Caraibi, nelle tiepide notti rischiarate dalla luna, il doloroso passato sembra così lontano che per Sophie è facile cedere all'antica passione. Soprattutto quando il bacio del suo capitano ha il sapore del paradiso.
315 pages
First published January 1, 2006
About the author
Connie Mason
142 books540 followersConnie Mason or Cara Miles is the best-selling author of more than fifty historical romances and novellas. Her tales of passion and adventure are set in exotic as well as American locales. Connie was named Story Teller of the Year in 1990 by Romantic Times and was awarded Career Achievement award in the Western category by Romantic Times in 1994. Connie makes her home in Tarpon Springs, Florida with her husband Jerry.
Prior to her first published work in 1984, Connie was a full time homemaker. Always an avid reader, writing was one of Connie's dreams.
In 1995 Connie was featured on a segment of the CBS news show 48 Hours, a television production that devoted an entire program to the romance novel industry. Connie was also featured in an article published by National Inquirer.
In addition to writing and traveling, Connie enjoys telling anyone who will listen about her three children and nine grandchildren, and sharing memories of her years living abroad in Europe and Asia as the wife of a career serviceman. In her spare time Connie enjoys reading, dancing, playing bridge and freshwater fishing with her husband.
Prior to her first published work in 1984, Connie was a full time homemaker. Always an avid reader, writing was one of Connie's dreams.
In 1995 Connie was featured on a segment of the CBS news show 48 Hours, a television production that devoted an entire program to the romance novel industry. Connie was also featured in an article published by National Inquirer.
In addition to writing and traveling, Connie enjoys telling anyone who will listen about her three children and nine grandchildren, and sharing memories of her years living abroad in Europe and Asia as the wife of a career serviceman. In her spare time Connie enjoys reading, dancing, playing bridge and freshwater fishing with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
April 7, 2020
This book kept me reading. Liked both Chris and Sophia.
May 26, 2020
A CLASSIC CONNIE MASON SET IN THE TROPICAL LUSHNESS OF JAMAICA IN THE 1800s. WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE?!
CHRISTIAN was once a young buck in love who met with an accident with his best friend, resulting in Desmond's death. Apparently it's over a young woman who played their feelings and destroyed everyone's lives. Well, that's not the WHOLE TRUTH anyway. I didn't like it when Christian blamed Sophia for the death of Desmond. I mean, HE had a brain to think if dueling with his best friend over a woman was a good idea or not. They should have known playing with guns...someone would end up dead and he had the guts to blame it on Sophia? Sure, she may have ignited his feelings but she never FORCED HIM or ASKED HIM to point that gun at his own best friend. That's the injustice logic I couldn't get over. I think he was a coward for pinning his own faults on a woman and then be bitter about her for the next 7 years. When Christian's life intertwines with Sophia again, he's eager to be rid of her only that FATE has other plans when she winds up on his ship, then in his home plantation in Jamaica, and then becoming his wife. As stupid as it is, I quite enjoyed the angst of having Christian drag out the fact that he's in love with Sophia but never wants to admit it. It made the story much more interesting.
SOPHIA is merely a pawn in Fate's cruel game. Yes, as a young debutante she may have been foolish and played with the hearts of two young men who vied for her love. One she loved, is poor. The other is rich and she's forced to wed him. Unfortunately, a scandal broke out when Christian and Desmond dueled over her and one loss his life. Christian fled, leaving her to be banished to the countryside and when her parents died, Sophia's left in the terrible care of her stepbrother who only sells her virginity off to his debtor for payment. Sophia managed to run away from being raped and ends up as a stowaway on Christian's ship bound for Jamaica. She gets the second chance to reunite with the love of her life but he's too stubborn to fall back in love with her or allow their happiness to grow with the ghost of his past weighing on his shoulders.
OVERALL it was a classical historical romance. Yes, maybe it's a tad dramatic but I think it's the SOLE REASON why I always enjoy Connie Mason's stories. She's got the drama, the angst, the jealousy and the passion down to a 'T'.
