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Dashing Nobles #1
More Than Passion
From Book 1: Geoffrey Kane, Earl of Kanewood refuses to feel anything more than passion. Four years ago, his fiancée betrayed him and he has no desire to experience that again so when he meets the beautiful Rebecca Kingsley, it’s passion at first sight. And only passion.
Rebecca has led a very quiet life working for her father at a small country inn. When she meets Geoffrey she falls in love with him right away. But she’s only the daughter of a baronet and men like Geoffrey never marry country girls like her. Do they?
When Rebecca’s father tries to marry her off to a wealthy old man, Geoffrey intervenes and marries her himself. He wants her very much but he couldn’t possibly love her. Love is for fools. At least that’s what he tells himself. But a sinister enemy soon threatens to destroy all that Geoffrey holds dear, forcing him to face the truth. His marriage depends on it . . . And maybe even Rebecca’s very life.
Rebecca has led a very quiet life working for her father at a small country inn. When she meets Geoffrey she falls in love with him right away. But she’s only the daughter of a baronet and men like Geoffrey never marry country girls like her. Do they?
When Rebecca’s father tries to marry her off to a wealthy old man, Geoffrey intervenes and marries her himself. He wants her very much but he couldn’t possibly love her. Love is for fools. At least that’s what he tells himself. But a sinister enemy soon threatens to destroy all that Geoffrey holds dear, forcing him to face the truth. His marriage depends on it . . . And maybe even Rebecca’s very life.
271 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2012
224 people are currently reading
876 people want to read
About the author
JoMarie DeGioia
69 books239 followersJoMarie DeGioia is a bestselling author of over 50 Historical and Contemporary Romances. She writes Fantasy/Adventure stories and Paranormal Romance too. She divides her time between Central Florida and New England, and you may contact her at JoMarie at JoMarieDeGioia dot com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
September 30, 2021
The beginning starts out cute and silly. An Earl marrying a innkeeper's daughter. This was not realistic. It's one of those go with the ridiculousness and enjoy the fun.
The problem was there was 229 freaking pages and it lacked any substance. The two MC fell in instant lust/love and through the whole book they never had any real conversation. Almost every page they were racing to the bedroom and that got old after literally the 30th time. The plot that was there was way too predictable and practically nonexistent. If the author had written this as a novella, I would have just smiled and gone with it. This author can do better!
For making me smile, I was generous with 2 stars.
The problem was there was 229 freaking pages and it lacked any substance. The two MC fell in instant lust/love and through the whole book they never had any real conversation. Almost every page they were racing to the bedroom and that got old after literally the 30th time. The plot that was there was way too predictable and practically nonexistent. If the author had written this as a novella, I would have just smiled and gone with it. This author can do better!
For making me smile, I was generous with 2 stars.
February 11, 2016
Holy mother of God, how does this book have so many good reviews? Thank goodness I got this book for free, because if I had paid for it, I'd be angry for wasting even 99 cents. I made it to chapter 9, before I just finally decided to give up, not worth the time. First, the writing and dialogue feel choppy and sparse, not very fluid or interesting, in fact downright strange. I caught myself stopping several times thinking I'd skimmed over something, as now they were talking about something completely out of left field, or out of context. Second, not even for modern times would a 'romance' unfold this way, let alone in the Regency era. The second time she sees him it because she's walked into his room unannounced, assuming he's out to bring fresh linens (she's the innkeeper's daughter) and when she realizes he's still there sleeping, naked from the waist up, does she run out hastily, cursing herself for not knocking, no. She walks up to him and brushes her hand on his naked chest and when he wakes up, they kiss?? Oh, and she's supposedly an innocent and naive girl, and this is the first freaking chapter! She knows him 3 days and gives her virginity to him, well, actually he just takes it, assuming he's not the first, not until well after he's done. This is chapter 3, or maybe 4. Either way it's ridiculous and downright laughable. The characters are very one dimensional and needy and have no spirit. There's not much scene setting, everything feels one dimensional and flat. Don't bother, so many better options out there. THIS is why I'm hesitant to try new authors none of my GR friends have read, so I guess I took the bullet on this one.
November 13, 2015
Emerald Eyes
It is said that the eyes are the gateway to the soul. JoMarie has brought that phrase and it's story to life. She has sibling rivalry, impersonating peers, and greed wrapped into thrilling, exciting, and adventurous read you won't want to put down, I know I didn't. Her characters are compelling, strong, and lively. She even has the man of business cracking humor.
It is said that the eyes are the gateway to the soul. JoMarie has brought that phrase and it's story to life. She has sibling rivalry, impersonating peers, and greed wrapped into thrilling, exciting, and adventurous read you won't want to put down, I know I didn't. Her characters are compelling, strong, and lively. She even has the man of business cracking humor.
January 25, 2013
This story was well written with great characters and storyline that kept this reader engaged. A few scenes seemed rushed but then that was probably because I fell for Geoffrey Kane and wanted more of him. Overall a really fun Regency novel.
April 24, 2013
I couldn't finish this book, it was that bad. thank goodness it was only .99. An Earl marrying a innkeepers daughter... I thought I could stomach it, but I could only get through the first seven chapters. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone.
January 13, 2015
Rating 3.5 stars
This story has moments of brilliance, yet at other times, it fails to deliver. As far as the characters, I liked Rebecca (can’t call her Becca, which is Geoffrey’s name for her, way too modern for a Regency) and thoroughly enjoyed Geoffrey. I totally bought why he had trust issues, based on what happened with his former betrothed. The plot twists are intriguing and the pacing kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next. The sexual scenes are hot and the first half of the book is littered with them.
The story deepens about half way through the book, taking it from a light-hearted romp to a story of deceit and betrayal. From that point on, there is a lot more story and a lot less sex, capturing my attention on a deeper level. I was greatly surprised by who turned out to be the villain in this read. I never saw that coming.
I particularly enjoyed the scenes with the little girl, Ann, his brother’s daughter. I also thoroughly enjoyed Rebecca’s relationship with Geoffrey’s mother. I do struggle with how forgiving Rebecca is of Geoffrey’s lack of trust and of her parent’s abandonment. While the passion is fierce between the H/h, there is so much more between them, hence the title is a perfect fit.
Now for the reasons I gave this book 3.5 stars. Other than the aristocratic titles and brief descriptions of clothing, the tone of this book is way too modern, much more suited for a contemporary piece. Everyone in the story immediately uses each other’s given names, even if they haven’t been given permission to do so.
The author uses the word hello a lot and that word wasn’t around until the invention of the telephone. She refers to balls as bashes and also used the words smashing and okay. None of these words were in existence in Regency England.
I have a problem with them falling into bed after only knowing each other a couple of days. I don’t have a problem with her being the daughter of an innkeeper because he is a younger son of a Baronet, so Rebecca is gentry. Besides, I enjoy a good Cinderella story and this is definitely an interesting read. I was entertained and isn’t that what a book is supposed to do? I’m glad I took a chance on this story and will probably read future books in the series.
This story has moments of brilliance, yet at other times, it fails to deliver. As far as the characters, I liked Rebecca (can’t call her Becca, which is Geoffrey’s name for her, way too modern for a Regency) and thoroughly enjoyed Geoffrey. I totally bought why he had trust issues, based on what happened with his former betrothed. The plot twists are intriguing and the pacing kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next. The sexual scenes are hot and the first half of the book is littered with them.
The story deepens about half way through the book, taking it from a light-hearted romp to a story of deceit and betrayal. From that point on, there is a lot more story and a lot less sex, capturing my attention on a deeper level. I was greatly surprised by who turned out to be the villain in this read. I never saw that coming.
I particularly enjoyed the scenes with the little girl, Ann, his brother’s daughter. I also thoroughly enjoyed Rebecca’s relationship with Geoffrey’s mother. I do struggle with how forgiving Rebecca is of Geoffrey’s lack of trust and of her parent’s abandonment. While the passion is fierce between the H/h, there is so much more between them, hence the title is a perfect fit.
Now for the reasons I gave this book 3.5 stars. Other than the aristocratic titles and brief descriptions of clothing, the tone of this book is way too modern, much more suited for a contemporary piece. Everyone in the story immediately uses each other’s given names, even if they haven’t been given permission to do so.
The author uses the word hello a lot and that word wasn’t around until the invention of the telephone. She refers to balls as bashes and also used the words smashing and okay. None of these words were in existence in Regency England.
I have a problem with them falling into bed after only knowing each other a couple of days. I don’t have a problem with her being the daughter of an innkeeper because he is a younger son of a Baronet, so Rebecca is gentry. Besides, I enjoy a good Cinderella story and this is definitely an interesting read. I was entertained and isn’t that what a book is supposed to do? I’m glad I took a chance on this story and will probably read future books in the series.
July 9, 2015
I would definitely say the main characters coupling was based on lust. There was not much getting to know each other. I know in that time period you didn't really get to know each other that well before marriage but this book rushed the nuptials and it wasn't even an arranged marriage. I think there was sex in every chapter. If you like that kind of thing then this is the book for you. I like more of a story to go with my romance.
January 29, 2014
More than Passion by JoMarie DeGioia finds its setting in
Victorian England in the days of Earls and Dukes and fair maidens. Geoffrey Kane, Earl of Kanewood is a man who was betrayed by his fiancée some years back and has but one use for women. That is how his life was until he met by a chance encounter the beautiful raven haired daughter of an inn keeper. He was determined not to find more with her than passion, but as the story unfolds he finds love. He also finds someone has taken his identity and is passing bank notes supposedly signed by him. The underlying plot of the mystery is as much a part of the story as the romantic interest he finds in "Becca" who becomes his beautiful wife. An enjoyable and sometimes mysterious look into the life and times, as well as the romance of that period in history.
Victorian England in the days of Earls and Dukes and fair maidens. Geoffrey Kane, Earl of Kanewood is a man who was betrayed by his fiancée some years back and has but one use for women. That is how his life was until he met by a chance encounter the beautiful raven haired daughter of an inn keeper. He was determined not to find more with her than passion, but as the story unfolds he finds love. He also finds someone has taken his identity and is passing bank notes supposedly signed by him. The underlying plot of the mystery is as much a part of the story as the romantic interest he finds in "Becca" who becomes his beautiful wife. An enjoyable and sometimes mysterious look into the life and times, as well as the romance of that period in history.
July 20, 2015
I feel as though I should have been paid to read this. To quote Frozen "You can't marry a guy you just met" seems adequate enough to me. They knew each other for what... 3 or 4 days before getting hitched? And then it just went south from there. The only good parts where when the Fab Four were investigating things, and even then it was hard pressed.
To sum this book up, I have read better novels directed at teens. And to be honest, if I never come across another one of this authors books again, I don't then I'll be sad.
To sum this book up, I have read better novels directed at teens. And to be honest, if I never come across another one of this authors books again, I don't then I'll be sad.
July 21, 2015
I don't like to be extra critical because what didn't work for me is someone else's ideal romance novel. The only thing that made this book unacceptable for me was how nicely (cookie cutter nice) everything was plotted and resolved. I am a vicarious reader and it doesn't take much for me to lose myself in a story...with this book I was painfully aware of the fact that I was just reading a book....and the people in it were characters of fiction (no relatability factor at all). Yep that's all.
January 14, 2014
This book was love at first page. Something just sucked me in. I stayed up reading the whole thing. I had all the right parts of a steamy romance novel. I was a bit predictable on some parts which is why did not give it full stars. I hope the other books in this series are just as good.
January 18, 2014
I love historical romances and this did not disappoint me. The story had me from beginning to end. Geoffrey and Rebecca's story was fun to read about and both of their families were equally interesting. Highly recommended.
March 23, 2014
A really great read. loved the story since i started reading it.
June 10, 2014
Wonderful read
Wonderful read
It kept my attention. Ready to read more. looking up more from the author. Give it a chance you will be hooked.
Wonderful read
It kept my attention. Ready to read more. looking up more from the author. Give it a chance you will be hooked.
March 19, 2019
Passionate!
For Geoffrey and Rebecca its a passionate first meeting and thats how their love story begins and ends.
There are mysteries for solving, an evil brother and sister-in-law and a kindly mother/mother-in-law, as well as a very cute niece and some very useful and helpful friends.
This is the first story by JoMarie DeGioia that have read and I really enjoyed it. It was almost like a Cinderella story with a few differences thrown in, like lots of passion, but if you read it you'll know what I mean, and I am more than happy to recommend it to you.
For Geoffrey and Rebecca its a passionate first meeting and thats how their love story begins and ends.
There are mysteries for solving, an evil brother and sister-in-law and a kindly mother/mother-in-law, as well as a very cute niece and some very useful and helpful friends.
This is the first story by JoMarie DeGioia that have read and I really enjoyed it. It was almost like a Cinderella story with a few differences thrown in, like lots of passion, but if you read it you'll know what I mean, and I am more than happy to recommend it to you.
no-way-jose
December 21, 2020I can not write a thorough review or even star-rate this book, because I only made it thru the first chapter.
It was corny, insta-lust, idiotic characters... My first WTF moment was when the heroine looked thru the window and saw the hero (a stranger) walk out of the stable across the yard, and head towards the inn where she was working at. She immediately becomes fascinated at wondering what his eye colour was. Just very very corny insta-lust, and from what I read in other GR reviews, chapter 2 is even worse with them insta-lusting all over each other. Blah...
It was corny, insta-lust, idiotic characters... My first WTF moment was when the heroine looked thru the window and saw the hero (a stranger) walk out of the stable across the yard, and head towards the inn where she was working at. She immediately becomes fascinated at wondering what his eye colour was. Just very very corny insta-lust, and from what I read in other GR reviews, chapter 2 is even worse with them insta-lusting all over each other. Blah...
December 23, 2018
Very good
The story was very good! It kept me guessing on what would happen next. The beginning of the book felt a little choppy but it got better the more I read. I wish we could have seen more of Becca and Geoffery's relationship (how they talked to each other and got along). But I still loved them together and their passion for each other was intoxicating! Overall a very good read! I'm excited to read the other books of the series!
The story was very good! It kept me guessing on what would happen next. The beginning of the book felt a little choppy but it got better the more I read. I wish we could have seen more of Becca and Geoffery's relationship (how they talked to each other and got along). But I still loved them together and their passion for each other was intoxicating! Overall a very good read! I'm excited to read the other books of the series!
July 21, 2017
A totally unlikely story in many respects, this also has some good features. The mystery plot was an interesting one, and the characters and basic premise of the story also. The language used was definitely not historically accurate, whether it was supposed to be set at the beginning or the end of the 19th century! Somewhere between 2.5* and 3* for me.
August 2, 2018
Passions and love combines
When the wheel on his carriage broke Geoffrey never thought he would find a beauty in a village let alone the inn. The inn keeper was trying to sale his daughter Rebecca. Geoffrey would not hear of it so he asked her to marry him. Oh how it changed her life and Geoffrey. What an adventure for newlyweds.
When the wheel on his carriage broke Geoffrey never thought he would find a beauty in a village let alone the inn. The inn keeper was trying to sale his daughter Rebecca. Geoffrey would not hear of it so he asked her to marry him. Oh how it changed her life and Geoffrey. What an adventure for newlyweds.
October 9, 2025
JoMarie DeGioia is such a talented and versatile storyteller! Whether she’s writing historical, contemporary, or paranormal romance, her stories are always full of heart, passion, and unforgettable characters. You can feel her love for storytelling in every line. A truly gifted author whose books never fail to leave a lasting impression!
December 29, 2017
Meh.
Not atrocious, but far from excellent. Lackluster writing, dull romance, a Mary Sue heroine, and altogether too much familiarity for Regency or Georgian manners added to a simplistic mystery make for a mediocre story. I doubt I'll read another book by this author.
Not atrocious, but far from excellent. Lackluster writing, dull romance, a Mary Sue heroine, and altogether too much familiarity for Regency or Georgian manners added to a simplistic mystery make for a mediocre story. I doubt I'll read another book by this author.
June 4, 2018
EXCELLENT READ
Couldn't put the book down absolutely adored the characters. Excellent supporting characters as well as an interesting back story that brings the main characters and their lives full circle. Will continue reading this author.
Couldn't put the book down absolutely adored the characters. Excellent supporting characters as well as an interesting back story that brings the main characters and their lives full circle. Will continue reading this author.
August 14, 2020
This book had promise. It needed a stronger meeting and character development. The main characters jumped into their relationship too quickly for my taste. The flow of the story jumped around alot. The concept was there. But I just wanted to finish the book already.
March 29, 2021
It wasn’t too bad but, I really enjoyed it very much...
I’m glad that John was dead because what he was horrible to Geoffrey and Rebecca was awful! I’m happy that Ann was adopted by then at Kanewood while her mother was in London..
Looking forward to read more series in that book
I’m glad that John was dead because what he was horrible to Geoffrey and Rebecca was awful! I’m happy that Ann was adopted by then at Kanewood while her mother was in London..
Looking forward to read more series in that book
May 7, 2023
Excellent. Story telling at its best
I really, really enjoyed this tale. It had everything I could want in it, a bit of mystery, a lot of romance and some misunderstandings. Also a good villain.
I really, really enjoyed this tale. It had everything I could want in it, a bit of mystery, a lot of romance and some misunderstandings. Also a good villain.
October 19, 2024
A characteristic romance novel with all the normal tropes and no surprises. Not the best book ever made but a fast read. The characters won't be remembered tomorrow, I probably won't remember the book either.
August 3, 2017
Very cheesy, but not cringe-worthy so although it's not a favourite of mine, I still very much enjoyed this.
April 5, 2018
Brilliant
Good book very interesting with wonderful character's.
And a decent story line to it. And a happy ending.
Would maybe buy another story.
Good book very interesting with wonderful character's.
And a decent story line to it. And a happy ending.
Would maybe buy another story.
May 30, 2018
A light historical romance with a hint of mystery. Not too sausy. Moved along quickly. Bit like a Mills and Boon.
August 1, 2018
Fun bodice ripper, I figure it out about half way through, but enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews