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The Rumor #0.5
Forever Mine
London, 1802
Lady Augustine Jane Ascott longs for a man who will do more than offer his hand in marriage. She wants a husband she can trust, someone who will shield her from the darkness of the world. Her heart was broken when her little brother was kidnapped years earlier, and she still carries the pain of his loss.
When the handsome Duke of Wentworth makes his feelings for her known, Augustine's past demons warn her away. Besides, every woman in London knows he's devoted to the memory of his late wife. But is it possible he cares for her after all and that their love can bring them the peace they both crave?
Lady Augustine Jane Ascott longs for a man who will do more than offer his hand in marriage. She wants a husband she can trust, someone who will shield her from the darkness of the world. Her heart was broken when her little brother was kidnapped years earlier, and she still carries the pain of his loss.
When the handsome Duke of Wentworth makes his feelings for her known, Augustine's past demons warn her away. Besides, every woman in London knows he's devoted to the memory of his late wife. But is it possible he cares for her after all and that their love can bring them the peace they both crave?
52 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
26 people are currently reading
702 people want to read
About the author
Delilah Marvelle
38 books524 followersI spent my youth studying various languages, reading voraciously, and playing the pianoforte. I confess that here ends the extent of my gentle breeding. I was a naughty child who was forever torturing her parents with countless adventures that they did not deem respectable. Confined to my room on many occasions due to these misadventures, I soon discovered the quill and its amazing power. I scribed endless stories that almost invariably surrounded the topic of love, for I felt an inane need to be rescued from a family that did not understand my lust for life. In my mind, King Arthur became my true love and I waited for the day when he would come riding upon his steed and invite me to sit at his round table, not as his queen, but as his knight. To my distress, King Arthur was never to be found anywhere except for in the tip of my quill. And so I led an imaginary life for many, many years. When I finally came of age, my family was further horrified to discover that I had fallen in love with an American. An American King Arthur who became my knight, my husband, my all. I have been blessed beyond reason and am grateful for each day I have with him. What is equally amazing is that I now have the opportunity to share my passion for stories with the public. The reason why I write romance is because it allows me to touch upon the subject of love on a much deeper, more intimate level. Many of the stories I write, many of the stories I will continue to write, will always evolve around love. And yes, gentle readers, it will also evolve around sex as I have no intention of becoming my parents and restraining my characters from what it is they truly desire to do. I challenge you, my readers, to let loose of those corsets that have been strung too tightly due to convention and enjoy 1830 to its fullest."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
December 29, 2018
Lady Augustine Jane Ascott's little brother was kidnapped two years ago and Augustine needs answers. So when Leonard, the Duke of Wentworth shows up to offer his hand his marriage, her response is a hard PASS. Except Leonard won't take no for an answer and Augustine wants to eat her cake and have it, too!
1. OH DEAR CHRIST.
2. First: Leonard is a widower. His first wife was his childhood sweetheart who died seven years ago. Now, inexplicably, he's hot for Augustine who is significantly younger than him. WHY is completely a mystery because she's literally a moody cypher: their first interaction in the text is him confronting her while she pouts in the garden at his house while she spouts mean, cynical things at him. It's RIDICULOUS and NOT EVEN SLIGHTLY ROMANTIC.
3. Augustine is hyper-focused on discovering the truth of her brother's disappearance until she suddenly isn't. Probably because of a single manually stimulated orgasm and the mindless sycophantic devotion of Leonard. IDK.
4. The writing is just...not great. Overly wrought nonsense with plenty of strange word choices. And overall, not very coherent. Much like this review.
5. Apparently port will take a gentleman who is EXTREMELY ready to leave Augustine alone and turn him into a handsy, demanding asshole?? GOOD TO KNOW I GUESS.
1. OH DEAR CHRIST.
2. First: Leonard is a widower. His first wife was his childhood sweetheart who died seven years ago. Now, inexplicably, he's hot for Augustine who is significantly younger than him. WHY is completely a mystery because she's literally a moody cypher: their first interaction in the text is him confronting her while she pouts in the garden at his house while she spouts mean, cynical things at him. It's RIDICULOUS and NOT EVEN SLIGHTLY ROMANTIC.
3. Augustine is hyper-focused on discovering the truth of her brother's disappearance until she suddenly isn't. Probably because of a single manually stimulated orgasm and the mindless sycophantic devotion of Leonard. IDK.
4. The writing is just...not great. Overly wrought nonsense with plenty of strange word choices. And overall, not very coherent. Much like this review.
5. Apparently port will take a gentleman who is EXTREMELY ready to leave Augustine alone and turn him into a handsy, demanding asshole?? GOOD TO KNOW I GUESS.
September 16, 2018
3.5 Stars
It’s a shortie, but I just love Delilah’s style of writing and her unusual characters.
It’s a shortie, but I just love Delilah’s style of writing and her unusual characters.
February 28, 2013
IMPORTANT NOTE FROM DELILAH MARVELLE’S WEBSITE:
Bonus Chapters from Forever Mine that were not included in this Prequel Novella are available for free download. These two bonus chapters are the untold story of what happened to Nathaniel from Augustine's point of view. The publisher removed these two chapters from Forever Mine, despite my insisting upon their importance to the series and the novella. Which is why I am offering them for free. I feel this story and the entire series is incomplete without them, and in my opinion, are critical in understanding Nathaniel's story whom the entire series is based on.
http://www.delilahmarvelle.com/#!fore...
*******
I discovered Delilah Marvelle last year when I read Mistress of Pleasure, the first book in her School of Gallantry series. It was so refreshingly different, uproariously funny and wickedly sexy that I became an instant fan. I’ve since bought her Scandal and Rumor series together with Lord of Pleasure, the second book in the School of Gallantry series.
My Synopsis
Since her brother was kidnapped two years ago, Lady Augustine Ascott’s life has had little meaning. The only thing keeping her going is her determination to do everything in her power to find her brother. Only then can she truly move on and have everything she yearns for, a husband and children.
Leonard Stewart, Duke of Wentworth has mourned his wife for seven years but now realises it’s time to move on with his life. Augustine is the only woman who has captured his interest and he is determined to gain both her trust and her heart.
My Thoughts
Augustine is such an endearing heroine; strong yet with a core of vulnerability, determined, loyal, and ‘innocence wrapped in odd maturity’. I enjoyed watching her come to realize just how much Leonard means to her and that it’s time to move on with her life.
What can I say about Leonard, other than every woman should be lucky enough to meet such a man! Dashing, honourable, protective, caring, patient and witty, he’s the perfect match for Augustine. He understands her feelings so well because he has experienced the loss of his beloved wife. I admire his willingness to help Augustine in her search for her brother although he fears he may well lose her to this obsession.
Forever Mine is a sweetly satisfying love story and a must read if, like me, you want to continue the series and discover what really happened to Nathaniel!
RATING: ★★★★
SENSUALITY RATING: HOT
The Rumor series
Bonus Chapters from Forever Mine that were not included in this Prequel Novella are available for free download. These two bonus chapters are the untold story of what happened to Nathaniel from Augustine's point of view. The publisher removed these two chapters from Forever Mine, despite my insisting upon their importance to the series and the novella. Which is why I am offering them for free. I feel this story and the entire series is incomplete without them, and in my opinion, are critical in understanding Nathaniel's story whom the entire series is based on.
http://www.delilahmarvelle.com/#!fore...
*******
I discovered Delilah Marvelle last year when I read Mistress of Pleasure, the first book in her School of Gallantry series. It was so refreshingly different, uproariously funny and wickedly sexy that I became an instant fan. I’ve since bought her Scandal and Rumor series together with Lord of Pleasure, the second book in the School of Gallantry series.
My Synopsis
Since her brother was kidnapped two years ago, Lady Augustine Ascott’s life has had little meaning. The only thing keeping her going is her determination to do everything in her power to find her brother. Only then can she truly move on and have everything she yearns for, a husband and children.
Leonard Stewart, Duke of Wentworth has mourned his wife for seven years but now realises it’s time to move on with his life. Augustine is the only woman who has captured his interest and he is determined to gain both her trust and her heart.
My Thoughts
Augustine is such an endearing heroine; strong yet with a core of vulnerability, determined, loyal, and ‘innocence wrapped in odd maturity’. I enjoyed watching her come to realize just how much Leonard means to her and that it’s time to move on with her life.
What can I say about Leonard, other than every woman should be lucky enough to meet such a man! Dashing, honourable, protective, caring, patient and witty, he’s the perfect match for Augustine. He understands her feelings so well because he has experienced the loss of his beloved wife. I admire his willingness to help Augustine in her search for her brother although he fears he may well lose her to this obsession.
Forever Mine is a sweetly satisfying love story and a must read if, like me, you want to continue the series and discover what really happened to Nathaniel!
RATING: ★★★★
SENSUALITY RATING: HOT
The Rumor series
February 6, 2012
In the words of Drunk Hulk "WHAT POINT"
a) I accept that this is essentially a prologue to another story.
b) That is no excuse for illogical plotting, flimsy characterization, and inattention to detail.
c) At least it was short.
a) I accept that this is essentially a prologue to another story.
b) That is no excuse for illogical plotting, flimsy characterization, and inattention to detail.
c) At least it was short.
Read
January 17, 2012FOREVER MINE is the prequel novella to the Rumor Series. You don't have to read this prequel to understand the series, but it adds a depth that would otherwise go unnoticed. FOREVER MINE and the events within its pages, haunts the entire series. This novella and each book within the series (FOREVER AND A DAY, FOREVER A LADY and FOREVER A LORD) are strategic puzzle pieces. They read alone to create a story, yes, but when you put them all together, it creates a much bigger story to provide a deeper understanding of characters and events that seem insignificant in one book, when in fact, it has a much greater purpose.
PLEASE NOTE:
On my website (as well as in the GoodReads excerpt section), there is a free download of two chapters that I had originally included in FOREVER MINE. The publisher (not my editor) refused to include these first two chapters for reasons that were never explained to me. Despite my protests as a writer, they were still excluded. If you feel the story falls short, it does. The story was written to include these two chapters.
PLEASE NOTE:
On my website (as well as in the GoodReads excerpt section), there is a free download of two chapters that I had originally included in FOREVER MINE. The publisher (not my editor) refused to include these first two chapters for reasons that were never explained to me. Despite my protests as a writer, they were still excluded. If you feel the story falls short, it does. The story was written to include these two chapters.
June 8, 2017
I enjoyed this novella, but I do think the extra scenes posted on the authors site made it more enjoyable for me then it would have been if I did not read those first. I plan to try the next one in the series, and I will hopefully like it more because it is a longer novel so more development can take place!
November 20, 2017
A good introduction to The Rumor series. It effectively set the stage as, I'm sure, it was intended to do.
PS: I downloaded and read the first two chapters that the author posted on her website which her editors refused to include. They added much to the backstory. It is the actual kidnapping event of Augustine's brother, Atwood, at the age of 10. It helps to understand how close they were as children and why she was never willing to give up the search for him. Thank you Ms. Delilah for posting this.
PS: I downloaded and read the first two chapters that the author posted on her website which her editors refused to include. They added much to the backstory. It is the actual kidnapping event of Augustine's brother, Atwood, at the age of 10. It helps to understand how close they were as children and why she was never willing to give up the search for him. Thank you Ms. Delilah for posting this.
December 1, 2011
Overview:
Forever Mine starts out in New York City in 1800 where we are introduced to Lady Augustine Jane Ascott and her family. Augustine is a 17-year-old young woman with a 10-year-old brother, Nathaniel, and a mother and father who don’t have the best relationship. Her father, the earl of Sumner, partakes in some extra curricular activities that are very disrespectful to their mother and prove to be a danger to their family. After a strange man is seen outside the window of Nathaniel’s bedchamber making threats to her younger brother, Augustine informs her father who is going to take care of the situation claiming to be friends with the man. The only problem is, it seems to be too late because Nathaniel goes missing, abducted straight from his room.