CHRISTIAN was once a young buck in love who met with an accident with his best friend, resulting in Desmond's death. Apparently it's over a young woman who played their feelings and destroyed everyone's lives. Well, that's not the WHOLE TRUTH anyway. I didn't like it when Christian blamed Sophia for the death of Desmond. I mean, HE had a brain to think if dueling with his best friend over a woman was a good idea or not. They should have known playing with guns...someone would end up dead and he had the guts to blame it on Sophia? Sure, she may have ignited his feelings but she never FORCED HIM or ASKED HIM to point that gun at his own best friend. That's the injustice logic I couldn't get over. I think he was a coward for pinning his own faults on a woman and then be bitter about her for the next 7 years. When Christian's life intertwines with Sophia again, he's eager to be rid of her only that FATE has other plans when she winds up on his ship, then in his home plantation in Jamaica, and then becoming his wife. As stupid as it is, I quite enjoyed the angst of having Christian drag out the fact that he's in love with Sophia but never wants to admit it. It made the story much more interesting.
SOPHIA is merely a pawn in Fate's cruel game. Yes, as a young debutante she may have been foolish and played with the hearts of two young men who vied for her love. One she loved, is poor. The other is rich and she's forced to wed him. Unfortunately, a scandal broke out when Christian and Desmond dueled over her and one loss his life. Christian fled, leaving her to be banished to the countryside and when her parents died, Sophia's left in the terrible care of her stepbrother who only sells her virginity off to his debtor for payment. Sophia managed to run away from being raped and ends up as a stowaway on Christian's ship bound for Jamaica. She gets the second chance to reunite with the love of her life but he's too stubborn to fall back in love with her or allow their happiness to grow with the ghost of his past weighing on his shoulders.
OVERALL it was a classical historical romance. Yes, maybe it's a tad dramatic but I think it's the SOLE REASON why I always enjoy Connie Mason's stories. She's got the drama, the angst, the jealousy and the passion down to a 'T'.
September 12, 2016
As the book opens the hero is banging Not The Heroine and I found myself asking, "Have I read this before? This scene is very familiar." But I ended up acknowledging many a Connie Mason book opens with the hero banging Not The Heroine. (I also have to acknowledge how hard it is to type after having a couple of Not The Non-Alcoholic drinks. With the help of my backspace key I will get through this.)
Christian Radcliff and Sophia Carlisle have a past together but it is marred with The Tragedy of Chris accidentally killing his best friend in a drunken duel. What's that? You forgot Chris accidentally killed his best friend in a drunken duel?! How could you forget Christian accidentally killed his best friend in a drunken duel? We'd better have Chris and Sophia mention this at least 30+ times so you won't forget about Chris accidentally killing his best friend in a drunken duel.
Christian Radcliff and Sophia Carlisle have a past together but it is marred with The Tragedy of Chris accidentally killing his best friend in a drunken duel. What's that? You forgot Chris accidentally killed his best friend in a drunken duel?! How could you forget Christian accidentally killed his best friend in a drunken duel? We'd better have Chris and Sophia mention this at least 30+ times so you won't forget about Chris accidentally killing his best friend in a drunken duel.
August 17, 2021
Plot had great potential. Dialogue and characters were rather generic and forgettable however. 2.5 stars rounded down.
Want to Read
July 18, 2013Free today, 18/6
Thanks Misfit
Thanks Misfit
August 28, 2021
What this book has going for it, is that it's not a WOT (waste of time), which many books classified as romance novels tend to be, when focused only on the couple, the love/hate routine and the sex scenes. This book had misunderstanding and guilt rather than verbal sparring (though there was some of that too ) as well as an unwillingness to let go of the past and wrongfully putting the blame for a tragedy where it shouldn't have been. It also had some really HOT sex, but thankfully, the story went beyond that.
It took you to a turbulent time in history, leading up to the Jamaican slave rebellion of 1831. You learn something of the situation on the island at that time, what it was like for white plantation owners, as well as the slaves, free people of color, and runaway slaves, or Maroons, who settled in the Blue Mountains, where they could live as free people, and Sam Sharp, who preached non violent rebellion.
