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The Bride of Devil's Acre
Douglas "Devil" Radcliffe has spent years carving out Devil's Acre, an area where the titled and entitled lords of London come to play. But when Queen Victoria proposes a reformation plan to the House of Lords that would have the wretched souls of nearby St. Giles moving into his territory, Devil sets out to buy, bribe, and steal the votes he needs to stop her. One vote short and running out of time, Devil has Lord Edwards' daughter kidnapped and held captive. The price of her freedom? Lord Edwards' vote. Lord Edwards' daughter, Jacqueline's life was defined at the moment of her birth. Growing up in the shadow of her mother's death in childbirth, she has spent years trying to make it up to her father. Now a grown woman, she is torn between her duty to her father and her desire for a life of her own. Irrevocably changed after her kidnapping, Jacqueline tries to put the pieces of her life back together only to find they no longer fit.
304 pages, Paperback
First published July 8, 2013
6 people are currently reading
362 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Kohout
16 books77 followersA former lawyer, Washington native Jennifer Kohout is the bestselling, award-winning author of paranormal & historical romances designed to entice readers to explore the darker side of romance. Her novels Master Of Tides and Queen Of Souls have been nominated for the RITA award.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 10, 2013
Get ready to see the truly dark side of Victorian London, and I’m not necessarily talking about the seedier side of town. When the daughter of a less-than-perfect prominent politician is kidnapped to sway his vote regarding the restructuring of an area in London that would displace hundreds of its poorer citizens, an innocent young woman becomes the victim of both the brutality of rape and torture and the pompous censure of the Ton. What follows is the consequence of guilt and discovery as Devil Radcliffe, who in a misguided attempt to save the homes of those who live in the St. Giles area, offers to marry the now ostracized and shamed Jacqueline to atone for what ultimately was his fault. Jacqueline accepts his proposal, as she is now, through no fault of her own, disgraced and “not suitable as a wife” in the eyes of the elite. What happens when she discovers Devil’s part in her nightmare? Who will pay the ultimate price?
The Bride of Devil’s Acre by Jennifer Kohout is not for the faint of heart or those with a delicate constitution. There is and sadly, has always been a dark side to life and those who are closed-minded and shallow, but in the end, this is a story of strength against the odds, and proof that love happens when you least expect it. With an extremely strong and resilient heroine in Jacqueline, and an “honorable” villain in Devil, Ms. Kohout has taken the Ton to task! Well-written, pulling no punches and not shying away from brutal bluntness, she has written an intense novel set in historical London with all of the feel and atmosphere of times gone by. Foregoing most of the formal dialogue associated with the setting puts the plot and its subplots front and center, unforgettable and magnetic! Immediately out of the gate, The Bride of Devil’s Acre plunges the reader into its world and never lets up through the twists and turns to its final conclusion.
This is an amazing historical romance without all of the flowery trappings and I need to thank the author for providing me a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: July 8, 2013
Publisher: Unbound Reality
ISBN: 1490303960
Genre: Adult Historical Romance
Page Count: 304
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For more reviews check out Tome Tender's Book Blog or find us on Facebook.
The Bride of Devil’s Acre by Jennifer Kohout is not for the faint of heart or those with a delicate constitution. There is and sadly, has always been a dark side to life and those who are closed-minded and shallow, but in the end, this is a story of strength against the odds, and proof that love happens when you least expect it. With an extremely strong and resilient heroine in Jacqueline, and an “honorable” villain in Devil, Ms. Kohout has taken the Ton to task! Well-written, pulling no punches and not shying away from brutal bluntness, she has written an intense novel set in historical London with all of the feel and atmosphere of times gone by. Foregoing most of the formal dialogue associated with the setting puts the plot and its subplots front and center, unforgettable and magnetic! Immediately out of the gate, The Bride of Devil’s Acre plunges the reader into its world and never lets up through the twists and turns to its final conclusion.
This is an amazing historical romance without all of the flowery trappings and I need to thank the author for providing me a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: July 8, 2013
Publisher: Unbound Reality
ISBN: 1490303960
Genre: Adult Historical Romance
Page Count: 304
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For more reviews check out Tome Tender's Book Blog or find us on Facebook.
January 6, 2014
THE BRIDE OF DEVIL'S ACRE by Jennifer Kohout is an exciting, high-octane Victorian Historical Romance. I absolutely loved this story! Faced paced and action packed from beginning to the very last page. Meet Douglas “Devil” Radcliffe and Lady Jacqueline Edwards'. When Devil has Jacqueline kidnapped he never expected her to be harmed, only held captive until he could get her father to change his vote in Paraliment. All Devil wanted was to blackmail Jacqueline's father not to literally ruin her life.
Filled with anger, secrets, betrayal, murder, passion, and love. "The Bride of Devil's Acre" will have you on your seat as you follow Devil and Jacqueline on a journey to find peace, happiness, and love.
The man who brutalized Jacqueline during her captivity was thought to be dead, but is he really or will he come after her again and finish the job he started? Devil would do anything including offer for her hand in marriage to right a wrong done to her while in his care. Passion ignites between them and danger follows them as they prepare to have a life together. All the while a psychopath is lurking in the darkness.
Ms. Kohout has written a story that is dark, emotional, and dangerous. While, some readers may find some of the content not to their liking, I read it in one setting. I could not wait to see, how things turned out for Devil and Jacqueline. Love can conquer all!
This is not a light or fun read but a deliciously seductive read. I would highly recommend "The Bride of Devil's Acre" to anyone who enjoys historical, Victorian, danger, and a great read. This was a great Victorian Historical Romance filled with not only passion, but with suspense,a bit of mystery, friendship and the power of love. Oh yeah there is a little side story going on to with Lord Marcus and Phillip.
Well written with engaging characters and an intriguing storyline. Please be warned this is not for the faint of heart. The camaraderie between Devil and his cohorts is interesting, powerful and a long lasting friendship between the men.
I hope Finn and Moose will have stories of their own coming soon! I also see a story on the back burner for Marcus and Phillip. A must read! Well done, indeed, Ms. Kohout. I can hardly wait to see what happens next for the people of Devil's Acre. I truly hope there will be next coming soon! Received for an honest review from the author.
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: HOT
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
Filled with anger, secrets, betrayal, murder, passion, and love. "The Bride of Devil's Acre" will have you on your seat as you follow Devil and Jacqueline on a journey to find peace, happiness, and love.
The man who brutalized Jacqueline during her captivity was thought to be dead, but is he really or will he come after her again and finish the job he started? Devil would do anything including offer for her hand in marriage to right a wrong done to her while in his care. Passion ignites between them and danger follows them as they prepare to have a life together. All the while a psychopath is lurking in the darkness.
Ms. Kohout has written a story that is dark, emotional, and dangerous. While, some readers may find some of the content not to their liking, I read it in one setting. I could not wait to see, how things turned out for Devil and Jacqueline. Love can conquer all!
This is not a light or fun read but a deliciously seductive read. I would highly recommend "The Bride of Devil's Acre" to anyone who enjoys historical, Victorian, danger, and a great read. This was a great Victorian Historical Romance filled with not only passion, but with suspense,a bit of mystery, friendship and the power of love. Oh yeah there is a little side story going on to with Lord Marcus and Phillip.
Well written with engaging characters and an intriguing storyline. Please be warned this is not for the faint of heart. The camaraderie between Devil and his cohorts is interesting, powerful and a long lasting friendship between the men.
I hope Finn and Moose will have stories of their own coming soon! I also see a story on the back burner for Marcus and Phillip. A must read! Well done, indeed, Ms. Kohout. I can hardly wait to see what happens next for the people of Devil's Acre. I truly hope there will be next coming soon! Received for an honest review from the author.
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: HOT
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
April 1, 2017
Devil and Lady J, a marriage born out of guilt and a self preservation.
Normally after reading a blurb where the heroine is raped I steer far clear, but something drew me to this one. I figured I'd just DNF if needed, but once I got past the first quarter, it was hard to put down. Even the first 25% was engrossing, but difficult to read as I knew what was coming. Devil, a notorious night club and brothel, owner needs to protect his area of London known as Devil's Acre from legislation that will move the scum from St. Giles to his own back yard. To force one last lord to vote his way, Devil abducts his daughter, Jacqueline. The abduction goes badly because Devil underestimates the psychotic craziness of one of his men. The rape scene is bad, but not too graphic, and interrupted by Devil who kills the Creep. J has sceen very little because of a hood over her head, and is returned to her father. Her father is an a-hole too, so things just get worse for her. Devil learns of her plight and offers her marriage. She doesn't recognize him and accepts thinking he marries her for her name. Now, a quarter into the story, the two of them, perfect strangers to each other, must adjust to married life.
The characters were engaging but not perfect and they both change after the wedding. Devil grows a heart and Lady J finds that she thrives in her new environs far from the stuffy condescending ballrooms of liars in the Ton's London. There's a great caste of side characters from misfits to cowards to lovelorn rakes. Even the evil villain had some depth. Can Devil redeem himself? Yes, he actually does!
Their courtship is marred by a series of disasters and murders. You know what is coming and the author doesn't bother keeping the mystery for long.
So there's a bit more violence than I like in an HR, but nothing OTT, imho ; )
My only complaint is that she recovered from the rape was a bit easier than I would have expected. Maybe she was somewhat inured because of her creepy father? The writing was top notch and except for the obvious, unpredictable.
The best part was the long epilogue at the end that was so very romantic. You get a sweet glimpse into the future of their HEA.
I will definitely read JK again!!
Normally after reading a blurb where the heroine is raped I steer far clear, but something drew me to this one. I figured I'd just DNF if needed, but once I got past the first quarter, it was hard to put down. Even the first 25% was engrossing, but difficult to read as I knew what was coming. Devil, a notorious night club and brothel, owner needs to protect his area of London known as Devil's Acre from legislation that will move the scum from St. Giles to his own back yard. To force one last lord to vote his way, Devil abducts his daughter, Jacqueline. The abduction goes badly because Devil underestimates the psychotic craziness of one of his men. The rape scene is bad, but not too graphic, and interrupted by Devil who kills the Creep. J has sceen very little because of a hood over her head, and is returned to her father. Her father is an a-hole too, so things just get worse for her. Devil learns of her plight and offers her marriage. She doesn't recognize him and accepts thinking he marries her for her name. Now, a quarter into the story, the two of them, perfect strangers to each other, must adjust to married life.
The characters were engaging but not perfect and they both change after the wedding. Devil grows a heart and Lady J finds that she thrives in her new environs far from the stuffy condescending ballrooms of liars in the Ton's London. There's a great caste of side characters from misfits to cowards to lovelorn rakes. Even the evil villain had some depth. Can Devil redeem himself? Yes, he actually does!
Their courtship is marred by a series of disasters and murders. You know what is coming and the author doesn't bother keeping the mystery for long.
So there's a bit more violence than I like in an HR, but nothing OTT, imho ; )
My only complaint is that she recovered from the rape was a bit easier than I would have expected. Maybe she was somewhat inured because of her creepy father? The writing was top notch and except for the obvious, unpredictable.
The best part was the long epilogue at the end that was so very romantic. You get a sweet glimpse into the future of their HEA.
I will definitely read JK again!!
December 4, 2016
I liked this book. It kept my attention throughout and reminded me of an old school romance, but without the bodice ripper element.
Basically, the story goes like this. Douglas "Devil" Radcliffe has spent years craving out Devil's Acre, an area where titled and entitled lords of London come to play. But when Queen Victoria proposes a reformation plan to the House of Lords that would have the wretched souls of St. Giles move into his territory he does everything he can to stop it. He needs one more vote from the heroine's father so he kidnaps her to ensure he gets his vote. During the kidnapping, the heroine Jacqueline is raped by one of his crew members. She goes back to her father, but is ostracized by society. Devil feels remorse and realizes the only way to atone for his part in her downfall is to marry her. They are happy until she finds out about his part in it and leaves him. Soon after, an enemy comes back from the past to put the heroine and Devil in danger. They eventually get an HEA.
My only criticism is that after she is raped it seems she gets over it real quick. There was not many lingering effects. Usually, when this happens I ditch the book, but this book I still liked.
There is a secondary character Marcus that I really liked. He is in love with his best friend Phillip and is forced to see him get married. Phillip is not strong enough to stand up to his father and be with Marcus. Marcus has an outer image as an unfeeling rake, but he has an inner vulnerability that was sweet.
Basically, the story goes like this. Douglas "Devil" Radcliffe has spent years craving out Devil's Acre, an area where titled and entitled lords of London come to play. But when Queen Victoria proposes a reformation plan to the House of Lords that would have the wretched souls of St. Giles move into his territory he does everything he can to stop it. He needs one more vote from the heroine's father so he kidnaps her to ensure he gets his vote. During the kidnapping, the heroine Jacqueline is raped by one of his crew members. She goes back to her father, but is ostracized by society. Devil feels remorse and realizes the only way to atone for his part in her downfall is to marry her. They are happy until she finds out about his part in it and leaves him. Soon after, an enemy comes back from the past to put the heroine and Devil in danger. They eventually get an HEA.
My only criticism is that after she is raped it seems she gets over it real quick. There was not many lingering effects. Usually, when this happens I ditch the book, but this book I still liked.
There is a secondary character Marcus that I really liked. He is in love with his best friend Phillip and is forced to see him get married. Phillip is not strong enough to stand up to his father and be with Marcus. Marcus has an outer image as an unfeeling rake, but he has an inner vulnerability that was sweet.
May 17, 2015
DNF. After getting to 30% and the h/H having barely spoken to each other--their dialogue could probably fit a single page at this point--I realized this wasn't going anywhere for me and had to give up.
I like romances where the h/H are the focus and they actually have conversations. I also like books where a character's actions make sense. These characters both made decisions that did not seem natural and seemed more like a contrivance to push the story forward. No good!
I like romances where the h/H are the focus and they actually have conversations. I also like books where a character's actions make sense. These characters both made decisions that did not seem natural and seemed more like a contrivance to push the story forward. No good!
April 2, 2017
I liked this book and was pleasantly surprised. The pacing was great and it kept my attention. I didn't like the Insta-love. I like a bit more romantic development. And the story glossed over some of the unsavory bits of the plot. But overall it kept me well entertained for an afternoon.
Also the epilogue was nice.
Also the epilogue was nice.
September 24, 2013
I didn't know what to expect when I got this. But in the end I loved it I am glad I got it. Jennifer Kohout is not afraid to let something bad happen to the Heroine, it happens and it just makes her stronger.
Jacqueline Edwards loves her father but she isn't so sure he loves her in return. He blames her for the death of her mother who died in child birth. Lord Edwards has punished Jacqueline for this all of her life, and has no plans to stop. He won't let her marry, her place is with him. She is convinced their is no other place for her.
Douglas "Devil" Radcliffe has risen from the son of prostitute to the owner of Devil's Acre and area of London full of sin and debauchery. It's a place where it doesn't matter who you are or what you want only if you have enough money to buy it. But Queen Victoria has other plans when she wants to restructure St. Giles. A reformation plan that will unseat hundreds of people making them all homeless and no where to go but Devil's Acre.
Devil has a plan to save St Giles and he will stop at nothing to keep St. Giles from being reformed. Lie, steal, cheat even kidnap to make sure the bill does not pass. Unfortunately he kidnaps Jacqueline. It wasn't suppose to happen the way it did. She was to remain safe until after the voting and then return her unharmed to her father. But Carver had other plans. The psychotic man carves his mark in to Jacqueline and proceeds to rape her. Devil catches him in the act and kills him. Jacqueline's reputation is in ruins and her father only makes it worse which makes it an easy decision when Devil comes and proposes. Not knowing who he is she accepts. Can they live their lives based on a lie? What happens when Jacqueline finds out who Devil really is? Who is slowly trying to ruin Devil's business?
A definitely good read not for the faint of heart or people who don't like it when really bad things happen to main characters.
Jacqueline Edwards loves her father but she isn't so sure he loves her in return. He blames her for the death of her mother who died in child birth. Lord Edwards has punished Jacqueline for this all of her life, and has no plans to stop. He won't let her marry, her place is with him. She is convinced their is no other place for her.
Douglas "Devil" Radcliffe has risen from the son of prostitute to the owner of Devil's Acre and area of London full of sin and debauchery. It's a place where it doesn't matter who you are or what you want only if you have enough money to buy it. But Queen Victoria has other plans when she wants to restructure St. Giles. A reformation plan that will unseat hundreds of people making them all homeless and no where to go but Devil's Acre.
Devil has a plan to save St Giles and he will stop at nothing to keep St. Giles from being reformed. Lie, steal, cheat even kidnap to make sure the bill does not pass. Unfortunately he kidnaps Jacqueline. It wasn't suppose to happen the way it did. She was to remain safe until after the voting and then return her unharmed to her father. But Carver had other plans. The psychotic man carves his mark in to Jacqueline and proceeds to rape her. Devil catches him in the act and kills him. Jacqueline's reputation is in ruins and her father only makes it worse which makes it an easy decision when Devil comes and proposes. Not knowing who he is she accepts. Can they live their lives based on a lie? What happens when Jacqueline finds out who Devil really is? Who is slowly trying to ruin Devil's business?
A definitely good read not for the faint of heart or people who don't like it when really bad things happen to main characters.
October 25, 2013
Let me start by saying that I haven't read a Historical Romance in years. It's just not my usual type of book. I am much more into Paranormal/Paranormal Romance since I got my Kindle App. Having said that, this book pulled me in quickly & I had a really hard time putting it down. I finished this book in about 24 hours (including the time I had to spend at work, after only 2 hours sleep because I couldn't stop reading).
The main characters in this book were much stronger than you would think after reading the description. Jennifer Kohout did a fantastic job bringing these people to life in such a way as to make the reader really become invested in their relationship & their lives. This book is most assuredly for the 18+ audience.
I can't wait for Jennifer's next book. And if you like Adult Paranormal Romance don't miss her other books (The Wolf Lake series).
The main characters in this book were much stronger than you would think after reading the description. Jennifer Kohout did a fantastic job bringing these people to life in such a way as to make the reader really become invested in their relationship & their lives. This book is most assuredly for the 18+ audience.
I can't wait for Jennifer's next book. And if you like Adult Paranormal Romance don't miss her other books (The Wolf Lake series).
December 1, 2014
Genre: Romance/ Historical
Author: Jennifer Kohout
Book: The Bride of Devil’s Acre
My Star Rating: 4 out of 5
Will I read I read it again? yes
What the heck is wrong with Jacqueline’s father?!? I love how the author gets me so involved with a story that I even yell at some of the characters. Very well written story. The only thing I really had a problem with is that I found Jacqueline get over her experience rather quickly. I would think it would have a lot more issues regarding sex.
I loved how the Devil came around. And I love the other characters as well. How can you not like Moose?
I was given this book to read and give an honest review. This review is my honest opinion and I have fully read this book.
Author: Jennifer Kohout
Book: The Bride of Devil’s Acre
My Star Rating: 4 out of 5
Will I read I read it again? yes
What the heck is wrong with Jacqueline’s father?!? I love how the author gets me so involved with a story that I even yell at some of the characters. Very well written story. The only thing I really had a problem with is that I found Jacqueline get over her experience rather quickly. I would think it would have a lot more issues regarding sex.
I loved how the Devil came around. And I love the other characters as well. How can you not like Moose?
I was given this book to read and give an honest review. This review is my honest opinion and I have fully read this book.
December 7, 2013
I LOVED this book. It was amazing. Beautifully written, it held my attention all the way through. I couldn't put it down. The characters were amazingly portrayed and there were a lot of beautiful and tragic moments. It was a lovely, more realistic (and harsh) version of Beauty and the Beast. Would I read more books by Jennifer Kohout? Definitely! I intend to! Would I recommend this book to others? Most certainly! If they are old enough.
See the full review on my website, Awesome Book Assessment.
See the full review on my website, Awesome Book Assessment.
May 20, 2022
This book is pretty good. It has some very dark themes that I’ll mention at the end in case you don’t want to risk a possible spoiler before the synopsis.
Douglas Radcliffe, or Devil as he’s known, has spent many years making a name for himself and establishing Devil’s Acre. This is a place where all the well to do of London go to play. However, when Queen Victoria proposes a plan that would see a reformation take place that would have the poor people of nearby St. Giles to move into his territory he is determined to get all the votes he needs to stop her. He is one vote short and time is running out. So, he devises a scheme to kidnap the daughter of a vote holder and not release her until he has the Lord’s vote.
Jacqueline, the daughter, has grown up in the shadow of her mother’s death in childbirth and has spent all her years trying to make up for it. Now she is grown and not sure what to do. Duty to her father or a desire for life. After the kidnapping, and due to events that took place during, she is forced to try to put her life back together and finds it more impossible than ever.
This is one of those books that you do want to know what happens to all the characters but at the same time it’s one that if you put it down you could struggle just a tad to pick back up and get into. Luckily, it’s not all that long so you can read it all in one sitting if you wanted to.
As for what could be a spoiler, look away if you don’t want to see this, it does come with some pretty heavy topics. Kidnapping and rape among the top of them. You also have murder and the usual that comes along with murder.
If you are curious about it, I say go for it. It’s one that sticks with you.
Douglas Radcliffe, or Devil as he’s known, has spent many years making a name for himself and establishing Devil’s Acre. This is a place where all the well to do of London go to play. However, when Queen Victoria proposes a plan that would see a reformation take place that would have the poor people of nearby St. Giles to move into his territory he is determined to get all the votes he needs to stop her. He is one vote short and time is running out. So, he devises a scheme to kidnap the daughter of a vote holder and not release her until he has the Lord’s vote.
Jacqueline, the daughter, has grown up in the shadow of her mother’s death in childbirth and has spent all her years trying to make up for it. Now she is grown and not sure what to do. Duty to her father or a desire for life. After the kidnapping, and due to events that took place during, she is forced to try to put her life back together and finds it more impossible than ever.
This is one of those books that you do want to know what happens to all the characters but at the same time it’s one that if you put it down you could struggle just a tad to pick back up and get into. Luckily, it’s not all that long so you can read it all in one sitting if you wanted to.
As for what could be a spoiler, look away if you don’t want to see this, it does come with some pretty heavy topics. Kidnapping and rape among the top of them. You also have murder and the usual that comes along with murder.
If you are curious about it, I say go for it. It’s one that sticks with you.
June 28, 2021
DNF.
Seriously, if you don't want to put in the effort to write a somehwat realistic recovery journey of a rape victim, DON'T MENTION THE ENTIRE EVENT IN GRUESOME DETAIL. (h is raped. The H is the catalyst)
Or better yet, spread out the event, put in a time leap, voila you can continue with your sub par writing skills and the reader doesn't feel like gauging his/her eye out.
Here, the h goes through a horrific and I do mean HORRIFIC experience (she is literally carved with the initials of her rapist of her stomach with a knife) and legit four weeks later she is riding her way accross the rainbow the big O. Some piece of shit rips away your virginity in the most traumatic way and barely a month later, disowned by your family and the society you grew up in, you are wondering why your new husband doesn't wish to share a bed with you. (Rectified two days later, *sigh*)
All in all, really bad writing. Noone seemed to have a character arc. I wouldn't even call them characters. They just seemed to be words typed on paper. Staying far away from this author henceforth.
Seriously, if you don't want to put in the effort to write a somehwat realistic recovery journey of a rape victim, DON'T MENTION THE ENTIRE EVENT IN GRUESOME DETAIL. (h is raped. The H is the catalyst)
Or better yet, spread out the event, put in a time leap, voila you can continue with your sub par writing skills and the reader doesn't feel like gauging his/her eye out.
Here, the h goes through a horrific and I do mean HORRIFIC experience (she is literally carved with the initials of her rapist of her stomach with a knife) and legit four weeks later she is riding her way accross the rainbow the big O. Some piece of shit rips away your virginity in the most traumatic way and barely a month later, disowned by your family and the society you grew up in, you are wondering why your new husband doesn't wish to share a bed with you. (Rectified two days later, *sigh*)
All in all, really bad writing. Noone seemed to have a character arc. I wouldn't even call them characters. They just seemed to be words typed on paper. Staying far away from this author henceforth.
January 14, 2023
way too forgiving h and they fell in love after spending like 48 hours with each other, i can count on one hand the times they were together and just had a very nasty H plus the villain was also vomit-inducing.
May 20, 2018
I loved Jac & Devil's story. To find true love out of such a horrible situation and the using that love to be able to forgive the actions that led to it. Brave and noble! Loved it!
December 3, 2014
I'm having a hard time deciding what to rate this. I think I'm sticking with four stars, because the story was interesting enough to keep me reading despite my initial misgivings. And really, the complaints I have are small compared to the compliments I have.
My biggest issue with this is that I think Jacqueline forgave Devil too quickly. Yes, he learned to care for her and yes, he's good at sex. But kidnapping someone is a really serious thing, especially if it leads to something as brutal as torture and rape. I'm sorry, but that's a heavy price. And yes, it wasn't his doing. I get that. But him resorting to such unsavory methods just doesn't sit right with me already, not including the whole rape thing.
And jesus, that scene was tough to read. I love horror movies and cheesy slasher movies but I have a really hard time with rape scenes in any form. And Carver's brutality was bad. Real bad. And I can't really stomach it. Which means: huge kudos to the author. It was very well-written and was absolutely unsettling.
And I really truly hate Jacqueline's father. He abused her for more than twenty years over something that was not her fault. He started rumors that she eloped. She was raped and then ridiculed and reviled because of her father's rumors. It was an incredibly dastardly thing to do, and I don't think it deserves the forgiveness she gave him. At least not after one statement. After twenty years, it will take more than one statement to forgive someone. And I'm a pretty forgiving person.
The other complaint: the writing style wasn't very Victorian England. The language was far more contemporary than it should have been. Which was actually kind of nice, sort of like A Knight's Tale in book form. But not very convincing as far as being accurate. So not necessarily convincing in that regard, but it didn't really detract from the story either.
And yet another, though small complaint: far too much "heat pooling in her belly" and "he captured her mouth". Those two seemed to be repeated quite a bit.
Now the stuff I liked: everything else. I loved Moose in particular. He was by far my favorite, the companionable companion. I would love to have him as a bodyguard, making me feel better by threatening shopkeepers and everything. And Devil's desire to seek justice. I actually really enjoyed their blossoming romance after all the nastiness. It was particularly nice and felt natural, even in the small time frame it happened in. Her acceptance of him and his lifestyle was quite nice, and I wasn't sure if she would be condescending--or vice versa, actually.
I really loved Jacqueline's acceptance of everyone in general. Her willingness to still be friends with Marcus Eddington after learning he was gay was something I really really admired. It made her much more likable for me, and while before I just pitied her, with those little additions it made me actually like her. The same could be said for Devil; his reluctant friendship with Finn was an entertaining one to be sure. I doubt he would admit that he actually likes Moose or Finn, but likes them all the same. Plus the small affections he has for the less pretty part of town was nice. It truly was.
And really, that was the best part of this book. The sexual tension was great, and the rape scene was brutal. Which all set a magnificent backdrop for the relationship building.
My biggest issue with this is that I think Jacqueline forgave Devil too quickly. Yes, he learned to care for her and yes, he's good at sex. But kidnapping someone is a really serious thing, especially if it leads to something as brutal as torture and rape. I'm sorry, but that's a heavy price. And yes, it wasn't his doing. I get that. But him resorting to such unsavory methods just doesn't sit right with me already, not including the whole rape thing.
And jesus, that scene was tough to read. I love horror movies and cheesy slasher movies but I have a really hard time with rape scenes in any form. And Carver's brutality was bad. Real bad. And I can't really stomach it. Which means: huge kudos to the author. It was very well-written and was absolutely unsettling.
And I really truly hate Jacqueline's father. He abused her for more than twenty years over something that was not her fault. He started rumors that she eloped. She was raped and then ridiculed and reviled because of her father's rumors. It was an incredibly dastardly thing to do, and I don't think it deserves the forgiveness she gave him. At least not after one statement. After twenty years, it will take more than one statement to forgive someone. And I'm a pretty forgiving person.
The other complaint: the writing style wasn't very Victorian England. The language was far more contemporary than it should have been. Which was actually kind of nice, sort of like A Knight's Tale in book form. But not very convincing as far as being accurate. So not necessarily convincing in that regard, but it didn't really detract from the story either.
And yet another, though small complaint: far too much "heat pooling in her belly" and "he captured her mouth". Those two seemed to be repeated quite a bit.
Now the stuff I liked: everything else. I loved Moose in particular. He was by far my favorite, the companionable companion. I would love to have him as a bodyguard, making me feel better by threatening shopkeepers and everything. And Devil's desire to seek justice. I actually really enjoyed their blossoming romance after all the nastiness. It was particularly nice and felt natural, even in the small time frame it happened in. Her acceptance of him and his lifestyle was quite nice, and I wasn't sure if she would be condescending--or vice versa, actually.
I really loved Jacqueline's acceptance of everyone in general. Her willingness to still be friends with Marcus Eddington after learning he was gay was something I really really admired. It made her much more likable for me, and while before I just pitied her, with those little additions it made me actually like her. The same could be said for Devil; his reluctant friendship with Finn was an entertaining one to be sure. I doubt he would admit that he actually likes Moose or Finn, but likes them all the same. Plus the small affections he has for the less pretty part of town was nice. It truly was.
And really, that was the best part of this book. The sexual tension was great, and the rape scene was brutal. Which all set a magnificent backdrop for the relationship building.
August 6, 2021
First of all, big ol’ trigger warning that this book includes a pretty graphic rape scene.
Man, I really, really wanted to like this more. There was an absurd amount of angst potential but I feel like it kinda went unfulfilled. I mean, this will go on the angst shelf just because of the betrayal, but I didn't really feel that there was the groveling that Jacqueline deserved. So many things to like, but several quibbles:
(2.5 stars)
Man, I really, really wanted to like this more. There was an absurd amount of angst potential but I feel like it kinda went unfulfilled. I mean, this will go on the angst shelf just because of the betrayal, but I didn't really feel that there was the groveling that Jacqueline deserved. So many things to like, but several quibbles:
(2.5 stars)
February 25, 2015
Douglas "Devil" Radcliff is trying to protect his investments and those around him when he orders the kidnapping of a politician/ton's daughter in order to get his vote against a bill that would put Devil's Acre, the boundary between the ton and the slums of St. Giles, in jeopardy. Unfortunately the kidnapping doesn't go completely as planned and Jacqueline headbutts and breaks the nose of Carver, the most unstable of the kidnapping crew.
Jacqueline sees only a glimpse of a half broken sign when the dark cape over her slips and she is taken into a basement and tied up. She is told that she will be safe and is only being kept for 24 hours. Unfortunately when everyone leaves, Carver returns and not only cuts into her, carves symbols into her stomach, but also ends up raping her.
Devil and right hand man, Finn, arrive at the very end of the raping and Devil slices Carver's neck. Finn, who didn't like the kidnapping idea to begin with, says this is all on Devil. Devil ends up offering to marry Jacqueline and afraid she will never have anymore in life, she accepts, much to his surprise.
Even as Devil and Jacqueline begin to grow close, eventually secrets come to light and Jacqueline confronts him. He lets her go thinking it is safest for her because he suspects that Carver might actually be alive.
This book was a nice read dealing with the darker sides of London. The characters were clear and well rounded. Secondary characters added to the story. The secondary sub plot didn't exactly add to the main story, but it didn't really hurt, either so its all good.
Jacqueline sees only a glimpse of a half broken sign when the dark cape over her slips and she is taken into a basement and tied up. She is told that she will be safe and is only being kept for 24 hours. Unfortunately when everyone leaves, Carver returns and not only cuts into her, carves symbols into her stomach, but also ends up raping her.
Devil and right hand man, Finn, arrive at the very end of the raping and Devil slices Carver's neck. Finn, who didn't like the kidnapping idea to begin with, says this is all on Devil. Devil ends up offering to marry Jacqueline and afraid she will never have anymore in life, she accepts, much to his surprise.
Even as Devil and Jacqueline begin to grow close, eventually secrets come to light and Jacqueline confronts him. He lets her go thinking it is safest for her because he suspects that Carver might actually be alive.
This book was a nice read dealing with the darker sides of London. The characters were clear and well rounded. Secondary characters added to the story. The secondary sub plot didn't exactly add to the main story, but it didn't really hurt, either so its all good.
April 23, 2014
Audiobook narrated by the very talented Ms Michaela James.
I picked this one up looking for a new author with a unique story. I was not disappointed!! There are a few mixed reviews about the rape scene - it's not a graphic drawn out scene. To be honest, although it's a sad part, it was a change to read a book where the heroine goes through some real life tragedy. The story does not include the real life emotions following something so tragic - it a romance fiction so don't expect a non-fiction historical romance.
I was fully prepared to return this book if it was dark and sad - I avoid those books and movies. Please don't let one scene stop you from getting this book - like I almost did. It's not a dark deep soul searching story but rather a lovely romance book with a few twist and turns that ends happily ever after! Lots of great secondary characters that I would love to read more about!
Ms Michaela James did an amazing job - loved that Irish accent! Her voice is very pleasant. I really hope J.K. continues with the series and Ms James is the narrator.
I picked this one up looking for a new author with a unique story. I was not disappointed!! There are a few mixed reviews about the rape scene - it's not a graphic drawn out scene. To be honest, although it's a sad part, it was a change to read a book where the heroine goes through some real life tragedy. The story does not include the real life emotions following something so tragic - it a romance fiction so don't expect a non-fiction historical romance.
I was fully prepared to return this book if it was dark and sad - I avoid those books and movies. Please don't let one scene stop you from getting this book - like I almost did. It's not a dark deep soul searching story but rather a lovely romance book with a few twist and turns that ends happily ever after! Lots of great secondary characters that I would love to read more about!
Ms Michaela James did an amazing job - loved that Irish accent! Her voice is very pleasant. I really hope J.K. continues with the series and Ms James is the narrator.
February 6, 2016
This book is not for the faint of heart.
A dark erotic romance, The Bride of Devil's Acre tells the story of Jacqueline, who is kidnapped by Devil in order to get his vote to not develop the area of London he considers his.
But things go badly for both of them and there are consequences for them both.
I found this book while browsing the Kobo bookstore. Seeing as it was less than $3, I took a chance on it.
It's not a long book, but then again for the price, it was worth it.
I will warn you: this book has a chapter in it that can be quite disturbing. I was not expecting it myself and was a little upset that there was a bit more detail than I would have liked.
But I guess they don't consider it dark erotica without something being disturbing.
The relationship between Devil and Jacqueline was nice but could have been developed a bit more. Again, the shortness of the story didn't allow for this. But you could see that they had something between them.
Not sure if the whole dark erotic genre is for me, but hey, at least I tried it.
A dark erotic romance, The Bride of Devil's Acre tells the story of Jacqueline, who is kidnapped by Devil in order to get his vote to not develop the area of London he considers his.
But things go badly for both of them and there are consequences for them both.
I found this book while browsing the Kobo bookstore. Seeing as it was less than $3, I took a chance on it.
It's not a long book, but then again for the price, it was worth it.
I will warn you: this book has a chapter in it that can be quite disturbing. I was not expecting it myself and was a little upset that there was a bit more detail than I would have liked.
But I guess they don't consider it dark erotica without something being disturbing.
The relationship between Devil and Jacqueline was nice but could have been developed a bit more. Again, the shortness of the story didn't allow for this. But you could see that they had something between them.
Not sure if the whole dark erotic genre is for me, but hey, at least I tried it.
January 3, 2015
What a great read, except for the gay couple that had nothing to do with the storyline. Marcus had a pretty big part in the book but Philip didn't. Because Jaqueline first met Marcus at Purgatory it could have just been left at that. I didn't see any point in that part of the story. All you can do is feel bad for them because that was so unacceptable back then.
