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The Rumor #2
Forever a Lady
Lady Bernadette Marie Burton may be the richest widow in England, but like her dreams of finding true passion, her reputation is deteriorating. Cruel gossip, loneliness and hordes of opportunistic suitors have her believing Society couldn't be more vile…or dangerous. So when an attacker threatens her life, she finds safety in the most unseemly of places: the arms of a mysterious, Irish-American gang leader.
His fortune stolen, young Matthew Milton is done playing the respectable gentleman. In the slums of New York, only ruffians thrive. But from the moment he arrives in London and encounters the voluptuous Lady Bernadette, he can't help but wonder about the finer pleasures he's missing. Or just how much he's willing to risk—not only to bed her, but to prove his worth….
His fortune stolen, young Matthew Milton is done playing the respectable gentleman. In the slums of New York, only ruffians thrive. But from the moment he arrives in London and encounters the voluptuous Lady Bernadette, he can't help but wonder about the finer pleasures he's missing. Or just how much he's willing to risk—not only to bed her, but to prove his worth….
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
20 people are currently reading
788 people want to read
About the author
Delilah Marvelle
38 books522 followersI spent my youth studying various languages, reading voraciously, and playing the pianoforte. I confess that here ends the extent of my gentle breeding. I was a naughty child who was forever torturing her parents with countless adventures that they did not deem respectable. Confined to my room on many occasions due to these misadventures, I soon discovered the quill and its amazing power. I scribed endless stories that almost invariably surrounded the topic of love, for I felt an inane need to be rescued from a family that did not understand my lust for life. In my mind, King Arthur became my true love and I waited for the day when he would come riding upon his steed and invite me to sit at his round table, not as his queen, but as his knight. To my distress, King Arthur was never to be found anywhere except for in the tip of my quill. And so I led an imaginary life for many, many years. When I finally came of age, my family was further horrified to discover that I had fallen in love with an American. An American King Arthur who became my knight, my husband, my all. I have been blessed beyond reason and am grateful for each day I have with him. What is equally amazing is that I now have the opportunity to share my passion for stories with the public. The reason why I write romance is because it allows me to touch upon the subject of love on a much deeper, more intimate level. Many of the stories I write, many of the stories I will continue to write, will always evolve around love. And yes, gentle readers, it will also evolve around sex as I have no intention of becoming my parents and restraining my characters from what it is they truly desire to do. I challenge you, my readers, to let loose of those corsets that have been strung too tightly due to convention and enjoy 1830 to its fullest."
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March 3, 2012In this story, I introduce the flip side of things people didn't get to see in Book 1, which includes Bernadette's relationship with Georgia and Georgia's relationship with Matthew. We also get to see the Forty Thieves in action in the bowels of the Five Points and how they came to be in existance, given the story is about...Matthew (Georgia's one eyed thieving stepson). Without any doubt, Matthew is what I call a gruff romantic. Wait until you meet him. Heh. He'll make you laugh, he'll make you gawk, and above all, he'll make you sigh. That's what I wanted out of this book. A good laugh and the belief that good things come to those who wait. Matthew is a man who lost everything but believes he still deserves everything, including a woman so high above his social circle, he can't reach the ladder. You think that stops him? Hell no. And that's where the fun begins. For those that wanted to see more of the streets of New York City, the Five Points, the Forty Thieves and good old Georgia, you'll get your chance. I had so much fun writing this story, I can't WAIT to share it with you!
July 24, 2012
Review originally posted at: http://thebookpushers.com/2012/07/24/...
Publisher: HQN
Publish Date: 24 Jul
How I got this book: ARC from the publisher via Netgalley
Two different classes, One common desire…
Bernadette Marie Burton may be the richest widow in England, but like her dreams of finding true passion, her reputation is deteriorating. Cruel gossip, loneliness and hoards of opportunistic suitors have her believing Society couldn’t be more vile….or dangerous. So when an attacker threatens her life, she finds safety in the most unseemly of places: the arms of a mysterious, Irish-American gang leader.
His fortune stolen, young Matthew Joseph Milton is done playing the respectable gentleman. In the slums of New York, only ruffians thrive. But from the moment he arrives in London and encounters the volumptious Lady Bernadette, he can’t help but wonder about the finer pleasures he’s missing. Or just how much he’s willing to risk — not only to bed her, but to prove his worth…
This blurb came from the author’s website here.
***POSSIBLE TRIGGER – attempted gang rape (no actual rape occurs)***
I was browsing Netgalley, familiar words I am sure, and saw this blurb. It intrigued me so I read the little bit extra they have on the website and decided to give this a try. Enough time had passed since I requested this book and when I read it that I had forgotten what the blurb said. Going back and reading it again I was almost tempted to ask if this was this for the same book I read. Not that the blurb is exactly wrong; it just doesn’t do justice to everything that was packed into the story. Yes, Bernadette is wealthy, widowed, and has a poor reputation. And yes, Matthew’s fortune was stolen and he did end up living in the slums of New York, and he did first encounter Lady Bernadette in London and they did share a rather intense sexual engagement. But it doesn’t really mention Matthew’s position in New York and how he came by it, and why Lady Bernadette was in London to begin with. She also lives in New York, and what made him decide he was willing to risk anything at all. Based on the amount of information left out of the blurb I am going to summarize more about at least the beginning of the story then I usually do in a review.
Matthew was Irish-American and the heir to a really prosperous newspaper when their accountant, a former friend, was caught embezzling all of their funds. In a few short days Matthew and his father found themselves living in the slums of New York. Matthew’s fiancée decided she needed to marry someone with money — not the man she professed to love when he lost his fortune. Not long after they arrived in the slums Matthew comes to the rescue of a young lad and as a result takes a few punches, one of which caused permanent blindness in one eye. Embittered by the change in life circumstances and the conditions in which people were forced to live along with the refusal of the Mayor to do anything about it, Matthew formed a gang to bring some law and order to his area of the slums and from there really grew into manhood. Of course bringing law and order also means making enemies so Matthew and his second in command, Coleman, leave New York until the heat dies down and head to London.
Meanwhile Lady Bernadette, who had decided to live life a little after being widowed, left England for the US and finally settled in New York as just Bernadette and as a wealthy widow. She was approached by one of her acquaintances who revealed that he knew about her past and basically blackmailed her into teaching and polishing his daughter to include an introduction to Polite Society for her upcoming marriage. Lady Bernadette agrees to do so and finds herself back in London.
Matthew and Bernadette spot each other while riding one morning but no words are initially exchanged. Shortly after that Matthew stops one of Lady Bernadette’s former lovers from beating her with his riding crop. Lady Bernadette gives him her card with instructions to call on her so she can reward him for his timely actions. During Matthew’s visit they end up indulging in smexytimes and decide that even though Bernadette really doesn’t want to get married again and Matthew is looking for a HEA that they will have an affair. However, Matthew’s temper and his thuggish ways get the best of him resulting in his arrest and trial at Scotland Yard. After Bernadette unwillingly comes to his rescue she kicks Matthew out of her life.
They meet again in New York when Matthew faces an uprising from his gang who has targeted Bernadette. This part of the story portrays men at their most bestial. Thankfully Matthew and a few of his men came to the rescue and were able to save Bernadette. That event shocks Matthew into deciding that he needs to change his life so he can be worth Bernadette. They strike a deal that she will fund the start-up costs of his father’s not defunct newspaper and he will repay her with interest. Matthew also says that she has to agree not to have any physical contact with him until he has repaid the debt in order to retain his pride.
When I first met Matthew I could see him as the hero, then when he reappeared on the page and let his temper get the best of him while in London I didn’t see how Ms Marvelle was going to redeem Matthew let alone convince me that he and Lady Bernadette would have a HEA. Watching him grow once he made the decision to change where his life was headed was pretty impressive. I decided that Matthew was firmly back on my hero side with his first meeting with Lady Bernadette after he finished repaying his debt.
Bernadette was also hit and miss for me. I didn’t really like her very intense drive to “have fun” even though she really wasn’t that happy, but I could see why she didn’t want to confirm to society’s rules anymore. I also didn’t like how she resisted going to speak on Matthew’s behalf after he was arrested given that his actions were done in a way to protect her. Her thoughts while her contact with Matthew was limited to letters only after their bargain were great. That redeemed her in my eyes. I also liked how she had an epiphany that she more then lusted after Matthew and finally proposed to him.
One thing that threw me entirely out of the book and made me wonder if I was reading one of the more erotic PNRs was the smex scene about 93% of the way in. Overall I wasn’t impressed by how they were written bit I was too engrossed in the story to care. This one basically read to me that if Bernadette really loved Matthew she would have anal sex with him. This would allow him to take her virginity, remember she is widowed and her husband could perform. Talk about a WTF moment especially since his spit alone was enough lube, he went from back to front without cleaning or wiping at a minimum, and this was their first sexual encounter in over eight months of frustration.
I liked the worldbuilding, the different historical facts and tidbits that were included. I also liked some of the subplots I just think that the romance theme was overshadowed. I also had some concerns and questions about how certain situations were worked out or started. They seemed a bit too coincidental. That combined with being completely thrown out of the story by a sex scene that was highly anticipated by both the hero and heroine made this one that I will not go back and re-read.
I give Forever a Lady a C-
Publisher: HQN
Publish Date: 24 Jul
How I got this book: ARC from the publisher via Netgalley
Two different classes, One common desire…
Bernadette Marie Burton may be the richest widow in England, but like her dreams of finding true passion, her reputation is deteriorating. Cruel gossip, loneliness and hoards of opportunistic suitors have her believing Society couldn’t be more vile….or dangerous. So when an attacker threatens her life, she finds safety in the most unseemly of places: the arms of a mysterious, Irish-American gang leader.
His fortune stolen, young Matthew Joseph Milton is done playing the respectable gentleman. In the slums of New York, only ruffians thrive. But from the moment he arrives in London and encounters the volumptious Lady Bernadette, he can’t help but wonder about the finer pleasures he’s missing. Or just how much he’s willing to risk — not only to bed her, but to prove his worth…
This blurb came from the author’s website here.
***POSSIBLE TRIGGER – attempted gang rape (no actual rape occurs)***
I was browsing Netgalley, familiar words I am sure, and saw this blurb. It intrigued me so I read the little bit extra they have on the website and decided to give this a try. Enough time had passed since I requested this book and when I read it that I had forgotten what the blurb said. Going back and reading it again I was almost tempted to ask if this was this for the same book I read. Not that the blurb is exactly wrong; it just doesn’t do justice to everything that was packed into the story. Yes, Bernadette is wealthy, widowed, and has a poor reputation. And yes, Matthew’s fortune was stolen and he did end up living in the slums of New York, and he did first encounter Lady Bernadette in London and they did share a rather intense sexual engagement. But it doesn’t really mention Matthew’s position in New York and how he came by it, and why Lady Bernadette was in London to begin with. She also lives in New York, and what made him decide he was willing to risk anything at all. Based on the amount of information left out of the blurb I am going to summarize more about at least the beginning of the story then I usually do in a review.
Matthew was Irish-American and the heir to a really prosperous newspaper when their accountant, a former friend, was caught embezzling all of their funds. In a few short days Matthew and his father found themselves living in the slums of New York. Matthew’s fiancée decided she needed to marry someone with money — not the man she professed to love when he lost his fortune. Not long after they arrived in the slums Matthew comes to the rescue of a young lad and as a result takes a few punches, one of which caused permanent blindness in one eye. Embittered by the change in life circumstances and the conditions in which people were forced to live along with the refusal of the Mayor to do anything about it, Matthew formed a gang to bring some law and order to his area of the slums and from there really grew into manhood. Of course bringing law and order also means making enemies so Matthew and his second in command, Coleman, leave New York until the heat dies down and head to London.
Meanwhile Lady Bernadette, who had decided to live life a little after being widowed, left England for the US and finally settled in New York as just Bernadette and as a wealthy widow. She was approached by one of her acquaintances who revealed that he knew about her past and basically blackmailed her into teaching and polishing his daughter to include an introduction to Polite Society for her upcoming marriage. Lady Bernadette agrees to do so and finds herself back in London.
Matthew and Bernadette spot each other while riding one morning but no words are initially exchanged. Shortly after that Matthew stops one of Lady Bernadette’s former lovers from beating her with his riding crop. Lady Bernadette gives him her card with instructions to call on her so she can reward him for his timely actions. During Matthew’s visit they end up indulging in smexytimes and decide that even though Bernadette really doesn’t want to get married again and Matthew is looking for a HEA that they will have an affair. However, Matthew’s temper and his thuggish ways get the best of him resulting in his arrest and trial at Scotland Yard. After Bernadette unwillingly comes to his rescue she kicks Matthew out of her life.
They meet again in New York when Matthew faces an uprising from his gang who has targeted Bernadette. This part of the story portrays men at their most bestial. Thankfully Matthew and a few of his men came to the rescue and were able to save Bernadette. That event shocks Matthew into deciding that he needs to change his life so he can be worth Bernadette. They strike a deal that she will fund the start-up costs of his father’s not defunct newspaper and he will repay her with interest. Matthew also says that she has to agree not to have any physical contact with him until he has repaid the debt in order to retain his pride.
When I first met Matthew I could see him as the hero, then when he reappeared on the page and let his temper get the best of him while in London I didn’t see how Ms Marvelle was going to redeem Matthew let alone convince me that he and Lady Bernadette would have a HEA. Watching him grow once he made the decision to change where his life was headed was pretty impressive. I decided that Matthew was firmly back on my hero side with his first meeting with Lady Bernadette after he finished repaying his debt.
Bernadette was also hit and miss for me. I didn’t really like her very intense drive to “have fun” even though she really wasn’t that happy, but I could see why she didn’t want to confirm to society’s rules anymore. I also didn’t like how she resisted going to speak on Matthew’s behalf after he was arrested given that his actions were done in a way to protect her. Her thoughts while her contact with Matthew was limited to letters only after their bargain were great. That redeemed her in my eyes. I also liked how she had an epiphany that she more then lusted after Matthew and finally proposed to him.
One thing that threw me entirely out of the book and made me wonder if I was reading one of the more erotic PNRs was the smex scene about 93% of the way in. Overall I wasn’t impressed by how they were written bit I was too engrossed in the story to care. This one basically read to me that if Bernadette really loved Matthew she would have anal sex with him. This would allow him to take her virginity, remember she is widowed and her husband could perform. Talk about a WTF moment especially since his spit alone was enough lube, he went from back to front without cleaning or wiping at a minimum, and this was their first sexual encounter in over eight months of frustration.
I liked the worldbuilding, the different historical facts and tidbits that were included. I also liked some of the subplots I just think that the romance theme was overshadowed. I also had some concerns and questions about how certain situations were worked out or started. They seemed a bit too coincidental. That combined with being completely thrown out of the story by a sex scene that was highly anticipated by both the hero and heroine made this one that I will not go back and re-read.
I give Forever a Lady a C-
February 9, 2022
I enjoyed the first 3/4 of the book. The last 1/4 felt meh, anticlimactic. I have mixed feelings for this book.
On one hand, I felt Bernadette and Matthew were a great couple. But on the other hand, there wasn’t enough bonding between them to my liking. It’s nice and all that Bernadette knew the right time to cut Matthew out of her life and that Matthew wanted to be a better man before being together with Bernadette but something felt missing. I think it was the deep sharing of feelings, traumas and any secrets.
While I did like the hero and heroine, I didn’t love them because their back stories weren’t sad enough for me to feel bad for them or sympathize with them.
But it was a nice read nevertheless. Matthew is a great guy.
On one hand, I felt Bernadette and Matthew were a great couple. But on the other hand, there wasn’t enough bonding between them to my liking. It’s nice and all that Bernadette knew the right time to cut Matthew out of her life and that Matthew wanted to be a better man before being together with Bernadette but something felt missing. I think it was the deep sharing of feelings, traumas and any secrets.
While I did like the hero and heroine, I didn’t love them because their back stories weren’t sad enough for me to feel bad for them or sympathize with them.
But it was a nice read nevertheless. Matthew is a great guy.
August 29, 2014
I’m totally hooked on this series!
Forever a Lady is the second book in the Rumor series and, once again, Delilah Marvelle delivers a compelling, exciting and very sensual love story that kept me enthralled.
Matthew tightened his fingers on the rough wool of the sacks weighing each shoulder. He stared up at that looming unpainted building, the acrid stench of piss lacing the heat-ridden air.
I love the realism and social commentary Ms Marvelle brings to this story. She doesn’t pull any punches, whether she’s painting vivid images of the poverty, the squalor, the depravity and the hopelessness of life in Five Points or the horrific conditions for prisoners in Sing Sing.
Rise and become the soul you know yourself to be before everything you believe in is vilely effaced.
Matthew is a great hero. He may be rough around the edges but he’s a good man at heart. He cares about the weak and vulnerable of Five Points and, together with his band of Forty Thieves, he dispenses his own brand of justice. I admire his determination to create a better life not only for himself but also for his loyal men and I enjoyed watching his journey to achieving his ambition and rediscovering his true self.
I love that he’s not afraid to show real emotion:
He gasped as he stared down at Ronan’s swollen face, which was practically unrecognizable from the amount of blackened blood, swelling and bruising. Tears blinded him. “Ronan—” he choked. “Jesus Christ.”
Love was overrated anyway. As was holding on to one’s reputation. Neither allowed a woman a breath of freedom.
I have a soft spot for unconventional heroines and couldn’t help but like Bernadette. She’s intelligent, strong and independent and makes no excuses for living life on her own terms. What she wants she goes after regardless of society’s censure. I also loved her for seeing what a wonderful man Matthew is and being willing to provide the means of fulfilling his ambitions.
Bernadette touched her hand to the obituary and the newspapers piled beneath it. It was like touching Matthew’s soul. It made her ache. And it also made her soar knowing she was at long last getting to see who he really was. He wasn’t a thief or a criminal. He was a good man. A man worthy of a second chance.
In the scene where her father rejects her, we see how vulnerable she really is beneath that tough exterior. I loved their poignant reconciliation scene.
As I would expect from Ms Marvelle, there’s plenty of sizzling sexual tension and some steamy love scenes…
“Tell me what happens next.”
“I think we both know what happens next.”
…he wedged the tip of the razor between the upper lacings and... sliced.
But my favourite scene is during Matthew’s ‘courting’ when he takes Bernadette ice skating. There's just something so beautifully romantic about the whole scene and their feelings for each other seem to shine through.
She lifted her gaze to his, still clinging to his coat.
He stared down at her.
A gusting wind blew in around them as snow drifted down from above, quietly falling in large flakes that slowly, slowly gathered against the satin rim of Matthew’s top hat. His full lips parted as if he meant to say something. The air between them frosted against the heat of that mouth.
Being tightly held in his arms and looking up at him like this whispered of unending happiness. She had never known anything like it.
Is this what real love felt like?
I have to admit that the final love scene did contain a certain sexual act that is a real turn off for me. That’s purely my personal taste and I know other reviewers had no problem with it.
There’s an interesting cast of secondary characters and a charming Epilogue. Ms Marvelle also brings us another step closer to discovering the truth about what happened to Lord Attwood all those years ago.
This is another delightful, emotional, sexy romance from one of my favourite authors.
VERDICT: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
RATING: 4.5/5 STARS
SENSUALITY RATING: HOT
The Rumor series:
This review is also posted on my blog:
http://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com/...
Forever a Lady is the second book in the Rumor series and, once again, Delilah Marvelle delivers a compelling, exciting and very sensual love story that kept me enthralled.
Matthew tightened his fingers on the rough wool of the sacks weighing each shoulder. He stared up at that looming unpainted building, the acrid stench of piss lacing the heat-ridden air.
I love the realism and social commentary Ms Marvelle brings to this story. She doesn’t pull any punches, whether she’s painting vivid images of the poverty, the squalor, the depravity and the hopelessness of life in Five Points or the horrific conditions for prisoners in Sing Sing.
Rise and become the soul you know yourself to be before everything you believe in is vilely effaced.
Matthew is a great hero. He may be rough around the edges but he’s a good man at heart. He cares about the weak and vulnerable of Five Points and, together with his band of Forty Thieves, he dispenses his own brand of justice. I admire his determination to create a better life not only for himself but also for his loyal men and I enjoyed watching his journey to achieving his ambition and rediscovering his true self.
I love that he’s not afraid to show real emotion:
He gasped as he stared down at Ronan’s swollen face, which was practically unrecognizable from the amount of blackened blood, swelling and bruising. Tears blinded him. “Ronan—” he choked. “Jesus Christ.”
Love was overrated anyway. As was holding on to one’s reputation. Neither allowed a woman a breath of freedom.
I have a soft spot for unconventional heroines and couldn’t help but like Bernadette. She’s intelligent, strong and independent and makes no excuses for living life on her own terms. What she wants she goes after regardless of society’s censure. I also loved her for seeing what a wonderful man Matthew is and being willing to provide the means of fulfilling his ambitions.
Bernadette touched her hand to the obituary and the newspapers piled beneath it. It was like touching Matthew’s soul. It made her ache. And it also made her soar knowing she was at long last getting to see who he really was. He wasn’t a thief or a criminal. He was a good man. A man worthy of a second chance.
In the scene where her father rejects her, we see how vulnerable she really is beneath that tough exterior. I loved their poignant reconciliation scene.
As I would expect from Ms Marvelle, there’s plenty of sizzling sexual tension and some steamy love scenes…
“Tell me what happens next.”
“I think we both know what happens next.”
…he wedged the tip of the razor between the upper lacings and... sliced.
But my favourite scene is during Matthew’s ‘courting’ when he takes Bernadette ice skating. There's just something so beautifully romantic about the whole scene and their feelings for each other seem to shine through.
She lifted her gaze to his, still clinging to his coat.
He stared down at her.
A gusting wind blew in around them as snow drifted down from above, quietly falling in large flakes that slowly, slowly gathered against the satin rim of Matthew’s top hat. His full lips parted as if he meant to say something. The air between them frosted against the heat of that mouth.
Being tightly held in his arms and looking up at him like this whispered of unending happiness. She had never known anything like it.
Is this what real love felt like?
I have to admit that the final love scene did contain a certain sexual act that is a real turn off for me. That’s purely my personal taste and I know other reviewers had no problem with it.
There’s an interesting cast of secondary characters and a charming Epilogue. Ms Marvelle also brings us another step closer to discovering the truth about what happened to Lord Attwood all those years ago.
This is another delightful, emotional, sexy romance from one of my favourite authors.
VERDICT: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
RATING: 4.5/5 STARS
SENSUALITY RATING: HOT
The Rumor series:
This review is also posted on my blog:
http://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com/...
July 24, 2012
Life has not been kind to Matthew Milton. An unscrupulous businessman tumbled his father's newspaper into bankruptcy, pushing them into the slums of Five Points, New York. There, an attack from a thug stole the vision from one eye and taught him a value lesson about the kind of man he would need to become in order to survive. Matthew toughens up and forms an Irish-American gang, one that tries to protect the neighborhood, even if they have to stoop to illegal means to do it.
After a hit is put out on his life, Matthew journeys with his best friend to London, where he meets Lady Bernadette for the first time. They are instantly drawn to one another, despite their vast difference in station. Bernadette has lived a life of pleasing others for too long. As a widow, she is now free from both her father and the old man she was forced to marry. In Matthew, she sees what she wants and she takes it.
After a night in each other's arms, Matthew knows he wants more than a fling with Bernadette. But the odds are stacked against him. She has no desire to marry again. And to make matters worse, he makes a whopper of a mistake that almost ends things for good. The story follows the ins and outs of their love affair as they return to New York and Matthew struggles to become worthy of the woman he has fallen in love with.
I liked Matthew. He was sexy and damaged, but he was solid hero material. He always puts the needs of others before himself. Even as a ruffian, he is very good man. Bernadette is understandably gun-shy. Being a widow of means, she sees marriage as a trap to avoid and I can't blame her. --Oh and did I mention she is mid-30s? About six years older than the hero. I loved that. She is mature and she knows what she wants, but I didn't find her jaded. She was still genuine and passionate despite the bindings of her earlier life.
I really felt like I witnessed a true journey in this relationship --and especially one for Matthew. I liked that I got to see these two really fall in love over time. It felt authentic. The sex was hot. (And pushed the envelope more than I expected.) The plot was interesting. And the backdrop was very Gangs of New York. It was gritty and dark, especially when juxtaposed to London culture.
This is book two in The Rumor series, but works just fine as a standalone. I liked it a lot.
Rating: B+
*ARC Provided by NetGalley
After a hit is put out on his life, Matthew journeys with his best friend to London, where he meets Lady Bernadette for the first time. They are instantly drawn to one another, despite their vast difference in station. Bernadette has lived a life of pleasing others for too long. As a widow, she is now free from both her father and the old man she was forced to marry. In Matthew, she sees what she wants and she takes it.
After a night in each other's arms, Matthew knows he wants more than a fling with Bernadette. But the odds are stacked against him. She has no desire to marry again. And to make matters worse, he makes a whopper of a mistake that almost ends things for good. The story follows the ins and outs of their love affair as they return to New York and Matthew struggles to become worthy of the woman he has fallen in love with.
I liked Matthew. He was sexy and damaged, but he was solid hero material. He always puts the needs of others before himself. Even as a ruffian, he is very good man. Bernadette is understandably gun-shy. Being a widow of means, she sees marriage as a trap to avoid and I can't blame her. --Oh and did I mention she is mid-30s? About six years older than the hero. I loved that. She is mature and she knows what she wants, but I didn't find her jaded. She was still genuine and passionate despite the bindings of her earlier life.
I really felt like I witnessed a true journey in this relationship --and especially one for Matthew. I liked that I got to see these two really fall in love over time. It felt authentic. The sex was hot. (And pushed the envelope more than I expected.) The plot was interesting. And the backdrop was very Gangs of New York. It was gritty and dark, especially when juxtaposed to London culture.
This is book two in The Rumor series, but works just fine as a standalone. I liked it a lot.
Rating: B+
*ARC Provided by NetGalley
August 1, 2012
Is the path I walk of my choosing or the one I am destined to travel?
Free to live the life of a rich widow in New York away from the gossips of London Lady Bernadette Marie Burton has no desire to allow another man to control her destiny. Matthew Milton knew the prestige and freedom money gave his life and now is living with the pain that losing it brings.
When these two forces meet in New York, there are actions beyond pleasure to partake in, a battle over maintaining one’s pride, and a tussle of wills to overcome. Matthew is scraping along the underbelly of New York trying to ensure everyone has a meal and a place to sleep while Bernadette fulfills her desires and lives out her dreams going from one adventure to the next. They both bring a calming peace to each others life and trying to overcome the obstacles standing in their way is very difficult. Overriding every other thought is the feeling that this is the moment to seize. Every expectation you have from life is right in front of you, so decide how to make the most of it together. Enemies abound for both of them, and trying to figure out which one of them is bringing trouble to their door is difficult to discern.
Delilah Marvelle writes with such exquisite beauty that the mere words on the page bring a blush to your check and a tear to your eye. With each book, Ms. Marvelle delivers on the diversity of life and the romance you can find if you keep looking.
Free to live the life of a rich widow in New York away from the gossips of London Lady Bernadette Marie Burton has no desire to allow another man to control her destiny. Matthew Milton knew the prestige and freedom money gave his life and now is living with the pain that losing it brings.
When these two forces meet in New York, there are actions beyond pleasure to partake in, a battle over maintaining one’s pride, and a tussle of wills to overcome. Matthew is scraping along the underbelly of New York trying to ensure everyone has a meal and a place to sleep while Bernadette fulfills her desires and lives out her dreams going from one adventure to the next. They both bring a calming peace to each others life and trying to overcome the obstacles standing in their way is very difficult. Overriding every other thought is the feeling that this is the moment to seize. Every expectation you have from life is right in front of you, so decide how to make the most of it together. Enemies abound for both of them, and trying to figure out which one of them is bringing trouble to their door is difficult to discern.
Delilah Marvelle writes with such exquisite beauty that the mere words on the page bring a blush to your check and a tear to your eye. With each book, Ms. Marvelle delivers on the diversity of life and the romance you can find if you keep looking.
September 7, 2015
There were flashes of good writing in this, and the potential for an interesting story - a historical "boy from the wrong side of the tracks makes good" thing. And I suspect that my own preference for character-driven stories makes me discount a book as heavily dependent on dramatic turnarounds. But my credulity was strained by so many improbabilities, from . I'd read good reviews of this, so maybe it's just not my style.
June 30, 2022
Ally - per RFS
.
Chi come me ha seguito la serie, amerà quest’ultimo capitolo. L’autrice ormai ci ha abituati: non solo saranno svelati i segreti dei personaggi che già amiamo, ma scopriremo anche la vera storia di Matthew Joseph Milton, personaggio simbolo di questa saga.
Il capo dei Quaranta Ladroni, guardiani della malfamata Quinta Strada, è scappato con il suo migliore amico a Londra a causa di un attentato alla sua vita. Il piano è rimanere nell’ombra fino a quando la minaccia sia svanita, così da poter tornare nella sua amata New York. Tuttavia non sempre le cose filano lisce.
Matthew e suo padre erano i proprietari del noto giornale irlandese The Truth Teller, molto amato dai newyorkesi non solo perché trattava l’attualità locale, ma anche perché riportava le notizie dell’Irlanda. Avevano affidato i loro risparmi a un amico di famiglia che ha perso tutto al gioco d’azzardo, lasciandoli sul lastrico e costringendoli a chiudere il giornale.
Questo purtroppo è solo l’inizio: si sono dovuti trasferire in uno dei quartieri più poveri della città e hanno imparato presto che la vita lì è un incubo, tanto che Matthew si trova coinvolto immediatamente in una rissa per proteggere un ragazzino e, nella lotta, perde la vista di un occhio.
La sua vita non è facile ma la voglia di dare il meglio ai suoi compagni di vita lo sprona a creare i Quaranta Ladroni, un gruppo selezionato di uomini prestanti che vegliano sul quartiere e fanno rispettare le loro regole: niente stupri o uccisioni per strada. Un piccolo passo per aiutare chi ne ha bisogno, tuttavia sono presto costretti dal destino a diventare dei mascalzoni e dei ladri per provvedere ai più deboli.
Una volta a Londra, Matthew scopre un mondo completamente diverso. Incontra per caso la bellissima Lady Bernadette Marie Burton, e rimane folgorato dalla sua bellezza e da quel suo sguardo che prospetta notti di passione.
Bernadette è stanca di chi le dice cosa fare. Il padre l’ha costretta a sposare un uomo di quarantatré anni quando lei ne aveva appena compiuti diciotto, ma lei vuole vivere la sua vita, così è decisa a godere della compagnia di chiunque attiri la sua attenzione senza dover ricorrere al matrimonio.
I soldi che le ha lasciato il marito dopo la sua morte sono così tanti che non avrà mai bisogno di occuparsi di nulla, ma dovrà stare sempre in guardia dai cacciatori di dote; una giovane e bella vedova fa gola a molti.
Una storia avvincente e appassionante. Scopriremo dei protagonisti davvero unici, che a una prima impressione possono sembrare anaffettivi ma che ci sveleranno il loro cuore grande.
I loro sono due mondi che si incontrano, tuttavia far funzionare la cosa diventerà una sfida difficile: da una parte c’è una vedova che non vuole sposarsi, dall’altra un ladro che vuole una famiglia più di ogni altra cosa al mondo.
Matthew, con il suo fare da duro e la benda da pirata, può sembrare un mascalzone, e forse lo è, ma scopriamo che in fondo è un uomo pronto a sacrificare ogni cosa per aiutare gli altri e che darebbe la vita per chi ama.
Bernadette è stata ferita. Tradita dal padre in giovane età, non si fida di nessuno mentre il suo stile di vita libertino la isola dalla società. Fidarsi di qualcuno le è quasi impossibile perché tutti puntano ai suoi soldi, finché non incontrerà Georgia Milton che con la sua semplicità e il suo buon cuore la conquisterà.
Le scene d’azione non mancano di certo e il romanzo tiene alta l’attenzione del lettore con semplicità, senza diventare mai eccessivo.
Mi è piaciuta molto questa tetralogia e l’autrice ha una scrittura davvero bella, che non annoia e che regala alle sue storie tante sfaccettature che la completano perfettamente.
Mi dispiace un po’ che la saga si sia conclusa; mi mancheranno i viaggi fra New York e Londra e tutti i personaggi che mi sono ormai entrati nel cuore.
.
Chi come me ha seguito la serie, amerà quest’ultimo capitolo. L’autrice ormai ci ha abituati: non solo saranno svelati i segreti dei personaggi che già amiamo, ma scopriremo anche la vera storia di Matthew Joseph Milton, personaggio simbolo di questa saga.
Il capo dei Quaranta Ladroni, guardiani della malfamata Quinta Strada, è scappato con il suo migliore amico a Londra a causa di un attentato alla sua vita. Il piano è rimanere nell’ombra fino a quando la minaccia sia svanita, così da poter tornare nella sua amata New York. Tuttavia non sempre le cose filano lisce.
Matthew e suo padre erano i proprietari del noto giornale irlandese The Truth Teller, molto amato dai newyorkesi non solo perché trattava l’attualità locale, ma anche perché riportava le notizie dell’Irlanda. Avevano affidato i loro risparmi a un amico di famiglia che ha perso tutto al gioco d’azzardo, lasciandoli sul lastrico e costringendoli a chiudere il giornale.
Questo purtroppo è solo l’inizio: si sono dovuti trasferire in uno dei quartieri più poveri della città e hanno imparato presto che la vita lì è un incubo, tanto che Matthew si trova coinvolto immediatamente in una rissa per proteggere un ragazzino e, nella lotta, perde la vista di un occhio.
La sua vita non è facile ma la voglia di dare il meglio ai suoi compagni di vita lo sprona a creare i Quaranta Ladroni, un gruppo selezionato di uomini prestanti che vegliano sul quartiere e fanno rispettare le loro regole: niente stupri o uccisioni per strada. Un piccolo passo per aiutare chi ne ha bisogno, tuttavia sono presto costretti dal destino a diventare dei mascalzoni e dei ladri per provvedere ai più deboli.
Una volta a Londra, Matthew scopre un mondo completamente diverso. Incontra per caso la bellissima Lady Bernadette Marie Burton, e rimane folgorato dalla sua bellezza e da quel suo sguardo che prospetta notti di passione.
Bernadette è stanca di chi le dice cosa fare. Il padre l’ha costretta a sposare un uomo di quarantatré anni quando lei ne aveva appena compiuti diciotto, ma lei vuole vivere la sua vita, così è decisa a godere della compagnia di chiunque attiri la sua attenzione senza dover ricorrere al matrimonio.
I soldi che le ha lasciato il marito dopo la sua morte sono così tanti che non avrà mai bisogno di occuparsi di nulla, ma dovrà stare sempre in guardia dai cacciatori di dote; una giovane e bella vedova fa gola a molti.
Una storia avvincente e appassionante. Scopriremo dei protagonisti davvero unici, che a una prima impressione possono sembrare anaffettivi ma che ci sveleranno il loro cuore grande.
I loro sono due mondi che si incontrano, tuttavia far funzionare la cosa diventerà una sfida difficile: da una parte c’è una vedova che non vuole sposarsi, dall’altra un ladro che vuole una famiglia più di ogni altra cosa al mondo.
Matthew, con il suo fare da duro e la benda da pirata, può sembrare un mascalzone, e forse lo è, ma scopriamo che in fondo è un uomo pronto a sacrificare ogni cosa per aiutare gli altri e che darebbe la vita per chi ama.
Bernadette è stata ferita. Tradita dal padre in giovane età, non si fida di nessuno mentre il suo stile di vita libertino la isola dalla società. Fidarsi di qualcuno le è quasi impossibile perché tutti puntano ai suoi soldi, finché non incontrerà Georgia Milton che con la sua semplicità e il suo buon cuore la conquisterà.
Le scene d’azione non mancano di certo e il romanzo tiene alta l’attenzione del lettore con semplicità, senza diventare mai eccessivo.
Mi è piaciuta molto questa tetralogia e l’autrice ha una scrittura davvero bella, che non annoia e che regala alle sue storie tante sfaccettature che la completano perfettamente.
Mi dispiace un po’ che la saga si sia conclusa; mi mancheranno i viaggi fra New York e Londra e tutti i personaggi che mi sono ormai entrati nel cuore.
August 9, 2012
***original review posted at Romancing Rakes For The Love of Romance***
Oh Delilah Marvelle, you make me fall in love each time I read your books. *hums 'Seize the Day' from the Newsies soundtrack while writing review*
Reasons To Read This Book:
1. You're a Delilah Marvelle fan. Duh! You won't be disappointed. Delilah strikes again but this time it's the story of a younger man falling in love with an older woman.
2. Eye patch hotness. Matthew Milton's father lost his newspaper business due to their bookkeeper and trusted family friend embezzling funds. Poor Matthew and his Da end up slumming it and on his first day, he gets almost KO'd by a man trying to collect a debt from a small boy. He ends up losing his eyesight in one eye and goes all land pirate. He heads up the gang called the Forty Thieves and they go around delivering their own brand of justice through their ward. He goes off to London with a friend to get away from the crime he is charged with and ends up rescuing a woman from a crazy ex-lover.
3. The older woman. Bernadette Burton left London to start anew after the vicious gossip running through the London ton. Ending up in New Orleans, she is set upon by some seedy looking men but ends up getting saved by Mr. Astor and his grandson. Now that Astor has come to collect on a debt, Bernadette must go back to London and go all Henry Higgins on some American girl who is supposed to marry a lord. Things get crazy from there. First, she's attacked by a riding crop from an ex-paramour (and not in the totally hot sexual way you were thinking), next, she's saved by an intriguing man with an eye patch and finally, she offers him money. What the feck?!
4. Sexy Times. Oh, you know, the Delilah treatment. If I have to explain, you're missing out.
5. Chapter beginnings. Personally, I really liked how each chapter started. At the beginning of each chapter is a quote that Delilah pulled from an actual newspaper and it sort of mimics a press release. Kind of goes with the Newsies angle.
Favorite Quote:
Overall: Oh holy feck! This book was one part Gangs of New York and one part Newsies with a signature Delilah twist: hotness. It has taken me days to write this review because I can't find the right words to express my love for this book. So let me try out a few and see if you think these describe the book (for those of you who have read it): amazing, deliciously sinful, holy hotness, heart tugging, sexy and spine tingling. How am I doing so far? I am very much looking forward to the final book in this trilogy. All events are leading up to the reveal of what the feck happened to the stolen child in Forever Mine .
***review copy provide by Netgalley and ARC copy by author***
Oh Delilah Marvelle, you make me fall in love each time I read your books. *hums 'Seize the Day' from the Newsies soundtrack while writing review*
Reasons To Read This Book:
1. You're a Delilah Marvelle fan. Duh! You won't be disappointed. Delilah strikes again but this time it's the story of a younger man falling in love with an older woman.
2. Eye patch hotness. Matthew Milton's father lost his newspaper business due to their bookkeeper and trusted family friend embezzling funds. Poor Matthew and his Da end up slumming it and on his first day, he gets almost KO'd by a man trying to collect a debt from a small boy. He ends up losing his eyesight in one eye and goes all land pirate. He heads up the gang called the Forty Thieves and they go around delivering their own brand of justice through their ward. He goes off to London with a friend to get away from the crime he is charged with and ends up rescuing a woman from a crazy ex-lover.
3. The older woman. Bernadette Burton left London to start anew after the vicious gossip running through the London ton. Ending up in New Orleans, she is set upon by some seedy looking men but ends up getting saved by Mr. Astor and his grandson. Now that Astor has come to collect on a debt, Bernadette must go back to London and go all Henry Higgins on some American girl who is supposed to marry a lord. Things get crazy from there. First, she's attacked by a riding crop from an ex-paramour (and not in the totally hot sexual way you were thinking), next, she's saved by an intriguing man with an eye patch and finally, she offers him money. What the feck?!
4. Sexy Times. Oh, you know, the Delilah treatment. If I have to explain, you're missing out.
5. Chapter beginnings. Personally, I really liked how each chapter started. At the beginning of each chapter is a quote that Delilah pulled from an actual newspaper and it sort of mimics a press release. Kind of goes with the Newsies angle.
Favorite Quote:
And he swore upon his very last breath that he was going to become the man that Bernadette not only deserved, but a man she would swoon to keep.
Overall: Oh holy feck! This book was one part Gangs of New York and one part Newsies with a signature Delilah twist: hotness. It has taken me days to write this review because I can't find the right words to express my love for this book. So let me try out a few and see if you think these describe the book (for those of you who have read it): amazing, deliciously sinful, holy hotness, heart tugging, sexy and spine tingling. How am I doing so far? I am very much looking forward to the final book in this trilogy. All events are leading up to the reveal of what the feck happened to the stolen child in Forever Mine .
***review copy provide by Netgalley and ARC copy by author***
July 19, 2012
I received this book as a First-Reads Good Reads winner and I was throughly surprised at how much I actually liked this book. I started reading it at night and was done reading it by the morning time. I just couldn't put the book down. Not only does this author give such attention to detail and gives old New York City a lot of respect by keeping true to the times back then. She also has a knack for writing a great story. I've read romance novels before and you end up getting the same exact types of stories all over again. And a lot of games on both characters. I loved how different this was. The main guy character is such an amazing person and you can't help rooting for him throughout the whole time. If your tired of typical romance love stories then definitely read this because you won't be disappointed. This book is a breath of fresh air and also the sex scenes were also uniquely different. Not saying this is a BDSM novel at all and the sex scenes aren't anything like Fifty Shades of Grey but the author of Fifty Shades should take a note from this author on how a good sex scene is supposed to be written.
November 25, 2017
This one was about Bernadette, an aristocratic widow, and Matthew. We met them both in the previous installment. Bernadette trained Georgia in all things Ton and Matthew was Georgia's late husband's son. Matthew was a product of the Five Points, the poverty-stricken and crime-ridden area of New York where they lived. He was in charge of the Forty Thieves. So theirs was an unusual pairing.
Wonderful HEA. Though there were more than a few frustrating times getting there. On to #3!
Wonderful HEA. Though there were more than a few frustrating times getting there. On to #3!
November 26, 2013
4.5 Stars
I was just a little disappointed with Romancing Lady Stone, so I'm glad Ms. Marvelle delivers this cracker of a book..
Shirtless men lounged with dirt-crusted bare feet on the sills of open windows, some guzzling bottles of old Irish whiskey, while others leisurely smoked half-cut cigars. It was as if these bingo boys all thought they were on a blanket on the grassy plains of a lake.
Forever a Lady takes us deep into the seedy underbelly of New York City's Five Points. The social commentary and the harsh realism in the beginning helps us understand what shaped Matthew. Toppled from a privileged life to destitution, he rises again to become one of the most feared names in Five Points, a man with his own sense of justice-the leader of the Forty Thieves. Matthew knows there is no way out of the hell-hole that is Five Points, but he fights tooth and nail to keep his neighbourhood safe from predators, and give his men a sense of purpose.
And then, he meets Bernadette, Lady Burton, and his life changes..
She is pretty much an unconventional heroine- rich beyond measure and determine to live life the way she wills it. She sees Matthew for himself- their moments together are both tender and heartbreaking.
“Keep the reticule,” she added. “You can sell it for more money should you need it.”
When he finally decides to let go of life as he knows it and tries to become his own man again, he puts in his blood and sweat to 'transform' himself into someone worthy of her. One of my favorite scenes was the utterly magical and timeless ice-skating 'date'.
She seized the wool of his great coat to keep herself from falling, her blades skimming the ice. His hands jumped around her, those muscled arms yanking her back up and against him.
His hold tightened. She lifted her gaze to his, still clinging to his coat. His full lips parted as if he meant to say something.
The air between them frosted against the heat of that mouth. Being tightly held in his arms and looking up at him like this whispered of unending happiness. She had never known anything like it.
Is this what real love felt like?
I do feel the final love scene could have been handled better.
The author provides us unforgettable characters and a beautiful story. I love how she did not glorify Matthew's line of work, nor leave us with an impression that love was a secret formula to solve all our problems. Matthew overcame his circumstances with long months of hard work, and in it, he found himself to a suitable life partner to Bernadette.
I was just a little disappointed with Romancing Lady Stone, so I'm glad Ms. Marvelle delivers this cracker of a book..
Shirtless men lounged with dirt-crusted bare feet on the sills of open windows, some guzzling bottles of old Irish whiskey, while others leisurely smoked half-cut cigars. It was as if these bingo boys all thought they were on a blanket on the grassy plains of a lake.
Forever a Lady takes us deep into the seedy underbelly of New York City's Five Points. The social commentary and the harsh realism in the beginning helps us understand what shaped Matthew. Toppled from a privileged life to destitution, he rises again to become one of the most feared names in Five Points, a man with his own sense of justice-the leader of the Forty Thieves. Matthew knows there is no way out of the hell-hole that is Five Points, but he fights tooth and nail to keep his neighbourhood safe from predators, and give his men a sense of purpose.
And then, he meets Bernadette, Lady Burton, and his life changes..
She is pretty much an unconventional heroine- rich beyond measure and determine to live life the way she wills it. She sees Matthew for himself- their moments together are both tender and heartbreaking.
“Keep the reticule,” she added. “You can sell it for more money should you need it.”
When he finally decides to let go of life as he knows it and tries to become his own man again, he puts in his blood and sweat to 'transform' himself into someone worthy of her. One of my favorite scenes was the utterly magical and timeless ice-skating 'date'.
She seized the wool of his great coat to keep herself from falling, her blades skimming the ice. His hands jumped around her, those muscled arms yanking her back up and against him.
His hold tightened. She lifted her gaze to his, still clinging to his coat. His full lips parted as if he meant to say something.
The air between them frosted against the heat of that mouth. Being tightly held in his arms and looking up at him like this whispered of unending happiness. She had never known anything like it.
Is this what real love felt like?
I do feel the final love scene could have been handled better.
The author provides us unforgettable characters and a beautiful story. I love how she did not glorify Matthew's line of work, nor leave us with an impression that love was a secret formula to solve all our problems. Matthew overcame his circumstances with long months of hard work, and in it, he found himself to a suitable life partner to Bernadette.
June 17, 2012
OH Delilah, Delilah, Delilah.... LOVED Matthew's story!!!!!!
Another wonderful book by the amazingly talented Delilah Marvelle. Forever A Lady is book 2 in Delilah’s Rumor series. Now, while the books are linked together by common characters, you don’t HAVE to read them in order. I would recommend it, but you don’t have too.
Forever A Lady takes us back to New York and Five Points. Where we learn a little more about Matthew (who we meet in Forever & A Day) and his past. How he ended up where he is and why he chose to form the Forty Thieves. Matthew is strong, determined, a little rough around the edges, but an extremely good man, one who stands up for others and what he believes in. But some times standing up for yourself and other gets you noticed. Getting noticed in Five Points is not always a good thing and can end up getting you killed. When a plan is revealed that a neighboring ward plans to take Matthew out, his best friend Coleman rushes him off to London for his safety. While Matthew is not happy about the trip to London, he is about to meet someone that will change is his life forever.
Lady Bernadette or Mrs Shelton as she started calling herself after a very unfortunate event in New Orleans has come back to London, not of her own free will, but to help a friend win back the lover of her life. Bernadette has sworn off true love, marriage and any of the other mushy love stuff for herself, yet she wishes it for others. Men are not to be trusted, therefore she lives now by the love them and leave them mentality. But this trip to London will test Bernadette and have her starting to think that maybe the right man could change her idea of marriage, love and the future.
I LOVED this book, Matthew & Bernadette are great together. The bring out the best in each other even during the worst of times. They fight each other, for each other and with each other for the things and the people that they love and care about.
If you loved Forever & A Day you will love Forever A Lady. If you have not stated this series I would highly recommend you start with Forever Mine. Forever Mine is Delilah’s novella that starts this whole series rolling.
If you have never read a historical romance Delilah Marvelle is a perfect place to start. Her books are fun, witty and full of great characters.
Another wonderful book by the amazingly talented Delilah Marvelle. Forever A Lady is book 2 in Delilah’s Rumor series. Now, while the books are linked together by common characters, you don’t HAVE to read them in order. I would recommend it, but you don’t have too.
Forever A Lady takes us back to New York and Five Points. Where we learn a little more about Matthew (who we meet in Forever & A Day) and his past. How he ended up where he is and why he chose to form the Forty Thieves. Matthew is strong, determined, a little rough around the edges, but an extremely good man, one who stands up for others and what he believes in. But some times standing up for yourself and other gets you noticed. Getting noticed in Five Points is not always a good thing and can end up getting you killed. When a plan is revealed that a neighboring ward plans to take Matthew out, his best friend Coleman rushes him off to London for his safety. While Matthew is not happy about the trip to London, he is about to meet someone that will change is his life forever.
Lady Bernadette or Mrs Shelton as she started calling herself after a very unfortunate event in New Orleans has come back to London, not of her own free will, but to help a friend win back the lover of her life. Bernadette has sworn off true love, marriage and any of the other mushy love stuff for herself, yet she wishes it for others. Men are not to be trusted, therefore she lives now by the love them and leave them mentality. But this trip to London will test Bernadette and have her starting to think that maybe the right man could change her idea of marriage, love and the future.
I LOVED this book, Matthew & Bernadette are great together. The bring out the best in each other even during the worst of times. They fight each other, for each other and with each other for the things and the people that they love and care about.
If you loved Forever & A Day you will love Forever A Lady. If you have not stated this series I would highly recommend you start with Forever Mine. Forever Mine is Delilah’s novella that starts this whole series rolling.
If you have never read a historical romance Delilah Marvelle is a perfect place to start. Her books are fun, witty and full of great characters.
June 5, 2012
This review also appears on my blog at http://www.thegoldenruleof666.blogspo...
Unique and brilliant! Forever a Lady gives us a look at everything of this time period from the dirty NY slums to the glittering English mansions. The plot was full of intrigue and adorable romance.
Bernadette is a different character. Rather than being an innocent society lady, she's an experienced woman whose reputation is tattered at best. But I liked that about her. I liked that she didn't let society's standards get in the way of what she wanted. And that included a man who was below her class.
That brings us to Matthew. In the summary, Matthew is identified as a gang leader. But, he's by no means a thug. He tries to help people in ways that are less than legal, working with the police in most cases. He was born wealthy, but was forced onto the streets after his fathers's newspaper went bankrupt because of a sleezy solicitor. He made the best of his new situation, gaining a following that kept him powerful in the NY streets while trying to repair wrongs. But he's very sweet. He has a lot of pride, though I could understand why, but he's absolutely adorable to Bernadette, and to the innocent victims that he saves on a regular basis. (In the beginning, he saves two little girls from being sold into prostitution, and he was a total sweetheart to them.) I loved his relationship with Bernadette. After starting off shaky, it really comes to be a true, deep love. It was lovely to read about.
The plot was full of twists and turns. Just when you think you know what's going to happen, something changes. It was fun and full of intrigue, romance, and thrills.
My one problem was how Bernadette and Matthew acted toward each other in the beginning. They were not very nice to each other. They both had reasons to be angry with each other, but I didn't feel like it justified the way they behaved. It wasn't a huge problem, and it resolved fairly quickly after their relationship blossomed, but it did irritate me.
Otherwise, Forever a Lady was a lovely book.
4/5
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy!
Unique and brilliant! Forever a Lady gives us a look at everything of this time period from the dirty NY slums to the glittering English mansions. The plot was full of intrigue and adorable romance.
Bernadette is a different character. Rather than being an innocent society lady, she's an experienced woman whose reputation is tattered at best. But I liked that about her. I liked that she didn't let society's standards get in the way of what she wanted. And that included a man who was below her class.
That brings us to Matthew. In the summary, Matthew is identified as a gang leader. But, he's by no means a thug. He tries to help people in ways that are less than legal, working with the police in most cases. He was born wealthy, but was forced onto the streets after his fathers's newspaper went bankrupt because of a sleezy solicitor. He made the best of his new situation, gaining a following that kept him powerful in the NY streets while trying to repair wrongs. But he's very sweet. He has a lot of pride, though I could understand why, but he's absolutely adorable to Bernadette, and to the innocent victims that he saves on a regular basis. (In the beginning, he saves two little girls from being sold into prostitution, and he was a total sweetheart to them.) I loved his relationship with Bernadette. After starting off shaky, it really comes to be a true, deep love. It was lovely to read about.
The plot was full of twists and turns. Just when you think you know what's going to happen, something changes. It was fun and full of intrigue, romance, and thrills.
My one problem was how Bernadette and Matthew acted toward each other in the beginning. They were not very nice to each other. They both had reasons to be angry with each other, but I didn't feel like it justified the way they behaved. It wasn't a huge problem, and it resolved fairly quickly after their relationship blossomed, but it did irritate me.
Otherwise, Forever a Lady was a lovely book.
4/5
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy!
September 4, 2012
Every time you pick up a Delilah Marvelle book it is like rediscovering a favorite author. Every book she releases is better than the last, and when you loved the previous books that is quite the track record. Forever a Lady steps up the Rumor series to a whole new level.
In Forever and a Day you met Lady Bernadette Burton, she was the rebellious older woman who tutors Georgia in the ways of being a lady. Or at least she gives her the tools to pull one over on the ton, something Lady Burton is more than willing to do. As a woman who has freedom to do what she wants and go where she likes the ton looks down on her. If she were rid of society forever she would be a happy lady, interesting then that the man that catches her eye has set his mind on achieving his lost status.
Matthew Milton is another character that left an impression from book one. He is the tough gang leader with a heart of gold. In Forever a Lady we get to see how much pride he has and the lengths he will go to win over Lady Burton and recover his honor. The poverty he lived in for so long changed him, so to see his determination as he works around the law, leads his band of 40 thieves, evades those hunting for his head, and tries to protect those he considers his is inspiring.
Marvelle brings a forgotten New York to life, you will fall in love with the city as you fall in love with Matthew and Lady Burton. The Five Points that beat the life out of a person, the people that live there and fight for a better way of life, the high society hording their wealth and ignoring those beneath them, and the generosity of one Lady that changes the lives of many. Forever a Lady is a perfect example of what a historical romance should be.
Review posted at Reading Between the Wines blog.
http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub...
(copy courtesy of publisher)
In Forever and a Day you met Lady Bernadette Burton, she was the rebellious older woman who tutors Georgia in the ways of being a lady. Or at least she gives her the tools to pull one over on the ton, something Lady Burton is more than willing to do. As a woman who has freedom to do what she wants and go where she likes the ton looks down on her. If she were rid of society forever she would be a happy lady, interesting then that the man that catches her eye has set his mind on achieving his lost status.
Matthew Milton is another character that left an impression from book one. He is the tough gang leader with a heart of gold. In Forever a Lady we get to see how much pride he has and the lengths he will go to win over Lady Burton and recover his honor. The poverty he lived in for so long changed him, so to see his determination as he works around the law, leads his band of 40 thieves, evades those hunting for his head, and tries to protect those he considers his is inspiring.
Marvelle brings a forgotten New York to life, you will fall in love with the city as you fall in love with Matthew and Lady Burton. The Five Points that beat the life out of a person, the people that live there and fight for a better way of life, the high society hording their wealth and ignoring those beneath them, and the generosity of one Lady that changes the lives of many. Forever a Lady is a perfect example of what a historical romance should be.
Review posted at Reading Between the Wines blog.
http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub...
(copy courtesy of publisher)
July 6, 2012
At first, Matthew Milton, a poor man who leads a gang of honorable thieves in Five Points, New York and Lady Bernadette, an aristocrat from London, seem like an unlikely couple. But they work really well together, I think. Though both currently have homes in New York (albeit in very different neighborhoods), they meet in London. They get their first glimpses of each other while riding in the park. Matthew falls for Bernadette fast and hard. Bernadette, though very attracted to Matthew, is not so sure. She has been enjoying her freedom after her marriage to a much older man.
Bernadette's reluctance and their very different social classes are not the only things standing in the way of their happiness. Matthew has many people out for revenge against him for his gang's campaigns to keep their neighborhood safer. Also Matthew can be a bit stuck in his ways. He does grow throughout this book, realizing his own weaknesses.
This book has really great characters. Matthew is rough, but sweet and adorable. Bernadette is strong, and really just looking for happiness. Though at first she thinks that happiness does not include marrying ever again, she soon learns finding love does not necessarily mean giving up your freedoms.
I did like the way the book addressed the different social classes. How Marvelle handled the class challenges seemed to me, if not plausible, then admirable. I applauded Matthew and Bernadette' achievement over this hiccup in their relationship.
Overall this romance is funny, sweet, and well done.
ARC provided through NetGalley
Bernadette's reluctance and their very different social classes are not the only things standing in the way of their happiness. Matthew has many people out for revenge against him for his gang's campaigns to keep their neighborhood safer. Also Matthew can be a bit stuck in his ways. He does grow throughout this book, realizing his own weaknesses.
This book has really great characters. Matthew is rough, but sweet and adorable. Bernadette is strong, and really just looking for happiness. Though at first she thinks that happiness does not include marrying ever again, she soon learns finding love does not necessarily mean giving up your freedoms.
I did like the way the book addressed the different social classes. How Marvelle handled the class challenges seemed to me, if not plausible, then admirable. I applauded Matthew and Bernadette' achievement over this hiccup in their relationship.
Overall this romance is funny, sweet, and well done.
ARC provided through NetGalley
July 25, 2012
“Rule one—my bedchamber is off-limits.
Rule two— your bedchamber is off-limits.
Rule three— our lips never touch.
Rule four— we only see each other during calling hours or in public or at events where crowds are assured to ensure that rule one, two and three are never trifled with.
Rule five— all rules cease to exist when you ask me to marry you.”
yaaakkk... itulah syarat yang diajukan Matthew Jones Milton saat ia ingin Lady Bernadette Marie Burton "mengcourting-nya". untunglah adegan uhuk-uhuk dibuku ini tidak terlalu banyak sehingga bisa saya lewatkan skip dengan tenang. hehehehe...
Tapi itu bukan berarti buku ini jadi kurang menarik untuk dibaca lho... Cinta kilat antara Matthew dan Bernadette diawal buku kemudian berkembang menjadi pengenalan karakter satu sama lain sangat sulit untuk dilewatkan. Kalau awalnya Bernadette menganggap Matthew sebagai wujud dari khayalan masa kanak-kanaknya, ia kemudian memahami bahwa Matthew merupakan manusia yang jauh lebih kompleks dengan beban dan masalalu yang berat.
Saya suka tokoh Matthew di buku ini. Sikapnya yang tegas dan sangat memandang tinggi keadilan membuat ia dicintai oleh orang-orang sekitarnya. Bagi Matthew kebutuhan orang lain jauh lebih penting dari kebutuhannya sendiri sehingga Matthew sama sekali tidak mempunya harta benda yang berarti. Satu-satunya yang penting baginya adalah surat kabar menguning peninggalan ayahnya. Dan integritasnya adalah sesuatu yang tidak bisa dibeli.
Ga sabar pengen baca karya Ms. Marvelle yang lainnya
Rule two— your bedchamber is off-limits.
Rule three— our lips never touch.
Rule four— we only see each other during calling hours or in public or at events where crowds are assured to ensure that rule one, two and three are never trifled with.
Rule five— all rules cease to exist when you ask me to marry you.”
yaaakkk... itulah syarat yang diajukan Matthew Jones Milton saat ia ingin Lady Bernadette Marie Burton "mengcourting-nya". untunglah adegan uhuk-uhuk dibuku ini tidak terlalu banyak sehingga bisa saya lewatkan skip dengan tenang. hehehehe...
Tapi itu bukan berarti buku ini jadi kurang menarik untuk dibaca lho... Cinta kilat antara Matthew dan Bernadette diawal buku kemudian berkembang menjadi pengenalan karakter satu sama lain sangat sulit untuk dilewatkan. Kalau awalnya Bernadette menganggap Matthew sebagai wujud dari khayalan masa kanak-kanaknya, ia kemudian memahami bahwa Matthew merupakan manusia yang jauh lebih kompleks dengan beban dan masalalu yang berat.
Saya suka tokoh Matthew di buku ini. Sikapnya yang tegas dan sangat memandang tinggi keadilan membuat ia dicintai oleh orang-orang sekitarnya. Bagi Matthew kebutuhan orang lain jauh lebih penting dari kebutuhannya sendiri sehingga Matthew sama sekali tidak mempunya harta benda yang berarti. Satu-satunya yang penting baginya adalah surat kabar menguning peninggalan ayahnya. Dan integritasnya adalah sesuatu yang tidak bisa dibeli.
Ga sabar pengen baca karya Ms. Marvelle yang lainnya
August 29, 2012
I need to fully disclose that I ADORE this woman (no, not the heroine, although she's adorable too). I meant Ms. Delilah Marvelle, who I had an honor, privilege and utter pleasure of meeting at this year's RT's in Chicago. What a gorgeous human being this tiny woman is!!! As for her writing, I am still in awe, and I've only read her latest series (in process of getting my paws on her earlier ones!).
This is the second (well, actually third if you count the prequel novella) in Ms. Marvelle's Rumor Series, and this time the story centers on Matthew Joseph Milton, the stepson to previous book's heroine, Georgia. We find out in this story the reasons behind Matthew's situation and how he came to wear a patch, as well as the relationship he has with Georgia and Five Points' Forty Thieves.
I highly recommend you read the previous two books (or a novelette and a book) because you will understand our hero much better and find out what motivates him and what keeps him determined to become the gentleman he so desires to be, not just for our heroine, but for his own self preservation, his own self worth. I loved him so much! He'll make you cry, laugh and ....
for the rest of this review please visit me at http://rcjrezine.com/?page_id=20&...
Thanks a bunch!
Melanie
This is the second (well, actually third if you count the prequel novella) in Ms. Marvelle's Rumor Series, and this time the story centers on Matthew Joseph Milton, the stepson to previous book's heroine, Georgia. We find out in this story the reasons behind Matthew's situation and how he came to wear a patch, as well as the relationship he has with Georgia and Five Points' Forty Thieves.
I highly recommend you read the previous two books (or a novelette and a book) because you will understand our hero much better and find out what motivates him and what keeps him determined to become the gentleman he so desires to be, not just for our heroine, but for his own self preservation, his own self worth. I loved him so much! He'll make you cry, laugh and ....
for the rest of this review please visit me at http://rcjrezine.com/?page_id=20&...
Thanks a bunch!
Melanie
July 13, 2012
I just finished reading Forever a Lady by Delilah Marvell and it was an excellent read. I dearly love the characters in this story. Meet Matthew Joseph Milton, Irish –American gang leader, who had his fortune stolen from him when he was younger. Now at the age of twenty nine, his life is filled with outcasts who look up to him in restoring honor among thieves. He once was a respected citizen in New York but now he decides his own future. When Matthew is threatened by a rival gang in the slums, he travels with his friend to London to lay low for a while. Then one day as he was riding in a park, he comes to the rescue of Lady Bernadette Marie Burton. She is being assaulted by a former lover who is angry at being dismissed. Lady Burton, a widow, is grateful to the handsome man coming to her aid and invites him to her home at midnight. What comes next will turn both their lives upside down. They were destined to be together along with all their misconceptions of social class and a love more powerful than they imagined. Thank you Ms Marvelle forgiving the readers a most exceptional book. I can’t wait until Forever a Lord released December 18, 2012.
August 10, 2012
So I'm going to keep this short since I've had it deleted 6 times prior to being able to post.
This one was fun, but not my favorite by the author. I enjoy the basics of the plot, even though there was nothing exceptional about the story. The characters were enjoyable, but I felt Matthew was more believable than Bernadette. He struggled to retain a few morals, despite the fact that his lot in life could have led him to be a complete ingrate. I really loved that Marvelle touched on important issues, like educating the poor, and not torturing inmates just because they could. For the importance of educating the average reader on a little bit of history in the middle of a fictional romance, I give Marvelle 4 stars. However, I give the overall story 3 stars because there was a moment or two that could have been adjusted to make the story flow without any jerky sections. I didn't ding the story for a sex scene at the end that wasn't for me, but that has more to do with my personal views, than the authors writing so I don't think she should be judged for me being a prude. =)
I look forward to what she does next.
This one was fun, but not my favorite by the author. I enjoy the basics of the plot, even though there was nothing exceptional about the story. The characters were enjoyable, but I felt Matthew was more believable than Bernadette. He struggled to retain a few morals, despite the fact that his lot in life could have led him to be a complete ingrate. I really loved that Marvelle touched on important issues, like educating the poor, and not torturing inmates just because they could. For the importance of educating the average reader on a little bit of history in the middle of a fictional romance, I give Marvelle 4 stars. However, I give the overall story 3 stars because there was a moment or two that could have been adjusted to make the story flow without any jerky sections. I didn't ding the story for a sex scene at the end that wasn't for me, but that has more to do with my personal views, than the authors writing so I don't think she should be judged for me being a prude. =)
I look forward to what she does next.
August 1, 2012
4.5 stars. Really, really loved this one. As usual, Delilah Marvelle has put together characters, settings, and situations that are not typical of historical romance.
Bernadette and Matthew are a sweet couple; I enjoyed their interactions, especially when he suggested they court each other, even though they already certainly "knew" each other in one sense!
There were enough twists and turns in the story that I couldn't predict what was coming next, and I found that refreshing.
I also very much enjoyed learning more about life in the Five Points; the contrast between it and the life of NYC's uppercrust was very well-drawn, and the author obviously did a lot of research.
Overall, very well done.
Bernadette and Matthew are a sweet couple; I enjoyed their interactions, especially when he suggested they court each other, even though they already certainly "knew" each other in one sense!
There were enough twists and turns in the story that I couldn't predict what was coming next, and I found that refreshing.
I also very much enjoyed learning more about life in the Five Points; the contrast between it and the life of NYC's uppercrust was very well-drawn, and the author obviously did a lot of research.
Overall, very well done.
October 27, 2012
I received this book as a First-Reads Good Reads winner and I was throughly surprised at how much I actually liked this book. I started reading it at night and was done reading it by the morning time. I just couldn't put the book down. You get the feel of the time fully. I'm going to get the 1st book. Really liked this story.
August 26, 2020
Entahlah, saya gak begitu dapat feel baca buku ini. Lebih suka buku 1 tentang Georgia n Robinson. Dan lebih penasaran sama buku 3 tentang Atwood. Lagi-lagi sayangnya, di Ipusnas gak ada buku lain dari seri ini.
May 21, 2012
4.5 stars for Delilah Marvelle's Forever a Lady
Review shortly
Review shortly
March 13, 2020
2 Stars
May 14, 2023
Forever a Lady is the second book in The Rumor series. Prologue set in New York City, 1822, and the story begins eight years later, 1830, in both New York City and London. The heart-warming Epilogue follows one year later.
The author’s preamble and post-amble explain the depth of research she did to truly convey New York City in the early 1800’s. The history is accurate with fictional characters set amongst it. It’s a historical fictional romance, yet it echoes the past in an authentic way. It shows the social issues relevant to the era. A unique story.
Forever and a Day: 5 stars Tremayne & Georgia
Forever a Lady: 4- stars Matthew & Bernadette
Lady Bernadette Marie Burton may be the richest widow in England, but she escapes to the outskirts of New York City to leave Society’s expectations behind her. Suffering from a fractured reputation, she receives threats, so seeks protection.
Matthew Joseph Milton is educated, dashing, and a true gentleman at heart. Living in the slums of rough Five Points, Matthew knows the bitterness of an employee stealing his father’s legacy, his business and livelihood. Matthew is a proud Hero and he works hard to prove himself worthy.
Matthew and Bernadette are intrigued by each other, and their chemistry is bubbling. Bernadette is a wealthy aristocrat in her mid-thirties who is seeking a lover and doesn’t want to marry again, and Matthew is six years younger yet longing for a wife and children of his own. It’s an unlikely pairing but one that finds common ground in giving each other second chances. Their sexy times reflect their off-beat attraction because when they reunite after many months of Matthew finally paying back a loan and establishing himself in aristocratic company, their sex is anal. Off-beat, indeed.
I recommend this book. I recommend this series.
The author’s preamble and post-amble explain the depth of research she did to truly convey New York City in the early 1800’s. The history is accurate with fictional characters set amongst it. It’s a historical fictional romance, yet it echoes the past in an authentic way. It shows the social issues relevant to the era. A unique story.
Forever and a Day: 5 stars Tremayne & Georgia
Forever a Lady: 4- stars Matthew & Bernadette
Lady Bernadette Marie Burton may be the richest widow in England, but she escapes to the outskirts of New York City to leave Society’s expectations behind her. Suffering from a fractured reputation, she receives threats, so seeks protection.
Matthew Joseph Milton is educated, dashing, and a true gentleman at heart. Living in the slums of rough Five Points, Matthew knows the bitterness of an employee stealing his father’s legacy, his business and livelihood. Matthew is a proud Hero and he works hard to prove himself worthy.
Matthew and Bernadette are intrigued by each other, and their chemistry is bubbling. Bernadette is a wealthy aristocrat in her mid-thirties who is seeking a lover and doesn’t want to marry again, and Matthew is six years younger yet longing for a wife and children of his own. It’s an unlikely pairing but one that finds common ground in giving each other second chances. Their sexy times reflect their off-beat attraction because when they reunite after many months of Matthew finally paying back a loan and establishing himself in aristocratic company, their sex is anal. Off-beat, indeed.
I recommend this book. I recommend this series.
August 28, 2018
Here's another one I've got mixed feelings about. The premise was fine, and I was thoroughly enjoying the beginning, but then there was the insta-love again, complete with a steamy scene after they'd been face-to-face for all of ten minutes. Not only that, but Matthew Joseph Milton (why do we insist on using his full name so often?) was downright terrifying early on--possessive and violent. Georgia told Bernadette Marie (again with the middle names) that since she'd been claimed by MJM, "He'll put a pistol to your head before he'll let you walk away." Ummm... Does no one else find this to be an immediate sign to turn and flee at high speed (with a dozen bodyguards in tow)?
I nearly quit reading, but for some reason I did keep plodding--and it did improve, at least on the steam and abusive creepiness fronts. For some reason, MJ decided to ditch the rogue act (though it certainly didn't seem to be chasing BM off) and play the gentleman. This part didn't feel like it had much plot, though. We've got Ronan, BM pining away for MJ, a random conversation with the mayor, a bit of courtship and more pining, a missing child... It just felt like pointless wandering.
I nearly quit reading, but for some reason I did keep plodding--and it did improve, at least on the steam and abusive creepiness fronts. For some reason, MJ decided to ditch the rogue act (though it certainly didn't seem to be chasing BM off) and play the gentleman. This part didn't feel like it had much plot, though. We've got Ronan, BM pining away for MJ, a random conversation with the mayor, a bit of courtship and more pining, a missing child... It just felt like pointless wandering.
October 3, 2012
Forever a Lady ของเดไลลาห์ มาร์วิลล์
เรื่องนี้เป็นเล่มที่สองในชุด และเล่าเรื่องราวของแมทธิว มิลตัน บุตรชายของอดีตสามีของจอร์เจีย มิลตัน นางเอกเล่มหนึ่ง
หลังจากเติบโตในฐานะของสุภาพบุรุษมาเกือบตลอดชีวิต แมทธิวต้องเริ่มต้นชีวิตใหม่ในสลัมกับผู้เป็นบิดา หลังจากทรัพย์สินทั้งหมดถูกโกงไปโดยเพื่อนสนิทของพ่อ เหตุการณ์ที่นำไปสู่การปิดตัวลงของหนังสือที่ครอบครัวของเขาเป็นเจ้าของ สถานะของแมทธิวจากชายผู้มีทุกสิ่งพร้อมสลายไปในชั่วข้ามคืน เขาถูกคู่หมั้นถอนหมั้น บ้านที่เคยอยู่ถูกยึด ทุกอย่างหมดสิ้นไป
ถ้านั่นไม่เลวร้ายพอ อาการบาดเจ็บที่ได้รับในวันแรก ๆ ที่เขาย้ายเข้ามายังที่พักแห่งใหม่ (ในย่านที่เลวร้ายของเมือง) ทำให้ตาข้างซ้ายของเขาบอดสนิท เรื่องดีอย่างเดียวที่เกิดขึ้นในวันที่เขาถูกทำร้ายก็คือ แมทธิวได้พบกับเอ็ดเวิร์ด โคลแมน นักมวยฝีมือดีแต่กร้านโลก ด้วยเหตุผลบางอย่างโคลแมนสอนให้แมทธิวรู้จักวิธีการเอาตัวรอดในสังคมใหม่ที่เขาถูกบังคับให้เป็นส่วนหนึ่ง และเมื่อร่วมมือกันแมทธิวและโคลแมนกลายเป็นผู้นำของแก๊งค์ข้างถนนที่มีชื่อว่า โฟตี้ส ทีฟ ซึ่งเป็นการรวมตัวกันของเด็กหนุ่มไอริช ผิวดำ (และใครก็ตามที่ถูกสังคมในเวลานั้นเอาเปรียบ) เพื่อเอาชีวิตรอด พวกเขาต้องการเป็นกลุ่มที่มีสิทธิเรียกร้อง แต่การเอาชีวิตรอดไม่ใช่เรื่องง่าย ยิ่งเวลาผ่านไป แมทธิวก็พบว่า ตัวเองสูญเสียหลักการของยึดมั่นมากขึ้นไปทุกที เขาต้องทำหลายอย่างที่ไม่ถูกต้องเพื่อช่วยเหลือสมาชิกในกลุ่มให้รอด
แปด��ีผ่านไป แมทธิวกลายเป็นหนึ่งในผู้นำแก๊งค์ข้างถนนในนิวยอร์ค แต่เมื่อโคลแมนได้รับแจ้งว่า แก๊งค์ฝ่ายตรงข้ามต้องการกำจัดแมทธิวให้พ้นไปจากทาง โคลแมนจัดการพาแมทธิวออกจากนิวยอร์ค และเดินทางไปลอนดอน เพื่อรอให้สถานการณ์ปลอดภัยเสียก่อน
เมื่อมาถึงลอนดอน ในเวลาเดียวกันกับที่จอร์เจีย ผู้มีศักดิ์เป็นแม่เลี้ยงของเขา (แม้เธอจะอายุน้อยกว่า) กำลังเตรียมตัวเพื่อออกงานสังคมในนามของทายาทเศรษฐีนีชาวอเมริกัน (ตัวตนทีถูกสร้างขึ้นมา และเป็นเหตุการณ์ช่างท้ายเรื่องของเล่มแรก Forever and a Day) แมทธิวซึ่งต้องการดูเพื่อให้แน่ใจว่า จอร์เจียปลอดภัยดี ก็ได้พบกับเบอร์นาเด็ตต์ หรือเลดี้บาร์ตันโดยบังเอิญ การพบกันที่สร้างความประทับใจมากพอที่เบอร์นาเด็ตต์จะเชิญแมทธิวกลับไปเยี่ยมเยียนเธอที่บ้านอีกครั้ง ในเวลาเที่ยงคืน
เบอร์นาเด็ตต์ หม้ายสาววัยสามสิบห้าปี ที่ใช้เวลามากกว่าครึ่งชีวิตแต่งงานกับชายผู้ที่สูงวัยกว่ามาก เมื่อสามีเสียชีวิตลง เธอตัดสินใจที่จะใช้ชีวิตตามที่ตัวเองต้องการ แต่นั่นคือความอื้อฉาวในวงสังคม เบอร์นาเด็ตต์ตัดสินใจหนีความวุ่นวายไปอยู่นิวยอร์ค แต่ด้วยหนี้บุญคุณทำให้เธอยอมตอบรับมาเป็นครูฝึกจอร์เจียที่เตรียมตัวจะเข้าวงสังคม และแต่งงานกับชายที่เธอรัก
เมื่อได้พบกับแมทธิว แม้เพียงแค่แว่บแรก ความรู้สึกบางอย่างที่เธอไม่เคยสัมผัสก็เกิดขึ้น ด้วยความเป็นหม้าย และคิดว่า ตัวเองผ่านโลกมามาก ทำให้เธอกล้าพอที่จะเป็นฝ่ายชักชวนเขาก่อน แล้วความสัมพันธ์ที่ร้อนแรงก็เกิดขึ้น และเป็นครั้งแรกที่เธอคิดว่า ตัวเองอาจจะกำลังมีความรัก
แต่การกระทำของแมทธิวก็ข้ามเส้น และเบอร์นาเด็ตต์ไม่อาจให้อภัยเขาได้ เธอใช้ชื่อเสียงที่เหลืออยู่ช่วยชีวิตเขาออกมา แต่นั่นก็แลกกับการที่เธอขอให้เขาเดินออกไปจากชีวิต
จนกระทั่งในอีกหลายเดือนต่อมา ทั้งคู่พบกันอีกครั้งในนิวยอร์ค เมื่อศัตรูของแมทธิวหวังจะใช้เบอร์นาเด็ตต์เป็นเครื่องมือในการทำลายเขา
เราชอบเล่มนี้มากกว่าเล่มแรกค่ะ แม้จะยอมรับนะคะว่า มีหลายส่วนในพล็อตเรื่องที่ไม่ลงตัว แต่เราชอบความคาดหวังไม่ได้ของหนังสือเล่มนี้ ทุกครั้งที่เราคิดว่า เดาเรื่องได้แล้ว จะต้องมีเหตุการณ์บางอย่าเกิดขึ้น และทำให้เรื่องพลิกไปเป็นอีกทางนึงจากที่เราคิดไว้
เราชอบความสัมพันธ์ของพระเอกนางเอก แน่นอนว่า การที่เบอร์นาเด็ตต์แก่กว่า นั่นเป็นแนวที่เราชอบอยู่แล้ว เราชอบความแตกต่างของทั้งคู่เมื่อดูจากภายนอก แต่ยิ่งอ่านไปก็จะยิ่งเห็นว่า ทั้งสองเหมือนกันมากเพียงใดข้างใน
เราชอบตัวตนของแมทธิว ที่แม้ความโหดร้ายของชีวิตจะทำให้เขาเลือกที่จะทำหลายอย่างที่เลวร้าย หรือผิดพลาด แต่โดยแก่นแล้ว เรายังมองเห็นผู้ชายผู้มีความคิดที่จะเปลี่ยนแปลงโลก ชายที่มีอุดมคติ เรายังมองเห็นความเป็นสุภาพบุรุษที่เขาได้รับการสั่งสอนเลี้ยงดูมาตลอดยี่สิบปี แม้เวลาแปดปีหลังจากนั้นเขาจะต้องใช้ชีวิตอยู่ข้างถนน เราชอบความมีเกียรติของเขา ความพยายามที่เขาผลักดันตัวเองเพื่อให้คู่ควรกับเบอร์นาเด็ตต์ ในขณะที่เขาปฏิเสธเธอ เพราะคิดว่าตัวเองไม่ต้อยต่ำ เขาก็ขอให้เธอรอจนกว่าเขาจะคู่ควร
แน่นอนค่ะ เราคิดเหมือนกันว่า การที่แมทธิวขอให้นางเอกรอนั้นเป็นการกระทำที่เห็นแก่ตัว แต่เมื่ออ่านมาแต่ต้น นั่นก็คือตัวตนของเขา สิ่งที่ทำให้เรายอมรับการกระทำนี้ได้ก็คือ ไม่เคยมีคำถามเกี่ยวกับความรู้สึกที่เขามีให้กับเบอร์นาเด็ตต์เลย เขายอมรับกับตัวเองมาตลอดว่า รักเธอมากเพียงใด
เราชอบช่วงท้ายเรื่อง เรารู้สึกถึงความสมจริงของการพลิกฐานะของแมทธิวจากสลัมไปสู่แมนชั่นหรู ดูมีความน่าเชื่อ โดยเฉพาะ (สปอยล์) เมื่อเขายอมรับความช่วยเหลือจากเบอร์นาเด็ตต์ และกลับไปทำธุรกิจหนังสือพิมพ์ มันน่าเชื่อเพราะเรื่องบอกมาตลอดว่า แมทธิวถูกบิดาสอนให้สืบทอดกิจการนี้มาแต่เด็ก เขาจึงมีความสามารถที่จะทำได้ เมื่อมีเงินทุน นั่นจึงเป็นสิ่งที่เป็นไปได้ แล้วเรื่องราวที่เขานำมาเขียนเป็นข่าว ก็ดูน่าเชื่อว่า จะเรียกคนให้หันมาอ่านหนังสือพิมพ์ของเขาได้
ส่วนที่เราไม่ชอบมาก ๆ และคิดว่า ขัดกับเนื้อเรื่องอย่างรุนแรง อยู่ช่วงท้ายเรื่องค่ะ เมื่อแมทธิวทิ้งกิจการหนังสือพิมพ์ของเขาไปได้อย่างง่ายดาย ราวกับว่า เมื่อเขาได้เบอร์นาเด็ตต์มาเป็นภรรยาแล้ว ไม่มีอะไรสำคัญอีกต่อไป เขาเลิกทำหนังสือพิมพ์ แล้วจะใช้ชีวิตที่เหลือเกาะเมียกินนั้นเหรอ นี่ไม่ใช่ตัวตนของแมทธิวที่เราอ่านมาตลอดทั้งเรื่อง แต่เรื่องมันก็จบให้เข้าใจได้แบบนี้จริง ๆ นั่นทำลายเรื่องราวส่วนที่เราคิดว่า สำคัญมาก ๆ ไปด้วย การฟื้นตัวของแมทธิว และคนในแก๊งค์ของเขาที่หันมาทำธุรกิจหนังสือพิมพ์ด้วยกัน เรื่องมันจะจบแบบเบอร์นาเด็ตต์ย้ายไปอังกฤษ แล้วแมทธิวก็เป็นสามีทีดีติดตามเธอไป ทิ้งทุกอย่างในนิวยอร์คให้เอาตัวรอดกันเอง นี่ไม่ใช่แมทธิวที่เราอ่านมาค่ะ
ว่าด้วยพล็อตที่เชื่อมชุดนี้เข้าไว้ด้วยกัน การหายตัวไปของนาธาเนียล เล่มนี้ก็ไม่ได้ให้ข้อมูลอะไรเพิ่มเติม เพียงแค่เปิดเผยตัวตนที่แท้จริงของนาธานเนียลว่าเขายังมีชีวิตอยู่ และคือใคร ไม่มีคำอธิบาย และเรื่องราวก็แทบจะไม่เกี่ยวข้องกันเลย แต่เล่มนี้ไม่เป็นปัญหาเหมือนอย่างเล่มแรกค่ะ เพราะโฟกัสไม่ได้อยู่ที่ประเด็นนี้เลยสักนิดเดียวอยู่แล้ว ทำให้ไม่ถึงกับหงุดหงิดที่ไม่ได้ข้อมูลอะไรคืบหน้ามากกว่านี้
แน่นอนว่า เล่มต่อไปจะเป็นเรื่องของนาธาเนียลค่ะ ซึ่งสำหรับคนที่อ่านเรื่องชุดนี้มา ก็ไม่แน่แปลกใจว่า แท้จริงแล้วเขาคือใครในเรื่องนะคะ
สำหรับเล่มนี้ เราค่อนข้างชอบนะคะ ถ้าไม่นับตอนจบที่ทำให้คาแร็คเตอร์ดูผิดวิสัยไปบ้าง คงจะสมบูรณ์แบบกว่านี้ แต่แค่นี้เราคิดว่า นี่เป็นงานของคนแต่งคนนี้ที่เราชอบที่สุดค่ะ
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เรื่องนี้เป็นเล่มที่สองในชุด และเล่าเรื่องราวของแมทธิว มิลตัน บุตรชายของอดีตสามีของจอร์เจีย มิลตัน นางเอกเล่มหนึ่ง
หลังจากเติบโตในฐานะของสุภาพบุรุษมาเกือบตลอดชีวิต แมทธิวต้องเริ่มต้นชีวิตใหม่ในสลัมกับผู้เป็นบิดา หลังจากทรัพย์สินทั้งหมดถูกโกงไปโดยเพื่อนสนิทของพ่อ เหตุการณ์ที่นำไปสู่การปิดตัวลงของหนังสือที่ครอบครัวของเขาเป็นเจ้าของ สถานะของแมทธิวจากชายผู้มีทุกสิ่งพร้อมสลายไปในชั่วข้ามคืน เขาถูกคู่หมั้นถอนหมั้น บ้านที่เคยอยู่ถูกยึด ทุกอย่างหมดสิ้นไป
ถ้านั่นไม่เลวร้ายพอ อาการบาดเจ็บที่ได้รับในวันแรก ๆ ที่เขาย้ายเข้ามายังที่พักแห่งใหม่ (ในย่านที่เลวร้ายของเมือง) ทำให้ตาข้างซ้ายของเขาบอดสนิท เรื่องดีอย่างเดียวที่เกิดขึ้นในวันที่เขาถูกทำร้ายก็คือ แมทธิวได้พบกับเอ็ดเวิร์ด โคลแมน นักมวยฝีมือดีแต่กร้านโลก ด้วยเหตุผลบางอย่างโคลแมนสอนให้แมทธิวรู้จักวิธีการเอาตัวรอดในสังคมใหม่ที่เขาถูกบังคับให้เป็นส่วนหนึ่ง และเมื่อร่วมมือกันแมทธิวและโคลแมนกลายเป็นผู้นำของแก๊งค์ข้างถนนที่มีชื่อว่า โฟตี้ส ทีฟ ซึ่งเป็นการรวมตัวกันของเด็กหนุ่มไอริช ผิวดำ (และใครก็ตามที่ถูกสังคมในเวลานั้นเอาเปรียบ) เพื่อเอาชีวิตรอด พวกเขาต้องการเป็นกลุ่มที่มีสิทธิเรียกร้อง แต่การเอาชีวิตรอดไม่ใช่เรื่องง่าย ยิ่งเวลาผ่านไป แมทธิวก็พบว่า ตัวเองสูญเสียหลักการของยึดมั่นมากขึ้นไปทุกที เขาต้องทำหลายอย่างที่ไม่ถูกต้องเพื่อช่วยเหลือสมาชิกในกลุ่มให้รอด
แปด��ีผ่านไป แมทธิวกลายเป็นหนึ่งในผู้นำแก๊งค์ข้างถนนในนิวยอร์ค แต่เมื่อโคลแมนได้รับแจ้งว่า แก๊งค์ฝ่ายตรงข้ามต้องการกำจัดแมทธิวให้พ้นไปจากทาง โคลแมนจัดการพาแมทธิวออกจากนิวยอร์ค และเดินทางไปลอนดอน เพื่อรอให้สถานการณ์ปลอดภัยเสียก่อน
เมื่อมาถึงลอนดอน ในเวลาเดียวกันกับที่จอร์เจีย ผู้มีศักดิ์เป็นแม่เลี้ยงของเขา (แม้เธอจะอายุน้อยกว่า) กำลังเตรียมตัวเพื่อออกงานสังคมในนามของทายาทเศรษฐีนีชาวอเมริกัน (ตัวตนทีถูกสร้างขึ้นมา และเป็นเหตุการณ์ช่างท้ายเรื่องของเล่มแรก Forever and a Day) แมทธิวซึ่งต้องการดูเพื่อให้แน่ใจว่า จอร์เจียปลอดภัยดี ก็ได้พบกับเบอร์นาเด็ตต์ หรือเลดี้บาร์ตันโดยบังเอิญ การพบกันที่สร้างความประทับใจมากพอที่เบอร์นาเด็ตต์จะเชิญแมทธิวกลับไปเยี่ยมเยียนเธอที่บ้านอีกครั้ง ในเวลาเที่ยงคืน
เบอร์นาเด็ตต์ หม้ายสาววัยสามสิบห้าปี ที่ใช้เวลามากกว่าครึ่งชีวิตแต่งงานกับชายผู้ที่สูงวัยกว่ามาก เมื่อสามีเสียชีวิตลง เธอตัดสินใจที่จะใช้ชีวิตตามที่ตัวเองต้องการ แต่นั่นคือความอื้อฉาวในวงสังคม เบอร์นาเด็ตต์ตัดสินใจหนีความวุ่นวายไปอยู่นิวยอร์ค แต่ด้วยหนี้บุญคุณทำให้เธอยอมตอบรับมาเป็นครูฝึกจอร์เจียที่เตรียมตัวจะเข้าวงสังคม และแต่งงานกับชายที่เธอรัก
เมื่อได้พบกับแมทธิว แม้เพียงแค่แว่บแรก ความรู้สึกบางอย่างที่เธอไม่เคยสัมผัสก็เกิดขึ้น ด้วยความเป็นหม้าย และคิดว่า ตัวเองผ่านโลกมามาก ทำให้เธอกล้าพอที่จะเป็นฝ่ายชักชวนเขาก่อน แล้วความสัมพันธ์ที่ร้อนแรงก็เกิดขึ้น และเป็นครั้งแรกที่เธอคิดว่า ตัวเองอาจจะกำลังมีความรัก
แต่การกระทำของแมทธิวก็ข้ามเส้น และเบอร์นาเด็ตต์ไม่อาจให้อภัยเขาได้ เธอใช้ชื่อเสียงที่เหลืออยู่ช่วยชีวิตเขาออกมา แต่นั่นก็แลกกับการที่เธอขอให้เขาเดินออกไปจากชีวิต
จนกระทั่งในอีกหลายเดือนต่อมา ทั้งคู่พบกันอีกครั้งในนิวยอร์ค เมื่อศัตรูของแมทธิวหวังจะใช้เบอร์นาเด็ตต์เป็นเครื่องมือในการทำลายเขา
เราชอบเล่มนี้มากกว่าเล่มแรกค่ะ แม้จะยอมรับนะคะว่า มีหลายส่วนในพล็อตเรื่องที่ไม่ลงตัว แต่เราชอบความคาดหวังไม่ได้ของหนังสือเล่มนี้ ทุกครั้งที่เราคิดว่า เดาเรื่องได้แล้ว จะต้องมีเหตุการณ์บางอย่าเกิดขึ้น และทำให้เรื่องพลิกไปเป็นอีกทางนึงจากที่เราคิดไว้
เราชอบความสัมพันธ์ของพระเอกนางเอก แน่นอนว่า การที่เบอร์นาเด็ตต์แก่กว่า นั่นเป็นแนวที่เราชอบอยู่แล้ว เราชอบความแตกต่างของทั้งคู่เมื่อดูจากภายนอก แต่ยิ่งอ่านไปก็จะยิ่งเห็นว่า ทั้งสองเหมือนกันมากเพียงใดข้างใน
เราชอบตัวตนของแมทธิว ที่แม้ความโหดร้ายของชีวิตจะทำให้เขาเลือกที่จะทำหลายอย่างที่เลวร้าย หรือผิดพลาด แต่โดยแก่นแล้ว เรายังมองเห็นผู้ชายผู้มีความคิดที่จะเปลี่ยนแปลงโลก ชายที่มีอุดมคติ เรายังมองเห็นความเป็นสุภาพบุรุษที่เขาได้รับการสั่งสอนเลี้ยงดูมาตลอดยี่สิบปี แม้เวลาแปดปีหลังจากนั้นเขาจะต้องใช้ชีวิตอยู่ข้างถนน เราชอบความมีเกียรติของเขา ความพยายามที่เขาผลักดันตัวเองเพื่อให้คู่ควรกับเบอร์นาเด็ตต์ ในขณะที่เขาปฏิเสธเธอ เพราะคิดว่าตัวเองไม่ต้อยต่ำ เขาก็ขอให้เธอรอจนกว่าเขาจะคู่ควร
แน่นอนค่ะ เราคิดเหมือนกันว่า การที่แมทธิวขอให้นางเอกรอนั้นเป็นการกระทำที่เห็นแก่ตัว แต่เมื่ออ่านมาแต่ต้น นั่นก็คือตัวตนของเขา สิ่งที่ทำให้เรายอมรับการกระทำนี้ได้ก็คือ ไม่เคยมีคำถามเกี่ยวกับความรู้สึกที่เขามีให้กับเบอร์นาเด็ตต์เลย เขายอมรับกับตัวเองมาตลอดว่า รักเธอมากเพียงใด
เราชอบช่วงท้ายเรื่อง เรารู้สึกถึงความสมจริงของการพลิกฐานะของแมทธิวจากสลัมไปสู่แมนชั่นหรู ดูมีความน่าเชื่อ โดยเฉพาะ (สปอยล์) เมื่อเขายอมรับความช่วยเหลือจากเบอร์นาเด็ตต์ และกลับไปทำธุรกิจหนังสือพิมพ์ มันน่าเชื่อเพราะเรื่องบอกมาตลอดว่า แมทธิวถูกบิดาสอนให้สืบทอดกิจการนี้มาแต่เด็ก เขาจึงมีความสามารถที่จะทำได้ เมื่อมีเงินทุน นั่นจึงเป็นสิ่งที่เป็นไปได้ แล้วเรื่องราวที่เขานำมาเขียนเป็นข่าว ก็ดูน่าเชื่อว่า จะเรียกคนให้หันมาอ่านหนังสือพิมพ์ของเขาได้
ส่วนที่เราไม่ชอบมาก ๆ และคิดว่า ขัดกับเนื้อเรื่องอย่างรุนแรง อยู่ช่วงท้ายเรื่องค่ะ เมื่อแมทธิวทิ้งกิจการหนังสือพิมพ์ของเขาไปได้อย่างง่ายดาย ราวกับว่า เมื่อเขาได้เบอร์นาเด็ตต์มาเป็นภรรยาแล้ว ไม่มีอะไรสำคัญอีกต่อไป เขาเลิกทำหนังสือพิมพ์ แล้วจะใช้ชีวิตที่เหลือเกาะเมียกินนั้นเหรอ นี่ไม่ใช่ตัวตนของแมทธิวที่เราอ่านมาตลอดทั้งเรื่อง แต่เรื่องมันก็จบให้เข้าใจได้แบบนี้จริง ๆ นั่นทำลายเรื่องราวส่วนที่เราคิดว่า สำคัญมาก ๆ ไปด้วย การฟื้นตัวของแมทธิว และคนในแก๊งค์ของเขาที่หันมาทำธุรกิจหนังสือพิมพ์ด้วยกัน เรื่องมันจะจบแบบเบอร์นาเด็ตต์ย้ายไปอังกฤษ แล้วแมทธิวก็เป็นสามีทีดีติดตามเธอไป ทิ้งทุกอย่างในนิวยอร์คให้เอาตัวรอดกันเอง นี่ไม่ใช่แมทธิวที่เราอ่านมาค่ะ
ว่าด้วยพล็อตที่เชื่อมชุดนี้เข้าไว้ด้วยกัน การหายตัวไปของนาธาเนียล เล่มนี้ก็ไม่ได้ให้ข้อมูลอะไรเพิ่มเติม เพียงแค่เปิดเผยตัวตนที่แท้จริงของนาธานเนียลว่าเขายังมีชีวิตอยู่ และคือใคร ไม่มีคำอธิบาย และเรื่องราวก็แทบจะไม่เกี่ยวข้องกันเลย แต่เล่มนี้ไม่เป็นปัญหาเหมือนอย่างเล่มแรกค่ะ เพราะโฟกัสไม่ได้อยู่ที่ประเด็นนี้เลยสักนิดเดียวอยู่แล้ว ทำให้ไม่ถึงกับหงุดหงิดที่ไม่ได้ข้อมูลอะไรคืบหน้ามากกว่านี้
แน่นอนว่า เล่มต่อไปจะเป็นเรื่องของนาธาเนียลค่ะ ซึ่งสำหรับคนที่อ่านเรื่องชุดนี้มา ก็ไม่แน่แปลกใจว่า แท้จริงแล้วเขาคือใครในเรื่องนะคะ
สำหรับเล่มนี้ เราค่อนข้างชอบนะคะ ถ้าไม่นับตอนจบที่ทำให้คาแร็คเตอร์ดูผิดวิสัยไปบ้าง คงจะสมบูรณ์แบบกว่านี้ แต่แค่นี้เราคิดว่า นี่เป็นงานของคนแต่งคนนี้ที่เราชอบที่สุดค่ะ
คะแนนที่ 77
May 6, 2020
bagus! pertaruhan & pembuktian harga diri yg sesungguhnya. Matthew dgn segala kemiskinan & cacat fisik yg dimilikinya tetap berhasrat (bahkan total pula) membuktikan jika ia layak diterima dan diakui oleh semua org. terutama oleh Bernadette. kerenlah si Matthew ini.
klo Bernadette sih karakternya ya seperti janda kaya pada umumnya. umumnya. dikit2 duit yg bicara. putus asa dgn masa2 pernikahan lampaunya yg terbuang sia2, jadi pikirannya selalu ingin mencoba hal2 baru. termasuk seks. sampai akhirnya doi kena batunya deh. dikate Matthew cowok gampangan kali, hhh.
gaya Matthew memainkan proses tarik-ulur ke Bernadette benar2 menarik. penuh perhitungan. dibutuhkan kesabaran tingkat dewa. tapi ya sesuailah dgn hasil yg diharapkan.
jadi keseluruhan cerita ini gw nilai dgn bintang 4! kurangnya cuma dikit. ending-nya di luar ekspektasi. antiklimaks.
klo Bernadette sih karakternya ya seperti janda kaya pada umumnya. umumnya. dikit2 duit yg bicara. putus asa dgn masa2 pernikahan lampaunya yg terbuang sia2, jadi pikirannya selalu ingin mencoba hal2 baru. termasuk seks. sampai akhirnya doi kena batunya deh. dikate Matthew cowok gampangan kali, hhh.
gaya Matthew memainkan proses tarik-ulur ke Bernadette benar2 menarik. penuh perhitungan. dibutuhkan kesabaran tingkat dewa. tapi ya sesuailah dgn hasil yg diharapkan.
jadi keseluruhan cerita ini gw nilai dgn bintang 4! kurangnya cuma dikit. ending-nya di luar ekspektasi. antiklimaks.
August 13, 2017
(This was an) Interesting twist on a Regency romance. First, London was not the primary location but New York City. Next, the two main characters were BOTH unconventional. The heroine was a high born wealthy widow in her mid-thirties. She was a blue blood from London's ton who wanted to shed the expectations of society so she settled in NYC. She was seeking a lover and had no intention of marrying. The hero was a very poor Irish second generation man with a strong moral compass. He was six years younger but longed for marriage, family and to be settled with one woman. Their meeting was equally unique. I encourage you to read the book. It was very good.
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