Two years later, Augustine and her parents are back in London trying to move on with their lives. Lord Sumner has gotten rid of anything that would remind them of Nathaniel and pretends like his son never existed while Augustine doesn’t go a day without thinking of her younger brother. She is torn up inside and the way her father acts makes everything worse…she still believes that he had something to do with her brothers disappearance and she has never forgiven him for it.
While at a social event at the house of the duke of Wentworth, the duke seeks out Augustine and after a fun exchange decides that he will ask for her hand in marriage. They have a 16 year difference in age but with the tradgedy they both have in their past it seems like they are a match made in heaven.
My Thoughts:
I absolutely loved this novella! Ms. Marvelle gets us right back into the swing of the ton, rumors and scandal of London society in the 1800′s. I loved her characters of Augustine, Nathaniel and Leonard (the duke of Wentworth). We only see Nathaniel for the first few pages but you grow to adore him as much as Augustine and you can’t help but feel saddened by his disapperance. I don’t know if we’ll ever see him again but I loved how he acts like an old soul even at the age of 10!
The relationship development between Augustine and Leonard is very fast…of course it has to be when you only have 88 pages to make a love happen and I think Delilah pulled it off fantastically! Augustine is hurt by the loss of her brother while Leonard is hurt by the loss of his wife and these major events in their lives really draw them together. They have this true understand of what the other is feeling and I think that is how they know they can really trust and confide in each other. While there wasn’t a whole lot of love scenes in this book, actually only one, it was still sexy and I don’t feel like it was thrown in just to have one…it was perfect timing.
The one person I really don’t like in this book was Augustine’s father. I do believe that whatever he was completely involved with got his son kidnapped. I’m not sure I believe that he was behind the kidnapping…well I hope not…but I think he still feels guilty and that is why he’s trying to forget.
I can’t say much else about the novella since it is…well…a novella but I can tell you all a bit more about what to expect from this series! The next book is Forever and a Day and it is releasing on December 20th! This book actually starts with Lady Augustine’s grown son in New York City! Augustine has passed on and has given her son a map in hopes of accomplishing something (I think we can all take a wild guess as to what, ). I have been able to read the first few chapters in the book and I’ll tell you right now, I’m VERY excited to see where this series is going to go!
You can expect to find my review for Forever and a Day on December 20th and my VERY FIRST author interview with Ms. Delilah Marvelle herself on December 21st.
Forever Mine starts out in New York City in 1800 where we are introduced to Lady Augustine Jane Ascott and her family. Augustine is a 17-year-old young woman with a 10-year-old brother, Nathaniel, and a mother and father who don’t have the best relationship. Her father, the earl of Sumner, partakes in some extra curricular activities that are very disrespectful to their mother and prove to be a danger to their family. After a strange man is seen outside the window of Nathaniel’s bedchamber making threats to her younger brother, Augustine informs her father who is going to take care of the situation claiming to be friends with the man. The only problem is, it seems to be too late because Nathaniel goes missing, abducted straight from his room.
Two years later, Augustine and her parents are back in London trying to move on with their lives. Lord Sumner has gotten rid of anything that would remind them of Nathaniel and pretends like his son never existed while Augustine doesn’t go a day without thinking of her younger brother. She is torn up inside and the way her father acts makes everything worse…she still believes that he had something to do with her brothers disappearance and she has never forgiven him for it.
While at a social event at the house of the duke of Wentworth, the duke seeks out Augustine and after a fun exchange decides that he will ask for her hand in marriage. They have a 16 year difference in age but with the tradgedy they both have in their past it seems like they are a match made in heaven.
My Thoughts:
I absolutely loved this novella! Ms. Marvelle gets us right back into the swing of the ton, rumors and scandal of London society in the 1800′s. I loved her characters of Augustine, Nathaniel and Leonard (the duke of Wentworth). We only see Nathaniel for the first few pages but you grow to adore him as much as Augustine and you can’t help but feel saddened by his disapperance. I don’t know if we’ll ever see him again but I loved how he acts like an old soul even at the age of 10!
The relationship development between Augustine and Leonard is very fast…of course it has to be when you only have 88 pages to make a love happen and I think Delilah pulled it off fantastically! Augustine is hurt by the loss of her brother while Leonard is hurt by the loss of his wife and these major events in their lives really draw them together. They have this true understand of what the other is feeling and I think that is how they know they can really trust and confide in each other. While there wasn’t a whole lot of love scenes in this book, actually only one, it was still sexy and I don’t feel like it was thrown in just to have one…it was perfect timing.
The one person I really don’t like in this book was Augustine’s father. I do believe that whatever he was completely involved with got his son kidnapped. I’m not sure I believe that he was behind the kidnapping…well I hope not…but I think he still feels guilty and that is why he’s trying to forget.
I can’t say much else about the novella since it is…well…a novella but I can tell you all a bit more about what to expect from this series! The next book is Forever and a Day and it is releasing on December 20th! This book actually starts with Lady Augustine’s grown son in New York City! Augustine has passed on and has given her son a map in hopes of accomplishing something (I think we can all take a wild guess as to what, ). I have been able to read the first few chapters in the book and I’ll tell you right now, I’m VERY excited to see where this series is going to go!
You can expect to find my review for Forever and a Day on December 20th and my VERY FIRST author interview with Ms. Delilah Marvelle herself on December 21st.
October 23, 2012
This was just so hard to get through. I tend to read ebooks on my phone (which is a low-functioning Nokia, not particularly designed for e-reading), which means that the screen only shows a few sentences at a time, and basically every other word so annoyed me that I had to put the book down between partial pages. The opening interaction doesn't make you like or understand either character; it's clunky and unromantic and so irritating. The hero and heroine actually coming together happens in a way that makes no sense and has no excitement. What they actually do in the adventure part of the tale is never described; we just suddenly get to an end where she's realized she loves him and that will be enough for her so they can walk away from the search for her brother. Just...what? And the backstory that is suggested is in no way really dealt with by actual dialogue or action - the heroine's mother fears so much for her daughter's safety from her terrible father that she begs the hero to propose, but ultimately all we find out is that the father smacks around his wife and daughter to keep them from telling the truth about him. Yes, that's a terrible father and a despicable man, and no, I don't want to make light of domestic abuse, but I was expecting something far more sordid than that. And for god's sake...why why why did the hero keep calling the heroine "Lady Ascott"?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She was never married; Ascott is her father's family name. She only holds a title because she's the daughter of an earl. The hero, a duke clearly raised to know all that he ought, should've addressed her as Lady Augustine. Not. Lady. Ascott.
Why do people who don't follow the rules of historical romance nomenclature get published? It's a cardinal sin that not even great writing and engrossing plotting can completely excuse. Here we have laborious, uncompelling writing, and a complete lack of plot or engaging characterization. I really, really didn't like it. I think Marvelle has interesting ideas and her writing has potential, but as it is I find it headache-inducing, so I shall walk away from this series feeling cheated by the excellent blurb and unsatisfied by not knowing the answer to the mystery at the heart of this prequel (and for God's sake, these two deserve a book of their own, not a series that begins with their son after they've both died. Gaaaaargh!)
Why do people who don't follow the rules of historical romance nomenclature get published? It's a cardinal sin that not even great writing and engrossing plotting can completely excuse. Here we have laborious, uncompelling writing, and a complete lack of plot or engaging characterization. I really, really didn't like it. I think Marvelle has interesting ideas and her writing has potential, but as it is I find it headache-inducing, so I shall walk away from this series feeling cheated by the excellent blurb and unsatisfied by not knowing the answer to the mystery at the heart of this prequel (and for God's sake, these two deserve a book of their own, not a series that begins with their son after they've both died. Gaaaaargh!)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2012
This was not even a novella. It was like picking up a book that was missing the entire first half. I wanted to read a love story. She skipped all the fun parts. And to top it all off, we didn't get to find out what happened to her brother. I checked out the missing chapters that precede the events in the novella, and they didn't really add much. I assume the next in the series will continue the storyline. I hope so, because this was hardly enough to whet an appetite. Not really worth reading.
September 10, 2013
I had forgotten how good this author is! I want to read the whole series today :)
This is the prequel novella to the series and we' find out about Lady Augustine and how her brother was taken. We also see a very swoon worthy duke who sees Augustine and shows her how to trust once more.
I need to get Forever and a Day now.
This is the prequel novella to the series and we' find out about Lady Augustine and how her brother was taken. We also see a very swoon worthy duke who sees Augustine and shows her how to trust once more.
I need to get Forever and a Day now.
November 14, 2011
I FREAKIN love Delilah Marvelle. I am so looking forward to her new series.
Review coming soon,
Review coming soon,
March 13, 2020
2 Stars
January 9, 2022
I’ve had this book on my kindle unread for a while so thought I would give it a shot on a cold rainy day. I thought the synopsis sound incredible interesting, a widower trying to find love again and a sister trying to find her missing brother. The problem is that this ended up being a short story, and there was absolutely not enough time to address all of the things that needed to be dealt with or explained. I saw in another review that the author posted 2 missing chapters that I admit I did not read, as I think even 2 more chapters is not enough to save this book. Perhaps it will explain why Nathaniel’s disappearance stuck with Augustine, but it still did nothing to show the growing relationship between her and Leonard. That is what the story should be about but it felt more like their relationship took a backseat to setting up the next book. Augustine turns down his offer of marriage and yet climbs in his bed the first night, just not believable. Then they get to New York and have like 5 pages of them “searching” and not getting results and all of a sudden she’s ok with no longer searching. Unfortunately this was a huge disappointment and left me no desire to even continue with the rest of the series.
September 5, 2017
A very quick read (only 56 pages). It earned only three stars because it was too short. It merely skimmed the service (broad strokes for the two main characters, Augustine and Leonard). This book jump started the series. It introduced the mystery of Augustine's brother who disappeared two years earlier.
August 26, 2018
IDK why I don't have this marked as "read" but I read it a loooong time ago. When It first came out. Great book. Perfect into to start you in on this series. I absolutely loved this series, as I do with all Mrs. Marvelle books.
July 10, 2019
I definitely recommend reading the first two chapters that are only available through the author's website.
It's a decent read, has some pacing issues. I can see how the characters could have gone the way they did, but we needed more time to see it happen, rather than be told about it.
It's a decent read, has some pacing issues. I can see how the characters could have gone the way they did, but we needed more time to see it happen, rather than be told about it.
May 4, 2023
Forever Mine is the prequel novella to The Rumor series.
Set in London, 1802, it’s the origin romance story of Leonard Stewart, the Duke of Wentworth, to Lady Augustine Jane Ascott.
Five chapters long.
Set in London, 1802, it’s the origin romance story of Leonard Stewart, the Duke of Wentworth, to Lady Augustine Jane Ascott.
Five chapters long.
February 4, 2017
Short, of course, since it was a novella, but not the greatest. It was intriguing just enough to make me want to read the next one and find out what happened to Nathaniel.
January 16, 2018
Age gap: 16 years
Heroine’s age: 19
Hero’s age: 35
Heroine’s age: 19
Hero’s age: 35
May 6, 2024
Just read this and really liked it! It was a super short novella, but I’m excited for the next book and intrigued by the mystery.
May 29, 2024
Liked it, Leonard was awesome, can't wait to read on in the series.
July 27, 2024
It was bad
Real bad even for a novella
Kris has an apt review for the same
Real bad even for a novella
Kris has an apt review for the same
October 3, 2012
Forever Mine ของเดไลลาห์ มาร์เวลล์
เรื่องนี้เป็นเรื่องสั้นนำหนังสือชุดนี้ค่ะ ถือเป็นเล่มที่ 0.5 ของชุด เล่าเรื่องย้อนกลับไปเมื่อสามสิบปีก่อน (เปิดเรื่องเล่มแรก) เพื่อให้ยุ่งยากมากขึ้นไปอีก ก่อนที่จะเริ่มอ่านเรื่องนี้ นักเขียน (และเราด้วยค่ะ) แนะนำให้อ่านบทนำเปิดเรื่องสองบท ซึ่งถูกสนพ.ตัดทิ้งเพราะเครียดเกินไปสำหรับเรื่องสั้น (ตามความเห็นของสนพ.) แต่ถือว่า มีความสำคัญกับเรื่องอย่างยิ่ง สองบทโบนัสอยู่ที่เว็บไซด์ของนักเขียนนะคะ
เราคิดว่า สำคัญมาก ๆ ที่ต้องอ่านสองบทนี้ก่อนจะเริ่มอ่านเรื่องนี้นะคะ เพราะไม่อย่างนั้นอาจจะไม่เข้าใจแรงขับดันของนางเอกในเรื่อง ว่าทำไมเธอจึงต้องทำทุกอย่างเพื่อออกตามหาน้องชายที่หายไป
เลดี้ออกัสตีน แอสค็อตต์ กำลังจะทิ้งทุกอย่างไป เธอกำลังจะกลับไปนิวยอร์คเพื่อออกตามหาน้องชายที่หายตัวไปเมื่อสองปีก่อน ไม่สำคัญว่าเลโอนาร์ด ดยุคแห่งเวนท์เวิร์ธ ชายผู้เหมาะสม และคู่ควร กำลังจะขอเธอแต่งงาน เพราะสำหรับออกัสตีนแล้ว ไม่มีอะไร หรือใครสำคัญไปกว่านาธานเนียล น้องชายไปได้
เรื่องมีแค่นี้จริง ๆ ค่ะ เพราะเปิดเรื่องก็เป็นที่เข้าใจกันแล้วว่า พระเอกรักนางเอกเหลือเกิน เรื่องแทบไม่มีคำอธิบายว่า อะไรทำให้เขารักเธอขนาดนั้น ทั้งที่ตัวเองก็เป็นหม้ายมาหลายปี แล้วก็รักภรรยาคนแรกมาก ๆ เมื่อตัดสินใจจะแต่งงานใหม่ และได้เจอกับออกัสตีน เลโอนาร์ดก็สรุปว่า รักเธอมาก และพร้อมจะทำทุกอย่างเพื่อเธอ แม้จะเป็นการเดินทางไปนิวยอร์คเพื่อช่วยเธอตามหาน้องชาย
เรื่องนี้มีบทสรุปที่คนอ่านรู้อยู่แล้วนะคะ การตามหาไม่สำเร็จ นี่ไม่ใช่สปอยล์แต่อย่างใด เพราะตัวตนของนาธาเนียลคือ หัวใจของเรื่องที่เกิดขึ้นในอีกสามสิบปีต่อมา นั่นจึงทำให้เรื่องนี้จบไปแบบขมขื่นเล็กน้อย เมื่อ (สปอยล์) เลโนนาร์ดได้รับการบอกเล่าว่า นาธานเนียลยังมีชีวิตอยู่ แต่เขาจะไม่กลับมา ทำให้อย่างน้อยออกัสตีนก็ยังมีความหวังว่า จะได้เจอกับเขาในอีกวันนึงข้างหน้า
แต่ (สปอลย์) อีกนั่นแหละ คนที่อ่านเล่มหนึ่งไปก็จะรู้ว่า นั่นเป็นเพียงความหวังในอากาศ เพราะออกัสตีนจะตายในอีกสิบหกปีต่อมา เราไม่รู้นะคะว่า ถ้าเรารู้แบบนี้ก่อนจะเริ่มอ่านเรื่องสั้นเรื่องนี้ เราจะอยากอ่านไหม เรารู้สึกว่า มันเป็นเรื่องเศร้า เรากำลังอ่านความรักของคนสองคนที่เรารู้ว่า จะมีเวลาอยู่ด้วยกันเพียงสั้น ๆ ออกัสตีนไม่มีโอกาสเห็นลูกชายของเธอโตมาด้วยซ้ำ และเลโอนาร์ดจะต้องใช้ชีวิตอย่างโดดเดี่ยวต่อไปอีกหลังจากนั้น (ซึ่งเมื่อคิดว่า เขาก็มองดูภรรยาคนแรกตายไปแล้วหนึ่งคน ต้องมาดูออกัสตีนตายอีกคน ชีวิตรันทดเกินไปหน่อยนะ)
โดยรวมเราคิดว่า เรื่องนี้ต้องรับใช้หลายประเด็นมากเกินไป คนแต่งพยายามใช้ในการปูพื้นเรื่องของชุดที่เกี่ยวข้องกับการหายตัวไปของนาธาเนียล ในขณะเดียวกันก็ต้องเป็นเรื่องโรแมนซ์ ด้วยหน้ากระดาษที่จำกัด หลายสิ่งถูกรวบรัด ไม่ว่าจะเป็นเรื่องความรู้สึกของพระเอกที่มีต่อนางเอก ที่แทบจะไม่มีการบรรยายออกมาให้เห็นชัดเจนว่า พัฒนาเริ่มต้นมาจากอะไร คนอ่านต้องยอมรับว่า เขารักเธอ รักมากที่จะเสียสละทุกอย่างเพื่อช่วยเธอตามหาน้องชาย
สรุปสิ่งที่ชอบมากที่สุดในเรื่องนี้ก็คือ ปกเรื่องค่ะ เราว่าสวยว่าอีกสองเล่มที่เหลือเสียอีก
คะแนนที่ 57
เรื่องนี้เป็นเรื่องสั้นนำหนังสือชุดนี้ค่ะ ถือเป็นเล่มที่ 0.5 ของชุด เล่าเรื่องย้อนกลับไปเมื่อสามสิบปีก่อน (เปิดเรื่องเล่มแรก) เพื่อให้ยุ่งยากมากขึ้นไปอีก ก่อนที่จะเริ่มอ่านเรื่องนี้ นักเขียน (และเราด้วยค่ะ) แนะนำให้อ่านบทนำเปิดเรื่องสองบท ซึ่งถูกสนพ.ตัดทิ้งเพราะเครียดเกินไปสำหรับเรื่องสั้น (ตามความเห็นของสนพ.) แต่ถือว่า มีความสำคัญกับเรื่องอย่างยิ่ง สองบทโบนัสอยู่ที่เว็บไซด์ของนักเขียนนะคะ
เราคิดว่า สำคัญมาก ๆ ที่ต้องอ่านสองบทนี้ก่อนจะเริ่มอ่านเรื่องนี้นะคะ เพราะไม่อย่างนั้นอาจจะไม่เข้าใจแรงขับดันของนางเอกในเรื่อง ว่าทำไมเธอจึงต้องทำทุกอย่างเพื่อออกตามหาน้องชายที่หายไป
เลดี้ออกัสตีน แอสค็อตต์ กำลังจะทิ้งทุกอย่างไป เธอกำลังจะกลับไปนิวยอร์คเพื่อออกตามหาน้องชายที่หายตัวไปเมื่อสองปีก่อน ไม่สำคัญว่าเลโอนาร์ด ดยุคแห่งเวนท์เวิร์ธ ชายผู้เหมาะสม และคู่ควร กำลังจะขอเธอแต่งงาน เพราะสำหรับออกัสตีนแล้ว ไม่มีอะไร หรือใครสำคัญไปกว่านาธานเนียล น้องชายไปได้
เรื่องมีแค่นี้จริง ๆ ค่ะ เพราะเปิดเรื่องก็เป็นที่เข้าใจกันแล้วว่า พระเอกรักนางเอกเหลือเกิน เรื่องแทบไม่มีคำอธิบายว่า อะไรทำให้เขารักเธอขนาดนั้น ทั้งที่ตัวเองก็เป็นหม้ายมาหลายปี แล้วก็รักภรรยาคนแรกมาก ๆ เมื่อตัดสินใจจะแต่งงานใหม่ และได้เจอกับออกัสตีน เลโอนาร์ดก็สรุปว่า รักเธอมาก และพร้อมจะทำทุกอย่างเพื่อเธอ แม้จะเป็นการเดินทางไปนิวยอร์คเพื่อช่วยเธอตามหาน้องชาย
เรื่องนี้มีบทสรุปที่คนอ่านรู้อยู่แล้วนะคะ การตามหาไม่สำเร็จ นี่ไม่ใช่สปอยล์แต่อย่างใด เพราะตัวตนของนาธาเนียลคือ หัวใจของเรื่องที่เกิดขึ้นในอีกสามสิบปีต่อมา นั่นจึงทำให้เรื่องนี้จบไปแบบขมขื่นเล็กน้อย เมื่อ (สปอยล์) เลโนนาร์ดได้รับการบอกเล่าว่า นาธานเนียลยังมีชีวิตอยู่ แต่เขาจะไม่กลับมา ทำให้อย่างน้อยออกัสตีนก็ยังมีความหวังว่า จะได้เจอกับเขาในอีกวันนึงข้างหน้า
แต่ (สปอลย์) อีกนั่นแหละ คนที่อ่านเล่มหนึ่งไปก็จะรู้ว่า นั่นเป็นเพียงความหวังในอากาศ เพราะออกัสตีนจะตายในอีกสิบหกปีต่อมา เราไม่รู้นะคะว่า ถ้าเรารู้แบบนี้ก่อนจะเริ่มอ่านเรื่องสั้นเรื่องนี้ เราจะอยากอ่านไหม เรารู้สึกว่า มันเป็นเรื่องเศร้า เรากำลังอ่านความรักของคนสองคนที่เรารู้ว่า จะมีเวลาอยู่ด้วยกันเพียงสั้น ๆ ออกัสตีนไม่มีโอกาสเห็นลูกชายของเธอโตมาด้วยซ้ำ และเลโอนาร์ดจะต้องใช้ชีวิตอย่างโดดเดี่ยวต่อไปอีกหลังจากนั้น (ซึ่งเมื่อคิดว่า เขาก็มองดูภรรยาคนแรกตายไปแล้วหนึ่งคน ต้องมาดูออกัสตีนตายอีกคน ชีวิตรันทดเกินไปหน่อยนะ)
โดยรวมเราคิดว่า เรื่องนี้ต้องรับใช้หลายประเด็นมากเกินไป คนแต่งพยายามใช้ในการปูพื้นเรื่องของชุดที่เกี่ยวข้องกับการหายตัวไปของนาธาเนียล ในขณะเดียวกันก็ต้องเป็นเรื่องโรแมนซ์ ด้วยหน้ากระดาษที่จำกัด หลายสิ่งถูกรวบรัด ไม่ว่าจะเป็นเรื่องความรู้สึกของพระเอกที่มีต่อนางเอก ที่แทบจะไม่มีการบรรยายออกมาให้เห็นชัดเจนว่า พัฒนาเริ่มต้นมาจากอะไร คนอ่านต้องยอมรับว่า เขารักเธอ รักมากที่จะเสียสละทุกอย่างเพื่อช่วยเธอตามหาน้องชาย
สรุปสิ่งที่ชอบมากที่สุดในเรื่องนี้ก็คือ ปกเรื่องค่ะ เราว่าสวยว่าอีกสองเล่มที่เหลือเสียอีก
คะแนนที่ 57
August 26, 2012
"Forever Mine" by Delilah Marvelle
Lady Augustine Jane Ascott has been suffering with the loss of her brother who was kidnapped in New York over two years ago. He was the one person that she could trust and confide in. Now, two years later, Lady Augustine's mother insists that she meet a man and get married so she can put the past of her brothers disappearance behind her for good. Lady Augustine would love nothing more than to give her heart to someone, but she knows that she will never be able to do that until she can find out what really happen to her brother. Is he still alive?
While at a one of the upper society balls, Lady Augustine is confronted by the Duke of Wentworth. The Duke of Wentworth is curious as to why Lady Augustine is not dancing with anyone at the ball. Lady Augustin makes it clear to the Duke that she does not want to meet anyone, and has no plans to marry. The Duke of Wentworth knows that Lady Augustin is hiding something and does not want anyone to know what her secret is. The Duke of Wentworth has had his eye on the beautiful Lady Augustine for awhile, and sees an opportunity to gain her trust by asking her to trust him with what is bothering her. Will Lady Augustine trust the Duke of Wentworth and tell her about her brother's disappearance? Will the Duke of Wentworth capture Lady Augustine's heart while gaining her trust?
“Forever Mine” is a love story about trust and friendship. Delilah Marvelle will capture your heart in this wonderfully written novel that brings two lost souls closer through comfort, passion and confrontation.
4 Hearts Out Of 5
Reviewed by Historicalromancebooks.ca
Visit my Website at http://www.historicalromancebooks.ca
Lady Augustine Jane Ascott has been suffering with the loss of her brother who was kidnapped in New York over two years ago. He was the one person that she could trust and confide in. Now, two years later, Lady Augustine's mother insists that she meet a man and get married so she can put the past of her brothers disappearance behind her for good. Lady Augustine would love nothing more than to give her heart to someone, but she knows that she will never be able to do that until she can find out what really happen to her brother. Is he still alive?
While at a one of the upper society balls, Lady Augustine is confronted by the Duke of Wentworth. The Duke of Wentworth is curious as to why Lady Augustine is not dancing with anyone at the ball. Lady Augustin makes it clear to the Duke that she does not want to meet anyone, and has no plans to marry. The Duke of Wentworth knows that Lady Augustin is hiding something and does not want anyone to know what her secret is. The Duke of Wentworth has had his eye on the beautiful Lady Augustine for awhile, and sees an opportunity to gain her trust by asking her to trust him with what is bothering her. Will Lady Augustine trust the Duke of Wentworth and tell her about her brother's disappearance? Will the Duke of Wentworth capture Lady Augustine's heart while gaining her trust?
“Forever Mine” is a love story about trust and friendship. Delilah Marvelle will capture your heart in this wonderfully written novel that brings two lost souls closer through comfort, passion and confrontation.
4 Hearts Out Of 5
Reviewed by Historicalromancebooks.ca
Visit my Website at http://www.historicalromancebooks.ca
August 28, 2013
1.5 Stars
german review
Okay, dass war eine etwas...komische und abgedrehte Geschichte. Ich weiß auch nicht, emotional kam bei mir überhaupt nichts an, vor allem keine Romantik, es wirkte alles sehr gehetzt und unterkühlt. Die Handlung war für so eine kurze Geschichte auch viel zu übertrieben, bei einem langen Historical mag das in Ordnung sein, aber hier wirkte es etwas fehl am Platze. Langweilig war die Geschichte im übrigen auch noch, ich hab am Ende nur noch quer gelesen, soweit das auf dem Kindle überhaupt möglich ist.
Den Charaktere stehe ich auch etwas zwiespältig gegenüber, sie schienen keine klare Linie zu haben. Jane wirkt für ihre 19 Jahre, sowohl sehr erwachsen als auch manchmal wie ein kleines unschuldiges Mädchen, dass noch nicht einmal die Pubertät erreicht hat. Den 35-jährigen Leonard fand ich auch sehr merkwürdig. Manchmal benahm er sich wie ein pubertärer und zudem noch eingebildeter Junge und nicht wie ein verwitweter Duke, der seine verstorbene Ehefrau über alles liebte. Auf der anderen Seite wirkte er aber auch total alt, sodass ich die Beziehung zu Jane doch etwas...ähm...sonderbar fand, okay, sagen wir etwas "pädophil". *hust* Nicht weil es so wäre, sondern weil er einfach teilweise so alt wirkte und sie so unschuldig jung, die beiden wollten in meinem Kopf einfach nicht zusammenpassen.
Tja, nach dieser Kurzgeschichte will ich nicht unbedingt noch einen Roman von Delilah Marvelle lesen, auch weil mir schon ihre Kurzgeschichte im "Mammoth Book of Regency Romance" nicht gefallen hat. Die Idee hinter "Forever Mine" mit dem verschwinden von Janes Bruder, fand ich jedoch interessant. Außerdem ist das Cover echt hübsch. :-D
german review
Okay, dass war eine etwas...komische und abgedrehte Geschichte. Ich weiß auch nicht, emotional kam bei mir überhaupt nichts an, vor allem keine Romantik, es wirkte alles sehr gehetzt und unterkühlt. Die Handlung war für so eine kurze Geschichte auch viel zu übertrieben, bei einem langen Historical mag das in Ordnung sein, aber hier wirkte es etwas fehl am Platze. Langweilig war die Geschichte im übrigen auch noch, ich hab am Ende nur noch quer gelesen, soweit das auf dem Kindle überhaupt möglich ist.
Den Charaktere stehe ich auch etwas zwiespältig gegenüber, sie schienen keine klare Linie zu haben. Jane wirkt für ihre 19 Jahre, sowohl sehr erwachsen als auch manchmal wie ein kleines unschuldiges Mädchen, dass noch nicht einmal die Pubertät erreicht hat. Den 35-jährigen Leonard fand ich auch sehr merkwürdig. Manchmal benahm er sich wie ein pubertärer und zudem noch eingebildeter Junge und nicht wie ein verwitweter Duke, der seine verstorbene Ehefrau über alles liebte. Auf der anderen Seite wirkte er aber auch total alt, sodass ich die Beziehung zu Jane doch etwas...ähm...sonderbar fand, okay, sagen wir etwas "pädophil". *hust* Nicht weil es so wäre, sondern weil er einfach teilweise so alt wirkte und sie so unschuldig jung, die beiden wollten in meinem Kopf einfach nicht zusammenpassen.
Tja, nach dieser Kurzgeschichte will ich nicht unbedingt noch einen Roman von Delilah Marvelle lesen, auch weil mir schon ihre Kurzgeschichte im "Mammoth Book of Regency Romance" nicht gefallen hat. Die Idee hinter "Forever Mine" mit dem verschwinden von Janes Bruder, fand ich jedoch interessant. Außerdem ist das Cover echt hübsch. :-D
July 22, 2012
This is my first read by Delilah Marvelle. I thought it would be a good primer for the first full length book in the series, which I recently purchased. Unfortunately this novella was just OK for me. It did not feel like this novella had a complete beginning, middle, or end. Rather, if feels like we’re dropped right into the middle of things with no back story to make sense of it all. There is little romance in the story. By the time the novella starts, Wentworth is already in love with Augustina and is looking to propose marriage. The hows and whys of it are never explained and I never really understood why he was in love with her. Later on, Augustine admits to herself that she is also in love with Wentworth but again, it seems to happen very suddenly and without any reason. I wish I could say that the sexy times made up for the lack of romance but there wasn’t a lot of that either. The love scene seemed more rushed than anything.
Even the ending is somewhat unsatisfactory and the fate of Augustine’s brother remains a mystery. While I think the story had potential, it just wasn’t developed enough. I didn’t feel an emotional connection with the characters and was never fully invested in their fate. I am still going to read the first book in the series (because I have it) and I hope that the format of a full length novel will eliminate some of the problems I had with this short story.
Even the ending is somewhat unsatisfactory and the fate of Augustine’s brother remains a mystery. While I think the story had potential, it just wasn’t developed enough. I didn’t feel an emotional connection with the characters and was never fully invested in their fate. I am still going to read the first book in the series (because I have it) and I hope that the format of a full length novel will eliminate some of the problems I had with this short story.
January 8, 2012
Review : 5x5 Throw in a SWOON too
So I won the 1st book in this series and wanted to know if there was anything before it... Well there was Forever Mine! Also there are bonus chapters that go along with it and you need to read those FIRST, and they are free. I will say that I'm not sure I would have gotten the depth of Augustine if not for the bonus chapters...
Now...What is not to love here? London..check 1800 society..check All the making for a great start! Augustine is a great character. She is strong willed even for her time, yet she knows when to show that and when not too. She is broken and nope not telling you more.
The Duke... Swoon! No really take a moment and bask in it *I'll wait* .... *sigh* OK now What a gentleman! He is a Duke but very humble. He is not flashy in society as one would think he would be, nor does he think he is entitled to everything. Caring, Strong,Debonair all rolled into this broken man...
Great start for this series I am now jumping straight into Forever and a Day! So watch for that review to come! Really GET This if you love historical romance...Wicked good!
So I won the 1st book in this series and wanted to know if there was anything before it... Well there was Forever Mine! Also there are bonus chapters that go along with it and you need to read those FIRST, and they are free. I will say that I'm not sure I would have gotten the depth of Augustine if not for the bonus chapters...
Now...What is not to love here? London..check 1800 society..check All the making for a great start! Augustine is a great character. She is strong willed even for her time, yet she knows when to show that and when not too. She is broken and nope not telling you more.
The Duke... Swoon! No really take a moment and bask in it *I'll wait* .... *sigh* OK now What a gentleman! He is a Duke but very humble. He is not flashy in society as one would think he would be, nor does he think he is entitled to everything. Caring, Strong,Debonair all rolled into this broken man...
Great start for this series I am now jumping straight into Forever and a Day! So watch for that review to come! Really GET This if you love historical romance...Wicked good!
January 28, 2012
Even though this novella takes place 20-some odd years before the first book in the Rumor series, Forever and a Day, I would suggest reading Forever and a Day first. That way, you are not spoiling some of the story from Forever and a Day. Plus, I personally enjoyed seeing Leonard first as an older gentleman in the role of Roderick's father, and then in the novella as his younger self finding love for the second time.
Leonard, the Duke of Wentworth, has set his eyes on Lady Augustine. He is ready for marriage again after seven years of mourning his first wife. Lady Augustine has different plans though. She is consumed by a family tragedy and does not think she could make any man happy until she gets some answers.
I found this to be a very bittersweet novella. It was also pretty humorous. Leonard's dialogue, especially, was very amusing. I'm now very much invested in finding out what happened to Nathaniel. Looks like I will have to wait until July when Forever a Lady is published to learn more.
Leonard, the Duke of Wentworth, has set his eyes on Lady Augustine. He is ready for marriage again after seven years of mourning his first wife. Lady Augustine has different plans though. She is consumed by a family tragedy and does not think she could make any man happy until she gets some answers.
I found this to be a very bittersweet novella. It was also pretty humorous. Leonard's dialogue, especially, was very amusing. I'm now very much invested in finding out what happened to Nathaniel. Looks like I will have to wait until July when Forever a Lady is published to learn more.
July 16, 2015
LEVEL OF SENSUALITY: Code Words i.e. "his rigid erection", "thrust deep into her", Masturbation,
GENRE: Historical Romance Fiction
SETTING: 1802 London
SYNOPSIS: She has saved as much money as possible and plans to secret away to find her brother but the duke has plans to not only END HER SORROW but to have her as his.
WHAT I LIKED: His initial attraction towards her.
WHAT I DID NOT LIKE: The book started out great until the tasteless sleepover.
3 stars. Started well but rescue from father's home and story went downhill. Became cheaply and incompletely written.
Please read other interesting details on my LibraryThing account at http://www.librarything.com/work/1192...
GENRE: Historical Romance Fiction
SETTING: 1802 London
SYNOPSIS: She has saved as much money as possible and plans to secret away to find her brother but the duke has plans to not only END HER SORROW but to have her as his.
WHAT I LIKED: His initial attraction towards her.
WHAT I DID NOT LIKE: The book started out great until the tasteless sleepover.
3 stars. Started well but rescue from father's home and story went downhill. Became cheaply and incompletely written.
Please read other interesting details on my LibraryThing account at http://www.librarything.com/work/1192...
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