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The Defiant Hearts #1
An Improper Situation
With her chestnut hair and striking green eyes, Charlotte should be the catch of Spring City, Colorado. But she wears her independence like an impenetrable suit of armor and cloaks her identity behind her famed writing nom de plume of Charles Sanborn. She's a 24-year-old confirmed spinster who won't risk heartbreak, until a handsome stranger awakens her yearning both for companionship and for indulgent pleasure.
Boston lawyer Reed Malloy has a solemn mission--to deliver two orphaned children to their Colorado cousin. He's not prepared for Charlotte being utterly innocent and yet irresistibly beguiling, or for her brewing resentment and flat-out refusal to raise her kin. It will take some firsthand persuasion if he is to complete his legal duty and, perhaps, resolve more tantalizing issues.
When Charlotte forsakes everything familiar--and two thousand miles of America's heartland no longer separate her from Reed--unforeseen influences conspire to keep them apart. The high society of the Boston Brahmins welcomes her . . . while concealed malice abounds. With the intrusion of sinister forces and scorned women--and with passions ablaze--Reed and Charlotte find themselves in a very Improper Situation.
Boston lawyer Reed Malloy has a solemn mission--to deliver two orphaned children to their Colorado cousin. He's not prepared for Charlotte being utterly innocent and yet irresistibly beguiling, or for her brewing resentment and flat-out refusal to raise her kin. It will take some firsthand persuasion if he is to complete his legal duty and, perhaps, resolve more tantalizing issues.
When Charlotte forsakes everything familiar--and two thousand miles of America's heartland no longer separate her from Reed--unforeseen influences conspire to keep them apart. The high society of the Boston Brahmins welcomes her . . . while concealed malice abounds. With the intrusion of sinister forces and scorned women--and with passions ablaze--Reed and Charlotte find themselves in a very Improper Situation.
396 pages, Paperback
First published October 3, 2012
365 people are currently reading
506 people want to read
About the author
Sydney Jane Baily
60 books182 followersUSA Today bestselling author Sydney Jane Baily writes historical romance with engaging characters, attention to period detail, and sensual romance ~ often with a touch of intrigue. Amazon page: author.to/SydneyJaneBaily
A first-generation American daughter of Brits from either end of London, Sydney resides in Massachusetts with her family -- human, feline, and canine. The rest of her extended family live in the U.K. where she spent many happy childhood summers. She loves shandy, Maltesers, Cadbury bars, fish and chips, and anything from Harrod's food hall or in a Fortnum and Mason's basket.
Learn more about her books, read her blog, and contact her via her website at https://www.SydneyJaneBaily.com. She loves to hear from readers. On her site, you can also sign up for her Readers' Group and receive an occasional (not bothersome) newsletter along with a free book.
A first-generation American daughter of Brits from either end of London, Sydney resides in Massachusetts with her family -- human, feline, and canine. The rest of her extended family live in the U.K. where she spent many happy childhood summers. She loves shandy, Maltesers, Cadbury bars, fish and chips, and anything from Harrod's food hall or in a Fortnum and Mason's basket.
Learn more about her books, read her blog, and contact her via her website at https://www.SydneyJaneBaily.com. She loves to hear from readers. On her site, you can also sign up for her Readers' Group and receive an occasional (not bothersome) newsletter along with a free book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
February 26, 2014
This book met all my basic criteria for a great rating. It kept me up after my bedtime with lots of unforeseen twists and turns. Reed Malloy (love the name) is a mouth-watering hero who appealed from the get go. The heroine is spunky, outspoken, talented, and yet lonely, inhibited and unsure. In other words, genuine. The steamy passion that springs between the two is, well, steamy!
I don’t normally read historicals set in America, but I enjoyed learning about Boston and Colorado; the author brought the settings to life.
Can’t wait to read book 2 of the series.
I don’t normally read historicals set in America, but I enjoyed learning about Boston and Colorado; the author brought the settings to life.
Can’t wait to read book 2 of the series.
Want to read
June 10, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/10/2021)! 🎁
January 30, 2016
I won this book from a first reads giveaway, so I’m going to be completely honest. Well, I pretty much loved Charlotte from the very beginning. I liked how she wasn’t a conventional romance heroine. She had more substance to her than fawning over parties and pretty clothes. When Reed showed up at her house, she was anything but the doting aunt to her niece and nephew. But you never thought she was a bitch or a coldhearted person. Her reactions to the things that happened in the book felt very real. There were moments that she made rash judgments or did something stupid, but she could admit when she messed up. It was nice to read about a heroine that had self-respect and who wasn’t willing to settle for a loveless relationship.
My problem lay with Reed. As a love interest, he didn’t really grab my attention. It made me laugh how he was always fixing Charlotte with disapproving glances when they first met. However, as the book went on, I felt like he was a bit bipolar. One minute he was glaring at her and then the next he was smiling genuinely at her. It made me fairly confused and I just didn’t get his character. Also, there were times that he was kind of odd. He would say certain things that were meant to sound sexy, but they’d come off as awkward. To be honest, I was actually rooting for Jason the majority of the book. The minute he stepped on the page I was won over. He was so charming and I liked his shameless flirting. I ended up wanting Charlotte to fall for him instead of Reed. Of course, he .
Overall, there were highs and lows. The beginning and end were really good, but the middle seemed dragged out. For the most part though, I enjoyed this. There was one scene at a dance where the chapter ended on a statement that had my jaw dropping. I was seriously thinking ‘oh my god, sh!t’s gonna go down!!’. The last hundred pages or so got drastically better. From the moment Reed , I started to love his character. Reed seemed to have more personality and became more likeable. He grew on me and by the end of the book I was definitely rooting for him.
My problem lay with Reed. As a love interest, he didn’t really grab my attention. It made me laugh how he was always fixing Charlotte with disapproving glances when they first met. However, as the book went on, I felt like he was a bit bipolar. One minute he was glaring at her and then the next he was smiling genuinely at her. It made me fairly confused and I just didn’t get his character. Also, there were times that he was kind of odd. He would say certain things that were meant to sound sexy, but they’d come off as awkward. To be honest, I was actually rooting for Jason the majority of the book. The minute he stepped on the page I was won over. He was so charming and I liked his shameless flirting. I ended up wanting Charlotte to fall for him instead of Reed. Of course, he .
Overall, there were highs and lows. The beginning and end were really good, but the middle seemed dragged out. For the most part though, I enjoyed this. There was one scene at a dance where the chapter ended on a statement that had my jaw dropping. I was seriously thinking ‘oh my god, sh!t’s gonna go down!!’. The last hundred pages or so got drastically better. From the moment Reed , I started to love his character. Reed seemed to have more personality and became more likeable. He grew on me and by the end of the book I was definitely rooting for him.
June 13, 2016
Charlotte is a writing under the pen name Charlie Sanborn living in rural Colorado. She’s come to appreciate the single solitude that has surrounded her. Then suddenly, a knock on the door changed everything. Mr. Reed Malloy appears on her doorstep with two children in tow. It turns out that the children are that of her deceased cousin whose last will testament contained instructions for Charlotte to raise them. Lily and Thomas have now lost both parents, been hauled halfway across the country, and are being dropped on the doorstep of a women who has no intention of letting them stay.
It’s not the proper thing to do but Reed stays in the home of a single women, but there are few options with Charlotte not willing to take them and Reed not willing to disregard Ann’s will. It doesn’t take long for this unconventional arrangement to prove to be both convenient and comfortable. It also awakens emotions in both Charlotte and Reed for very different reasons. When Reed’s Boston life catches up with him in Colorado it doesn’t take long for things to become very complicated. Reed ends up going back to Boston and Charlotte and the children stay in Colorado.
This is far from the end of Reed and Charlotte’s story though. The children’s grandmother questions Charlotte’s suitability as guardian. Convincing Charlotte to bring her and the children back to Boston. Secretly, Charlotte is excited at the possibility of rekindling with Reed but also knows that there are really big risk to those possibilities. Charlotte and Reed have to walk a fine balance between desire and public appearance with plenty of people trying to drive wedges into the middle of it all.
This book is quite long and I typically I don’t read historical romance although I did enjoy this book. Enough so that I’m definitely considering continuing the series. I struggled with the speed of the story but that had a lot to do with the genre classification. I had to find some patience to deal with the pomp and circumstance or even the formality that was needed to deal with the time period. The characters were engaging and well developed.
It’s not the proper thing to do but Reed stays in the home of a single women, but there are few options with Charlotte not willing to take them and Reed not willing to disregard Ann’s will. It doesn’t take long for this unconventional arrangement to prove to be both convenient and comfortable. It also awakens emotions in both Charlotte and Reed for very different reasons. When Reed’s Boston life catches up with him in Colorado it doesn’t take long for things to become very complicated. Reed ends up going back to Boston and Charlotte and the children stay in Colorado.
This is far from the end of Reed and Charlotte’s story though. The children’s grandmother questions Charlotte’s suitability as guardian. Convincing Charlotte to bring her and the children back to Boston. Secretly, Charlotte is excited at the possibility of rekindling with Reed but also knows that there are really big risk to those possibilities. Charlotte and Reed have to walk a fine balance between desire and public appearance with plenty of people trying to drive wedges into the middle of it all.
This book is quite long and I typically I don’t read historical romance although I did enjoy this book. Enough so that I’m definitely considering continuing the series. I struggled with the speed of the story but that had a lot to do with the genre classification. I had to find some patience to deal with the pomp and circumstance or even the formality that was needed to deal with the time period. The characters were engaging and well developed.
October 12, 2020
Una historia entretenida en la que mezcla romance y un poco de acción. A mi parecer se me ha hecho un pelin larga, se podría haber contado lo mismo en menos páginas, pero ya digo que me ha resultado entretenida de leer.
July 15, 2021
Very enjoyable read
I loved this story and it's characters. Exciting love story, intriguing mystery, laughter and tears. Looking forward to more from this Author.
I loved this story and it's characters. Exciting love story, intriguing mystery, laughter and tears. Looking forward to more from this Author.
June 22, 2021
Longer story to savor
This book is like reading two in one. The first half takes place in Colorado in a small town. The female protagonist is doing life on her own but missing out on companionship. The male protagonist shows up and acts like the saint of patience. The children are described a bit and are part of the plot but are relegated to off the page for most of the novel. There are distant neighbors, but mostly the first part of the story focuses on the initial development of the protagonists’ romantic relationship.
There is some mild peril, lots of anticipation and some delicious foreplay. The barn dance is the social event to end the first part, and some serious plot twists happen to launch our heroine into part two and a trip to the city.
Part II shows the heroine in action as a writer more, but the plot complications seems tossed in instead of layered in from the first page. The conflicts that arise seem typical for romance books where the couple can’t quite communicate clearly due to misunderstandings, social barriers (that are inconsistently adhered to), and perceived lovers’ triangles.
The female antagonist gets a smart comeuppance, and a surprise antagonist toward the end has violent, anti-women, sexual assault intentions.
The hero seems a different character in part two, and his backstory also seems thrown in and less developed. He’s still swoon-worthy and a hunky lover.
I wish the author had included the children more on page, instead of sending them out of sight, as the sweet family element mostly disappeared in the second half of the book—Was Lily even mentioned in the wedding scene?
The best parts of the book are in the dialog, the long tease before the steamy parts, and the HEA.
There are a few typos, but overall the book is an enjoyable reading experience.
This book is like reading two in one. The first half takes place in Colorado in a small town. The female protagonist is doing life on her own but missing out on companionship. The male protagonist shows up and acts like the saint of patience. The children are described a bit and are part of the plot but are relegated to off the page for most of the novel. There are distant neighbors, but mostly the first part of the story focuses on the initial development of the protagonists’ romantic relationship.
There is some mild peril, lots of anticipation and some delicious foreplay. The barn dance is the social event to end the first part, and some serious plot twists happen to launch our heroine into part two and a trip to the city.
Part II shows the heroine in action as a writer more, but the plot complications seems tossed in instead of layered in from the first page. The conflicts that arise seem typical for romance books where the couple can’t quite communicate clearly due to misunderstandings, social barriers (that are inconsistently adhered to), and perceived lovers’ triangles.
The female antagonist gets a smart comeuppance, and a surprise antagonist toward the end has violent, anti-women, sexual assault intentions.
The hero seems a different character in part two, and his backstory also seems thrown in and less developed. He’s still swoon-worthy and a hunky lover.
I wish the author had included the children more on page, instead of sending them out of sight, as the sweet family element mostly disappeared in the second half of the book—Was Lily even mentioned in the wedding scene?
The best parts of the book are in the dialog, the long tease before the steamy parts, and the HEA.
There are a few typos, but overall the book is an enjoyable reading experience.
December 24, 2017
In this well written and suspenseful romance, I found the plot to be engaging and was unable to put the book down. From the very first, academic writer lady Charlotte drew me in. Her absent mindedness and lack of domestic skills were unusual for her time, but she had the respect of many readers across the country. When literary admirer Reed decides to meet the writer lady by bringing her deceased cousin's children to her in accordance with her will, he did not expect to see a young and very beautiful woman. Reed decides there and then to stay until such time as Charlotte agrees to become the caregiver to the children. Things don't work out the way either of them planned, and ultimately naive Charlotte finds herself thrust into the sophisticated and somewhat jaded Boston society with its gossip and sharp tongues. I loved Reed's character, his caring for the children and Charlotte, as well as his gentle approach towards them. Charlotte was floundering in Boston society, but she quickly finds her feet and is able to make a stand, winning Reed's respect. I previously read this book as part of a box set, and enjoyed it just as much the second time around. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
September 1, 2021
This is the first book in the Defiant Hearts Series, a modern Victorian American Romance. The title can't be more accurate! Charlotte and Reed's story is beautifully written, sweet, and captivating. Impossible to stop listening! Charlotte, a writer, is a fantastic character, smart, strong, modern, solitaire, and independent. Reed, a lawyer, is handsome, caring, and supportive. They share an undeniable and sizzling chemistry. I liked their banter! Lilly and Thomas, Charlotte's cousins, are awesome. The supporting characters are great, and they have an important part in this story. I liked the fantastic characters, the engaging storyline, the humor, the modernism, the mystery, the twists and turns, and the sizzling romance. Lillian Yves and Vincent Lee Grayson did an outstanding job with the duet narration. I liked their acting, and their flawless performance. This audiobook was really pleasant to listen to, and I highly recommend it. Looking forward to listening to An Irresistible Temptation, the next book in the Series. I received this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily written this review.
April 1, 2024
This is a new (to me) author, and I was pleased with the well-written dialogue and plotline. I was surprised that Charlotte got away with having an unmarried male in her home. It just wasn't done. However, Charlotte gave the reason for his living with them as a precaution against Thomas' nightmares.
It surprised me that Charlotte went to Boston to answer her aunt's questions. We see the difference between the more liberal West and the straight-laced Boston area. I was again surprised when Charlotte's brother reappeared in the most perplexing circumstances.
One great strength of this story is Charlotte's growth over time. She faced her fears and was stronger for the effort.
Defiant Hearts: A Total of 7
** 1. An Improper Situation (2012) -- VG
2. An Irresistible Temptation (2013)
It surprised me that Charlotte went to Boston to answer her aunt's questions. We see the difference between the more liberal West and the straight-laced Boston area. I was again surprised when Charlotte's brother reappeared in the most perplexing circumstances.
One great strength of this story is Charlotte's growth over time. She faced her fears and was stronger for the effort.
Defiant Hearts: A Total of 7
** 1. An Improper Situation (2012) -- VG
2. An Irresistible Temptation (2013)
July 1, 2022
Very good in so many ways but sometimes tedious.
This is the second novel by this author that I've read. I've enjoyed both stories. The characters are wonderful and full dimensioned, the storyline, while sometimes trading on tried and true memes, is refreshingly original. I love the fact that the novel is set in late 19th century America and that our heroine is a strong, independent modern woman who is not afraid of giving her virginity before marriage to the man she eventually loves.
However, and I mentioned this in a previous review, the author spends too much time explaining her main characters' motivations and thoughts instead of just showing us through dialogue and action.
