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Berkeley-Falkner #1
Where Passion Leads
Buku ke-1 seri Berkley-Faulkner
Rosalie Belleau yang cantik dan cerdas merasa tidak puas dengan kehidupannya yang hanya sebagai putri seorang pelayan. Rosalie memiliki hasrat yang besar untuk berpetualang, dan akhirnya ia mewujudkannya dengan cara yang sangat tidak terduga.
Lord Randall Berkeley, alias Rand, menyelamatkan Rosalie pada suatu malam ketika Rosalie terpisah dari ibunya saat gedung tempat opera yang sedang mereka tonton terbakar. Tertarik oleh kecantikan Rosalie, Rand membawa Rosalie pulang, dan sebelum menyadari kesalahannya, Rand sudah menyalurkan hasratnya kepada gadis itu. Karena merasa bersalah dan bertanggung jawab, Rand membawa Rosalie ke Prancis. Selama perjalanan, Rosalie yang masih marah pada Rand bersikap sinis dan menunjukkan kebenciannya secara terang-terangan. Sedangkan Rand yang terbiasa hidup bebas merasa terbebani dengan keberadaan Rosalie sehingga ia pun menunjukkan sikap yang tak kalah ketusnya. Namun kemudian, Rosalie yang selama ini selalu mendambakan kebebasan dan kemandirian tidak pernah menyangka kalau dirinya akan merasa sangat bergantung pada Rand. Sedangkan Rand, seorang pria yang tidak suka memikul tanggung jawab, tidak menduga kalau Rosalie akan menjadi begitu berarti baginya.
Apakah semua pengorbanan Rand mampu meluluhkan hati Rosalie yang telah tersakiti saat pertemuan pertama mereka? Dan apakah Rosalie sanggup memaafkan Rand dan menyerahkan hatinya pada pria yang sudah dibencinya sejak awal itu?
Rosalie Belleau yang cantik dan cerdas merasa tidak puas dengan kehidupannya yang hanya sebagai putri seorang pelayan. Rosalie memiliki hasrat yang besar untuk berpetualang, dan akhirnya ia mewujudkannya dengan cara yang sangat tidak terduga.
Lord Randall Berkeley, alias Rand, menyelamatkan Rosalie pada suatu malam ketika Rosalie terpisah dari ibunya saat gedung tempat opera yang sedang mereka tonton terbakar. Tertarik oleh kecantikan Rosalie, Rand membawa Rosalie pulang, dan sebelum menyadari kesalahannya, Rand sudah menyalurkan hasratnya kepada gadis itu. Karena merasa bersalah dan bertanggung jawab, Rand membawa Rosalie ke Prancis. Selama perjalanan, Rosalie yang masih marah pada Rand bersikap sinis dan menunjukkan kebenciannya secara terang-terangan. Sedangkan Rand yang terbiasa hidup bebas merasa terbebani dengan keberadaan Rosalie sehingga ia pun menunjukkan sikap yang tak kalah ketusnya. Namun kemudian, Rosalie yang selama ini selalu mendambakan kebebasan dan kemandirian tidak pernah menyangka kalau dirinya akan merasa sangat bergantung pada Rand. Sedangkan Rand, seorang pria yang tidak suka memikul tanggung jawab, tidak menduga kalau Rosalie akan menjadi begitu berarti baginya.
Apakah semua pengorbanan Rand mampu meluluhkan hati Rosalie yang telah tersakiti saat pertemuan pertama mereka? Dan apakah Rosalie sanggup memaafkan Rand dan menyerahkan hatinya pada pria yang sudah dibencinya sejak awal itu?
516 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1987
69 people are currently reading
3714 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Kleypas
111 books31.6k followersLISA KLEYPAS is the RITA award-winning author of 21 novels. Her books are published in fourteen languages and are bestsellers all over the world. She lives in Washington State with her husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
July 21, 2021
This is Lisa Kleypas' debut romance and you can definitely tell it's an old school historical romance. I wasn't expecting to enjoy it as much as I did but LK took me by surprise. Just a warning, the hero does rape the heroine in the beginning. I knew it would happen going in so I could prepare myself for it. You could probably skip the first 3-ish chapters if you don't want to read that scene.
I was curious to see how LK would navigate the story after having her hero doing something so vile. The heroine hates him for it... and the hero hates himself for it. The romance is slow to build and Rand spends the rest of the book trying to atone for what he did and growing from his previous selfish, cold-hearted ways. Rosalie absolutely makes him work for her respect, friendship, and ultimately love.
I'm wondering why LK didn't just rewrite the beginning or take it out to republish this, because the rest of the story is truly fantastic.
I was curious to see how LK would navigate the story after having her hero doing something so vile. The heroine hates him for it... and the hero hates himself for it. The romance is slow to build and Rand spends the rest of the book trying to atone for what he did and growing from his previous selfish, cold-hearted ways. Rosalie absolutely makes him work for her respect, friendship, and ultimately love.
I'm wondering why LK didn't just rewrite the beginning or take it out to republish this, because the rest of the story is truly fantastic.
December 30, 2010
How lucky am I?!? I found this at a local library sale for $.50! And what a find it was! Not only because this is so hard to find (copies selling on ebay for $50) but because it is such a great romance!
Rosalie Belleau is a lady's companion and the daughter of a governess in the same household but not at all content with her lot in life. She dreams of passion and adventure and will find it in the most unexpected way!
After a fire in a theater Rosalie finds herself separated from her mother and chased by a strange man out to find his pleasure through the streets of London. Along comes Lord Randall Berkeley amused by the scene he encounters in a London ally and nearly moves along to give the 'lovers' their privacy until Rosalie falls right at his feet. Drawn to her beauty he decides to 'rescue' the young lady and take her for his own. When he discovers that Rosalie is a virgin he feels responsible to help her find a new job and get established in a new household. Unfortunately that must wait until after a necessary trip to France for family business, and Rosalie must come along for the ride.
During their time in France Rosalie comes in contact with information that causes her to doubt that her mother is her actual birth mother. Rand is forced to deal with his feelings about the abuse he suffered from his parents. Through it all they learn that they can help heal each other.
This is a really solid story! There is enough mystery and intrigue especially regarding Rosalie's family to keep the story moving and yet it never takes over completely and the romance is always center stage. They come to love each other slowly over time and you really get to see their relationship develop.
This was written in the 80's has some classic bodice ripper elements, namely that Rand rapes her in their first sexual encounter. And not forced seduction style 'no, no ,no, hmmm... that feels nice' type of thing, it's a real rape. She was angry, she fights him, she eventually just goes limp and waits for it to be over. She feels humiliated, broken and abused afterwards. It was a lot for this couple to overcome! You really see Rosalie struggle in learning to trust Rand.
We get to see Rand struggle as well. He struggles with dealing with everything his parents put him through, who they were and living with knowing that they are a part of him. He struggles to deal with all the horrible things he has done in his life and with feeling worthy of Rosalie's love.
They have several blow ups and fights, hurtful things are said and need to be forgiven for this couple to finally get together. But unlike many bodice ripper style stories, this couple does communicate. They struggle but they work everything out and have a firm understanding of each other and trust in each other when they eventually get together. As a reader you can understand why they forgive and why they love each other so much. By the end I really believed in the HEA and felt confident that they were a solid match and were going to make it!
Beyond the romance this is just really a solid book. It is firmly rooted in the historical setting it takes place in but the historical details don't take over. There was a lot going on and the story is well paced with enough attention given to both the romance and the other plot details. The cast is somewhat small but all the characters were well drawn and entertaining. I felt like everyone had their place but didn't take up to much time away from the main couple. Everything is wrapped up nicely with no lose ends. I was on the edge of my seat right to the very end and yet the ending did not feel rushed. <--- That takes some talent!
All in all this is just a really solid book! Maybe even the perfect book! I can't think of a single thing wrong with it! So I guess all I can say at this point is THANK YOU to whoever donated this book to my local library!!!! :)
Rosalie Belleau is a lady's companion and the daughter of a governess in the same household but not at all content with her lot in life. She dreams of passion and adventure and will find it in the most unexpected way!
After a fire in a theater Rosalie finds herself separated from her mother and chased by a strange man out to find his pleasure through the streets of London. Along comes Lord Randall Berkeley amused by the scene he encounters in a London ally and nearly moves along to give the 'lovers' their privacy until Rosalie falls right at his feet. Drawn to her beauty he decides to 'rescue' the young lady and take her for his own. When he discovers that Rosalie is a virgin he feels responsible to help her find a new job and get established in a new household. Unfortunately that must wait until after a necessary trip to France for family business, and Rosalie must come along for the ride.
During their time in France Rosalie comes in contact with information that causes her to doubt that her mother is her actual birth mother. Rand is forced to deal with his feelings about the abuse he suffered from his parents. Through it all they learn that they can help heal each other.
This is a really solid story! There is enough mystery and intrigue especially regarding Rosalie's family to keep the story moving and yet it never takes over completely and the romance is always center stage. They come to love each other slowly over time and you really get to see their relationship develop.
This was written in the 80's has some classic bodice ripper elements, namely that Rand rapes her in their first sexual encounter. And not forced seduction style 'no, no ,no, hmmm... that feels nice' type of thing, it's a real rape. She was angry, she fights him, she eventually just goes limp and waits for it to be over. She feels humiliated, broken and abused afterwards. It was a lot for this couple to overcome! You really see Rosalie struggle in learning to trust Rand.
We get to see Rand struggle as well. He struggles with dealing with everything his parents put him through, who they were and living with knowing that they are a part of him. He struggles to deal with all the horrible things he has done in his life and with feeling worthy of Rosalie's love.
They have several blow ups and fights, hurtful things are said and need to be forgiven for this couple to finally get together. But unlike many bodice ripper style stories, this couple does communicate. They struggle but they work everything out and have a firm understanding of each other and trust in each other when they eventually get together. As a reader you can understand why they forgive and why they love each other so much. By the end I really believed in the HEA and felt confident that they were a solid match and were going to make it!
Beyond the romance this is just really a solid book. It is firmly rooted in the historical setting it takes place in but the historical details don't take over. There was a lot going on and the story is well paced with enough attention given to both the romance and the other plot details. The cast is somewhat small but all the characters were well drawn and entertaining. I felt like everyone had their place but didn't take up to much time away from the main couple. Everything is wrapped up nicely with no lose ends. I was on the edge of my seat right to the very end and yet the ending did not feel rushed. <--- That takes some talent!
All in all this is just a really solid book! Maybe even the perfect book! I can't think of a single thing wrong with it! So I guess all I can say at this point is THANK YOU to whoever donated this book to my local library!!!! :)
never-to-read
October 18, 2013DNF
This was my first attempt at reading a Lisa Kleypas novel and I wasn't impressed at all.
The heroine gets raped by the hero. There is no way around it.
I have read novels where rape is present. I know that there is some truth to the idea that noblemen were almost expected to take 'advantage' of lowly house maids. But I need for the authors to address it. On the same side of the coin, the noblemen in those days hardly every married or fell in love with these maids. I felt it was highly contradictory that history wasn't relayed to the fullest extent.
In this novel, I felt like there was little recognition of the fact that what the hero did to the heroine was despicable. The hero is by no means apologetic. Oh no, he feels these pangs of guilt that leads him to offer her passage to France, after which he will return with her and find her a place as a nanny and wash his hands off her. But what about her dreams and prospects for future that were ruined by this senseless and terrible act? It's not his problem. He is after all a nobleman. He owes nothing to someone from her class.
What also angered me was that, I felt as though a point was being made, that it was okay or even better for her to get raped by a nobleman who is handsome, than the lower class ugly dock worker. That he saved her from that worse fate. It wasn't said in so many words. But while she feels nauseated by the foul breath of the dock worker, she watches the handsome sleek bronze body of the hero, after he rapes her.
The story progresses so that predictably, the heroine decides that sleeping with the hero is not such a bad idea after all. No matter how much she was opposed to it before. Honestly, I lost all respect for the heroine, and I never had any for the hero to begin with.
This was my first attempt at reading a Lisa Kleypas novel and I wasn't impressed at all.
The heroine gets raped by the hero. There is no way around it.
I have read novels where rape is present. I know that there is some truth to the idea that noblemen were almost expected to take 'advantage' of lowly house maids. But I need for the authors to address it. On the same side of the coin, the noblemen in those days hardly every married or fell in love with these maids. I felt it was highly contradictory that history wasn't relayed to the fullest extent.
In this novel, I felt like there was little recognition of the fact that what the hero did to the heroine was despicable. The hero is by no means apologetic. Oh no, he feels these pangs of guilt that leads him to offer her passage to France, after which he will return with her and find her a place as a nanny and wash his hands off her. But what about her dreams and prospects for future that were ruined by this senseless and terrible act? It's not his problem. He is after all a nobleman. He owes nothing to someone from her class.
What also angered me was that, I felt as though a point was being made, that it was okay or even better for her to get raped by a nobleman who is handsome, than the lower class ugly dock worker. That he saved her from that worse fate. It wasn't said in so many words. But while she feels nauseated by the foul breath of the dock worker, she watches the handsome sleek bronze body of the hero, after he rapes her.
The story progresses so that predictably, the heroine decides that sleeping with the hero is not such a bad idea after all. No matter how much she was opposed to it before. Honestly, I lost all respect for the heroine, and I never had any for the hero to begin with.
October 7, 2022
I was fortunate enough to be gifted a copy of this 1987 beauty from a friend... lucky me as this is considered a 🦄 in the book world, having been out of print for quite some time, sadly.
Here's the thing with this book... it's Lisa Kleypas' first and guess what? It's really, really good! It feels like she poured her heart and soul into this one!
This fantastic book is darkly intense, disturbing, bold, lush, all-consuming, and suspenseful...an up and down emotional rollercoaster ride in the beloved old school way of writing gripping historical romance. Hang on tight!
Written typical of it's time, it has heartwrenching emotional and highly dramatic elements. Unbridled lust, temperamental characters, cruelty, regret, redemption and intriguing suspense to keep the reader turning pages. I would consider it a true bodice ripper of the historical romance genre.
I had a sense throughout reading this that these type of characters could have existed and made the choices they made during the time period the book is set.
It is beautifully descriptive, deeply sensual and well written with precise attention to detail as is typical of Kleypas' writing.
This book is a treasure and it's a shame it's not still in print as it's part of historical romance book history and simply a splendid, tumultuous, emotional love story written by a great author.
Is it the same as her more recent HR? Nope! And that doesn't make it any less of a good book, just simply a different style and wonderful and unique in it's own right.
Enjoy historical romance bodice rippers? Enjoy dark romance? Lots of angst and drama? Big Kleypas fan? ...Find yourself a copy of this precious gem.
I love, love, love the title and the book itself is beautiful to behold with a gorgeous painted cover and lovely swirling embossed writing. A work of art.
Sigh❤️❤️❤️
It's everything...truly.
Here's the thing with this book... it's Lisa Kleypas' first and guess what? It's really, really good! It feels like she poured her heart and soul into this one!
This fantastic book is darkly intense, disturbing, bold, lush, all-consuming, and suspenseful...an up and down emotional rollercoaster ride in the beloved old school way of writing gripping historical romance. Hang on tight!
Written typical of it's time, it has heartwrenching emotional and highly dramatic elements. Unbridled lust, temperamental characters, cruelty, regret, redemption and intriguing suspense to keep the reader turning pages. I would consider it a true bodice ripper of the historical romance genre.
I had a sense throughout reading this that these type of characters could have existed and made the choices they made during the time period the book is set.
It is beautifully descriptive, deeply sensual and well written with precise attention to detail as is typical of Kleypas' writing.
This book is a treasure and it's a shame it's not still in print as it's part of historical romance book history and simply a splendid, tumultuous, emotional love story written by a great author.
Is it the same as her more recent HR? Nope! And that doesn't make it any less of a good book, just simply a different style and wonderful and unique in it's own right.
Enjoy historical romance bodice rippers? Enjoy dark romance? Lots of angst and drama? Big Kleypas fan? ...Find yourself a copy of this precious gem.
I love, love, love the title and the book itself is beautiful to behold with a gorgeous painted cover and lovely swirling embossed writing. A work of art.
Sigh❤️❤️❤️
It's everything...truly.
July 29, 2021
Very good! The rape scene in the beginning is the only problem in the book. I love how the h does not forgive easily and the H has to make it up to her. She has to come to him.
For the expectation of a few slow parts, the book was great. If you can find a copy I highly recommend it!
