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Courtship Wars #3
To Seduce a Bride
Seduction has never been more enticing than in this third novel of Nicole Jordan's enthralling trilogy, The Courtship Wars.
Spirited beauty Lilian Loring believes that love is too risky a venture and that marriage is best avoided entirely–even if her unwanted suitor comes as deliciously packaged as Heath Griffin, the Marquess of Claybourne. The charismatic rogue has never met a woman who can discourage his advances, and after a show of resolve Lily too melts under Heath’s sensuous kisses. Perhaps that is why she decides to hide out in the last place a gentleman would look for a a house of scandalous repute.
In bold pursuit, Heath discovers his enchanting spitfire cheerfully instructing the demimonde in the art of deportment. Now the thrill of the chase is exceeded only by his powerful need to possess Lily as his bride. For Heath, victory in their game of passion means nothing less than winning Lily’s elusive heart. . . .
Spirited beauty Lilian Loring believes that love is too risky a venture and that marriage is best avoided entirely–even if her unwanted suitor comes as deliciously packaged as Heath Griffin, the Marquess of Claybourne. The charismatic rogue has never met a woman who can discourage his advances, and after a show of resolve Lily too melts under Heath’s sensuous kisses. Perhaps that is why she decides to hide out in the last place a gentleman would look for a a house of scandalous repute.
In bold pursuit, Heath discovers his enchanting spitfire cheerfully instructing the demimonde in the art of deportment. Now the thrill of the chase is exceeded only by his powerful need to possess Lily as his bride. For Heath, victory in their game of passion means nothing less than winning Lily’s elusive heart. . . .
416 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
78 people are currently reading
991 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Jordan
93 books976 followersNew York Times bestselling author Nicole Jordan spins delightful tales that simmer with passion and sensuality. In her former life, Nicole grew up as an Army brat, moving frequently and attending high school in Germany. She later earned a civil engineering degree from Georgia Tech and spent eight years as a manufacturing manager making disposable diapers and toilet tissue! Currently Nicole lives in the Rocky Mountains of Utah with her real-life hero (her husband) and beloved kids (her horses).
With over two-dozen historical romances to her credit and four million books in print, set in numerous eras and locales, Nicole now enjoys chronicling the sparks that fly when Regency lovers play the matrimonial mating game.
One of her novels had the dubious honor of being humorously spotlighted by Jay Leno on "The Tonight Show." On a more serious note, Nicole's romances regularly appear on numerous bestseller lists, including The New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today, and have earned such honors as RITA finalist, RWA's Favorite Book of the Year, the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for Historical Romance, and the Dorothy Parker Award of Excellence, presented by a group of over one hundred romance reviewers.
With over two-dozen historical romances to her credit and four million books in print, set in numerous eras and locales, Nicole now enjoys chronicling the sparks that fly when Regency lovers play the matrimonial mating game.
One of her novels had the dubious honor of being humorously spotlighted by Jay Leno on "The Tonight Show." On a more serious note, Nicole's romances regularly appear on numerous bestseller lists, including The New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today, and have earned such honors as RITA finalist, RWA's Favorite Book of the Year, the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for Historical Romance, and the Dorothy Parker Award of Excellence, presented by a group of over one hundred romance reviewers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
March 6, 2011
Here is the story in a nutshell......
"Marry Me" "No", "Marry Me" "No", "Marry Me" "No", "Marry Me" "NO!", "Okay, I don't want to marry you" "I want to marry you now" (The End).
"Marry Me" "No", "Marry Me" "No", "Marry Me" "No", "Marry Me" "NO!", "Okay, I don't want to marry you" "I want to marry you now" (The End).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2009
Lilian Loring, the youngest of the three Loring sisters, is so set against marriage that she doesn't mind telling everyone so. She'd rather spend her days with her dearest friend, Fanny Irwin, who is a renowned Cyprian. Of course, Lillian doesn't want to follow in her footsteps, but prefers to have the freedom Fanny and her other Cyprian friends have.
What Lillian is not counting on is Heath Griffin, Marquess of Claybourne, whom she met the morning of her oldest sister's wedding. Heath makes her feel very strange…he is too virile and too charming. Heath is hoping to unnerve the lovely Lily and wants to court her. Heath is not apposed to the thought of marriage as Lily is. As he tries to figure out the eccentric Miss Loring, he can't help but be fascinated by her blunt conversations and her ideas about life. And it is always a plus that when he kisses her, she melts in his arms.
Heath frightens Lily away with his honesty about courting her, and she decides to spend some time with Fanny at her boarding house where other aging Cyprians reside. She thinks Heath will never look for her there. Suddenly, Lily has other more important matters to deal with, such as Fleur and Chantel, two boarders who owe the odious Mick O'Rourke gambling debts. He wants his payment in a month’s time, or he will take Fanny as his mistress. Lily won't let Fanny sacrifice herself and tries to help these two formers ladies of the night. But then Heath shows up and won't leave without a chance at courting Lily as he wanted to do before she ran off.
Lily gives Heath two weeks to try wooing her. Heath has to channel his romantic side and break through Lily's defenses about her ideas of marriage and men. Heath also has Fanny, Chantal, and Fleur on his side. They all want Lily to be happy, and they begin to help Heath win Lily's heart. Heath can only hope that Lily will welcome his seduction, and that will hopefully lead to a ring on her finger and a ceremony that will make them husband and wife.
The third and final book in Nicole Jordan's Courtship Wars trilogy ends as a near perfect romance for Lily, the most difficult of the Loring sisters. Heath has much against him as he tries to seduce this bride to be! In the past two books, Lily is explained as wild and unruly, but in TO SEDUCE A BRIDE she comes into her own and is a very mature and thoughtful woman. Her relationship with Fanny is what I would expect for two close friends to be, and I found it to be one of the best in the book.
As for Heath, I found him to be a lovely character. Lily sure does give him a run for his money, but Heath feels he will prevail, and even though Lily doesn't mind the physical aspect of his wooing, he wants everything, which means marriage. When was the last time you read about a hero who wants marriage right from the start and doesn't keep his heroine dangling? This story is a delight to read and a nice role reversal, for a change.
There are also so many interesting secondary characters including Basil, who may or may not have tender feelings for Fanny, and even that of the supposed villain, Mick, who is in love with Fanny, but the way he shows it hurts many people.
Nicole Jordan always writes historical romances that are a sure crowd pleaser, and TO SEDUCE A BRIDE is one of them. This is one book that is a great finale to a romantic series that should not be missed.
What Lillian is not counting on is Heath Griffin, Marquess of Claybourne, whom she met the morning of her oldest sister's wedding. Heath makes her feel very strange…he is too virile and too charming. Heath is hoping to unnerve the lovely Lily and wants to court her. Heath is not apposed to the thought of marriage as Lily is. As he tries to figure out the eccentric Miss Loring, he can't help but be fascinated by her blunt conversations and her ideas about life. And it is always a plus that when he kisses her, she melts in his arms.
Heath frightens Lily away with his honesty about courting her, and she decides to spend some time with Fanny at her boarding house where other aging Cyprians reside. She thinks Heath will never look for her there. Suddenly, Lily has other more important matters to deal with, such as Fleur and Chantel, two boarders who owe the odious Mick O'Rourke gambling debts. He wants his payment in a month’s time, or he will take Fanny as his mistress. Lily won't let Fanny sacrifice herself and tries to help these two formers ladies of the night. But then Heath shows up and won't leave without a chance at courting Lily as he wanted to do before she ran off.
Lily gives Heath two weeks to try wooing her. Heath has to channel his romantic side and break through Lily's defenses about her ideas of marriage and men. Heath also has Fanny, Chantal, and Fleur on his side. They all want Lily to be happy, and they begin to help Heath win Lily's heart. Heath can only hope that Lily will welcome his seduction, and that will hopefully lead to a ring on her finger and a ceremony that will make them husband and wife.
The third and final book in Nicole Jordan's Courtship Wars trilogy ends as a near perfect romance for Lily, the most difficult of the Loring sisters. Heath has much against him as he tries to seduce this bride to be! In the past two books, Lily is explained as wild and unruly, but in TO SEDUCE A BRIDE she comes into her own and is a very mature and thoughtful woman. Her relationship with Fanny is what I would expect for two close friends to be, and I found it to be one of the best in the book.
As for Heath, I found him to be a lovely character. Lily sure does give him a run for his money, but Heath feels he will prevail, and even though Lily doesn't mind the physical aspect of his wooing, he wants everything, which means marriage. When was the last time you read about a hero who wants marriage right from the start and doesn't keep his heroine dangling? This story is a delight to read and a nice role reversal, for a change.
There are also so many interesting secondary characters including Basil, who may or may not have tender feelings for Fanny, and even that of the supposed villain, Mick, who is in love with Fanny, but the way he shows it hurts many people.
Nicole Jordan always writes historical romances that are a sure crowd pleaser, and TO SEDUCE A BRIDE is one of them. This is one book that is a great finale to a romantic series that should not be missed.
February 4, 2022
About 100 pages too long. Lily is the animal loving adventurer…but after two adventurous moments with Heath, their relationship became bickering between physical encounters. I’m not really interested in reading the rest of the series.
November 27, 2018
In a nutshell, the story goes like this:
Hero: Marry me.
Heroine: No, never! I hate marriage!
Hero: I'll make you change your mind.
Heroine: Never! But you're kind of hot, I guess. Let's just have an affair.
Hero: So will you marry me now?
Heroine: Nope.
Hero: Fine, I give up. I don't want to marry you.
Heroine: Wait, I mean yes, I'll marry you!
Hero: Ok.
The plot was pretty much an exact copy of the first book, To Pleasure a Lady, with the same stupid bet between the hero and heroine. Only this time, Lily is so much more annoying, even worse than her sisters. I like strong heroines, but Lily isn't one. She's stubborn, rude, arrogant, and totally does not deserve the hero, Heath. He could do so much better with someone else who actually appreciates him instead of playing dumb drama games. And speaking of the drama, it got repetitive and old really fast. The "scandal" about Lily's parents got mentioned a bazillion times (it was also repeated ad nauseum in the previous books), and just made the conflict seem so contrived and overblown. Lily just wanted to have her cake and eat it, and I was so done with her despicable behavior.
I only managed to slog through the entire book because I had read the other two books and it felt wrong to just quit, but now I doubt I'll continue with the rest of the series.
Hero: Marry me.
Heroine: No, never! I hate marriage!
Hero: I'll make you change your mind.
Heroine: Never! But you're kind of hot, I guess. Let's just have an affair.
Hero: So will you marry me now?
Heroine: Nope.
Hero: Fine, I give up. I don't want to marry you.
Heroine: Wait, I mean yes, I'll marry you!
Hero: Ok.
The plot was pretty much an exact copy of the first book, To Pleasure a Lady, with the same stupid bet between the hero and heroine. Only this time, Lily is so much more annoying, even worse than her sisters. I like strong heroines, but Lily isn't one. She's stubborn, rude, arrogant, and totally does not deserve the hero, Heath. He could do so much better with someone else who actually appreciates him instead of playing dumb drama games. And speaking of the drama, it got repetitive and old really fast. The "scandal" about Lily's parents got mentioned a bazillion times (it was also repeated ad nauseum in the previous books), and just made the conflict seem so contrived and overblown. Lily just wanted to have her cake and eat it, and I was so done with her despicable behavior.
I only managed to slog through the entire book because I had read the other two books and it felt wrong to just quit, but now I doubt I'll continue with the rest of the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2008
Of the three books in the series, this was my favorite. The characters weaknesses became their strengths. I absolutely loved Heath Griffin's character.
March 29, 2008
The final story in this trilogy. Our heroine wants nothing to do with a husband as she has issues from her parents' unhappy union. Once our hero lays eyes on her, his mission is set. He wants her and knows marriage is the price he must pay. The entertainment comes from his seduction of the innocent miss.
I enjoyed reading the hero's efforts even when I wanted to smack the heroine upside the head. The elements of danger weren't necessarily directed at the heroine, but did advance some of the thinly veiled plot. There were no doubts of the outcome, but I still enjoyed the journey...
I enjoyed reading the hero's efforts even when I wanted to smack the heroine upside the head. The elements of danger weren't necessarily directed at the heroine, but did advance some of the thinly veiled plot. There were no doubts of the outcome, but I still enjoyed the journey...
May 12, 2014
This last and best of the "Courtship Trilogy" was well worth my time. Based on past issues in her life, spirited beauty, Lily Loring is dead set against courtship and marriage. It is up to Heath Griffin, Marquess of Claybourne to woo her and change her mind.
July 15, 2009
Interesting how little really happens in this story, and how, on the whole, it nonetheless remains a fun read. At one point in the middle I did get a bit tired of hearing Lily rant on about never marrying, but Heath is quite the charming one and the writing is enjoyable.
January 4, 2014
Por ahora de la serie, éste que es el tercero, es el que más me ha gustado. Aunque como todas las historias de Nicole Jordan... ésta tampoco es nada creíble... pero es divertida, amena y con escenas hot...
July 25, 2017
Leído en Febrero 2010
Me gustó...
Me gustó...
April 17, 2020
Con esta autora tengo una relación de amor-odio, o me encanta el libro, o no puedo con él.
Este es el 3 libro de la serie, las guerras del cortejo, la historia de Lili y Heath. Lili viene de una familia con un gran escándalo a sus espaldas y tiene bien claro que no desea casarse. Heath en cambio tiene la vida solucionada y nunca ha sentido el rechazo hasta que conoce a Lili.
Es una novela poco creíble, odio los insta-love y en este libro se pasan, al segundo dia, Heath ya le estaba proponiendo matrimonio y al tercero ya estaban como conejos. Lo que menos me gusta de esta autora, es que donde ve un hueco, te pone una escena de sexo y por muy liberal que sea Lili, no es nada creible para la epoca que transcurre.
A esta novela le doy dos estrellas, por que aún así, ha tenido algun capítulo entretenido
Este es el 3 libro de la serie, las guerras del cortejo, la historia de Lili y Heath. Lili viene de una familia con un gran escándalo a sus espaldas y tiene bien claro que no desea casarse. Heath en cambio tiene la vida solucionada y nunca ha sentido el rechazo hasta que conoce a Lili.
Es una novela poco creíble, odio los insta-love y en este libro se pasan, al segundo dia, Heath ya le estaba proponiendo matrimonio y al tercero ya estaban como conejos. Lo que menos me gusta de esta autora, es que donde ve un hueco, te pone una escena de sexo y por muy liberal que sea Lili, no es nada creible para la epoca que transcurre.
A esta novela le doy dos estrellas, por que aún así, ha tenido algun capítulo entretenido
July 19, 2024
3,5 ⭐
September 30, 2024
DNF 30% yawn fest
September 17, 2021
Love this one! The chase is wonderful 👏
September 11, 2010
4.5 stars!
When she meets the Marquess of Claybourne, Heath Griffin, Lilian (Lily) Loring is immediately intrigued by him and the attraction is undeniable no matter how much she would like to ignore it. Heath slowly but surely chips away at her defenses and makes her realize that not all noblemen are what the general opinion says of them. Lily finds it more and more difficult to resist his charm, passion and allure.
What starts as a pursuit of pleasure, turns into a game of cat and mouse that eventually leads to a deep and heartfelt love match.
Lily is the "misfit" of the Loring sisters, not only different in coloring with her dark complexion, eyes and hair next to her fair sisters, but also in her personality and demeanor. She is the one considered the spitfire, hellion and hoyden. She refuses to be subdued into the conformity of the "ton." She chooses her own path in life. She is vivid and vibrant, unconventional and compassionate. She is very outspoken and says exactly what's on her mind. She has a profound view of marriage and why she would never want to be trapped in one. In her eyes marriage leads automatically to unhappiness. This is something she grew up with, something she saw in her parents' marriage.
Heath has the reputation of being a heartbreaker. He is adventurous and daring. But he also has a big heart and tries to do good by the people he cares for. He is so enthralled and fascinated by Lily, he is determined to show her marriage and love doesn't automatically lead to hurt and being controlled. It can also be passion and pleasure. At first for Heath it's the thrill of the chase that makes him pursue Lily. She is the first woman who doesn't fawn over him for his status or his appearance. But when he gets to know more of the person Lily is behind her defiant and spitfire façade, his feelings for her grow deeper and more sincere.
Heath's persistence and Lily's stubbornness are truly endearing. I understood Lily's aversion to marriage and why she kept resisting Heath's courtship of her because she was the sister most affected by their parents' disastrous marriage. Being dominated, being at the mercy of a man is her biggest fear and she'll do anything not to end up in such a situation. Even if it means denying herself happiness with a man who truly cares for her and has no intentions of dominating her.
Lily and Heath carried the story in the best way possible, being amazing primary characters. But I must say I also loved the secondary characters. They were well fitted into the plot and added to the compelling character of this book. There were some characters that in my opinion were screaming for their own book and I hope Nicole Jordan will hear their pleas and write their books too.
Though the basic structure is the same for all three books, each book has its own character and feel. Of course this is due to the different personalities of the heroes and the heroines and their backgrounds. Each book also has a different plot alongside the love story. The recurring theme of the poor example set by their parents' marriages is also present in this most recent book of the series.
The story besides Heath and Lily's romance is one that holds attention but doesn't take over the complete book. It's there to give the romance the body it needs to become more than just a mere tale of passion and love and turns it into a full, rich and colorful love story. In fact I can honestly say this is one of the best-written and plotted regency romance I've read in a while with love scenes and sensual attraction that are truly tantalizing! It was the most heart-stirring book of the three. The balance between intense emotions and the sensuality was exquisitely done.
Where the previous books in the trilogy didn't reach the level of Jordan's Paradise or Notorious Series, this one absolutely did and surpassed them by a landslide!
This was Nicole Jordan at her best. Intense, passionate and sensual!
The final battle of the Courtship Wars has been fought and there are only victors to reap the passionate spoils!
This book was the one I anticipated the most in the trilogy and that anticipation was thoroughly and utterly satisfied.
When she meets the Marquess of Claybourne, Heath Griffin, Lilian (Lily) Loring is immediately intrigued by him and the attraction is undeniable no matter how much she would like to ignore it. Heath slowly but surely chips away at her defenses and makes her realize that not all noblemen are what the general opinion says of them. Lily finds it more and more difficult to resist his charm, passion and allure.
What starts as a pursuit of pleasure, turns into a game of cat and mouse that eventually leads to a deep and heartfelt love match.
Lily is the "misfit" of the Loring sisters, not only different in coloring with her dark complexion, eyes and hair next to her fair sisters, but also in her personality and demeanor. She is the one considered the spitfire, hellion and hoyden. She refuses to be subdued into the conformity of the "ton." She chooses her own path in life. She is vivid and vibrant, unconventional and compassionate. She is very outspoken and says exactly what's on her mind. She has a profound view of marriage and why she would never want to be trapped in one. In her eyes marriage leads automatically to unhappiness. This is something she grew up with, something she saw in her parents' marriage.
Heath has the reputation of being a heartbreaker. He is adventurous and daring. But he also has a big heart and tries to do good by the people he cares for. He is so enthralled and fascinated by Lily, he is determined to show her marriage and love doesn't automatically lead to hurt and being controlled. It can also be passion and pleasure. At first for Heath it's the thrill of the chase that makes him pursue Lily. She is the first woman who doesn't fawn over him for his status or his appearance. But when he gets to know more of the person Lily is behind her defiant and spitfire façade, his feelings for her grow deeper and more sincere.
Heath's persistence and Lily's stubbornness are truly endearing. I understood Lily's aversion to marriage and why she kept resisting Heath's courtship of her because she was the sister most affected by their parents' disastrous marriage. Being dominated, being at the mercy of a man is her biggest fear and she'll do anything not to end up in such a situation. Even if it means denying herself happiness with a man who truly cares for her and has no intentions of dominating her.
Lily and Heath carried the story in the best way possible, being amazing primary characters. But I must say I also loved the secondary characters. They were well fitted into the plot and added to the compelling character of this book. There were some characters that in my opinion were screaming for their own book and I hope Nicole Jordan will hear their pleas and write their books too.
Though the basic structure is the same for all three books, each book has its own character and feel. Of course this is due to the different personalities of the heroes and the heroines and their backgrounds. Each book also has a different plot alongside the love story. The recurring theme of the poor example set by their parents' marriages is also present in this most recent book of the series.
The story besides Heath and Lily's romance is one that holds attention but doesn't take over the complete book. It's there to give the romance the body it needs to become more than just a mere tale of passion and love and turns it into a full, rich and colorful love story. In fact I can honestly say this is one of the best-written and plotted regency romance I've read in a while with love scenes and sensual attraction that are truly tantalizing! It was the most heart-stirring book of the three. The balance between intense emotions and the sensuality was exquisitely done.
Where the previous books in the trilogy didn't reach the level of Jordan's Paradise or Notorious Series, this one absolutely did and surpassed them by a landslide!
This was Nicole Jordan at her best. Intense, passionate and sensual!
The final battle of the Courtship Wars has been fought and there are only victors to reap the passionate spoils!
This book was the one I anticipated the most in the trilogy and that anticipation was thoroughly and utterly satisfied.
August 24, 2021
I'm really enjoying this series and this book was no exception. Another great novel in the 'Courtship Wars,' this time with the youngest Loring sister. I found her to be the most interesting out of the sisters and had the most interesting settings and characters. Now that the three sisters' stories are done I'm hoping the remaining three stories are just as interesting involving friends and extended family.
December 10, 2013
This is Lily Loring's story. She is the youngest of the Loring trio and she is also the most irritating. She has been complaining and insulting men since the first book. She has tried over and over to talk her sisters out of marrying the men that love them and make them happy. She can’t see that not all men are like her despicable father. She is so wound up in her beliefs that she is right and everyone is wrong that she almost loses the one man that would do anything to make her happy. I am surprised that she hasn't been severely hurt since she can’t evaluate a situation before losing her temper and charging in where cooler heads might hesitate. I agree with her that the defenseless need to be championed but taking on a gang of bullies bigger and meaner than you are isn't’t smart. Lily is smart, compassionate, passionate, and loyal to a fault. She is patient, caring and honorable as well. She is just so very stubborn and unyielding.
Heath Griffin, Marquess of Claybourne, is enchanted with Lily from the moment that he kisses her in a barn on the Danvers Estate. I loved the way that Heath understood Lily from the very beginning. He was tender and caring. He never backed down from any of the things that Lily asked of him. He proves is compassion and loyalty over and over. He also never tries to change who Lily is at any point. I loved his dedication and stubbornness. He never gives up. In fact Heath provides some of the more lighthearted moments in the story.
I was also glad that Fanny found someone to love her as well. She has been so helpful to all the girls that I hoped she would find someone to care of her. The person that wins her heart was unexpected and delightful.
This is a well written story and there are some wonderful moments throughout the story. This could have been a great story if only Lily hadn't been so obstinate. We get to see glimpses of the other two couples in this story which is always great. I am looking forward to the next story in this series.
Heath Griffin, Marquess of Claybourne, is enchanted with Lily from the moment that he kisses her in a barn on the Danvers Estate. I loved the way that Heath understood Lily from the very beginning. He was tender and caring. He never backed down from any of the things that Lily asked of him. He proves is compassion and loyalty over and over. He also never tries to change who Lily is at any point. I loved his dedication and stubbornness. He never gives up. In fact Heath provides some of the more lighthearted moments in the story.
I was also glad that Fanny found someone to love her as well. She has been so helpful to all the girls that I hoped she would find someone to care of her. The person that wins her heart was unexpected and delightful.
This is a well written story and there are some wonderful moments throughout the story. This could have been a great story if only Lily hadn't been so obstinate. We get to see glimpses of the other two couples in this story which is always great. I am looking forward to the next story in this series.
February 14, 2021
my first book from Nicole Jordan and it's been a while since I've read a book that had me glued to my chair for hours just to finish it!
the plot was unique as it was the man doing the chasing, instead of the lady doing the chasing. i liked how Heath 'chased' Lily and was so persistent in doing so. from the moment they met in the barn, i really liked Heath. he is just the most patient, kindest and gentlest man ever. his ability to always see things in good humor impressed me, he wasn't overly serious but was serious when the moment called for it. i liked how despite being a rake, he had a good conscience, meaning he would rather have Lily as a wife and in his bed than Lily as his mistress because he cares about her.
I enjoyed this book because of the amount of screen time Heath and Lily had together which allowed to them to bond and expose their inner selves to one another. Lily changed Heath by making him want to be a better person, to spend his money on better endeavors, and to help people. Heath helped Lily overcome her fear of men and marriage. to me, falling in love means embracing one's strengths and weaknesses and changes to one's personality for the better and the author handled that very well.
fortunately, this isn't one of those books where the inner thoughts are more than the actual interaction between the hero and heroine so plus points to the author for that. i rather see action than read about inner thinking. while it is important, there is a limit.
i did also like Heath's seduction and Lily's reciprocation. it was super hot and quite a lot of scenes (which i liked).
as much as i loved and enjoyed reading this book, i was put off by Lily's constant rejection of Heath's courting and felt it took too long for her to realize she loves him, which only happened after he 'left' her. i also thought the author put too much of Lily's friends and her conversations with them in this book, and the action with Franny at the back of the book so i skimmed some of it.
will be reading more of this author's books.
the plot was unique as it was the man doing the chasing, instead of the lady doing the chasing. i liked how Heath 'chased' Lily and was so persistent in doing so. from the moment they met in the barn, i really liked Heath. he is just the most patient, kindest and gentlest man ever. his ability to always see things in good humor impressed me, he wasn't overly serious but was serious when the moment called for it. i liked how despite being a rake, he had a good conscience, meaning he would rather have Lily as a wife and in his bed than Lily as his mistress because he cares about her.
I enjoyed this book because of the amount of screen time Heath and Lily had together which allowed to them to bond and expose their inner selves to one another. Lily changed Heath by making him want to be a better person, to spend his money on better endeavors, and to help people. Heath helped Lily overcome her fear of men and marriage. to me, falling in love means embracing one's strengths and weaknesses and changes to one's personality for the better and the author handled that very well.
fortunately, this isn't one of those books where the inner thoughts are more than the actual interaction between the hero and heroine so plus points to the author for that. i rather see action than read about inner thinking. while it is important, there is a limit.
i did also like Heath's seduction and Lily's reciprocation. it was super hot and quite a lot of scenes (which i liked).
as much as i loved and enjoyed reading this book, i was put off by Lily's constant rejection of Heath's courting and felt it took too long for her to realize she loves him, which only happened after he 'left' her. i also thought the author put too much of Lily's friends and her conversations with them in this book, and the action with Franny at the back of the book so i skimmed some of it.
will be reading more of this author's books.
October 7, 2022
Muy bonita la historia de Lili&Heath aunq resultó demasiado similar a las anteriores dos; por lo menos en lo concerniente al trauma y aversión al matrimonio de la protagonista. Lili está mucho más marcada q sus hermanas por la historia de la madre, q terminó siendo mucho más traumática de lo q se había contado. Considero q ese ha sido un aspecto q se ha dejado descuidado, xq se podría haber explotado mejor a lo largo de las tramas de las 3 hermanas, con un desenlace complementario.
Me gustó sin embargo que Heath sea un muchacho sin grandes complicaciones ni traumas del pasado. El es un privilegiado, q por lo menos se ha dedicado a vivir sus privilegios sin plantearse demasiada seriedad en su vida. En un libertino xq tiene el dinero y el porte para serlo; pero me cuando se siente irremediablemente atraído hacia la cuñada más joven de su mejor amigo se lanza a la caza sin mayores cuestionamientos; lo q me gustó muchísimo xq Heath hace gala de una personalidad fresca y sincera, sin dobleces.
Punto a favor sobre la trama alternativa: la pensión de las damas de vida galante. No está centrada en una sola, sino en varias, aunq sí en con mayor o menor intensidad. Siento justo q Fanny se vislumbre como una trama paralela en orden a q también ella tenga su "felices para siempre" xq se ha vuelto un personaje recurrente a lo largo de los 3 libros, pero creo q la historia empieza a centrarse tarde en ella, y por eso no me ha gustado el final, aunq espero q sepamos más en el siguiente libro.
Punto en contra: no han aparecido las otras hermanas Loring más q al final y tampoco Winnifred. Y tal vez, solo tal vez, el final resultó un poco demasiado empalagoso para mi gusto.
Pero en general es buena historia, relajante. Para pasarla bien.
Me gustó sin embargo que Heath sea un muchacho sin grandes complicaciones ni traumas del pasado. El es un privilegiado, q por lo menos se ha dedicado a vivir sus privilegios sin plantearse demasiada seriedad en su vida. En un libertino xq tiene el dinero y el porte para serlo; pero me cuando se siente irremediablemente atraído hacia la cuñada más joven de su mejor amigo se lanza a la caza sin mayores cuestionamientos; lo q me gustó muchísimo xq Heath hace gala de una personalidad fresca y sincera, sin dobleces.
Punto a favor sobre la trama alternativa: la pensión de las damas de vida galante. No está centrada en una sola, sino en varias, aunq sí en con mayor o menor intensidad. Siento justo q Fanny se vislumbre como una trama paralela en orden a q también ella tenga su "felices para siempre" xq se ha vuelto un personaje recurrente a lo largo de los 3 libros, pero creo q la historia empieza a centrarse tarde en ella, y por eso no me ha gustado el final, aunq espero q sepamos más en el siguiente libro.
Punto en contra: no han aparecido las otras hermanas Loring más q al final y tampoco Winnifred. Y tal vez, solo tal vez, el final resultó un poco demasiado empalagoso para mi gusto.
Pero en general es buena historia, relajante. Para pasarla bien.
August 16, 2010
Lily Loring, the yougest of the Loring sister. DOES NOT WANT TO GET MARRIED, but one kiss in the stable by Heath Griffin, Lord Claybourne may change that. When Lily begins to fear that Lord Claybourne is set on making her his bride to runs to the one place he would never look and that is a house full of scandalous repute. Think she is safe Lily begins to help out her childhood friend Fanny, but as everything is begin to come into place Lord Claybourne shows up ready to continue where they left off.
Heath Griffin, Lord Claybourne has NEVER met anyone like Lily Loring after that one kiss is the stable Heath is set on making Lily his bride, but when he seeks her out he finds that she has dissapeared, until someone leaves a tip as to where her location is. Upon finding her Heath's doubts leave completely and he seeks the help of the two older ladies who have let Lily stay with them in pushing her into excepting his proposal. Two weeks weeks to win 10 points in order to win 3 months of courtship is all Heath has to do. Yet Lily is NOT wanting to play this game until Heath kisses her once more and so the game begins. Yet danger still lurks in the shadows making this game harder.
Lily Loring and Heath Griffin's story has to be my favorite because the heroine is the one NOT wanting to settle down and share feelins where are the hero is SET on marriages. Its so different from other romance cause the tables are turned. I believe thats what makes this book so good.
Heath Griffin, Lord Claybourne has NEVER met anyone like Lily Loring after that one kiss is the stable Heath is set on making Lily his bride, but when he seeks her out he finds that she has dissapeared, until someone leaves a tip as to where her location is. Upon finding her Heath's doubts leave completely and he seeks the help of the two older ladies who have let Lily stay with them in pushing her into excepting his proposal. Two weeks weeks to win 10 points in order to win 3 months of courtship is all Heath has to do. Yet Lily is NOT wanting to play this game until Heath kisses her once more and so the game begins. Yet danger still lurks in the shadows making this game harder.
Lily Loring and Heath Griffin's story has to be my favorite because the heroine is the one NOT wanting to settle down and share feelins where are the hero is SET on marriages. Its so different from other romance cause the tables are turned. I believe thats what makes this book so good.
January 9, 2014
I read the second book in this series, and I fell for Heath and Lily in the glimpses that I got of them. So I had to read this book.
The characters are the best part. Heath was just so funny and persistent and stubborn, and he never gave up. Despite how hard it was to court Lily, he kept at it, and I thought he was precious. And Lily was kind of refreshing. Her desire to remain unwed was taken to this level that reminded me more of the heroes in romance, not the heroines. That was so fantastically done.
Together, they are the so funny. I love the way they interact. The dialogue was definitely memorable. The sexual tension between them was there from the very beginning. Nicole Jordan conveyed that aspect of their relationship so well.
Some parts of the narrative did get a little repetitive. When you're reading this over the course of a couple days, you don't really need things re-spelled out constantly. I think if I had been reading this over a longer period of time, I wouldn't have noticed so much.
Also, some parts of the story were slow. I understand the need for it because of Lily wanting to stay unmarried because of what she faced as a child. But it definitely dragged on somewhere in the midst of the game.
Issues aside, this book was really good. I liked it a lot.
The characters are the best part. Heath was just so funny and persistent and stubborn, and he never gave up. Despite how hard it was to court Lily, he kept at it, and I thought he was precious. And Lily was kind of refreshing. Her desire to remain unwed was taken to this level that reminded me more of the heroes in romance, not the heroines. That was so fantastically done.
Together, they are the so funny. I love the way they interact. The dialogue was definitely memorable. The sexual tension between them was there from the very beginning. Nicole Jordan conveyed that aspect of their relationship so well.
Some parts of the narrative did get a little repetitive. When you're reading this over the course of a couple days, you don't really need things re-spelled out constantly. I think if I had been reading this over a longer period of time, I wouldn't have noticed so much.
Also, some parts of the story were slow. I understand the need for it because of Lily wanting to stay unmarried because of what she faced as a child. But it definitely dragged on somewhere in the midst of the game.
Issues aside, this book was really good. I liked it a lot.
June 4, 2018
I seriously almost never gave a book I read a 2-star, because I'm too polite for that and I seriously admire people who could write an entire book (and finish it, of course!). But this time, I really couldn't help it
I didn't like Lily in the first book, I didn't like her in the second book, and I totally hate her in the third book. She's just so callous, rude and just so unappealing. I couldn't understand why Nicole Jordan, the author, choose to make Lily's character like this. I love Arabella and Roslyn, and if she could make such an amazing character as Roslyn, why not use that little bit of charm to Lily? Instead, Lily is just so full of herself and I don't think she ever deserves Heath in the first place. He's too good for her
The 2-star is actually my respect to the others "girls" in the story, especially those who actually show Lily the newspaper where the news of the Heath's "engagement" is made public, and how she pushed Lily to actually accept that she loves him (Really, until almost the end you don't realize that? Because you're too hardened by the world? Seriously, lady?)
Towards the end I have little patience with Lily and I wonder how I finish the book. I guess I like Heath so much to deny him his own story. He's such a delightful person, I just wish he got a better bride
I didn't like Lily in the first book, I didn't like her in the second book, and I totally hate her in the third book. She's just so callous, rude and just so unappealing. I couldn't understand why Nicole Jordan, the author, choose to make Lily's character like this. I love Arabella and Roslyn, and if she could make such an amazing character as Roslyn, why not use that little bit of charm to Lily? Instead, Lily is just so full of herself and I don't think she ever deserves Heath in the first place. He's too good for her
The 2-star is actually my respect to the others "girls" in the story, especially those who actually show Lily the newspaper where the news of the Heath's "engagement" is made public, and how she pushed Lily to actually accept that she loves him (Really, until almost the end you don't realize that? Because you're too hardened by the world? Seriously, lady?)
Towards the end I have little patience with Lily and I wonder how I finish the book. I guess I like Heath so much to deny him his own story. He's such a delightful person, I just wish he got a better bride
June 13, 2008
I am not sure I liked this one as much as the others. And I now have to hope that she is moving two of the secondary characters on to a book of their own? Those were the only two characters that she didn't clear up by the end of the series. I would have liked to see them either together or connected to someone else. Overall though I thought it was a good series. Easy to read but on the whole it became a bit redundant and you could have easily moved the characters around to each book and it would not have been that noticable.
September 2, 2020
Really enjoyed this story! The main female character insists that she does not want to marry which is shocking in the Regency period in England! Then the main male character is insisting that she should marry him. He is rich,charismatic and is a Marquess! The struggle between them involves their relatives and friends. I liked that it includes the conditions of the underprivileged and various activities of criminal incidents common for that period.
July 11, 2020
Lily doesn't want to get married - EVER! Her parents put her off of committing to marriage.