I did like Devil, even though he was an idiot for kidnapping Jac and she did suffer a brutal rape but the 2 one-star reviewers neglected to tell you how much stronger it made Jag. How her husband was teaching her how NOT to be a victim. She didn't curl up into herself and fade away. I wish these people who rate a book low would try to remember that it's only a book, not their next door neighbor who got raped. Anyway, I did like Finn and Moose. BUT I hated Stubs and Carver, Carver especially.
Over all a wonderful read with some great sex, murder, mayhem, etc, etc. What more could you ask for?
I did like Devil, even though he was an idiot for kidnapping Jac and she did suffer a brutal rape but the 2 one-star reviewers neglected to tell you how much stronger it made Jag. How her husband was teaching her how NOT to be a victim. She didn't curl up into herself and fade away. I wish these people who rate a book low would try to remember that it's only a book, not their next door neighbor who got raped. Anyway, I did like Finn and Moose. BUT I hated Stubs and Carver, Carver especially.
Over all a wonderful read with some great sex, murder, mayhem, etc, etc. What more could you ask for?
January 12, 2014
I would give this book a 4 1/2 star rating if it would let me. I just couldn't bring myself to put this book down. I haven't read an Historical like this one in a long time.
The only part that I didn't like about this book is the rape part but I did like the fact that Jacqueline got her revenge against her rapist. Devil was a hero you wanted to love and hate at the same time. He was a bastard at the beginning but by the end I was falling in love with him. Jacqueline has had a rough life with no mother and a father she is sure hates her and then she is raped and knows that she will not find a good marriage so when Devil offers her marriage she excepts.
Along the way Jacqueline meets many people that are totally different then the ones that she usually spends time with. I'm hoping that there will more historicals by Jennifer Kohout as I will definitely read them.
The only part that I didn't like about this book is the rape part but I did like the fact that Jacqueline got her revenge against her rapist. Devil was a hero you wanted to love and hate at the same time. He was a bastard at the beginning but by the end I was falling in love with him. Jacqueline has had a rough life with no mother and a father she is sure hates her and then she is raped and knows that she will not find a good marriage so when Devil offers her marriage she excepts.
Along the way Jacqueline meets many people that are totally different then the ones that she usually spends time with. I'm hoping that there will more historicals by Jennifer Kohout as I will definitely read them.
August 15, 2014
This is a period story and set in England.
"Devil" needs to buy some votes after Queen Elizabeth passes a law that would affect him. He is able to buy all the votes he needs except one, Lord Edwards. But needing it as bad as he does he decides to kidnap Edwards daughter (Jacqueline) until her father votes and then return her unharmed in any way. Jacqueline's life is a set on it's path one she is kidnapped.
Devil is completely unaware that one of his men has decided to rape Jacqueline and make her his. Devil finds out, kills the man (or at least thinks he did) and tries to save Jacqueline's reputation by marrying her. The Ton was most unforgiving during that time.
With all the twists and turns in this book is was very enjoyable and I do recommend it to anyone who enjoys a period romance.
"Devil" needs to buy some votes after Queen Elizabeth passes a law that would affect him. He is able to buy all the votes he needs except one, Lord Edwards. But needing it as bad as he does he decides to kidnap Edwards daughter (Jacqueline) until her father votes and then return her unharmed in any way. Jacqueline's life is a set on it's path one she is kidnapped.
Devil is completely unaware that one of his men has decided to rape Jacqueline and make her his. Devil finds out, kills the man (or at least thinks he did) and tries to save Jacqueline's reputation by marrying her. The Ton was most unforgiving during that time.
With all the twists and turns in this book is was very enjoyable and I do recommend it to anyone who enjoys a period romance.
August 15, 2013
As a warning, but I won't spoil it, I almost stopped reading this after the first chapter or two because of the violence to the heroine. I kept thinking about the book and decided that I really wanted to know what happened to her. I ended up liking the book. The hero, Devil, sounds really hot and exciting. Not great hero material in the beginning, but he redeemed himself by the end of the book. Some odd language like "OK", I'm not sure that some of the language and phrases are time appropriate, but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book.
I will look for more to read from this author.
I will look for more to read from this author.
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September 12, 2016Very interesting and different book, in a good way!
This was a good book, a little different than what I am used to in a historical romance novel. The hero and heroine were both strong and had good chemistry. There is plenty of action going on throughout the book, some unsavory. There was lots of dialogue.
There was OMG moments as well.
I thought it was all in all a good book. Not a long book so no filler moments.
I listened to this book via audible as I read along and the narrator did a really great job. The men sounded like men, and the rest of the characters had their own distinctive voice. Kudos to Michaela James for a great narration.
This was a good book, a little different than what I am used to in a historical romance novel. The hero and heroine were both strong and had good chemistry. There is plenty of action going on throughout the book, some unsavory. There was lots of dialogue.
There was OMG moments as well.
I thought it was all in all a good book. Not a long book so no filler moments.
I listened to this book via audible as I read along and the narrator did a really great job. The men sounded like men, and the rest of the characters had their own distinctive voice. Kudos to Michaela James for a great narration.
September 10, 2013
ok book. sex was good.
September 13, 2013
great book. had a hard time putting it down.
January 22, 2016
For romance, I want to see more communication, bonding. Just more. To see that they actually fit together.
Not to mention that some parts were not o my liking.
Not to mention that some parts were not o my liking.
January 11, 2014
check out my full review: http://thefineprintsr.wordpress.com/2...
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