This is the second novel by this author that I've read. I've enjoyed both stories. The characters are wonderful and full dimensioned, the storyline, while sometimes trading on tried and true memes, is refreshingly original. I love the fact that the novel is set in late 19th century America and that our heroine is a strong, independent modern woman who is not afraid of giving her virginity before marriage to the man she eventually loves.
However, and I mentioned this in a previous review, the author spends too much time explaining her main characters' motivations and thoughts instead of just showing us through dialogue and action.
June 18, 2021
Fresh characters, historical realism, romance and growth
The two main characters are independent and unique: a Montana-raised writer, Charlotte Sanbourne, and a Boston lawyer, Reed Malloy. They grew on me as their characters are revealed, layer by layer as the story progresses. Strongly attracted to each other, they build their relationship in the real world with honesty, passion, actions, misunderstandings and communication. The interesting, believable secondary characters enhance the story with variety and depth. Charlotte's and Reed's happy ending is hard-won, making it all the more satisfying after their many travails. I'm still thinking of them three days after I finished the story.
The two main characters are independent and unique: a Montana-raised writer, Charlotte Sanbourne, and a Boston lawyer, Reed Malloy. They grew on me as their characters are revealed, layer by layer as the story progresses. Strongly attracted to each other, they build their relationship in the real world with honesty, passion, actions, misunderstandings and communication. The interesting, believable secondary characters enhance the story with variety and depth. Charlotte's and Reed's happy ending is hard-won, making it all the more satisfying after their many travails. I'm still thinking of them three days after I finished the story.
July 31, 2021
A Defining Moment
I received a free copy of this audiobook from Audiobook Boom in exchange for an honest review.
I liked the story, but grew a bit frustrated with the "he didn't actually say he loves me" trope. The story traversed the country when a lawyer from Boston shows up in Colorado on Charlotte's doorstep. With two children in tow, he changed the lonesome writer's life forever. Initially she rejected her cousin's request to take on her children after a tragic accident, The lawyer's insistence and charm changed her mind. Wrought with one disaster after another the story was engaging throughout. The narration was seamless and both voices were diverse and entertaining.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from Audiobook Boom in exchange for an honest review.
I liked the story, but grew a bit frustrated with the "he didn't actually say he loves me" trope. The story traversed the country when a lawyer from Boston shows up in Colorado on Charlotte's doorstep. With two children in tow, he changed the lonesome writer's life forever. Initially she rejected her cousin's request to take on her children after a tragic accident, The lawyer's insistence and charm changed her mind. Wrought with one disaster after another the story was engaging throughout. The narration was seamless and both voices were diverse and entertaining.
July 30, 2021
I'm Still Smiling!
Another interesting, sensual and engaging story from the pen of Sydney Jane Baily which I have thoroughly enjoyed.
Lots of twists and turns, great communication between the characters, a new genre, a fair amount of heat and delightful emotions are written into this story.
I have just finished listening to the audiobook version which was really well narrated by Lillian Yves and Vincent Lee Grayson. This pair have a truly amazing way of helping to bring the story to life and they make it an absolute pleasure to listen.
Such fine entertainment!
Another interesting, sensual and engaging story from the pen of Sydney Jane Baily which I have thoroughly enjoyed.
Lots of twists and turns, great communication between the characters, a new genre, a fair amount of heat and delightful emotions are written into this story.
I have just finished listening to the audiobook version which was really well narrated by Lillian Yves and Vincent Lee Grayson. This pair have a truly amazing way of helping to bring the story to life and they make it an absolute pleasure to listen.
Such fine entertainment!
June 15, 2021
Incredible!
I absolutely loved this story from start to finish! Sydney Jane Baily is a fantastic writer! An Improper Situation is not just a historical romance. It would have been good with just that. Then the author adds twists and turns and the story becomes incredible! I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend this book to everyone. There's romance, humor, and mystery. A compelling combination.
I absolutely loved this story from start to finish! Sydney Jane Baily is a fantastic writer! An Improper Situation is not just a historical romance. It would have been good with just that. Then the author adds twists and turns and the story becomes incredible! I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend this book to everyone. There's romance, humor, and mystery. A compelling combination.
June 22, 2021
An exciting mystery & warm love story.
The strength of character of Charlie and getting to know her filled hours of pleasure in reading this book. So hard to put down, this well-written story holds the interest until one cannot wait for the outcome. How she could delay saying "yes" is hard to understand though.
The strength of character of Charlie and getting to know her filled hours of pleasure in reading this book. So hard to put down, this well-written story holds the interest until one cannot wait for the outcome. How she could delay saying "yes" is hard to understand though.
March 3, 2019
Delightful story
What a great story, there were beautiful children, handsome dude, lovely lady, bad guy, good guy and she had a job! Scandalous! But really, it was such a feel good story for my keeper shelf.
What a great story, there were beautiful children, handsome dude, lovely lady, bad guy, good guy and she had a job! Scandalous! But really, it was such a feel good story for my keeper shelf.
December 14, 2020
An Improper Situation
Reed Malloy came to Charlotte’s door with two children that were left to her in a will. Being alone for so long she wanted nothing to do with them. Reed and Charlotte became a loving pair and with the children made a fine family.
Reed Malloy came to Charlotte’s door with two children that were left to her in a will. Being alone for so long she wanted nothing to do with them. Reed and Charlotte became a loving pair and with the children made a fine family.
June 15, 2021
Entertaining
A spinster, living in seclusion, two orphaned children and a determined lawyer are the main characters in this story. Through trials and tribulations, this is a love story, love of family and the love between a man and a woman.
A spinster, living in seclusion, two orphaned children and a determined lawyer are the main characters in this story. Through trials and tribulations, this is a love story, love of family and the love between a man and a woman.
June 22, 2021
Romance-Mystery-Family rolled into one novel
From West to East, one independent writer falls in love with unexpected children given into her custody, finds family where she never thought she would, encounters false and true love and find courage to rescue those she loves.
From West to East, one independent writer falls in love with unexpected children given into her custody, finds family where she never thought she would, encounters false and true love and find courage to rescue those she loves.
July 5, 2021
A good read that kept me up until 4a to finish it! I deducted one star due to a feeling of inconsistency on h's part and because H's actions were very inappropriate for the time...but I still enjoyed it!
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August 7, 2021So sweet...so exciting..so full of love!
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I fell in love with the main characters immediately. It left me wanting to know more about this sweet family.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I fell in love with the main characters immediately. It left me wanting to know more about this sweet family.
August 18, 2021
Excellent!
I thoroughly enjoyed Reed & Charlotte's story of their romantic journey to happily ever after. This the first I have read by this author but it definitely will not be the last!
I thoroughly enjoyed Reed & Charlotte's story of their romantic journey to happily ever after. This the first I have read by this author but it definitely will not be the last!
October 7, 2021
Easy read. Romance story.
Good book. The writing would have been better if left unembellished, but the writer seemed to go back and forth with the same words said differently in the same paragraph which detracted from the story.
Good book. The writing would have been better if left unembellished, but the writer seemed to go back and forth with the same words said differently in the same paragraph which detracted from the story.
December 1, 2021
A good read with believable characters and a solid plot!
Initially, I thought there was a slow start to this book, but I just wasn't ready to read it. When I came back to it, I was hooked and couldn't put it down. Very enjoyable.
Initially, I thought there was a slow start to this book, but I just wasn't ready to read it. When I came back to it, I was hooked and couldn't put it down. Very enjoyable.
January 24, 2023
So many rules made by society, to lose one’s reputation just due to a guest at your house, ugh! Loved the woman writer, thought to have to have a pen name because you are a writer, sad. Enjoyed these new characters, their story and journey.
July 20, 2024
The period slang is a "huckleberry above a persimmon" and worth reading for that alone. Loved the independent assertive FMC and evocative and more unusual Spring City, CO and Boston, MA settings in the late 19th century. Could have done without the MMC's arrogance.
February 10, 2019
Great story line.
I enjoyed this book very much. The story line was interesting and the characters are really awesome. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
I enjoyed this book very much. The story line was interesting and the characters are really awesome. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
June 16, 2021
Kindle-Free
June 18, 2021
Kept my attention
I kept talking to the female character, the things she did. I couldn’t put the book down because I just had to know what she was going to do next.
I kept talking to the female character, the things she did. I couldn’t put the book down because I just had to know what she was going to do next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews