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Sweet Deception Regency #7
The Divided Hearts
#1 Amazon Regency Bestselling Author Karla Darcy Returns!"This is Regency romance at its best."Debbie Macomber, #1 NYT bestselling author"Fans of Downton Abbey and Jane Austen (without zombies) will adore this book. Karla Darcy makes us remember why we lose sense and sensibility for a sexy Regency hero and captures the era with a glorious and colorful voice!" Roxanne St. Claire, New York Times Bestselling Author"Karla Darcy weaves one fabulous Regency Romance after another. Wise, witty and wonderful. Move over Jane for another Darcy you will love!"Mary Alice Monroe, NY Times author of Beach House MemoriesIf you love Downton Abbey and Jane Austen you’ll love The Divided Hearts! This is the 7th book in the Sweet Deception Regency series. At the death of her mother Lady Judith Hallowell decides to visit her father in America. She agrees to find out if her Godmother's grandson is still loyal to England. Despite her father's high praise of the man, she is stunned when Nathanael appears as a pompous dandy with powdered hair and peacock clothing. As she falls in love with a new country, she can't understand how she can have feelings for someone so shallow and yearns to find someone like the mysterious Palatine who is considered a hero in the fledgling colonies on the brink of war?Readers Love Karla Darcy, RWA Golden Heart award winning author."The humor and tenderness give this book heart while authentic details and great sexual tension make for a great read.""…writing is graceful and witty, plotting is clever, added to this are two characters who will charm and delight you.""This is Regency romance at its best. Karla Darcy’s books are simply magical. Her stories have everything I look for in this wonderful wit, humor, intrigue, and tenderness. You’re in for a treat."Debbie Macomber, #1 NYT bestselling authorGet your copy today!
196 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2013
4 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
About the author
Karla Darcy
8 books185 followersKarla Darcy lives with her husband, several tame geckos and an occasional friendly snake on the Treasure Coast on the east side of Florida. She has always felt she lived in the Regency period in a past life. Her early writings were musical comedies and humor columns so it was an easy transition to the romantic and humorous style of Regencies. Lovely dresses, masked balls and witty conversations, which contained saucy double entendres, were the perfect cup of tea for this author.
Karla discovered years ago that you don't have to be a bitch to write a Regency but it helps. Tone is everything in the era of witty repartee. Dialogue has to have that snap that makes Regency conversations sparkle.
Karla discovered years ago that you don't have to be a bitch to write a Regency but it helps. Tone is everything in the era of witty repartee. Dialogue has to have that snap that makes Regency conversations sparkle.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 7, 2017
Alors, une nouvelle petite romance délocalisée aux USA en plein contexte pré guerre d'indépendance. Certes le back ground est intéressant mais l'histoire est assez convenue... L'identité de Palatine saute aux yeux de tous (sauf des personnages) au bout de quelques pages... Le personnage principal, Judith est assez attachant même si je la trouve un peu superficielle (oui, je sais, en dépit de ce petit Patrick qu'elle adopte dans un twist hyper attendu). L'histoire m'a globalement un peu ennuyée... A part ça je n'ai pas grand chose à raconter sur cette lecture
Ce que j'aime : le contexte historique
Ce que j'aime moins : le tout est globalement très prévisible
En bref : Une romance au contexte plaisant mais à l'histoire et aux personnages très convenus
Ma note
5/10
Ce que j'aime : le contexte historique
Ce que j'aime moins : le tout est globalement très prévisible
En bref : Une romance au contexte plaisant mais à l'histoire et aux personnages très convenus
Ma note
5/10
July 20, 2018
Not much of a romance here. The main character spends much of the book despising her love interest, and then BOOM! She falls in love with him. There was barely a mention of anything physical. Very few kisses, no sex whatsoever. The book ends right at the beginning of their blossoming relationship.
June 21, 2013
I received this book as a complimentary review copy through Story Cartel.
A love story of a different kind, The Divided Hearts tells the tale of Judith and Nate, and the long realisation they both go through before they accept their love for each other. Set against the backdrop of Newport, America, on the another war with the motherland, some great historical points are raised, as well as dealing with the emotional conflict of those with English ties but who are American at heart.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which is quite strange as I usually stay away from romance, and there are many reasons for this! Firstly I'll start with how easy it was to read. The flow was fantastic, really easy to get your head into, Darcy really sets the scene well and gives you just the right amount of information to keep you engaged in the story without overloading you. IT's very rare to find a book that's so easy to read, but you could dip in and out at your own leisure, knowing the idyllic life of early America was waiting for you to return.
Another thing I enjoyed about this book was the fantastic description used by Darcy. It was beautifully detailed, I felt that I could see every vista she described, feel all the dresses Judith wore and get all hot and flustered at Nate's muscles! It's rare that a book truly appeals to all senses whilst you are reading it, but Darcy manages this superbly and it is a great delight to read.
In addition, the characters deserve a mention. In a relatively short text, it's sometimes difficult to really engage and invest emotionally in the characters, but in 'The Divided Hearts' you are drawn whole heartedly into their lives. You agonise with Judith over her decision of whether to stay in America or not. You get excited when good things happen to the characters, you feel scared for them when they're in danger. I know it sounds vague, but believe me, this is a book you want to read for yourself, and I won't spoil that first read excitement!
Perhaps the best thing for me though was the story itself. It was entirely believable from start to finish. You really could have imagined this happening during that difficult transition time, and that makes it all the more enjoyable. It's like you're getting a lovely snippet into the past, and although it's a story, you don't feel it is entirely fictional, rather, you feel like there's some truth and somewhere out there this actually did happen. I think the accuracy of the history in general helps greatly with this, and it's a relief (and a pleasure!) to see a book that's so well researched and that presents such an accurate historical representation of the time and place it is describing.
In conclusion, this is a brilliant read for an easy afternoon sat in the sunshine. The plot, characters and description work fantastically together to provide a much needed release from the drama's of every day like. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or a little bit of easy reading romance.
A love story of a different kind, The Divided Hearts tells the tale of Judith and Nate, and the long realisation they both go through before they accept their love for each other. Set against the backdrop of Newport, America, on the another war with the motherland, some great historical points are raised, as well as dealing with the emotional conflict of those with English ties but who are American at heart.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which is quite strange as I usually stay away from romance, and there are many reasons for this! Firstly I'll start with how easy it was to read. The flow was fantastic, really easy to get your head into, Darcy really sets the scene well and gives you just the right amount of information to keep you engaged in the story without overloading you. IT's very rare to find a book that's so easy to read, but you could dip in and out at your own leisure, knowing the idyllic life of early America was waiting for you to return.
Another thing I enjoyed about this book was the fantastic description used by Darcy. It was beautifully detailed, I felt that I could see every vista she described, feel all the dresses Judith wore and get all hot and flustered at Nate's muscles! It's rare that a book truly appeals to all senses whilst you are reading it, but Darcy manages this superbly and it is a great delight to read.
In addition, the characters deserve a mention. In a relatively short text, it's sometimes difficult to really engage and invest emotionally in the characters, but in 'The Divided Hearts' you are drawn whole heartedly into their lives. You agonise with Judith over her decision of whether to stay in America or not. You get excited when good things happen to the characters, you feel scared for them when they're in danger. I know it sounds vague, but believe me, this is a book you want to read for yourself, and I won't spoil that first read excitement!
Perhaps the best thing for me though was the story itself. It was entirely believable from start to finish. You really could have imagined this happening during that difficult transition time, and that makes it all the more enjoyable. It's like you're getting a lovely snippet into the past, and although it's a story, you don't feel it is entirely fictional, rather, you feel like there's some truth and somewhere out there this actually did happen. I think the accuracy of the history in general helps greatly with this, and it's a relief (and a pleasure!) to see a book that's so well researched and that presents such an accurate historical representation of the time and place it is describing.
In conclusion, this is a brilliant read for an easy afternoon sat in the sunshine. The plot, characters and description work fantastically together to provide a much needed release from the drama's of every day like. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or a little bit of easy reading romance.
October 26, 2013
I'm a little bit on the fence with this one. I really enjoyed the romance aspects of it, and the characters were all great and individual (I especially liked Patrick and Simon). However, I found that the descriptions of the surroundings and the historical aspects seemed to drown out the rest. Until the last quarter of the book, there just didn't seem to be all that much going on (including romance) and I found myself skimming a lot of the needless details.
That being said, for the price of it, I still think it is worth a read if you are a fan of historical romance.
I give The Divided Hearts 3 out of 5 stars.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
My Rating System:
1 star: I will never post a 1 star review because this means it was so bad I couldn't finish it, and I don't won't publicly rate a book I haven't read all the way through.
2 stars: I may have liked the story but it was badly written or it may have been a boring story well written. Something about it kept me reading but I didn't enjoy it.
3 stars: A good, enjoyable read. If the description appeals to you I'd recommend reading it.
4 stars: A really good book that I thoroughly enjoyed and may even read again. I will want to read other books by the same author. Highly recommend.
5 stars: Reserved for books that blew me away and whose characters I can't get out of my head. These are books that I will definitely read again, possibly several times. If I read an e-book version I may even have to go buy a hard copy for my shelves. Why are you still here? Go read this book right now.
That being said, for the price of it, I still think it is worth a read if you are a fan of historical romance.
I give The Divided Hearts 3 out of 5 stars.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
My Rating System:
1 star: I will never post a 1 star review because this means it was so bad I couldn't finish it, and I don't won't publicly rate a book I haven't read all the way through.
2 stars: I may have liked the story but it was badly written or it may have been a boring story well written. Something about it kept me reading but I didn't enjoy it.
3 stars: A good, enjoyable read. If the description appeals to you I'd recommend reading it.
4 stars: A really good book that I thoroughly enjoyed and may even read again. I will want to read other books by the same author. Highly recommend.
5 stars: Reserved for books that blew me away and whose characters I can't get out of my head. These are books that I will definitely read again, possibly several times. If I read an e-book version I may even have to go buy a hard copy for my shelves. Why are you still here? Go read this book right now.
June 10, 2013
Lady Judith is leaving England to visit her father in colonial America, sent with the task of finding out where the loyalties of Nate Bellingham lie by Nate's grandmother.
Caught up in the intrigues of the struggles after the war of Independence, Nate affects the mannerisms of a "fop" to set people off his purpose. Will he return to assume his English title? Or will he remain in America?
A mysterious rider champions America's independence from England, newly gained and difficult to maintain. Judith must decide where her loyalties lie, with her mother country, or with the home of her father.
I have to admit that when I took this book in exchange for an honest review, I thought I was getting a historical romance. It is that, but it is heavy on the history and light on the romance. There were places I found the historical aspects almost intrusive to the story, and that will account for my not liking it as well as I might have. It is also written in an omniscent point of view, which I have to say I'm not a fan of. I will say that Ms. Darcy's descriptions are vivid and her characters charming. I thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Darcy's novelette, the Five Kisses, but this book is in stark contrast to that (which is set in England). I suppose that also accounts for some of my disappointment in the story that, again, wasn't what I expected.
The story moves along at a good pace, and as advertised, if you are a fan of Downton Abbey, you'll likely enjoy this romp through colonial America. For me, I have a "divided heart."
Caught up in the intrigues of the struggles after the war of Independence, Nate affects the mannerisms of a "fop" to set people off his purpose. Will he return to assume his English title? Or will he remain in America?
A mysterious rider champions America's independence from England, newly gained and difficult to maintain. Judith must decide where her loyalties lie, with her mother country, or with the home of her father.
I have to admit that when I took this book in exchange for an honest review, I thought I was getting a historical romance. It is that, but it is heavy on the history and light on the romance. There were places I found the historical aspects almost intrusive to the story, and that will account for my not liking it as well as I might have. It is also written in an omniscent point of view, which I have to say I'm not a fan of. I will say that Ms. Darcy's descriptions are vivid and her characters charming. I thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Darcy's novelette, the Five Kisses, but this book is in stark contrast to that (which is set in England). I suppose that also accounts for some of my disappointment in the story that, again, wasn't what I expected.
The story moves along at a good pace, and as advertised, if you are a fan of Downton Abbey, you'll likely enjoy this romp through colonial America. For me, I have a "divided heart."
June 19, 2015
Judith is from England and going to see her American father for the first time as an adult. Nathaniel is from a British noble family but was raised in America.
The 2 of them find the period just before the War of 1812 a difficult one because of divided loyalties. Judith falls in love with the freedom she finds. She is impressed with the fact that women in America are involved with nearly all aspects of life. That appeals to her curiosity and desire for adventure.
Nathaniel has developed a deep love for America. He has established a life in his new country.
There is an attraction between the two of them. There is also distrust because neither is certain of the loyalty of the other.
The division between people who want a free America and those who still feel loyal to Britain becomes deeper as a war nears.
I enjoyed the book. At times it seems the descriptions became a little too wordy, but I am glad I got the book. If you are a fan of historical romance, you will like this book. If you are a fan of history, this book will give you information you may not have known before.
FTC FULL DISCLOSURE: I was given a copy of the book by the author who only requested a fair and impartial review.
The 2 of them find the period just before the War of 1812 a difficult one because of divided loyalties. Judith falls in love with the freedom she finds. She is impressed with the fact that women in America are involved with nearly all aspects of life. That appeals to her curiosity and desire for adventure.
Nathaniel has developed a deep love for America. He has established a life in his new country.
There is an attraction between the two of them. There is also distrust because neither is certain of the loyalty of the other.
The division between people who want a free America and those who still feel loyal to Britain becomes deeper as a war nears.
I enjoyed the book. At times it seems the descriptions became a little too wordy, but I am glad I got the book. If you are a fan of historical romance, you will like this book. If you are a fan of history, this book will give you information you may not have known before.
FTC FULL DISCLOSURE: I was given a copy of the book by the author who only requested a fair and impartial review.
July 2, 2013
I received a free copy of this book through the Story Cartel, and I am so glad I picked it up in time. Judith, an Englishwoman (born in Rhode Island, but raised in England), finds herself in the midst of the political upheaval leading to the war of 1812. She arrives in Rhode Island to visit her American father and meets the handsome, yet annoying Nathanael. They are drawn to each other immediately, but the divided tension between American and English sympathizers leads the couple into a roller coaster of emotions. Karla Darcy did an amazing job drawing the reader into the story. The dialogue and prose flow naturally and it literally sucks you in. I loved the romantic tone and wittiness of the characters. It was quick to read and really enjoyed the point of view used in the story. It is one of those books I know I'll pick up and read again sometime soon. Very nice combination of romance, revolution, and conflict of emotions. It reminded me a lot of The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Emmuska Orczy, except it had a very clear and refreshing American tone.
April 13, 2013
I rarely read a currently-released book in a series until I've read the others that came before it in the series; but, this time, I did. I was so enthralled with Divided Hearts that I have purchased the others in the series, now awaiting my eager eyes. I plan on digging into the stories that came before this one in order to "catch up" with Ms. Darcy's wonderful series. I think Divided Hearts grabbed my attention first because I am partial to stories with a setting in early America, but this story was so delightful that I now want to read all of Ms. Darcy's stories that took place in Regency England...before they progressed into the early America setting. I am looking forward to this great reading adventure!
April 11, 2013
Received this ebook as a gift from the author. It was the first book I read by this author.
The book was captivating and fast moving. Allow time as you will want to read in one session.
The book is set in the Regency time period. Loved the historical details describing England’s
living style versus the new America living styles throughout the book.
The characters are well developed. The plot is a combo of romance, humor plus some suspense.
Will be reading the rest of the author’s Sweet Deception Regency Romance books.
The book was captivating and fast moving. Allow time as you will want to read in one session.
The book is set in the Regency time period. Loved the historical details describing England’s
living style versus the new America living styles throughout the book.
The characters are well developed. The plot is a combo of romance, humor plus some suspense.
Will be reading the rest of the author’s Sweet Deception Regency Romance books.
October 30, 2018
2.70 stars - rated pg13/heavy pg13??
I'm very slowly going through all my bookshelves and trying to catalogue books bought and read in years gone by. Stars and ratings are mere guesses at this point. I'm assuming I enjoyed the book at some point in my life?
I'm very slowly going through all my bookshelves and trying to catalogue books bought and read in years gone by. Stars and ratings are mere guesses at this point. I'm assuming I enjoyed the book at some point in my life?
April 18, 2013
Ms Darcy did a great job giving us the story of Nate and Judith. I enjoyed the read. Great characters with little snippets of humor created a wonderful book.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews