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The Scandalous St. Claires #1
One Naughty Night
A hundred years has passed since the bitter rivalry between the St. Claires and the Huntingtons began. But in London, the feud goes on...
Under the cover of night, nothing is forbidden.
Lily St. Claire will do anything for the family that saved her from the streets. With their support, the young widow has become the hostess of The Devil's Fancy, London's most exclusive gaming den. She's determined to restore the St. Claire family fortune, lost a century before to the despised Huntington clan. But a ghost from her past may be her ultimate undoing...
Lord Aidan Huntington is handsome and wealthy, with a taste for adventure and a reputation for wickedness. A gambler and a rake, Aidan can't resist a seductive woman with secrets—but one naughty night with Lily leaves him wanting more. As Lily is drawn into London's dark underworld by an old enemy, Aidan will risk everything to save the woman who has awakened his deepest desires.
Under the cover of night, nothing is forbidden.
Lily St. Claire will do anything for the family that saved her from the streets. With their support, the young widow has become the hostess of The Devil's Fancy, London's most exclusive gaming den. She's determined to restore the St. Claire family fortune, lost a century before to the despised Huntington clan. But a ghost from her past may be her ultimate undoing...
Lord Aidan Huntington is handsome and wealthy, with a taste for adventure and a reputation for wickedness. A gambler and a rake, Aidan can't resist a seductive woman with secrets—but one naughty night with Lily leaves him wanting more. As Lily is drawn into London's dark underworld by an old enemy, Aidan will risk everything to save the woman who has awakened his deepest desires.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
10 people are currently reading
641 people want to read
About the author
Laurel McKee
8 books72 followersLaurel McKee is the pen name for regency romance writer Amanda McCabe.
Amanda wrote her first romance at the age of sixteen--a vast historical epic starring all her friends as the characters, written secretly during algebra class (and her parents wondered why math was not her strongest subject...)
She's never since used algebra, but her books have been nominated for many awards, including the RITA Award, the Romantic Times BOOKReviews Reviewers' Choice Award, the Booksellers Best, the National Readers Choice Award, and the Holt Medallion. She lives in Oklahoma with a menagerie of two cats, a Pug, and a very bossy miniature Poodle, along with far too many books.
When not writing or reading, she loves taking dance classes, collecting cheesy travel souvenirs, and watching the Food Network--even though she doesn't cook.
Amanda wrote her first romance at the age of sixteen--a vast historical epic starring all her friends as the characters, written secretly during algebra class (and her parents wondered why math was not her strongest subject...)
She's never since used algebra, but her books have been nominated for many awards, including the RITA Award, the Romantic Times BOOKReviews Reviewers' Choice Award, the Booksellers Best, the National Readers Choice Award, and the Holt Medallion. She lives in Oklahoma with a menagerie of two cats, a Pug, and a very bossy miniature Poodle, along with far too many books.
When not writing or reading, she loves taking dance classes, collecting cheesy travel souvenirs, and watching the Food Network--even though she doesn't cook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
June 9, 2012
FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED
He went very still and took her hands in his, their fingers entwined as he held them down against the bed. He rose up and stared into her eyes. She looked back at him, and for just an instant, they were completely open to each other. Completely bound to each other. It felt like the center of a whirling storm, a moment of perfect stillness amid the thunder and noise of the world.
Yes, I am torn.
3.5 stars.
A shout out to my friend Diana
I know you were happy when you saw me reading this story. Well, I feel a bit bad for not liking it more. I know you love this book and I really liked your review.
For a brief synopsis please read the blurb. I prefer to cut right to the chase of the matter.
The premise of the story sounded interesting enough and Ms. McKee was a new-to-me author. Overall I liked One Naughty Night and it was definitely good enough to hold my interest till the end. But. I do understand that Aidan and Lily are both totally attracted to one another, however, I'm saddened to say that I never felt the chemistry between these two. I think I wasn't engaged enough by the main characters. Sure, Aidan was a handsome man and Lily was a rather interesting woman with her background history. Then again, I don't feel like I ever really got to know Aidan. Further, I felt that the conflict between these two families should have been explored much more. I felt that the short explanation I got while reading the story, was by far not enough to satisfy my curiosity.
One Naughty Night focuses mainly on the smexy times. As it is, the title is very appropriate. Again, I love to read hot and steamy sex scenes--actually, there's nothing wrong with that. That said, I want more than hot sex; I want a developing relationship and I'd like to see some substantial character growth. Moreover, I believe that depth is so essential when I'm reading a great story and I think there was a lack of depth here as well. Some parts of One Naughty Night were overly melodramatic and I have to admit that I don't respond too kindly when this happens. The ending was on the cornier side and a bit too rushed for my liking.
I think the author did a rather nice job at setting up some intriguing characters for future installments in the series. I do plan on seeing where the author will take the series in the next book. Two Sinful Secrets will be Dominic St. Claire and Sophia Huntington's story.
Overall this is not a bad book by any means, however, I just think it could (should) have been better because the potential was there.
He went very still and took her hands in his, their fingers entwined as he held them down against the bed. He rose up and stared into her eyes. She looked back at him, and for just an instant, they were completely open to each other. Completely bound to each other. It felt like the center of a whirling storm, a moment of perfect stillness amid the thunder and noise of the world.
Yes, I am torn.
3.5 stars.
A shout out to my friend Diana
I know you were happy when you saw me reading this story. Well, I feel a bit bad for not liking it more. I know you love this book and I really liked your review.
For a brief synopsis please read the blurb. I prefer to cut right to the chase of the matter.
The premise of the story sounded interesting enough and Ms. McKee was a new-to-me author. Overall I liked One Naughty Night and it was definitely good enough to hold my interest till the end. But. I do understand that Aidan and Lily are both totally attracted to one another, however, I'm saddened to say that I never felt the chemistry between these two. I think I wasn't engaged enough by the main characters. Sure, Aidan was a handsome man and Lily was a rather interesting woman with her background history. Then again, I don't feel like I ever really got to know Aidan. Further, I felt that the conflict between these two families should have been explored much more. I felt that the short explanation I got while reading the story, was by far not enough to satisfy my curiosity.
One Naughty Night focuses mainly on the smexy times. As it is, the title is very appropriate. Again, I love to read hot and steamy sex scenes--actually, there's nothing wrong with that. That said, I want more than hot sex; I want a developing relationship and I'd like to see some substantial character growth. Moreover, I believe that depth is so essential when I'm reading a great story and I think there was a lack of depth here as well. Some parts of One Naughty Night were overly melodramatic and I have to admit that I don't respond too kindly when this happens. The ending was on the cornier side and a bit too rushed for my liking.
I think the author did a rather nice job at setting up some intriguing characters for future installments in the series. I do plan on seeing where the author will take the series in the next book. Two Sinful Secrets will be Dominic St. Claire and Sophia Huntington's story.
Overall this is not a bad book by any means, however, I just think it could (should) have been better because the potential was there.
May 30, 2012
“You can tell me to stay away, if that’s what you want. I can’t promise I will do it, but you can tell me to.”I absolutely adored the love story of Lily St. Claire and Aidan Huntington. It was sweet, extremely hot, and just heartbreaking at the same time. Their attraction to one another was just irresistible! One Naughty Night is simply a great start to a wonderful series about the St. Claire family. I can't wait to read Two Sinful Secrets, which features Lily's brother, Dominic St. Claire, and Aidan's cousin, Sophia Huntington next! We do get a glimpse of the start of their relationship in this book as well as a possible romance between Aidan's brother (David, the heir to the Dukedom) and Lily's younger sister (Isabel, the shining star of the Majestic theater). I can't wait! This book had romance, suspense, and plenty of hot scenes between Lily and Aidan.
And that was exactly what she should do. But it was not what she wanted to do. Lily was suddenly weary of doing what she should do. She wanted to cease to be cautious for a moment, to be mischievous and seize life as her siblings did. Even as she knew it would not end well.
“I… I have to go,” she whispered. He stood up beside her, not trying to touch her again. His blue eyes glowed in the shadows. “Where can I find you?” he said hoarsely.Lily St. Claire is the first sibling to get her HEA in the series. Unlike her brothers and sister, Lily was actually adopted by the St. Claire's when she was a little girl... after trying to pick pocket Mr. St. Claire. Her past is her own story to tell, but I'll briefly explain it. Lily's childhood before she got adopted was actually really sad. After her mother's death, she ran away and met Tom Beaumont -- he is one sick, cruel, and disgusting man. Well, soon after she was adopted, he was caught and sent away to Australia and believed that Lily was the reason that this had happened. Which is why now he wants to enact revenge on her and her family.
She shook her head. He was a dream—and she had to wake up now. She whirled around and ran away from him, lifting her skirts to flee once again. “Wait! Please,” he called after her. But she didn’t dare look back.
She started to turn away, but he caught her hand and raised it to his lips for a quick kiss, his mouth hot through her glove. “You won’t escape me that easily, Lily,” he whispered.Lily grows up to be a beautiful woman, even though she doesn't think so, and ends up meeting Aidan after her failing rendition of Juliet in the St. Claire's opening play of Romeo and Juliet in their theater. Lily has never forgotten about Aidan -- even though she ended up marrying Harry Nichols, but he died two years later. Three years have passed since then and their attraction towards one another is hotter than ever.
Overall, I'm really glad that I decided to read this book. I needed my historical romance fix and this certainly did the job!
June 22, 2012
4 ½ stars – Victorian/Historical Romance
This is the first book I’ve read by author Laurel McKee and I was very pleasantly surprised. I really liked her writing style, the voice she gives to the characters, and the love scenes are fire alarm smokin’ hot! It’s very sensual, borderline erotic, and definitely steamier than most standard mass market historical romances. Let’s just say that Lily is a Yowza! One Naughty Night indeed!
Overall this is a great, satisfyingly scandalous historical romance, and I’m looking forward to the next installment in the series, Two Sinful Secrets.
This is the first book I’ve read by author Laurel McKee and I was very pleasantly surprised. I really liked her writing style, the voice she gives to the characters, and the love scenes are fire alarm smokin’ hot! It’s very sensual, borderline erotic, and definitely steamier than most standard mass market historical romances. Let’s just say that Lily is a Yowza! One Naughty Night indeed!
Overall this is a great, satisfyingly scandalous historical romance, and I’m looking forward to the next installment in the series, Two Sinful Secrets.
July 3, 2012
3/5 stars
I think the title for this book is wrong…It should have been MANY Naughty Nights
I really struggled with deciding on what to give this book, the author's style of writing is very good and the words flow well. I also liked the story but I do think there could have been a lot more to it and had great potential to be expanded but the author didn’t!
So what was the problem? Why am I not gushing about it? - Well I can wrap the major complaint up in one word….SEX! Most of my reading pals know that I like the sex/steam in my books so they are probably wondering why on earth I am complaining, but even for me there was just too much. There was no chemistry or spark between the Hero/Heroine, no sexual tension either and they practically jumped each other as soon as they met up. Virtually every single chapter had sex in it, don’t get me wrong the sex was well written and very hot and steamy, but I just felt that if the author had cut a few of the sex scenes, or increased the length of the book then we would have had more substance/story instead of just getting sex, sex and more sex
Despite enjoying the style of writing and good sex scenes, about a third of the way through I started to get quite bored and was wondering why I was reading it but I persevered. The only time I really started to enjoy it was the last few chapters when it ramped up the story line, but before I knew it the book was finished which left me very disappointed.
The only thing that has increased my rating to 3 stars is that I did feel that the sex scenes were well written, even if there were just too many of them! Would I read anything written by this author again....To be honest, I just don't know.
Copy kindly supplied by Grand Central Publishing via Netgalley
I think the title for this book is wrong…It should have been MANY Naughty Nights
I really struggled with deciding on what to give this book, the author's style of writing is very good and the words flow well. I also liked the story but I do think there could have been a lot more to it and had great potential to be expanded but the author didn’t!
So what was the problem? Why am I not gushing about it? - Well I can wrap the major complaint up in one word….SEX! Most of my reading pals know that I like the sex/steam in my books so they are probably wondering why on earth I am complaining, but even for me there was just too much. There was no chemistry or spark between the Hero/Heroine, no sexual tension either and they practically jumped each other as soon as they met up. Virtually every single chapter had sex in it, don’t get me wrong the sex was well written and very hot and steamy, but I just felt that if the author had cut a few of the sex scenes, or increased the length of the book then we would have had more substance/story instead of just getting sex, sex and more sex
Despite enjoying the style of writing and good sex scenes, about a third of the way through I started to get quite bored and was wondering why I was reading it but I persevered. The only time I really started to enjoy it was the last few chapters when it ramped up the story line, but before I knew it the book was finished which left me very disappointed.
The only thing that has increased my rating to 3 stars is that I did feel that the sex scenes were well written, even if there were just too many of them! Would I read anything written by this author again....To be honest, I just don't know.
Copy kindly supplied by Grand Central Publishing via Netgalley
May 17, 2012
Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads
Blog rating: 4.5/5
Lily couldn't stop herself. She went up on tiptoe to frame his face in her palms, tracing the sharp line of his cheekbones, the wings of his brows. She gently used her fingertips to urge his eyes to close, and when they did, she kissed him.
She had never craved a kiss so much. Aidan tasted of champagne and mint, of that deep, masculine darkness that was only him. She traced the tip of her tongue over the softness of his sensual lower lip, craving more. Craving all of him.
I am completely in love with the St. Claire and Huntington families. Not only did this first book in a new series by Laurel McKee have me thoroughly enjoying the story between Lily and Aidan, I was just as drawn into both their families and the supporting characters who were involved just enough to add interest to their own stories that will be coming up in the series. But, this was Lily and Aidan's story and I enjoyed everything about it, from the suspense coming from a man from Lily's past to her and Aidan's naughtiness in the bedroom.
Lily was adopted into the St. Claire family after she was caught as a young girl trying to pick pocket Mr. St. Claire. Instead of turning her over to the authorities, he and his wife Katherine, took her in and treated her as one of their own children. Lily had been living on the streets, trying to survive after her mother's death and her path crossed with Tom Beaumont, a man corrupt and evil, pulling in people down on their luck who don't have a choice of saying no to his offers and using them for his own criminal gain. Thievery, prostitution or worse, Lily got caught in this world, and after the St. Claire's gave her a better life, Tom was captured and sent away to Australia. He put two and two together when his capture happens right after Lily is taken into her new family and he blames her entirely. He's back and wants revenge. The suspense portion of the story revolves around Tom causing pain to Lily and her family as he tries to make her pay for what he's gone through.
Aidan and Lily first meet one night at her family's theater and now three years later, their paths cross again. Lily is a young widow, her first marriage was nothing to write home about, her husband wanted her to be someone she wasn't and after his death, she moves back home and takes over her family's accounts for both their theater and most recently her brothers' new venture, a gaming hall. That's part of what I loved about this story. The St. Claire's aren't high in society, but they're hard working and with running the theater and the gaming hall, they do indirectly run in the same circles as the titled. But, the characters are so much fun, in their unique way. I love that Lily is working hard at both businesses and enjoys what she does. She loves her family so much and would do anything to help them. She's close to her siblings, who are all interesting characters, and I liked how strong she was. When it came to Aidan, he made her feel things that she never has before and it made her be adventurous and open up with him like she hasn't done with anyone else.
Aidan and Lily's relationship fits the title of this book - it's very naughty. I wasn't expecting it to be as sexy as it was, but these two characters enjoy each other, many times, and they don't hold back. Nothing is off limits for them together and they have some incredibly sexy and yummy scenes together.
"Having fun?" he asked.
Lily tilted back her head to smile up at him. He watched her with hooded eyes, a half-smile on his lips.
"Very much," she said. "I haven't been dancing in years. You're very good at this."
His smiled deepened, revealing that enticing little crease in his cheek. "Oh, I have many hidden talents, Lily. If you're nice to me, I just might show them to you."
She bit her lip as she remembered the "hidden talents" he had already shown her. If they got any more intense, they would surely make her faint away. "Perhaps I have a few secret talents of my own."
Aidan laughed and lifted her higher in his arms. "I have no doubt of that at all. You show me yours and I'll show you mine?"
Both families get great introductions in this book. The St. Claire's and the Huntington's history is connected through one event that happened many years ago. The St. Claire's were ruined by the Huntington's and still hold a grudge to this day. Because of that, Lily's brothers have very strong feelings about her seeing Aidan and don't approve. Aidan proves himself in time, but this allows us to get to know not only Lily's brothers and her sister, but Aidan's older brother David (a hermit who Lily also describes as a wild man) and his cousin, Sophia (who I already love - she has a love of gambling and has caught the eye of Lily's brother Dominic) and we get a good idea about how this family will continue to intersect through various relationships coming up in the series.
I completely enjoyed this story. The characters all grabbed my attention and I love the dialogue between everyone, especially Lily and Aidan, their humor and back and forth banter was really enjoyable. The suspense with Tom was well done, he's a little over the top for a villain, but I did like the position it put Aidan in as being there for Lily and her having someone outside her family take such an interest in her safety. I highly recommend this book, and will be coming back for more of the St. Claire's when the next book comes out later this year.
Blog rating: 4.5/5
Lily couldn't stop herself. She went up on tiptoe to frame his face in her palms, tracing the sharp line of his cheekbones, the wings of his brows. She gently used her fingertips to urge his eyes to close, and when they did, she kissed him.
She had never craved a kiss so much. Aidan tasted of champagne and mint, of that deep, masculine darkness that was only him. She traced the tip of her tongue over the softness of his sensual lower lip, craving more. Craving all of him.
I am completely in love with the St. Claire and Huntington families. Not only did this first book in a new series by Laurel McKee have me thoroughly enjoying the story between Lily and Aidan, I was just as drawn into both their families and the supporting characters who were involved just enough to add interest to their own stories that will be coming up in the series. But, this was Lily and Aidan's story and I enjoyed everything about it, from the suspense coming from a man from Lily's past to her and Aidan's naughtiness in the bedroom.
Lily was adopted into the St. Claire family after she was caught as a young girl trying to pick pocket Mr. St. Claire. Instead of turning her over to the authorities, he and his wife Katherine, took her in and treated her as one of their own children. Lily had been living on the streets, trying to survive after her mother's death and her path crossed with Tom Beaumont, a man corrupt and evil, pulling in people down on their luck who don't have a choice of saying no to his offers and using them for his own criminal gain. Thievery, prostitution or worse, Lily got caught in this world, and after the St. Claire's gave her a better life, Tom was captured and sent away to Australia. He put two and two together when his capture happens right after Lily is taken into her new family and he blames her entirely. He's back and wants revenge. The suspense portion of the story revolves around Tom causing pain to Lily and her family as he tries to make her pay for what he's gone through.
Aidan and Lily first meet one night at her family's theater and now three years later, their paths cross again. Lily is a young widow, her first marriage was nothing to write home about, her husband wanted her to be someone she wasn't and after his death, she moves back home and takes over her family's accounts for both their theater and most recently her brothers' new venture, a gaming hall. That's part of what I loved about this story. The St. Claire's aren't high in society, but they're hard working and with running the theater and the gaming hall, they do indirectly run in the same circles as the titled. But, the characters are so much fun, in their unique way. I love that Lily is working hard at both businesses and enjoys what she does. She loves her family so much and would do anything to help them. She's close to her siblings, who are all interesting characters, and I liked how strong she was. When it came to Aidan, he made her feel things that she never has before and it made her be adventurous and open up with him like she hasn't done with anyone else.
Aidan and Lily's relationship fits the title of this book - it's very naughty. I wasn't expecting it to be as sexy as it was, but these two characters enjoy each other, many times, and they don't hold back. Nothing is off limits for them together and they have some incredibly sexy and yummy scenes together.
"Having fun?" he asked.
Lily tilted back her head to smile up at him. He watched her with hooded eyes, a half-smile on his lips.
"Very much," she said. "I haven't been dancing in years. You're very good at this."
His smiled deepened, revealing that enticing little crease in his cheek. "Oh, I have many hidden talents, Lily. If you're nice to me, I just might show them to you."
She bit her lip as she remembered the "hidden talents" he had already shown her. If they got any more intense, they would surely make her faint away. "Perhaps I have a few secret talents of my own."
Aidan laughed and lifted her higher in his arms. "I have no doubt of that at all. You show me yours and I'll show you mine?"
Both families get great introductions in this book. The St. Claire's and the Huntington's history is connected through one event that happened many years ago. The St. Claire's were ruined by the Huntington's and still hold a grudge to this day. Because of that, Lily's brothers have very strong feelings about her seeing Aidan and don't approve. Aidan proves himself in time, but this allows us to get to know not only Lily's brothers and her sister, but Aidan's older brother David (a hermit who Lily also describes as a wild man) and his cousin, Sophia (who I already love - she has a love of gambling and has caught the eye of Lily's brother Dominic) and we get a good idea about how this family will continue to intersect through various relationships coming up in the series.
I completely enjoyed this story. The characters all grabbed my attention and I love the dialogue between everyone, especially Lily and Aidan, their humor and back and forth banter was really enjoyable. The suspense with Tom was well done, he's a little over the top for a villain, but I did like the position it put Aidan in as being there for Lily and her having someone outside her family take such an interest in her safety. I highly recommend this book, and will be coming back for more of the St. Claire's when the next book comes out later this year.
July 20, 2012
How far that little candle throws its beams! So shines a good deed in a naughty world. (Shakespeare)
From an Oklahoma (my home state) author who first caught my eye with her incredible “Daughters of Erin” series. I was so enchanted with Laurel McKee's Irish series that I immediately started searching for more books by her. I found that she also writes Regency romance under the pen name Amanda McCabe.
Now McKee gives readers the first glimpse into her new "Scandalous St. Claires" series with the beautifully crafted debut of One Naughty Night. After a hundred years, the battle between the St. Claire and the Huntington families continues on. Lily St. Claire and Aidan Huntington are caught between the feuding families. She’s the illegitimate daughter of a prostitute and grew up on the streets of London before being adopted by a popular theater family. While still on the streets as a child, Lily was caught trying to pick the pocket of a Huntington. Aidan is the wealthy rakish second son of a Duke, who has artistic talents and makes a habit of hanging around lower-class citizens. Years later, her identity unbeknownst to him, Aidan falls hard and fast for the lovely former pick pocket.
McKee is a pro at serving up plenty of “naughty nights” filled with sizzling chemistry and sexual romps between Lily and Aidan. Of course, those “hidden and secret talents” the couple shared with one another scorched the pages. But the author also brings us a strong and compelling story of hardship and pain, corruption and evilness, revenge and forgiveness. Not only does the reader enjoy the emotional love story between Lily and Aidan, but also the profound closeness, protection, and love of family. The window is opened wide with a wonderful introduction to the St. Claire family for readers to catch hints of future storylines.
The second book in this promising new series, Two Sinful Secrets, will be Dominic St. Claire and Sophia Huntington's story. It is scheduled for release in December 2012. This reader is eagerly anticipating its arrival.
From an Oklahoma (my home state) author who first caught my eye with her incredible “Daughters of Erin” series. I was so enchanted with Laurel McKee's Irish series that I immediately started searching for more books by her. I found that she also writes Regency romance under the pen name Amanda McCabe.
Now McKee gives readers the first glimpse into her new "Scandalous St. Claires" series with the beautifully crafted debut of One Naughty Night. After a hundred years, the battle between the St. Claire and the Huntington families continues on. Lily St. Claire and Aidan Huntington are caught between the feuding families. She’s the illegitimate daughter of a prostitute and grew up on the streets of London before being adopted by a popular theater family. While still on the streets as a child, Lily was caught trying to pick the pocket of a Huntington. Aidan is the wealthy rakish second son of a Duke, who has artistic talents and makes a habit of hanging around lower-class citizens. Years later, her identity unbeknownst to him, Aidan falls hard and fast for the lovely former pick pocket.
McKee is a pro at serving up plenty of “naughty nights” filled with sizzling chemistry and sexual romps between Lily and Aidan. Of course, those “hidden and secret talents” the couple shared with one another scorched the pages. But the author also brings us a strong and compelling story of hardship and pain, corruption and evilness, revenge and forgiveness. Not only does the reader enjoy the emotional love story between Lily and Aidan, but also the profound closeness, protection, and love of family. The window is opened wide with a wonderful introduction to the St. Claire family for readers to catch hints of future storylines.
The second book in this promising new series, Two Sinful Secrets, will be Dominic St. Claire and Sophia Huntington's story. It is scheduled for release in December 2012. This reader is eagerly anticipating its arrival.
September 11, 2020
"You should never be anyone but you, Lily. Just as you are."
I love a good steamy romance.
And i dont know why I knew it was going to be steamy erotica but I was still oh shit hold on I wasn't ready for this.
It was dirty steamy dark romance. I LOVE IT.
The chemistry of the two main lead was instant but at the same time has build up.
We mainly follow Lily storyline and Aidan is there when he is needed to be.
I love it, we don't need that much plotline.
Lily is definitely trying to find her identity, not knowing where she belong or who she is as a person.
I want a full series with all of her siblings please.
Especially Isabel.
Aidan is HOT HOT HEAT.
He knows how to talk dirty to my ears definitely.
He is very alpha male when needed to be and he knows how to give Lily her moment to shine when she wants too. LOVE THT.
"Oh, I did not send them to be courteous, Lily. I sent them in hopes you remember those moments in your office every time you looked at them. Remember what we did together..."
I love a good steamy romance.
And i dont know why I knew it was going to be steamy erotica but I was still oh shit hold on I wasn't ready for this.
It was dirty steamy dark romance. I LOVE IT.
The chemistry of the two main lead was instant but at the same time has build up.
We mainly follow Lily storyline and Aidan is there when he is needed to be.
I love it, we don't need that much plotline.
Lily is definitely trying to find her identity, not knowing where she belong or who she is as a person.
I want a full series with all of her siblings please.
Especially Isabel.
Aidan is HOT HOT HEAT.
He knows how to talk dirty to my ears definitely.
He is very alpha male when needed to be and he knows how to give Lily her moment to shine when she wants too. LOVE THT.
"Oh, I did not send them to be courteous, Lily. I sent them in hopes you remember those moments in your office every time you looked at them. Remember what we did together..."
Want to read
July 8, 2012So I added this book, then clicked over to Amazon to check it out. A word of warning when you search the title:
You start by looking for this book:
but what you can get is THIS one:
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(Which actually sounds like a more fun read.)
Now I can't decide which book to buy. :(
You start by looking for this book:
but what you can get is THIS one:
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(Which actually sounds like a more fun read.)
Now I can't decide which book to buy. :(
November 3, 2018
A charming story of common London and life in the theater. I enjoyed all the characters and the overall story.
June 5, 2012
Lily St Claire knows what life is like on both sides of the tracks. She is the adopted daughter of a successful theater family. But before they took her under their wing, she was the orphaned daughter of a drug-addicted whore. She had to scrape and steal to survive and barely escaped from a horrible street criminal who wanted her for his own.
Once the St Claire's took her in, she learned about love and family. She lived a safe life, marrying a man for duty and doing the all things she thought she was supposed to. Now that she is a widow, she is back in the bosom of her family and helping them launch a new gaming hall. But her carefully ordered life is about to come tumbling down around her.
Aidan actually met Lily once, years ago, and shared a passionate kiss. He reenters her life as he checks out the St Claire family's new venture. He's attracted to her --and intrigued. She is a woman full of mysteries and contradictions. The story follows the progression of their relationship and the dangers Lily faces as her past comes back to haunt her.
I can't say that I loved this one. Maybe part of it is because it has some light BDSM elements and I'm not a fan of that brand of kink. But I don't really think that's it. The role that it played in the story just didn't make sense to me. Lily abhorred the brothel where she grew up and was disgusted and ashamed by her mother and what she did. Somehow, though, she inherited her mother's "dark gift" --it's a part of her. Is this some kind of hereditary gene I don't know about? --And it's not just the bondage and the spanking, but the constant sexing at inappropriate times and places that bothered me. The sex they have in the brothel, in particular, didn't work for me because it should be last thing Lily wants to do, considering her past.
I guess the sex, for me, was the biggest fail in the book, but it wasn't my only problem. I just wasn't engaged by the main characters. I don't feel like I ever really got to know Aiden. The side story with Harry and the letters was a total red herring. The feud was ridiculous. I honestly felt like the best thing the book had going for it was the set-up we got for future installments in the series. I'm intrigued by a possible story for Lily's brother and Aiden's cousin. Maybe that one will be a better fit. This one just didn't ring my bell.
Rating: C-
*ARC Provided by NetGalley
Once the St Claire's took her in, she learned about love and family. She lived a safe life, marrying a man for duty and doing the all things she thought she was supposed to. Now that she is a widow, she is back in the bosom of her family and helping them launch a new gaming hall. But her carefully ordered life is about to come tumbling down around her.
Aidan actually met Lily once, years ago, and shared a passionate kiss. He reenters her life as he checks out the St Claire family's new venture. He's attracted to her --and intrigued. She is a woman full of mysteries and contradictions. The story follows the progression of their relationship and the dangers Lily faces as her past comes back to haunt her.
I can't say that I loved this one. Maybe part of it is because it has some light BDSM elements and I'm not a fan of that brand of kink. But I don't really think that's it. The role that it played in the story just didn't make sense to me. Lily abhorred the brothel where she grew up and was disgusted and ashamed by her mother and what she did. Somehow, though, she inherited her mother's "dark gift" --it's a part of her. Is this some kind of hereditary gene I don't know about? --And it's not just the bondage and the spanking, but the constant sexing at inappropriate times and places that bothered me. The sex they have in the brothel, in particular, didn't work for me because it should be last thing Lily wants to do, considering her past.
I guess the sex, for me, was the biggest fail in the book, but it wasn't my only problem. I just wasn't engaged by the main characters. I don't feel like I ever really got to know Aiden. The side story with Harry and the letters was a total red herring. The feud was ridiculous. I honestly felt like the best thing the book had going for it was the set-up we got for future installments in the series. I'm intrigued by a possible story for Lily's brother and Aiden's cousin. Maybe that one will be a better fit. This one just didn't ring my bell.
Rating: C-
*ARC Provided by NetGalley
May 23, 2012
Are you really that mysterious or is that just an act to get my attention?
Lily St. Claire was literally plucked off the street and raised up from poverty by the generosity of her adopted family. The long seeded grudge that they held against the Huntington family was as deeply embedded in her as if she were a true member of the family. What surprise was she to behold when the one bane of her existence turns out to the joy of her life, Lord Aiden Huntington.
Aiden has always kept his emotions and interests in check, never sharing his secrets. Being the second son he was able to carry on with the life he wanted as opposed to the one destined to be his older brother’s. Aiden did indeed carry on until his eyes met Lily’s and time literally stood still. Never having experienced these emotions before Aiden is not sure what has come over him. It can’t be anything more than infatuation but the moment he touches her hand the rest he will write down to destiny.
The St. Claire family had many ventures in London both in the theater and gaming hall. Lily is an integral part of whatever the family did so her loyalties are tested when Aiden pushes her toward a fall from which she will not recover. He is handsome and ever so charming but Lily sees beneath this façade to the genuine soul of a poet that is beating just for her. Having overcome so much in her lifetime, some of which keeps coming back to haunt her can she have both Aiden and her family at the same time?
Laurel McKee starts this new series with sensational characters and a moving story line that will entertain and delight ever reader.
Lily St. Claire was literally plucked off the street and raised up from poverty by the generosity of her adopted family. The long seeded grudge that they held against the Huntington family was as deeply embedded in her as if she were a true member of the family. What surprise was she to behold when the one bane of her existence turns out to the joy of her life, Lord Aiden Huntington.
Aiden has always kept his emotions and interests in check, never sharing his secrets. Being the second son he was able to carry on with the life he wanted as opposed to the one destined to be his older brother’s. Aiden did indeed carry on until his eyes met Lily’s and time literally stood still. Never having experienced these emotions before Aiden is not sure what has come over him. It can’t be anything more than infatuation but the moment he touches her hand the rest he will write down to destiny.
The St. Claire family had many ventures in London both in the theater and gaming hall. Lily is an integral part of whatever the family did so her loyalties are tested when Aiden pushes her toward a fall from which she will not recover. He is handsome and ever so charming but Lily sees beneath this façade to the genuine soul of a poet that is beating just for her. Having overcome so much in her lifetime, some of which keeps coming back to haunt her can she have both Aiden and her family at the same time?
Laurel McKee starts this new series with sensational characters and a moving story line that will entertain and delight ever reader.
June 2, 2012
I'm hoping this ends up being one of those series that gets better after the first book. I like the concept, I love the characters, and the romance was hot, but the story in this one fell flat for me.
Aidan and Lily meet on the night of Lily's failed theater debut. After flirting and a kiss, they do not meet again for three years. Now a widow, Lily is helping her brothers set up a gaming den. Once a respectable family of the ton, the St. Claire's now live on the edges of it as theater owners. Lily was adopted by the St. Claire's as a young teen. Her mother, a prostitute addicted to opium, died when Lily was a child. Lily spent the years after her mother's death and before her adoption living on the street. Aidan and Lily meet again at the gaming den. Their attraction for each other is immediate and scorching and they can't seem to stay away from each other.
Here's the thing, Aidan is a Huntington and the St. Claire's hate the Huntington's. They were the cause of St. Claire's ruin a hundred years before. Lily knows she should stay away from Aidan. Her family would definitely not approve of their relationship. Aidan has no idea why the St. Claire's hate him. He does not know his ancestor one hundred years before ruined that family. From the description, I assumed there would be mutual hate between the families, but it seems to be all on the St. Claire's side. It was a bit odd, but maybe it will be different in future books.
The sex was a pleasant surprise for me. It was more on the erotic side, with some light bondage and horse crop whipping. It was well written and hot. I think though, the story could have used one less sex scene, and instead have one more with the two getting to know each other beyond sex; it would have added to a more believable love story.
I think I would have liked the story more if it had been more focused on the conflict between the two families, instead of Lily's past. I was more interested in the families and enjoyed reading those bits more than Lily dealing with the ugliness of her past.
I do plan on seeing where McKee takes this story in the next book. She had one scene between the next couple, Dominic St. Claire and Sophia Huntington in One Naughty Night that was quite intense. I hope that intensity continues in their book.
ARC provided through NetGalley.
Aidan and Lily meet on the night of Lily's failed theater debut. After flirting and a kiss, they do not meet again for three years. Now a widow, Lily is helping her brothers set up a gaming den. Once a respectable family of the ton, the St. Claire's now live on the edges of it as theater owners. Lily was adopted by the St. Claire's as a young teen. Her mother, a prostitute addicted to opium, died when Lily was a child. Lily spent the years after her mother's death and before her adoption living on the street. Aidan and Lily meet again at the gaming den. Their attraction for each other is immediate and scorching and they can't seem to stay away from each other.
Here's the thing, Aidan is a Huntington and the St. Claire's hate the Huntington's. They were the cause of St. Claire's ruin a hundred years before. Lily knows she should stay away from Aidan. Her family would definitely not approve of their relationship. Aidan has no idea why the St. Claire's hate him. He does not know his ancestor one hundred years before ruined that family. From the description, I assumed there would be mutual hate between the families, but it seems to be all on the St. Claire's side. It was a bit odd, but maybe it will be different in future books.
The sex was a pleasant surprise for me. It was more on the erotic side, with some light bondage and horse crop whipping. It was well written and hot. I think though, the story could have used one less sex scene, and instead have one more with the two getting to know each other beyond sex; it would have added to a more believable love story.
I think I would have liked the story more if it had been more focused on the conflict between the two families, instead of Lily's past. I was more interested in the families and enjoyed reading those bits more than Lily dealing with the ugliness of her past.
I do plan on seeing where McKee takes this story in the next book. She had one scene between the next couple, Dominic St. Claire and Sophia Huntington in One Naughty Night that was quite intense. I hope that intensity continues in their book.
ARC provided through NetGalley.
June 8, 2012
Review written for www.books-n-kisses.com
4.5 Stars
What an intriguing story. There is so much happening in this book and yet it seemed like I could not get enough of it. I can not wait for the next one to come out!
Aidan and Lily are fascinating characters and written really well. The reader is pulled into their story almost from page one. Lily’s background is so filled with adventure it is hard to believe one person could live that life yet the way it is written you do not feel overwhelmed by it. And Aidan is perfect. He is sexual, powerful and wicked. Yet he has another side that Lily (and the reader) get to see as a man who is protective, loving and talented. They complement each other perfectly and the rest of the characters are wonderful in the background of Lily and Aidan’s story.
This is considered historical romance but could also be listed as erotica. While the scenes are extremely sexual they are not overpowering and do not make you feel like the rest of the book was written around the sex scenes. This is a true romantic suspense in a historical setting.
So much happens in this book that it is hard to discuss without giving something away but I most certainly think anyone would enjoy this read and finish the book waiting breathlessly for the next in the series... I know I am!
4.5 Stars
What an intriguing story. There is so much happening in this book and yet it seemed like I could not get enough of it. I can not wait for the next one to come out!
Aidan and Lily are fascinating characters and written really well. The reader is pulled into their story almost from page one. Lily’s background is so filled with adventure it is hard to believe one person could live that life yet the way it is written you do not feel overwhelmed by it. And Aidan is perfect. He is sexual, powerful and wicked. Yet he has another side that Lily (and the reader) get to see as a man who is protective, loving and talented. They complement each other perfectly and the rest of the characters are wonderful in the background of Lily and Aidan’s story.
This is considered historical romance but could also be listed as erotica. While the scenes are extremely sexual they are not overpowering and do not make you feel like the rest of the book was written around the sex scenes. This is a true romantic suspense in a historical setting.
So much happens in this book that it is hard to discuss without giving something away but I most certainly think anyone would enjoy this read and finish the book waiting breathlessly for the next in the series... I know I am!
May 26, 2013
Not very good at giving synopses. But this is a very hot book. Good story line, the heroine is the adopted daughter of an acting family, her real mother was a prostitute and the family met her when she was a 5-year old pickpocket. Two hundred years earlier they had a falling out with another family and have hated them since. They other family has no idea they've been hated all this time as it is water under the bridge for them. The hero is a 2nd son who met the heroine 2 years earlier and has never forgotten her. They have a lot of very naughty nights.
June 25, 2012
In Love with Aiden, that's all I have to say
July 7, 2017
This is pretty much a 3 1/2, but GR won't let me give it the half star. The storyline is fairly decent, but for a historical romance, I do question some of the language, particularly the use of the f-word. I'm not a prude by any means, believe me! Just felt very out of place to see that word more than once, especially in the love scenes.
As for the love scenes, well, let's be honest. They're sex scenes, and there are a LOT of them. I found myself skipping over them after a while just so I could get back to the story.
I have book 2 waiting at home. Not sure how much of a hurry I'm in to pick it up, but I will probably read it at some point.
As for the love scenes, well, let's be honest. They're sex scenes, and there are a LOT of them. I found myself skipping over them after a while just so I could get back to the story.
I have book 2 waiting at home. Not sure how much of a hurry I'm in to pick it up, but I will probably read it at some point.
October 11, 2018
I only read this because I confused it with another book. Might read the second to find out more about the stupid feud.
June 3, 2019
great!!!!!!!!
August 19, 2017
Very good book ! It's so interesting
November 23, 2022
This is a wildly steamy story. The Huntingtons and the St. Claires have a long feud. Lily was adopted into the St. Claire family. Aiden is the black sheep of the Huntington family. The story has mystery and romance. The characters are wonderful and interesting. The story moves at a pretty good pace and the plot will keep the reader turning the pages. Lily and Aiden have a fiery courtship leading to their love and marriage.
June 9, 2012
An action-packed read rated at 4.5. Taken from my review at RomanceJunkies.com.
After the death of her mother, Lily had lived on the streets, trying to survive. One day, while trying to pick the pocket Mr. St. Claire, she was surprised when instead of turning her into the authorities, he and his wife had taken her in, treating her as one of their own. They have always considered her a St. Claire, but Lily cannot forget where she came from. She had tried to fit into their acting world. However, unlike her brothers and sisters, she has no talent on the stage. But she cannot forget the man who had sat and talked to her on the night that she had bombed at the theatre. Hearing her adopted mother calling her, she had run off that night without telling him her name or getting his. Now three years later, she is a widow and she and her brothers are opening a gaming club called The Devil’s Fancy. While getting the club ready, she sees a carriage, driven by a handsome man, who waves at her. It isn’t until he has gone by that she realizes that he is the man she met three years ago. When her brother Dominic sees the carriage, he gets angry. That is when she discovers that the man is a Huntington and an enemy of her family. The St. Claires had met financially ruin due to a Huntington a century ago. As a St. Claire, she knows she should share her family’s feelings, but she just cannot forget how he had been that night.
Lord Aidan Huntington, the son of a duke, is known as a rake, but he has never forgotten the one night he had kissed the woman at the theatre three years ago. They had shared a kiss before she had taken off without telling him her name. Now three years later, he gets a glimpse of her as he is out riding. However, Huntington is the least of her problems because Tom is out of jail and searching for her and retribution.
As Lily and Aidan continue secretly meeting, she feels guilty about her feelings for him. But perhaps, she can make amends by restoring her family’s fortune. However, an evil from her past, before the St. Claire family took her in, may end her plans as he draws her back into the seedy underworld and maybe even destroy any future she might have with Aidan.
A steamy, action-packed read, ONE NAUGHTY NIGHT, the first novel in award winning author Laurel McKee’s THE SCANDALOUS ST. CLAIRES series, is a vividly portrayed, sensual historical romance. Through Ms. McKee’s beautiful prose, this story is brought to life, captivating the reader from the very first page. Brimming with emotion, a century long grudge, complex characters, including an evil villain bent on revenge, witty banter, danger, suspense, sizzling hot passion and romance, this story is a winner. I look forward to reading the next story in this wonderful series, TWO SINFUL SECRETS, which is due out in December. In the meantime, do not miss ONE NAUGHTY NIGHT.
Dottie, RomanceJunkies.com
After the death of her mother, Lily had lived on the streets, trying to survive. One day, while trying to pick the pocket Mr. St. Claire, she was surprised when instead of turning her into the authorities, he and his wife had taken her in, treating her as one of their own. They have always considered her a St. Claire, but Lily cannot forget where she came from. She had tried to fit into their acting world. However, unlike her brothers and sisters, she has no talent on the stage. But she cannot forget the man who had sat and talked to her on the night that she had bombed at the theatre. Hearing her adopted mother calling her, she had run off that night without telling him her name or getting his. Now three years later, she is a widow and she and her brothers are opening a gaming club called The Devil’s Fancy. While getting the club ready, she sees a carriage, driven by a handsome man, who waves at her. It isn’t until he has gone by that she realizes that he is the man she met three years ago. When her brother Dominic sees the carriage, he gets angry. That is when she discovers that the man is a Huntington and an enemy of her family. The St. Claires had met financially ruin due to a Huntington a century ago. As a St. Claire, she knows she should share her family’s feelings, but she just cannot forget how he had been that night.
Lord Aidan Huntington, the son of a duke, is known as a rake, but he has never forgotten the one night he had kissed the woman at the theatre three years ago. They had shared a kiss before she had taken off without telling him her name. Now three years later, he gets a glimpse of her as he is out riding. However, Huntington is the least of her problems because Tom is out of jail and searching for her and retribution.
As Lily and Aidan continue secretly meeting, she feels guilty about her feelings for him. But perhaps, she can make amends by restoring her family’s fortune. However, an evil from her past, before the St. Claire family took her in, may end her plans as he draws her back into the seedy underworld and maybe even destroy any future she might have with Aidan.
A steamy, action-packed read, ONE NAUGHTY NIGHT, the first novel in award winning author Laurel McKee’s THE SCANDALOUS ST. CLAIRES series, is a vividly portrayed, sensual historical romance. Through Ms. McKee’s beautiful prose, this story is brought to life, captivating the reader from the very first page. Brimming with emotion, a century long grudge, complex characters, including an evil villain bent on revenge, witty banter, danger, suspense, sizzling hot passion and romance, this story is a winner. I look forward to reading the next story in this wonderful series, TWO SINFUL SECRETS, which is due out in December. In the meantime, do not miss ONE NAUGHTY NIGHT.
Dottie, RomanceJunkies.com
June 16, 2012
This is the 1st book in her series The Scandalous St. Claires and it reveals many interesting characters. This first book along with telling Lily and Aidan’s story, but it sets up for future stories around the other family members that I find that I’m pretty eager to find out their stores as well ;)
Lily St. Claire was born and grew up on the wrong side of the streets until one day she came across the St. Claires and they decided to adopt her. There is much love in her family, but she feels herself separate from them, even though they never treat her that way. Her St. Claire family is very big in the theater and even though she tried once and failed to be an actress, she found a way to help her family out by doing the books for various businesses, as she has found she is very good at numbers.
Aidan Huntington is the second son of a duke, who feels like he doesn’t really belong in a ducal home. He has traveled, and has made many friends in all walks of life. He has a passion for theater and wants to write plays, but he keeps his true self secret from his family because he knows they wouldn’t approve. Aidan is very protective and loyal and when he wants something, he doesn’t stop till he gets it.
Lily and Aidan met as strangers in the dark of night after Lily’s failed attempt as Juliet and found a comfort with each and share a passionate kiss until Lily runs off. Three years later they have once again stumbled onto each other and they are just drawn to each other, and the more and more they are together the more the need is. Until Lily’s past collides with her present, she is determined to keep her past a secret and to deal with a specific person from her past on her own.
I only have a couple things that stuck out to me that bugged me in the story. I found the side story of Aidan’s friend Freddy, who had tried to pursue Lily, kind of pointless. I mean it gave a brief conflict between Lily and Aidan, other than that, could have done without it. Lily and Aidan are very intense and they can’t keep their hands off each other! While their sex scenes were pretty hot at times it felt somewhat repetitive, such as Aidan proclaiming how much Lily drives him crazy and how Lily goes from self doubting herself to being a seductive minx with a few touches.
The overall story I really liked and I found myself hooked as Lily’s past was revealed and how Aidan proved himself to more than just a carefree rake. I enjoyed Lily’s slow course to opening up to Aidan and even when she thought he would be disgusted by her past, she tells him anyway, and I love Aidan’s fierceness to be her protector. Despite that the St. Claires are determined to loathe the Huntingtons from an incident that happened 100 years in the past, Lily can’t stay away from Aidan.
ARC provided by NetGalley
Lily St. Claire was born and grew up on the wrong side of the streets until one day she came across the St. Claires and they decided to adopt her. There is much love in her family, but she feels herself separate from them, even though they never treat her that way. Her St. Claire family is very big in the theater and even though she tried once and failed to be an actress, she found a way to help her family out by doing the books for various businesses, as she has found she is very good at numbers.
Aidan Huntington is the second son of a duke, who feels like he doesn’t really belong in a ducal home. He has traveled, and has made many friends in all walks of life. He has a passion for theater and wants to write plays, but he keeps his true self secret from his family because he knows they wouldn’t approve. Aidan is very protective and loyal and when he wants something, he doesn’t stop till he gets it.
Lily and Aidan met as strangers in the dark of night after Lily’s failed attempt as Juliet and found a comfort with each and share a passionate kiss until Lily runs off. Three years later they have once again stumbled onto each other and they are just drawn to each other, and the more and more they are together the more the need is. Until Lily’s past collides with her present, she is determined to keep her past a secret and to deal with a specific person from her past on her own.
I only have a couple things that stuck out to me that bugged me in the story. I found the side story of Aidan’s friend Freddy, who had tried to pursue Lily, kind of pointless. I mean it gave a brief conflict between Lily and Aidan, other than that, could have done without it. Lily and Aidan are very intense and they can’t keep their hands off each other! While their sex scenes were pretty hot at times it felt somewhat repetitive, such as Aidan proclaiming how much Lily drives him crazy and how Lily goes from self doubting herself to being a seductive minx with a few touches.
The overall story I really liked and I found myself hooked as Lily’s past was revealed and how Aidan proved himself to more than just a carefree rake. I enjoyed Lily’s slow course to opening up to Aidan and even when she thought he would be disgusted by her past, she tells him anyway, and I love Aidan’s fierceness to be her protector. Despite that the St. Claires are determined to loathe the Huntingtons from an incident that happened 100 years in the past, Lily can’t stay away from Aidan.
ARC provided by NetGalley
February 4, 2013
Ever since the feuds between the Capulet’s and the Montague’s, Hatfield’s and McCoy’s, I’ve been drawn to love stories of these ‘at dagger’s drawn’ families. There’s just something about all of them that touches and engages in me a range of emotions. I believe that this is what Ms. McKee tried and, at least in my case, succeeded to convey with this story.
In her first book of this series, she introduces us to the St. Claire and Huntington family via Lily and Aidan.
Lily St. Claire is an adopted child of the St. Claire family and never the less, much loved by her parents and siblings. She spent her early childhood on the streets of London, watching her mother slowly dying and trying to outrun Tom Beaumont, a man who would have her become a prostitute, after her mother's death. Her luck changes as she meets St. Claire’s and Lily gets a chance to belong to a real family.
Aidan Huntington is a typical second son of a duke, who’s really not much impressed with his station in life and in order to avoid his family, takes to the road and gives his all to passion of writing plays.
The first meeting between these two lonely people occurs outside of the theater and neither knows the identity of the other. As Lily runs out of it feeling that she’s failed her family’s expectations of becoming a hit in a play, she finds comfort in a conversation and a passionate kiss from a total stranger.
It’s now three years later and Aidan’s travels have taken him far and wide, but now he’s home and he still feels there’s much of life left to be lived before he shackles himself to a wife. Lily on the other hand has been married and widowed by now, and is trying to make good use of her time by helping her brother succeed in establishing himself as a gaming hell proprietor.
There are a lot of things one’s attracted to certain authors and their story telling. We look for plots, pace and prose to take us to places we at times just dream about. For me, the characterization of the main players is what I look forward to the most. I just love to dissect the reasons behind the behavior of everyone in the story, and Ms. McKee never fails to impress in that regard. The character of Lily St Claire is a complex and yet easy to comprehend once we’re given a glimpse of her childhood, and that goes for the character of Aidan. Both come with some baggage yet neither is hiding behind it and freely are admitting and embracing their sexuality. I just thought them a perfect match!
This story’s quick pace, well written dialogue and some really hot scenes kept me glued to my Kindle and I highly recommend and give it my Five Quills. I am totally ready for the second one in the series ‘Two Sinful Secrets’ landlady Sophia Huntington’s adventure.
Melanie for RCJR eZine
Book provided by NetGalley.
In her first book of this series, she introduces us to the St. Claire and Huntington family via Lily and Aidan.
Lily St. Claire is an adopted child of the St. Claire family and never the less, much loved by her parents and siblings. She spent her early childhood on the streets of London, watching her mother slowly dying and trying to outrun Tom Beaumont, a man who would have her become a prostitute, after her mother's death. Her luck changes as she meets St. Claire’s and Lily gets a chance to belong to a real family.
Aidan Huntington is a typical second son of a duke, who’s really not much impressed with his station in life and in order to avoid his family, takes to the road and gives his all to passion of writing plays.
The first meeting between these two lonely people occurs outside of the theater and neither knows the identity of the other. As Lily runs out of it feeling that she’s failed her family’s expectations of becoming a hit in a play, she finds comfort in a conversation and a passionate kiss from a total stranger.
It’s now three years later and Aidan’s travels have taken him far and wide, but now he’s home and he still feels there’s much of life left to be lived before he shackles himself to a wife. Lily on the other hand has been married and widowed by now, and is trying to make good use of her time by helping her brother succeed in establishing himself as a gaming hell proprietor.
There are a lot of things one’s attracted to certain authors and their story telling. We look for plots, pace and prose to take us to places we at times just dream about. For me, the characterization of the main players is what I look forward to the most. I just love to dissect the reasons behind the behavior of everyone in the story, and Ms. McKee never fails to impress in that regard. The character of Lily St Claire is a complex and yet easy to comprehend once we’re given a glimpse of her childhood, and that goes for the character of Aidan. Both come with some baggage yet neither is hiding behind it and freely are admitting and embracing their sexuality. I just thought them a perfect match!
This story’s quick pace, well written dialogue and some really hot scenes kept me glued to my Kindle and I highly recommend and give it my Five Quills. I am totally ready for the second one in the series ‘Two Sinful Secrets’ landlady Sophia Huntington’s adventure.
Melanie for RCJR eZine
Book provided by NetGalley.
June 19, 2012
This review also appears on my blog at http://www.thegoldenruleof666.blogspo...
Absolutely magnificent! One Naughty Night is a book full of romance and thrills, with plot twists you'll never see coming.
Lily was an intensely loyal character, which I really admired. Since the St. Claires took her in, she is loyal to them. This caused her to go along wholeheartedly with the feud. Imagine her surprise when she finds out that she actually likes one of those Huntingtons. Bu that's what was great about her. She didn't stick with old notions and stubbornly refuse to accept her love for Aidan. But she did feel torn between her two loyalties. I felt for her struggle and I was very happy with the way she settled the internal conflict. I was so glad that she won her happy ending after going through so much in life. Truly, Lily is a character anyone would cheer for.
Aidan was an absolute delight. You never know what to expect from him. To say he was an interesting character is an understatement. I loved how he would do just about anything for Lily. When it was clear that she was in danger, he didn't waste any time taking out whatever was threatening her. It was very sweet. The love between Lily and Aidan was strong and true. Through the very many obstacles put in their way, they would always triumph together. And this could be a deterrent or a benefit, depending on how you like your romance, but the sex scenes were HOT. Like there-must-be-steam-rising-straight-out-of-the-book hot. And there were quite a few of them, more than a standard romance, with a little more variety (dominatrix anyone?). Since the level of the steaminess in higher than average, I think that it merits mention. But, moving back to Aidan, I adored him. He was a perfect, entertaining hero who never does what you expect. It was very fun reading about him.
The plot, as I said earlier, is full of twists. One in particular I never saw coming. It kept the story interesting. The St. Claires were so fun. Lily adoptive siblings were so entertaining. I can't wait to hear their stories. I believe the next one is about Dominic, so I'm excited to hear more about the golden boy. I'm sure it will be fun ;)
So, One Naughty Night is a delightful read. I LOVED it!
5/5
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy!
Absolutely magnificent! One Naughty Night is a book full of romance and thrills, with plot twists you'll never see coming.
Lily was an intensely loyal character, which I really admired. Since the St. Claires took her in, she is loyal to them. This caused her to go along wholeheartedly with the feud. Imagine her surprise when she finds out that she actually likes one of those Huntingtons. Bu that's what was great about her. She didn't stick with old notions and stubbornly refuse to accept her love for Aidan. But she did feel torn between her two loyalties. I felt for her struggle and I was very happy with the way she settled the internal conflict. I was so glad that she won her happy ending after going through so much in life. Truly, Lily is a character anyone would cheer for.
Aidan was an absolute delight. You never know what to expect from him. To say he was an interesting character is an understatement. I loved how he would do just about anything for Lily. When it was clear that she was in danger, he didn't waste any time taking out whatever was threatening her. It was very sweet. The love between Lily and Aidan was strong and true. Through the very many obstacles put in their way, they would always triumph together. And this could be a deterrent or a benefit, depending on how you like your romance, but the sex scenes were HOT. Like there-must-be-steam-rising-straight-out-of-the-book hot. And there were quite a few of them, more than a standard romance, with a little more variety (dominatrix anyone?). Since the level of the steaminess in higher than average, I think that it merits mention. But, moving back to Aidan, I adored him. He was a perfect, entertaining hero who never does what you expect. It was very fun reading about him.
The plot, as I said earlier, is full of twists. One in particular I never saw coming. It kept the story interesting. The St. Claires were so fun. Lily adoptive siblings were so entertaining. I can't wait to hear their stories. I believe the next one is about Dominic, so I'm excited to hear more about the golden boy. I'm sure it will be fun ;)
So, One Naughty Night is a delightful read. I LOVED it!
5/5
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy!
June 7, 2012
Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick
What to say about this book. I'm so torn because on one hand I enjoyed the first quarter of this book immensely, but the rest just annoyed me and I actually had to walk away at one point because I was so annoyed. Let me explain...
In the beginning of the book I loved, loved the chemistry between Lily and Aidan. I especially love the fact that even though Lily isn't part of the ton that Aidan is still drawn to her. I loved that Aidan is such a recluse and class doesn't mean much to him. He sees others just as people and nothing more. But as the book goes on their chemistry can only go so far. The relationship between Lily and Aidan becomes monotonous and stilted. All they do with each other is have sex and don't get me wrong, some of their encounters are pretty steamy but it just becomes a bit much after awhile. Can we please see something else. I understand that they are both extremely attracted to one another but I felt like there wasn't much character growth with either character. They are both the same person they were when the story began.
I feel as if the story is lacking because the author just focuses on the sexytimes occurring between Lily and Aidan. There were many opportunities to take the actual conflict of the story and make it so much more but it was just blah. I never was able to connect with it and I never really cared about it either way. I think that there was so much we were being introduced to and being told that the author never really focuses on each properly. I understand that some things are being set up for future books but with so much going on we never get the full closure we need on a few of the things.
All in all, the story wasn't a complete waste. I did enjoy the chemistry between Lily and Aidan and I'm really curious to see is going to happen with some of the other characters. The next story looks really good and I really want to see how things are going to transpire.
**ARC copy provided by NetGalley**
What to say about this book. I'm so torn because on one hand I enjoyed the first quarter of this book immensely, but the rest just annoyed me and I actually had to walk away at one point because I was so annoyed. Let me explain...
In the beginning of the book I loved, loved the chemistry between Lily and Aidan. I especially love the fact that even though Lily isn't part of the ton that Aidan is still drawn to her. I loved that Aidan is such a recluse and class doesn't mean much to him. He sees others just as people and nothing more. But as the book goes on their chemistry can only go so far. The relationship between Lily and Aidan becomes monotonous and stilted. All they do with each other is have sex and don't get me wrong, some of their encounters are pretty steamy but it just becomes a bit much after awhile. Can we please see something else. I understand that they are both extremely attracted to one another but I felt like there wasn't much character growth with either character. They are both the same person they were when the story began.
I feel as if the story is lacking because the author just focuses on the sexytimes occurring between Lily and Aidan. There were many opportunities to take the actual conflict of the story and make it so much more but it was just blah. I never was able to connect with it and I never really cared about it either way. I think that there was so much we were being introduced to and being told that the author never really focuses on each properly. I understand that some things are being set up for future books but with so much going on we never get the full closure we need on a few of the things.
All in all, the story wasn't a complete waste. I did enjoy the chemistry between Lily and Aidan and I'm really curious to see is going to happen with some of the other characters. The next story looks really good and I really want to see how things are going to transpire.
**ARC copy provided by NetGalley**
August 29, 2012
Originally posted on TBQ's Book
Palace
~*~*~
Laurel McKee may be a new author to me, but she is now officially on my list for wickedly sexy historicals!
One Naughty Night lives up to its title (again...and again...and, well, you get the point)! As the first book in McKee's new series, we are introduced to the very interesting theater family, the St. Claires, and the family they've been feuding with for centuries, the titled Huntingtons. Based on how entertaining this book was, I have no doubt this will be a great series to come!
Lily and Aidan are perfect for one another. Both are more complex than it seems, and very different from what Society thinks they are. I loved Aidan, he was a hero the reader can lust for. And Lily was a great heroine, one that many readers, including myself, would be thrilled to have as a friend. Watching the two finally realize they love each other—ah, great times!
Banter and sparks both fly wildly when they meet, and only increase as the pages turn. There isn't a lukewarm moment to be found anywhere in this book; this is one fiery novel, and I loved every moment of it!
Favorite Quote^:
“I must be mad, then, for I like your arrogance. You're always who you truly are. You never pretend.”
“And you shouldn't either.” Aidan lay down beside her on the pillows, his body stretched out so that he curled around her protectively, and bent his head to kiss her shoulder. “You should never be anyone but you, Lily. Just as you are.”
4.5 STARS! If you enjoy your historicals with fire and wickedly sexy romance, then One Naughty Night is the perfect book to pick up. I am anxious to continue the St.Claires story, to see who falls next, and in the meantime I will be picking up McKee's previous novels.
^Quote belongs solely to the author. I do not claim it in anyway.
January 28, 2013
More like many naughty nights...a quick read, BUT this book only gets 3 stars. I liked Lily and Aidan. However, a couple of things kept me from loving this book:
1. The origin of the Huntington and St. Claire feud. It was so vague. I thought the author had a great idea with a page from the diary of the woman whose ill-fated romance began the feud. Yet, it was only one page at the beginning of the book. Maybe it will be better explained since this is Book 1 in this series. However, it KEPT being brought up and Lily's family was seriously holding a grudge about it.
2.The villain. Oh the villain. He was a "menacing" figure from Lily's past. I didn't feel menaced by him. You're just kind of told that he is someone from her past who wants revenge. So how likely is it that he found her? She was a little girl when he last saw her. He was transported to the colonies after his conviction. She's a grown woman now. Ok, maybe there's a resemblance, but I just thought hmmm...
3. The random insert to set up the next book. Really?! Lily's brother and Aidan's cousin are going to be the topic of the next book. Their first real conversations happen at the gambling place that the St. Claire's own. The book tears away from Lily and Aidan and focuses on the attraction between the two. The set up is that Dominic does not know who the girl is and that she is a blasted Huntington.
I'll close by saying it was a quick and cute read. I missed the detailed characterizations that I might find in a book by Meredith Duran, for example. I did like the main characters. They were very grown up and there was no angst about being with each other.
1. The origin of the Huntington and St. Claire feud. It was so vague. I thought the author had a great idea with a page from the diary of the woman whose ill-fated romance began the feud. Yet, it was only one page at the beginning of the book. Maybe it will be better explained since this is Book 1 in this series. However, it KEPT being brought up and Lily's family was seriously holding a grudge about it.
2.The villain. Oh the villain. He was a "menacing" figure from Lily's past. I didn't feel menaced by him. You're just kind of told that he is someone from her past who wants revenge. So how likely is it that he found her? She was a little girl when he last saw her. He was transported to the colonies after his conviction. She's a grown woman now. Ok, maybe there's a resemblance, but I just thought hmmm...
3. The random insert to set up the next book. Really?! Lily's brother and Aidan's cousin are going to be the topic of the next book. Their first real conversations happen at the gambling place that the St. Claire's own. The book tears away from Lily and Aidan and focuses on the attraction between the two. The set up is that Dominic does not know who the girl is and that she is a blasted Huntington.
I'll close by saying it was a quick and cute read. I missed the detailed characterizations that I might find in a book by Meredith Duran, for example. I did like the main characters. They were very grown up and there was no angst about being with each other.
September 5, 2016
"He was a dream—and she had to wake up now. She whirled around and ran away from him, lifting her skirts to flee once again. “Wait! Please,” he called after her. But she didn’t dare look back."
I got a copy of Laurel McKEE's One naughty night. On the left side, you can see the English and on the right the one I have in Bulgarian.
I read this book the other day and found it quite nice. The story was really well made, with nice characters. But there was only one thing that bothered me:
Too Much Sex Scenes!
But overall the story was quite captivating. It was mu first time reading about characters with such personalities. Lily St. Claire is almost carefree about society standards, daring and in a way too frivolous.
Lord Aidan Huntington, on the other hand, is a rich rogue in every possible way. He was well is quite carefree and almost the same as Lily. I did like them as a couple and how they handled everything but again I found their personalities almost the same, although there are some small differences that weren't that important to me.
What I really liked about this book was the villain. Tom Beaumont is exactly what I like in an antihero. He had a big part of one of the main characters past, left them mentally hurt, and returned years later. Most importantly, he didn't die the first time!
This book was really interesting despite all the sex scenes. I think that if they were cut in half the story will still be good. I give it a good 4,5 out of 5. I recommend it for people who like well-written villains.
I have a copy of the second book in the series and will very soon start it.
I got a copy of Laurel McKEE's One naughty night. On the left side, you can see the English and on the right the one I have in Bulgarian.
I read this book the other day and found it quite nice. The story was really well made, with nice characters. But there was only one thing that bothered me:
Too Much Sex Scenes!
But overall the story was quite captivating. It was mu first time reading about characters with such personalities. Lily St. Claire is almost carefree about society standards, daring and in a way too frivolous.
Lord Aidan Huntington, on the other hand, is a rich rogue in every possible way. He was well is quite carefree and almost the same as Lily. I did like them as a couple and how they handled everything but again I found their personalities almost the same, although there are some small differences that weren't that important to me.
What I really liked about this book was the villain. Tom Beaumont is exactly what I like in an antihero. He had a big part of one of the main characters past, left them mentally hurt, and returned years later. Most importantly, he didn't die the first time!
This book was really interesting despite all the sex scenes. I think that if they were cut in half the story will still be good. I give it a good 4,5 out of 5. I recommend it for people who like well-written villains.
I have a copy of the second book in the series and will very soon start it.
August 19, 2015
This is a tough one to review because I liked the unusual plot and intriguing characters. I think if you are considering reading it, you should give it a try. There were some problems though- primarily with the writing. It struggled to be an erotic HF but the H/H jumped the gun on their first interlude - it was just too soon - stifling the romantic and sexual tension. The lack of build up left their future exchanges a bit hollow and sometimes they tended to be remedial.
There was also this inconsistency between their feelings for one another - they were obsessed with one another, then it was just a fleeting one time thing or a mistake. It made me annoyed with them both.
I also thought the author inserted too many backdrops for the story. They were all very interesting; perhaps that's what kept me reading at times, but it compounded the already disjointed story.
This could have been a very good book - it just felt like it was in need of editing by an experienced editor. Perhaps this was Laurel McKee's first book? I am tempted to read the following books in the series because I am so curious about the other characters but I'm hesitant because as a reader, it took effort to keep the story reigned in.
The author has really creative ideas, creating unique and imaginative characters and backdrops but the writing needs proper editing, condensing and focus. For the story I give it a 4, for the writing I give it a 2.5.
There was also this inconsistency between their feelings for one another - they were obsessed with one another, then it was just a fleeting one time thing or a mistake. It made me annoyed with them both.
I also thought the author inserted too many backdrops for the story. They were all very interesting; perhaps that's what kept me reading at times, but it compounded the already disjointed story.
This could have been a very good book - it just felt like it was in need of editing by an experienced editor. Perhaps this was Laurel McKee's first book? I am tempted to read the following books in the series because I am so curious about the other characters but I'm hesitant because as a reader, it took effort to keep the story reigned in.
The author has really creative ideas, creating unique and imaginative characters and backdrops but the writing needs proper editing, condensing and focus. For the story I give it a 4, for the writing I give it a 2.5.
August 1, 2016
Weak 3 star
Lily St. Clair Nichols and Lord Aidan Huntington(?) Lily was adapted into the St. Clair family when she was young and was pocket lifting on the streets. She was born to a French prostitute who died from opium. Sh ran away from the brothel and lived on streets. Tom Beaumont took her in, but he was a criminal who used her to steal things for him and beat her up. When she was adapted, he was sent to Australia and Lily thought she'd never see him again.
Lily met Aidan after she froze on stage playing Juliet in family business theater. 3 years ago they met again when she was a widow. The St. Clares and the Huntingtons are family enemies, Lily did not want her family to know she was meeting Aidan. They feel strong feelings for each other.
After a few incidents Aidan asked her to tell him her secrets and she did. He offered to help her.
Aidan wanted to retrieve love letters his friend sent to Lily, but he did not tell her about it, instead he tried to go through her stuff.
At the end Aidan confronted Lily's old pimp and sent him to prison but he escaped. The second time he did not hesitate to finish him. A few hot scenes that involved a riding crop or spanking wasn't much as erotica.
Lily St. Clair Nichols and Lord Aidan Huntington(?) Lily was adapted into the St. Clair family when she was young and was pocket lifting on the streets. She was born to a French prostitute who died from opium. Sh ran away from the brothel and lived on streets. Tom Beaumont took her in, but he was a criminal who used her to steal things for him and beat her up. When she was adapted, he was sent to Australia and Lily thought she'd never see him again.
Lily met Aidan after she froze on stage playing Juliet in family business theater. 3 years ago they met again when she was a widow. The St. Clares and the Huntingtons are family enemies, Lily did not want her family to know she was meeting Aidan. They feel strong feelings for each other.
After a few incidents Aidan asked her to tell him her secrets and she did. He offered to help her.
Aidan wanted to retrieve love letters his friend sent to Lily, but he did not tell her about it, instead he tried to go through her stuff.
At the end Aidan confronted Lily's old pimp and sent him to prison but he escaped. The second time he did not hesitate to finish him. A few hot scenes that involved a riding crop or spanking wasn't much as erotica.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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