The beauty of the island is described in full, as well as its dangers, being subject to Mother Nature's full power, when hurricanes strike.
You read this and you learn something, while enjoying an entertaining story, and will never feel it's a WOT.
It took you to a turbulent time in history, leading up to the Jamaican slave rebellion of 1831. You learn something of the situation on the island at that time, what it was like for white plantation owners, as well as the slaves, free people of color, and runaway slaves, or Maroons, who settled in the Blue Mountains, where they could live as free people, and Sam Sharp, who preached non violent rebellion.
The beauty of the island is described in full, as well as its dangers, being subject to Mother Nature's full power, when hurricanes strike.
You read this and you learn something, while enjoying an entertaining story, and will never feel it's a WOT.
August 4, 2017
Si poteva fare di più, DECISAMENTE di più. Su tutti i fronti, a cominciare dalla prima parte della trama, scontata, e dalla banalità della seconda.
Anacronistico e improbabile.
Inoltre mi risulta un po' difficile credere che una pallida rosa inglese come la protagonista, dopo un paio di giorni all'aria aperta acquisti un'abbronzatura da solari Bilboa che la fa quasi passare per una donna di colore -.-'
Andiamo...
Con la pelle delicata e diafana che avevano come minimo le sarebbe venuto un eritema!
Anacronistico e improbabile.
Inoltre mi risulta un po' difficile credere che una pallida rosa inglese come la protagonista, dopo un paio di giorni all'aria aperta acquisti un'abbronzatura da solari Bilboa che la fa quasi passare per una donna di colore -.-'
Andiamo...
Con la pelle delicata e diafana che avevano come minimo le sarebbe venuto un eritema!
May 29, 2018
Recuerdo vagamente una chica que huye de un encuentro sexual forzado por su hermano que casi la prostituye. Ella escapa y aterriza en el barco de Chris, su antiguo amor. No recuerdo nada más. Qué poco impacto, este libro...
February 8, 2019
Paradise
I loved this story, I recommend everyone to read this book, I look forward to reading more of her books. Kattie
I loved this story, I recommend everyone to read this book, I look forward to reading more of her books. Kattie
February 24, 2021
Was a very easy read, I don't much read romance, but this one was great to get into.
September 26, 2023
H is not swoon worthy. He's not a great hero and I couldn't root for him at any point in the book. The h would've been better off living on her own without him.
November 6, 2023
A complicated love story.
Want to Read
March 17, 2025Summer Pile
January 18, 2026
Ewww not the book starting immediately with the hero busy thrusting his whore ruthlessly.
April 8, 2026
I understand why a lot of people dont like these type of salacious Regency romances but I love them every once in awhile. Extremely formulaic but a palette cleanser and kind of fun to read
June 19, 2020
3 - 3.5 stars. Good Connie Mason story, although others I have read are better. All in all I did enjoy this it’s on the lighter side not the OTT drama. Surprising enough Chris’ constant guilt over his friend’s death didn’t get on my nerves. The first half of the book really had me turning pages. I found the ending a little quick, simple, and predictable tying it all up in the HEA that we expect. Again, all in all a good quick summer read and it’s Connie M. If you have read her books you know her style. I happen to enjoy many of her books.
May 27, 2009
Exotic, romatic and entertaining. What more can a girl ask for? The character development in this book was amazing! I loved watching their relationship grow as well as learn about there past together as they grew past that to their relationship in the present. Even better it was a battle to get to past the past which I always enjoy a dark past event that encroaches on the present. Both character were so confused of what happened in the past and each had to deal with it in different ways effecting them both in different ways when they meet once more. I enjoyed that in their relationship. Also I loved that there was never a dull moment in this book there is always something happening, something gone wrong or some such. I deal with it in other books because they're usually good enough to look past lulls int he story but I love when somehting is always happening! And this book delievers amazingly in that area as well as others. Even better its set in both London, the sea and other exotic places which make it that much better. I can see myself reading this book again in the near future.
Read
August 27, 2011Un libro ricco di imprevisti e colpi di scena che per questo si legge facilmente ed in breve tempo. I due protagonisti sono ben delineati, ma i personaggi negativi ed in particolare il nobile inglese che come pagamento di un debito di gioco vuole passare a qualunque costo una notte con Sophie hanno poco spessore e sono descritti in modo un po' convenzionale e stereotipato.
E' interessante il fatto che il protagonista maschile, il capitano Christian Radcliff, riesca a salvare dalla distruzione la propria piantagione in Giamaica durante una rivolta degli schiavi, perché, essendo contrario alla schiavitù, aveva liberato pochi mesi prima i lavoratori che coltivavano la canna da zucchero nella sua proprietà e per questo durante la rivolta i lavoratori, che erano stati trattati con dignità e da persone libere, non si erano lasciati andare a saccheggi e distruzioni come nelle altre piantagioni...
Peccato che l'autrice non abbia voluto approfondire di più né questo aspetto né la vita dei coloni inglesi in Giamaica...
Il titolo del libro, che è molto evocativo, si riferisce al fatto che, secondo Sophia, i baci di Christian avevano il sapore del Paradiso.
E' interessante il fatto che il protagonista maschile, il capitano Christian Radcliff, riesca a salvare dalla distruzione la propria piantagione in Giamaica durante una rivolta degli schiavi, perché, essendo contrario alla schiavitù, aveva liberato pochi mesi prima i lavoratori che coltivavano la canna da zucchero nella sua proprietà e per questo durante la rivolta i lavoratori, che erano stati trattati con dignità e da persone libere, non si erano lasciati andare a saccheggi e distruzioni come nelle altre piantagioni...
Peccato che l'autrice non abbia voluto approfondire di più né questo aspetto né la vita dei coloni inglesi in Giamaica...
Il titolo del libro, che è molto evocativo, si riferisce al fatto che, secondo Sophia, i baci di Christian avevano il sapore del Paradiso.
Read
February 8, 2012Un libro ricco di imprevisti e colpi di scena che per questo si legge facilmente ed in breve tempo. I due protagonisti sono ben delineati, ma i personaggi negativi ed in particolare il nobile inglese che come pagamento di un debito di gioco vuole passare a qualunque costo una notte con Sophie hanno poco spessore e sono descritti in modo un po' convenzionale e stereotipato.
E' interessante il fatto che il protagonista maschile, il capitano Christian Radcliff, riesca a salvare dalla distruzione la propria piantagione in Giamaica durante una rivolta degli schiavi, perché, essendo contrario alla schiavitù, aveva liberato pochi mesi prima i lavoratori che coltivavano la canna da zucchero nella sua proprietà e per questo durante la rivolta i lavoratori, che erano stati trattati con dignità e da persone libere, non si erano lasciati andare a saccheggi e distruzioni come nelle altre piantagioni...
Peccato che l'autrice non abbia voluto approfondire di più né questo aspetto né la vita dei coloni inglesi in Giamaica...
Il titolo del libro, che è molto evocativo, si riferisce al fatto che, secondo Sophia, i baci di Christian avevano il sapore del Paradiso.
E' interessante il fatto che il protagonista maschile, il capitano Christian Radcliff, riesca a salvare dalla distruzione la propria piantagione in Giamaica durante una rivolta degli schiavi, perché, essendo contrario alla schiavitù, aveva liberato pochi mesi prima i lavoratori che coltivavano la canna da zucchero nella sua proprietà e per questo durante la rivolta i lavoratori, che erano stati trattati con dignità e da persone libere, non si erano lasciati andare a saccheggi e distruzioni come nelle altre piantagioni...
Peccato che l'autrice non abbia voluto approfondire di più né questo aspetto né la vita dei coloni inglesi in Giamaica...
Il titolo del libro, che è molto evocativo, si riferisce al fatto che, secondo Sophia, i baci di Christian avevano il sapore del Paradiso.
December 31, 2011
I think that 4 stars are too many and 3 aren't enough so let's say 3.5 stars. When i read what was this book about i couldn't wait to read it, it sounded so interesting and in the begging it was, I can't say that I didn't enjoy the story or that i didn't like the storyline and everything, but in the dialogue between Sophia and Christian was something missing, maybe the death of Christian best friend or something, but still it was a great book. The different thing in this book was that there wasn't something major to stay between Sophi and Chris there was always bad happening but they found the way to each other over and over again. About the end it was a nice end but not s strong one.
February 7, 2012
Una buona lettura! Forse la trama non e' tra le piu' originali, ma sicuramente coinvolge fino in fondo, i personaggi sono ben tratteggiati e i dialoghi vivaci, la Giamaica e' molto ben descritta con colori, profumi e quasi verrebbe voglia di andarci...
La protagonista e' una specie di calamita' naturale, non solo i guai la seguono, ma la trovano e lei non riesce a starne lontana, lui cerca di salvarla con il matrimonio ma lei non vuole rinunciare all'amore...
Ben descritto il periodo storico e affrontato anche lo schiavismo nelle piantagioni e la tratta degli schiavi anche se marginalmente...
Molto piacevole, consigliato!
La protagonista e' una specie di calamita' naturale, non solo i guai la seguono, ma la trovano e lei non riesce a starne lontana, lui cerca di salvarla con il matrimonio ma lei non vuole rinunciare all'amore...
Ben descritto il periodo storico e affrontato anche lo schiavismo nelle piantagioni e la tratta degli schiavi anche se marginalmente...
Molto piacevole, consigliato!
January 30, 2014
Sophia stowed away on a ship because she was running away from her stepbrother's attempts to sell her to the highest bidder. She does not realize that she has stowed away on Christian's ship. They have a history together where Christian feels that Sophia betrayed him. Christian's friend was killed during this episode and Christian feels he can forgive Sophia for what happened. They end up sailing together to Jamaica and after being forced together realize that they may be able to overcome the past.
July 3, 2013
la Mason resta una sicurezza!
come sempre, adoro come scrive e gli intrighi che riesce a tessere. i personaggi sono ben delineati e la storia scorre velocissima...forse alcuni dialoghi sono un pò tirati (soprattutto quelli tra Sophie e Chris riguardo alla morte di Desmond),ma nell'insieme questa sensazione non ha un grande peso. l'antagonista è un signor antagonista...anche se alla fine si fa beffare come un principiante e la sua morte non mi ha soddisfatta appieno.
come sempre, adoro come scrive e gli intrighi che riesce a tessere. i personaggi sono ben delineati e la storia scorre velocissima...forse alcuni dialoghi sono un pò tirati (soprattutto quelli tra Sophie e Chris riguardo alla morte di Desmond),ma nell'insieme questa sensazione non ha un grande peso. l'antagonista è un signor antagonista...anche se alla fine si fa beffare come un principiante e la sua morte non mi ha soddisfatta appieno.
February 8, 2010
3.5 stars. Enjoyable. Shunned girl and tormented guy meet again years later. Struggle with clashing personalities and being confined on a ship. Most of the book is set on an island in jamaica. Not emotionally rich, lots of semi graphic and steamy sex.
September 29, 2013
As always with Ms Mason's books, a well written and dramatic story that keeps you hooked until the very end. Colorful and exciting characters, wit beautifully descriptive and vivid settings. All you ever need in a historical romance with a difference x
April 3, 2016
Not the most Connie-Masonest of Connie Mason books. it felt rushed and at times the character's actions seemed to be only plot devices and not real motives.
But overall still a compelling read. very interested in discussing it with book club.
But overall still a compelling read. very interested in discussing it with book club.
January 31, 2011
The ending was very anti-climatic! The beginning was interesting enough and then the story line became a little redundant!
September 26, 2011
Some good emotional moments in this one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews