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The Scandalous Women of the Ton #4
Notorious
When the ton's most notorious heartbreaker..."Dangerously seductive and sinfully beautiful, Susanna Burney is society's most sought after match"breaker." Paid by wealthy parents to part unsuitable couples, she's never yet failed to accomplish her mission of diverting a groom-to-be. Until her final assignment brings her face-to-face with the man who'd once taught her an intimate lesson in heartache....
"Meets London's most disreputable rake..."
James Devlin has everything he's always wanted: a title, a rich fiancee and a place in society. But the woman who's just met his eyes across a crowded ballroom threatens it all. Not because she'd once claimed his heart, or that every sinuous swirl of her ball gown takes his breath away. But because the secrets she carries could cost him everything. To put the past to rest once and for all, Dev just might have to play Susanna at her own wicked game....
"Let the seduction begin!"
"Meets London's most disreputable rake..."
James Devlin has everything he's always wanted: a title, a rich fiancee and a place in society. But the woman who's just met his eyes across a crowded ballroom threatens it all. Not because she'd once claimed his heart, or that every sinuous swirl of her ball gown takes his breath away. But because the secrets she carries could cost him everything. To put the past to rest once and for all, Dev just might have to play Susanna at her own wicked game....
"Let the seduction begin!"
384 pages, Paperback
First published July 19, 2011
36 people are currently reading
706 people want to read
About the author
Nicola Cornick
224 books1,172 followersInternational bestselling author Nicola Cornick writes dual-time historical mysteries that draw on her love for genealogy and local history. She studied History at London and Oxford and worked in academia for a number of years before becoming a full time author. Nicola acts as a guide and researcher at the stunning 17th century hunting lodge, Ashdown House and is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Friends of Lydiard Park in Swindon. She gives talks and tours on a variety of historical topics.
Nicola lives near Oxford and loves reading, writing, history, music, wildlife, travel and walking her dog. She also loves hearing from her readers and chatting to them. She can also be found on Facebook, Twitter @NicolaCornick and Instagram.
Nicola lives near Oxford and loves reading, writing, history, music, wildlife, travel and walking her dog. She also loves hearing from her readers and chatting to them. She can also be found on Facebook, Twitter @NicolaCornick and Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
July 16, 2011
This was an OK, provided by netgalley. It had a fascinating premise, of a professional marriage-breaker, which was quite different and also quite believable. I really liked what the author did here. It's slightly off-the-wall, but just the sort of thing I can imagine infuriated, panicky parents doing when there was a huge amount of cash at stake, and they wanted to prevent their errant offspring from making bad choices.
However, in its execution in the story, I had a few problems. Any parent would actually have had a huge amount of say in whom their children would have married (but not in whom their children kept as mistresses or lovers..), so even if they'd not been able to prevent titles or entailed properties from being passed down to children who disobeyed them by marrying the wrong sort, they would have been able to stop supporting them until they inherited, and pretty much left them destitute if they'd wanted to. Yeah, sure they may have had an alternative source of income, from another relative, for example. But, my point is that parents or guardians had final refusal on prospective brides/grooms, so why go through all the hassle of hiring someone like the heroine to separate them? They could have just said "No". That part of the plot doesn't hold it for me, I'm afraid, even though I really, really like the idea.
Also, the problems I have with the heroine actually meant that the marriage-breaker plot was even weaker. I would imagine the type of woman who would do this work professionally as particularly hard-nosed, self-reliant, incredibly strong mentally and just, well, very clever. The heroine doesn't particularly strike me as any of those. In fact, the heroine struck me as a pretty irritating little martyr. She ran off when she first married, and she didn't trust anyone, including the hero, when he finally found her and showed her he was worthy of being trusted even just a little bit. She was just too willing to think how dreadful her situation was, how she'd never sort it out, and how awful her life was. Far, far too much of the "poor little me" thing going on, and not enough of the nerves of steel you would actually expect of someone who'd lived the life she had (and I have to admit, the author did a good job here of painting the backdrop, without boring us with the details), and was essentially a well-paid confidence-trickster.
The hero was OK. I did wander whether any more detail was given in previous books in the series, but since I haven't read them, I found him a bit non-descript, unfortunately, and not uniquely intriguing like his backstory would suggest he should be.
Probably the biggest problem I had with this book was the Great Mystical Force thing which runs throughout. By this, I mean that the hero and heroine are drawn together by some Great Mystical Force, even though they know they Should Hate Each Other.. They can't rationalize it, don't want it, but can't help themselves.. I'm sorry, but I'm really not a huge fan of this kind of plot development. They want to get it on, because they find each other incredibly sexy, OK? They want to play tonsil-tennis, and hunt-the-cucumber, because they are a man and a woman, and they were man and wife, and never really brought their previous relationship to any kind of conclusion, but liked the bedsport. All the "I don't want this", and "I hate you" etc, just becomes, well, rather wearing after a while, especially when they spent 2 paragraphs in the middle of some extremely tense argument, and then the hero licked her nipple and the heroine melted. It was just unbelievable, and a bit boring, to be honest.
So, this was a bit of a disappointment for me. The premise was extremely interesting, but the execution of it and the characters just kinda let it down for me.
2 stars. It was OK.
However, in its execution in the story, I had a few problems. Any parent would actually have had a huge amount of say in whom their children would have married (but not in whom their children kept as mistresses or lovers..), so even if they'd not been able to prevent titles or entailed properties from being passed down to children who disobeyed them by marrying the wrong sort, they would have been able to stop supporting them until they inherited, and pretty much left them destitute if they'd wanted to. Yeah, sure they may have had an alternative source of income, from another relative, for example. But, my point is that parents or guardians had final refusal on prospective brides/grooms, so why go through all the hassle of hiring someone like the heroine to separate them? They could have just said "No". That part of the plot doesn't hold it for me, I'm afraid, even though I really, really like the idea.
Also, the problems I have with the heroine actually meant that the marriage-breaker plot was even weaker. I would imagine the type of woman who would do this work professionally as particularly hard-nosed, self-reliant, incredibly strong mentally and just, well, very clever. The heroine doesn't particularly strike me as any of those. In fact, the heroine struck me as a pretty irritating little martyr. She ran off when she first married, and she didn't trust anyone, including the hero, when he finally found her and showed her he was worthy of being trusted even just a little bit. She was just too willing to think how dreadful her situation was, how she'd never sort it out, and how awful her life was. Far, far too much of the "poor little me" thing going on, and not enough of the nerves of steel you would actually expect of someone who'd lived the life she had (and I have to admit, the author did a good job here of painting the backdrop, without boring us with the details), and was essentially a well-paid confidence-trickster.
The hero was OK. I did wander whether any more detail was given in previous books in the series, but since I haven't read them, I found him a bit non-descript, unfortunately, and not uniquely intriguing like his backstory would suggest he should be.
Probably the biggest problem I had with this book was the Great Mystical Force thing which runs throughout. By this, I mean that the hero and heroine are drawn together by some Great Mystical Force, even though they know they Should Hate Each Other.. They can't rationalize it, don't want it, but can't help themselves.. I'm sorry, but I'm really not a huge fan of this kind of plot development. They want to get it on, because they find each other incredibly sexy, OK? They want to play tonsil-tennis, and hunt-the-cucumber, because they are a man and a woman, and they were man and wife, and never really brought their previous relationship to any kind of conclusion, but liked the bedsport. All the "I don't want this", and "I hate you" etc, just becomes, well, rather wearing after a while, especially when they spent 2 paragraphs in the middle of some extremely tense argument, and then the hero licked her nipple and the heroine melted. It was just unbelievable, and a bit boring, to be honest.
So, this was a bit of a disappointment for me. The premise was extremely interesting, but the execution of it and the characters just kinda let it down for me.
2 stars. It was OK.
June 22, 2011
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: July 26, 2011
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: HQN
Author’s Website: http://www.nicolacornick.co.uk
My Source for This Book: Netgalley
Part of a Series: Book 4, Scandalous Women of the Ton
Series Best Read In Order: Worked well as a standalone
Steam Level: Hot
*Whew* This one was a complete roller coaster!
Susanna Burney has not had an easy life. At age 17, she eloped with the man of her dreams, and then the next day, after having spent a wonderful night in his bed, sacrificed her marriage out of misguided love. Kicked out by her family, she’s had to make her way in life without anyone’s assistance, and despite what others may think of her when they learn her secrets, she never prostituted herself out. Instead, she became a Matchbreaker — someone hired by wealthy families to tempt away the potential grooms in unsuitable relationships. Telling herself that she’s actually doing the women a favor — since if the man truly loved their women, they wouldn’t be tempted away, she is so close to finally having enough money to pay off her creditors and retire to the country with her young wards.
James is unapologetically a fortune hunter. Having grown up experiencing the extremes of wealth and poverty that only the children of notorious gamblers can known, he’s not happy with just his inherited title and place in society. He forms a match with a woman he has no hope of loving, in order to get his hands on her fortune. His younger sister has also done some fortune hunting of her own — having fallen in love with the heir to a dukedom, and expecting him to offer for her at any moment. However, the heir’s parents are less than pleased that a nobody like Chessie could possibly ensnare their son, and so enters Susanna.
There’s only one small problem, however. The “man of her dreams” that Susanna eloped with when she was 17? That would be James.
While I’m not typically a fan of novels where the main characters could have solved their problems had they just sat down and talked in the first chapter, I admit I did enjoy this one. There was so much history and bitterness between the two of them that I could forgive the overuse of a Big Misunderstanding and their constant and deliberate verbal wounding of one another. While there were a couple plot devices that I could’ve done without, and infidelity in some form or another by so many of the major characters, the angst was delicious, and the resolution was satisfying.
Recommended for fans of estranged marriages, blackmail, and Big Misunderstandings. 3.5/5 Stars
Expected Release Date: July 26, 2011
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: HQN
Author’s Website: http://www.nicolacornick.co.uk
My Source for This Book: Netgalley
Part of a Series: Book 4, Scandalous Women of the Ton
Series Best Read In Order: Worked well as a standalone
Steam Level: Hot
*Whew* This one was a complete roller coaster!
Susanna Burney has not had an easy life. At age 17, she eloped with the man of her dreams, and then the next day, after having spent a wonderful night in his bed, sacrificed her marriage out of misguided love. Kicked out by her family, she’s had to make her way in life without anyone’s assistance, and despite what others may think of her when they learn her secrets, she never prostituted herself out. Instead, she became a Matchbreaker — someone hired by wealthy families to tempt away the potential grooms in unsuitable relationships. Telling herself that she’s actually doing the women a favor — since if the man truly loved their women, they wouldn’t be tempted away, she is so close to finally having enough money to pay off her creditors and retire to the country with her young wards.
James is unapologetically a fortune hunter. Having grown up experiencing the extremes of wealth and poverty that only the children of notorious gamblers can known, he’s not happy with just his inherited title and place in society. He forms a match with a woman he has no hope of loving, in order to get his hands on her fortune. His younger sister has also done some fortune hunting of her own — having fallen in love with the heir to a dukedom, and expecting him to offer for her at any moment. However, the heir’s parents are less than pleased that a nobody like Chessie could possibly ensnare their son, and so enters Susanna.
There’s only one small problem, however. The “man of her dreams” that Susanna eloped with when she was 17? That would be James.
While I’m not typically a fan of novels where the main characters could have solved their problems had they just sat down and talked in the first chapter, I admit I did enjoy this one. There was so much history and bitterness between the two of them that I could forgive the overuse of a Big Misunderstanding and their constant and deliberate verbal wounding of one another. While there were a couple plot devices that I could’ve done without, and infidelity in some form or another by so many of the major characters, the angst was delicious, and the resolution was satisfying.
Recommended for fans of estranged marriages, blackmail, and Big Misunderstandings. 3.5/5 Stars
July 27, 2011
There are a group of writers who know how to "handle" historical romance well, and Nicola Cornick is one of those. This story is just different enough that it caught my interest immediately and I am delighted to have read it. The heroine is not present trying to find a husband as is most often the case. Rather she is present at ton events to prevent marriages, specifically the matches that have begun which are not favored by the family of one or the other of the persons in question. Masquerading as a widow who is a friend of well-place aristocratic families, Susanna is being paid to put a stop to a match that the prospective bridegroom's family absolutely don't want. The problems begin when an old beau recognizes her along with the fact that the old beau's sister is the woman Susanna is being paid to pry lose from the man in question. Add in the fact that the old beau is engaged to a woman he doesn't love but who has bags and bags of money, that there is still an unmistakable attraction between Susanna and the old beau, some bad history between them, and on and on. Messy, messy, messy!! All in all, these factors are the makings of a very good novel and one that the reader will be hard put to figure out before the end. What could be better? Don't miss this one!
August 2, 2012
I feel bad. See, Cornick is a good writer. It's just that I absolutely despised her male lead, Devlin. Yes, yes. He's supposed to be passionate and a rake and a pirate and whatever, but really, he's a royal douche. He's threatening, cruel, and his actions border on assault. Just because the female lead doesn't mind it, doesn't make it ok. Usually, there is a fine line between menace and machismo and the reader is supposed to be enthralled or taken in by it. You know, because it's romantic. Not this reader.
December 19, 2014
4.5 stars
Devlin is a man on the lower steps of the ton's scale, with a less than stelar reputation and in sore need of funds. His only hope to escape his debts, is a good marriage for both him and his sister. But just when it seems that they've both made it, with Devlin being betrothed to a rich earl's daughter and his sister on the verge of being proposed to by a Marquis, Susanna enters. Susanna, happens to be not only his sister's rival for the Marquis' affections, but also Devlin's ex-wife. And suddenly, it appears that the attraction that brought them together 10 years ago, is still there. But is attraction enough to make them forget their lifelong goals and duties?
Yes, I am aware of the fact that technically speaking, this book is far from perfect. I also am not oblivious to the cold-hearted heroine, or that this was mostly a tale of falling in lust than in love with each other. However, being a big fan of angsty, heartwrenching romances I can't help but be captivated with it!
Well, as I said, the most obvious problem for the story, is that throughout the whole book, Devlin pretty much hates Susanna and with good reason. What he sees, is a cold-hearted, ambitious, manipulative female, even if the reader knows otherwise. Of course, this is a romance, so at the same time, Devlin can't fight his attraction to her. It would be much easier to believe that those two finally fell in love than in lust, had Susanna revealed the truth to Devlin at some point earlier in the plot and thus become more sympathetic to him. As it is though, and with hardly an insight as to how those two met and fell in love in the first place, it is difficult to believe that Devlin not only desires her but also loves her. On top of that, the resolution given to the romance between Devlin's sister and her beloved, was hardly satisfactory at all.
On the other hand, the angst, tension and heat between those two, set the pages on fire:) I cried with them, ached with them and was really anxious about how they could escape all the obstacles that seemed to get endlessly in their way. Susanna, for the reader if not for Devlin, is a woman to be admired despite the mistakes she's done in the past. She does whatever she must to survive on her own, using her wits and beauty in the best way she can. I can understand that there are readers who will still think of her as cold-hearted, but personally, I refuse to castigate people for doing what they must, not to gain money or power, but simply to survive. As for Devlin, he might have been a rake in the past, but what the reader sees here is a man devoted to his sister, a man with purpose, patience, decency and reluctant to hurt back the person who has most injured him in the past. Much of the story is told by his point of view and I really appreciated that, especially as I could feel his ache, sorrow and internal conflict between duty and desire as if it were mine.
In the end, whatever the book's faults, the fact remains that the book managed to touch me deeply emotionally, as few books have, and that makes it a winner for me. So, it's a solid 5 stars for the emotional punch delivered and a 3 for the plot & technical execution. If you love angsty reads, you should check this out. I know I'll definitely be on the lookout for more works by this author.
PS:
ARC provided by NetGalley
Devlin is a man on the lower steps of the ton's scale, with a less than stelar reputation and in sore need of funds. His only hope to escape his debts, is a good marriage for both him and his sister. But just when it seems that they've both made it, with Devlin being betrothed to a rich earl's daughter and his sister on the verge of being proposed to by a Marquis, Susanna enters. Susanna, happens to be not only his sister's rival for the Marquis' affections, but also Devlin's ex-wife. And suddenly, it appears that the attraction that brought them together 10 years ago, is still there. But is attraction enough to make them forget their lifelong goals and duties?
Yes, I am aware of the fact that technically speaking, this book is far from perfect. I also am not oblivious to the cold-hearted heroine, or that this was mostly a tale of falling in lust than in love with each other. However, being a big fan of angsty, heartwrenching romances I can't help but be captivated with it!
Well, as I said, the most obvious problem for the story, is that throughout the whole book, Devlin pretty much hates Susanna and with good reason. What he sees, is a cold-hearted, ambitious, manipulative female, even if the reader knows otherwise. Of course, this is a romance, so at the same time, Devlin can't fight his attraction to her. It would be much easier to believe that those two finally fell in love than in lust, had Susanna revealed the truth to Devlin at some point earlier in the plot and thus become more sympathetic to him. As it is though, and with hardly an insight as to how those two met and fell in love in the first place, it is difficult to believe that Devlin not only desires her but also loves her. On top of that, the resolution given to the romance between Devlin's sister and her beloved, was hardly satisfactory at all.
On the other hand, the angst, tension and heat between those two, set the pages on fire:) I cried with them, ached with them and was really anxious about how they could escape all the obstacles that seemed to get endlessly in their way. Susanna, for the reader if not for Devlin, is a woman to be admired despite the mistakes she's done in the past. She does whatever she must to survive on her own, using her wits and beauty in the best way she can. I can understand that there are readers who will still think of her as cold-hearted, but personally, I refuse to castigate people for doing what they must, not to gain money or power, but simply to survive. As for Devlin, he might have been a rake in the past, but what the reader sees here is a man devoted to his sister, a man with purpose, patience, decency and reluctant to hurt back the person who has most injured him in the past. Much of the story is told by his point of view and I really appreciated that, especially as I could feel his ache, sorrow and internal conflict between duty and desire as if it were mine.
In the end, whatever the book's faults, the fact remains that the book managed to touch me deeply emotionally, as few books have, and that makes it a winner for me. So, it's a solid 5 stars for the emotional punch delivered and a 3 for the plot & technical execution. If you love angsty reads, you should check this out. I know I'll definitely be on the lookout for more works by this author.
PS:
ARC provided by NetGalley
June 15, 2011
Notorious by Nicola Cornick is Cornick’s latest release in her Scandalous Women of the Ton series. For me personally I’ve found Cornick’s books to be hit or miss. A few of them are my go-to favorites, but I’ve also read some that just really didn’t do it for me. Unfortunately, Notorious fell into the latter.
Susanna finds herself face to face with her husband, a man she deliberately left after consummating their elopement and hasn’t seen in several years. James, her husband, is engaged to a rich and beautiful woman and has set himself up to acquire everything he’s ever dreamed of having. Too bad he’s already married…and still ferociously attracted to the woman that jilted him.
Cornick has a flair for the back-and-forth “misunderstandings” that are almost always the driving point of her story arcs. James doesn’t know why Susanna left him; Susanna is haunted by her actions and is afraid to man up to them. Of course, she’s also harboring the fact that she had conceived from their one night together, and was unable to carry the pregnancy to term. They each have their preconceptions of one another, and their interactions are strained with sarcasm and thinly veiled disdain. Oh, and sexual tension. Because regardless of their brief but passionate history, they still are attracted to one another.
I was excited to get my hands on this book because I’ve come to enjoy Cornick’s work. I was disappointed, however, with Notorious. The plot was predictable and the pacing seemed to drag. On the plus side, James’ humor had some shining moments, and Susanna’s handling of him was fun to watch. Oh, and this cover? Gorgeous.
Rating: C-
Romance: 2/5 Raunch: 2.5/5
Susanna finds herself face to face with her husband, a man she deliberately left after consummating their elopement and hasn’t seen in several years. James, her husband, is engaged to a rich and beautiful woman and has set himself up to acquire everything he’s ever dreamed of having. Too bad he’s already married…and still ferociously attracted to the woman that jilted him.
Cornick has a flair for the back-and-forth “misunderstandings” that are almost always the driving point of her story arcs. James doesn’t know why Susanna left him; Susanna is haunted by her actions and is afraid to man up to them. Of course, she’s also harboring the fact that she had conceived from their one night together, and was unable to carry the pregnancy to term. They each have their preconceptions of one another, and their interactions are strained with sarcasm and thinly veiled disdain. Oh, and sexual tension. Because regardless of their brief but passionate history, they still are attracted to one another.
I was excited to get my hands on this book because I’ve come to enjoy Cornick’s work. I was disappointed, however, with Notorious. The plot was predictable and the pacing seemed to drag. On the plus side, James’ humor had some shining moments, and Susanna’s handling of him was fun to watch. Oh, and this cover? Gorgeous.
Rating: C-
Romance: 2/5 Raunch: 2.5/5
October 2, 2011
Pretty good, I liked Lottie's story the best and I'm really looking forward to Tess and Owen's story coming out soon!
April 9, 2016
Libro divertido y con el toque único de nicola cónick.. Los personajes interesantes y la historia se puede leer separada aunque sea una serie... Deseando leer los que quedan:)))
July 28, 2011
NOTORIOUS is the fourth book in Nicola Cornick's memorable Scandalous Women of the Ton series and takes you on an emotional journey full of passion, deceit, sacrifice and regret.
Susanna Burney excels in her chosen profession as a match breaker and is much sought after within society by wealthy parents wishing to break up unsuitable couples. Posing as Lady Caroline Carew, a wealthy widow, her latest commission is to entice the Duke and Duchess of Alton's son, Fitzwilliam (Fitz), away from a certain penniless young lady. Succeeding means everything to Susanna because this is her last job and she will then have sufficient funds to pay off her debts and start a new life. That is, until one night, her husband, James Devlin, walks back into her life after nine years! She also discovers that the young lady she has been employed to lure Fitz away from is, in fact, Devlin's sister, Francesca (Chessie).
James Devlin can never forget his childhood years spent in poverty on the streets of Dublin. He now has everything he ever wanted, a title, a place in society and a wealthy fiancée. That is, until one night, he sees his former wife, Susanna, across a crowded ballroom. The same wife he thought was dead! He was eighteen when he had fallen madly in love with and married the seventeen-year-old Susanna, only to have her walk out on him the morning after the wedding.
Fearful of being exposed as a complete fraud, Susanna must protect her secrets at all costs even if it means convincing Devlin that she is nothing more than a scheming, deceitful adventuress. For his sister's sake, Devlin is determined to thwart Susanna's plans using any means at his disposal. But neither of them is prepared for the intense desire they feel for each other; a desire they seem unable to control. Will Susanna ever trust Devlin enough to tell him the truth about what really happened nine years ago? Can the spark of love ever be rekindled?
Reading this book certainly took me on a highly charged emotional journey. Ms Cornick has captured all the feelings of bitterness, anger, hurt and regret in the antagonistic encounters between Susanna and Devlin. Devlin feels angry and betrayed because Susanna leads him to believe that her reason for marrying him had nothing to do with love:
"I wanted to be young and beautiful and intriguing enough to lure a very rich man into marriage. It was not good enough to be a courtesan. I had to be respectable to catch a husband-"her luscious mouth turned up in a little, private smile-"but improper enough to know how to please him in bed."
Susanna's life is one of lies and deception but I can fully understand why she is so desperate to protect her secrets. If her true identity becomes known, she fears that her life will once again descend back into the poverty she had struggled so hard to escape from. We discover that she also has the lives of others to consider as well as her own; children entrusted to her whom she will never desert. She is even willing to let Devlin believe the worst of her for fear he may ask too many searching questions. I see Susanna as strong, brave and resourceful and I admire the way in which she retained her moral code, however bad things became.
Devlin's childhood had see-sawed between wealth and poverty because his father had been a compulsive gambler. It's easy to understand why wealth and position and the stability they would bring are so important to him. It is Susanna who makes him realise that the price he must pay to attain these things, the loss of his self-respect, is too high. When Susanna finally tells him the full truth about her past, I was impressed with the way he is more than willing to shoulder the blame for what happened and wants to comfort her and ‘banish the misery he sensed in her.'
Ms Cornick builds up the sexual tension brilliantly and I could sense the mutual desire simmering just below the surface whenever Susanna and Devlin are together. For those who like their love scenes hot and steamy, Ms Cornick certainly doesn't disappoint!
She tried to rise but he gently forced her down, bending to cover the satin skin of her shoulders with soft, biting kisses, to trail his tongue down her the length of her spine, a lick here, a flick over the ribs there that had her squirming. She was hot and panting beneath his hands.
I really couldn't believe that Devlin's sister, Chessie, would still love that arrogant, self-centred, spoiled ass Fitz, never mind marry him. After all, he humiliated her and caused her untold misery, but I suppose it's a case of ‘love is blind'. I have to say that this plotline did stretch credulity rather too far for me.
I enjoyed seeing Alex and Joanna (Whisper of Scandal) again, albeit briefly, and the villainous Tom Bradshaw (Mistress by Midnight) also made an appearance. I'm sure this won't be the last we see of him. This book can easily be read as a standalone but I can highly recommend the other books in this series and very much look forward to reading the next one, Desired.
If you are looking for a well-written, deeply emotional story, in-depth characters and hot love scenes, then NOTORIOUS is definitely a must read.
http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
This review was originally written for The Romance Reviews
Susanna Burney excels in her chosen profession as a match breaker and is much sought after within society by wealthy parents wishing to break up unsuitable couples. Posing as Lady Caroline Carew, a wealthy widow, her latest commission is to entice the Duke and Duchess of Alton's son, Fitzwilliam (Fitz), away from a certain penniless young lady. Succeeding means everything to Susanna because this is her last job and she will then have sufficient funds to pay off her debts and start a new life. That is, until one night, her husband, James Devlin, walks back into her life after nine years! She also discovers that the young lady she has been employed to lure Fitz away from is, in fact, Devlin's sister, Francesca (Chessie).
James Devlin can never forget his childhood years spent in poverty on the streets of Dublin. He now has everything he ever wanted, a title, a place in society and a wealthy fiancée. That is, until one night, he sees his former wife, Susanna, across a crowded ballroom. The same wife he thought was dead! He was eighteen when he had fallen madly in love with and married the seventeen-year-old Susanna, only to have her walk out on him the morning after the wedding.
Fearful of being exposed as a complete fraud, Susanna must protect her secrets at all costs even if it means convincing Devlin that she is nothing more than a scheming, deceitful adventuress. For his sister's sake, Devlin is determined to thwart Susanna's plans using any means at his disposal. But neither of them is prepared for the intense desire they feel for each other; a desire they seem unable to control. Will Susanna ever trust Devlin enough to tell him the truth about what really happened nine years ago? Can the spark of love ever be rekindled?
Reading this book certainly took me on a highly charged emotional journey. Ms Cornick has captured all the feelings of bitterness, anger, hurt and regret in the antagonistic encounters between Susanna and Devlin. Devlin feels angry and betrayed because Susanna leads him to believe that her reason for marrying him had nothing to do with love:
"I wanted to be young and beautiful and intriguing enough to lure a very rich man into marriage. It was not good enough to be a courtesan. I had to be respectable to catch a husband-"her luscious mouth turned up in a little, private smile-"but improper enough to know how to please him in bed."
Susanna's life is one of lies and deception but I can fully understand why she is so desperate to protect her secrets. If her true identity becomes known, she fears that her life will once again descend back into the poverty she had struggled so hard to escape from. We discover that she also has the lives of others to consider as well as her own; children entrusted to her whom she will never desert. She is even willing to let Devlin believe the worst of her for fear he may ask too many searching questions. I see Susanna as strong, brave and resourceful and I admire the way in which she retained her moral code, however bad things became.
Devlin's childhood had see-sawed between wealth and poverty because his father had been a compulsive gambler. It's easy to understand why wealth and position and the stability they would bring are so important to him. It is Susanna who makes him realise that the price he must pay to attain these things, the loss of his self-respect, is too high. When Susanna finally tells him the full truth about her past, I was impressed with the way he is more than willing to shoulder the blame for what happened and wants to comfort her and ‘banish the misery he sensed in her.'
Ms Cornick builds up the sexual tension brilliantly and I could sense the mutual desire simmering just below the surface whenever Susanna and Devlin are together. For those who like their love scenes hot and steamy, Ms Cornick certainly doesn't disappoint!
She tried to rise but he gently forced her down, bending to cover the satin skin of her shoulders with soft, biting kisses, to trail his tongue down her the length of her spine, a lick here, a flick over the ribs there that had her squirming. She was hot and panting beneath his hands.
I really couldn't believe that Devlin's sister, Chessie, would still love that arrogant, self-centred, spoiled ass Fitz, never mind marry him. After all, he humiliated her and caused her untold misery, but I suppose it's a case of ‘love is blind'. I have to say that this plotline did stretch credulity rather too far for me.
I enjoyed seeing Alex and Joanna (Whisper of Scandal) again, albeit briefly, and the villainous Tom Bradshaw (Mistress by Midnight) also made an appearance. I'm sure this won't be the last we see of him. This book can easily be read as a standalone but I can highly recommend the other books in this series and very much look forward to reading the next one, Desired.
If you are looking for a well-written, deeply emotional story, in-depth characters and hot love scenes, then NOTORIOUS is definitely a must read.
http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
This review was originally written for The Romance Reviews
May 22, 2023
Relectura. Un romance histórico de Harlequin muy de su estilo. Ésta es la tercera vez que lo leo y aún me engancha, fluye rápido y se va en un santiamén, ideal para pasar el rato con algo ligero y olvidable. Eso sí, podría ser más ameno si fuera al grano y no repitiera hasta el cansancio las reflexiones y pensamientos de los protagonistas, un relleno innecesario.
November 16, 2022
Ehhh dejan muchos asuntos inconclusos
July 20, 2011
On its surface, Notorious is a sexy Regency Romance... a battle of wills between two former lovers with conflicting agendas. But underneath, it's a story of loss, regret, and self-realization. It is, in turns, sad, steamy, frustrating, and rewarding.
Devlin and his sister Chessie have always had to scrape to make ends meet. But they finally seem to have a comfortable future in their grasp. Devlin is engaged to a wealthy woman of the Ton. He doesn't love her, but he is pragmatic about the marriage. Chessie is in love with a wealthy peer named Fritz. And while they are not betrothed, he has been seriously courting her for some time.
All their grand plans go out the window, however, when Devlin's former wife shows up with an eye for Fritz. (No one knows that she has really been hired by Fritz's parents to lure him away from Chessie.) Devlin is floored by her presence. She abandoned him nine years ago, the morning after they wed... and he has thought her dead for years. It turns out that Susanna left him in an act of innocent self-sacrifice, but she lets him believe the worst of her, to keep him away. Of course, that doesn't work.
For two people who consider themselves puppetmasters of other people's emotions, there are very real feelings between these two. It's kind of ironic that their initial parting is what hardened them both in so many ways. But when they are together, they are unable to maintain the walls they have worked so hard to build around their hearts.
As more and more of Susanna's backstory is revealed, the story grows heavier and heavier. She has been through so much... and to a lesser extent, so has Devlin. Their past heartbreak is set against their flirting and fighting in the present day. And it doesn't just make me ache for them to give in to their mutual attraction, but makes me beg for them to find a little bit of peace and real happiness. Unfortunately, their financial positions make any hopes of a happily ever after seem unlikely, if not impossible.
It was a good love story with a surprising depth. But on a side note, I have to say I had a hard time relating to Chessie and the choices she makes. The resolution of her arc left me scratching my head a little.
This is book four in the Scandalous Women of the Ton series. I haven't read the previous books, and though Devlin's uncle Grant and his wife were featured in an earlier book, I never felt lost.
4 stars.
*ARC Provided by NetGalley
Devlin and his sister Chessie have always had to scrape to make ends meet. But they finally seem to have a comfortable future in their grasp. Devlin is engaged to a wealthy woman of the Ton. He doesn't love her, but he is pragmatic about the marriage. Chessie is in love with a wealthy peer named Fritz. And while they are not betrothed, he has been seriously courting her for some time.
All their grand plans go out the window, however, when Devlin's former wife shows up with an eye for Fritz. (No one knows that she has really been hired by Fritz's parents to lure him away from Chessie.) Devlin is floored by her presence. She abandoned him nine years ago, the morning after they wed... and he has thought her dead for years. It turns out that Susanna left him in an act of innocent self-sacrifice, but she lets him believe the worst of her, to keep him away. Of course, that doesn't work.
For two people who consider themselves puppetmasters of other people's emotions, there are very real feelings between these two. It's kind of ironic that their initial parting is what hardened them both in so many ways. But when they are together, they are unable to maintain the walls they have worked so hard to build around their hearts.
As more and more of Susanna's backstory is revealed, the story grows heavier and heavier. She has been through so much... and to a lesser extent, so has Devlin. Their past heartbreak is set against their flirting and fighting in the present day. And it doesn't just make me ache for them to give in to their mutual attraction, but makes me beg for them to find a little bit of peace and real happiness. Unfortunately, their financial positions make any hopes of a happily ever after seem unlikely, if not impossible.
It was a good love story with a surprising depth. But on a side note, I have to say I had a hard time relating to Chessie and the choices she makes. The resolution of her arc left me scratching my head a little.
This is book four in the Scandalous Women of the Ton series. I haven't read the previous books, and though Devlin's uncle Grant and his wife were featured in an earlier book, I never felt lost.
4 stars.
*ARC Provided by NetGalley
June 29, 2011
I was pleasantly surprised by this one. I wasn't sure what to expect when I got it from NetGalley, especially since I hadn't read any of the other books in the series. But it turns out you really didn't need to read those to enjoy this one.
The last thing Susanna Burney expected when she accepted her latest assignment was to find James Devlin. She'd last seen him when she was seventeen, heartbroken and leaving him. In the years since, she's done what's she's needed to in order to ensure her welfare and that of her two wards.
James Devlin thought he finally had everything he wanted. He was engaged to an heiress and hoping to find his place in society. Since the time of his father's death, he has been striving to find his place in the world and hoping that place would gain him enough money where he wouldn't need to worry anymore. Although bored with the life amongst the ton, this was what he had been working towards. His world is turned upside down when he glances across the ballroom to see the Susanna. She was the one woman he thought he had loved and the one that left him.
Dev and Susanna circle around each other quite a bit. She's running from her past, hoping Dev won't tell everyone how she knows him and ruin her chance at earning enough money to start a new life. Dev's determined to find out why she is trying to break up the pending betrothal of his sister, Chessie, with Fitzwilliam Alton while fighting his growing attraction to her and keep his fiancee happy. All the while, Susanna is hiding secrets from Dev about what exactly happened to her when she left him.
I didn't enjoy the secondary characters as much, especially Fitz and Chessie. I had hoped there was something devious going on with Chessie when she was running off for her secret rendevous, but was really disappointed with that outcome. Same with Emma and Bradshaw (which was the only point in the story where I thought I was missing something from the other books).
4 Cocktails
The last thing Susanna Burney expected when she accepted her latest assignment was to find James Devlin. She'd last seen him when she was seventeen, heartbroken and leaving him. In the years since, she's done what's she's needed to in order to ensure her welfare and that of her two wards.
James Devlin thought he finally had everything he wanted. He was engaged to an heiress and hoping to find his place in society. Since the time of his father's death, he has been striving to find his place in the world and hoping that place would gain him enough money where he wouldn't need to worry anymore. Although bored with the life amongst the ton, this was what he had been working towards. His world is turned upside down when he glances across the ballroom to see the Susanna. She was the one woman he thought he had loved and the one that left him.
Dev and Susanna circle around each other quite a bit. She's running from her past, hoping Dev won't tell everyone how she knows him and ruin her chance at earning enough money to start a new life. Dev's determined to find out why she is trying to break up the pending betrothal of his sister, Chessie, with Fitzwilliam Alton while fighting his growing attraction to her and keep his fiancee happy. All the while, Susanna is hiding secrets from Dev about what exactly happened to her when she left him.
I didn't enjoy the secondary characters as much, especially Fitz and Chessie. I had hoped there was something devious going on with Chessie when she was running off for her secret rendevous, but was really disappointed with that outcome. Same with Emma and Bradshaw (which was the only point in the story where I thought I was missing something from the other books).
4 Cocktails
January 2, 2012
NOTORIOUS by Nicola Cornick
7/11 – Harlequin - Mass Market Paperback, 384 pages
What if everything I ever wanted is something I had already lost?
James Devlin believes he is on the brink of the perfect life. While his intended bride is needy, his future in-laws unwelcoming, and he abhors London society there is the money he will marry into. When you lived in abject poverty anything you must do to turn that around is a possibility and necessity. Dev is one step away from this perfect life when the wife he thought long dead returns with a new name but the same stunning beauty. Susanna left him on their wedding night not to be seen again or so Devlin thought.
Susanna Burney is masquerading as Lady Caroline Carew working a scam that Devlin can’t quite figure out. She is still charming and an exquisite woman. His questions of where she has been for the last 9 years go unanswered and his burning need to know why she left him in their wedding night must be given. Devlin has a right to know where she has been and what she is up to now because the apple cart Susanna is about to overturn involves Devlin’s sister. As Devlin and Susanna move around each other they find it difficult to keep wearing the masks of anger and fulfill their passionate desires.
Selling your soul comes with such a high price that no one can ever repay regardless of how hard you try. Dev and Susanna found this out many times over but realize that combining their strength helped them overcome any obstacle before and it may again. The past was a burden for them but true love can help you live in the present and prepare for a future.
Nicola Cornick knows how to write about the meaning of love and having the work it takes to obtain it. Her books always take you on a journey with amazing characters who you become champions for as they find one another and feel the blush love and romance with a twist.
7/11 – Harlequin - Mass Market Paperback, 384 pages
What if everything I ever wanted is something I had already lost?
James Devlin believes he is on the brink of the perfect life. While his intended bride is needy, his future in-laws unwelcoming, and he abhors London society there is the money he will marry into. When you lived in abject poverty anything you must do to turn that around is a possibility and necessity. Dev is one step away from this perfect life when the wife he thought long dead returns with a new name but the same stunning beauty. Susanna left him on their wedding night not to be seen again or so Devlin thought.
Susanna Burney is masquerading as Lady Caroline Carew working a scam that Devlin can’t quite figure out. She is still charming and an exquisite woman. His questions of where she has been for the last 9 years go unanswered and his burning need to know why she left him in their wedding night must be given. Devlin has a right to know where she has been and what she is up to now because the apple cart Susanna is about to overturn involves Devlin’s sister. As Devlin and Susanna move around each other they find it difficult to keep wearing the masks of anger and fulfill their passionate desires.
Selling your soul comes with such a high price that no one can ever repay regardless of how hard you try. Dev and Susanna found this out many times over but realize that combining their strength helped them overcome any obstacle before and it may again. The past was a burden for them but true love can help you live in the present and prepare for a future.
Nicola Cornick knows how to write about the meaning of love and having the work it takes to obtain it. Her books always take you on a journey with amazing characters who you become champions for as they find one another and feel the blush love and romance with a twist.
July 6, 2011
Notorious is the fourth book in the Scandalous Women of the Ton series. I have not read any of the previous books and that did not spoil the read of Notorious. Each novel stands alone, though characters of the other books will crop up familiarly to fans of the series.
From the first page, the author transports you back in time to glittering ballrooms, handsome gentleman and elegant ladies. She paints the portrait of the time effortlessly, before ripping the rose-tinted glasses from out face and showing the world of seduction, greed and ambition the glammer cleverly disguises.
The story is told in multiple POV’s, which usually I find distracting. In the case of Notorious, I found it exhilarating. Jumping from Susanna’s perspective to Dev’s was intoxicating and only made me yearn for the book more in between my bouts of devouring this book.
I found myself bewitched by Susanna and Dev as they played out their bitter contempt for the other, which naturally progressed to deeper, more primal feelings. It was a pleasure to watch as the characters came undone, as they chipped away at the carefully erected exterior they had maintained so well in the past. Susanna and Dev grew as characters and evolved naturally as the story progressed.
I cannot praise this book enough. Notorious is one of those rare books that makes you itch when it is not in your hands – when a moment not reading is a wasted one. It will crawl beneath your skin (much in the way Dev does with Susanna) and stay there, unflinchingly.
Notorious has everything – intrigue, mystery, betrayal, sex, love, gambling, seduction, loyalty and honour. Grab it up as soon as you can. I guarantee after the first chapter you know exactly what I’m talking about.
From the first page, the author transports you back in time to glittering ballrooms, handsome gentleman and elegant ladies. She paints the portrait of the time effortlessly, before ripping the rose-tinted glasses from out face and showing the world of seduction, greed and ambition the glammer cleverly disguises.
The story is told in multiple POV’s, which usually I find distracting. In the case of Notorious, I found it exhilarating. Jumping from Susanna’s perspective to Dev’s was intoxicating and only made me yearn for the book more in between my bouts of devouring this book.
I found myself bewitched by Susanna and Dev as they played out their bitter contempt for the other, which naturally progressed to deeper, more primal feelings. It was a pleasure to watch as the characters came undone, as they chipped away at the carefully erected exterior they had maintained so well in the past. Susanna and Dev grew as characters and evolved naturally as the story progressed.
I cannot praise this book enough. Notorious is one of those rare books that makes you itch when it is not in your hands – when a moment not reading is a wasted one. It will crawl beneath your skin (much in the way Dev does with Susanna) and stay there, unflinchingly.
Notorious has everything – intrigue, mystery, betrayal, sex, love, gambling, seduction, loyalty and honour. Grab it up as soon as you can. I guarantee after the first chapter you know exactly what I’m talking about.
July 28, 2011
I never go into historical romances expecting very much, so it's always a pleasant surprise when one is well-written and engaging enough to hold my attention. I liked the premise of this book, which follows Lady Susannah, a woman makes her living as a professional unmatchmaker for men with unsuitable love interests. She's hampered in her quest to break up the current couple that is her job, however, because one man is standing in her way--James Devlin, her husband.
The beginning of the book is a little typical with angry words on both sides, but eventually the relationship between them became much more interesting. There is undeniable spark between the two which results in some reckless romps in carriages and in dark gardens, and there's the nice backdrop of Regency London to enjoy as well. What made this book a notch above other historical romances, however, is that soon after they meet again, Dev's attraction to the woman he believes to be his ex-wife deepens into sweet tenderness and caring--it's always nice when authors write men who aren't afraid to show their emotions. I grew to like both Dev and Susannah a lot, and I liked them both together as a couple.
There are definitely some things that muddle the plot a bit too much, including the reason they separated to begin with and subplots involving a pair of twins. Still, this is a lighthearted, fun read that is recommended for anyone who enjoys historical romances.
3.5 stars
An advance copy was provided by the publisher for this review.
The beginning of the book is a little typical with angry words on both sides, but eventually the relationship between them became much more interesting. There is undeniable spark between the two which results in some reckless romps in carriages and in dark gardens, and there's the nice backdrop of Regency London to enjoy as well. What made this book a notch above other historical romances, however, is that soon after they meet again, Dev's attraction to the woman he believes to be his ex-wife deepens into sweet tenderness and caring--it's always nice when authors write men who aren't afraid to show their emotions. I grew to like both Dev and Susannah a lot, and I liked them both together as a couple.
There are definitely some things that muddle the plot a bit too much, including the reason they separated to begin with and subplots involving a pair of twins. Still, this is a lighthearted, fun read that is recommended for anyone who enjoys historical romances.
3.5 stars
An advance copy was provided by the publisher for this review.
August 10, 2011
In NOTORIOUS, Susanna works as a matchbreaker, dividing unsuitable couples by order of their concerned parents. But she encounters Devlin, a man from her past who threatens to unravel the careful life she has constructed for herself. On the one hand, the characters in this book are written well, because I connected emotionally with them. However, the continuous acrimony between the two main characters got a little hard to take. There wasn't a lot of action in this book, which is fine, given its historical romance genre, but for the most part it seemed like two characters hating each other for the wrong reasons for far too long with a little mystery (blackmail) thrown in. The revelations come in the last part of the book, so when the two main characters finally realize why the other acted as he or she did, it provides a happy ending for all. It seems to me that this could have been a much shorter novel; I quickly grasped that there was more to Susanna's motives than she wanted to tell, and didn't need so many tense conversations between her and Devlin.
The cover art is gorgeous, and I liked the love scene with the pearl.
I received this book as a digital ARC from Netgalley.
The cover art is gorgeous, and I liked the love scene with the pearl.
I received this book as a digital ARC from Netgalley.
April 25, 2016
1.75*
Review completa em: http://pepitamagica.blogspot.pt/2016/...
Full review: http://pepitamagica.blogspot.pt/2016/...
(...)
Tenho pouca coisa boa para dizer sobre este livro. Susanna e Devlin são personagens irritantes, mesmo no fim não se redimem. Apenas Rosy e Rory, que verdadeiramente não entram no livro, prestam. Eu percebo que em casos de extrema necessidade, tudo possa acontecer, mas isso não justifica a atitude de nenhuma das personagens.
Não houve uma única personagem com a qual me pudesse identificar minimamente. A própria história não me prendeu e, apesar de não me esquecer do enredo (desde Novembro que ando com o livro na mala – 6 meses!), não tinha qualquer vontade de o ler.
Apesar de normalmente gostar dos livros da Nicola Cornick, este foi uma desilusão.
Review completa em: http://pepitamagica.blogspot.pt/2016/...
Full review: http://pepitamagica.blogspot.pt/2016/...
(...)
Tenho pouca coisa boa para dizer sobre este livro. Susanna e Devlin são personagens irritantes, mesmo no fim não se redimem. Apenas Rosy e Rory, que verdadeiramente não entram no livro, prestam. Eu percebo que em casos de extrema necessidade, tudo possa acontecer, mas isso não justifica a atitude de nenhuma das personagens.
Não houve uma única personagem com a qual me pudesse identificar minimamente. A própria história não me prendeu e, apesar de não me esquecer do enredo (desde Novembro que ando com o livro na mala – 6 meses!), não tinha qualquer vontade de o ler.
Apesar de normalmente gostar dos livros da Nicola Cornick, este foi uma desilusão.
January 1, 2012
Oh, great. The big misunderstanding, the nonsensical separation, the pure as the driven snow " adventuress", and the endless rehashing of internal turmoil trying to disguise lust as true love. Also, worst secondary "romance" ever. Kind of depressing.
October 2, 2021
La trama se mostraba interesante, pero luego de ir avanzando no logré esa química que te causan a veces algunos personajes. La mejor parte del libro fue para mi la escena en el jardín, al final sentí que él de alguna forma dejaba atrás sus sueños por estar con ella, y no sé si esa sea una buena base para un amor duradero.
The plot was interesting, but I did not achieve that chemistry that some characters sometimes cause you after advancing. The best part of the book was for me, the scene in the garden, in the end, I felt that Devlin left his dreams behind to be with her, and I don't know if that is a good basis for lasting love.
The plot was interesting, but I did not achieve that chemistry that some characters sometimes cause you after advancing. The best part of the book was for me, the scene in the garden, in the end, I felt that Devlin left his dreams behind to be with her, and I don't know if that is a good basis for lasting love.
October 14, 2021
Susana , mujer fuerte, coqueta y con una misión por delante.
James un cazafortunas , guapo a rabiar , pero con buenos sentimientos.
La verdad es que comenzó con buen pie, buena trama, teníamos expectativas altas, ya que es un género que nos gusta mucho. Sin embargo sentimos que perdió parte de la esencia con tanta descripción y eso que la historia fuera decayendo.
Pero esto no quiere decir que el libro no tuvo sus buenos momentos …
Sin embargo, es un libro que no volvería a leer.
James un cazafortunas , guapo a rabiar , pero con buenos sentimientos.
La verdad es que comenzó con buen pie, buena trama, teníamos expectativas altas, ya que es un género que nos gusta mucho. Sin embargo sentimos que perdió parte de la esencia con tanta descripción y eso que la historia fuera decayendo.
Pero esto no quiere decir que el libro no tuvo sus buenos momentos …
Sin embargo, es un libro que no volvería a leer.
April 23, 2025
I probably sound like a prud, but my word half the book is describing sex!! makes me think the author didn't have much of a storyline!! Dev is another macho kind of guy who has to always be in control whatever the situation!
July 3, 2025
No tenía nada de tiempo pero cuando por fin pude conseguirlo me lo devoré en una noche. Fue hermoso me encanto aunque me hubiera gustado al menos que tuviera epílogo o un poco más de desarrollo al final.
May 27, 2017
An enjoyable short read.
January 31, 2018
leído en Julio 2014
Bueno y entretenido!!
Bueno y entretenido!!
September 9, 2019
another book I read that i didn't know was in a series oops. http://acrossthepages.blogspot.com/20...
October 12, 2021
Reseña
Libro: La Mala Reputación
Autora: @nicolacornick
Lectura de septiembre del @clubamantesalalectura
4/5
🖤🖤🖤🖤
.
Susana Burney, es nuestra protagonista, una mujer increíblemente hermosa y seductora que es contratada por algunos padres de la élite para seducir a sus hijos y romper así sus relaciones inconvenientes. Acaban de contratarla para separar a una pareja cuando se topa con su viejo amor, ya que a quien intenta separar es su hermana.
James Devlin es un hombre guapo, aventurero y seductor reformado que está comprometido con una dama de fortuna de renombre para establecerse y conseguir lo que siempre ha querido una vida libre de deudas y un lugar en la sociedad. Pero todo se pone de cabeza al encontrarse con Susana, quien tratará de robarle las mismas cosas que desea su más querida hermana.
.
Entre ellos hay un pasado lleno de secretos, sufrimiento, pero también un amor que aun a la fecha sigue ardiendo a fuego lento. Ambos entrarán en un juego de seducción que los consumirá poco a poco hasta estallar. Hay escenas muy calientes que le dan un picante bueno a la historia. Y por supuesto muchas escenas de romance.
Me gustó que a pesar de la forma en que presentan a Susana al inicio, termina siendo alguien completamente diferente al final. Los secretos que se desvelaron me hicieron sufrir junto a esta pareja, pero también me emocioné bastante con las frases dichas entre ellos. James es tan romántico y que luchará por ella hasta el final derrumbando todas las barreras me enamoró!!
.
Es una historia de romance histórico muy bonita y bastante corta para leer en un día. Yo la recomiendo si les gusta este tipo de libros.
Libro: La Mala Reputación
Autora: @nicolacornick
Lectura de septiembre del @clubamantesalalectura
4/5
🖤🖤🖤🖤
.
Susana Burney, es nuestra protagonista, una mujer increíblemente hermosa y seductora que es contratada por algunos padres de la élite para seducir a sus hijos y romper así sus relaciones inconvenientes. Acaban de contratarla para separar a una pareja cuando se topa con su viejo amor, ya que a quien intenta separar es su hermana.
James Devlin es un hombre guapo, aventurero y seductor reformado que está comprometido con una dama de fortuna de renombre para establecerse y conseguir lo que siempre ha querido una vida libre de deudas y un lugar en la sociedad. Pero todo se pone de cabeza al encontrarse con Susana, quien tratará de robarle las mismas cosas que desea su más querida hermana.
.
Entre ellos hay un pasado lleno de secretos, sufrimiento, pero también un amor que aun a la fecha sigue ardiendo a fuego lento. Ambos entrarán en un juego de seducción que los consumirá poco a poco hasta estallar. Hay escenas muy calientes que le dan un picante bueno a la historia. Y por supuesto muchas escenas de romance.
Me gustó que a pesar de la forma en que presentan a Susana al inicio, termina siendo alguien completamente diferente al final. Los secretos que se desvelaron me hicieron sufrir junto a esta pareja, pero también me emocioné bastante con las frases dichas entre ellos. James es tan romántico y que luchará por ella hasta el final derrumbando todas las barreras me enamoró!!
.
Es una historia de romance histórico muy bonita y bastante corta para leer en un día. Yo la recomiendo si les gusta este tipo de libros.
March 13, 2022
After some serious reading, this was a fun, mind de-stressing read.
May 23, 2022
Another really good second-chance romance. Read it in one sitting because I needed to know how it would end.
Would reread.
Would reread.
February 14, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. I hadn't read cornick's romances before, after reading this I will be on the hunt for more! This was a very enjoyable read, so compelling.
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