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Legendary Lovers #2
Lover Be Mine
As the wickedly seductive Wilde cousins seek true love by taking a page from history’s legendary love stories, Lord Jack Wilde plays a determined Romeo courting an enchanting Juliet.
The last thing Sophie Fortin expects at a masquerade ball is a dazzling kiss from a pirate. Her desire quickly falters when she learns that her masked gentleman is devilishly scandalous Lord Jack, a member of the captivating Wilde clan — and a man she’s forbidden to acknowledge. But when Jack begins a breathtaking seduction, Sophie can barely resist.
Jack never imagined that the daughter of his family’s mortal enemy would awaken such fierce passion within him—until one unforgettable kiss changes his mind forever. Soon, Jack is hell-bent on winning Sophie’s hand, going so far as to abduct her to save her from marrying a rival nobleman. Determined to woo Sophie and her unyielding parents, Jack is faced with the one decision he’d sworn never to make. The secret heir to a prince, Jack has spurned his royal heritage for years . . . but for Sophie he’ll risk all to turn a legacy of heartbreak into love ever after.
The last thing Sophie Fortin expects at a masquerade ball is a dazzling kiss from a pirate. Her desire quickly falters when she learns that her masked gentleman is devilishly scandalous Lord Jack, a member of the captivating Wilde clan — and a man she’s forbidden to acknowledge. But when Jack begins a breathtaking seduction, Sophie can barely resist.
Jack never imagined that the daughter of his family’s mortal enemy would awaken such fierce passion within him—until one unforgettable kiss changes his mind forever. Soon, Jack is hell-bent on winning Sophie’s hand, going so far as to abduct her to save her from marrying a rival nobleman. Determined to woo Sophie and her unyielding parents, Jack is faced with the one decision he’d sworn never to make. The secret heir to a prince, Jack has spurned his royal heritage for years . . . but for Sophie he’ll risk all to turn a legacy of heartbreak into love ever after.
327 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 28, 2013
48 people are currently reading
1128 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Jordan
93 books977 followersNew York Times bestselling author Nicole Jordan spins delightful tales that simmer with passion and sensuality. In her former life, Nicole grew up as an Army brat, moving frequently and attending high school in Germany. She later earned a civil engineering degree from Georgia Tech and spent eight years as a manufacturing manager making disposable diapers and toilet tissue! Currently Nicole lives in the Rocky Mountains of Utah with her real-life hero (her husband) and beloved kids (her horses).
With over two-dozen historical romances to her credit and four million books in print, set in numerous eras and locales, Nicole now enjoys chronicling the sparks that fly when Regency lovers play the matrimonial mating game.
One of her novels had the dubious honor of being humorously spotlighted by Jay Leno on "The Tonight Show." On a more serious note, Nicole's romances regularly appear on numerous bestseller lists, including The New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today, and have earned such honors as RITA finalist, RWA's Favorite Book of the Year, the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for Historical Romance, and the Dorothy Parker Award of Excellence, presented by a group of over one hundred romance reviewers.
With over two-dozen historical romances to her credit and four million books in print, set in numerous eras and locales, Nicole now enjoys chronicling the sparks that fly when Regency lovers play the matrimonial mating game.
One of her novels had the dubious honor of being humorously spotlighted by Jay Leno on "The Tonight Show." On a more serious note, Nicole's romances regularly appear on numerous bestseller lists, including The New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today, and have earned such honors as RITA finalist, RWA's Favorite Book of the Year, the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for Historical Romance, and the Dorothy Parker Award of Excellence, presented by a group of over one hundred romance reviewers.
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June 27, 2018
Lover Be Mine by Nicole Jordon is a 2013 Ballantine Publication. I would like to thank the publisher and Edelweiss for the ARC digital copy of this book.
This is the second book in the "Legendary Lovers" series. Although this book is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone.
Lord Jack's adopted sister, Katharine and his cousin, Skye are up to their old match making tricks again. This time they have targeted him. Kate believes the five Wilde cousins can find true love by emulating legendary lovers through out history. In the first book, Cinderella was the legend. For Lord Jack, Kate has chosen "Romeo and Juliet". The reason is that Sophie Fortin is about to accept a marriage proposal from a Duke that is more much older than her and a complete bore. She is only agreeing to the marriage because of her parents and her sense of duty toward them.
Kate and Skye convince Lord Jack to rescue the lady from being sold into a loveless marriage.
What Lord Jack didn't count on was his immediate attraction to Sophie. The two felt a chemistry between them right away.
Sophie had lost her only sibling and felt it her duty to bring a title into the family. Her father had been cheated out of a peerage title because of a long standing feud between Sophie's family and Lord Jack's family. The loss of a title and the wealth that could have been his has become an obsession for Sophie's father. But when Jack is given a journal written by one of his ancestors, he finds that his family never intended things to work out the way they did. It was all just a terrible tragedy.
Once Jack has his first encounter with Sophie, he is determined to set her free from her parents and a loveless marriage. He is also determined to show her what she would be missing out on if she married the staid Duke.
Once Sophie has experienced a few smoldering kisses from Jack, she discovers a passion she never knew could exist. But, she is torn between duty to her parents and her own happiness.
Because her parents are so set on Sophie having a title and wealth, Jack decides he will attempt to claim his inheritance from his estranged father. This would make Sophie a princess and give her vast wealth. But, will that be enough to satisfy her unbending father? Are Sophie and Jack doomed like Romeo and Juliet? Or will they have their happy ever after?
Nicole Jordan is a wonderful author of historical romances. This one is really inventive. There is adventure, romance, scandal , but also there this is a story about the power of love. Jack is in need of finding peace concerning his mother's death and his fear of loving anyone, lest he lose them. Sophie learns to step out of her parents shadow and take up for herself.
I loved the way the author built the sexual tension. Hot kisses, then a slow progression from there. Having to keep the romance a secret also added a element of suspense.
I also loved Sophie's Aunt Eunice. She was a lady way ahead of her time.
If you love historical romances or just any kind of romance, this is one to try out. I'll give this one an A.
This is the second book in the "Legendary Lovers" series. Although this book is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone.
Lord Jack's adopted sister, Katharine and his cousin, Skye are up to their old match making tricks again. This time they have targeted him. Kate believes the five Wilde cousins can find true love by emulating legendary lovers through out history. In the first book, Cinderella was the legend. For Lord Jack, Kate has chosen "Romeo and Juliet". The reason is that Sophie Fortin is about to accept a marriage proposal from a Duke that is more much older than her and a complete bore. She is only agreeing to the marriage because of her parents and her sense of duty toward them.
Kate and Skye convince Lord Jack to rescue the lady from being sold into a loveless marriage.
What Lord Jack didn't count on was his immediate attraction to Sophie. The two felt a chemistry between them right away.
Sophie had lost her only sibling and felt it her duty to bring a title into the family. Her father had been cheated out of a peerage title because of a long standing feud between Sophie's family and Lord Jack's family. The loss of a title and the wealth that could have been his has become an obsession for Sophie's father. But when Jack is given a journal written by one of his ancestors, he finds that his family never intended things to work out the way they did. It was all just a terrible tragedy.
Once Jack has his first encounter with Sophie, he is determined to set her free from her parents and a loveless marriage. He is also determined to show her what she would be missing out on if she married the staid Duke.
Once Sophie has experienced a few smoldering kisses from Jack, she discovers a passion she never knew could exist. But, she is torn between duty to her parents and her own happiness.
Because her parents are so set on Sophie having a title and wealth, Jack decides he will attempt to claim his inheritance from his estranged father. This would make Sophie a princess and give her vast wealth. But, will that be enough to satisfy her unbending father? Are Sophie and Jack doomed like Romeo and Juliet? Or will they have their happy ever after?
Nicole Jordan is a wonderful author of historical romances. This one is really inventive. There is adventure, romance, scandal , but also there this is a story about the power of love. Jack is in need of finding peace concerning his mother's death and his fear of loving anyone, lest he lose them. Sophie learns to step out of her parents shadow and take up for herself.
I loved the way the author built the sexual tension. Hot kisses, then a slow progression from there. Having to keep the romance a secret also added a element of suspense.
I also loved Sophie's Aunt Eunice. She was a lady way ahead of her time.
If you love historical romances or just any kind of romance, this is one to try out. I'll give this one an A.
January 13, 2018
"Jack... what are you doing?"
"Claiming my kiss. I deserve to be rewarded for my valiant efforts to see you."
She returned a pert reply. "Your FOOLHARDY efforts, you mean. You need to abandon this absurd obsession with kissing me."
"Impossible. You have the softest, most desirable mouth I have ever encountered."
KISSING!
*clears throat* ANYWAY. The book. We must discuss the book. Not the extensive and extremely described kissing that happens in said book. *innocent face*
This is Book Two in Jordan's Legendary Lovers series. In which Katharine declares that she and all her siblings and cousins will each emulate a legendary lover in history, and therefore find their true loves. The first book, Princess Charming, covered her brother Ash (as Prince Charming) wooing the horse-breeder Maura (the Cinderella). This novel focuses on a retelling of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. But with a much happier ending, of course.
Lord Jack is a devilish rogue of the highest order, widely famed for his charm and his audacity with females. Katharine, his beloved cousin, has informed him that he is destined to live out the legendary love story of Romeo and Juliet, and informs him that his true love is her schoolmate, Sophie Fortin.
Jack scoffs at Katharine's ridiculous machinations to shove him and Sophie together. Everyone knows the Wildes and the Fortins have been engaged in a blood feud these last three generations. And Jack is far from willing to give his heart to anyone.
But when Jack meets Sophie at a masquerade ball, sparks fly, and the two star-crossed lovers can't help but hope for a chance to be together....
...
I like Jordan's books. I find them charming, sweet, and fun - with the added bonus of being smart (vocabulary-wise... not plot-wise. This is a rather silly book, as are 99% of romances). Again, I want to suggest that people studying for SAT vocabulary tests read this book and Princess Charming in order to bone up on their personal lexicon. It certainly has more kissing than that stuffy old SAT vocab guide.
UPSIDES:
- Great vocabulary use by Ms. Jordan. Well-written, not cardboard.
- A fun, sweet, charming story full of rakes, rogues, lost princes, masquerade balls, shocking abductions, elderly aunts who are troublemakers, and shocking secrets about the past.
- Highly descriptive and enjoyable kissing scenes. Extra points. No, I'm not talking about sex, I'm talking about KISSING.
- Jack's secret tragic past (and how hard both he and Sophie have to struggle with it), his little dormouse pet that he had as a boy, and his constant hunger as a result of past starvation are all very interesting and (more or less) well done. Not so much his constant hunger, because although living through a starvation period WILL cause you to hoard food and eat more than your body needs - as Jordan portrays in this novel - she decides not to include the weight gain that usually follows these measures. Like Kelley Armstrong in the Omens series, she wants to have a leading man with a tragic starvation past but not have him possess anything but a "perfect" sculpted body. Highly unrealistic.*
Another highlight was Jack's frequent and anonymous donations to Arundel House, which cares for unwed mothers. Sophie also has a connection there as she is supporting her unmarried pregnant maid out of her own pocket. A plus.
- When Jack does something uncouth , Sophie reacts appropriately and actually makes Jack apologize and grovel before she forgives him. This is a blessed relief in a sea of romance novels in which the heroine will go along with anything the hero chooses to do, no matter how traitorous.
"Why should I be grateful to find you going behind my back, making decisions for me without my knowledge or consent? You intentionally deceived me."
DOWNSIDES:
- The silliness of the second half of the novel, in which Ms. Jordan takes us on all kinds of rather bizarre twists and turns to make sure getting together isn't "too easy" for our MCs. Some of the hoops they had to jump through were pretty contrived.
- It seems Jordan cannot write a book without some sort of line about force-feeding.
Sophie ate sparingly but she did eat, perhaps because she feared he would decide to hand-feed her if she refused.
I don't understand this shit at all. Only YOU get to decide how little or how much you eat, when you eat, and what you eat. ONLY YOU. Any person who tries to violate this right in any way is a fucking piece of shit. End of story. I don't know why Jordan feels like she has to include some line about force-feeding in every single one of her novels. Cut this shit out.
How's the sex, Carmen?
It's mostly very good. I highly enjoyed it, especially since Jordan takes the time to have long, described kissing. My only complaint is that Sophie and Jack decide to use the pull-out method of "contraception" (in my mind this is not contraception) and that made me extremely nervous.
Tl;dr - A fun and charming historical with good vocab. I would highly recommend this if you enjoy light and frivolous historical romances, not so much serious ones or ones that are historically accurate. Added amazing bonus of extra and described kissing, which makes me very happy.
THREE REAL STARS, FOUR ROMANCE STARS
*A lot of fiction authors decide to give their MC (male or female) some sort of starvation past.
This (in real life) will result in food hoarding and overeating in the person who went through a starvation experience, especially a long-term one. Most authors nowadays know enough to include this aspect in their books, which is good. But this kind of reactive behavior - that is completely uncontrollable and unconscious - DOES result in weight gain 9 times out of 10. Unfortunately, we still have a huge hatred and disgust towards fat people in our society, and even though authors want to give people these tragic backgrounds, and then be "accurate" in describing the psychological results of such trauma, they can't bring themselves to include something like A FAT PERSON in their novels.
This makes me sad because not only is it inaccurate - why include the accurate after-behaviors if you are not going to go all the way - but because it perpetuates and sustains this myth that being fat is just not acceptable. No matter what your former circumstances or background, being fat is the ultimate sin in our society. AND, I don't even want to say "despite your former circumstances" because that makes it seem like I believe you need a justification to be fat. You DO NOT need to justify or legitimize your body. You can be fat for any reason, and all these reasons are valid.
Fat-heroines in romance are still a sub-sub-genre, and as far as fat HEROES go, I can't find any. Super sad to me, since I think bigger guys are very sexy and would love to read a book about a teddy bear of a guy who was so kind and so manly. Oooooooh. *shivers*
Still fighting every day in order to combat this kind of feeling society has that only one body type is beautiful, all others are ugly. Fight! Don't lie down and take it, FIGHT!
"Claiming my kiss. I deserve to be rewarded for my valiant efforts to see you."
She returned a pert reply. "Your FOOLHARDY efforts, you mean. You need to abandon this absurd obsession with kissing me."
"Impossible. You have the softest, most desirable mouth I have ever encountered."
KISSING!
*clears throat* ANYWAY. The book. We must discuss the book. Not the extensive and extremely described kissing that happens in said book. *innocent face*
This is Book Two in Jordan's Legendary Lovers series. In which Katharine declares that she and all her siblings and cousins will each emulate a legendary lover in history, and therefore find their true loves. The first book, Princess Charming, covered her brother Ash (as Prince Charming) wooing the horse-breeder Maura (the Cinderella). This novel focuses on a retelling of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. But with a much happier ending, of course.
Lord Jack is a devilish rogue of the highest order, widely famed for his charm and his audacity with females. Katharine, his beloved cousin, has informed him that he is destined to live out the legendary love story of Romeo and Juliet, and informs him that his true love is her schoolmate, Sophie Fortin.
Jack scoffs at Katharine's ridiculous machinations to shove him and Sophie together. Everyone knows the Wildes and the Fortins have been engaged in a blood feud these last three generations. And Jack is far from willing to give his heart to anyone.
But when Jack meets Sophie at a masquerade ball, sparks fly, and the two star-crossed lovers can't help but hope for a chance to be together....
...
I like Jordan's books. I find them charming, sweet, and fun - with the added bonus of being smart (vocabulary-wise... not plot-wise. This is a rather silly book, as are 99% of romances). Again, I want to suggest that people studying for SAT vocabulary tests read this book and Princess Charming in order to bone up on their personal lexicon. It certainly has more kissing than that stuffy old SAT vocab guide.
UPSIDES:
- Great vocabulary use by Ms. Jordan. Well-written, not cardboard.
- A fun, sweet, charming story full of rakes, rogues, lost princes, masquerade balls, shocking abductions, elderly aunts who are troublemakers, and shocking secrets about the past.
- Highly descriptive and enjoyable kissing scenes. Extra points. No, I'm not talking about sex, I'm talking about KISSING.
- Jack's secret tragic past (and how hard both he and Sophie have to struggle with it), his little dormouse pet that he had as a boy, and his constant hunger as a result of past starvation are all very interesting and (more or less) well done. Not so much his constant hunger, because although living through a starvation period WILL cause you to hoard food and eat more than your body needs - as Jordan portrays in this novel - she decides not to include the weight gain that usually follows these measures. Like Kelley Armstrong in the Omens series, she wants to have a leading man with a tragic starvation past but not have him possess anything but a "perfect" sculpted body. Highly unrealistic.*
Another highlight was Jack's frequent and anonymous donations to Arundel House, which cares for unwed mothers. Sophie also has a connection there as she is supporting her unmarried pregnant maid out of her own pocket. A plus.
- When Jack does something uncouth , Sophie reacts appropriately and actually makes Jack apologize and grovel before she forgives him. This is a blessed relief in a sea of romance novels in which the heroine will go along with anything the hero chooses to do, no matter how traitorous.
"Why should I be grateful to find you going behind my back, making decisions for me without my knowledge or consent? You intentionally deceived me."
DOWNSIDES:
- The silliness of the second half of the novel, in which Ms. Jordan takes us on all kinds of rather bizarre twists and turns to make sure getting together isn't "too easy" for our MCs. Some of the hoops they had to jump through were pretty contrived.
- It seems Jordan cannot write a book without some sort of line about force-feeding.
Sophie ate sparingly but she did eat, perhaps because she feared he would decide to hand-feed her if she refused.
I don't understand this shit at all. Only YOU get to decide how little or how much you eat, when you eat, and what you eat. ONLY YOU. Any person who tries to violate this right in any way is a fucking piece of shit. End of story. I don't know why Jordan feels like she has to include some line about force-feeding in every single one of her novels. Cut this shit out.
How's the sex, Carmen?
It's mostly very good. I highly enjoyed it, especially since Jordan takes the time to have long, described kissing. My only complaint is that Sophie and Jack decide to use the pull-out method of "contraception" (in my mind this is not contraception) and that made me extremely nervous.
Tl;dr - A fun and charming historical with good vocab. I would highly recommend this if you enjoy light and frivolous historical romances, not so much serious ones or ones that are historically accurate. Added amazing bonus of extra and described kissing, which makes me very happy.
THREE REAL STARS, FOUR ROMANCE STARS
*A lot of fiction authors decide to give their MC (male or female) some sort of starvation past.
This (in real life) will result in food hoarding and overeating in the person who went through a starvation experience, especially a long-term one. Most authors nowadays know enough to include this aspect in their books, which is good. But this kind of reactive behavior - that is completely uncontrollable and unconscious - DOES result in weight gain 9 times out of 10. Unfortunately, we still have a huge hatred and disgust towards fat people in our society, and even though authors want to give people these tragic backgrounds, and then be "accurate" in describing the psychological results of such trauma, they can't bring themselves to include something like A FAT PERSON in their novels.
This makes me sad because not only is it inaccurate - why include the accurate after-behaviors if you are not going to go all the way - but because it perpetuates and sustains this myth that being fat is just not acceptable. No matter what your former circumstances or background, being fat is the ultimate sin in our society. AND, I don't even want to say "despite your former circumstances" because that makes it seem like I believe you need a justification to be fat. You DO NOT need to justify or legitimize your body. You can be fat for any reason, and all these reasons are valid.
Fat-heroines in romance are still a sub-sub-genre, and as far as fat HEROES go, I can't find any. Super sad to me, since I think bigger guys are very sexy and would love to read a book about a teddy bear of a guy who was so kind and so manly. Oooooooh. *shivers*
Still fighting every day in order to combat this kind of feeling society has that only one body type is beautiful, all others are ugly. Fight! Don't lie down and take it, FIGHT!
April 24, 2020
2,5 estrellas. No sé si es el libro o soy yo, que me ha pillado en una semana rara, pero no me ha convencido mucho. Se me ha hecho eterno, le falta profundidad y la referencia a Romeo y Julieta es meramente testimonial. El anterior libro que leí de esta autora, Salvaje, me gustó mucho más.
#RetoRita4 #RitaJordan
#RetoRita4 #RitaJordan
November 30, 2025
As a woman assigned to a marriage to a man twice her age for the sake of her family, Lady Sophie Fortin is resigned to her fate until Lord Jack Wilde lights her passions.
The Wildes have been feuding with the Fortins for as long as they can remember. It all leads back to a stolen love and a duel. When Jack is encouraged by his cousin to pursue /rescue Sophie from a loveless marriage he is intrigued by the prospect. When they meet at a ball, Jack becomes memorized by the prospect.
Chance meetings, a slow seduction and Sophie soon realizes that no relationship will ever be possible until the discord between their families is resolved.
A more modern Romeo and Juliet, the couple is caught between their families ancient history. Both Jack and Sophie are conflicted over the relationship and the cost.
I found this story charming, fun and a liberated version of historical fiction. It was pleasurable and captivating waiting for the romance and love match to slowly unfold through the story telling. If you are a fan of historical romance don’t miss Lover Be Mine.
This ARC copy of Lover Be Mine was given to me by Random House - Ballantine Books in exchange for an honest review. This book is set for publication May 28, 2013.
The Wildes have been feuding with the Fortins for as long as they can remember. It all leads back to a stolen love and a duel. When Jack is encouraged by his cousin to pursue /rescue Sophie from a loveless marriage he is intrigued by the prospect. When they meet at a ball, Jack becomes memorized by the prospect.
Chance meetings, a slow seduction and Sophie soon realizes that no relationship will ever be possible until the discord between their families is resolved.
A more modern Romeo and Juliet, the couple is caught between their families ancient history. Both Jack and Sophie are conflicted over the relationship and the cost.
I found this story charming, fun and a liberated version of historical fiction. It was pleasurable and captivating waiting for the romance and love match to slowly unfold through the story telling. If you are a fan of historical romance don’t miss Lover Be Mine.
This ARC copy of Lover Be Mine was given to me by Random House - Ballantine Books in exchange for an honest review. This book is set for publication May 28, 2013.
May 26, 2013
When I had been given the ARC by Edelweiss and Ballantine Books, I was thrilled because even though I haven't read this author in a long while, I have enjoyed her in the past. I had also read some very positive reviews, that made me excited to read this story. It is definitely a bit more intense than I expected. It is based on the tale of Romeo and Juliet...only this time it actually has a happy ending (which is a requirement for any book I read) But this couple does have a bit of a bumpy road before they get to the roses and daisies.
From the beginning it starts out with Jack, who is known as a rake, but is also part of a family that is practically at war with Sophie's family. Jack's cousin, is on a mission to convince him that Sophie is his mate and as such he needs to pursue her. At first he thinks she is crazy, but there is a certain connection from their first kiss, at a masquerade ball, where Sophie's passions are awakened and desire for a man that should be her enemy, is far from it. Sophie has a duty to her parents, who are financially struggling if it wasn't for her aunt. So a marriage proposal from a titled lord is what her father desires for her. But when Jack consistently pursues her ina way that she finds it hard to resist...from Jack climbing up the wall to her room, to meeting in secret for sensual rendezvous, she knows that she is in trouble of falling hard for him, especially when she knows that it isn't possible to have a future with him. Her father blames the Wilde's for quite a bit, and has hardened his heart. So Jack is forced to take desperate measures when Sophie finds herself engaged to a man that would bore her to tears. Now Sophie will have to decide what is more important: her obligation to her family, or her love and passion with Jack.
Jack is very unlike most heroes you usually see. Even though he is rumored to be a rake, he is far from it. He is very protective of others, has many vulnerabilities and there is so much depth to Jack, I fell in love with him from the beginning, I so wish I could have traded places with Sophie, I would love to have Jack as my own---sexy, protective, loyal, involved in helping others in need, and a fighter for the woman he loves. Jack isn't resistant to love like most heroes of this era, he is willing to give their relationship a fighting chance to succeed. Sophie I found to be very likable, even if she could have had a bit more spin when it came to Jack. But I understood her reasons, her family is everything to her. I admired her devotion to them and her desire to sacrifice for them, but it was fun seeing her change into a fighter for both her family and the man she loves. It was interesting to see the slow change in her, and I loved seeing the development in both Jack and Sophie. There was so much depth to these characters, and seeing the side characters added to the story in a delightful way.
There were so many things that I liked about this story, and I can't think of anything major that I didn't like. There was so much to LOVER BE MINE that made for a strong and sensational story...that reminded me of why I love romance novels so much. Even though I haven't read the first one in the series, I didn't feel lost or anything, it was easy to catch on, and I wasn't ever lost. The plot was fun and I enjoyed how it followed the play of Romeo and Juliet---even the whole climbing up the tower to talk to Sophie-I do love a hero who has more stubbornness than sense--makes it more exciting and unique. I love the wide variety of emotions that were displayed through the story, that only made it more vivid and almost real. Such a powerful driven story of passion, love and deep emotion that will blow you away!!!
From the beginning it starts out with Jack, who is known as a rake, but is also part of a family that is practically at war with Sophie's family. Jack's cousin, is on a mission to convince him that Sophie is his mate and as such he needs to pursue her. At first he thinks she is crazy, but there is a certain connection from their first kiss, at a masquerade ball, where Sophie's passions are awakened and desire for a man that should be her enemy, is far from it. Sophie has a duty to her parents, who are financially struggling if it wasn't for her aunt. So a marriage proposal from a titled lord is what her father desires for her. But when Jack consistently pursues her ina way that she finds it hard to resist...from Jack climbing up the wall to her room, to meeting in secret for sensual rendezvous, she knows that she is in trouble of falling hard for him, especially when she knows that it isn't possible to have a future with him. Her father blames the Wilde's for quite a bit, and has hardened his heart. So Jack is forced to take desperate measures when Sophie finds herself engaged to a man that would bore her to tears. Now Sophie will have to decide what is more important: her obligation to her family, or her love and passion with Jack.
Jack is very unlike most heroes you usually see. Even though he is rumored to be a rake, he is far from it. He is very protective of others, has many vulnerabilities and there is so much depth to Jack, I fell in love with him from the beginning, I so wish I could have traded places with Sophie, I would love to have Jack as my own---sexy, protective, loyal, involved in helping others in need, and a fighter for the woman he loves. Jack isn't resistant to love like most heroes of this era, he is willing to give their relationship a fighting chance to succeed. Sophie I found to be very likable, even if she could have had a bit more spin when it came to Jack. But I understood her reasons, her family is everything to her. I admired her devotion to them and her desire to sacrifice for them, but it was fun seeing her change into a fighter for both her family and the man she loves. It was interesting to see the slow change in her, and I loved seeing the development in both Jack and Sophie. There was so much depth to these characters, and seeing the side characters added to the story in a delightful way.
There were so many things that I liked about this story, and I can't think of anything major that I didn't like. There was so much to LOVER BE MINE that made for a strong and sensational story...that reminded me of why I love romance novels so much. Even though I haven't read the first one in the series, I didn't feel lost or anything, it was easy to catch on, and I wasn't ever lost. The plot was fun and I enjoyed how it followed the play of Romeo and Juliet---even the whole climbing up the tower to talk to Sophie-I do love a hero who has more stubbornness than sense--makes it more exciting and unique. I love the wide variety of emotions that were displayed through the story, that only made it more vivid and almost real. Such a powerful driven story of passion, love and deep emotion that will blow you away!!!
May 4, 2013
Thanks to NetGalley, I'd hoped to find a new author to love, but this novel was sadly disappointing and, at points, downright frustrating. The hero, Jack Wilde, one of the rather “wild” family of Wildes, is fairly well developed and an engaging character. Unfortunately, he’s in love with Sophie Fortin, an entirely unbelievable” milksop” character who persists in rejecting him with whiney regularity until she suddenly becomes a different character in the same body near the end of the book. Whammo! Brand new motivations, strength of character, etc. Her totally ridiculous shift puts the final proverbial nail in the coffin for that character. There are some saving graces here. Mrs. Pennant, Sophie’s aunt, is delightful and the family feud between the Wildes and the Fortins is a pretty good plot mover. However, the style is choppy and kind of plodding.
April 5, 2017
This was my first Nicole Jordan book and while the writing was fine, the plot was boring and the characters' actions didn't make much sense. In most romance novels the development of the relationship between the hero and heroine is interspersed with some other plot. A mystery, a treasure hunt, a kidnapping, etc. SOMETHING else needs to happen in the story or it gets boring. Unfortunately no one seems to have told NJ about this requirement because the only thing going on in this story is the romance and that's not enough to carry a near 350 page book.
November 16, 2019
"Lover Be Mine" is the story of Sophie and Jack.
In this verrrry sweet love story, famously scandalous Lord Jack, a member of the captivating Wilde clan is coerced by his interfering but beloved cousins to find his own love story. The tale chosen for him is "Romeo and Juliet", and his potential mate is Sophie Fortin, the impoverished daughter hailing from a family that has been mortal enemies with his own for centuries. Their love story begins with a stolen kiss, but proceeds to be a journey filled with adventures, discoveries, passion and love. And as real life soon begins to imitate art, the ill-fated lovers fight against the world to find happiness.
Honestly, I think this was just toooo nice for me. I struggled to read this one, not because the book was bad per say, but because it failed to captivate my interest. Everyone was just so giving and conscientious, it was like entering a literal fairy tale where after a minor hiccup, everything ends in a HEA. And it did.
Safe
3/5
In this verrrry sweet love story, famously scandalous Lord Jack, a member of the captivating Wilde clan is coerced by his interfering but beloved cousins to find his own love story. The tale chosen for him is "Romeo and Juliet", and his potential mate is Sophie Fortin, the impoverished daughter hailing from a family that has been mortal enemies with his own for centuries. Their love story begins with a stolen kiss, but proceeds to be a journey filled with adventures, discoveries, passion and love. And as real life soon begins to imitate art, the ill-fated lovers fight against the world to find happiness.
Honestly, I think this was just toooo nice for me. I struggled to read this one, not because the book was bad per say, but because it failed to captivate my interest. Everyone was just so giving and conscientious, it was like entering a literal fairy tale where after a minor hiccup, everything ends in a HEA. And it did.
Safe
3/5
August 31, 2018
First things first: I received this book for free from LibraryThing Early Reviewers. I assure you this in no way compromises my ability to be fair in this review.
I have a deal to offer Nicole Jordan. If she will forever banish the word "brazen" from her writings, I will give her another star. I am not exaggerating when I estimate this book contains well over 100 uses of the word. There were 2 facing pages where it was used 5 times. It got so bad that every time I came across the word and I had to put the book down and take deep breaths. If it were a drinking game the reader would die of alcohol poisoning well before the halfway mark. STOP with the "brazen" Nicole! Especially stop with the "bold and brazen" -- they mean the same thing. Which takes me to my next issue: stop repeating things in general. This issue takes two forms in the book. First, the lists of 3 or 4 adjectives or adverbs that mean the same thing. "Brazen, shameless, defiant, bold, etc. All the same things. Really. The second part of the repetition issue is simply stating the same things over and over again. The same stories are repeated and repeated and repeated. Like I have done in my last two sentences, our narrator says things over and over. We know why Sophie's father objects to Jack, we know why Jack is cautious with his feelings, we know why Sophie does not want to upset her parents, we know all these things. We know these things yet the stories that surround these issues are told at least half a dozen times each. This would have been a better book at 300 pages than it is at 400.
I started with the negatives here, but there are a lot of positives. The story is good and the main characters are rather charming (as is Sophie's aunt, who is central to the story.) If it had not been for the sloppy writing this would have been a good read. I do want to emphasize the issue is sloppiness. I think Jordan is generally a decent writer. The story is well organized and the characters' behavior is consistent and believable (enough). This reads like a first draft. The failure to edit yielded prose so jarring it takes the reader out of the story. Bodice rippers are fantasies and if you can't get lost in this sort of book it is not worth the time.
I have a deal to offer Nicole Jordan. If she will forever banish the word "brazen" from her writings, I will give her another star. I am not exaggerating when I estimate this book contains well over 100 uses of the word. There were 2 facing pages where it was used 5 times. It got so bad that every time I came across the word and I had to put the book down and take deep breaths. If it were a drinking game the reader would die of alcohol poisoning well before the halfway mark. STOP with the "brazen" Nicole! Especially stop with the "bold and brazen" -- they mean the same thing. Which takes me to my next issue: stop repeating things in general. This issue takes two forms in the book. First, the lists of 3 or 4 adjectives or adverbs that mean the same thing. "Brazen, shameless, defiant, bold, etc. All the same things. Really. The second part of the repetition issue is simply stating the same things over and over again. The same stories are repeated and repeated and repeated. Like I have done in my last two sentences, our narrator says things over and over. We know why Sophie's father objects to Jack, we know why Jack is cautious with his feelings, we know why Sophie does not want to upset her parents, we know all these things. We know these things yet the stories that surround these issues are told at least half a dozen times each. This would have been a better book at 300 pages than it is at 400.
I started with the negatives here, but there are a lot of positives. The story is good and the main characters are rather charming (as is Sophie's aunt, who is central to the story.) If it had not been for the sloppy writing this would have been a good read. I do want to emphasize the issue is sloppiness. I think Jordan is generally a decent writer. The story is well organized and the characters' behavior is consistent and believable (enough). This reads like a first draft. The failure to edit yielded prose so jarring it takes the reader out of the story. Bodice rippers are fantasies and if you can't get lost in this sort of book it is not worth the time.
March 6, 2016
I'm thinking 4.5 stars for this one. In book two of Legendary Lovers, Jack and Sophie play the parts of star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet. The decades long animosity between the families and Sophie's stubborn parents force Jack to get crafty in his effort to win her hand. He's very protective, and cares deeply for her (even if he can't admit the depth of his feelings). She's tender hearted and loyal, to the point of sacrificing her own happiness for her parents sake.
There is a lot of conflict in this book, and I'm happy with how the author chose to resolve everything. For example, it rubbed me wrong that the duke was eventually going to be dumped, especially since he was sincere and devoted to Sophie. When things finally came to a head (in this instance) the main players acted rationally and mature.
The only downside was the back and forth in Jack's head, "Do I love her? Could I love her?" blah blah blah. He has a tendency to overthink things. But, from the moment he met Sophie, he did everything in his power to win her - from scheming with cranky old ladies to placating her parents - so I'll forgive him.
There is a lot of conflict in this book, and I'm happy with how the author chose to resolve everything. For example, it rubbed me wrong that the duke was eventually going to be dumped, especially since he was sincere and devoted to Sophie. When things finally came to a head (in this instance) the main players acted rationally and mature.
The only downside was the back and forth in Jack's head, "Do I love her? Could I love her?" blah blah blah. He has a tendency to overthink things. But, from the moment he met Sophie, he did everything in his power to win her - from scheming with cranky old ladies to placating her parents - so I'll forgive him.
January 21, 2015
I read 60% of this book and I couldn't make myself read any further. I really liked the idea of this story and really looked forward to reading it but I just felt that it was poorly executed.
I didn't find Jack likable in the least and Sophie didn't do much for me either. I felt like Jack was told about how he was supposed to be Romeo and Sophie was supposed to be his Juliet and it was just forced from there. I didn't feel any emotions and the romance was lacking. The rest of the story was him saying over and over how they needed to see if they were a match and there was nothing else to the story. There was no adventure or excitement. I wanted more.
Historical Romance books are my favorite and I read 60+ books a year. It's not that often that I don't finish a book but I think I gave this book plenty of time to catch my interest and it just didn't. Sadly, I won’t be recommending this book.
I didn't find Jack likable in the least and Sophie didn't do much for me either. I felt like Jack was told about how he was supposed to be Romeo and Sophie was supposed to be his Juliet and it was just forced from there. I didn't feel any emotions and the romance was lacking. The rest of the story was him saying over and over how they needed to see if they were a match and there was nothing else to the story. There was no adventure or excitement. I wanted more.
Historical Romance books are my favorite and I read 60+ books a year. It's not that often that I don't finish a book but I think I gave this book plenty of time to catch my interest and it just didn't. Sadly, I won’t be recommending this book.
June 18, 2013
Jack goes to check out Sophie at a masquerade to get his matchmaking cousins off his back. He doesn't expect the attraction that is there between them. He ends up going to some pretty extreme measures to convince her to marry him. He has plenty of obstacles. Their families have been feuding for generations. He has a not-so-great reputation of his own. Her parents expect her to marry the duke that is courting her. This was a fun read. Jack doesn't really want to get married in the first place, but ends up trying convince Sophie to go against her parents and marry him instead of the duke. For fun, steamy historical romance, this is worth the read. And I would check out the rest of the series as well.
March 16, 2013
Amazing book from the regency romance series Legendary Lovers by Nicole Jordan. I love when there is a common thread that links several books, but you can read them as a single story. Legendary Lovers series speak about the love stories of family Wilde, a noble family that to honor fully its surname is renowned in high society to the bizarre behavior and for its charming young members known as beautiful rakes, they're the Wilde cousins.
One of these quirks is that someone of them wants to find the love of life for the loved ones, some family members think it's fair to take inspiration from the great loves of literature's most famous couples.
In this case we find ourselves in front of the new Romeo and Juliet.
Lord Jack Wilde, known by all members of society to be a rogue, is pushed from his cousin to infiltrate secretly in a masquerade ball. She thinks he will found there the perfect woman for him, Sophie, the real Juliet for him, given the stormy relations occurring between the family Wilde and the Fostin due to an old feud. Jack surrenders to this cousins insistence,he is very fond of her, and observing the young Sophie is struck by her beauty and during a close encounter he can appreciate the spirit sincere and direct nature of the girl. Keep the promise made to her cousin to steal a kiss at the beautiful Sophie is not so an unwelcome thing for him and he is surprised by the deep attraction that takes between him and the young istantly.
Sophie is surprised and amused by the resourcefulness of the famous Lord Jack, and she finds out she's extremely sensitive to his charm, but her fate is already programmed for years, she has been raised in order to marry a man of high rank, to raise his family from great economic hardship, and the fancy dress party was organised to allow her to attend the man that his father wants her to marry an elder Duke.
Jack can't stand the idea that Sophie is forced to marry for reasons of convenience, he feels a deep attraction for her and he decides to conquer it, despite the opposition of her parents. Conscious of his charm, using all the weapons at his disposal to convince the girl to go against the wishes of their parents, he wants to prove and indulge her passionate nature, that in a marriage with the chosen ancient duke would be destined to succumb making her unhappy.
This regency is written really well, has a texture rich, interesting, funny, with a good pace that remains constant throughout the story.
Jack is a charming, a seductive character, but in his deep he hides much more and reading the story of his past, which has a strong influence on his way, it's impossible to be remain unaffected by him
Sophie is between two fires: the duty to her family and the attraction she feels for that unpredictable man who is Jack, but she wants to face with the challenge of what he might let her feel and she discover there's more behind the façade mask that the man is showing to everyone.
The Wilde family as a whole is wonderful, full of warmth and affection in relations between its components.
This book is about told a beautiful story of passion, love, friendship, but also sadness and strong emotion in some small parts.
I really recommend this reading and from my side I want to read the first book in this series that I missed.
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group Ballantine for the preview.
RATING: 5 stars
Bellissimo questo secondo libro della serie regency romance Legendary Lovers di Nicole Jordan. Mi piace quando c'è un filo comune che lega diversi libri, ma possono essere lo stesso letti singolarmente e considerarsi autoconclusivi. Nella serie Legendary Lovers vengono raccontate le vicende amorose dei componenti della famiglia Wilde, una nobile famiglia che per onorare appieno il proprio cognome è rinomata nell'alta società per il comportamento bizzarro e un po' libertino dei giovani componenti della sua famiglia: i cugini Wilde.
Una di queste stranezze è che volendo trovare l'amore della vita per i propri cari, alcuni componenti della famiglia pensano sia giusto ispirarsi ai grandi amori delle coppie più famose della letteratura.
In questo caso ci ritroviamo di fronte ai nuovi Romeo e Giulietta.
Lord Jack Wilde, giovane conosciuto da tutti i componenti dell'alta società per essere un dongiovanni ribelle, viene spinto dalla cugina a infiltrarsi di nascosto a un ballo in maschera, per conoscere quella che, secondo l'intraprendente cugina, è la donna ideale per lui, Sophie, la vera Juliet per lui, visto i rapporti burrascosi che intercorrono tra la famiglia Wilde e i Frostin, a causa di una vecchi faida. Jack cede alle insistenze della ragazza a cui è molto affezionato, e osservando la giovane Sophie rimane colpito dalla sua bellezza e in un incontro ravvicinato ne può apprezzare lo spirito sincera e il modo di fare diretto. Mantenere la promessa fatta alla cugina di rubare un bacio alla bella Sophie è tutt'altro che cosa sgradita e Jack rimane sorpreso dall'istantanea attrazione che scatta tra lui e la giovane.
Sophie rimane sorpresa e divertita dall'intraprendenza del famoso Lord Jack, così come si scopre estremamente sensibile al suo fascino, ma il suo destino è già programmato da anni, è stata allevata con lo scopo di sposare un uomo d'alto rango, per risollevare la propria famiglia da grandi ristrettezze economiche, e la festa in maschera è stata organizzata per permetterle di frequentare maggiormente l'uomo che il padre vorrebbe che sposasse: un anziano Duca.
Jack non sopporta l'idea che Sophie debba sposarsi per motivi di convenienza, prova una profonda attrazione per lei e decide di conquistarla, nonostante la sicura opposizione dei genitori di lei. Consapevole del suo fascino utilizza tutte le armi a sua disposizione per convincere la ragazza ad andare contro il volere dei genitori, e assecondare la sua natura appassionata, che in un matrimonio col prescelto sposo sarebbe destinata a soccombere rendendola infelice.
Questo regency è scritto veramente bene, ha una trama ricca, interessante, divertente, con un buon ritmo che rimane costante per tutta la storia.
Jack è un personaggio affascinante, seducente, ma nel suo profondo nasconde molto di più e leggendo la storia del suo passato, che ha una forte influenza sul suo modo di essere, non si può rimanerne che colpiti da lui.
Sophie si trova in mezzo a due fuochi: il dovere verso la sua famiglia e l'attrazione che prova per quell'uomo imprevedibile che è Jack, ma di fronte alla sfida di quello che lui potrebbe farle provare non si tira indietro e pian piano ne scopre un uomo ben diverso dalla facciata che è disposto a mostrare a tutti quanti.
La famiglia Wilde nel suo insieme è meravigliosa, piena di calore e affetto nei rapporti tra i suoi componenti.
In questo libro viene raccontata una bellissima storia di passione, amore, amicizia, ma anche tristezza, in grado di commuovere in alcune piccole sue parti.
Ne consiglio veramente la lettura e da parte mia voglio leggere il primo libro di questa serie che mi era sfuggita.
Si ringraziano Netgalley e la Random House Publishing Group Ballantine per la gentile preview.
VOTO: 5 stelle
One of these quirks is that someone of them wants to find the love of life for the loved ones, some family members think it's fair to take inspiration from the great loves of literature's most famous couples.
In this case we find ourselves in front of the new Romeo and Juliet.
Lord Jack Wilde, known by all members of society to be a rogue, is pushed from his cousin to infiltrate secretly in a masquerade ball. She thinks he will found there the perfect woman for him, Sophie, the real Juliet for him, given the stormy relations occurring between the family Wilde and the Fostin due to an old feud. Jack surrenders to this cousins insistence,he is very fond of her, and observing the young Sophie is struck by her beauty and during a close encounter he can appreciate the spirit sincere and direct nature of the girl. Keep the promise made to her cousin to steal a kiss at the beautiful Sophie is not so an unwelcome thing for him and he is surprised by the deep attraction that takes between him and the young istantly.
Sophie is surprised and amused by the resourcefulness of the famous Lord Jack, and she finds out she's extremely sensitive to his charm, but her fate is already programmed for years, she has been raised in order to marry a man of high rank, to raise his family from great economic hardship, and the fancy dress party was organised to allow her to attend the man that his father wants her to marry an elder Duke.
Jack can't stand the idea that Sophie is forced to marry for reasons of convenience, he feels a deep attraction for her and he decides to conquer it, despite the opposition of her parents. Conscious of his charm, using all the weapons at his disposal to convince the girl to go against the wishes of their parents, he wants to prove and indulge her passionate nature, that in a marriage with the chosen ancient duke would be destined to succumb making her unhappy.
This regency is written really well, has a texture rich, interesting, funny, with a good pace that remains constant throughout the story.
Jack is a charming, a seductive character, but in his deep he hides much more and reading the story of his past, which has a strong influence on his way, it's impossible to be remain unaffected by him
Sophie is between two fires: the duty to her family and the attraction she feels for that unpredictable man who is Jack, but she wants to face with the challenge of what he might let her feel and she discover there's more behind the façade mask that the man is showing to everyone.
The Wilde family as a whole is wonderful, full of warmth and affection in relations between its components.
This book is about told a beautiful story of passion, love, friendship, but also sadness and strong emotion in some small parts.
I really recommend this reading and from my side I want to read the first book in this series that I missed.
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group Ballantine for the preview.
RATING: 5 stars
Bellissimo questo secondo libro della serie regency romance Legendary Lovers di Nicole Jordan. Mi piace quando c'è un filo comune che lega diversi libri, ma possono essere lo stesso letti singolarmente e considerarsi autoconclusivi. Nella serie Legendary Lovers vengono raccontate le vicende amorose dei componenti della famiglia Wilde, una nobile famiglia che per onorare appieno il proprio cognome è rinomata nell'alta società per il comportamento bizzarro e un po' libertino dei giovani componenti della sua famiglia: i cugini Wilde.
Una di queste stranezze è che volendo trovare l'amore della vita per i propri cari, alcuni componenti della famiglia pensano sia giusto ispirarsi ai grandi amori delle coppie più famose della letteratura.
In questo caso ci ritroviamo di fronte ai nuovi Romeo e Giulietta.
Lord Jack Wilde, giovane conosciuto da tutti i componenti dell'alta società per essere un dongiovanni ribelle, viene spinto dalla cugina a infiltrarsi di nascosto a un ballo in maschera, per conoscere quella che, secondo l'intraprendente cugina, è la donna ideale per lui, Sophie, la vera Juliet per lui, visto i rapporti burrascosi che intercorrono tra la famiglia Wilde e i Frostin, a causa di una vecchi faida. Jack cede alle insistenze della ragazza a cui è molto affezionato, e osservando la giovane Sophie rimane colpito dalla sua bellezza e in un incontro ravvicinato ne può apprezzare lo spirito sincera e il modo di fare diretto. Mantenere la promessa fatta alla cugina di rubare un bacio alla bella Sophie è tutt'altro che cosa sgradita e Jack rimane sorpreso dall'istantanea attrazione che scatta tra lui e la giovane.
Sophie rimane sorpresa e divertita dall'intraprendenza del famoso Lord Jack, così come si scopre estremamente sensibile al suo fascino, ma il suo destino è già programmato da anni, è stata allevata con lo scopo di sposare un uomo d'alto rango, per risollevare la propria famiglia da grandi ristrettezze economiche, e la festa in maschera è stata organizzata per permetterle di frequentare maggiormente l'uomo che il padre vorrebbe che sposasse: un anziano Duca.
Jack non sopporta l'idea che Sophie debba sposarsi per motivi di convenienza, prova una profonda attrazione per lei e decide di conquistarla, nonostante la sicura opposizione dei genitori di lei. Consapevole del suo fascino utilizza tutte le armi a sua disposizione per convincere la ragazza ad andare contro il volere dei genitori, e assecondare la sua natura appassionata, che in un matrimonio col prescelto sposo sarebbe destinata a soccombere rendendola infelice.
Questo regency è scritto veramente bene, ha una trama ricca, interessante, divertente, con un buon ritmo che rimane costante per tutta la storia.
Jack è un personaggio affascinante, seducente, ma nel suo profondo nasconde molto di più e leggendo la storia del suo passato, che ha una forte influenza sul suo modo di essere, non si può rimanerne che colpiti da lui.
Sophie si trova in mezzo a due fuochi: il dovere verso la sua famiglia e l'attrazione che prova per quell'uomo imprevedibile che è Jack, ma di fronte alla sfida di quello che lui potrebbe farle provare non si tira indietro e pian piano ne scopre un uomo ben diverso dalla facciata che è disposto a mostrare a tutti quanti.
La famiglia Wilde nel suo insieme è meravigliosa, piena di calore e affetto nei rapporti tra i suoi componenti.
In questo libro viene raccontata una bellissima storia di passione, amore, amicizia, ma anche tristezza, in grado di commuovere in alcune piccole sue parti.
Ne consiglio veramente la lettura e da parte mia voglio leggere il primo libro di questa serie che mi era sfuggita.
Si ringraziano Netgalley e la Random House Publishing Group Ballantine per la gentile preview.
VOTO: 5 stelle
April 26, 2022
70 pages of story stretched into 327 pages of book. I bailed at 25% The author can write charming characters, but omg, needs an editor with a heavy hand.
August 26, 2017
For complete review check out my blog at https://booksaplentybookreviews.blogs...
March 7, 2013
Review Originally Posted at: Book Freak
The Wilde cousins are back! After their successful matchmaking scheme in Princess Charming, Kathe and Skye are back. This time, Jack is the center of their project and he's about to portray Romeo in his love tale.
Two households, both alike in dignity,
In fair Verona, where we lay our scene,
From ancient grudge break to new mutiny,
Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.
Their family has been locked in a 3-generation blood feud when a member of the Wilde household dueled with one of the Fortins which resulted in a blood shed that made Sophie's father, Oliver lost the barony.
Jack Wilde A.K.A Romeo
He's a lovechild of a noblewoman and a prince of a foreign land. His mother died early and at very young age and he was left to fend for himself. His father, the prince has already fled the country. His childhood, after the death of his mother was inconceivable until he was saved by his uncles and brought him to London and adopted them as their own.
He's a rake of the first order, and he eats like his stomach is an empty pit. (Yes, orally fixated as a result of his childhood days). He has fears he wasn't really proud of. He also has secrets, secrets that he haven't shared with anyone not even his family.
After Kaye & Skye's successful matchmaking with Ash & Maura, they were relentless in finding him a suitable bride. To stop his female relations from hounding him - he finally decided to meet Sophie Fortin for himself. What he didn't expect is to find someone who could knock the air out of his lungs.
He still wasn't convinced he was his match, yet he's willing to give it a try.
But Sophie isn't hearing any of his pleas until he bares his soul to her. The thing is, Jack is a close book and like to keep his personal feelings to himself.
If this one kiss would determine his fate, he intended to make it unforgettable.
Sophie Fortin A.K.A. Juliet
But I am supposed to turn my back on my family simply because you have a whim to test a fantastical theory about legendary lovers?
Sophie is about to get a proposal from the Duke of Dunmore, and she was going to accept it, for her parent's sake. They weren't nobility, and they were just relying on the generosity of Mrs. Pennant, Sophie's Aunt. Sophie felt she owed this to her parents, especially that her father was denied with the barony. Marrying the duke would make her a duchess, thus elevating their social standing in the society.
And here comes Jack - who was willing to marry her - to the extent of accepting the offer of being the sole heir of his father. But Sophie wanted more. She didn't like being his damsel in distress to his knight-in-shining armor syndrome. If she is likely to go into a loveless marriage, she'd wed Dunmore.
Mrs Pennant, The Accomplice
She's the character besides the Wilde cousins that had caught my attention in this novel. She's Sophie's loving aunt and I loved her too. Yep, she's the cool aunt - the one that wants what's the best for you and would gladly give it to you even if your parents wouldn't like it.
She wanted Sophie's happiness, and she believed Jack can give it to her. So, she gladly helped Jack with his plans.
Legendary Lovers?
I spent half of the novel thinking: why in the world would these people forced the "legendary lovers" to be the theme of their love stories? And oh, it's Romeo and Juliet - maybe they forgot that this tale ended in a tragedy?
At first, I didn't like the idea that Jack was relentlessly wooing her because of the legendary lovers thing. When an idea is pushed towards your direction and is often reiterated to you - you seem to think that this could be a good idea and you will act upon it on your own. It's a good thing that there was an attraction between the two when they met - or else it would be just weird.
Finally, I was relieved when the Romeo-Juliet thing was nowhere to be found in the chapters that followed. Rather, Nicole Jordan worked her magic on romance as two star-crossed lovers found their way into each other's hearts. Jack wins her heart by finally making amends with his past and moving on, being honest about his emotions and finally opening up to her. Good thing our Juliet isn't willing to quit that easy, even if Romeo tried to drive her away.
The Wilde cousins are back! After their successful matchmaking scheme in Princess Charming, Kathe and Skye are back. This time, Jack is the center of their project and he's about to portray Romeo in his love tale.
Two households, both alike in dignity,
In fair Verona, where we lay our scene,
From ancient grudge break to new mutiny,
Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.
Their family has been locked in a 3-generation blood feud when a member of the Wilde household dueled with one of the Fortins which resulted in a blood shed that made Sophie's father, Oliver lost the barony.
Jack Wilde A.K.A Romeo
He's a lovechild of a noblewoman and a prince of a foreign land. His mother died early and at very young age and he was left to fend for himself. His father, the prince has already fled the country. His childhood, after the death of his mother was inconceivable until he was saved by his uncles and brought him to London and adopted them as their own.
He's a rake of the first order, and he eats like his stomach is an empty pit. (Yes, orally fixated as a result of his childhood days). He has fears he wasn't really proud of. He also has secrets, secrets that he haven't shared with anyone not even his family.
After Kaye & Skye's successful matchmaking with Ash & Maura, they were relentless in finding him a suitable bride. To stop his female relations from hounding him - he finally decided to meet Sophie Fortin for himself. What he didn't expect is to find someone who could knock the air out of his lungs.
He still wasn't convinced he was his match, yet he's willing to give it a try.
But Sophie isn't hearing any of his pleas until he bares his soul to her. The thing is, Jack is a close book and like to keep his personal feelings to himself.
If this one kiss would determine his fate, he intended to make it unforgettable.
Sophie Fortin A.K.A. Juliet
But I am supposed to turn my back on my family simply because you have a whim to test a fantastical theory about legendary lovers?
Sophie is about to get a proposal from the Duke of Dunmore, and she was going to accept it, for her parent's sake. They weren't nobility, and they were just relying on the generosity of Mrs. Pennant, Sophie's Aunt. Sophie felt she owed this to her parents, especially that her father was denied with the barony. Marrying the duke would make her a duchess, thus elevating their social standing in the society.
And here comes Jack - who was willing to marry her - to the extent of accepting the offer of being the sole heir of his father. But Sophie wanted more. She didn't like being his damsel in distress to his knight-in-shining armor syndrome. If she is likely to go into a loveless marriage, she'd wed Dunmore.
Mrs Pennant, The Accomplice
She's the character besides the Wilde cousins that had caught my attention in this novel. She's Sophie's loving aunt and I loved her too. Yep, she's the cool aunt - the one that wants what's the best for you and would gladly give it to you even if your parents wouldn't like it.
She wanted Sophie's happiness, and she believed Jack can give it to her. So, she gladly helped Jack with his plans.
Legendary Lovers?
I spent half of the novel thinking: why in the world would these people forced the "legendary lovers" to be the theme of their love stories? And oh, it's Romeo and Juliet - maybe they forgot that this tale ended in a tragedy?
At first, I didn't like the idea that Jack was relentlessly wooing her because of the legendary lovers thing. When an idea is pushed towards your direction and is often reiterated to you - you seem to think that this could be a good idea and you will act upon it on your own. It's a good thing that there was an attraction between the two when they met - or else it would be just weird.
Finally, I was relieved when the Romeo-Juliet thing was nowhere to be found in the chapters that followed. Rather, Nicole Jordan worked her magic on romance as two star-crossed lovers found their way into each other's hearts. Jack wins her heart by finally making amends with his past and moving on, being honest about his emotions and finally opening up to her. Good thing our Juliet isn't willing to quit that easy, even if Romeo tried to drive her away.
August 16, 2017
Lover Be Mine was an excellent continuation of the Legendary Lovers series and was a fun twist on the story of Romeo and Juliet!
Lord Jack Wilde doesn’t know what to think of his cousin’s theory that the Wilde cousins will all find love if they follow the stories of history’s legendary lovers, but Jack is at least willing to meet the woman his cousin says is his match. Sophie Fortin wasn’t expecting much from her masquerade ball, and certainly not a devastating kiss from Jack Wilde, a man she’s been told to ignore due to their families’ shared history. Soon, the pair are swept up in an overwhelming seduction with Jack determined to win her heart. For Sophie, he’s even willing to set aside his differences with his father in order to claim his heritage as the secret heir to a prince to secure their happily ever after.
Sophie cares deeply for her family and is resigned to the fact she will have to marry a man nearly twice her age in order gain a high enough station to please her father. Despite how strained things can be with her father, Sophie’s relationship with her aunt is absolutely delightful. Sophie started off a bit meek, but grew into a very strong woman by the end of the story.
Jack is wonderfully charming and has quite the reputation with the ladies. He cares deeply for his family and is willing to do anything for them. Despite the tragedies of his past, Jack is a relatively happy and care-free guy with only a few lingering habits developed in childhood. Jack has a tendency to over think things which did draw out the happily ever after bit, but thankfully with a push from his family, he works things out.
I enjoyed Sophie and Jack’s relationship right from the start. There are some great banter filled conversations and they, for the most part, actually talk things through. When Jack steps out of line, Sophie isn’t afraid to call him out for it and actually expects him to apologize and work for her forgiveness. I like that she wasn’t a pushover and didn’t simply go along with everything Jack says. Their sexual chemistry is pretty great and the scenes where they’re together were definitely enjoyable to read.
The shared history of Sophie and Jack’s families was an interesting storyline, but I feel like it was drawn out too much to cause conflict in their relationship. I honestly believe everything could have been resolved sooner and the last issue that arose would never have even come up. But alas, there always seems to be random bits of conflict inserted into romance novels so as not to get to the happy ending too soon.
Overall, Lover Be Mine was a very enjoyable read and I will definitely be reading more of this series in the near future.
Lord Jack Wilde doesn’t know what to think of his cousin’s theory that the Wilde cousins will all find love if they follow the stories of history’s legendary lovers, but Jack is at least willing to meet the woman his cousin says is his match. Sophie Fortin wasn’t expecting much from her masquerade ball, and certainly not a devastating kiss from Jack Wilde, a man she’s been told to ignore due to their families’ shared history. Soon, the pair are swept up in an overwhelming seduction with Jack determined to win her heart. For Sophie, he’s even willing to set aside his differences with his father in order to claim his heritage as the secret heir to a prince to secure their happily ever after.
Sophie cares deeply for her family and is resigned to the fact she will have to marry a man nearly twice her age in order gain a high enough station to please her father. Despite how strained things can be with her father, Sophie’s relationship with her aunt is absolutely delightful. Sophie started off a bit meek, but grew into a very strong woman by the end of the story.
Jack is wonderfully charming and has quite the reputation with the ladies. He cares deeply for his family and is willing to do anything for them. Despite the tragedies of his past, Jack is a relatively happy and care-free guy with only a few lingering habits developed in childhood. Jack has a tendency to over think things which did draw out the happily ever after bit, but thankfully with a push from his family, he works things out.
I enjoyed Sophie and Jack’s relationship right from the start. There are some great banter filled conversations and they, for the most part, actually talk things through. When Jack steps out of line, Sophie isn’t afraid to call him out for it and actually expects him to apologize and work for her forgiveness. I like that she wasn’t a pushover and didn’t simply go along with everything Jack says. Their sexual chemistry is pretty great and the scenes where they’re together were definitely enjoyable to read.
The shared history of Sophie and Jack’s families was an interesting storyline, but I feel like it was drawn out too much to cause conflict in their relationship. I honestly believe everything could have been resolved sooner and the last issue that arose would never have even come up. But alas, there always seems to be random bits of conflict inserted into romance novels so as not to get to the happy ending too soon.
Overall, Lover Be Mine was a very enjoyable read and I will definitely be reading more of this series in the near future.
July 31, 2014
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Lover Be Mine by Nicole Jordan
Book Two of the Legendary Lovers series
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Publication Date: May 28, 2013
Rating: 3 stars
Source: eARC from Edelweiss
***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***
Summary (from Goodreads):
From New York Times bestselling author Nicole Jordan comes this Romeo and Juliet-like story-the scorching second book in her wickedly sexy Legendary Lovers regency romance series, following Princess Charming.
When Lord Jack Wilde's cousin tries to match him with Lady Sophie Fortin, he isn't too thrilled by the prospect since Sophie's family has long feuded with the Wildes. Nevertheless he attends a masquerade ball in disguise and when he meets Sophie, he's drawn to her. The attraction is mutual-until she learns who he is. Angry that Jack has tricked her into lowering her guard under false pretenses, Sophie declares she doesn't ever want to see him again. But then Jack shows up in unexpected places, driving her crazy with his seductive advances. She doesn't want her parents finding out that she even knows him, let alone succumbed to his passionate kisses. If her father discovers Jack courting her, blood could be shed. Yet, Sophie still wants him and realizes that in order for the star-crossed lovers to be together, they must try to somehow settle the bitter feud between their families once and for all.
What I Liked:
The very beginning (first 25%) and the ending are really the best parts of this book. The beginning is very strong, and clearly shows the chemistry between our protagonists. The ending is a happy ending, and readers can see that coming.
Jack and Sophie, the protagonists, are likable at times. I really liked Mrs. Pennant, Sophie's aunt. She is a significant part of the book, and helps Sophie unite with Jack more than once. She is a fabulously strong woman for such a time as this.
What I Did Not Like:
I'm going to be honest - as I am writing this review, it hasn't been that long since I read this book, and I can barely remember the book. That shows me that this book did not impress me enough to remember key details and plot points! Also, while I was reading this book, I was often bored. It is sad to say, but this book did not always engage my attention. And, it IS four hundred pages long (imagine that on an e-reader!). Length usually does not deter me (actually, it is the opposite - I love long books!), but the length of this book was not an impressive feature, as many parts of the book could have been done without.
I did not really like the family feud idea. I know it was supposed to mirror Romeo and Juliet, but the feud itself was silly, and pointless. Feuds generally are silly and pointless, but I really did not believe this feud could be real.
The two protagonists, Jack and Sophie, were either endearing, or they irritated me. In the first part of the book (25%-ish), I thoroughly enjoyed reading about them and their interactions. After that, it was all just a bunch of angst and woe on Jack's part, because his life is so hard, and Sophie is pushing him away because she wants to do what's right be her family. Then, it switches, and suddenly it's Sophie who is angst-ridden and woeful, because Jack turns his back on her.
But of course, all's well that ends well. This book had a good ending, if not a little (a LOT) predictable. I am satisfied with the ending.
Would I Recommend It:
Meh. Probably not. This definitely isn't the best example of a great historical romance novel. While I really enjoyed the first part of the novel (the first 25%, about), the rest of the novel seemed flat and not memorable.
Rating:
3 stars. I'm not a huge fan of this book, but it's not too bad.
Lover Be Mine by Nicole Jordan
Book Two of the Legendary Lovers series
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Publication Date: May 28, 2013
Rating: 3 stars
Source: eARC from Edelweiss
***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***
Summary (from Goodreads):
From New York Times bestselling author Nicole Jordan comes this Romeo and Juliet-like story-the scorching second book in her wickedly sexy Legendary Lovers regency romance series, following Princess Charming.
When Lord Jack Wilde's cousin tries to match him with Lady Sophie Fortin, he isn't too thrilled by the prospect since Sophie's family has long feuded with the Wildes. Nevertheless he attends a masquerade ball in disguise and when he meets Sophie, he's drawn to her. The attraction is mutual-until she learns who he is. Angry that Jack has tricked her into lowering her guard under false pretenses, Sophie declares she doesn't ever want to see him again. But then Jack shows up in unexpected places, driving her crazy with his seductive advances. She doesn't want her parents finding out that she even knows him, let alone succumbed to his passionate kisses. If her father discovers Jack courting her, blood could be shed. Yet, Sophie still wants him and realizes that in order for the star-crossed lovers to be together, they must try to somehow settle the bitter feud between their families once and for all.
What I Liked:
The very beginning (first 25%) and the ending are really the best parts of this book. The beginning is very strong, and clearly shows the chemistry between our protagonists. The ending is a happy ending, and readers can see that coming.
Jack and Sophie, the protagonists, are likable at times. I really liked Mrs. Pennant, Sophie's aunt. She is a significant part of the book, and helps Sophie unite with Jack more than once. She is a fabulously strong woman for such a time as this.
What I Did Not Like:
I'm going to be honest - as I am writing this review, it hasn't been that long since I read this book, and I can barely remember the book. That shows me that this book did not impress me enough to remember key details and plot points! Also, while I was reading this book, I was often bored. It is sad to say, but this book did not always engage my attention. And, it IS four hundred pages long (imagine that on an e-reader!). Length usually does not deter me (actually, it is the opposite - I love long books!), but the length of this book was not an impressive feature, as many parts of the book could have been done without.
I did not really like the family feud idea. I know it was supposed to mirror Romeo and Juliet, but the feud itself was silly, and pointless. Feuds generally are silly and pointless, but I really did not believe this feud could be real.
The two protagonists, Jack and Sophie, were either endearing, or they irritated me. In the first part of the book (25%-ish), I thoroughly enjoyed reading about them and their interactions. After that, it was all just a bunch of angst and woe on Jack's part, because his life is so hard, and Sophie is pushing him away because she wants to do what's right be her family. Then, it switches, and suddenly it's Sophie who is angst-ridden and woeful, because Jack turns his back on her.
But of course, all's well that ends well. This book had a good ending, if not a little (a LOT) predictable. I am satisfied with the ending.
Would I Recommend It:
Meh. Probably not. This definitely isn't the best example of a great historical romance novel. While I really enjoyed the first part of the novel (the first 25%, about), the rest of the novel seemed flat and not memorable.
Rating:
3 stars. I'm not a huge fan of this book, but it's not too bad.
April 18, 2014
4.25 stars
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May2013
As the wickedly seductive Wilde cousins seek true love by taking a page from history’s legendary love stories, Lord Jack Wilde plays a determined Romeo courting an enchanting Juliet.
The last thing Sophie Fortin expects at a masquerade ball is a dazzling kiss from a pirate. Her desire quickly falters when she learns that her masked gentleman is devilishly scandalous Lord Jack, a member of the captivating Wilde clan — and a man she’s forbidden to acknowledge. But when Jack begins a breathtaking seduction, Sophie can barely resist.
Jack never imagined that the daughter of his family’s mortal enemy would awaken such fierce passion within him—until one unforgettable kiss changes his mind forever. Soon, Jack is hell-bent on winning Sophie’s hand, going so far as to abduct her to save her from marrying a rival nobleman. Determined to woo Sophie and her unyielding parents, Jack is faced with the one decision he’d sworn never to make. The secret heir to a prince, Jack has spurned his royal heritage for years . . . but for Sophie he’ll risk all to turn a legacy of heartbreak into love ever after.
REVIEW: LOVER BE MINE is the second instalment in Nicole Jordan’s Legendary Lovers historical romance series. This is Lord Jack Wilde and Sophie Fortin’s story-a tale not unsimilar to Romeo and Juliet where a decades old feud has left two families bitter and Sophie’s family without a title or a royal name. Nicole Jordan weaves a fractured Shakespearean tale where our couple will fall in love much to the disdain of Sophie’s family when an arranged marriage has already been in the works that will insure Sophie’s family a title and connection to a royal seat.
The focus of the series is on the five Wilde cousins who, through young Kate and Skyler Wilde, have made it their job to ensure each of the cousins finds love. With reference to fairy tales and Shakespeare’s plays, the youngest Wilde’s set into motion a plan that will see their cousin Jack fall in love with Miss Sophie Fortin-but not before a battle of wills forces Jack and Sophie to reconsider what it is, that they want. With the Fortin family pride on the line, Sophie refuses to acknowledge her love for Jack in the hopes that her father will be accepted back into royal society.
The attraction between Jack and Sophie is immediate. They are drawn to one another but Sophie has been betrothed to another man. Jack’s only hope to win Sophie’s hand is to accept his family heritage as the rightful heir to a principality but in doing so he must accept that the man he has hated since a young child is the father who abandoned his mother and his self almost twenty five years earlier.
Sophie is a strong willed woman-when she wants to be- but has a very difficult time saying no to her father. Her mother’s ‘depression’ and her father’s loss of prestige is used constantly as a form of blackmail to ensure Sophie’s compliance and in this she is a character whose personality flickered between weak willed and combative. Her feelings waffled constantly, and at times, was an irritant to both Jack and the reader, as well.
The passionate storyline follows Jack and Sophie as they dance around one another and the private and public morals of the day. The sexual tension is palpable; Jack’s need for Sophie is demanding and true. Theirs is a sensual affair that will pit two families against one another should the truth be revealed about their already burgeoning romance. Emotions run deep when a man refuses to acknowledge his birthright but must do so to win the hand of the only woman he has ever loved.
Nicole Jordan pulls the reader into a seductive storyline where one couple will unite two families torn apart by a blood feud that tells a different tale then history remembers. LOVER BE MINE is an engaging tale where Romeo fell in love with his Juliet but no one was harmed in the end.
Copy supplied by the publisher.
www.thereadingcafe.com
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May2013
As the wickedly seductive Wilde cousins seek true love by taking a page from history’s legendary love stories, Lord Jack Wilde plays a determined Romeo courting an enchanting Juliet.
The last thing Sophie Fortin expects at a masquerade ball is a dazzling kiss from a pirate. Her desire quickly falters when she learns that her masked gentleman is devilishly scandalous Lord Jack, a member of the captivating Wilde clan — and a man she’s forbidden to acknowledge. But when Jack begins a breathtaking seduction, Sophie can barely resist.
Jack never imagined that the daughter of his family’s mortal enemy would awaken such fierce passion within him—until one unforgettable kiss changes his mind forever. Soon, Jack is hell-bent on winning Sophie’s hand, going so far as to abduct her to save her from marrying a rival nobleman. Determined to woo Sophie and her unyielding parents, Jack is faced with the one decision he’d sworn never to make. The secret heir to a prince, Jack has spurned his royal heritage for years . . . but for Sophie he’ll risk all to turn a legacy of heartbreak into love ever after.
REVIEW: LOVER BE MINE is the second instalment in Nicole Jordan’s Legendary Lovers historical romance series. This is Lord Jack Wilde and Sophie Fortin’s story-a tale not unsimilar to Romeo and Juliet where a decades old feud has left two families bitter and Sophie’s family without a title or a royal name. Nicole Jordan weaves a fractured Shakespearean tale where our couple will fall in love much to the disdain of Sophie’s family when an arranged marriage has already been in the works that will insure Sophie’s family a title and connection to a royal seat.
The focus of the series is on the five Wilde cousins who, through young Kate and Skyler Wilde, have made it their job to ensure each of the cousins finds love. With reference to fairy tales and Shakespeare’s plays, the youngest Wilde’s set into motion a plan that will see their cousin Jack fall in love with Miss Sophie Fortin-but not before a battle of wills forces Jack and Sophie to reconsider what it is, that they want. With the Fortin family pride on the line, Sophie refuses to acknowledge her love for Jack in the hopes that her father will be accepted back into royal society.
The attraction between Jack and Sophie is immediate. They are drawn to one another but Sophie has been betrothed to another man. Jack’s only hope to win Sophie’s hand is to accept his family heritage as the rightful heir to a principality but in doing so he must accept that the man he has hated since a young child is the father who abandoned his mother and his self almost twenty five years earlier.
Sophie is a strong willed woman-when she wants to be- but has a very difficult time saying no to her father. Her mother’s ‘depression’ and her father’s loss of prestige is used constantly as a form of blackmail to ensure Sophie’s compliance and in this she is a character whose personality flickered between weak willed and combative. Her feelings waffled constantly, and at times, was an irritant to both Jack and the reader, as well.
The passionate storyline follows Jack and Sophie as they dance around one another and the private and public morals of the day. The sexual tension is palpable; Jack’s need for Sophie is demanding and true. Theirs is a sensual affair that will pit two families against one another should the truth be revealed about their already burgeoning romance. Emotions run deep when a man refuses to acknowledge his birthright but must do so to win the hand of the only woman he has ever loved.
Nicole Jordan pulls the reader into a seductive storyline where one couple will unite two families torn apart by a blood feud that tells a different tale then history remembers. LOVER BE MINE is an engaging tale where Romeo fell in love with his Juliet but no one was harmed in the end.
Copy supplied by the publisher.
www.thereadingcafe.com
December 12, 2020
Una historia que tiene aire de Romeo y julieta. Llena de pasión y amor. Me gustó mucho, lo inicié al paso, pero lo termine de una sentada.
March 20, 2013
Lover Be Mine is the second book in the Legendary Lovers series from talented author Nicole Jordan. I have to say that I like this series plot. The series features the Wilde cousins and their quest for true love based upon some of the most famous legendary lovers.
Here's the deal, taken straight from Jordan's own website :
"Determined to find true love, the passionate, pleasure-loving Wilde cousins vow to follow in the footsteps of the world's greatest lovers. But fate has a way of playing tricks on lovers' hearts and making even classic romances go awry..."
In the first book of the series, Princess Charming, Ash found his Cinderella. Now that their most recent foray into matchmaking has found success, Kate and Skye have Jack in their sights, and they've cast him in the role of Romeo. His Juliette will be Sophie Fortin, a lovely young beauty on the cusp of an engagement to the Duke of Dunmore.
Pistols At Dawn : For three generations these two families have been locked in a blood feud. Way back in the day one of the infamous Wilde men had ran off with a Fortin bride, which instigated a duel that caused Sophie's father to lose the family barony.
Jack is the lovechild of a Wilde woman and a foreign prince. The prince had abandoned them to an angry French mob, and Jack's mother was killed. Her death left a very young Jack alone, to fall prey to a very bad man. It was a while before he was rescued by his uncles, who brought him back to England and adopted him. Jack never forgave his father for leaving he and his mother to that horrific fate, and refuses anything to do with the man. As such trauma is want to do, this experience left it's mark on Jack. It is these issues, rather than his rakish ways, that may keep Jack from claiming the woman he wants. This was a heartbreaking part of the story and was hard for me to read. It had me sniveling into my tissues, and made me want to reach into the pages and give Jack a big hug.
Sophie's parents are pushing for an engagement to the Duke, who was admittedly, a nice enough guy. He just wasn't Jack. She plans on accepting the offer for her families sake. They're not well off and could use the lofty connections. She's a sweet girl and wants to please her family so she is prepared to accept the arranged marriage.
At his cousin's urging, Jack takes a look at his Juliette, and is instantly smitten. He just doesn't know it yet, he thinks he is saving her. Now Jack wants Sophie to marry him, and she's tempted, but doesn't want to be his damsel in distress. It seems she wants love, and if she can't have Jack's, then she may as well choose the Duke. But Jack is very persuasive, and he takes matters into his own hands. Since Sophie doesn't want to marry without her families approval, Jack makes a huge sacrifice to win that approval.
Here's the thing : this pair is between a rock and a hard place, and at times I worried for their happiness. Jack was a charming rake with some emotional issues that made it hard for him to express his love. Sophie wanted his love, but felt him incapable of giving it. She wanted to help her family...but she wanted Jack. They each flip flopped as to what they wanted, but in the end both found their way, and I was elated to see it.
I highly recommend this charming regency read, and am looking forward to the next Legendary Lovers.
A complimentary copy was given to me by the publisher ,Random House, in return for my honest review.
May 30, 2013
I say this a lot because as you well know there are a lot of romance authors out there but this is my first time reading this author. I really enjoyed this book and I didn't realize at the time when I asked to review it that it was #2 in the Legendary Lovers Series but it doesn't take away from the novel any. It only makes me want to go back and read about Lord Ash and I probably will.
The author has decided to base her novels on some legendary lovers that you have probably read about in other famous books. In Lover Be Mine, it is Romeo and Juliet, but with out the horrible ending.
Lord Jack is a handsome but scandalous rogue, at least by the gossips. He might live up to his last name Wilde on occasion but he really is a sweetheart and it's no wonder women can't resist him. Skye and Kate believe that all the Wilde's are fated to find love by the use of Legendary Lovers and Jack is next on their matchmaking list. Jack scoffs at the idea of him being Romeo until Skye finally persuades him to at least meet his Juliet.
Sophie Fortin, is beautiful and full of life, but her lack of fortune has fated her to be wed to a Duke she doesn't not love. Sophie's father blames his lack of fortune one the Wilde's because it was their Great-great grandfather and the duel that cost Oliver Fortine's family to lose their title. Their has been a feud ever since. When Lord Jack swoops in during the masquerade ball he sweeps her off her feet with a passionate kiss. She can't believe that her enemy, the scandalous Lord Jack would have any interest in her, but she can't help the way her pulse rises.
Sophie knows that they can not be destined for each other as she is suppose to marry the Duke who is twice her age to help her parents. She will admit that she likes how she feels when she is with Lord Jack, but she has also accepted her fate. She only thinks that Lord Jack wants to save her from a loveless marriage and that he really doesn't want to marry her.
Lord Jack has had a very sad upbringing, and has been hurt a lot as a young child. This makes him more leery of love, but he does know that he feels something for Sophie. He wants to be her Romeo and is willing to go to great lengths to prove it, but is that love? How will he ever get her father's approval of his courtship?
Lover Be Mine, was a fun, sweet, romantic read. Yes, for the most part it has been done before, but then I think if you read romances you know that or you wouldn't read them. We read them for all sorts of different reason, the aww factor, the steamy sex scenes, or what ever reason we keep going back to them time and time again.
I did think it was a little to long and some of it could have been cut down and some of the epilogue either put into the actual story or cut out. It had the longest epilogue I have read in a long time. Over all it was a great read and I highly recommend it and I can't wait to read more in this series!
June 10, 2013
Originally posted in Adria's Romance Reviews
The second book in Nicole Jordan's Legendary Lovers series takes the black sheep of an already wild family and shoves him into the spotlight. Lover Be Mine is Jack's story, and according to his adopted sister Kate's mad theory, his legendary lover's tale is Romeo & Juliet with the daughter of a rival family being his Juliet.
Lord Jack Wilde is definitely a rascal. He's dashing, intelligent and not all that interested in finding his ideal match, much less if it means encouraging his meddling female relatives' matchmaking. But before he can form an adequate refusal, he finds himself at a masquerade ball, partially out of curiosity, to take a peek at his "Juliet." When Jack sees Sophie Fortin he is instantly intrigued, as well as attracted to her beauty.
Sophie Fortin is practically engaged to a Duke when she meets a mysterious man dressed as a pirate. Actually, she takes the initiative and approaches him when she sees him staring at her. She's intelligent, bold, kind, and a loyal daughter, which makes it easy for her father to manipulate her to his liking. Aside from wanting to please her parents, Sophie is incapable of purposely being cruel to any one, but she doesn't allow any one to speak to her as if she were inferior.
Jack and Sophie are well matched, Jack encourages Sophie to live her life instead of just existing as a duty bound female. In return, Sophie calms the wildness in Jack and helps him move past his very difficult childhood. She also pushes him to make amends with his estranged father, a man who never married Jack's mother and then left her to die at the hands of a Paris mob.
The passion between Jack and Sophie was slow to build on Sophie's side as she was trying desperately to remain faithful to her fiance. The two characters have some rather interesting exchanges both of a regular nature and a sexual one. Even when Jack was making her blush madly, Sophie didn't back down from him and when she couldn't gain the upper hand physically, she used her intellect to cut his cocky attitude and sometimes overbearing ego down to size.
Lover Be Mine saw the reunion of the entire Wilde family, including the often annoying Kate. Though she wasn't as bad as she was in Princess Charming (partially because she isn't in as many scenes), she still annoyed me with her nagging about her theory, even recruiting her cousin Skye to her cause. Apparently, Kate still doesn't know the meaning of the words "sneaky" or "subtle." At this rate, I don't know what kind of heroine she'll make when the time comes, or if she'll even be interesting.
Through it all, Lover Be Mine is another fun, romantic novel by Nicole Jordan, and one that I kept saying "Just one more page" to.
The second book in Nicole Jordan's Legendary Lovers series takes the black sheep of an already wild family and shoves him into the spotlight. Lover Be Mine is Jack's story, and according to his adopted sister Kate's mad theory, his legendary lover's tale is Romeo & Juliet with the daughter of a rival family being his Juliet.
Lord Jack Wilde is definitely a rascal. He's dashing, intelligent and not all that interested in finding his ideal match, much less if it means encouraging his meddling female relatives' matchmaking. But before he can form an adequate refusal, he finds himself at a masquerade ball, partially out of curiosity, to take a peek at his "Juliet." When Jack sees Sophie Fortin he is instantly intrigued, as well as attracted to her beauty.
Sophie Fortin is practically engaged to a Duke when she meets a mysterious man dressed as a pirate. Actually, she takes the initiative and approaches him when she sees him staring at her. She's intelligent, bold, kind, and a loyal daughter, which makes it easy for her father to manipulate her to his liking. Aside from wanting to please her parents, Sophie is incapable of purposely being cruel to any one, but she doesn't allow any one to speak to her as if she were inferior.
Jack and Sophie are well matched, Jack encourages Sophie to live her life instead of just existing as a duty bound female. In return, Sophie calms the wildness in Jack and helps him move past his very difficult childhood. She also pushes him to make amends with his estranged father, a man who never married Jack's mother and then left her to die at the hands of a Paris mob.
The passion between Jack and Sophie was slow to build on Sophie's side as she was trying desperately to remain faithful to her fiance. The two characters have some rather interesting exchanges both of a regular nature and a sexual one. Even when Jack was making her blush madly, Sophie didn't back down from him and when she couldn't gain the upper hand physically, she used her intellect to cut his cocky attitude and sometimes overbearing ego down to size.
Lover Be Mine saw the reunion of the entire Wilde family, including the often annoying Kate. Though she wasn't as bad as she was in Princess Charming (partially because she isn't in as many scenes), she still annoyed me with her nagging about her theory, even recruiting her cousin Skye to her cause. Apparently, Kate still doesn't know the meaning of the words "sneaky" or "subtle." At this rate, I don't know what kind of heroine she'll make when the time comes, or if she'll even be interesting.
Through it all, Lover Be Mine is another fun, romantic novel by Nicole Jordan, and one that I kept saying "Just one more page" to.
March 14, 2014
This was my first book by Nicole Jordan and while I believe it to be a well written reimagining of a classic love story, I think it may be my last as I found myself bored with the story (I started another of her novels, but felt blasé reading it as well). Lover Be Mine is the second in Jordan's "Legendary Lovers" series and is a take on Romeo and Juliet. Lord Jack Wilde, the rakish and roguish member of the Wilde clan, reluctantly pursues Sophie Forstin after his younger adoptive sister Kate and cousin Lady Skye badger him into their theory of Sophie being his great love. He meets Sophie, they are of course instantly attracted to one another and their relationship develops from there.
The clincher to the story is that their families are enemies; more like her father blames the Wilde family for his loss in titles and wealth after a duel led to the death of his ancestor who would have passed on membership into the peerage (instead it went to a cousin). Furthermore, when the couple meets, Sophie is in the midst of a courtship with the much older than her, but still kind Duke of Dunmore (arranged by her title chasing father). There are other issues: Jack's childhood and Sophie's reluctance to do anything against the wishes of her family amongst other plot devices.
Jordan's writing flows and while I felt like the text was right, the characters were fine and the dialogue was good, I still skimmed paragraphs and had no problem stopping the book and returning to it later. Sophie is perfect and while some readers may eschew that sort of heroine, I didn't so much mind it, I just didn't really care about her one way or the other. Jack is of course damaged and has a history, which I believe is supposed to make him a developed and fleshed out character with motives, but I could take him or leave him, too. His family was loving and the sort of overbearing, nurturing and lovely clan people would imagine wanting (with titles, wealth and beauty no less), but I shrugged at their entry and exit into the plot as the storyline moved along. Maybe it was all the perfection or maybe I was just in a mood. I'm not sure, but I just didn't enjoy this novel as much as I would've liked.
The clincher to the story is that their families are enemies; more like her father blames the Wilde family for his loss in titles and wealth after a duel led to the death of his ancestor who would have passed on membership into the peerage (instead it went to a cousin). Furthermore, when the couple meets, Sophie is in the midst of a courtship with the much older than her, but still kind Duke of Dunmore (arranged by her title chasing father). There are other issues: Jack's childhood and Sophie's reluctance to do anything against the wishes of her family amongst other plot devices.
Jordan's writing flows and while I felt like the text was right, the characters were fine and the dialogue was good, I still skimmed paragraphs and had no problem stopping the book and returning to it later. Sophie is perfect and while some readers may eschew that sort of heroine, I didn't so much mind it, I just didn't really care about her one way or the other. Jack is of course damaged and has a history, which I believe is supposed to make him a developed and fleshed out character with motives, but I could take him or leave him, too. His family was loving and the sort of overbearing, nurturing and lovely clan people would imagine wanting (with titles, wealth and beauty no less), but I shrugged at their entry and exit into the plot as the storyline moved along. Maybe it was all the perfection or maybe I was just in a mood. I'm not sure, but I just didn't enjoy this novel as much as I would've liked.
May 24, 2013
This book does a lot of things right.
It has a silly premise, but it has the characters acknowledge that it is a silly premise, instead of dancing around or trying to hide the idea. The man Sophie's parents want her to marry isn't a bad guy, just not a great match. The motives of Sophie's parents aren't presented as unreasonable. It also has a refreshing discussion about birth control between the two leads, when they decide they want to be fully intimate before marriage, and the hero questioning whether he can really be in love with a woman he barely knows.
But it also goes wrong in several areas.
Some are minor, such as a habit of repeating information too often or the heroine's being surprised that a man she knows lived in France until he was six, actually speaks fluent French. Others are more glaring.
The main one for me, was the hero's reconciliation with his father. Jack seems to get over a lifetime of blaming the man, not completely unreasonably, for his mother's death, in the span of just a few days. This just felt too abrupt, especially considering the level of hatred the reader had been presented with up to that point.
I also had issues with the fact that every time Jack accused Sophie of not standing up for herself, it was to get her to do what he wanted her to do, instead of what her parents wanted her to do. Trading who's wishes you'll cave in to is not the same thing as growing a spine.
Then there's a bit just a few chapters from the end, where Jack seems to abruptly change his tune about marrying Sophie. It turns out, at least partly, to be because he's working on something to help sway her parent's opinion, but there's no reason he can't tell Sophie about this plan. Nor does it really explain all of the inner turmoil he's suddenly experiencing. It seems like the author just decided to squeeze in piece of last minute conflict, which reads like arbitrary last minute conflict.
It's not a bad book. Overall, I liked Sophie and Jack and could buy their relationship, and I don't think the problems detract too much from the enjoyability.
It has a silly premise, but it has the characters acknowledge that it is a silly premise, instead of dancing around or trying to hide the idea. The man Sophie's parents want her to marry isn't a bad guy, just not a great match. The motives of Sophie's parents aren't presented as unreasonable. It also has a refreshing discussion about birth control between the two leads, when they decide they want to be fully intimate before marriage, and the hero questioning whether he can really be in love with a woman he barely knows.
But it also goes wrong in several areas.
Some are minor, such as a habit of repeating information too often or the heroine's being surprised that a man she knows lived in France until he was six, actually speaks fluent French. Others are more glaring.
The main one for me, was the hero's reconciliation with his father. Jack seems to get over a lifetime of blaming the man, not completely unreasonably, for his mother's death, in the span of just a few days. This just felt too abrupt, especially considering the level of hatred the reader had been presented with up to that point.
I also had issues with the fact that every time Jack accused Sophie of not standing up for herself, it was to get her to do what he wanted her to do, instead of what her parents wanted her to do. Trading who's wishes you'll cave in to is not the same thing as growing a spine.
Then there's a bit just a few chapters from the end, where Jack seems to abruptly change his tune about marrying Sophie. It turns out, at least partly, to be because he's working on something to help sway her parent's opinion, but there's no reason he can't tell Sophie about this plan. Nor does it really explain all of the inner turmoil he's suddenly experiencing. It seems like the author just decided to squeeze in piece of last minute conflict, which reads like arbitrary last minute conflict.
It's not a bad book. Overall, I liked Sophie and Jack and could buy their relationship, and I don't think the problems detract too much from the enjoyability.
May 30, 2013
Synosis:
The last thing Sophie Fortin expects at a masquerade ball is a dazzling kiss from a pirate. Her desire quickly falters when she learns that her masked gentleman is devilishly scandalous Lord Jack, a member of the captivating Wilde clan — and a man she’s forbidden to acknowledge. But when Jack begins a breathtaking seduction, Sophie can barely resist.
Jack never imagined that the daughter of his family’s mortal enemy would awaken such fierce passion within him—until one unforgettable kiss changes his mind forever. Soon, Jack is hell-bent on winning Sophie’s hand, going so far as to abduct her to save her from marrying a rival nobleman. Determined to woo Sophie and her unyielding parents, Jack is faced with the one decision he’d sworn never to make. The secret heir to a prince, Jack has spurned his royal heritage for years . . . but for Sophie he’ll risk all to turn a legacy of heartbreak into love ever after.
Review:
I was really excited about this book coming out. I really enjoy Nicole Jordan book since read her Notorious series.
This story is real Romeo and Juliet story line. Jack and Sophie families are enemies. They were raised not to acknowledge each other in public or private. However, when Jack’s cousin tell him that his Juliet can be found in Sophie, he set out to prove the he is no Romeo. But Jack didn’t expect for sparks to fly at their first encounter and for his attraction to be so strong. And Jack now must prove to Sophie that he is her Romeo.
Never be Mine has an interesting twist since Jack is the illegitimate child of a prince of a faraway country. Which could possibly help out these star-crossed lovers. Nicole Jordan always write fabulous story lines and captivating characters. If you are a lover of romance, adventure, and steamy love scene, this book is a must read. I can’t wait for Miss Jordan next book which I believe is Skye.
Thank you Edewelsis and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in advance.
The last thing Sophie Fortin expects at a masquerade ball is a dazzling kiss from a pirate. Her desire quickly falters when she learns that her masked gentleman is devilishly scandalous Lord Jack, a member of the captivating Wilde clan — and a man she’s forbidden to acknowledge. But when Jack begins a breathtaking seduction, Sophie can barely resist.
Jack never imagined that the daughter of his family’s mortal enemy would awaken such fierce passion within him—until one unforgettable kiss changes his mind forever. Soon, Jack is hell-bent on winning Sophie’s hand, going so far as to abduct her to save her from marrying a rival nobleman. Determined to woo Sophie and her unyielding parents, Jack is faced with the one decision he’d sworn never to make. The secret heir to a prince, Jack has spurned his royal heritage for years . . . but for Sophie he’ll risk all to turn a legacy of heartbreak into love ever after.
Review:
I was really excited about this book coming out. I really enjoy Nicole Jordan book since read her Notorious series.
This story is real Romeo and Juliet story line. Jack and Sophie families are enemies. They were raised not to acknowledge each other in public or private. However, when Jack’s cousin tell him that his Juliet can be found in Sophie, he set out to prove the he is no Romeo. But Jack didn’t expect for sparks to fly at their first encounter and for his attraction to be so strong. And Jack now must prove to Sophie that he is her Romeo.
Never be Mine has an interesting twist since Jack is the illegitimate child of a prince of a faraway country. Which could possibly help out these star-crossed lovers. Nicole Jordan always write fabulous story lines and captivating characters. If you are a lover of romance, adventure, and steamy love scene, this book is a must read. I can’t wait for Miss Jordan next book which I believe is Skye.
Thank you Edewelsis and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in advance.
February 24, 2016
3.5 Stars
Lord Jack Wilde has absolutely no interest in marriage, but he just has to see the woman his sister and his cousin insist is perfect for him. Once he sets his eyes on Sophie Fortin he is captivated, spellbound by her beauty.
Sophie Fortin is as honorable as they come. She is dutifully doing exactly what her parents expect of her - marrying a man with a title who can elevate their rank.
Jack has money but no title, unless he claims estranged fathers throne. That's right, he is an illegitimate son of a Prince. This book is a journey not only for the characters as they discover who they are and what they really want (which is each other) but for the reader. Nicole Jordan's take on Romeo and Juliet was sweet and new.
The romance as well as the relationship grows slowly over time between the couple, which is something I enjoy. I have never read Nicole Jordan before and I found her writing style to be smooth and the story flowed well. However, I felt that the hero and the heroine spent too much time in their own minds and did not converse as much as I would have liked - they spent too much time thinking but came to conclusions slowly. For a man that is against marriage, Jack is bent on proving to Sophie and her family that he can be worthy of her hand. He even goes so far as to travel from London to Paris then on to his father's county to claim his estranges father's throne so that he may have a title to present to Sophie's father, but all through his travels he has no intention of actually posing marriage.
The ending was sweet, but the epilogue did not fit well. It would have been better off as a finally chapter.
Overall, I liked the book and I look forward to the next. The Wilde family is quite large and I'm interested to see which of the Wilde members will lead the next book and which legendary romance they will portray.
Lord Jack Wilde has absolutely no interest in marriage, but he just has to see the woman his sister and his cousin insist is perfect for him. Once he sets his eyes on Sophie Fortin he is captivated, spellbound by her beauty.
Sophie Fortin is as honorable as they come. She is dutifully doing exactly what her parents expect of her - marrying a man with a title who can elevate their rank.
Jack has money but no title, unless he claims estranged fathers throne. That's right, he is an illegitimate son of a Prince. This book is a journey not only for the characters as they discover who they are and what they really want (which is each other) but for the reader. Nicole Jordan's take on Romeo and Juliet was sweet and new.
The romance as well as the relationship grows slowly over time between the couple, which is something I enjoy. I have never read Nicole Jordan before and I found her writing style to be smooth and the story flowed well. However, I felt that the hero and the heroine spent too much time in their own minds and did not converse as much as I would have liked - they spent too much time thinking but came to conclusions slowly. For a man that is against marriage, Jack is bent on proving to Sophie and her family that he can be worthy of her hand. He even goes so far as to travel from London to Paris then on to his father's county to claim his estranges father's throne so that he may have a title to present to Sophie's father, but all through his travels he has no intention of actually posing marriage.
The ending was sweet, but the epilogue did not fit well. It would have been better off as a finally chapter.
Overall, I liked the book and I look forward to the next. The Wilde family is quite large and I'm interested to see which of the Wilde members will lead the next book and which legendary romance they will portray.
August 12, 2017
Lover Be Mine (Legendary Lovers #2) is the first book by Nicole Jordan that I have read. It will not be the last. Jordan is a talented writer and has crafted a very solid romance with this book. Charming characters, solid conflict, and warm relationships add up to a really good book that any historical romance reader would enjoy.
The Legendary Lovers series follows the amorous adventures of the Wilde family, each of whom is believed to follow a romance based on famous lovers. This time it is a Romeo-and-Juliet story. Lovely Sophie Fortin is engaged to marry a much-older duke that she respects, but does not love. She feels that this successful marriage would fulfill the wants and needs of her parents. Jack Wilde, charmer extraordinaire, kisses her at a masquerade ball and decides to pursue the relationship in spite of her engagement. One problem is that the Fortins and the Wildes have a bad family feud in their history (hence the Romeo & Juliet thing). Jack continues to be intrigued by Sophie as he moves slowly into love with her. Sophie continues to fight her attraction to Jack and clings to her commitments. What will it take to bring them together?
Lover Be Mine was a very well written story with characters you have to love. Jack put the “c” in charming, but he was lovable and sympathetic as well. Sophie was sweet and docile. It took her quite a while to stand up for herself, but she finally got there. There were no villains in the story, just some misunderstandings. I did not read the first book in the series (Prince Charming), but I would to find the time to go back and read it. I will certainly watch for the upcoming books because the Wilde family seems irrepressible and fun. This book didn’t move mountains or break new ground, but it is a genuinely good read.
ARC copy provided by Netgalley
The Legendary Lovers series follows the amorous adventures of the Wilde family, each of whom is believed to follow a romance based on famous lovers. This time it is a Romeo-and-Juliet story. Lovely Sophie Fortin is engaged to marry a much-older duke that she respects, but does not love. She feels that this successful marriage would fulfill the wants and needs of her parents. Jack Wilde, charmer extraordinaire, kisses her at a masquerade ball and decides to pursue the relationship in spite of her engagement. One problem is that the Fortins and the Wildes have a bad family feud in their history (hence the Romeo & Juliet thing). Jack continues to be intrigued by Sophie as he moves slowly into love with her. Sophie continues to fight her attraction to Jack and clings to her commitments. What will it take to bring them together?
Lover Be Mine was a very well written story with characters you have to love. Jack put the “c” in charming, but he was lovable and sympathetic as well. Sophie was sweet and docile. It took her quite a while to stand up for herself, but she finally got there. There were no villains in the story, just some misunderstandings. I did not read the first book in the series (Prince Charming), but I would to find the time to go back and read it. I will certainly watch for the upcoming books because the Wilde family seems irrepressible and fun. This book didn’t move mountains or break new ground, but it is a genuinely good read.
ARC copy provided by Netgalley
June 30, 2013
As the wickedly seductive Wilde cousins seek true love by taking a page from history’s legendary love stories, Lord Jack Wilde plays a determined Romeo courting an enchanting Juliet.
The last thing Sophie Fortin expects at a masquerade ball is a dazzling kiss from a pirate. Her desire quickly falters when she learns that her masked gentleman is devilishly scandalous Lord Jack, a member of the captivating Wilde clan—and a man she’s forbidden to acknowledge. But when Jack begins a breathtaking seduction, Sophie can barely resist.
Jack never imagined that the daughter of his family’s mortal enemy would awaken such fierce passion within him—until one unforgettable kiss changes his mind forever. Soon, Jack is hell-bent on winning Sophie’s hand, going so far as to abduct her to save her from marrying a rival nobleman. Determined to woo Sophie and her unyielding parents, Jack is faced with the one decision he’d sworn never to make. The secret heir to a prince, Jack has spurned his royal heritage for years . . . but for Sophie he’ll risk all to turn a legacy of heartbreak into love ever after.
This is another book in the Legendary Lovers series. This love affair between Jack and Sophie is to be a take off of Romeo and Juliet (without the suicides). Later, we will see Beauty and the Beast, Ovid and Pygmalion, Taming of the Shrew, etc. It took me forever to finish this book. It just is not of the quality of some of Jordan's earlier pieces. This is the second book in the series I have read, and I chose it because I thought the first one just not up to par. Unfortunately, this one only solidified my opinion. I gobbled up Jordan's Courtship Wars series and several others, but this one just has not gotten to me in the same manner. Her action is believable and the dialogue well done, but it lacks that special "punch" that grabs a reader.
The last thing Sophie Fortin expects at a masquerade ball is a dazzling kiss from a pirate. Her desire quickly falters when she learns that her masked gentleman is devilishly scandalous Lord Jack, a member of the captivating Wilde clan—and a man she’s forbidden to acknowledge. But when Jack begins a breathtaking seduction, Sophie can barely resist.
Jack never imagined that the daughter of his family’s mortal enemy would awaken such fierce passion within him—until one unforgettable kiss changes his mind forever. Soon, Jack is hell-bent on winning Sophie’s hand, going so far as to abduct her to save her from marrying a rival nobleman. Determined to woo Sophie and her unyielding parents, Jack is faced with the one decision he’d sworn never to make. The secret heir to a prince, Jack has spurned his royal heritage for years . . . but for Sophie he’ll risk all to turn a legacy of heartbreak into love ever after.
This is another book in the Legendary Lovers series. This love affair between Jack and Sophie is to be a take off of Romeo and Juliet (without the suicides). Later, we will see Beauty and the Beast, Ovid and Pygmalion, Taming of the Shrew, etc. It took me forever to finish this book. It just is not of the quality of some of Jordan's earlier pieces. This is the second book in the series I have read, and I chose it because I thought the first one just not up to par. Unfortunately, this one only solidified my opinion. I gobbled up Jordan's Courtship Wars series and several others, but this one just has not gotten to me in the same manner. Her action is believable and the dialogue well done, but it lacks that special "punch" that grabs a reader.
March 22, 2013
Wonderful! Lover Be Mine was a lovely historical romance, a truly enjoyable read.
I wondered how the author would make a Romeo and Juliet based romance work, but she definitely made it happen. I recognized some scenes that were directly based off a a scene in the play, like when Sophie and Jack meet at the ball. But, the author put her own spin on the story and it worked out very well.
Sophie was a wonderful heroine. My one issue with the book was that, for the first half, Sophie came off as a passive character. It wasn't a huge deal, but it was frustrating. However, after that first half, Sophie comes up strong. She decides to fight for what she wants. After that, I really liked Sophie. She was very likable and admirable in her determination.
Jack was amazing. He was so perfect. Sweet, determined, willing to do whatever is took to win the woman he loved. What more could you ask for in a hero? He was just utter perfection. I thought it was so sweet he knew early on that he wanted Sophie and was determined to win her over and make sure her parents approved of the match for her sake. I adored him and I'm sure many other readers will, as well.
Sophie and Jack were great together. Though they got off to a rocky start, their relationship grew quickly. And it was clear whenever they were together that they were perfect for each other. Though they were a mostly sweet couple, there was a sprinkle of spice to keep things interesting.
The plot moved quickly. I was completely absorbed right from the first page. The ending was lovely-a sweet, perfect romance ending.
Lover Be Mine was a top notch historical romance. Lovers of the genre, you have to read this.
*Thanks to Edelweiss and Ballantine Books for a copy!
I wondered how the author would make a Romeo and Juliet based romance work, but she definitely made it happen. I recognized some scenes that were directly based off a a scene in the play, like when Sophie and Jack meet at the ball. But, the author put her own spin on the story and it worked out very well.
Sophie was a wonderful heroine. My one issue with the book was that, for the first half, Sophie came off as a passive character. It wasn't a huge deal, but it was frustrating. However, after that first half, Sophie comes up strong. She decides to fight for what she wants. After that, I really liked Sophie. She was very likable and admirable in her determination.
Jack was amazing. He was so perfect. Sweet, determined, willing to do whatever is took to win the woman he loved. What more could you ask for in a hero? He was just utter perfection. I thought it was so sweet he knew early on that he wanted Sophie and was determined to win her over and make sure her parents approved of the match for her sake. I adored him and I'm sure many other readers will, as well.
Sophie and Jack were great together. Though they got off to a rocky start, their relationship grew quickly. And it was clear whenever they were together that they were perfect for each other. Though they were a mostly sweet couple, there was a sprinkle of spice to keep things interesting.
The plot moved quickly. I was completely absorbed right from the first page. The ending was lovely-a sweet, perfect romance ending.
Lover Be Mine was a top notch historical romance. Lovers of the genre, you have to read this.
*Thanks to Edelweiss and Ballantine Books for a copy!
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