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The Saint’s Devils #3
Devil In My Arms
One by one, the Saint’s Devils—Samantha Kane’s wicked, wonderful Regency heroes—continue to enchant the women who capture their rakish hearts.
Even though she is starving and destitute, Eleanor Enderby’s quiet beauty strikes Sir Hilary St. John speechless. He expects the woman he’s searching for to be skittish and plain. Instead he finds the picture of bravery—and willfulness—in his quarry. She gives away little, but Hil can see something is terribly amiss. And though he cannot say exactly why, he is determined not to let her come to more harm than whatever it is she has already survived.
Six months later, Eleanor believes she has finally found safety from the tyrant she risked her life to escape. Thought to be dead by society, Eleanor is ready to be reborn as someone new—someone whose life will never again be tied to the fate of one man. But her smoldering savior seems unwilling to leave her unprotected for an instant. Despite the threats he thinks he sees coming, the real dangers Eleanor faces in Hil's arms are unmistakable: temptation, seduction, and maybe even love.
Even though she is starving and destitute, Eleanor Enderby’s quiet beauty strikes Sir Hilary St. John speechless. He expects the woman he’s searching for to be skittish and plain. Instead he finds the picture of bravery—and willfulness—in his quarry. She gives away little, but Hil can see something is terribly amiss. And though he cannot say exactly why, he is determined not to let her come to more harm than whatever it is she has already survived.
Six months later, Eleanor believes she has finally found safety from the tyrant she risked her life to escape. Thought to be dead by society, Eleanor is ready to be reborn as someone new—someone whose life will never again be tied to the fate of one man. But her smoldering savior seems unwilling to leave her unprotected for an instant. Despite the threats he thinks he sees coming, the real dangers Eleanor faces in Hil's arms are unmistakable: temptation, seduction, and maybe even love.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 26, 2013
36 people are currently reading
342 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Kane
54 books769 followersSamantha Kane lives in North Carolina with her husband and three children, two boys and one girl. With a master’s degree in American history, she spent seven years as a high school history teacher before becoming a full-time writer and mom.
Series:
THE BIRMINGHAM REBELS
BROTHERS IN ARMS
THE SAINT'S DEVILS
THE 93RD HIGHLANDERS
MERCURY RISING
Series:
THE BIRMINGHAM REBELS
BROTHERS IN ARMS
THE SAINT'S DEVILS
THE 93RD HIGHLANDERS
MERCURY RISING
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
April 18, 2022
Pretty good!
April 23, 2014
In Devil in My Arms by Samantha Kane, Eleanor Enderby is on the run, she has been hiding for the past three months and is hopeful that enough time has passed that her husband will have given up looking for her so she can reach her sister. She has lived a horrible life, but with the help of her sister she hopes that she will be able to run somewhere else or hide long enough for her husband to declare her dead.
Sir Hilary St. John has been looking for Lady Harriet Templeton’s sister since his good friend Roger Templeton and her were made aware of her disappearance. Especially since the thugs looking for Lady Eleanor didn’t look trustworthy and made it seem like Eleanor was having mental problems. So when he finally finds her on Harriet and Roger’s doorstep her beauty surprises him, he expected the woman he was looking for to be skittish and plain, not confront him with a knife.
With the help of her sister and her husband’s friends, Eleanor is taken out to the country to hide while her husband gives up and finds a way to declare her dead. Six months later, Eleanor believes she is finally free and safe to return to society with an assumed identity. Only when she returns she once again meets with Hil and can’t help but feel attracted to him and well as him to her. But how can she give him anything when she has no real identity and is thought to be dead?
The temptation will be great, and so will the seduction, but even as love blooms between Hil and Eleanor there is danger on the horizon seeking her true death. And with the society ladies not happy with Eleanor taking such a great catch off the market from the debutantes, there will be many rumors that will put Eleanor in the path of her ex-husband once again.
Devil in My Arms is a hot, sweet and fun read. Not only did I enjoy the chemistry between Hil and Eleanor, I loved how Eleanor took charge and went for what she wanted, even when Hil was too much of gentleman to pursue her. And the way he defended and was willing to risk everything in his life for her was just so swoon worthy. I can't wait to read more about the Saint's Devils and find out who will be next.
If you like a good historical romance with a great story line, some hot scenes and hero that will make you swoon, don’t miss Devil in My Arms by Samantha Kane.
Sir Hilary St. John has been looking for Lady Harriet Templeton’s sister since his good friend Roger Templeton and her were made aware of her disappearance. Especially since the thugs looking for Lady Eleanor didn’t look trustworthy and made it seem like Eleanor was having mental problems. So when he finally finds her on Harriet and Roger’s doorstep her beauty surprises him, he expected the woman he was looking for to be skittish and plain, not confront him with a knife.
With the help of her sister and her husband’s friends, Eleanor is taken out to the country to hide while her husband gives up and finds a way to declare her dead. Six months later, Eleanor believes she is finally free and safe to return to society with an assumed identity. Only when she returns she once again meets with Hil and can’t help but feel attracted to him and well as him to her. But how can she give him anything when she has no real identity and is thought to be dead?
The temptation will be great, and so will the seduction, but even as love blooms between Hil and Eleanor there is danger on the horizon seeking her true death. And with the society ladies not happy with Eleanor taking such a great catch off the market from the debutantes, there will be many rumors that will put Eleanor in the path of her ex-husband once again.
Devil in My Arms is a hot, sweet and fun read. Not only did I enjoy the chemistry between Hil and Eleanor, I loved how Eleanor took charge and went for what she wanted, even when Hil was too much of gentleman to pursue her. And the way he defended and was willing to risk everything in his life for her was just so swoon worthy. I can't wait to read more about the Saint's Devils and find out who will be next.
If you like a good historical romance with a great story line, some hot scenes and hero that will make you swoon, don’t miss Devil in My Arms by Samantha Kane.
March 7, 2022
I’ll start by saying I probably should’ve rated this one two stars instead of three, but it’s the first book I managed to finish in what feels like weeks, so I’m feeling charitable today. Not much to say in the way of an introduction, so I’ll get right to it, but I’m about to spoil a few things, so beware of that.
At first I was pretty excited, as the premise of the book seemed pretty interesting and unique to me, and after years of reading HR I find it’s quite difficult to find a plot that isn’t overdone to high heaven, but this one sounded pretty outside the box. Needless to say, my joy didn’t last very long.
The first 50% was actually pretty boring and uneventful. After the strong first couple of chapters and the overall setup, the plot dissolves into Hil investigating seemingly interesting stuff off-screen and coming up empty handed, and Eleanor going to balls and pretty much sitting at home. Mercifully, the story isn’t very long, and after a short while things seemed to start picking up, only to turn into a cliché fest instead of the cool plot I was promised.
The main antagonist, who I felt had the potential to be engaging, turned out to just be crazy, and then was summarily killed off page, after an extremely brief appearance, instead of causing all the trouble he ought to (his thought process and actions were never explained to my satisfaction). Then the REAL bad guy turned out to be some rando we had no interest in and wasn’t even mentioned up until this point, and of course his whole deal was about revenge on Hilary, thus making Eleanor nothing more than a damsel in distress who had to be saved by all the really smart dudes instead of the intelligent woman we first met who actually had some agency.
Now onto another thing that bugged me. While I don’t usually see the point in complaining about historical accuracy when it comes to the genre, this isn’t historical fiction after all, this particular novel took it too far if you ask me.
I of course don’t know how much research Kane actually put into 19th century court proceedings and crime scene work, but the whole thing seemed like bs to me. Eleanor was a rich woman of the upper crust, and I honestly find it really hard to believe they would arrest her and lock her up with common criminals based on extremely circumstantial evidence. If she were a barmaid or prostitute and the dead guy rich, maybe, but as far as I know, no man of the time would even dare think a genteel, well-educated woman would actually stab a dude in the back. They simply wouldn’t think she had the ability to pull something like that off. If anything, they would place her under house arrest or something.
Besides the trial, her whole relationship with Hil and how much they flaunted it in front of the ton and even the courthouse, was simply too ridiculous for me to bear. It honestly insulted my intelligence.
On top of all of that, I felt there was a lot of telling and not showing when it came to the story and the character work. It seemed Kane wanted to explore certain ideas, such as how the press and the public would condemn someone one moment and then be on their side the next at the drop of a hat, but couldn’t be bothered to put the effort into integrating these themes into the plot, so she simply told the reader it was happening instead of showing it to us.
The characters were alright. The only one that stood out to me was Wiley, as he seemed to have more of an actual personality, rather than be a plot convenience as the rest of them were.
Hil was meant to be a Sherlock Holmes type guy, but despite being told again and again how smart he was supposed to be, I just didn’t see it. We never witness him doing anything out of the ordinary, and by the end, it’s Wiley who comes up with the best plans and ideas.
Hil would also have us believe the reason he’s into Eleanor is that she’s as smart as him, but I just didn’t see that either. She was rather flat and boring, and besides victim, she didn’t have much of a personality. Their chemistry was as warm as Reykjavík in the middle of January, and there was a whole lotta insta lust/love going on.
Eventually I warmed up to them a bit, but I can’t say they were particularly well written characters.
I’m gonna give Kane some credit here, and admit I haven’t read the previous books in the series, so maybe the characters are a bit more fleshed out in those, but then again, I hadn’t read A Night to Surrender when I read A Week to be Wicked, and I had no trouble connecting with Minerva and Colin, so some of the fault is hers.
Overall, I didn’t hate this, it was just forgettable and uninteresting, so if you’re dying to read it, go ahead. The writing itself was fine, and the love scenes adequate, if on the cooler side of the spectrum.
Honestly, I feel like I need to re-read some of my favorite HRs just to make sure I didn’t dream the genre has some good stuff to offer, cause I haven’t read a good one in what feels like years.
At first I was pretty excited, as the premise of the book seemed pretty interesting and unique to me, and after years of reading HR I find it’s quite difficult to find a plot that isn’t overdone to high heaven, but this one sounded pretty outside the box. Needless to say, my joy didn’t last very long.
The first 50% was actually pretty boring and uneventful. After the strong first couple of chapters and the overall setup, the plot dissolves into Hil investigating seemingly interesting stuff off-screen and coming up empty handed, and Eleanor going to balls and pretty much sitting at home. Mercifully, the story isn’t very long, and after a short while things seemed to start picking up, only to turn into a cliché fest instead of the cool plot I was promised.
The main antagonist, who I felt had the potential to be engaging, turned out to just be crazy, and then was summarily killed off page, after an extremely brief appearance, instead of causing all the trouble he ought to (his thought process and actions were never explained to my satisfaction). Then the REAL bad guy turned out to be some rando we had no interest in and wasn’t even mentioned up until this point, and of course his whole deal was about revenge on Hilary, thus making Eleanor nothing more than a damsel in distress who had to be saved by all the really smart dudes instead of the intelligent woman we first met who actually had some agency.
Now onto another thing that bugged me. While I don’t usually see the point in complaining about historical accuracy when it comes to the genre, this isn’t historical fiction after all, this particular novel took it too far if you ask me.
I of course don’t know how much research Kane actually put into 19th century court proceedings and crime scene work, but the whole thing seemed like bs to me. Eleanor was a rich woman of the upper crust, and I honestly find it really hard to believe they would arrest her and lock her up with common criminals based on extremely circumstantial evidence. If she were a barmaid or prostitute and the dead guy rich, maybe, but as far as I know, no man of the time would even dare think a genteel, well-educated woman would actually stab a dude in the back. They simply wouldn’t think she had the ability to pull something like that off. If anything, they would place her under house arrest or something.
Besides the trial, her whole relationship with Hil and how much they flaunted it in front of the ton and even the courthouse, was simply too ridiculous for me to bear. It honestly insulted my intelligence.
On top of all of that, I felt there was a lot of telling and not showing when it came to the story and the character work. It seemed Kane wanted to explore certain ideas, such as how the press and the public would condemn someone one moment and then be on their side the next at the drop of a hat, but couldn’t be bothered to put the effort into integrating these themes into the plot, so she simply told the reader it was happening instead of showing it to us.
The characters were alright. The only one that stood out to me was Wiley, as he seemed to have more of an actual personality, rather than be a plot convenience as the rest of them were.
Hil was meant to be a Sherlock Holmes type guy, but despite being told again and again how smart he was supposed to be, I just didn’t see it. We never witness him doing anything out of the ordinary, and by the end, it’s Wiley who comes up with the best plans and ideas.
Hil would also have us believe the reason he’s into Eleanor is that she’s as smart as him, but I just didn’t see that either. She was rather flat and boring, and besides victim, she didn’t have much of a personality. Their chemistry was as warm as Reykjavík in the middle of January, and there was a whole lotta insta lust/love going on.
Eventually I warmed up to them a bit, but I can’t say they were particularly well written characters.
I’m gonna give Kane some credit here, and admit I haven’t read the previous books in the series, so maybe the characters are a bit more fleshed out in those, but then again, I hadn’t read A Night to Surrender when I read A Week to be Wicked, and I had no trouble connecting with Minerva and Colin, so some of the fault is hers.
Overall, I didn’t hate this, it was just forgettable and uninteresting, so if you’re dying to read it, go ahead. The writing itself was fine, and the love scenes adequate, if on the cooler side of the spectrum.
Honestly, I feel like I need to re-read some of my favorite HRs just to make sure I didn’t dream the genre has some good stuff to offer, cause I haven’t read a good one in what feels like years.
April 14, 2021
3.75 / 4 Stars
It was fun to watch the Saint's Devil founder, St. John, bumble and waver on his emotional control over Eleanor! Good mystery as to who's setting up Eleanor. My only negative about the story is there was too much inner dialog and it wasn't until 30% into the story that things started to pick up. Samantha Kane is a good author and I've read the Brothers in Arms series. On a side note, I wish she'd continue the 93rd Highlanders Series....
It was fun to watch the Saint's Devil founder, St. John, bumble and waver on his emotional control over Eleanor! Good mystery as to who's setting up Eleanor. My only negative about the story is there was too much inner dialog and it wasn't until 30% into the story that things started to pick up. Samantha Kane is a good author and I've read the Brothers in Arms series. On a side note, I wish she'd continue the 93rd Highlanders Series....
December 4, 2013
Originally Reviewed For: Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy
We tend to romanticize the past. Give it a glorious history, share the glitz and the glitter of the ton but we forget that history was filled with people. Sure there was romance, intrigue, fame and glory but there was also poverty, greed, avarice, abuse, treachery and betrayal. Really aside from technology mankind really hasn't changed all that much, sad to say. It's up to us to find the light in the darkness, to bring joy to those around us.. to find our way so to speak. Yes, we as a species have always had our darkness but we have also always found a way into the light. Samantha Kane does a wonderful job of discovering that light and making it shine in Devil in My Arms. In book three of her Saint's Devils Series, Saint (Hilary St John) has finally met his match and of course, there is a catch.
Eleanor Enderby is a desperate woman literally sold into marriage twelve years previously she has endured years of abuse. A husband who "married up" who wanted to create a dynasty but instead was given a barren bride. No way was he going to accept that, so for years he hid her away.. mentally abused her and almost destroyed who she was. Finally able to escape Eleanor has been living on fear and desperation for three long months.. but at last she deems it ok to attempt to contact her sister and maybe start her life again. Except on the very doorstep to freedom she is accosted and forced to fight, or so she thinks.. instead she finds a man who is willing to do anything to save her, Sir Hilary St. John. Man of law, man of mystery and protector of innocents.
Hilary St. John appeared at school at the age of 12. No one, not even his closest friends have any idea where he came from before that. They just know that he is their friend. A Brilliant man who believes in doing the right thing, who has connections to the king and always has some mysterious job to do. So when one of his best friends calls him in to help find his wife's sister and a childhood friend. Hil does all he can to find her but she even managed to escape him, that is until he found her on her sister's doorstep. Intrigued, interested and determined to protect her, Hilary has met his match.
These two have a quirky yet almost desperate relationship.. after all Eleanor is technically still married.. they can't just fall in love or can they? Choices have to be made. Is it right to love in spite of the lies that are being lived? Is Eleanor free to live as she pleases or must she forever remain in hiding?
When darkness once again threatens Eleanore's life, will she fight or flee? Can she trust Hil to protect her or should she even allow him to be involved.
An intricate dance of Love and Redemption, Ms Kane does a very good job of keeping us routing for these two. No matter how dark it gets!
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Devil in My Arms, provided by netgalley
June 17, 2015
RELEASE DATE: 26 NOVEMBER 2013
Beautiful story! I enjoyed it quite a lot. The characters are charming and vey well described; the story, which sometimes has a bit intricate plot, is never confused or tedious.
The escape, the disguise, the trial and last but surely not least, Hilary and Eleanor's love story, everything gives a splendid and interesting development to the whole story.
Mrs. Eleanor Enderby is running away from her abusive and possessive husband and, to set him and his men on the wrong track, she has hidden wearing man clothes and walking around the filthier parts of London; unfortunately that means she has been starving and living in the worst conditions. After three vagrant months, she finally decides to seek help and refuge from her beloved sister Harriet and her brother-in-law Roger (Tempting a devil).
It's exactly when she is in font of her sister house that she meets the charming Sir Hilary St. John, who she initially things to be one of her devil husband's men but who instead is a dear friend of Roger and Harriet and the man who is looking for her on their behalf.
[...]
Well, the story is definitely intriguing, the crime is quite challenging, the characters are amazing, I loved them. Eleanor is brave but extremely gentle and sweet, sometimes she seems insecure but she never gives up, she has the most beautiful relationship with Hilary, they laugh, they joke and they understand each other deeply; there's a looot of passion here!
I adore Eleanor relationship with Wiley, and I actually love Wiley himself (I really, really hope there will his own book, I'm quite confident).
I found pretty much interesting the all trial and court scenes, there are a lot of tension and they are super thrilling!
I truly enjoyed Samantha Kane style, I'm definitely going to read the other books from this series and something from the Brothers in arms.
TO READ THE COMPLETE REVIEW : http://ilprofumodellepergamene.blogsp...
** I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book courtesy of NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept in exchange for an honest review, thank you very much for the opportunity.
September 29, 2013
Me and Ms Kane have a checkered past. At least when it comes to my reading Ms Kane's books. I've been less than happy with her books in the past, but Devil In My Arms blew me away! In a good way, that is. The story of Eleanor and Hilary swept me away, kept me awake at night, and biting my nails trying to figure out how they could be together despite everything working against them.
At first I was skeptical about Hilary. He's not your typical hero. He's a redhead! I'm not too crazy about redheads. Sorry. But the more I got to know his character, the more I fell in love with him. And I loved how he was in love with Eleanor, but so deeply in denial he was sure he could "get her out of his system". Yeah. Right!
Eleanor I fell in love with right away. Mentally abused by her husband for more than a decade, she finally manages to escape. Even though she's been to hell and back, she doesn't complain. She picks herself up, dusts off, and keeps on going. She's strong, she's level headed, she's what all Regency heroines should be like.
Being third book in a series and me not having read the previous ones, I did feel a little lost at times. But the suspense of the story and the lovable characters more than made up for it. More often than not, it seemed like there was no future for Hilary and Eleanor. Whenever it seemed like there was a solution, it got shot down. Even though you know there will be a happily ever after, it's a real nail biter. The ending is in no way rushed, and I was happy with the solution, though the bad guy was a little unexpected. I thought it might have been someone a little more prominent in the story.
Review can also be found at From the Bottom of a Frappe.
I received this book as an e-galley from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.
At first I was skeptical about Hilary. He's not your typical hero. He's a redhead! I'm not too crazy about redheads. Sorry. But the more I got to know his character, the more I fell in love with him. And I loved how he was in love with Eleanor, but so deeply in denial he was sure he could "get her out of his system". Yeah. Right!
Eleanor I fell in love with right away. Mentally abused by her husband for more than a decade, she finally manages to escape. Even though she's been to hell and back, she doesn't complain. She picks herself up, dusts off, and keeps on going. She's strong, she's level headed, she's what all Regency heroines should be like.
Being third book in a series and me not having read the previous ones, I did feel a little lost at times. But the suspense of the story and the lovable characters more than made up for it. More often than not, it seemed like there was no future for Hilary and Eleanor. Whenever it seemed like there was a solution, it got shot down. Even though you know there will be a happily ever after, it's a real nail biter. The ending is in no way rushed, and I was happy with the solution, though the bad guy was a little unexpected. I thought it might have been someone a little more prominent in the story.
Review can also be found at From the Bottom of a Frappe.
I received this book as an e-galley from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.
November 6, 2013
Hil has been my favorite of Samantha Kane’s Devils from the beginning of her The Saint’s Devils series. He is witty and sharp and has a unique way with words. He is one of those people that can say something and unless you are as equally clever you’ll never catch it. Out of all of Sir Hilary St John’s attributes that was my favorite.
In Devil In My Arms Sam has given Hil a perfect match. Eleanor is quite the clever lady. The word sparring alone is reason enough to go buy this book right now. The whole initial courtship is a series of amazing word spars. Eleanor’s personality does not match my thoughts to historical genteel lady. Nor does her personality reflect the hardships life has thrown at her. Eleanor speaks her mind, she gains a freedom women of her time do not seek out much less acquire, and she is just overall an amazingly strong woman.
All the characters in this series are easily likeable. The situations they face match the time they are set in. Eleanor and Hil have some large obstacles to overcome to get to their happily ever after. They worked for both the story and the setting. All these things combined made for an amazing read that you’ll not want to miss out on.
Having read all the books in this series I believe they each easily work as a stand-alone.
Favorite quote: Hil to Eleanor. “How boring life would be with an ordinary woman when I could have someone extraordinary like you.”
In Devil In My Arms Sam has given Hil a perfect match. Eleanor is quite the clever lady. The word sparring alone is reason enough to go buy this book right now. The whole initial courtship is a series of amazing word spars. Eleanor’s personality does not match my thoughts to historical genteel lady. Nor does her personality reflect the hardships life has thrown at her. Eleanor speaks her mind, she gains a freedom women of her time do not seek out much less acquire, and she is just overall an amazingly strong woman.
All the characters in this series are easily likeable. The situations they face match the time they are set in. Eleanor and Hil have some large obstacles to overcome to get to their happily ever after. They worked for both the story and the setting. All these things combined made for an amazing read that you’ll not want to miss out on.
Having read all the books in this series I believe they each easily work as a stand-alone.
Favorite quote: Hil to Eleanor. “How boring life would be with an ordinary woman when I could have someone extraordinary like you.”
February 13, 2014
Eleanor is finally away from her husbands clutches, she´s managed to stay away long enough that he´s given up and called back his search party.
Now she can seek shelter with her sister and her new family.
Doind so puts her face to face with the enigmatic Sir Hilary, a man who´s searched for her for her sisters sake.
Could she finally get her chance to live her life for herself, without the angst of her husband, is this her chance to shine?
While endeavouring on her new path, with an alias as her own cousin, and a budding romance with Sir Hilary, life couldn´t seem brighter.
But that´s when troubles comes trolling.
Historical Romance, smutty fluff and suspense in a great combo. Can´t wait to read the first two books in this series.
Now she can seek shelter with her sister and her new family.
Doind so puts her face to face with the enigmatic Sir Hilary, a man who´s searched for her for her sisters sake.
Could she finally get her chance to live her life for herself, without the angst of her husband, is this her chance to shine?
While endeavouring on her new path, with an alias as her own cousin, and a budding romance with Sir Hilary, life couldn´t seem brighter.
But that´s when troubles comes trolling.
Historical Romance, smutty fluff and suspense in a great combo. Can´t wait to read the first two books in this series.
September 28, 2014
Everything about this story was just 'okay'. There was so much potential for the hero to be a hero, but he was just 'okay'. The heroine was less than 'just okay'. The script for her character was erratic. One minute she was the victim and then she was the confident woman and then she was back in her victim role. I never felt comfortable with the story. It seemed contrived in several places. The author seemed to be grasping for dialog and action that would lead me to a logical conclusion. It didn't. Not recommending!
October 31, 2013
This book never captured my interest. I kept feeling like I was missing important information when I read the first chapter. Please read my full review at http://letague.blogspot.com/2013/10/d...
I received this book from NetGalley as an Advanced Reader Copy.
I received this book from NetGalley as an Advanced Reader Copy.
January 5, 2018
I love that Hilary is so honest, to the point of being rude, but he has a great standing in the society and isn't dependant on anyone so he can afford to say whatever and whenever he pleases without censuring himself. In this day and age when pretty much anything goes I would bite my tongue often, even though I try to be as honest as possible. There is another thing I envy him, his drive, ambition, his strong opinions, nowadays we have too many options and it's hard to pick a path or succeed in a chosen field.
As I didn't like Shakespeare in the first book I don't like poems in this one. I know people like this stuff and it's probably romantic to them when people are quoting plays and poems but I am not one of those people. I find such things boring.
Hilary is by far the best person in the series, best person I have encountered in the books in a while. He is kind and compassionate, if people are unable to pay him for his help he will do it free of charge and he has a penchant for wallflowers, even though he is handsome and could have any woman he would like. Since he is an intellectual he is very self aware and isn't fighting his attraction towards Eleanor. In many books people are always going on about how they're attracted to someone yet they can't or won't be with them because of one thing or the other but still see the person in question on the sly, in this series it happened pretty much with every main character. I believe Hilary is the only person who makes up his mind and sticks with it, he isn't lying to himself (except for the colour of his hair) and this is why he is my favourite.
Loved the book, all the way, I grew to love Hilary even more so, he is such a fantastic character. I also loved the supporting characters and I would like to read their books but it looks like this series has come to a halt. If the author or anyone who can pass this on to her should ever read this I would like her to know that she should've written a book about Wiley and Lyttle as well as the Earl and his sister. I would've liked to read their stories as well but the trilogy is fine on it's own.
As I didn't like Shakespeare in the first book I don't like poems in this one. I know people like this stuff and it's probably romantic to them when people are quoting plays and poems but I am not one of those people. I find such things boring.
Hilary is by far the best person in the series, best person I have encountered in the books in a while. He is kind and compassionate, if people are unable to pay him for his help he will do it free of charge and he has a penchant for wallflowers, even though he is handsome and could have any woman he would like. Since he is an intellectual he is very self aware and isn't fighting his attraction towards Eleanor. In many books people are always going on about how they're attracted to someone yet they can't or won't be with them because of one thing or the other but still see the person in question on the sly, in this series it happened pretty much with every main character. I believe Hilary is the only person who makes up his mind and sticks with it, he isn't lying to himself (except for the colour of his hair) and this is why he is my favourite.
Loved the book, all the way, I grew to love Hilary even more so, he is such a fantastic character. I also loved the supporting characters and I would like to read their books but it looks like this series has come to a halt. If the author or anyone who can pass this on to her should ever read this I would like her to know that she should've written a book about Wiley and Lyttle as well as the Earl and his sister. I would've liked to read their stories as well but the trilogy is fine on it's own.
December 19, 2025
Sir Hilary St John has become my newest character to be added to my Favorite Hero List. I have enjoyed in the two previous books and was looking forward to reading this one. I am also glad that Harry's sister found someone that would stand up for her and fight to make sure that she could have a wonderful life.
The story focuses on the terrible relationship between Elanor and her husband Mr. Enderby. One of those men that abuses women to make himself feel like an important man. I hated this man from the first time I read about what he was doing to Eleanor.
Of course Mr. Enderby isn't the only villain in story. There is another that is out to ruin Sir Hillary. The last few chapters are real nail biters. With the trial and the hunt for the man that is out to ruin Sir Hillary there is lots of excitement and tension.
The story focuses on the terrible relationship between Elanor and her husband Mr. Enderby. One of those men that abuses women to make himself feel like an important man. I hated this man from the first time I read about what he was doing to Eleanor.
Of course Mr. Enderby isn't the only villain in story. There is another that is out to ruin Sir Hillary. The last few chapters are real nail biters. With the trial and the hunt for the man that is out to ruin Sir Hillary there is lots of excitement and tension.
July 6, 2017
Highly enjoyable book; definitely a Regency-set tribute to Sherlock Holmes, which I feel the author could perhaps have done more with. Surprisingly heavy on plot, which did drag a bit during all the courtroom scenes, and meant that the denouement seemed a little overdone.
March 24, 2019
Some lovely moments xx
April 26, 2023
Great sexy book…recommend
November 25, 2013
Rating: B+ -- Liked It A Lot
Originally Posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by NetGalley
I have been a big fan of Ms. Kane’s The Saint’s Devils series since the first title, The Devil’s Thief. I enjoy her sharp witted heroes, no-nonsense heroines, and the wonderful romances each story imparts. Devil in My Arms is the third entertaining story in the series. This time around, the focus of the story is on Sir Hilary St. John (aka Hil), probably my favorite character in the series. It will take a special woman to match Hil’s cleverness and cunning ways, and Eleanor Enderby fits the bill.
The story grabbed my attention from the very start, filled with intrigue as we follow a penniless and hungry Eleanor running from her abusive husband to the home of her sister, Harriet Templeton (from the second book, Tempting a Devil). Quickly we learn of Eleanor’s horrible marriage and how she hopes that after hiding for three months, her husband will assume she is dead and move on.
I admire Eleanor and her desire to be a free woman. She has a sense of who she is and won’t let society dictate who she will be. When Eleanor first arrives, she is sent off to the country for three months to recover and remain hidden. I appreciate this time for what it is--a chance for Eleanor to get her feet on the ground and for the reader to learn more about the heroine without interference. As Eleanor begins to feel more comfortable that her freedom is real, she embraces all that she has been denied for too many years. As she steps out into society, she gains the attentions of her brother-in-law’s good friend, Hil. It is during this time of exploration that Eleanor finds her true self, and it is such a joy to experience.
Hil is a worldly man, perhaps even a rake, who has friends in high places and tours all over the continent. Eleanor is an enigma that he must solve in order to rid himself of thoughts of her. Hil’s incredibly rude and blunt words for Eleanor when they first get to know one another had my jaw dropping more than once! But he is obsessed, and he doesn’t hide it. Luckily for the pair and the reader alike, Hil begins to see the true beauty of Eleanor and his obsession turns to lust and love.
Together the pair have fabulous chemistry, but it is their frank conversations, double entendres, and sassy duel of words that capture my mind and heart. Ms. Kane pens fantastic dialogue for the couple, allowing greater emotional connection to both characters. There were a few moments in which the raw nature of the discourse brought a few tears to my eyes.
There first coupling was pretty hot - but it was the circumstances and dialogue that made me smile most. After two weeks of no contact, Eleanor sneaks to see Hil in the middle of the night to “have an affair.” She is a gem, and I love her deliberate way of thinking and her take-charge action. It may have taken two weeks for Eleanor to decide that her desire for Hil is stronger than it being a bad idea, but at that moment, she charges in without consequence. Their word play after - deciding whether or not to continue on - was equally delightful. I adore this couple.
Once Hil and Eleanor have found their way to be together, Eleanor is accused of a horrible crime. With her life on the line and a very short time to prove her innocence, the story ratchets up the intensity and I couldn’t put down the book. At this point, I was heavily attached to the couple; therefore, I was “sick with worry” over what would happen. It created a great tempo change within the book and made for an exciting conclusion. I enjoyed reading Hil work through the clues to solve the puzzle, although I was slightly disappointed that there wasn’t more of a tie-in to events earlier in the book.
Overall, Devil in My Arms is an enjoyable story. I adore Eleanor and Hil together. Their verbal sparring and dancing is as sexy as their mutual attraction. I've always had a thing for Hil, and to see his world turned upside down because of a woman is fabulous. Eleanor is his perfect match... Besting him and meeting him jab for jab, so to speak. Their courtship is entertaining and a joy to follow. I became heavily invested and emotionally connect to the pair. When the story moved to a whodunit mode after Eleanor is arrested, I was on the edge of my seat, trying to figure out how to save Eleanor.
Originally Posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by NetGalley
I have been a big fan of Ms. Kane’s The Saint’s Devils series since the first title, The Devil’s Thief. I enjoy her sharp witted heroes, no-nonsense heroines, and the wonderful romances each story imparts. Devil in My Arms is the third entertaining story in the series. This time around, the focus of the story is on Sir Hilary St. John (aka Hil), probably my favorite character in the series. It will take a special woman to match Hil’s cleverness and cunning ways, and Eleanor Enderby fits the bill.
The story grabbed my attention from the very start, filled with intrigue as we follow a penniless and hungry Eleanor running from her abusive husband to the home of her sister, Harriet Templeton (from the second book, Tempting a Devil). Quickly we learn of Eleanor’s horrible marriage and how she hopes that after hiding for three months, her husband will assume she is dead and move on.
I admire Eleanor and her desire to be a free woman. She has a sense of who she is and won’t let society dictate who she will be. When Eleanor first arrives, she is sent off to the country for three months to recover and remain hidden. I appreciate this time for what it is--a chance for Eleanor to get her feet on the ground and for the reader to learn more about the heroine without interference. As Eleanor begins to feel more comfortable that her freedom is real, she embraces all that she has been denied for too many years. As she steps out into society, she gains the attentions of her brother-in-law’s good friend, Hil. It is during this time of exploration that Eleanor finds her true self, and it is such a joy to experience.
Hil is a worldly man, perhaps even a rake, who has friends in high places and tours all over the continent. Eleanor is an enigma that he must solve in order to rid himself of thoughts of her. Hil’s incredibly rude and blunt words for Eleanor when they first get to know one another had my jaw dropping more than once! But he is obsessed, and he doesn’t hide it. Luckily for the pair and the reader alike, Hil begins to see the true beauty of Eleanor and his obsession turns to lust and love.
Together the pair have fabulous chemistry, but it is their frank conversations, double entendres, and sassy duel of words that capture my mind and heart. Ms. Kane pens fantastic dialogue for the couple, allowing greater emotional connection to both characters. There were a few moments in which the raw nature of the discourse brought a few tears to my eyes.
There first coupling was pretty hot - but it was the circumstances and dialogue that made me smile most. After two weeks of no contact, Eleanor sneaks to see Hil in the middle of the night to “have an affair.” She is a gem, and I love her deliberate way of thinking and her take-charge action. It may have taken two weeks for Eleanor to decide that her desire for Hil is stronger than it being a bad idea, but at that moment, she charges in without consequence. Their word play after - deciding whether or not to continue on - was equally delightful. I adore this couple.
Once Hil and Eleanor have found their way to be together, Eleanor is accused of a horrible crime. With her life on the line and a very short time to prove her innocence, the story ratchets up the intensity and I couldn’t put down the book. At this point, I was heavily attached to the couple; therefore, I was “sick with worry” over what would happen. It created a great tempo change within the book and made for an exciting conclusion. I enjoyed reading Hil work through the clues to solve the puzzle, although I was slightly disappointed that there wasn’t more of a tie-in to events earlier in the book.
Overall, Devil in My Arms is an enjoyable story. I adore Eleanor and Hil together. Their verbal sparring and dancing is as sexy as their mutual attraction. I've always had a thing for Hil, and to see his world turned upside down because of a woman is fabulous. Eleanor is his perfect match... Besting him and meeting him jab for jab, so to speak. Their courtship is entertaining and a joy to follow. I became heavily invested and emotionally connect to the pair. When the story moved to a whodunit mode after Eleanor is arrested, I was on the edge of my seat, trying to figure out how to save Eleanor.
November 23, 2013
Title: * Devil in My Arms
Author: Samantha Kane
Series: The Saint’s Devils #3
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Loveswept
Format: ebook
Date/Year: November 26, 2013
Reviewed by: ElaineReads
*This book was provided to me by the publisher for review.
Summary from the publisher:
Even though she is starving and destitute, Eleanor Enderby’s quiet beauty strikes Sir Hilary St. John speechless. He expects the woman he’s searching for to be skittish and plain. Instead he finds the picture of bravery—and willfulness—in his quarry. She gives away little, but Hil can see something is terribly amiss. And though he cannot say exactly why, he is determined not to let her come to more harm than whatever it is she has already survived.
Six months later, Eleanor believes she has finally found safety from the tyrant she risked her life to escape. Thought to be dead by society, Eleanor is ready to be reborn as someone new—someone whose life will never again be tied to the fate of one man. But her smoldering savior seems unwilling to leave her unprotected for an instant. Despite the threats he thinks he sees coming, the real dangers Eleanor faces in Hil's arms are unmistakable: temptation, seduction, and maybe even love.
My Musings:
I have been anxiously waiting for this book since I read The Devil’s Thief, the first in the series. Hil is introduced as the leader of the Devils and I loved him from the beginning.
I cannot decide if he is uncaring about how is bluntness is perceived by others or just oblivious. He reminds me a little of Sherlock Holmes. Hil solves problems and finds things/people for both friends and strangers. His help is often solicited by the Prince Regent. He knows the secrets of everyone. He is more intelligent than anyone else he knows and no one ever gets the best of him.
And then he meets Eleanor.
It’s not that he doesn’t like women. He is the original Devil, after all. It’s just
“He didn’t do well in relationships. Everyone told him so. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to have some sort of lasting commitment -- a companion to share his life with -- but he was unable to focus solely on the women with whom he was involved, which irritated them. He was a busy man.”
Did I mention, and then he meets Eleanor?
Eleanor is the sister of Harriet who is the star of the second book Tempting a Devil. She is on the run from her abusive husband and has been missing for months. “Harry” hires Hil to find her sister.
From the very first meeting, Eleanor bests Hil. He doesn’t find her. She shows up at her sister’s house when she is ready to be found. Her plan is to have her husband declare her dead and she will enter society disguised as another woman.
Hil is fascinated with Eleanor. He expected a timid, downtrodden woman and finds a strong, capable woman who is determined to not be a victim.
She is taking London by storm and does not appear to be impressed by Hil in the least. Even in the most innocent conversation, she manages to top him.
Hil is a busy man and she is taking up far too much of his thoughts. Doesn’t she know he has work to do?
Devil in my Arms is primarily a romance. However, it also has a complex plot involving murder and a tense courtroom drama.
Of course, everything works out in the end, but the reader is never quite sure how she is going to get there.
The book is left open for a possible sequel involving a secondary character. I really hope Wiley gets his own book. His character has developed so much since his introduction.
It’s not necessary to have read the first two books in the series to enjoy Hil’s and Eleanor’s story, but I recommend you do so. This book is my favorite, but they are wonderful in their own right.
Ratings:
Overall: 5
Sensuality level: 3
Author: Samantha Kane
Series: The Saint’s Devils #3
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Loveswept
Format: ebook
Date/Year: November 26, 2013
Reviewed by: ElaineReads
*This book was provided to me by the publisher for review.
Summary from the publisher:
Even though she is starving and destitute, Eleanor Enderby’s quiet beauty strikes Sir Hilary St. John speechless. He expects the woman he’s searching for to be skittish and plain. Instead he finds the picture of bravery—and willfulness—in his quarry. She gives away little, but Hil can see something is terribly amiss. And though he cannot say exactly why, he is determined not to let her come to more harm than whatever it is she has already survived.
Six months later, Eleanor believes she has finally found safety from the tyrant she risked her life to escape. Thought to be dead by society, Eleanor is ready to be reborn as someone new—someone whose life will never again be tied to the fate of one man. But her smoldering savior seems unwilling to leave her unprotected for an instant. Despite the threats he thinks he sees coming, the real dangers Eleanor faces in Hil's arms are unmistakable: temptation, seduction, and maybe even love.
My Musings:
I have been anxiously waiting for this book since I read The Devil’s Thief, the first in the series. Hil is introduced as the leader of the Devils and I loved him from the beginning.
I cannot decide if he is uncaring about how is bluntness is perceived by others or just oblivious. He reminds me a little of Sherlock Holmes. Hil solves problems and finds things/people for both friends and strangers. His help is often solicited by the Prince Regent. He knows the secrets of everyone. He is more intelligent than anyone else he knows and no one ever gets the best of him.
And then he meets Eleanor.
It’s not that he doesn’t like women. He is the original Devil, after all. It’s just
“He didn’t do well in relationships. Everyone told him so. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to have some sort of lasting commitment -- a companion to share his life with -- but he was unable to focus solely on the women with whom he was involved, which irritated them. He was a busy man.”
Did I mention, and then he meets Eleanor?
Eleanor is the sister of Harriet who is the star of the second book Tempting a Devil. She is on the run from her abusive husband and has been missing for months. “Harry” hires Hil to find her sister.
From the very first meeting, Eleanor bests Hil. He doesn’t find her. She shows up at her sister’s house when she is ready to be found. Her plan is to have her husband declare her dead and she will enter society disguised as another woman.
Hil is fascinated with Eleanor. He expected a timid, downtrodden woman and finds a strong, capable woman who is determined to not be a victim.
She is taking London by storm and does not appear to be impressed by Hil in the least. Even in the most innocent conversation, she manages to top him.
Hil is a busy man and she is taking up far too much of his thoughts. Doesn’t she know he has work to do?
Devil in my Arms is primarily a romance. However, it also has a complex plot involving murder and a tense courtroom drama.
Of course, everything works out in the end, but the reader is never quite sure how she is going to get there.
The book is left open for a possible sequel involving a secondary character. I really hope Wiley gets his own book. His character has developed so much since his introduction.
It’s not necessary to have read the first two books in the series to enjoy Hil’s and Eleanor’s story, but I recommend you do so. This book is my favorite, but they are wonderful in their own right.
Ratings:
Overall: 5
Sensuality level: 3
April 6, 2014
*I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
The third book of the series brings us finally the story of Sir Hilary St. John, a kind of Sherlock Holmes, who is the most misterious of the Devils and also their lider. Misterious because not even his closest friends, Alasdair and Roger, know much about his past and his origins. In the previous books it was plain that he has a misterious past and powerful connections, but only now do we get to see how far his connections spread and why.
The story begins with Harry's sister arrival at hers and Roger's place. Similarly to her sister, Eleanor Enderby has also not had a happy marriage and, having escaped his husband at last, disguised as a boy, and her sister is her last hope. Her plan is a simple one, even though perhaps maybe too hopeful... Eleanor intends to keep hidden until her husband, a poweful man in the region and desperate to produce an heir (that Eleanor cannot bear), declares her dead and remarries. Only then can Eleanor live a semi-normal life, under a false identity.
Her plan works faster than expected for, not only did her husband declared her dead only a few months after her disappearing, he also recognized a body as being hers. Since he has remarried and his new wife is pregnant, Eleanor assumes the identity of a supposed widow cousin of Harry and is introduced into London society.
Eleanor is a very intelligent woman whose spirit has not been broken even after all she's been through at the hands of her husband, and she is the only woman who is capable of intelectually challenge Hill which, of course, makes her extremely attractive at his eyes. The scenes when they both quote Shakespeare by heart are fantastic! But Eleanor is also not indifferent to the amateur detective and they both give in to the desire they feel for each other. After all, what do they have to lose? To all effects, Eleanor is a widow, so the scandal cannot be that grand...
But the past always catches up with us and when Eleanor's husband gets back in the scene, all the characters' lives are irrevocably altered. I don't want to give too much away, so I'll only mention there is a trial, a life on the line, Hil's past is revealed, Roger reveals himself to be an excellent attorney, Willey proves his value once more, this time as a detective, and the value of friendship is proven yet again.
Of all the Devils, Hil is the one who changes the most for love. Always reserved (possibly because of living with a secret past) and the first to consider appearances and the consequences in the previous books, Hil reveals himself a passionate man, desperate and incapable of considering what other people will think... Luckly his friends are there to help!
I am going to miss these characters and I would love it if the author continued the series. Wiley could have his book. Or Alasdair's cousin, the Count of Throckton. Or his sister, Lady Anne, because if there ever was a woman deserving of being a Devil, it was her. Or even Roger's collegue, Edward Little, several times refered as having also been one of the Devils in their school days...
A series that really surprised me in a positive way and that yielded me a few hours of delighting and compulsive reading.
I would just like to refer that the cover, unlike the previous ones, doesn't represent the main couple, since Hil has red hair (or auburn according to himself) and Eleanor should have short hair, since she maintained the cut throughout the story...
The third book of the series brings us finally the story of Sir Hilary St. John, a kind of Sherlock Holmes, who is the most misterious of the Devils and also their lider. Misterious because not even his closest friends, Alasdair and Roger, know much about his past and his origins. In the previous books it was plain that he has a misterious past and powerful connections, but only now do we get to see how far his connections spread and why.
The story begins with Harry's sister arrival at hers and Roger's place. Similarly to her sister, Eleanor Enderby has also not had a happy marriage and, having escaped his husband at last, disguised as a boy, and her sister is her last hope. Her plan is a simple one, even though perhaps maybe too hopeful... Eleanor intends to keep hidden until her husband, a poweful man in the region and desperate to produce an heir (that Eleanor cannot bear), declares her dead and remarries. Only then can Eleanor live a semi-normal life, under a false identity.
Her plan works faster than expected for, not only did her husband declared her dead only a few months after her disappearing, he also recognized a body as being hers. Since he has remarried and his new wife is pregnant, Eleanor assumes the identity of a supposed widow cousin of Harry and is introduced into London society.
Eleanor is a very intelligent woman whose spirit has not been broken even after all she's been through at the hands of her husband, and she is the only woman who is capable of intelectually challenge Hill which, of course, makes her extremely attractive at his eyes. The scenes when they both quote Shakespeare by heart are fantastic! But Eleanor is also not indifferent to the amateur detective and they both give in to the desire they feel for each other. After all, what do they have to lose? To all effects, Eleanor is a widow, so the scandal cannot be that grand...
But the past always catches up with us and when Eleanor's husband gets back in the scene, all the characters' lives are irrevocably altered. I don't want to give too much away, so I'll only mention there is a trial, a life on the line, Hil's past is revealed, Roger reveals himself to be an excellent attorney, Willey proves his value once more, this time as a detective, and the value of friendship is proven yet again.
Of all the Devils, Hil is the one who changes the most for love. Always reserved (possibly because of living with a secret past) and the first to consider appearances and the consequences in the previous books, Hil reveals himself a passionate man, desperate and incapable of considering what other people will think... Luckly his friends are there to help!
I am going to miss these characters and I would love it if the author continued the series. Wiley could have his book. Or Alasdair's cousin, the Count of Throckton. Or his sister, Lady Anne, because if there ever was a woman deserving of being a Devil, it was her. Or even Roger's collegue, Edward Little, several times refered as having also been one of the Devils in their school days...
A series that really surprised me in a positive way and that yielded me a few hours of delighting and compulsive reading.
I would just like to refer that the cover, unlike the previous ones, doesn't represent the main couple, since Hil has red hair (or auburn according to himself) and Eleanor should have short hair, since she maintained the cut throughout the story...
July 10, 2014
Third in a series, a review intrigued me and the sample pages hooked me, so of course, I'm reading these out of order. I was easily able to follow the connections but as soon as budget allows, I'll read the other two for sure!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the characters. Societal expectations was a quiet backdrop instead of a glittery framework. Conflicts were circumstance and event based, relying on the premise a widow had more freedom but less grace if she fell. I thought the family handled things plausibly as well as compassionately, even if it did feel like a spork in the eye several times. Her instinct to run was not too stupid to live, though a little tardy, but she was living on the assurances of others while trying to re-develop her own.
The writing was sharp, dialog engaging and intelligence celebrated in a manner that was not "rebellion" or "anti-society" for a refreshing change. I was delighted characters that were supposed to be brilliant actually fulfilled that expectation for the most part. St. John was believable and his gentling, not humbling, came from his own recognition, not at Eleanor's expense or prodding. She wasn't trying to change him; he wasn't trying to fix her or the world. Remarkable! The secondary characters supported the story without taking over. Scenes in the courtroom were fascinating and seemed reflective of the time. The villain and machinations were poignantly believable. The secret St John kept was dark enough to qualify him for the rakehell title without all that messy ex-mistress' swanning about cwap.
Focus was determinedly on the present and future. While that will surely work for most readers; I personally felt disappointed by this. It was not enough to count it a quibble. Enough to wish for a bit - just a wee bit - more of how a woman locked up and deprived of every comfort and many necessities for ten years managed to cope so very well in society with little more than a few months spent in the country. She struggles with closed doors and windows but that is the only lingering difficulty we really see. How her mind wasn't mush from the deprivation of books, friends, even interaction with servants ... and could match wits with a brilliant intellectual wasn't really covered except by the hand wave of determined, valiant and brave spirit. Okay, maybe it is a quibble, but a mini one. There was a great deal packed in to this book and for the respect to time that Ms. Kane gave the couple, allowing friendship and romance to develop, instead of overwhelm, I shall let my mini-quibble go.
Those that prefer a more involved plot can find it here; those that prefer more witty dialog and humor can also find that. It is a very satisfying blend of the two. I recommend this book for an enjoyable afternoon or early evening read. Do Not start this book an hour before bed time and think you won't be roughing it the next day at work!
Read my complete review as well as others at Page Traveler E-Book Reviews
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the characters. Societal expectations was a quiet backdrop instead of a glittery framework. Conflicts were circumstance and event based, relying on the premise a widow had more freedom but less grace if she fell. I thought the family handled things plausibly as well as compassionately, even if it did feel like a spork in the eye several times. Her instinct to run was not too stupid to live, though a little tardy, but she was living on the assurances of others while trying to re-develop her own.
The writing was sharp, dialog engaging and intelligence celebrated in a manner that was not "rebellion" or "anti-society" for a refreshing change. I was delighted characters that were supposed to be brilliant actually fulfilled that expectation for the most part. St. John was believable and his gentling, not humbling, came from his own recognition, not at Eleanor's expense or prodding. She wasn't trying to change him; he wasn't trying to fix her or the world. Remarkable! The secondary characters supported the story without taking over. Scenes in the courtroom were fascinating and seemed reflective of the time. The villain and machinations were poignantly believable. The secret St John kept was dark enough to qualify him for the rakehell title without all that messy ex-mistress' swanning about cwap.
Focus was determinedly on the present and future. While that will surely work for most readers; I personally felt disappointed by this. It was not enough to count it a quibble. Enough to wish for a bit - just a wee bit - more of how a woman locked up and deprived of every comfort and many necessities for ten years managed to cope so very well in society with little more than a few months spent in the country. She struggles with closed doors and windows but that is the only lingering difficulty we really see. How her mind wasn't mush from the deprivation of books, friends, even interaction with servants ... and could match wits with a brilliant intellectual wasn't really covered except by the hand wave of determined, valiant and brave spirit. Okay, maybe it is a quibble, but a mini one. There was a great deal packed in to this book and for the respect to time that Ms. Kane gave the couple, allowing friendship and romance to develop, instead of overwhelm, I shall let my mini-quibble go.
Those that prefer a more involved plot can find it here; those that prefer more witty dialog and humor can also find that. It is a very satisfying blend of the two. I recommend this book for an enjoyable afternoon or early evening read. Do Not start this book an hour before bed time and think you won't be roughing it the next day at work!
Read my complete review as well as others at Page Traveler E-Book Reviews
September 22, 2013
I LOVE this series and this book was a wonderful addition. Devil in My Arms was a fantastic historical romance that had thrills, mystery, and, of course, some steamy romance. I loved this book!
Eleanor was a lovely heroine. She has been through a lot because of her marriage, enough that it would have broken a weaker woman. But, she fought to escape and built herself a new life beyond the shackles of her marriage. I loved that she managed to match wits and cleverness with Hil, which is quite a feat considering how smart this man is. I only had one complaint about her and it was that she was kind of rude to Hil, considering he's the one who aided her rescue. A little more gratitude rather than defiance wouldn't have gone amiss. But, otherwise, I thought she was great. She was strong, clever, and very likable.
Hil was also wonderful. I already liked him from his appearances in the previous books in the series, but this book made me adore him. He's not a very conventional gentleman. For one, social niceties go right over his head. He might be able to find the missing link in a critical investigation, but he can't seem to figure out when a question he asks for the sake of his ever curious mind might be construed as rude. For another, he has no problem doing anything to get what he wants, be it the woman he loves or a chance to solve an investigation. But, he could also be sweet and kind and there is no denying how smart he is. I thought he was wonderful and I adored him.
The romance was super hot. The sparks between these two were on fire and they weren't shy about letting their desires known. It was definitely spicy. But, they were also very sweet together. I really liked the progression of how they fell in love, despite doing their best not to. It was sweet. I thought these two were a lovely couple.
Wiley played a bigger role in this book and I still adore him. He's just so awesome and adorable and I think he's amazing. I really hope he gets his own book because I would love to read more about him.
The plot was fast paced. I was hooked the entire way through. There were thrills, mystery, and I was riveted. The courtroom scene, which was about the last quarter of the book, was amazingly done. It had me on the edge of my seat, full of anxiety, needing to know what happens. That was undoubtedly the best part of the book. I really enjoyed the story and the ending was perfect. I think it's safe to say that this series is officially one of my favorite romance series. I can't wait to read more from this series and this author.
Devil in My Arms was a brilliant historical romance. I absolutely loved every part of it, from the hot romance, to the thrilling mystery. Lovers of romance, this is a book you definitely have to read.
*I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Eleanor was a lovely heroine. She has been through a lot because of her marriage, enough that it would have broken a weaker woman. But, she fought to escape and built herself a new life beyond the shackles of her marriage. I loved that she managed to match wits and cleverness with Hil, which is quite a feat considering how smart this man is. I only had one complaint about her and it was that she was kind of rude to Hil, considering he's the one who aided her rescue. A little more gratitude rather than defiance wouldn't have gone amiss. But, otherwise, I thought she was great. She was strong, clever, and very likable.
Hil was also wonderful. I already liked him from his appearances in the previous books in the series, but this book made me adore him. He's not a very conventional gentleman. For one, social niceties go right over his head. He might be able to find the missing link in a critical investigation, but he can't seem to figure out when a question he asks for the sake of his ever curious mind might be construed as rude. For another, he has no problem doing anything to get what he wants, be it the woman he loves or a chance to solve an investigation. But, he could also be sweet and kind and there is no denying how smart he is. I thought he was wonderful and I adored him.
The romance was super hot. The sparks between these two were on fire and they weren't shy about letting their desires known. It was definitely spicy. But, they were also very sweet together. I really liked the progression of how they fell in love, despite doing their best not to. It was sweet. I thought these two were a lovely couple.
Wiley played a bigger role in this book and I still adore him. He's just so awesome and adorable and I think he's amazing. I really hope he gets his own book because I would love to read more about him.
The plot was fast paced. I was hooked the entire way through. There were thrills, mystery, and I was riveted. The courtroom scene, which was about the last quarter of the book, was amazingly done. It had me on the edge of my seat, full of anxiety, needing to know what happens. That was undoubtedly the best part of the book. I really enjoyed the story and the ending was perfect. I think it's safe to say that this series is officially one of my favorite romance series. I can't wait to read more from this series and this author.
Devil in My Arms was a brilliant historical romance. I absolutely loved every part of it, from the hot romance, to the thrilling mystery. Lovers of romance, this is a book you definitely have to read.
*I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
November 5, 2013
Appearing on her sister's doorstep in London after three months on the run, Eleanor is confronted by Hillary St. John who has spent those months searching for his friend and fellow Devil, Roger's sister-in-law, to no avail. How did this lady, dressed as a street urchin evade his expertise?
Eleanor Enderby has spent the last decade of her married life hidden away in her malicious husband's home being sorely mistreated partly because she is unable to bear the poor excuse of a man an heir. Unable to take it anymore, Eleanor leaves him. Her plan is to conceal herself long enough that he declares her dead. Once that is done, he would remarry and conceive an heir with someone else.Then she would come out of hiding with a new identity and live her life without fear. In a perfect world that might be possible.
Hillary St. John has been rather adept at eluding the marriage mart. The man has no desire to wed, he has more interesting pursuits, such as keeping the Prince Regent out of trouble and having his misdeeds exposed among other investigative allures. He finds most women rather droll in comparison to himself and until Eleanor appears in his path, he wouldn't give a woman a second thought. At first he is fascinated with Eleanor because she so successfully hid from him , then he finds there is much more than meets the eye with this female. Can she possibly have as much intelligence and wit as himself?
Using the new identity of widow, Elizabeth Fairchild, Eleanor returns to London to her sister Harry's home as her cousin. Making her debut in public, Hillary can't stay away from the captivating woman. Seeing no recourse but to quench his thirst for her, Hillary begins an affair with Eleanor, and unwittingly falls for her.
When Eleanor's husband ends up murdered and she is arrested as the prime suspect, Hillary and everyone who has grown to love Eleanor sets out to save her from the hangman's noose. Can Hillary save the only woman he has ever loved from her demise?
Once again Samantha Kane's brilliance shines. Each and every one of the books in the Saint's Devils series is a winner and each one so delectably different. Hillary St. John has been with the series from the beginning and his evolution has been an enlightening one. The beaten down Eleanor flourishes once she transforms into the widow Fairchild . My favorite character, Wiley, has evolved from a down trodden street urchin to an intelligent man with a purpose and I eagerly await his chapter in the Saint's Devils series. Devil in My Arms by Samantha Kane, is a winner, a story that definitely belongs on my keeper shelf. I thoroughly recommend it and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I have.
~KIMBERLY~
December 3, 2013
First reviewed at Red Hot Books http://redhotbooks.com/2013/11/devil-...
This is the third book in Samantha Kane’s Saint’s Devils series. I enjoyed the first one for its banter between protagonists and hoped for the same in this book. Alas, I did not get my wish.
Eleanor Enderby is on the run from her abusive husband. After hiding out for the last three months and dropping clues to throw off her husband’s goons, she finally makes it to the house of her sister, Harriet. Just as she’s about to knock on the door, a man brings her up short.
Sir Hilary St. John has been searching for Eleanor ever since his good friend Roger asked him to find his sister in-law for his wife. When he comes upon her in front of the Templeton home, Eleanor strikes out at him thinking him one of her husband’s men. When the dust settles and everyone introduced, Hilary finds himself enamored of a woman who clearly has been through a lot but continued to fight.
Eleanor feels Hilary’s appreciation but is determined not to be any man’s property again. Finally safe with her sister, Eleanor begins the process of healing. The lingering effects of her husband’s abuse manifest in many ways, such as the inability to handle confined spaces. Her story is heartbreaking, but her spirit is not. At times she may feel dejected about the outcome of her actions, but she doesn’t dwell on it for long. It’s think strength that Hilary is attracted to.
After six months, they believe that Eleanor is in the clear and she comes out to society as Harriet’s widowed cousin. When things seem to be progressing positively and no sign of the husband, Eleanor decides it’s high time to engage in an affair with Hilary. Their affair becomes the thing to gossip about at parties. However, before they know it, their pasts catch up with the couple and Eleanor is accused of a crime. Determined to save his lady from the hangman’s noose, Sir Hilary must live up to his reputation as the country’s premier detective and find out who really committed the crime.
Folks, I just couldn’t connect with these characters. The writing is smooth and the plot moves accordingly. Both Hilary and Eleanor were fine as characters. The love scenes were acceptable. I don’t know if it was just me, but I felt no spark. Everything was just OK. Even with the mystery to solve, there was no tension to spur me to turn the pages. The side characters were just as bland, save Wiley, who didn’t get much of a role. Sad to say, but I won’t be continuing with this series.
Rating: C
*ARC courtesy of Loveswept via NetGalley
This is the third book in Samantha Kane’s Saint’s Devils series. I enjoyed the first one for its banter between protagonists and hoped for the same in this book. Alas, I did not get my wish.
Eleanor Enderby is on the run from her abusive husband. After hiding out for the last three months and dropping clues to throw off her husband’s goons, she finally makes it to the house of her sister, Harriet. Just as she’s about to knock on the door, a man brings her up short.
Sir Hilary St. John has been searching for Eleanor ever since his good friend Roger asked him to find his sister in-law for his wife. When he comes upon her in front of the Templeton home, Eleanor strikes out at him thinking him one of her husband’s men. When the dust settles and everyone introduced, Hilary finds himself enamored of a woman who clearly has been through a lot but continued to fight.
Eleanor feels Hilary’s appreciation but is determined not to be any man’s property again. Finally safe with her sister, Eleanor begins the process of healing. The lingering effects of her husband’s abuse manifest in many ways, such as the inability to handle confined spaces. Her story is heartbreaking, but her spirit is not. At times she may feel dejected about the outcome of her actions, but she doesn’t dwell on it for long. It’s think strength that Hilary is attracted to.
After six months, they believe that Eleanor is in the clear and she comes out to society as Harriet’s widowed cousin. When things seem to be progressing positively and no sign of the husband, Eleanor decides it’s high time to engage in an affair with Hilary. Their affair becomes the thing to gossip about at parties. However, before they know it, their pasts catch up with the couple and Eleanor is accused of a crime. Determined to save his lady from the hangman’s noose, Sir Hilary must live up to his reputation as the country’s premier detective and find out who really committed the crime.
Folks, I just couldn’t connect with these characters. The writing is smooth and the plot moves accordingly. Both Hilary and Eleanor were fine as characters. The love scenes were acceptable. I don’t know if it was just me, but I felt no spark. Everything was just OK. Even with the mystery to solve, there was no tension to spur me to turn the pages. The side characters were just as bland, save Wiley, who didn’t get much of a role. Sad to say, but I won’t be continuing with this series.
Rating: C
*ARC courtesy of Loveswept via NetGalley
Want to read
October 30, 2014Can you have a girl crush on a book character? If yes, I have one!
Roger is a gentleman but a rouge – he likes his affairs. He doesn’t go for every woman because he doesn’t want any bonds. He is looking for somebody new. Usually he sleeps with a woman and walks away because he has a background story.
One night he wanders through the gardens at a party and hears a couple talking, a woman saying that she doesn’t want something. Walks towards these people and after a few moments the man is heading off and the woman – luscious curves. After a few moments he remembers her – she’s Harry. The girl who always was behind him when he was a teenage boy. The girl who always got into trouble and needed rescue.
Harry, a young widow with a small son, also has her secrets, some she doesn’t want to tell. Her late husband didn’t allow her to live in London, he was an old rich one her dad sold her to (more or less). Now that she is independent and rich she doesn’t plan on losing this independence again. But there is somebody who wants to force her into marriage to get her money and he knows something that is risky for Harry. But she knows that there is a possibility …. She needs to be ruined in public because the man’s father wouldn’t allow him to get married to somebody without a proper status in the ton. So she tries everything.
Without telling Roger about her plan she tries to talk him into an affair …
+
Honestly? I absolutely loved the book. Harry is a very lovely character, one you really have to love because she isn’t perfect and she has secrets, lots of them. She is independent but she knows that she is in love with Roger since she’s a young girl. She doesn’t know a lot about his family or anything like that but she knows that he is the one that may help her.
But of course things are different, their relationship is different from when they were 10 years old. She’s different. She bloomed. She knows how to show off her body. How to irritate Roger with her curves – I loved the descriptions of her dresses and the way he sees them. Adorable.
It’s the 2nd book of the “The Saint’s Devils” series by Samantha Kane. I haven’t read the 1st and 3rd one yet but I am pretty sure that I will. I really hope that the other heroines are like Harry. I felt a connection towards her and that rarely happens in this way.
Those scenes with her boy were cute, the way Roger changes his life to fit into the suitable profile of a gentleman who would be able to marry a rich woman with a title.
Rating: 5 Stars
Roger is a gentleman but a rouge – he likes his affairs. He doesn’t go for every woman because he doesn’t want any bonds. He is looking for somebody new. Usually he sleeps with a woman and walks away because he has a background story.
One night he wanders through the gardens at a party and hears a couple talking, a woman saying that she doesn’t want something. Walks towards these people and after a few moments the man is heading off and the woman – luscious curves. After a few moments he remembers her – she’s Harry. The girl who always was behind him when he was a teenage boy. The girl who always got into trouble and needed rescue.
Harry, a young widow with a small son, also has her secrets, some she doesn’t want to tell. Her late husband didn’t allow her to live in London, he was an old rich one her dad sold her to (more or less). Now that she is independent and rich she doesn’t plan on losing this independence again. But there is somebody who wants to force her into marriage to get her money and he knows something that is risky for Harry. But she knows that there is a possibility …. She needs to be ruined in public because the man’s father wouldn’t allow him to get married to somebody without a proper status in the ton. So she tries everything.
Without telling Roger about her plan she tries to talk him into an affair …
+
Honestly? I absolutely loved the book. Harry is a very lovely character, one you really have to love because she isn’t perfect and she has secrets, lots of them. She is independent but she knows that she is in love with Roger since she’s a young girl. She doesn’t know a lot about his family or anything like that but she knows that he is the one that may help her.
But of course things are different, their relationship is different from when they were 10 years old. She’s different. She bloomed. She knows how to show off her body. How to irritate Roger with her curves – I loved the descriptions of her dresses and the way he sees them. Adorable.
It’s the 2nd book of the “The Saint’s Devils” series by Samantha Kane. I haven’t read the 1st and 3rd one yet but I am pretty sure that I will. I really hope that the other heroines are like Harry. I felt a connection towards her and that rarely happens in this way.
Those scenes with her boy were cute, the way Roger changes his life to fit into the suitable profile of a gentleman who would be able to marry a rich woman with a title.
Rating: 5 Stars
June 27, 2017
Once again I’ve tried an author who is new to me and have been thoroughly delighted. DEVIL IN MY ARMS is the third in a series, but is easily a stand-alone novel. I had no trouble enjoying the story without the deeper background of secondary characters that would have come from the earlier books. I will say however, having read DIMA I intend to go back to read the first two. Samantha Kane is a clever writer and I am eager to read more of her work.
As the synopsis tells us, Eleanor has run away from her malicious and abusive husband and after a few months he has her declared dead so that he can remarry someone able to give him an heir. Until this point she had stayed hidden in out of the way places, but with the encouragement of her sister and brother-in-law she comes back to their home in London changing her identity. They tell everyone she is Elizabeth, a distant widowed cousin from the country.
When in London she meets her brother-in-law’s good friend, Sir Hilary St. John. He is a bit different than most men of the ton. St. John is a confirmed bachelor and a bit of a rake, but mostly he is known for his intellect and ability to investigate. He is rumored to have strong connections with Prinny, so even though his background is mysterious he is a constant source of wonder and conjecture. This means whenever he attends a function, which is rare, all eyes are watching to see just what he will do and who he will speak to. When he sets his eye on “Elizabeth” and she responds in kind this presents a problem in her pursuit of being discreet with her interactions while in London so as not to catch the attention of her husband. Despite admonitions there attentions to one another is causing a stir they just can’t seem to stay away from each other and begin a passionate affair.
St. John and Eleanor were brilliant together. Most women bore him, but he finds she has a wit and intellect that rival his own. He is fascinated when she constantly challenges him on every level and he is completely smitten. She is just as enamored of him and really is a perfect match for him in every way. SK rounds out this story with delightful secondary characters (I especially liked Wiley) and bad guys to garner any readers contempt. The story was well-written and evenly paced, keeping my attention on every page. I rate this story with 4 stars.
*I received this ebook free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
As the synopsis tells us, Eleanor has run away from her malicious and abusive husband and after a few months he has her declared dead so that he can remarry someone able to give him an heir. Until this point she had stayed hidden in out of the way places, but with the encouragement of her sister and brother-in-law she comes back to their home in London changing her identity. They tell everyone she is Elizabeth, a distant widowed cousin from the country.
When in London she meets her brother-in-law’s good friend, Sir Hilary St. John. He is a bit different than most men of the ton. St. John is a confirmed bachelor and a bit of a rake, but mostly he is known for his intellect and ability to investigate. He is rumored to have strong connections with Prinny, so even though his background is mysterious he is a constant source of wonder and conjecture. This means whenever he attends a function, which is rare, all eyes are watching to see just what he will do and who he will speak to. When he sets his eye on “Elizabeth” and she responds in kind this presents a problem in her pursuit of being discreet with her interactions while in London so as not to catch the attention of her husband. Despite admonitions there attentions to one another is causing a stir they just can’t seem to stay away from each other and begin a passionate affair.
St. John and Eleanor were brilliant together. Most women bore him, but he finds she has a wit and intellect that rival his own. He is fascinated when she constantly challenges him on every level and he is completely smitten. She is just as enamored of him and really is a perfect match for him in every way. SK rounds out this story with delightful secondary characters (I especially liked Wiley) and bad guys to garner any readers contempt. The story was well-written and evenly paced, keeping my attention on every page. I rate this story with 4 stars.
*I received this ebook free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 14, 2014
Samantha Kane
A desperate and frightened wife runs from her cruel and evil hubby and seeks help, understanding and love from her sister, but finds true love with royal PI and knight-in-shiny-armor, Sir Hilary.
After 10 years of abuse, starvation and unspeakable loneliness, Eleanor Enderby flees her hubby and shows up on her married sister's, Harry, front door. Before she knocks, she meets Sir Hilary St. John and he shows her the first touch of true kindness. She is embraced, protected and hidden, until her hubby declares her dead, with a dead body, and has remarries. Sir Hilary made an impression and she thinks of him often, while Hilary is off doing some job for the Regent. When he returns, he meets Mrs. Elizabeth Fairchild, Eleanor has been transformed in to the widow cousin of her sister's, Harry. Eleanor and Hilary just click and they begin a game "of who is cleaver than who" during the Season. They begin a love affair, dodging her family and his friends, but they can never been truly together because of her marriage. Will she ever be without her marriage hanging over her head? Can Hilary ever have Eleanor as his truly and lawful wife? What will happen if or when her hubby finds her again? Will the law be on her side or his evil one?
This is the 3rd book in Samantha Kane's The Devil's Saints series and my first Ms. Kane book. Ms. Kane had great and flawed characters in this tale. Her heroine, Eleanor, was wounded and scarred, on the inside, from all her years of her hubby's abuse, but she still had the inner strength that won't let her give up on freedom. Hilary was the Devil of The Devil's Saints and the Saints loved to watch him fall for his true love. Hilary is a hero with a strong sense of right and wrong and, with Eleanor, he had to learn and deal with his new shades of grey. This was a good story of wanting, desires, evil, good, right and wrong, but it was a little to long and drawn out for me. Ms. Kane is an amazing writer who creates, nurtures, gives birth and LOVES each of her life like characters and that is why I will continue to read her books. I give this book a score of 3 fingers up and 6 toes.
NetGalley ARC given for my honest review.
October 28, 2013
Devil in My Arms is the first I have read of this author’s work and my obsession with all things historic romance wouldn’t let me pass it up. Samantha Kane has a new fan, with the plot, the characters and the exceptionally witty dialogue and word play from both the hero and heroine.
Not all was roses for Eleanor: long suffering of abuse at the hand of her husband for her (and isn’t it always the woman in these stories) inability to present him an heir. Finally unable to take the abuse, she runs away, and lives in hiding, trying to stay under the radar. She finally decides to take a chance, and appeared at her sister’s home after three months of hiding.
Hillary St. John is not your typical regency hero. One of the Devils, he is a ginger (redhead) which is completely different from other male heroes of this period. He is also erudite and quick witted, with a penchant for puzzles and an appreciation of women who speak their mind, very unlike his contemporaries.
There are mysteries and dangers in this story, with several roadblocks to the relationship between Hill and Eleanor, not the least of which is her refusal to enter into a situation that requires her subrogation to another, her marriage cleared her head of idealistic and romantic dreams, and her survival and safety are first in her mind. Hill just wants her, and wants to protect and heal her wounds, although the road to this end is not a simple one.
There were some elements that are highly irregular in the regencies: Eleanor is a woman possessed of very modern sensibilities and attitudes, which she manages to express regularly. The regard which Hill affords the women he encounters is more than simple politeness; he doesn’t fail to see the cleverness behind the pretty faces, or the ability of women to approach problems logically. While the situations and obstacles presented are very appropriate to the time, the cooperation to find the culprit and the happy ending are unusual and very entertaining. With a touch of steam to liven up the quiet moments with Hill and Eleanor, the pages just flew past. I certainly will be purchasing the others in this series, and will be awaiting future installments.
I received an eGalley from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review : all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Not all was roses for Eleanor: long suffering of abuse at the hand of her husband for her (and isn’t it always the woman in these stories) inability to present him an heir. Finally unable to take the abuse, she runs away, and lives in hiding, trying to stay under the radar. She finally decides to take a chance, and appeared at her sister’s home after three months of hiding.
Hillary St. John is not your typical regency hero. One of the Devils, he is a ginger (redhead) which is completely different from other male heroes of this period. He is also erudite and quick witted, with a penchant for puzzles and an appreciation of women who speak their mind, very unlike his contemporaries.
There are mysteries and dangers in this story, with several roadblocks to the relationship between Hill and Eleanor, not the least of which is her refusal to enter into a situation that requires her subrogation to another, her marriage cleared her head of idealistic and romantic dreams, and her survival and safety are first in her mind. Hill just wants her, and wants to protect and heal her wounds, although the road to this end is not a simple one.
There were some elements that are highly irregular in the regencies: Eleanor is a woman possessed of very modern sensibilities and attitudes, which she manages to express regularly. The regard which Hill affords the women he encounters is more than simple politeness; he doesn’t fail to see the cleverness behind the pretty faces, or the ability of women to approach problems logically. While the situations and obstacles presented are very appropriate to the time, the cooperation to find the culprit and the happy ending are unusual and very entertaining. With a touch of steam to liven up the quiet moments with Hill and Eleanor, the pages just flew past. I certainly will be purchasing the others in this series, and will be awaiting future installments.
I received an eGalley from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review : all conclusions are my own responsibility.
November 24, 2013
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. If you doubt the 4-star rating, read some of my other reviews... I'm not a nice reviewer...
This is book 3 in the The Saint's Devils series.
The gist: Eleanor was sold by her father into marriage to a despicable man. After 15 years of prison (aka marriage), she FINALLY escapes to the sanctuary of her sister's house. Sir Hilary St. John is a notorious rake and renowned private investigator (for lack of a better description) and is good friends with Eleanor's brother-in-law. Eleanor and Hil fall madly in love. When Eleanor's husband is found murdered, Eleanor is the number one suspect. In order to save her from the executioner and secure the life he never knew he wanted, Hil has to find the real murderer and prove her innocence.
I totally enjoyed this book! It had an amazing cast of characters that were beyond easy to fall in love with! It had humor, love, intrigue, angst. What more could you want? I chuckled repeatedly, my adrenaline pumped, my stomach clenched, and my heart fluttered.
Eleanor was intelligent, witty, and strong. She wasn't afraid to buck societal norms. What more can you want in a heroine??? Hil was devilishly handsome, witty, and a fierce protector. He almost belligerently bucked societal norms. What more can you want in a hero??? I wholly enjoyed the supporting characters as well!
The story was well written and well thought out before pen was put to paper. There was enough drama to keep me thoroughly entertained throughout. There were minimal editing mistakes and the ones it had weren't distracting. The sex scenes were enough to make me flush without all the pussy-wall-clenching details. All in all, it was fantastic and I will most certainly read the rest of the books in the series, as well as the other books by this author! And this one will be on my list of books I will reread time and time again.
Here is a snippet from one of my favorite funny moments. Hil is commenting on how lightly/quietly Eleanor walks:
"What would it take to make you walk like an elephant?" he asked curiously.
"An elephant?" she asked, disbelief coloring her voice. "Why on earth do you want me to walk like an elephant?"
"Because it would show you have no more fear."
"Would it?" she asked, highly amused and showing it. "I think it would show poor breeding, but I'm funny that way."
This is book 3 in the The Saint's Devils series.
The gist: Eleanor was sold by her father into marriage to a despicable man. After 15 years of prison (aka marriage), she FINALLY escapes to the sanctuary of her sister's house. Sir Hilary St. John is a notorious rake and renowned private investigator (for lack of a better description) and is good friends with Eleanor's brother-in-law. Eleanor and Hil fall madly in love. When Eleanor's husband is found murdered, Eleanor is the number one suspect. In order to save her from the executioner and secure the life he never knew he wanted, Hil has to find the real murderer and prove her innocence.
I totally enjoyed this book! It had an amazing cast of characters that were beyond easy to fall in love with! It had humor, love, intrigue, angst. What more could you want? I chuckled repeatedly, my adrenaline pumped, my stomach clenched, and my heart fluttered.
Eleanor was intelligent, witty, and strong. She wasn't afraid to buck societal norms. What more can you want in a heroine??? Hil was devilishly handsome, witty, and a fierce protector. He almost belligerently bucked societal norms. What more can you want in a hero??? I wholly enjoyed the supporting characters as well!
The story was well written and well thought out before pen was put to paper. There was enough drama to keep me thoroughly entertained throughout. There were minimal editing mistakes and the ones it had weren't distracting. The sex scenes were enough to make me flush without all the pussy-wall-clenching details. All in all, it was fantastic and I will most certainly read the rest of the books in the series, as well as the other books by this author! And this one will be on my list of books I will reread time and time again.
Here is a snippet from one of my favorite funny moments. Hil is commenting on how lightly/quietly Eleanor walks:
"What would it take to make you walk like an elephant?" he asked curiously.
"An elephant?" she asked, disbelief coloring her voice. "Why on earth do you want me to walk like an elephant?"
"Because it would show you have no more fear."
"Would it?" she asked, highly amused and showing it. "I think it would show poor breeding, but I'm funny that way."
November 24, 2013
Can you imagine Lord Peter Wimsey as a Regency gentleman? That’s our hero, Sir Hilary St. John. And like Lord Peter, his love is in the dock for murder. Unlike Dorothy Sayers’ Strong Poison, however, Hilary and Eleanor are already lovers when this happens and he’s desperate to save her from the charges leveled against her.
The heroine is Eleanor Enderby, a woman on the run from a very bad marriage. She really doesn’t plan on having anything to do with a man ever again, unless it’s to force her horrible husband to just let her go. But there’s this attraction to Sir Hilary…
Eleanor is a strong woman, she has to be to escape her husband’s clutches, to move past the mental and physical abuses of her past, and to embrace a future she chooses. And that’s before the public character assassination in the scandal press and the framed for murder part.
Hil is determined to live up to no one’s expectations but his own. He is the despair of the marriageable ladies because he finds them foolish beyond reason. Then he meets Eleanor who he finds to be witty, courageous, and not at all foolish. But marriage is out of the question, quite impossible in fact, so an affair is in the cards.
Like any good Regency novel it brims with repartee which complements the ins and outs of the mystery. This is the third book in the series and it is obvious that several characters were introduced in earlier books. I haven’t read the first two (although I went and bought them when I finished this one) and didn’t experience any difficulty so I’d say it works as a stand-alone as well as part of a series.
The Saint’s Devils series
The Devil's Thief (The Saint’s Devils, #1)
Tempting a Devil (The Saint’s Devils, #2)
Devil In My Arms (The Saint's Devils, #3)
Copy received from Netgalley and publisher for an honest review.
The heroine is Eleanor Enderby, a woman on the run from a very bad marriage. She really doesn’t plan on having anything to do with a man ever again, unless it’s to force her horrible husband to just let her go. But there’s this attraction to Sir Hilary…
Eleanor is a strong woman, she has to be to escape her husband’s clutches, to move past the mental and physical abuses of her past, and to embrace a future she chooses. And that’s before the public character assassination in the scandal press and the framed for murder part.
Hil is determined to live up to no one’s expectations but his own. He is the despair of the marriageable ladies because he finds them foolish beyond reason. Then he meets Eleanor who he finds to be witty, courageous, and not at all foolish. But marriage is out of the question, quite impossible in fact, so an affair is in the cards.
Like any good Regency novel it brims with repartee which complements the ins and outs of the mystery. This is the third book in the series and it is obvious that several characters were introduced in earlier books. I haven’t read the first two (although I went and bought them when I finished this one) and didn’t experience any difficulty so I’d say it works as a stand-alone as well as part of a series.
The Saint’s Devils series
The Devil's Thief (The Saint’s Devils, #1)
Tempting a Devil (The Saint’s Devils, #2)
Devil In My Arms (The Saint's Devils, #3)
Copy received from Netgalley and publisher for an honest review.
November 26, 2013
Scandalous charm!
Lately there has been quite a swathe of regency romances that are taking on issues to do with the treatment of women at that time. Particularly to do with wives as property and no rights, leaving them open for domestic abuse.
This novel is another such using this background for the story's thrust.
Eleanor Enderby flees from her abusive husband not once, but three times. In her latest attempt she hides out for three months before landing on her sister's doorstep dressed as a youth. She arrives at the same time as Sir Hilary St.John, a suave man about town and entirely eligible parti.
Hil actually spends his time covering up for the Prince Regent when necessary, helping out the Bow Street Runners and at times and taking on investigative requests when interested enough in the problem to seek out the information needed. Eleanor and Hil's attraction is immediate. The relationship that develops between them is not approved of by society. Indeed it fast approaches scandalous and is mentioned in the gossip rags.
However, there is more immediate danger afoot. Eleanor's husband declares her dead and produces a body as proof. He remarries. Is Eleanor safe or will her dreadful, abusive husband find her? What then?
I really liked the lead characters. Hil is a delightful and intelligent leading man. Eleanor is a determined soul looking to make herself anew. I love their frequent quoting of sonnets and ridiculous little by-plays with each other. Their very passionate relationship is decidedly a centrepiece of the story and we are often silent witnesses in the boudoir. I should take a leaf out of Hil's loyal staff's book and not comment.
An intoxicating and enjoyable read.
A NetGalley ARC
Lately there has been quite a swathe of regency romances that are taking on issues to do with the treatment of women at that time. Particularly to do with wives as property and no rights, leaving them open for domestic abuse.
This novel is another such using this background for the story's thrust.
Eleanor Enderby flees from her abusive husband not once, but three times. In her latest attempt she hides out for three months before landing on her sister's doorstep dressed as a youth. She arrives at the same time as Sir Hilary St.John, a suave man about town and entirely eligible parti.
Hil actually spends his time covering up for the Prince Regent when necessary, helping out the Bow Street Runners and at times and taking on investigative requests when interested enough in the problem to seek out the information needed. Eleanor and Hil's attraction is immediate. The relationship that develops between them is not approved of by society. Indeed it fast approaches scandalous and is mentioned in the gossip rags.
However, there is more immediate danger afoot. Eleanor's husband declares her dead and produces a body as proof. He remarries. Is Eleanor safe or will her dreadful, abusive husband find her? What then?
I really liked the lead characters. Hil is a delightful and intelligent leading man. Eleanor is a determined soul looking to make herself anew. I love their frequent quoting of sonnets and ridiculous little by-plays with each other. Their very passionate relationship is decidedly a centrepiece of the story and we are often silent witnesses in the boudoir. I should take a leaf out of Hil's loyal staff's book and not comment.
An intoxicating and enjoyable read.
A NetGalley ARC
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