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Blind Cupid #2
The Governess and the Beast
Historical/BDSM/Erotic novella... Book 2 in the Blind Cupid series.
Hiding secrets and a past she longs to forget, Hortense Jennings answers an ad for a governess and embarks on an adventure she did not expect.
Concealed in a gothic, crumbling manor on the edge of a North Sea cliff, Baron Simon Wolstenholme is hiding from life. Horribly scarred from battle wounds, he lives up to his name “The Beast of Stonecliff” in both appearance and attitude until he realizes how lonely he has become.
Simon propositions Hortense for a singular night of passion. Raging weather and storms of anger clash between a lonely man and a distrustful woman to reveal secret desires in an emotional crescendo. Can the Governess and the Beast find calm amid the storm and admit their true feelings, or will pride destroy the fairy tale before it begins?
Hiding secrets and a past she longs to forget, Hortense Jennings answers an ad for a governess and embarks on an adventure she did not expect.
Concealed in a gothic, crumbling manor on the edge of a North Sea cliff, Baron Simon Wolstenholme is hiding from life. Horribly scarred from battle wounds, he lives up to his name “The Beast of Stonecliff” in both appearance and attitude until he realizes how lonely he has become.
Simon propositions Hortense for a singular night of passion. Raging weather and storms of anger clash between a lonely man and a distrustful woman to reveal secret desires in an emotional crescendo. Can the Governess and the Beast find calm amid the storm and admit their true feelings, or will pride destroy the fairy tale before it begins?
63 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 11, 2013
47 people are currently reading
304 people want to read
About the author
Karyn Gerrard
51 books598 followersI no longer come to Goodreads, so there will be no updates by me on this profile.
For further information on my books, check out my site here: http://karyngerrard.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
January 4, 2020
Lila Jenner has changed her name, become a certified governess and answered an ad for a position at a crumbling gothic manor house at the edge of the North Sea. She's devastated to find that she's actually been hired as a companion to a beastly yet compelling man.
Scarred army captain Simon Wolstenhome, Baron Stonecliff, hides away from the world, living up to the villagers' nickname for him: the Beast of Stonecliff" in every way. But now he can no longer bear the loneliness and wants to try to begin interacting with people again, starting with a companion who could potentially also be a lover.
Lila is ready to leave immediately but Simon negotiates with her for one no-holds-barred night of passion. But Lila, who has trained herself to be impervious to emotions, is not prepared for the firestorm of feelings Simon awakens in her. Likewise, Simon finds himself not only facing emotion again but experiencing feelings he's never had before. Soon it becomes apparent that neither truly wants to part but their pride and fears may keep these damaged and lonely people from any chance of a future together.
This was a quick and very steamy read. These two opened up to each other in very sexy but also emotional scenes. Their feelings for one another developed rapidly but given their mutual loneliness and vulnerability, it worked for this story and it was a quick and enjoyable read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Scarred army captain Simon Wolstenhome, Baron Stonecliff, hides away from the world, living up to the villagers' nickname for him: the Beast of Stonecliff" in every way. But now he can no longer bear the loneliness and wants to try to begin interacting with people again, starting with a companion who could potentially also be a lover.
Lila is ready to leave immediately but Simon negotiates with her for one no-holds-barred night of passion. But Lila, who has trained herself to be impervious to emotions, is not prepared for the firestorm of feelings Simon awakens in her. Likewise, Simon finds himself not only facing emotion again but experiencing feelings he's never had before. Soon it becomes apparent that neither truly wants to part but their pride and fears may keep these damaged and lonely people from any chance of a future together.
This was a quick and very steamy read. These two opened up to each other in very sexy but also emotional scenes. Their feelings for one another developed rapidly but given their mutual loneliness and vulnerability, it worked for this story and it was a quick and enjoyable read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 7, 2019
This is a captivating and heartwarming story. After having to survive by being a prostitute, Lila is looking forward to starting her new, respectable life. She went to school to become a governess and has been hired by Lord Stonecliff. Simon was horribly scarred by a cannon blast two years earlier, and he's lonely. So he lures Lila to him with an offer to be his ward's governess, but he really wants to offer her the position of being his temporary companion/mistress. Offended by the offer, Lila is ready to walk away when he informs her that she can't leave until morning. She counters his offer with her own. One night to do anything he wants with her, in exchange for money, references and help getting a governess position. He agrees and they begin their bargain. Unfortunately things don't go the way they're supposed to, things get very intense between them, which causes both to lash out, and rain has washed away the road and she will have to stay for at least 48 hours. During that time they both bounce between baring their souls, and closing themselves off. And even though they both blow hot and cold, they both manage to fall in love. I loved both the characters, and the storyline, very much.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
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May 31, 2013
My review contains spoilers and they're mostly my thoughts as I went with the book...
Karyn Gerrard’s The Governess and the Beast had an interesting storyline and some pretty surprising twists that I hadn’t imagine coming. This is the second book of Blind Cupid series, which is based on the characters from a brothel of the same name.
‘Hortense’ is trying to become a proper governess. She wants to change her past and start anew, and for that reason, she’s now on her way to this distant countryside to work for a recluse lord, who is said to be ugly from scars and... umm, sexually impotent. She saw the ad on the newspaper about a governess for his ward and found the position to her liking. On her arrival, ‘Hortense’ is taken to her destination by the coach sent from the Manor. As she neared her destination, ‘Hortense’ is intrigued as well as a little apprehensive by the gloomy atmosphere, and the big, crumbling Manor house that stands before her. It’s seemed like something from a Gothic novel!
‘Hortense’ is showed her room where she refreshes herself. But, her shiver of apprehension prolongs when she’s taken to meet the master of the house. There, ‘Hortense’ finds a tall, muscular man... but what is this? This seems to be the coachman who drove her here from the station! As the master of the house reveals his face, ‘Hortense’ can’t but gasp out in horror. One side of his face is severely scarred while the other side is a stark contrast, showing what a handsome man he once was.
Simon had been burned severely during the war. Once been known as a very handsome man and used to having his way with the ladies, Simon can’t take how it has all been taken away from him. His life of society, gambling and whoring is over. Now, having lived as lonely as he is, Simon is desperate for some companionship... even if it’s of someone like ‘Hortense’. Simon hasn’t been with any woman ever since his accident but ‘Hortense’s’ reply to his impulsive advert made him want to seek her out. He has also made a thorough check on her background which is the total opposite of prim and proper. ‘Hortense’ is none other than a former prostitute, Lila, who used to work in the Blind Cupid. She seems very well educated for that though. Simon is intrigued by her beauty, education, not to mention her apparent primness when she’s anything but if the reports he read about her are accurate enough.
Lila is completely surprised when Simon makes her an offer and the fact that she was here for his need rather than his ward Christopher’s. And that doesn’t make her happy. She is not taking up the life she has left behind but after talking to Simon and some of his attempts at showing that he hasn’t lost his mojo, Lila begins to change her mind. Simon’s loneliness calls out to her, and when, after her initial rejection of his proposal, the hurt she saw in his eyes does something to her insides. Moreover, she’s not all that disgusted by his scars. Fact of the matter is, both want to know about one another, so they struck a bargain of a night of passion. Lila can walk away the next day with the money she was offered for her governess position, and a great reference from Simon to start her life elsewhere as she originally planned.
But it becomes easier said than done when they finally start having sex, which was very HOT, with Simon’s dirty mouth and imagination *wink*. That was the best part! As their intimacy deepens, Lila and Simon begin to open up about their respective past. While I understood that some of these revelations were necessary for the storyline, unfortunately, I didn’t like knowing stuff about Simon’s past indiscretions or the fact that Desmond, the H of the first book was Lila’s first lover.
The Governess and the Beast takes place much earlier than book 1, The Blind Cupid. I couldn’t remember Lila from that story though. But, I must say I felt the bond forming between her and Simon among the sex and the sharing of their past. I could almost feel Simon’s yearning for Lila, and her wish to stay, even though she knew being a mistress to Simon would ultimately bring nothing good for her.
The story ends on a positive note; the hope for a new beginning for both Simon and Lila. I was definitely glad for that. 3.75 stars.
Karyn Gerrard’s The Governess and the Beast had an interesting storyline and some pretty surprising twists that I hadn’t imagine coming. This is the second book of Blind Cupid series, which is based on the characters from a brothel of the same name.
‘Hortense’ is trying to become a proper governess. She wants to change her past and start anew, and for that reason, she’s now on her way to this distant countryside to work for a recluse lord, who is said to be ugly from scars and... umm, sexually impotent. She saw the ad on the newspaper about a governess for his ward and found the position to her liking. On her arrival, ‘Hortense’ is taken to her destination by the coach sent from the Manor. As she neared her destination, ‘Hortense’ is intrigued as well as a little apprehensive by the gloomy atmosphere, and the big, crumbling Manor house that stands before her. It’s seemed like something from a Gothic novel!
‘Hortense’ is showed her room where she refreshes herself. But, her shiver of apprehension prolongs when she’s taken to meet the master of the house. There, ‘Hortense’ finds a tall, muscular man... but what is this? This seems to be the coachman who drove her here from the station! As the master of the house reveals his face, ‘Hortense’ can’t but gasp out in horror. One side of his face is severely scarred while the other side is a stark contrast, showing what a handsome man he once was.
Simon had been burned severely during the war. Once been known as a very handsome man and used to having his way with the ladies, Simon can’t take how it has all been taken away from him. His life of society, gambling and whoring is over. Now, having lived as lonely as he is, Simon is desperate for some companionship... even if it’s of someone like ‘Hortense’. Simon hasn’t been with any woman ever since his accident but ‘Hortense’s’ reply to his impulsive advert made him want to seek her out. He has also made a thorough check on her background which is the total opposite of prim and proper. ‘Hortense’ is none other than a former prostitute, Lila, who used to work in the Blind Cupid. She seems very well educated for that though. Simon is intrigued by her beauty, education, not to mention her apparent primness when she’s anything but if the reports he read about her are accurate enough.
Lila is completely surprised when Simon makes her an offer and the fact that she was here for his need rather than his ward Christopher’s. And that doesn’t make her happy. She is not taking up the life she has left behind but after talking to Simon and some of his attempts at showing that he hasn’t lost his mojo, Lila begins to change her mind. Simon’s loneliness calls out to her, and when, after her initial rejection of his proposal, the hurt she saw in his eyes does something to her insides. Moreover, she’s not all that disgusted by his scars. Fact of the matter is, both want to know about one another, so they struck a bargain of a night of passion. Lila can walk away the next day with the money she was offered for her governess position, and a great reference from Simon to start her life elsewhere as she originally planned.
But it becomes easier said than done when they finally start having sex, which was very HOT, with Simon’s dirty mouth and imagination *wink*. That was the best part! As their intimacy deepens, Lila and Simon begin to open up about their respective past. While I understood that some of these revelations were necessary for the storyline, unfortunately, I didn’t like knowing stuff about Simon’s past indiscretions or the fact that Desmond, the H of the first book was Lila’s first lover.
The Governess and the Beast takes place much earlier than book 1, The Blind Cupid. I couldn’t remember Lila from that story though. But, I must say I felt the bond forming between her and Simon among the sex and the sharing of their past. I could almost feel Simon’s yearning for Lila, and her wish to stay, even though she knew being a mistress to Simon would ultimately bring nothing good for her.
The story ends on a positive note; the hope for a new beginning for both Simon and Lila. I was definitely glad for that. 3.75 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2019
With a new name Hortense Jennings and an eagerness to begin a new life, Lila Jenner answers an ad for a governess, she is disappointed to find out she has been employed to be a companion of a different sort: to a man who embodies both beauty and the beast.
In a gothic, crumbling manor on the edge of a North Sea cliff, Baron Simon Wolstenholme is cloistered away from society. Horribly scarred from battle wounds in the Boer War, the baron lives up to his infamous title “The Beast of Stonecliff” in appearance and attitude. Simon bargains with Lila for a singular night of passion. A storm rages outside so she has nowhere to go.
A new slant on Beauty & the Beast as both Simon & Lila are wounded both physically & mentally. A well paced hot novella that I read in a sitting. The characters are very well portrayed which isn’t easy in a novella. Secrets & fears, souls as well as bodies are revealed whilst the pair are stranded due to a storm. Will she stay or will she go? I thoroughly enjoyed this book & look forward to the third in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
In a gothic, crumbling manor on the edge of a North Sea cliff, Baron Simon Wolstenholme is cloistered away from society. Horribly scarred from battle wounds in the Boer War, the baron lives up to his infamous title “The Beast of Stonecliff” in appearance and attitude. Simon bargains with Lila for a singular night of passion. A storm rages outside so she has nowhere to go.
A new slant on Beauty & the Beast as both Simon & Lila are wounded both physically & mentally. A well paced hot novella that I read in a sitting. The characters are very well portrayed which isn’t easy in a novella. Secrets & fears, souls as well as bodies are revealed whilst the pair are stranded due to a storm. Will she stay or will she go? I thoroughly enjoyed this book & look forward to the third in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
October 22, 2019
Basically, our scarred hero puts an ad in the paper for a governess for his young charge. Our heroine, a former prostitute who’s hoping to change her luck, answers said after and goes to the Gothic castle. Upon arrival, she learns that issues with her potential charge were straightened out and he’s away at boarding school and the scarred hero really wants her for himself as a companion.
So that’s the plot in a nutshell. There’s minimal emotional development between the two. Verbally...hmmm, you do learn what makes the two of them tick. Now physically? Yep, there’s a whole lot of shakin’, bumping, and grinding going on, because this was a totally smutty read:) instead of romance-and there’s a hint of potential there-this would fall under erotica since it’s literally a story about an evening of, well, sex.
I’d say this is a mood read. If your in the mood for some kinkiness, this little short should fit the bill.
So that’s the plot in a nutshell. There’s minimal emotional development between the two. Verbally...hmmm, you do learn what makes the two of them tick. Now physically? Yep, there’s a whole lot of shakin’, bumping, and grinding going on, because this was a totally smutty read:) instead of romance-and there’s a hint of potential there-this would fall under erotica since it’s literally a story about an evening of, well, sex.
I’d say this is a mood read. If your in the mood for some kinkiness, this little short should fit the bill.
August 30, 2025
This trilogy has been a great blend of emotional, steamy, and fun. I enjoyed this one, and I look forward to finishing out the trilogy soon.
July 25, 2013
A sexy new take on the classic Beauty and the Beast, this short story has a great plot, some BDSM/bondage and a sweet romance. The Baron, Simon, is scarred, emotionally and physically. He’s accepted himself as a beast until he realizes just how lonely he is. Searching for a compatible companion, Simon finds Hortense, an extreme beauty, and offers her a proposition – one night of extreme pleasure. Hortense reluctantly agrees.
From here, the story really evolves. It goes above and beyond to show just how beautiful flaws and imperfections can be and explores how deeply touching it can be to open ones self up to someone and get to know who they truly are before passing judgment. Hortense and Simon are so wonderfully written that it’s easy for the reader to fall in love with each of them equally. The connection that the two of them make also makes their night full of pleasure all the more intense and scorching hot. It does contain some bondage for those who enjoy some of their nights a little tied up.
Reviewed by Marie for Cocktails and Books
From here, the story really evolves. It goes above and beyond to show just how beautiful flaws and imperfections can be and explores how deeply touching it can be to open ones self up to someone and get to know who they truly are before passing judgment. Hortense and Simon are so wonderfully written that it’s easy for the reader to fall in love with each of them equally. The connection that the two of them make also makes their night full of pleasure all the more intense and scorching hot. It does contain some bondage for those who enjoy some of their nights a little tied up.
Reviewed by Marie for Cocktails and Books
April 7, 2014
~REVIEW by Ms. Bill~
"A brief but well-written romance for grownups. I really admired Karyn's ability to give us a great story line and believable, likeable, well-developed characters in a mere 63 pages. No long-lost twin brother caught in the arms of a scullery maid; no long-lost scullery maid with her arms caught in a twin brother. This is just all the 'good stuff' of a historical romance minus the fluff and fillers. True, Karyn has penned honest, clear descriptions of the physical needs and sexual activities of her two characters, but it's not shocking or crude, just intense. There's no cruelty, coercion or degradation involved. In fact, our scarred-yet-sexy hero makes a conscious decision to avoid acts that might hurt or humiliate our nubile heroine. What a man!
I enjoyed this first installment of the Blind Cupid Series so much, I've already bought the others."
"A brief but well-written romance for grownups. I really admired Karyn's ability to give us a great story line and believable, likeable, well-developed characters in a mere 63 pages. No long-lost twin brother caught in the arms of a scullery maid; no long-lost scullery maid with her arms caught in a twin brother. This is just all the 'good stuff' of a historical romance minus the fluff and fillers. True, Karyn has penned honest, clear descriptions of the physical needs and sexual activities of her two characters, but it's not shocking or crude, just intense. There's no cruelty, coercion or degradation involved. In fact, our scarred-yet-sexy hero makes a conscious decision to avoid acts that might hurt or humiliate our nubile heroine. What a man!
I enjoyed this first installment of the Blind Cupid Series so much, I've already bought the others."
March 16, 2018
The Governess and the Beast by Karyn Gerrard - A story following the Beauty and the Beast trope but with much more. Hortense is desperate for a job and lands one as a governess to a ward of Baron Simon Wolstenholme. Simon is a recluse after returning from war horribly scarred and has secluded himself in his Gothic manor. Shades of Jane Eyre gothic. What she finds is no ten year old boy to tutor but a man who is lonely and longing for companionship. Hortense is really Lila, a former lady of the night who was trying to escape her past and become respectable. Simon wanted the nonrespectable Lila to become his companion in and out of bed. This story had a lot of twist and turns but was also very emotional as the two lonely hearts get to know each other. A steamy tale that will keep you reading until the end!!
January 30, 2020
I thought that this book was good and intense
May 14, 2025
Karyn Gerrard is a new author for me. I only read 2 books of hers from The Duke’s Bastards series which were published by Dragonblade. I researched her and the reviews said she had insanely good sex scenes and explicit sex. Weirdly enough both those books only had one sex scene and not until the very end and it was only a few paragraphs and not super detailed. So I decided to check out more of her books because even though the sex was minimal, they were good reads. Well the reviews in this series said 97% all sex, explicit, lots of sex, etc. Book 1 definitely had sex. They weren’t super detailed. It was just a series of quick fucks and oral but there was a lot of those scenes.
I really liked this book. I liked the story and characters, Lila and Simon. They had great chemistry and I loved their relationship. Sex was hot and plentiful. :) Overall a really good read.
I really liked this book. I liked the story and characters, Lila and Simon. They had great chemistry and I loved their relationship. Sex was hot and plentiful. :) Overall a really good read.
June 28, 2019
I really enjoyed this story. A man scarred physically and emotionally by war and craving companionship, meets a woman trying to pull herself up from the depths of deprivation and despair. Very emotional.
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 26, 2021
Beautiful
This was a fairytale in itself, beautifully written and you felt the hurt and shame in the characters. The love effect was there to tear down the walls of the h and H.. Love this series
This was a fairytale in itself, beautifully written and you felt the hurt and shame in the characters. The love effect was there to tear down the walls of the h and H.. Love this series
December 26, 2019
I loved it, but I'm a soccer for book like this!!!
July 5, 2020
Erotic delicious romantic hot tea
January 26, 2021
Super hot quick read! Full of smut and a semi cute story line like beauty and the beast.
June 30, 2021
Short and steamy read...
January 22, 2020
Review originally posted at kittylishareviews.blogspot.com.
Lila has finished her education and has answered an ad for a governess position with a Lord that everyone claims is a beast. The man is said to be horribly disfigured and unable to perform physically. Of course, that is all the better. It is best to keep her mind on his young charge and not on the man. If she never lays with another man she fears it may be too soon.
Simon has holed himself up in his father's castle since his injuries and does not wish to be around other people. The only problem with that is that he has grown lonely and has concocted this plan to hire a governess named Lila for his young charge who is in reality away at school. He hopes that he can convince her to stay with him and be his companion.
No matter how hard you try to escape your past you can't and there is no sense in running from it. Your past makes you who you are. It is something that you must come to terms with. Some people it just takes a little longer to realize that you don't need to hide from it. This is a sweet story about scars that are both inside and out. The scars do not hide beauty or take away from who someone is on the inside. I do not know that Simon would have ended up with Lila if not for what happened to him and I do not know that Lila would have ended up with Simon if not for what happened to her. I will not give anything away but just know that they try it for one night. Anything more than that you will have to discover for yourself within the pages of this book. I wish you all the best in your discoveries. At some point I am sure I will bring you a book that is the first in a series rather than second. For now, at least with this book, I cannot make that promise.
Lila has finished her education and has answered an ad for a governess position with a Lord that everyone claims is a beast. The man is said to be horribly disfigured and unable to perform physically. Of course, that is all the better. It is best to keep her mind on his young charge and not on the man. If she never lays with another man she fears it may be too soon.
Simon has holed himself up in his father's castle since his injuries and does not wish to be around other people. The only problem with that is that he has grown lonely and has concocted this plan to hire a governess named Lila for his young charge who is in reality away at school. He hopes that he can convince her to stay with him and be his companion.
No matter how hard you try to escape your past you can't and there is no sense in running from it. Your past makes you who you are. It is something that you must come to terms with. Some people it just takes a little longer to realize that you don't need to hide from it. This is a sweet story about scars that are both inside and out. The scars do not hide beauty or take away from who someone is on the inside. I do not know that Simon would have ended up with Lila if not for what happened to him and I do not know that Lila would have ended up with Simon if not for what happened to her. I will not give anything away but just know that they try it for one night. Anything more than that you will have to discover for yourself within the pages of this book. I wish you all the best in your discoveries. At some point I am sure I will bring you a book that is the first in a series rather than second. For now, at least with this book, I cannot make that promise.
November 18, 2017
Who would be the most deceived?
Simon Wolstenholme hires Miss Hortense Jennings to be governess of his 11 year-old ward.
However, when she arrives at his house for the interview, she discovers that the boy did not actually live in the house because he had been sent to the school, and that her contract was to make company the Baron himself.
For her side, Hortense was not who she claimed to be.
She was a former courtesan by real name Lila Jenner, who had not adapted to life in the brothel, had the opportunity to study to be prepared to be a governess, even if her beauty was in the way of finding good jobs.
She worried that because he had discovered her past, he just wanted to have hired a whore, which was not true, but would be very welcome.
Hortense/Lila decides to spend only one night with him at a very high price, and he agrees.
Simon had been Royal Artillery captain, who was far too close to a twelve-pouder when it exploded. The scar tissue runs along his left side down to his thigh.
Because of this, Simon had not had sex even with prostitutes for two years.
The night was a learning experience for both of them.
And the next morning, by arrangement, Lila would receive her payment and a good letter of recommendation and go away...
Another book based on the story of Beauty and the Beast, whose plot is very interesting.
But the end came too fast. The book is short. An obvious and easy resolution.
3,5 stars
Simon Wolstenholme hires Miss Hortense Jennings to be governess of his 11 year-old ward.
However, when she arrives at his house for the interview, she discovers that the boy did not actually live in the house because he had been sent to the school, and that her contract was to make company the Baron himself.
For her side, Hortense was not who she claimed to be.
She was a former courtesan by real name Lila Jenner, who had not adapted to life in the brothel, had the opportunity to study to be prepared to be a governess, even if her beauty was in the way of finding good jobs.
She worried that because he had discovered her past, he just wanted to have hired a whore, which was not true, but would be very welcome.
Hortense/Lila decides to spend only one night with him at a very high price, and he agrees.
Simon had been Royal Artillery captain, who was far too close to a twelve-pouder when it exploded. The scar tissue runs along his left side down to his thigh.
Because of this, Simon had not had sex even with prostitutes for two years.
The night was a learning experience for both of them.
And the next morning, by arrangement, Lila would receive her payment and a good letter of recommendation and go away...
Another book based on the story of Beauty and the Beast, whose plot is very interesting.
But the end came too fast. The book is short. An obvious and easy resolution.
3,5 stars
June 24, 2019
When I was reading this book, thoughts of Beauty and the Beast, as well as Jane Eyre, came to mind. This is such a wonderfully written story and I do so love my wounded and tortured heroes!!
Baron Simon Wolstenholme has led a very lonely life since his return from the war where he was badly scarred and wounded. Society has deserted him, calling him a beast because of his scars and his gruff attitude.
Lila Jenner is hiding her true identity and trying to start a new life for herself so she takes on a job as a governess but when she arrives at her destination, it's to discover there is no children to take care of, only the Baron who wants her as a companion of sorts.
Both have secrets and both have experienced so much heartache, you can't help but want them to be together. Their passion is a beautiful thing to see and when I read the end, all I could do was close my eyes and smile.
I was given an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Baron Simon Wolstenholme has led a very lonely life since his return from the war where he was badly scarred and wounded. Society has deserted him, calling him a beast because of his scars and his gruff attitude.
Lila Jenner is hiding her true identity and trying to start a new life for herself so she takes on a job as a governess but when she arrives at her destination, it's to discover there is no children to take care of, only the Baron who wants her as a companion of sorts.
Both have secrets and both have experienced so much heartache, you can't help but want them to be together. Their passion is a beautiful thing to see and when I read the end, all I could do was close my eyes and smile.
I was given an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
March 12, 2020
I think i would have enjoyed this more if the narrator hadn't have been abysmal. She made the female lead sound like she was on the verge of tears and squeaky. I've heard male narrators do female voices better. I had to listen to this at 1.25 speed to not roll my eyes at the inflections and intonations.
That being said, My Review. This is a instalove story. They fall in love after one night. The author evokes Jane Eyre so our Rochester hero here is Scared mentally and physically. He hires a woman to be his companion like that is normal. Then gets mad when she takes it as an insult. They work out a deal were she give him one night so she can move on and be a normal "moral" human and not be a doxie anymore. They have at it like 6 times in one night. HEA. Cute. Definitely would have enjoyed it more if i had read it with my own voice rather than the narrator. I liked the Jane Eyre evocation.
That being said, My Review. This is a instalove story. They fall in love after one night. The author evokes Jane Eyre so our Rochester hero here is Scared mentally and physically. He hires a woman to be his companion like that is normal. Then gets mad when she takes it as an insult. They work out a deal were she give him one night so she can move on and be a normal "moral" human and not be a doxie anymore. They have at it like 6 times in one night. HEA. Cute. Definitely would have enjoyed it more if i had read it with my own voice rather than the narrator. I liked the Jane Eyre evocation.
August 28, 2018
SMUT. THIS WAS JUST SMUT.
AND FUNNY ENOUGH I WAS LISTENING TO THIS AUDIO BOOK AT WORK....
OUR HERO is scarred from the war, and he's also bitter about the lonely, ostracized life he has been leading ever since the incident that left half his face and torso twisted and maimed with scars, dead tissues and uneven skin. People find him to be a monster, and he may or may not act like a grouchy bear. So, he hires a governess in the guise for his ward but in truth he just wants to a warm bodied woman to fuck his loneliness away. Simon was pretty much superficial and this story was more on insta lust than anything else.
OUR HEROINE on the other hand...I thought the narrator did a terrible job at portraying the lady...sounding all put out, rigid and stiff....and just plain annoying with her shrill voice.
AND FUNNY ENOUGH I WAS LISTENING TO THIS AUDIO BOOK AT WORK....
OUR HERO is scarred from the war, and he's also bitter about the lonely, ostracized life he has been leading ever since the incident that left half his face and torso twisted and maimed with scars, dead tissues and uneven skin. People find him to be a monster, and he may or may not act like a grouchy bear. So, he hires a governess in the guise for his ward but in truth he just wants to a warm bodied woman to fuck his loneliness away. Simon was pretty much superficial and this story was more on insta lust than anything else.
OUR HEROINE on the other hand...I thought the narrator did a terrible job at portraying the lady...sounding all put out, rigid and stiff....and just plain annoying with her shrill voice.
June 29, 2019
Book two in the Blind Cupid Series a well written story that I know I will read again sometime. Lila Jenner using another name comes to be a Governess at Stonecliff to Baron Simon Wolstenholme's ward Christopher or so she thinks. Simon has been disfigured in a canon misfire and considers himself a monster, when he tell Lila what he really hired her for she makes a bargain with him. Reading how these two damaged people get their happy ending kept me turning pages. A well written storyline with pages that flowed smoothly from one to the other. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 29, 2019
This is my first time reading this author and I thought that she has produced an enjoyable story. The story is slightly different to other historical books that I’ve read recently and that made it more interesting. This is a story of two wounded people who are hiding from their pasts and desperately wanting to move forward into a better future. They have lies and mistrust to contend with as they learn to accept each other and to trust one another. There are some steamy scenes in this, it’s an adult historical story but it’s far more than just the steam!
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 16, 2017
I honestly read this because I though it would be like a loosely-rendered erotic version of Jane Eyre. While the hero shares some personality traits with Mr. Rochester, the similarities end there. It takes place a few decades later, and the so-called "governess" is actually a former prostitute. While the romance happens too quickly to be believable (literally overnight), there is attention to historical detail and characterization. The love scenes, which comprise most of the book, are as scintillating as one would wish.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2020
I like a good, realistic, romance story but this was not one of them. This story had potential if it hadn't been so short and allowed time for the couple to really develop an emotional connection. This story is mostly about a night of sex and in the morning they both realize that they love each other. Yeah right. I don't think so. If you're in the mood for a story with steamy sex this book won't disappoint you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2021
I found this as an auto book on YouTube. it was a great story. I found myself yell at the women as I was listening to it. The sex scenes were amazing and very detailed.
This book is about a prostitute that just wants a job as a governess and a scared up soldier that just wants someone to have around to please his needs. But, what they both find is two broken people and love they never thought could happen. Amazing what one night can show people.
This book is about a prostitute that just wants a job as a governess and a scared up soldier that just wants someone to have around to please his needs. But, what they both find is two broken people and love they never thought could happen. Amazing what one night can show people.
May 2, 2019
More than I bargained for
While I enjoy steamy romance, this story was too far out of my comfort zone. The entire plot, indeed the entire book was nothing but sex. If you're going to write erotica, don't be ashamed to call it that. Your readers will appreciate it.
13
While I enjoy steamy romance, this story was too far out of my comfort zone. The entire plot, indeed the entire book was nothing but sex. If you're going to write erotica, don't be ashamed to call it that. Your readers will appreciate it.
13
May 8, 2019
In fanfic terms this is PWP - porn without plot.
January 6, 2020
Two damaged people, scared inside and out, find comfort and understanding in each other’s arms and forge a deep emotional connection during a single night of passion.
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