Heath, the Marquess of Claybourne, decides that Lily can change his mind about marriage and he wants her. She leads him on a great chase and she attempts to derail his pursuit.
Heath wants nothing more than Lily and victory is winning her heart and hand.
Heath, the Marquess of Claybourne, decides that Lily can change his mind about marriage and he wants her. She leads him on a great chase and she attempts to derail his pursuit.
Heath wants nothing more than Lily and victory is winning her heart and hand.
September 28, 2013
I didn't enjoy this because Lily keeps turning Heath down (time and time again) and yet he STILL tries to run after her like a lovesick dog. This would be more believable if he wasn't a powerful Marquess, and she a poor daughter of a semi-notorious family.
January 6, 2020
Mi ero ripromessa che avrei letto un harmony nella vita, per poter capire come mai sono tanto venduti. Ora che ne ho letto uno posso dire che proprio non capisco.
Lei è la classica protagonista da fanfiction, è bella ma non sa di esserlo, dice di essere brutta ma sono tutte balle, ovviamente è bellissima è solo trascurata ( ma ovviamente tutti vedono che oh è talmente bella! *innamoramento istantaneo*). ovviamente lei è diversa da tutte le altre donne ( quali? non sono presenti altre donne di spicco a parte lei nel libro quindi non capisco quale sia il suo paragone ma vabbè ) è un maschiaccio, ama andare a cavallo ( questo è proprio banale, eh?) ed ovviamente non ha mai avuto una storia d'amore.
Ora, la nostra verginella presa da una fanfiction non vuole sposarsi, vuole la sua libertà e quelle cose lì che la rendono diversa da tutte le altre donne maaaa improvvisamente arriva l'uomo della sua vita, e chi è? il nobile, bello, ricco, frigidello, molto amante delle donne (ma non troppo, anche se le male lingue dicono che vada con tutte è solo invidia). ovviamente anche se il nostro principe senza macchia e senza paura ( che poi credo che fosse un barone ) se la fa diciamo con molte in realtà non ha mai amato nessuna! ( eh, ovviamente) si innamora veramente soltanto di lei! ( come? lei non fa niente per provarci con lui, anzi! fa una figura di merda dopo l'altra). Aiuta l'idea da fanfiction anche il fatto che lei sia nobile ma in disonore e senza soldi e lui invece sia ricchissimo.
Ora, la storia sarebbe diventare finalmente interessante se lei avesse finto di amarlo per fregargli tutti i soldi, purtroppo ahimè siamo soltanto in un harmony.
Non sono sicura di voler commentare seriamente il pezzo in cui lei si mette ad accarezzare i gattini appena nati ( che da quel che so io NON ANDREBBERO MAI TOCCATI DATO CHE METTI IL TUO ODORE SUL GATTINO E LA MADRE NON LA PRENDE BENE PER NIENTE ) che sono deboli e non andrebbero toccati e leccati come fa lei, oltlretutto su un rialzo in cui deve arrivare grazie ad una scala.. di notte e con dei tacchi ed un vestito elegante, per di più compleltamente ubriaca ( tanto che non riesce a scendere poi, un genio fermi tutti!). Mentre la povera protagonista è lì in preda ai deliri dell'alcool ad accarezzare gattini arriva lui, come non si sa, c'era una festa ma lui sapeva esattamente che lei era lì ad accarezzare micini e le va anche a rompere nonostante lei le dica di non salire ( ma lui da uomo rude se ne frega, va dai micini pure lui) e mentre lui accarezza i gatti lei si innamora e capisce che è l'uomo della sua vita, ma poi non riesce più a scendere dalla scala da quanto è ubriaca.. io boh, davvero qualcuno ha pensato che una storia del genere meritasse di essere pubblicata? Sto seriamente perdendo fiducia nell'umanità
Lei è la classica protagonista da fanfiction, è bella ma non sa di esserlo, dice di essere brutta ma sono tutte balle, ovviamente è bellissima è solo trascurata ( ma ovviamente tutti vedono che oh è talmente bella! *innamoramento istantaneo*). ovviamente lei è diversa da tutte le altre donne ( quali? non sono presenti altre donne di spicco a parte lei nel libro quindi non capisco quale sia il suo paragone ma vabbè ) è un maschiaccio, ama andare a cavallo ( questo è proprio banale, eh?) ed ovviamente non ha mai avuto una storia d'amore.
Ora, la nostra verginella presa da una fanfiction non vuole sposarsi, vuole la sua libertà e quelle cose lì che la rendono diversa da tutte le altre donne maaaa improvvisamente arriva l'uomo della sua vita, e chi è? il nobile, bello, ricco, frigidello, molto amante delle donne (ma non troppo, anche se le male lingue dicono che vada con tutte è solo invidia). ovviamente anche se il nostro principe senza macchia e senza paura ( che poi credo che fosse un barone ) se la fa diciamo con molte in realtà non ha mai amato nessuna! ( eh, ovviamente) si innamora veramente soltanto di lei! ( come? lei non fa niente per provarci con lui, anzi! fa una figura di merda dopo l'altra). Aiuta l'idea da fanfiction anche il fatto che lei sia nobile ma in disonore e senza soldi e lui invece sia ricchissimo.
Ora, la storia sarebbe diventare finalmente interessante se lei avesse finto di amarlo per fregargli tutti i soldi, purtroppo ahimè siamo soltanto in un harmony.
Non sono sicura di voler commentare seriamente il pezzo in cui lei si mette ad accarezzare i gattini appena nati ( che da quel che so io NON ANDREBBERO MAI TOCCATI DATO CHE METTI IL TUO ODORE SUL GATTINO E LA MADRE NON LA PRENDE BENE PER NIENTE ) che sono deboli e non andrebbero toccati e leccati come fa lei, oltlretutto su un rialzo in cui deve arrivare grazie ad una scala.. di notte e con dei tacchi ed un vestito elegante, per di più compleltamente ubriaca ( tanto che non riesce a scendere poi, un genio fermi tutti!). Mentre la povera protagonista è lì in preda ai deliri dell'alcool ad accarezzare gattini arriva lui, come non si sa, c'era una festa ma lui sapeva esattamente che lei era lì ad accarezzare micini e le va anche a rompere nonostante lei le dica di non salire ( ma lui da uomo rude se ne frega, va dai micini pure lui) e mentre lui accarezza i gatti lei si innamora e capisce che è l'uomo della sua vita, ma poi non riesce più a scendere dalla scala da quanto è ubriaca.. io boh, davvero qualcuno ha pensato che una storia del genere meritasse di essere pubblicata? Sto seriamente perdendo fiducia nell'umanità
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2024
The three novels in the series of courtship wars were decent to read,but as far as i am concerned too modern for the regency era it portrayed.
1)First novel was decent , liked the H but again the h was silly.
2)Second, i really liked the H but again the h was pig headed and stupid, i never could understand her reasons, she wanted the H to love her but herself was never sure of her feelings nor did she confess them.
3)Let me not talk about the 3 one, the H again was fine but the h was the stupidest of all three sisters, she really was a childish and whiny with no brains.
The way the sisters carried on specially the third one(lily!) with no consequences didn't bode well with me.
I mean i understand their past and what have been they through but the way they were carrying on and stuff being friends with a cyprian(which again is plus point in their favour) plus inviting her to their functions (though very commendable), it's not done, none of this would have been acceptable.
the easy way the sister's engaged in lovemaking, without anyone knowing about it, it wasn't tha easy.
The way the third one staying in a boarding house and being friends with prostitutes and being adamant to be a mistress to the H, and how one benefactor paid 30 thousand pounds worth of gambling debt , are you kidding me does the author realise the amount value during that time and no one would do that for his/her paramour.
The mother easily accepted back in society.(She would never have been, irrespective if your son in laws are powerful earl's or dukes or marquess.
I mean there were many such instances which didn't work out for the era they were written about
I really love it when author's do write steamy novels but when they are writing for certain time period i want them to stay true to the era and not add in modern ideologies in it, no way the sisters carried on would have been acceptable of their time period.
1)First novel was decent , liked the H but again the h was silly.
2)Second, i really liked the H but again the h was pig headed and stupid, i never could understand her reasons, she wanted the H to love her but herself was never sure of her feelings nor did she confess them.
3)Let me not talk about the 3 one, the H again was fine but the h was the stupidest of all three sisters, she really was a childish and whiny with no brains.
The way the sisters carried on specially the third one(lily!) with no consequences didn't bode well with me.
I mean i understand their past and what have been they through but the way they were carrying on and stuff being friends with a cyprian(which again is plus point in their favour) plus inviting her to their functions (though very commendable), it's not done, none of this would have been acceptable.
the easy way the sister's engaged in lovemaking, without anyone knowing about it, it wasn't tha easy.
The way the third one staying in a boarding house and being friends with prostitutes and being adamant to be a mistress to the H, and how one benefactor paid 30 thousand pounds worth of gambling debt , are you kidding me does the author realise the amount value during that time and no one would do that for his/her paramour.
The mother easily accepted back in society.(She would never have been, irrespective if your son in laws are powerful earl's or dukes or marquess.
I mean there were many such instances which didn't work out for the era they were written about
I really love it when author's do write steamy novels but when they are writing for certain time period i want them to stay true to the era and not add in modern ideologies in it, no way the sisters carried on would have been acceptable of their time period.
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June 21, 2022I just started reading this series in order & really got into it (especially after the second book To bed a Beauty.) Unfortunately after this I'll be departing from this series for awhile. I will admit I'm curious about Tess in her story so may read it. It's just the heroine in this story annoyed me to no end & I agreed with Heath. "Her irrational phobia frustrated the hell out of me...." I understand she had reasons to be scared but after Heath continued to not only be considerate to her but went above & beyond to help her friends her fear should have been put to rest way before it was. The only times she would admit anything to herself was when she was afraid he'd go to someone else.
Maybe I could have just let that go but it wasn't just the Heroine that was annoying. There was also a secondary love story within (Fanny & Basil) that was solely based on money. Fanny even went so far as to releasing a man who tried beating her & killing her friends as long as he gave them money & promised not to do so again.....really?! He had already promised once to leave her alone & still went after her but she felt he meant it this time🙄. Fanny also said in relation to marrying the good guy Basil "I could never marry Basil. In any event, we would starve on his income. I have very expensive taste you know." I just wanted to yell to Heath & Basil....Run!!
I think my liking Heath & the fact I did finish the book is why I gave it 2 stars instead of just 1. I read alot & am not much of a reviewer but when a book is either, so great I'm disappointed to end it or so frustrating I can't stop grumbling, I will write one....I think you can tell which category this fell in.
Maybe I could have just let that go but it wasn't just the Heroine that was annoying. There was also a secondary love story within (Fanny & Basil) that was solely based on money. Fanny even went so far as to releasing a man who tried beating her & killing her friends as long as he gave them money & promised not to do so again.....really?! He had already promised once to leave her alone & still went after her but she felt he meant it this time🙄. Fanny also said in relation to marrying the good guy Basil "I could never marry Basil. In any event, we would starve on his income. I have very expensive taste you know." I just wanted to yell to Heath & Basil....Run!!
I think my liking Heath & the fact I did finish the book is why I gave it 2 stars instead of just 1. I read alot & am not much of a reviewer but when a book is either, so great I'm disappointed to end it or so frustrating I can't stop grumbling, I will write one....I think you can tell which category this fell in.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2017
While I enjoyed this book, by the end I was ready for it to be over. The hero is a rake who is initially intrigued by the heroine, a young woman who craves independence and doesn't want to marry because her parents union was traumatic. I get it. However, the strike a bargain and a challenge begins. The courtship was fun, but at times, frustrating. The heroine is stubborn and the hero determined. Then it flips and the hero finally gets that she really isn't going to marry him. Problem is she has a change of heart. The back and forth between the characters was entertaining, but the heroine got a little annoying with anti-marriage rant. At some point, after all of the side characters explain that not every man is the same, you would think she would get it. She doesn't and that is where it starts to drag and her reluctance becomes a chore. I was done with her at that point, so I didn't blame the hero. At the end they get their hea, but by that time I was annoyed with her and just glad it was over. Still not a bad read. I'll definitely check out some other titles by this author.
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