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The Haberdashers #2
Athena's Ordeal
The Duke of Beloin mistakes a Viscount’s daughter for a fallen woman, an error he can hardly afford while trying to divine which of his enemies is blackmailing him.
Sabrina “Sabre” Bittlesworth has practiced the sword since she was eight years old. When a mysterious visitor in her brother’s house offers to make her his mistress, she challenges him to a duel, even after she finds out he’s a duke.
Quincy Telford, Duke of Beloin, has hated Viscount Bittlesworth as long as he can remember. Now the man’s daughter is constantly in his path. Can he escape her temptation and avoid peril in the increasingly dangerous game of cat and mouse he is playing with his blackmailer?
Sabrina “Sabre” Bittlesworth has practiced the sword since she was eight years old. When a mysterious visitor in her brother’s house offers to make her his mistress, she challenges him to a duel, even after she finds out he’s a duke.
Quincy Telford, Duke of Beloin, has hated Viscount Bittlesworth as long as he can remember. Now the man’s daughter is constantly in his path. Can he escape her temptation and avoid peril in the increasingly dangerous game of cat and mouse he is playing with his blackmailer?
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 31, 2013
408 people are currently reading
600 people want to read
About the author
Sue London
34 books182 followersBest selling author Sue London created the beloved Regency romance series The Haberdashers. If you like your historical romance with a little action, a little humor, and a lot of strong-minded women, then this is the series for you!
Recent reader reactions:
"Sue London is a very gifted writer. I always enjoy reading her books." ~ Annie
"It was so well written, and the storyline is wonderfully thrilling. If I could I would have rated this book a ten, but five is all they allow so that's what it is." ~ Pattimari
"This witty love story enchanted me, and I look forward to reading more of the Haberdashers series." ~ ReaderLady
For more on Sue you can check out her website, twitter page, or be her fan on Facebook.
Recent reader reactions:
"Sue London is a very gifted writer. I always enjoy reading her books." ~ Annie
"It was so well written, and the storyline is wonderfully thrilling. If I could I would have rated this book a ten, but five is all they allow so that's what it is." ~ Pattimari
"This witty love story enchanted me, and I look forward to reading more of the Haberdashers series." ~ ReaderLady
For more on Sue you can check out her website, twitter page, or be her fan on Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
November 10, 2022
Probably one of my favorites in the series. I swear it throws me off hearing their age. I feel like their 20-30 yet they're literally 20ish. But still good.
September 2, 2016
++SPOILERS++
Well, this was not what I expected.
I am no historian, and I am usually most forgiving and tolerant when it comes to historical accuracy, but this was too much of a stretch even for me.
I'll try to be brief.
My issues with this book are many. But like other reviewers have said.. the total lack of propriety of the heroine and her brother were completely unrealistic and left me wondering why the author even bothered making this a historical read.
That said, I also found the characters flat, the romance non existant and the entire plot boring and uneventful.
What was jarring to me was the constant interuptions during sex with conversations of the "mystery of The Four" issue. I also hated all of the sex scenes which were too realistic (meaning painful and unpleasant for the h because she was a virgin). When we finally get the sex scene where the h is not in pain, it was meh at best. Nothing tender, nothing detailed.. boring and quick.
The whole issue of the heroine leaving the H and trying to forget him was absurd. The reasoning for the H not wanting to marry the h was also ridiculous. I still am baffled as to how his reason was suddenly forgotten in the end. Why did he change his mind? He was so dead against marrying her all along and then poof, no explaination, he's asking her to marry him.
The hero was unimpressive but likable enough. The heroine did not come off as being "tough" or outspoken as the author intended. We never see much of her sword skills nor much of her political stance for women's rights, instead she comes off as bossy and spoiled. We are merely told what a great swordsman she is. I didn't buy it.
The writing technically is not bad, and the concept was decent and promising, it is the execution which failed. There was no sense of urgency, no suspense.. nothing felt dire and I was skimming the last half of the book due to lack of caring about the characters and plot.
I am sorry to say that I shant be reading more by this author anytime soon.
Safety
Hero & Heroine both virgins . They are their first only and last
OW/OM - Not really OM sort of, the heroine does remember all the boys she practiced kissing in her past. Nothing of the hero's past is mentioned at all but I suppose it's because he really has none.
Rape, Adultry, violence - No
Cursing-No
Sex-Yes.. pitiful
marriage-Yes
Baby-No
Hea/ILY-yes
Well, this was not what I expected.
I am no historian, and I am usually most forgiving and tolerant when it comes to historical accuracy, but this was too much of a stretch even for me.
I'll try to be brief.
My issues with this book are many. But like other reviewers have said.. the total lack of propriety of the heroine and her brother were completely unrealistic and left me wondering why the author even bothered making this a historical read.
That said, I also found the characters flat, the romance non existant and the entire plot boring and uneventful.
What was jarring to me was the constant interuptions during sex with conversations of the "mystery of The Four" issue. I also hated all of the sex scenes which were too realistic (meaning painful and unpleasant for the h because she was a virgin). When we finally get the sex scene where the h is not in pain, it was meh at best. Nothing tender, nothing detailed.. boring and quick.
The whole issue of the heroine leaving the H and trying to forget him was absurd. The reasoning for the H not wanting to marry the h was also ridiculous. I still am baffled as to how his reason was suddenly forgotten in the end. Why did he change his mind? He was so dead against marrying her all along and then poof, no explaination, he's asking her to marry him.
The hero was unimpressive but likable enough. The heroine did not come off as being "tough" or outspoken as the author intended. We never see much of her sword skills nor much of her political stance for women's rights, instead she comes off as bossy and spoiled. We are merely told what a great swordsman she is. I didn't buy it.
The writing technically is not bad, and the concept was decent and promising, it is the execution which failed. There was no sense of urgency, no suspense.. nothing felt dire and I was skimming the last half of the book due to lack of caring about the characters and plot.
I am sorry to say that I shant be reading more by this author anytime soon.
Safety
Hero & Heroine both virgins . They are their first only and last
OW/OM - Not really OM sort of, the heroine does remember all the boys she practiced kissing in her past. Nothing of the hero's past is mentioned at all but I suppose it's because he really has none.
Rape, Adultry, violence - No
Cursing-No
Sex-Yes.. pitiful
marriage-Yes
Baby-No
Hea/ILY-yes
June 30, 2017
Nice read
Sue London does an excellent job of writing.
Wonderful characters, H/h, friends, family and villains. Some danger, levity, and of course love and HEA.
Sue London does an excellent job of writing.
Wonderful characters, H/h, friends, family and villains. Some danger, levity, and of course love and HEA.
December 13, 2013
I very much enjoyed "Trials of Artemis." I knew going in that this book was much darker, but I was still prepared to like it based on enjoying Sue London's craftsmanship in character development.
I did not. It was too dark, and it was too unbelievable on a number of levels.
First, I didn't care for the characters. What sort of duke lies around all day and doesn't do anything about his estates? He was a major depressive. In "Trials of Artemis," Quince was somewhat plugged as Gideon's match in Parliament, but that doesn't figure into this story at all. It's like he's a totally different character, without the witty humor and government involvement implied in the first book.
Sabre was a problem for me, too. I couldn't believe she would have the kind of freedom and latitude she was displaying, especially when she arrived alone and unescorted at Quince's estate. I didn't buy that happening for a minute; it was completely unbelievable. We're supposed to believe she arrived and just took over and no one on the staff objected? And Quince didn't care? Bizarre.
I also couldn't believe that Sabre would have been happy being shunned by society and just accepting being Quince's mistress. In "Trials," that was something even Jack couldn't stand, and Jack seemed to be a much stronger, more willful (in believable ways) character.
the plot was frustrating as well. Quince is getting blackmailed; he knows he has a family to protect, yet his response is to basically climb into bed and ignore everything? That's not the kind of man I was to read about. And, when he finally gets engaged in the problem, it's too little, too late.
The premise behind the blackmail plot was disturbing, to say the least. I struggled with the idea that a Regency woman - no matter how liberated - would handle that plot with the pragmatism that Sabre displayed.
Another plot inconsistency - Quince could apparently read something once and have it memorized early in the novel, but later in the novel he had a "reading problem"?
Finally, the sex scenes were atrocious. Those between Jack and Gideon were much better developed. These were horrible, and it took them so long to get it right. The sex was also based on the old model that Sabre would climax through penetration alone; I dislike that premise and think, as a society, that we should be beyond it - London certainly was beyond that in "Trials."
I probably will read "Fates of Apate" and hope that it's a happy medium, if not leaning more towards "Trials." I will be wary of any of London's books that are marketed as "on the darker side."
I did not. It was too dark, and it was too unbelievable on a number of levels.
First, I didn't care for the characters. What sort of duke lies around all day and doesn't do anything about his estates? He was a major depressive. In "Trials of Artemis," Quince was somewhat plugged as Gideon's match in Parliament, but that doesn't figure into this story at all. It's like he's a totally different character, without the witty humor and government involvement implied in the first book.
Sabre was a problem for me, too. I couldn't believe she would have the kind of freedom and latitude she was displaying, especially when she arrived alone and unescorted at Quince's estate. I didn't buy that happening for a minute; it was completely unbelievable. We're supposed to believe she arrived and just took over and no one on the staff objected? And Quince didn't care? Bizarre.
I also couldn't believe that Sabre would have been happy being shunned by society and just accepting being Quince's mistress. In "Trials," that was something even Jack couldn't stand, and Jack seemed to be a much stronger, more willful (in believable ways) character.
the plot was frustrating as well. Quince is getting blackmailed; he knows he has a family to protect, yet his response is to basically climb into bed and ignore everything? That's not the kind of man I was to read about. And, when he finally gets engaged in the problem, it's too little, too late.
The premise behind the blackmail plot was disturbing, to say the least. I struggled with the idea that a Regency woman - no matter how liberated - would handle that plot with the pragmatism that Sabre displayed.
Another plot inconsistency - Quince could apparently read something once and have it memorized early in the novel, but later in the novel he had a "reading problem"?
Finally, the sex scenes were atrocious. Those between Jack and Gideon were much better developed. These were horrible, and it took them so long to get it right. The sex was also based on the old model that Sabre would climax through penetration alone; I dislike that premise and think, as a society, that we should be beyond it - London certainly was beyond that in "Trials."
I probably will read "Fates of Apate" and hope that it's a happy medium, if not leaning more towards "Trials." I will be wary of any of London's books that are marketed as "on the darker side."
January 14, 2018
Quince and Sable
A mention on OSRBC sent me one-clicking away to read this story. I enjoyed it and I believe that I will move forward with reading the entire series.
A mention on OSRBC sent me one-clicking away to read this story. I enjoyed it and I believe that I will move forward with reading the entire series.
November 4, 2013
Read this and other reviews at A Lust For Reading. I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Sabrina "Sabre" Bittlesworth is easily the leader of The Haberdashers trio. She may be petite and beautiful, but she is also extremely outspoken and can wield a sword better than most men. Quincy "Quince" Telford, Duke of Beloin, a fairly level headed man who is not driven by his baser desires. But when his eyes fall on the lovely Sabrina while visiting her older brother, he mistakes her for something she is not and impulsively asks that she be his mistress. Now on top of dealing with someone black mailing him, this insult sets in motion a force that Quince has absolutely no chance of fighting off. A force named Sabre.
We briefly met both main characters in book one as Sabre is Jack's best friend and Quince is Gideon's. I didn't see enough of Sabre for me t form an opinion of her before now, but I absolutely loved her in Athena's Ordeal. She is not afraid to go after what she wants. Sabre has her sights set on Quincy and she will not stop until she gets him. And she will get him, of that she has no doubts. I loved that her form of seduction was to plant herself into his daily life and basically take over running his household.
In Trials of Artemis it was quite clear that Gideon and Quincy had a strong difference of opinions in regards to politics. However now we see just how completely opposite they are which is actually quite amusing. Physically Quincy is handsome and blonde with perfectly coiffed hair while Gideon is dark and brooding. Gideon has a reputation as "Lord Lucifer" due to how he spent many years indulging in drink and women whereas Quincy always prided himself on not using women and was usually the person pulling Gideon from the gutter.
I was actually surprised how much I liked Quincy and my own feelings for him grew as the story went on. Normally, the dark rake is my preference but there was a laid back innocence about him that was just irresistible. While he tries his darnedest to resist Sabrina, it is only a matter of time that he gives in. And not just with his body but with his heart and soul as well. Both characters grow so much personally in this story which to me made their love even better.
His fairy queen was rumpled, hair fallen from pins. Her voice was scratchy from sleep. He had never seen anything more beautiful. "Good morning," he whispered, cupping her cheek. She leaned into his touch, closing her eyes. He couldn't stop himself from kissing her again. She giggled in surprise but enthusiastically returned his kiss. She twined her fingers into his hair. Shortly, what had started as a morning greeting changed to exploration. Changed to seduction. He moved his hands to her hips, anchoring her against himself. Wanting so desperately to remove the clothes that separated them. He felt something that was beyond desire. Beyond seduction. He wanted to push her down on the floor and raise her skirts. Wanted to drive into her relentlessly and hear her screaming his name.
There is also the threat of Quincy's mystery blackmailer hanging over there heads throughout. This adds a layer of mystery and suspense to the story and brings new characters, like Sabrina's older brothers Robert and Charles, into the series. It was impossible for me to tell on which side of the coin Robert fell and it really kept me on my toes.
While it ends with a happily ever after for our couple, there are a few questions at the end which set us up nicely for book three. Which, by the way, I cannot wait for. Make sure you read my interview with author Sue London down below for details on what's next for these ladies. If you enjoy Regency Era romance novels, The Haberdashers series is a must read for you.
Sabrina "Sabre" Bittlesworth is easily the leader of The Haberdashers trio. She may be petite and beautiful, but she is also extremely outspoken and can wield a sword better than most men. Quincy "Quince" Telford, Duke of Beloin, a fairly level headed man who is not driven by his baser desires. But when his eyes fall on the lovely Sabrina while visiting her older brother, he mistakes her for something she is not and impulsively asks that she be his mistress. Now on top of dealing with someone black mailing him, this insult sets in motion a force that Quince has absolutely no chance of fighting off. A force named Sabre.
We briefly met both main characters in book one as Sabre is Jack's best friend and Quince is Gideon's. I didn't see enough of Sabre for me t form an opinion of her before now, but I absolutely loved her in Athena's Ordeal. She is not afraid to go after what she wants. Sabre has her sights set on Quincy and she will not stop until she gets him. And she will get him, of that she has no doubts. I loved that her form of seduction was to plant herself into his daily life and basically take over running his household.
In Trials of Artemis it was quite clear that Gideon and Quincy had a strong difference of opinions in regards to politics. However now we see just how completely opposite they are which is actually quite amusing. Physically Quincy is handsome and blonde with perfectly coiffed hair while Gideon is dark and brooding. Gideon has a reputation as "Lord Lucifer" due to how he spent many years indulging in drink and women whereas Quincy always prided himself on not using women and was usually the person pulling Gideon from the gutter.
I was actually surprised how much I liked Quincy and my own feelings for him grew as the story went on. Normally, the dark rake is my preference but there was a laid back innocence about him that was just irresistible. While he tries his darnedest to resist Sabrina, it is only a matter of time that he gives in. And not just with his body but with his heart and soul as well. Both characters grow so much personally in this story which to me made their love even better.
His fairy queen was rumpled, hair fallen from pins. Her voice was scratchy from sleep. He had never seen anything more beautiful. "Good morning," he whispered, cupping her cheek. She leaned into his touch, closing her eyes. He couldn't stop himself from kissing her again. She giggled in surprise but enthusiastically returned his kiss. She twined her fingers into his hair. Shortly, what had started as a morning greeting changed to exploration. Changed to seduction. He moved his hands to her hips, anchoring her against himself. Wanting so desperately to remove the clothes that separated them. He felt something that was beyond desire. Beyond seduction. He wanted to push her down on the floor and raise her skirts. Wanted to drive into her relentlessly and hear her screaming his name.
There is also the threat of Quincy's mystery blackmailer hanging over there heads throughout. This adds a layer of mystery and suspense to the story and brings new characters, like Sabrina's older brothers Robert and Charles, into the series. It was impossible for me to tell on which side of the coin Robert fell and it really kept me on my toes.
While it ends with a happily ever after for our couple, there are a few questions at the end which set us up nicely for book three. Which, by the way, I cannot wait for. Make sure you read my interview with author Sue London down below for details on what's next for these ladies. If you enjoy Regency Era romance novels, The Haberdashers series is a must read for you.
January 22, 2017
THIS STORY STARTED OUT WITH A GREAT TENSION BETWEEN THE CHARACTERS UNTIL IT SIZZLES THEN BEGIN TO MELLOW OUT INTO THE MYSTERY.
OUR HERO is a Duke who has been receiving threats from some unseen member of his father's old cult group yet not unknown. There are a few distinct members in the group and one of them is also the heroine's father, thus the reason why Quince vows never to make her his bride despite the attraction. I love how they met, so sudden yet so magnetic despite his offense towards her but then again, if he hadn't then they wouldn't have met. So when she prepositions him in his home and hopes to help him out, their relationship takes on a bizarre nature of friends yet lovers but not truly a couple. I have to say that tiny bit was a little inconsistent with HRs because it seems more modern, I mean with English propriety and all. Quince's character is rather...subdue compared to Gideon, and he's also a virgin! He prefers his books to women and also more introverted, thus a perfect balance to a wild child like Sabre.
OUR HEROINE has been roaming wild and playing with swords all her life. She has a rather unorthodox upbringing with a rather broken family. When the Duke mistaken her for her brother's mistress, she challenges him to a duel and that's how she decided she wants to marry him, because he's an excellent swordsman. When she boldly invades him home and resides there, their relationship blooms easily enough with the help of their attraction and like two virgins in the dark, fumble their way through sex. Sabre doesn't know love and when it hits her, she leaves Quince for a time while he hunts down his blackmailer. I like Sabre's passionate and rebellious nature, it's an auto-read heroine for me.
OVERALL like I mentioned the attraction between Quince and Sabre is what captivated me but later it dwindles when they both are just being stubborn but more focused on the blackmailer instead. Still it was enjoyable.
OUR HERO is a Duke who has been receiving threats from some unseen member of his father's old cult group yet not unknown. There are a few distinct members in the group and one of them is also the heroine's father, thus the reason why Quince vows never to make her his bride despite the attraction. I love how they met, so sudden yet so magnetic despite his offense towards her but then again, if he hadn't then they wouldn't have met. So when she prepositions him in his home and hopes to help him out, their relationship takes on a bizarre nature of friends yet lovers but not truly a couple. I have to say that tiny bit was a little inconsistent with HRs because it seems more modern, I mean with English propriety and all. Quince's character is rather...subdue compared to Gideon, and he's also a virgin! He prefers his books to women and also more introverted, thus a perfect balance to a wild child like Sabre.
OUR HEROINE has been roaming wild and playing with swords all her life. She has a rather unorthodox upbringing with a rather broken family. When the Duke mistaken her for her brother's mistress, she challenges him to a duel and that's how she decided she wants to marry him, because he's an excellent swordsman. When she boldly invades him home and resides there, their relationship blooms easily enough with the help of their attraction and like two virgins in the dark, fumble their way through sex. Sabre doesn't know love and when it hits her, she leaves Quince for a time while he hunts down his blackmailer. I like Sabre's passionate and rebellious nature, it's an auto-read heroine for me.
OVERALL like I mentioned the attraction between Quince and Sabre is what captivated me but later it dwindles when they both are just being stubborn but more focused on the blackmailer instead. Still it was enjoyable.
April 20, 2014
Athena's Ordeal ( Haberdasher's #2 ) by Sue London is a 2013 Graythorn publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In book one of this series we were introduced to Sabrina- aka- Sabre. Jack and Sabre are part of a trio of childhood friends that are now tried and true bluestockings. If you thought Jack went against the grain, wait until you meet Sabre. Also in book one we met Quince, who was Gideon's friend. Quince makes a call to Robert, Sabre's brother, and mistakes Sabre for Robert's mistress, making a complete fool of himself and finds himself being challenged to a duel.. not by Robert but by the lady herself.
This starts the relationship between Sabre and Quince. Someone is blackmailing Quince and it's possible Sabre's brother is somehow involved. It would appear that Robert and Quince are aware that their fathers were a part of secret group of four men that were basically criminals of the worse kind. Now, someone thinks Quince has papers that if they were to become public would be ruinous. However, Quince has no papers in his possession. Sabre is determined to help him flush out the blackmailer and keep him out of danger.
I started this book with great anticipation because the first book in the series was quite promising. While this was an enjoyable read, it didn't quite equal the first book. I enjoyed the intrique and action, but the story didn't flow as smoothly as it should have and the blackmail plot just didn't gel all the way. I like Sabre's character and found Quince to be very surprising in some aspects. I wasn't sure about the chemistry between these two at times, but they seemed convinced so who can argue with that?
This one gets 3 stars.
In book one of this series we were introduced to Sabrina- aka- Sabre. Jack and Sabre are part of a trio of childhood friends that are now tried and true bluestockings. If you thought Jack went against the grain, wait until you meet Sabre. Also in book one we met Quince, who was Gideon's friend. Quince makes a call to Robert, Sabre's brother, and mistakes Sabre for Robert's mistress, making a complete fool of himself and finds himself being challenged to a duel.. not by Robert but by the lady herself.
This starts the relationship between Sabre and Quince. Someone is blackmailing Quince and it's possible Sabre's brother is somehow involved. It would appear that Robert and Quince are aware that their fathers were a part of secret group of four men that were basically criminals of the worse kind. Now, someone thinks Quince has papers that if they were to become public would be ruinous. However, Quince has no papers in his possession. Sabre is determined to help him flush out the blackmailer and keep him out of danger.
I started this book with great anticipation because the first book in the series was quite promising. While this was an enjoyable read, it didn't quite equal the first book. I enjoyed the intrique and action, but the story didn't flow as smoothly as it should have and the blackmail plot just didn't gel all the way. I like Sabre's character and found Quince to be very surprising in some aspects. I wasn't sure about the chemistry between these two at times, but they seemed convinced so who can argue with that?
This one gets 3 stars.
September 30, 2016
Good Read!
This book is indeed a good read, except my only problem with it was it was too long. As good as it was, I am not interested in reading the others because the author may have dragged them out as well.
This book is indeed a good read, except my only problem with it was it was too long. As good as it was, I am not interested in reading the others because the author may have dragged them out as well.
November 21, 2022
Enjoyable reading
This book is for those who find the royalty of England enjoyable reading.. Based on adventure and love, the sister hood contents to fluences.
This book is for those who find the royalty of England enjoyable reading.. Based on adventure and love, the sister hood contents to fluences.
March 16, 2019
Love the series! Great independent women!
November 3, 2019
Action packed
Enjoyed reading this book. There was never a dull moment. The only thing was that the threat was to easily neutralized. But over all a good read.
Enjoyed reading this book. There was never a dull moment. The only thing was that the threat was to easily neutralized. But over all a good read.
September 25, 2016
Athena's Ordeal
Yes, this novel was seriously a crazy mixed up story. The Arthur really knows how good keep you guessing what will be happening next. Yes it is a story that I would recommend some readers but not my children.
Yes, this novel was seriously a crazy mixed up story. The Arthur really knows how good keep you guessing what will be happening next. Yes it is a story that I would recommend some readers but not my children.
March 26, 2019
Fierce , strong
This is the book to read if you like stories of women who go after what they want and men who do the same. Can't wait to read the next book in this series by Sue London.
This is the book to read if you like stories of women who go after what they want and men who do the same. Can't wait to read the next book in this series by Sue London.
March 26, 2019
Terrific!
Enjoyed the suspense of the characters as they interacted with each other and the ton. The romance that is portrayed is fun.
Enjoyed the suspense of the characters as they interacted with each other and the ton. The romance that is portrayed is fun.
June 18, 2015
Athena's Ordeal is book two in the Haberdashers series by Sue London. It's easily read as a stand alone novel, but if you have read the previous book you will already know some of the characters and it's nice to hear more about them in this book.
The story this time is about Sabrina Bittlesworth, also known as Sabre. That's the name given to her when she was a young girl and joined with 3 of her friends to make the Haberdashers club. It's a perfect name for her because not only is it similar to her real name, but also she is an expert with swords. Sabre is the type of woman that knows what she wants and doesn't take no for an answer.
The story also revolves around Quince Telford, the Earl of Beloin. He is being blackmailed by an unknown person, who has threatened his family if he doesn't turn over papers that he honestly knows nothing about. He turns to Robert Bittlesworth, Sabre's brother, for help.
It's at Robert's house that he first meets Sabre, and from the way she is dressed he assumes that she is Robert's mistress. Normally staid and quiet, Quince shocks himself when he approaches Sabre and asks her to be his mistress, offering to pay more than what Robert would be paying, if she would leave with him that day. Of course Sabre is insulted by his proposition and Quince is horrified when he finds out that Sabre is indeed Robert's sister and not mistress.
What follows from there is a highly enjoyable tale of how Sabre challenges Quince to a duel, and because of how brilliant he is at fencing, she decides that rather than still be insulted by him, she is going to be his wife. Of course it isn't as simple as that. Along side the story of how Sabre tries to convince him to marry her, is the story about finding out more about the blackmail plot. Why is he being blackmailed, and what are these papers he is supposed to have be about? It's a well written story and I can fully recommend it.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story this time is about Sabrina Bittlesworth, also known as Sabre. That's the name given to her when she was a young girl and joined with 3 of her friends to make the Haberdashers club. It's a perfect name for her because not only is it similar to her real name, but also she is an expert with swords. Sabre is the type of woman that knows what she wants and doesn't take no for an answer.
The story also revolves around Quince Telford, the Earl of Beloin. He is being blackmailed by an unknown person, who has threatened his family if he doesn't turn over papers that he honestly knows nothing about. He turns to Robert Bittlesworth, Sabre's brother, for help.
It's at Robert's house that he first meets Sabre, and from the way she is dressed he assumes that she is Robert's mistress. Normally staid and quiet, Quince shocks himself when he approaches Sabre and asks her to be his mistress, offering to pay more than what Robert would be paying, if she would leave with him that day. Of course Sabre is insulted by his proposition and Quince is horrified when he finds out that Sabre is indeed Robert's sister and not mistress.
What follows from there is a highly enjoyable tale of how Sabre challenges Quince to a duel, and because of how brilliant he is at fencing, she decides that rather than still be insulted by him, she is going to be his wife. Of course it isn't as simple as that. Along side the story of how Sabre tries to convince him to marry her, is the story about finding out more about the blackmail plot. Why is he being blackmailed, and what are these papers he is supposed to have be about? It's a well written story and I can fully recommend it.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 13, 2017
Originally posted on Tales to Tide You Over
I chose this book out of my digital to-be-read pile on a whim, looking for something light and quick. Well, it was neither, but Athena’s Ordeal was exactly what I needed. Some intrigue, lovely character clashes, and a mix of rejecting the rules of the time and having to conform to them.
Sue London provides delightful, strong characters with very different natures who manage to work together despite their differences. Sabre and her duke are a lovely couple who are ignorant of love until it binds the two of them together in an unbreakable bond. Which is not to say their path is easy.
Quincy Telford, Duke of Beloin, makes one horrible mistake before he learns love’s power, and a much worse one after that, but this book is true to the romance genre in that it all comes out right in the end. At the same time, we get to travel a rough, treacherous path that offers much entertainment on the way.
There is a horrifying background to this book that the characters are trying to learn to live with and resolve. A good bit of animosity exists between the different sides in the story, making the source of the blackmail that brings Sabre and Quincy together not easy to puzzle out. The sex is also quite explicit in an oddly innocent way, or not so oddly once the truth is revealed.
I really enjoyed my time with this cast and am curious about the others in the series, both Jack and Gideon before this book and now the mostly absentee George. That dark background helps to create an environment where the gentlemen must rise above their pasts and write a new, better future for themselves…or they could choose to wallow in their histories, but the first is a far more entertaining story if Athena’s Ordeal is anything to go by. Nor do the ladies stand aside to let their gentleman figure things out on their own. The ladies don’t call their club The Haberdashers for nothing, nor do they confine themselves to traditionally female pursuits.
I chose this book out of my digital to-be-read pile on a whim, looking for something light and quick. Well, it was neither, but Athena’s Ordeal was exactly what I needed. Some intrigue, lovely character clashes, and a mix of rejecting the rules of the time and having to conform to them.
Sue London provides delightful, strong characters with very different natures who manage to work together despite their differences. Sabre and her duke are a lovely couple who are ignorant of love until it binds the two of them together in an unbreakable bond. Which is not to say their path is easy.
Quincy Telford, Duke of Beloin, makes one horrible mistake before he learns love’s power, and a much worse one after that, but this book is true to the romance genre in that it all comes out right in the end. At the same time, we get to travel a rough, treacherous path that offers much entertainment on the way.
There is a horrifying background to this book that the characters are trying to learn to live with and resolve. A good bit of animosity exists between the different sides in the story, making the source of the blackmail that brings Sabre and Quincy together not easy to puzzle out. The sex is also quite explicit in an oddly innocent way, or not so oddly once the truth is revealed.
I really enjoyed my time with this cast and am curious about the others in the series, both Jack and Gideon before this book and now the mostly absentee George. That dark background helps to create an environment where the gentlemen must rise above their pasts and write a new, better future for themselves…or they could choose to wallow in their histories, but the first is a far more entertaining story if Athena’s Ordeal is anything to go by. Nor do the ladies stand aside to let their gentleman figure things out on their own. The ladies don’t call their club The Haberdashers for nothing, nor do they confine themselves to traditionally female pursuits.
February 17, 2014
Author: Sue London
First published: 2013
Length: 74 pages, 4788 locations
Setting: London and just outside, 1815
Sex: reasonably explicit but not frequent. First (and second) times unsatisfactory.
Includes: Excerpt from Fates For Apate by Sue London.
The second book by this author and while she is obviously refining her craft, she hasn't made it there just yet.
London has some clever, interesting concepts mixed with a very beta Hero and strong (supposedly Alpha) heroine. It should be a great book. But her occasional misuse of words (facile was definitely inappropriate) and unsatisfactory ending (what was the fourth?) left me disappointed.
This is an author worth watching.
She's getting better.
Sabre's story has more plot than Jack's. It's good.
But it needs polishing.
The Haberdashers:
Book 1 Trials of Artemis - Jacqueline (Jack) Walters and Gideon Wolfe, Earl of Harrington.
Book 2 Athena's Ordeal - Sabrian (Sabre) Bittlesworth and Quincy Telford, Duke of Beloin
Book 3 Fates For Apate - Georgiana (George) Lockhart and Casimir Rokiczana
References:
Author's website: http://bysuelondon.com/
-CR-
First published: 2013
Length: 74 pages, 4788 locations
Setting: London and just outside, 1815
Sex: reasonably explicit but not frequent. First (and second) times unsatisfactory.
Includes: Excerpt from Fates For Apate by Sue London.
The second book by this author and while she is obviously refining her craft, she hasn't made it there just yet.
London has some clever, interesting concepts mixed with a very beta Hero and strong (supposedly Alpha) heroine. It should be a great book. But her occasional misuse of words (facile was definitely inappropriate) and unsatisfactory ending (what was the fourth?) left me disappointed.
This is an author worth watching.
She's getting better.
Sabre's story has more plot than Jack's. It's good.
But it needs polishing.
The Haberdashers:
Book 1 Trials of Artemis - Jacqueline (Jack) Walters and Gideon Wolfe, Earl of Harrington.
Book 2 Athena's Ordeal - Sabrian (Sabre) Bittlesworth and Quincy Telford, Duke of Beloin
Book 3 Fates For Apate - Georgiana (George) Lockhart and Casimir Rokiczana
References:
Author's website: http://bysuelondon.com/
-CR-
September 6, 2013
Overall, I was really disappointed in this book. I loved the first of the series, the story of Jack, and was very excited when Sabre's story came out. I even had it pre-ordered on Amazon. However, as I began reading it, I became more and more upset with the story.
For one, the heroine of the story seemed a little too...free willing to me. She did things (such as sneak away from home and move in with a man?!) that no regency woman would do so easily. Plus, she got away with everything with her reputation in tact. (Why were her brother's so okay with this?)
I was also upset of how much she was willing to be Quince's mistress. (Which also bothered me with her brothers' easy acceptance of this idea. I have older brothers. They're a little more protective than portrayed.) If Sabre was such a strong-willed woman, why did she not have more high of standards? Why was she willing to be a man's woman, but not in name? I did not think this went along with her character - she did not seem the type that would be happy to sit by when Quince would later get married for the issue of heirs for the dukedom.
The love between Quince and Sabre also bothered me. It seemed rushed and implausible. I was surprised how quickly Quince took Sabre back (after she left him twice). How could he be such an accepting man? Why did he never ask her why she left him? I loved Quince in Jack's story, too. He didn't seem to be such an accepting man then.
All in all, I was frustrated with this story...and the fact I was frustrated made me...well, frustrated. I was so prepared to like Sabre's tale.
For one, the heroine of the story seemed a little too...free willing to me. She did things (such as sneak away from home and move in with a man?!) that no regency woman would do so easily. Plus, she got away with everything with her reputation in tact. (Why were her brother's so okay with this?)
I was also upset of how much she was willing to be Quince's mistress. (Which also bothered me with her brothers' easy acceptance of this idea. I have older brothers. They're a little more protective than portrayed.) If Sabre was such a strong-willed woman, why did she not have more high of standards? Why was she willing to be a man's woman, but not in name? I did not think this went along with her character - she did not seem the type that would be happy to sit by when Quince would later get married for the issue of heirs for the dukedom.
The love between Quince and Sabre also bothered me. It seemed rushed and implausible. I was surprised how quickly Quince took Sabre back (after she left him twice). How could he be such an accepting man? Why did he never ask her why she left him? I loved Quince in Jack's story, too. He didn't seem to be such an accepting man then.
All in all, I was frustrated with this story...and the fact I was frustrated made me...well, frustrated. I was so prepared to like Sabre's tale.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2014
DNF at 20%: Unfortunately much less appealing than the first installment.
Sabre is not a good regency heroine, if you like your romance with a bit of realism.
Sorry, but wandering around unaccompanied in an unmarried gentleman's house in a revealing red gown (in the morning!) and speaking to an unknown gentleman without introduction is not at all de rigeur. That he thought her not a lady was pretty understandable.
And then she insists on a duel to recover her honor. Also not done in regency England. This alone would have been enough to ruin her eternally in society. Going to the duel in men's clothing, just icing on the cake.
What I didn't understand at least: How she came from hating to loving (or let's say lusting after) the duke just in the course of the duel. It looks as if his prowress as a fencer won her over. How much more stupid can you be.
It looks to be one of those regency romances. Where totally impossible things happen and were the heroine is supposed to be "different" and "dashing". I find her unbearably stupid.
And I sympathize a lot with the duke who is quite baffled when she enters his room and jumps into his bed. No unmarried young lady would do that. Sabre is supposed to be a Viscount's daughter. All of her actions so far scream for total ruin.
Not sure if I will give the third one a chance.
Sabre is not a good regency heroine, if you like your romance with a bit of realism.
Sorry, but wandering around unaccompanied in an unmarried gentleman's house in a revealing red gown (in the morning!) and speaking to an unknown gentleman without introduction is not at all de rigeur. That he thought her not a lady was pretty understandable.
And then she insists on a duel to recover her honor. Also not done in regency England. This alone would have been enough to ruin her eternally in society. Going to the duel in men's clothing, just icing on the cake.
What I didn't understand at least: How she came from hating to loving (or let's say lusting after) the duke just in the course of the duel. It looks as if his prowress as a fencer won her over. How much more stupid can you be.
It looks to be one of those regency romances. Where totally impossible things happen and were the heroine is supposed to be "different" and "dashing". I find her unbearably stupid.
And I sympathize a lot with the duke who is quite baffled when she enters his room and jumps into his bed. No unmarried young lady would do that. Sabre is supposed to be a Viscount's daughter. All of her actions so far scream for total ruin.
Not sure if I will give the third one a chance.
January 16, 2016
Athena’s Ordeal by Sue London
Haberdashers Series Book Two
Lady Sabrina Bittlesworth or better known as Sabre to her Haberdasher sisters, always gets what she wants. And she wants a certain duke. After defending her honor after he questions it, she is so impressed with his fighting skills, she decides she will have him...one way or another.
Quincy Telford, Duke of Beloin, is nothing like his friend Gideon. Rather than womanizing he’d prefer to have peace and quiet. To be alone. Until he sees her, Sabrina. One big problem...he will never allow the daughter of a man he hates to hold the title of being his duchess. Mistress yes, duchess no. Never. Wait, don’t they say ‘Never say never’?
I just love the characters in these books. Their personalities are well defined. Gideon and Jack (from book one, Trials of Artemis) have their point of view in this story too. One of the things I enjoy about series is seeing what is going on with the characters from the previous books. The third story is George’s in Fates of Apate.
**Sexual content and language
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
Haberdashers Series Book Two
Lady Sabrina Bittlesworth or better known as Sabre to her Haberdasher sisters, always gets what she wants. And she wants a certain duke. After defending her honor after he questions it, she is so impressed with his fighting skills, she decides she will have him...one way or another.
Quincy Telford, Duke of Beloin, is nothing like his friend Gideon. Rather than womanizing he’d prefer to have peace and quiet. To be alone. Until he sees her, Sabrina. One big problem...he will never allow the daughter of a man he hates to hold the title of being his duchess. Mistress yes, duchess no. Never. Wait, don’t they say ‘Never say never’?
I just love the characters in these books. Their personalities are well defined. Gideon and Jack (from book one, Trials of Artemis) have their point of view in this story too. One of the things I enjoy about series is seeing what is going on with the characters from the previous books. The third story is George’s in Fates of Apate.
**Sexual content and language
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
September 9, 2013
I honestly didn't think that Sue London could outdo the first book Trials of Artemis, but I am happy to be proven wrong! I LOVED this book!
Quince and Sabre are a wonderful couple, the chemistry between them was amazing. They were a wonderful balance for each other and other than Quince's initial and adamant refusal to marry her, I thought he was the perfect hero, seriously PERFECT!
The mystery concerning their fathers was a bit vague and I am not sure if that storyline is finished or if it is going to continue into the next book. I am also not 100% sure who the hero is in George's book (I have an idea and I hope I am right - fingers crossed).
I am anxiously awaiting George's book Fates for Apate and would highly recommend this author and series to anyone.
Quince and Sabre are a wonderful couple, the chemistry between them was amazing. They were a wonderful balance for each other and other than Quince's initial and adamant refusal to marry her, I thought he was the perfect hero, seriously PERFECT!
The mystery concerning their fathers was a bit vague and I am not sure if that storyline is finished or if it is going to continue into the next book. I am also not 100% sure who the hero is in George's book (I have an idea and I hope I am right - fingers crossed).
I am anxiously awaiting George's book Fates for Apate and would highly recommend this author and series to anyone.
August 31, 2013
This is the second book in Sue London's Haberdashers series and perhaps even better than the first one, "Trials of Artemis". There is a darker element that emerges involving the fathers of Sabre and Quince who were part of a Hellfire type club. We meet Sabre's brothers, Robert and Charlie, this time too. Jack, Gideon and other characters from the first book are part of this one, much to my delight.
If you haven't read "Trials of Artemis", I recommend doing so before reading "Athena's Ordeal". This is a series best read in sequence and much more enjoyable if you do so. In her third book, Sue will tell George's story and from the few hints she throws out in this one, it will be most interesting!
Great read! :-)
If you haven't read "Trials of Artemis", I recommend doing so before reading "Athena's Ordeal". This is a series best read in sequence and much more enjoyable if you do so. In her third book, Sue will tell George's story and from the few hints she throws out in this one, it will be most interesting!
Great read! :-)
September 1, 2013
With the second book of the Haberdasher series, I once again lost sleep. I had pre-ordered the book and when it appeared on my Kindle, I started reading and remembered why I had pre-ordered it...immediately after finishing the first one. Sabre, one of the trio of intrepid women friends, is even more fun than Jack (in the previous book). She lets nothing stand in her way and wields her wit as well as she does her ...well...saber. Quince, the duke she spars with, has layers and layers to discover and Sue London makes the discovery entertaining and the time flies. I really hate having to wait for George's story. Hmmph.
April 10, 2015
Stunned. Nothing in the first book of this series suggested that the author was so crassly ignorant of the period about which she is writing that she imagines a young, unmarried noblewoman could pay a call on a bachelor. As for first appearing in the bedroom and then moving herself into the house of a man who hates her father and wants nothing to do with her, or taking over the housekeeping when the housekeeper goes on vacation... it just boggles the mind.
I've given it two stars since it's not badly written or paced- for those who don't object to 'historical' fiction being nothing more than modern characters in costume with a little historical set dressing.
I've given it two stars since it's not badly written or paced- for those who don't object to 'historical' fiction being nothing more than modern characters in costume with a little historical set dressing.
June 29, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this excellent book. I fell in love with Quince and don't understand why some of the other reviewers didn't like him. I enjoy reading books with beta heroes. Mary Balogh has several novels with them as well. Not every male is an alpha in real life so why should they be in books. I can't wait to read the next one in this series.
November 15, 2013
Wow. What happens when a sexy introvert and an aggressive woman butt heads? Oh, and add in a sinister plot against the guy and a shadowy group only know by code names?
You get this book.
Full of adventure, sexy as hell, and a non-stop good read.
You get this book.
Full of adventure, sexy as hell, and a non-stop good read.
September 19, 2013
This is such a little gem of a series! Loved the first one (and yes, you really do need to read them in order) but this one was better. Ms. London never leaves any of the characters behind so it makes for a cozy little world.
July 20, 2014
I am hooked!
I have to say, I am officially hooked on The Haberdasher. I am now a fan of Sue London. I just hope books do not take too long in coming out. The romance, wit, spiciness and intrigue are wonderful.
I have to say, I am officially hooked on The Haberdasher. I am now a fan of Sue London. I just hope books do not take too long in coming out. The romance, wit, spiciness and intrigue are wonderful.
July 28, 2015
All I can say is WOW! I njoyed learning momre of these two and learned a secret of the dukes . lord Lucifer and his explanation on pleasuring womwn lol these novel was steamy to a degree and i loved it now on to book three
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