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Jaded Gentleman #4
Passion Wears Pearls
After the darkness of a dungeon in India, artist Josiah Hastings dreamt of returning to a world lush with color—only to discover that years of imprisonment left his eyesight weak and failing. So when the fiery beauty of Miss Eleanor Beckett appears in his vision amidst the bleak grays of a London winter, he knows he's found his muse and one last chance at a masterpiece.
Once a spoiled and exultant girl, Eleanor is struggling to survive in a city where men prey upon her. Saving her from assault and ruin, Josiah will pay her a fortune to sit for a painting. To restore her life, Eleanor must risk her reputation modeling for an artist without a chaperone—and try not to lose her heart to a man with dark secrets and unseen enemies...
Once a spoiled and exultant girl, Eleanor is struggling to survive in a city where men prey upon her. Saving her from assault and ruin, Josiah will pay her a fortune to sit for a painting. To restore her life, Eleanor must risk her reputation modeling for an artist without a chaperone—and try not to lose her heart to a man with dark secrets and unseen enemies...
316 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 6, 2012
About the author
Renee Bernard
34 books255 followersWhat in the world is a retired Navy chaplain’s daughter doing writing scorching hot historical romances and paranormal graphic novels? Renee Bernard is applying a great education from traveling all over the world to story telling and doing her best to keep her father proud. Truthfully, her father is her number one fan, even though he has sworn never to read a single word of her books (a vow he has kept to this day!) Nothing stops him from telling everyone he knows that his daughter is now a USA Today Bestselling author or from handing out bookmarks on the golf course. Love can make even a minister do strange things!
Renee Bernard is a freelance writer and host of “Canned Laughter and Coffee” on Readers Entertainment, as well as a contributor to Romantic Times BookReviews magazine. Renee currently lives in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Northern California. (Note an interesting proximity to great wineries!)
Renee Bernard is a freelance writer and host of “Canned Laughter and Coffee” on Readers Entertainment, as well as a contributor to Romantic Times BookReviews magazine. Renee currently lives in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Northern California. (Note an interesting proximity to great wineries!)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
April 24, 2017
Renee Bernard was a new to me author. Her covers are gorgeous and the blurbs for her books sounded interesting so I gave it a try.
The writing style is smooth and the characters are likable. However, I really didn't like the sex scenes. These were more over-the-top than traditional published historical romance and too much for my taste. Even though I found the storyline interesting, the too-detailed, purple-prosy sex scenes were a huge turn-off for me. I lost interest in the characters and couldn't continue.
Now, take my review with a grain of salt. I often enjoy sex scenes, but I avoid authors such as Elizabeth Hoyt, Madeline Hunter, and Lila DiPasqua because their sex scenes are unappealing to me. If you enjoy the heavier sexual element, this may not bother you. I just prefer to not get glimpses of interest in anal sex, a description of semen, or sex with pain. It just isn't my thing. If you aren't bothered by this, Bernard's books are often on sale or free and you can check her out. Her writing style is appealing if you're less rigid than I am :)
The writing style is smooth and the characters are likable. However, I really didn't like the sex scenes. These were more over-the-top than traditional published historical romance and too much for my taste. Even though I found the storyline interesting, the too-detailed, purple-prosy sex scenes were a huge turn-off for me. I lost interest in the characters and couldn't continue.
Now, take my review with a grain of salt. I often enjoy sex scenes, but I avoid authors such as Elizabeth Hoyt, Madeline Hunter, and Lila DiPasqua because their sex scenes are unappealing to me. If you enjoy the heavier sexual element, this may not bother you. I just prefer to not get glimpses of interest in anal sex, a description of semen, or sex with pain. It just isn't my thing. If you aren't bothered by this, Bernard's books are often on sale or free and you can check her out. Her writing style is appealing if you're less rigid than I am :)
December 30, 2015
Usually, I try to avoid picking out books that are the latest in a series since the foundations for the characters and the underlying arc are already well established by the time book four rolls around. However, in Passion Wears Pearls I was surprised at how well this book stood on its own and how little I regretted that I had not read the three titles before it. The tie that binds this series together is the story of eight men who were wrongly imprisoned during the Indian Rebellion of 1857 and how they escaped together to form a cadre known as "The Jaded."
I liked the character of Eleanor. She is the classic example of book-smart over street-smart, but her naiveté never crosses over the line into stupid territory. Growing up, her only goal was to become a proper young woman who would be accepted within polite society despite her family being of the middle class. She reads etiquette books as bedtime stories; she keeps her head held high as she barely stays off the streets working as a shop girl in a grittier part of London. She has a rude awakening to the seedier side of how a young woman alone makes a living, but fortunately Josiah Hastings saves her from ruin just in time.
For artist Josiah, his meeting with Eleanor is nothing short of divine intervention, coming at the moment when he feels he cannot get lower. Since his youngest days Josiah was inspired to make art, expressing on canvas the beauty he found in the world. His quest for new inspirations led him to India, but his timing was terrible; he was caught in an uprising, becoming imprisoned in a dark dungeon for years. A year after his escape, Josiah's world is being plunged back into darkness when he discovers his eyesight is degenerating and he is slowly losing the ability to see colors. When he saves Eleanor from her would-be rapist, he is immediately struck by how her image is bright and colorful against the shades of grey that had taken over his world. He immediately proposes a business contract with Eleanor that completely skirts propriety: Model for him and she will be paid enough to become independent. Her agreement to his proposal puts the two of them into close company for weeks and through this time they slowly begin to open themselves up to one another.
I appreciated the time that the author took to develop the relationship between Eleanor and Josiah. The first few modeling sessions are tense affairs as Eleanor is still fighting to remain proper in a very improper environment. Josiah is enamored by his new muse's beauty, but in talking with her he starts to know her mind as well and it makes her appeal that much richer. When they do come together, the passion they express is intense.
As this was a new author to me, there were some writing choices that I had to get used to. Bernard's style for her character's thoughts was a bit different; having both Josiah and Eleanor “talk” to themselves in italicized inner monologues became a bit distracting. She also switches character point-of-view from one paragraph to the next causing me to pause just to be sure I knew who was doing what. The hardest for me was how she flirts dangerously close to purple-prose during the most intimate scenes between her characters. I almost wish she had put down the thesaurus and just used plain speak for these parts.
Fans of the "Jaded Gentlemen" series might be frustrated with how little progress seems to be made in the efforts to flush out the villain or discover exactly what the treasure is. Not having any prior knowledge of the series, this part of the book didn't carry the suspense level it should have for me. I longed for the author to take pity on a new reader and give me at least an extra page or two of background information of exactly what had happened to these men other than the vague idea that they were imprisoned, escaped, and took some valuable jewels with them.
With all that said, while I may not go back to revisit the three men whose stories have been told, I am glad to have read Josiah's story as an introduction to the series. And I found enough to enjoy in Passion Wears Pearls that I'm ready to move forward and learn more of the men still looking for love, to see exactly how the Jaded will defeat the man they dubbed the Jackal and how each will find peace in their resumed lives in England.
I liked the character of Eleanor. She is the classic example of book-smart over street-smart, but her naiveté never crosses over the line into stupid territory. Growing up, her only goal was to become a proper young woman who would be accepted within polite society despite her family being of the middle class. She reads etiquette books as bedtime stories; she keeps her head held high as she barely stays off the streets working as a shop girl in a grittier part of London. She has a rude awakening to the seedier side of how a young woman alone makes a living, but fortunately Josiah Hastings saves her from ruin just in time.
For artist Josiah, his meeting with Eleanor is nothing short of divine intervention, coming at the moment when he feels he cannot get lower. Since his youngest days Josiah was inspired to make art, expressing on canvas the beauty he found in the world. His quest for new inspirations led him to India, but his timing was terrible; he was caught in an uprising, becoming imprisoned in a dark dungeon for years. A year after his escape, Josiah's world is being plunged back into darkness when he discovers his eyesight is degenerating and he is slowly losing the ability to see colors. When he saves Eleanor from her would-be rapist, he is immediately struck by how her image is bright and colorful against the shades of grey that had taken over his world. He immediately proposes a business contract with Eleanor that completely skirts propriety: Model for him and she will be paid enough to become independent. Her agreement to his proposal puts the two of them into close company for weeks and through this time they slowly begin to open themselves up to one another.
I appreciated the time that the author took to develop the relationship between Eleanor and Josiah. The first few modeling sessions are tense affairs as Eleanor is still fighting to remain proper in a very improper environment. Josiah is enamored by his new muse's beauty, but in talking with her he starts to know her mind as well and it makes her appeal that much richer. When they do come together, the passion they express is intense.
As this was a new author to me, there were some writing choices that I had to get used to. Bernard's style for her character's thoughts was a bit different; having both Josiah and Eleanor “talk” to themselves in italicized inner monologues became a bit distracting. She also switches character point-of-view from one paragraph to the next causing me to pause just to be sure I knew who was doing what. The hardest for me was how she flirts dangerously close to purple-prose during the most intimate scenes between her characters. I almost wish she had put down the thesaurus and just used plain speak for these parts.
Fans of the "Jaded Gentlemen" series might be frustrated with how little progress seems to be made in the efforts to flush out the villain or discover exactly what the treasure is. Not having any prior knowledge of the series, this part of the book didn't carry the suspense level it should have for me. I longed for the author to take pity on a new reader and give me at least an extra page or two of background information of exactly what had happened to these men other than the vague idea that they were imprisoned, escaped, and took some valuable jewels with them.
With all that said, while I may not go back to revisit the three men whose stories have been told, I am glad to have read Josiah's story as an introduction to the series. And I found enough to enjoy in Passion Wears Pearls that I'm ready to move forward and learn more of the men still looking for love, to see exactly how the Jaded will defeat the man they dubbed the Jackal and how each will find peace in their resumed lives in England.
March 7, 2012
When picking up this book, I was worried about being sucked into an emotionally draining plot with an almost blind hero and a penniless heroine. My reservations fell away within the first couple of chapters to be replaced with warm fuzzies by the end of this well-written Victorian romance.
Josiah Hastings is an artist needing inspiration to capture one last masterpiece before his eyesight fails him completely. He finds his muse in Eleanor Beckett as she is being forced into a man’s carriage on a street corner. He rescues her not only from the man, but also from her employer and landlady, and helps her find respectable living arrangements all in a day. He realizes that the color she has so unexpectedly brought into his life must be captured in paints before his sight succumbs to shadows. Josiah then proposes a business arrangement to Eleanor – a large amount of money in exchange for her modeling for his painting.
Eleanor Beckett was orphaned and, as a result, was reduced to poverty from riches. Her father had wanted her to be a lady in every way, so she strives to be as respectable as possible in her life, her occupation and in her etiquette. When she is kicked out of her job for refusing a male “patron”, she is sure she will end up on the streets. Her morals and her immediate need for financial security clash with Josiah Hastings' proposal. Practicality wins as she realizes her job prospects without a reference are bleak.
The rest of the book is about their developing relationship as the painting progresses. There is also some action from Josiah’s group of friends, The Jaded, who were imprisoned and escaped from India together with treasure.
What makes this book special are the wonderful characterizations. Josiah is a former rake and dandy who used to be full of pride and talent. He is now realizing that he must let go of life the way he knew it as he turns blind. From counting steps rather than rely on sight, to dozens of candles in a single room to try and compensate for his dark vision; from dealing with pride when stumbling into objects or falling in public, to a quiet sacrifice in love by never declaring his emotions so Eleanor isn’t tied down; and also to taking care of an invalid - what a touching way to take readers on a journey through the psyche of someone experiencing such a paradigm shift. Eleanor, while prissy at times with her proper etiquette, comes across as a lonely woman who is at a crossroads between respectability and financial ruin. How she blossoms in confidence and personality as she interacts with Josiah is commendable writing as well.
Ms. Bernard also has a gift with words for setting up scenes, whether it be the gray of London winter or the sparkle of a dozen candles, or the starkness of an almost blind man’s living quarters. The love scenes are hot, with some candles and risqué wax play included. That is after the awkward kissing scene though, one which didn’t seem natural when she asks for a kiss, and he takes his time cleaning up before approaching her for it.
While there are a handful of secondary characters for brief passages, Josiah’s housekeeping couple were my favourites. I can still hear Mr. Escher’s bones cracking as he goes up and down the long flight of stairs, and Rita’s gruff, motherly concerns.
I had not read any of the earlier Jaded Gentleman books before reading this one. I was confused for maybe a few paragraphs as the group convenes to discuss more about the villain, a subplot that has presumably been running throughout the series and will be solved in the last one. It didn’t pull me out of the book or significantly disrupt the flow of the story, so I’d say this book can be read as a standalone.
Overall, I definitely recommend this book. Yes, I cried, living up to my original expectation of an emotional plot. But I cried because I was touched and happy in the end.
This book was reviewed for All About Romance
Josiah Hastings is an artist needing inspiration to capture one last masterpiece before his eyesight fails him completely. He finds his muse in Eleanor Beckett as she is being forced into a man’s carriage on a street corner. He rescues her not only from the man, but also from her employer and landlady, and helps her find respectable living arrangements all in a day. He realizes that the color she has so unexpectedly brought into his life must be captured in paints before his sight succumbs to shadows. Josiah then proposes a business arrangement to Eleanor – a large amount of money in exchange for her modeling for his painting.
Eleanor Beckett was orphaned and, as a result, was reduced to poverty from riches. Her father had wanted her to be a lady in every way, so she strives to be as respectable as possible in her life, her occupation and in her etiquette. When she is kicked out of her job for refusing a male “patron”, she is sure she will end up on the streets. Her morals and her immediate need for financial security clash with Josiah Hastings' proposal. Practicality wins as she realizes her job prospects without a reference are bleak.
The rest of the book is about their developing relationship as the painting progresses. There is also some action from Josiah’s group of friends, The Jaded, who were imprisoned and escaped from India together with treasure.
What makes this book special are the wonderful characterizations. Josiah is a former rake and dandy who used to be full of pride and talent. He is now realizing that he must let go of life the way he knew it as he turns blind. From counting steps rather than rely on sight, to dozens of candles in a single room to try and compensate for his dark vision; from dealing with pride when stumbling into objects or falling in public, to a quiet sacrifice in love by never declaring his emotions so Eleanor isn’t tied down; and also to taking care of an invalid - what a touching way to take readers on a journey through the psyche of someone experiencing such a paradigm shift. Eleanor, while prissy at times with her proper etiquette, comes across as a lonely woman who is at a crossroads between respectability and financial ruin. How she blossoms in confidence and personality as she interacts with Josiah is commendable writing as well.
Ms. Bernard also has a gift with words for setting up scenes, whether it be the gray of London winter or the sparkle of a dozen candles, or the starkness of an almost blind man’s living quarters. The love scenes are hot, with some candles and risqué wax play included. That is after the awkward kissing scene though, one which didn’t seem natural when she asks for a kiss, and he takes his time cleaning up before approaching her for it.
While there are a handful of secondary characters for brief passages, Josiah’s housekeeping couple were my favourites. I can still hear Mr. Escher’s bones cracking as he goes up and down the long flight of stairs, and Rita’s gruff, motherly concerns.
I had not read any of the earlier Jaded Gentleman books before reading this one. I was confused for maybe a few paragraphs as the group convenes to discuss more about the villain, a subplot that has presumably been running throughout the series and will be solved in the last one. It didn’t pull me out of the book or significantly disrupt the flow of the story, so I’d say this book can be read as a standalone.
Overall, I definitely recommend this book. Yes, I cried, living up to my original expectation of an emotional plot. But I cried because I was touched and happy in the end.
This book was reviewed for All About Romance
December 7, 2018
Josiah the artist, and Eleanor, his proper, uptight muse...
I loved Eleanor's resolve with dire poverty staring in her face, and I loved Josiah's honest desire to help her and others in need.
I really enjoyed 'Passion', which I believe I got as a freebie,or really cheap! I do feel that I need to read the previous three stories for sure though, as at times, I felt like some parts of the story went over my head. Still...it was well-written, and a good read!
Eleanor and Josiah were very good representations of what a hero and a heroine should be, in my opinion: They were smart, passionate, humorous (particularly Josiah), and a bit naive and stubborn.
4.5 stars!
I loved Eleanor's resolve with dire poverty staring in her face, and I loved Josiah's honest desire to help her and others in need.
I really enjoyed 'Passion', which I believe I got as a freebie,or really cheap! I do feel that I need to read the previous three stories for sure though, as at times, I felt like some parts of the story went over my head. Still...it was well-written, and a good read!
Eleanor and Josiah were very good representations of what a hero and a heroine should be, in my opinion: They were smart, passionate, humorous (particularly Josiah), and a bit naive and stubborn.
4.5 stars!
March 9, 2017
Renee Bernard's Jaded series continues to improve with each installment. The stories are lovely, but each set of characters are finely drawn and I love a good story that driven by character and not plot.
April 8, 2015
This is the fourth book in the Jaded Gentlemen series and, as always, Ms Bernard captivated me with her authentic story, intriguing characters, witty dialogue and sensual romance.
Josiah Hastings has one wish before his eyesight finally fails – to paint a masterpiece that will bring him immortality – but he has found “nothing to stir his soul” and give him the impetus to paint. He has become guarded and reclusive and his pride prevents him from admitting that his eyesight is failing even to his closest friends, the fellow Jaded. Only Dr. Rowan West manages to wheedle the truth out of him but, as a physician, he is sworn to secrecy. When Josiah rescues Miss Eleanor Beckett from being kidnapped and worse, he knows he has found his muse.
In a world of fog and fleeting shadows that haunted his vision, she was color. A living, breathing pillar of all his senses longed for – a muse of beauty that defied science and logic.
Orphaned and penniless, Eleanor Beckett is forced to take a job as a seamstress in Madame Claremont’s dress shop. She suffers the harsh conditions and long hours because the work is at least considered respectable for someone in her position. Respectability is the one thing she values above all else. However, events threaten that very respectability when she is rescued from a would-be kidnapping and assault by Josiah Hastings – a painter who offers her a huge amount of money if she will sit for a painting. It means a life she once knew…one of security and comfort…too tempting to refuse but Eleanor will have the last word.
“I’m not taking off my…” She swallowed hard, unsure of how a person delicately addressed the subject of nudity with such a man. “I won’t pose without…”
“I’ll not ask you to remove a thing against your will.” His brown eyes blazed hotter than the embers of a fire. “And if that is you last objection, I take it that your answer is…”
“Yes.”
God help me. Yes.
I felt that Ms Bernard’s portrayal of Josiah’s impending blindness was realistic. I could see the grey and black clouds that swirled across his vision and I could feel his anger and humiliation each time he stumbles or falls. He is a complex man, trying to come to terms with the reality of his situation but still clinging to the last vestiges of his pride.
“It’s pride. I’m too proud and it’s a sin, but I want to stand as an equal in the eyes of the Jaded for as long as I can. I don’t want pit. I just want to be myself and paint and enjoy what’s left to me. I walk about London each afternoon and I am my own man, Rowan.”
I love how the main focus of the book is on the developing relationship between Josiah and Eleanor. Watching the prim and proper Eleanor letting go of her inhibitions was delightful.
“I have but one question, Mr Hastings.”
He warily opened one eye. “And what is that?”
“As to etiquette – how soon can a person reasonably request you do that again?”
It was his turn to laugh before he kissed her, a gentle, reverent gesture that reignited and renewed the bonds between them. “Give me a few minutes to rest my eyes and I’ll see if I can’t demonstrate a satisfactory answer, Miss Becket.”
I sometimes wanted to knock some sense into Josiah for keeping the truth about his blindness from Eleanor for so long because he doesn’t want to be a burden to her. This causes some misunderstandings between them but, of course, love will always find a way.
He loved her. She loved him. Where was the problem? The path looked crystal clear.
The love scenes are highly sensual but written with tenderness and humour as well. My only criticisms are that the occasional purple prose creeps in and one of the scenes came as a total surprise and seemed very out of character.
Ms Bernard gathers together some memorable secondary characters.
~~ despicable Madame Claremont who is well and truly humiliated by Josiah.
~~ Mrs Clay, the owner of The Grove guest house where Eleanor rooms, who is like “a large, benevolent fairy godmother”.
~~ deaf, mute Tally, Mrs Clay’s “adopted son” who is a real sweetheart.
~~ Josiah’s loyal, elderly servants, the creaky-boned Mr Escher and his gruff wife who, according to Josiah, is “…as sweet as a kitten when you get to know her.”
The other Jaded Gentlemen make an appearance as they complete plans to flush out their enemy, the Jackal, but the mystery very much takes a back seat to the romance in this book. There are some dramatic events towards the end of the book and the Jaded discover that the Jackal may not be their only enemy.
My verdict: Captivating, romantic, witty and lusciously sensual!
REVIEW RATING: 4.5/5 STARS
The Jaded Gentlemen series (click on the book covers for more details):
This review is also posted on my Rakes and Rascals Blog:
https://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com...
Josiah Hastings has one wish before his eyesight finally fails – to paint a masterpiece that will bring him immortality – but he has found “nothing to stir his soul” and give him the impetus to paint. He has become guarded and reclusive and his pride prevents him from admitting that his eyesight is failing even to his closest friends, the fellow Jaded. Only Dr. Rowan West manages to wheedle the truth out of him but, as a physician, he is sworn to secrecy. When Josiah rescues Miss Eleanor Beckett from being kidnapped and worse, he knows he has found his muse.
In a world of fog and fleeting shadows that haunted his vision, she was color. A living, breathing pillar of all his senses longed for – a muse of beauty that defied science and logic.
Orphaned and penniless, Eleanor Beckett is forced to take a job as a seamstress in Madame Claremont’s dress shop. She suffers the harsh conditions and long hours because the work is at least considered respectable for someone in her position. Respectability is the one thing she values above all else. However, events threaten that very respectability when she is rescued from a would-be kidnapping and assault by Josiah Hastings – a painter who offers her a huge amount of money if she will sit for a painting. It means a life she once knew…one of security and comfort…too tempting to refuse but Eleanor will have the last word.
“I’m not taking off my…” She swallowed hard, unsure of how a person delicately addressed the subject of nudity with such a man. “I won’t pose without…”
“I’ll not ask you to remove a thing against your will.” His brown eyes blazed hotter than the embers of a fire. “And if that is you last objection, I take it that your answer is…”
“Yes.”
God help me. Yes.
I felt that Ms Bernard’s portrayal of Josiah’s impending blindness was realistic. I could see the grey and black clouds that swirled across his vision and I could feel his anger and humiliation each time he stumbles or falls. He is a complex man, trying to come to terms with the reality of his situation but still clinging to the last vestiges of his pride.
“It’s pride. I’m too proud and it’s a sin, but I want to stand as an equal in the eyes of the Jaded for as long as I can. I don’t want pit. I just want to be myself and paint and enjoy what’s left to me. I walk about London each afternoon and I am my own man, Rowan.”
I love how the main focus of the book is on the developing relationship between Josiah and Eleanor. Watching the prim and proper Eleanor letting go of her inhibitions was delightful.
“I have but one question, Mr Hastings.”
He warily opened one eye. “And what is that?”
“As to etiquette – how soon can a person reasonably request you do that again?”
It was his turn to laugh before he kissed her, a gentle, reverent gesture that reignited and renewed the bonds between them. “Give me a few minutes to rest my eyes and I’ll see if I can’t demonstrate a satisfactory answer, Miss Becket.”
I sometimes wanted to knock some sense into Josiah for keeping the truth about his blindness from Eleanor for so long because he doesn’t want to be a burden to her. This causes some misunderstandings between them but, of course, love will always find a way.
He loved her. She loved him. Where was the problem? The path looked crystal clear.
The love scenes are highly sensual but written with tenderness and humour as well. My only criticisms are that the occasional purple prose creeps in and one of the scenes came as a total surprise and seemed very out of character.
Ms Bernard gathers together some memorable secondary characters.
~~ despicable Madame Claremont who is well and truly humiliated by Josiah.
~~ Mrs Clay, the owner of The Grove guest house where Eleanor rooms, who is like “a large, benevolent fairy godmother”.
~~ deaf, mute Tally, Mrs Clay’s “adopted son” who is a real sweetheart.
~~ Josiah’s loyal, elderly servants, the creaky-boned Mr Escher and his gruff wife who, according to Josiah, is “…as sweet as a kitten when you get to know her.”
The other Jaded Gentlemen make an appearance as they complete plans to flush out their enemy, the Jackal, but the mystery very much takes a back seat to the romance in this book. There are some dramatic events towards the end of the book and the Jaded discover that the Jackal may not be their only enemy.
My verdict: Captivating, romantic, witty and lusciously sensual!
REVIEW RATING: 4.5/5 STARS
The Jaded Gentlemen series (click on the book covers for more details):
This review is also posted on my Rakes and Rascals Blog:
https://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com...
April 11, 2012
*2.5 Stars*
This book took forever to read. I didn’t dislike it but I didn’t precisely like it, either. I thought it was perfectly pleasant (until it got silly at the end) but I felt distant from it. I picked up the book expecting something more than I was given. I read on the back cover that the hero, an artist, was losing his eyesight after his imprisonment in a dungeon in India. That led me to expect some depth and intensity to his storyline. I didn’t precisely want angst, but I wanted more feeling. I mean, the man is losing his eyesight! His career, his passion, is slipping through his fingers, and it’s all because of his imprisonment. How can that not inspire some intensity in the hero? At the very least I expected some torment and bitterness.
I wouldn’t characterize this book as fluffy—well, the end was pretty fluffy, I have to admit—but I would definitely call it light. The characters stayed cheerful and amiable for the most part, and even when they were arguing, or the hero was brooding over his failing eyesight, the story maintained a fairly upbeat, pleasant tone. It made it easy to like the characters in the beginning, but it made it difficult to ever progress beyond that faint liking. It’s hard for me to really connect with a character when all I’m given is a superficial understanding of them. I never felt like I got any meat to them, even Josiah, which is surprising given that their backgrounds gave me the impression that they would have that in spades. I guess it was just not fleshed out enough for me.
I liked that the author stayed out of the nobility and focused on two working class people. Eleanor had fallen on hard times after the death of her father and was forced to work to support herself, but even before that her father wasn’t nobility; he was simply a man in trade. Eleanor even laughed at the thought of ever meeting a lord. She couldn’t imagine a circumstance that would ever lead to that. Josiah is the son of a lord, but he’s a third son and not a favorite of his father’s to boot. He was a struggling artist before he came back from India rich. He’s still an artist, looked down on in some circles, and the only difference now is that he doesn’t have to paint to support himself. I found it a refreshing change. Of course, Eleanor was similar to the typical heroine since she was hung up on all the etiquette lessons that she was taught in the hopes that she would raise her social position with marriage, but she was willing to seize the day and be with Josiah a lot easier than a typical lady would.
This is the fourth book in the Jaded Gentleman series, which features an ongoing subplot where the Jaded try to flush out the Jackal, who apparently wants something they took with them from India. That’s about all I really got about the overall plot. It was not an important part of the story and could have been skipped entirely, in my opinion. It was given so little attention that I’m not even really sure how long the hero was stuck in that prison. The villain pops up at the end of the book in a completely eye rolling scene. Their interaction was over in a blink and I was left praying for patience over the ridiculousness of the whole thing. I’d go into more detail about why it was so ridiculous, but I don’t want anyone screaming SPOILERS!!! at me since it’s the climactic scene.
Eleanor and Josiah fell in love with each other easily, although Josiah’s pride kept them apart far longer than was necessary. I can’t say that I felt any spark between them but they were pleasant together. Given then overall light, pleasant tone to the book and their relationship, I was rather shocked when one of their sex scenes came around. All of a sudden the heroine is having the hero drip hot wax on her and the hero starts to flirt with anal play. Sounds random and out of place, right? It was. It did not match with any of their earlier sex scenes or the tone of the book in general. It felt completely unnatural and like it was shoehorned in just to try to spice things up. I may not blink about that kind of stuff in another book, but it felt extremely weird in this one.
I know I’ve said the word ‘pleasant’ about a billion times in this review, but I can’t think of another way to describe it without being mean and just saying ‘meh’. Is it odd that I’d rather hate a book than feel so ambivalent about it? It’s just so hard to continue on when you’re bored.
Favorite Quote:
*Review originally posted on Fiction Vixen*
This book took forever to read. I didn’t dislike it but I didn’t precisely like it, either. I thought it was perfectly pleasant (until it got silly at the end) but I felt distant from it. I picked up the book expecting something more than I was given. I read on the back cover that the hero, an artist, was losing his eyesight after his imprisonment in a dungeon in India. That led me to expect some depth and intensity to his storyline. I didn’t precisely want angst, but I wanted more feeling. I mean, the man is losing his eyesight! His career, his passion, is slipping through his fingers, and it’s all because of his imprisonment. How can that not inspire some intensity in the hero? At the very least I expected some torment and bitterness.
I wouldn’t characterize this book as fluffy—well, the end was pretty fluffy, I have to admit—but I would definitely call it light. The characters stayed cheerful and amiable for the most part, and even when they were arguing, or the hero was brooding over his failing eyesight, the story maintained a fairly upbeat, pleasant tone. It made it easy to like the characters in the beginning, but it made it difficult to ever progress beyond that faint liking. It’s hard for me to really connect with a character when all I’m given is a superficial understanding of them. I never felt like I got any meat to them, even Josiah, which is surprising given that their backgrounds gave me the impression that they would have that in spades. I guess it was just not fleshed out enough for me.
I liked that the author stayed out of the nobility and focused on two working class people. Eleanor had fallen on hard times after the death of her father and was forced to work to support herself, but even before that her father wasn’t nobility; he was simply a man in trade. Eleanor even laughed at the thought of ever meeting a lord. She couldn’t imagine a circumstance that would ever lead to that. Josiah is the son of a lord, but he’s a third son and not a favorite of his father’s to boot. He was a struggling artist before he came back from India rich. He’s still an artist, looked down on in some circles, and the only difference now is that he doesn’t have to paint to support himself. I found it a refreshing change. Of course, Eleanor was similar to the typical heroine since she was hung up on all the etiquette lessons that she was taught in the hopes that she would raise her social position with marriage, but she was willing to seize the day and be with Josiah a lot easier than a typical lady would.
This is the fourth book in the Jaded Gentleman series, which features an ongoing subplot where the Jaded try to flush out the Jackal, who apparently wants something they took with them from India. That’s about all I really got about the overall plot. It was not an important part of the story and could have been skipped entirely, in my opinion. It was given so little attention that I’m not even really sure how long the hero was stuck in that prison. The villain pops up at the end of the book in a completely eye rolling scene. Their interaction was over in a blink and I was left praying for patience over the ridiculousness of the whole thing. I’d go into more detail about why it was so ridiculous, but I don’t want anyone screaming SPOILERS!!! at me since it’s the climactic scene.
Eleanor and Josiah fell in love with each other easily, although Josiah’s pride kept them apart far longer than was necessary. I can’t say that I felt any spark between them but they were pleasant together. Given then overall light, pleasant tone to the book and their relationship, I was rather shocked when one of their sex scenes came around. All of a sudden the heroine is having the hero drip hot wax on her and the hero starts to flirt with anal play. Sounds random and out of place, right? It was. It did not match with any of their earlier sex scenes or the tone of the book in general. It felt completely unnatural and like it was shoehorned in just to try to spice things up. I may not blink about that kind of stuff in another book, but it felt extremely weird in this one.
I know I’ve said the word ‘pleasant’ about a billion times in this review, but I can’t think of another way to describe it without being mean and just saying ‘meh’. Is it odd that I’d rather hate a book than feel so ambivalent about it? It’s just so hard to continue on when you’re bored.
Favorite Quote:
"I don't want to ruin you, Eleanor. Not now, not ever. And for you, is my touch not the very definition of ruin?"
"No! Yes...I don't know anymore."
"This is no flirtatious game, Miss Beckett, that ends in chaste kisses." He let go of her hand, hating the taste of defeat. "I know you well enough, Miss Beckett, to know that until you are sure, I have my answer."
*Review originally posted on Fiction Vixen*
August 16, 2012
Reviewed for TwoLips Reviews
5 Kisses, 1 1/2 Peppers (M/F, oral sex, wax play)
Eleanor Beckett's parents are dead and she's barely making ends meet as a seamstress at Madame Claremont's dress shop. Her treatment there is deplorable, but she has little choice. She has nowhere else to go, and her survival depends on making a respectable living.
Josiah Hastings is an artist and a member of a group of men known as the Jaded. They were imprisoned and barely managed to escape with their lives and a handful of jewels that are worth a small fortune. Now their lives are in danger again as they're hunted and in danger from the jewels' owners. But Josiah has another lasting physical consequence of his imprisonment; he's losing his eyesight.
Josiah rescues Eleanor from being kidnapped and raped, and then champions her when her ruthless pimp of an employer and landlady kick her out in the street. When he sees her, he doesn't ever want to stop looking. To his failing eyes, Eleanor is beauty and vivid color in a world that is becoming increasingly gray due to his failing eyesight. He knows he has finally found his elusive muse, but doesn't want to scare her right after her assault. But he can’t let the opportunity slip by, and he asks her to model for him. In exchange, he’ll pay her an exorbitant fee, and he promises he won’t do anything inappropriate. Normally, Eleanor would never have considered posing for an artist. It isn’t a proper thing for a respectable young lady to do. But while she’s wary of Josiah’s proposition, he does seem like a nice man—especially after saving her from certain ruin—and his promise of compensation would allow her to live her life independently and without financial stress.
One of the things I really like about Renee Bernard is her intelligent dialogue. Her characters are smart, her plots are smart, and her books are just really good all around. Passion Wears Pearls is a book for readers who want a brilliantly well-written historical romance with passion, action, intrigue, and a fast pace that will keep you glued to every page. The mystery facing the Jaded continues in the next book in the series, and I can hardly wait.
5 Kisses, 1 1/2 Peppers (M/F, oral sex, wax play)
Eleanor Beckett's parents are dead and she's barely making ends meet as a seamstress at Madame Claremont's dress shop. Her treatment there is deplorable, but she has little choice. She has nowhere else to go, and her survival depends on making a respectable living.
Josiah Hastings is an artist and a member of a group of men known as the Jaded. They were imprisoned and barely managed to escape with their lives and a handful of jewels that are worth a small fortune. Now their lives are in danger again as they're hunted and in danger from the jewels' owners. But Josiah has another lasting physical consequence of his imprisonment; he's losing his eyesight.
Josiah rescues Eleanor from being kidnapped and raped, and then champions her when her ruthless pimp of an employer and landlady kick her out in the street. When he sees her, he doesn't ever want to stop looking. To his failing eyes, Eleanor is beauty and vivid color in a world that is becoming increasingly gray due to his failing eyesight. He knows he has finally found his elusive muse, but doesn't want to scare her right after her assault. But he can’t let the opportunity slip by, and he asks her to model for him. In exchange, he’ll pay her an exorbitant fee, and he promises he won’t do anything inappropriate. Normally, Eleanor would never have considered posing for an artist. It isn’t a proper thing for a respectable young lady to do. But while she’s wary of Josiah’s proposition, he does seem like a nice man—especially after saving her from certain ruin—and his promise of compensation would allow her to live her life independently and without financial stress.
One of the things I really like about Renee Bernard is her intelligent dialogue. Her characters are smart, her plots are smart, and her books are just really good all around. Passion Wears Pearls is a book for readers who want a brilliantly well-written historical romance with passion, action, intrigue, and a fast pace that will keep you glued to every page. The mystery facing the Jaded continues in the next book in the series, and I can hardly wait.
March 10, 2012
There aren't many romance authors that I still follow and read, but Renee Bernard is one of them. Passions Wears Pearls is the fourth book in the Jaded series about a motley crew of men who have returned from an agonizing imprisonment in India. This unlikely group has forged bonds that are deeper than blood, and they are being hunted by an enemy for something that they possess that he wants.
Josiah Hastings is a painter. He's the third son of a lord and was penniless before he went to India. He has a semi-scandalous reputation since he was disowned by his family when he revealed his artistic leanings to his family. He's also going blind and pride is his greatest fault. Eleanor Beckett is an orphan who meets Josiah when he saves her from being raped/kidnapped while she works at a millinery shop, where she works as a seamstress. The sight of her sparks something in him and he decides that she'll be the model for his last masterpiece.
I loved the romance and relationship between Josiah and Eleanor. Josiah saved her more than once. And by saying that, I don't just mean physically. He never coerced or teased her, and he was a complete gentleman. Eleanor was a delight, so very prim, until she realized exactly what Josiah had done for her. It was also great to see characters from the past Jaded novels, and I'm kind of saddened because only two of the Jaded remain single. I'm intrigued as to who will be paired with Darius and Michael. The mystery surrounding the "Jackal" is very well written as well. I'm looking forward to having the identity of the person revealed. The next book, Darius's book will be released at the end of 2012, and I am really looking forward to it.
Josiah Hastings is a painter. He's the third son of a lord and was penniless before he went to India. He has a semi-scandalous reputation since he was disowned by his family when he revealed his artistic leanings to his family. He's also going blind and pride is his greatest fault. Eleanor Beckett is an orphan who meets Josiah when he saves her from being raped/kidnapped while she works at a millinery shop, where she works as a seamstress. The sight of her sparks something in him and he decides that she'll be the model for his last masterpiece.
I loved the romance and relationship between Josiah and Eleanor. Josiah saved her more than once. And by saying that, I don't just mean physically. He never coerced or teased her, and he was a complete gentleman. Eleanor was a delight, so very prim, until she realized exactly what Josiah had done for her. It was also great to see characters from the past Jaded novels, and I'm kind of saddened because only two of the Jaded remain single. I'm intrigued as to who will be paired with Darius and Michael. The mystery surrounding the "Jackal" is very well written as well. I'm looking forward to having the identity of the person revealed. The next book, Darius's book will be released at the end of 2012, and I am really looking forward to it.
October 21, 2013
The first paperback romance I ever read was by Renee Bernard. The Jaded Gentlemen series is a good one and they keep getting better. Gifted artist is going blind and finds his muse. Paints her and gets the girl as well as getting inducted to the Royal Society for the Arts for his two paintings of Eleanor. Josiah is quite the catch. They deserve each other. The Jaded get caught trying to bring to light the bully who has hounded them since they escaped an Indian dungeon with jewels galore. They will all live to see another skirmish.
April 25, 2016
I don't normally give HR 5 stars, but I really liked this. Both main characters were very likeable & I loved the plot line.
August 11, 2014
as always a pleasure
February 5, 2018
Another great read in the series! Eleanor is destitute because of her fathers partner stealing his formula. When Eleanor is being kidnapped by a rouge, Josiah Hastings hears her screaming and comes to her rescue. She is then let go from her employer and Josiah offers her a deal if she sits for him he will pay her 15K pounds. He then sets her up in a rooming house to keep her safe. She finally agrees to sit for him what she doesn’t know is that this will be his last painting because he is going blind. He is also trying to deal with the threat on the Jaded and wants to keep Eleanor safe. A great read with a few unexpected enemies.
August 7, 2017
This story is very nicely written and it kept me going and wanting to find out what was going to happen next.
The displays of passion and wit are lovely to read about, the characters are flawed but in an endearing way that makes one love them. The story flows and contains not only a blooming love affair under unusual circumstances, but a mystery too.
I am happy to recommend this book and happy to have found a great new author in Renee Bernard.
The displays of passion and wit are lovely to read about, the characters are flawed but in an endearing way that makes one love them. The story flows and contains not only a blooming love affair under unusual circumstances, but a mystery too.
I am happy to recommend this book and happy to have found a great new author in Renee Bernard.
August 6, 2018
My one takeaway from this novel? Créme. Streams of it. Gobs of it.
I think another reviewer commented on the word’s frequent appearance, as a euphemism for the evidence of a man’s satisfaction. 😝
Nevertheless, I am cheering for Eleanor’s and Josiah’s HEA. I believe that they will get on well together, since they overcame the somewhat typical misunderstanding that could have been avoided if they were just open with each other from the get go. 😆
I think another reviewer commented on the word’s frequent appearance, as a euphemism for the evidence of a man’s satisfaction. 😝
Nevertheless, I am cheering for Eleanor’s and Josiah’s HEA. I believe that they will get on well together, since they overcame the somewhat typical misunderstanding that could have been avoided if they were just open with each other from the get go. 😆
October 17, 2019
Passion Wears Pearls (The Jaded Gentlemen Book 4)
The love story of Josiah and Eleanor. Josiah is going blind and he rescue Eleanor for a man who want her. He see her as his muse.
Eleanor has lost everything, her parents, all her family's wealth. She is work In as a seamstress but her employer has other ideas. Josiah rescue her and now he want to paint her. Can she do set for him and not fall in love with him? Great story.
The love story of Josiah and Eleanor. Josiah is going blind and he rescue Eleanor for a man who want her. He see her as his muse.
Eleanor has lost everything, her parents, all her family's wealth. She is work In as a seamstress but her employer has other ideas. Josiah rescue her and now he want to paint her. Can she do set for him and not fall in love with him? Great story.
March 12, 2021
What a heart-wrenching story from start to finish.
First, Josiah knows his sight is failing, but wants to keep it a secret from those closest to him and carry on as if all is normal.
Second, Eleanor is mistreated by her employer and landlady, who cheat their employees and tenants.
Thank goodness the two found one another and worked through the kinks to find true love.
I thought, perhaps, that one or two of the customers that Eleanor helped in the beginning might search her out for further assistance, but Eleanor landed on her own two feet with Josiah to forge a future together.
First, Josiah knows his sight is failing, but wants to keep it a secret from those closest to him and carry on as if all is normal.
Second, Eleanor is mistreated by her employer and landlady, who cheat their employees and tenants.
Thank goodness the two found one another and worked through the kinks to find true love.
I thought, perhaps, that one or two of the customers that Eleanor helped in the beginning might search her out for further assistance, but Eleanor landed on her own two feet with Josiah to forge a future together.
January 21, 2026
I truly thought this was going to be a great book, but the more I got into it it just dragged. the back an forth dialog with the characters was just boring, It had no mystery to it. I even skipped ahead a few chapters to see if it was more exciting, I eventually finished it. The ending was as expected no surprise there.
June 20, 2018
Touching and steamy
Love presents itself in many ways. The path that leads to an unlikely love story is riddled with complications and objections. But the unusual story is a lover's manual for fulfilling passion and desire.
Love presents itself in many ways. The path that leads to an unlikely love story is riddled with complications and objections. But the unusual story is a lover's manual for fulfilling passion and desire.
November 29, 2018
Wonderful!
What a truly wonderful journey for both main characters. Pearls look so plain in a box but put them on warm skin and they glow bright enough for a blind man to find his way.
What a truly wonderful journey for both main characters. Pearls look so plain in a box but put them on warm skin and they glow bright enough for a blind man to find his way.
October 21, 2021
Enjoyed this, first from the author and was pleased. Heading to the last book in the series, desire wears diamonds, Mr. Rutherford's story.
March 13, 2017
"I mean I'm going to kiss you out of your clothes, Eleanor. I'm going to bare every inch of you so that I can taste you with my mouth and feel your skin with my hands until there is no part of you that isn't known to me and open to me."
Wow! This has got to be my favorite of the Jaded Gentleman series. I have never fallen so in love with two characters as I did with Eleanor and Josiah. Their repartee is absolutely delicious! This series is one of my favorite historical series. If you love historical romance, you will devour these books.
Wow! This has got to be my favorite of the Jaded Gentleman series. I have never fallen so in love with two characters as I did with Eleanor and Josiah. Their repartee is absolutely delicious! This series is one of my favorite historical series. If you love historical romance, you will devour these books.
September 24, 2016
Just okay...
The fourth entry in the Jaded series was just okay in my opinion. Josiah, the pearl-owning, former rake-hell member of the Jaded is going blind even as he pursues his passion as a painter. Eleanor is a down-on-her-luck middle class girl whose now-deceased father imbued in her the upper class dictates of what it meant to be a proper lady. Josiah is desperate to paint one grand painting before the darkness descends and Eleanor becomes his muse.
I think Renee Bernard is a good writer but for some reason this book didn't grab me as much as did the previous books in this series or her Black Rose trilogy. While all of the usual elements were there, I just didn't feel the chemistry between Josiah and Eleanor. There was a bit too much of his insistence on maintaining his pride in the face of his impending blindness and too many of Eleanor's protestations of propriety even as Josiah is lifting her skirts. It all became more repetitive than moving or sincere.
If you are a reader of Ms. Bernard's other works then you know that sex plays a big part of the story. I generally don't have a problem with that, but this is the first of her books where the numerous sex scenes felt more like 'filler' rather than necessary elements to move the story along.
Of course there is the secondary plot of the members of the Jaded being threatened by some unknown person or persons demanding the return of some treasure they are believed to have stolen during their time in India. This is the thread that binds this series of stories together, but it received the shortest treatment ever in this book. As a matter of fact, the other members of the
Jaded are almost nonexistent in this book as they make very few and very brief appearances.
Bottom line: Passion Wears Pearls is not bad, but it's not great either. The potential was high for a good, angst-filled romance, but it just didn't do it for me.
The fourth entry in the Jaded series was just okay in my opinion. Josiah, the pearl-owning, former rake-hell member of the Jaded is going blind even as he pursues his passion as a painter. Eleanor is a down-on-her-luck middle class girl whose now-deceased father imbued in her the upper class dictates of what it meant to be a proper lady. Josiah is desperate to paint one grand painting before the darkness descends and Eleanor becomes his muse.
I think Renee Bernard is a good writer but for some reason this book didn't grab me as much as did the previous books in this series or her Black Rose trilogy. While all of the usual elements were there, I just didn't feel the chemistry between Josiah and Eleanor. There was a bit too much of his insistence on maintaining his pride in the face of his impending blindness and too many of Eleanor's protestations of propriety even as Josiah is lifting her skirts. It all became more repetitive than moving or sincere.
If you are a reader of Ms. Bernard's other works then you know that sex plays a big part of the story. I generally don't have a problem with that, but this is the first of her books where the numerous sex scenes felt more like 'filler' rather than necessary elements to move the story along.
Of course there is the secondary plot of the members of the Jaded being threatened by some unknown person or persons demanding the return of some treasure they are believed to have stolen during their time in India. This is the thread that binds this series of stories together, but it received the shortest treatment ever in this book. As a matter of fact, the other members of the
Jaded are almost nonexistent in this book as they make very few and very brief appearances.
Bottom line: Passion Wears Pearls is not bad, but it's not great either. The potential was high for a good, angst-filled romance, but it just didn't do it for me.
March 26, 2012
I'm always a little leery of historical romance series with an intrigue plot that runs through the entire series... obviously, no book but the last is going to have a satisfying conclusion to the ongoing mystery. The problem is, I've been reading this series far enough apart that I can't really *remember* the twists and turns of this particular intrigue from one book to the next. Although the author does give you a general idea of what's going on, it's not been enough to really get me back into that portion of the storyline. Unfortunately, that part of the plot winds up being kind of a frustrating loss to me (with the exception of how it contributes to the general action-- having a main character attacked is still exciting, even if you have no idea who's doing the attacking or why).
I liked Eleanor and her struggle to hold on to her reputation despite her fallen circumstances. I liked Josiah also, but I admit I got a bit impatient with his pride. He's an artist losing his sight... I feel for the guy, but seriously, does he REALLY think he's keeping this a big, dark secret from his SERVING STAFF, much less his friends or the woman he purports to love (but doesn't trust enough to tell even the smallest secret to)? Come on, now.
Four stars for the beautiful slow-burn relationship, but the confusing intrigue and the doofus hero detract a bit.
I liked Eleanor and her struggle to hold on to her reputation despite her fallen circumstances. I liked Josiah also, but I admit I got a bit impatient with his pride. He's an artist losing his sight... I feel for the guy, but seriously, does he REALLY think he's keeping this a big, dark secret from his SERVING STAFF, much less his friends or the woman he purports to love (but doesn't trust enough to tell even the smallest secret to)? Come on, now.
Four stars for the beautiful slow-burn relationship, but the confusing intrigue and the doofus hero detract a bit.
September 26, 2016
Historical Engish romance with a damaged rich painter who is slowly losing his sight finds love while saving the life and reputation of a orphaned dressmaker.
Mr. Josiah Hastings has a lot of problems, some of which is self imposed and some are from a troubled youth and his adventures in India and being apart of the Jaded gentlemen in London.
Miss Eleanor Beckett brings a new kind of light into the darkness of Josiah's life. Josiah is going blind and Eleanor is totally flat broke with no friends or family so they help each other and get some painting done in the meantime.
The Jaded stuff gets in the way because it is dangerous with the usual death threats. I read so many historical books with death threats and insane violence that I'm starting to get a little tired of it as a plot device. My family has hardly ever gotten any death threats so it makes it tough to believe so many happen in fiction, although there has been plenty of real violence.
Time for me to go back to history books.
303 pages and kindle freebie
3 stars
Mr. Josiah Hastings has a lot of problems, some of which is self imposed and some are from a troubled youth and his adventures in India and being apart of the Jaded gentlemen in London.
Miss Eleanor Beckett brings a new kind of light into the darkness of Josiah's life. Josiah is going blind and Eleanor is totally flat broke with no friends or family so they help each other and get some painting done in the meantime.
The Jaded stuff gets in the way because it is dangerous with the usual death threats. I read so many historical books with death threats and insane violence that I'm starting to get a little tired of it as a plot device. My family has hardly ever gotten any death threats so it makes it tough to believe so many happen in fiction, although there has been plenty of real violence.
Time for me to go back to history books.
303 pages and kindle freebie
3 stars
October 3, 2016
A wonderful romance
This was a wonderful romance with delightful characters that quickly endeared themselves to me from the very first page. There is nothing like a wounded hero who finds salvation in his beautiful heroine. For someone who is an artist and needs their sight to paint, going blind had to have been devastating to Josiah. It would be devastating enough to anyone to lose their vision, but for a man who was shunned by his family for making the choice to pursue an art career, it had to have been monumental. Eleanor was a delightful heroine who had suffered her own losses and bravely dealt with what life tossed her way. The two of them were a perfect match and I thoroughly enjoyed their conversations and how well they complimented each other. Their story was interesting and held my interest throughout. An unforgettable couple, an unforgettable romance, everything I could hope for in a romance book.
This was a wonderful romance with delightful characters that quickly endeared themselves to me from the very first page. There is nothing like a wounded hero who finds salvation in his beautiful heroine. For someone who is an artist and needs their sight to paint, going blind had to have been devastating to Josiah. It would be devastating enough to anyone to lose their vision, but for a man who was shunned by his family for making the choice to pursue an art career, it had to have been monumental. Eleanor was a delightful heroine who had suffered her own losses and bravely dealt with what life tossed her way. The two of them were a perfect match and I thoroughly enjoyed their conversations and how well they complimented each other. Their story was interesting and held my interest throughout. An unforgettable couple, an unforgettable romance, everything I could hope for in a romance book.
March 29, 2012
The story is good, the writing was also good, but I just felt that something was lacking in the chemistry between the main characters. The mystery plot that the author has running in the book was a waste of my time, nothing was revealed and it did not benefit the main story in any way.
I also had a hard time imagining Hastings painting when the author kept on pointing out the black and gray sports he was seeing! Why was everything gray except Eleanor?
Read this if you have nothing else to read. It will pass the time!
I also had a hard time imagining Hastings painting when the author kept on pointing out the black and gray sports he was seeing! Why was everything gray except Eleanor?
Read this if you have nothing else to read. It will pass the time!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2016
Enjoying so far..... This installment was intriguing with its personal pain, irresistible passion and continuing drama.
I adore this series. Passionate and enthralling. The mystery is dragged throughout the series but not in a tedious or boring way. I enjoyed every single installment.
Book 1 was so amazing that book 2 disappointed me. However the subsequent books built up enough steam to have this series among my all time favorites!!!! Each story was unique and enthralling. I cannot say I loved it enough!!!!!
Goodbye boring repetitive traditional historical romance...
I adore this series. Passionate and enthralling. The mystery is dragged throughout the series but not in a tedious or boring way. I enjoyed every single installment.
Book 1 was so amazing that book 2 disappointed me. However the subsequent books built up enough steam to have this series among my all time favorites!!!! Each story was unique and enthralling. I cannot say I loved it enough!!!!!
Goodbye boring repetitive traditional historical romance...
September 26, 2016
Josiah and Eleanor. I didn't think I would EVER finish this book! My favorite part was when Josiah first saw Eleanor. It was beautifully written and swoony. Then the book just seemed to go on and on, with many scenes being very repetitive. I felt that the end of the book was very weak. I understand that the Jackal is some bad guy that has been mentioned in every book, but in this book it just seemed like it was forced into the story, and at this point I don't even care who the bad guy is. It's dragged on long enough.
October 14, 2013
Really enjoyed both characters although the beginning scene with Eleanor reminded me of Les Mis.
Under the sad circumstances of going blind, I can't help but respect Hastings for his pride and refusal to bow down until the very end. Reminds me a bit of Samson with the last painting. Ironically, his past love was named Delilah aka Daisy.
Story tone was fairly light-hearted or courageous.
A side issue, I believe she only had 3 dresses and none of them was yellow as in the book cover.
Under the sad circumstances of going blind, I can't help but respect Hastings for his pride and refusal to bow down until the very end. Reminds me a bit of Samson with the last painting. Ironically, his past love was named Delilah aka Daisy.
Story tone was fairly light-hearted or courageous.
A side issue, I believe she only had 3 dresses and none of them was yellow as in the book cover.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews