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The Renegade Royals #1
Secrets for Seducing a Royal Bodyguard
Accomplished spy Aden St. George prefers to stay away from the frivolous ton, especially after the way his mother was used by the Prince Regent. But his latest mission compels him to guard unconventional, vibrant Lady Vivien Shaw. Rescuing her from kidnappers was easy, resisting her beauty is not. Though grateful for Aden’s help, Vivien has secrets she must keep hidden.
409 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 7, 2014
173 people are currently reading
2238 people want to read
About the author
Vanessa Kelly
36 books1,753 followersVanessa Kelly is a bestselling author of historical mystery and historical romance. She has won multiple awards, including the prestigious Maggie Medallion for best historical romance. She is a USA Today, Barnes & Noble, BookScan, and Amazon bestseller several times over. To date, her books have been published in eleven languages. Vanessa also wrote USA Today bestselling contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels with her husband, under the pen name of V.K. Sykes.
After receiving her MA in English literature from Rutgers University, Vanessa spent several years in the Ph.D program at the University of Toronto, studying women authors of the 18th Century. She worked as a researcher for many years, and currently resides in Ottawa, Canada, with her husband.
After receiving her MA in English literature from Rutgers University, Vanessa spent several years in the Ph.D program at the University of Toronto, studying women authors of the 18th Century. She worked as a researcher for many years, and currently resides in Ottawa, Canada, with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
July 25, 2016
I've given this a C at AAR - 3 stars here.
Secrets for Seducing a Royal Bodyguard is the first full-length novel in Ms Kelly’s new Renegade Royals Series, in which the heroes are the illegitimate – and fictitious - sons of English princes. I suppose the best way to describe the book overall is that it’s a Regency romp with a dash of skulduggery, adventure, and romance, complete with a suitably despicable villain, feckless relatives, a lovely yet put-upon heroine and a handsome, action-man hero.
Put like that, it sounds like a winner. Unfortunately, however, something in the recipe wasn’t quite right and as a result, this particular soufflé fell rather flat when it came out of the oven.
The reader is plunged into the action straight away. Our hero, Aden St. George (illegitimate son of the Prince Regent) has been sent to effect the rescue of Lady Vivien Shaw, who was snatched from her carriage in London and removed quickly to Kent, where she’s being hidden in caves formerly used by smugglers.
We don’t know who Vivien is or why she was kidnapped at this stage, and neither does Aden, although he is determined to find out. The escape goes fairly smoothly (although at one point, they are discovered by mounted thugs and have to evade their evil clutches!) and it’s not long before Aden has figured out that Vivien knows more about who is responsible for her kidnapping than she is letting on. Which of course, makes him all the more determined to find out what she’s hiding from him.
Even at this early point in the novel, I felt that there was a problem with the pacing – and as my reading progressed, I realized that the cause of it persists throughout the whole book. Because what could have been quite a tense and exciting opening was slowed down considerably by the fact that by about page two (I was reading on a Kindle, so can’t be exact) the hero is already obsessing over the heroine’s lips and lush curves (even though it’s dark and she’s covered in mud) and the heroine is shortly to be mesmerized by his dark eyes and handsome, chiselled features.
(I really wanted them to just get the hell away; there would be plenty of time to think about shagging each other stupid later on.)
I know there has to be a certain amount of this in any romantic novel and in skilled hands, at the right time and in the right place, it can work wonderfully. But here, I felt like I was being hit over the head with it from the get-go and seriously, if I’m so dumb as not to be able to work out which two characters in a romance are going to end up together then… well, I shall have to go back to reading The Famous Five and Winnie the Pooh.
Once safely back in London, Vivien is delivered into the capable hands of Aden’s mother, Lady Thornbury, who is a terrific character. Beautiful, intelligent and somewhat estranged from her son - who has a large chip on his shoulder because of his bastardy – she is perceptive, quick witted, and would probably have made a much better secret agent than Aden!
Actually, I thought the relationship between Lady Thornbury and her son was by far the most interesting one in the book, and I wish we’d seen more of it. Lady T is enlisted to help with Mission Protect Lady Vivien – if Aden is going to keep an eye on her, he will need to attend the same balls and parties, but given he’s eschewed going into society for the past decade, it will look odd if he just starts turning up out of the blue to these events. Escorting his widowed mother around London gives Aden just the excuse he needs to return to the fold.
Vivien is still holding back her suspicious from Aden, because she has discovered (or thinks she has) that she wasn’t far off the mark with them. Her younger brother, Kit – who really needs to grow a pair and start fending for himself – is up to his eyeballs in debt, and an off-hand comment in the wrong place appears to have led the moneylender to whom he is in hock to believe that kidnapping Vivien would ensure the payment of a fat ransom by their older brother, Cyrus. Both Kit and Vivien’s mother are deeply in debt, which accounts for the fact that Vivien herself is a regular at the gaming tables – except that she knows when to stop. She is supporting her selfish, stupid relatives by gambling, and getting herself a reputation for being “fast” in some circles in the process.
Her brother Cyrus controls the family purse-strings and has already threatened to cut Kit off without a penny, which is one of the reasons Vivien doesn’t turn to him for help. Another is that he’s got a stick up his arse and is selfishly focused on furthering his political career. And another is that he wants to marry her off to a loathsome Russian Prince because he is rich enough to pay off all their debts and having a sister who is a princess will undoubtedly bring Cyrus some degree of cachet.
While all this is going on, Aden is gradually weaseling the truth from Vivien – although I have to say that I wondered more than once how on earth he became one of England’s premier intelligence men, because at times he’s really dim! For instance, he fails to perceive that Vivien is not, in fact, welcoming the Prince’s advances – something which is readily apparent to almost everyone else and especially to his mother. And on at least one occasion, he determines to distance himself from her at the worst possible time and for no reason that makes sense.
But of course, no romantic hero is complete without a bit of guilt or suffering in his background, and Aden’s curse is to feel guilty because he didn’t prevent the death of a good friend a few months earlier. He has always believed that emotion dulls his wits and makes him less effective at his job – the slights he suffered as a result of his birth and his treatment at the hands of his mother’s husband have hardened him, poor lad – so he doesn’t want to be close to anyone and keeps pushing Vivien away. Or trying to, because she manages to do some monumentally stupid things against both common sense and Aden’s advice which mean that he has to keep coming to her rescue.
What I said earlier about the beginning of the story being poorly paced meant that the book took a while to fully engage my interest, but once the story got going in earnest, it rattled along nicely. The writing is more than decent, and it’s clear that Ms Kelly is capable of telling an entertaining story and creating interesting characters. Events come thick and fast, the true villain of the piece – while fairly obvious from the beginning – steps up his game and Aden’s method of preventing the announcement of Vivien’s betrothal to Prince Loathsome is rather wonderfully melodramatic.
But my biggest problem with the book was the one which began on page two and never really disappeared. The continual mental lusting and “heightened awareness” of and for one protagonist by the other kept on and on until I felt there was practically zero sexual tension between them because I knew that every time they so much as thought about or glimpsed each other, they’d turn into puddles of lust. (Also – it’s a miracle that Aden can actually walk most of the time, given the frequency and size of the hard-ons to which he is prone!) When it comes to creating really good sexual and romantic tension, it should be a case of less is more. It should develop slowly so that when the reader does finally get to that unintentional embrace or first kiss, it’s a wonderfully sensual moment and not, as is the case here, something that has been so presaged that when it comes to it, it’s a non-event.
The thing which links this series, apart from the fact that the heroes are royal bastards (in the literal sense!) is the character of Sir Dominic Hunter, whom we first met almost thirty years previously as a fourteen year-old boy in the prequel novella, Lost in a Royal Kiss. He is now one of England’s most powerful officials, operating a network of spies and intelligence gatherers from the Home Office. It’s Dominic who tasks Aden with Vivien’s rescue, and Dominic who insists he is the one to protect her once she returns to London. I understand that Ms Kelly will be continuing his story in a future novel, and I admit I’m interested enough in the character to want to read it, but in this book, Dominic comes over as little more than a mother hen and matchmaker, which was something of a disappointment.
To sum up, Secrets for Seducing a Royal Bodyguard isn’t a terrible book, despite the reservations I’ve expressed above. Aden is a sexy hero, Vivien is no simpering miss and the pacing picks up once the story moves to London. We meet the hero of the next book – Griffin Steele – who is certainly intriguing – and the love scenes (which don’t actually take place until fairly late in the book) are sensual and well-done. But I thought the chemistry between the leads was seriously impaired for the reasons I’ve stated above, and there were too many instances of nonsensical behavior for me to be able to rate it more highly.
Secrets for Seducing a Royal Bodyguard is the first full-length novel in Ms Kelly’s new Renegade Royals Series, in which the heroes are the illegitimate – and fictitious - sons of English princes. I suppose the best way to describe the book overall is that it’s a Regency romp with a dash of skulduggery, adventure, and romance, complete with a suitably despicable villain, feckless relatives, a lovely yet put-upon heroine and a handsome, action-man hero.
Put like that, it sounds like a winner. Unfortunately, however, something in the recipe wasn’t quite right and as a result, this particular soufflé fell rather flat when it came out of the oven.
The reader is plunged into the action straight away. Our hero, Aden St. George (illegitimate son of the Prince Regent) has been sent to effect the rescue of Lady Vivien Shaw, who was snatched from her carriage in London and removed quickly to Kent, where she’s being hidden in caves formerly used by smugglers.
We don’t know who Vivien is or why she was kidnapped at this stage, and neither does Aden, although he is determined to find out. The escape goes fairly smoothly (although at one point, they are discovered by mounted thugs and have to evade their evil clutches!) and it’s not long before Aden has figured out that Vivien knows more about who is responsible for her kidnapping than she is letting on. Which of course, makes him all the more determined to find out what she’s hiding from him.
Even at this early point in the novel, I felt that there was a problem with the pacing – and as my reading progressed, I realized that the cause of it persists throughout the whole book. Because what could have been quite a tense and exciting opening was slowed down considerably by the fact that by about page two (I was reading on a Kindle, so can’t be exact) the hero is already obsessing over the heroine’s lips and lush curves (even though it’s dark and she’s covered in mud) and the heroine is shortly to be mesmerized by his dark eyes and handsome, chiselled features.
(I really wanted them to just get the hell away; there would be plenty of time to think about shagging each other stupid later on.)
I know there has to be a certain amount of this in any romantic novel and in skilled hands, at the right time and in the right place, it can work wonderfully. But here, I felt like I was being hit over the head with it from the get-go and seriously, if I’m so dumb as not to be able to work out which two characters in a romance are going to end up together then… well, I shall have to go back to reading The Famous Five and Winnie the Pooh.
Once safely back in London, Vivien is delivered into the capable hands of Aden’s mother, Lady Thornbury, who is a terrific character. Beautiful, intelligent and somewhat estranged from her son - who has a large chip on his shoulder because of his bastardy – she is perceptive, quick witted, and would probably have made a much better secret agent than Aden!
Actually, I thought the relationship between Lady Thornbury and her son was by far the most interesting one in the book, and I wish we’d seen more of it. Lady T is enlisted to help with Mission Protect Lady Vivien – if Aden is going to keep an eye on her, he will need to attend the same balls and parties, but given he’s eschewed going into society for the past decade, it will look odd if he just starts turning up out of the blue to these events. Escorting his widowed mother around London gives Aden just the excuse he needs to return to the fold.
Vivien is still holding back her suspicious from Aden, because she has discovered (or thinks she has) that she wasn’t far off the mark with them. Her younger brother, Kit – who really needs to grow a pair and start fending for himself – is up to his eyeballs in debt, and an off-hand comment in the wrong place appears to have led the moneylender to whom he is in hock to believe that kidnapping Vivien would ensure the payment of a fat ransom by their older brother, Cyrus. Both Kit and Vivien’s mother are deeply in debt, which accounts for the fact that Vivien herself is a regular at the gaming tables – except that she knows when to stop. She is supporting her selfish, stupid relatives by gambling, and getting herself a reputation for being “fast” in some circles in the process.
Her brother Cyrus controls the family purse-strings and has already threatened to cut Kit off without a penny, which is one of the reasons Vivien doesn’t turn to him for help. Another is that he’s got a stick up his arse and is selfishly focused on furthering his political career. And another is that he wants to marry her off to a loathsome Russian Prince because he is rich enough to pay off all their debts and having a sister who is a princess will undoubtedly bring Cyrus some degree of cachet.
While all this is going on, Aden is gradually weaseling the truth from Vivien – although I have to say that I wondered more than once how on earth he became one of England’s premier intelligence men, because at times he’s really dim! For instance, he fails to perceive that Vivien is not, in fact, welcoming the Prince’s advances – something which is readily apparent to almost everyone else and especially to his mother. And on at least one occasion, he determines to distance himself from her at the worst possible time and for no reason that makes sense.
But of course, no romantic hero is complete without a bit of guilt or suffering in his background, and Aden’s curse is to feel guilty because he didn’t prevent the death of a good friend a few months earlier. He has always believed that emotion dulls his wits and makes him less effective at his job – the slights he suffered as a result of his birth and his treatment at the hands of his mother’s husband have hardened him, poor lad – so he doesn’t want to be close to anyone and keeps pushing Vivien away. Or trying to, because she manages to do some monumentally stupid things against both common sense and Aden’s advice which mean that he has to keep coming to her rescue.
What I said earlier about the beginning of the story being poorly paced meant that the book took a while to fully engage my interest, but once the story got going in earnest, it rattled along nicely. The writing is more than decent, and it’s clear that Ms Kelly is capable of telling an entertaining story and creating interesting characters. Events come thick and fast, the true villain of the piece – while fairly obvious from the beginning – steps up his game and Aden’s method of preventing the announcement of Vivien’s betrothal to Prince Loathsome is rather wonderfully melodramatic.
But my biggest problem with the book was the one which began on page two and never really disappeared. The continual mental lusting and “heightened awareness” of and for one protagonist by the other kept on and on until I felt there was practically zero sexual tension between them because I knew that every time they so much as thought about or glimpsed each other, they’d turn into puddles of lust. (Also – it’s a miracle that Aden can actually walk most of the time, given the frequency and size of the hard-ons to which he is prone!) When it comes to creating really good sexual and romantic tension, it should be a case of less is more. It should develop slowly so that when the reader does finally get to that unintentional embrace or first kiss, it’s a wonderfully sensual moment and not, as is the case here, something that has been so presaged that when it comes to it, it’s a non-event.
The thing which links this series, apart from the fact that the heroes are royal bastards (in the literal sense!) is the character of Sir Dominic Hunter, whom we first met almost thirty years previously as a fourteen year-old boy in the prequel novella, Lost in a Royal Kiss. He is now one of England’s most powerful officials, operating a network of spies and intelligence gatherers from the Home Office. It’s Dominic who tasks Aden with Vivien’s rescue, and Dominic who insists he is the one to protect her once she returns to London. I understand that Ms Kelly will be continuing his story in a future novel, and I admit I’m interested enough in the character to want to read it, but in this book, Dominic comes over as little more than a mother hen and matchmaker, which was something of a disappointment.
To sum up, Secrets for Seducing a Royal Bodyguard isn’t a terrible book, despite the reservations I’ve expressed above. Aden is a sexy hero, Vivien is no simpering miss and the pacing picks up once the story moves to London. We meet the hero of the next book – Griffin Steele – who is certainly intriguing – and the love scenes (which don’t actually take place until fairly late in the book) are sensual and well-done. But I thought the chemistry between the leads was seriously impaired for the reasons I’ve stated above, and there were too many instances of nonsensical behavior for me to be able to rate it more highly.
January 6, 2025
This is a well-written, entertaining, historical romance novel. It has a likable, intelligent female protagonist, a heroic male protagonist, engaging banter, wit, a touch of humor, a steamy, heartwarming romance, and a happily ever after ending. I listened to the audio book, and the narrator, Ms. Veida Dehmlow, does a wonderful job voicing the characters. I also own the paperback edition of this delightful romance.
January 9, 2015
So… This was a DNF for me.
At the start of the book, the hero rescues the heroine, thinking she has been gang raped. The first thing he does is sit behind her on a horse and press his erection against her!!
Also not thrilled about the author getting her Eastern European names mixed up...
Review copy from NetGalley.
At the start of the book, the hero rescues the heroine, thinking she has been gang raped. The first thing he does is sit behind her on a horse and press his erection against her!!
Also not thrilled about the author getting her Eastern European names mixed up...
Review copy from NetGalley.
January 27, 2022
2.75 out of 5
The narrator wasn't that great. Her male voices (especially the hero's) weren't consistent. She lacked emotion during some scenes and was a bit slow for me that I had to listen at 1.25x the normal speed. The book has several action scenes and they would have been more exciting if the narrator had had more emotion (and speed) when she narrated those scenes. The same could be said about the intimate scenes: more emotion. The book takes place over several weeks, with time lapses that didn't flow too smoothly via narration at least. I would recommend reading this book over listening to the audio book. Even as I'm suggesting this, I'm listening to Book 2 on audio instead of reading it. lol. (The male voices are still inconsistent in that book.)
The narrator wasn't that great. Her male voices (especially the hero's) weren't consistent. She lacked emotion during some scenes and was a bit slow for me that I had to listen at 1.25x the normal speed. The book has several action scenes and they would have been more exciting if the narrator had had more emotion (and speed) when she narrated those scenes. The same could be said about the intimate scenes: more emotion. The book takes place over several weeks, with time lapses that didn't flow too smoothly via narration at least. I would recommend reading this book over listening to the audio book. Even as I'm suggesting this, I'm listening to Book 2 on audio instead of reading it. lol. (The male voices are still inconsistent in that book.)
September 10, 2018
3 1/2 Stars
Setting: Regency England
Steam Factor: Hot
When Lady Vivien Shaw is kidnapped, Aden St. George comes to her rescue.
Aden is quite taken with Vivien, but emotions have no place in his work and it is with some relief that he can leave her in the hands of her mother and his mentor, Sir Dominic Hunter.
One of England's most powerful spymasters (Dominic plays further roles in this series) but even he doesn't know the identity of Vivien's kidnapper.
So Dominic informs Aden that HE must be her bodyguard until he digs into this further.
Vivien is thankful for Aden's protection, but suspects that the Prince who is offering for her was behind her abduction.
He's a Prince that doesn't give up that easily and he threatens Vivien's family as well as Aden's life. Aden senses that something just isn't right, and when things go wrong will he be too late to save her?
Book one of The Renegade Royal series, which features illegitimate sons of Princes.
I really liked the different setting/plot the author created in her first book it was a nice change, and I look forward to the other "sons of the illegitimate Princes" and their stories.
The author introduces us to a spy working for the Intelligence Office who ends up meeting his match with an intriguing stubborn young woman.
Great engaging secondary characters, add an obsessive dangerous villain as well as abduction with added twists and turns and a sexually charged Hero and Heroine, it rounds the story up to an entertaining and delightful read.
Setting: Regency England
Steam Factor: Hot
When Lady Vivien Shaw is kidnapped, Aden St. George comes to her rescue.
Aden is quite taken with Vivien, but emotions have no place in his work and it is with some relief that he can leave her in the hands of her mother and his mentor, Sir Dominic Hunter.
One of England's most powerful spymasters (Dominic plays further roles in this series) but even he doesn't know the identity of Vivien's kidnapper.
So Dominic informs Aden that HE must be her bodyguard until he digs into this further.
Vivien is thankful for Aden's protection, but suspects that the Prince who is offering for her was behind her abduction.
He's a Prince that doesn't give up that easily and he threatens Vivien's family as well as Aden's life. Aden senses that something just isn't right, and when things go wrong will he be too late to save her?
Book one of The Renegade Royal series, which features illegitimate sons of Princes.
I really liked the different setting/plot the author created in her first book it was a nice change, and I look forward to the other "sons of the illegitimate Princes" and their stories.
The author introduces us to a spy working for the Intelligence Office who ends up meeting his match with an intriguing stubborn young woman.
Great engaging secondary characters, add an obsessive dangerous villain as well as abduction with added twists and turns and a sexually charged Hero and Heroine, it rounds the story up to an entertaining and delightful read.
August 10, 2016
Unfortunatelly this title isn't the right one for me, something that was obvious almost as soon as I started reading Secrets for Seducing a Royal Bodyguard.
The writing style is one I couldn't easily follow, or rather make me stay focused on the whole narration. But my biggest problem with this story was the immediate lust both heroes felt for each other as soon as the story began. I was never a big fan for instant love or instant lust but especially in this book the whole thing starts way too soon, and by soon, I mean from the bery first chapter. The hero is in the middle of rescuing the heroine and thinks that she's been raped by I don't even know how many men, he has already killed a men and he's on guard for more possible killings and amidst all that he notices the heroine's full bosom and general attractiveness, while the heroine instead of being hysterical or at least in fear, one of her first reactions is to notice how handsome her rescuer is... To say that such a scenario is unrealistical would be an understatement I'm afraid...
After that I couldn't invest myself to the characters or the whole story in general (which was full of cliches I must add) thus reducing my whole appreciation of this book.
The writing style is one I couldn't easily follow, or rather make me stay focused on the whole narration. But my biggest problem with this story was the immediate lust both heroes felt for each other as soon as the story began. I was never a big fan for instant love or instant lust but especially in this book the whole thing starts way too soon, and by soon, I mean from the bery first chapter. The hero is in the middle of rescuing the heroine and thinks that she's been raped by I don't even know how many men, he has already killed a men and he's on guard for more possible killings and amidst all that he notices the heroine's full bosom and general attractiveness, while the heroine instead of being hysterical or at least in fear, one of her first reactions is to notice how handsome her rescuer is... To say that such a scenario is unrealistical would be an understatement I'm afraid...
After that I couldn't invest myself to the characters or the whole story in general (which was full of cliches I must add) thus reducing my whole appreciation of this book.
April 7, 2014
Secrets for Seducing a Royal Bodyguard
2 Stars
The illegitimate son of the Prince Regent, Aden St. George is an agent in the service of his Majesty tasked with rescuing Lady Vivien Shaw who has been abducted. After her rescue, St. George begins an investigation into the abduction and uncovers several suspects including a lecherous suitor, an irate moneylender and a conniving sibling. Unfortunately, he is also hampered by Vivien’s reluctance to assist and his own unwanted attraction to her.
To be honest, if I hadn’t been reading this for a GR challenge, it would have been a DNF.
Vivien and Aden have their good qualities - she is spirit and forthright, and he is stoic and sexy, and their romance has potential. Unfortunately, the excessive descriptions, tediously drawn out internal musings and the author’s tendency to repeat the same words to describe characters and situations result in a banal and cliched story.
The villain is also cartoonish and their is no real tension or suspense in the kidnapping plot.
All in all, there is nothing in this book that hasn’t been done before and better.
2 Stars
The illegitimate son of the Prince Regent, Aden St. George is an agent in the service of his Majesty tasked with rescuing Lady Vivien Shaw who has been abducted. After her rescue, St. George begins an investigation into the abduction and uncovers several suspects including a lecherous suitor, an irate moneylender and a conniving sibling. Unfortunately, he is also hampered by Vivien’s reluctance to assist and his own unwanted attraction to her.
To be honest, if I hadn’t been reading this for a GR challenge, it would have been a DNF.
Vivien and Aden have their good qualities - she is spirit and forthright, and he is stoic and sexy, and their romance has potential. Unfortunately, the excessive descriptions, tediously drawn out internal musings and the author’s tendency to repeat the same words to describe characters and situations result in a banal and cliched story.
The villain is also cartoonish and their is no real tension or suspense in the kidnapping plot.
All in all, there is nothing in this book that hasn’t been done before and better.
January 9, 2014
Well, it kept me up
Til 3 am. Only a good book would do that.
Review to follow
When Aden St. George rescues captive Lady Vivien Shaw from her kidnappers, he has no idea what he is in for with this spunky and inquisitive female. Vivien, to St. George's dismay, asks a lot of questions and formulates her own ideas, albeit mostly the correct ones about the handsome man. The feelings that this rare beauty ignite within Aden St. George throw him for a loop and the need for him to get away from her as fast as possible for fear of his sanity is paramount. Running away from Lady Shaw is not to be though, since Aden is told by his superiors that Lady Vivien needs to be watched at all times until those responsible for her abduction are found.
Vivien doesn't realize all the danger around her and the secrets that must be kept, between her gambling mother and brother who are always in debt and the money-lenders who want payback, her elder brother who would like her married off so she is no longer a burden on his pocketbook, to the unsightly Russian prince,whose reputation for his cruelty puts him in a class all his own.
Aden tries with all his might to keep the Lady Vivien in his sights, but his disdain for being out in London's public eye hold him back. When his indomitable mother makes attempts to ease her son's way in both his business and personal lives, Aden is confused. Although he has not had the best of relationships with his family, especially his "father", for Aden knows he is the product of a liaison his mother had with the Prince Regent.
SECRETS FOR SEDUCING A ROYAL BODYGUARD by Vanessa Kelly is a winner in my estimation for so many reasons. First we have the handsome alpha male in Aden St. George with his inner turmoils and his pride and honor and the fearless heroine Vivien who is absolutely unlike any of her class. The excitement and intrigue with the budding romance only add to this story The characters like the dishonorable Russian prince and Vivien's brother who I just want to throttle, make this tale quite memorable. Any book that keeps me up until the birds begin chirping at dawn is a winner and this book by the very talented Vanessa Kelly did that for me. An excellent start to a new series, SECRETS FOR SEDUCING A ROYAL BODYGUARD by Vanessa Kelly, is a top pick and I highly recommend it.
Til 3 am. Only a good book would do that.
Review to follow
When Aden St. George rescues captive Lady Vivien Shaw from her kidnappers, he has no idea what he is in for with this spunky and inquisitive female. Vivien, to St. George's dismay, asks a lot of questions and formulates her own ideas, albeit mostly the correct ones about the handsome man. The feelings that this rare beauty ignite within Aden St. George throw him for a loop and the need for him to get away from her as fast as possible for fear of his sanity is paramount. Running away from Lady Shaw is not to be though, since Aden is told by his superiors that Lady Vivien needs to be watched at all times until those responsible for her abduction are found.
Vivien doesn't realize all the danger around her and the secrets that must be kept, between her gambling mother and brother who are always in debt and the money-lenders who want payback, her elder brother who would like her married off so she is no longer a burden on his pocketbook, to the unsightly Russian prince,whose reputation for his cruelty puts him in a class all his own.
Aden tries with all his might to keep the Lady Vivien in his sights, but his disdain for being out in London's public eye hold him back. When his indomitable mother makes attempts to ease her son's way in both his business and personal lives, Aden is confused. Although he has not had the best of relationships with his family, especially his "father", for Aden knows he is the product of a liaison his mother had with the Prince Regent.
SECRETS FOR SEDUCING A ROYAL BODYGUARD by Vanessa Kelly is a winner in my estimation for so many reasons. First we have the handsome alpha male in Aden St. George with his inner turmoils and his pride and honor and the fearless heroine Vivien who is absolutely unlike any of her class. The excitement and intrigue with the budding romance only add to this story The characters like the dishonorable Russian prince and Vivien's brother who I just want to throttle, make this tale quite memorable. Any book that keeps me up until the birds begin chirping at dawn is a winner and this book by the very talented Vanessa Kelly did that for me. An excellent start to a new series, SECRETS FOR SEDUCING A ROYAL BODYGUARD by Vanessa Kelly, is a top pick and I highly recommend it.
January 7, 2014
Lady Vivien Shaw is a young woman who was forced to grow up long before she should have had to, taking on the responsibility of watching over her younger brother and mother when her father passes. Her older brother watching out for no one but himself. She has done an admirable job for the past seven years but things are slowly getting out of hand, her younger brother and her mother have debts that keep rising; she has no real marriage prospects other than a slimy prince who doesn’t like the word no. What is a Lady to do? On top of everything else she ends up kidnapped and in a cave?
Mr. Aden St. George, a misfit himself, is called upon to rescue the fair Lady Vivien, which he does with ease. Aden feels something change though and has to struggle and battle the demons inside as he copes with his parent’s pasts and his inability to trust himself at times. Will he ever realize that he is just making things to difficult for himself? Or will he forever face loneliness and despair?
Ms. Kelly’s writing is almost like a spider web drawing you in slowly but surely until you are wrapped so tightly that you can’t put it down. My true and major disappointment in this book? I don’t know when the next installment is coming out. This novel has it all from action and adventure to love and romance. The writing is excellence personified. If you are a fan of regency romance this is a must have, though I admit I’m not sure how patiently I will be able to await the next feature.
Mr. Aden St. George, a misfit himself, is called upon to rescue the fair Lady Vivien, which he does with ease. Aden feels something change though and has to struggle and battle the demons inside as he copes with his parent’s pasts and his inability to trust himself at times. Will he ever realize that he is just making things to difficult for himself? Or will he forever face loneliness and despair?
Ms. Kelly’s writing is almost like a spider web drawing you in slowly but surely until you are wrapped so tightly that you can’t put it down. My true and major disappointment in this book? I don’t know when the next installment is coming out. This novel has it all from action and adventure to love and romance. The writing is excellence personified. If you are a fan of regency romance this is a must have, though I admit I’m not sure how patiently I will be able to await the next feature.
July 4, 2018
A fellow GR reviewer Sam, said it perfectly, "Okay, first off, by chapter three I already didn’t really like the heroine. When someone—anyone—is trying to rescue you from a band of kidnappers, I don’t care if you’re attracted to him or not—you should be hustling to get your ass on his horse, donkey, unicorn or dragon to get the hell out of dodge. Acting prissy about riding on the same horse until you can get to a carriage? Because, not the kidnapping, but getting on a horse with your rescuer is what’s going to ruin your reputation? Come on. Priorities."
I don't know if I am allowed to quote other reviewers, but her whole review was spot on. The insta-lust was also a huge turn off. I am going to skip on to book #4 next, I think.
I don't know if I am allowed to quote other reviewers, but her whole review was spot on. The insta-lust was also a huge turn off. I am going to skip on to book #4 next, I think.
March 17, 2015
More than once I considered this a DNF but I kept reading. Aden is a good but not great hero and Vivian couldn't decide whether she was an alpha heroine or an enabling martyr. I found their interactions to be forced rather than flowing naturally. The author definitely drove this story. I gave an extra star for the ensemble of support characters who were better written than the hero and heroine and the well written action scenes.
November 27, 2013
This is a well-written Regency historical romance that doesn't really break new ground, but it's a pleasant read. I'm most interested in Dominic's story at this point, but might take a while to get to him.
Overall rating: 3.5/5.0 stars.
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur magazine in the January 2014 Issue. http://affairedecoeur.com.
Overall rating: 3.5/5.0 stars.
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur magazine in the January 2014 Issue. http://affairedecoeur.com.
July 8, 2019
This was a sweet read and I liked it well enough that I am going to check out the rest of the series.
dnf
August 30, 2014I completely forgot about this book until I just stumbled across it on my reading shelf. Whoops! :\
All right, well, I'm generally very on top of my updating and reviewing but this one had a hard time holding my interest. Which is a shame, because it sounds like something I would be super interested in, but it didn't make a great first impression and then it didn't change my mind as things went on.
Okay, first off, by chapter three I already didn’t really like the heroine. When someone—anyone—is trying to rescue you from a band of kidnappers, I don’t care if you’re attracted to him or not—you should be hustling to get your ass on his horse, donkey, unicorn or dragon to get the hell out of dodge. Acting prissy about riding on the same horse until you can get to a carriage? Because, not the kidnapping, but getting on a horse with your rescuer is what’s going to ruin your reputation? Come on. Priorities.
There’s a line at about 6% about how Lady Vivien doesn’t strike Aden as a woman who easily succumbs to fear (unless there’s a proposition of sharing a horse, apparently)? Where is he getting this from? So far, she seems pretty typical and prissy to me as the reader, so his observation just feels like the author trying to tell us that she’s a tough cookie, but… there’s no evidence to back that up yet, and no reason why he would believe her to be inordinately brave since he has only known her for as long as I have. (This is a pet-peeve of mine.) He then continues on about how his training taught him not to let his emotions get in the way, but she’s too tempting… WTF? You literally just met her. Are you 13? Is this the first woman you’ve ever met?
I feel like they jumped into the insta-chemistry/all emotional reactions way too fast. Aden felt too attached too fast. I get you’re a gallant hero and everything, but immediately upon meeting the girl, you want to go to the ends of the earth to avenge a presumed crime against her? I’m a girl and I certainly don’t care about people that fast, so how am I supposed to believe this man feels this inexplicably protective toward this—at this point—perfect stranger? I don’t buy it. And there are pages filled with these overreactions—weirdly vehement anger over this brave little flower being reduced to “a bundle of nerves” over a single sound (wasn’t she just described as not being the type to give in to fear like 3 paragraphs ago?). Now, I get that you’re jumpy—but maybe this wouldn’t irritate me if I wouldn’t have JUST finished reading a perfect stranger telling me how unafraid you are. And maybe if you would have gotten on the damn horse instead of lollygagging, the phantom kidnappers wouldn’t so close on your tail, hm?
Anyway, I think that the pacing was a bit off.
I've read worse, but I've also read much better.
I don't remember what percentage I was actually at when I gave up and I can't find the book in my Kindle, so... I do know I customarily try to give a book until 30% and I did not make it that far in this one, or I would have called it and reviewed it right away.
Either way: DNF
All right, well, I'm generally very on top of my updating and reviewing but this one had a hard time holding my interest. Which is a shame, because it sounds like something I would be super interested in, but it didn't make a great first impression and then it didn't change my mind as things went on.
Okay, first off, by chapter three I already didn’t really like the heroine. When someone—anyone—is trying to rescue you from a band of kidnappers, I don’t care if you’re attracted to him or not—you should be hustling to get your ass on his horse, donkey, unicorn or dragon to get the hell out of dodge. Acting prissy about riding on the same horse until you can get to a carriage? Because, not the kidnapping, but getting on a horse with your rescuer is what’s going to ruin your reputation? Come on. Priorities.
There’s a line at about 6% about how Lady Vivien doesn’t strike Aden as a woman who easily succumbs to fear (unless there’s a proposition of sharing a horse, apparently)? Where is he getting this from? So far, she seems pretty typical and prissy to me as the reader, so his observation just feels like the author trying to tell us that she’s a tough cookie, but… there’s no evidence to back that up yet, and no reason why he would believe her to be inordinately brave since he has only known her for as long as I have. (This is a pet-peeve of mine.) He then continues on about how his training taught him not to let his emotions get in the way, but she’s too tempting… WTF? You literally just met her. Are you 13? Is this the first woman you’ve ever met?
I feel like they jumped into the insta-chemistry/all emotional reactions way too fast. Aden felt too attached too fast. I get you’re a gallant hero and everything, but immediately upon meeting the girl, you want to go to the ends of the earth to avenge a presumed crime against her? I’m a girl and I certainly don’t care about people that fast, so how am I supposed to believe this man feels this inexplicably protective toward this—at this point—perfect stranger? I don’t buy it. And there are pages filled with these overreactions—weirdly vehement anger over this brave little flower being reduced to “a bundle of nerves” over a single sound (wasn’t she just described as not being the type to give in to fear like 3 paragraphs ago?). Now, I get that you’re jumpy—but maybe this wouldn’t irritate me if I wouldn’t have JUST finished reading a perfect stranger telling me how unafraid you are. And maybe if you would have gotten on the damn horse instead of lollygagging, the phantom kidnappers wouldn’t so close on your tail, hm?
Anyway, I think that the pacing was a bit off.
I've read worse, but I've also read much better.
I don't remember what percentage I was actually at when I gave up and I can't find the book in my Kindle, so... I do know I customarily try to give a book until 30% and I did not make it that far in this one, or I would have called it and reviewed it right away.
Either way: DNF
December 14, 2013
Thrills, mystery, and romance make up this wonderful read. Secrets for Seducing a Royal Bodyguard was a lovely historical romance. I really enjoyed reading this book. Loved it!
Vivien was a strong heroine. She dealt with a kidnapping, attempted murder, and a psychopath, but she survived it all. She didn't bow to other people's wishes and she was very loyal to her loved ones. I only had one problem with her and it was how she was so quick to bow to her kidnapper's wishes near the end. It didn't fit her strong character and seemed more like she was doing it to spite Aden, after he left her. It seemed contrary to how she acted during the rest of the book, so that bit bothered me. But, otherwise, I thought she was great.
Aden was just wonderful. He was so sweet and adorable! But, he was also strong and clever, part of what made it such a good spy. He was frustratingly stubborn at times, but I didn't mind. I still adored him.
The romance was lovely. From the moment they met, Vivien and Aden were infatuated with each other and it was just so sweet. The attraction was also there from the beginning, so we get some spice as well, though it wasn't the main part of their relationship. I thought they were lovely together.
The plot was fast paced and I was hooked the entire way through. The mystery of who was behind the kidnapping and the danger he presented kept me on the edge of my seat with nonstop thrills. I suspected who it turned out to be, but I was still surprised at the lengths this person was willing to go. I really enjoyed the story and the ending was lovely. I'm excited to see what's coming up next in this series because it's off to a brilliant start.
Secrets for Seducing a Royal Bodyguard was a fantastic historical romance. The mystery, the thrills, the romance-I loved every bit of it! Romance lovers, this is a book you'll want to read.
*I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Vivien was a strong heroine. She dealt with a kidnapping, attempted murder, and a psychopath, but she survived it all. She didn't bow to other people's wishes and she was very loyal to her loved ones. I only had one problem with her and it was how she was so quick to bow to her kidnapper's wishes near the end. It didn't fit her strong character and seemed more like she was doing it to spite Aden, after he left her. It seemed contrary to how she acted during the rest of the book, so that bit bothered me. But, otherwise, I thought she was great.
Aden was just wonderful. He was so sweet and adorable! But, he was also strong and clever, part of what made it such a good spy. He was frustratingly stubborn at times, but I didn't mind. I still adored him.
The romance was lovely. From the moment they met, Vivien and Aden were infatuated with each other and it was just so sweet. The attraction was also there from the beginning, so we get some spice as well, though it wasn't the main part of their relationship. I thought they were lovely together.
The plot was fast paced and I was hooked the entire way through. The mystery of who was behind the kidnapping and the danger he presented kept me on the edge of my seat with nonstop thrills. I suspected who it turned out to be, but I was still surprised at the lengths this person was willing to go. I really enjoyed the story and the ending was lovely. I'm excited to see what's coming up next in this series because it's off to a brilliant start.
Secrets for Seducing a Royal Bodyguard was a fantastic historical romance. The mystery, the thrills, the romance-I loved every bit of it! Romance lovers, this is a book you'll want to read.
*I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
didnt-finish
August 13, 2016I love me some spy regencies, but I just can't stand this absurdly purple purpose.
For example, our first glimpse of the heroine:
"But even in the dim light cast by the candle, though disheveled and dirty her beauty shone clear to Aden in the cast of her elegant features. Hair the color of golden honey wound down from her ruined coiffure and tumbled around her shoulders. Her velvet evening cloak, woefully inadequate to ward off the chill from the room's moisture-slicked walls, had slipped from her shoulders to puddle about her waist, revealing creamy skin and gently sloping breasts that rose and fell in the rapid, shallow breathing of her disturbed sleep. A ridiculously delicate dress, all white lace and yellow silk, had a silly little sleeves that exposed most of her arms and shoulders, and her pale breasts gently swelled from the wispy bodice of her gown."
This is, like, read-aloud-as-a-party-game awful. Ouch.
For example, our first glimpse of the heroine:
"But even in the dim light cast by the candle, though disheveled and dirty her beauty shone clear to Aden in the cast of her elegant features. Hair the color of golden honey wound down from her ruined coiffure and tumbled around her shoulders. Her velvet evening cloak, woefully inadequate to ward off the chill from the room's moisture-slicked walls, had slipped from her shoulders to puddle about her waist, revealing creamy skin and gently sloping breasts that rose and fell in the rapid, shallow breathing of her disturbed sleep. A ridiculously delicate dress, all white lace and yellow silk, had a silly little sleeves that exposed most of her arms and shoulders, and her pale breasts gently swelled from the wispy bodice of her gown."
This is, like, read-aloud-as-a-party-game awful. Ouch.
Read
June 5, 2022This one I may come back to, but stopping at 15% for now…
September 6, 2016
4 stars!
Aden St. George is an interesting hero.
He is ridiculously handsome. A girl would have to be dead--or at least apoplectic-- not to react to a man like St. George.
For most of his life he'd seen himself as an outsider. He'd been delibertely rejected by the people in his life who most mattered. He felt unwanted and unworthy, the walking scandal, and someone who didn't deserve a normal life.
He's part of the Royal House Guards. He, along with his friend and mentor Sir Dominic, are secretly spies.
When we first meet Aden, he's rescued one of the tons most acclaimed young women, Lady Vivien Shaw, in the dead of night.
Vivien is a rather likeable heroine. Despite being rough handled and kidnapped she seems to have a good head on her shoulders. She's fearless and is unlike any other the other women of the ton. She also has the added burden of looking out for her gambling mother and younger brother. She constantly tries to keep them out of debt by playing cards. Meeting Aden is a refreshing change in her life.
I loved reading how they both tried their best to not be attracted to each other.
Slowly, the warmth in his eyes transmuted into a seductive heat. When his gaze dropped to her mouth, she could swear all that heat flicked a kiss of fire across it. Her lips parted in an involuntary gasp.
"Christ, Vivien," Aden murmured n a ragged voice. His gloved hands cupped her cheeks, tilting her face up another inch as he swiftly claimed her mouth.
And claim he did, slipping his tongue between her lips in a swirl of delicious, liquid heat. She tasted champagne and fire and potent masculine energy that drove its way straight to her heart. With a searing delight, both startling and terrifying in its power, she threw her arm around his neck, flinging herself against him.
I enjoyed the budding romance between Aden and Vivien. They matched each other perfectly and the love scenes were scorching.
He had fallen in love with her, God help him. And it made him more vulnerable to making mistakes than he'd ever even imagined.
"You love me?" she asked in a tight voice as she twisted partway around in his embrace.
"Of course I love you. How could I not? You're the most interesting woman I've ever met, despite your unfailing ability to get yourself into ridiculous situations."
She gave him a tentative smile. "I don't do it on purpose, you know. Things just seem to happen to me."
"Yes, I've noticed that trouble finds you on a fairly regular basis."
The horrible villain in this story is Prince Ivan. He's mean, vicious and will absolutely do anything to have Vivien as his wife... no matter the cost. She's his obsession. Vivien loathes him, thinks he looks like a toad, and tries to avoid him whenever possible.
Her oldest brother, Cyrus, could also be considered a villain, or close to it. I didn't like him in the beginning of the story and by the end of the book, I still didn't.
Vanessa Kelly has really found a unique niche that highlights both her storytelling abilities and stellar talents for depth of character and emotion. Every aspect of this tale is exquisite.
**ARC graciously provided by publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
I cannot wait for Griffin's story in CONFESSIONS OF A ROYAL BRIDEGROOM.
January 7, 2014
About the Author: Vanessa Kelly writes sensual Regency set historical romances and has been recognized many times over for her talented writing. Her second book, Sex and The Single Earl, won the Maggie Medallion for Best Historical Romance. Her third book, My Favorite Countess, was nominated for an RT Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Regency Historical Romance. She was named by Booklist as one of the new stars of historical romance.
Her new series, The Renegade Royals, was introduced in a novella titled Lost in a Royal Kiss. It came out last month. Secrets for Seducing a Royal Bodyguard will be out January 7, 2014.
Vanessa resides most of the year in Ontario, Canada with her husband, but spends her winters in Florida. She also writes USA Today Bestselling contemporary romances with her husband under the name V.K. Sykes.
For further information about Vanessa link to www.vanessakellyauthor.com or www.wksykes.com
About the Story: It wasn’t Aden St. George’s desire to get involved with a chit of the ton who had a slightly disputable reputation—off playing cards with high-rolling gamesters. What sort of lady would do that kind of thing? However, when she was kidnapped from her family’s carriage, he was commissioned to save her and to deal with her abductors.
Aden, an illegitimate son of a royal prince was a good spy. For the last ten years he had been kept busy abroad doing a job for his country. His ability to focus made him an excellent spy. He avoided his family since they had avoided him and that arrangement suited him fine. His stepfather had ridiculed him throughout his life and his mother virtually had ignored him. Fine, he was able to take care of himself. He didn’t need anyone. However, his recent mission in England had put him face-to-face with Lady Vivien Shaw. She wasn’t anything like what her reputation led a person to believe. Aden found her sweet, loyal, vibrant, witty, and intelligent – everything he would want to have in his life. Relationships however, made life messy. He needed to focus on being a spy and could not let his guard down. Friends got killed when he let emotion get in the path. He must take his mission seriously – protect Lady Vivien, but absolutely nothing more. But what he saw in her eyes and the beauty of her skin and her fragility, pulled at Aden’s gut. He wanted to protect her, let no one do her harm. But how could he keep from tasting her lips?
Vivien was grateful that Aden rescued her from her kidnappers. She had been drugged and unable to move and paralyzed with the thought that her abductors would return to her cell and do her bodily harm. When Aden slipped into the cave past her guards, she thought Aden was there to hurt her. She struggled with him, fighting for her life. Aden easily controlled her. Through his voice and eyes he convinced her that he was not going to harm her and he never would. He told her he was sent by Dominic, a name she knew well, and wanted to take her from the cave. She would have to trust him. That was the hardest thing for Vivien to do—to trust him. But there was something about him that comforted her. When he carried her in his arms, she felt safe. He spoke softly and quietly to her. But soon more than trust blossomed in Vivien’s heart. But she had to keep him from her suspicions of who was behind the kidnapping. She had to get back home and talk with her brother, Kit without involving Aden further.
My Thoughts: In Secrets of Seducing a Royal Bodyguard, Vanessa Kelly introduces the first of the men of her series who are troubled men because of their illegitimacy.
She does a superb job weaving her story with romance, intrigue, and suspense combined with protagonists who have a sense of humor. Her love scenes flow easily with such sensuality. She is able to virtually grab the reader by the collar and insist that you read and it is hard to put her books down. This one is no exception.
Vivien and Aden provide the reader much amusement as they learn about each other and deal with the difficulty in keeping Vivien safe. Aden tries to soothe and keep her from over reacting, however Vivien was the type of person that wants to take control herself, something she has always done to protect and care for her family since her father past away. This unfortunately, only gets her into more trouble, which Aden, true to his promise to her, is there helping her out of those ‘sticky’ moments.
Without reservation, I whole heartedly recommend this read, particularly to those readers who love book settings in the Regency period. Thumbs up, it’s a winner.
Her new series, The Renegade Royals, was introduced in a novella titled Lost in a Royal Kiss. It came out last month. Secrets for Seducing a Royal Bodyguard will be out January 7, 2014.
Vanessa resides most of the year in Ontario, Canada with her husband, but spends her winters in Florida. She also writes USA Today Bestselling contemporary romances with her husband under the name V.K. Sykes.
For further information about Vanessa link to www.vanessakellyauthor.com or www.wksykes.com
About the Story: It wasn’t Aden St. George’s desire to get involved with a chit of the ton who had a slightly disputable reputation—off playing cards with high-rolling gamesters. What sort of lady would do that kind of thing? However, when she was kidnapped from her family’s carriage, he was commissioned to save her and to deal with her abductors.
Aden, an illegitimate son of a royal prince was a good spy. For the last ten years he had been kept busy abroad doing a job for his country. His ability to focus made him an excellent spy. He avoided his family since they had avoided him and that arrangement suited him fine. His stepfather had ridiculed him throughout his life and his mother virtually had ignored him. Fine, he was able to take care of himself. He didn’t need anyone. However, his recent mission in England had put him face-to-face with Lady Vivien Shaw. She wasn’t anything like what her reputation led a person to believe. Aden found her sweet, loyal, vibrant, witty, and intelligent – everything he would want to have in his life. Relationships however, made life messy. He needed to focus on being a spy and could not let his guard down. Friends got killed when he let emotion get in the path. He must take his mission seriously – protect Lady Vivien, but absolutely nothing more. But what he saw in her eyes and the beauty of her skin and her fragility, pulled at Aden’s gut. He wanted to protect her, let no one do her harm. But how could he keep from tasting her lips?
Vivien was grateful that Aden rescued her from her kidnappers. She had been drugged and unable to move and paralyzed with the thought that her abductors would return to her cell and do her bodily harm. When Aden slipped into the cave past her guards, she thought Aden was there to hurt her. She struggled with him, fighting for her life. Aden easily controlled her. Through his voice and eyes he convinced her that he was not going to harm her and he never would. He told her he was sent by Dominic, a name she knew well, and wanted to take her from the cave. She would have to trust him. That was the hardest thing for Vivien to do—to trust him. But there was something about him that comforted her. When he carried her in his arms, she felt safe. He spoke softly and quietly to her. But soon more than trust blossomed in Vivien’s heart. But she had to keep him from her suspicions of who was behind the kidnapping. She had to get back home and talk with her brother, Kit without involving Aden further.
My Thoughts: In Secrets of Seducing a Royal Bodyguard, Vanessa Kelly introduces the first of the men of her series who are troubled men because of their illegitimacy.
She does a superb job weaving her story with romance, intrigue, and suspense combined with protagonists who have a sense of humor. Her love scenes flow easily with such sensuality. She is able to virtually grab the reader by the collar and insist that you read and it is hard to put her books down. This one is no exception.
Vivien and Aden provide the reader much amusement as they learn about each other and deal with the difficulty in keeping Vivien safe. Aden tries to soothe and keep her from over reacting, however Vivien was the type of person that wants to take control herself, something she has always done to protect and care for her family since her father past away. This unfortunately, only gets her into more trouble, which Aden, true to his promise to her, is there helping her out of those ‘sticky’ moments.
Without reservation, I whole heartedly recommend this read, particularly to those readers who love book settings in the Regency period. Thumbs up, it’s a winner.
December 20, 2013
Opinião do blogue Chaise Longue: http://girlinchaiselongue.blogspot.pt...
Considerada uma das “Novas Estrelas do Romance Histórico”, Vanessa Kelly tem já uma longa relação com o período da Regência, gosto que herdou da irmã mais velha que lhe deu a conhecer através dos livros de Georgette Heyer e que foi intensificado pela primeira vez que leu Jane Austen. Mais tarde, Vanessa iria acabar na faculdade a estudar obras de autores britânicos do século XVIII e início do XIX. Mesmo depois de ter deixado de estudar para trabalhar como investigadora para o sector público, Vanessa nunca esqueceu a Regência e quando decidiu deixar de escrever não ficção para escrever ficção, a escolha óbvia foi romances que se passassem nesta época.
Hoje, é autora de seis livros, duas séries e vários contos. Com o marido, começou também a escrever romances contemporâneos sobre o pseudónimo de V.K. Sykes em que ela é responsável pelo vestuário das personagens e pelas partes românticas. Secrets of Seducing a Royal Bodyguard é o primeiro livro da sua segunda série e irá ser publicado em Janeiro próximo.
Este livro foi a minha estreia com esta autora e, tenho a certeza, é uma experiência que não se ficará certamente por aqui. Num meio sobrelotado onde originalidade e presença são precisos, Vanessa Kelly é um nome a guardar, uma autora a ler e a apreciar e que irá certamente destacar-se pois ela percebe algo que algumas autoras do género esqueceram-se: as leitoras deste tipo de romance não precisam apenas de longas e bastantes cenas de sexo. Não. Precisam de romantismo, de aventura, de sensualidade, de sonhar. E é exactamente isso que Vanessa consegue com a sua escrita sonhadora e delicada, cheia de humor e com uma língua afiada, um romance que se destaca de tantos outros.
O livro agarra-nos logo no início e a partir daí a leitura é voraz, pontuada por cenas de acção e conquista, vilões irritantes e um herói e uma heroína inesquecíveis. O romance não é o todo da história, muito pelo contrário, enquanto a intriga e a acção vão aumentando, o romance também vai crescendo gradualmente e, se os protagonistas têm uma atracção quase imeditata, já a paixão entre eles vai crescendo conforme se vão conhecendo e confiando um no outro, deixando o leitor ir também se apaixonando até torcer fervorosamente por eles. Ou seja, romance e intriga envolvem-se perfeitamente um no outro criando uma trama fluída e arrebatadora em que a parte romântica não é excessiva e os pormenores e restantes personagens não são esquecidos.
O mistério apesar de puder ser adivinhado logo no início acaba por conseguir entreter o leitor já que é bem desenvolvido. Quanto aos momentos mais sensuais, a autora conseguiu mantê-las equilibradas bem como escrever algumas das cenas mais bonitas que eu já li neste tipo de livros. A autora consegue ainda utilizar alguns vícios e costumes da época de forma a criar um enredo mais interessante conseguindo ainda, criar curiosidade acerca dos restantes livros da série. Como pontos negativos tenho apenas a apontar o abuso de algumas expressões. Não é necessário estar sempre a repetir o mesmo, o leitor percebe à primeira e a repetição só serve para interromper o prazer da leitura. O outro ponto negativo é as grandes acções do protagonista parecerem motivadas pelas opiniões de outras personagens. Isso estragou um bocadinho o romance e havia de certeza outra forma de levá-lo a agir.
Personagens interessantes não faltam nesta história mas Aden e Vivien são mesmo os grandes protagonistas. A relação de ambos é enternecedora, cheia de humor e romantismo, discussão e respostas afiadas que trazem a romântica em mim ao de cima e que proporcionou os melhores momentos deste livro. Fiquei curiosa com o próximo protagonista, uma personagem misteriosa e assombrada pelo passado. As únicas personagens que não apreciei foram mesmo vilões que eram mais irritantes que outra coisa e a mãe da protagonista que me mexeu com os nervos.
Vanessa Kelly tornou-se uma autora a seguir e é com bastante entusiasmo que aguardo o próximo volume.
Considerada uma das “Novas Estrelas do Romance Histórico”, Vanessa Kelly tem já uma longa relação com o período da Regência, gosto que herdou da irmã mais velha que lhe deu a conhecer através dos livros de Georgette Heyer e que foi intensificado pela primeira vez que leu Jane Austen. Mais tarde, Vanessa iria acabar na faculdade a estudar obras de autores britânicos do século XVIII e início do XIX. Mesmo depois de ter deixado de estudar para trabalhar como investigadora para o sector público, Vanessa nunca esqueceu a Regência e quando decidiu deixar de escrever não ficção para escrever ficção, a escolha óbvia foi romances que se passassem nesta época.
Hoje, é autora de seis livros, duas séries e vários contos. Com o marido, começou também a escrever romances contemporâneos sobre o pseudónimo de V.K. Sykes em que ela é responsável pelo vestuário das personagens e pelas partes românticas. Secrets of Seducing a Royal Bodyguard é o primeiro livro da sua segunda série e irá ser publicado em Janeiro próximo.
Este livro foi a minha estreia com esta autora e, tenho a certeza, é uma experiência que não se ficará certamente por aqui. Num meio sobrelotado onde originalidade e presença são precisos, Vanessa Kelly é um nome a guardar, uma autora a ler e a apreciar e que irá certamente destacar-se pois ela percebe algo que algumas autoras do género esqueceram-se: as leitoras deste tipo de romance não precisam apenas de longas e bastantes cenas de sexo. Não. Precisam de romantismo, de aventura, de sensualidade, de sonhar. E é exactamente isso que Vanessa consegue com a sua escrita sonhadora e delicada, cheia de humor e com uma língua afiada, um romance que se destaca de tantos outros.
O livro agarra-nos logo no início e a partir daí a leitura é voraz, pontuada por cenas de acção e conquista, vilões irritantes e um herói e uma heroína inesquecíveis. O romance não é o todo da história, muito pelo contrário, enquanto a intriga e a acção vão aumentando, o romance também vai crescendo gradualmente e, se os protagonistas têm uma atracção quase imeditata, já a paixão entre eles vai crescendo conforme se vão conhecendo e confiando um no outro, deixando o leitor ir também se apaixonando até torcer fervorosamente por eles. Ou seja, romance e intriga envolvem-se perfeitamente um no outro criando uma trama fluída e arrebatadora em que a parte romântica não é excessiva e os pormenores e restantes personagens não são esquecidos.
O mistério apesar de puder ser adivinhado logo no início acaba por conseguir entreter o leitor já que é bem desenvolvido. Quanto aos momentos mais sensuais, a autora conseguiu mantê-las equilibradas bem como escrever algumas das cenas mais bonitas que eu já li neste tipo de livros. A autora consegue ainda utilizar alguns vícios e costumes da época de forma a criar um enredo mais interessante conseguindo ainda, criar curiosidade acerca dos restantes livros da série. Como pontos negativos tenho apenas a apontar o abuso de algumas expressões. Não é necessário estar sempre a repetir o mesmo, o leitor percebe à primeira e a repetição só serve para interromper o prazer da leitura. O outro ponto negativo é as grandes acções do protagonista parecerem motivadas pelas opiniões de outras personagens. Isso estragou um bocadinho o romance e havia de certeza outra forma de levá-lo a agir.
Personagens interessantes não faltam nesta história mas Aden e Vivien são mesmo os grandes protagonistas. A relação de ambos é enternecedora, cheia de humor e romantismo, discussão e respostas afiadas que trazem a romântica em mim ao de cima e que proporcionou os melhores momentos deste livro. Fiquei curiosa com o próximo protagonista, uma personagem misteriosa e assombrada pelo passado. As únicas personagens que não apreciei foram mesmo vilões que eram mais irritantes que outra coisa e a mãe da protagonista que me mexeu com os nervos.
Vanessa Kelly tornou-se uma autora a seguir e é com bastante entusiasmo que aguardo o próximo volume.
October 6, 2016
***copy provided by publisher through NetGalley***
Lady Vivien Shaw is abducted from her carriage in the middle of Mayfair and held for two days in a smuggler’s cove. To avoid scandal, spymaster Dominic Hunter sends one of his best men to retrieve her.
Aden St. George, bastard son of the Prince Regent, succeeds in rescuing the woman, but saving her is another matter indeed, since the lady’s obviously hiding something. Aden is certain she knows who’s behind the kidnapping, but refuses to tell.
She’s wrong, of course, the truth is much, much worse.
This was an amazing story. I love spy plots, but spy plots set in Regency or Victorian England are the absolute best, since the men and women had to resort only on their ingenuity, skill, and smarts without any gadgets so popular these days.
Anyway, the reader is immediately (on the very first page!) thrust into the thick of the action as Aden rescues Vivien from the clutches of her captors. Then the story slows down, but not in terms of pacing, but in terms of “let’s cut back on the action and get to know our characters”. It works, and the characters are wonderful, and rather refreshing. Sure, both Aden and Vivien have their moments of idiocy; Aden a lot more than Vivien with his keeping-people-away spiel, while Vivien only goes a little TSTL-ish toward the half-mark of the story with all her schemes and plans of keeping her family financially afloat.
Their romance, there is no better way to describe it—it’s not a relationship, but a downright romance—progresses nicely and gradually, from savior/victim to mutual respect and admiration, reluctant friendship, to budding feelings, and full-on love. They have their ups and downs, mainly because of the period and its restrictions, and, of course, Aden’s reservations (read: fear), but their love story is beautiful to read. Organic and realistic.
The rest of the cast is diverse, intriguing, and entertaining. Aden’s mother a force of nature, Vivien’s not so much, Dominic Hunter an intelligent puppet master, Griffin Steele (whose story comes next) extremely promising and intriguing (can’t wait), the villains very creepy and appropriately disgusting...
The suspense part of the story was nicely drawn and captivating, the action scenes gripping and intense, the story constantly kept the reader guessing what might come next.
The writing was superb, the characterization, as mentioned, spot-on, there wasn’t a slow (in terms of pacing) moment, the suspense engaging, the villains just “villainy” enough without descending into caricature, and the romance (with its high and lows and all its nuances) lovely.
I can’t wait for the next story.
Lady Vivien Shaw is abducted from her carriage in the middle of Mayfair and held for two days in a smuggler’s cove. To avoid scandal, spymaster Dominic Hunter sends one of his best men to retrieve her.
Aden St. George, bastard son of the Prince Regent, succeeds in rescuing the woman, but saving her is another matter indeed, since the lady’s obviously hiding something. Aden is certain she knows who’s behind the kidnapping, but refuses to tell.
She’s wrong, of course, the truth is much, much worse.
This was an amazing story. I love spy plots, but spy plots set in Regency or Victorian England are the absolute best, since the men and women had to resort only on their ingenuity, skill, and smarts without any gadgets so popular these days.
Anyway, the reader is immediately (on the very first page!) thrust into the thick of the action as Aden rescues Vivien from the clutches of her captors. Then the story slows down, but not in terms of pacing, but in terms of “let’s cut back on the action and get to know our characters”. It works, and the characters are wonderful, and rather refreshing. Sure, both Aden and Vivien have their moments of idiocy; Aden a lot more than Vivien with his keeping-people-away spiel, while Vivien only goes a little TSTL-ish toward the half-mark of the story with all her schemes and plans of keeping her family financially afloat.
Their romance, there is no better way to describe it—it’s not a relationship, but a downright romance—progresses nicely and gradually, from savior/victim to mutual respect and admiration, reluctant friendship, to budding feelings, and full-on love. They have their ups and downs, mainly because of the period and its restrictions, and, of course, Aden’s reservations (read: fear), but their love story is beautiful to read. Organic and realistic.
The rest of the cast is diverse, intriguing, and entertaining. Aden’s mother a force of nature, Vivien’s not so much, Dominic Hunter an intelligent puppet master, Griffin Steele (whose story comes next) extremely promising and intriguing (can’t wait), the villains very creepy and appropriately disgusting...
The suspense part of the story was nicely drawn and captivating, the action scenes gripping and intense, the story constantly kept the reader guessing what might come next.
The writing was superb, the characterization, as mentioned, spot-on, there wasn’t a slow (in terms of pacing) moment, the suspense engaging, the villains just “villainy” enough without descending into caricature, and the romance (with its high and lows and all its nuances) lovely.
I can’t wait for the next story.
February 28, 2014
Vanessa Kelly's books are always a good time. Unique characters, bold women, an entertaining storyline. And Secrets for Seducing a Royal Bodyguard definitely had a lot of that going on. And it's has an absolutely gorgeous cover happening.
I really liked both Aden and Vivien. They fit nicely and I enjoyed their banter. And I just liked each of them and how they dealt with things. Vivien's inner dialogue cracked me up. She acted like a ninny quite a few times. But she knew she was acting like a ninny and just couldn't seem to help herself and marveled at the things coming out of her own mouth. And for that I loved her. It was a hoot. They had some nice steam going as well which was fun.
There was some nice excitement as Aden rescued Vivien after she was kidnapped then kept her safe from an unknown threat that was out to get her. It added a nice touch of danger to the storyline. The only thing I didn't really love were the secondary characters--namely her family who just didn't seem to care about anyone but themselves and certainly not Vivien. They were present for a lot of the story which was frustrating since I really just wanted her to say "Enough!" and be done with them. Other than that though I enjoyed the start to this series and am looking forward to seeing what's to come with some of the side characters Aden knew who were rather intriguing.
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
I really liked both Aden and Vivien. They fit nicely and I enjoyed their banter. And I just liked each of them and how they dealt with things. Vivien's inner dialogue cracked me up. She acted like a ninny quite a few times. But she knew she was acting like a ninny and just couldn't seem to help herself and marveled at the things coming out of her own mouth. And for that I loved her. It was a hoot. They had some nice steam going as well which was fun.
"Open you eyes, darling." he said.
Reluctantly, she dragged them open. As much as she wanted to look at him, with her eyes closed she could concentrate entirely on her burgeoning responses to his body.
Not that looking at him wasn't very pleasurable, too.
"Good girl," he murmured. "If only you were so obedient outside the bedroom."
Scowling, she pinched his shoulder. It was like pinching a block of wood. "That was a beastly thing to say, Aden. I always do what you tell me to do."
He braced himself on his forearms, gazing at her with an ironic lift to his eyebrows.
"Well, within reason." she amended.
"Lets get back to your breasts," he said dryly.
"She had to repress the mad urge to giggle. "Yes, let's."
There was some nice excitement as Aden rescued Vivien after she was kidnapped then kept her safe from an unknown threat that was out to get her. It added a nice touch of danger to the storyline. The only thing I didn't really love were the secondary characters--namely her family who just didn't seem to care about anyone but themselves and certainly not Vivien. They were present for a lot of the story which was frustrating since I really just wanted her to say "Enough!" and be done with them. Other than that though I enjoyed the start to this series and am looking forward to seeing what's to come with some of the side characters Aden knew who were rather intriguing.
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
January 18, 2014
I have to say I was pleasantly surprised that I liked this book as much as I did.
I liked Vivien (although that spelling kept making me think vixen). She reminded me of Linnet in the prequel Lost in a Royal Kiss. A woman of good sense who cares for her family to the extreme.
Aden was your typical tortured brooding hero. He ran hot and cold and while I tried to be understanding it started to irk me. When he said I'm sorry Vivien, it's over - mentally I was screaming "You stupid jerk! Don't let the door hit you in the ass on way out!" At that point I was done with him and wished Vivien was too. But he does redeem himself - not nearly enough Groveling in my opinion - but enough for me to be happy for them.
Now Griffin is just yummy and I can't wait for his story! Love it when a rake is brought to heel :). I am also looking forward to Dominic's HEA.
I liked Vivien (although that spelling kept making me think vixen). She reminded me of Linnet in the prequel Lost in a Royal Kiss. A woman of good sense who cares for her family to the extreme.
Aden was your typical tortured brooding hero. He ran hot and cold and while I tried to be understanding it started to irk me. When he said I'm sorry Vivien, it's over - mentally I was screaming "You stupid jerk! Don't let the door hit you in the ass on way out!" At that point I was done with him and wished Vivien was too. But he does redeem himself - not nearly enough Groveling in my opinion - but enough for me to be happy for them.
Now Griffin is just yummy and I can't wait for his story! Love it when a rake is brought to heel :). I am also looking forward to Dominic's HEA.
November 15, 2017
Reviewed by Julie
Book provided by Kensington Publishing
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
I love historical romances with a touch of mystery and intrigue and this one doesn’t disappoint on that front.
Lady Vivien Shaw was kidnapped and Aden St. George, a man with the Royal Guard, is commissioned to rescue her. Their escape from the kidnapper’s clutches was fairly easy and the lady is safe under the watchful eye of Aden. But, there is an undeniable tension between the pair and Aden struggles mightily with his attraction to Vivien. He believes his emotions must remain under control at all times, so was quite ready to return her to her normal life without further ado. However, Sir Dominic Hunter, a master spy, is worried Vivien could still be in danger since they still don’t know who is behind the kidnapping. So Aden finds himself still acting as the lady’s bodyguard after his rescue mission is complete.
From this point on the suspense level really picks up. The suspects include a Russian prince who refuses to take no for an answer and proposes marriage regularly and one of Vivien’s siblings.
The sexual tension also picks up, but lust seemed to rule the day more than love, in my opinion and real chemistry was slow to build.
But, Aden allows his heritage as the bastard son of the Prince regent and his emotions, oddly enough, to complicate things for Vivien causing her to take matters into her own hands. This is where I wondered why the always in control Aden had stepped out of character. But, Aden will later confess to Vivien – “ I’m an idiot”…
Vivien was an independent woman we can respect, but her family loyalty overrules her common sense at times, but under the circumstances she felt she had no choice.
The pace was even with action and suspense on top of the romance which was fun and the intrigue saved the day for the story in the long run. There was a touch of predictability in the story, and it was perhaps a little too lengthy, but I enjoyed the banter, dialogue, the secondary characters we are sure to meet again, and I am so happy to see this couple who has suffered from inattention and family dramas, will now have one another to love and will take good care of each other.
Book provided by Kensington Publishing
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
I love historical romances with a touch of mystery and intrigue and this one doesn’t disappoint on that front.
Lady Vivien Shaw was kidnapped and Aden St. George, a man with the Royal Guard, is commissioned to rescue her. Their escape from the kidnapper’s clutches was fairly easy and the lady is safe under the watchful eye of Aden. But, there is an undeniable tension between the pair and Aden struggles mightily with his attraction to Vivien. He believes his emotions must remain under control at all times, so was quite ready to return her to her normal life without further ado. However, Sir Dominic Hunter, a master spy, is worried Vivien could still be in danger since they still don’t know who is behind the kidnapping. So Aden finds himself still acting as the lady’s bodyguard after his rescue mission is complete.
From this point on the suspense level really picks up. The suspects include a Russian prince who refuses to take no for an answer and proposes marriage regularly and one of Vivien’s siblings.
The sexual tension also picks up, but lust seemed to rule the day more than love, in my opinion and real chemistry was slow to build.
But, Aden allows his heritage as the bastard son of the Prince regent and his emotions, oddly enough, to complicate things for Vivien causing her to take matters into her own hands. This is where I wondered why the always in control Aden had stepped out of character. But, Aden will later confess to Vivien – “ I’m an idiot”…
Vivien was an independent woman we can respect, but her family loyalty overrules her common sense at times, but under the circumstances she felt she had no choice.
The pace was even with action and suspense on top of the romance which was fun and the intrigue saved the day for the story in the long run. There was a touch of predictability in the story, and it was perhaps a little too lengthy, but I enjoyed the banter, dialogue, the secondary characters we are sure to meet again, and I am so happy to see this couple who has suffered from inattention and family dramas, will now have one another to love and will take good care of each other.
January 12, 2014
Vanessa Kelly's "Royal Renegades" series starts (or continues if you read the prequel novella) with a rescue attempt. It's probably just me, but like the novella I felt like we're missing a few introductory pages. There's no prelude we jump straight into the action, which is fine and great, but I felt like something was missing.
Aden St. George is sent on behalf of Dominic Hunter to rescue Lady Vivien. Since we've jumped right into the fray of things we don't know the specifics of her abduction. As he rescues her and brings her to London to we learn more about them as people including their issues with their families and recent troubling events.
While St. George is doing the rescuing and Vivien is being rescued they can't help but feel attracted to one another. I don't know if that's the first thing that would come to mind during such a life or death situation. At least that insanity is mentioned a few times during the first several chapters. I don't know if I believe their attraction. It's not a gradual process it's instantaneous. I think had it not been under dire circumstances I may have liked it more.
It's a rather long book compared to what's out there. It clocks in at 401 pages on my kindle (including excerpts and previews). I think a lot could have been cut out and we still would have had the same story and I don't think we've would of missed much. I found there to be a lot of inner dialogue and quite repetitive. I thought the plot could of moved along quicker while still maintaining credibility.
In terms of the characters I liked them - at times. Vivien is headstrong, she fights back when she can, tells it like it is both outwardly and with some mutters yet she's very proper. She's strong, yet shy when it comes to St. George. She's a fierce card player yet can't resist the George.
St. George on the other hand is a deft and efficient spymaster. He can move with the ton (though he doesn't like it) and move within the underground. The fact that he dislikes the ton and has a strained relationship with his mother is interesting. Did I mention he's also a bastard of the prince regent? I really liked his mother and she really helped at times, but disliked she rather disappeared towards the end. He's supposed to be a great spy, yet he feels like he can crumble and make idiotic decisions because of his attraction to Vivien. He thinks she's different. He saw how he reacted to her abduction and instantly felt protective and attracted to her. But because of a recent failed mission he refuses to give in to distraction. And we all know how that goes.
Once St. George returns Vivien back to London Dominic insists that he stay with her until they know who out the hit on her. So of course when there are close confines temptations will abound. Rarely have I read a book where the heroine confides her fears and threats to hero. Usually they have already built up the trust to do so, but often have TSTL moments where they feel they must act alone. Here Vivien knows her little brother is the reason why she was kidnapped. She feels she can't tell St. George because somewhere that will implicate her brother into more trouble. However, he's saved her, she felt protected by him, she knows he's after who kidnapped her, why not let him help. It'll save her so much time and aggravation from having to avoid his help. I know it's a story that has to play up the tension. I get it. But I think Vivien's hesitation in telling St George should of been justified. Had she had trust issues with men or had she always had to rely on herself, then ok. We do briefly touch about that though. Her younger brother and mother are thick as thieves and are often in debt and some kind of trouble. Her older brother is no use. So she's used to shouldering all her issues herself. Yet St. George is the perfect person to confide her troubles with. Even if she doesn't see him as a romantic interest (which of course she does), he doesn't give any real reason why she can't trust him.
And when she finally does decide to tell him the truth (around the 50% mark) and much of that is because he pressures her into telling him they finally make headway. By working together and often bickering along, they try to solve the problems brought on by her younger brother and the Russian prince. There were times though that I was a little annoyed by St. George. He wants to protect Vivien so badly, it seems he makes a hash of things. He's reasoning is justified, but he lets his emotions come into play and protects her even if it causes a bit of a scene. And for all the hell he gave her about protection, did he actually do any investigating when he was not with her?
There were times where I was drawn out of the story by the language used. I thought they sounded to modern in certain scenes. It's impossible to write a modern historical fully using 19th century language (since we're reading historical romance, not historical literature) and that's certainly not expected, but I think there are certain words and phrases that should be omitted to not seem so modern.
I surprisingly liked and didn't like the love scenes. I found the foreplay scenes to be sweet and the rest quick and tidy. I'm not expecting erotica, but the actual act was over rather quickly.
All in all I started to lose steam towards the end. I struggled to finish it. I thought about giving up around the 25% mark, but kept going. I read but didn't read. The characters made dumb illogical decisions. I get where the author was going with the characterizations, but I felt it went in too many convoluted circles. It's one thing for drama or character development, but it didn't added much.
In my review for the prequel I said I was really looking forward to Dominic's story. Given the writing, the pace and the plotting I'm not sure if I'll make it there. I always like a misplaced baby going to a reprobate of the highest order so Griffin's story seems to be interesting, but we'll see.
Aden St. George is sent on behalf of Dominic Hunter to rescue Lady Vivien. Since we've jumped right into the fray of things we don't know the specifics of her abduction. As he rescues her and brings her to London to we learn more about them as people including their issues with their families and recent troubling events.
While St. George is doing the rescuing and Vivien is being rescued they can't help but feel attracted to one another. I don't know if that's the first thing that would come to mind during such a life or death situation. At least that insanity is mentioned a few times during the first several chapters. I don't know if I believe their attraction. It's not a gradual process it's instantaneous. I think had it not been under dire circumstances I may have liked it more.
It's a rather long book compared to what's out there. It clocks in at 401 pages on my kindle (including excerpts and previews). I think a lot could have been cut out and we still would have had the same story and I don't think we've would of missed much. I found there to be a lot of inner dialogue and quite repetitive. I thought the plot could of moved along quicker while still maintaining credibility.
In terms of the characters I liked them - at times. Vivien is headstrong, she fights back when she can, tells it like it is both outwardly and with some mutters yet she's very proper. She's strong, yet shy when it comes to St. George. She's a fierce card player yet can't resist the George.
St. George on the other hand is a deft and efficient spymaster. He can move with the ton (though he doesn't like it) and move within the underground. The fact that he dislikes the ton and has a strained relationship with his mother is interesting. Did I mention he's also a bastard of the prince regent? I really liked his mother and she really helped at times, but disliked she rather disappeared towards the end. He's supposed to be a great spy, yet he feels like he can crumble and make idiotic decisions because of his attraction to Vivien. He thinks she's different. He saw how he reacted to her abduction and instantly felt protective and attracted to her. But because of a recent failed mission he refuses to give in to distraction. And we all know how that goes.
Once St. George returns Vivien back to London Dominic insists that he stay with her until they know who out the hit on her. So of course when there are close confines temptations will abound. Rarely have I read a book where the heroine confides her fears and threats to hero. Usually they have already built up the trust to do so, but often have TSTL moments where they feel they must act alone. Here Vivien knows her little brother is the reason why she was kidnapped. She feels she can't tell St. George because somewhere that will implicate her brother into more trouble. However, he's saved her, she felt protected by him, she knows he's after who kidnapped her, why not let him help. It'll save her so much time and aggravation from having to avoid his help. I know it's a story that has to play up the tension. I get it. But I think Vivien's hesitation in telling St George should of been justified. Had she had trust issues with men or had she always had to rely on herself, then ok. We do briefly touch about that though. Her younger brother and mother are thick as thieves and are often in debt and some kind of trouble. Her older brother is no use. So she's used to shouldering all her issues herself. Yet St. George is the perfect person to confide her troubles with. Even if she doesn't see him as a romantic interest (which of course she does), he doesn't give any real reason why she can't trust him.
And when she finally does decide to tell him the truth (around the 50% mark) and much of that is because he pressures her into telling him they finally make headway. By working together and often bickering along, they try to solve the problems brought on by her younger brother and the Russian prince. There were times though that I was a little annoyed by St. George. He wants to protect Vivien so badly, it seems he makes a hash of things. He's reasoning is justified, but he lets his emotions come into play and protects her even if it causes a bit of a scene. And for all the hell he gave her about protection, did he actually do any investigating when he was not with her?
There were times where I was drawn out of the story by the language used. I thought they sounded to modern in certain scenes. It's impossible to write a modern historical fully using 19th century language (since we're reading historical romance, not historical literature) and that's certainly not expected, but I think there are certain words and phrases that should be omitted to not seem so modern.
I surprisingly liked and didn't like the love scenes. I found the foreplay scenes to be sweet and the rest quick and tidy. I'm not expecting erotica, but the actual act was over rather quickly.
All in all I started to lose steam towards the end. I struggled to finish it. I thought about giving up around the 25% mark, but kept going. I read but didn't read. The characters made dumb illogical decisions. I get where the author was going with the characterizations, but I felt it went in too many convoluted circles. It's one thing for drama or character development, but it didn't added much.
In my review for the prequel I said I was really looking forward to Dominic's story. Given the writing, the pace and the plotting I'm not sure if I'll make it there. I always like a misplaced baby going to a reprobate of the highest order so Griffin's story seems to be interesting, but we'll see.
December 22, 2013
England 1814
Aden St. George is sent by Sir Dominic Hunter to rescue Lady Vivien Shaw from some smuggling caves. He finds her drugged and carries her to safety. On the ride from the caves to the tiny hamlet where a coach is waiting, they find their attraction for each other growing. Vivien hasn't had a man care about her welfare or make her feel safe since her father died.
Her family treats her horribly. Her older brother denies any payment for ransom even before it's asked for. Her mother and younger brother repeatedly get themselves into debt gambling knowing Vivien will find a way to pay them off.
Aden works for Dominic who is one of the most powerful spymasters in England under the guise of working for the Home Office. He is Lady Thornbury's bastard child with the Prince of Wales, now England's Regent. His mother and Vivien are close and, deep inside, Aden resents his mother's closeness to her having never had it himself. Dominic gives him orders to stay close to Vivien as she goes about her life in the ton. They will try to figure out who is behind her kidnapping.
Prince Ivan of Russia (Ivan the Terrible) has his sights set on Vivien and Aden is having none of it. These two are constantly at each others throats when it comes to her. Her older brother gives his consent for Ivan to court Vivien and she refuses to do this. He's offered Cyrus a considerable sum to marry her and he is threatening to turn out their brother and mother is she doesn't consent, Vivien is enraged!
Aden walks in on Ivan attacking Vivian, trying to force himself on her and Aden throws Ivan off of her. Cyrus walks in and they realize this had been a trap, for her to get caught with Ivan in a situation that would force her to marry him. Later, Aden discusses with his mother how to get Vivien to open up about who she thinks is behind the kidnapping and the way to go about doing that is to get her to fall in love with him so she will trust him enough to tell. The next day they call on her for breakfast.
~ He watched her from the opposite side of the table. When their eyes met, he gave her a charming smile before lifting his cup to his lips. When he winked at her, she almost dropped her cup in her lap. She'd never seen him in a playful mood or been on the receiving end when he unleashed a truly devastating smile. Her heart tripped over itself, and she had to carefully place her cup back in it's saucer to avoid slopping coffee into the dish. But his smile had done the trick. Her tension eased and a glow of pleasure warmed her limbs.~
Aden tells Vivien to stay at home and out of trouble until they can find who is behind her kidnapping. He will escort her to every function and she's to stay put when he's not with her. Griffin Steele, Aden's cousin and another bastard with royal blood simmering in his veins, sends Aden a note telling him Vivien was in his gaming hell. Aden literally runs over to snatch her out of there. (Griffin is the son of Chloe Steele from Lost In a Royal Kiss. She was forced to give him up shortly after his birth and then she disappeared not to be seen or heard from since. Dominic has been in love with her all these years.) Aden takes her out of the gaming hell, into his carriage, and leaves her younger brother who had been with her to find his own way home. Things come to a head on that ride and the passion explodes. Aden comes to his senses right when things almost go too far and Vivien takes this for rejection. She's hurt but agrees to not do anything more foolhardy as what she did this night. Vivien is a spitfire. Very good at gambling, very protective of her family and always into something that has Aden slapping his forehead. She's going to send him to Bedlam with her antics yet. They both have fallen hard for each other at this point and Aden is fighting it hard.
There is another attempt against Vivien and one of Aden's men is killed. They go into hiding under assumed names while Dominic and Aden work to find the abductors. Aden is finally admitting that he loves her but thinks it will make him vulnerable and unable to keep her safe so he leaves her in the hands of Dominic's staff. She is taken and about to be forced to do something beyond her will when again, Aden comes to her rescue. Here is where their life journey begins and I'll stop here and leave you to read the book to find out what happens
The story ends with Linnet and Anthony Tait, from Lost In a Royal Kiss, telling Dominic they hope he can find his happiness someday. Dominic has taken it upon himself to help all of the royal bastards. He has his sights set on Griffin next. But first he is going to find Griffin's mother, the woman Dominic loves and he will find her if he has to search every inch of England. Dominic is a common thread through this series and will get his own book. Griffin's story, Confessions Of a Royal Bridegroom is next and I am trying desperately to find patience to wait for it.
I loved the banter between all the characters. The story was well paced and I felt each character held their own. I had a true sense of anger and dislike for Ivan and Cyrus. I also could have throttled Vivien's mother and younger brother at times but loved how Vanessa kept me coming back rooting for them. I laughed and felt my heart tug, felt anger, and happiness while reading this. There are some really loveable characters and some major villains. This is one series you do not want to miss!
Aden St. George is sent by Sir Dominic Hunter to rescue Lady Vivien Shaw from some smuggling caves. He finds her drugged and carries her to safety. On the ride from the caves to the tiny hamlet where a coach is waiting, they find their attraction for each other growing. Vivien hasn't had a man care about her welfare or make her feel safe since her father died.
Her family treats her horribly. Her older brother denies any payment for ransom even before it's asked for. Her mother and younger brother repeatedly get themselves into debt gambling knowing Vivien will find a way to pay them off.
Aden works for Dominic who is one of the most powerful spymasters in England under the guise of working for the Home Office. He is Lady Thornbury's bastard child with the Prince of Wales, now England's Regent. His mother and Vivien are close and, deep inside, Aden resents his mother's closeness to her having never had it himself. Dominic gives him orders to stay close to Vivien as she goes about her life in the ton. They will try to figure out who is behind her kidnapping.
Prince Ivan of Russia (Ivan the Terrible) has his sights set on Vivien and Aden is having none of it. These two are constantly at each others throats when it comes to her. Her older brother gives his consent for Ivan to court Vivien and she refuses to do this. He's offered Cyrus a considerable sum to marry her and he is threatening to turn out their brother and mother is she doesn't consent, Vivien is enraged!
Aden walks in on Ivan attacking Vivian, trying to force himself on her and Aden throws Ivan off of her. Cyrus walks in and they realize this had been a trap, for her to get caught with Ivan in a situation that would force her to marry him. Later, Aden discusses with his mother how to get Vivien to open up about who she thinks is behind the kidnapping and the way to go about doing that is to get her to fall in love with him so she will trust him enough to tell. The next day they call on her for breakfast.
~ He watched her from the opposite side of the table. When their eyes met, he gave her a charming smile before lifting his cup to his lips. When he winked at her, she almost dropped her cup in her lap. She'd never seen him in a playful mood or been on the receiving end when he unleashed a truly devastating smile. Her heart tripped over itself, and she had to carefully place her cup back in it's saucer to avoid slopping coffee into the dish. But his smile had done the trick. Her tension eased and a glow of pleasure warmed her limbs.~
Aden tells Vivien to stay at home and out of trouble until they can find who is behind her kidnapping. He will escort her to every function and she's to stay put when he's not with her. Griffin Steele, Aden's cousin and another bastard with royal blood simmering in his veins, sends Aden a note telling him Vivien was in his gaming hell. Aden literally runs over to snatch her out of there. (Griffin is the son of Chloe Steele from Lost In a Royal Kiss. She was forced to give him up shortly after his birth and then she disappeared not to be seen or heard from since. Dominic has been in love with her all these years.) Aden takes her out of the gaming hell, into his carriage, and leaves her younger brother who had been with her to find his own way home. Things come to a head on that ride and the passion explodes. Aden comes to his senses right when things almost go too far and Vivien takes this for rejection. She's hurt but agrees to not do anything more foolhardy as what she did this night. Vivien is a spitfire. Very good at gambling, very protective of her family and always into something that has Aden slapping his forehead. She's going to send him to Bedlam with her antics yet. They both have fallen hard for each other at this point and Aden is fighting it hard.
There is another attempt against Vivien and one of Aden's men is killed. They go into hiding under assumed names while Dominic and Aden work to find the abductors. Aden is finally admitting that he loves her but thinks it will make him vulnerable and unable to keep her safe so he leaves her in the hands of Dominic's staff. She is taken and about to be forced to do something beyond her will when again, Aden comes to her rescue. Here is where their life journey begins and I'll stop here and leave you to read the book to find out what happens
The story ends with Linnet and Anthony Tait, from Lost In a Royal Kiss, telling Dominic they hope he can find his happiness someday. Dominic has taken it upon himself to help all of the royal bastards. He has his sights set on Griffin next. But first he is going to find Griffin's mother, the woman Dominic loves and he will find her if he has to search every inch of England. Dominic is a common thread through this series and will get his own book. Griffin's story, Confessions Of a Royal Bridegroom is next and I am trying desperately to find patience to wait for it.
I loved the banter between all the characters. The story was well paced and I felt each character held their own. I had a true sense of anger and dislike for Ivan and Cyrus. I also could have throttled Vivien's mother and younger brother at times but loved how Vanessa kept me coming back rooting for them. I laughed and felt my heart tug, felt anger, and happiness while reading this. There are some really loveable characters and some major villains. This is one series you do not want to miss!
February 13, 2019
The hero and heroine in this story were great! They were perfect for each other and there was good chemistry between them. I liked the storyline idea but it was a little over the top at times...Or at least Prince Ivan’s obsession was. Beyond that the writing was great and I enjoyed reading it. 3.5 stars.
May 10, 2021
Dim-witted heroine, not enough chemistry. Skimmed to the end.
Read
July 12, 2023Dnf'd. I really struggled with the writing style. It felt stilted and too descriptive as the explained practically every step and action.
I may try again eventually as I love bodyguard romances.
I may try again eventually as I love bodyguard romances.
January 19, 2016
I loved this book! Don't worry if you haven't read the novella Lost in his Royal Kiss it really doesn't matter it's just back round on the ever present character Dominic but it is a good novella so I sugest you read it anyways. Dominic having grown up know is in charge a spy network against the French, he recruited several by blows of the Royal family, Cousins Aden and Griffin are the ones we know of now (but with as many kids they had that were unclaimed who knows just how long Mrs. Kelly can draw this out).
This first story is about Aden St. George, the youngest son of Lady Thornbury and the by blow of the Prince Regent. Aden has just returned from France after a particularly difficult case when he gets recruited into a rescue mission. Vivien is the bell of the ball everyone likes her and despite her getting close to the age of spinsterhood and being put on the shelf she doesn't want to marry. Vivien is happy as she is with her friends, family, and admirers', she is loyal and devoted to her family. But right now she needs to be rescued she was kidnapped right out of her own family carriage and taken to some smuggler caves, lucky enough she has only been rough handled and mistreated and not raped. St. George is not who expects when her comes to her rescue. This large gorgeous man who claims to be a Royal Guard is all business like but her reaction to him and his to her is anything but.
After her neatly covered up disappearance with the help of Lady Thornbury, Lady Vivien reenters society but she still isn't in the clear aside from being on the watch of future abductions until Aden and Sir Dominic can reveal the culprit, she has to raise money to cover her younger brothers gamboling debt and her mother debt also all the while trying to avoid and dissuade the horrid Russian Prince Ivan from his obsession with making her his wife, not like her older brother the Earl of Blake is doing anything to help except be an ass.
Vivien is determined to fix everything for her family and has resorted to gamble her own private savings in order to save them. Aden has only her safety in mind whisking her out of the worst gamming hell (which is also owned by his cousin Griffin Steele) and sweeping her off her feet when almost assaulted by Prince Ivan. Only after a second botched kidnapping attempt Aden spirits Vivien away until they can find the proof they need to stop the kidnapping. Being alone with Vivien is the distraction he doesn't need. Always capable of keeping his emotions separate from his work but being alone together upsets everything especially when he realizes he has fallen in love with her. Aden own cowardice and Prince Ivan mess up everything. Can Aden give in to his fillings in time to save Vivien from the clutches of Prince Ivan?
A great first novel for a much anticipated series if the other are half as good as this it still is going to be great. The next book is due out April 2014 Confessions of a Royal Bridegroom which is going to be Griffin's book. There is an excerpt from the up coming novel at the back of the book, I am looking forward to this I fell in love with Griffin, I always liked the bad boy rouge.
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