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The Sedleys #2
Indecently Employed
Desperate to sharpen up his act, he’d forsworn his debauched habits once and for all…
After decades of personal indulgence, the charming and wealthy Ajax Sedley finds himself saddled with the inevitable consequences of his actions: his fifteen-year-old baseborn daughter. Tired of his life as a professional waster, he reluctantly accepts the challenge. Unfortunately he’s hired the most comely governess in the whole damn city.
But the temptation she offered may prove too much to bear…
Parson’s daughter Susanna Abbotts has lived within the safe confines of society’s expectations for all her unremarkable twenty-seven years. Smart and respectable, she’d never dare compromise her reputation–or her dreams of an independent future. That is, until she accepts a position in Mr. Ajax Sedley’s household…
A note to readers— Indecently Employed is a historical romance novel of 85,000 words containing open-door sex scenes and strong language.
After decades of personal indulgence, the charming and wealthy Ajax Sedley finds himself saddled with the inevitable consequences of his actions: his fifteen-year-old baseborn daughter. Tired of his life as a professional waster, he reluctantly accepts the challenge. Unfortunately he’s hired the most comely governess in the whole damn city.
But the temptation she offered may prove too much to bear…
Parson’s daughter Susanna Abbotts has lived within the safe confines of society’s expectations for all her unremarkable twenty-seven years. Smart and respectable, she’d never dare compromise her reputation–or her dreams of an independent future. That is, until she accepts a position in Mr. Ajax Sedley’s household…
A note to readers— Indecently Employed is a historical romance novel of 85,000 words containing open-door sex scenes and strong language.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 13, 2023
About the author
Antonia Falk
8 books19 followersAfter twenty years of dedicated historical romance readership (and a lifetime of anglophilia), Antonia Falk found herself weary of dukes and earls and impossibly perfect young ladies. After much dissatisfaction (and whining) she realized: be the change you wish to see in the world. She (eventually) set herself to the task, writing books filled with the messy, complicated, real characters that could believably inhabit the muck and charm of Victorian England, and find their own happily ever after–even as members of the middling classes.
In another life she was a librarian, and in an even earlier iteration, she played bass guitar in a garage band. She currently lives in Northern Arizona with her family. When not furiously researching two-centuries old railway timetables, she enjoys hiking and searching the sky for turkey vultures.
In another life she was a librarian, and in an even earlier iteration, she played bass guitar in a garage band. She currently lives in Northern Arizona with her family. When not furiously researching two-centuries old railway timetables, she enjoys hiking and searching the sky for turkey vultures.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
May 20, 2024
Acquired Kindle edition when offered free on Amazon.
Hallelujah! Decent writing!
So why only three stars and not four or even five? Ha! Shirley, you jest!
Five star reads are those books that I absolutely love, that are important to me on an emotional basis, whether fiction or non-fiction. In some way or other they rocked my world.
Four star reads are those books that I really, really enjoyed and would recommend to like-minded friends, but lacked that life-changing and/or life-long impact.
Three star reads are . . . good.
If GR had fractional stars, Indecently Employed might have come in at 3.25 or 3.33, but not quite 3.5. Nitpicky? Sue me.
It was steamy fluff, fun for a couple evenings or a day at the beach/pool, but there was nothing deep and meaningful about it. No external conflict to speak of, so the plot was all romance, will she, will he, will they, and then what happens. There are some minor family issues, which in a way was one of the reasons this wasn't a more enjoyable read.
This is the second book in a series, and while the romance at the center of the story is definitely stand-alone, the rest of family relations were extremely confusing. Fortunately, they were also easily ignored. I never figured out how Harmonia was Ajax's great-niece or who Mrs. Hartley was or how Marcus was related to anyone, but they weren't important enough to the plot for me to try to figure out. A cast of characters, or even a family tree, might have been helpful but wasn't absolutely necessary.
Ajax Sedley is 40-ish when he is suddenly presented with his 15-year-old daughter Charlotte from a brief liaison with an actress, Nancy Jutton. Nancy has recently died, and the Jutton family don't want Charlotte, so even though she's his out-of-wedlock offspring, Ajax accepts her. He then hires Susanna Abbotts as governess/companion. Susanna is 27 years old and of course stunningly gorgeous. The plot proceeds from there, steamily.
The weak points:
The aforementioned Sedley family relationships left a few things in confusion. Ajax is the youngest of numerous siblings, and 35 years younger than the eldest, who is either Tiberius (aged and ill) or Titus (deceased lo these many years). Ajax is also only a half-brother to the aforementioned, but all are heirs to the wealth generated by Sedley's Satin Black Boot Polish. I'm just not sure why Ajax's status as half sibling isn't made more prominent.
The Naming of Names is always an issue with me, and I found a lot of the names in this book just didn't fit. Oh, the historical first names of Ajax (whose middle name is Lucius), Titus, Tiberius, and a few others weren't a problem; nor is the surname Sedley. Francis de Vauville ("vaudeville" springs very awkwardly to mind) as the Earl of Clifton just didn't ring right, even as a minor character. Ajax's friend Willkie Clogg didn't help. Place names were even worse. Gallox Castle might suit a Tolkienesque fantasy, but not Victorian romance. Both Puxley House, the earl's London residence, and his country estate Corvath Keep also pulled me out of the mood normally evoked by Longleat or Knole or Bexley Heath.
I didn't mind the sex or even the blunt language, but I did wish there had been a bit more tenderness and affection. It was difficult to believe Ajax was turning a new leaf when much of their coupling seemed to be nothing more than enthusiastic fucking in one form or another.
Charlotte as a character got short shrift. I assume there will be more about her in subsequent volumes of The Sedleys, but I would have liked to see her fleshed out a bit more here.
The complaints didn't detract from this particular book the way they might have from a more plot-driven book with complex external conflict. In light fare like this, they matter much less, but they do mean three stars, not four or five.
Hallelujah! Decent writing!
So why only three stars and not four or even five? Ha! Shirley, you jest!
Five star reads are those books that I absolutely love, that are important to me on an emotional basis, whether fiction or non-fiction. In some way or other they rocked my world.
Four star reads are those books that I really, really enjoyed and would recommend to like-minded friends, but lacked that life-changing and/or life-long impact.
Three star reads are . . . good.
If GR had fractional stars, Indecently Employed might have come in at 3.25 or 3.33, but not quite 3.5. Nitpicky? Sue me.
It was steamy fluff, fun for a couple evenings or a day at the beach/pool, but there was nothing deep and meaningful about it. No external conflict to speak of, so the plot was all romance, will she, will he, will they, and then what happens. There are some minor family issues, which in a way was one of the reasons this wasn't a more enjoyable read.
This is the second book in a series, and while the romance at the center of the story is definitely stand-alone, the rest of family relations were extremely confusing. Fortunately, they were also easily ignored. I never figured out how Harmonia was Ajax's great-niece or who Mrs. Hartley was or how Marcus was related to anyone, but they weren't important enough to the plot for me to try to figure out. A cast of characters, or even a family tree, might have been helpful but wasn't absolutely necessary.
Ajax Sedley is 40-ish when he is suddenly presented with his 15-year-old daughter Charlotte from a brief liaison with an actress, Nancy Jutton. Nancy has recently died, and the Jutton family don't want Charlotte, so even though she's his out-of-wedlock offspring, Ajax accepts her. He then hires Susanna Abbotts as governess/companion. Susanna is 27 years old and of course stunningly gorgeous. The plot proceeds from there, steamily.
The weak points:
The aforementioned Sedley family relationships left a few things in confusion. Ajax is the youngest of numerous siblings, and 35 years younger than the eldest, who is either Tiberius (aged and ill) or Titus (deceased lo these many years). Ajax is also only a half-brother to the aforementioned, but all are heirs to the wealth generated by Sedley's Satin Black Boot Polish. I'm just not sure why Ajax's status as half sibling isn't made more prominent.
The Naming of Names is always an issue with me, and I found a lot of the names in this book just didn't fit. Oh, the historical first names of Ajax (whose middle name is Lucius), Titus, Tiberius, and a few others weren't a problem; nor is the surname Sedley. Francis de Vauville ("vaudeville" springs very awkwardly to mind) as the Earl of Clifton just didn't ring right, even as a minor character. Ajax's friend Willkie Clogg didn't help. Place names were even worse. Gallox Castle might suit a Tolkienesque fantasy, but not Victorian romance. Both Puxley House, the earl's London residence, and his country estate Corvath Keep also pulled me out of the mood normally evoked by Longleat or Knole or Bexley Heath.
I didn't mind the sex or even the blunt language, but I did wish there had been a bit more tenderness and affection. It was difficult to believe Ajax was turning a new leaf when much of their coupling seemed to be nothing more than enthusiastic fucking in one form or another.
Charlotte as a character got short shrift. I assume there will be more about her in subsequent volumes of The Sedleys, but I would have liked to see her fleshed out a bit more here.
The complaints didn't detract from this particular book the way they might have from a more plot-driven book with complex external conflict. In light fare like this, they matter much less, but they do mean three stars, not four or five.
September 8, 2023
I absolutely DEVOURED this book! I was immediately drawn into both the FMC and MMC. I have read my fair share of historical romance in my reading tenure and Indecently Employed really stood out from the crowd. There is no A+B=C plot here. All main characters have that character arc we all love. Throughout the story I really got Jane Eyre(without the crazy wife upstairs) meets The Nanny and I loved every moment of it. This is the first I’ve read of this series, which can be read as standalones, as well as my first read with this author. I thoroughly enjoyed Charlotte’s inquisitiveness and the realistic side of the plot she portrayed. I loved reading about Susanna and Ajax’s love story. Solid 4 star read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 15, 2024
I was intrigued by this book since I read the blurb and it didn't disappoint, I was hooked since page one!
The MC's chemistry was palpable since the beginning, and I loved how the relationship developed. I also loved the evolution that Charlotte had through the book.
This is my first book by the author and it was an interesting book and I enjoyed it, even though it's the second book in a series, it can totally be read as a standalone. I will definitely be reading the first book in the series, I will read the first book in the series (some day) because ibwant to know more about Harmonia!!
The MC's chemistry was palpable since the beginning, and I loved how the relationship developed. I also loved the evolution that Charlotte had through the book.
This is my first book by the author and it was an interesting book and I enjoyed it, even though it's the second book in a series, it can totally be read as a standalone. I will definitely be reading the first book in the series, I will read the first book in the series (some day) because ibwant to know more about Harmonia!!
March 30, 2025
My favorite so far, the taste of forbidden is good in this one.
October 8, 2023
No matter where your relatives live, they always want to probe your life and try to change it. Ajax Sedley has that family—-who believes that he will remain a debauched rake forever—try and steer him away from his lovely new governess. At the same time, Ajax wants his life to do a 180 and be worthy of his daughter (15) that he never knew he had. My question is why did his great niece Harmonia insist he hire Miss Abbotts knowing Ajax was such a rake then try to separate them??
Susanna Abbotts is almost 30 and never experienced affection from a man. She’s naiive, but doesn’t want to go through life not knowing. I didn’t like that she left her awful family to then be bullied to go visit them and let them take advantage of her.
It was refreshing to have Ajax come right out and tell Susanna he wanted her, but would stay away. His daughter Charlotte was strange and into the occult. I had hoped she would be friendlier and not so stilted in speaking with her father and Susanna.
There were a few s3x scenes but none were open-door that was obvious to me.
I received a free copy of the book in advance and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Susanna Abbotts is almost 30 and never experienced affection from a man. She’s naiive, but doesn’t want to go through life not knowing. I didn’t like that she left her awful family to then be bullied to go visit them and let them take advantage of her.
It was refreshing to have Ajax come right out and tell Susanna he wanted her, but would stay away. His daughter Charlotte was strange and into the occult. I had hoped she would be friendlier and not so stilted in speaking with her father and Susanna.
There were a few s3x scenes but none were open-door that was obvious to me.
I received a free copy of the book in advance and am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 10, 2023
Indecently Employed is the second in Antonia Falk’s The Sedleys series. I haven’t read the first book and found this easy enough to follow.
Ajax Sedley –self-confessed rogue and the black sheep of the family – has after spending years living the life of a wastrel been confronted with the consequences of his actions. He discovers he has a fifteen year old illegitimate daughter. Vowing to reform and build a life with his daughter he hires a governess to help. Unfortunately his resolve is tested straightaway when meets the lovely Miss Susannah Abbotts. Can he resist temptation and keep his hands off the delectable governess? Susannah has lived by society’s dictates all her life. She is resigned to life as a spinster and dreams of an independent future. She will do nothing to damage her reputation. But she is sorely tested when she meets Ajax.
This is was an enjoyable story with depth and character. Ajax was a worthy hero – always self-deprecating and almost unaware of his substance. On the face of it he is a feckless rake with no real purpose in life. Having been brought up amidst a largely indifferent family his relationship with members of his family is mainly strained. His father was elderly when he was born and being so much younger than his brothers, he was unable to cultivate close bonds. This colours his belief in his own self-worth. Added to that, his discovery of his daughter and the fact that her mother chose to not let him know makes him believe he is not a good man. Ajax’s vulnerabilities and his real wish to change and be a better man really endears him to the reader. His secret authorship of stories in a magazine added another dimension and was a nice subplot. It was lovely to see Susannah see his worth straightaway and through her eyes he starts to believe in himself.
Susannah is a great heroine – she also has issues about her worth. She has been taken for granted all her life by her family and all she wants is her independence but she is also realising that she wishes to live her life on her terms – or at least take some pleasure where she can get it. Ajax’s admiration helps her see that she is desirable and really lifts her confidence. I loved that she stood up to her family towards the end.
Both Ajax and Susannah are immediately attracted to each other but they take their time to understand each other and really be aware of the consequences before they take any action which I found very believable.
The only thing I found uncomfortable whilst reading is Susannah’s constant thinking of a kiss given to her by her previous employer [this happened in book one of the series] who turned out to be a bit of a villain. Her obsession with him and her hungering over his kiss in the first part of the story took away from Susannah and Ajax’s chemistry because she kept thinking about the Earl even after she met Ajax and acknowledged their attraction. It lessened the uniqueness of their connection to me. It may be that the kiss awakened her desires but I don’t think it needed to be dwelled upon to such an extent in this book. To be honest, I think that is what is preventing me giving this the extra star.
The secondary characters are well fleshed out – Ajax’s daughter Charlotte is very intriguing although I am not sure I liked his niece Harmonia very much [even though she is the heroine of the first in series].
Overall I really enjoyed the story. Ajax and Susannah were really very well matched, and very likeable and sweet main characters. I’d definitely recommend this and am looking forward to the next in series.
I received an advanced review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advanced review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Ajax Sedley –self-confessed rogue and the black sheep of the family – has after spending years living the life of a wastrel been confronted with the consequences of his actions. He discovers he has a fifteen year old illegitimate daughter. Vowing to reform and build a life with his daughter he hires a governess to help. Unfortunately his resolve is tested straightaway when meets the lovely Miss Susannah Abbotts. Can he resist temptation and keep his hands off the delectable governess? Susannah has lived by society’s dictates all her life. She is resigned to life as a spinster and dreams of an independent future. She will do nothing to damage her reputation. But she is sorely tested when she meets Ajax.
This is was an enjoyable story with depth and character. Ajax was a worthy hero – always self-deprecating and almost unaware of his substance. On the face of it he is a feckless rake with no real purpose in life. Having been brought up amidst a largely indifferent family his relationship with members of his family is mainly strained. His father was elderly when he was born and being so much younger than his brothers, he was unable to cultivate close bonds. This colours his belief in his own self-worth. Added to that, his discovery of his daughter and the fact that her mother chose to not let him know makes him believe he is not a good man. Ajax’s vulnerabilities and his real wish to change and be a better man really endears him to the reader. His secret authorship of stories in a magazine added another dimension and was a nice subplot. It was lovely to see Susannah see his worth straightaway and through her eyes he starts to believe in himself.
Susannah is a great heroine – she also has issues about her worth. She has been taken for granted all her life by her family and all she wants is her independence but she is also realising that she wishes to live her life on her terms – or at least take some pleasure where she can get it. Ajax’s admiration helps her see that she is desirable and really lifts her confidence. I loved that she stood up to her family towards the end.
Both Ajax and Susannah are immediately attracted to each other but they take their time to understand each other and really be aware of the consequences before they take any action which I found very believable.
The only thing I found uncomfortable whilst reading is Susannah’s constant thinking of a kiss given to her by her previous employer [this happened in book one of the series] who turned out to be a bit of a villain. Her obsession with him and her hungering over his kiss in the first part of the story took away from Susannah and Ajax’s chemistry because she kept thinking about the Earl even after she met Ajax and acknowledged their attraction. It lessened the uniqueness of their connection to me. It may be that the kiss awakened her desires but I don’t think it needed to be dwelled upon to such an extent in this book. To be honest, I think that is what is preventing me giving this the extra star.
The secondary characters are well fleshed out – Ajax’s daughter Charlotte is very intriguing although I am not sure I liked his niece Harmonia very much [even though she is the heroine of the first in series].
Overall I really enjoyed the story. Ajax and Susannah were really very well matched, and very likeable and sweet main characters. I’d definitely recommend this and am looking forward to the next in series.
I received an advanced review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advanced review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 12, 2023
Thanks to Booksprout for a copy of this story and this is my freely given opinion.
This is book 2 of the Sedley family series. They are a wealthy family who founded their wealth in trade, with a rather scandalous reputation, and quite convoluted and fraught family relationships. This is the story of Ajax Sedley who is the youngest son of the patriarch and founder of the company and his very young third wife. This makes Ajax significantly younger than his siblings, with some rather interesting relationships with them, including enough ill feelings towards Harmonia Sedley's (FMC from book 1) father, his brother, that he celebrated when he died.
Ajax, a wealthy aimless rake at loose ends, finds himself in a conundrum recently when his past comes back to haunt him, in the form of a teenaged daughter he was not aware of; the result of an affair with an actress. Ajax has no idea how to relate to his daughter, Charlotte, now that he is responsible for her, since her mother died suddenly. His niece convinces him to hire the governess of her ex fiance's sister, Susanna Abbotts. In book 1, Susanna was in danger of being seduced by her employer, and Harmonia and Susanna's charge colluded to get her out of that household to protect her innocence... and Harmonia manipulated her uncle into take Susanna on as Charlotte's governess.
Ajax agrees, but finds himself attracted to Susanna. Not just to her beauty, but to her personality and how she impacts his and Charlotte's life. He was suffering a middle aged funk and sense of ennui before Susanna enters his life. But he also is afraid that he is not worthy of Susanna, having lived such a hedonistic, amoral life, from such a notorious family. He is full of self doubt, seeing how he has failed Charlotte and the others in his family. It does not help that his own family does not trust him and expects the worse from him... perhaps deservedly so considering his past.
Ajax is lost man, who has found a new purpose in his life, and seeks to be a better person, but is a bit at a loss how to do so as he sees himself as others do - not worthy of love and relationships. Susanna seems to help him see beyond that and give him hope for love and relationships with other, including her love, and perhaps healing his past with his family. I quite enjoyed reading how their relationship, both with each other, and in their little family, with Charlotte develops. Ajax is a lost, flawed man, but a character that I warmed up to. Susanna was also a bit of a lost soul, not sure of her place in the world, until she, Ajax, and Charlotte find each other to form their own cocoon of family, amongst a nest of fraught, complex family dynamics - between the Sedleys, and her own family.
A compelling age gap/different social status, employer-employee Victorian romance.
4.5 stars out of 5
This is book 2 of the Sedley family series. They are a wealthy family who founded their wealth in trade, with a rather scandalous reputation, and quite convoluted and fraught family relationships. This is the story of Ajax Sedley who is the youngest son of the patriarch and founder of the company and his very young third wife. This makes Ajax significantly younger than his siblings, with some rather interesting relationships with them, including enough ill feelings towards Harmonia Sedley's (FMC from book 1) father, his brother, that he celebrated when he died.
Ajax, a wealthy aimless rake at loose ends, finds himself in a conundrum recently when his past comes back to haunt him, in the form of a teenaged daughter he was not aware of; the result of an affair with an actress. Ajax has no idea how to relate to his daughter, Charlotte, now that he is responsible for her, since her mother died suddenly. His niece convinces him to hire the governess of her ex fiance's sister, Susanna Abbotts. In book 1, Susanna was in danger of being seduced by her employer, and Harmonia and Susanna's charge colluded to get her out of that household to protect her innocence... and Harmonia manipulated her uncle into take Susanna on as Charlotte's governess.
Ajax agrees, but finds himself attracted to Susanna. Not just to her beauty, but to her personality and how she impacts his and Charlotte's life. He was suffering a middle aged funk and sense of ennui before Susanna enters his life. But he also is afraid that he is not worthy of Susanna, having lived such a hedonistic, amoral life, from such a notorious family. He is full of self doubt, seeing how he has failed Charlotte and the others in his family. It does not help that his own family does not trust him and expects the worse from him... perhaps deservedly so considering his past.
Ajax is lost man, who has found a new purpose in his life, and seeks to be a better person, but is a bit at a loss how to do so as he sees himself as others do - not worthy of love and relationships. Susanna seems to help him see beyond that and give him hope for love and relationships with other, including her love, and perhaps healing his past with his family. I quite enjoyed reading how their relationship, both with each other, and in their little family, with Charlotte develops. Ajax is a lost, flawed man, but a character that I warmed up to. Susanna was also a bit of a lost soul, not sure of her place in the world, until she, Ajax, and Charlotte find each other to form their own cocoon of family, amongst a nest of fraught, complex family dynamics - between the Sedleys, and her own family.
A compelling age gap/different social status, employer-employee Victorian romance.
4.5 stars out of 5
September 23, 2023
Tropes: governess and reformed rake, age gap (but both MC's are on the mature side)
Steam level: 3 (open door scenes in the last 40% or so)
Language: fairly strong (a handful of "f-bombs")
3.75 bumped up. This is the second book in this series and the second book by this author overall. Just like in the first book, the writing style and world building are strong. As far as the "aging rake" type goes, Ajax is dryly dark and generally easy to relate to, as he's given some subtle shading. His secret authorship of penny dreadfuls is fun and I wished even more time had been spent on this subplot. His relationship with his daughter Charlotte, who is a fan of spiritualism and wise beyond her years, also stands out. Their bond is complicated and I wished even more time in the plot had been spent with the two getting to know each other.
Susanna, the MFC, is a bit on the Mary Sue-side for my taste. By turns she is sexual aware, socially adept, passive and unsophisticated. Her slow burn connection with Ajax does erupt into some pretty effective steam, but works best when the author focuses on the emotional side of their relationship.
Similar to the first book, this is more angst- than plot-driven, and I did feel that the proceedings dragged a bit once Susanna, Ajax, and Charlotte spent time with the Sedleys in the second half. The characters seem to talk more at each other than to each other, and although this book works OK as a standalone, you'll be much more inclined to read the Rickards' story if you start with the previous book. Unfortunately, neither of those characters is particularly engaging here.
The biggest issue I had, though, was Susanna's obsession with the Earl at the beginning. The fact that she still lusts after him after he's revealed himself to be a jerk, and after she realizes she has an attraction to Ajax, is awkward and detracts from the MCs' chemistry. I'm not really sure what the point of her infatuation is, because the Earl doesn't play a later role in the plot. There are times later on when he's referred to and it almost serves to undermine the sweetness of the MCs' HEA.
Still, there is strong writing and characterization to be found here, if you're open to some complexity.
I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary review. Opinions are my own.
Steam level: 3 (open door scenes in the last 40% or so)
Language: fairly strong (a handful of "f-bombs")
3.75 bumped up. This is the second book in this series and the second book by this author overall. Just like in the first book, the writing style and world building are strong. As far as the "aging rake" type goes, Ajax is dryly dark and generally easy to relate to, as he's given some subtle shading. His secret authorship of penny dreadfuls is fun and I wished even more time had been spent on this subplot. His relationship with his daughter Charlotte, who is a fan of spiritualism and wise beyond her years, also stands out. Their bond is complicated and I wished even more time in the plot had been spent with the two getting to know each other.
Susanna, the MFC, is a bit on the Mary Sue-side for my taste. By turns she is sexual aware, socially adept, passive and unsophisticated. Her slow burn connection with Ajax does erupt into some pretty effective steam, but works best when the author focuses on the emotional side of their relationship.
Similar to the first book, this is more angst- than plot-driven, and I did feel that the proceedings dragged a bit once Susanna, Ajax, and Charlotte spent time with the Sedleys in the second half. The characters seem to talk more at each other than to each other, and although this book works OK as a standalone, you'll be much more inclined to read the Rickards' story if you start with the previous book. Unfortunately, neither of those characters is particularly engaging here.
The biggest issue I had, though, was Susanna's obsession with the Earl at the beginning. The fact that she still lusts after him after he's revealed himself to be a jerk, and after she realizes she has an attraction to Ajax, is awkward and detracts from the MCs' chemistry. I'm not really sure what the point of her infatuation is, because the Earl doesn't play a later role in the plot. There are times later on when he's referred to and it almost serves to undermine the sweetness of the MCs' HEA.
Still, there is strong writing and characterization to be found here, if you're open to some complexity.
I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary review. Opinions are my own.
September 10, 2023
Being the youngest scion by decades of the wealthy Sedley Boot Blacking clan, closer in age to his cousins than his own brothers, left Ajax Sedley feeling useless and overlooked. Having barely survived his dysfunctional family, he swore never to add to them.
And then his debauched and carefree life presented him with his fifteen-year-old daughter, and his niece Harmonia forced him to hire the governess of her choice. A young lady who captivates him immediately. To him she’s temptation embodied, but he must not give in to his own reputation!
Working as a governess had been parson’s daughter Susanna Abbotts most respectable escape from her pious family since marriage wasn’t in the cards. Having escaped a lecherous earl before she’d given in to his seduction, Mr Sedley is her only prospect for an independent future, and his daughter a most unique young lady.
The earl’s kisses had awakened something deep inside, and Mr Sedley’s eccentric warmth had her longing for more, but a governess is not allowed such desires. Is she?
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
📚 This is not your standard governess/employer love story. Both participants enter the relation on their own accord, only hesitating because of what’s proper and what others might think. It’s almost love-at-first-sight with a lot of longing to simply be together. They complete each other and it’s intriguing watching them discover it given their age-gap (h27/H41), and there's a nifty and adorable twist at the end!
His daughter was a bit odd though, and I would have liked to know a little more about her.
Beautiful and clever writing, well-thought-out characters and the small setting of his castle captured my attention start to finish! An excellent and steamy read I recommend to all!
And then his debauched and carefree life presented him with his fifteen-year-old daughter, and his niece Harmonia forced him to hire the governess of her choice. A young lady who captivates him immediately. To him she’s temptation embodied, but he must not give in to his own reputation!
Working as a governess had been parson’s daughter Susanna Abbotts most respectable escape from her pious family since marriage wasn’t in the cards. Having escaped a lecherous earl before she’d given in to his seduction, Mr Sedley is her only prospect for an independent future, and his daughter a most unique young lady.
The earl’s kisses had awakened something deep inside, and Mr Sedley’s eccentric warmth had her longing for more, but a governess is not allowed such desires. Is she?
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
📚 This is not your standard governess/employer love story. Both participants enter the relation on their own accord, only hesitating because of what’s proper and what others might think. It’s almost love-at-first-sight with a lot of longing to simply be together. They complete each other and it’s intriguing watching them discover it given their age-gap (h27/H41), and there's a nifty and adorable twist at the end!
His daughter was a bit odd though, and I would have liked to know a little more about her.
Beautiful and clever writing, well-thought-out characters and the small setting of his castle captured my attention start to finish! An excellent and steamy read I recommend to all!
December 23, 2025
This was a frustrating nothing burger of a read with passable writing and a unique lexicon within the prose.
The author knows how to write but does not know how to edit nor progress her story accordingly.
The story moved forward very quickly with the passage of time being written into large, almost unending paragraphs. Characters spend too much time in their head, offering exposition I would’ve rather been given through dialogue between characters or tidbits at a time. Information was just DUMPED on me.
I would’ve enjoyed Ajax and Susanna a lot more if they actually spent time with one another instead of them just THINKING about the time they spent together. I was just told to believe that they did, that three months passed and that they became closer… by the way, three months pass and Ajax - a self described veritable rake is IN LOVE.
I want that love, that realization, to be earned. It was just wholly unsatisfying that this experienced man who has lain with widows, actresses, aristos alike was crushing instantly on this pretty governess. It felt very juvenile - this man is in his 40’s as well.
I also just found myself NOT caring about this family. There was just too much going on. This book definitely deserved to be a bit longer to really give the reader some breathing room as well.
I think it’s around 80k words which, with how much information and exposition is packed, really made me feel like nothing and everything was happening all at once
This had the bones of a good story, but the more I read the more disappointed I became.
The author knows how to write but does not know how to edit nor progress her story accordingly.
The story moved forward very quickly with the passage of time being written into large, almost unending paragraphs. Characters spend too much time in their head, offering exposition I would’ve rather been given through dialogue between characters or tidbits at a time. Information was just DUMPED on me.
I would’ve enjoyed Ajax and Susanna a lot more if they actually spent time with one another instead of them just THINKING about the time they spent together. I was just told to believe that they did, that three months passed and that they became closer… by the way, three months pass and Ajax - a self described veritable rake is IN LOVE.
I want that love, that realization, to be earned. It was just wholly unsatisfying that this experienced man who has lain with widows, actresses, aristos alike was crushing instantly on this pretty governess. It felt very juvenile - this man is in his 40’s as well.
I also just found myself NOT caring about this family. There was just too much going on. This book definitely deserved to be a bit longer to really give the reader some breathing room as well.
I think it’s around 80k words which, with how much information and exposition is packed, really made me feel like nothing and everything was happening all at once
This had the bones of a good story, but the more I read the more disappointed I became.
November 25, 2024
This is the story of an outrageous rake who knows his lifestyle is ultimately hollow, a governess fleeing both her dangerous ex-employer and her religious upbringing, and his daughter (her charge): a teenage goth who ought to be listening to the Cure and dyeing thrift store clothes black instead of being taught ladylike conduct in 1870.
I freaking loved this book. While both age gap and boss/employee are tropes I love, sometimes authors struggle to craft a convincing, loving romance between the two characters. That’s not an issue in this book. As Ajax and Susanna bond, you can really see how each person’s strength is the other’s weakness, and by being together, they support each other. Ajax is comfortable in company but struggles with self-loathing and uncertainty, while Susanna feels like a country bumpkin in London but has unwavering faith in both herself and Ajax.
As for the spice…oml the tension between these two is 🥵🥵 It’s a slow burn and totally worth it. Details will ruin the plot, but let me just say that the words “slavishly devoted to [her] pleasure” are uttered, and that character means it—not just in bed, either! A lot of the spice features Susanna getting over the negative parts of her religious upbringing to enjoy her own body and physical pleasure, which is always a theme I enjoy.
Other things I liked: gay side characters, nuanced treatment of religion, weird family dynamics (they’re Sedleys, after all).
I freaking loved this book. While both age gap and boss/employee are tropes I love, sometimes authors struggle to craft a convincing, loving romance between the two characters. That’s not an issue in this book. As Ajax and Susanna bond, you can really see how each person’s strength is the other’s weakness, and by being together, they support each other. Ajax is comfortable in company but struggles with self-loathing and uncertainty, while Susanna feels like a country bumpkin in London but has unwavering faith in both herself and Ajax.
As for the spice…oml the tension between these two is 🥵🥵 It’s a slow burn and totally worth it. Details will ruin the plot, but let me just say that the words “slavishly devoted to [her] pleasure” are uttered, and that character means it—not just in bed, either! A lot of the spice features Susanna getting over the negative parts of her religious upbringing to enjoy her own body and physical pleasure, which is always a theme I enjoy.
Other things I liked: gay side characters, nuanced treatment of religion, weird family dynamics (they’re Sedleys, after all).
October 3, 2023
As others have mentioned the plot is about the hero who was a rake most of his life. He has an affair with an actress and has a child unbeknownst to him. Due to her being baseborn and the product of an actress, when her mother dies, Charolette, is unceremonially dumped at his doorstep-
Ajax wants to reform his ways and be the father he wished he had. Charolette, is sullen, quiet and slightly macabre. Ajax knows he needs to connect with his daughter but is uncertain how. He hires a governess to help him connect with Charolette as well as female companionship.
Susanna is a parson daughter, whom can relate to Charolette's feelings of "not quite fitting in". Susanna longs to live her life and escape her family confines.
I loved this book. The characters were extremely well developed and though Ajax had made mistakes in his past, the author did a wonderful job of making him human. The reader not only sympathizes with him, but becomes emotionally involved with all the characters.
The spicey scenes were written well and flowed nicely in the plot.
This is one of the few recent gems, in today's historical romance.
This is my first book by Antonia Falk- but it won't be my last.
Though I received a free copy of this book. My review is my own true opinion. I do not give stars lightly.
Ajax wants to reform his ways and be the father he wished he had. Charolette, is sullen, quiet and slightly macabre. Ajax knows he needs to connect with his daughter but is uncertain how. He hires a governess to help him connect with Charolette as well as female companionship.
Susanna is a parson daughter, whom can relate to Charolette's feelings of "not quite fitting in". Susanna longs to live her life and escape her family confines.
I loved this book. The characters were extremely well developed and though Ajax had made mistakes in his past, the author did a wonderful job of making him human. The reader not only sympathizes with him, but becomes emotionally involved with all the characters.
The spicey scenes were written well and flowed nicely in the plot.
This is one of the few recent gems, in today's historical romance.
This is my first book by Antonia Falk- but it won't be my last.
Though I received a free copy of this book. My review is my own true opinion. I do not give stars lightly.
October 5, 2023
This book contained several of my favorite tropes: rakes finding true love, baseborn children, and governesses to name a few. Complicated family relationships are another interesting factor. Readers will be intrigued by Susanna Abbotts, a parson’s daughter, who leaves the rigidity of her family life to make one of her own as a governess. Unaware of her beauty, she is preyed upon by one of her employers and hurriedly seeks new employment with Ajax Sedley. He has recently been tasked with taking care of his 15 y/o daughter, whose mother ( Ajax’s paramour ) has died.
The author has us intrigued immediately with the outcome of this tale. Readers will be enchanted with all the MC’s including young Charlotte Sedley, who keeps her grief well contained and who is interested in gothic structures, ghosts, and lost cities. Susanna hopes to eventually live in a seaside cottage, since dreams of having a family of her own are out of reach. And Ajax is struggling to reform his dismal character, write a novel, and perhaps mend rifts in his tumultuous family’s drama. Get ready to enjoy this heartbreaking and heartwarming tale from beginning to end. Can Ajax, Susanna, and Charlotte be a real family? Looking forward to the next book. I have received an ARC from Booksprout and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.
The author has us intrigued immediately with the outcome of this tale. Readers will be enchanted with all the MC’s including young Charlotte Sedley, who keeps her grief well contained and who is interested in gothic structures, ghosts, and lost cities. Susanna hopes to eventually live in a seaside cottage, since dreams of having a family of her own are out of reach. And Ajax is struggling to reform his dismal character, write a novel, and perhaps mend rifts in his tumultuous family’s drama. Get ready to enjoy this heartbreaking and heartwarming tale from beginning to end. Can Ajax, Susanna, and Charlotte be a real family? Looking forward to the next book. I have received an ARC from Booksprout and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.
October 28, 2023
I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Let me start by saying I’ve read AT LEAST a million brooding-lord-meets-pure-hearted-governess romance novels.. so I’m feeling very comfortable going into this like I know what to expect… but this author made it feel BRAND NEW. Listen, I stayed up WWWAAAYYYYY past my bedtime because I could not put this book down. I NEEDED to get to the point where Susanna and Ajax – as the song goes – can’t fight this feeling anymore. And ya’ll, I was NOT disappointed!!
As I read on, I found myself touched at times because the story was quite poignant. Both Susanna and Ajax grew up in families that didn’t really know how to family (and wow, do the Sedleys ever have a fascinating dynamic!). Ajax’s default is to behave as a care-nothing rogue but this hides a person who actually finds himself lacking in almost every aspect of his character, and that had me feeling so sad for him! Thankfully Susanna is a noticing sort - .. in that moment Susanna saw him, truly saw the real Ajax Sedley. He meant no harm. He wanted to make others smile, to put everyone around him at ease. He wasn’t making fun; he was trying, trying so desperately hard.
Also, Charlotte Sedley is giving Lydia from Beetlejuice and I’m here for it because I love a goth queen!
Let me start by saying I’ve read AT LEAST a million brooding-lord-meets-pure-hearted-governess romance novels.. so I’m feeling very comfortable going into this like I know what to expect… but this author made it feel BRAND NEW. Listen, I stayed up WWWAAAYYYYY past my bedtime because I could not put this book down. I NEEDED to get to the point where Susanna and Ajax – as the song goes – can’t fight this feeling anymore. And ya’ll, I was NOT disappointed!!
As I read on, I found myself touched at times because the story was quite poignant. Both Susanna and Ajax grew up in families that didn’t really know how to family (and wow, do the Sedleys ever have a fascinating dynamic!). Ajax’s default is to behave as a care-nothing rogue but this hides a person who actually finds himself lacking in almost every aspect of his character, and that had me feeling so sad for him! Thankfully Susanna is a noticing sort - .. in that moment Susanna saw him, truly saw the real Ajax Sedley. He meant no harm. He wanted to make others smile, to put everyone around him at ease. He wasn’t making fun; he was trying, trying so desperately hard.
Also, Charlotte Sedley is giving Lydia from Beetlejuice and I’m here for it because I love a goth queen!
September 24, 2023
Although the book is definitely slow—there is a lot of description and thinking surrounding every line of dialogue—in the end, I enjoyed it. Ajax Sedley is an interesting character, and he meets his match in Susanna Abbotts, the governess his niece insisted he hire for his newly discovered illegitimate daughter, Charlotte.
I guess I would describe the writing as lush—both good and bad. The descriptions are thorough and you get a lot of words about everyone’s thoughts. Sometimes all the description makes it hard to follow a conversation, but the overall story and these characters make it worth working through. I wish I could say I understood Charlotte better, but maybe she’ll get her own book in the future.
I read about half of the first book in this series before moving to this one. It was enough to be reasonably up to date on the Sedley backstory. I’m not sure it would have been as clear if I hadn’t read part of the first book.
Somewhat steamy, but that’s definitely not the focus of the book. It is not clean, however, if you are looking for that.
I guess I would describe the writing as lush—both good and bad. The descriptions are thorough and you get a lot of words about everyone’s thoughts. Sometimes all the description makes it hard to follow a conversation, but the overall story and these characters make it worth working through. I wish I could say I understood Charlotte better, but maybe she’ll get her own book in the future.
I read about half of the first book in this series before moving to this one. It was enough to be reasonably up to date on the Sedley backstory. I’m not sure it would have been as clear if I hadn’t read part of the first book.
Somewhat steamy, but that’s definitely not the focus of the book. It is not clean, however, if you are looking for that.
September 30, 2023
Well written, fast paced, full of drama, steam, intrigue, suspense, dreams and love. Each character in this book has so much to tell about themselves. You could write a book about each one of them. Susanna comes from a family who is a strong part of the church- very strict and believes good hard work and their beliefs are the answers. She leaves to find her own way as a governess. Ajax is a man who's family has wealth and each has their own way of spending it. He is the youngest son who ends up being raised by his brother after his father's death. He finds out that he has a daughter in her teens that he never knew about. He lives with his daughter and her governess, Susanna, now hired into the job. As time moves so do the sparks between them. His daughter, Charlotte , is another story in itself. Can't wait for more about this family. Great book to enjoy, curl up with a blanket and your favorite drink. Would recommend this book to all.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 9, 2023
You begin with a debauched rake bent upon redemption now that he is presented with the 15 year old product of his hellion years, a rebellious hellcat of a daughter! Then mix in a young, beautiful parson's daughter for a governess and what could possibly go wrong?
I loved this story. The characters are priceless, you can not help but feel for Ajax as he tries to do right by his daughter and he truly does want to reform. But with the temptation living under his very roof what is a rake to do? He cannot deny being attracted to the beautiful governess, and every encounter he has with Charlotte grows hotter and hotter until the finally erupt like a volcano.
This story has great character development, rich, descriptive writing, and witty dialogue, what more could you ask for? Loved this book and can't wait for the next in the series. So far Antonia Falk is 2 for 2 in the homerun department with the first two novels in the Sedleys series.
Thank you to Antonia Falk and to Book Sirens for the free ARC, I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
I loved this story. The characters are priceless, you can not help but feel for Ajax as he tries to do right by his daughter and he truly does want to reform. But with the temptation living under his very roof what is a rake to do? He cannot deny being attracted to the beautiful governess, and every encounter he has with Charlotte grows hotter and hotter until the finally erupt like a volcano.
This story has great character development, rich, descriptive writing, and witty dialogue, what more could you ask for? Loved this book and can't wait for the next in the series. So far Antonia Falk is 2 for 2 in the homerun department with the first two novels in the Sedleys series.
Thank you to Antonia Falk and to Book Sirens for the free ARC, I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
August 4, 2024
We have Ajax Sedley and Susanna a Parsons daughter! These two do not go together Ajax has led a life of secrets and open debauchery!
Now his antics have caught up with him in the form of a baseborn daughter Charlotte! Charlotte loves all things macabre and spooky spiritual!
Susanna at times is confused she shared one kiss with her former employer and is confused to the feelings inspired? But the Earl was one of worst lechers imaginable as he would literally chase and caste you aside quicker than spoiled milk! Terrible person of refused!
Susanna had to join his household in the middle of the night to escape with her virtue!
Has she gone from the frying pan to the fire? There chemistry is combustible but Ajax wants to reform for the sake of his daughter!
Susanna inspires Ajax to be a better man and person! When Ajax family gets involved it seems they are destined to separate him from Susanna! Can Ajax step up and actually have a family and be the man thru need? Or will he let self loathing and past failures define him? Bravo!
Now his antics have caught up with him in the form of a baseborn daughter Charlotte! Charlotte loves all things macabre and spooky spiritual!
Susanna at times is confused she shared one kiss with her former employer and is confused to the feelings inspired? But the Earl was one of worst lechers imaginable as he would literally chase and caste you aside quicker than spoiled milk! Terrible person of refused!
Susanna had to join his household in the middle of the night to escape with her virtue!
Has she gone from the frying pan to the fire? There chemistry is combustible but Ajax wants to reform for the sake of his daughter!
Susanna inspires Ajax to be a better man and person! When Ajax family gets involved it seems they are destined to separate him from Susanna! Can Ajax step up and actually have a family and be the man thru need? Or will he let self loathing and past failures define him? Bravo!
September 18, 2023
Susannah is a gorgeous governess who wears ugly attire to keep from attracting unwanted attention. Nevertheless, the relatives of her charges make it difficult to just do her job. Ah, but then there’s Ajax Sedley. He learns he has an orphaned daughter Charlotte and wants to be the father he didn’t have. Despite their good intentions, they are so strongly attracted they can’t deny it. And then too, a rake like Ajax has to come to terms with his past behaviors, take responsibility for his mistakes and find ways to become the man he wants to be. The steam builds and they have to face reality and decide what they truly value and collaborate on carving out the future they long for. I enjoyed this one very much! I thank the author for an advance review copy and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
October 2, 2023
A FORBIDDEN ATTRACTION
What a gripping story with wonderful characters and a touching storyline! I loved the emotional insights, the way both struggled with their feelings and the development of the characters as the story progressed.
All her life, governess Susanna has felt invisible and lonely but now she wants to experience freedom, life and pleasure.
Ajax is a rogue and the late-born black sheep of his wealthy family.
When he learns that he has an illegitimate daughter, he takes her in and is willing to change his way of life.
As Susanna starts her employment in Ajax‘ household, they immediately feel attracted to one another...
I recommend this book to all who like steamy historical romances with deep emotional insights, rags to riches and age gap tropes, reformed rakes and strong heroines.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What a gripping story with wonderful characters and a touching storyline! I loved the emotional insights, the way both struggled with their feelings and the development of the characters as the story progressed.
All her life, governess Susanna has felt invisible and lonely but now she wants to experience freedom, life and pleasure.
Ajax is a rogue and the late-born black sheep of his wealthy family.
When he learns that he has an illegitimate daughter, he takes her in and is willing to change his way of life.
As Susanna starts her employment in Ajax‘ household, they immediately feel attracted to one another...
I recommend this book to all who like steamy historical romances with deep emotional insights, rags to riches and age gap tropes, reformed rakes and strong heroines.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 4, 2023
He is the center of her world. - Susanna never imagined her new employer, Ajax, would become her lover. Wished fervently against it actually. As a governess, her reputation must remain unblemished. Already tenuous as she is working for a dratted Sedley as his by-blow's tutor, she must be even more above reproach to secure her next position. Her seaside cottage awaits. Too bad her heart didn't listen to her head as she let the confirmed bachelor sweep her off her feet and into his arms.
A lovely story with some heat about a wayward man trying to do the best he can by his recently discovered offspring with the help of the pretty young governess he had good intentions not to debauch. He didn't listen to his head (upper) either and they couldn't be happier for it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A lovely story with some heat about a wayward man trying to do the best he can by his recently discovered offspring with the help of the pretty young governess he had good intentions not to debauch. He didn't listen to his head (upper) either and they couldn't be happier for it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 5, 2023
This was a nice straightforward love story. Although its foundations are set up in the first book of the series, it can be read as a standalone. However, I do think that the reader would appreciate the story more by meeting Ajax and Susanna when they first appear in "Wedded Deceit."
This is an age gap romance where opposites attract. Ajax had been living a carefree rakish lifestyle until he suddenly wasn't. He found out that he had unknowingly fathered a daughter. Becoming a father caused him to seriously reevaluate his life. His daughter needed a governess and the much younger Susanna was recommended. Susanna was a parson's daughter of all things! Ajax and Susanna had a slow burn romance which turned steamy. The employer/employee relationship certainly made things interesting.
I received a free ARC from BookSirens and this is my honest review.
This is an age gap romance where opposites attract. Ajax had been living a carefree rakish lifestyle until he suddenly wasn't. He found out that he had unknowingly fathered a daughter. Becoming a father caused him to seriously reevaluate his life. His daughter needed a governess and the much younger Susanna was recommended. Susanna was a parson's daughter of all things! Ajax and Susanna had a slow burn romance which turned steamy. The employer/employee relationship certainly made things interesting.
I received a free ARC from BookSirens and this is my honest review.
September 8, 2023
Okay where to start. The storyline was a typical rich guy / governess trope. The difference being rich guy is just that, rich not a lord and is rich from his families boot polish business.
The mmc has many issues, most starkly his self worth issues. He is also a player and discovers his 16 year old daughter after 16 years. He is ashamed about his life. He hires a governess seduces her, falls in lo e with her and slowly changes to become better for his new family.
The fmc, is a governess. Beautiful, slightly older and sensitive to the needs of her pupil. She's also sexually awakened by a previous encounter so is all ready to jump into bed with mmc.
Overall, this book was not for me. The writing style was choppy at best, character development odd, and storyline a bit of a mess.
The mmc has many issues, most starkly his self worth issues. He is also a player and discovers his 16 year old daughter after 16 years. He is ashamed about his life. He hires a governess seduces her, falls in lo e with her and slowly changes to become better for his new family.
The fmc, is a governess. Beautiful, slightly older and sensitive to the needs of her pupil. She's also sexually awakened by a previous encounter so is all ready to jump into bed with mmc.
Overall, this book was not for me. The writing style was choppy at best, character development odd, and storyline a bit of a mess.
October 1, 2023
Interesting plot, great characters, and an easy quick read...
🔥 enjoyable humor
🔥 steamy scenes
🔥 a really intriguing plot
It's basically a story you've read before but written differently. The typical rich employer seducing/falling in love/lusting over his employee who eventually gives in to all advances.
An age gap, slow burn historical fiction that, no doubt had me hooked. I soaked it up.
It was a good read, though the character development could have been better.
The author did very little with certain characters' backgrounds (would have been interesting to know more/understand more).
I received an advance review copy for free and I'm leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to BookSirens
🔥 enjoyable humor
🔥 steamy scenes
🔥 a really intriguing plot
It's basically a story you've read before but written differently. The typical rich employer seducing/falling in love/lusting over his employee who eventually gives in to all advances.
An age gap, slow burn historical fiction that, no doubt had me hooked. I soaked it up.
It was a good read, though the character development could have been better.
The author did very little with certain characters' backgrounds (would have been interesting to know more/understand more).
I received an advance review copy for free and I'm leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to BookSirens
October 5, 2023
The Sedleys are a wealthy family with a negative reputation. Their relationships with each other are filled with judgment, manipulation and disdain. Ajax spent a lot of years sowing his wild oats and avoiding his family. However, things changed when he discovered that he had a fifteen year old daughter, named Charlotte, whose mother had recently died, leaving her in his care. Enter Susannah, a governess who needed to leave her current position, and became employed by Ajax. In a sense, story is about awakenings and coming to terms with oneself. Ajax wants so badly to turn over a new leaf, but his attraction to Susannah jeopardizes his resolve. Susannah wants to feel physical pleasure, and is tempted by Ajax, even though he is her employer. Charlotte, is just a lost soul with a love for the macabre and occult. Both Susannah’s and Ajax’s families have their own agendas and attempt to interfere with their lives. Although there is a heaviness to this story, you will also find some light banter and steamy moments. I enjoyed this story, and the ending was both hopeful and endearing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 12, 2023
I enjoyed this "Sedleys" historical romance. The story is about a rake and a governess. This is Susanna and Ajax’s lovely story. She is employed by to be the governess for his newly discovered daughter, Charlotte. Ajax is a self proclaimed rake and the black sheep of his family. He wants to be a better man for his daughter and decides to give up his rakish ways. Unfortunately, when he lays eyes on Susanna his resolve is tested. This is a good read and I really like the characters. There is over course some drama and family interference that goes along with the story.
October 28, 2023
Life/work got in the way of me finishing this book much sooner. I LOVE the protagonists! Miss Abbotts is so sweet, and Ajax is the perfect beau for her. They're adorable!! I also loved how much they cared for Charlotte, who was clearly a grieving child who needed extra attention and patience. The only thing that could have made this book better is if it had been a little longer so I could spend more time with the characters.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 16, 2023
It was a pretty heavy read. The fact that I jumped on this in the second book made me a little bit lost in the world-building but overall, the story and the characters are good. The book has lots of words that are archaic and I'm thankful that Kindle has the dictionary feature.
But aside from that, I enjoyed the story, especially Susanna's character development.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks to #BookSirens!
But aside from that, I enjoyed the story, especially Susanna's character development.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks to #BookSirens!
September 17, 2023
I loved the interplay between the 3 main characters especially the daughters development
I got a bit lost and bored when the family came back to London as I felt that there were too many names and personalities to keep up with
Very well written although so more references to the Sedley families ages would have helped put things into more perspective.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I got a bit lost and bored when the family came back to London as I felt that there were too many names and personalities to keep up with
Very well written although so more references to the Sedley families ages would have helped put things into more perspective.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 6, 2023
Great book
The primary characters have a lot of depth. We immediately develop feelings for them. We feel the emotional tension between Susanna and Ajax throughout the story. We feel Susanna’s need to experience life and pleasure. On each page of this story, we want to learn more about them and anticipate what will happen next. This book is pretty well-written and comes to pick us up emotionally.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The primary characters have a lot of depth. We immediately develop feelings for them. We feel the emotional tension between Susanna and Ajax throughout the story. We feel Susanna’s need to experience life and pleasure. On each page of this story, we want to learn more about them and anticipate what will happen next. This book is pretty well-written and comes to pick us up emotionally.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews