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The Englishman
Anna has landed her dream job as an Assistant Professor of English literature at a prestigious college in the South. Instead of charging ahead with her career, however, she is confronted by hurdles, pitfalls and mysteries. Why does no one restrain the demented hoarder who secretly uses her office as his private storeroom? Who is responsible for her sudden loss in salary? What is behind the vandalism in her department? Is it a personal attack against her irreverent and somewhat unconventional teaching style?
Professor Giles Cleveland is supposed to mentor her in all this, but he’s arrogant, sardonic, condescending, disconcertingly attractive and – Anna keeps reminding herself as the temptation to start a kamikaze affair with him becomes overwhelming – absolutely out of bounds. Anna and Giles grow increasingly reckless and it is only a matter of time before they will be caught and Anna’s career will crash and burn. But when the crash comes, it’s worse than Anna imagined. And far better than she could have dreamed.
Professor Giles Cleveland is supposed to mentor her in all this, but he’s arrogant, sardonic, condescending, disconcertingly attractive and – Anna keeps reminding herself as the temptation to start a kamikaze affair with him becomes overwhelming – absolutely out of bounds. Anna and Giles grow increasingly reckless and it is only a matter of time before they will be caught and Anna’s career will crash and burn. But when the crash comes, it’s worse than Anna imagined. And far better than she could have dreamed.
425 pages, Paperback
First published May 7, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
May 20, 2013
The Englishman is sophisticated, thought-provoking story with mature but sassy heroine and sexy English Professor, set in academic environment. This book serves as perfect insight into functionning of grad school, its policies, scandals and I enjoyed it immensely!
My Anna and Professor Giles Cleveland:
Anna is ambitious and determined young woman so when opportunity to get her dream job as Assistant Professor of English literature at prestigious university, she doesn't hesitate to accept it even if it means moving to opposite part of country. Anna is workoholic and her carrier is very important to her. So when she finds out that her mentor is supposed to be charming, charismatic but arrogant and reserved Professor Giles Cleveland, things get complicated for Anna...
After initial animosity between Anna and Giles, the two of them get to know each other a little bit and Anna falls in love with him. But is Professor Clevelend interested in Anna or is she imagining things? And is pursuing possible affair worth of jeopardizing her carrier?
Beside her personal turmoils, it seems like someone is trying to drive Anna away from university and make her stay as unpleasant as possible. So instead of concentrating on her work she has to play games with her colleaugues and students.
If you are familiar with English humour or sarcasm and do not mind reading about it, you will like this book a lot. Anna excels in both and I loved her sassy mouth. She was feisty but also able to mantain grace and elegance.
"Not all strong woman are dominating bitches."
During reading this book I thought I would burst out because of all that sexual tension between Anna and Giles. How can two people who are so incredibly attracted to each other resist so long, I would never understand. They had my admiration. If it was me lusting for sexy English Professor like Giles Cleveland, I would give in way sooner :)
Overall, writing was exceptional. I am aware of fact that this book may not be for everyone. The Englishman is very smartly written book full of various knowledge, constantly making you think a lot about things hapenning in it. Some people may find it slow-paced, I found it fascinating and fulfilling. I dare to say that it has similar feel as Gabriel's series by Sylvain Reynard but premise, storyline and characters are completely different. It is just beautiiful writing, sexy Professor and concept of forbidden love that connect these two otherwise different stories. The Englisman is highly recommended book for readers who enjoy mature characters and well-thought storyline.
*Copy provided by publisher as an exchange for honest review*
MORE REVIEWS ON MY BLOG Reading Is My Breathing
May 24, 2013
I absolutely loved this book for so many reasons!
1. It is articulate, thoughtful, and intelligent. It is more than a love story. The realism described about university life is spot on. It is hardly as glamorous as some think it is. (But, yes, there are hot professors, occasionally...:))
2. I loved the female protagonist. A nice Jewish girl, with a overprotective mom, and standing up for herself. I KNOW this character first hand.
3. The politics and personalities of university life.... so real.
4. Interesting characters, overworked grad students, parties.... yeah, been there, done that.
5. Giles is human, if a bit flawed initially. Typical of the senior faculty. Loved him. Sexy.
If you are caught up in the romance of the university, don't miss this book. A solid five stars for me. I would love to listen to it in audiobook next, if it should become available.
1. It is articulate, thoughtful, and intelligent. It is more than a love story. The realism described about university life is spot on. It is hardly as glamorous as some think it is. (But, yes, there are hot professors, occasionally...:))
2. I loved the female protagonist. A nice Jewish girl, with a overprotective mom, and standing up for herself. I KNOW this character first hand.
3. The politics and personalities of university life.... so real.
4. Interesting characters, overworked grad students, parties.... yeah, been there, done that.
5. Giles is human, if a bit flawed initially. Typical of the senior faculty. Loved him. Sexy.
If you are caught up in the romance of the university, don't miss this book. A solid five stars for me. I would love to listen to it in audiobook next, if it should become available.
May 22, 2013
The Englishman had a lot of depth; it was informative, intelligent and well written. The author was descriptive & detailed!
I enjoyed reading this book! The story and characters were engaging. It encompassed love, sex, mystery, politics in academia and life in general. I believe I'm going to miss Giles & Anna. Well done!
I enjoyed reading this book! The story and characters were engaging. It encompassed love, sex, mystery, politics in academia and life in general. I believe I'm going to miss Giles & Anna. Well done!
June 17, 2013
***3.75 STARS***
I liked the core story overall, but didn't love it. On the plus side, the interplay between Giles and Anna was authentic and smart--the sex, in tone and texture, erotic, sensual and well-choreographed. What threw me off at the outset, and ultimately throughout the story, was the contrasting tone. The storytelling language (the way the Americans speak to each other, academic and farmhand alike) feels very British, though we're told from the outset that we're in the American South. That really muddied the waters for me, making it difficult to feel genuinely steeped in the story and its environs. There were some cryptic and undefined bits (of language and symbolism) in the story that I think might turn off the average reader, some sharp twists and turns that sometimes lose you in the storyline (an abundance of names/characters to remember that made it confusing to know who's really consequential and who is not), a few heavy spots where the story labored/felt unfinished (people's aesthetics underdescribed, places we rarely see overdescribed), but overall the story was...good. I could even see it being made into a film. Ultimately though, I really wanted to love the book and the characters--the potential was there, I felt--but found that I couldn't fully warm to them.
***3.75 STARS***
I liked the core story overall, but didn't love it. On the plus side, the interplay between Giles and Anna was authentic and smart--the sex, in tone and texture, erotic, sensual and well-choreographed. What threw me off at the outset, and ultimately throughout the story, was the contrasting tone. The storytelling language (the way the Americans speak to each other, academic and farmhand alike) feels very British, though we're told from the outset that we're in the American South. That really muddied the waters for me, making it difficult to feel genuinely steeped in the story and its environs. There were some cryptic and undefined bits (of language and symbolism) in the story that I think might turn off the average reader, some sharp twists and turns that sometimes lose you in the storyline (an abundance of names/characters to remember that made it confusing to know who's really consequential and who is not), a few heavy spots where the story labored/felt unfinished (people's aesthetics underdescribed, places we rarely see overdescribed), but overall the story was...good. I could even see it being made into a film. Ultimately though, I really wanted to love the book and the characters--the potential was there, I felt--but found that I couldn't fully warm to them.
***3.75 STARS***
May 16, 2013
I was given the opportunity to read this book before it came it out. Anna is just beginning her career as a professor in a private college in the south. She relishes the idea of starting anew. I have mixed feelings about the story- it is very well written, yet way to much was going on at the same time. I couldn't keep up with all of the characters! I felt that took away from Anna and Giles' relationship. I really liked Anna she was intelligent, out spoken and was quite witty. Giles was older and established; he was handsome, but he was annoying at times yeesh I wanted to shake some sense into him. However, I understood his appeal to Anna- they complimented one another very well. The relationship progressed slowly and at times I wanted them to jump each other's bones already I mean the sexual tension was so thick. The scandals and everything going on at the school were way too over the top for me, but maybe academia is like that what do I know? Overall, I liked the story and how it ended.
June 2, 2013
Dreadfully slow at the start (at least for me) dealing with too much inside academia, involving backstabbing to get tenure, faculty meetings and sexual excursions among the staff, and far too many auxiliary characters to keep track of (not to mention a very upper class writing style which this down to earth American girl is embarrassed to admit was a bit over her head at times). But, when the book settled down to "The Englishman" Giles(an English literature professor) and Anna, a Jewish American associate professor, who was trained at a London university, (but this book is set at an American university in the south) and the steamy relationship developed, it got to be quite a good read. There were a few mysteries that were thrown in here and there that did add some interest and it had a requisite HEA (at least for me) so I giving it a passable rating of 3 stars.
May 22, 2013
Here's my Shout Out for this book...check it out and then read the book!
http://bookishtemptations.com/2013/05...
http://bookishtemptations.com/2013/05...
October 6, 2016
At 34% I was so bored and just couldn't take it anymore... DNF
June 25, 2013
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The Englishman tells the story of Dr Anna Lieberman, Assistant Professor of English literature at Ardrossan University, a prestigious college in America's South. Anna is young, intelligent and extremely passionate about her profession. She takes up her position at Ardrossan having spent time teaching in England and is set on progressing her career and ultimately gaining tenure at "the Folly" (the nickname given to Ardrossan). Being the new kid on the block is never easy, and within the academic world I suspect it is even more challenging than usual. The ever present need to 'publish', the challenge of teaching adult students, the competition amongst peers - all add to create a less than ideal work environment. Throw into this mix a beligerant old professor who uses your office for his personal storage, university scandal, politics within your department and a number of other frustrating events and 'settling' into a new job becomes much harder than you would have hoped.
Of course, then there is Professor Giles Cleveland, Anna's mentor - the English professor in both senses of the term (he's English and he teaches English!). Anna is attracted to him from the get-go. He is older, quite aloof and 'typically english' in his style. I'll admit, I didn't really buy the connection between Anna and Giles - for her it seemed almost instantaneous, although in fairness it was initially lust. I found their interactions to be almost combative (even though there was a flirty undertone) and so kept wondering whether they were ever really going to get together.
Without being cliched, the Englishman wasn't my cup of tea. I struggled to stay connected with the story. There was an awful lot going on and I was never really sure when a new 'issue' was introduced whether it was going to be instrumental to the outcome for the story or just a sideline. The Englishman is beautifully written, very academic in its style and referencing to literature, which is completely appropriate given the subject matter, but I struggled to read it and often had to re-read sections to really get the gist of what was going on. My preference is not to have to work quite that hard when I'm reading for entertainment.
There is much to enjoy in the story, some excellent supporting characters and Lewis has the ability to make scenery and places come alive off the page. For me, there was too much complexity and this impacted my reading. I think personal preferences will play a huge part in whether you enjoy The Englishman.
Web: http://intothenightbookreviews.blogsp...
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/IntoTheNightR...
for great book reviews, new release updates, giveaways and more!!
The Englishman tells the story of Dr Anna Lieberman, Assistant Professor of English literature at Ardrossan University, a prestigious college in America's South. Anna is young, intelligent and extremely passionate about her profession. She takes up her position at Ardrossan having spent time teaching in England and is set on progressing her career and ultimately gaining tenure at "the Folly" (the nickname given to Ardrossan). Being the new kid on the block is never easy, and within the academic world I suspect it is even more challenging than usual. The ever present need to 'publish', the challenge of teaching adult students, the competition amongst peers - all add to create a less than ideal work environment. Throw into this mix a beligerant old professor who uses your office for his personal storage, university scandal, politics within your department and a number of other frustrating events and 'settling' into a new job becomes much harder than you would have hoped.
Of course, then there is Professor Giles Cleveland, Anna's mentor - the English professor in both senses of the term (he's English and he teaches English!). Anna is attracted to him from the get-go. He is older, quite aloof and 'typically english' in his style. I'll admit, I didn't really buy the connection between Anna and Giles - for her it seemed almost instantaneous, although in fairness it was initially lust. I found their interactions to be almost combative (even though there was a flirty undertone) and so kept wondering whether they were ever really going to get together.
"When we're alone...I'll call you anything I like, and you'll stick it." He pauses for effect, and into the silence crowds a cornucopia of terms and phrases. "Not because I'm a male and more powerful than you -- I'm not by the way, more powerful than you -- but because I'm not calling you anything that I don't believe to be true. In company, rest assured it'll be 'Dr Lieberman, my esteemed colleague.'"
Without being cliched, the Englishman wasn't my cup of tea. I struggled to stay connected with the story. There was an awful lot going on and I was never really sure when a new 'issue' was introduced whether it was going to be instrumental to the outcome for the story or just a sideline. The Englishman is beautifully written, very academic in its style and referencing to literature, which is completely appropriate given the subject matter, but I struggled to read it and often had to re-read sections to really get the gist of what was going on. My preference is not to have to work quite that hard when I'm reading for entertainment.
There is much to enjoy in the story, some excellent supporting characters and Lewis has the ability to make scenery and places come alive off the page. For me, there was too much complexity and this impacted my reading. I think personal preferences will play a huge part in whether you enjoy The Englishman.
June 24, 2013
*I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Well, this book is definitely not what I had expected, with the tag line "He's sexy, he's a Professor, and he's English. Did I mention the dirty talk?" I'm expecting some cocky, self assured Brit with sex appeal dripping off him. Alas, that was not the case. This book did have drama, mystery, suspense and a hint of romance. Personally, I'd class it as contemporary fiction with a dash of romance.
Anna Lieberman has just moved from the bright lights of NYC, down south to Virginia to take up a new Assistant Professor role at prestigious Ardrossan College. There she meets mentor and Englishman extrodinarre Giles Cleveland. They don't necessarily hit it off initially, yet there is always an undercurrent of attraction between them that builds to an uncontrollable peak. Anna struggles to settle easily into her new role, not to mention her office which has been the home to resider horader and the certifably crazy professor next door. We get an in depth look at the runnings of such a prestigous institution, dealing with errant students, rape claims and vandalism, just to name a few. It's not just the strange characters at work she needs to deal with either, since taking up residence in a little cottage on a tomato farm, the strange owners also become part of the story.
What did I like about this story? I enjoyed the main characters. Anna is such a determined and strong willed character. From the moment she stepped foot into Ardrossan, things didn't go according to plan, but she takes it all in her stride. Even when she begins to understand her feelings for Giles, and undertands the difficulties that lie ahead, she is mature about her decision making. Anna is driven, and one of the most talented and achieved young professors. Once the romance between Giles and Anna begins, I was blown away. Nina writes the intensity felt between them so well. We really feel the build up between them, the longing and anticipation of WHEN something will happen, and when it does, Oh My! the birds are chirping, fireworks, all the old cliches you can think of. Giles is so very loveable, the epitome of what Anna is looking for in a man. Although distinguished and well scholared, you see the nervous and anxious boy underneath the facade, he's just as scared to confront his feelings, but when he does, he dives in head first.
"Hardly the most irresponsible thing you've ever done" "Well, no"
We're looking at each other in the dim light shining in from the Walshes' porch, and we're thinking the same thing.
"I'm not going to do the most irresponsible thing - ever," I manage to say.
"Now what would that be?"
He actually wants me to say it. Then I will say it
"Ask you in for coffee"
"I wouldn't come in, either. You know I couldn't. Not in this world"
read the full review at http://www.martinitimes.com/1/post/20...
Well, this book is definitely not what I had expected, with the tag line "He's sexy, he's a Professor, and he's English. Did I mention the dirty talk?" I'm expecting some cocky, self assured Brit with sex appeal dripping off him. Alas, that was not the case. This book did have drama, mystery, suspense and a hint of romance. Personally, I'd class it as contemporary fiction with a dash of romance.
Anna Lieberman has just moved from the bright lights of NYC, down south to Virginia to take up a new Assistant Professor role at prestigious Ardrossan College. There she meets mentor and Englishman extrodinarre Giles Cleveland. They don't necessarily hit it off initially, yet there is always an undercurrent of attraction between them that builds to an uncontrollable peak. Anna struggles to settle easily into her new role, not to mention her office which has been the home to resider horader and the certifably crazy professor next door. We get an in depth look at the runnings of such a prestigous institution, dealing with errant students, rape claims and vandalism, just to name a few. It's not just the strange characters at work she needs to deal with either, since taking up residence in a little cottage on a tomato farm, the strange owners also become part of the story.
What did I like about this story? I enjoyed the main characters. Anna is such a determined and strong willed character. From the moment she stepped foot into Ardrossan, things didn't go according to plan, but she takes it all in her stride. Even when she begins to understand her feelings for Giles, and undertands the difficulties that lie ahead, she is mature about her decision making. Anna is driven, and one of the most talented and achieved young professors. Once the romance between Giles and Anna begins, I was blown away. Nina writes the intensity felt between them so well. We really feel the build up between them, the longing and anticipation of WHEN something will happen, and when it does, Oh My! the birds are chirping, fireworks, all the old cliches you can think of. Giles is so very loveable, the epitome of what Anna is looking for in a man. Although distinguished and well scholared, you see the nervous and anxious boy underneath the facade, he's just as scared to confront his feelings, but when he does, he dives in head first.
"Hardly the most irresponsible thing you've ever done" "Well, no"
We're looking at each other in the dim light shining in from the Walshes' porch, and we're thinking the same thing.
"I'm not going to do the most irresponsible thing - ever," I manage to say.
"Now what would that be?"
He actually wants me to say it. Then I will say it
"Ask you in for coffee"
"I wouldn't come in, either. You know I couldn't. Not in this world"
read the full review at http://www.martinitimes.com/1/post/20...
June 21, 2013
I was quickly intrigued by the cover and blurb on this book, I mean who doesn’t want to read about a forbidden affair featuring a hot Englishman and the cover is just hot!?
Anna is a young new associate professor and a private college in the South. She is from New York and spent time studying in England so the South is a bit of cultural change for her. Giles Cleveland is an older Englishman and professor at the college and he also happens to be her mentor. The two have chemistry between them that can be seen right away.
I enjoyed the banter between Anna and Giles right off the bat, they are witty and quick and cannot seem to decide how to handle each other. Anna amused me as well; she is very intelligent but also has a good amount of sass to her.
While I enjoyed the interactions of Anna and Giles, I wanted more of them together. I felt like there were too many plot lines trying to be established. It seemed like the focus kept changing and it made it difficult to follow. There is a lot of academia speak that also distracted me a bit and I found myself just wanting to have more of the Anna/Giles story.
Anna is Jewish and there are times when she is speaking about her religion and church and the lifestyle but there wasn’t an explanation of words or events sometimes and since I didn’t know the meaning I felt like I was missing out on part of that story.
Overall, I enjoyed Anna and Giles and some of their friends, but I also got lost in some of what I thought was the excess storylines. The book is well written and the writing is smart. I did enjoy the end and felt that the characters were where I wanted them to be and were happy.
I received an ARC copy of The Englishman to review for SMIBookClub from Omnific Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Anna is a young new associate professor and a private college in the South. She is from New York and spent time studying in England so the South is a bit of cultural change for her. Giles Cleveland is an older Englishman and professor at the college and he also happens to be her mentor. The two have chemistry between them that can be seen right away.
I enjoyed the banter between Anna and Giles right off the bat, they are witty and quick and cannot seem to decide how to handle each other. Anna amused me as well; she is very intelligent but also has a good amount of sass to her.
While I enjoyed the interactions of Anna and Giles, I wanted more of them together. I felt like there were too many plot lines trying to be established. It seemed like the focus kept changing and it made it difficult to follow. There is a lot of academia speak that also distracted me a bit and I found myself just wanting to have more of the Anna/Giles story.
Anna is Jewish and there are times when she is speaking about her religion and church and the lifestyle but there wasn’t an explanation of words or events sometimes and since I didn’t know the meaning I felt like I was missing out on part of that story.
Overall, I enjoyed Anna and Giles and some of their friends, but I also got lost in some of what I thought was the excess storylines. The book is well written and the writing is smart. I did enjoy the end and felt that the characters were where I wanted them to be and were happy.
I received an ARC copy of The Englishman to review for SMIBookClub from Omnific Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
June 20, 2013
ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. For Jodie Rae's full review, visit http://fallinginfall.blogspot.com
Anna Lieberman lands her dream job as an Assistant Professor of English Literature at a distinguished university. Here, she meets her arrogant mentor, "The Englishman," Giles Cleveland. Anna and Giles had so much sexual tension; it was killing me! Yet another book I was screaming, "Come on people! Do it already!" This story has a very similar feeling to Sylvain Reynard's Gabriel's Inferno Series with the university setting. So, if you enjoyed Gabriel, you will adore Giles. I'm a huge fan of romance stories with a forbidden theme. I think it's the thrill of doing something you know you should refrain from, but it feels so damn good. Anna and Giles must keep their relationship a secret from the faculty and administration. This story keeps you entertained with the work politics, uncertainty of doing the right thing, and the roller coaster of romance and emotions as you watch the two fall in love.
I rated The Englishman three & half leaves, because of the romance between Anna and Giles. The story did not receive a five leaves rating, because I felt the beginning of the story was slow-moving. I also thought there were too many secondary characters. It got to the point where I felt as though I needed a cheat sheet to remember who taught what or why they were in Anna's life. I also felt the additional storylines for the secondary characters took away from Anna and Giles' relationship. Nevertheless, the story improved in the second half of the book...and I fell in love with Giles.
I couldn't believe this was Nina Lewis' first book. When I looked her up on Goodreads, I was ready to read the rest of her books. This is a fabulous, well-written novel, and I look forward to reading more of her work!!
Anna Lieberman lands her dream job as an Assistant Professor of English Literature at a distinguished university. Here, she meets her arrogant mentor, "The Englishman," Giles Cleveland. Anna and Giles had so much sexual tension; it was killing me! Yet another book I was screaming, "Come on people! Do it already!" This story has a very similar feeling to Sylvain Reynard's Gabriel's Inferno Series with the university setting. So, if you enjoyed Gabriel, you will adore Giles. I'm a huge fan of romance stories with a forbidden theme. I think it's the thrill of doing something you know you should refrain from, but it feels so damn good. Anna and Giles must keep their relationship a secret from the faculty and administration. This story keeps you entertained with the work politics, uncertainty of doing the right thing, and the roller coaster of romance and emotions as you watch the two fall in love.
I rated The Englishman three & half leaves, because of the romance between Anna and Giles. The story did not receive a five leaves rating, because I felt the beginning of the story was slow-moving. I also thought there were too many secondary characters. It got to the point where I felt as though I needed a cheat sheet to remember who taught what or why they were in Anna's life. I also felt the additional storylines for the secondary characters took away from Anna and Giles' relationship. Nevertheless, the story improved in the second half of the book...and I fell in love with Giles.
I couldn't believe this was Nina Lewis' first book. When I looked her up on Goodreads, I was ready to read the rest of her books. This is a fabulous, well-written novel, and I look forward to reading more of her work!!
July 15, 2014
Maybe this should be classified as a cross between contemporary romance and chick lit, or just contemporary fiction. A large part of the novel, and most of the first half, is about the heroine starting a new job at a college somewhere in the American South, and how she tries and fails to fit in there. I like it when novels create a specific social world, not just your generic high-powered business world or some sort of Millionaire Drive. So for me, the college context worked really well, and it took me back to my own time as a student and all the f**kwittery that goes on there. A lot is at stake for Anna, and sometimes she makes life unnecessarily hard for herself, but hey - I can relate to that! Giles is I think what would be called a beta-hero. He's a senior professor, so Anna has to report to him and suchlike, and of course he's brilliant at his job and all that; but he IS only an intellectual (not a demographic known for being sexy), and he feels sort of out of place at the college, too. I can imagine that he's not badass enough for some readers - he's your typical English public [that is private, boarding] schoolboy: understated, snarky, arrogant, and a lot more insecure inside than he shows. The love scenes between Anna and Giles, when they finally get it together, are smoking hot, and for me, even hotter because they tried so hard not to start an affair that is clearly a crap idea for them both, from a career perspective. Actually, I think this is a valid point to make about career women: you focus 100% on your job, neglecting other, ahem, needs you might have, and when the backlash comes, you fall hard and deep. So if you don't mind a realistic college setting and characters that are credible as academics, this is a sexy, sweet and sometimes bitter-sweet read.
June 17, 2013
I don't like to negative reviews. I do like this book, but it was very hard to get into it. You have Anna who is the new professor and meets Giles who of course is the handsome colleague/mentor. They resist each other for the majority of the book. This is where I got frustrated because there was so much drama that happened at the school between their friends, other co-workers, neighbors, and students. Their was attraction but there was so much avoiding each other that I actually thought nothing was ever going to happen. Finally, the moment they get together it started to pick up some. I got so excited that they finally got together but then Anna starts pushing him away and then he becomes a love sick puppy. At this point, I really started to get upset with Anna because she was pushing him away so much, and quite mean to him. Then Giles is upset with her but still can't resist her or stop sleeping with her, even though Anna has treated him badly. During their time together all the drama kept going on. The ending finally came and it just ended with just a small glimpse of some happiness between them. There was also the problem of referencing so much literature authors, quotes, and etc...I almost felt like I needed to have a Masters in Literature. This is my personal opinion, and wouldn't want somebody to not read the book. It just wasn't my cup of tea..I guess. Also, I feel like I should give a shout out to the character Tim. He would always make me laugh, and I will admit Anna did too. However, he was more blunt or outspoken which helped me get through the book. I loved English when I was in school but always struggled with the classes with poetry and writing that was done in different time eras.
June 20, 2013
This book was beautifully written and well executed. For my taste it was a little bit long, but with that being said once I reached half way through the book I understood why. In this book you meet Anna who has come to the South after she lands her dream job as an Assistant Professor of English literature at Ardrossan where she is excited to be. But from the start Anna is having problems. She gets stuck with an office full of files from the person in the next office, some of her students test her limits, and of course there's Professor Giles Cleveland who appears to have the perfect wife and perfect life.
Giles does all he can to support Anna as her mentor, but Anna tries to stay as far away of Giles as possible. But that's easier said then done especially after she finds out that he is officially getting divorced from his wife making him a free agent. They start a hot and heavy affair but when secrets are exposed and unseen people want her out, what will happen to Anna and Giles when their world comes crashing down.
Welcome to Ardrossan where there are lies, deceit, a possible professor that raped a student, students who want Anna out, a mystery person doing evil things, and a hot male English professor. While I did enjoy this book I struggled with this one quite a bit because while it was well written I really wanted to see the relationship between Giles and Anna develop a little faster. It just seemed like they would take one step forward and three steps back but when it finally happens the entire story exploded and for that reason I give it 4 stars. I do also look forward to seeing more of this author's work in the future.
Giles does all he can to support Anna as her mentor, but Anna tries to stay as far away of Giles as possible. But that's easier said then done especially after she finds out that he is officially getting divorced from his wife making him a free agent. They start a hot and heavy affair but when secrets are exposed and unseen people want her out, what will happen to Anna and Giles when their world comes crashing down.
Welcome to Ardrossan where there are lies, deceit, a possible professor that raped a student, students who want Anna out, a mystery person doing evil things, and a hot male English professor. While I did enjoy this book I struggled with this one quite a bit because while it was well written I really wanted to see the relationship between Giles and Anna develop a little faster. It just seemed like they would take one step forward and three steps back but when it finally happens the entire story exploded and for that reason I give it 4 stars. I do also look forward to seeing more of this author's work in the future.
June 22, 2013
4.5/5 stars!
Leave it to Omnific Publishing to deliver another juicy, surprising book! The first half of this book is filled with university politics and scheming, and a lot of behind-the-scenes descriptions of the perils and pitfalls of being a faculty member of a university. I actually enjoyed this part of the story but it might not be for everyone. I thought the book really picked up after the second half, when Anna and Giles launch into their passionate and sexually charged affair. But they must hide their relationship from the university faculty and administration since Giles is Anna’s superior within the university. The story really had me hooked as I was very unsure about whether or not their relationship would be uncovered.
There’s lots of secondary stories in The Englishman, but for me, the best parts were when the book focused on Giles and Anna. The sex scenes are extraordinarily erotic and very, very graphic (yes, please!) The Englishman is a substantially-written, very engrossing novel. This is not exactly a quick read, although it does have very funny moments.
I actually felt a little empty at saying good-bye to Giles and Anna, and I can’t wait to read more of Nina Lewis’ books!
Thank you to Omnific Publishing for the review copy!The EnglishmanNina Lewis
Leave it to Omnific Publishing to deliver another juicy, surprising book! The first half of this book is filled with university politics and scheming, and a lot of behind-the-scenes descriptions of the perils and pitfalls of being a faculty member of a university. I actually enjoyed this part of the story but it might not be for everyone. I thought the book really picked up after the second half, when Anna and Giles launch into their passionate and sexually charged affair. But they must hide their relationship from the university faculty and administration since Giles is Anna’s superior within the university. The story really had me hooked as I was very unsure about whether or not their relationship would be uncovered.
There’s lots of secondary stories in The Englishman, but for me, the best parts were when the book focused on Giles and Anna. The sex scenes are extraordinarily erotic and very, very graphic (yes, please!) The Englishman is a substantially-written, very engrossing novel. This is not exactly a quick read, although it does have very funny moments.
I actually felt a little empty at saying good-bye to Giles and Anna, and I can’t wait to read more of Nina Lewis’ books!
Thank you to Omnific Publishing for the review copy!The EnglishmanNina Lewis
June 23, 2013
For more reviews visit my blog - Hook Me Up Book Blog
The Englishman is a very well written book however I found it a little slow to get through. At times I really liked it but at other times I found myself skimming paragraphs to hurry it up.
The story centres on Anna, an English Professor who has just started her new job at a college full of mysteries and people who present problem after problem for her. Going into the book I believed it was going to be a love story centred on Anna and Giles, her mentor - a sexy read set in academia. The cover certainly led me to believe this as did the blurb. While it did develop the storyline between Anna and Giles the romance part of the book did not happen until quite late in the book and instead the story focused on all the going ons of the college. Anna's relationship with Giles built very slowly throughout the book. I personally prefer my books a lot steamier than this but if you like subtle romance you will enjoy that part of it.
There were a lot of characters in this book - a lot!! I found it a little hard to keep up and at one point stopped trying to keep track of them all. In the end when loose ends were being tied up I was a little bamboozled with it which was frustrating.
The writer does do a great job of building characters, scenes and relationships. I was keen to get through it and find out what happened. The ending was great - I really enjoyed that part of it.
The Englishman is a very well written book however I found it a little slow to get through. At times I really liked it but at other times I found myself skimming paragraphs to hurry it up.
The story centres on Anna, an English Professor who has just started her new job at a college full of mysteries and people who present problem after problem for her. Going into the book I believed it was going to be a love story centred on Anna and Giles, her mentor - a sexy read set in academia. The cover certainly led me to believe this as did the blurb. While it did develop the storyline between Anna and Giles the romance part of the book did not happen until quite late in the book and instead the story focused on all the going ons of the college. Anna's relationship with Giles built very slowly throughout the book. I personally prefer my books a lot steamier than this but if you like subtle romance you will enjoy that part of it.
There were a lot of characters in this book - a lot!! I found it a little hard to keep up and at one point stopped trying to keep track of them all. In the end when loose ends were being tied up I was a little bamboozled with it which was frustrating.
The writer does do a great job of building characters, scenes and relationships. I was keen to get through it and find out what happened. The ending was great - I really enjoyed that part of it.
July 17, 2013
2 Stars
I think my whole review for this book could be summed up with one word; meh.
It wasn't that the book spent the first half heavily explaining the world of academia that lost me - the explanations were integral to the story (having been through the tertiary education system myself I am well versed in the minutia of academia, and Ms Lewis did a great job explaining it). I just didn't find myself engaged in the story. Nothing really jumped out and hooked me.
When at first I found myself disengaged from the story, I put the book down thinking it was due to the mood I was in at the time. There was so much going on in the book, so many different threads of events that seemed like they'd unravelled and made a rather large mess.
I returned to it some two weeks later and found it still uninviting - the characters weren't engaging and the many competing sub-plots were still all over the place. In the end, most were (in my opinion) hastily tidied up; some I didn't even feel were finished at all.
I realise that this is the author's debut novel. Personally I find the premise to the book that she's currently writing more to my liking. I will be giving her work a go in the future.
In the end, I really did find it okay. As in, just okay. I'd recommend this one as a plane read - it's just enough to take your mind off the brat behind you that thinks your seat back is there as a kicking target.
I think my whole review for this book could be summed up with one word; meh.
It wasn't that the book spent the first half heavily explaining the world of academia that lost me - the explanations were integral to the story (having been through the tertiary education system myself I am well versed in the minutia of academia, and Ms Lewis did a great job explaining it). I just didn't find myself engaged in the story. Nothing really jumped out and hooked me.
When at first I found myself disengaged from the story, I put the book down thinking it was due to the mood I was in at the time. There was so much going on in the book, so many different threads of events that seemed like they'd unravelled and made a rather large mess.
I returned to it some two weeks later and found it still uninviting - the characters weren't engaging and the many competing sub-plots were still all over the place. In the end, most were (in my opinion) hastily tidied up; some I didn't even feel were finished at all.
I realise that this is the author's debut novel. Personally I find the premise to the book that she's currently writing more to my liking. I will be giving her work a go in the future.
In the end, I really did find it okay. As in, just okay. I'd recommend this one as a plane read - it's just enough to take your mind off the brat behind you that thinks your seat back is there as a kicking target.
July 25, 2013
Must Read!! Hats off to Nina Lewis for writing a heart pounding SEXY love story. I was on the edge of my seat waiting for the shoe to drop at any time. Slow starting at first but enjoyed it very much.
It want take you long to warm to the smart, funny, headstrong Anna (Jewish mobster sounding English slang loving) Lieberman. Professor Lieberman just landed her dream job at Ardrossan University down South and is happy to be starting her new life why renting a cottage on the Calderbrook Tomato Farm. Now if she can get over the fact that her students come with a bag of drama and her coworkers are not much better she would be ok. The one fact that she cant seem to over come is her asshat of a mentor Professor Giles Cleveland. Professor Cleveland is a true Englishman at heart only seeming to care about his own career and coving his own back and enjoys giving Anna a hard time at first meeting. Cleveland seems to have everything a man in his shoes could ever want. A blond boom shell of a wife Amanda, who is everything Anna is not. Confident, sexy and able to control Giles Cleveland at best.
I have tried to write this review many times as my words keep jumping away and running for the hills...lol but I had to say something about this book. If you read a book and even when your done cant stop thinking about its plot and people in it .....Well to me that just screams DAMN GOOD BOOK!
It want take you long to warm to the smart, funny, headstrong Anna (Jewish mobster sounding English slang loving) Lieberman. Professor Lieberman just landed her dream job at Ardrossan University down South and is happy to be starting her new life why renting a cottage on the Calderbrook Tomato Farm. Now if she can get over the fact that her students come with a bag of drama and her coworkers are not much better she would be ok. The one fact that she cant seem to over come is her asshat of a mentor Professor Giles Cleveland. Professor Cleveland is a true Englishman at heart only seeming to care about his own career and coving his own back and enjoys giving Anna a hard time at first meeting. Cleveland seems to have everything a man in his shoes could ever want. A blond boom shell of a wife Amanda, who is everything Anna is not. Confident, sexy and able to control Giles Cleveland at best.
I have tried to write this review many times as my words keep jumping away and running for the hills...lol but I had to say something about this book. If you read a book and even when your done cant stop thinking about its plot and people in it .....Well to me that just screams DAMN GOOD BOOK!
December 5, 2013
3.5 stars go to The Englishman.
I have mixed feelings about this book..
On one hand, the politics of academia is carefully articulated and seems very accurate. I'm not in the academic world, but it sounds like it's not very different than the competition and politics of the corporate world, where what you say you do counts more than what you actually accomplish.
Second, the settings and scenes eventually come together at the end, so the story makes a lot of sense and is actually quite thoughtful.
On the other hand, I felt like the storyline and the relatively hefty amount of characters and names was too much, something that made the beginning of the story very confusing and hard to catch on to.
Some of the scenes were either too long or too court in their description, based on what I anticipated to be their importance to the overall story.
Lastly, this book could have easily been called "The University" as there was a lot more about what's going on there vs the connection between Anna and Giles. While it was supposed to be the backdrop for the relationship, it almost took center stage. Hence I thought that the book's title was quite confusing and somewhat not fitting.
Overall, this is an enjoyable read, but probably those that have experienced the academic world would enjoy it more.
I have mixed feelings about this book..
On one hand, the politics of academia is carefully articulated and seems very accurate. I'm not in the academic world, but it sounds like it's not very different than the competition and politics of the corporate world, where what you say you do counts more than what you actually accomplish.
Second, the settings and scenes eventually come together at the end, so the story makes a lot of sense and is actually quite thoughtful.
On the other hand, I felt like the storyline and the relatively hefty amount of characters and names was too much, something that made the beginning of the story very confusing and hard to catch on to.
Some of the scenes were either too long or too court in their description, based on what I anticipated to be their importance to the overall story.
Lastly, this book could have easily been called "The University" as there was a lot more about what's going on there vs the connection between Anna and Giles. While it was supposed to be the backdrop for the relationship, it almost took center stage. Hence I thought that the book's title was quite confusing and somewhat not fitting.
Overall, this is an enjoyable read, but probably those that have experienced the academic world would enjoy it more.
June 5, 2013
The first 10 chapters are currently a drag for me to read. I expected the romance a little sooner and I'm still not there yet. (Typing this after chapter 15)
Anna has landed her dream job as an Assistant Professor of English literature at a prestigious college in the South. There she meets her mentor Giles Cleveland. The arrogant, sardonic, condescending, disconcertingly attractive Professor.
Anna settles in her office but there is a demented hoarder who secretly uses her office as his private storeroom for some reason. And along the way she faces hurdles, pitfalls and mysteries. and there's also a scandal going on...
Giles finally decides to divorce his good for nothing wife... because of her affair with another professor. FINALLY! and if you're giving up coz there seems like there's no romance, hang on until like after chapter 20. You're getting there. But still not an awesome read to me. *sighs*
Overall, I'll just give it a 2 star rating as a.k.a. a book to read to kill the time.As the book ended it was better. Not good enough to get a 3 stars from me. just a 2.5 to make it a wee bit better.
Anna has landed her dream job as an Assistant Professor of English literature at a prestigious college in the South. There she meets her mentor Giles Cleveland. The arrogant, sardonic, condescending, disconcertingly attractive Professor.
Anna settles in her office but there is a demented hoarder who secretly uses her office as his private storeroom for some reason. And along the way she faces hurdles, pitfalls and mysteries. and there's also a scandal going on...
Giles finally decides to divorce his good for nothing wife... because of her affair with another professor. FINALLY! and if you're giving up coz there seems like there's no romance, hang on until like after chapter 20. You're getting there. But still not an awesome read to me. *sighs*
Overall, I'll just give it a 2 star rating as a.k.a. a book to read to kill the time.As the book ended it was better. Not good enough to get a 3 stars from me. just a 2.5 to make it a wee bit better.
June 9, 2013
This book has my completely dumbfounded. I had to fight from stopping this book. At thirty percent into the book, I had to mentally push myself forward. I won't lie. It wasn't an easy fight and I really didn't get involved till at least sixty percent of the book was finished. I found it slow and filled with so many side storylines, that I started to skim pages. Some characters and scenes just weren't needed and didn't add anything to the story.BTW, some of these storylines weren't even finished at the end? I couldn't get behind the main character as I found her mentally unstable. She was just to weak for my taste. I love that it was mentioned that this character didn;t cry even at her grandmothers death but proceeded to cry throughout the entire book. Her fake strength was just boring..... I actually didn't mind Giles but I didn't fall in love with him. Maybe when I have sat and thought more about this book, I might change my mind but I highly doubt it. People raved about this and I'm sorry I wasn't one of them because I was ready to love this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2013
Cuando a penas iba comenzando hubo un momento en el que casi me arrepiento de haber iniciado el libro. Es demasiada información que se da casi de forma desordenada y sentí que la historia no se movía hacia ningún lado. A medida fue avanzando la historia me fue intrigando un poco más.
Quizá lo que más me gustó fue la forma en que se va descubriendo el personaje de Giles, poco a poco y este caso en particular, con un buen ritmo. Resultó ser un personaje muy distinto de lo que me pude haber imaginado.
Lo que más me sorprendió fue el final tan exageradamente abrupto. Sentí bien chocante la forma en que los casos de Nick y Selena se "resuelven" casi como por arte de magia mientras que otras historias que en algún momento parecía que tendrían más peso dentro del libro (como por ejemplo la de Jules), y que a mi gusto tenían bastante potencial, quedaron sin resolverse.
Le doy 3 estrellas porque aunque no me encantó tampoco lo llegué a odiar.
Quizá lo que más me gustó fue la forma en que se va descubriendo el personaje de Giles, poco a poco y este caso en particular, con un buen ritmo. Resultó ser un personaje muy distinto de lo que me pude haber imaginado.
Lo que más me sorprendió fue el final tan exageradamente abrupto. Sentí bien chocante la forma en que los casos de Nick y Selena se "resuelven" casi como por arte de magia mientras que otras historias que en algún momento parecía que tendrían más peso dentro del libro (como por ejemplo la de Jules), y que a mi gusto tenían bastante potencial, quedaron sin resolverse.
Le doy 3 estrellas porque aunque no me encantó tampoco lo llegué a odiar.
June 22, 2013
The Englishman was a seriously intense book, which I have to admit is not one to be read when you are looking for something light or quick. This book is filled with intrigue, sexual frustration and an academic plot line to rival any current syllabus. There was a significant number of stories within the story of Anna and Giles.
The Englishman centers around Anna who has come to a small Southern private school after receiving a job offer and what she believes is a prestigious school. She is extremely ambitious and driven to succeed having been published twice before she turns thirty.
To read the rest of my review, please visit the blog at A Love Affair With Books.
The Englishman centers around Anna who has come to a small Southern private school after receiving a job offer and what she believes is a prestigious school. She is extremely ambitious and driven to succeed having been published twice before she turns thirty.
To read the rest of my review, please visit the blog at A Love Affair With Books.
May 20, 2013
If you like books with erotic tension that focus on power differentials, with a powerful enigmatic hero and a much less powerful, erratic and challenging heroine, you might like this. If you like stories with forbidden attraction (here it's senior colleague/mentor and junior colleague) and age difference, and with a deeply realistic setting and community (the politics and complete asshattery that's baked into many academic departments is so well done), you might like this book. However, I found this book to be very uneven: there are great scenes and baffling scenes.
Whether the great is your catnip and outweighs the bad parts is something I cannot predict for every reader, unfortunately. (Longer review to come.)
Whether the great is your catnip and outweighs the bad parts is something I cannot predict for every reader, unfortunately. (Longer review to come.)
August 29, 2013
As it began I was expecting an easy read, a light fun and predictable love story. It was an easy read in fact but it was not a simple love story. It had mystery, lots of it. But sadly at the begining I couldn't feel the want. See was seeing his hands and she was turned on well I wasn't I wasn't feeling it... It could have been more detailed maybe I don't know but after they started talking more I started to feel it then it got really interesting and catchy. Mystery was the topping then it keeps you wondering at the same time you can't wait to read more about Giles and Anna. Definitely a catch. So then would I read more from this author? If I liked the subject yes. Would I recomend it? If you can wait without getting bored to the action part then yes.
July 18, 2016
I enjoyed reading this book. Some might consider this book is too long and too slow, but the gems scattered along the pages. I can take a look how the academic faculty interact to each other. Although there's a lot of dynamics, I think Anna is the drive behind of the dynamics. She's lively and confident. The scandal gives exciting background to this book, although not complex but with enough intricacies. The romance itself was not developed until later.
There is time when Anna made love to Giles and she quoted the promise God gave to Israel - that's beautiful.
One lack though - I wish I knew Giles's thought. I really want to know when was the precise time when he realized he liked her.
There is time when Anna made love to Giles and she quoted the promise God gave to Israel - that's beautiful.
One lack though - I wish I knew Giles's thought. I really want to know when was the precise time when he realized he liked her.
Read
May 12, 2013Hmmm added this to the TBR!
We just got this through to review with the following:
"Who doesn't love a dirty talking Englishman?"
~*~
"The Englishman is a sexy and romantic campus novel that asks the question many a young professional woman has to ask herself: Is it ever a good idea to dip your nib into the office ink?"
~*~
"I'd like to sign myself up for a three-way between Gabriel Emerson and Giles Cleveland. How can I make that happen?"
~*~
"I'll never look at a leather couch the same way again."
We just got this through to review with the following:
"Who doesn't love a dirty talking Englishman?"
~*~
"The Englishman is a sexy and romantic campus novel that asks the question many a young professional woman has to ask herself: Is it ever a good idea to dip your nib into the office ink?"
~*~
"I'd like to sign myself up for a three-way between Gabriel Emerson and Giles Cleveland. How can I make that happen?"
~*~
"I'll never look at a leather couch the same way again."
Want to read
May 12, 2013 We just got this through to review with the following and I say yes please!!
"Who doesn't love a dirty talking Englishman?"
~*~
"The Englishman is a sexy and romantic campus novel that asks the question many a young professional woman has to ask herself: Is it ever a good idea to dip your nib into the office ink?"
~*~
"I'd like to sign myself up for a three-way between Gabriel Emerson and Giles Cleveland. How can I make that happen?"
~*~
"I'll never look at a leather couch the same way again."
"Who doesn't love a dirty talking Englishman?"
~*~
"The Englishman is a sexy and romantic campus novel that asks the question many a young professional woman has to ask herself: Is it ever a good idea to dip your nib into the office ink?"
~*~
"I'd like to sign myself up for a three-way between Gabriel Emerson and Giles Cleveland. How can I make that happen?"
~*~
"I'll never look at a leather couch the same way again."
July 27, 2013
I really liked the ending but I didn't really get into this book until Chapter 16. I almost gave up several times, but some reviews changed my mind. There were too many characters to keep track of. Most of them were important to the story and fortunately I started to understand towards the last 1/3 of the book. Though you don't have to be, I'm sure Grad Students, Professors, and English Lit majors would enjoy this book and would understand it a little better than I did.
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