For the expectation of a few slow parts, the book was great. If you can find a copy I highly recommend it!
December 14, 2025
I have finally read THE iconic bodice ripper from Lisa Kleypas and....it for sure was problematic. The hero saves the heroine from being taken by men, but he takes her and ends up violating her because he "can't help himself." Then he spends the rest of the book trying to make it up to her. This is definitely a super sweeping romance where the hero and heroine have so much passion for each other, hence the title, but the hero definitely did not have to do what he did in the beginning for this to be a story. And he only felt bad for what he did because he didn't realize she was a virgin, and when he realized she was, he only then felt regret. Without that scene, I could even see myself enjoying the story, but the sentiments of the hero were just not it throughout. But he does show her how pleasurable sex can be and he is obsessed with her, which is what made it such an iconic bodice ripper for its time.
September 12, 2025
I hate it so much.
I have read all but 5 of LK’s books so while she’s a fav author for me overall, this book was not it…at all. I totally see why she has even said before that she doesn’t want this book back in print. I knew before going in that this book had either dubcon or noncon (it’s definitely noncon) and nothing else about the plot, but I was intrigued enough to check out Lisa Kleypas first book and from a history standpoint of reading older romance books (this was published in 1987).
The noncon happens in chapter 2 of the book and I hated the “hero’s” mindset throughout the book even after that. When assaulting her/noncon (after initially not believing her in the first place about being a virgin), he immediately realizes he was wrong and instead of stopping he just continues on…because he can’t stop the “passion” (major ick and eye roll). Then he has the nerve to be surprised she isn’t enjoying it cause it’s some of his best work and someone experienced would enjoy this time with him (gag). Finally once he’s done, he feels bad/annoyed that he’s feeling bad and responsible for her now (major side-eye being given to this clown). So he decides it’s best she comes with him to France because she has obviously lost her job and who cares where her mother is (he says she can leave a note) and he’ll figure out a job or future for her once he/they return.
Nothing else about this book was intriguing to me, hated the characters, hated the plot, hated his “passion” being a reasoning for his actions, all of his thoughts were gross, all the ick. I’ve read other older historical romances published around this time (and even before) and so many of those were handled better, brought more to the table than this one did for me.
I have a full reading vlog where I crashed out reading this book, but has more of my thoughts: https://youtu.be/foAW8AA-kpg
CW: rape
I have read all but 5 of LK’s books so while she’s a fav author for me overall, this book was not it…at all. I totally see why she has even said before that she doesn’t want this book back in print. I knew before going in that this book had either dubcon or noncon (it’s definitely noncon) and nothing else about the plot, but I was intrigued enough to check out Lisa Kleypas first book and from a history standpoint of reading older romance books (this was published in 1987).
The noncon happens in chapter 2 of the book and I hated the “hero’s” mindset throughout the book even after that. When assaulting her/noncon (after initially not believing her in the first place about being a virgin), he immediately realizes he was wrong and instead of stopping he just continues on…because he can’t stop the “passion” (major ick and eye roll). Then he has the nerve to be surprised she isn’t enjoying it cause it’s some of his best work and someone experienced would enjoy this time with him (gag). Finally once he’s done, he feels bad/annoyed that he’s feeling bad and responsible for her now (major side-eye being given to this clown). So he decides it’s best she comes with him to France because she has obviously lost her job and who cares where her mother is (he says she can leave a note) and he’ll figure out a job or future for her once he/they return.
Nothing else about this book was intriguing to me, hated the characters, hated the plot, hated his “passion” being a reasoning for his actions, all of his thoughts were gross, all the ick. I’ve read other older historical romances published around this time (and even before) and so many of those were handled better, brought more to the table than this one did for me.
I have a full reading vlog where I crashed out reading this book, but has more of my thoughts: https://youtu.be/foAW8AA-kpg
CW: rape
June 2, 2014
Sometimes I have nostalgic thoughts about the rapey romances I read as a teenager. I wonder whether, if I read them now, their adherence to rigid gender roles would be catnip for me. You see, I have a questionable fascination with vulnerable heroines and rescuer alpha-males. Maybe, I've thought, just maybe, some shameful part of me yearns for the sexism I learned as a child. The hero that dismisses the silly woman's silly thoughts yet loves her for her childlike ability to find joy in looking at bright colours. The heroine who knows she should obey her manly man who smells like a man, so that of the two emotions he experiences: rage and lust, he'll tend more towards lust. Turns out- I can't go back! It's awesome!! I'm free!!! Emotionally unavailable, obedience-demanding men are boring. Rape is pretty fucking unforgivable. And child-like women having sex with bossy men creep me out. Thank God!!!!
January 1, 2011
Rosalie is an innocent young girl living quite the sheltered life when she is kidnapped by the rogue Rand Berkley. Soon after he forcibly discovers that she is a virgin he whisks her off to France, and they begin a somewhat on again, off again relationship all the while discovering mysterious tidbits about Rosalie's past.
Lisa Kleypas is, in my opinion, known for three things in her books. 1. Her heroes, 2. The Steam Factor, and 3. The Romance or the Sigh Factor.
1. The Hero - Rand, our hero did not start off on a good foot at all. He was a selfish and brutish person in the beginning. He forced himself onto Rosalie and treated her quite badly. Once a 'hero' does something so vile as that, the question becomes Can he or does he redeem himself by the end of the book? I think that Rand did redeem himself suitably. His remorse and his change of attitude was almost instant upon his realization of what he had actually done. He was hyper aware of allowing her to have space, and time and control over their relationship, even to much discomfort and heartache to himself. He was also super cognizant of trying to eradicate the experience from her memory as much as would be possible, going so far as to insist nothing be even remotely similar to that experience. My problem with Rand was that he lacked the commanding presence that we see from her heroes in her later works. He didn’t really own a room when he walked into it and he didn’t give me tingles with his declarations of feelings or in his mannerism and behaviors. In the end, he gets a 3.5 on the Kleypas hero scale. :-)
2. The Steam Factor - For me, often times in a Kleypas book, the Steam Factor comes second to the romance. Only because the romance is so extremely sigh-worthy. This is not to say that her steam factor is not intense. Her love scenes are HOT. In this book, her first, the steam was mild. There of course was the first contact which was not consenual, and thus made for some issues to be dealt with before any more steam could be shared. I found that the subsequent scenes were yummy, but they didn't get me reach for my cold glass of ice water. Towards the last third of the book there was a sccene that made my eyes dilate in pleasure and recognition. There was the future Kleypas steam that I have come to know and love. So for this book I would give on a scale of 1-10 a four for the steam factor. Its there, but don't expect too much!
3. The Romance. I didn’t do a lot of sighing at Rosalie and Rand’s romance. It was sweet, it was tender, but it didn’t make me sigh. What is worthy to note though, is that Rand was extraordinarily conscientious of taking care of Rosalie, and protecting her. He recognized early on that she was someone he didn’t want to let go of and proceeded to act accordingly. For the sigh factor, it gets a 3 out of 10.
The Good & The Bad
What I noticed about this book right off the bat was that Kleypas really did her research. I did some research of my own, frankly because she made things read so interestingly that I wanted to find out more, and it all appears to be quite accurate. There were many fine and interesting details about ..well everything, and therein lies the bad for me. There was just too many details which made for a little bit longer book. I didn’t feel it was necessary to know about the shapes and colors of things, the architecture, the other members of the household who didn’t really have a bearing on the plot. I feel like its possible this book could have been at least 50-75 pages shorter. However, we know that she doesn’t continue in this trend and her later books are trimmed quite nicely. I recognize in myself that I don’t possess the great writer talent, but I certainly can recognize it when I’m holding it in my hand and reading it. Though this book didn’t enthrall me as some of her others do, I could see the talent and potential that was growing here. For Lisa Kleypas, she doesn’t have to try to write well, she just does. Even reading this first published piece didn’t feel like a struggle that you sometimes go through with authors. They’re trying so hard to make it good, and you’re right there struggling with them and it just becomes too much work. Its not that way with Kleypas' later books and its not that way with her first. Its just talent that pours onto the page. Its interesting to visit your favorite author’s first book, because though it didn’t make me cry, or sigh and clutch it to my chest, it did make me laugh out loud a few moments, and it kept me coming back for more. It was just good. And that’s all I need.
Lisa Kleypas is, in my opinion, known for three things in her books. 1. Her heroes, 2. The Steam Factor, and 3. The Romance or the Sigh Factor.
1. The Hero - Rand, our hero did not start off on a good foot at all. He was a selfish and brutish person in the beginning. He forced himself onto Rosalie and treated her quite badly. Once a 'hero' does something so vile as that, the question becomes Can he or does he redeem himself by the end of the book? I think that Rand did redeem himself suitably. His remorse and his change of attitude was almost instant upon his realization of what he had actually done. He was hyper aware of allowing her to have space, and time and control over their relationship, even to much discomfort and heartache to himself. He was also super cognizant of trying to eradicate the experience from her memory as much as would be possible, going so far as to insist nothing be even remotely similar to that experience. My problem with Rand was that he lacked the commanding presence that we see from her heroes in her later works. He didn’t really own a room when he walked into it and he didn’t give me tingles with his declarations of feelings or in his mannerism and behaviors. In the end, he gets a 3.5 on the Kleypas hero scale. :-)
2. The Steam Factor - For me, often times in a Kleypas book, the Steam Factor comes second to the romance. Only because the romance is so extremely sigh-worthy. This is not to say that her steam factor is not intense. Her love scenes are HOT. In this book, her first, the steam was mild. There of course was the first contact which was not consenual, and thus made for some issues to be dealt with before any more steam could be shared. I found that the subsequent scenes were yummy, but they didn't get me reach for my cold glass of ice water. Towards the last third of the book there was a sccene that made my eyes dilate in pleasure and recognition. There was the future Kleypas steam that I have come to know and love. So for this book I would give on a scale of 1-10 a four for the steam factor. Its there, but don't expect too much!
3. The Romance. I didn’t do a lot of sighing at Rosalie and Rand’s romance. It was sweet, it was tender, but it didn’t make me sigh. What is worthy to note though, is that Rand was extraordinarily conscientious of taking care of Rosalie, and protecting her. He recognized early on that she was someone he didn’t want to let go of and proceeded to act accordingly. For the sigh factor, it gets a 3 out of 10.
The Good & The Bad
What I noticed about this book right off the bat was that Kleypas really did her research. I did some research of my own, frankly because she made things read so interestingly that I wanted to find out more, and it all appears to be quite accurate. There were many fine and interesting details about ..well everything, and therein lies the bad for me. There was just too many details which made for a little bit longer book. I didn’t feel it was necessary to know about the shapes and colors of things, the architecture, the other members of the household who didn’t really have a bearing on the plot. I feel like its possible this book could have been at least 50-75 pages shorter. However, we know that she doesn’t continue in this trend and her later books are trimmed quite nicely. I recognize in myself that I don’t possess the great writer talent, but I certainly can recognize it when I’m holding it in my hand and reading it. Though this book didn’t enthrall me as some of her others do, I could see the talent and potential that was growing here. For Lisa Kleypas, she doesn’t have to try to write well, she just does. Even reading this first published piece didn’t feel like a struggle that you sometimes go through with authors. They’re trying so hard to make it good, and you’re right there struggling with them and it just becomes too much work. Its not that way with Kleypas' later books and its not that way with her first. Its just talent that pours onto the page. Its interesting to visit your favorite author’s first book, because though it didn’t make me cry, or sigh and clutch it to my chest, it did make me laugh out loud a few moments, and it kept me coming back for more. It was just good. And that’s all I need.
February 22, 2018
Rosalie Belleau es una joven doncella que tiene sueños inalcanzables y ella lo sabe; conforme con su vida ésta da un giro de 180º cuando se tropieza con el hombre más deseado de Londres, Randall Berkeley que la confunde con un determinado tipo de mujer…
Ésta es una de las primeras novelas de la autora y sinceramente me ha gustado, no le puedo poner demasiadas pegas porque la historia está muy bien llevada, entretenida, quizás la segunda parte es un poco pesada, no pasa nada demasiado relevante entre los personajes, pero el resto es aceptable.
La autora nos deleita con su buena ambientación, con la inserción de personajes reales en la historia como Beau Brummell que lo hila a la perfección con la historia de Rosalie y Randall. Rosalie me deja entre dos aguas, ni me fascina ni me disgusta, a veces incluso me pareció un poco desesperante. Randall al principio me costó un poco cogerle cariño por su forma de ser pero creo que gracias a él hay vidilla en el libro. Los personajes secundarios tampoco se quedan atrás como Guillaume y Mira, ésta última incluso me despertó más interés que Rosalie.
En definitiva, para ser de las primeras novelas de Kleypas no encuentro que sea mala, no es de las mejores pero engancha como siempre.
Ésta es una de las primeras novelas de la autora y sinceramente me ha gustado, no le puedo poner demasiadas pegas porque la historia está muy bien llevada, entretenida, quizás la segunda parte es un poco pesada, no pasa nada demasiado relevante entre los personajes, pero el resto es aceptable.
La autora nos deleita con su buena ambientación, con la inserción de personajes reales en la historia como Beau Brummell que lo hila a la perfección con la historia de Rosalie y Randall. Rosalie me deja entre dos aguas, ni me fascina ni me disgusta, a veces incluso me pareció un poco desesperante. Randall al principio me costó un poco cogerle cariño por su forma de ser pero creo que gracias a él hay vidilla en el libro. Los personajes secundarios tampoco se quedan atrás como Guillaume y Mira, ésta última incluso me despertó más interés que Rosalie.
En definitiva, para ser de las primeras novelas de Kleypas no encuentro que sea mala, no es de las mejores pero engancha como siempre.
October 4, 2016
Creo que es el primer libro de Kleypas que tiene una puntuación tan baja. Apenas le doy un 2,5.
También se nota que es de las primeras novelas que escribió. Los personajes están bien construidos y la ambientación es impecable, sobre todo si tenemos en cuenta que la mayor parte del libro transcurre en Francia. Pero la historia no me ha enganchado lo suficiente, más que nada porque en las tres cuartas partes del libro, lo único que sabemos es que ambos protagonistas se desean y quieren estar juntos. Nada más. Es en el último cuarto cuando empieza a haber una historia detrás de la protagonista y empiezan a haber situaciones raras que llevaran a un misterio. No está mal, pero no es lo que esperaba y para mi humilde opinión no está a la altura de las siguientes novelas de esta autora.
También se nota que es de las primeras novelas que escribió. Los personajes están bien construidos y la ambientación es impecable, sobre todo si tenemos en cuenta que la mayor parte del libro transcurre en Francia. Pero la historia no me ha enganchado lo suficiente, más que nada porque en las tres cuartas partes del libro, lo único que sabemos es que ambos protagonistas se desean y quieren estar juntos. Nada más. Es en el último cuarto cuando empieza a haber una historia detrás de la protagonista y empiezan a haber situaciones raras que llevaran a un misterio. No está mal, pero no es lo que esperaba y para mi humilde opinión no está a la altura de las siguientes novelas de esta autora.
March 31, 2019
3 Estrellas. Es el primer libro de Kleypas, y aunque correcto en muchos aspectos, se nota que es un primer libro. A pesar de todo, tiene su sello, una buena investigación detrás, e interesante por supuesto, y sus personajes.
Lo bueno de la novela es que se nota desde sus inicios cómo ha ido evolucionando su obra, y aunque estemos hablando en éste caso de una novela ochentera, puedo decir sin temor a equivocarme, que para el romance histórico que se escribía entonces, es una novela muy moderna.
En ésta novela, que inicia la serie Berkeley-Faulkner, tenemos de protagonistas a Randall y Rosalie. Randall es un futuro conde con un gran porvenir y por supuesto un pasado escandaloso de libertinaje que le precede, a pesar de que le queda poco para heredar su título, está algo hastiado de la vida que ha llevado, y desea crearse un buen porvenir en el negocio que tiene su familia, al menos antes de que su abuelo fallezca.
La protagonista femenina, Rosalie, es una joven de clase media, es la hija de una institutriz de la nobleza y señorita de compañía de la misma hija de la familia. Rosalie y su amiga soñaban con bailes y elegantes caballeros que las llevaran en brazos, pero ése era sólo un sueño que poseía, para una joven con buena educación pero ningún tipo de futuro económico.
Una noche, Rosalie, su madre y la familia para la que trabajan acuden al teatro, pero se desata un accidente que hace que Rosalie acabe separada y perdida de su grupo, y vagando por unas calles en Londres, por las que no debería vagar ninguna señorita de buena educación. La fortuna hace que Rosalie acabe en los brazos de Randall Berkeley, pero la situación de Rosalie ha cambiado, si ya era precaria por su origen, ahora su reputación está arruinada, sobre todo tras haber pasado la noche, convaleciente, pero con Randall.
Randall debe partir para Francia para arreglar unos asuntos de negocios familiares, y pese a las protestas iniciales de Rosalie conseguirá convencerla de que le acompañe, y a su vez protegerla en todo lo posible. A regañadientes, Rosalie acepta, pero éste viaje significará un cambio para la vida y el futuro se Rosalie, un futuro donde puede que encuentre el amor en brazos de éste atractivo hombre, y un futuro que le descubrirá su verdadero origen.
El punto fuerte de la novela es que tiene su pequeña dosis de misterio, sobre todo por el origen secreto de Rosalie y lo que significará mientras dure la novela. El romance, con toda su tirantez inicial, también es muy interesante. Pero si le tengo que poner algunos peros a la novela es que he sentido que algunas escenas sobraban, quizás le hacía falta alguna tijera, y sí, admito que en escenas de sexo también, pues mínimanente hay cuatro o cinco y seguro que me dejo alguna más.
Sí, se nota que es un primer Kleypas, pero como he dicho más arriba, es una novela muy correcta que puede leerse sin problemas. Para quienes somos más puristas de Kleypas en seguida encontramos su estilo en ésta novela, que pese a ser primeriza está muy bien trabajada, cuidada e investigada. La personalidad de sus personajes está perfectamente trabajada y en seguida te haces son sus diatribas verbales, sus pullas, y sí, su romance; me ha gustado pese a ser normal, bonito, pero que me ha resultado uno más del montón.
A pesar de ser su primera novela, siempre es un placer leer a Kleypas. He quedado muy intrigada sobre lo que ocurrió con Mireille, así que no tardaré en leer el segundo libro para ver qué ocurrió con la doncella francesa.
Lo bueno de la novela es que se nota desde sus inicios cómo ha ido evolucionando su obra, y aunque estemos hablando en éste caso de una novela ochentera, puedo decir sin temor a equivocarme, que para el romance histórico que se escribía entonces, es una novela muy moderna.
En ésta novela, que inicia la serie Berkeley-Faulkner, tenemos de protagonistas a Randall y Rosalie. Randall es un futuro conde con un gran porvenir y por supuesto un pasado escandaloso de libertinaje que le precede, a pesar de que le queda poco para heredar su título, está algo hastiado de la vida que ha llevado, y desea crearse un buen porvenir en el negocio que tiene su familia, al menos antes de que su abuelo fallezca.
La protagonista femenina, Rosalie, es una joven de clase media, es la hija de una institutriz de la nobleza y señorita de compañía de la misma hija de la familia. Rosalie y su amiga soñaban con bailes y elegantes caballeros que las llevaran en brazos, pero ése era sólo un sueño que poseía, para una joven con buena educación pero ningún tipo de futuro económico.
Una noche, Rosalie, su madre y la familia para la que trabajan acuden al teatro, pero se desata un accidente que hace que Rosalie acabe separada y perdida de su grupo, y vagando por unas calles en Londres, por las que no debería vagar ninguna señorita de buena educación. La fortuna hace que Rosalie acabe en los brazos de Randall Berkeley, pero la situación de Rosalie ha cambiado, si ya era precaria por su origen, ahora su reputación está arruinada, sobre todo tras haber pasado la noche, convaleciente, pero con Randall.
Randall debe partir para Francia para arreglar unos asuntos de negocios familiares, y pese a las protestas iniciales de Rosalie conseguirá convencerla de que le acompañe, y a su vez protegerla en todo lo posible. A regañadientes, Rosalie acepta, pero éste viaje significará un cambio para la vida y el futuro se Rosalie, un futuro donde puede que encuentre el amor en brazos de éste atractivo hombre, y un futuro que le descubrirá su verdadero origen.
El punto fuerte de la novela es que tiene su pequeña dosis de misterio, sobre todo por el origen secreto de Rosalie y lo que significará mientras dure la novela. El romance, con toda su tirantez inicial, también es muy interesante. Pero si le tengo que poner algunos peros a la novela es que he sentido que algunas escenas sobraban, quizás le hacía falta alguna tijera, y sí, admito que en escenas de sexo también, pues mínimanente hay cuatro o cinco y seguro que me dejo alguna más.
Sí, se nota que es un primer Kleypas, pero como he dicho más arriba, es una novela muy correcta que puede leerse sin problemas. Para quienes somos más puristas de Kleypas en seguida encontramos su estilo en ésta novela, que pese a ser primeriza está muy bien trabajada, cuidada e investigada. La personalidad de sus personajes está perfectamente trabajada y en seguida te haces son sus diatribas verbales, sus pullas, y sí, su romance; me ha gustado pese a ser normal, bonito, pero que me ha resultado uno más del montón.
A pesar de ser su primera novela, siempre es un placer leer a Kleypas. He quedado muy intrigada sobre lo que ocurrió con Mireille, así que no tardaré en leer el segundo libro para ver qué ocurrió con la doncella francesa.
April 29, 2012
I didn't like the 'rape' part as the foundation of their love story. Actually, let me edit that. I HATED the RAPE part. It ruined a possibly good romance story. It was written as if being raped is just a normal occurrence. It was taken so lightly I find it extremely offensive.
September 2, 2008
Despite the rape scene that occurs in the second chapter of the book, I can't quite bring myself to give this book the dreaded one-star review. I know, I know, I’m surprised too!
I seldom continue reading a romance novel that starts off with the “hero” raping the heroine, especially since most of the rape scenes I’ve encountered in these types of novels ultimately end with the woman unable to stop herself from giving in to the moment and being swept away on a cloud of passion. Um, no. That’s *so* not okay and unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past 15 years, I don’t even think I need to explain why.
However, the one thing that kept me reading this book after Rand raped the unwilling Rosalie in chapter two was the fact that from start to finish, she *didn’t* go along with it. From the first moment when he ignores her claim of virginity until the horrific end when he rolls away from her and realizes that he has indeed violently deflowered an unwilling partner, she is angry. And confused. And in pain. And Kleypas doesn’t mince words about that fact.
I kept reading because it was the first time I’d ever seen a “romantically inspired rape scene” written with so much grit and I was curious to see how on Earth the author would be able to dig that a$$hole of a hero from that deep hole she’d just dug him into.
But she did. Somehow. And by the end, I was cheering them on to their obnoxiously cheesy, HEA ending. Awww, bunnies and fuzzies galore!
I know I’ve read other novels Kleypas has written and I know I liked them. I don’t remember which ones they were and after having a recent conversation with another historical romance fan, I decided to look up a list of books she’d written and start working through them because she is one of the undisputed “goodies” in the lot of them.
This was the first novel she published in 1987. It’s not an easy book to come by as it’s out of print. I don’t know the facts and am merely speculating, but given Kleypas’s current popularity in the genre and the current “temperature” amongst modern romance fans being decidedly anti-rape, it doesn’t surprise me that the book is hard to find. Its resale list price on half.com is about $50, so next time you’re at the thrift store or find an estate sale of an old school romance reader, look for this title and you can probably resell it pretty quickly online, but if you’re sensitive to rape scenes, beware.
I seldom continue reading a romance novel that starts off with the “hero” raping the heroine, especially since most of the rape scenes I’ve encountered in these types of novels ultimately end with the woman unable to stop herself from giving in to the moment and being swept away on a cloud of passion. Um, no. That’s *so* not okay and unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past 15 years, I don’t even think I need to explain why.
However, the one thing that kept me reading this book after Rand raped the unwilling Rosalie in chapter two was the fact that from start to finish, she *didn’t* go along with it. From the first moment when he ignores her claim of virginity until the horrific end when he rolls away from her and realizes that he has indeed violently deflowered an unwilling partner, she is angry. And confused. And in pain. And Kleypas doesn’t mince words about that fact.
I kept reading because it was the first time I’d ever seen a “romantically inspired rape scene” written with so much grit and I was curious to see how on Earth the author would be able to dig that a$$hole of a hero from that deep hole she’d just dug him into.
But she did. Somehow. And by the end, I was cheering them on to their obnoxiously cheesy, HEA ending. Awww, bunnies and fuzzies galore!
I know I’ve read other novels Kleypas has written and I know I liked them. I don’t remember which ones they were and after having a recent conversation with another historical romance fan, I decided to look up a list of books she’d written and start working through them because she is one of the undisputed “goodies” in the lot of them.
This was the first novel she published in 1987. It’s not an easy book to come by as it’s out of print. I don’t know the facts and am merely speculating, but given Kleypas’s current popularity in the genre and the current “temperature” amongst modern romance fans being decidedly anti-rape, it doesn’t surprise me that the book is hard to find. Its resale list price on half.com is about $50, so next time you’re at the thrift store or find an estate sale of an old school romance reader, look for this title and you can probably resell it pretty quickly online, but if you’re sensitive to rape scenes, beware.
October 16, 2015
So I read the reviews...and most of them pointed the scene in chapter 2...so I just skipped the first three chapters until they leave for France. I loved the story and the chemistry between the main pair. I can't wait for the second book.
October 7, 2022
I loved this book! Definitely enjoyed it more than some other Kleypas books. Now to find the next book in the series!
September 18, 2018
The hero strait up rapes the heroine in the first couple chapters. I get that this is a book from the 80s but this isn’t a case of mixed signals, being drunk or anything else that is typically used as an excuse. Nope he just rapes her and the only sliver of remorse he feels is because he realizes she was a virgin. Nope nope nope. I wanted to try to read all of LK books but this is going to be a DNF for me. So disappointing
I read a couple reviews that claim he redeems himself eventually but I honestly don’t even care and I don’t think I would consider anything short of taking a bullet for her (preferably in the dick) enough for redemption.
“Don’t do this to me. You could have anyone,” Rosalie panted, trying to escape the heat of him between her legs. Rand responded by settling more deeply against her, hard and impatient for the softness of her body. The light feminine scent of her, the young warmth of her flesh caused a hunger inside him that he had not felt in a long time. It was unexpected, the strength of this desire for a reluctant maid. “Please . . . I’ve never been with a man,” she whispered, pulling out her last card, and he stilled. Hazel eyes met brilliant blue in a split second of challenge. Momentarily Rand allowed himself to wonder if what she claimed was true. But it couldn’t be. Someone in her position and with her looks would have lost her innocence years ago. Comely housemaids were readily accessible and very desirable targets for men of almost any means and station.
“I don’t believe you,” Rand replied flatly. “It’s true, damn you!”
Prompted by painful arousal and the inexplicable necessity to have her, Rand closed his mind to the possibility that she was not lying. It must be, he reasoned, that she was afraid he would not recompense her well for her favors, or perhaps she was merely playing the tease to heighten his desire for her. He was well used to that game.
“Then,” he drawled insouciantly, “it seems I’m called upon to find proof of your claim.” He transferred both of her wrists into one hand. Her fingernails curved into fragile, translucent claws. Desperately Rosalie fought, but even in her fury there was little she could do to stop him. He stripped her garments off easily, with an offhand attitude that was as much an indignity as a physical violation. Her na*ed body quivered in reaction to the cool air and the unfamiliar experience of being revealed completely in the daylight. Sickly Rosalie closed her eyes as Rand inhaled slowly. He placed a warm, gentle hand on her finely structured rib cage, his reverent touch drifting upward along the velvet skin to the fullness of her breast. As he took its weight in his palm, the expert caress of his thumb brought the tender softness of her nipple to complete arousal. At the same time he bent over her other breast and took it into his mouth, the heated flick of his tongue sweeping over her again and again. Her soft skin, her quivering flesh . . . was so sweet . . .
As Rosalie struggled against him she realized he was ten times stronger. His body was hard and invulnerable, built for aggression, so very different from her own. The hair on his chest brushed against her skin like rough silk, the abrasion feeling unutterably strange. I don’t believe it is happening, Rosalie thought, frozen with shame as she pictured the scene from above. Herself, pale-skinned in the morning light, stretched out on the rumpled luxury of the bed, the man devoting his attention to the most private parts of her body as if he owned them. His dark amber hair gleaming immaculately, his large hands cupped around her, one of his legs insinuated between her tense and parted knees. She could barely hear through the labored rushing of her breathing and the drumming of her heart.
“This is disgusting,” she choked, and he dragged his mouth up to the fragile line of her jaw, careful not to disarrange the silk kerchief around her neck.
“A wounding observation. Usually my services are more highly recommended,” Rand said, his mouth curving in a momentary touch of humor. She turned her face away from him, clenching every muscle in rejection of what was occurring. She merely succeeded in imprisoning his leg more securely between hers. Then her breath caught in her throat as his hand stroked over the lowest part of her abdomen. “If you would relax, I believe this would all be more . . . tolerable to you,” he suggested gently, and Rosalie thought she would die of shock as his fingertips drifted in an idle pattern through her soft, light curls. The world was spinning crazily, its humming whirl resonating in her head. The scents of bare masculine skin and sandalwood soap drifted seductively to her nostrils.
“Don’t!” she choked, yet still the strange undreamedof caress continued while she lay under him like a block of ice. It deepened, intensified until he was stroking the snug, shrinking tenderness of her virgin flesh, watching her stiff expression curiously. He continued until two wavering tears of humiliation wound their way down the sides of her face, yet still he did not appear satisfied with her response. “When are you going to stop?” The words fitfully issued from her lips, and Rand’s mouth thinned. He discarded all efforts to make the act more pleasurable for her.
“You would prefer a fast-paced finale? I’ll endeavor to oblige you,” he said, and before she could take another breath he thrust into her, hard and demanding, rending her feminine softness without restraint. Rosalie cried out in surprise and pain, her body arching sharply into his in immediate reaction. The disembodied feeling returned as she realized that he had penetrated inside of her, that he remained there and was suddenly still as he stared into her dazed face. Rand whispered something, a trace of some undefinable emotion in his tone. He remained unmoving as Rosalie endured the uncomfortable sensation of being filled, too much and too deep. He held her face between his hands, but she would not meet his eyes or accept the touch of his mouth. She had not wanted to be possessed by him, neither did she want his consolation. Patiently he let her adjust to the feel of his body, allowing the first shock to wear off before he began to ease in and out of her with exquisite care.
I read a couple reviews that claim he redeems himself eventually but I honestly don’t even care and I don’t think I would consider anything short of taking a bullet for her (preferably in the dick) enough for redemption.
“Don’t do this to me. You could have anyone,” Rosalie panted, trying to escape the heat of him between her legs. Rand responded by settling more deeply against her, hard and impatient for the softness of her body. The light feminine scent of her, the young warmth of her flesh caused a hunger inside him that he had not felt in a long time. It was unexpected, the strength of this desire for a reluctant maid. “Please . . . I’ve never been with a man,” she whispered, pulling out her last card, and he stilled. Hazel eyes met brilliant blue in a split second of challenge. Momentarily Rand allowed himself to wonder if what she claimed was true. But it couldn’t be. Someone in her position and with her looks would have lost her innocence years ago. Comely housemaids were readily accessible and very desirable targets for men of almost any means and station.
“I don’t believe you,” Rand replied flatly. “It’s true, damn you!”
Prompted by painful arousal and the inexplicable necessity to have her, Rand closed his mind to the possibility that she was not lying. It must be, he reasoned, that she was afraid he would not recompense her well for her favors, or perhaps she was merely playing the tease to heighten his desire for her. He was well used to that game.
“Then,” he drawled insouciantly, “it seems I’m called upon to find proof of your claim.” He transferred both of her wrists into one hand. Her fingernails curved into fragile, translucent claws. Desperately Rosalie fought, but even in her fury there was little she could do to stop him. He stripped her garments off easily, with an offhand attitude that was as much an indignity as a physical violation. Her na*ed body quivered in reaction to the cool air and the unfamiliar experience of being revealed completely in the daylight. Sickly Rosalie closed her eyes as Rand inhaled slowly. He placed a warm, gentle hand on her finely structured rib cage, his reverent touch drifting upward along the velvet skin to the fullness of her breast. As he took its weight in his palm, the expert caress of his thumb brought the tender softness of her nipple to complete arousal. At the same time he bent over her other breast and took it into his mouth, the heated flick of his tongue sweeping over her again and again. Her soft skin, her quivering flesh . . . was so sweet . . .
As Rosalie struggled against him she realized he was ten times stronger. His body was hard and invulnerable, built for aggression, so very different from her own. The hair on his chest brushed against her skin like rough silk, the abrasion feeling unutterably strange. I don’t believe it is happening, Rosalie thought, frozen with shame as she pictured the scene from above. Herself, pale-skinned in the morning light, stretched out on the rumpled luxury of the bed, the man devoting his attention to the most private parts of her body as if he owned them. His dark amber hair gleaming immaculately, his large hands cupped around her, one of his legs insinuated between her tense and parted knees. She could barely hear through the labored rushing of her breathing and the drumming of her heart.
“This is disgusting,” she choked, and he dragged his mouth up to the fragile line of her jaw, careful not to disarrange the silk kerchief around her neck.
“A wounding observation. Usually my services are more highly recommended,” Rand said, his mouth curving in a momentary touch of humor. She turned her face away from him, clenching every muscle in rejection of what was occurring. She merely succeeded in imprisoning his leg more securely between hers. Then her breath caught in her throat as his hand stroked over the lowest part of her abdomen. “If you would relax, I believe this would all be more . . . tolerable to you,” he suggested gently, and Rosalie thought she would die of shock as his fingertips drifted in an idle pattern through her soft, light curls. The world was spinning crazily, its humming whirl resonating in her head. The scents of bare masculine skin and sandalwood soap drifted seductively to her nostrils.
“Don’t!” she choked, yet still the strange undreamedof caress continued while she lay under him like a block of ice. It deepened, intensified until he was stroking the snug, shrinking tenderness of her virgin flesh, watching her stiff expression curiously. He continued until two wavering tears of humiliation wound their way down the sides of her face, yet still he did not appear satisfied with her response. “When are you going to stop?” The words fitfully issued from her lips, and Rand’s mouth thinned. He discarded all efforts to make the act more pleasurable for her.
“You would prefer a fast-paced finale? I’ll endeavor to oblige you,” he said, and before she could take another breath he thrust into her, hard and demanding, rending her feminine softness without restraint. Rosalie cried out in surprise and pain, her body arching sharply into his in immediate reaction. The disembodied feeling returned as she realized that he had penetrated inside of her, that he remained there and was suddenly still as he stared into her dazed face. Rand whispered something, a trace of some undefinable emotion in his tone. He remained unmoving as Rosalie endured the uncomfortable sensation of being filled, too much and too deep. He held her face between his hands, but she would not meet his eyes or accept the touch of his mouth. She had not wanted to be possessed by him, neither did she want his consolation. Patiently he let her adjust to the feel of his body, allowing the first shock to wear off before he began to ease in and out of her with exquisite care.
September 7, 2018
Bayağıdır Lisa okumadığım için heyecanlıydım ama kitabın başlarını hiç mi hiç sevmedim.
October 11, 2018
Ok brace yourselves.
The major issue that many (myself included) will have/had with this book is that the H rapes the h. There is no sugarcoating this scene and no way of justifying what he did. He rescues the h from a would be rapist, only to become the rapist.
With that being said...I still continued reading this book. I still enjoyed this book. WHY? BECAUSE I AM SICK THAT'S WHY...okay no but *shrugs*
It was difficult getting past that because I know that I like to love my hero's and he felt like he was entitled to her. No it does not matter that he thought since she was a maid that she was experienced etc. Anyway, I enjoy angst and the banter and love/hate relationship that you will find in most HPs and HRs but I was really curious to see how Lisa Kleypas was going to fix this big issue because I thought she went and done goofed. Plus the h was not a fan of the H. So here's a mini breakdown of the plot after the first encounter both of these characters have.
H: So uh I basically ruined your chances of ever working at your current job bc I kept you overnight and deflowered you.
h: you think asshole?!
H: Come with me to France and we'll get you sorted out once I finish my business there. I'll find you a job as a nanny or something
h: *I hate him and he just raped me but I'm going to go with him and make him spend money and live the life I've always dreamed of"
So the rest of the story is both characters getting to know each other and the H confronting what he did and realizing he's a terrible person and moving away from his past . It can be argued that the h has a case of Stockholm syndrome but I did enjoy this story.
The major issue that many (myself included) will have/had with this book is that the H rapes the h. There is no sugarcoating this scene and no way of justifying what he did. He rescues the h from a would be rapist, only to become the rapist.
With that being said...I still continued reading this book. I still enjoyed this book. WHY? BECAUSE I AM SICK THAT'S WHY...okay no but *shrugs*
It was difficult getting past that because I know that I like to love my hero's and he felt like he was entitled to her. No it does not matter that he thought since she was a maid that she was experienced etc. Anyway, I enjoy angst and the banter and love/hate relationship that you will find in most HPs and HRs but I was really curious to see how Lisa Kleypas was going to fix this big issue because I thought she went and done goofed. Plus the h was not a fan of the H. So here's a mini breakdown of the plot after the first encounter both of these characters have.
H: So uh I basically ruined your chances of ever working at your current job bc I kept you overnight and deflowered you.
h: you think asshole?!
H: Come with me to France and we'll get you sorted out once I finish my business there. I'll find you a job as a nanny or something
h: *I hate him and he just raped me but I'm going to go with him and make him spend money and live the life I've always dreamed of"
So the rest of the story is both characters getting to know each other and the H confronting what he did and realizing he's a terrible person and moving away from his past . It can be argued that the h has a case of Stockholm syndrome but I did enjoy this story.
April 12, 2017
El principio no me llamó la atención como siempre lo hace los libros de Kleypas, pero poco a poco me fue atrapando. Es uno de sus primeros libros se nota en la forma de escribir pero se deja ver su esencia, sobretodo en descripciones y en el personaje masculino. El final es algo precipitado y me habría gustado saber que fue de Guilleume y Mirelle, no se si hable de ellos en el segundo libro de la serie ya que no lo he leído.
January 2, 2022
Ya lo advertí en mi blog: «La primera de Kleypas... del 87… y se nota». Por aquella época, los romances históricos estaban dominados por muchachas bellísimas y virtuosas metidas en aventuras variopintas que acababan redimiendo a varones con problemas de consentimiento. La historia de Randall Berkley y Rosalie Belleau no es diferente.
May 14, 2020
Rosalie has always been a fanciful girl with dreams above her station as a lady’s companion. One day as she is going out on the town, she becomes separated from her mother and is chased down by a thug. Her efforts at escape lead her to an uncaring group of dandies, one of whom helps her — but only later does she realize the price he means to have her pay. Randall has lived his life in studied aplomb and irreverence after a troubling childhood. When he rapes Rosalie, he believes her to be nothing but an inconsequential housemaid. He is discomfited to find himself feeling guilty over her stolen virginity, so he persuades her to accompany him to France until he can secure her a respectable job. Along the way, they fall in love.
I surprisingly liked this. First, I would like to preface by saying that I tend to distinguish between forced seduction, dubious consent, or straight up non-consent. In this situation, it’s a hard non-consent scene; Rosalie does not find her body “betraying” her, she tries to run away from Rand and pleads with him not to do it, and she feels humiliated and degraded afterwards.
It’s hard to turn that into a romance. But somehow Kleypas did that. Rosalie and Rand don’t develop a cavalier attitude about it, but they kind of... let it go, if you can imagine that. I think it was a mixture of the historical time period (it wasn’t uncommon to sexually assault servants, to the extent that it wasn’t even considered an assault) + Rosalie’s naïvety and youth (did she just agree to go to a foreign country with her rapist...? Yes. It’s not that she’s stupid, just lost) + Rand’s lack of further callousness afterwards (he proceeds to see her differently, like an actual person).
Beyond that, the novel was good. It was very engaging and hard to put down — I even woke up at night like twice just wanting to continue reading. The romance was a bit gradual for obvious reasons but intense. The hero actually has some romantic things to say. Plus, there is an added element of suspense when someone tries to hurt Rosalie.
I would reread and keep on my shelf. All in all I think if a reader is able to move past the first scene of non-consent, they will like the rest of the book and learn to understand the characters. If that scene is too disturbing and triggering, then this book isn’t a great option. This author does not usually write these heavier themes (maybe because this book is older) so another Kleypas book may be more your style.
I surprisingly liked this. First, I would like to preface by saying that I tend to distinguish between forced seduction, dubious consent, or straight up non-consent. In this situation, it’s a hard non-consent scene; Rosalie does not find her body “betraying” her, she tries to run away from Rand and pleads with him not to do it, and she feels humiliated and degraded afterwards.
It’s hard to turn that into a romance. But somehow Kleypas did that. Rosalie and Rand don’t develop a cavalier attitude about it, but they kind of... let it go, if you can imagine that. I think it was a mixture of the historical time period (it wasn’t uncommon to sexually assault servants, to the extent that it wasn’t even considered an assault) + Rosalie’s naïvety and youth (did she just agree to go to a foreign country with her rapist...? Yes. It’s not that she’s stupid, just lost) + Rand’s lack of further callousness afterwards (he proceeds to see her differently, like an actual person).
Beyond that, the novel was good. It was very engaging and hard to put down — I even woke up at night like twice just wanting to continue reading. The romance was a bit gradual for obvious reasons but intense. The hero actually has some romantic things to say. Plus, there is an added element of suspense when someone tries to hurt Rosalie.
I would reread and keep on my shelf. All in all I think if a reader is able to move past the first scene of non-consent, they will like the rest of the book and learn to understand the characters. If that scene is too disturbing and triggering, then this book isn’t a great option. This author does not usually write these heavier themes (maybe because this book is older) so another Kleypas book may be more your style.
November 16, 2021
You know what's never really addressed in romance novels where the 'hero' rapes the heroine?
All the other women he's raped before, and all the women he will rape after her. Because to be perfectly honest, having just reached the part where they are setting off to France, I don't believe that she is the first woman he's raped, and I don't believe she'll be the last. He was just too matter-of-fact about it, and too skilled.
We're all focused on Rosalie's pain, and the fact that he raped her, and if she's willing to forgive him then so should we, that we set aside the fact that this man was clearly not 'overcome by passion'. He made a cold-blooded decision to rape a defenceless young woman, committed the act with no more emotion than a machine, and then felt a twinge of guilt because 'oh dear I may have ruined this young woman's entire life because she was a virgin.' He doesn't feel guilty because he raped someone, he just feels (ever so slightly) guilty because she was a virgin. And tbh I don't buy the idea that he feels actual guilt, so much as that he knows he's just condemned her to being a prostitute or a mistress, and is being possessive because he was there first. These are not the actions of a good man. These are the actions of a man who is used to forcing women.
So fuck you, Rand. Die in a fire, you rapist filth.
All the other women he's raped before, and all the women he will rape after her. Because to be perfectly honest, having just reached the part where they are setting off to France, I don't believe that she is the first woman he's raped, and I don't believe she'll be the last. He was just too matter-of-fact about it, and too skilled.
We're all focused on Rosalie's pain, and the fact that he raped her, and if she's willing to forgive him then so should we, that we set aside the fact that this man was clearly not 'overcome by passion'. He made a cold-blooded decision to rape a defenceless young woman, committed the act with no more emotion than a machine, and then felt a twinge of guilt because 'oh dear I may have ruined this young woman's entire life because she was a virgin.' He doesn't feel guilty because he raped someone, he just feels (ever so slightly) guilty because she was a virgin. And tbh I don't buy the idea that he feels actual guilt, so much as that he knows he's just condemned her to being a prostitute or a mistress, and is being possessive because he was there first. These are not the actions of a good man. These are the actions of a man who is used to forcing women.
So fuck you, Rand. Die in a fire, you rapist filth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2008
This is Lisa’s first published novel, published when she was only 24 in 1987. She dedicated the book to her mother Linda Kleypas. Book was published by Onyx in September 1987 and is 405 pages long. The book takes place in England and France in 1816.
The heroine is 20 year old Rosalie Belleau, born in 1796 in France. She’s got long dark hair and blue eyes. She’s an only child. Rosalie is personal maid to Lady Winthrop and companion to her daughter Elaine. The hero is 28 year old Randall Berkeley but goes by ‘Rand’. He’s got “deep amber hair” and “unfashionably dark skin”, hazel eyes. Has one brother named Colin. He’s two years younger than Rand.
I thought this was a pretty good book and I never got bored with it. What I liked most about it was her 15 year old maid Mireille. Mireille is very guarded about her past. Her brother said once that their mother was a prostitute and that he and Mireille are half siblings. At the end of the book Mireille up and disappeared but guess what? She’s got her own story in this books sequel, “Forever My Love”. In the book she’s 20 years old and uses the name Mira.
The heroine is 20 year old Rosalie Belleau, born in 1796 in France. She’s got long dark hair and blue eyes. She’s an only child. Rosalie is personal maid to Lady Winthrop and companion to her daughter Elaine. The hero is 28 year old Randall Berkeley but goes by ‘Rand’. He’s got “deep amber hair” and “unfashionably dark skin”, hazel eyes. Has one brother named Colin. He’s two years younger than Rand.
I thought this was a pretty good book and I never got bored with it. What I liked most about it was her 15 year old maid Mireille. Mireille is very guarded about her past. Her brother said once that their mother was a prostitute and that he and Mireille are half siblings. At the end of the book Mireille up and disappeared but guess what? She’s got her own story in this books sequel, “Forever My Love”. In the book she’s 20 years old and uses the name Mira.
May 27, 2017
By my understanding, this was one of Lisa Kleypas's first books, and it shows. There's a lot more descriptions; a lot more "showing" rather than "doing". The dialogue between the characters is sparse, but where there are chunks of dialogue, some of her future wit and turn of phrase are evident.
Having said that, I was surprised to find myself really enjoying the book. The rape scene was particularly abhorrent, and while I don't necessarily approve of it being a plot device, it framed Rand's initial callous attitude nicely. He started out being a self-involved, selfish man with no thought or consideration towards others, but by the end, his grovelling and continued repentance for his actions made me truly happy that he was deserving of Rosalie's love.
Rosalie... was an interesting character. A well-educated young woman, with none of the pretense and simpering attitude of other young ladies. I felt so sorry for her that she should've had to endure that degrading act, and I don't know just how she could bear to spend time with her rapist, but I did like the rest of the book. Just get rid of that chapter, and this book would've been one of the best old-school LS books around.
Having said that, I was surprised to find myself really enjoying the book. The rape scene was particularly abhorrent, and while I don't necessarily approve of it being a plot device, it framed Rand's initial callous attitude nicely. He started out being a self-involved, selfish man with no thought or consideration towards others, but by the end, his grovelling and continued repentance for his actions made me truly happy that he was deserving of Rosalie's love.
Rosalie... was an interesting character. A well-educated young woman, with none of the pretense and simpering attitude of other young ladies. I felt so sorry for her that she should've had to endure that degrading act, and I don't know just how she could bear to spend time with her rapist, but I did like the rest of the book. Just get rid of that chapter, and this book would've been one of the best old-school LS books around.
October 25, 2016
Cartea este scrisă cu grijă, condimentând la tot pasul cu informaţii legate de evenimente istorice, descrieri minuţioase ale decoraţiunilor interioare, sau pur şi simplu punând accent pe trăirile personajelor. Aceste combinaţii vor aduce un plus romanului pentru că autoarea îşi testează iscusinţa conturându-şi stilul, încercând să descopere zona de confort. În timp, Lisa K. va renunţa la unele puncte şi va încerca să ofere câte o doză din fiecare, dar fără să plictisească audienţa.
recenzie http://literaturapetocuri.ro/in-valto...
recenzie http://literaturapetocuri.ro/in-valto...
October 6, 2016
The heroine gets raped by the hero.
The "hero" of this story is an unapologetic rapist who only feels marginally guilty because the woman he raped turned out to have been a virgin.
Didn't bother reading the rest of the book, because I have no desire to read about a woman falling in love with the man who raped and kidnapped her. Absolutely disgusting.
The "hero" of this story is an unapologetic rapist who only feels marginally guilty because the woman he raped turned out to have been a virgin.
Didn't bother reading the rest of the book, because I have no desire to read about a woman falling in love with the man who raped and kidnapped her. Absolutely disgusting.
December 2, 2017
I found Where Passion Leads a little too long for my taste. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the relationship development between Rand and Rose but that was it. Nothing else held much interest for me.
September 19, 2012
One of Lisa Kleypas' best. A true historical romance.
April 19, 2017
Hermoso!
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