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Secret Lives #2
Broken Legacy
Alternate cover edition of ASIN B00BFENH5K
Lord Gerard Lenister needed the lady…after their meeting, he wanted her.
For seventeen years Lady Eloise Granville lived in France thinking herself a bastard. Not until her life was threatened did her father cross the English Channel to reclaim her as his legitimate daughter. Now four years later a revolution roars its ugly head in France. Rumors abound of Lady Eloise’s life before her emergence in England…rumors that link her to the notorious leaders of the French Revolution.
Lord Gerard Lenister knows well the whispered connections Lady Eloise has across the Channel and the disdain that Society holds for the lady. It matters little to him. He could have cared less if she was the incarnation of a she-devil. He would marry Jezebel herself if she helped him on his mission. He is that desperate…but soon he discovers that Lady Eloise is not what she seems.
Lord Gerard Lenister needed the lady…after their meeting, he wanted her.
For seventeen years Lady Eloise Granville lived in France thinking herself a bastard. Not until her life was threatened did her father cross the English Channel to reclaim her as his legitimate daughter. Now four years later a revolution roars its ugly head in France. Rumors abound of Lady Eloise’s life before her emergence in England…rumors that link her to the notorious leaders of the French Revolution.
Lord Gerard Lenister knows well the whispered connections Lady Eloise has across the Channel and the disdain that Society holds for the lady. It matters little to him. He could have cared less if she was the incarnation of a she-devil. He would marry Jezebel herself if she helped him on his mission. He is that desperate…but soon he discovers that Lady Eloise is not what she seems.
231 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 14, 2013
350 people are currently reading
500 people want to read
About the author
Colleen Connally
16 books50 followersAlso writes as Carrie James Haynes and Jerri Hines.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
January 7, 2016
OMG I am glad I got Broken Legacy when it was free on Amazon. I didn't like the writing style of the author. The main Characters Lady Eloise Grandville and Lord Gerard Earl of Lennister just were not interesting. The romance fell short the sex was blah and bland. Eloise has married Lord Gerard after meeting him at a ball given for her sister Susanna and her betroth Baron Waverly. Her brother The 6th Duke of Rothware's marries her off to Gerard a few days after they meet at the ball. Gerard needs Eloise's help locating his children who have been imprisoned in France. This is the period of The Terror in the French Revolution. Which is a very interesting period in French History. You wouldn't know that by the way its written in this story. Just the basics that most people know. Eloise helps smuggle people out of France into England. Eloise lived in France for 17years where she had a lover Luc. It makes you wonder how early this girl started her sexual affair with Luc, she could not have been more then 15. Eloise has deep secrets. Eloise is into more then smuggling people and Gerard is doing more then looking for his 9 and 7 yrs. old children being held in a French prison.
I think it is the writing style of the author that I found off putting. I got up to 72% read and just gave up. This might be one of the worse stories I have read in a long time. I CANNOT RECOMMEND Broken Legacy. Poorly done!!
I think it is the writing style of the author that I found off putting. I got up to 72% read and just gave up. This might be one of the worse stories I have read in a long time. I CANNOT RECOMMEND Broken Legacy. Poorly done!!
March 12, 2013
First and foremost I will like to thanks to Collen Connally for the privilege to read her book, I was really honored, I admire her books and she is a really talented writer.
My honest opinion, this book bewitched me from the beginning. I was so into the main character Eloise. At first it was hard to understand what was going on because in the beginning you get intrigued as to what is really going on? But then everything makes senses in like chapter 3, which I love! Get to the point of the story and let the readers know the theme and the point of the story. Let a little imagination go while in their heads :) This book was awesome, I was scared and sad then happy then happy tears and then oh my gawd! My hero the White Rose :)!! For that folks you have to read it to understand it. Anyways, what more can you ask for? Sexy, old time and learn a little bit of history (the story is base during the French revolution time…crazy stuff) which is why I couldn't put the book down! There were up and down that just keep you motivated to read more which then again that’s why I love this writer. She can make you love old time English in a fun and sexy way. Really recommend! Enjoy it because I definitely did :)
December 20, 2015
poorly written story of a very interesting time
Eloise, the heroine, is married off to an Earl who she has only just met. Gerard, the hero, has a flawed excuse as to why he wants to marry a stranger. Eloise accepts the marriage. There seems to be a sexual attraction between the two which comes off as shallow not only due to the lack of emotional connection but due to a lack of sexual tension and awareness. The rest of the book consists of long winded flash backs and little credibility of the romance between the H/h. The heroine who is suppose to be smart enough to be part of a resistance yet weeps more often than not, and doesn't investigate the motives of those closest to her. The story is like realizing all of the holes in a movie plot 20 minutes after the credits.
If you want to read a far superior book taking place during these times, I suggest Joanna Bourne.
Eloise, the heroine, is married off to an Earl who she has only just met. Gerard, the hero, has a flawed excuse as to why he wants to marry a stranger. Eloise accepts the marriage. There seems to be a sexual attraction between the two which comes off as shallow not only due to the lack of emotional connection but due to a lack of sexual tension and awareness. The rest of the book consists of long winded flash backs and little credibility of the romance between the H/h. The heroine who is suppose to be smart enough to be part of a resistance yet weeps more often than not, and doesn't investigate the motives of those closest to her. The story is like realizing all of the holes in a movie plot 20 minutes after the credits.
If you want to read a far superior book taking place during these times, I suggest Joanna Bourne.
March 2, 2013
I'm a particular fan of this authors brand of historical romance. The lamdscapes are vibrant and beautifully written. I can visualize the settings and want to visit them. I am drawn to the characters. I feel empathy for their plight. I enjoy particularly the strong female leading lady in this book. I would recommend this to anyone who loves being taken back in time and treated to a love story that has depth. This story wraps you up in interesting people and places. I couldn't ask for more.
September 3, 2017
So good
This book was multilayered and had so much going on! When it first starts out the reader is led to believe that it is going to be a story of a young woman's rebellion against being married off but in reality that is just the first layer of a multilayered storyline. It revolves around the reign of terror taking place in France with the slaughter of nobles and the terror meted out by Robespierre. Briefly, Eloise is married off to Lord Lennister who in the beginning is looking for someone who can help him get his two children out of the prison where they are awaiting sure death. If possible to free their mother, his former mistress, as well. His former mistress is the daughter of one of his previous commanders from his military days. He doesn't particularly care about the woman but she is the mother of his children. He also does not expect to fall in love with his new wife, who is plotting a means of escaping the impending marriage. Then he tells her of his children and she agrees to the marriage and lending her help. What he doesn't know is the depth of her involvement in aiding the refugees escaping France. It is with this beginning that he heads off to France to once again try to get his children freed. I do not want to spoil the story but it gets even more involved from this point. It was truly a well written book I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
This book was multilayered and had so much going on! When it first starts out the reader is led to believe that it is going to be a story of a young woman's rebellion against being married off but in reality that is just the first layer of a multilayered storyline. It revolves around the reign of terror taking place in France with the slaughter of nobles and the terror meted out by Robespierre. Briefly, Eloise is married off to Lord Lennister who in the beginning is looking for someone who can help him get his two children out of the prison where they are awaiting sure death. If possible to free their mother, his former mistress, as well. His former mistress is the daughter of one of his previous commanders from his military days. He doesn't particularly care about the woman but she is the mother of his children. He also does not expect to fall in love with his new wife, who is plotting a means of escaping the impending marriage. Then he tells her of his children and she agrees to the marriage and lending her help. What he doesn't know is the depth of her involvement in aiding the refugees escaping France. It is with this beginning that he heads off to France to once again try to get his children freed. I do not want to spoil the story but it gets even more involved from this point. It was truly a well written book I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
August 21, 2017
WOW!
What an amazing and awesome storyline! This was a crazy take but I loved the ending and am glad that all four children ended up with Eloise and Gerald.
What an amazing and awesome storyline! This was a crazy take but I loved the ending and am glad that all four children ended up with Eloise and Gerald.
October 27, 2019
What a great story about perseverance, self sacrifice and strength of a woman during the French Revolution. Eloise experiences much pain in her life, but she used that to help others. In a time when women were considered more like possessions, Eloise rose to the occasion, willing to confront those in authority, but not without risk and consequence. Can she finally find someone who will love her - the real her- unconditionally? Nothing in this story is predictable, so you must read to find out.
March 3, 2013
This novel was so enthralling, it captivates me the moment I started reading the book. The characters/plot was expertly crafted. The scandal, politics, greed of power, and a steamy romance was lusciously erotic, and proved to be a lethal combination of the story. If you're a fan of Johanna Lindsey or Virginia Henley.......you would want to read this book.
The protagonist was a courageous woman who was used by her families as pawn in the middle of French Revolution. And yet, was able to smuggle food, and people. She was well-known as "White Rose" to her network to helped for those in needs, to escape madame guillotine.
Lady Eloise Granville has lost hope, and giving up everything when the people she loved has perished. With the aid of the Earl of Lenister a flicker of trust unfold, and hoping for a promising future. The question is......if their love survive at the end.
The protagonist was a courageous woman who was used by her families as pawn in the middle of French Revolution. And yet, was able to smuggle food, and people. She was well-known as "White Rose" to her network to helped for those in needs, to escape madame guillotine.
Lady Eloise Granville has lost hope, and giving up everything when the people she loved has perished. With the aid of the Earl of Lenister a flicker of trust unfold, and hoping for a promising future. The question is......if their love survive at the end.
March 31, 2013
I really enjoyed this book! Thanks to Colleen Connally for giving me this book to read. I was very pleased with the ending....I didn't expect it, and it made me so happy to read. The twists and turns and kept me guessing and wanting to continue to read.
March 9, 2013
I loved everything about this book. The setting, characters and story line. There were twist and turns that kept you captivated throughout. Can't wait for the next one.
July 14, 2022
Plot twists & suspense abound
Well written tale of a woman tormented by events in her past. Used as a pawn and betrayed so many times by so many people, it's a wonder she remained sane, but Eloise found a calling as the notorious White Rose, founding a network to rescue hundreds of people condemned to die during France's Reign of Terror. Gerard is an English earl who manipulates her into marriage so he can find his children held captive in a French prison. No spoilers here since you can get that from the book promo. Since this is a romance, they fall in love, but there are twists & turns as Eloise's back story unravels and it is definitely one that will stay with you long after you've finished the book, and you wonder how the author continued to add them in. Speaking of the author, there are twists & turns here, too: sometimes she's Colleen Connally & sometimes she's Jerri Hines. Try to find this under Connally; things that make you go 'hmmm.' Anyway, I recommend this book, not a fast read, but worth it.
Well written tale of a woman tormented by events in her past. Used as a pawn and betrayed so many times by so many people, it's a wonder she remained sane, but Eloise found a calling as the notorious White Rose, founding a network to rescue hundreds of people condemned to die during France's Reign of Terror. Gerard is an English earl who manipulates her into marriage so he can find his children held captive in a French prison. No spoilers here since you can get that from the book promo. Since this is a romance, they fall in love, but there are twists & turns as Eloise's back story unravels and it is definitely one that will stay with you long after you've finished the book, and you wonder how the author continued to add them in. Speaking of the author, there are twists & turns here, too: sometimes she's Colleen Connally & sometimes she's Jerri Hines. Try to find this under Connally; things that make you go 'hmmm.' Anyway, I recommend this book, not a fast read, but worth it.
August 16, 2017
Good but...
I enjoyed this story. It's well written and well thought out. There's a deep rooted secret that I didn't see coming. It was all very engrossing. But, this poor heroine has pretty rotten luck when it comes to people in her life. Most of her family is complicit in some form of deceit and she can't seem to catch a break. Until she meets a worthy gentleman. Sadly, he too demands his pound of flesh, albeit without full knowledge of the danger he courts for her.
If you like a heroine who seems to have endless stores of strength and forgiveness and manages to get a HEA she could only dream about, this is right up your alley.
I enjoyed this story. It's well written and well thought out. There's a deep rooted secret that I didn't see coming. It was all very engrossing. But, this poor heroine has pretty rotten luck when it comes to people in her life. Most of her family is complicit in some form of deceit and she can't seem to catch a break. Until she meets a worthy gentleman. Sadly, he too demands his pound of flesh, albeit without full knowledge of the danger he courts for her.
If you like a heroine who seems to have endless stores of strength and forgiveness and manages to get a HEA she could only dream about, this is right up your alley.
August 24, 2017
This book was very thought provoking. Can't imagining surviving during such times. This,story
Portrayed many cruel and self serving people. Eloise had endured more mistreatment than most could survive. In spite of all she still felt the need to help others. Edmund did try to do right by her after rescuing and bringing her to England. Gerald's original intention was to use her connections to gain the release of his children from the madness in France. However he fell madly in love and did his best to protect her. Lots of twists and turns, but with a finally happy ending. Gave it 4 stArs
Portrayed many cruel and self serving people. Eloise had endured more mistreatment than most could survive. In spite of all she still felt the need to help others. Edmund did try to do right by her after rescuing and bringing her to England. Gerald's original intention was to use her connections to gain the release of his children from the madness in France. However he fell madly in love and did his best to protect her. Lots of twists and turns, but with a finally happy ending. Gave it 4 stArs
August 23, 2017
I couldn't finish it.
I couldn't finish it. Got about 1/4 the way through but it was just too boring. Why use 5 words when you can use 10 or even 15? And then use them wrong. Insert an unnecessarily long word on occasion to throw off any rhythm the so called prose may have built. Allude to things then make them something else. And grammar? My brain is tired and the payoff is not worth it for one dimensional characters.
I couldn't finish it. Got about 1/4 the way through but it was just too boring. Why use 5 words when you can use 10 or even 15? And then use them wrong. Insert an unnecessarily long word on occasion to throw off any rhythm the so called prose may have built. Allude to things then make them something else. And grammar? My brain is tired and the payoff is not worth it for one dimensional characters.
October 12, 2017
Great historical read
I always appreciate historical information with a great story. This gave a real twist on a story of a duke's illegitimate daughter. During the French Revolution she helps families to escape. However, why she is, and who betrays her throughout her life is a real surprise. Really a good story.
I always appreciate historical information with a great story. This gave a real twist on a story of a duke's illegitimate daughter. During the French Revolution she helps families to escape. However, why she is, and who betrays her throughout her life is a real surprise. Really a good story.
May 6, 2017
Three stars!
I liked the history and mystery parts of this story. I liked Eloise's character, she was strong and never gave up. However, I felt the story was too long in spots, it seemed to run on.
I liked the history and mystery parts of this story. I liked Eloise's character, she was strong and never gave up. However, I felt the story was too long in spots, it seemed to run on.
August 20, 2017
I really liked this book, the plot was very interesting, the only reason I'm not giving it a higher rating is because I felt it was a little bit rushed at times to the point where it was hard to follow what was happening
January 16, 2019
Loved the history!
Was a well written book. Kept you turning the pages to see what happens next. I loved the history was quite fascinating. Surprised with twists and turns well done!
Was a well written book. Kept you turning the pages to see what happens next. I loved the history was quite fascinating. Surprised with twists and turns well done!
January 18, 2019
This a long book with lots of backstory and a lot deception going on. Nice HEA but you have to get through the French Revolution to get there.
July 15, 2019
Kindle-Free-
May 24, 2020
An enjoyable read
I enjoyed reading this book. I could almost not put out down. The story was as old as time but told in an interesting way.
I enjoyed reading this book. I could almost not put out down. The story was as old as time but told in an interesting way.
July 13, 2020
Very good and interesting.
February 23, 2021
Would recommend this book.
I found this book very interesting with strong female character set during the time of the French revolution it has some unexpected twist.
I found this book very interesting with strong female character set during the time of the French revolution it has some unexpected twist.
April 30, 2021
Love the plot.
Interesting and informative of French history. The heroine is intriguing. The plot mind capturing. I really enjoyed the book and look forward to more.
Interesting and informative of French history. The heroine is intriguing. The plot mind capturing. I really enjoyed the book and look forward to more.
September 8, 2021
Very good
I can't give this book five stars because of the adult scenes. It is well written, and has everything needed to not putting the book down and reading deep into the night
I can't give this book five stars because of the adult scenes. It is well written, and has everything needed to not putting the book down and reading deep into the night
March 17, 2017
Worth a Read
This book appears to have been written by someone whose first language is not English. There are numerous syntax errors and it lacks sound punctuation. HOWEVER, it is a compelling story with interesting characters and lots of surprises.
This book appears to have been written by someone whose first language is not English. There are numerous syntax errors and it lacks sound punctuation. HOWEVER, it is a compelling story with interesting characters and lots of surprises.
February 4, 2017
After the storming of the Bastille in Paris by the citizens, a reign of terror spread throughout the land, taking thousands first into bondage and then to the guillotine. Men, women, and children were wiped from this world without a second thought.
In 1794, seventeen-year-old Lady Eloise Granville has spent her life in virtual obscurity in rural France, near Calais. During the Terror that gripped the country, she finds herself, as the daughter of an English Duke and the bosom of the French aristocracy, in danger and is spirited across the Channel to England. Once safely in England, she is the victim of an arranged marriage by Lord Edmund, sixth Duke of Rotheward, with Lord Gerard, Earl of Lenister. Lord Gerard’s motives are to have her help with the safe recovery of his two children being held and facing death at the guillotine; his only hope that her contacts in France can implement their safe release and return to England. Known as the White Rose in France, she had headed a secret organization, determined to save as many condemned aristocrats as possible. Citizen Gairden proves to be a minor Maximilien Robespierre, someone you will love to hate.
This is the second book in the Secret Lives series and isn’t much of an improvement over the first. The story vaguely takes on the look of A Tale of Two Cities by the immortal Charles Dickens. It could have been so much more but Colleen Connally seems to fill her stories with a multitude of plots and subplots; clouding the literary waters enough to make everything vague at best. She collects useless baggage, like an electromagnet in a hardware store.
In 1794, seventeen-year-old Lady Eloise Granville has spent her life in virtual obscurity in rural France, near Calais. During the Terror that gripped the country, she finds herself, as the daughter of an English Duke and the bosom of the French aristocracy, in danger and is spirited across the Channel to England. Once safely in England, she is the victim of an arranged marriage by Lord Edmund, sixth Duke of Rotheward, with Lord Gerard, Earl of Lenister. Lord Gerard’s motives are to have her help with the safe recovery of his two children being held and facing death at the guillotine; his only hope that her contacts in France can implement their safe release and return to England. Known as the White Rose in France, she had headed a secret organization, determined to save as many condemned aristocrats as possible. Citizen Gairden proves to be a minor Maximilien Robespierre, someone you will love to hate.
This is the second book in the Secret Lives series and isn’t much of an improvement over the first. The story vaguely takes on the look of A Tale of Two Cities by the immortal Charles Dickens. It could have been so much more but Colleen Connally seems to fill her stories with a multitude of plots and subplots; clouding the literary waters enough to make everything vague at best. She collects useless baggage, like an electromagnet in a hardware store.
March 1, 2015
#2 of the "Secret Lives", series, but can be read as a stand alone. See, "Seductive Lies". Fast paced tale of intrigue, secrets, long buried grief, second chances, finding your true soul mate, healing, forgiveness and finding true love. With the power of life or death, can two strangers find their HEA? Amongst much turmoil and a very turbulent French countryside, an English father, and soldier and a French/English Lady, abandoned by her English father, find themselves in an marriage of convenience, to seek the release of three innocent children. But there is so much more to this story. What they find is secrets revealed, much danger, lies, betrayal, passion and healing. WOW! What a unique Historical Romance. Written with an explosive mixture of intrigue, passion, romance and love, against the backdrop of a turbulent France, during the Reign of Terror. What this author has brought to the forefront is amazing, very descriptive, you can feel the turmoil and danger flying off the pages. A must read! What is apparent in this story, is the author's knowledge of this era, her compassion for details and her strength of loving relationships and family. Simply amazing! I can't wait to read the next in this amazing, intriguing and compassionate tale. I am in awe of this story and the author behind writing the story. It has lingered long after the last page. I beg, you dear readers, to pick up "Broken Legacy", for your reading pleasure, you will be glad you did.
*Received for an honest review, however, the opinions are my own*
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR
*Received for an honest review, however, the opinions are my own*
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR
April 23, 2016
Lord Gerard Lenister is on a quest. He'll stop at nothing to accomplish his goal. But to be successful he needs the help of the beautiful Lady Eloise Granville. Having set his sights on her, he's determination doubles after their meeting, he wanted her. Lady Eloise is tired of being a pawn. Every man in her life has played her, starting with her father who abandoned her making her believe she was a bastard. Her life has been a sequence of misgivings and betrayals. She doesn’t trust many people, but for her mission she'll stop at nothing to save the innocent in a turbulent France. Now living in England with her eldest brother, she is once again forced to do what is expected of her. This time the demand is that she marries Lord Lenister. Through an arranged marriage, Eloise and Gerard are thrown together into a turmoil of lust and passion that soon turns to love. But their circumstances are unfortunate and to survive they will need to follow the path of traitors, torturous and ambitious men, while placing their trust in each other. A tale of love, secrets and betrayal that will enrapture readers from beginning to end.
December 3, 2015
Confusing.
There were a tremendous amount of twists within this book. I'm really not sure how I was able to follow all the leads, but in the end it did come out making sense, I just think it might have been a tad overboard.
We follow a young woman who is in the thick of scheming - for the good, that is! But still, the secrets suck her down. Fearful of discovery, she's described best as cautious. At a ball one evening, she meets her future husband, a bold man, with a mission on his mind. And he needs a woman with connections and will not take no for an answer. They are wed. New and fresh, with so much to learn, they're briefly separated and the non stop adventure action starts there.
Interesting read.
There were a tremendous amount of twists within this book. I'm really not sure how I was able to follow all the leads, but in the end it did come out making sense, I just think it might have been a tad overboard.
We follow a young woman who is in the thick of scheming - for the good, that is! But still, the secrets suck her down. Fearful of discovery, she's described best as cautious. At a ball one evening, she meets her future husband, a bold man, with a mission on his mind. And he needs a woman with connections and will not take no for an answer. They are wed. New and fresh, with so much to learn, they're briefly separated and the non stop adventure action starts there.
Interesting read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews