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Whisper of Scandal #1
Bargaining With a Rake
An alternate cover edition can be found here and here.
For eleven years, Gillian Rutherford has dreamed of escaping her family’s dark secret and living a normal life. Now, faced with an unwelcome marriage that will chain her to London and the secret slowly killing her, she’s desperate to save herself and the sister she adores. Salvation comes in the form of an American shipping tycoon, and all she must do is seduce him into marrying her. But Gillian’s scheme hits a snag when she makes a bargain with a notorious rake Alexander Trevelle, Lord Lionhurst. He’ll help her win the hand of his American friend, if she’ll assist him with exacting revenge against her unwanted fiancé. But the price of the pact may just be their hearts.
For eleven years, Gillian Rutherford has dreamed of escaping her family’s dark secret and living a normal life. Now, faced with an unwelcome marriage that will chain her to London and the secret slowly killing her, she’s desperate to save herself and the sister she adores. Salvation comes in the form of an American shipping tycoon, and all she must do is seduce him into marrying her. But Gillian’s scheme hits a snag when she makes a bargain with a notorious rake Alexander Trevelle, Lord Lionhurst. He’ll help her win the hand of his American friend, if she’ll assist him with exacting revenge against her unwanted fiancé. But the price of the pact may just be their hearts.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2012
1027 people are currently reading
1115 people want to read
About the author
Julie Johnstone
96 books763 followersJulie Johnstone is a USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling author. Scottish historical romance and Regency historical romance featuring highlanders and aristocrats are her love, and she enjoys creating both with a hefty dose of twists, plenty of heartstring tugs, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
Her books have been dubbed "fabulously entertaining and engaging," making readers cry, laugh, and swoon. Johnstone lives in Alabama with her very own lowlander husband, her two children - the heir and the spare, her snobby cat, and her perpetually happy dog.
In her spare time she enjoys way too much coffee balanced by super hot yoga, reading, and traveling.
Sign up for her newsletter here: http://juliejohnstoneauthor.com/newsl...
Her books have been dubbed "fabulously entertaining and engaging," making readers cry, laugh, and swoon. Johnstone lives in Alabama with her very own lowlander husband, her two children - the heir and the spare, her snobby cat, and her perpetually happy dog.
In her spare time she enjoys way too much coffee balanced by super hot yoga, reading, and traveling.
Sign up for her newsletter here: http://juliejohnstoneauthor.com/newsl...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews
March 17, 2016
Ms. Johnstone has a lot of potential as an author. But, this book has some major problems in both continuity and context. First if you are going to write book in a historical setting please use language that is part of the time period. I don't expect an author's romance book to not take dramatic license, but the usage of modern day colloquialism in language kills the book for me. Ms. Johnstone used far too much modern language for me to over look it. Ms. Johnstone pretty much throughout the social mores of the time period, in writing this book. Between these points several stars were deducted. You can't write a historical romance and not abide by the time period you are writing in.
Second there were continuity issues in this text, and it makes me wonder why since this book was written in 2012 that the text issues have never been addressed. Does not one pick up when the hero has already told the heroine something, but tells her again near the end of the book.
Third there were to many players in the play. The author set up an entire cast of characters for her to build future books on and bloated this book with them. She also had to much death and tragedy that the characters moved on from too quickly. I also felt I was running a race the entire time I read the book, as the author had too many moments fraught with danger. In all it was far too much in one book.
Now I have said all this know that I am not giving up on this author, as I see potential in the way she writes her characters. She may have given me too many characters in this book, but she gave me good well developed characters. She also gave me a story that despite being bloated with too much plot had really good bones of a story. No I am not trying to give you mixed singles, I just want you the person who reads this review to know that Johnstone has the chops to write really good books.
What she needs and what a lot of Indie authors need is someone to tell them when to cut and when to add. They also need continuity editors, like movies have, because readers don't need or want dialogue repeated. I truly believe the need readers prior to release that are going to be heartlessly honest with them and tell them when something works and doesn't work. Writing a book is a craft and an art form which authors can improve. Now that I have read Ms. Johnstone first work. I am going to move onto her later books to see how she has honed her craft. I hope to ring out the truth in my prediction, that she has the chops to be a solid writer.
I also listened to this as an audible companion, and the audio version was very well narrated, it actually enriched the experience.
Second there were continuity issues in this text, and it makes me wonder why since this book was written in 2012 that the text issues have never been addressed. Does not one pick up when the hero has already told the heroine something, but tells her again near the end of the book.
Third there were to many players in the play. The author set up an entire cast of characters for her to build future books on and bloated this book with them. She also had to much death and tragedy that the characters moved on from too quickly. I also felt I was running a race the entire time I read the book, as the author had too many moments fraught with danger. In all it was far too much in one book.
Now I have said all this know that I am not giving up on this author, as I see potential in the way she writes her characters. She may have given me too many characters in this book, but she gave me good well developed characters. She also gave me a story that despite being bloated with too much plot had really good bones of a story. No I am not trying to give you mixed singles, I just want you the person who reads this review to know that Johnstone has the chops to write really good books.
What she needs and what a lot of Indie authors need is someone to tell them when to cut and when to add. They also need continuity editors, like movies have, because readers don't need or want dialogue repeated. I truly believe the need readers prior to release that are going to be heartlessly honest with them and tell them when something works and doesn't work. Writing a book is a craft and an art form which authors can improve. Now that I have read Ms. Johnstone first work. I am going to move onto her later books to see how she has honed her craft. I hope to ring out the truth in my prediction, that she has the chops to be a solid writer.
I also listened to this as an audible companion, and the audio version was very well narrated, it actually enriched the experience.
September 6, 2015
This book had the potential but Johnstone failed in execution...I really enjoyed her recent books so I could only chalk up this book's failure to deliver to her inexperience as a writer at the time.
June 22, 2018
Les personnages principaux sont un peu lents à la détente pour accepter le fait qu'ils se plaisent et doivent vivre ensemble. un peu redondant par moment aussi mais dans l'ensemble, ce fut une lecture agréable.
June 20, 2013
Spitfire, Gillian Rutherford is a daughter of a recluse duke. She is has been running from a dark sad secret for the past eleven years, and she is tired of running. She has one shot to have a happy life and make sure his sister Whitney, has a happy life. Gillian must marry to make this reality. She has set her sights on an successful American businessman. This will be her ticket out of England. What she doesn’t count on is her heart telling her the American’s business partner and best friend is the man she should be with and not the American.
Alexander Trevelle, Lord Lionhurst is all things handsome and wicked. He lives a rakes life. Breaking hearts as the day is long among the Ton. Behind the rakes facade Alex is troubled, haunted and desperately faking his way through life. When his sisters sudden death throws him into overdrive, he finds he must ruin and help the woman that makes his blood boil with passion into the arms of his best friend and business partner the American, Drake Sutherland.
It’s simple really… Gillian Rutherford must marry the American Drake Sutherland and go to America, taking her sister, Whitney with her. She can do that. She’ll just need to have the American fall in love with her. She is beautiful and witting, what’s not to like? What she doesn’t count on is the rake known as Alex Trevelle, Drake’s business partner and best friend. A sad turn of events will take place and Alex and Gillian will team up and find a way to get Drake to marry Gillian. This will seek revenge for Alex and give a fresh start for Gillian and her sister. What they both didn’t see coming are the sparks that are between them. Can they both ignore the spark to accomplish their goals?
This was my first read by Julie Johnstone and I really enjoyed it. This book has quite a bit of suspense just waiting to be discovered. The villain in this book is nasty, and you can’t wait for him to get what’s coming to him. Great secondary characters as well. Auntie is funny and a strong force to be reckoned with. The chemistry between Alex and Gillian is electric and it was a joy to read it unfold. You’ll be on the edge of your seat until the very end to see what happens. Fun read.
See my blog: http://romancereadergirl.com/
Alexander Trevelle, Lord Lionhurst is all things handsome and wicked. He lives a rakes life. Breaking hearts as the day is long among the Ton. Behind the rakes facade Alex is troubled, haunted and desperately faking his way through life. When his sisters sudden death throws him into overdrive, he finds he must ruin and help the woman that makes his blood boil with passion into the arms of his best friend and business partner the American, Drake Sutherland.
It’s simple really… Gillian Rutherford must marry the American Drake Sutherland and go to America, taking her sister, Whitney with her. She can do that. She’ll just need to have the American fall in love with her. She is beautiful and witting, what’s not to like? What she doesn’t count on is the rake known as Alex Trevelle, Drake’s business partner and best friend. A sad turn of events will take place and Alex and Gillian will team up and find a way to get Drake to marry Gillian. This will seek revenge for Alex and give a fresh start for Gillian and her sister. What they both didn’t see coming are the sparks that are between them. Can they both ignore the spark to accomplish their goals?
This was my first read by Julie Johnstone and I really enjoyed it. This book has quite a bit of suspense just waiting to be discovered. The villain in this book is nasty, and you can’t wait for him to get what’s coming to him. Great secondary characters as well. Auntie is funny and a strong force to be reckoned with. The chemistry between Alex and Gillian is electric and it was a joy to read it unfold. You’ll be on the edge of your seat until the very end to see what happens. Fun read.
See my blog: http://romancereadergirl.com/
December 16, 2012
There wasn't a lot of sexy time in this book. When it did happen, it was like, oh yeah, let's throw in one for good measure!
So, Gillian has this dark family secret. She needs to marry so that she can protect her sister and herself. She sets her sights on an American just come to the English shores.
It's his best friend that she ends up taking a liking to! Getting to their eventual HEA was really fun and there wasn't a lot of groveling or painful denials.
Anyway, I liked that Gillian had a lot of backbone. She was very protective of her sister. However, I dislike books where the heroine or hero can't think of any other solution than to sacrifice themselves.
I also liked Alex, the hero. He was so sexy. He was seductive without even trying. He was also a genuinely good guy.
I wish the villain had gotten a steeper comeuppance, though.
So, Gillian has this dark family secret. She needs to marry so that she can protect her sister and herself. She sets her sights on an American just come to the English shores.
It's his best friend that she ends up taking a liking to! Getting to their eventual HEA was really fun and there wasn't a lot of groveling or painful denials.
Anyway, I liked that Gillian had a lot of backbone. She was very protective of her sister. However, I dislike books where the heroine or hero can't think of any other solution than to sacrifice themselves.
I also liked Alex, the hero. He was so sexy. He was seductive without even trying. He was also a genuinely good guy.
I wish the villain had gotten a steeper comeuppance, though.
May 7, 2015
Plot was predictable, not the worst I've ever read but it completely lost me when the author had men "genuflecting" to those of higher rank - really - when did the Brits start this - usually they bowed to each other - even in 1817 they knew they weren't in a church when they were attending a ball. And I'm getting very tired of books that are obviously written with an ending that, one assumes,is supposed to entice the reader to purchase the the sequels one to find out "what happens next" - annoying and I don't buy the next book.
December 2, 2015
Duluth s good read
Gillian will do anything to hide her mothers secret and protect her sister. She has a plan until Alex enters her life and instead of concentrating on the task at hand she finds her concentration floating to Alex.
Gillian will do anything to hide her mothers secret and protect her sister. She has a plan until Alex enters her life and instead of concentrating on the task at hand she finds her concentration floating to Alex.
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January 28, 2020Teaser Tuesday!
This teaser is coming straight to you from the first book I ever wrote, Bargaining With a Rake!
Gillian would blister Whitney’s ears when she got her alone. For now she settled on giving Lord Lionhurst a tight smile, which she prayed conveyed annoyance and not befuddlement. “Good day to you, my lord. I’ll just go help my sister.”
His hand whipped forward and gripped her arm. “Don’t you think we should discuss details and strategy? By the way, if we are to be partners, you should call me Alex.”
“Absolutely not. That’s much too informal.”
“I insist.”
The man was too stubborn by half. “No,” she snapped.
“Yes. And I’ll call you Gillian.”
He was too sure of himself, but the loopy grin on his face made her smile in return. “You will not call me by my given name as I’ve not given you permission.”
“But you will.”
He sounded so sure that she almost believed it.
Voices sounded in the distance from the area of the stables. The last thing she needed was to be seen standing so close to Lord Lionhurst. They probably appeared to be engaged in intimate conversation. “Lord Lionhurst, simply sing my praises to your partner. I’ll do the rest. Now please go. This conversation looks too…”
“Cozy?”
A breath of air rushed out of her lungs. He understood her at last. Of course, he would. Why had she doubted it? “Yes, it would seem quite improper.”
He stepped toward her and leaned in so his lips almost touched her ear. “Jealousy is a sure way to attract another man.”
Lord Lionhurst’s breath caressed her neck, making her want to lean toward his warmth. Instead, she forced herself to lean away. “Really?”
“Absolutely.”
“You’re quite sure?”
“Trust me.”
She snorted. “How many times have you told a woman that?”
He pulled back from her, a dark scowl marring his face. “Never.”
Her stomach fluttered at his serious expression. “Are you sure it will work on Mr. Sutherland? Surely all men are not exactly the same?”
“Of course we’re not. But it will work.”
“All right. I’ll trust you. To an extent.”
Lord Lionhurst’s finger came under her chin. Standing so close to him, the scent of grass, pine, and earth surrounded her. His hands cupped her face, and she could scarcely breathe. She swallowed, sure he could hear the sudden rapid beating of her heart. “I think a public kiss is too indiscreet.”
His hands twined into her hair, tilting her head back. “I completely agree. It’s a good thing we’re still alone.”
A protest sprung to her lips just as his mouth came down upon hers.
You can grab your copy here>> https://goo.gl/d31Wsg
This teaser is coming straight to you from the first book I ever wrote, Bargaining With a Rake!
Gillian would blister Whitney’s ears when she got her alone. For now she settled on giving Lord Lionhurst a tight smile, which she prayed conveyed annoyance and not befuddlement. “Good day to you, my lord. I’ll just go help my sister.”
His hand whipped forward and gripped her arm. “Don’t you think we should discuss details and strategy? By the way, if we are to be partners, you should call me Alex.”
“Absolutely not. That’s much too informal.”
“I insist.”
The man was too stubborn by half. “No,” she snapped.
“Yes. And I’ll call you Gillian.”
He was too sure of himself, but the loopy grin on his face made her smile in return. “You will not call me by my given name as I’ve not given you permission.”
“But you will.”
He sounded so sure that she almost believed it.
Voices sounded in the distance from the area of the stables. The last thing she needed was to be seen standing so close to Lord Lionhurst. They probably appeared to be engaged in intimate conversation. “Lord Lionhurst, simply sing my praises to your partner. I’ll do the rest. Now please go. This conversation looks too…”
“Cozy?”
A breath of air rushed out of her lungs. He understood her at last. Of course, he would. Why had she doubted it? “Yes, it would seem quite improper.”
He stepped toward her and leaned in so his lips almost touched her ear. “Jealousy is a sure way to attract another man.”
Lord Lionhurst’s breath caressed her neck, making her want to lean toward his warmth. Instead, she forced herself to lean away. “Really?”
“Absolutely.”
“You’re quite sure?”
“Trust me.”
She snorted. “How many times have you told a woman that?”
He pulled back from her, a dark scowl marring his face. “Never.”
Her stomach fluttered at his serious expression. “Are you sure it will work on Mr. Sutherland? Surely all men are not exactly the same?”
“Of course we’re not. But it will work.”
“All right. I’ll trust you. To an extent.”
Lord Lionhurst’s finger came under her chin. Standing so close to him, the scent of grass, pine, and earth surrounded her. His hands cupped her face, and she could scarcely breathe. She swallowed, sure he could hear the sudden rapid beating of her heart. “I think a public kiss is too indiscreet.”
His hands twined into her hair, tilting her head back. “I completely agree. It’s a good thing we’re still alone.”
A protest sprung to her lips just as his mouth came down upon hers.
You can grab your copy here>> https://goo.gl/d31Wsg
August 9, 2015
A surprising gem
I chose this book after reading the most critical review I've ever seen. While it wasn't the only negative review for this book, it blasted the author for spelling and grammar errors while being filled with many itself. I decided that the reviewer had to be wrong, and I wanted to see for myself. By the author's own admission, it *had* been filled with errors upon its initial release, but was soon revised. That's one of the nice things about e-books, your copy can be updated for free.
So, on to the story... Lady Gillian and her younger sister, Lady Whitney, are experiencing their first season. Whitney wants to enjoy every last bit of it, while Gillian is certain they'll never be accepted by the ton because of their family history. Eleven years earlier, their mother had died under suspicious circumstances, and gossip among the ton was that their father had killed her. Gillian has decided that the best answer is to marry a wealthy American and leave England forever, taking her sister along.
Meanwhile, her father, the duke, has approved her engagement to a vile man, and she's met a rake with secrets of his own. Alex, the rake, loathes her fiance, and decides to humiliate and ruin him, including seducing Gillian and getting her to publicly break the engagement.
Suffice it to say that nobody gets what they'd planned on, but all are happy with the outcome, except for the nasty fiance.
I chose this book after reading the most critical review I've ever seen. While it wasn't the only negative review for this book, it blasted the author for spelling and grammar errors while being filled with many itself. I decided that the reviewer had to be wrong, and I wanted to see for myself. By the author's own admission, it *had* been filled with errors upon its initial release, but was soon revised. That's one of the nice things about e-books, your copy can be updated for free.
So, on to the story... Lady Gillian and her younger sister, Lady Whitney, are experiencing their first season. Whitney wants to enjoy every last bit of it, while Gillian is certain they'll never be accepted by the ton because of their family history. Eleven years earlier, their mother had died under suspicious circumstances, and gossip among the ton was that their father had killed her. Gillian has decided that the best answer is to marry a wealthy American and leave England forever, taking her sister along.
Meanwhile, her father, the duke, has approved her engagement to a vile man, and she's met a rake with secrets of his own. Alex, the rake, loathes her fiance, and decides to humiliate and ruin him, including seducing Gillian and getting her to publicly break the engagement.
Suffice it to say that nobody gets what they'd planned on, but all are happy with the outcome, except for the nasty fiance.
November 23, 2015
A WONDERFUL HISTORICAL ROMANCE!!
Bargaining With A Rake book 1 of A Whisper Of Scandal series, was a absolutely wonderful Historical Romance. It had the right amount of romance with a little bit of sensual sexy heat. I usually like a more sensual erotic romance story but Bargaining With A Rake's storyline and characters made up for the lack of sex. There is plenty of suspense, mystery and secrets with a touch of sadness. The villain get his just deserts. The H/H Lady Gillian Rutherford daughter of the Duke of Kingley and Lord Alexander Trevelle the Marquess of Lionhurst were written with intelligence, witty banter between the two. Deep layers of character development. Great Storytelling. Enough of a backdrop to transport you back into the year 1817. I hope the next book Conspiring With A Rogue is as good. I Highly Recommend BWAR!! Very Well Done.
Bargaining With A Rake book 1 of A Whisper Of Scandal series, was a absolutely wonderful Historical Romance. It had the right amount of romance with a little bit of sensual sexy heat. I usually like a more sensual erotic romance story but Bargaining With A Rake's storyline and characters made up for the lack of sex. There is plenty of suspense, mystery and secrets with a touch of sadness. The villain get his just deserts. The H/H Lady Gillian Rutherford daughter of the Duke of Kingley and Lord Alexander Trevelle the Marquess of Lionhurst were written with intelligence, witty banter between the two. Deep layers of character development. Great Storytelling. Enough of a backdrop to transport you back into the year 1817. I hope the next book Conspiring With A Rogue is as good. I Highly Recommend BWAR!! Very Well Done.
April 30, 2016
Solid 4, narration and story. I enjoyed this quite a bit, the devil in this actually is a tiny bit sympathetic figure. His actions definitely NOT. It will be interesting if he resurfaces, occasionally has flashes of regret. He's got a big hill to climb if he does show up in the series again.
Jillian, is forced to be betrothed to a man she hates because of her father and a blackmailer (not that she knows who it is). She's hatched a plan to marry and American and escape to America with her sister. But her co-conspirator is Alec who makes her blood run hot.
Very enjoyable cast including a fun and meddlesome aunt. Good start to a series.
Jillian, is forced to be betrothed to a man she hates because of her father and a blackmailer (not that she knows who it is). She's hatched a plan to marry and American and escape to America with her sister. But her co-conspirator is Alec who makes her blood run hot.
Very enjoyable cast including a fun and meddlesome aunt. Good start to a series.
February 8, 2018
Bargaining with a Rake was a good book and I enjoyed reading it. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series. It was a slow start for me but once I got into it, I could not put it down.
I recommend the book.
I recommend the book.
July 19, 2014
Captivating from the first page. Well worth a read. Will be looking out for more by this author.
November 19, 2016
Good read
Well written, great characters, H/h and villain. Lots of angst, scheming, seduction and finally HEA.
it was very well done.
Well written, great characters, H/h and villain. Lots of angst, scheming, seduction and finally HEA.
it was very well done.
March 22, 2019
Historical maybe, interesting characters and story, definitely. Perhaps not the most historically correct book but I enjoyed Gillian's spunk. Keeping the secret of how her mother died has taken a toll on Gillian and her family. Now, someone is threatening to tell that secret. The challenges of society, keeping secrets, an unwanted betrothal, falling in love and creating schemes to make it all come out right provided humour and kept my interest. I found this an entertaining read.
April 16, 2018
It's Amusing
It's not that it's bad, but I had difficulty becoming attached to the characters. Then there's the problem of the actual seduction. He should have seduced her and then helped her marry the friend.
It's not that it's bad, but I had difficulty becoming attached to the characters. Then there's the problem of the actual seduction. He should have seduced her and then helped her marry the friend.
February 23, 2018
❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Excellent storyline , so many brilliant characters to chose from in this book , not least Alex and Gillian .
I can see many more to lead off this series .
Loved it !
💋💋
Excellent storyline , so many brilliant characters to chose from in this book , not least Alex and Gillian .
I can see many more to lead off this series .
Loved it !
April 2, 2019
I liked this book. Didn't think it was phenomenal, but the story was good and good characters.
June 5, 2016
Intrigues and the spreading of scandalous and iniquitous rumors were the main occupations of the ton of London society. Climbing the social ladder, using others as ascending rungs was the way of things and woe be the poor victim, as the slightest shame or disgrace could linger for months and even years; making the casualty a social leper and shunned by the best families.
When an eleven-year-old forced absence from London society ends, Lady Gillian Clare Rutherford is still in fear that an old scandal will come out and destroy not only her but also her younger sister, Whitney. She devises a plan to escape the situation by marrying an American, Drake Sutherland. She hoped to trap him into marriage and settle, with her sister on the other side of the Atlantic.
The best-laid plans generally have a way of unraveling, and in this case that came in the form of Alexander Trevelle, Lord Lionhurst. Lady Gillian’s father is prepared to do anything to avoid scandal, even to the point of bargaining her away to Harrison Mallorian, Baron Westonburt and this she can’t abide.
In most books the reader likes the characters, and occasionally they like hating them. This is one of those with both. Lord Lyndhurst’s straightforward and honest about his intentions; he also has a soft and generous side that endears him to the reader. On the other side, Harrison Mallorian, Baron Westonburt is vile and despicable. As the story progresses, his depraved and degrading treatment of everyone that cross his path, and you can’t help but wish him ill. I like the story but feel it could have moved more quickly.
When an eleven-year-old forced absence from London society ends, Lady Gillian Clare Rutherford is still in fear that an old scandal will come out and destroy not only her but also her younger sister, Whitney. She devises a plan to escape the situation by marrying an American, Drake Sutherland. She hoped to trap him into marriage and settle, with her sister on the other side of the Atlantic.
The best-laid plans generally have a way of unraveling, and in this case that came in the form of Alexander Trevelle, Lord Lionhurst. Lady Gillian’s father is prepared to do anything to avoid scandal, even to the point of bargaining her away to Harrison Mallorian, Baron Westonburt and this she can’t abide.
In most books the reader likes the characters, and occasionally they like hating them. This is one of those with both. Lord Lyndhurst’s straightforward and honest about his intentions; he also has a soft and generous side that endears him to the reader. On the other side, Harrison Mallorian, Baron Westonburt is vile and despicable. As the story progresses, his depraved and degrading treatment of everyone that cross his path, and you can’t help but wish him ill. I like the story but feel it could have moved more quickly.
September 22, 2015
This was a great book. Gillian and her sister Whitney are in danger of a long-kept secret coming to light if they enter Society. But, they can do nothing to prevent it from happening. Their father is determined to re-enter Society and marry them both off, so Gillian comes up with a plan to marry an American-Mr. Sutherland and have him whisk her and Whitney off to America to escape the threatening letters. This would be easy except for one person, Alexander Trevelle-Mr. Sutherland's business partner and the typical English rake. The more and more Gillian tries to get time in with Mr. Sutherland to get to know him so that he will propose she runs into Alex and ends up kissing him. Her father gives her hand to horrible man, with ties to the threatening letters the family has been receiving, and he has also crossed Alex by seducing his younger sister. There is so much going on in this book to mention here, you have to read it!!
July 4, 2014
Julie Johnstone does it again! She has another beautifully written story. This one has lots of twists and turns in the plot. Our hero is strong, handsome, knows what he wants, and just how to get it. Our Lady is no pushover, she knows what she wants, and how she's going to get it. An explosive combination of characters come together in this book of hot romance, mystery, dark family secrets.
If you've read Ms Johnstone's books then you know how beautifully well written her stories are. This one is a must read, you will find it hard to put down once you begin. This book will go on my "to re-read again list", that's how much I enjoyed it.
If you've read Ms Johnstone's books then you know how beautifully well written her stories are. This one is a must read, you will find it hard to put down once you begin. This book will go on my "to re-read again list", that's how much I enjoyed it.
March 17, 2015
I thought that is was another good regency book. I loved bother of the character. Gillian and Alex were perfect for each other. And the whole time I was curious about the American and Whitney. I thought that would be suited better for each other. And of I also felt guilty for the Villain in this book. I did think that he was bad guy but also misguided from his childhood misfourtunes. I believe that some villains are true villains and some are just mislead and can be reformed. I still felt for Harrison. Would be nice to see him get reformed at some point. Show him some love and see what happens. :) All in all was an excellent book.
October 5, 2017
Alex and Jillian. Jillian's family has a secret and she's trying to get an American tycoon to propose so she can go to America with her sister. Alex has pledged to help her.
This book just seemed like a mess to me. She's got secrets, he's got secrets. There are so many people in this book and each person is called by at least two names, their real name, their title, and sometimes a nickname or a last name. I felt like I needed to make a score sheet to keep track of the players.
Also, I just didn't feel the connection between the H/h.
This book just seemed like a mess to me. She's got secrets, he's got secrets. There are so many people in this book and each person is called by at least two names, their real name, their title, and sometimes a nickname or a last name. I felt like I needed to make a score sheet to keep track of the players.
Also, I just didn't feel the connection between the H/h.
January 6, 2016
This was a really good book. I liked the Rake, Alex. He had such a great personality and was slightly wounded. It is a good combination. Gillian was outspoken and smart. I liked her and even though she had much to fear she wanted what was best for her family. It was really good.
November 9, 2013
Loved the story and the writing!
February 25, 2014
Stilted, poorly written...but satisfied my craving for regency romance.
November 28, 2014
Love it!!! A story with intrigue, hidden secrets, and passion!!! I can't wait to read her book 2 of the series!!!
January 21, 2015
I want more... easy read, fast paced and entertaining! I just love interferring Aunts!
June 19, 2015
Whisper
A great read. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a great plot. I found the characters to be believable and fun.
A great read. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a great plot. I found the characters to be believable and fun.
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October 7, 2014From the Ballroom and Beyond, A Limited Edition Nine Book Regency Romance Box Set
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