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Fairy Tales #4.5
Seduced by a Pirate
In Eloisa James's companion story to The Ugly Duchess, Sir Griffin Barry, captain of the infamous pirate ship The Poppy, is back in England to claim the wife he hasn't seen since their wedding day . . . but this is one treasure that will not be so easy to capture.
128 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2012
221 people are currently reading
3113 people want to read
About the author
Eloisa James
123 books9,536 followersNew York Times bestselling author Eloisa James writes historical romances for HarperCollins Publishers. Her novels have been published to great acclaim. A reviewer from USA Today wrote of Eloisa's very first book that she "found herself devouring the book like a dieter with a Hershey bar"; later People Magazine raved that "romance writing does not get much better than this." Her novels have repeatedly received starred reviews from Publishers' Weekly and Library Journal and regularly appear on the best-seller lists.
After graduating from Harvard University, Eloisa got an M.Phil. from Oxford University, a Ph.D. from Yale and eventually became a Shakespeare professor, publishing an academic book with Oxford University Press. Currently she is an associate professor and head of the Creative Writing program at Fordham University in New York City. Her "double life" is a source of fascination to the media and her readers. In her professorial guise, she's written a New York Times op-ed defending romance, as well as articles published everywhere from women's magazines such as More to writers' journals such as the Romance Writers' Report.
Eloisa...on her double life:
When I'm not writing novels, I'm a Shakespeare professor. It's rather like having two lives. The other day I bought a delicious pink suit to tape a television segment on romance; I'll never wear that suit to teach in, nor even to give a paper at the Shakespeare Association of America conference. It's like being Superman, with power suits for both lives. Yet the literature professor in me certainly plays into my romances. The Taming of the Duke (April 2006) has obvious Shakespearean resonances, as do many of my novels. I often weave early modern poetry into my work; the same novel might contain bits of Catullus, Shakespeare and anonymous bawdy ballads from the 16th century.
When I rip off my power suit, whether it's academic or romantic, underneath is the rather tired, chocolate-stained sweatshirt of a mom. Just as I use Shakespeare in my romances, I almost always employ my experiences as a mother. When I wrote about a miscarriage in Midnight Pleasures, I used my own fears of premature birth; when the little girl in Fool For Love threw up and threw up, I described my own daughter, who had that unsavory habit for well over her first year of life.
So I'm a writer, a professor, a mother - and a wife. My husband Alessandro is Italian, born in Florence. We spend the lazy summer months with his mother and sister in Italy. It always strikes me as a huge irony that as a romance writer I find myself married to a knight, a cavaliere, as you say in Italian.
One more thing...I'm a friend. I have girlfriends who are writers and girlfriends who are Shakespeare professors. And I have girlfriends who are romance readers. In fact, we have something of a community going on my website. Please stop by and join the conversation on my readers' pages.
After graduating from Harvard University, Eloisa got an M.Phil. from Oxford University, a Ph.D. from Yale and eventually became a Shakespeare professor, publishing an academic book with Oxford University Press. Currently she is an associate professor and head of the Creative Writing program at Fordham University in New York City. Her "double life" is a source of fascination to the media and her readers. In her professorial guise, she's written a New York Times op-ed defending romance, as well as articles published everywhere from women's magazines such as More to writers' journals such as the Romance Writers' Report.
Eloisa...on her double life:
When I'm not writing novels, I'm a Shakespeare professor. It's rather like having two lives. The other day I bought a delicious pink suit to tape a television segment on romance; I'll never wear that suit to teach in, nor even to give a paper at the Shakespeare Association of America conference. It's like being Superman, with power suits for both lives. Yet the literature professor in me certainly plays into my romances. The Taming of the Duke (April 2006) has obvious Shakespearean resonances, as do many of my novels. I often weave early modern poetry into my work; the same novel might contain bits of Catullus, Shakespeare and anonymous bawdy ballads from the 16th century.
When I rip off my power suit, whether it's academic or romantic, underneath is the rather tired, chocolate-stained sweatshirt of a mom. Just as I use Shakespeare in my romances, I almost always employ my experiences as a mother. When I wrote about a miscarriage in Midnight Pleasures, I used my own fears of premature birth; when the little girl in Fool For Love threw up and threw up, I described my own daughter, who had that unsavory habit for well over her first year of life.
So I'm a writer, a professor, a mother - and a wife. My husband Alessandro is Italian, born in Florence. We spend the lazy summer months with his mother and sister in Italy. It always strikes me as a huge irony that as a romance writer I find myself married to a knight, a cavaliere, as you say in Italian.
One more thing...I'm a friend. I have girlfriends who are writers and girlfriends who are Shakespeare professors. And I have girlfriends who are romance readers. In fact, we have something of a community going on my website. Please stop by and join the conversation on my readers' pages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 371 reviews
June 27, 2013
Charming, witty, romantic, sexy… I loved this novella! What it lacks in page count it more than makes up for in story, and that is how novellas should be done!
In Eloisa James's companion story to The Ugly Duchess, Sir Griffin Barry, captain of the infamous pirate ship The Poppy, is back in England to claim the wife he hasn't seen since their wedding day . . . but this is one treasure that will not be so easy to capture.I’ll say it again, just in case I wasn’t clear: I. Loved. This. Story! I loved Griffin, Pheobe, Shark, Griffin’s dad the Viscount Moncrieff, Lyddie, Nanny McGillycuddy, Alastair, Margaret, and especially the adorably fierce, wee pirate in training, Colin. I hadn’t realized just how much I wanted to read Griffin's story until I had read Griffin's story and loved every word!
I smiled, giggled, and sighed my way through Seduced by a Pirate, and while I wish it had been longer, it didn’t need to be longer to be a delightful story, one I’ll read again and again!
Bravo, Ms. James’! Well done!
My thanks to HarperCollins/Avon Publishing for providing me a copy of this novella for review. It was such a pleasure!
October 21, 2012
review posted on Demon Lover's Books & More
***Some Spoilers-Ye be warned***
Don’t laugh, but I read this book because it’s International Talk Like a Pirate Day, and I felt the day wasn’t complete without a Pirate Romance.
Quick summary. Phoebe and Griffin are married as soon as Griffin is old enough. So he’s 17, but she’s 20. He’s slightly intimidated by the gorgeous siren he has for a wife and can’t do the deed *wink wink*
His solution is to run off and get drunk. Sadly, he’s scrawny and drunk and can’t defend himself when some horrible men kidnap him into slavery aboard a pirate ship.
Thus begins his life as a pirate.
14 years later he comes home and he can’t wait to meet his darling wife Poppy (after whom he’s named his ships, and even gotten a blue poppy tattooed beneath his eye). He is nervous she’ll be upset he’s home, but he truly is excited to see her again. But he isn’t greeted by his wife. He’s greeted by a 5 year old boy who says his mama is outside. Umm, say what? He’d never thought she’d be as unfaithful to their wedding vows as he was.
But their first meeting is actually quite fun. She is still thinking of the short scrawny boy she’d married, not the large, broad-shouldered man sitting before her. She doesn’t recognize him. It doesn’t help he keeps calling her Poppy, because it’s not her name! I about died laughing when he realized he had her name wrong all these years.
Their romance was sweet, but everything was very fast. I loved the hero. Griffin was absolutely wonderful even when he thought something that wasn’t true. I think Phoebe went from trying to annul their marriage to wanting to seduce him way too quickly. I think the I Love Yous were also a wee bit too quick, but I did like the side plot with Griffin’s father quite a bit.
***Spoilers ahead, mateys***
My biggest complaint is that for a novella to deal with an absentee husband of 14 years, I do understand you have to gloss over the 14 years at sea, but it was hardly mentioned. I’d not be so forgiving. And while I liked the adopted children, I really wish that the heroine hadn’t been a virgin and that she had taken a lover. Not just because he did, but because it would have been a nice change. But instead she’s a 34 year old married virgin.
This story has the trademark Eloisa James witty banter and likeable characters, and I recommend it for when you’re in the mood for something sweet and sexy. Just be prepared to ignore the husband’s past 14 years, the heroine apparently is.
***ARC courtesy of edelweiss and Avon
***Some Spoilers-Ye be warned***
Don’t laugh, but I read this book because it’s International Talk Like a Pirate Day, and I felt the day wasn’t complete without a Pirate Romance.
Quick summary. Phoebe and Griffin are married as soon as Griffin is old enough. So he’s 17, but she’s 20. He’s slightly intimidated by the gorgeous siren he has for a wife and can’t do the deed *wink wink*
His solution is to run off and get drunk. Sadly, he’s scrawny and drunk and can’t defend himself when some horrible men kidnap him into slavery aboard a pirate ship.
Thus begins his life as a pirate.
14 years later he comes home and he can’t wait to meet his darling wife Poppy (after whom he’s named his ships, and even gotten a blue poppy tattooed beneath his eye). He is nervous she’ll be upset he’s home, but he truly is excited to see her again. But he isn’t greeted by his wife. He’s greeted by a 5 year old boy who says his mama is outside. Umm, say what? He’d never thought she’d be as unfaithful to their wedding vows as he was.
But their first meeting is actually quite fun. She is still thinking of the short scrawny boy she’d married, not the large, broad-shouldered man sitting before her. She doesn’t recognize him. It doesn’t help he keeps calling her Poppy, because it’s not her name! I about died laughing when he realized he had her name wrong all these years.
Their romance was sweet, but everything was very fast. I loved the hero. Griffin was absolutely wonderful even when he thought something that wasn’t true. I think Phoebe went from trying to annul their marriage to wanting to seduce him way too quickly. I think the I Love Yous were also a wee bit too quick, but I did like the side plot with Griffin’s father quite a bit.
***Spoilers ahead, mateys***
My biggest complaint is that for a novella to deal with an absentee husband of 14 years, I do understand you have to gloss over the 14 years at sea, but it was hardly mentioned. I’d not be so forgiving. And while I liked the adopted children, I really wish that the heroine hadn’t been a virgin and that she had taken a lover. Not just because he did, but because it would have been a nice change. But instead she’s a 34 year old married virgin.
This story has the trademark Eloisa James witty banter and likeable characters, and I recommend it for when you’re in the mood for something sweet and sexy. Just be prepared to ignore the husband’s past 14 years, the heroine apparently is.
***ARC courtesy of edelweiss and Avon
February 10, 2023
2.5 Stars
November 26, 2021
Sequel to The Ugly Duchess, this hero has been gone for fourteen years.
Kind of a pipsqueek,(think Steve Rogers before the Super Soldier Serum) he was unable to consummate his marriage to the slightly older heroine and was kidnapped for a pirate ship that night.
Luckily he looks like Captain America when gets back which kind of makes up for being gone for fourteen years, not knowing her real name as well as being unfaithful.
The heroine’s three bloodthirsty plot moppets made the story, and I would have liked more of them as they were very well fleshed out.
Concerns as the heroine wants an annulment the morning he gets back only to lust after the H that night. His magic pecs and Poppy tattoo must have swayed her.
All in all a more charming story.
Kind of a pipsqueek,(think Steve Rogers before the Super Soldier Serum) he was unable to consummate his marriage to the slightly older heroine and was kidnapped for a pirate ship that night.
Luckily he looks like Captain America when gets back which kind of makes up for being gone for fourteen years, not knowing her real name as well as being unfaithful.
The heroine’s three bloodthirsty plot moppets made the story, and I would have liked more of them as they were very well fleshed out.
Concerns as the heroine wants an annulment the morning he gets back only to lust after the H that night. His magic pecs and Poppy tattoo must have swayed her.
All in all a more charming story.
avoid
June 15, 2023I was going to read this one when I saw she had three children while her husband dumped her for 14 years. Then of course i read one review where it is said she adopted them and was still a virgin while her husband had sex throughout the world… 14 years no sex??? I don’t think a nun is even that celibate! F..k double standard! Sorry nope,even 99 cents is too much for such rubbish.
January 6, 2025
“I do not wish to be married to a pirate.”
He started up from his chair. “It’s too late for that, Poppy.”
What a fun read! It's a novella, so everything happens very quickly — especially the vows of love — but the story is so sweet and heartwarming and the characters (including the children) are so great that it doesn't matter. I enjoyed it immensely and was smiling all the time.
Shout out to Gloria for bringing this book to my attention!
He started up from his chair. “It’s too late for that, Poppy.”
What a fun read! It's a novella, so everything happens very quickly — especially the vows of love — but the story is so sweet and heartwarming and the characters (including the children) are so great that it doesn't matter. I enjoyed it immensely and was smiling all the time.
Shout out to Gloria for bringing this book to my attention!
January 3, 2025
Empirically I feel this is a 4 star novella, but my heart wants to give it 5.
5 stars because this book had a light, joyful feel that brightened my day. 5 stars because the author sneaked in enough small moments and details to support the overall story to make me believe in the possibilities of a happy outcome between Griffin and Phoebe. 5 stars because Phoebe DESERVED the love and support Griffin promised, and then delivered. 5 stars for Griffin’s discovery that the father he expected to disown him threw his arms around him with tears in his eyes. 5 stars because the children were well-written. 5 stars because I loved the epilogue.
But 4 stars because Griffin’s 14-year absence was resolved too fast (less than 24 hours!) and too easily, which is frequently the case with a novella. The husband/pirate who showed up after 14 years of absence on the high seas—and after having umpteen women share his bed in the interim—should have been sleeping in the barn for quite awhile. While I could accept the instant forgiveness and joy his father felt at seeing his son again after 14 years, his wife of one day of an unconsummated marriage should have made him suffer and EARN joy and forgiveness. And she didn’t. So I have to 4-star this book even though I don’t want to.
5 stars because this book had a light, joyful feel that brightened my day. 5 stars because the author sneaked in enough small moments and details to support the overall story to make me believe in the possibilities of a happy outcome between Griffin and Phoebe. 5 stars because Phoebe DESERVED the love and support Griffin promised, and then delivered. 5 stars for Griffin’s discovery that the father he expected to disown him threw his arms around him with tears in his eyes. 5 stars because the children were well-written. 5 stars because I loved the epilogue.
But 4 stars because Griffin’s 14-year absence was resolved too fast (less than 24 hours!) and too easily, which is frequently the case with a novella. The husband/pirate who showed up after 14 years of absence on the high seas—and after having umpteen women share his bed in the interim—should have been sleeping in the barn for quite awhile. While I could accept the instant forgiveness and joy his father felt at seeing his son again after 14 years, his wife of one day of an unconsummated marriage should have made him suffer and EARN joy and forgiveness. And she didn’t. So I have to 4-star this book even though I don’t want to.
August 18, 2020
I don’t know how they manage to fall in love in a day but you know what? I’m here for the insta.
August 12, 2017
Sir Giffin Barry returns to his wife, Phoebe, after 14 years of naval adventures to discover his wife has Moved On. His boner is angry.
1. This would have been FAR more palatable except for the "she remained pure for him; he most emphatically DID NOT and also he's mad that there's even the slightest chance that she might have another lover because double standards are my FORTE".
2. The Phoebe / Poppy misunderstanding did not amuse me.
3. Ugh James.
4. There are better novellas out there, that is for sure.
1. This would have been FAR more palatable except for the "she remained pure for him; he most emphatically DID NOT and also he's mad that there's even the slightest chance that she might have another lover because double standards are my FORTE".
2. The Phoebe / Poppy misunderstanding did not amuse me.
3. Ugh James.
4. There are better novellas out there, that is for sure.
June 1, 2013
We first meet Griffin Barry in Eloisa James book "The Ugly Duchess." That book being a fabulous read where James from that story meets up..(well actually is captured by Griffin)as the two have run off from their wives on their wedding nights for reasons of their own, and hook up together to roam the seas as "privateers" sanctioned by the government to attack pirates in which it kept the shipping lanes safe.After attacking one of these pirate ships both James and Griffin are seriously wounded and now must give up the life at sea to return home after 14 years to their wives and to get back into the English way of life and their lives as "Duke" and "Baron" again. In The Ugly Duchess, James return has some surprise's but alas a HEA. So? Did Griffin too fare as well as his friend? I have to admit I'm not fond of short "novella's" as I always feel like something is missing and the story is rushed and really not completed. I was wondering how the author would pull this off with Griffin's tale and not feel like I was cheated out of his tale. Well bravo Ms.James,not once did I feel like chunks of the story was missing.The author did a great job meshing bits from the other book right into this one without missing a beat. Loved the story, the characters..and yes a HEA for Griffin. I look forward to reading more stories from this author and oh...this story dosen't end here,let's find out what happens with James and Griffin's children as they come together to tell theirs in "With This Kiss" Part 1,2,and 3. :)
March 26, 2022
5 stars
Short but sweet and well worth the read. Phoebe and Griffin had such a cute relationship that I didn't even mind the insta-love, it felt right with the context and amount of chemistry they had.
Short but sweet and well worth the read. Phoebe and Griffin had such a cute relationship that I didn't even mind the insta-love, it felt right with the context and amount of chemistry they had.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2012
Rating: B+ ... Heat: Warm
-- A Romantic Book Affairs Review.
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I was really excited to learn that Miz James was going to be releasing a companion novella to The Ugly Duchess. The moment that the brawny and bronzed Griffin limped onto those pages, I wanted to know more about him. And the poor wife he left behind for more than a decade.
Sir Griffin Barry is a pirate. And a husband. A very absent husband. After a calamitous wedding night, Griffin disappeared from England and ended up ruling the high seas as Captain of The Flying Poppy for fourteen years. And, if not for his injured leg, he may never have stepped back on English soil again. But once he is back in London and civilization, knowing his bum leg would be a death sentence in his old world, Griffin decides to start over. His first order of business: reclaim his long neglected wife.
Phoebe, abandoned by her husband and unsure why, was never willing to dwell on it or pity herself. Though her family may have bought her a husband, she never needed him or his name and title. I loved how independent she was, how she defied everyone’s expectations. Phoebe was definitely not what Griffin was expecting. Me either, for that matter.
From the very first, when husband and wife are reunited—sparks fly and tempers flare. Combine one rough and rugged privateer with a self-sufficient lady used to answering to no man and, yeah, the sparks start a’flyin’! And misunderstandings grow… till their passion boils over... and the truth with it. The truth about Griffin’s disappearance, the reason for Phoebe’s three children. The truth of their marriage in general.
Seduced by a Pirate was cute and charming and full of surprises. And it was full to the brim of lusty and tender moments between Griffin and Phoebe. Those two make up for lost time, let me tell you! Griffin redeems himself for their botched wedding night a million times over. And this may tide me over till the next Fairy Tales installment. It definitely helped!
Favorite Quote:
“Why do you persist in calling me Poppy?”
”Because it’s your—it’s not your name?”
”Of course it’s not my name.” She wrinkled her nose. “And I don’t like it.”
”You don’t like it?” He was dumbfounded. He had named his ship after her, after the wife he left behind. The Flying Poppy and then the Poppy Two were dreaded by pirates all over the world.
”My given name,” she stated, chin high, eyes flashing, “is Phoebe.”
He cleared his throat. “Lovely.” He must have misheard during the wedding ceremony. Bloody hell.
-- A Romantic Book Affairs Review.
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August 2, 2025
Reread 8/2/25. Rating stands. Wanted to do a reread of this as I'm still on the fence if I want to purchase more of this author's work. 🤔 Still undecided 😂
3.5 stars. I honestly don't know how to rate this, but I think you're either going to love it, or hate it. I've read other reviews for the book prior to this one, and there's a lot of negative discord because of the cheating in both books. This one I'm guessing was more tolerable than The Ugly Duchess which I think it's called. If you're looking for grovel or some big expression of endearment this book and definitely the book prior are not for you. Neither have them. They're not really ashamed for having mistresses as they've been out to sea for years, but where it lost me was they expected their wives to stay celibate throughout. I understand from society's point of view during this time period being a woman on her own. They can't very well be looked at as harlots. Everyone gasp! 😂 The men have been at sea for years, and of course they were swinging their dicks around. I didn't expect fidelity here, but because it's a historical romance there are double standards and because of the times the h Phoebe is celibate for 14 yrs. 14 long damn yrs. She should have just joined a convent. She's a virgin to boot. To be honest I'm not sure the H Griffin would have even come back if it wasn't for his and James' injuries. He said as much. Which would leave poor Poppy I mean Phoebe a virgin til the day she died. 😆 Yes, he completely got her name wrong when they wed and named his ship after the wrong name. He even got a tattoo of the flower. Good grief 😂. The story goes he was wedded to Phoebe at 17 while she was 20. On their wedding night his penis got cold feet and couldn't perform. Which had him mortified and escaping out a window to where he ends up drunk at a bar. Then kidnapped by pirates for him to be used as part of a working crew. He becomes a fearsome pirate then privateer, but not once does he think about going back to England to see what happened to his wife even though legally they are still married. So many problems 😂. I decided to read this book first in the series as it's way cheaper and let me get a feel for this author's work. Not sure how I feel though. I think because of the time period you're going to get a lot of double standards and virgins waiting in the wing. With little to no grovel as they're men. And men will be men, and can not keep it in their pants. They say as much many times. I guess what frustrated me the most was the instalust and the h not giving him a hard enough time. Only took him one day so he won the bet against James' two to bed his wife. Yes, they even made a bet to see who could sex up their wife the fastest 😜.
Overall it was frustrating, but entertaining
3.5 stars. I honestly don't know how to rate this, but I think you're either going to love it, or hate it. I've read other reviews for the book prior to this one, and there's a lot of negative discord because of the cheating in both books. This one I'm guessing was more tolerable than The Ugly Duchess which I think it's called. If you're looking for grovel or some big expression of endearment this book and definitely the book prior are not for you. Neither have them. They're not really ashamed for having mistresses as they've been out to sea for years, but where it lost me was they expected their wives to stay celibate throughout. I understand from society's point of view during this time period being a woman on her own. They can't very well be looked at as harlots. Everyone gasp! 😂 The men have been at sea for years, and of course they were swinging their dicks around. I didn't expect fidelity here, but because it's a historical romance there are double standards and because of the times the h Phoebe is celibate for 14 yrs. 14 long damn yrs. She should have just joined a convent. She's a virgin to boot. To be honest I'm not sure the H Griffin would have even come back if it wasn't for his and James' injuries. He said as much. Which would leave poor Poppy I mean Phoebe a virgin til the day she died. 😆 Yes, he completely got her name wrong when they wed and named his ship after the wrong name. He even got a tattoo of the flower. Good grief 😂. The story goes he was wedded to Phoebe at 17 while she was 20. On their wedding night his penis got cold feet and couldn't perform. Which had him mortified and escaping out a window to where he ends up drunk at a bar. Then kidnapped by pirates for him to be used as part of a working crew. He becomes a fearsome pirate then privateer, but not once does he think about going back to England to see what happened to his wife even though legally they are still married. So many problems 😂. I decided to read this book first in the series as it's way cheaper and let me get a feel for this author's work. Not sure how I feel though. I think because of the time period you're going to get a lot of double standards and virgins waiting in the wing. With little to no grovel as they're men. And men will be men, and can not keep it in their pants. They say as much many times. I guess what frustrated me the most was the instalust and the h not giving him a hard enough time. Only took him one day so he won the bet against James' two to bed his wife. Yes, they even made a bet to see who could sex up their wife the fastest 😜.
Overall it was frustrating, but entertaining
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2012
2.5 stars
Sir Griffin Barry has come home to England after over decade of being a pirate, his first though to see the wife he left on their wedding night when he was nothing but a scrawny 17 year old boy and hasn't seen since. When he sees her, he knows he will do anything he can to win her after years of neglect.
This is a novella in Elosie James' Fairy Tales series, and in Seduced by a Pirate it looks as though she has taken The Ugly Duckling and given it a twist! The duckling in question, Griffin, has grown from a scrawny man-boy in to a large, gorgeous and imposing pirate. I thought this was a fabulous idea; however, I did have a few problems with this novella.
The biggest issue I had with this novella was how quickly they went from having just met to Phoebe saying she wants an anullment to ohmygosh-i-love-yous, it happened far to quickly, literally in the space of hours. I understand that this is a novella so it isn't going to have the longer drawn out love story, but for me it seemed a bit forced and out of the blue. The other point I didn't like about this novella was that the hero was a bit of a hypocrite, and although he did own this, it still bugged me, he was angry when he thought his wife might not have been virgin, even though he left her unsatisfied) on their wedding night and gallivanted off to the sea for over ten years and was he celibate and faithful...NO! I wish she had had a love affair, I think I would have liked the heroine a lot more for it.
But despite these things, it was still a quick enjoyable read, especially if you are a fan of the series, it had some great funny moments in it, as well as a few tender ones.
*ARC provided by publisher
Sir Griffin Barry has come home to England after over decade of being a pirate, his first though to see the wife he left on their wedding night when he was nothing but a scrawny 17 year old boy and hasn't seen since. When he sees her, he knows he will do anything he can to win her after years of neglect.
This is a novella in Elosie James' Fairy Tales series, and in Seduced by a Pirate it looks as though she has taken The Ugly Duckling and given it a twist! The duckling in question, Griffin, has grown from a scrawny man-boy in to a large, gorgeous and imposing pirate. I thought this was a fabulous idea; however, I did have a few problems with this novella.
The biggest issue I had with this novella was how quickly they went from having just met to Phoebe saying she wants an anullment to ohmygosh-i-love-yous, it happened far to quickly, literally in the space of hours. I understand that this is a novella so it isn't going to have the longer drawn out love story, but for me it seemed a bit forced and out of the blue. The other point I didn't like about this novella was that the hero was a bit of a hypocrite, and although he did own this, it still bugged me, he was angry when he thought his wife might not have been virgin, even though he left her unsatisfied) on their wedding night and gallivanted off to the sea for over ten years and was he celibate and faithful...NO! I wish she had had a love affair, I think I would have liked the heroine a lot more for it.
But despite these things, it was still a quick enjoyable read, especially if you are a fan of the series, it had some great funny moments in it, as well as a few tender ones.
*ARC provided by publisher
November 3, 2012
Sir Griffin Barry and Phoebe were married by arrangement fourteen years ago and circumstances did not allow them to consummate the marriage and Griffin disappeared. It became evident that he left and became a pirate however he is freshly pardoned now for his works as a privateer and returns home to his wife...and her three children. Now a strong man, Griffin is ready for a true marriage with his lovely wife, even in spite of her evident betrayal. Phoebe is shocked to see Griffin back home and upsetting her perfectly ordered life and is furious that he thinks her a trollop! Hopefully a little communication will clear all this up. . .
What a fun novella! An absolute delight. It is short yet full of Eloisa James wit and charm and I read this in one sitting. Yes Phoebe and Griffin fall in love (as they really did not know each when they were married and never really spent any time together) rather quickly. And yes there is cheating on Griffin's part during his pirate past (which is all off book)...but even with that I really adored this story. I loved how Griffin reacts to Phoebe's children and I thought he handled the situation remarkably well. I loved how Griffin did not even know his wife's true name....priceless! There even is a new bond formed between Griffin and his father that adds a nice warm layer of family. For 99 cents, you can't go wrong with this one! A delightful re-acquaintance romance with charm, humor, family, acceptance, romance and a dash of heat. 4 stars
eARC provided by Avon via edelweiss
What a fun novella! An absolute delight. It is short yet full of Eloisa James wit and charm and I read this in one sitting. Yes Phoebe and Griffin fall in love (as they really did not know each when they were married and never really spent any time together) rather quickly. And yes there is cheating on Griffin's part during his pirate past (which is all off book)...but even with that I really adored this story. I loved how Griffin reacts to Phoebe's children and I thought he handled the situation remarkably well. I loved how Griffin did not even know his wife's true name....priceless! There even is a new bond formed between Griffin and his father that adds a nice warm layer of family. For 99 cents, you can't go wrong with this one! A delightful re-acquaintance romance with charm, humor, family, acceptance, romance and a dash of heat. 4 stars
eARC provided by Avon via edelweiss
September 19, 2018
2.5 stars
Soooo....I'm not a huge fan of a hero who abandons his wife to be a pirate and have sex with dozens of women around the world. However, I did like this book much better than The Ugly Duchess. There was no redeeming that one.
This hero was only 17 when he married a woman his father arranged for him. He couldn't get it up to consummate the married, so he hopped out the window to go get drunk at a pub near the sea. Then he was nabbed and woke up on a ship out in the middle of an ocean. All this along with his somewhat contrite attitude made it easier for me to give him another chance.
I did feel bad for Phoebe. After left as a virgin at the age of 20, she remained so until her husband returned when she was 34. EJ has a very effective way of making many of her heroines a toy to be set on the shelf or played with at the whims of the men. That is one reason why I do not care for much of her writing. I only read this series because I love fairy tale retellings.
Soooo....I'm not a huge fan of a hero who abandons his wife to be a pirate and have sex with dozens of women around the world. However, I did like this book much better than The Ugly Duchess. There was no redeeming that one.
This hero was only 17 when he married a woman his father arranged for him. He couldn't get it up to consummate the married, so he hopped out the window to go get drunk at a pub near the sea. Then he was nabbed and woke up on a ship out in the middle of an ocean. All this along with his somewhat contrite attitude made it easier for me to give him another chance.
I did feel bad for Phoebe. After left as a virgin at the age of 20, she remained so until her husband returned when she was 34. EJ has a very effective way of making many of her heroines a toy to be set on the shelf or played with at the whims of the men. That is one reason why I do not care for much of her writing. I only read this series because I love fairy tale retellings.
March 16, 2018
"Seduced by the Pirate" is the story of Phoebe and Griffin.
14 years ago, a besotted Griffin married a merchant's daughter Phoebe in a drunk haze, and unable to consummate the marriage ran to the sea..
Living the life initially as a pirate, and later as a privateer- things change when he finally returns to his wife..and finds himself father to three kids!
Another addition to this Fairy tale series, this would have been perfect if the hero had respected his marriage vows on the sea. However, I did like that once he returned he was 100% committed, and that epilogue was adorable.
Unsafe
2.75/5
14 years ago, a besotted Griffin married a merchant's daughter Phoebe in a drunk haze, and unable to consummate the marriage ran to the sea..
Living the life initially as a pirate, and later as a privateer- things change when he finally returns to his wife..and finds himself father to three kids!
Another addition to this Fairy tale series, this would have been perfect if the hero had respected his marriage vows on the sea. However, I did like that once he returned he was 100% committed, and that epilogue was adorable.
Unsafe
2.75/5
August 4, 2024
So, this book starts with a classic rom-com trope: girl meets boy, girl marries boy, boy ditches girl at the altar. Cue dramatic gasp. But hold your horses, this ain’t your average chick-lit. The groom in question is three years younger than the bride. Three years! I mean, have we not moved past this age-gap trope yet?
Fast forward a decade, and our runaway groom returns. But oh, the transformation! He’s gone from boy to bodacious pirate with tattoos and a limp. A limp, you say? Talk about a plot twist that’s more tangled than a ship’s rigging. The heroine, bless her heart, is initially all, "How dare you!" but then... well, let’s just say the pirate charm starts to work its magic.
It’s a tale of redemption, revenge, and really, really good abs. If you’re into your romance novels with a side of swashbuckling adventure, this might be your ship. Just don’t expect a deep character study or anything. We’re here for the eye candy and the plot twists, remember?
Fast forward a decade, and our runaway groom returns. But oh, the transformation! He’s gone from boy to bodacious pirate with tattoos and a limp. A limp, you say? Talk about a plot twist that’s more tangled than a ship’s rigging. The heroine, bless her heart, is initially all, "How dare you!" but then... well, let’s just say the pirate charm starts to work its magic.
It’s a tale of redemption, revenge, and really, really good abs. If you’re into your romance novels with a side of swashbuckling adventure, this might be your ship. Just don’t expect a deep character study or anything. We’re here for the eye candy and the plot twists, remember?
November 3, 2012
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Readers who follow me here on Goodreads may remember that I gave The Ugly Duchess, featuring Griffin’s cousin, James, a pretty harsh review considering how much I typically enjoy Eloisa James books. The biggest thing was that I blasted James for his infidelity, especially when he initially appeared remorseless about it.
However, even though Griffin was much more promiscuous than James, and just as married at the time, the infidelity in this story is off-camera and most importantly, before the story begins. Plus, I think it helps that he and Phoebe never actually consummated their marriage to begin with. For some reason, it was much easier for me to get past it in this one.
I really enjoyed this one. My biggest issue was the speed of the “romance”. Phoebe and James literally known each other approximately 48 hours (even though they’ve been married over a decade), and they’re bringing out the I Love You’s before the novella ends? I’ve never been able to buy that sort of thing in romance, and this was no exception.
Even so, this was a very well written, very entertaining novella that reminded me again why I enjoy reading Ms. James’ works.
A very solid 4/5 Stars.
Readers who follow me here on Goodreads may remember that I gave The Ugly Duchess, featuring Griffin’s cousin, James, a pretty harsh review considering how much I typically enjoy Eloisa James books. The biggest thing was that I blasted James for his infidelity, especially when he initially appeared remorseless about it.
However, even though Griffin was much more promiscuous than James, and just as married at the time, the infidelity in this story is off-camera and most importantly, before the story begins. Plus, I think it helps that he and Phoebe never actually consummated their marriage to begin with. For some reason, it was much easier for me to get past it in this one.
I really enjoyed this one. My biggest issue was the speed of the “romance”. Phoebe and James literally known each other approximately 48 hours (even though they’ve been married over a decade), and they’re bringing out the I Love You’s before the novella ends? I’ve never been able to buy that sort of thing in romance, and this was no exception.
Even so, this was a very well written, very entertaining novella that reminded me again why I enjoy reading Ms. James’ works.
A very solid 4/5 Stars.
May 19, 2019
3.5 stars
September 29, 2012
Review book thanks to Edelweiss and Avon
When I first saw Griffin in "The Ugly Duchess" my first tought was: "Please let Eloisa write a novella about him!" and later when I read that she will I was ecstatic! He has an interesting back-story, who deserts(or did he?:>:>) his marriage after 1 day, not even making it legal?! and a sardonic sense of humor, perfect!
The cat kind of represents Griffin :D
Just the introduction to the story made me laugh like crazy:
He didn’t relish the idea of strolling into a house somewhere around Bath—he wasn’t even sure where—and announcing that he was Lady Barry’s long-lost husband. An involuntary stream of curses came from his lips at the very thought. He even felt something akin to fear, an emotion he managed to avoid in the fiercest of sea battles.
Of course, he and James had entered those battles together, shoulder to shoulder. That was undoubtedly why he blurted out an unconscionably ungentlemanly offer, one that would horrify his father.
“Want a bet on which of us gets his wife to bed faster?”
After that stupid bet, he has the work cut out from him. He decides to get started right away, though Griffin isn't very... hopeful.
“Could be next week. I’m not sure my wife will let me in the front door. Yours has already declared she’s leaving. We might both be busy finding new housing, not to mention new spouses.”
Phebe is a great character. She has no idea what to do with this new addition to her peaceful life and her first thought was to dissolve the marriage. Things don't go as she planed but it all ends well. I would love to explain all the turns in this remarkable novella but it would take of your enjoyment.
I really love EJ's writing style, small pearls like this
That was the trouble with turning a sailor into a manservant. Shark didn’t have the proper attitude.
or
As he stumped his way to the bottom of the steps, the front door swung open. Griffin straightened, expecting a butler to materialize, but the shadowy entryway appeared to be empty.
He glanced at Shark with a raised eyebrow. Shark fit into the sleepy green landscape around them about as well as a mastiff at a tea party.
“Best not go in,” he said now. “Might be an ambush.”
Griffin snorted and hauled himself up the steps. If his leg didn’t improve, he’d probably find himself killing people just to relieve his own irritation.
sneak up on you and make you laugh out of the blue! She manages to build great characters in this novella, that many authors don't succeed in a full length one. I really recomand it to everyone since it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone.
Quote of the book(if it were after me I'd add the whole book here):
“I love you,” he said, looking down at the strong, funny, utterly adorable woman whom fate had given him fourteen years ago.
“What?” she asked, sounding dazed.
“I love you,” he said, feeling the rightness of it through his chest, and his heart.
“Oh, good,” she said. Then she bent her knees and arched up toward him. “Let’s discuss it later.” There was naked longing in her voice.
PS: While reading the novella I couldn't stop thinking about this pic, I have no idea why :))
When I first saw Griffin in "The Ugly Duchess" my first tought was: "Please let Eloisa write a novella about him!" and later when I read that she will I was ecstatic! He has an interesting back-story, who deserts(or did he?:>:>) his marriage after 1 day, not even making it legal?! and a sardonic sense of humor, perfect!
The cat kind of represents Griffin :D
Just the introduction to the story made me laugh like crazy:
He didn’t relish the idea of strolling into a house somewhere around Bath—he wasn’t even sure where—and announcing that he was Lady Barry’s long-lost husband. An involuntary stream of curses came from his lips at the very thought. He even felt something akin to fear, an emotion he managed to avoid in the fiercest of sea battles.
Of course, he and James had entered those battles together, shoulder to shoulder. That was undoubtedly why he blurted out an unconscionably ungentlemanly offer, one that would horrify his father.
“Want a bet on which of us gets his wife to bed faster?”
After that stupid bet, he has the work cut out from him. He decides to get started right away, though Griffin isn't very... hopeful.
“Could be next week. I’m not sure my wife will let me in the front door. Yours has already declared she’s leaving. We might both be busy finding new housing, not to mention new spouses.”
Phebe is a great character. She has no idea what to do with this new addition to her peaceful life and her first thought was to dissolve the marriage. Things don't go as she planed but it all ends well. I would love to explain all the turns in this remarkable novella but it would take of your enjoyment.
I really love EJ's writing style, small pearls like this
That was the trouble with turning a sailor into a manservant. Shark didn’t have the proper attitude.
or
As he stumped his way to the bottom of the steps, the front door swung open. Griffin straightened, expecting a butler to materialize, but the shadowy entryway appeared to be empty.
He glanced at Shark with a raised eyebrow. Shark fit into the sleepy green landscape around them about as well as a mastiff at a tea party.
“Best not go in,” he said now. “Might be an ambush.”
Griffin snorted and hauled himself up the steps. If his leg didn’t improve, he’d probably find himself killing people just to relieve his own irritation.
sneak up on you and make you laugh out of the blue! She manages to build great characters in this novella, that many authors don't succeed in a full length one. I really recomand it to everyone since it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone.
Quote of the book(if it were after me I'd add the whole book here):
“I love you,” he said, looking down at the strong, funny, utterly adorable woman whom fate had given him fourteen years ago.
“What?” she asked, sounding dazed.
“I love you,” he said, feeling the rightness of it through his chest, and his heart.
“Oh, good,” she said. Then she bent her knees and arched up toward him. “Let’s discuss it later.” There was naked longing in her voice.
PS: While reading the novella I couldn't stop thinking about this pic, I have no idea why :))
August 14, 2022
DNF'D about 60% of the way through.
Horrible characters making gross bets about which one of them can get their wives to sleep with them fastest after they abandoned them for 7-15 years. Yum! That's definitely the kind of man I'd want to come back to me. Especially when they've been whoring around for years but as soon as it even seems like the main woman might have had an affair he starts saying and thinking nasty things about her! Effing double standers!!! You don't get to do that after abandoning her! SHE IS ALLOWED TO SLEEP WITH WHOEVER SHE WANTS!!! You don't own her and she owes literally nothing to you, you piece of scum. Freaking double standards!! And then of course it's revealed that she never slept with anyone of course! And then she's super adamant about him getting out of her life and how she doesn't want him to be around her or her children and he doesn't!!! He keeps pestering her and saying weird suggestive things about them "going to their wedding bed" and how he should get to sleep with her and really wants to even though she keeps asking him to stop!! He said so many gross and rapey things to her! I was soooo mad for her! And then all the sudden for no reason I could see she changes her mind and just decided to sleep with him!! UGGGG!!!! This book was despicable and I can't believe that it exists. RAPEY AND GROSS!!!!!
Horrible characters making gross bets about which one of them can get their wives to sleep with them fastest after they abandoned them for 7-15 years. Yum! That's definitely the kind of man I'd want to come back to me. Especially when they've been whoring around for years but as soon as it even seems like the main woman might have had an affair he starts saying and thinking nasty things about her! Effing double standers!!! You don't get to do that after abandoning her! SHE IS ALLOWED TO SLEEP WITH WHOEVER SHE WANTS!!! You don't own her and she owes literally nothing to you, you piece of scum. Freaking double standards!! And then of course it's revealed that she never slept with anyone of course! And then she's super adamant about him getting out of her life and how she doesn't want him to be around her or her children and he doesn't!!! He keeps pestering her and saying weird suggestive things about them "going to their wedding bed" and how he should get to sleep with her and really wants to even though she keeps asking him to stop!! He said so many gross and rapey things to her! I was soooo mad for her! And then all the sudden for no reason I could see she changes her mind and just decided to sleep with him!! UGGGG!!!! This book was despicable and I can't believe that it exists. RAPEY AND GROSS!!!!!
June 25, 2013
After finishing The Ugly Duchess I couldn't resist grabbing this novella featuring Sir Griffin Barry ( who is introduced in TUD) and since this is a RITA nominee for best romance novella it seemed perfect for this months TBR Challenge.
I was ready to enjoy this. Not only because Sir Griffin seemed potentially intriguing but also because it is a story about a marriage in trouble and it features more mature characters. And enjoy it I did because of the familiar elements I enjoy in these plots but I also felt that it was a weak story because of the way it is developed. We don't see the characters getting to know each other better, adapting to their new situation and make the best of it and eventually falling in love.
Everything happens too fast and there's almost no room for internal conflict. They just fall in love instantly after fourteen years apart. The external conflict seems obvious from the beginning that it won't be as complicated as the characters seem to think. I wonder if James had trouble because of the shorter format and prefers to write longer stories. My favourite short story author is still Mary Balogh, she really makes me believe that characters are falling in love even if they are developed in just a few pages.
Grade: 3/5
I was ready to enjoy this. Not only because Sir Griffin seemed potentially intriguing but also because it is a story about a marriage in trouble and it features more mature characters. And enjoy it I did because of the familiar elements I enjoy in these plots but I also felt that it was a weak story because of the way it is developed. We don't see the characters getting to know each other better, adapting to their new situation and make the best of it and eventually falling in love.
Everything happens too fast and there's almost no room for internal conflict. They just fall in love instantly after fourteen years apart. The external conflict seems obvious from the beginning that it won't be as complicated as the characters seem to think. I wonder if James had trouble because of the shorter format and prefers to write longer stories. My favourite short story author is still Mary Balogh, she really makes me believe that characters are falling in love even if they are developed in just a few pages.
Grade: 3/5
December 27, 2012
I loved this book! It was short but felt complete. Sir Griffin was introduced in the previous book, The Ugly Duchess. We know he left a wife behind in order to sail the seven seas and take up his pirating ways. We know he has a Poppy tattooed under his eye, and he named his ship the Flying Poppy, after his wife.
More of their story is revealed and it turns out to be a sad yet somewhat humorous story. Griffin left because he is a member of the upper classes, raised to take the place of his father in the House of Lords. And there is nothing he wants less than to live a hoity-toity life of leisure. He wants adventure, he wants to thwart his father...and oh, yes...he embarrassed the hell out of himself on the night of his marriage, and ran off into the night.
This entire novella is one big Happy Ending!!!!!!! Sometimes you just need a feel good love story in which everything works out...no one dies, no one is hurt, and every word leads to a wonderfully well-rounded conclusion. This was it, and I loved it!!
More of their story is revealed and it turns out to be a sad yet somewhat humorous story. Griffin left because he is a member of the upper classes, raised to take the place of his father in the House of Lords. And there is nothing he wants less than to live a hoity-toity life of leisure. He wants adventure, he wants to thwart his father...and oh, yes...he embarrassed the hell out of himself on the night of his marriage, and ran off into the night.
This entire novella is one big Happy Ending!!!!!!! Sometimes you just need a feel good love story in which everything works out...no one dies, no one is hurt, and every word leads to a wonderfully well-rounded conclusion. This was it, and I loved it!!
September 20, 2012
Its "International Talk Like A Pirate Day" today, its only fitting that i read about pirates!!!
I confess this is my FIRST Eloisa James novel... really enjoyed it, proper review to follow... i'm now off to read The Ugly Duchess because that's the story of James (the other pirate, arr, matey... :) )
Thank you to Avon Books and Edelweiss for providing me with ARC copy to review.
I confess this is my FIRST Eloisa James novel... really enjoyed it, proper review to follow... i'm now off to read The Ugly Duchess because that's the story of James (the other pirate, arr, matey... :) )
Thank you to Avon Books and Edelweiss for providing me with ARC copy to review.
October 31, 2012
Beautiful, witty and sexy.
January 7, 2018
Too much talking, not enough romance.
August 21, 2023
Sir Griffin Barry had an unfortunate night with his new wife, he left and took up as a pirate only to get pardoned and head back to his wife. He doesn't remember much about Poppy, but he named his ship for her.
Phoebe, not Poppy is a mother to three young children. When Griffin storms back into her life she asks for an annulment. Griffin though wants his wife with unbridled passion and plans to make up for lost time, will Phoebe give him a second chance?
This was an entertaining quickly paced story. Griffin is a bit of a bad boy who you can easily picture. Phoebe grew a backbone while apart and I thought this was a ton of fun.
Phoebe, not Poppy is a mother to three young children. When Griffin storms back into her life she asks for an annulment. Griffin though wants his wife with unbridled passion and plans to make up for lost time, will Phoebe give him a second chance?
This was an entertaining quickly paced story. Griffin is a bit of a bad boy who you can easily picture. Phoebe grew a backbone while apart and I thought this was a ton of fun.
October 25, 2012
I love this series and have enjoyed all of the previous companion novellas but I have to admit that I was nervous about picking up Seduced by a Pirate because I didn't enjoy The Ugly Duchess as much as the previous novels. Thankfully I enjoyed the story a lot more than I expected to even though it has the same issue of a cheating hero as The Ugly Duchess did.
I think that the cheating issue bothered me less this time around because Griffin didn't claim to have been in love with his wife before he left. In fact, they only met at their wedding and Griffin was so intimidated by his beautiful and slightly older bride that he was unable to consummate their vows. By the next day Griffin is out of the country and he doesn't see his bride again for 14 years. Now, I still don't think that excuses his cheating or the fact that he didn't come home to her sooner but it did make me find it a bit easier to forgive him for it. Particularly when he is willing to accept that Phoebe cheated on him and had three children while he was gone! I don't want to say too much about the story because it is always too easy to spoil a novella but I found myself giggling out loud at the misunderstandings between the couple as I was reading.
As a short story this has a satisfying ending, I did feel that Phoebe goes from wanting an annulment to the marriage to trying to seduce her husband a little too quickly though. I also felt that she forgives him a bit too easily for spending the last 14 years away from her but at least he had let her know that he was still alive and had been providing for her financially while he was away which is more than can be said for James in the last book. I find it easier to forgive things moving too quickly when I'm reading a novella because I know that the author doesn't have as much time to go into as much depth that I'd expect from a full length novel.
Seduced by a Pirate is a fun and entertaining read that is sure to appeal to fans of this series. It's perfect for reading in one sitting and left me looking forward to reading Once Upon a Tower when it publishes next year.
I think that the cheating issue bothered me less this time around because Griffin didn't claim to have been in love with his wife before he left. In fact, they only met at their wedding and Griffin was so intimidated by his beautiful and slightly older bride that he was unable to consummate their vows. By the next day Griffin is out of the country and he doesn't see his bride again for 14 years. Now, I still don't think that excuses his cheating or the fact that he didn't come home to her sooner but it did make me find it a bit easier to forgive him for it. Particularly when he is willing to accept that Phoebe cheated on him and had three children while he was gone! I don't want to say too much about the story because it is always too easy to spoil a novella but I found myself giggling out loud at the misunderstandings between the couple as I was reading.
As a short story this has a satisfying ending, I did feel that Phoebe goes from wanting an annulment to the marriage to trying to seduce her husband a little too quickly though. I also felt that she forgives him a bit too easily for spending the last 14 years away from her but at least he had let her know that he was still alive and had been providing for her financially while he was away which is more than can be said for James in the last book. I find it easier to forgive things moving too quickly when I'm reading a novella because I know that the author doesn't have as much time to go into as much depth that I'd expect from a full length novel.
Seduced by a Pirate is a fun and entertaining read that is sure to appeal to fans of this series. It's perfect for reading in one sitting and left me looking forward to reading Once Upon a Tower when it publishes next year.
August 29, 2022
I’ve enjoyed several of EJ’s books but this novella was a disappointment.
Suspension of disbelief is essential for fairy stories to work and I’m afraid this failed at the first premise- Griff had not returned for 14 years! I mean in what world would anyone think it right to abandon their wife for 14 years? A period of four years I might have understood but 14? No.
Everything after that felt unreal and ridiculous. Phoebe came across as an intolerant bitch and her earlier self as an arrogant and insensitive madam. The description of her behaviour on the wedding night that wasn’t made me cringe. As for her feelings of outrage that Griff believed she’d been unfaithful (because of the children) was simply stupid. What else did she expect him to think when she made no attempt to explain?
Her sudden willingness to consummate the marriage and without telling him she was a virgin - again made no sense in the book. EJ did not spend enough time showing us how she felt so it didn’t feel like a natural progression.
The confusion about names (Poppy/Phoebe) was silly not funny. The confusion about the children was daft but I did love Griff’s adaptable, pragmatic response to them.
In spite of everything- I liked Griff.
Suspension of disbelief is essential for fairy stories to work and I’m afraid this failed at the first premise- Griff had not returned for 14 years! I mean in what world would anyone think it right to abandon their wife for 14 years? A period of four years I might have understood but 14? No.
Everything after that felt unreal and ridiculous. Phoebe came across as an intolerant bitch and her earlier self as an arrogant and insensitive madam. The description of her behaviour on the wedding night that wasn’t made me cringe. As for her feelings of outrage that Griff believed she’d been unfaithful (because of the children) was simply stupid. What else did she expect him to think when she made no attempt to explain?
Her sudden willingness to consummate the marriage and without telling him she was a virgin - again made no sense in the book. EJ did not spend enough time showing us how she felt so it didn’t feel like a natural progression.
The confusion about names (Poppy/Phoebe) was silly not funny. The confusion about the children was daft but I did love Griff’s adaptable, pragmatic response to them.
In spite of everything- I liked Griff.
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